| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08814417B2 |
Backlight unit and display device using the same
Disclosed is a backlight unit and a display device using the same, which includes a first reflector, a second reflector 300 and at least one light source module 100 disposed between the first and second reflectors, wherein a back surface of the first reflector comprises an inclined plane 201 and a flat surface 202, with facing the second reflector, and the inclined plane is adjacent to the light source and the flat surface is extended from an end of the inclined plane, with the inclined plane and the flat surface being collinear. |
| US08814416B1 |
Broad color space light-emitting diode (LED) edgelight
The present invention is directed to a broad color space LED edgelight. The edgelight may implement high efficiency white LEDs and multi-color LED assemblies, wherein the white LEDs and multi-color LED assemblies may be configured in an alternating arrangement on the edgelight strip. The edgelight embodiments disclosed herein may provide good edge uniformity and improved broad color space performance. |
| US08814415B2 |
Light-emitting module and display device having the same
A light-emitting module includes a light guide plate and a light source unit in accordance with an embodiment. The light guide plate include an upper surface, a lower surface facing the upper surface, a plurality of side surfaces connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, and a cross-sectional surface connected to at least one of the side surfaces. The light source unit includes a substrate disposed in correspondence with the cross-sectional surface and a point light source mounted on the substrate to emit light to the cross-sectional surface. Thus, light-emitting efficiency may be enhanced and the arrangement of point light sources may be optimized, so that a required amount of emitted light may be obtained using a small number of the point light sources. In addition, uniformity of luminance and heat-radiating efficiency may also be enhanced. |
| US08814413B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display using the same
The present disclosure provides a backlight module. The backlight module includes at least one light tube. Each light tube includes a light emitting side for emitting light and a first micro-structure disposed on the light emitting side for breaking total reflections of the light in the light tube. With the first micro-structure disposed on the light emitting side of the light tube, the total reflections of the light in the light tube can be broken to allow the light to be emitted from the light tube evenly. Also, the reflecting structure is disposed on non-light emitting side for improving the using efficiency of the light and reducing the manufacturing cost of the backlight module. Additionally, the fluorescent layer is coated on the light emitting side for improving a color saturation level of a LCD using the backlight module. |
| US08814409B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a signal input module for inputting a signal as an opening formed at a case of a terminal body is pressed, and the signal input module includes an input key, a light guiding unit, a key mold, a light emitting unit, a circuit board, a dome switch and an actuator, which are all integrally fixed together and moved by being pressed. The light emitting unit is accommodated in a key mold having an opening for allowing light to be transferred to the light guiding unit. The input key, the light guiding unit, the key mold and the light emitting unit are mounted onto one surface of the circuit board, the circuit board is moved by being pressed, and the dome switch mounted onto another surface of the circuit board is transformed so as to generate a signal. |
| US08814408B2 |
LED-based dental exam lamp
Disclosed herein is an improved dental operatory lamp having an LED light source that directs light to a reflector that in turn reflects the light to illuminate a treatment area. In one embodiment, the lamp is adapted for efficient transfer of heat from the light source and into the environment. In another embodiment, the lamp is adapted to generate a predetermined pattern of light optimal for the treatment area. In other embodiments, the lamp includes structural features that enable the lamp to maintain optimum light intensity and/or temperature. Also, disclosed herein are unique reflector embodiments that intentionally provide a generally smooth surface, without facets, that reflect light at all visible and infrared wavelengths. |
| US08814397B2 |
Cooling element for a lighting device
A cooling element for a lighting device having a plurality of cooling fins, wherein adjacent cooling fins delimit a cooling fin intermediate space with at least one air duct for connecting at least two cooling fin intermediate spaces. |
| US08814396B2 |
Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus according to an embodiment includes an optical unit and a body. The Optical unit includes a light emitting module that has a light emitting element, a reflector that controls distribution of light from the light emitting module, and a unit supporting member that supports the light emitting module and the reflector. A plurality of optical units are mounted to the apparatus body such that each optical unit is detachable. And the body includes an irradiating portion that has an opening through which the optical units irradiate light. |
| US08814395B1 |
Solid state lighting device with extensible mounting base
A solid state lighting device with an extensible mounting base is provided. The solid state lighting device includes a housing and a moveable extension positioned in the housing. The moveable extension is aligned along a longitudinal axis of the solid state lighting device, and includes a closed position adjacent the housing and an open position remote from the housing. A base is affixed to an external end of the moveable extension. The base connects to a corresponding socket in order to provide electrical power to the solid state lighting device. The housing also includes a mechanical actuator therein. The mechanical actuator has a first end, affixed to the moveable extension, and a second end, affixed to the housing. The mechanical actuator allows the moveable extension to change from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. |
| US08814386B2 |
Lighting device system and method
A lighting device, system, and method are disclosed. The lighting system includes a connector configured to be coupled with a relatively stationary object. The connector may have a first coupling face. A light source support may be configured to support a plurality of light sources. The light source support may have a second coupling face configured to mechanically and electrically couple with the first coupling face. The second coupling face may be radially symmetric and able to couple with the first coupling face in a first orientation and in a second orientation. The second orientation may be substantially opposite the first orientation. |
| US08814385B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus, lighting apparatus and lens
The light-emitting apparatus includes: a first light-emitting source which emits light of a first chromaticity from a first light-emitting surface; a second light-emitting source which has a second light-emitting surface provided adjacently to the first light-emitting surface and which emits light of a second chromaticity different from the first chromaticity, from the second light-emitting surface; and a lens member having a light-entering surface which is arranged facing the first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface and on which depressions and projections that mix light entering from the first light-emitting source and the second light-emitting source are formed, and a light-exiting surface which radiates light from the first light-emitting source and the second light-emitting source that has entered from the light-entering surface. |
| US08814383B2 |
Lighting module
A lighting module (10), for example of the LED type, for mounting on a rail comprises a circuit board (12) for carrying one or more light radiation sources (L), and a support structure (14) with a first side (14A) facing the rail and carrying the aforementioned circuit board (12) and a second side (14b) situated on the opposite side to the rail and carrying one or more lenses (16) for the light radiation sources (L). The support structure (14) carries one or more flexible electrical contacts (18) having a first end (18a) protruding from the first side (14a) of the support structure (14) for making contact with an electrical line (T) provided on the rail (R) and a second end (18b) which extends towards the circuit board (12) so as to provide electrical contact for the light radiation source or sources (L). |
| US08814379B2 |
Container illumination device
A self-contained illumination device (10) for attachment to a container, e.g. to the base of a bottle, comprises a printed circuit board (12), with LEDs (14) attached to the central region of a liquid-impervious flexible pad (11). The central region is surrounded by an annular adhesive region which is arranged to attach the pad to the container in liquid-tight manner. The pad comprises a base layer (32) of plasticized paper or PVC, covered by an adhesive layer (34) and, before attachment to the container, a peripheral layer (36) of a release paper. |
| US08814377B2 |
Backlight unit and display apparatus using the same
Disclosed herein are a backlight unit and a display apparatus using the same. The backlight unit includes at least one light source, a reflection layer to reflect light emitted from the light source, and a plurality of absorption patterns formed on a portion of the reflection layer adjacent to a light emitting surface of the light source, to partially absorb the light emitted from the light source. |
| US08814376B2 |
Lighting devices
A lighting device includes a cover portion configured to have a hinged connection for mounting on a housing. The cover portion includes a light emitting diode (LED) and a mixing chamber having a reflective internal surface for receiving light from the LED. A phosphorescent lens is disposed opposite the LED and is configured to reflect light from the LED back to the mixing chamber and to emanate absorbed light from the lens to a surrounding region outside of the mixing chamber. An LED driver circuit is configured to power the LED, the LED driver circuit being electrically connected to a power source. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08814374B2 |
System for combining exterior lighting and artificial lighting
A system for combining exterior light with artificial lighting, comprising a light shielding arrangement (2) for shielding exterior light from a space (5) and at least one light source (6) arranged to emit artificial light that is directed toward the exterior side of the light shielding arrangement (2), which light source (6) is controllable in response to current exterior lighting conditions. The system further comprises a controller (8) connected to said light source (6), which is arranged to control light emission of the light source (6) in response to a current position of the light shielding arrangement, so as to emulate an effect of exterior light escaping through the light shielding arrangement. The artificial light can thus be controlled (manually or automatically) to compensate for lack of sufficient exterior light, and the controller ensures that the artificial light is emitted in such a way as to be perceived as exterior light. |
| US08814372B2 |
Stiffening members for reflectors used in concentrating solar power apparatus, and method of making same
In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. Each reflector has a stiffening rib associated therewith and is attached thereto on a side facing away from the sun. At least one area on each stiffening rib is suitable for accommodating a polymer-based adhesive for bonding the rib to a side of the associated reflector facing away from the sun. Each stiffening rib is formed so as to substantially match a contour of the associated reflector. At least two of each rib, the associated reflector, and the adhesive have respective coefficients of thermal expansion within about 50% of one another. Each stiffening rib is sized and positioned on the associated reflector so as to increase an EI value thereof at least about 10 times or to at least about 9,180 pascal meters4. Methods of making the same also are provided in certain example embodiments. |
| US08814370B2 |
Composition for anti-reflective coating and anti-reflective coating film using the same
The present invention relates to an anti-reflective coating composition that can be used to form at least two layers by a single coating process and is allowed to provide an anti-reflective coating film having more improved interface adhesion between the formed layers and scratch resistance, and an anti-reflective coating film manufactured using the same. |
| US08814369B2 |
Optical member with plate-crystal film, method for producing same, and optical system
An optical member includes a ray effective area, a ray ineffective area, at least one continuous protective film arranged over the ray effective area and at least part of the ray ineffective area, a light-shielding film arranged on the protective film located in the ray ineffective area, and a plate-crystal film arranged on the protective film located in the ray effective area, the plate-crystal film including mainly aluminum oxide and having a textured structure on a surface thereof, and an optical system includes the optical member. |
| US08814367B2 |
3D image cinema system
A 3D image cinema system having at least one projection room for viewing 3D images or 2D images is divided into forward and rearward viewing directions for the projection of an image on a front screen and a rear screen which are provided in a front end and a rear end of the projection room, respectively. Further, a front direction chair and a rear direction chair having a different viewing direction are provided on a front step and a rear step between the projection room and the front and rear screens where the theater can be easily installed in a general building and the 3D and 2D image has as much as 1.5-2 times wider viewing as a prior image. |
| US08814360B2 |
Pediatric vision test
Disclosed are a method and kit for testing visual acuity in a subject. The examiner displays a test thread at a set distance in front of the subject's face, and then determines whether the subject grabs or looks at the test thread. These steps are repeated using subsequent threads of varying thickness. The smallest thread to which the subject responds is charted as their best VA in standard notation. The visual acuity of a young child can be quantified using standard adult Snellen acuity levels. The device can be used worldwide, as it transcends language barriers, and in a variety of practice settings, including pediatric ophthalmologist offices, general ophthalmologist offices, optometric offices, pediatricians and family doctors who see young children or persons unable to read a conventional Snellen chart and/or verbalize their responses. |
| US08814358B1 |
Binocular adaptive optics visual simulator and method for binocular adaptive optics visual simulation
A binocular adaptive optics visual simulator and a method for binocular adaptive optics visual simulation are provided. An example method may comprise: directing beacon light to a left eye and a right eye of a subject, respectively; sensing aberrations of the left and right eyes of the subject, and sensing a deflection angle of a pupil of each of the left and right eyes; correcting the aberrations based on the sensed aberrations to achieve a desired aberration configuration between the left and right eyes; and changing a direction in which the beacon light is directed based on the sensed deflection angle in such a manner that in a case where the pupil is subjected to deflection, the beacon light is incident onto the pupil of each of the left and right eyes of the subject at a substantially identical angle before and after the deflection of the pupil. |
| US08814356B2 |
Physical model eye systems and methods
An optically realistic model eye is described. The optically realistic eye model has an optical axis and includes: an anterior replaceable module comprising a model cornea, model iris and model lens rotatably mounted for rotation about said axis, said module being representative of an emmetropic or pathological natural eye; an enclosure located posterior to said module and adapted to enclose a retinal area within which an image of an external object is brought to focus by said module; and a photoactive device movable within said enclosure and retinal area and adapted to detect or reflect a portion of the image for inspection, processing or analysis. |
| US08814355B2 |
Unitary vision testing center
System and methods for testing and/or training a subject's visual ability are provided. More specifically, the method may include testing various aspects of the subject's visual acuity, such as clarity, contrast, tracking, etc. By using various tests, a more efficient examination may be administered. In accordance with the invention, an individual may be tested using methods of testing and/or training at a unitary center, where the unitary center is capable of presenting visual tests to the individual, receiving input from the individual, and processing the received input. Such a unitary test center may further be configurable, so that the tests administered may vary based on the needs of the individual. The received input may then, for example, be used to compute data related to the user's visual acuity, both overall and for each individual test. |
| US08814352B2 |
Method for producing an anti-UV plastic film with non-uniform spatial distribution of the UV absorber and photochromic optical elements covered with such a plastic film
Method for producing a plastic film containing a compound absorbing ultraviolet radiation comprising (a) depositing an alcoholic solution of polyvinyl butyral on a transparent plastic support film, (b) evaporating the solvent from the alcoholic solution of polyvinyl butyral so as to form a polyvinyl butyral layer on the transparent support film, (c) printing the polyvinyl butyral layer with an ink absorbing ultraviolet radiation (UV absorber) in a pattern, (d) heating the transparent plastic support film, coated with the printed polyvinyl butyral layer so as to enable at least part of the UV absorber to pass from the polyvinyl butyral layer to the plastic support film, (e) removing the polyvinyl butyral layer, preferably by washing with a suitable solvent. The application also relates to the film obtained by this method and the use of this film for producing a photochromic element with a spatially non-uniform behavior. |
| US08814351B2 |
Impact-resistant ophthalmic lens and its manufacturing process
An ophthalmic lens includes: a transparent ophthalmic lens substrate made of organic glass; an adhesive layer covering at least one of the faces of the transparent substrate; a transparent film made of a thermoplastic polymer fixed to the transparent substrate via the adhesive layer; and an abrasion-resistant coating covering the transparent thermoplastic polymer film, characterized in that the ophthalmic lens has a minimum thickness at the center of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm and even more preferably less than 1.2 mm. Two processes for manufacturing such a lens and the use of an adhesive multilayer film to improve the impact strength of such a lens are also described. |
| US08814345B2 |
Printing device and printing method
A printing device has a support and heating unit, a head for discharging color image ink and background image ink on a medium supported by the support and heating unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to perform one of a color image printing process for discharging the color image ink and printing a color image on the medium, and a background image printing process for discharging the background image ink and printing a background image that is a background of the color image on the medium, and to perform the other one of the processes subsequent to the one of the process. The controller is further configured to execute a wait process of evacuating the head to an evacuation position from above the support and heating unit to have the head wait at the evacuation position between the color image printing process and the background image printing process. |
| US08814343B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes the following elements. A carriage allows a head ejecting liquid which is curable by light irradiation to move in the moving direction intersecting the transporting direction in which a medium is transported. A precuring light source, provided for the carriage, radiates light for precuring to dots formed by applying the liquid ejected from the moving head onto the medium. A full curing light source is provided for the carriage so as to be located downstream of the precuring light source in the transporting direction. The full curing light source radiates light for full curing to the dots which have been irradiated with light for precuring. |
| US08814341B2 |
Ink, ink cartridge and ink jet recording method
Provided is an ink capable of recording an image that is excellent in ozone resistance, hardly causes blurring or color change even in a high-humidity environment, and is excellent in humidity resistance. The ink includes a coloring material and a lithium ion. The coloring material includes a compound represented by the following general formula (I) and a content of the lithium ion in the ink is 3.5 times or more in terms of molar ratio with respect to a content of the compound represented by the general formula (I). |
| US08814340B2 |
Image forming method, and image formed matter
An image forming method including: applying a pre-treatment liquid onto a coating layer provided on at least one surface of a support of a recording medium, jetting an inkjet ink onto the coating layer, onto which the pre-treatment liquid has been applied, so as to form an image, and applying or jetting a post-treatment liquid onto the coating layer, onto which the inkjet ink has been jetted, so as to form a transparent protective layer on the coating layer, wherein the inkjet ink contains the water-dispersible colorant, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, a penetrant and water, and wherein an amount of pure water transferred into the recording medium, provided with the coating layer, measured at a contact time of 100 ms with a dynamic scanning liquid absorptometer is 1 ml/m2 to 10 ml/m2, and the pre-treatment liquid contains a water-soluble aliphatic organic acid. |
| US08814336B2 |
Solid ink stick configuration
A solid ink stick configuration efficiently provides functional features for use of the ink stick in a phase change ink printer without adversely impacting the volumetric content of the ink stick and its appearance. |
| US08814332B2 |
Printing device
A printing device includes a printing material container, a controller and a voltage applying unit. The printing material container has a storage device, a plurality of terminals for the storage device, and first and second attachment detection terminals. The storage device stores information of the amount of a printing material. The controller is connected to the plurality of terminals for the storage device and controls reading or writing of data from or in the storage device. The voltage applying unit applies a voltage for detection of attachment to the first attachment detection terminal. When the voltage applying unit applies the voltage for the detection of the attachment to the first attachment detection terminal, the controller sets the terminals for the storage device to a high impedance state. |
| US08814331B2 |
Inkjet system with backpressure capacitor
A vacuum source is coupled to an ink reservoir to establish a backpressure to prevent ink from dripping from a printhead. The vacuum source is also coupled to a backpressure capacitor so that a first liquid-gas interface rises to a first level. When the vacuum source is decoupled, the liquid-gas interface falls to a second level so as to maintain sufficient backpressure on said ink to prevent it from dripping from the inkjet printhead. |
| US08814330B2 |
Directivity detection device of trajectories of drops issuing from liquid jet, associated electrostatic sensor, print head and continuous ink jet printer
Systems and methods for detection of the directivity of trajectories of charged drops issuing from a jet are disclosed. According to one aspect, an electrostatic sensor is disclosed which includes a flat functional surface. The electrostatic sensor is configured to function in a non-differential manner and has a geometric shape and arrangement that are substantially aligned relative to a nominal trajectory of drops. A trajectory of drops can be followed at the same time in a plane parallel to the flat surface of the sensor and in a plane perpendicular to the flat surface of the sensor. As a result, it can be verified whether a drop is present or remains in a predefined monitoring zone. According to another aspect, a method of controlling trajectories of drops in a print head having a continuous deflected jet, and a method of monitoring the effective recovery by the gutter of drops not intended for printing are disclose. |
| US08814327B2 |
Power supply apparatus and printing apparatus
The power supply includes a transformer for generating a first output voltage by a first secondary winding, and a superimposing voltage by a second secondary winding, and a driver. Furthermore, the circuit includes first and second rectifying and smoothing circuits for respectively rectifying and smoothing the first output voltage and superimposing voltage, and an adder for adding the rectified and smoothed superimposing voltage on the rectified and smoothed first output voltage to output a second output voltage. The first and second output voltages are fed back respectively by DC coupling, the fed-back first and second output voltages are respectively adjusted by first and second feedback factors, and the adjusted feedback components are combined and amplified to be applied to the driver for PWM-control. |
| US08814325B2 |
Printing device and print head
A print head has a first nozzle row that discharges yellow ink, a second nozzle row that discharges cyan ink, a third nozzle row that discharges magenta ink, a fourth nozzle row arranged between the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row that discharges black ink, and a fifth nozzle row arranged between the second nozzle row and the third nozzle row that discharges black ink. The first to fifth nozzle rows are arranged in sequence of the first, fourth, second, fifth and third nozzle rows from the upstream side of the conveyance direction of the print medium to the downstream side, and each consists of a plurality of nozzles arranged in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and ink is discharged on the conveyed print medium without scanning the print head. |
| US08814323B2 |
Inkjet printer maintenance arrangement and method
Inkjet printing apparatus has a printhead mounted on a printer carriage and a maintenance assembly mounted on a maintenance carriage. Media are transported to the printhead for printing. To prepare for maintenance operations, a printer drive unit drives the printhead carriage between a printing position and a printer parked position where it is spaced from the printhead. A maintenance drive unit drives the maintenance assembly between a maintenance assembly and a position next to the printhead where it occupies the space vacated by the printhead. |
| US08814322B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head that includes a discharge port face on which a plurality of discharge ports for discharging ink is formed, a cap configured to cap the discharge port face, a suction recovery unit configured to suck ink from the recording head via the cap, and a control unit configured to control the suction recovery unit so that a suction amount changes based on elapsed time from when the discharge port face is capped by the cap, in a state where ink discharged from the recording head is present, wherein the control unit controls the suction recovery unit so that the suction amount decreases as the elapsed time increases when the elapsed times does not exceed a first time. |
| US08814318B2 |
Printing method with pre-treatment composition
Pre-treatment composition and printing method, for producing durable images, using it are disclosed. Said pre-treatment composition includes a liquid vehicle, a polyvalent metal salt as fixing agent, and a latex resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from −22° C. to 20° C. Said method encompasses applying the pre-treatment composition onto a recording medium and applying an ink composition including an aqueous liquid vehicle and a colorant, over said pre-treatment composition, wherein the time interval between the finishing point of the application of the pre-treatment composition and between the starting point of the application of the ink composition is between 1 and 30 seconds. |
| US08814317B2 |
Liquid ejection head and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a liquid ejection head formed by performing bonding and fixing operations speedily and highly accurately when a recording element board is bonded to a supporting member, the liquid ejection head having a high liquid-landing accuracy and achieving a high printing quality. A method of manufacturing the liquid ejection head is also provided.Heat is conducted from a holding member, which supports the recording element board, to a thermosetting adhesive via the supporting member, which supports the recording element board, in order to accelerate the curing of the adhesive. |
| US08814315B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a carriage, a chamber room, a heating part and an agitating part. A recording head is mounted on the carriage. The chamber room covers the carriage while allowing a nozzle face of the recording head to be exposed. The heating part is configured and arranged to heat an atmosphere inside of the chamber room. The agitating part is configured and arranged to agitate the atmosphere heated by the heating part. |
| US08814314B2 |
Method and apparatus for control of gloss level in printed images
An inkjet printer is configured to process print media having an ink image differently to alter a gloss level of the ink image on the print media. In one mode of operation, the printer moves print media bearing an ink image on one side only through a transfix nip a second time to reduce a gloss level of the printed image. |
| US08814311B2 |
Inkjet printer and control method for inkjet printer
A inkjet printer includes an ejection head, a curing-light-emitting part, a head retaining part, a relative scanning part, a drive output detecting part, and a curing-light-emission-control part. The ejection head ejects a photocuring liquid onto a printing medium retained by a medium retaining part. The curing-light-emitting part emits curing light onto the printing medium. The head retaining part retains the ejection head and the curing light emitting part. The relative scanning part performs relative movement of the head retaining part and the medium retaining part. The drive output detecting part detects an output of a drive source of the relative scanning part. The curing-light-emission-control part controls the curing-light-emitting part based on a detection result from the drive output detecting part. |
| US08814310B2 |
Printer
A printer includes a head for performing printing, a roll element on which a print medium is wound, a first conveying mechanism for rotating the roll element, an auxiliary roller positioned between the head and the roll, a second conveying mechanism for driving the auxiliary roller, a nip roller constituting a pair with the auxiliary roller to hold the medium on both sides, a nip roller drive mechanism for driving the nip roller and creating a state in which the medium is held on both sides and a state in which the medium is not held on both sides, and a controller for setting the nip roller to a first state in which the roll element is rotated in a forward direction to convey the print medium, and a second state in which the roll element is rotated in a reverse direction to convey the print medium. |
| US08814309B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus is equipped with an upstream side conveyance unit arranged on a conveyance upstream side of a recording head and a downstream side conveyance unit arranged on a conveyance downstream side thereof. The ink jet recording apparatus obtains, by recording a test pattern on a sheet, a conveyance correction amount when conveyance is performed solely by the downstream side conveyance unit. The ink jet recording apparatus includes a control unit which, when effecting an arbitrary recording, effects control such that, when a sheet trailing edge leaves the upstream side conveyance unit, a rotating position of a drive side roller of the downstream side conveyance unit is the same as the rotating position of the drive side roller when the test pattern is recorded. |
| US08814307B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to adjust ink ejection amounts from nozzles in a downstream nozzle array on a basis of a bypassing air flow degree. The bypassing air flow degree is calculated based on an ejection density of ink ejected from nozzles in an upstream nozzle array on a recording medium and indicates a generation degree of a bypassing air flow generated when a transfer air flow generated by transfer of the recording medium bypasses a self-generated air flow generated by ink ejected from the nozzles in the upstream nozzle array. The downstream nozzle array is a nozzle array located downstream in a transfer direction among a plurality of nozzle arrays. The upstream nozzle array is a nozzle array located upstream in the transfer direction among the plurality of nozzle arrays. |
| US08814301B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A controller for printing a single region in which a background image is formed by the upstream background color nozzle row and the downstream background color nozzle row or in which a color image is formed by the upstream color nozzle row and the downstream color nozzle row is printed, among regions in the transporting direction, and an overlapping region in which a background image is formed by the upstream background color nozzle row and a color image is formed by the downstream color nozzle row or in which a color image is formed by the upstream color nozzle row and a background image is formed by the downstream background color nozzle row, among regions in the transporting direction, is provided. Here, the single region and the overlapping region are switched when one medium is printed. |
| US08814300B2 |
System and method for sub-pixel ink drop adjustment for process direction registration
A method of operating an inkjet printer reduces ink drop placement errors in a process direction. The method includes generating firing signals for inkjets in a printhead at a first frequency and initiating the generation of the firing signals to a first plurality of inkjets in the printhead at a second frequency, the first frequency being greater than the second frequency. |
| US08814299B2 |
Fluid discharge device, nozzle inspection method, and medium on which nozzle inspection program is recorded
To reduce the number of nozzles in an unstable state after a nozzle inspection, a fluid discharge device includes a discharge head capable of discharging a fluid from nozzle, a nozzle inspection process for inspecting a state of discharging of the fluid from the nozzle, and a controller for subjecting the nozzle to a pre-process for discharging the fluid under a discharge condition that a nozzle in an unstable state be put into a dot omission state, subsequently discharging the fluid for the sake of inspection, and executing an inspection process by the nozzle inspection part. |
| US08814294B2 |
Liquid supply device, liquid discharge device, and image recording apparatus having pressure buffering unit
A pressure buffering unit is reduced in size, and thereby the effect of a flexible membrane is suppressed while the performance of the pressure buffering unit is maintained. A liquid supply device includes: a liquid supply passage which communicates with a recording head in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged; a liquid pressure applying part provided in the liquid supply passage that applies a predetermined pressure to liquid; and a pressure buffering unit provided en route in the liquid supply passage and being configured to include a liquid chamber having a supply port and a discharge port through which the liquid flowing through the liquid supply passage flows in and out, a gas chamber provided to oppose the liquid chamber, and a flexible membrane interposed therebetween, wherein the flexible membrane is provided with initial bending in advance. |
| US08814293B2 |
On-chip fluid recirculation pump for micro-fluid applications
A micro-fluid ejection head has fluid ejection elements formed as thin film layers on a substrate. Fluid flow features on the substrate channel fluid from a fluid source to ejection chambers surrounding the ejection elements. A pump on the substrate circulates the fluid from the source to the ejection chambers and back again to the source. The flow refreshes the fluid in the chambers to minimize deleterious effects of evaporation. A controller coordinates the flow rate of the pump and other variables to optimize system productivity. Other embodiments contemplate pump locations, pump types, pump enumeration, and fluidic features, such as pathways, diffusers, chokes and dimensions, to name a few. |
| US08814292B2 |
Inkjet printer for semi-porous or non-absorbent surfaces
Inkjet printers are provided, in one aspect, an inkjet printer has an inkjet print engine that prints an image by jetting drops of hydrophilic liquid to form an inkjet image on a surface of at least one of a semi-absorbent recording medium or a non-absorbent recording medium; a transport system to transport the printed surface to a toner printer having a toner print engine to generate a liquid management toner image with toner particles that are at least in part hydrophilic and to transfer the toner image onto the recording medium where an unabsorbed volume of the inkjet ink will be present on the recording medium. A control system causes the inkjet printer to generate the inkjet image on the surface and causes the toner printer to generate a liquid management toner image that provides toner particles to manage an unabsorbed volume of the liquid. |
| US08814291B2 |
Nail printing device and printing control method thereof
A nail printing device includes a printing unit including a printing head which applies ink on a print target surface, and a control unit which controls the printing unit and sets a printing mode to a nail printing mode or a printing medium printing mode. In the nail printing mode, the control unit sets a surface of a nail portion as the print target surface and creates a nail printing image data for printing the surface of the nail portion corresponding to a curve-shape of the nail portion. In the printing medium printing mode, the control unit sets a planar surface of a printing medium as the print target surface and performs thinning correction to a nail printing image data formed corresponding to the curve-shape of the nail portion. |
| US08814289B2 |
Print apparatus and print control method
A print apparatus includes a selection unit, a print unit and control unit. The selection unit categorizes a curve-shape of a print target surface into one specific shape pattern among a plurality of shape patterns having shapes whose degrees of curving are different from each other. The print unit has a recording head that applies ink on the print target surface. The control unit controls the print unit to set an ink amount to be applied at the edge parts of the print target surface to predetermined amount which is set corresponding to the specific shape pattern. |
| US08814286B2 |
Side access storage rack for cold storage units
A cold storage unit includes a side access storage rack for holding storage boxes. The storage rack includes a housing with a top wall, a bottom wall, and a rear side wall extending between the top and bottom walls to define a storage space. The storage rack also includes a plurality of vertical dividers extending from the rear side wall and a horizontal shelf configured to be engaged with the plurality of vertical dividers to split the storage space into a grid of box receptacles for the storage boxes. The horizontal shelf includes an angled front portion that is bent and is configured to frictionally engage divider slots in the vertical dividers to thereby hold the horizontal shelf in position with respect to the housing. This frictional engagement simplifies manufacturing and improves the functionality of the storage rack. |
| US08814284B2 |
Refrigerator
The present embodiment relates to a refrigerator. With the present embodiment, a user can easily draw in and out foods stored in a storage chamber. |
| US08814281B2 |
System and method for tensioning a traction band and traction assembly therewith
A system and a method for controllably tensioning a traction band mounted to a traction assembly, and a traction assembly comprising such a system, are disclosed. The system is typically mounted at the front or at the rear of the support frame of the traction assembly such as to support one or more idler wheels. The tensioning system generally comprises a clamping ring assembly having received therein a rotatable cylindrical member. The cylindrical member supports an axle which is eccentrically located with respect to the center axis of the cylindrical member, and which pivotally supports one or more idler wheels. By rotating the cylindrical member within the clamping ring assembly using a torquing tool, the tension of the traction band about the wheels (i.e. drive wheel, idler wheels, and support wheels) of the traction assembly can be controllably adjusted. |
| US08814278B2 |
Driving-wheel supporting hub unit and its manufacturing method
When an inner ring of a driving-wheel supporting hub unit is fixed to a hub, a pressing die is displaced downward and an annular working surface at a lower end surface of the pressing die is pressed against a front end of a cylindrical portion over its whole periphery. Further, in this state, the pressing die is pressed downward toward the hub without rocking the pressing die relative to the hub. Thus, the cylindrical portion is plastically deformed radially outward along the working surface simultaneously over its whole periphery. By adopting this method, the operation of plastically deforming the cylindrical portion at the inner end of the hub to form a caulking portion, can be easily and performed accurately. Accordingly, the structure of the caulking portion forming apparatus can be simplified. |
| US08814276B2 |
System and method for a wheel lock ring assembly
Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a lock ring assembly. In this regard, a lock ring assembly is provided comprising a wheel base having a side rim disposed about a circumference of the wheel base, an ID lock ring and an OD lock ring disposed within a gap between the wheel base and the side rim. The ID lock ring has two surface contacts with the wheel base and one surface contact with the side rim. The OD lock ring has two surface contacts with the side rim and one surface contact with the wheel base. In various embodiments, the ID lock ring and the OD lock ring are in contact. |
| US08814271B2 |
Vehicle seat
A headrest with a function of a dynamic damper that damps vibrations of a vehicle seat, and provide the headrest with an impact absorbing function with respect to a head portion of a seated vehicle occupant. A stay of a headrest is held at a seat back, and a cover, that covers at least a portion of the stay, is supported at the stay so as to be swingable in a seat front-rear direction around a seat transverse direction. Due to a torsion coil spring (an elastic member) elastically deforming when the cover swings, restoring force in a direction opposing a swinging direction of the cover is generated. Further, displacement other than in the swinging direction is suppressed by a suppressing portion that is provided between the stay and the cover. |
| US08814269B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes a back frame, and a bracket assembled to the back frame and configured to reduce a load applied to a neck of an occupant by shock of a rear collision when the rear collision occurs in a vehicle, wherein the bracket has an inclined surface that is substantially parallel with a torso line at a normal posture of a seatback. |
| US08814267B2 |
Vehicle seat trim paddle attachment
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to securing a trim cover to a vehicle seat cushion. In at least one embodiment, a seat cushion assembly comprises a foam cushion having an “A” surface, a “B” surface, and at least one slot extending therebetween, a trim cover extending over the foam cushion, and a trim cover attachment assembly secured to the trim cover for securing the trim cover adjacent the foam cushion. In at least one embodiment, the trim cover attachment assembly comprises a flexible sheet having a first end attached to the trim cover and a second end having a paddle that sits adjacent the “B” surface of the foam cushion, the fabric extending through the slot of the foam cushion. |
| US08814266B2 |
Headrest for a passenger seat for an aircraft
The aircraft passenger seat headrest (20) includes a carrier (21) and a helmet (22) for at least partially housing the head of the passenger.The helmet is attached to the carrier and is movably mounted in relation to the carrier (21).Said helmet includes a body and at least one portion (32, 34) that is movably mounted onto the body to extend the latter. |
| US08814265B2 |
Head rest for a vehicle
A headrest for a vehicle seat has a first section that is oriented towards the head of a seat occupant, a second section, and a third section. The second section is arranged between the first and third sections. In the event of an accident, the first section may be displaced, due to the relative displacement of the second section, from a working position into a safety position and a comfort position in the direction of the head of the occupant. The relative movement of the sections is a rotation about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the direction of displacement. |
| US08814263B2 |
Containers and serving trays for snack foods
A snack holder includes a generally cylindrical cup sized and shaped lower section and a larger container or multiple container upper or adjacent section for holding snack foods, additional cups and the like. |
| US08814261B2 |
Adirondack chair with double fulcrum
Collapsible chairs and related chair systems. An exemplary chair includes a base member comprising a seat surface configured to support a user sitting thereon, a back supporting member behind the seat surface configured to support a user's back when a user is seated, and parallel first and second side members each including first and second fulcrums. The first fulcrums connect the side members to the base member disposed therebetween. The second fulcrums connect the side members to the back supporting member disposed therebetween. The side members define a frame within which the back supporting member and the base member may be rotated about their respective fulcrums. The fulcrums allow the chair to be collapsed to a more compact configuration (e.g., for storage). |
| US08814259B2 |
Frame for open roof construction
A frame for an open roof construction is provided, said frame comprising at least one channel member for guiding a drive member, such as a drive cable. Said channel member, as seen in cross section, comprises a base part which is defined by a corresponding local depression of the frame and a cover part connected to said base part. The connection between said base part and said cover part is continuous over the length of said channel member. It is possible that the cover part is connected to the base part through die slide injection molding. |
| US08814257B2 |
Vehicle roof device
In a vehicle roof device equipped with a sunroof member and a sunshade member driven by respective electric motors, an operation switch includes an operation member to be operated by a vehicle occupant, the operation member being movable between a neutral position, an opening operation position and a closing operation position, where the opening and closing operation positions are displaced from the neutral position in different directions. The vehicle roof device further includes a control unit configured which, when the operation member is moved to one of the opening and closing operation positions, controls the electric motors so as to drive the sunroof member and the sunshade member in an operation mode determined based on a relationship of a duration of the operation member held at the one of the opening operation position and the closing operation position with two different threshold time periods. |
| US08814256B2 |
Mounting structure for film-shaped electric device
Provided is a mounting structure for mounting a film-shaped electric device to a glass panel, comprising: a resin panel attached to a surface of the film-shaped electric device to form a panel-shaped electric device having first and second edges; and first and second retaining members attached to one surface of the glass panel in correspondence with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device, respectively, each first and second retaining member defining a groove such that the groove opens toward a region of the glass panel to be covered by the panel-shaped electric device, wherein the panel-shaped electric device is retained by the first and second retaining members with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device being received in the corresponding grooves such that the surface of the film-shaped electric device having the resin panel attached thereto faces away from the glass panel. |
| US08814252B2 |
Side skirt for truck
A side skirt mounting apparatus may include a side skirt that may be installed to be supported by a one-touch locker in an upper portion thereof and a hinge in a lower portion thereof, wherein the locker includes an upper bracket, a lower bracket, a skirt frame to which the upper bracket and the lower bracket may be engaged, a shaft installed to slidably penetrate the upper and lower brackets and to be selectively inserted into a hole formed to a side skirt bracket, and an elastic member mounted on an outer circumference of the shaft between the upper and lower brackets to elastically support the shaft. |
| US08814251B2 |
Under covers for vehicle body
Under covers for a vehicle body are attached to a lower surface of the vehicle body in such a manner that, as seen in a direction of travel of a vehicle, the under covers are arranged at positions in front of rear wheels and in at least a rear half of a lower surface of the vehicle body. Recessed grooves are formed in pairs in a surface of an under cover body that faces a road surface, and are arranged so as face each other across a widthwise center of the vehicle, and gradually approach closer to each other as they extend rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Rear ends of these grooves are located between the left and right rear wheels and are directed to the widthwise center of the vehicle. |
| US08814250B2 |
Automobile front portion structure
In an automobile front portion structure, a dilatant impact absorbing body that is formed from a material having dilatant characteristics is accommodated at an inner side of a crash box and is fixed to a front end surface of a front side member. A length dimension in a vehicle longitudinal direction of this dilatant impact absorbing body is set such that, when an axial compressive deformation amount of the crash box becomes greater than or equal to a set value that is smaller than a maximum value of the axial compressive deformation amount, the dilatant impact absorbing body receives compressive load between the front side member and a front bumper reinforcement. |
| US08814248B2 |
Motor vehicle body with reinforcing structure
A motor vehicle body having at least one side member located on the front side in front of a front wall is provided. The motor vehicle body having a first reinforcing element adjoining thereon in longitudinal direction, which, following the contour of a wheel housing panel, protrudes in vehicle transverse direction to the outside and which supports itself on a floor structure via second reinforcing element, which is arranged spaced from a lateral front wall portion adjoining the wheel housing panel. |
| US08814246B2 |
Truck bed storage system
A system is provided for storing items in the bed of a pickup truck. The system includes storage bins, storage bin covers, storage bin dividers, and a removable cover. The storage bins may be divided by the storage bin dividers, and items within the storage bins may be protected from the elements, and from theft, by the storage bin covers. The removable cover may fit in between the storage bin covers and provide a flat storage surface in conjunction with the storage bin covers, that provides the full truck bed area for additional storage of larger items. The removable cover also provides for storage underneath the removable cover such that long, irregularly shaped, or valuable items may be stored securely and be protected from the elements, and from theft. |
| US08814244B2 |
Accommodation structure for saddle type vehicle
An accommodation structure for a saddle type vehicle wherein the accommodation space can be expanded by a simple and easy configuration. An opening is provided in a rear wall of an accommodation box that is opened and closed by an occupant's seat. Further, a sub-accommodation box is provided that is in the form of a box open in a forward direction and is mounted so as to close up the opening and be swollen rearwardly farther than the opening. |
| US08814241B2 |
Robot hand
A robot hand, which has an arbitrary object grasping function in the same manner as a human hand and a high precision and stable grasping function in the same manner as an industrial gripper and performs a pose similar to a human hand while having complete opposability without any increase in complexity or degree of freedom. The robot hand includes a base part, and a plurality of finger connection parts, and a plurality of finger modules connected to the plurality of finger connection parts. The finger connection parts connected to the base part are connected to adjacent finger connection parts by roll joints such that each pair the finger connection parts connected by the roll joints is driven together, and the finger connection parts adjacent to the finger connection parts connected to the base part are driven separately from the finger connection parts connected to the base part. |
| US08814239B2 |
Techniques for handling media arrays
Techniques for handling media arrays are disclosed. The techniques may be realized as a system for handling a plurality of substrates. The system may comprise a plurality of row elements for supporting the plurality of substrates, wherein the plurality of row elements may be operable to change configuration of the substrates from open configuration to a high-density configuration, where a distance between adjacent substrates in the open configuration may be greater than a distance between the adjacent substrates in the high-density configuration. |
| US08814237B2 |
Utensils used for manipulating containers
A utensil for manipulating a container that includes an open end that is substantially in the shape of a cylinder or conical frustrum. In some examples, the utensil includes a substantially flat body further including a curved end complimenting the shape of the container and defining an aperture, an elongated support member affixed to the body opposite the curved end, and a retaining member that is affixed to the curved end the body, is configured to selectively retain the container in cooperation with the body in a position where the open end of the container overlies the aperture defined in the body when the container is selectively retained by the retaining member, and compliments the shape of the container. In further examples, the utensil's retaining member includes a plurality of de tents configured to selectively restrict the container in a position retained by the retaining member. |
| US08814235B2 |
Shock absorber and bumper device for vehicle
A shock absorber includes a cylindrical small diameter portion, a cylindrical large diameter portion, and an annular step portion that connects the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion to each other. The shock absorber absorbs load applied thereto through plastic deformation that starts at the annular step portion thereby absorbing impact energy. In the deformation, the small diameter portion is folded back into the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion has protrusions, which extend in the axial direction and protrude radially outward. Therefore, the shock absorber stabilizes turning deformation and is capable of efficiently absorbing impact energy. A bumper device for a vehicle is also provided. |
| US08814234B2 |
Vehicle bumper beam and method for manufacturing same
A bumper beam of the present invention is provided with a tubular bumper reinforcement member (1) and a tubular crush box (2). A reinforcement member hole (15) is provided in an outer peripheral wall (11) of the bumper reinforcement member (1) in a penetrated manner. A partition wall (22) is provided so as to bridge opposed inner wall surfaces of an outer peripheral wall (21) of the crush box (2). The tip end portion of the crush box (2) is arranged so as to penetrate the reinforcement hole (15). In this state, ridge portions (25a, 25b) are formed, by means of a tube expansion process using a tube expansion die, on the crush box (2) so as to extend in a circumferential direction thereof at a front side and a rear side of the reinforcement hole (15). With this, the crush box (2) is secured to the bumper reinforcement member (1). According to the present invention, the bumper beam can be reduced in size and weight. |
| US08814226B2 |
Door lock device for vehicle
A door lock device for a vehicle, provided with an opening lever driven as a door handle is operated, an opening link interposed between the opening lever and a lift lever of a latch mechanism, a lock operation unit for switching the opening link to an unlock position or a lock position, and a locking lever for driving the lock operation unit. A retaining portion is provided to the opening lever. The retaining portion holds the opening link at a retaining position between the lock position and the unlock position when the opening link becomes switched by the locking lever through the lock operation unit from the lock position to the unlock position with the opening link driven by the opening lever. |
| US08814217B2 |
Progress tracking aid labeling for medication containers
The present application is directed to progress tracking aids for a medicine container. A base label may be adhered to the medication container, and a plurality of data fields disposed on the base label. A top label may cover at least a portion of the base label. |
| US08814215B2 |
Response form security device
A response form security device is provided for use with a generally planar response form having an answer area bearing answer blanks upon which a respondent makes marks to indicate a plurality of responses. The security device includes a sleeve adapted and constructed to slidably receive and cover the response form. An access window is formed in the sleeve, and permits visual access by the respondent to a number of fewer than all of the answer areas of the response form. The length of the sleeve and the configuration of the answer window are chosen so as to prevent anyone other than the user from seeing a number of marks on the answer area sufficient to observe a repeatable pattern of marks. |
| US08814212B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling movement of a user on snow. The apparatus includes a support member comprising a shaft made from a rigid material, a snow interface, and an engagement member. The snow interface extends from a first end of the shaft and includes a gliding surface opposing a propulsion surface. The engagement member is coupled to one of the gliding surface and the propulsion surface of the snow interface. The snow interface is positionable between a gliding position and a slowing position. In the gliding position, the gliding surface is positioned in contact with a surface of the snow and the engagement member is positioned out of contact with the surface of the snow. In the slowing position the engagement member is positioned in contact with the surface of the snow. |
| US08814211B1 |
Linear pretensioner for motor vehicle seatbelt restraint systems
A pretensioner for a motor vehicle belt restraint system mounted to a structure of the vehicle. The pretensioner is connected to a belt restraint component that is also connected to the belt restraint system. The pretensioner includes a conduit made of tubing and having first and second ends. At least a portion of the conduit defines an elongated piston bore with a piston slideably positioned therein. A cable is attached to the piston and extends through the conduit for connection to the belt restraint component. A micro-gas generator is also located within the conduit and positioned generally opposite of the piston. Upon activation of the micro-gas generator, a gas is generated in the piston bore and drives the piston such that the piston exerts tension on the cable and thereby on the belt restrain component. |
| US08814210B2 |
Belt presenter and seat belt system
A belt presenter for a seat belt system comprising a belt strap and deflection fittings (16) includes an arm (102) having a belt strap guide (104) and a mounting portion (106) by which the arm (102) is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle lining (10). The arm (102) is manually movable about an axis of rotation (108) into a plurality of locking positions. The axis of rotation (109) about which the arm (102) can be rotated is arranged, in the vehicle-mounted state, to be offset from a mounting point (18) of deflection fittings (16) of the seat belt system. |
| US08814209B1 |
Hitch apparatus and method
Hitch apparatus and a method of using the same with a vehicle hitch allows the use of a vise, anvil, grinder or other tool requiring mounting before use. Various apertures on the hitch apparatus allow for selected vertical or horizontal mounting on a vehicle hitch. The hitch apparatus further includes a leg to provide for additional strength and structural support. |
| US08814208B2 |
Advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system
An advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system that minimizes both actual and perceived dangers related to the deployment of vehicle air bag systems by distinguishing between the varying size and weight of a passenger and also sensing the imminence of a collision in order to cater the air bag deployment to the unique physical attributes of the passenger. |
| US08814207B2 |
Instrument panel integrally including an airbag door
In this instrument panel, a groove portion for forming an intended splitting portion in the door main body portion of the airbag door is formed at a cover layer side of the door main body portion. Therefore, when the door main body portion inverts from the recessed shape to a protruding shape due to inflation pressure of an airbag, the groove portion is stretched in the curvature direction of the door main body portion. As a result, stress arising at the intended splitting portion is dispersed, and splitting of the intended splitting portion before the door main body portion has completely inverted to the protruding shape is prevented. Therefore, unintended interference between a front side door portion and a rear side door portion may be prevented. |
| US08814204B2 |
Automobile seat in which side airbag device is installed
In an automobile seat, a portion of a side airbag is disposed further toward a vehicle front side than an inflator. Therefore, the side airbag can be expanded toward a vehicle front side of an outer-side side support portion, i.e., toward a side of a waist portion of a passenger. Moreover, because the inflator is disposed at a vehicle front side of an outer-side side frame, the inflator can be set close to a center of a waist of a passenger for which restraining by the side airbag is desired. Further, because the side airbag and the inflator are not structures that are disposed so as to interpose the outer-side side frame 20B therebetween, ease of assembly into a seatback is good. |
| US08814203B2 |
Side air bag assembly for vehicle seat having external rigid deflector sleeve
A vehicle seat air bag assembly (17) has an air bag module (18) including an inflator (38), an air bag (40) and a soft housing (44) enclosing the inflator and air bag. An external rigid deflector sleeve (50) receives an inner extremity (46) of the air bag module (18) and ensures air bag movement toward a deployment location (34) of the seat during inflation. The rigid deflector sleeve (50) may be made from metal, a synthetic resin and may have open ends (52), closed ends (54) or one open end (52) and one closed end (54). |
| US08814200B2 |
Airbag device
An airbag device includes an airbag, an inflator, a retainer and an airbag cover. The airbag is usually folded, and expands and develops in an emergency. The inflator supplies gas to the airbag. The retainer secures the airbag and the inflator. The airbag cover houses the airbag. The airbag cover has a plate-like part and an inner case. The plate-like part constitutes the interior surface of a vehicle. The inner case is disposed on the rear surface of the plate-like part and constitutes an expansion and development path for the airbag. The inner case has a plurality of retaining holes for retaining the retainer. The retainer has a roughly planar-shaped support body capable of being stored within the inner case and an annular belt-like body inserted into the retaining holes and attached to the support body. |
| US08814198B2 |
Adjustable trailer hitch
Using the trailer hitch of the present invention eliminates the need for the driver to drive back and forth several times attempting to align the trailer hitch with the socket on the trailer. The trailer hitch includes a fixed tow bar receiver, and a pivoting tow bar, which automatically locks in an extended position with the tow bar receiver, as the vehicle drives away. With other hitches, the driver must drive forward to line the trailer with the hitch, and then back up the tow vehicle to lock the hitch to prevent it from swiveling. |
| US08814197B2 |
Drop-down tilt stop assembly for fifth wheel assembly
According to the present invention, a fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a support bracket adapted to operably couple with a vehicle frame. The hitch assembly also has a hitch plate that includes a throat adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer and a rear portion. The hitch plate is pivotably coupled with the support bracket and is pivotable between a first position and a second position. Further, the hitch assembly has a limiter linkage that includes a first end pivotably coupled with the rear portion. A second end of the limiter linkage is movable between a stowed and a deployed position. In the stowed position the second end is spaced from the vehicle frame. In the deployed position the second end of the limiter linkage is detachably coupled with the vehicle frame, thereby limiting movement of the hitch plate between the first and second positions. |
| US08814196B1 |
Shower transfer assistance scooter device
A shower assistance scooter device supports a person in a bathing facility. The device includes a base and a seat coupled to and extending upwardly from the base. The seat is rotationally coupled to the base. A handle assembly is coupled to the base and positioned adjacent to a front side of the base. The handle assembly is rotatable relative to the base. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the base including at least one drive wheel and a directional wheel coupled to the handle assembly for steering the device. A first front foot rest is coupled to the base adjacent to a front side of the base. The base, seat, handle assembly, wheels, and first front foot rest are each water resistant to support a person in a bathing facility while the person bathes. |
| US08814190B2 |
Compressed air supply assembly and control method
A compressed air supply assembly for operating a pneumatic assembly includes a compressed air supply; a compressed air connection to the pneumatic assembly; a purge connection to the environment; a pneumatic main line between the compressed air supply and the compressed air connection comprising an air dryer; a purge line between the compressed air connection and the purge connection; and a solenoid valve arrangement with a control valve to control a purge valve. The control valve is connected to a control valve connection in a pneumatic control line connected to a pressure control connection of the purge valve, and the purge valve is connected to a purge valve connection in the purge line. A pressure-maintaining device is connected to the pneumatic control line and maintains control pressure at the pressure control connection when the purge valve connection is open, independently of pressure in the purge line and/or the main line. |
| US08814189B2 |
Suspension element having a hydraulic strut connected to a pressure accumulator and independent suspension using the same
The present disclosure relates to a suspension element for maintaining a wheel on a frame of a vehicle. The suspension element can be attached to the frame via a fixed support. The wheel can be mounted to an arm that is pivotably connected to the fixed support. A hydraulic strut resists a pivoting movement of the arm in relation to the fixed support. A pressure accumulator comprises a gas chamber and a fluid chamber separated by a diaphragm. The fluid chamber is in fluid connection with the hydraulic strut. A movement of the arm relative to the fixed support causes a change of pressure in the pressure accumulator. An independent suspension comprising two such suspension elements is also disclosed. The two suspension elements comprise extensions of the fixed support mounted on the frame so that two wheels are coaxial when mounted on the frame. |
| US08814188B2 |
Strut mounting reinforcement unit of vehicle
The strut mounting reinforcement unit of a vehicle includes a shock absorber housing cover in which a strut may be inserted, the shock absorber housing cover being mounted to a vehicle body together with the strut, a shock absorber cover panel covering an upper portion of the shock absorber housing cover to be mounted to the vehicle body, and a closed space formed between the shock absorber housing cover and the shock absorber cover panel, thereby improving strength of a strut mounted portion of the vehicle body. |
| US08814187B2 |
Transverse link, and method for producing a transverse link
In a method of producing a transverse link for arrangement on a motor vehicle axle, a semifinished product is produced from an extrusion profile of light metal with at least three hollow chambers in side-by-side relationship. A top side and a bottom side of a middle one of the chambers is trimmed at ends thereof so that outer ones of the chambers form bearing arms which project beyond a base body. The middle chamber is formed with flanges which are bent and coupled with the base body. The bearing arms are bent and mounts for attachment are formed. |
| US08814185B2 |
Ride steer adjustment device and method of adjusting ride steer
A ride steer adjustment device for a vehicle includes an insert sleeve that has an opening configured so that the insert sleeve has an interference fit with a tie rod ball stud when the tie rod ball stud extends through the opening. The insert sleeve has external threads and is configured to be threaded to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. A distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod is adjustable by turning the insert sleeve relative to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. Adjusting the distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod changes the angle of the tie rod and thereby the ride steer. |
| US08814173B2 |
Seal and seal arrangement for confining leakage flows between adjacent components of turbo-machines and gas turbines
A seal for stemming leakage flows between adjacent components, especially of a gas turbine, has an elastically deformable, thin-walled sealing element and a thin-walled cover element which is U-shaped in cross section and between its legs and its base partially accommodates the sealing element. The legs of the cover element are arranged in the sealing arrangement, which features the seal, between two oppositely disposed walls of the other component in a movable manner relative to these walls which, together with the sealing surface of the other component, form a groove which is U-shaped in cross section. Forces, which act laterally upon the seal, are absorbed by the cover element and via the legs are diverted into the other component so that the integrity of the seal is maintained even in the case of lateral forces. |
| US08814167B2 |
Shooting target and method of manufacture
A shooting target comprising a target body having a front skin having a front face; a backing; an interior cavity; one or more fluid carriers adjacent the front skin and carrying colored fluid. Upon penetration of the front skin and the one or more fluid carriers, colored fluid is emitted from the one or more fluid carriers and onto the front face. |
| US08814166B1 |
Method, system, and device for conducting a game
A method, system, and device for conducting a game includes receiving a war base wager and a blackjack base wager. A player war hand and dealer war hand are dealt. The war base wager is resolved based on a comparison between the player war hand and dealer war hand. Optionally, the blackjack base wager may be supplemented by any war payout, or a portion thereof. An initial player blackjack hand and an initial dealer blackjack hand are dealt. Optionally, the initial player blackjack hand and/or initial dealer blackjack hand contain the player war hand and/or dealer war hand, respectively. Optionally, the blackjack base wager is resolved by forming a final player blackjack hand and a final dealer blackjack hand which are compared to one another and a target value. |
| US08814161B2 |
Sheet transporting device and image forming apparatus with regulating member and first transport member moving together
A sheet transporting device includes a regulating member that is arranged so that an edge of a sheet is abutted against the regulating member while moving downstream in a transporting direction of the sheet, and a first transport member that transports the sheet toward the regulating member while moving downstream in the transporting direction, and that pushes the sheet against the regulating member while slipping on a surface of the sheet in a state where the sheet is abutted against the regulating member, wherein the regulating member and the first transport member moving together downstream in the transporting direction. |
| US08814156B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system
A sheet processing apparatus includes a feed-in path through which a sheet is fed, a first transport path through which a sheet fed from the feed-in path is transported, and a second transport path through which a sheet fed from the feed-in path is transported. The sheet processing apparatus also includes the following elements. A first processor sequentially stacks sheets output from the first transport path and performs first processing on a bundle of stacked sheets. A second processor sequentially stacks sheets output from the second transport path and performs second processing, which is different from the first processing, on a bundle of stacked sheets. A common retention path causes a sheet fed through the feed-in path to temporarily remain on the common retention path and causes the sheet temporarily remaining on the common retention path to be output to one of the first and second transport paths. |
| US08814151B2 |
Antivibration device
In an antivibration device (1), a partition plate (45) includes a main partition plate (46) made of an elastic material interposed between a protruding portion (60) and a support portion (54), and a reinforcement member (47) which is buried in the main partition plate (46) and is configured of a hard body that is harder than the main partition plate (46). The main partition plate (46) divides a main liquid chamber (9A) and a sub-liquid chamber (9B), and blocks the opening end of the hard member (50). A space surrounded by the hard member (50) and the main partition plate (46) constitutes a restriction passage (10). In the main partition plate (46), a communication portion (42) that penetrates therethrough in an axial direction and causes the main liquid chamber (9A) and the restriction passage (10) to communicate is formed. The reinforcement member (47) is disposed to surround the peripheral edge of the communication portion (42) in the main partition plate (46). |
| US08814147B2 |
System for feeding gas into liquid
A liquid aeration system comprising: an intermittent liquid feeding means (10) located at an upstream position for receiving liquid from a liquid resource; a liquid storage means (20) located at an downstream position for receiving the liquid from the intermittent liquid feeding means (10) quantitatively and intermittently; and a pipe (30) connected between the intermittent liquid feeding means (10) and the liquid storage means (20), the outlet of which is located below the liquid surface of the liquid storage means (20), such that the liquid can flow from the intermittent liquid feeding means (10) through the pipe (30) into the liquid storage means (20) intermittently and quantitatively using the liquid level difference between the upstream position and the downstream position, so as to inject the air existed in the pipe (30) into the liquid in the liquid storage means (20). |
| US08814146B2 |
Two phase reactor
A two phase reactor includes a source of liquid reactant and a source of gas reactant. A chamber has an inlet coupled to the source of gas reactant and a flat jet nozzle coupled to the source of the liquid reactant. |
| US08814140B2 |
Valve for controlling a fluid
A valve for controlling a fluid includes a closing body and a valve seat. The closing body opens and closes a passage at the valve seat along a sealing line. The valve seat and the closing body have a rotationally symmetrical region where the sealing line between the valve seat and closing body is formed. The valve seat and/or the closing body also has a nonrotationally symmetrical region, which adjoins the rotationally symmetrical region in a throughflow direction of the valve. |
| US08814136B2 |
Solenoid valve
A solenoid valve includes a linear solenoid and a ring-shaped rubber packing. The solenoid includes a yoke, an outer connector, a volume changing chamber, and a breathing passage. The yoke is made of a magnetic material and formed in a generally cylindrical cup shape having a cup-bottom part and a cup-opening part. The cup-opening part includes a notch. The connector is made of resin and exposed from the notch to an outside of the yoke. Volume of the chamber is changed in accordance with operation of the solenoid. The passage is formed inside the solenoid, and communicates with the chamber. The passage includes an outer opening, which opens into the outside of the yoke and is located at a fitted part between the yoke and the connector. The packing is attached around a base of the connector, where the yoke and the connector are fitted together. |
| US08814135B2 |
Device for controlling the flow of a liquid or gaseous medium
A device for controlling the flow of a liquid or gaseous medium, has at least one flow opening for the medium, and a movable valve element for controlling the flow opening. At least one damping body, which is preferably viscoelastic and acts on the valve element, is provided for obtaining a large dynamic range of the device in order to control flow in a fine, precise, and oscillation-free manner across a broad range of flow volume. |
| US08814132B2 |
Method for regulating an actual variable to a setpoint variable
A method for regulating an actual variable (X) to a setpoint variable (W), a manipulated variable (Y) being ascertained from the setpoint variable (W) and the actual variable (X), and the manipulated variable being supplied to an input of a controlled system, and a change in the actual variable (X) occurring only upon the manipulated variable being changed by a minimum amount, an intermediary manipulated variable (Y′), to which a correcting quantity (K) is applied in the steady-state condition of the regulation for forming the manipulated variable (Y), being first ascertained from the setpoint variable (W) and the actual variable (X), only values which change the manipulated variable (Y) by less than a minimum amount being allowed for the correcting quantity (K). |
| US08814131B2 |
Gas control unit for boiler
A gas control unit for a boiler includes a hollow housing; a solenoid; a rod; opening and shutting means that is disposed at the lower end of the rod to open and shut a gas outlet; and a spring between the housing and the opening and shutting means so as to elastically urge it downward. A coupling member is formed at the lower end of the rod and a coupling groove into which the coupling member is inserted is formed in the opening and shutting means so as to allow movement. The opening and shutting means is coupled to the rod through the use of the coupling member and the coupling groove, the opening and shutting means can move within a predetermined range about the coupling member with an application of an external force. |
| US08814129B2 |
Trolling motor mount
A trolling motor mount comprising a base for attaching the mount to a watercraft, an arm assembly pivotally attached to the base, a motor mount assembly pivotally attached to the arm assembly for rotatably securing the trolling motor, and an actuator adapted to move the arm assembly between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The arm assembly may comprise a single elongated arm or a four bar linkage system. The mount may further comprise a user control such a switch, a wireless remote control, or wired remote control. |
| US08814128B2 |
Display system for mobile electronic devices and associated methods
A display fixture for securely displaying a mobile device includes a cross brace and at least two corner members. The cross brace defines a center portion and arms each radially extending outwardly therefrom and terminating in a free end opposite the center portion. The at least two corner members each include a first substantially planar wall, a second substantially planar wall, and two sidewalls extending between substantially linear closed edges of the first substantially planar wall and the second substantially planar wall. A cavity is defined by each of the at least two corner members and is configured to receive a corner of the mobile device. Each of the at least two corner members is secured to a different free end of the cross brace such that an opening to the cavity of each of the at least two corner members faces the center portion of the cross brace. |
| US08814124B1 |
Article hanging device
A system for securing a maintaining an article, such as a picture frame, in a desired position on a vertical surface, such as a wall, is disclosed. The system comprises a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket has a first part of a pivot and includes at least one projecting nub. The second bracket has a second part of the pivot and at least one divot that are each cooperative with one of the at least one projecting nubs. In use, the first and second brackets are each fixed to either a rear surface of the article proximate a top edge thereof, or to the vertical surface. Each nub of the first bracket engages the cooperative divot of the second bracket when the article is in the desired position on the vertical surface. When jarred, the article pivots back and forth about the pivot until each nub becomes re-engaged with its cooperative divot, by gravity, to bring the article back into the desired position. |
| US08814120B1 |
Fuel tank support system
A fuel tank support system for providing a lightweight yet strong structure for supporting propane tanks above a ground surface. The tank support generally includes an elongated support pad having a platform, a base plate connected to the support pad, and a plurality of internal supports connected between the support pad and the base plate. A plurality of pairs of upper retainer rings extends from an underside of the platform to define upper receiver slots, and a plurality of pairs of lower retainer rings extends from an upper side of the base plate to define lower receiver slots. An upper end of each of the internal supports is received by the upper receiver slots and a lower end of each of the internal supports is received by the lower receiver slots. Handles, bottom grooves, and internal ribbing are also used with the tank support. |
| US08814119B2 |
Arbor apparatus for counterweight rigging system
An arbor apparatus for use in a counterweight rigging system includes a support structure for supporting counterweight bricks in stacked arrangement. The arbor apparatus can be front-loading with left side, back and right side supports. The arbor apparatus can include a plurality of shelf members spaced apart in a longitudinal direction between the top and bottom ends. The arbor apparatus can also include a gate mechanism. The arbor apparatus can be implemented as a retrofit to existing manual counterweight rigging systems. |
| US08814118B2 |
Holding device of cylindrical body and microphone holder
A microphone holder is provided that allows a microphone to be attached and detached by a one-touch operation and to be securely held. A first and a second magnet 77a and 72b are provided at positions where a holding frame 5 and a clamp arm 6 overlap with each other such that different poles are opposed to each other. The magnets are magnetically attached to each other to lock the movement. |
| US08814116B2 |
Navigation assembly, a foldable mount and a navigation assembly including such a mount
A portable navigation assembly is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the portable navigation assembly includes a portable navigation device including a housing, the housing including a speaker port defined by a speaker port periphery; and a mount including a connector arm. In at least one embodiment, the connector arm is adapted to be connected to the portable navigation device around at least a portion of the speaker port periphery without covering at least a portion of the speaker port. |
| US08814115B2 |
Mounting system for flat panel display
A mounting system for adjustably mounting a flat panel display to a support medium. The system consists of a frame assembly that can be attached to a support medium. One or more adjustable mounts are attached to the frame assembly, and a flat panel display is attached to the adjustable mounts. Each adjustable mount can extend from a retracted position to an extended position in order to tilt the flat panel display and provide an optimum viewing angle to a viewer. As the adjustable mount extends, the center of gravity of the attached flat panel display moves in approximately a horizontal plane, enabling the display to be tilted by a user with a minimum amount of applied force. In some embodiments, a friction assembly is provided to maintain the selected position of each adjustable mount. |
| US08814114B2 |
Tension window rods
A window rod assembly includes two support arm assemblies each including a bracket, a support arm having a first end rigidly connected to the bracket, and a tube rigidly connected to a second end of the support arm; a curtain rod including a first rod section and a second rod section configured in a telescoping arrangement and sized to fit into the tubes of the support arm assemblies; a locking mechanism for securing the relative axial position of the first rod section with respect to the second rod section; and a force adjusting mechanism mounted on at least one of the support arm assemblies and configured to apply an inward force to the curtain rod at a location within the first tube and an outward force to the support arm assemblies to force the brackets into support surfaces of a window opening or window casing. |
| US08814112B2 |
Article support device comprising a rotatable connection
Herein is disclosed an article support device capable of being attached to a mounting surface using a stretch-releasable adhesive tape, the device comprising a base and a support body that is rotatably and non-detachably connected to the base, wherein the support body is rotatable relative to the base, between a first position in which the base and the stretch-releasable adhesive tape are hidden, and at least one second position in which at least a portion of a pull tab of the stretch-releasable adhesive tape is visible. |
| US08814107B2 |
Fastening device, medical instrument and instrument system with such a fastening device
A fastening device (3) for detachably fastening a medical instrument (2A-2E) to a holding structure (1) includes two crossbeams (4A, 4B), two longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) with a claw (6) for extending behind a holding surface (1A) of the holding structure. A guide (7-9) is provided, by which the crossbeams (4A, 4B) are moved in the direction of the claws (6) of the longitudinal beams during a motion of the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another. A clamping structure (12) is provided for moving the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another. |
| US08814105B2 |
Apparatus for hanging an article
A picture-hanging device for hanging an object such as a picture or mirror that allows a picture to be adjusted vertically after securing the picture-hanging device to a wall. The device has an elongated adjustment member, an adjustable locking head that slideably engages with the elongated adjustment member, and a cable secured to either the elongated adjustment member or the adjustable locking head. The cable secures the picture to a picture-hanging device, and the height of the picture can be adjusted relative to the position of the picture-hanging device even after the picture-hanging device has been secured to a wall. This adjustable picture-hanging device allows the user to fine tune the placement of a picture without having worry about the precise placement of the picture-hanging device, or studs in a wall. The device also prevents unnecessarily drilling new holes in a wall. |
| US08814103B2 |
Position control system for cross coupled operation of fly-by-wire control columns
A aircraft control system is provided that provides tactile feedback between control columns of the aircraft relating to discrepancies in the control inputs to the sticks of the respective control columns. In one implementation, the sticks each have an associated feedback assembly that is adjustable relative to mechanical ground to adjust the feedback profile applied to the corresponding stick. The position of each feedback assembly is adjusted based on a relative displacement between the other feedback assembly and its corresponding stick to provide active feedback relating to the control of the other control column. |
| US08814100B2 |
Continuous moldline technology (CMT) elastomeric control surface
A continuous moldline technology elastomeric control surface and methods are presented. A control surface is coupled to a fluid-dynamic body. An elastomer interface is coupled to the control surface and the fluid-dynamic body such that a joint gap caused by movement of the control surface relative to the fluid-dynamic body is filled. |
| US08814097B2 |
Mounting set, system and method
A mounting set for use in mounting an external stores to a mounting station of an aerospace vehicle includes a mounting bracket arrangement and a strap arrangement. The bracket arrangement is configured for selective reversible engagement with respect to the mounting station and for cooperating with the strap arrangement. The strap arrangement is configured for securing the bracket arrangement to the stores in load bearing abutment therewith to enable transfer of loads between the stores and the mounting station via said bracket arrangement, in operation of said mounting set. A mounting system is also provided for mounting an external stores to an aerospace vehicle having two or more mounting stations, including a mounting set for each mounting station. Mounting methods are also provided. |
| US08814093B2 |
Covering device for an interior of an aircraft and a method for covering an interior of an aircraft
A cladding apparatus is provided for the interior of an aircraft that includes, but is not limited to at least one two-dimensional fabric sheet, at least one guide device, and at least one tensioning element. The guide device is configured to be attached in the interior along a direction of extension of the interior, and slidably guide the fabric sheet at least in a first section of the interior along the direction of extension. The tensioning element is, furthermore, configured to be attached in the interior, and by producing a tensile force that acts on the front edge and/or the rear edge of the fabric sheet to stretch taut the fabric sheet along the direction of extension of the interior. |
| US08814091B2 |
Floor made out of composite material and process for manufacturing such a floor
A floor can be attached to a vertical frame structure of a vehicle and includes a horizontal boxed structure having a plurality of boxes positioned side by side to form a continuous, uniform upper surface and lower surface, with the upper surface covered with an upper skin and the lower surface covered with a lower skin and means of attachment to attach the boxed structure laterally to the frame structure. |
| US08814089B2 |
Aircraft class divider
Disclosed herein is a divider utilized to provide part of a visual separation between sections of a passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft, the divider comprising several components. One component is a support arm fixedly connected to the frame of an aircraft above a passenger seat. Another component may be a curtain attached to a lower edge of the support arm and projecting vertically below the support arm. Yet another component may be a rigid view block adjacent the face of the luggage stowage compartment and configured to move therewith such that the view block is adjacent the face of the luggage stowage compartment while the luggage stowage compartment is in a closed position, and repositions with the face of the luggage stowage compartment when the compartment is opened. |
| US08814087B2 |
Interface system for use in an aircraft galley
An interface system for use in an aircraft galley includes a first connection element. The first connection element can be connected via a first appliance connection apparatus to an internal electrical system, an internal fresh water supply system, and an internal wastewater disposal system of a first galley appliance, and can be connected via a second appliance connection apparatus to an internal electrical system, an internal fresh water supply system, and an internal wastewater disposal system of a second galley appliance. Further, the first connection element can be connected via an aircraft galley connection apparatus to a complementary aircraft galley connection apparatus of a second connection element of the interface system. The second connection element can be fixed in a compartment in the aircraft galley, so as to connect the first connection element to an electrical system, a freshwater supply system and a wastewater disposal system. |
| US08814083B2 |
Aircraft provided with a tail plane including means for combating flutter
An aircraft (1) provided with a tail boom (4) including a tail plane (100) provided with an airfoil surface (5), the airfoil surface (5) being provided with at least one stabilizer portion (11, 12) extending laterally outside the tail boom (4) and with a central portion (13) extending inside the tail boom (4), said stabilizer portion (11, 12) being implanted in an orifice (6, 7) of the tail boom (4) that is defined by a peripheral wall (6′, 7′), clearance (21, 22) existing between said stabilizer portion (11, 12) and said peripheral wall (6, 7). The aircraft includes combating means (30) for combating the flutter phenomenon, which means are provided with stiffener means (31, 32) exerting predetermined compressive stress on said stabilizer portion (11, 12), said stiffener means (31, 32) being arranged at the root of the stabilizer portion (11, 12). |
| US08814075B1 |
Modular system and method for deployment and retrieval of large diameter hoses
A hose deployment and retrieval system is described that includes a modular reel assembly. The modular reel assembly includes a reel having a hub around which a hose may be wound and a wheel assembly on either side of the hub and spaced to accept the hose there between. The reel assembly also includes an axle in the center of the hub around which the hub can spin and a base holding the axle. A deployment fork assembly includes a reel assembly mount for engaging with the modular reel assembly and a drive mechanism to spin the reel when the deployment fork assembly is engaged with the modular reel assembly, wherein the deployment fork assembly is adapted to mount to a vehicle. |
| US08814073B2 |
Tooth construction
A tooth construction for a mineral breaker, the tooth construction including a tooth shaped support body covered by a shell on which is mounted a breaking tip formation to define the outer shape of the tooth construction; the support body having a front face, an opposed rear face, and a pair of opposed side faces extending therebetween; the shell being composed of a cover formation defining a front wall, opposed side walls, and a top wall overlying and seated in face to face contact with respective front, side and top faces of the support body; the breaking tip formation comprising a pick formation presenting a rear surface in face to face contact with and secured upon the front wall of the cover so as to project forwardly therefrom and a top formation extending rearwardly of the pick formation and presenting a lower surface in face to face contact with and secured upon the top wall of the cover. |
| US08814072B2 |
User-controlled adjustment mechanism for a food processing device
A food processor includes a base and a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly driven by a motor. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. The food processor includes an adjustment assembly that is operable to adjust the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly while the cutting assembly is driven by the motor. |
| US08814067B2 |
Optimized air delivery apparatus
An apparatus that uses an optimized body design incorporating one or more interchangeable nozzle inserts with a wide array of discharge orifice sizes, configurations and spacings to efficiently and effectively deliver a pressurized, high velocity, laminar flow air stream to dry, cool, or clean objects that are either stationary or moving transversely through the optimized air stream developed by the apparatus, all while minimizing the operational downtime required to implement the interchangeable nozzle insert modifications to the apparatus. |
| US08814066B2 |
Grip structure of water sprayer
A grip structure of water sprayer comprises a sprayer body, a grip body is extended downward from one end of the sprayer body, a front surface of the grip body is covered with a front grip fitting portion, a fixing structure is disposed on a back surface of the grip body, a back grip fitting portion is fitted on the back surface of the grip body. The back grip fitting portion has a fitting structure to be fitted and engaged with the fixing structure, so that the back grip fitting portion is fitted on the grip body. Accordingly, the back grip fitting portion of the present invention can be dismounted and replaced at will which is convenient for maintenance and usage. |
| US08814065B2 |
Nozzle unit for applying damping material, and damping material application apparatus
A nozzle unit for applying damping material onto a work piece includes a nozzle that has a slit-like discharge port and that discharges the damping material from the discharge port; a motor that is fixed to the nozzle; and a slit width changing device that changes the slit width of the discharge port using rotation of the motor. |
| US08814063B1 |
System, components and method for hydrating and cooling a cyclist
A new and useful system, method and components are provided, for hydrating and cooling a cyclist, in a manner that is efficient and effective, and in a manner that minimizes disruption of the cyclists attention to his/her riding. The components and system include a liquid container connected to a portion of a cycle and hydrating and actuating components that use the liquid (preferably water) in the liquid container. The liquid container has a body of liquid and the hydrating and actuating components include a drinking straw extending into the body of liquid, a spray device having a tube extending into the container with a spray head located outside the container, and an actuator mechanism comprising a pumping component in fluid communication with the liquid in the container and a hand actuated trigger mechanism located to be accessible to the hand of a cyclist. The pumping mechanism is actuated by the hand actuated trigger to draw liquid from the container to the pump and to pump the liquid to the spray head where it is sprayed on the cyclist. |
| US08814057B2 |
Minimizing flow disturbances in fluidic cells utilizing soft seals
Devices comprising multi-compartment fluidic cell with multiple inlets. Compartments can be separated from one another using soft seals. The main cell can be located between two adjacent secondary cells. The main cell carries the main flow while the secondary cells can carry either the main flow or any auxiliary flows. The flow in the multi-compartment cells minimizes fluid leakage and causes reduced pressure difference between the main cell and the two secondary cells especially under similar flow conditions. |
| US08814054B2 |
Inclusion of chip elements in a sheathed wire
A method for forming a sheathed wire includes the steps of: axially advancing a core through a sheathing zone; wrapping a sheathing fiber around the core in the sheathing zone; and providing, in the sheathing zone, a series of microelectronic chip elements each provided with a wire section, in such a way that the sheathing fiber that wraps around the core also wraps around a chip element and the wire section thereof to form a sheathed wire incorporating spaced-apart chip elements. |
| US08814052B2 |
Secure smart card system
A smart card usable in magnetic stripe swipe transactions with a transaction terminal configured to read transaction information encoded on a magnetic stripe of a standard transaction card includes a card body, which includes a magnetic stripe emulator for use with the transaction terminal, a smart card chip programmed with at least one transaction application for providing secured data for use in a transaction and dynamic card verification data, a power supply, and a card controller in communication with the magnetic stripe emulator. The card controller is configured to receive the dynamic card verification data and control the magnetic stripe emulator to emit a magnetic field encoded with at least a portion of the secured data and the dynamic card verification data. |
| US08814050B1 |
Advanced payment options for powered cards and devices
Advanced payment applications are provided to improve the functionality of cards and devices. For example, a user interface may be placed on a card (e.g., a physical button) or a telephonic device (e.g., a virtual button on a capacitive touch screen). Manual input provided to this user interface may, for example, cause an item purchased on credit to be paid via one or more user accounts (e.g., bank accounts) as soon as the next credit statement posts or becomes due. A user may decide to pay for an item when the next statement becomes due at a point-of-sale magnetic stripe reader by using an interface on a card to cause information to be communicated through the infrastructure indicative of a user's desire to pay the for an item when the next statement becomes due. |
| US08814044B2 |
Intellectual material object management method and system
An intellectual material object management method includes: an RF scanning device scans a carrier tag of a replenishment carrier and a shelf tag of at least one present supplying shelf among stock shelves of a warehouse to assist for putting the replenishment carrier on a target shelf for the replenishment carrier. An MO picking list for obtaining information of at least one selected MO is received. The RF scanning device scans an MO tag of a present picking MO on a present picking shelf among the stock shelves and a list tag of the MO picking list to assist for obtaining the selected MO from the stock shelves of the warehouse. A remaining amount of remaining MOs is counted. An amount tag for the remaining MOs is printed according to the remaining amount of the remaining MOs for sticking on a remaining MO carrier for loading the remaining MOs. |
| US08814041B2 |
Automatic financial automation equipment and control method thereof
An automatic teller machine (ATM) and a control method for the same are provided. According to the ATM and the control method, stacking of paper mediums being transferred to a stacking space of a carriage may be guided by a medium guide provided to the carriage. Position of the medium guide may be adjusted by a guide adjustment device corresponding to various types of the paper mediums. |
| US08814038B1 |
Identification code based information system
A system for providing information associated with an identification code to an operator of a machine is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals indicative of a parameter associated with an operation of the machine. The system also includes a display unit. The system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors and the display unit. The controller is configured to receive the signals indicative of the parameter associated with the operation of the machine. The controller then determines an operation mode of the machine based on the received signals and identifies the identification code based on the determined operation mode. The controller further displays the identification code based on the determined operation mode on the display unit. |
| US08814036B2 |
Chip card with at least one application
The invention relates to a chip card with at least one application for which an implementation (4) and an entry (5) referring to the implementation (4) are present on the chip card (1). The inventive chip card is characterized in that a plurality of entries (5) referring to the same implementation (4) are present. |
| US08814034B2 |
Collapsible paperboard container and a blank for constructing the same
A collapsible paperboard container and a blank for constructing the same. The container has a bottom wall with a peripheral wall extending upwardly therefrom. A plurality of score lines are provided in the peripheral wall which facilitate movement of this wall from an expanded position to a collapsed position in response to a manual force being applied thereto to cause a first portion of the wall to move toward a second portion thereof. Visual indicators are provided on the container to identify to the consumer where and how to apply manual force to the peripheral wall. |
| US08814033B2 |
Triangular vented tray
A package for holding a food product. The package comprises a tray comprising a plurality of tray panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the tray. The plurality of tray panels comprise a tray central panel and at least one tray side panel foldably connected to the tray central panel. The package also comprises a lid comprising a plurality of lid panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the lid. The plurality of lid panels comprise a lid central panel and at least one lid side panel foldably connected to the lid central panel. The lid cooperates with the tray to at least partially close the package when the package is configured in a closed position and a venting position. Venting features are operable to vent the package when the package is configured in the venting position. |
| US08814032B2 |
Lunch box
A lunch box includes a main body having a bottom portion, two side portions, a front portion and a back portion to define a receiving space, and a cover that covers upper portion of the main body extending from the back portion. Two side portions extend from bottom part of the junction of the front portion and back portion to form first shaping lines, and a retracting portion is formed between two side portions and two first shaping lines, and an expanding portion is formed at the junction of first shaping lines and the front portion. When the cover is bended down to cover the main body, the front portion is restored when the retracting portion rebounds, and the expanding portion is outwardly against the junction of the front cover and side covers to form a restricting position, so the box can be closed securely without external securing components. |
| US08814030B2 |
Improvements of long term bondline reliability of power electronics operating at high temperatures
Alloy formation systems and methods and a mechanism, strategy and design for power electronics having high operating temperatures. The system creates a bondline targeted for performance in power electronics. The system provides for sequential alloy growth in high temperature operating power electronics. The system is at least applicable to wafer-to-wafer, die-to-wafer, die-to-substrate, or die-to-die bonding. |
| US08814027B2 |
Rotation tool for joining inner corner and joining inner corner method using the same
The present invention provides an economic rotation tool for joining a pair of metal members which form an inner corner by abutting the pair of metal members (1) each other, and a joining inner corner method using the same. The rotation tool for joining the pair of metal members which form an inner corner (1) by abutting the pair of metal members each other to perform friction stir welding on an inner corner portion formed by abutting a pair of metal members against each other comprising: a stirring pin (3) to be inserted into the inner corner portion; and a base block (2) supporting the stirring pin (3) and to be brought into contact with one and the other of the pair of metal members respectively, wherein the base block (2) includes: a body portion (4) having a taper shape; and a shoulder portion (5) formed detachably at a tip of the body portion, and the body portion (4) and the shoulder portion (5) are penetrated by the stirring pin (3). |
| US08814026B2 |
Friction stir welding apparatus
A friction stir welding includes a main body for holding a tool and a hot air and cool air separating unit. The separating unit is disposed at the main body and separates a supplied gas into hot air hotter than the gas and cool air cooler than the gas in a tube portion and ejects the cool air from a first end of the tube portion and ejects hot air from a second end of the tube portion. The hot air is supplied to a front side of a movement direction of the tool in the surface of the work piece from a tool side of the friction stir welding apparatus and the cool air is supplied to a rear side of the movement direction of the tool in the surface of the work piece from the tool side of the friction stir welding apparatus. |
| US08814019B2 |
Reconfigurable electrical wired cumberbund
An interchangeable cumberbund with integrated wiring to allow for connecting a variety of electronic devices for an intended purpose or mission and exchanging a configured garment for another. The reconfigurable cumberbund allows for multiple quick-disconnect cable harnesses to be weaved into the cumberbund which enables rapid and convenient removal of hardware that incorporates all I/O to a computer. The reconfigurable cumberbund connected to a wearable tactical vest containing a mobile ultra-rugged personal computer is the essential combination that allows hands-free use by the user. |
| US08814014B2 |
Device for mounting attachment externally supporting against body outer panel of vehicle body on body structure
A vehicle article carrier system for clamping a roof rail to a roof of a vehicle. The system enables a variation in the spacing between an outer layer of the roof and an underlying roof structure to be taken up when clamping a roof rail to the vehicle roof without causing deformation of the outer layer of the vehicle roof. |
| US08814012B2 |
Material spreader for use with an excavator
The present disclosure includes a material spreader mounted to a boom of an excavator for spreading bulk material over an area of interest. The material spreader includes a motor-controlled feeder for metering out the bulk material at a controlled rate. The material spreader further includes a mounting bracket configured to mount to a universal mounting portion of the boom. |
| US08814008B2 |
Seal assembly for a pressurised container
A seal assembly for a pressurised container 2 comprising a first seal portion 16 and a second seal portion 18. The first seal portion 16 is adapted to form a seal with an output section 14 of the pressurised container 2 and an end face 26 thereof, and the second seal portion 18 is adapted to form a seal with a side wall 28 of the output section 14. |
| US08814006B2 |
System and method for flavoring food
A system and method of flavoring food includes a metering tray coupled to a frame. The metering tray may be configured to hold a food flavoring. A metering roller also may be coupled to the frame. An exterior axial surface of the metering roller may define a plurality of indentations, which may be configured to capture the food flavoring as the metering roller rotates. The system may also include a metering blade and a displacement; each may be coupled to the frame. The metering blade may be configured to level the food flavoring as the food flavoring is dispensed by the plurality of indentations of the metering roller as the metering roller rotates. The displacement blade may have a plurality of teeth that are configured to correspond to the plurality of indentations. The teeth may be configured to positively displace the food flavoring as the metering roller rotates. |
| US08814002B2 |
Delivery system
A delivery system for dispensing at least two products wherein the delivery system selectively dispenses one of products using a single actuator having two directions of rotation on a single axis of rotation. The delivery system of the invention is economical in manufacturing and has a lesser cycle time during manufacturing. |
| US08813998B2 |
Dispensers for sanitary tissue products
A dispenser for sanitary tissue products is provided. The dispenser comprises a housing defining a cavity configured to receive sanitary tissue products therein and an opening defined in the housing. The sanitary tissue products within the cavity are configured to be dispensed through the opening. The opening is defined by a first portion having a first width, a second portion having a second width, and a third portion having a third width. The third portion extends between the first portion and the second portion. The first width and the second width are both larger than the third width. |
| US08813997B2 |
Apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles
An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles includes a housing, a drive mechanism and a sensor system. The housing defines a dispensing passage having a dispensing inlet and a dispensing outlet downstream of the dispensing inlet. The drive mechanism serves to force the articles along a path through the dispensing passage between the dispensing inlet and the dispensing outlet. The sensor system includes first and second sensors operative to detect articles passing through the dispensing passage and a controller to receive and use detection signals from the first and second sensors to monitor dispensing performance of the apparatus. The first and second sensors are spaced apart along the dispensing channel such that the second sensor is located downstream of the first sensor. |
| US08813995B2 |
Refrigerator and refrigerator door
Provided is a refrigerator and a refrigerator door. The refrigerator includes a main body configured to form a storage space, a door configured to selectively open and close the storage space, handle fixing parts coupled to the door and protruding from the door, a door handle disposed at the door and configured to be grasped by a user for opening and closing the door, holders disposed at both sides of the door handle for receiving the handle fixing parts, and a detachment preventing part. The detachment preventing part is coupled to a side of the holder at an acute angle with a front surface of the door and is configured to be locked by the handle fixing part for fixing the door handle. The door handle can be attached to the door more easily and firmly. |
| US08813991B1 |
Container cover
A container cover includes a cover plate, an annular frame and an annular gasket. The frame includes an annular surrounding wall and an annular flange. The surrounding wall extends substantially in a vertical direction, and is disposed outwardly of the cover plate to surround the cover plate. The surrounding wall cooperates with a peripheral surface of the cover plate to define a gap therebetween. The flange extends integrally and inwardly from the surrounding wall to contact an upper surface of the cover plate and to seal off one end of the gap. The gasket is disposed between the surrounding wall and the peripheral surface of the cover plate to fill the gap. The cover plate, the frame and the gasket are molded as one piece. |
| US08813990B1 |
Container for transporting hazardous material
A cargo container and method for transporting hazardous material includes a housing, a frame, and a lid, or, alternatively a door. The frame and housing define an opening and an interior storage space for containing the hazardous material. The lid or door is operatively connected to the frame and covers the opening for inhibiting access to the interior storage space. A first gasket fluidly seals the lid or door for inhibiting hazardous material from moving from the interior storage space to an outer environment. Additionally, the cargo container may include a second gasket, a seal arrangement, and/or a tortuous path for deflecting airborne hazardous materials from the first gasket and further inhibiting hazardous material from moving from the interior storage space to the outer environment. |
| US08813986B2 |
Touchless auto-drop sharps container
A closure for a waste receptacle is provided. The closure comprises a moveable component mounted to the closure for movement between a closed position, wherein the moveable component prohibits waste from entering the waste receptacle and an open position wherein the moveable component facilitates the entry of waste into the waste receptacle. A motor is coupled to the moveable component and configured to move the moveable component between the open position and the closed position. A sensor is adapted to transmit a signal when waste is proximal or contacting the closure, wherein the sensor communicates with the motor to move the moveable component between the open position and the closed position to deposit the waste into the waste receptacle. |
| US08813982B2 |
Cap for a container
A cap resistant to impact forces and providing a leak-tight fitting to a container while allowing simple and quick release. |
| US08813980B1 |
Twin beam shelf
A twin beam shelf including a wood grain support structure defining a first major surface, a second major surface and longitudinally spaced front and rear edges with a rabbet extending along the front and rear edges. The front and rear wood grain beams are configured and arranged for cooperatively engaging the front and rear edges of the support structure to form a flush adhesive joint. The front and rear wood grain beams either extend laterally beyond the second major surface of the support structure or are flush with both surfaces of the support structure. |
| US08813970B2 |
Filter screen with tension element
A filter screen including a frame having an upstream surface, a downstream surface opposite the upstream surface, a perimeter grating element, and a plurality of inner grating elements extending within the perimeter grating element and forming at least one opening extending from the upstream surface to the downstream surface; a filter element disposed on the upstream surface; and a tension element disposed on the downstream surface. A method of manufacturing a filter screen, the method including forming a frame having an upstream surface, a downstream surface opposite the upstream surface, a perimeter grating element, and a plurality of inner grating elements extending within the perimeter grating element and forming at least one opening extending from the upstream surface to the downstream surface; attaching a filter element to the upstream surface; and attaching a tension element to the downstream surface. |
| US08813965B2 |
Carton, blank and method of packaging
A carton (10) is formed from a unitary blank of material folded to produce a hollow walled structure for encircling a main product (11). The blank is also folded to produce at least one internal divider (35) which forms a support for holding the main product (11) in position in the structure and to define within the hollow walled structure an internal volume (36) for retaining a secondary item (37). The internal divider (35) may extend transversely or longitudinally. Where the internal divider is aligned longitudinally of the housing, it may be parallel to a side wall of the carton or it may extend across a corner between two side walls. The internal divider may be provided by a pair of kick-ins. The carton (10) may be an Easter egg carton. Methods of forming and filling the carton are also described. |
| US08813961B2 |
Automatically retracting cushioning device
An automatically retracting cushioning device includes a first air cylinder sheet, comprising a plurality of first air cylinders; a second cylinder sheet, in air communication with the first cylinder sheet, and comprising a plurality of second air cylinders; and a third air cylinder sheet, in air communication with the second air cylinder sheet, and comprising: a plurality of third air cylinders; and a plurality of retractable blocks, positioned on one end of the plurality of third air cylinders, and retracting the plurality of third air cylinders; wherein the third air cylinder sheet and the second air cylinder sheet are bent toward the first air cylinder sheet, allowing the third air cylinder sheet and the first air cylinder sheet to be approximately perpendicular to the second air cylinder sheet, thereby clamping an article. |
| US08813960B2 |
Latch system for containers
A latch system for stacked containers includes a plurality of bosses and a latch mechanism. The bosses are coupled to each of the stack containers and may include a pivot boss, a storage boss and a latch boss. The latch mechanism includes a pivot end portion, a flexible mid portion and a latch end portion. The pivot end portion is placed onto the pivot boss to allow rotation of the latch mechanism there about. In one embodiment, the pivot end portion includes a rounded inner diameter to permit both in-plane and out-of-plane rotation of the latch mechanism relative to the container. The latch end portion biasly engages either the storage boss of the same container or the latch boss of another container. |
| US08813958B2 |
Package box of liquid crystal glass
The present invention provides a liquid crystal glass package box, which includes a box body, a plurality of mounting sections mounted inside the box body, and cushioning devices respectively mounted to the mounting sections. The cushioning devices each include a cushioning section and a receiving section connected to the cushioning section. The cushioning section includes an air pocket. The receiving section forms a receiving channel corresponding to the respective mounting section in order to mount the cushioning device in the box body. The liquid crystal glass package box provided by the present invention uses an air pocket to serve as a cushioning section mounted inside the box body to provide effective cushioning to liquid crystal glass for protecting the liquid crystal glass from damage during shipping. The raw material used is economic so as to effectively lower down the material cost. The structure is simple and is easy to manufacture. |
| US08813954B2 |
Fluid displacement tissue container for molecular and histology diagnostics
A container for storing a biological sample for molecular diagnostic testing and/or histological testing is provided. The container includes a first chamber for receiving a sample holder therein, a second chamber, and a closure for enclosing the container. A transitional barrier, such as a valve, is in fluid communication between the two chambers. The transitional barrier is transitional between a first position in which the first chamber is in fluid isolation from the second chamber, and a second position in which fluid can pass from at least one of the first and second chambers to the other of the first and second chambers. |
| US08813952B2 |
Container limiting drying of paint
A container for holding an item having un-dried, oil-based paint thereon. A box has a removable lid with an outlet hole. The lid extends horizontally across and then upwardly on the container defining a first area to hold the item and a second area to hold a container of material when activated by a liquid to give off a gas heavier than oxygen. The oxygen is forced through the outlet hole limiting drying of paint on the item. |
| US08813947B1 |
Wood veneer diverter and processing system
A wood veneer diverter system comprises a plurality of veneer diverters operable to divert veneer downwardly and away from a belt based on the category or grade of the veneer. These veneer diverters are desirably rotated so that they pass through a veneer flow path in the direction of veneer flow. The veneer diverters may be configured to enhance their effectiveness in diverting veneer away from belts that move the veneer. |
| US08813946B2 |
Conveyors
Elongate packs of circular biscuits are fed at high speed from a wrapping output conveyor to a transverse indexing conveyor. The indexing conveyor has a series of compartments with inclined sides, each compartment receiving a pair of packs end to end. The conveyor indexes each time that it receives a pair of packs, the compartments holding the packs against movement longitudinally of the conveyor. The packs are removed in groups from the indexing conveyor and urged together on a tray of adjustable dimension. Orientation of the packs is maintained, for consistent presentation of printing ABCD. |
| US08813941B2 |
Workpiece support systems and related machines
In some aspects, a workpiece processing installation includes an operating area, an operating pallet able to be moved along a transport direction between a position within the operating area and a position outside the operating area, the operating pallet being configured to support a workpiece, and a pallet support that is configured to be transferred from a first position, in which the pallet support defines a storage area for the storage of the operating pallet outside the operating area, to a second position in which the pallet support protrudes away from the operating area in the transport direction to a lesser extent than it does in the first position. Transferring the pallet support from the first position to the second position includes moving at least a portion of the pallet support towards the operating area which results in the storage area defined by the pallet support becoming smaller. |
| US08813938B2 |
Device for taking back empty containers, in particular plastic bottles and metal cans
Device for taking back empty containers, in particular plastic bottles and metal cans, with a housing which has apparatuses for processing inserted empty containers, an intake chute accessible from the outside that receives empty containers as bulk material and a bottom sloping downward in direction of intake chute. Device is provided that prevents or impedes insertion of excessively large objects into device. Device provides almost unimpeded insertion of empty containers as bulk material into intake chute, and simultaneously prevents that excessively large objects can enter into the device. The bottom of intake chute has a plurality of grooves arranged side by side and running in the intake direction, the grooves flowing into a passage opening leading to the device and whose cross-section is dimensioned in such a manner that empty containers aligned longitudinally in the intake direction can pass unimpeded through the grooves. |
| US08813937B2 |
Clutch pack travel compensator for reduced drag
A clutch control assembly for a transmission, including a piston plate including a first side having a first circumferentially aligned and axially extending ramp, and a second side. The assembly includes an adjustment ring in contact with the first ramp, and at least one rotary piston with a first end fixed to the adjustment ring. In response to a first force applied to the second radially disposed side and the at least one rotary piston, the at least one rotary piston is displaceable to urge the adjustment ring in a first circumferential direction along the first ramp such that the adjustment rings displaces in a first axial direction away from the piston plate. |
| US08813936B2 |
Force transmitting assembly
A force transmitting assembly 20 transmits force to engage and disengage a driven shaft 28. When the force transmitting assembly 20 is engaged, front and rear annular pressure plates 32, 34 frictionally retain a rotor 36 fixedly mounted on the shaft 28 and stops rotation of the shaft 28. The force transmitting assembly 20 maximizes torque and minimizes inertia by providing friction surfaces with friction material substantially engaging the entire working surface of the rotor 36. The force transmitting assembly includes an axially moveable housing 22 attached directly to a mounting flange 24. |
| US08813935B2 |
Launch / disconnect clutch for P2 hybrid powertrain
A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics. |
| US08813933B2 |
Cast-in spline sleeve for clutch hub
A composite, i.e., two element, two material clutch hub includes an inner sleeve of a heavy, high strength material to and about which is cast an outer element of a lighter, lower strength material. The sleeve typically includes a splined opening that is received on one or two complementarily splined shafts and a plurality of radially oriented pins or lugs or a discontinuous flange about which the outer element is cast. The outer element is splined to the friction plate of a clutch or other component. The high strength material is preferably, though not necessarily, steel and the lighter material is preferably, though not necessarily, an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the sleeve may be a high strength aluminum alloy such as a metal matrix composite (MMC) and the outer element may be a lower strength, different aluminum alloy. |
| US08813927B2 |
Hydraulic pressure control system for torque converter
A hydraulic pressure control system for a torque converter includes a lock-up clutch operated according to pressure difference between an engagement and disengagement side oil chambers, a first hydraulic line communicated with the disengagement side oil chamber, second and third hydraulic lines communicated with the engagement side oil chamber, and a lock-up switch valve and a torque converter hydraulic pressure control valve that generate pressure difference between the second and the third hydraulic line communicated so that fluid within the engagement side oil chamber is circulated in lock-up on state of the lock-up clutch, and the lock-up switch valve and the torque converter hydraulic pressure control valve generate pressure difference between the second and the third hydraulic line in slip state of the lock-up clutch higher than the pressure difference between the second and the third hydraulic line in the lock-up on state of the lock-up clutch. |
| US08813925B2 |
Hydropneumatic suspension unit
A hydropneumatic suspension unit for a vehicle that includes an outer sleeve which defines a first chamber, and a damping piston which is arranged for sliding displacement in the first chamber. The first chamber contains gas mainly for providing spring action and liquid mainly for providing damping action. The gas is in direct contact with the liquid. |
| US08813922B2 |
Front fork
A front fork includes a body side tube, an axle side tube, a damper, a reservoir, a damping force adjusting flow passage, and a solenoid valve including a spool housing portion provided at an intermediate position of the damping force adjusting flow passage, a spool valve inserted into the spool housing portion movably in an axial direction, and a solenoid that drives the spool valve in an axial direction, and configured to adjust a flow passage area of the damping force adjusting flow passage. Pressure receiving areas on opposite axial sides of the spool valve on which a pressure in an upstream side of the damping force adjusting flow passage acts are made equal. An upper arrangement passage which is arranged at least higher than the upper end of the spool housing portion is provided in a downstream side of the damping force adjusting flow passage. |
| US08813919B2 |
Elevator safety system preventing collision of cars
An elevator installation includes a first elevator car and a second elevator car, each having a respective braking device, and a safety system that monitors the elevator cars. The safety system has for each braking device a braking force regulating device for regulating a braking force of the respective braking device. The safety system activates at least one of the braking devices by the associated braking force regulating device in order to prevent collision of the first elevator car with the second elevator car. |
| US08813917B2 |
Method and system for limiting access rights within a building
The present invention presents a solution for limiting access rights in a building, which building contains a conveying system, an access control system connected to the conveying system, which access control system comprises at least one short-range identification point and at least one long-range identification point and in which access control system passengers have a personal terminal device for giving service requests to the conveying system. A terminal device is taken into the operating area of a short-range identification point, the access rights connected to the service requests of the terminal device are activated, the terminal device is taken into the operating area of a long-range identification point and a service request generated with the terminal device is transmitted to the conveying system, if the access right connected to the service request is valid on the basis of the activation. |
| US08813916B2 |
Underground enclosure system for storing components, cables, and the like
A pressurized underground enclosure includes a battery venting system having a battery within a battery box in a sealed enclosure. A first pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and an ambient atmosphere and includes a vacuum generator for reducing a pressure in the battery box. A second pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and the ambient atmosphere and includes a one-way valve permitting airflow to the battery box and precluding airflow from the battery box to the ambient atmosphere. The enclosure includes a scissors lift including scissor linkage units having arms pivotally connected at terminal ends and at central positions. The scissor linkage units are moveable from a retracted to an extended position by pneumatic cylinders. The internal pressurization of the enclosure is selectively released and locking mechanisms are retracted before a rack of the scissors lift is extended through an opening of the enclosure. |
| US08813913B2 |
Emergency access apparatus and method
Emergency access apparatus including a ladder and at least one multi-functional emergency access module mounted on the ladder, the at least one multi-functional emergency access module including window glass shattering functionality and window frame engagement functionality. |
| US08813910B2 |
Operator cage with enhanced operator safety
An operator cage (6) for a machine such as a mobile elevating work platform comprises a base unit (22) and a fence assembly (25), a control console (32) and a load sensor (46) that is constructed and arranged to sense an external load applied to the console. The console (32) is mounted for pivoting movement and the load sensor (46) is constructed and arranged to detect movement of the console from an unloaded condition to a loaded condition. |
| US08813909B2 |
Control system of an operator cage with enhanced safety
A control system for a machine having an elevating operator cage, includes a control device (102), an input for activation signals (106), an input for control signals (108), an input for load signals (112) and an output for drive control signals (114), wherein the control device (102) is constructed and arranged to issue a stop drive control signal upon receiving a load signal, and to issue an override signal that overrides the stop drive control signal upon receiving an override input signal. |
| US08813908B1 |
HVAC blower with noise suppression features
A blower for an HVAC system of a motor vehicle. A fan is supplied with airflow by a duct having a bend adjacent to the fan that causes a low-pressure region at a face of the fan. A baffle is located immediately adjacent to the fan face and collocated with at least a portion of the low-pressure region to impede airflow through the face of the fan at that location. The baffle acts to reduce unwanted low frequency noise and improves the mechanical efficiency of the fan. The baffle covers a circular segment of the fan face and may have sound-suppressing features, such as ridges formed on at least one surfaces. |
| US08813907B2 |
Noise reduction system with chamber
A noise reduction system with a chamber includes a chamber (17) which is provided at a portion of a supply path connecting a flow path in an upstream side of a combustor in a jet engine to a plurality of microjet nozzles which is provided at an exhaust side peripheral edge of a main nozzle of the jet engine, wherein the supply path is configured to supply part of compressed air from the flow path into the chamber (17), and the chamber (17) is configured to inject the compressed air through the plurality of the microjet nozzles (63) to a jet flow. |
| US08813905B2 |
Rotating electrical machine control device and steering control system
A rotating electrical machine control device includes a target current value calculation section, a PWM signal generation section, a voltage application section, and a control section. The target current value calculation section calculates target current values of electric currents supplied to windings of a rotating electrical machine. The PWM signal generation section generates PWM signals for the respective windings based on the target current values. The voltage application section applies voltages to the respective windings based on the PWM signals. When the control section stops driving of the rotating electrical machine, the PWM signal generation section generates the PWM signals in which a timing of a pulse change in the PWM signal of at least one phase is different from timings of pulse changes in the PWM signals of the other phases. |
| US08813904B2 |
Electric power steering system
There is provided an urging mechanism that elastically urges a second end portion of a worm shaft that is supported so as to be pivotable about a first end portion. The urging mechanism is configured to adjust a backlash between the worm shaft and a worm wheel by elastically urging the second end portion in a perpendicular direction that is perpendicular to a direction in which an inter-axis distance between the worm shaft and the worm wheel increases and decreases, in a state where increases and decreases in the inter-axis distance is prevented. |
| US08813893B2 |
Inverted pendulum type vehicle
An inverted pendulum type vehicle includes electrical components configured and arranged efficiently to provide a compact structure. The inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a traveling unit, including a main wheel driven under inverted pendulum control. The vehicle also includes a vehicle body frame supported on, and extending upwardly from the traveling unit, as well as a driving unit, including a pair of driving motors supported on the vehicle body frame and disposed above the main wheel for driving the main wheel. An electrical control unit is supported on the vehicle body frame in front of the driving motors for controlling the driving unit. The driving unit is disposed behind a front edge of the main wheel, and the electrical control unit is disposed between a front edge of the main wheel and the front edge of the driving unit. |
| US08813885B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a multi-mode powertrain system
A method for operating a powertrain system to transfer torque among an engine, torque machines, and a driveline includes identifying a speed/torque search window responsive to a parameter affecting engine power output and the output torque request. A search is executed to determine a preferred engine operating point for operating the powertrain system in response to an output torque request. The search includes determining a candidate power cost associated with operating the powertrain system at the candidate engine torque and candidate engine speed for each of a plurality of candidate engine speeds and candidate engine torques within the speed/torque search window. A preferred engine operating point is determined as the candidate engine speed and the candidate engine torque associated with a minimum of the candidate power costs. Engine operation is controlled responsive to the preferred engine speed. |
| US08813878B1 |
Methods of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact
Embodiments relate to PDCs, methods of fabricating PDCs, and applications for such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a pre-sintered PCD table including an interfacial surface that is bonded to the substrate. The pre-sintered PCD table may be substantially free of leaching by-products in a region at least proximate to the interfacial surface. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a PDC includes providing an at least partially leached PCD including an interfacial surface. The method includes removing at least some leaching by-products from the at least partially leached PCD table. After removing the at least some leaching by-products, the method includes bonding the interfacial surface of the at least partially leached PCD table to a substrate to form a PDC. |
| US08813876B2 |
Downhole tool impact dissipating tool
An impact dissipation tool for supporting a downhole tool in downhole applications. The tool includes a base and a housing. The tool also includes a carriage located within the housing and coupled to the base, the carriage being movable relative to the housing upon a predetermined impact force. A dissipator disposed inside the housing is collapsible due to the relative movement of the carriage and the housing. The collapse of the dissipator dissipates the impact force transferred to the downhole tool. |
| US08813872B2 |
Methods and apparatus for download transfer of drill cuttings
A drilling fluid delivery system for drilling boreholes with a drill bit, includes a primary flow circuit having a relatively high flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the drill bit. The system also includes a secondary flow circuit having a relatively low flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the primary flow circuit. Furthermore, the system includes a cuttings transfer system, such as a hydrocyclone or a rotating filter, between the primary and secondary flow circuits. When the cutting transfer system is in use, it receives fluid containing cuttings from the primary circuit and separates the fluid into a first stream that contains substantially no cuttings and a second stream containing cuttings. The first stream is returned to the primary flow circuit and the second stream is directed to the secondary flow circuit. |
| US08813871B2 |
Expandable apparatus and related methods
An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated. |
| US08813868B2 |
Auxiliary handle for use with a power tool
An auxiliary handle for use with a power tool includes a first clamp for engaging a housing of the power tool at a first location, and a second clamp for engaging the housing at a second location. The second clamp is movable independent from the first clamp in a first direction toward the first clamp to couple the auxiliary handle to the housing and the second clamp movable independent from the first clamp in a second direction away from the first clamp to uncouple the auxiliary handle from the housing. The auxiliary handle further includes a grip operable to move the second clamp in at least one of the first and the second directions, and together the first clamp and the second clamp surround only a portion of a chuck of the power tool. |
| US08813864B2 |
Support system for a box blade attached to a tractor
A support system for a box blade attached to a tractor. The support system includes a rear mounted frame supporting a box blade assembly and, optionally a scarifier. The box blade assembly may be pivotable around a substantially horizontal axis extending through the center of the tractor. The support system further includes trailing wheels that are pivotally attached to the frame and selectively laterally displaceable with respect to the horizontal axis. |
| US08813860B2 |
Fuel cell system for extinguishing fires
A fire fighting system for extinguishing a fire, which has a fuel cell for producing a nitrogen-enriched cathode exhaust air. The fuel cell is supplied with air and a fuel. Within the fuel cell, the air is then reduced to a determined oxygen content. The exhaust air is supplied to the fire source. |
| US08813852B2 |
Wellhead annulus monitoring
A subsea wellhead assembly includes a production casing hanger defining a series of passageways from an annulus between a production casing string and an outer casing to a region that can communicate, for example, by way of an isolation sleeve, with a production tree. The passageways extend to the interior of the casing hanger. A positionally adjustable sleeve fits within the casing hanger and carries exterior seals that are disposed so that for a first position of the adjustable sleeve within the casing hanger, fluid passage through the series of passageways is blocked, and for a second position of the sleeve within the casing hanger, the fluid passage is allowed. The adjustable sleeve can be operated by a simple tool through the production tree. |
| US08813851B2 |
Method of connecting a flexible riser to an upper riser assembly
A method is described for connecting a flexible upper riser part to a lower riser part via an upper riser assembly supporting a lower riser termination. The method includes securing a cable linkage to a riser connector at the lower end of the flexible upper riser part. The method includes operating a winching means on the upper riser assembly to wind in the cable linkage and draw the riser connector into a docking position on the upper riser assembly. Then coupling the riser connector to the lower riser termination occurs. A corresponding method of disconnecting the flexible riser part is also described, as well as a method of mounting the winching mechanism on a submerged landing platform. |
| US08813849B1 |
Oil well safety valve apparatus and method
An oil well control device automatically shuts in a well responsive to the removal of a work string (or other removable structure—ball retarding structure) from the device. The device is placed in the well as a section of the well casing. The device provides a pair of bores, one that aligns with the well bore or well casing, the other being a branch flow line containing a ball structure that will close the well if the drill pipe or drill string is removed. While conducting normal well activity (e.g. drilling, work over or the like) the ball retarder (e.g. work string) prevents entry of the ball structure into the main flow channel. |
| US08813844B2 |
System and method for drilling lateral boreholes
A drilling system for drilling a lateral borehole from a main borehole comprises a tubular conduit through which a fluid can be pumped, and a drilling assembly connected to the tubular conduit so as to receive fluid pumped therethrough. The drilling assembly comprises a power conversion unit, through which the fluid flows and which operates to provide a downhole power output; a drilling unit including a drilling apparatus powered by the output of the power conversion unit and operable to drill a lateral borehole into the formation surrounding the main borehole, and a liner unit for storing one or more liners for installation into the lateral borehole; and an anchor unit operable to anchor the drilling assembly in the main borehole when the drilling unit operates to drill the lateral borehole. A method of drilling a lateral borehole from a main borehole using such a drilling system comprises positioning the drilling assembly in the main borehole at a location of interest using the tubular conveyance; anchoring the drilling assembly in the main borehole using the anchor unit; operating the drilling unit to drill a lateral borehole from the main borehole; retrieving the drilling unit from the lateral borehole; releasing the anchor unit; and moving the drilling assembly to another location. |
| US08813841B2 |
Hybrid dump bailer and method of use
A hybrid dump bailer is disclosed herein comprising a bailer tubes for containing a material, such as cement slurry, to be dumped. The hybrid dump bailer comprises a pressure pulse piston that is accelerated by a spring causing a pressure pulse to expel the material to be dumped. The hybrid dump bailer further comprises a collet, a retaining rod, a piston, valve, and a supply of pressurized fluid which is holds the pressure pulse piston in place while the spring is compressed. Once the valve is opened, releasing the pressurized fluid, the retaining rod separates from the collet allowing the pressure pulse piston to accelerate can produce the pressure pulse to dump the material. |
| US08813839B2 |
Method of deploying and powering an electrically driven device in a well
A system for installing a powered device in a downhole tube, comprising a power line disposed along a production tube and terminating in a first power connector and an orientation profile disposed in the vicinity of the first power connector. An assembly includes a powered device having a second power connector and an extending orientation capable of radial outward movement from the assembly. The powered device being lowered down the production tube, causing the extending orientation to be urged radially outwards to engage with the orientation profile and orient the device, so that the first power connector and second power connector engage to connect the powered device to the power line in an automatic manner. |
| US08813836B2 |
Uni-bore dump line for fracturing manifold
The disclosure provides one or more manifolds having manifold portions primarily of fluid conduit and flow components mounted to the manifold portions, such as valves and fluid fittings. The manifold is formed with a uniform bore, so that the manifold portions are the same size along the flow path of the manifold, and the valves and fluid fittings have a bore the same size of the bore of the manifold portions. The uni-bore manifold creates a less turbulent flow path and allows draining of the manifold through one or more valves coupled to an end of the manifold that otherwise can become restricted or plugged with particles entrained in fluids in the manifold. |
| US08813835B2 |
Method and device for the “in-situ” conveying of bitumen or very heavy oil
A method for the “in situ” extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil is provided. An electric/electromagnetic heater to reduce the viscosity of bitumen or very heavy oil with at least two linearly expanded conductors are configured in a horizontal alignment at a predetermined depth of the reservoir. The conductors are connected to each other in an electrically conducting manner inside or outside of the reservoir, and together form a conductor loop, and are connected to an external alternating current generator outside of the reservoir for electric power. The heating of the reservoir is predetermined in a chronologically and/or locally variable manner in accordance with the electric parameters, and may be changed outside of the reservoir for optimizing the feed volume during the conveying of the bitumen. At least one generator is present in the related device, wherein the parameters thereof are variable for the electric power. |
| US08813834B2 |
Quick temperature-equlizing heat-dissipating device
A heat-dissipating device includes a hermetic container, a metallic sheet, and two metallic nets. The hermetic container contains a liquid working medium and has an internal top side and an internal bottom side. The metallic sheet is mounted inside the hermetic container, having a plurality of pores running therethrough and a plurality of support pieces protruding outward from its upper and lower surfaces respectively. The two metallic nets are supported by the support pieces to contact against the internal top and bottom sides of the hermetic container. |
| US08813823B2 |
Annular clean metal casting mold
An annular clean metal casting mold has a mold body which includes a cold bottom mold plate and a peripheral cold mold plate in connection with the cold bottom mold plate. An annular hot preservation layer is disposed inside the peripheral cold mold plate. A cyclic clean crystalline region is formed between the peripheral cold mold plate and the annular hot preservation layer. A sacrificial crystalline region is formed inside the cyclic hot preservation layer. As the outer race of the annular clean crystallization zone contacts large area of the peripheral low cold mold plate, releasing heat rapidly, while the inner race contacts the annular hot preservation layer 3, heat dissipation is extremely slow, naturally result in forming orientational crystallization. The vast majority of impurities and segregations in the liquid metal are gathered at the portion contacting with the annular hot preservation layer, and thus after the liquid metal is solidified, the gathered impurities and segregations can be removed easily, to obtain a clean casting ingot. |
| US08813817B2 |
Cold chamber die casting of amorphous alloys using cold crucible induction melting techniques
Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles. |
| US08813814B2 |
Optimized multi-stage inductive melting of amorphous alloys
Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: heating at least a portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures slightly below a solidus temperature of the BMG, wherein the portion remains a solid at the temperatures slightly below the solidus temperature and wherein a temperature distribution of the portion is essentially uniform; heating the portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures above a liquidus point. |
| US08813813B2 |
Continuous amorphous feedstock skull melting
Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: feeding the BMG feedstock into a crucible; melting a first portion of the BMG feedstock to form molten BMG, while maintaining a second portion of the BMG feedstock solid; wherein the second portion and the crucible hold the molten BMG. |
| US08813809B2 |
Electrical heating window curtains
An electrically heated window curtain of fire resistant material to heat up the draft flow of cold air that leaks through single pane glass windows with low voltage heating wires embedded in the fire resistant material, a power source, a thermostat, a battery pack, and a charger. Also included is a curtain rod and gripping strips on the curtain to hold the curtain in a rolled up position when not in use. |
| US08813808B2 |
Track for an adjustable blind assembly
A track for an adjustable blind assembly comprises a base and a slot. The base comprises a flange portion and a brace portion, the flange portion extends from the base and is securable to a spaced window pane by a window frame. The slot extends from the base and comprises a channel for a sliding adjuster. The slot comprises a side wall and a back wall extending from the base, a top wall connected to the side wall and the back wall, and a protrusion extending from the top wall, wherein the side wall, the back wall, and at least a portion of the top wall collectively define a hollow tubular cavity. The protrusion, the side wall and a portion of the base define the channel. The channel is open in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US08813807B1 |
Window shade lifting apparatus
A window shade lifting apparatus that includes a tube disposed vertically on the window shade; a lifting cord disposed in the compression tube; a ladder structure including a vertical leg and a plurality of rungs, the ladder structure being connected to the tube; and connection rings, each connection ring connecting the ladder structure to the window shade. |
| US08813804B2 |
Tire for heavy goods vehicle having a reinforced bead
Tire (10) for a heavy goods vehicle comprising a radial carcass reinforcement (60) anchored in each of the beads (50) to an anchoring structure (700), comprising a circumferential reinforcement (70), the carcass reinforcement (60) being partially wrapped around the anchoring structure (700), the tire (10) also comprising a coupling reinforcement (150) comprising a first part (151) in contact with the carcass reinforcement (60) and being extended by a second part (152) in contact with the anchoring structure (700) as far as a point (157) radially on the outside of the anchoring structure (700), located axially between the axially innermost point (702) and the axially outermost point (704) of the anchoring structure (700), the tire (10) also comprising a stiffening reinforcement (160) surrounding the coupling reinforcement (150) and running radially on the inside of the anchoring structure (700) and of the coupling reinforcement (150), wherein the axially outside end point (166) of said stiffening reinforcement (160) is located at a radial distance DR from the radially innermost point (73) of the circumferential reinforcement (70), the radial distance DR being greater than or equal to 0.2 times and less than or equal to 0.6 times the distance DC between the radially outermost and radially innermost points (62, 63) of the carcass reinforcement, and wherein, radially on the outside of the anchoring structure (700), the minimum distance DT between the axially external portion (162) of the stiffening reinforcement (160) and the carcass reinforcement (60) is greater than or equal to 2 mm. |
| US08813799B2 |
Heavy duty radial tire
A heavy duty radial tire comprises a tread portion divided into four or five circumferential ribs and a tread reinforcing belt including a maximum width belt ply. The width Bw of the maximum width belt ply is 0.90 to 0.98 times the tread width Tw. The contour shape of the tire footprint has a ground contacting length CB at a 70% width position and a ground contacting length CC at a 97% width position, wherein the ratio CB/CC is 1.00 to 1.06. In a tread edge near region J, (1) the axially outermost shoulder rib is provided with no circumferential groove having a width of less than 5 mm, and a ratio Rs/Rc of an axial width Rs of the shoulder rib to an axial width Rc of a center rib is 1.25 to 1.45, or (2) the shoulder rib is provided with a narrow circumferential groove having a width of less than 5 mm to divide the shoulder rib into an axially inner main portion and an axially outer narrow portion, and a ratio Rs1/Rc of an axial width Rs1 of the axially inner main portion to an axial width Rc of a center rib is 1.25 to 1.45. |
| US08813798B2 |
Rubber composition for tire, and pneumatic tire
A rubber composition for a tire, and a pneumatic tire are provided in which the fuel economy, abrasion resistance, and deterioration resistance can be improved in a good balance. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for a tire, containing a rubber component that contains: a modified natural rubber having a phosphorus content of not more than 200 ppm; and butadiene rubber, wherein 60 to 95% by mass of the modified natural rubber and 5 to 40% by mass of the butadiene rubber are contained based on 100% by mass of the rubber component. |
| US08813796B2 |
Reusable adjustable gift wrap
A reusable gift wrap and a method of wrapping a gift comprising a sheet of material and a fastener. The sheet has a plurality of corners. The fastener comprises a body fabricated from a resilient material and is attached near one of the corners. A plurality of coterminous radially extending slits are formed in a face of the body and define the edges of a plurality of pivotable flaps and an opening for receiving the other corners of the sheet. The flaps comprises a living hinge which permit each of the flaps to pivot. The flaps increase in thickness from the living hinge to the edge of the flap. The three flaps simulate the appearance of a cuboidal gift box. |
| US08813795B2 |
Passive valve for multivalve devices and a multivalve device, in particular having such a passive valve
The invention relates to a passive valve for multi-valve devices for sealing a container or a line. According to one aspect of the invention, the passive valve is free of bearing supports which protrude in a positive sense out of the passive valve. The invention also relates to a multi-valve device for contamination-free connection of two containers or two lines with partial valves that can be rotated about a single axis. According to this aspect of the invention, at least three partial valves, which are arranged essentially parallel to one another and can be put under tension so they can be sealed with respect to their surroundings, can be rotated about the single shared axis. |
| US08813790B2 |
Device for protecting a threaded tubular component and tubular component provided with the device
A device for protecting the end of a tubular component, the end including a first threaded zone. The device includes a protecting end including a second threaded zone configured to cooperate with a first threaded zone of the tubular component, and a ring configured to cover a portion of the outer surface of the end of the tubular component. The ring is bound up with the protecting end such that the ring is free to turn about itself independently of the end. Such a device may find application to components used for drilling and operating hydrocarbon wells, for example in particular expandable components. |
| US08813788B2 |
Sediment and detention basin drainage system and method
A fluid drainage system configured for draining a basin impounding fluid and sediment, solids or the like of varying density and turbidity. The system includes a first conduit and a second conduit within or adjacent to the first conduit to form a fluid receiving chamber between the first and second conduits, each conduit having apertures therethrough, with the apertures of the first and second conduits being sized and arranged relative to one another and so configured as to preferentially discharge fluid from the top of a basin, thus providing flow conditions which inhibit the entry of sediment into the system so as to maximize the retention of sediment within the basin and reduce turbidity and Total Suspended Sediment in the discharged fluid. |
| US08813786B2 |
Hydraulic valves with integral seals
A hydraulic valve comprises a plurality of ports, which communicate with a passageway, and a valve member movable in the passageway to control the communication between the ports. The valve member carries a lateral shear seal which is integral with the valve member and engages the passageway. In one position, the valve member isolates a first port from a second port. In another position of the valve member, the shear seal communicates with the first port and provides communication between the first port and the second port by way of a passage within the valve member. The valve member has first and second portions of different effective cross-section areas and on each portion an integral sealing member makes a radial seal between the valve member and the passageway. A supply port supplies pressure to the outside of the valve member so as to produce by virtue of the different cross-sectional areas a force tending to move the valve member towards a closed position. |
| US08813784B2 |
Flow path switching valve
A flow path switching valve arranged to rotate a main valve with an auxiliary valve to switch a cooling state and a heating state, which provides a reliable operation of the main valve by simplifying the rotation movement of the auxiliary valve and the main valve and provides reduced switching time. An outdoor heat exchanger-side pressure equalizing hole and an indoor heat exchanger-side pressure equalizing hole are formed at the main valve. An occluding portion for opening and closing of the pressure equalizing holes is formed at the auxiliary valve. The main valve is rotated 90 degrees by merely operating the auxiliary valve along one direction in forward or reverse direction to switch between the cooling state and the heating state. |
| US08813783B2 |
Valve with canted seals
A valve (103) is provided. The valve (103) comprises a housing (104) defining an internal bore (209) and a plurality of fluid ports (107a, 107b, 108a, 108b). The valve (103) further comprises a rotatable spool (210) positioned within the internal bore (209) and rotatable about a longitudinal axis (X-X). A first canted seal (217) is provided that is positioned on the rotatable spool (210) at an angle (θ) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X-X). A second canted seal (218) is also provided that is positioned on the rotatable spool (210) at an angle (α) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X-X). |
| US08813779B2 |
Water recycling system for sprinklers
A recycling sprinkler system incorporates at least one collection vessel assembly for runoff water, as well as a pump module for recycling a substantial portion of the collected runoff water back into an irrigation sprinkler system along with the primary water source for the irrigation sprinkler system, so that the amount of water required from the primary water source is reduced and a substantial portion of the runoff water is prevented from being discarded. |
| US08813777B2 |
Fluid separation structure and a method of manufacturing a fluid separation structure
An electrophoretic fluid separation structure (100) comprising a substrate (101) and a plurality of vertical nanowires (102) grown on the substrate (101). |
| US08813776B2 |
Valves, pressure sensing devices, and controllers for heating appliances
A valve apparatus includes substantially co-aligned first and second valve seats and substantially co-aligned first and second valve members. The first valve member is moveable relative to the first valve seat between at least an open position in which the first valve member is spaced from the first valve seat and a closed position in which the first valve member is seated against the first valve seat. The second valve member is moveable relative to the second valve seat between at least an open position in which the second valve member is spaced from the second valve seat and a closed position in which the second valve member is seated against the second valve seat. An armature is operable for moving the first and second valve members, in response to a magnetic field generated by a coil. |
| US08813770B2 |
Pig assembly and method for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid
Disclosed is a pig assembly for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid. In one aspect, the pig assembly includes a larger diameter pig having an internal compartment and at least one smaller diameter pig adapted to fit therein. The larger diameter pig is capable of passing through a larger diameter functional line and the smaller diameter pig is capable of passing through a smaller diameter functional line. In another aspect, a method for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid is provided which includes pigging a subsea line having at least a larger diameter functional line and a smaller diameter functional line in fluid communication with one another using a pig assembly as described herein. |
| US08813764B2 |
Method and apparatus for physical confinement of a liquid meniscus over a semiconductor wafer
Apparatus, methods and systems for physically confining a liquid medium applied over a semiconductor wafer include a first and a second chemical head that are disposed to cover at least a portion of a top and an underside surface of the semiconductor wafer. Each of the first and the second chemical heads include an angled inlet conduit at a leading edge of the respective chemical heads to deliver liquid chemistry into a pocket of meniscus in a single phase. The pocket of meniscus is defined over the portion of the top and underside surface of the semiconductor wafer covered by the chemical heads and is configured to receive and contain the liquid chemistry applied to the surface of the semiconductor wafer as a meniscus. A step is formed at a leading edge of the first and second chemical heads along an outer periphery of the pocket of meniscus to substantially confine the meniscus of the liquid chemistry within the pocket of meniscus. The step covers at least a portion of the pocket of meniscus and the step's height is sufficient to preserve confinement characteristic of the meniscus. An inner return conduit is defined within the pocket of meniscus at a trailing edge of the respective chemical heads and is used to remove the liquid chemistry from the surface of the semiconductor wafer in a single phase after the cleaning process. |
| US08813763B2 |
Interdental cleaner
An interdental cleaner which can firmly hold a dental floss that has been pulled out of a floss dispenser to a desired length, so that the interdental cleaner can prevent the floss from being further pulled out and can prevent a slip of the floss when a user uses the floss. |
| US08813760B2 |
Composition for tobacco substitute
Compositions and methods for making same are presented that act as substitutes for tobacco and tobacco products. Use is made of a genus of plants called pueraria, and more specifically the kudzu species, which is processed and packaged to taste and feel similar to natural tobacco. Various enhancers and flavors are added to appeal to various tastes. |
| US08813759B1 |
Nicotine inhaler and method of manufacture
A self contained, hermetically sealed, cigarette shaped nicotine inhaler tube includes a cylindrical wall and formed closed ends. The two or more elements making up the tube are formed and sealed together after forming at a location between the closed ends, capturing a filler within. The filler is in the tube to carry nicotine. The closed ends are recessed from the end of the cylindrical tube and may be truncated conically shaped. The closed ends may be drawn further into the tube using heat and the pressure of a probe. A tool for piercing the ends of the tube includes a supportive cylindrical cavity slightly larger than the tube with a centric spike and a terminal surface in the cavity. The cylindrical wall of the tube is supported by the cavity and the truncated conical shape of the end wall to receive the spike for penetrating the end wall at each end. The terminal surface prevents excessive penetration of the spike. |
| US08813758B2 |
Smoking or vaporizing implement
The present invention is a combined smoking/vaporizing, grinding and storage implement used for inhaling burning or vaporized herb, tobacco or other plant material. The implement has an end around which serrated saw like teeth are located. The serrated teeth are bent slightly inward. When the implement is placed in a container of herb, tobacco or other plant material and is torqued, the teeth grind it into smaller pieces that are caught within the teeth such that the ground material eventually can fill up a compartment located within the implement and are enclosed therein by the teeth. An alternate embodiment further comprises a filter on the inhalation end for filtering the smoke or vapor caused by the burning or vaporizing of the ground material. |
| US08813757B2 |
Reading and adjusting tool for hydrocephalus shunt valve
A reading and adjustment tool for use with a valve having a pressure or flow setting adjustable to a plurality of pressure or flow settings is disclosed. The tool includes a signal generator and an excitation coil coupled to the signal generator. The signal generator includes an adjustment interface configured to generate an adjustment signal to adjust the pressure or flow setting and a reading interface to generate a reading signal to read the pressure or flow setting of the valve. At least one excitation coil is connected to the signal generator and configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field based on one of the adjustment signal and reading signal. A sense coil can include two portions positioned on either side of the at least one excitation coil to determine the pressure or flow setting of the valve. |
| US08813756B1 |
Non-invasive method for slimming a human body using laser energy of wavelengths shorter than 632 nm
A noninvasive method of slimming a patient's body by applying laser energy having a wavelength shorter than 632 nm externally through the skin of the patient. One or more areas of a patient's body, preferably the more fatty regions, such as the abdominal, buttock, lower back, thigh, bust or arm regions, is measured. Objective measurements are made of body criteria, including external dimension, percentage body fat, fat mass, or body mass. Sufficient laser energy, preferably in a range of 0.03-0.1 J/cm2, is applied to one or more of those areas to cause a reduction in the measurement in the lasered areas, as well as overall body slimming. The preferred embodiments use laser light at about 532 nm, 440 nm, or 405 nm. Preferably 18 mW or 25 mW laser diodes are used to apply laser energy at 0.03-0.1 J/cm2 for 15 minutes, every other day for 1-4 weeks, depending on the amount of slimming desired. |
| US08813750B2 |
Self-sizing adjustable endotracheal tube
There is disclosed an endotracheal tube which has a minimal cross-sectional profile for easy viewing of anatomical features during intubation. After the tube is placed into the trachea, the tube is adapted to increase the diameter. In this manner the tube diameter may be expanded to allow for decreased Work of Breathing (WOB) for patient, while not having so large a diameter as to cause tracheal discomfort. |
| US08813735B2 |
Crossbow
A crossbow is provided which has one or more of the following improvements: a bolt retainer which downwardly biases a bolt in position forward of a forward rest position of a bowstring; a mounting rail associated with a lower surface of a frame rearward of a finger-pull mechanism, where the mounting rail is configured to allow one or more accessories to be mounted thereto; a finger-pull mechanism positioned at, or forward of, a midway point of the frame; a string latch positioned more than six inches rearward of the finger-pull mechanism; a sighting device having an eyepiece, where the eyepiece is positioned in alignment with, or forward of, the string latch; a ratio of length of pull distance of the crossbow to bull-pup distance of the crossbow being two-to-one or less; and a foot stirrup configured to stabilize the crossbow during cocking, and to provide a bipod during aiming/shooting. |
| US08813734B2 |
Heat-insulating structure
Disclosed is a heat-insulating structure which can be used, for example, to reduce the cooling loss of an engine. The heat-insulating structure includes a hollow particle layer made of a lot of hollow particles densely packed on a surface of a metallic base material. The hollow particle layer is covered with a coating. |
| US08813730B2 |
Control apparatus for internal combustion engine
Provided is a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which can introduce external EGR gas during a cold condition, while favorably suppressing an occurrence of condensed water from the EGR gas.A twin entry type turbo supercharger (18) is provided. A first exhaust passage (14a) through which first exhaust gas exhausted from a first cylinder group (#2 and #3) and a second exhaust passage (14b) through which second exhaust gas exhausted from a second cylinder group (#1 and #4) are provided. A sub cooling system including a sub cooling passage (32) for cooling the first exhaust passage (14a) is provided. A main cooling system including a main cooling passage (30) for cooling the second exhaust passage (14b) is provided. An EGR passage (24) connected between the first exhaust passage (14a) and an intake passage (12), and an EGR valve (26) playing a role in opening and closing the EGR passage (24) are provided. The circulation of sub cooling water in the sub cooling system is stopped when EGR gas is introduced into the intake passage (12) during the cold condition. |
| US08813729B2 |
Charge air duct for an internal combustion engine
A charge air duct for an internal combustion engine includes a housing with at least one entrance and at least one exit for charge air. A heat exchanger is arranged inside the housing to cool the charge air, a bypass is arranged on the housing to at least partially circumvent the heat exchanger and an actuator is arranged on the housing to influence the charge air flow. The charge air is guided from the entrance to the heat exchanger in a first position of the actuator and from the entrance to the bypass in a second position of the actuator, and the actuator at least partially reduces a cross-section of the charge air in a third position. |
| US08813728B2 |
Intake system for an internal combustion engine
The intake system includes an integrated airflow cooler module comprising a lower manifold assembly and a throttle body fluidly connected to, and disposed within the lower manifold assembly to meter combustion air into a lower manifold volume of the lower manifold assembly. An upper manifold assembly is configured for assembly to the lower manifold assembly to define a manifold volume therebetween and a heat exchanger is disposed in the manifold volume, between the upper manifold assembly and the lower manifold assembly and between a combustion air inlet in the integrated airflow cooler module and the throttle body. |
| US08813720B2 |
Cylinder deactivation EMS control
A method of managing a number of active cylinders of an engine can be provided. The method comprises: determining for a current engine operating condition a number of active cylinders required for the current engine operating condition; if the determined number of active cylinders is different than a current number of active cylinders, selecting one or more cylinder which is to be activated or deactivated in order to provide the determined number of active cylinders; where one or more cylinders is to be activated, retarding ignition timing for a cylinder preceding in firing order the first firing of a first activated cylinder; and where one or more cylinders is to be deactivated, advancing ignition timing for a cylinder that is not to be deactivated and which precedes in firing order a first cylinder which is to be deactivated. |
| US08813718B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a combustion chamber defined by a cylinder, a piston defining a piston top, a cylinder head with an intake port and an exhaust port, and a corresponding intake valve and an exhaust valve. The internal combustion engine further includes an intake manifold for supplying air to the combustion chamber and an exhaust manifold for drawing exhaust gas from the combustion chamber. The flow dynamics of the internal combustion engine are improved by including textured surfaces on one or more of the piston top, the cylinder head, the intake valve, the intake port, the exhaust valve, the intake manifold, the exhaust manifold, or the fuel supplier. The textured surface may include indentations, protrusions, or combinations. |
| US08813715B2 |
Vertical engine
A vertical engine includes: an oil pump provided adjacent to the lower surface of a cylinder barrel and connected to a lower end portion of a cam gear shaft to be driven by the gear shaft; a first lubricating oil passageway for supplying lubricating oil from the oil pump to a lower bearing of a crankshaft; a second lubricating oil passageway extending through the crankshaft from the lower bearing to an upper bearing of the crankshaft; a third lubricating oil passageway provided adjacent to the upper surface of the barrel and extending from the crankcase to immediately below stem end portions of intake and exhaust valves so that lubricating oil leaked from the second lubricating oil passageway flows therethrough; and a fourth lubricating oil passageway for returning lubricating oil, dripped down from the third lubricating oil passageway to the stem end portions, to the pump. |
| US08813711B2 |
Cylinder head assembly having a drainage passage
A cylinder head assembly is provided. In one example, the cylinder head assembly includes a cylinder head, a cam cap coupled to the cylinder head having a component port, and a cam cover coupled to the cylinder head. The cylinder head assembly cylinder head assembly further includes a drainage passage including an inlet opening and an outlet extending through an exterior cylinder head surface. |
| US08813710B2 |
Cylinder head assembly and method of forming the same
A cylinder head assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a fluid cavity that contains a fluid. The cylinder head assembly also includes a first member with a first internal surface defining a first part of the fluid cavity. Also, the assembly includes a second member with a second internal surface defining a second part of the fluid cavity. The second member is coupled to the first member. The first and second internal surfaces cooperate to define the fluid cavity. |
| US08813705B2 |
Hydraulic support element
A hydraulic support element having a housing, a pressure piston, a high pressure chamber for a hydraulic means extending between a bottom face of the pressure piston and a bottom of the housing, wherein the housing includes a passage for the hydraulic means, which communicates radially inwardly with an aperture in the pressure piston, wherein the pressure piston includes a deflecting sheath for the hydraulic means, tightly contacting the pressure piston at the interior jacket axially below the aperture and extending to the proximity of a head of the pressure piston, wherein a rising line for the hydraulic means is formed between the deflecting sheath and the interior jacket, which starts at the aperture and leads in the area of the head into a reservoir inside the deflecting sheath directly in front of the return valve and with the deflecting sheath having at least one perforation axially above its contact. |
| US08813704B2 |
Continuous variable valve duration apparatus
A continuous variable valve duration apparatus may vary an opening duration of a valve. The continuous variable valve duration apparatus may include a camshaft in which a camshaft slot is formed, a cam portion of which a cam and a cam slot are formed thereto and of which a rotation center is identical to a rotation center of the camshaft and the cam portion of which a phase angle to the cam shaft is variable, and a duration control portion which varies the phase angle between the camshaft slot and the cam slot. |
| US08813698B2 |
Variable valve apparatus of internal combustion engine
A variable valve apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a first rocker arm that contacts a cam, a low lift cam provided coaxially with the cam, and a second rocker arm capable of contacting the low lift cam. The apparatus also includes a switching mechanism capable of connecting the first rocker arm and the second rocker arm to each other through pins, valves that open by being pressed by the second rocker arms via hydraulic lash adjusters arranged in the second rocker arms, and an oil supply path formed inside the second rocker arms that supplies oil to the hydraulic lash adjusters. A radius of a base circle of the low lift cam is smaller than a radius of a base circle of the cam. |
| US08813694B2 |
Piston cooling system
An engine has an engine casing with one or more surfaces that define a first substantially tubular coolant passage (e.g., a coolant inlet passage) with an open end that opens inside the engine casing. A first piston assembly is inside the engine casing and configured to reciprocate relative to the engine casing when the engine is operating. The first piston assembly has one or more surfaces that define a piston coolant jacket inside the first piston assembly. The piston coolant jacket has a first opening at an outer surface of the first piston assembly. A first fluid communication conduit extends between the engine casing and the first piston assembly and has a first end that is rigidly coupled to the first opening in the piston coolant jacket and a second end that extends through the open end of the first substantially tubular coolant passage in the engine casing. |
| US08813693B2 |
Diagnostic system and method for a switchable water pump
A system includes a pump control module and a pump diagnostic module. The pump control module switches a switchable water pump from off to on. The pump diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the switchable water pump based on a first difference between an engine material temperature and an engine coolant temperature when the switchable water pump is switched from off to on. The engine coolant temperature is a temperature of coolant circulated through an engine and the engine material temperature is a temperature of at least one of an engine block and a cylinder head. |
| US08813688B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger comprising an outer jacket (9) with an inner set of vertical pipe elements (1) fastened at their opposing ends in upper and lower sieve walls (2, 3), and having a gas combustion chamber (4) located above the upper sieve wall, as well as partitions (5, 6, 7) mounted crosswise of the pipe elements. The partitions have openings for the pipe elements. The heat exchanger is also provided with liquid, gas and exhaust fumes inlet and outlet stub pipes. The outer jacket is conically shape with its diameter increasing upwards. An upper sieve wall (2), is essentially flat as viewed from the side, while an upper partition (5) situated below the wall, is shaped as a cone with its vertex pointing down. The upper partition (5) has a central opening (8) in its central region and an outer diameter corresponding to a diameter of the outer jacket (9). |
| US08813687B2 |
Control algorithm for water heater
A storage type water heater, which may have either fuel or electric-based heating apparatus, is provided with a control system incorporating a control algorithm that monitors the time between heat demands and then sets the tank water setpoint temperature accordingly to lower the effects of water stratification due to periodic heat demands, and also save energy. When the time between consecutive heat demands is less than a predetermined setback time, for a number of heat demands equal to a predetermined setback limit, a setback mode is activated and responsively operates to reduce the setpoint temperature by a predetermined setback offset at the next cycle. The original control setpoint temperature is restored once the time between two successive heat demands is more than the setback time. |
| US08813686B2 |
Modular aquaculture system and method of use
A modular aquaculture system and method of use for providing a flexible cost effective system and method for producing aquaculture. The modular aquaculture system and method of use includes aquaculture holding tank for at least facilitating the grow-out of the aquaculture species, at least one oxygenation apparatus operationally couples to each one of the aquaculture holding tanks, and a filter apparatus operationally coupled to the aquaculture holding tanks. |
| US08813685B2 |
Endless stream fish tank
A method for keeping fish in a live and healthy condition, wherein the fish are placed in an endless flow fish tank, which occupies relatively little space, yet allows instinctively swimming fish to swim comfortably. Aerated water is pumped in one direction through a swim chamber, and water returns through a space between inner and outer container, through return flow piping, or through a second swim chamber which also serves as a return flow chamber. |
| US08813683B2 |
Pet fountain assembly
A pet fountain having a basin and a cover overlying at least part of the basin and is supported by a sidewall of the basin and a pump disposed therebetween. The basin and cover have sidewall sections that converge to form a V-shaped locator arrangement that positions a coupling tube in communication with drinking bowl inlet of the cover so it is substantially coaxial with an outlet of the pump or pump module to telescopically engage the outlet. The basin can have an upraised shelf that holds a cord conduit providing a cord routing recess underneath. The shelf is disposed adjacent the V-shaped locator arrangement between an apex of the V-shaped locator arrangement and the pump or pump module minimizing the length of the cord run to the pump. In one embodiment, the V-shaped locator arrangement is formed by at least the basin having a raindrop or teardrop shape. |
| US08813681B2 |
Teatcup liner series with varying mouthpiece flexibility
A teatcup liner comprises an upper mouthpiece, an intermediate barrel and a lower connecting tube. The upper mouthpiece further comprises a mouthpiece transition, a mouthpiece lip, and a groove on an outer surface of the upper mouthpiece to provide flexibility in the upper mouthpiece. The intermediate barrel extends along an axial direction for receiving a teat inserted axially thereinto through said mouthpiece. |
| US08813679B2 |
Paint mist collecting device and paint booth using the same
A paint mist collecting device for collecting a mist of paint particles produced when a paint is sprayed onto a workpiece within a paint booth includes a tubular duct having one end adapted to be connected to an outlet of the paint booth from which air containing the paint mist and a cleaning air are allowed to flow out, and a swirl-generating guide fin unit disposed inside the tubular duct and configured to force axial flows of the paint-mist-containing air and the cleaning liquid into a rotational movement to thereby generate a helical vortex as the paint-mist-containing air and the cleaning liquid flow downward along the tubular duct. |
| US08813678B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus including a holder for rotatably holding a substrate; a coating solution supply nozzle for supplying a coating solution onto a front surface of the substrate to be processed held by the holder; a treatment chamber housing the holder and the coating solution supply nozzle; a cooling device which cools the substrate before the coating solution is supplied to the substrate, to a predetermined temperature; a heating devices which heats the substrate coated with the coating solution to a predetermined temperature; and a transferer that transfers the substrate between the treatment chamber, the cooling device and the heating device, wherein the treatment chamber, the cooling device and the heating device are partitioned from ambient air, and wherein at least the treatment chamber is connected to a gas supply mechanism having a supply source of a gas having a kinematic viscosity coefficient higher than that of air. |
| US08813677B2 |
Composite particulate preparing apparatus and method
A composite particulate preparing apparatus is provided that includes a rotating body receiving particulates to which an adhering material is allowed to adhere and having a bottom surface, a side wall and a flange part; a centrifugal machine rotating the rotating machine to apply centrifugal force to the particulates in the rotating body; an inclination varying device shifting the rotating body at an arbitrary inclination angle so that the bottom surface of the rotating body forms a vertical plane parallel to a gravitational direction from a horizontal plane perpendicular to the gravitational direction; and a stirring device disposed closer to a horizontal line perpendicular to a vertical line drawn from a rotational center of the rotating body in a gravitational direction on a rotational side where the particulates drop from an uppermost point, than to the vertical line. |
| US08813670B2 |
Floating structure
A floating structure 1, for instance a semi submersible platform, comprises a deck structure 2, vertical columns 3 and a pontoon structure 4. The floating structure 1 is moored to the seabed with anchor lines 7. The floating structure is moored with taut line anchoring system, and the vertical stiffness in the anchoring system is approximately 20% of the water plane stiffness for the floating structure. The pontoon structure 4 comprises at least two levels of pontoons and the columns 3 are formed to give variable water plane stiffness. |
| US08813663B2 |
Seeding machine with seed delivery system
A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another. |
| US08813662B2 |
Vertical floating row cleaner
An illustrative embodiment of a vertical floating row cleaner may include a mounting bracket configured to engage a row unit frame, which mounting bracket may have a receiver engaged therewith. An extension member may have first and second ends, with one end configured as an adjustor interface and the opposite end configured to pivotally engage at least one row cleaner wheel. An adjustor may engage the extension member at the adjustor interface such that the adjustor prevents the extension member from moving with respect to the receiver past a certain point in at least one direction. |
| US08813660B2 |
Pallet construction with multi surface bonding plasticized spray
A pallet construction including a plurality of elongate extending and inter-engaging members establishing three dimensional construction with an upper platform supporting surface and a spaced apart and bottom ground supporting surface. A plasticized and environmentally sealing spray overcoat is applied over the members. Additional variants include a plurality of three dimensional and rectangular shaped support elements sandwiched between a first upper plurality of elongated members and a second plurality of lower members. A plurality of inter-engaging and overlapping locations include at least one of reduced thickness or notched locations in order to assemble into a seamless and constant width manner. The members can further exhibit any specified shape and size and can be constructed of any of a wood, steel, aluminum, bamboo, composite plastic, cardboard, foam or concrete/silicate based material. |
| US08813659B2 |
Pallet with rotatable legs
A pallet includes a pallet body, a plurality of recesses formed in a bottom of the pallet body, two retention tabs mounted to the bottom of the pallet body and respectively extending downward from two opposite sides of each of the recesses, and a plurality of legs mounted to the retention tabs and respectively receivable in the recesses. The pallet includes the rotatable legs, so that in using the pallet, the legs are rotated out and the coupling pins are applied to fix the legs for supporting and when the pallet is not in use, the coupling pins are removed to allow the legs to rotate in order to set the legs in recesses, whereby the pallet occupies a reduced amount of space for storage and transportation and thus the capacity of storage and transportation can be improved to thus lower down transportation cost. |
| US08813658B2 |
Low friction shipping platform
A system may include a bottom deck to a shipping platform. The system may also include a component affixed to the bottom member opposite the shipping platform's top to lower static coefficient of friction between the component and a floor the shipping platform in its load bearing usage position is resting on. |
| US08813657B2 |
Arrangement of a table that can be folded up
A table can be folded in the interior of a motor vehicle and comprises a table top arranged on a vehicle-mounted support so that the table top can be moved from a resting position, in which the table plane is oriented substantially vertically, into a usage position oriented substantially horizontally. The support extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the table top is fastened to the support so the table top can be pivoted by a table top retainer from the vertical resting position into a horizontal position about a pivot axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The table top and/or the table top retainer can be locked in the usage position by a locking device when the table top is in the horizontal position and/or in the vertical position. When the table top is in the horizontal position and/or in the vertical position, the table top retainer is supported so that it can be moved in or opposite the direction of travel to lock the table top retainer into a catch recess of the support that extends in or opposite the direction of travel, and the retainer is secured against pivoting about the first pivot axis. |
| US08813656B1 |
Multi-configurable TV stand with top surface joined vertical structure
A flat panel television console and support kit allows the consumer to employ any of three modes of support, namely stand mount, console mount, and wall mount. The console assembly has upper and lower shelves, and a vertical column is secured to the console at a joint. A base plate can be fastened to the upper shelf of the console so that a flange on the base plate extends upwardly to support a vertical column that supports a TV mounting frame over the console. Alternatively, when the consumer wishes to mount the TV on the wall or on the console, the base plate can be fastened to the upper shelf in an inverted position so that the upper surface of the upper shelf is substantially flat. |
| US08813648B2 |
Ignition and delay circuit
An ignition and delay circuit of an ammunition unit for time controlled delay of the initiation of an electric blasting cap. The ignition and delay circuit includes a piezo electric device generating electrical energy when hitting a target. An energy storing device stores the energy generated by the piezo electric device. A delay device supplied by the energy storing device and controlling the initiation of the electric blasting cap. A programmable micro processor is provided supplied by the energy storing device and arranged to control the delay of the initiation in dependence of at least the type of ammunition in question. |
| US08813647B2 |
Method and device for determining register deviations through recursion analysis
A method and a device for determining color register and lateral register deviations on printing material during production in multi-color printing presses, include a computing unit which takes into consideration the influence of ghosting effects when measuring the deviations on the printing material. The ghosting effects of at least one preceding and/or one succeeding printed image are recursively taken into consideration in the computing unit, when measuring on the printing material. |
| US08813646B2 |
Label printer with peeling unit having adjustable guide surfaces
Provided is a label printer that includes a conveyance unit that conveys a label paper on which a label is attached and a printing unit that prints on the label. The label printer also includes a peeling unit that includes one pair of members separated in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the label paper and peels the label from a backing paper. The label printer also includes a backing paper conveyance unit that conveys the backing paper and a moving unit that moves the peeling members towards a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the backing paper. |
| US08813643B2 |
Apparatus for compacting waste objects
An apparatus for compacting waste objects includes a seat provided with a support assembly for supporting the waste object to be compacted; a push member being moveable inside the seat for compacting in use of the apparatus the waste object against an end wall of the seat; the support assembly including two support members that rotate away from each other for discharging the compacted object through an aperture. The support members can impede discharge of a compacted object of a specific type through the aperture to collect the compacted object of the specific type in a dedicated container. Protuberances can be applied to the push member and an end wall of the seat for producing depressions in the compacted object so that the compacted object does not lose the compacted condition once pressure applied by the push member is removed. |
| US08813642B2 |
Agricultural ram press
An agricultural ram press has a bale chamber, a baling ram moveable in an oscillating manner in the bale chamber, a feed channel, a feed rake arranged in the feed channel and switchable between a gathering stroke motion which compresses crop in the feed channel and a filling stroke motion which moves the crop from the feed channel into the bale channel, and a drive for driving the feed rake and having a control rod interacting with an adjustable stop to control at least one of the motions of the feed rake. |
| US08813634B2 |
Capsule for preparing a beverage or liquid food and system using brewing centrifugal force
A capsule for preparing a beverage or liquid food from a substance in a centrifugal brewing unit by passing water through the substance contained in the capsule by using brewing centrifugal forces. The capsule has an enclosure containing a predetermined dose of the substance and a construction which opens under the effect of the centrifugal forces to allow the brewed liquid to leave the capsule. The capsule may also include a mechanism for engaging the capsule to an external rotational drive of the centrifugal brewing unit wherein the engaging mechanism is configured to offer resistance to torque during rotation of the capsule for maintaining the capsule in a reference rotational position. |
| US08813630B2 |
Helical ammunition magazine
An ammunition magazine and gun/magazine system in which the magazine comprises an outer housing having a substantially cylindrical inner wall surface. An inner support member is mounted within the housing and has a substantially cylindrical outer wall surface which is concentric and opposing said inner wall surface of said housing. The outer wall surface and the inner wall surface form a gap between them. A helical ramp is disposed within the gap and has a concentric axis to the inner wall surface and said outer wall surface. The helical ramp forms a helical gap within the gap, which is configured to receive a plurality of cartridges such that a longitudinal axis of each cartridge is oriented radially of the inner wall surface within the helical gap. The magazine also includes a drive mechanism for advancing the cartridges along the helical ramp. |
| US08813626B2 |
3D braided composited tubes with throat sections and manufacture method thereof
A manufacture method of a three dimensional (3D) braided composite tube with a throat section includes: providing an assembled mandrel comprising an upper mandrel and a lower mandrel, and braiding an 3D braided inner layer on the upper mandrel; winding fiber yarns to form a fiber yarn layer over the 3D braided inner layer; tightening the 3D braided inner layer to the assembled mandrel by an appropriate tension force when winding; and infiltrating resin and increasing temperature to cure the resin for obtaining a composite tube with a narrower throat section. The present invention takes advantage of winding fiber yarn outer layer to keep the radius of the throat of the 3D braided inner layer to meet design requirement. Additionally, the hoop strength of the throat section is increased so that the metal shell can be made thinner to reduce the weight of the rocket nozzle. |
| US08813618B2 |
Tube cutting apparatus and tube cutting method
The motor (50) transmits its rotation to the main shaft (1) through the first transmission gear train (9) while transmitting rotation at a rotating speed ¾ as high as the rotating speed of the main shaft (1) to the eccentric shaft (2) through the second transmission gear train (10) and the offset shaft coupling (7). As the motor (50) is driven, an eccentric axis (30) moves on a circle decentered by a predetermined length L while the inner blade (3) moves in the same direction on a circle further decentered by the predetermined length L from the eccentric axis (30). The inner blade (3) rotates and moves while exposing part of its outer peripheral surface exteriorly of a tube (W) at plural positions on the outer periphery of the tube (W). |
| US08813612B2 |
Tool locking mechanism
A locking mechanism for use with a tool has a tool having a first working end, an opposite second end, a central axis therebetween, and a least one axial recess formed on an outer surface of the tool. A cap is rotatably received on the tool opposite second end, the cap comprising at least one recess formed on an outer surface thereon. The cap is rotatable between a first position in which the cap at least one recess aligns with the tool at least one recess, and a second position in which the cap at least one recess is out of alignment with the tool at least one recess. The locking mechanism further comprises a detent operatively positioned between the tool and the cap. The detent may be a pin and a spring, where the spring biases the cap into the second position. |
| US08813611B2 |
Strap wrench
A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned. |
| US08813598B2 |
Ball screw
A ball screw has a chain received in a circulation path of the ball screw, and the chain comprises a plurality of partition portions and a connecting portion for connecting the partition portions, a plurality of rolling elements are retained in the chain in such a manner that between each two neighboring partition portions is arranged a rolling element, each of the rolling elements is partially in contact with the return passage of each of the return assemblies to define receiving spaces in the return passage for accommodation of the connecting portion, so that the chain can be moved more smoothly in the return passage, and the manufacturing cost of the return assembly is reduced. |
| US08813596B2 |
Ball screw with a circulating assembly
A ball screw with a circulating assembly is disclosed. The circulating assembly of the ball screw is divided into a first circulating block and a second circulating block and can be assembled on the ball screw in such a method that the first and the second circulating blocks are assembled separately, so that the circulating assembly is applicable to the screw shaft whose helical groove doesn't extend to the shoulder portion thereof. In addition, the circulating assembly is limited in terms of an angle, and the relation between the first circulating block and the second circulating block is especially limited, so that the ball screw is applicable to the nuts with smaller outer diameter. Hence, the ball screw can be applied to both the nuts with smaller diameter and the screw shafts whose helical groove doesn't extend to the shoulder portion thereof. |
| US08813588B2 |
Device for guiding a power tool
A device (3) for guiding a power tool (2) along an advancing direction (18), consisting of a baseplate (9) that can be fastened to a substrate (8) by a fastening means (10), of a guide rail (11) that can be joined to the baseplate (9) and that has a contour (21), and of a guide carriage (16) for guiding the power tool (2) along the advancing direction (18), whereby the guide carriage (16) has a counter-contours (22) that can be made to engage with the contour (21), the guide rail (11) being joined to an axis element (24) and is configured so that it can rotate relative to the baseplate (9) around a rotational axis (23) that is parallel to the advancing direction (18). |
| US08813587B2 |
Device for starting a combustion engine
A device has an output which is formed by a gearwheel that can be coupled to a gearwheel on a crankshaft of a combustion engine. The device comprises a first auxiliary drive source arranged as an electromotor, which is coupled to the output via a node. A first branch of a drive line is present between the electromotor and the node and a second branch of the drive line is present between the node and the output. The device further includes a second auxiliary drive source arranged as a flywheel which is coupled to the output via the node. A third branch is then present between the flywheel and the node. |
| US08813584B2 |
Syringe, syringe family and metering device
Syringe for use with a metering device comprising a centering element with an axial through-passage in a receiver for a syringe cylinder and an axially displaceable piston receiver for a syringe piston, comprising syringe cylinder syringe piston, the syringe cylinder comprising an outlet at the bottom, centering flange at the top on the external periphery for inserting into the receiver, cylindrical piston movement area connected to the outlet, with a first internal diameter, in which the syringe piston is sealingly guided, and at least at a distance of at least 3 mm from the upper end of the syringe cylinder a centering region for inserting the centering element, which has a second internal diameter, which exceeds the first internal diameter and is at least 16.2 mm, the syringe piston at the upper end has a coupling piece for inserting into the piston receiver. |
| US08813582B1 |
Dilution and sampling system
A system for testing the efficiency of a test HEPA filter, the system comprises a dilution system and a sampling system. The dilution system processes samples collected upstream of the test HEPA filter. The dilution system has a test portion and a calibrated portion. The calibrated portion aids in determining the dilution ratio of the test portion thereby rendering the dilution system self-calibrating. The sampling system receives upstream samples via the dilution system, and downstream samples collected directly downstream of the test HEPA filter. The sampling system incorporates a flow rate balancing system to ensure accurate counts with respect to samples collected upstream and downstream of the test HEPA filter. The sampling system works well with particle counters fitted with relatively weak fans to draw in samples for counting; this is achieved by connecting the sampling system to both the inlet and exhaust outlet of a particle counter. |
| US08813580B2 |
Apparatus and processes for silicon on insulator MEMS pressure sensors
System and methods for silicon on insulator MEMS pressure sensors are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: applying a doping source to a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) silicon wafer having a sensor layer and an insulating layer comprising SiO2 material; doping the silicon wafer with Boron atoms from the doping source while controlling an injection energy of the doping to achieve a top-heavy ion penetration profile; and applying a heat source to diffuse the Boron atoms throughout the sensor layer of the SOI silicon wafer. |
| US08813574B2 |
Method for testing the tension stress in tension elements of tension element cord
A method and device for testing the tensile stress in tension elements of a tension element cord utilizes a measuring gage which is clamped between two tension elements of the tension element cord. The gage establishes a reference point relative to a fixed point stationary with respect to the tension element cord. The gage extends horizontally between two vertically extending length portions of the two tension elements. Then it is determined whether the reference point of the measuring gage is shifted with respect to the fixed point in the horizontal direction, wherein such a shift is dependent on a difference in the tension stresses in the two tension elements. |
| US08813573B2 |
Micromechanical component and production method for a micromechanical component
A micromechanical component includes: an adjustable element connected to a holder at least via a spring; a first sensor device with at least one first piezo-resistive sensor element, which first sensor device provides a first sensor signal relating to a first mechanical stress, the first piezo-resistive sensor element being situated on or in an anchoring region of the spring; and a second sensor device with at least one second piezo-resistive sensor element, which second sensor device provides a second sensor signal relating to a second mechanical stress, the second piezo-resistive sensor element being situated on or in an anchoring region of the spring. |
| US08813571B2 |
Optical microphone
There is provided an optical microphone for detecting an acoustic wave propagating in an ambient fluid, the optical microphone including: a propagation medium section; a light source for emitting a light wave to be transmitted through a diffraction region in the propagation medium section; and a photoelectric conversion section for detecting the light wave having been transmitted through the propagation medium section. A first acoustic wave which is a portion of the acoustic wave and a second acoustic wave which is another portion thereof are allowed to propagate in the propagation medium section so as to simultaneously arrive at the diffraction region, and an interference component between a +1st order diffracted light wave and a −1st order diffracted light wave of the light wave generated based on a refractive index distribution of the propagation medium occurring in the diffraction region. |
| US08813569B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor
An ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic element. The ultrasonic element includes an ultrasonic oscillator for sending, receiving or transceiving ultrasonic waves, an element body having an opening for passage of ultrasonic waves formed on one surface, the ultrasonic oscillator being arranged within the element body, and terminal portions protruding from the element body to feed an electric current to the ultrasonic oscillator. The ultrasonic sensor further includes a housing having an opening formed on one surface for communication with the opening of the element body. The housing includes a receiving portion for receiving the ultrasonic element and a positioning portion integrally formed with the receiving portion to position the ultrasonic element in place. The ultrasonic sensor includes a printed wiring board arranged to interpose the ultrasonic element between the printed wiring board and the receiving portion. The terminal portions of the ultrasonic element are mounted to the printed wiring board. |
| US08813567B2 |
Low profile ultrasound inspection scanner
An inspection scanner [1000] is described that has a low profile construction designed to fit into tight spaces and inspect structures [10] such as weld joints [13]. Wheel frame assemblies [1100, 1200] carry a probe holder assembly [1110] with an ultrasonic (US) array [1400] that emits US beams through the structure [10] and receives reflected sound waves. The probe holder assembly [1110] extends and US beam is angled away to inspect in tight locations. The wheel frame assemblies [1100, 1200] roll on wheels [1140, 1240] that drive an encoder [1250]. Encoder [1250] provides the specific locations for the received sound waves with respect to the weld. The locations and received sound waves are used to reconstruct a signal showing imperfections inside of structure [10]. The wheels [1140, 1240] may be magnetic to hold it to the structure [10] being inspected. A brake system [1600] may be employed to hold the inspection scanner [1000] at a given location. |
| US08813564B2 |
MEMS multi-axis gyroscope with central suspension and gimbal structure
Various examples include microelectromechanical die for sensing motion that includes symmetrical proof-mass electrodes interdigitated with asymmetrical stator electrodes. Some of these examples include electrodes that are curved around an axis orthogonal to the plane in which the electrodes are disposed. An example provides vertical flexures coupling an inner gimbal to a proof-mass in a manner permitting flexure around a horizontal axis. |
| US08813563B2 |
Measuring cup
A measuring cup and funnel system includes a measuring cup and a funnel portion formed within the measuring cup. The measuring cup includes measurement indicators based on volume within an interior of the measuring cup considering displacement of the funnel portion. |
| US08813560B2 |
Fluid reservoir for a motor vehicle hydraulic brake system
A motor vehicle hydraulic brake system fluid reservoir for use with an electronic control unit. The hydraulic brake system fluid reservoir has a housing including a reservoir interior space having at least one fluid chamber, and a device for monitoring a reservoir filling level including a switch unit, which with a contact carrier projects into a guide sleeve, which extends into a separate chamber of the reservoir interior space. A sensor element or switch element is arranged on the contact carrier and is operable by a pickup carried on the guide sleeve at a switching point, at which the switch unit generates a signal for the electronic control unit. The separate chamber is connected to the fluid chamber by way of a fluid connection. Valve means are also provided, which serves to control the fluid flow between the separate chamber and the fluid chamber. |
| US08813557B2 |
Diesel particulate filter flow rate measuring apparatus and method
A particulate filter is provided. The particulate filter includes: a plurality of sensors located in the filter; and a controller operatively connected to the sensors to determine a relative flow velocity over the sensors. A method for detecting obstructions in a filter may also be provided. The method may include: locating a sensor in a zone within a filter; connecting the sensor to a controller; monitoring the sensor with the controller; and determining whether the zone is obstructed based on data received from the sensor. |
| US08813553B2 |
Device for peel test
A device for a peel test. The device includes: a gripping member to grip an end of a test film to be peeled off a test object; a movable member linearly moving in a direction to or away from the gripping member; a holding member for the movable member capable of linearly moving in a direction along a peel surface of the test object while holding the test object; a moving mechanism configured to move the movable member linearly; a load measuring unit configured to measure a load applied to the gripping member; a first conversion mechanism to convert the linear motion of the movable member to rotational power, and output the rotational power; and a second conversion mechanism to convert the rotational power output from the first conversion mechanism to the linear motion of the holding member relative to the movable member. |
| US08813551B2 |
Device that accurately measures physiological fluid flow
A sensor for sensing a volume of fluid in a container includes first and second elements, each element including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the first element has a first electrical resistance per unit length of the container and the second portion of the first element has a second electrical resistance per unit length of the container different from the first electrical resistance per unit length of the container. The first portion of the second element has a third electrical resistance per unit length of the container and the second portion of the second element has a fourth electrical resistance per unit length of the container different from the third electrical resistance per unit length of the container. |
| US08813548B2 |
Sensor mounting arrangement of a wheel assembly
A sensor mounting arrangement of a wheel assembly having a spindle defining an elongated cavity is provided. The spindle rotatably supports a wheel. The sensor mounting arrangement comprises a tube, a wire harness, and a sensor assembly. The tube is configured to be partially received in the elongated cavity of the spindle. The wire harness is routed through the tube. The sensor assembly is connected to a leading end of the wire harness wherein the leading end is configured to be disposed proximal to the wheel. |
| US08813543B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining imbalance correction weight amounts for application during vehicle wheel balancing
A method for reducing imbalance correction weight usage during a balancing operation of a vehicle wheel assembly. An imbalance of the vehicle wheel assembly is initially determined and utilized together with an established acceptable threshold of imbalance for the vehicle wheel assembly to compute a reduced imbalance value having a magnitude less than the determined imbalance. Using the reduced imbalance value, correction weight amounts and placement locations for application to the vehicle wheel assembly are identified. Determined differences between the identified correction weight amount using the reduced imbalance value and a convention correction weight amount are identified as imbalance correction weight savings. |
| US08813539B2 |
Electrochemistry apparatus
An electrochemistry apparatus comprises a supporting body and a reaction layer for generating electromotive force. The supporting body is made of a first material. The reaction layer covers the surface of the supporting body and comprises an ion conductive layer, a first film electrode and a second film electrode. The first and the second film electrodes are separately formed on two opposite surfaces of the ion conductive layer. The ion conductive layer is made of a second material having a thermal expansion coefficient approximating to the thermal expansion coefficient of the first material. The second material has an ionic conductivity greater than the ionic conductivity of the first material. The first material has a toughness greater than the second material. The electrochemistry apparatus employs the supporting body with improved toughness and the ion conductive layer with improved ion conductivity, so as to increase sensitivity and thermal shock resistance. |
| US08813536B2 |
System and method for removing dents from a dented surface
Described herein is technology for, among other things, removing a dent from a dented surface. The technology includes an automated hammering device positioned on a first side of the dent, and a dolly positioned on a second side of the dent. The automated hammering device repeatedly strikes the dent, thereby restoring proper curvature to the dented surface. |
| US08813523B2 |
Glass lathe
Provided is a glass lathe that processes a glass member by heating the glass member with a burner, wherein a reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves is arranged around a portion of the glass member to be heated. The reflector preferably has a spherical surface with a portion removed therefrom, and may be formed of a mirror surface finishing agent for SUS, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. An inner surface of the reflector is preferably covered by gold, platinum, or rhodium, and an outer surface of the reflector is preferably processed to improve thermal emittance, by applying an infrared light emitting coating thereto. |
| US08813522B2 |
Silicon photonic fiber and method of manufacture
Methods of converting silica to silicon and fabricating silicon photonic crystal fiber (PCF) are disclosed. Silicon photonic crystal fibers made by the fabrication methods are also disclosed. One fabrication method includes: sealing silica PCF and a quantity of magnesium within a container, the quantity of magnesium defined by 2Mg(g)+SiO2(s)→2MgO(s)+Si(s); converting silica PCF to a reacted PCF through magnesiothermic reduction; and converting the reacted PCF to the fabricated silicon PCF by selective dissolution of the reacted PCF in an acid. Another fabrication method includes: adding silica PCF and a quantity of solid magnesium to an unsealed container, the quantity of magnesium substantially in excess of that defined by 2Mg(g)+SiO2(s)→2MgO(s)+Si(s); converting silica PCF to a reacted PCF through magnesiothermic reduction; and converting the reacted PCF to the fabricated silicon PCF by selective dissolution of the reacted PCF in an acid. |
| US08813521B2 |
Float bath for manufacturing glass; float glass forming method utilizing the same and method for installing barriers to the float bath
A float bath for manufacturing glass includes a slot formed in a bottom block of the float bath in which a molten metal is to be filled, a barrier member capable of being inserted into the slot, a receiving portion formed in at least one side block that connects with the bottom block so as to communicate with the slot, and a placing member placed in the receiving portion to be connected to one end of the barrier member. |
| US08813519B2 |
Modified princess cut diamond having hearts and arrows pattern and method
A modified princess cut diamond and method of forming a modified princess cut diamond into a symmetrical shape possessing a hearts and arrows pattern characteristic of the true hearts and arrows pattern in a round cut diamond. The modified princess cut diamond includes: a tablet facet, 4 main crown facets, 8 crown halves, 8 crown star facets, 4 subsidiary crown facets, 8 subsidiary crown halves, 8 main pavilion facets, 4, subsidiary pavilion facets, 16 pavilion halves and a girdle with each main crown facet having a pair of crown star facets symmetrically disposed on one side thereof adjacent to the tablet facet and a pair of crown halves symmetrically disposed on the opposite sides thereof with each pair of crown star facets having the side thereof adjoining the table facet meeting at a point equal to essentially half the longer distance of the main crown facet measured horizontally and with all crown star facets and crown halves adjacent each main crown having identical polished angles with a maximum tolerance of 0.30. |
| US08813518B2 |
Air conditioner
The filter 3 is extruded to the outside of the casing of the air conditioner along the inner side of an open panel 15 which is provided at the front surface side of an air intake grill 14 and opened/closed at the time of the operation of the air conditioner. |
| US08813517B2 |
Air conditioner and air conditioning system
An air conditioner including a humidifier and an air conditioning system. The humidifier is modularized within the air conditioner so that the air conditioner performs humidifying together with air conditioning. Further, the humidifier may be linked in operation to the air conditioner. |
| US08813514B2 |
Geothermal rail cooling and heating system
A Geothermal Rail Cooling and Heating System is a reversible system process that accelerates heat transfer between the steel rail used in railway track and the adjacent earth. It is comprised of the Rail Heat Exchangers specially shaped to fit tightly inside the rail web, a refrigerant cycling on its physical condensing and evaporative characteristics, a mechanical and power supply system, and an underground tubing loop system for heat dissipation or absorption. When the railroad track undergoes a range of temperature changes that results in rapid rail expansion, it may cause track buckling or sun kink. Upon detection of such occurrence, the system responds with cooling effect to slow down expansion, and simultaneously reduce the risk of track failure. By switching the direction of refrigerant flow utilizing the system built-in reversing valve, the function is alternated for the evaporator and condenser to enable heating instead of cooling. |
| US08813512B2 |
Condenser assemblies for heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems
Embodiments of a modular condenser unit are provided. The modular condenser unit may include a housing and a first condenser coil and a second condenser coil disposed within a volume of the housing. A fan may also be disposed in an end of the housing and adapted to draw air through at least one of the first condenser coil and the second condenser coil. In some embodiments, the first condenser coil and/or the second condenser coil may be micro-channel condenser coils. |
| US08813510B2 |
Freezer
A freezer with an outer and inner housing, wherein the inner housing has a cooling space and a trough-shaped configuration on its bottom. There is a channel in the trough-shaped configuration to capture dew water and/or condensation water. A refrigerant circuit including a compressor and evaporator lines is operably connected to the cooling space of the inner housing. The evaporator lines of the refrigerant circuit run around the cooling space and are attached to at least one sidewall of the inner housing. The evaporator lines are located in the space between the inner and outer housing with the lowermost evaporation line adjacent to the lowermost portion of the channel. |
| US08813507B2 |
Method for producing motor energy from fossil fuels while dissipating pure carbon dioxide
A method for producing electric energy from solid and liquid fuels is provided. The fuels are first subjected to a gasification process at high pressure, and the scrubbed gasification gas is fed to a gas and steam turbine process. The combustion of the scrubbed gasification gas in the gas turbine chamber does not occur with air, but with a mixture made of the three components oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. As a result, the waste gas of the gas turbine is made only of carbon dioxide and water vapor. After the condensation thereof, technically pure carbon dioxide remains, which can be dissipated by storage in the deep substrate of the atmosphere. |
| US08813505B2 |
Method for conditioning a power supply for starting a jet engine
Method for conditioning a power supply for starting a jet engine having an electrical starting system with an auxiliary power unit in parallel with a DC power supply. |
| US08813499B2 |
Apparatus and method of converting a portion of the specific energy of a fluid in gas phase into mechanical work
An apparatus (1) and a method of converting a portion of the specific energy of a fluid in gas phase into mechanical work are described, the apparatus (1) comprising: at least one housing (3, 3′) which is provided with at least one gas-supply portion (7, T) and at least one exhaust portion (9, 9′)/each of the at least one housing (3, 3′) comprising: a blade wheel (5) which is rotatably arranged in the housing (3, 3′) and which includes: a shaft (51) enclosed by a drum (53); at least two blades (55) which are movably arranged to the drum (53) so that a portion (57) of the blades (55) is arranged to be moved towards the internal casing surface (31) of the housing (3, 3′) in such a way that the drum (53), the internal casing surface (31) of the housing (3) and the blades (55) define chambers (59) arranged to contain gas, an effective area of a blade (55) which is immediately upstream of the exhaust portion (9, 9′) being larger than an effective area of a blade (55) which is immediately upstream of the gas-supply portion (7, 7′); that the blade wheel (5) constitutes a barrier between the gas-supply portion (7, 7′) and the exhaust portion (9, 9′); and that the exhaust portion (9, 9′) of one of the at least one housing (3, 3′) is provided with a condenser (11) to condense the gas which has been carried into the exhaust portion (9, 9′). |
| US08813493B2 |
Supercharger control device for an internal combustion engine
A supercharger control device for an internal combustion engine is preferably applied to a system having a first supercharger and a second supercharger. A switching supercharging pressure setting unit sets a switching supercharging pressure used in case of switching a mode for operating the first supercharger and the second supercharger, based on a difference between a target supercharging pressure and an actual supercharging pressure. When the actual supercharging pressure reaches the switching supercharging pressure, a switching control unit performs a control of switching the mode. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately prevent the overshoot of the supercharging pressure at the time of switching the mode. |
| US08813492B2 |
Internal combustion engine and supercharger
A diesel or diesel-like internal combustion engine drivably connected to a variable internal compression ratio supercharger that supplies varying amounts of air to the engine responsive to the load requirements of the engine. The supercharger has a pair of rotors concurrently driven by the engine to move air to the engine. A slide assembly associated with screw rotors is movable with a controller relative to the rotors to bypass air to atmosphere and regulate the amount of air and pressure of the air compressed by the screw rotors to the engine to increase the engine's efficiency. |
| US08813484B2 |
Starting device having a throttle plate
A starting device for a motor vehicle includes a pump connected to a prime mover and a turbine connected to a turbine shaft. The pump and turbine are hydrodynamically connected. A stator assembly is disposed between the pump and the turbine. The stator assembly houses a slidable throttle plate. In a first position, the throttle plate partially blocks a return fluid flow from the stator assembly, thereby effectively reducing the capacity of the starting device. In a second position, the throttle plate does not reduce the capacity of the starting device. The throttle plate position is a function of a balance of forces acting on the throttle plate by a biasing member and a flow of hydraulic fluid contacting the throttle plate. |
| US08813480B2 |
Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine
An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine is provided with a first NOX selective reduction catalyst which is arranged inside of an engine exhaust passage and which selectively reduces NOX by feed of a reducing agent, a second NOX selective reduction catalyst which is arranged inside of the engine exhaust passage at the downstream side of the first NOX selective reduction catalyst and which selectively reduces NOX by feed of a reducing agent, and a reducing agent feed device which feeds a reducing agent to the first NOX selective reduction catalyst. The system estimates the amount of adsorption of the reducing agent which is adsorbed at the second NOX selective reduction catalyst and prevents the estimated amount of adsorption of the reducing agent from exceeding the allowable value by adjusting the amount of feed of reducing agent from the reducing agent feed device. |
| US08813473B2 |
Steam injected gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine has in flow series: a compressor section, a combustion chamber, and a turbine section. The engine further has a steam generator. The combustion chamber has a steam reservoir located at the upstream end thereof. The steam reservoir receives steam from the steam generator, and delivers the received steam into a combustion zone of the combustion chamber. |
| US08813471B2 |
System for fuel gas moisturization and heating
Embodiments of the present invention may provide to a gas turbine a fuel gas saturated with water heated by a fuel moisturizer, which receives heat form a flash tank. A heat source for the flash tank may originate at a heat recovery steam generator. The increased mass flow associated with the saturated fuel gas may result in increased power output from the associated power plant. The fuel gas saturation is followed by superheating the fuel, preferably with bottom cycle heat sources, resulting in a larger thermal efficiency gain. |
| US08813468B2 |
Chain consisting of oval profile chain links, and method for producing a chain of this type
A chain has alternating vertical and horizontal chain links and with each link having an oval profile. The vertical links having an end web supporting surface formed on its inside that engages with a complementary bearing surface on the end web of adjacent horizontal link. The supporting surfaces and the bearing surfaces of all end webs are widened beyond two lateral surfaces of the respective end web, and supporting surfaces and bearing surfaces associated with one another are formed in each case as complementary cylindrical surfaces extending between longitudinal limbs. A method for producing such, closed profile chain links are hooked into open profile chain links and then the latter are closed by welding. And wherein, all supporting surfaces and bearing surfaces associated with one another are formed in each case as cylindrical surfaces that complement one another. |
| US08813466B2 |
Cutting unit and rotor tines with scraper
A cutting unit for agricultural machines, including a rotor carrying on a base body spaced apart tine arrangements with circumferential phase shifts between adjacent tine arrangements. Each tine arrangement includes at least one tine with a base secured to the rotor base body and an outwardly protruding triangular tine tip forming a conveying flank leading in the rotor rotation direction and extending from the tine end to a transition into the base. A cutting unit bottom forms a lower boundary of a conveying channel. Cutting blades protrude from the cutting unit bottom through the conveying channel besides moving paths of the tine tips. Scrapers are placed in a conveying direction through the conveying channel behind the rotor. A compression surface provided at the base of the tine ahead of the conveying flank in the rotor rotation direction gradually ascends at least substantially up to the transition into the conveying flank. |
| US08813462B2 |
Device and method for producing plastic containers and plastic containers produced by said method
A device for molding plastic blanks to give plastic containers with a blow mold may include a cavity within which a plastic blank may be molded to give a plastic container. The blow mold has a base part to form a base section of the container. The base part defines the cavity. The device may include a filling device for introducing a gaseous medium into the plastic blank via the mouth thereof, in order to expand the plastic blank within the blow mold, with a rod-like body, which may be moved relative to the blow mold in order to draw the plastic blank during the molding process. The base part has a forming section defining the cavity, for forming the base section of the container which matches the shape of the base section of the container, and the forming section has a projection running in the direction of the cavity in a central region. |
| US08813460B2 |
Mounting system for solar panels
An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector mount assemblies are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices and to simplify the final connection of external wiring to the module. |
| US08813457B2 |
Grid runner to perimeter trim clip
A clip for mounting an elongated trim strip on ends of ceiling grid runners, having a right angle configuration with two intersecting legs, one leg adapted to laterally abut an end of a grid runner and the other being adapted to engage the trim strip, said other leg having oppositely extending upper and lower grips for reception into upper and lower opposing channels of the trim strip, the grips being relatively moveable, and a toggle arrangement for moving said grips away from one another, when retracted, the grips being capable of passing between the opposed channels, the toggle arrangement selectively maintaining said grips in an extended position to frictionally lock onto the opposed channels of the trim strip. |
| US08813456B2 |
Bridging connector
A building connection between a substantially vertical wall stud and a substantially horizontal bridging member, using a separate and distinct bridging connector that attaches the wall stud to the bridging member. The wall stud is typically one of several sequentially-arranged, cold-formed steel studs in the frame of a building wall. The bridging member is typically a separate cold-formed steel member that interfaces with and spans a plurality of wall studs. |
| US08813452B2 |
Assemblies for constructing solar panel mounting systems
Mechanical clips and pier cap assemblies are provided that may be used to construct solar panel mounting frames. The assemblies include a pier cap that is configured to be attached to a top portion of a pier, which includes an opening and a flange stop. The flange stop is configured to support a solar panel mounting frame member. The assemblies further include a clip that has an aperture and a tab, with the tab being configured to be disposed through the opening in the pier cap. The assemblies further include a bolt and a nut, which are used to secure a solar panel mounting frame member to the pier cap. |
| US08813451B2 |
Wall attachment clip, wall panel system, and system and method for supporting wall panels
A clip for attaching and supporting wall panels to a building (such as for an exterior building envelope), a wall panel system, and systems and methods for supporting wall panels is provided. The clip includes a main body portion, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a face portion. The clip is used with a system of interlocking vapor barrier wall panels to support the wall panels and affix them to a building frame without compromising the vapor barrier. Exterior façade panels can also be affixed to the clip and building frame without compromising the vapor barrier. |
| US08813442B1 |
Snap-together window frame
A window frame assembly to secure a glass pane within a window opening in a door slab. The assembly preferably includes two identical frame halves carrying bosses on which modular clip members are secure. The clip members each carry a male post member and a female socket member. Each clip member on a half frame engages a corresponding clip member on the other half frame with their female and male socket members engaging the outer surface of the clip member carrying a key member complementary to the keying member. |
| US08813438B2 |
System for denying soaring and migratory birds access to critical areas of airports and aircrafts
A method is provided for mitigation of aircraft bird strikes through the provision of conditions on the ground that totally prevents the formation of atmospheric thermals in the proximity of airports and airfields, whereby conflicts between soaring and migratory birds and aircrafts may be avoided. This is accomplished by modification of the topography of the field into a plurality of zones, as described herein and through construction of high albedo pavements, roads, artificial turfs and cool terrains. |
| US08813434B2 |
Retail kiosk
A retail kiosk includes a product fulfillment portion and a product display portion. The product fulfillment portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The product display portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The continuous, circular edge of the product fulfillment portion is out of alignment with the continuous, circular edge of the product display portion when the retail kiosk is deployed. |
| US08813433B2 |
Building structure and method
A load bearing structure including a first fixed net layer, a second fixed net layer and a non-linear structure in between. The first fixed net layer may include a first layer of flexible fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the first layer of flexible fabric. The second fixed net layer may include a second layer of flexible fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the second layer of flexible fabric. The non-linear reinforcing structure may be in communication with the first and second fixed net layers and may be configured to share with the first and second fixed net layers a load applied to the load bearing structure. |
| US08813424B2 |
Casement and awning window opening limit device
A device to limit an opening of a window having a hinged sash coupled to a window frame including a window opening limiting structure having a first member and a second member. One of them is securable to the sash and the other of the first member and the second member being securable to the frame. A selectively releasable coupler by which the first member and the second member are couplable is shiftable between a coupled status and a released status. The first member and the second member bridge a preselected distance such that the sash is inhibited from opening beyond a predetermined distance. The coupler is releasable so that the sash can be opened beyond the predetermined distance and re-engages automatically when the sash is closed. |
| US08813423B2 |
Plant growing system containing a super amount of a controlled-released fertilizer and methods of using the same
The invention relates to a plant growing system having (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. The planting growing system may also include a moisture control agent or a plant protection agent. Despite the high EC values of the growing system, the combination of materials that make up the growing system nevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread; more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g., Fusarium and Rhizoctonia), pythium, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and other pests. |
| US08813417B2 |
Surf fishing toy
A water toy comprises an elongated buoyant body, a front attachment point, a weighted figurine, and a fin. The elongated buoyant body has a nose, a tail, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface meet at an outer edge. The front attachment point is disposed upon the bottom surface at the nose. The front attachment point comprises an aperture. The weighted figurine is disposed upon the top surface toward the nose. The fin extends from the bottom surface toward the tail. The water toy may comprise a rear attachment point for attaching a fish hook or lure and/or a water foil disposed upon the bottom surface at the tail. |
| US08813411B2 |
Gun with side mounting plate
An accessory is mountable to the side plate of a gun. The accessory may be a sighting device including a light source (preferably a laser), and a power source connectable to the light source. The side plate is positioned on the gun, which is preferably a revolver, preferably by being screwed to it. The side plate includes an attachment mechanism that is preferably located behind the trigger guard and behind the gun cylinder, wherein the accessory is attachable to the attachment mechanism. |
| US08813409B2 |
Remote contrivance refurbishment apparatus and related methods
Disclosed is a remote contrivance refurbishment apparatus and related methods. |
| US08813406B1 |
High capacity magazine with multiple springs
A high capacity box magazine is provided. A plurality of nested followers may be adapted to nest one within another and a plurality of springs may be configured to nest one within another to facilitate the advancement of cartridges within the box magazine to a firearm. A spring cup or cups may be used to nest additional springs that work in series and are nested within each other to further reduce the required height of the springs. The reliability of a conventional lower capacity box magazine may be maintained or exceeded without requiring significantly greater length in order to accommodate the increased capacity. The high capacity box magazine typically requires less frequent magazine changes than conventional lower capacity box magazines. |
| US08813403B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for a card and memory device holder
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for an information card holder. A base is formed in a rectangular shape with a front side and a back side. The front side has a first edge opposite a second edge. A card retainer mechanism including a first lip adjacent to the first edge of the front side of the base and a second lip is adjacent to the second edge of the front side of the base. The first and second lips may be configured to receive an edge of an information card therein (e.g. a business card). A depression is formed into the base that forms a storage compartment configured to house electronic memory storage devices (e.g. an SD card). The storage compartment is configured such that an information card retained by the first lip and second lip spans the storage compartment and retains an electronic memory storage device housed therein. |
| US08813391B1 |
Footwear with insole system
A shoe including a footwear upper, an outer sole and an insole system, the insole system including a base insole component and an upper insole component. The base insole includes a chassis and first and a second shock absorbing inserts. The upper insole includes a spacer panel, first and a second gel insert members, and a fabric sheet layer. The insole system may be permanently secured in the shoe or be replaceable or interchangeable for installation and removal to and from the article of footwear by a user. |
| US08813390B2 |
Article of footwear including full length composite plate
A full length composite plate to be used as part of an outsole assembly in an article of footwear is disclosed. The full length composite plate comprises a composite material that has a certain percent elongation. The full length composite plate can include a heel cup for heel stability and improved traction. The full length composite plate also can include two angled portions along an arch region that provide arch support, as well as two flattened edges along the arch region to minimize or eliminate buckling. The forefoot region can be relatively flatter than the arch and heel regions, and notches are preferably included along a portion of the forefoot to increase flexibility. |
| US08813387B2 |
Footwear with separable upper and sole structure
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper. |
| US08813383B2 |
Watermark-free hand dryer
A watermark-free hand dryer includes a main body, an annular air discharge portion and a water absorbing portion. The main body generates high pressure airflow. The annular air discharge portion is connected to the main body and includes at least one extending section extended from the main body and a connecting section connected to the extending section. The extending section and connecting section surround to form an annular hand drying passage to receive user's hands. The annular air discharge portion further has at least one nozzle on an air discharge surface communicating with the annular air discharge portion. The nozzle forms an air discharge angle against the air discharge surface to output the high pressure airflow towards an air discharge side. The water absorbing portion is located on the main body and relative to the air discharge side to receive the high pressure airflow output from the nozzle. |
| US08813381B2 |
Template for multiple overlapping scallops
Templates that are used to create several connected overlapping scallops made from fabric, as well as methods for making and using such templates, are described. The templates described have a plurality of evenly spaced, alternating arcs formed or cut in opposite, parallel edges of a substrate, resulting in evenly spaced, alternating semicircular tabs located on the opposite, parallel edges of the substrate. In some embodiments, the template is a die that produces cut fabric in the shape of the template. The template may be used to cut or mark material into connected semicircular arcs that may be sewn and folded to make connected scallops that may be overlapping. The resulting scallops are of uniform size and spacing, and are connected. |
| US08813379B2 |
Self-leveling multi-line laser device
A self-leveling multi-line laser device is disclosed. The multi-line laser device includes at least two laser beams and at least two reflecting cones, wherein the cone axes of the reflecting cones are perpendicular to each other and each of the laser beams can be directed, preferably eccentrically, parallel to the axis of one of the reflecting cones against the tip of said reflecting cone. With the multi-line laser device, at least two projectable laser lines can be generated. |
| US08813374B2 |
Chain guard for a motor-driven chain saw and a carrying arrangement therefor
A chain guard for a motor-driven chain saw has a narrow casing with a front end and a back end. The casing has two parallel side walls and an upper wall and a lower wall connecting the side walls to each other. The casing is closed at the front end thereof and defines an opening at the back end. A device is provided on the casing for attaching the chain guard to the clothing of the operator, a rope, a carabiner or the like. |
| US08813373B2 |
Blade clamp mechanism
A cutting tool clamp mechanism for a power tool includes a housing supported by a spindle, the spindle being configured to receive and drive a cutting tool along a longitudinal axis of the spindle. A clamping system is supported by the housing and includes an engaging portion movable relative to the spindle, the clamping system having an engaged condition, in which the engaging portion is engageable with the cutting tool to secure the cutting tool in the spindle, and a released condition, in which the engaging portion is disengageable with the cutting tool. A biasing member is positioned between the housing and the clamping system, and operable to bias the clamping system to the engaged condition. When the cutting tool is removed from the spindle, the clamping system is held in the released condition, and upon insertion of the cutting tool into the housing, the clamping system moves from the released condition to the engaged condition. |
| US08813370B2 |
Trigger-operated portable electric tool
A trigger-operated portable electric tool for performing a main function, characterized in that it has a double trigger with, on the one hand, a main trigger for operating it, which operates at least one moving active part of the tool and, on the other hand, an auxiliary trigger or secondary trigger connected to the main trigger by means of an articulation and configured to make an angle with the said main trigger, the pivoting of the auxiliary trigger about the articulation enabling actuation of a means of operating a system for performing at least one additional function of the tool. |
| US08813365B2 |
Pepper corer set
A pepper corer set includes two separate pepper corers, each one of which is configured to remove a different sized core from a different sized pepper. A first pepper corer is configured to remove a stem and facilitate removal of the core from a relatively large variety of pepper such as a bell pepper, while a second pepper corer is sized to remove a stem and facilitate removal of the core from a smaller pepper, such as a jalapeno pepper. |
| US08813364B2 |
Methods for making layered dental appliances
Methods for making a layered dental appliance. Some methods can include providing a solid structure (e.g., a die or a dental core, such as a fully sintered ceramic dental core) having a desired outer shape, and applying a first slurry to the solid structure to form a first free form layer on the solid structure. The method can further include solidifying the first free form layer on the solid structure, and machining the solidified first free form layer to a desired shape to form a first article comprising the solid structure and a first shaped layer. The method can further include applying, solidifying, and machining a second layer in a similar way to form a second article comprising the solid structure, the first shaped layer, and a second shaped layer. In some methods, the free form layers are not exposed to a high temperature prior to being machined. |
| US08813361B2 |
Gas turbine blade and manufacturing method thereof
In a gas turbine blade where a part of the γ′ phase precipitation strengthened type Ni-based alloy base material is composed of a weld metal, the weld metal is a Ni-based alloy containing Ta from 4.8 to 5.3 wt. %, Cr from 18 to 23 wt. %, Co from 12 to 17 wt. %, W from 14 to 18 wt. %, C from 0.03 to 0.1 wt. %, Mo from 1 to 2 wt. %, and Al of 1 wt. % or less, in which the oxygen content is 0 to 30 ppm, the Ti content from 0 to 0.1 wt. %, and the Re content from 0 to 0.5 wt. %. A blade base metal is manufactured by the step of stripping, the step of solution heat treatment where the γ′ phase is dissolved again, the step of welding in an inert gas chamber by a TIG method using a welding wire where the weld metal can be obtained, the step of HIP treatment at 1100° C. to 1150° C., and the step of an aging treatment at 835° C. to 855° C. |
| US08813359B2 |
Leaf seal manufacturing method
A process is provided for manufacturing leaf seals for effecting seals between coaxial, relatively rotating components. Each leaf seal has an annular pack of leaves which are stacked face-to-face, and are mountable to one of the components at respective root portions of the leaves. The annular pack has a pack radius at the wiping contact edges which is matched within tolerance limits to the radius of the sealing surface. The process includes: determining production parameters for the production of a plurality of leaf seals, the parameters being determined such that at least a portion of the produced leaf seals will have pack radii which violate the tolerance limit; producing the leaf seals using the determined production parameters; and modifying the pack radii of the portion of the produced leaf seals which violate the tolerance limit such that the modified pack radii match the sealing surface within the tolerance limits. |
| US08813355B2 |
Method for producing a current metering device
A method for producing a current metering device with current conductor optionally made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, which has a middle section in the form of a bar and two end sections with flattened areas, and is bent between one end section at a time and the middle section, a magnetic module which has a bushing which holds the current conductor, and two copper or copper alloy sleeves which are applied at least to parts of the end sections of the current conductor. |
| US08813352B2 |
Methods for fabricating a conductor
A method for fabricating a conductor includes providing a plurality of conductive nano-scale material elements, dispersing the nano-scale material elements within a resin to provide a resin-nano-scale material mixture, aligning the nano-scale material elements within the resin-nano-scale material mixture, and curing the resin-nano-scale material mixture. |
| US08813341B2 |
Device for attaching a line to a connecting element
A device for attaching a line or wire cable to a connecting element includes an upper and a lower die that each has a press surface. At least one recess outside of the press surfaces is provided between the upper and the lower die that decreases the risk of damage to the dies should an erroneous attachment of the wire cable to the connecting element occur. |
| US08813339B2 |
Multilayered cellular metallic glass structures and methods of preparing the same
Multi-layered cellular metallic glass structures and methods of preparing the same are provided. In one embodiment, the cellular metallic glass structure includes at least one patterned metallic glass sheet and at least one additional sheet. The at least one patterned metallic glass sheet may include multiple sheets connected together to form a group of sheets, and the structure may include a group of sheets sandwiched between two outer sheets. The patterned metallic glass sheets may be patterned by thermoplastically forming two- and/or three-dimensional patterns in the metallic glass sheets. The metallic glass cellular structures are useful in a wide variety of applications, including but not limited to blast protection applications, energy absorption applications, structural support applications, biomedical implant applications, heat exchanger applications, thermal management applications, electrical shielding applications, magnetic shielding applications, and debris and radiation shielding for aerospace and outer space applications. |
| US08813327B2 |
Method for machining workpieces
A method for machining a workpiece is disclosed. The method includes fixing a workpiece on a workpiece carrier using an engaging and fixing element by adhering a first mold surface of the engaging and fixing element to an adhesive surface of the workpiece and by adhering a second mold surface of the engaging and fixing element to a contact and adhesive surface of the workpiece carrier. The method further includes machining the workpiece and releasing the first mold surface of the engaging and fixing element from the adhesive surface of the workpiece and releasing the second mold surface of the engaging and fixing element from the contact and adhesive surface of the workpiece carrier. |
| US08813325B2 |
Method for fabricating a DRAM capacitor
A method for fabricating a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) capacitor stack is disclosed wherein the stack includes a first electrode, a dielectric layer, and a second electrode. The first electrode is formed from a conductive binary metal compound and the conductive binary metal compound is annealed in a reducing atmosphere to promote the formation of a desired crystal structure. The binary metal compound may be a metal oxide. Annealing the metal oxide (i.e. molybdenum oxide) in a reducing atmosphere may result in the formation of a first electrode material (i.e. MoO2) with a rutile-phase crystal structure. This facilitates the formation of the rutile-phase crystal structure when TiO2 is used as the dielectric layer. The rutile-phase of TiO2 has a higher k value than the other possible crystal structures of TiO2 resulting in improved performance of the DRAM capacitor. |
| US08813322B2 |
Buckle for restraint systems for car safety seats for children, provided with a device for indicating the correct tensioning
A buckle includes a case connected to a restraint system lower belt. A coupling mechanism releasably engages tongue-like coupling elements connected to respective upper belts. An indicator indicates correct belt tensioning and has a visual symbol visible through openings in the case. The indicator moves in the case between a first position in which the visual symbol is not visible, for loose belts, and a second position in which the visual symbol is visible, for correctly tensioned belts. First springs urge the indicator towards the first position. A locking element in the case connects to an end of the lower belt. Second springs between the case and the locking element are resiliently deformed from tension on the lower belt. The locking element cooperates with the indicator so that when the indicator is in the second position, it is locked. |
| US08813321B2 |
Buckle
Buckle includes a male member having a pair of arms each having an engaged part, and a flat cylinder-shaped female member having an insertion port into which the pair of arms is inserted and an engaging part engaging the pair of arms. The female member includes a first cylinder side wall and a second cylinder side wall, and an opened port opposed to the insertion port. The pair of arms is not exposed from an edge of the opened port in the state where the engaging part is engaged with the engaged parts, when viewed from a plane opposed to an outer surface of the first cylinder side wall. The pair of arms is exposed from the opened port in the state where the engaging part is engaged with the engaged parts, when viewed from a plane opposed to an outer surface of the second cylinder side wall. |
| US08813317B2 |
Strap latching device
A latching device secures a strap to a piece of sports equipment. The latching device includes a buckle and a base. The buckle has a main body portion. The main body portion has an integrally formed collet and has a first slot and a second slot. The first and second slots each having a plurality of teeth shaped members that are configured to secure the strap to the buckle. The base is attached to the piece of sports equipment. The base has a first shaft and an annular ring. The first shaft has a first end and a second end. A ball shaped member is attached to the first end of the first shaft. The annular ring is formed on a periphery of the base surrounding the first shaft. The ball shaped member is releasably received in the collet to releasably engage the buckle with the base. |
| US08813311B2 |
Hinge mechanism
A hinge mechanism includes a housing, a spring member, a slider, a rotating member and a connecting rod. The slider is located on the spring member. The slider is movable along a straight line driven by the spring member. The rotating member is rotatable about a pin of the housing. The connecting rod provides a separation linkage between the slider and the rotating member to reduce friction and to render torque and counter-torque calculations easier in the context of establishing a resting position for the hinge mechanism. |
| US08813310B2 |
Window balance assembly
A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier. |
| US08813308B2 |
Upright vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner having an elongate body portion 11 which is mounted at its lower end via a neck 15 to the rear of a wheeled floor-engaging head portion 10, the body 11 being pivotable in use relative to the head about a first axis A1 for movement upwardly and downwardly and about a second orthogonal axis A2 for movement from side-to-side. A catch 17 is disposed on the neck 15 for preventing pivotal movement of the body 11 about the second axis A2 when the body 11 is disposed in its most upright position. The provision of the catch 17 improves the stability of the cleaner when the cleaner is not in use or when it is being used for above floor cleaning. |
| US08813306B2 |
Openable side compartments for a surface cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end and a rear end, and a plurality of wheels. A compartment may be positioned inwards of one of the wheels. The compartment may be accessible when the one of the wheels is moved to an open position. |
| US08813305B2 |
Compact surface cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction motor is positioned in the air flow path. At least one cyclone chamber is positioned in the air flow passage. An associated dirt collection chamber is exterior to the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber and the suction motor are positioned side by side and have generally parallel longitudinal axes. The dirt collection chamber may surround part of the suction motor. Alternately, or in addition, a pre-motor filter having an enhanced surface area may be provided by configuring the pre-motor filter to extend outwardly of the pre-motor filter, such as by overlie part of the cyclone chamber or the dirt collection chamber. |
| US08813302B1 |
Reusable cleaning hybrid web glove
A hybrid cleaning glove comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a palm covering body; and a seam-formed endoskeleton located between said palm covering body and said distal end, such that said seam-formed endoskeleton provides form-fitting finger sheaths and a webbing, whereby the cleaning surface of said hybrid cleaning glove is increased and the hand of a wearer of said hybrid cleaning glove is supported during use. |
| US08813301B2 |
Conductive brush for cleaning metals
A conductive weld brush (10) consists of a conductive receptacle (12), a bundle of conductive fibers (13) which are anchored by their inner end within the conductive receptacle (12) and a slidable support sleeve (20) which has a first end portion (21) which receives the conductive receptacle (12) and a shaped second end portion (22) which surrounds and shapes the fiber bundle (13). |
| US08813296B2 |
Oral care implement having multi-component handle
An oral care implement having a multi-component handle, and method of manufacturing the same. The invention can be a method of forming a handle for an oral care implement comprising: a) forming a core structure of a first hard plastic; b) forming an elongated handle body of a second hard plastic that at least partially surrounds the core structure so that opposing lateral surfaces of the core structure remain exposed; and c) forming a grip cover of a resilient material over at least a portion of the elongated handle body. |
| US08813294B2 |
Grout and tile cleaning implement with replaceable member
The present invention relates to a cleaning implement for cleaning a surface, in particular for cleaning grout or the like textured surfaces. In particular, the instant invention allows for a complete cleaning of a surface with a multi-component cleaning implement having a replaceable melamine member that is held by a supporting member. To allow ease of cleaning, the supporting member further includes an abrasive film and an absorbent sponge allowing the consumer to thoroughly clean with a melamine member yet allow removal of all residual melamine and dirty water by the use of a single all inclusive cleaning implement. |
| US08813291B2 |
Oral care implement with air flossing system
An oral care implement is disclosed comprising: an oral care region having cleaning elements; a body coupled to the oral care region; a gas outlet operably coupled to a gas source, the gas outlet disposed in the oral care region; an oral care material source storing an oral care material; an oral care material outlet operably coupled to the oral care material source, the oral care material outlet disposed in the oral care region; and wherein the oral care material outlet is spaced apart from the gas outlet. In another aspect, an oral care implement is disclosed comprising an oral care region having an elastomeric tooth cleaning element and an air outlet positioned adjacent the air outlet so that an air stream existing the air outlet causes a dynamic vibratory flexing action of at least a portion of the elastomeric tooth cleaning element. |
| US08813284B2 |
Inflatable component for an alternating pressure mattress
An inflatable component (4) for an alternating pressure mattress (1). The inflatable component has at least two inflatable cells (15). Each cell (15) has at least two opposite edges (23, 24) and at least part of one of two opposite edges is free and lies within an outer peripheral edge of the component. The inflatable component (4) may be formed from two layers of material joined together along predetermined lines to define the cells. The inflatable component may include two or more groups of cells, each connected to a respective air inlet (19, 20). The inflatable component may be comprised in a mattress. |
| US08813279B2 |
Mattresses and mattress foundations
Mattress and foundation assemblies generally include a mattress; and a mattress foundation for supporting the mattress, the mattress foundation including a frame configured to elevate the mattress relative to ground; and upper and lower flexible mesh suspension layers spaced apart from one another, each independently supported by a plurality of carriers at discrete points about the surface of the suspension layers, wherein the carriers are pivotably coupled to the frame. |
| US08813276B2 |
Patient turning system and method
Systems and methods for turning a bedridden patient are described. A turn sheet system for turning a patient in a bed includes a bottom sheet having a first length and a first width configured and dimensioned to overlie the bed. A top sheet having a second length and a second width is fixed to the bottom sheet along a location extending intermediate of the second width and along a majority of the second length. |
| US08813272B2 |
Device and method for concealing a flange of a waste water strainer
A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested. |
| US08813270B2 |
Helmet with flush aligned shield when closed
A safety helmet includes a shield movable relative to a shell from an open to a closed position, and vice-versa through operation of a shield actuation system. When in the closed position, the shield actuation system permits the shield to be aligned substantially flush with the shell. Further, the shield actuation system allows the shield to be opened through a manual process that includes pushing on a lever or button to initially release the shield and then rotate the shield into the open position. The shield actuation system includes a number of plates with at least two of the plates in kinematic cooperation for allowing the shield to pop out and then rotate relative to the shell. |
| US08813268B1 |
Lighted headwear with recessed light source and lens
Lighted headwear having a brim and a light unit located within the brim. The light unit includes: a holder with a front end and a back end; at least one lens located within the holder at the front end of the holder; and at least one light source located within the holder and axially spaced from the at least one lens such that light produced by the light source projects along the holder, through the lens, and out the front end of the holder. The lighted headwear produces a narrower, longer-distance beam of light than typical lighted headwear, more akin to the light produced by a flashlight or torch, while maintaining the look of a normal hat or cap. |
| US08813267B2 |
Sports garment for cycling
A sports garment (10) for cycling includes a sleeve-shaped part (20) in the inner side of the crotch area, facing the body of the user when the garment is worn, the sleeve-shaped member being arranged to provide room (27) for accommodation of the male genitals and in particular the penis of the user. |
| US08813262B2 |
Wrist protector for a sport glove
Wrist protectors for a sport glove include a bending element configured to bend during bending of the wrist. The bending element may be further configured so that the length of the bending element changes during bending of the wrist, wherein a change of the length of the bending element leads to an elastic restoring force. |
| US08819859B1 |
Apparatus of analyzing a sample and a method for the same
The apparatus includes a probe tip configured to scan a substrate having a defect to attach the defect on the probe tip while scanning the substrate, a cantilever configured to integrate a holder holding at least one probe tip, a stage configured to secure the substrate, an electromagnetic radiation source configured to generate the electromagnetic radiation beam, and an electromagnetic radiation detector configured to receive the first electromagnetic radiation signal and the second electromagnetic radiation signal. A first electromagnetic radiation signal is generated while an electromagnetic radiation beam focuses on the probe tip. A second electromagnetic radiation signal is generated while the electromagnetic radiation beam focuses on the sample attached on the probe tip. A chemical analysis of the sample is executed by comparing a difference between the first electromagnetic radiation signal and the second electromagnetic radiation signal. |
| US08819856B1 |
Detecting and preventing noncompliant use of source code
A system is disclosed for identifying and preventing non-compliant uses of any portion of source code or other protected content. The system includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions that cause the system to scan files located at a source location for excerpts of protected source code. The instructions may cause the system to create a temporary clone detection structure for the files at the source location. The instructions may cause the system to use the temporary clone structure and a pre-calculated clone structure for source code files in a protected code location, to identify code clones, and to generate data used to alert a user that the source location includes portions of source code from the protected code location. When clones are found, the instructions may optionally cause the system to prevent the copying of the files containing the code clones. |
| US08819855B2 |
System and method for deploying handheld devices to secure an area
A handheld security system comprises a set of handheld devices positioned at a group of access points to a secure area. The handheld device comprises a set of input/output devices including a text and graphics display, a camera, a local security database and a set of security devices including an RFID reader, a bar code reader, a magnetic stripe card reader and a biometric scanner. The set of handheld devices are communicatively connected through wireless signaling and protocol to one another and to a server operating a global a global security database. The local security database is synchronized to the global security database. A location stack table is continuously updated with security events and monitored for violation of a set of anti-passback rules. An association table associates a set of assets and a set of personnel, allowing for visitor tracking and asset tracking on a schedule. |
| US08819853B2 |
Digital catalogue raisonné platform
A content management system for creating a digital catalogue raisonné includes at least one computer, a public user interface, a private catalogue raisonné manager, and a private user interface. The private catalogue raisonné manager is configured to instruct at least one object-oriented database to store first digital data for at least one artist, the first digital data including at least one of an image of an artwork of the at least one artist and a description of the artwork. The private user interface is configured to receive the first digital data, transmit information permitting a user to provide a command to the content management system to make available, at the public user interface, a public catalogue raisonné including the first digital data, and receive the command to make available the public catalogue raisonné. |
| US08819850B2 |
Management of application access
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for management of application access. A security management application can be configured to set access controls and/or other security settings relating to application programs. Additionally, or alternatively, particular functions and/or functionality associated with application programs may be individually configured. Settings reflecting the access controls and/or other security settings can be stored and can be applied at the user device. The security management application also can be configured to determine if security settings and/or access controls are to be overridden. Data can be collected from various sensors and/or other sources to use in determining if particular application programs and/or application program functionality is to be allowed. Thus, normally disallowed activities can be allowed in emergency conditions, when in a business location associated with a particular device, and/or at other times and/or under other circumstances. |
| US08819848B2 |
Method for scalable access control decisions
Content access may be provided and processed by assigning responsibility for obtaining entitlement data to the client's browser. Thus, in one example, the client may be configured to synchronize and coordinate data lookups associated with a content request, rather than relying on the server to do so. The network architecture may use a mediator design pattern, in which the client's browser acts as the mediator (i.e., middleman) between a content server and an entitlement data server. Accordingly, synchronous calls between server-side services might not be required. Instead, data necessary for the content server to process a client request for access to protected content may be received in the incoming request from the client's browser. |
| US08819845B2 |
Preventing a non-head end based service provider from sending media to a media processing system
Systems and methods that prevent unauthorized access in a communications network are provided. In one embodiment, a system that prevents unauthorized access to a network device may include, for example, a network device and a headend. The headend may be coupled to a communications network. The network device may be deployed in a home environment and may be communicatively coupled to the communications network via the headend. The headend may be adapted, for example, to determine whether a request to access the network device is authorized. |
| US08819841B2 |
Automated accounts for media playback
Content stored on a server may be selected using a user device and enabled on a central device. The identity of the central device may be authenticated without transmitting user credentials corresponding to the user, user device, user account, etc. A central device identifier can be sent to the server via the user device. An encrypted version of the central device identifier may be returned to the user device and to the central device. The central device can send the encrypted and unencrypted version of the identifier to the server, and the server can transmit the desired content to the remote device based on a comparison of the encrypted and unencrypted identifier. |
| US08819840B2 |
Method and apparatus for provisioning subscription products
A method and apparatus for provisioning a subscription product is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a request for a subscription product; retrieving a profile and at least one subscription associated with the profile, wherein the at least one subscription comprises a plurality of subscription details; validating the plurality of subscription details; retrieving product data for the subscription product based on the validated subscription details; determining a dominant subscription product when there are at least two subscriptions associated with the profile; and sending the product data for the dominant subscription product, wherein the product data enables activation of a product license. |
| US08819828B1 |
Systems and methods for identifying malware threat vectors
A computer-implemented method for identifying malware threat vectors may include 1) identifying a computing system that includes a first human interface device, 2) detecting an introduction of a new device to the computing system that presents itself to the computing system as a second human interface device, 3) determining that the second human interface device is configured to generate a type of input event equivalent to the type of input event generated by the first human interface device, 4) determining, based on the second human interface device being configured to generate the type of input event equivalent to the type of input event generated by the first human interface device, that the second human interface device includes a potential malware attack vector. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08819822B1 |
Security method for detecting intrusions that exploit misinterpretation of supplied data
Mechanisms have been developed for securing computational systems against certain forms of attack. In particular, it has been discovered that, by scanning an input string for subsequences contained therein and configuring the computational system to generate a fault (or other triggered event) coincident with access to a memory location corresponding to one or more possible interpretations of data contained in the input string, it is possible to detect and/or interdict many forms of attack. For example, some realizations may scan for subsequences susceptible to interpretation as valid, canonical addresses, or as addresses in ranges that contain code, the stack, the heap, and/or system data structures such as the global offset table. Some realizations may scan for subsequences susceptible to interpretation as format strings or as machine code or code (source or otherwise) that could be executed in an execution environment (such as a Java™ virtual machine) or compiled for execution. |
| US08819821B2 |
Proactive test-based differentiation method and system to mitigate low rate DoS attacks
A low rate DoS attack detection algorithm is used, which relies on a characteristic of the low rate DoS attack in introducing high rate traffic for short periods, and then uses a proactive test based differentiation technique to filter the attack packets. The proactive test defends against DDoS attacks and low rate DoS attacks which tend to ignore the normal operation of network protocols, but it also differentiates legitimate traffic from low rate DoS attack traffic instigated by botnets. It leverages on the conformity of legitimate flows, which obey the network protocols. It also differentiates legitimate connections by checking their responses to the proactive tests which include puzzles for distinguishing botnets from human users. |
| US08819817B2 |
Methods and apparatus for blocking usage tracking
Methods and apparatuses that maintain one or more data stores capable of storing local data in a device for loading a resource of a domain are described. The resource may be loaded to cause one or more data access operations on the data stores. Access to usage tracking data of the device from the domain may depend on at least one of the data access operations. The data access operations may be configured to block the usage tracking data of the device from the domain. The data access operations may be performed on the data stores for the loading of the resource. A web page may be presented to a user when the resource is successfully loaded. |
| US08819816B2 |
Differentiating between good and bad content in a user-provided content system
A system differentiates good content from bad content in a user-provided content system. Messages are analyzed for features that characterize messages. A feature may occur in one or more messages. A feature that has more than a threshold number of occurrences in messages in a time interval is identified for further analysis. Enhanced authentication is requested from senders of the messages with occurrences of the identified feature. Based on the rate at which senders of the messages pass authentication, the content associated with the message is determined to be good content or bad content. Subsequent messages are blocked or successfully delivered based on whether features occurring in the messages are indicative of good content or bad content. |
| US08819813B2 |
Method and system for signing and authenticating electronic documents via a signature authority which may act in concert with software controlled by the signer
A system and method for signing and authenticating electronic documents using public key cryptography applied by one or more server computer clusters operated in a trustworthy manner, which may act in cooperation with trusted components controlled and operated by the signer. The system employs a presentation authority for presenting an unsigned copy of an affixing an electronic signature to the unsigned document to create signed electronic document. The system provides an applet for a signing party's computer that communicates with the signature authority. |
| US08819812B1 |
Gesture recognition for device input
A user can make a symbol with their hand, or other such gesture, at a distance from a computing device that can be captured by at least one imaging element of the device. The captured information can be analyzed to attempt to determine the location of distinguishing features of the symbol in the image information. The image information is then compared to hand gesture information stored in, for example, a library of hand gestures for the user. Upon identifying a match, an input to an application executing on the computing device is provided when the image information contains information matching at least one hand gesture with at least a minimum level of certainty. The hand gesture could include a single “static” gesture, such as a specific letter in sign language, for example, or include two or more “static” gestures. The gesture could also include motion, such as hand movement. |
| US08819809B2 |
Method and appliance for authenticating, by an appliance, a client to access a virtual private network connection, based on an attribute of a client-side certificate
In a method and appliance for authenticating, by an appliance, a client to access a virtual network connection, based on an attribute of a client-side certificate, a client authentication certificate is requested from a client. A value of at least one field in the client authentication certificate received from the client is identified. One of a plurality of types of access is assigned responsive to an application of a policy to the identified value of the at least one field, each of the plurality of access types associated with at least one connection characteristic. |
| US08819802B2 |
User authentication
A method includes receiving user input including a user password while an authentication token is retained at a first position in an authentication token receiver of an authentication token reader by an insertion force applied to the authentication token by a user. The authentication token reader includes a bias member that applies an ejection force to the authentication token while the authentication token is at the first position. The method also includes reading authentication data from a memory of the authentication token while the authentication token is retained at the first position by the insertion force applied to the authentication token by the user. The method also includes authenticating the user based on the authentication data. |
| US08819799B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and method for realizing pseudo single sign-on
An image forming apparatus includes: an internal authentication information storage unit that stores user authentication information relating to authentication for the image forming apparatus; an internal user authentication unit; an external authentication information storage unit that stores the user authentication information for external authentication, and a private IP address in association with one another for a plurality of URLs for external authentication; and a pseudo single sign-on unit that when it is determined that a redirection destination URL included in a response message transferred from a cloud server matches one of the stored plurality of URLs for external authentication, reads the user identification information for external authentication relating to the private IP address corresponding to a destination IP address included in a packet of the response message from the external authentication information storage unit, transmits the information for external authentication to the redirection destination URL, and performs the sign-on process. |
| US08819798B2 |
System and method for transferring states between electronic devices
In various example embodiments, a system and method for transferring the state of a first device to a second device are disclosed. An instruction to transfer a state of a first device to a second device is received. In response, information related to the state of the first device is packaged into a file. A type of connection to be used to transfer the state of the device is determined based on the connections available to the first device and the second device. The file containing the information of the state of the first device is transferred to the second device using the connection type. The file, when processed by the second device, causes the second device to reproduce the state of the first device. |
| US08819797B2 |
Digital identity management
One aspect relates to a process and associated device for managing digital ID lifecycles for application programs, and abstracting application programs for multiple types of credentials through a common Digital Identity Management System (DIMS) and Application Programming Interface (API) layer. |
| US08819788B2 |
Method and system for providing security data to security stations
There is provided a system and method of selectively directing collected security data that may be displayed concurrently at a first security station and at a supervisor station, and providing a communication link between such first security station and such supervisor station so that a supervisor may assist a security operator in the evaluation of the collected security data and in making a decision about such collected data.There is further provided a system and method of determining the height of a part of a body by capturing an image of such part with a camera at a known height and known distance from such body, computing an angle of a horizontal line from a lens of such camera and a line from such camera to such part of such body, and calculating the distance between the height of such camera and the height of such part of such body. |
| US08819785B2 |
Managing secure sharing of private medication information across security domains
A method of granting a user in a first organization access to private medication information stored within an authorization profile of a second organization, an access agreement between the two organizations is formed. Authorization is requested for the user, the authorization profile is retrieved, and authorization to private information is granted if authorized by the access agreement.In a method of authorizing access by users to private medication information stored by an organization as associated with a program, three types of caseloads are defined. The first authorizes access to medication information of a first individual of a first program, the second authorizes access to medication information of a second individual of all programs, and the third authorizes access to medication information of all individuals of a second program.Authorization for access is requested and granted for the user to access one or more of the caseloads. |
| US08819782B2 |
Network connecting device and method
In a network connecting device connectable to a network, a connection approval/disapproval determination section determines approval/disapproval of connection to a network in accordance with a connection approval/disapproval determination rule managed by a connection approval/disapproval determination rule management section. When there is a security problem in a content of the connection approval/disapproval determination rule if a connection is to be formed, the security problem is solved by having a user re-input authentication information in the content of the connection approval/disapproval determination rule. |
| US08819779B2 |
Methods and systems for managing multiple information handling systems with a virtual keyboard-video-mouse interface
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system includes a chassis configured to receive a plurality of modular information handling systems. The system also includes one or more chassis management controllers housed in the chassis. The chassis management controllers are configured to establish an authenticated session with available modular information handling systems present in the chassis, direct input/output communications between an information handling system designated as a selected information handling system and a remote management console coupled to the one or more chassis management controllers via a network, and maintain the authenticated sessions with one or more available modular information handling systems not designated as the selected information handling system. |
| US08819778B2 |
Method and system for switching station in centralized WLAN when WPI is performed by access controller
The embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and a system for switching station in centralized wireless local area network (WLAN) when the WLAN privacy infrastructure (WPI) is performed by an access controller (AC). The method includes: step 1: the station re-associates with the AC through the destination wireless terminal point (WTP); step 2: the AC informs the associated WTP to delete the station; step 3: the AC informs the destination WTP to join the station. The invention implements the operation of joining station and deleting station between the AC and the WTP based on the control and provisioning of wireless access points protocol (CAPWAP) control message during the process of switching station. Therefore, the invention can quickly and safely implement the station switching among the WTPs under the same AC. |
| US08819774B2 |
System and method for protecting cloud services from unauthorized access and malware attacks
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for protecting cloud security services from unauthorized access and malware attacks. In one example, a cloud server receives one or more queries from security software of the user device. The server analyzes a system state and configuration of the user device to determine the level of trust associated with the user device. The server also analyzes the one or more queries received from the security software to determine whether to update the level of trust associated with the user device. The server determines, based on the level of trust, how to process the one or more queries. Finally, the server provides responses to the one or more queries from the security software based on the determination of how to process the one or more queries. |
| US08819773B2 |
Remote security self-assessment framework
A system for security self-assessment for a computer platform. The system comprises a memory, a processor, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application in association with a call to action transmits security self-assessment logic and at least one security self-assessment policy to a computer platform, wherein the security self-assessment policy defines at least one scan tool to be used by the security self-assessment logic when executed on the computer platform to perform a security self-assessment of the computer platform. The system further comprises a plurality of scan tools stored in the memory and accessible for downloading by the computer platform. The security self-assessment logic is configured to cause a processor of the computer platform to download at least one scan tool defined by the security self-assessment policy and to perform a security self-assessment. |
| US08819771B2 |
Automatic generation of user account policies based on configuration management database information
Mechanisms are provided for generating user account policies for generating user accounts to access resources of the data processing system. A determination is made that a user account policy for an identified resource in the data processing system is to be generated. Configuration information associated with the identified resource is retrieved from a configuration information database. A predefined user account policy template is retrieved from a user account policy template database system. A user account policy data structure is generated based on the retrieved configuration information and the retrieved predefined user account policy template. |
| US08819768B1 |
Split password vault
A cloud service access and information gateway receives, from a user device, a request to access a cloud service. The cloud service access and information gateway determines an identity of a user making the request to access the cloud service and compares the identity of the user to a password vault control policy. The cloud service access and information gateway determines, based on the comparing, one or more sections of a split password vault to which the user has access. The split password vault comprises a first section storing a first set of log-in credentials and a second section storing a second set of log-in credentials. |
| US08819766B2 |
Domain-based isolation and access control on dynamic objects
A technique for performing domain-based access control for granular isolation on a data processing system includes assigning, using the data processing system, one or more first domain tags to a dynamic object that is created by a first process that is executing on the data processing system. The technique also includes assigning, using the data processing system, one or more second domain tags to a second process that is executing on the data processing system. The first and second domain tags are evaluated, using the data processing system, according to one or more enforced rules to determine whether to grant or deny the second process access to data associated with the dynamic object. |
| US08819755B2 |
Audio/video channel transbonding in a network device
A data communication architecture delivers a wide variety of content, including audio and video content, to consumers. The architecture employs channel bonding to deliver more bandwidth than any single communication channel can carry. The architecture includes intermediate network devices that may receive content and send content using different groups of communication channels. The network device may process content received across a first set of communication channels for transmission across a second set of communication channels different from the first set. Such processing may preserve a program order of the content during delivery to a destination device. |
| US08819752B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting video data from mobile communication terminal
A mobile terminal includes an input unit receiving an input; a data storage unit storing data; a communication unit communicating signals; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a selection input of a video data, the selection input being processed to select the video data among a plurality of video data stored in the data storage unit; temporarily store a selected portion of the video data for transmission based on a start position and a stop position specifying the selected portion in the video data; automatically attach the selected portion of the video data for transmission to a message without receiving any further user input when the selected portion of the video data is specified; transmit the message with the selected portion of the video data; and delete the selected portion of the video data from the data storage unit when the transmission of the message is completed. |
| US08819747B2 |
Contents receiving system and client
A contents receiving system uses a digital broadcast wave or a broadband network to enable a user to suitably view main content, and provide a user with subsidiary content information desired by the user. Each of subsidiary content control receivers A (101), B (102) transmits ID information specific to each of the subsidiary content control receivers A (101), B (102), and a request for acquiring subsidiary content, from a communication control unit (405) to a main content receiving display unit 100. The main content receiving display unit 100 uses a content separation control unit (310) to separate a stream into subsidiary content corresponding to the request. Then, a request information input/transmission control unit (313) transmits the separated subsidiary content and the received ID information to the subsidiary content control receiver in question. The subsidiary content control receiver judges from the ID information that the subsidiary content should be acquired. |
| US08819744B1 |
Miniature wireless audio/video/data distribution and access system
The present invention provides a system including a portable device capable of displaying information from, and transmitting commands/controls to, a base station audio/video/data source via a local transceiver module. The audio/video/data source may be embodied in a portable or stationary satellite receiver/decoder, a local video source, or any similar device. The present invention allows for highly portable access to satellite information, without need for a satellite reception antenna associated with each portable device, and without disturbing the equipment in direct contact with the satellite as the portable devices are moved in a highly portable manner. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a distribution method and apparatus for use in theater or stadium settings. |
| US08819742B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing access plans
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, wirelessly receiving adjustment information from a mobile communication device, wirelessly receiving a request for video content from the mobile communication device, generating multiple versions of the video content, wirelessly transmitting a second version to the mobile communication device for presentation on the display device according to the adjustment of the access plan, and transmitting a first version to the mobile communication device for presentation on the display device and ceasing transmitting the second version responsive to a determination of an undesired condition associated with the presentation of the second version on the display device. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08819739B2 |
Interactive multimedia service system and method thereof
Disclosed is related to an interactive multimedia service system and method thereof using mobile station that is enable to see a broadcasting with real time/non-real time. A broadcasting station broadcasts a multimedia contents composed of the broadcasting contents being broadcasted and the other multimedia contents generated by the mobile station, and transmits the composed multimedia contents to the mobile station. Therefore, the user of the mobile station can see the broadcasting, which the user of mobile station participates in the interactive broadcasting with real time/non-real time. |
| US08819733B2 |
Program selecting apparatus and method of controlling program selecting apparatus
An assistance method for selecting a program using a display device (112) is disclosed. The method (1200) selects one or more attributes associated with a first program, the one or more attributes being selected dynamically by a processor associated with the display device (112) according to one or more predetermined criteria. The method searches for a second program associated with one or more of the selected attributes. The second program and the one or more attributes associated therewith are displayed on the display device, according to the search for the second program. |
| US08819731B2 |
System and method for synchronizing an electronic program guide with paused programs
An apparatus and method for providing an electronic program guide (EPG) to an end user are provided. The includes a audio video streaming device, content scheduler, and program guide generator provide for includes providing a program guide, the program guide containing a start time and end time for the display of a first program, providing the first program for display at the start time, determining if the first program has been paused during the display of the first program, adjusting the end time for the display of the first program if the program has been paused, and providing an updated program guide containing the adjusted end time. |
| US08819729B2 |
Advanced user interface and control paradigm for multiple service operator extended functionality offers
Methods and systems for presenting information regarding multiple categories of content are provided. In addition, methods and systems that suggest activities by a user in relation to content and determined affinity for content in relation to user contacts are provided. A user interface application is provided that operates to display status and/or historical information regarding content, suggested activities, and suggested contacts. The user can interact with the interface to access detailed information and to act on suggestions. |
| US08819728B2 |
Topic to social media identity correlation
An identification server correlates the web browsing behavior of individuals with their use of social media systems. Based on these behaviors, web identifiers (referred to as identities or IDs) may be matched to social media identifiers; these matches being determined, stored, and output as a confidences that the web identity of the user corresponds to a social media identity. Each web identity may be associated with one or more social media identities. The identity correlations between web identities and social media identities may be used along with other alignments to provide information regarding the time-based media (e.g., advertisements) a user may have likely been exposed to, topics the user is interested in, and to provide targeted advertisements. |
| US08819726B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for presenting television programming and related information
Methods and apparatus for providing advertising information on a second user viewing device relating to a media program viewed on a first user viewing device. Upon determining that the media program is being presented via the first user viewing device, an ad programming signal is transmitted to the second user viewing device so as to present on the second user viewing device at least one first advertisement relating to content of the media program. |
| US08819722B2 |
Smartcard encryption cycling
Various arrangements for encrypting multiple television channels are presented. A first television channel of a plurality of television channels to be protected via a first entitlement control message (ECM) using a first encryption scheme may be designated. The plurality of television channels may be transmitted using a single transponder stream. A second television channel of the plurality of television channels to be protected via a second ECM encrypted using a second encryption scheme while the first television channel of the plurality of television channels is protected using the first encryption scheme may be designated. The first and second ECMs may be transmitted to a plurality of television receivers. Data from the first ECM may be used for descrambling of the first television channel by the plurality of television receivers. Data from the second ECM may be used for descrambling of the second television channel by the plurality of television receivers. |
| US08819721B2 |
System and method for controlling access to video events associated with video broadcast services
The video services receiver system and related operating methods disclosed herein enable better management of blackout information for events associated with a broadcast service, such as a satellite television service. A system for providing video content to a display for viewing by a customer includes a receiver interface configured to receive data associated with a service, a display interface for the display, at least one memory element configured to store dated blackout information for events on the service, and to store frequently updated blackout information for events on the service, and a processor coupled to the receiver interface, the display interface, and the at least one memory element. The processor is configured to control access to a current event on the service by analyzing both the dated blackout information and the frequently updated blackout information. The processor is configured to present video content associated with the current event if access is granted. |
| US08819720B2 |
IPTV follow me content system and method
Tools are provided for distributing access-restricted content in an internet protocol television (“IPTV”) environment based on portable entitlement keys. Such tools can include a decoder, an encoder, and a network entitlement handler. The decoder may be configured to receive a key associated with entitlement information, and transmit the entitlement information over a network. The encoder may be configured to receive content from content providers, and to encode the content to create IP-compatible content, with access restrictions based on entitlement. The network entitlement handler may be configured to receive a request for requested content from the decoder; receive the access-restricted content including (including the requested content) from the encoder; and transmit the requested content over the network to the decoder using IP, when the decoder is entitled to receive the requested content. |
| US08819719B1 |
Real-time video commenting
The present invention enables real-time video commenting by viewers of media content on a web site. The media content may be video, audio, text, still images or other types of media content. When a content viewer indicates a desire to provide a real-time video comment, a content server causes a video input device at the content viewer's location to be activated. The content viewer's video comment is captured by the video input device and transmitted to the content server, where it is stored and associated with the video being commented upon. When the original video is subsequently presented to content viewers, indicia of the video comment such as a thumbnail or description of the comment is also presented, thus inviting content viewers to view the video comment in addition to the original video. |
| US08819709B2 |
Disk loading apparatus for optical disk drive
Provided is a disk loading apparatus which includes a frame base on which a spindle motor is mounted. The apparatus includes a disk loading structure that loads a disk on the spindle motor, a plurality of sliders operating in connection with a loading lever, and a plurality of gears transferring the motive power to the plurality of sliders. The apparatus also includes a plurality of shafts to which the gears are coupled, and a plurality of slider guide walls that guide movement of the plurality of sliders. According to various aspects, the shafts and the slider guide walls are formed integrally with the frame base. |
| US08819703B2 |
Techniques for controlling desktop state
Techniques for controlling desktop state are provided. Processing events are associated with desktop states and are associated with resource actions. When a desktop encounters the processing events and a known state is established, automated actions are forced on the resources to customize the known state. |
| US08819702B2 |
File delivery session handling
Embodiments described herein may include sending transport objects that include content; sending presentation objects that include instructions for providing a presentation of the content; and sending a delivery object that lists at least one of transport object and indicates the content of the transport object. In some embodiments the delivery object may include data identifying the presentation objects; the instructions may include a start time and an end time for the presentation of the content, and a receiver class identifier indicating a group of targeted receivers that have particular receiver capability factors. Some embodiments may include in response to receiving the presentation objects, selecting one of the presentation objects at least partly based on the terminal class identifier; and providing a presentation of the content as defined by the selected presentation object. |
| US08819698B2 |
Cross-platform web-based native device feature access
A method for cross-platform web-based native device feature access may include receiving a call from a web application to access a native device feature, with the call being redirected to a platform agnostic custom URL. The method may further include translating the custom URL into a native object call, and accessing the native device feature based on the native object call. |
| US08819696B2 |
Method and system for processing work items
A method and system for processing work items. Information identifying work items from a server responsible for handling work items based on a set of configuration rules is retrieved and stored in a cache that includes N containers. Responsive to a work item request from an application, searching is performed for matching work items in the cache. The work item request specifies n+1 criteria for work items such that n+1 is at least 2, wherein N is a product over a cardinality Ci of criterion i from i=0 through i=n, wherein C0=1 and Ci≧2 for i=1 through i=n. Responsive to finding work item(s) matching the work item request, a piece of information is identified to the application the matching work item(s) from the cache. Information identifying work items of an allowable type of work item is stored in a respective container. |
| US08819693B2 |
Logical partition defragmentation within a data processing system
A mechanism, in a data processing system, is provided for logical partition defragmentation. The mechanism gathers resource requirements for a plurality of logical partitions running in a plurality of power domains within one or more servers. The mechanism determines optimal hardware utilization for the plurality of logical partitions. The mechanism migrates one or more of the plurality of logical partitions to run in a subset of the plurality of power domains such that at least one power domain within the plurality of power domains is unused. The mechanism puts the at least one unused power domain in a low power state. |
| US08819687B2 |
Scheduling for multiple memory controllers
Some embodiments of a multi processor system implement a virtual-time-based quality-of-service scheduling technique. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method includes scheduling a memory request to a memory from a memory request queue in response to expiration of a virtual finish time of the memory request. The virtual finish time is based on a share of system memory bandwidth associated with the memory request. The method includes scheduling the memory request to the memory from the memory request queue before the expiration of the virtual finish time of the memory request if a virtual finish time of each other memory request in the memory request queue has not expired and based on at least one other scheduling rule. |
| US08819685B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting I/O channel on virtual platform
A method and an apparatus for adjusting an input/output (I/O) channel on a virtual platform, and the method for adjusting an I/O channel includes: counting, by a host, current average I/O throughput of multiple virtual machines (VMs) operating on the host; increasing or decreasing, by the host, working threads for processing the VMs between front devices and back devices of the multiple VMs according to the current average I/O throughput; and adjusting, by the host, a mapping relationship between queues in the front device, queues in the back devices of the multiple VMs, and working threads for processing the VMs. According to the present invention, when the I/O throughput decreases, idle I/O channel resources are released, thereby avoiding a waste of the I/O channel resources; when the I/O throughput increases, the I/O channel resources are increased, resulting in an improved data transmission capability of the I/O channels. |
| US08819683B2 |
Scalable distributed compute based on business rules
A method, apparatus, system, article of manufacture, and computer-readable storage medium provide the ability to dynamically modify a distributed computing system workflow. A grid application dynamically receives configuration information including business rules that describe execution profiles. Channels based on the one or more execution profiles are defined. Each channel is configured to execute a work request in a distributed grid compute system (based on an execution profile). A first work request is received from a requestor and includes an identity of the requestor. The first work request is evaluated and the identity of the requestor is applied to direct the first work request to the appropriate channel. |
| US08819681B2 |
Method and system for implementing primary and secondary zones in a virtualized environment
A system including a processor and a host operating system (OS) executing on the processor. The Host OS including a global zone, a first primary non-global (NG) zone associated with a first label and a first internet protocol (IP) address, where the first primary NG zone is accessible by a desktop layer of the system. The Host OS further including a second primary NG zone associated with a second label and the first IP address, wherein the second primary NG zone is accessible by the desktop layer of system. The global zone is configured to receive a first request to create a secondary NG zone with the first label, and in response to the first request, create the secondary NG zone associated with the first label and a second IP address, where the secondary NG zone is not accessible by the desktop layer of the system. |
| US08819679B2 |
Methods and systems for on-boarding applications to a cloud
Methods and arrangements for on-boarding an application to a cloud. An application for hosting in a cloud environment is provided. Metadata related to the application is provided, and metadata related to the cloud is obtained. The application metadata and cloud metadata are compared, and the compatibility of the application with existing offerings of the cloud is ascertained. The application is on-boarded to the cloud. |
| US08819677B2 |
Virtual machine data structures corresponding to nested virtualization levels
A system includes a processor providing hardware virtualization, and a memory to store a first virtual machine data structure corresponding to a first nested virtualization level and a second virtual machine data structure corresponding to a second nested virtualization level. The virtual machine data structures assist management of the hardware virtualization provided by the processor. The system includes a first nested virtual machine located within the first nested virtualization level and a second nested virtual machine located within the second nested virtualization level. The system includes hypervisors to manage the nested virtual machines using the virtual machine data structures. A root hypervisor is to manage the first nested virtual machine using the first virtual machine data structure. A first nested virtualization level hypervisor is to run within the first nested virtual machine and is to manage the second nested virtual machine using the second virtual machine data structure. |
| US08819673B1 |
Systems and methods for java virtual machine management
A virtual machine (VM) management utility tool may deploy an object model that may persist one or more virtual machine dependencies and relationships. Through a web front-end interface, for example, the VMs may be started in a specific order or re-booted, and the tool automatically determines the additional VMs that need to be re-booted in order to maintain the integrity of the environment. Through the web interface, for example, the object model may be managed, and start-up orders or VM dependencies may be updated. For VMs that may not start under load, the object model may block access to the VM until the VM is fully initialized. |
| US08819670B2 |
Automated software installation with interview
A computing device prompts a user to supply installation parameters for joint installation of an operating system and core software on a server device, and stores, in a memory, the installation parameters received from the user. The computing device provides, to the server device, instructions to install an image of the operating system directly to volumes for the core software, where the instructions require input of installation parameters during the installation. The computing device also receives, from the server device and during the operating system installation, requests for the installation parameters. The computing device sends, to the server device, the stored installation parameters that are responsive to the requests for the installation parameters. |
| US08819665B2 |
Image forming apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
An image forming apparatus executing a program configured by connecting multiple modules operating exclusively with respect to each other is disclosed that includes an input part configured to receive an input of updating information of the program; a determination part configured to determine whether an operating state of the program corresponds to a time for updating specified in the updating information; and a change part configured to change the relationship of connection of the modules in accordance with the updating information if the determination part determines that the operating state of the program corresponds to the time for updating. |
| US08819664B2 |
Upgrade firmware with upgrade information from a tape cartridge in a wireless manner
A method may include receiving a respective tape cartridge of a plurality of tape cartridges by a respective cartridge receiving compartment of a plurality of cartridge receiving compartments and configuring a memory of a tape drive manager to include a plurality of information modules associated with the plurality of tape cartridges, respectively. Each information module may include an internal tape identifier to identify a corresponding tape cartridge and a firmware to cause the tape drive manager to write data to and read data from the corresponding tape cartridge. The method may also include upgrading the respective firmware of a respective information module associated with the respective tape cartridge by the tape drive manager using upgrade information obtained from the respective tape cartridge in the wireless manner based on an affirmative identifier determination. |
| US08819659B2 |
Mobile search service instant activation
In embodiments of the present invention a computer-implemented method and system of activating a mobile search service on a mobile communication facility includes providing a user interface associated with a display of the mobile communication facility that simultaneously presents and activates a search box concurrently with activating the mobile communication facility by a user thereof, wherein activation of the search box does not require any button selection beyond that associated with activating the mobile communication facility. |
| US08819658B2 |
Methods and systems for managing update requests for a deployed software application
An exemplary method includes receiving data representative of an update request for a deployed software application, assigning an update request identifier to the update request, displaying a portal configured to facilitate management of a plurality of software development operations associated with the update request, receiving a request input by a user via the portal to perform a software development operation included within the plurality of software development operations associated with the update request, establishing a link between the requested software development operation and the update request identifier, and using the established link to track the update request throughout a software development lifecycle of a software update created in response to the update request. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08819656B2 |
Method for start-up and/or reconfiguration of a programmable field-device
An installed hardware of a measuring field device includes at least one transducer reacting during operation to a chemical and/or physical, measured variable of a pourable and/or flowable medium, especially a pourable or flowable bulk good, liquid, gas or the like, as well as a microcomputer communicating during operation with the transducer. The field device is first installed by means of the transducer on, and/or in a process vessel serving for conveying and/or holding pourable and/or flowable media for forming a process measuring point. Thereafter, the microcomputer is booted and a basic software held in a memory provided within the field device for providing, at least in part, basic functionalities of the field device is activated in such a manner that the basic software is executable by means of the microcomputer so that, in the interaction of basic software and hardware installed in the field device, the basic functionalities of the field device are available. Additionally, at least one initial identification parameter set held at least temporarily in the field device and at least approximately identifying the process measuring point is transferred, with application of basic software executed in the microcomputer, to a data processing system superordinated externally of the field device, and at least one upgrade software providing custom functionalities for the field measuring device going beyond the basic functionalities and held in a second memory, is selected from an ensemble of software products, taking into consideration the at least one, initial identification parameter set. A selected upgrade software fitted to the process measuring point is then transferred into a third memory provided within the field measuring device and then activated in such a manner that it is executable by means of the microcomputer, so that, in interaction of upgrade software and hardware installed in the field device, custom functionalities of the field measuring device are available. |
| US08819655B1 |
Systems and methods for computer program update protection
The disclosure is directed to systems and methods for computer program update protection. In one example, a patch analysis is conducted for a computer program and a determination is made based on the patch analysis as to whether the computer program is vulnerable. Execution of the computer program is permitted if the computer program is determined not to be vulnerable. Execution of the computer program is prevented if the computer program is determined to be vulnerable. In certain embodiments, the computer program is updated if it is determined to be vulnerable. In certain embodiments, an occurrence of a trigger event associated with the computer program is detected and used to initiate the patch analysis, determination of vulnerability, and permitting or preventing of execution of the computer program. |
| US08819651B2 |
Efficient software cache accessing with handle reuse
A mechanism for efficient software cache accessing with handle reuse is provided. The mechanism groups references in source code into a reference stream with the reference stream having a size equal to or less than a size of a software cache line. The source code is transformed into optimized code by modifying the source code to include code for performing at most two cache lookup operations for the reference stream to obtain two cache line handles. Moreover, the transformation involves inserting code to resolve references in the reference stream based on the two cache line handles. The optimized code may be output for generation of executable code. |
| US08819646B2 |
Control architecture and process for porting application software for equipment on board an aircraft to a consumer standard computer hardware unit
A software unit arrangement method includes developing a standardized software-hardware abstraction software layer in a software unit. The standardized abstraction software layer includes a library of primitives that interface with the source codes of the software unit and with a real or virtual computer hardware unit. The method includes developing a real-hardware or virtual-hardware software layer in the associated computer hardware unit. The real-hardware or virtual-hardware software layer forming the portion of the computer hardware unit that interfaces with the standardized abstraction software layer and that presents real and/or virtual input/output cards performing at least the same functions as the real standard input/output cards of the real computer hardware unit. |
| US08819645B2 |
Application analysis device
The invention concerns a method for performing a run-time simulation of a computer program comprising: extracting said computer program from a first application environment to a second application environment; parsing said computer program to generate a hierarchical representation of said computer program; based on said hierarchical representation, inserting at least one log value generation instruction into said extracted computer program to generate an enhanced computer program; re-injecting said enhanced computer program into said first application environment; executing, in said first application environment, said enhanced computer program; and receiving from said first application environment generated log values and analyzing said values with respect to a hierarchical representation of said computer program. |
| US08819644B2 |
Selective data flow analysis of bounded regions of computer software applications
Performing data flow analysis of a computer software application, including, for a data flow analysis type, identifying within a computer software application code base a plurality of seeds relating to the data flow analysis type, for each of the plurality of seeds, defining a portion of the computer software application code base to a predefined depth of calls backward from the seed and to a predefined depth of calls forward from the seed, thereby resulting in a plurality of bounded portions of the computer software application code base, detecting a change in the computer software application code base, and performing, on any of the bounded portions affected by the change, a data flow analysis relating to the data flow analysis type. |
| US08819643B1 |
Parallel program profiler
A device receives information generated by execution of a parallel program, aggregates the received information, generates one or more performance indicators for the parallel program on one of a line or function basis and based on the aggregated information, and provides the one or more performance indicators to a user. |
| US08819640B2 |
Establishing cloud debug breakpoints assigned to users
In an embodiment, a cloud debug breakpoint, assigned to a first user, is established in a program at a first server in a cloud, wherein the first user selects the first server at which the program executes, from among servers in the cloud. The program at the servers in the cloud is executed, in response to requests from users. The program at the first server in the cloud is executed, in response to all requests from the first user to the program. If an identifier of a user that sent a request that the program was executing at a time that execution of the program at the first server reaches the cloud debug breakpoint matches an identifier of the first user assigned to the cloud debug breakpoint, the execution of the program is halted and control of a processor is given to a debugger. |
| US08819636B2 |
Testing compatibility of a computer application
Presented is a method, system, computer readable instructions executable code and computer storage medium for testing compatibility between a computer application and a target computer platform. Configuration parameters of a computer application are provided to a computer system for comparison against a database to determine whether the configuration parameters of the computer application and the configuration parameters of a target computer platform are compatible or incompatible. |
| US08819633B2 |
Testing software applications with progress tracking
Methods for testing a software application by providing one or more test units. Each test unit is adapted to verify a feature of the software application. A weight is assigned to each test unit. A theoretical sequence of execution of the test units is determined for the assigned weights and the test units are executed for the theoretical sequence. |
| US08819630B2 |
Automatic test tool for webpage design with micro-browsers on mobile platforms
Architecture that provides a convenient and effective test tool for testing and ensuring that webpages using micro-browsers are sufficiently designed and operational. A task library is developed for manipulating browsers on a handheld device, and includes one or more seamless methods that operate the different browsers in the same way. Seamless virtual functions that manipulate different micro-browsers include, but are not limited to browser launch, exiting a browser, navigating to a home page, clearing a cache, navigating to a webpage, reloading a webpage, getting the current info for a webpage, navigating back to a webpage, checking a page title, and capturing a screen, for example. Device features can also be manipulated to ensure consistency across the testing process. |
| US08819627B2 |
Systems and methods for expressing temporal relationships spanning lifecycle representations
Techniques for expressing temporal relationships between lifecycle representations are provided. For example, one computer-implemented technique includes obtaining two or more lifecycle representations of at least two components of at least one computing system, annotating the two or more lifecycle representations with at least one temporal relationship, and storing the two or more annotated lifecycle representations as at least one deployment descriptor, wherein the at least one deployment descriptor is useable for managing the at least one computing system. In another computer-implemented technique, at least two internal lifecycle models of at least two components of at least one computing system are analyzed, at least one temporal relationship that exists between the at least two components are analyzed, and the at least one temporal relationship is transformed into at least one sequence of change management operations for use in managing the at least one computing system. |
| US08819624B2 |
Simulation of web applications and secondary devices in a web browser, web application development tools, and methods using the same
Device simulators and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the device simulators are capable of permitting accurate pixel to pixel and inch to inch mapping between a simulated display and a display of a target device. Web application development tools utilizing such simulators are also disclosed. In some embodiment, such web application development tools provide a convenient method to convert electronic document source files to interactive document web applications for multiple operating systems and form factors. |
| US08819620B1 |
Case management software development
Tools and techniques to develop case management application software are disclosed. In various embodiments, a definition is provided via a visual tool of entities and processes required to be included in a case management workflow. On receiving the definition, a processor is used to generate programmatically, based at least in part on the definition, a model of at least a portion of a case management software application to implement the workflow. The processor is used to generate software code automatically for the case management software application, based at least in part on the model. |
| US08819617B1 |
System and method for providing access to data in a plurality of software development systems
A system and method configured to provide access to and management of information from a plurality of third party software development systems from a single application, where each software development system has a unique data module. Data is retrieved from third party software development tools and cached in a temporary repository to be merged and linked. Changes made are temporary until saved, at which point the changes are saved back to the software development system that originated the data. The system provides interactive manipulation and a consolidated view of merged data for more efficient management, collaboration and real-time editing without going into each individual software development system. This set up embraces and enhances the agile software development interaction while overcoming the software administration, management and maintenance issues of having a plurality of software development tools across a variety of project teams and locations, including geographically disperse locations. |
| US08819614B2 |
ESD analysis apparatus
According to one embodiment, a chip model generating unit and a counter tester ground capacitance adding unit are provided. The chip model generating unit generates a chip model based on an ESD protection circuit network model to which an inter power net capacitance of a semiconductor chip is added. The counter tester ground capacitance adding unit adds a counter tester ground capacitance to the chip model. |
| US08819609B2 |
Countermeasure method and device for protecting data circulating in an electronic microcircuit
The disclosure relates to a countermeasure method in an electronic microcircuit, comprising successive process phases executed by a circuit of the microcircuit, and adjusting a power supply voltage between power supply and ground terminals of the circuit, as a function of a random value generated for the process phase, at each process phase executed by the circuit. |
| US08819603B1 |
Memory circuits and methods of making and designing the same
A circuit can include a plurality of storage circuits, each having a pair of first conductivity type transistor having sources commonly connected to a first node, and gates and drains cross-coupled between first and second storage node; and a pair of second conductivity type transistor having sources commonly connected to a second node, and gates and drains cross-coupled between the first and second storage node; wherein each of the second conductivity type transistors comprises a screening region of the first conductivity type formed below the channel region and has a predetermined minimum dopant concentration. Alternatively, a circuit can include a pair of first conductivity type transistor having sources commonly connected to a first supply node configured to receive a first supply voltage, and gates and drains cross-coupled between first and second storage node; and a bias circuit configured to apply at least a first body bias voltage to bodies of the first conductivity type transistors that is different than the first supply voltage. Methods for designing such storage circuits are also disclosed. |
| US08819598B1 |
Multipage navigation on a small screen device
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for improving user navigation of a multi-page article on a small screen user device. In embodiments, as a user progresses through the multi-page article, pages and/or lines of text of the multi-page article are cached. In response to a user request to view the multi-page article in a full-page format, the cached content is compared against text of the full-page document and used to determine a presentation of the text that displays nonduplicative content to the user. |
| US08819597B2 |
Glyph entry on computing device
A computer-implemented user interface method is disclosed. The method includes displaying on a touchscreen of a computing device a first sub-portion of a list of items, receiving from a user of the device an drawn input on the touchscreen, correlating the drawn input to an alphanumeric character, and automatically displaying a second sub-portion of the list having one or more entries whose first character correlates to the alphanumeric character. |
| US08819593B2 |
File management user interface
File management user interface techniques are described. In one or more implementations, properties of a file are displayed in a user interface by a computing device. In response to selection of a particular one of the properties in the user interface, one or more representations of one or more other files that include a corresponding value of the particular property are displayed, respectively, of the file. |
| US08819592B2 |
Sparse dynamic selection trees
Systems and methods for use in enabling a user to select one or more data objects from a plurality of data nodes. The method includes determining a data set of interest from one or more data sets. The data set of interest is depicted as a primary node in an available data node area, and one or more data nodes within the data set of interest are depicted as available data nodes within the available data node area. A selection of an available data node is received. When the selected available data node is a data object, the selected available data node is depicted as a selected data node in a selected data node area. When the selected available data node is a data set, the selected available data node is depicted in the available data node area as a secondary data node subordinate to the primary data node. |
| US08819588B2 |
Display apparatus and method of displaying user interface thereof
Disclosed are a display apparatus which moves a widget on a screen of a TV and a method of displaying a user interface thereof. The method of displaying a user interface including: displaying a grid with irregular intervals on a display unit; and displaying an icon on the display unit to correspond to the displayed grid. With this, a widget is capable of moving corresponding to a grid displayed on a screen of a TV. |
| US08819585B2 |
Child window surfacing and management
Tabs or other display elements that do not comply with traditional “window” requirements can be individually presented to a user when the window containing such tabs or other display elements is hidden or obscured. The user can be enabled to perform tab-specific actions, such as closing a particular tab, or viewing a specific tab without interacting with the containing window. Executing processes utilizing such tabs can register them and provide order and display information. Subsequent tab-specific actions can be received and directed to such executing processes. Additional requests, such as for thumbnails and bitmaps, can be directed to such executing processes in order to implement the tab presentation mechanisms and to provide for the tab-specific actions. |
| US08819576B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating an input to an electronic device
Systems and methods for facilitating an input to an electronic device are described herein. An example method for facilitating an input field of an electronic device includes presenting a menu item for selection while the electronic device is in a first physical state and identifying the menu item selected when the electronic device is in the first physical state. The method includes detecting whether the electronic device is in a second physical state after selection of the menu item and presenting an input field associated with the menu item selected. |
| US08819574B2 |
Space prediction for text input
An example method includes displaying, at a presence-sensitive device, a virtual keyboard, receiving an indication of input entered at a presence-sensitive device indicating a plurality of characters, determining a sequence of at least three character strings in the plurality such that the sequence does not include any space characters, modifying the characters by inserting at least two space characters to demarcate the at least three character strings, and determining at least two suggested character strings based on first, second, and third character strings of the sequence. The method further includes outputting, for display at the presence-sensitive device and at a text-suggestion area of the GUI, the at least two suggested character strings, receiving a selection that indicates a selected character string of the at least two suggested character strings, and outputting, for display at the presence-sensitive device and at the text-entry area of the GUI, the selected character string. |
| US08819572B2 |
Mobile terminal supporting detachable memory cards and detachable memory card management method thereof
A mobile terminal supporting detachable memory cards and a method for managing the detachable memory cards attached to the mobile terminal is provided. The detachable memory card management method of the present invention includes displaying, if at least two memory cards are detected, icons representing the memory cards on an idle mode screen, detecting selection of at least one of the icons, and creating files, stored in a source memory card represented by one of the selected icons, in a destination memory card represented by another icon. The detachable memory card management method of the present invention is capable of displaying the card icons representing the memory cards attached to the mobile terminal on the idle mode screen such that the user can identify the attached memory cards. |
| US08819570B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products displaying interactive elements on a canvas
A computer program product having a computer readable medium having computer program logic recorded thereon comprises code for generating a canvas upon a display space, the canvas being larger than the display space and including an interactive element, code for navigating within the canvas upon the display space code for changing a status of the interactive element in response to navigation moving the interactive element within the display space. |
| US08819565B2 |
Describing elements in a virtual world based on changes since a previous encounter
Embodiments of the invention may be used to enhance the presentation of a virtual environment for certain users, e.g., a visually impaired user. Because users may visit, and revisit, locations within the virtual environment, the state of elements in the virtual environment may change. Accordingly, audible descriptions of an object, person or environment, may be adjusted to prevent redundant or unnecessary descriptions. For example, when the user encounters a given element a second time, rather than describe each characteristic of the element, only changes to the characteristics of the element are described. |
| US08819557B2 |
Media-editing application with a free-form space for organizing or compositing media clips
For a media-editing application, some embodiments of the invention provide a novel two-dimensional free-form space that allows a user to both visually organize media clips and composite media clips in order to create composite presentations. To visually organize media clips in the space, some embodiments allow the user to add, remove, visually arrange and rearrange, and minimize the media clips. Also, the media clips in the space can be placed at any location within the entire space when the user is visually organizing the media clips. To composite media clips in the free-form space, some embodiments also allow the user to create sequences of media clips, reorder the media clips within sequences, stack sequences, and add or remove media clips from sequences. In some embodiments, the media clips or created sequences can be placed at any location within the entire space when the user is organizing and compositing media clips. |
| US08819553B2 |
Generating a playlist using metadata tags
Systems and methods are provided for on-the-fly playlist shuffling. There can be multiple ways to perform the shuffling. In one instance, the electronic device can organize a new playlist by sorting the media files based on a parameter. In another instance, the electronic device can organize a new playlist by shuffling the media files. In yet another instance, the electronic device can first sort the media files into groups of media files based on a parameter. The electronic device can then shuffle the media files within each group. In this manner, the media files can be randomized but only within each group. In all instances, the current media file can continue to play without any interruption. Finally, the electronic device can sort the media files based on the context of the media file that is currently playing. |
| US08819551B2 |
Display device and method, and program
A display device includes: a storage portion storing content addition information associated with one or two or more pieces of content data; a display screen generation portion generating a display screen, which includes image information related with one content addition information stored in the storage portion; and a display switch portion outputting a switch instruction of the image information included on the display screen, and the display screen generation portion switches the image information included on the display screen to other image information related with the one content addition information according to output of the switch instruction by the display switch portion. |
| US08819549B2 |
Method and system for mutidimensional virtual online support center
A virtual service center is provided to a customer visiting the service provider website. The customer can take an avatar and proceed to collect a token number and wait for chat session service in a virtual lounge to partake in various interactive options. The number of the current serving number is displayed so that the customer knows the position in the queue. The waiting lounge can include a virtual kiosk to provide the customer with self service while waiting. |
| US08819539B1 |
On-the-fly rewriting of uniform resource locators in a web-page
A system and method for on-the-fly rewriting of a plurality of URLs in a Web-page is disclosed herein. On a server-side, the present invention analyzes a plurality of hyperlinks of the Web-page and optimizes the plurality of hyperlinks of the Web-page to generate an optimized Web-page, which is then transmitted to a client-side. |
| US08819536B1 |
System and method for forming multi-user collaborations
A method of forming a multi-user online collaboration includes automatically receiving and processing a plurality of communications, including comparing the plurality of communications with collaboration launch criteria. When a received communication meets the collaboration launch criteria, a participant in the communication is invited to generate a multi-user online collaboration. In some embodiments, the method includes identifying a group of communications, comparing the group of communications with the collaboration launch criteria to produce a comparison result, and generating a collaborative metric in accordance with the comparison result. |
| US08819535B2 |
Editing time-based media with enhanced content
Creation of a program with interactive content and time-based media would be improved by having several people working simultaneously on both the interactive content and the time-based media. The range of types of data that can be associated with the time-based media also can include a variety of types of content that enhance the time-based media, including data that is opaque to the editing system. To support editing of such programs, enhanced content may be edited into a program as either a clip or a locator, according to a user's selection. The components that represent enhanced content also may be edited in the same way as components that represent time-based media. Enhanced content may be represented by enhancement files that include data defining enhancements. An enhancement includes an identifier of the enhancement within the enhancement file, and a reference to a file defining enhanced content associated with the enhancement. Such enhancement files may be imported into a bin of an editing system to create components that describe the enhanced content referenced by the enhancements. The enhanced content may be modified using native applications for the enhanced content during editing of the program. The components describing the enhanced content in the editing system can be updated using identifiers of the enhanced content that are stored by the components. Enhanced content also may be automatically synchronized with time-based media. |
| US08819531B2 |
Systems and methods for information divergence based data processing
The present inventions are related to systems and methods for information divergence based data processing. As an example, a system is disclosed that includes a scheduling circuit operable to calculate a first quality metric using a first information divergence value calculated based at least in part on the first detected output, and to calculate a second quality metric using a second information divergence value calculated based at least in part on the second detected output. A decoder input is selected based at least in part on the first quality metric and the second quality metric. |
| US08819526B2 |
Method and apparatus for recovering burst data loss by duplicating block code symbols
Provided is a method and apparatus for encoding and decoding in which block coding is applied. According to a method and apparatus for block coding encoding and decoding, a minimum quality seamless service may be provided by reliably recovering high importance data even though continuous data loss occurs in a wired and wireless transmission line. A transposed duplication calculation or a post duplication calculation may be performed with respect to the high importance data. Data of a predetermined lost time zone may be recovered by duplicated data of another time zone. |
| US08819522B2 |
Storage device array system, information processing apparatus, storage device array control method, and program
A disk array apparatus, if a rebuild error occurs, stores information indicating an error occurrence place in a sector holding unit, and then stops rebuild processing. A host computer, if a rebuild error occurs in the disk array apparatus, acquires the information indicating the error occurrence place from the disk array apparatus. The host computer determines whether the rebuild error does not obstruct continuation of the rebuild processing based on the acquired information indicating the error occurrence place. If it is determined that the rebuild error does not obstruct continuation of the rebuild processing, the host computer instructs the disk array apparatus to resume the rebuild processing while skipping the error occurrence place. In response to the instruction from the host computer, the disk array apparatus resumes the rebuild processing while skipping the error occurrence place. |
| US08819521B2 |
Systems and methods for short media defect detection using non-binary coded information
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for media defect detection. Such systems and methods may include data pre-processing and detection to identify a media defect. |
| US08819518B2 |
Apparatus and method for decoding low density parity check coded signals
The disclosed embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for decoding signals in a receiver, such as signals using low density parity check error correction. The apparatus includes a link circuit. The link circuit may include a first memory, a first and second processing block, and also include a first shift circuit for shifting data before entering one of the processing blocks and a second shift circuit for reversing the first shift after exiting the processing block. The link circuit may also include a second memory used for intermediate storage and shared by the first and second processing block. The method includes reading data from a memory, shifting the data prior to processing, processing the data, and then reverse shifting the data prior to writing it back to the memory. |
| US08819515B2 |
Mixed domain FFT-based non-binary LDPC decoder
Various embodiments of the present invention are related to methods and apparatuses for decoding data, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses for decoding data in a mixed domain FFT-based non-binary LDPC decoder. For example, in one embodiment an apparatus includes a message processing circuit operable to process variable node messages and check node messages in a log domain, and a check node calculation circuit in the low density parity check decoder operable to perform a Fast Fourier Transform-based check node calculation in a real domain. The message processing circuit and the check node calculation circuit perform iterative layer decoding. |
| US08819511B2 |
Methods and systems for an automated test configuration to identify logic device defects
Provided is an apparatus configured for testing a logic device. The apparatus includes a testing mechanism configured to output test patterns representative of logical structures within the logic device and a testable logic device having (i) input ports coupled to output ports of the automated testing mechanism and (ii) output ports coupled to input ports of the automated testing mechanism. The apparatus also includes a fusing mechanism configured to compensate for defects within the logic device responsive to a segregation of the type of defects identified. |
| US08819510B2 |
Selectable JTAG or trace access with data store and output
An address and command port interface selectively enables JTAG TAP domain operations and Trace domain operations within an IC. The port carries TMS and TDI input and TDO output on a single pin and receives a clock signal on a separate pin. The addressable two pin interface loads and updates instructions and data to the TAP domain within the IC. The instruction or data update operations in multiple ICs occur simultaneously. A process transmits data from an addressed target device to a controller using data frames, each data frame comprising a header bit and data bits. The logic level of the header bit is used to start, continue, and stop the data transmission to the controller. A data and clock signal interface between a controller and multiple target devices provides for each target device to be individually addressed and commanded to perform a JTAG or Trace operation. |
| US08819508B2 |
Scan test circuitry configured to prevent violation of multiplexer select signal constraints during scan testing
An integrated circuit comprises a decoder having a plurality of select signal outputs, a multiplexer having a plurality of select signal inputs subject to a specified select signal constraint, and scan test circuitry. The scan test circuitry comprises at least one scan chain having a plurality of scan cells coupled between respective ones of the select signal outputs of the decoder and respective ones of the select signal inputs of the multiplexer. The scan test circuitry is configured to control at least a given one of the scan cells so as to prevent violation of the select signal constraint in conjunction with scan testing. The multiplexer may be, for example, a one-hot multiplexer for which the select signal constraint indicates that only one of the select signal inputs should receive a logic high select signal at a particular time. |
| US08819500B1 |
Defect detector for holographic storage systems
A system including a reconstruction module and a correlation module. The reconstruction module is configured to reconstruct data bits detected from first signals, and to generate second signals based on the reconstruction of the data bits detected from the first signals. The correlation module is configured to generate first correlation values by correlating (i) the first signals and (ii) the second signals, and to generate second correlation values by self-correlating the second signals. In response to one or more of (i) the first signals and (ii) the second signals including a floating number having (i) a plurality of bits and (ii) a sign bit, the correlation module is configured to generate one or more of (i) the first correlation values and (ii) the second correlation values based on (i) a plurality of most significant bits of the floating number and (ii) the sign bit of the floating number. |
| US08819496B2 |
Apparatus for collecting trace information and processing trace information, and method for collecting and processing trace information
In the system, an apparatus for collecting trace information provided on a circuit executing a program includes a counter unit which increments a count value for each execution cycle of the program, and a collection unit outputs trace information at a fetching timing of the trace information outputted by the circuit and a count value of the counter unit at the fetching timing. Another apparatus for processing trace information includes a trace information acquisition unit which acquires the trace information added with a count value from a trace information collection apparatus, a sort processing unit which sorts the acquired trace information based on the count value, and a trace information storage unit which store the sorted trace information. |
| US08819495B2 |
Application harnessing system and method
Automated testing of application software is performed by recording the output of at least one sensor that produces sensor information. A harnessed app being tested requests sensor information. Those requests are intercepted and recorded information that corresponds to the requested sensor information is retrieved and sent to the harnessed app as sensor information. |
| US08819493B1 |
Automatic configuration of a test environment
Test configurations are generated based on information regarding hardware or software. A desired test configuration is selected. Test elements are automatically generated based on the desired test configuration, the test elements for testing at least one of the hardware or software. A plurality of test vectors is generated to test the hardware or software for the desired test configuration. The desired test configuration is converted to a script file. At least one of the hardware or software is automatically tested using the script file. Automatically testing the at least one of the hardware or the software includes using a first set of one or more test vectors from the plurality of test vectors to perform a plurality of test iterations of one or more of the actions of one or more generated test elements, and includes using at least a second set of one or more test vectors from the plurality of test vectors to determine the number of test iterations. A result of the testing is produced. |
| US08819489B2 |
Accelerated processing unit debugging using a graphics processing unit centric debug core
An Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) comprising a central processing unit (CPU) core portion and a graphics processing unit (GPU) core portion coupled to the CPU core portion. The GPU core portion includes a GPU core and a dedicated GPU debugging core, the dedicated GPU debugging core enabling performance of GPU centric debug functions. |
| US08819487B2 |
System reset
Some embodiments of the invention provide techniques whereby a user may perform a system reset (e.g., to address system performance and/or reliability degradation, such as which may be caused by unused applications that unnecessarily consume system resources, an attempted un-install of an application that left remnants of the application behind, and/or other causes). In some embodiments, performing a system reset replaces a first instance of an operating system on the system with a new instance of the operating system, and removes any applications installed on the system, without disturbing the user's data. |