| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08820939B2 |
Projection associated methods and systems
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection. |
| US08820932B2 |
Ophthalmic photographing apparatus and method of controlling the same
An ophthalmic photographing apparatus or method receives light returned from an eye to be examined, calculates a plurality of temporally continuous photometric values based on a light receiving result in the receiving, and determines whether or not the eye is to be photographed, based on the plurality of calculated photometric values. |
| US08820930B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for amblyopia and ocular deviation correction
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for amblyopia and ocular deviation correction, as well as visual interfaces, are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for amblyopia correction, the system includes, an image processing unit to identify a set of image parameters and, when, in operation, the image processing unit modifies a source visual content based on one or more of the set of image parameters to generate visual content and a visualization unit coupled to the image processing unit operable to receive visual content from the image processing unit, the visualization unit having a screen, when, in operation, the screen displays the visual content. |
| US08820921B1 |
Assembly for retaining eyeglasses on the head of a user in multiple positions
A system and method for connecting eyeglasses or a similar device to the ear of a person, while enabling the device to be selectively raised and lowered as needed. A set of ear anchors attach to a wearer's head. Each of the ear anchors has a pinna loop that is sized to encircle the pinna of the ear. An arm is supported by each of the ear anchors. Each arm extends forward of the ear anchors toward the eyes of the wearer. The temple elements of the eyeglasses interconnect with the arms using connectors. The connectors can be formed into the structure of the arms or can be separate elements that mechanically attach to the arms. The connectors engage the temple elements yet enable the temple elements to be selectively manipulated between a functional position and a raised position. |
| US08820919B2 |
Method of adjusting a display of binocular type comprising a pair of spectacles and display for the implementation of this method
The invention provides an adjustment method for adjusting a binocular display, the display comprising for each eye of the wearer, an optical imager for shaping light beams corresponding to an image emitted by a beam generator device and for directing them towards each of the wearer's eyes so as to enable information content contained in a virtual image to be viewed, the display being associated with a pair of eyeglasses having two lenses supported by a frame. According to the invention, the method consists in moving at least one said lens (10A, 10B) relative to said frame (11) with three degrees of freedom, in order to obtain superposition of the two virtual images, each said imager being contained in said lens (10A, 10B) of said pair of eyeglasses. |
| US08820915B2 |
Method for handling cut sheet media
A receiver supply media cassette adapted to hold cut sheet media and for permitting an imaging apparatus to form images on both sides of the cut sheet media, comprising a media tray including a cut sheet receiving well having at least two side walls, and a ramp disposed between the two side walls and a removable media receptacle adapted to fit inside the cut sheet receiving well of the media tray including a first compartment adapted to hold cut sheet media to be fed to the imaging apparatus, a second compartment adapted to receive cut sheet media from the imaging apparatus, wherein the removable media receptacle is flipped inside the cut sheet receiving well of the media tray after images have been formed on a first side of the cut sheet media so that images can be formed on a second side of the cut sheet media. |
| US08820914B2 |
Control of ink temperatures for radiant drying
Systems and methods for tuning Key (K) black ink printed by a production printer. In one embodiment, an ink tuning system is implemented in a printing system. The printing system includes a production printer that is operable to print color ink onto a continuous-form medium, and includes a radiant dryer that is operable to dry the ink that is applied to the medium. The ink tuning system identifies areas of K black ink designated for printing on the medium by the production printer, and applies a liquid agent to the areas of K black ink to increase the liquid mass of the K black ink before the medium enters the radiant dryer. |
| US08820913B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
There is provided a liquid ejection apparatus in which convection generated by a convection generation unit does not give an influence on an irradiation unit, ink can be heated and dried sufficiently, and bleeding can be suppressed from occurring. The liquid ejection apparatus includes a head unit which has a nozzle for ejecting liquid onto a recording medium, a carriage which makes the head unit relatively scan the recording medium, an infrared ray irradiation unit which is provided at a vertically upper side of the carriage in a scanning direction of the carriage and irradiates the recording medium with infrared rays, a convection generation unit which is provided at a vertically upper side of the carriage in the scanning direction of the carriage and generates convection on the recording medium, and a separation wall which is provided between the infrared ray irradiation unit and the convection generation unit. |
| US08820911B2 |
Coating apparatus and image forming apparatus
A coating apparatus includes a movable body, a particle feeding portion, a liquid feeding portion, a stimulus giving portion, and a nip portion. The movable body includes a circumferential face capable of rotating. The particle feeding portion feeds solid particles transparent to visible light to the circumferential face of the movable body. The liquid feeding portion feeds a hardenable liquid, in a form of a layer, on the circumferential face of the movable body supplied with the solid particles. The hardenable liquid is hardened by a stimulus given to the hardenable liquid. The stimulus giving portion gives the stimulus to the hardenable liquid fed on the circumferential face. The nip portion nips the hardenable liquid between the movable body and a recording medium. |
| US08820910B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
An apparatus for printing an image on a transparent medium based on a selected mode, the apparatus includes: a head that ejects ink droplets from nozzles, wherein when a first mode is selected, the head prints a first image on the transparent medium, prints a background image on the first image, and prints a second image which is different from the first image on the background image, and wherein when a second mode is selected, the head prints a second image on the transparent medium, prints a background image on the second image, and prints a first image on the background image. |
| US08820908B2 |
Ink composition, ink set and image forming method
An ink composition is disclosed which includes carbon black; at least one selected from the group consisting of a cyan pigment and a magenta pigment; at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol, at a ratio of 0.01% by mass or higher but lower than 1.00% by mass, relative to the total amount of the composition; water-insoluble or substantially water-insoluble resin particles, water-insoluble or substantially water-insoluble wax particles or any mixture thereof; and water. An ink set and an image forming method are also disclosed. |
| US08820905B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: a head body which ejects a liquid supplied from a liquid storing member via a liquid supply path; a first supply member which is provided with a first liquid supply path forming a part of the liquid supply path; a second supply member which is provided with a second liquid supply path communicating with the first liquid supply path and forming a part of the liquid supply path, and which supplies the liquid to the head body; and a filter which is sandwiched between the first and second liquid supply paths, wherein a sandwiching portion including the first and second supply members and sandwiching the filter includes an inclination portion that is inclined to the downstream side so as to face the outside of the liquid supply path. A liquid ejecting apparatus includes the liquid ejecting head. |
| US08820901B2 |
Elastic member for inkjet
An elastic member for inkjet includes a resin composition including at least a (b)-(a)-(b) type isobutylene-based triblock copolymer including an isobutylene-based polymer block (a) and a styrene-based polymer block (b), and a styrene-based polymer. |
| US08820900B2 |
Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection head includes a downstream filter chamber that is disposed at an inlet opening of an ink introduction path and is provided with a filter disposed therein, and a flexible film that is disposed on an inner wall of the filter chamber at a position downstream of the filter, wherein the flexible film is configured to deform in accordance with the pressure changes in the flow channel. |
| US08820897B2 |
Liquid droplet ejecting head, method for manufacturing the same, and liquid droplet ejecting apparatus
A liquid droplet ejecting head includes a fluid path forming substrate having a fluid path communicating with nozzle holes and a diaphragm on the fluid path forming substrate. The diaphragm has a first surface facing a second surface. A piezoelectric element on the first surface of the diaphragm has a piezoelectric body layer interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode. A support substrate on the first surface of the diaphragm has a space for containing the piezoelectric element. The support substrate includes a first member formed on the first surface of the diaphragm, and a second member formed on the first member. The first member has a first opening for containing the piezoelectric element. The space of the support substrate is defined by the first opening of the first member and the second member. The main material of the first member is resin. |
| US08820894B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, piezoelectric element, and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid ejecting head is provided with a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer and a first electrode and a second electrode provided on the piezoelectric layer, in which the piezoelectric layer contains a buffer layer provided on the first electrode and having a perovskite structure containing bismuth, iron, and at least one of zinc and nickel and a complex oxide layer provided on the buffer layer and having a perovskite structure containing bismuth, iron, barium, and titanium. |
| US08820893B2 |
Inkjet printhead
The present invention related to an inkjet printhead, adaptive for an ink cartridge including one ink-supplying tank, the inkjet printhead includes: a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles; and an inkjet chip for controlling ink jetting and having a total area region having a length and a width, the total area region including: a non-wiring region for installing one single ink-supplying flow channels; and a wiring region for installing an internal circuit including a plurality inkjet unit assembly, each inkjet unit of the inkjet unit assembly including a heater installed correspondingly to the nozzle; wherein an area of the wiring region of the inkjet chip is or less than 82% of a total area of the inkjet chip. |
| US08820891B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus
An inkjet printing apparatus includes two or more units. Each of the two or more units has a drive circuit, a nozzle row including a plurality of aligned nozzles configured to be driven by the drive circuit to eject ink, and an ink discharge passage configured to discharge a remainder of the ink supplied to the nozzles of the nozzle row from the nozzle row. The ink discharge passage of a first unit of the two or more units and the drive circuit of a second unit of the two or more units are thermally in contact with each other. The ink discharge passage of the second unit and the drive circuit of the first unit are thermally in contact with each other. |
| US08820888B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a fluid ejecting apparatus including: a plurality of nozzle rows which is arranged in the direction intersecting the extension direction of nozzles; a linear absorbing member which is suspended while being parallel to the nozzle rows or inclined with respect to the nozzle rows at a predetermined angle; a first movement section which relatively moves at least one of the absorbing member and the nozzle rows in the direction intersecting the nozzle rows; and a control section which performs a flushing process in which a fluid is selectively ejected from the nozzles facing the absorbing member toward the absorbing member while moving the absorbing member using the first movement section. |
| US08820883B2 |
Microfluidic device having improved epoxy layer adhesion
A microfluidic device includes a substrate; at least one inorganic layer provided on the substrate; a patterned epoxy layer formed over the at least one inorganic layer, the patterned epoxy layer including a wall that defines a location for a fluid in the microfluidic device; and an alkoxysilane material containing a primary or secondary amine for promoting adhesion between the at least one inorganic layer and the patterned epoxy layer. |
| US08820882B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A printing apparatus measures spectral intensity of a printed medium before an image is printed thereon, and calculates Mahalanobis distances with respect to plural types of reference printing media stored in advance. Then, the type of the printed medium is determined from the reference printing media based on the Mahalanobis distances and the image is printed thereon. |
| US08820879B2 |
Recording device and method for controlling recording device
A recording device includes a conveying part that conveys roll paper, a support part that supports the roll paper, a recording part that that ejects liquid and records an image on the roll paper; a heating part that heats the support part to dry the liquid discharged on the roll paper, a cleaning part that cleans the recording part, and a controller that causes the conveying part to convey the roll paper at a first speed when the recording part performs a recording action for recording the image, and causes the conveying part to convey the roll paper at a second speed, which is slower than the first speed, after the cleaning part performs a cleaning action for cleaning the recording part. |
| US08820878B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and sensor sensitivity setting method in liquid ejecting apparatus
This is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus and a sensor sensitivity setting method in a liquid ejecting apparatus making it possible to keep low any fluctuations in the reflectance of a reflecting part used to measure the sensitivity of an optical sensor provided to a carriage, and to enhance the accuracy of measurement sensitivity, thus making it possible to ensure the required sensitivity even in spite of progressive deterioration of the optical sensor. |
| US08820873B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A printing apparatus: the medium-conveying part conveying the medium; the nozzles discharging ink droplets curable by light irradiation onto the medium; the light-irradiation part irradiating the medium with light; the medium-deforming part being arranged on the downstream side of the light-irradiation part, holding the medium from the front and back, and deforming the medium so that an irregular shape is formed in cross section; the controller performing an image-forming step, a light-irradiating step, and a medium-deforming step; in the image-forming step, the ink droplets being discharged by the nozzles to form an image on the surface of the medium; in the light-irradiating step, the ink droplets discharged onto the medium being irradiated with light by the light-irradiation part to cure the droplets; and in the medium-deforming step, the medium being released by the medium-conveying part after the medium is deformed by the medium-deforming part. |
| US08820872B2 |
Printing apparatus and method having dual printing modes
A printing method includes selecting any one of a first printing mode and a second printing mode based on a printing position error data and an permissible printing position error; and performing a printing process based on the selected printing mode, wherein the first printing mode is a mode in which after a first liquid is discharged to the recording medium, the recording medium is transported to a upstream side in the transportation direction and other liquid is discharged, and the second printing mode is a mode in which the first liquid is discharged from the upstream nozzles in the transportation direction to the recording medium and other liquid is discharged from nozzles that are positioned from downstream side in transportation direction. |
| US08820868B2 |
Inkjet printer's ink protection method
The present invention relates to a kind of inkjet printer's ink protection method including: the developer generates a rechargeable code in accordance with the print head's nPL, total ink volume G0 and user's identifying information provided by the user; the user purchases ink and its corresponding rechargeable code, inputs the rechargeable code into the printer's control system, and fills ink cartridge in the ink supply system with ink; the printer's control system verifies the effectiveness of the rechargeable code; if the rechargeable code is effective, total ink volume G0 will be added into the ink counter; if not, the rechargeable code is output as ineffective. This ink protection method in the present invention can increase ink utilization rate, reduce the waste of resources and cost, protect the environment, avoid equipment breakdowns caused by using unqualified ink, and improve printer's operating stability. What's more the present ink protection method utilizes printer's software and hardware technologies in prior art, needs no extra equipment, and thus has strong practicability and is cost effective. |
| US08820866B2 |
Nail print apparatus and printing control method
A nail print apparatus which prints on a nail and a print controlling method. According to one implementation, a nail print apparatus includes an imaging section, a finger dimension obtaining section, a storage section, a model selecting section, a region specifying section and a printing section. The model selecting section selects one specific nail region extracting model based on a dimension of the finger obtained by the finger dimension obtaining section. The region specifying section specifies a nail region to be a specific nail region extracting model selected by the model selecting section to a region of the nail in the finger image obtained by the imaging section. The printing section applies ink on the specified nail region. |
| US08820861B2 |
Laundry treating apparatus
A laundry treating apparatus is provided that includes a cabinet configured that defines a profile of the laundry treating apparatus, the cabinet including a laundry introduction opening formed therein, a door configured to open and close the laundry introduction opening, a hinge unit including a first pivot to rotate the door along a first rotational direction and a second pivot to rotate along a second rotational direction, which is different from the first rotational direction, and a securing member configured to secure the door to the first pivot or the second pivot, when the door is rotated. |
| US08820859B1 |
Air intake in ice cream dipping cabinet
An ice cream dipping cabinet includes a cabinet portion, a machine room portion, a cooling room portion, a hot-air vent, a L-shaped recess portion, and a cold-air intake. The cabinet portion provides an inner compartment. The machine room portion is installed in a lower portion of the inner compartment of the cabinet portion. The cooling room portion is cooled by refrigeration and accessible through the top opening. The hot-air vent is provided through the rear wall of the cabinet portion, and the hot-air vent vents hot air from the machine room portion to outside. The L-shaped recess portion is provided between the front wall and the bottom floor of the cabinet portion, and the L-shaped recess portion comprises a horizontal surface and a vertical surface. The cold-air intake is provided through the L-shaped recess portion, and the cold-air intake guides cold air from outside to the machine room portion. |
| US08820858B2 |
Brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus for vehicle
A brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus for a vehicle includes: a base member; a control housing including a storage space for storing an electromagnetic valve on one face of the base member and a coil assembly; and a pump driving motor on a back face of the base member. The base member are provided with: two housing mounting penetration holes through which housing mounting screws for fixing the control housing are to be inserted; two motor mounting holes into which motor mounting screws for fixing the motor are to be inserted; and a rotation shaft storage hole into which a rotation shaft of the motor is to be stored, wherein the housing mounting penetration holes and the motor mounting holes are respectively disposed point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the rotation shaft storage hole. |
| US08820857B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing parking brake-caused vehicle disabling
An apparatus and method for preventing parking brake-caused disabling of a vehicle is provided. In at least one of the vehicle's parking brake release actuators' supply lines there is provided a flow arrangement which allows parking brake release fluid to flow to and from the release actuator when its supply line is undamaged, and restricts flow from the release pressure source when the line between the flow arrangement and the actuator is damaged. The flow arrangement may be a pilot-operated, non-graduated control valve, a combination of a pressure protection valve and a check valve arranged in parallel, a velocity-sensing check valve, or any other device or combination of devices which provide the damaged line shutoff or metering functionality. Such an arrangement prevents automatic application of the parking brake by releasing pressure from all of the vehicle's parking brake actuators, thereby precluding automatic vehicle immobilization following damage at one wheel end. |
| US08820856B2 |
Apparatus for setting park brakes of a heavy vehicle during a failure of a service brakes holding function of the vehicle
An apparatus is provided for a vehicle having components of a parking brake system and components of a service brake system. The apparatus comprises a normally-energized solenoid operatively coupled to components of the parking brake system and for, when de-energized, exhausting air pressure in at least some components of the parking brake system to set park brakes. The apparatus further comprises an electronic controller arranged to (i) monitor a combination of one or more signals indicative of a service brakes holding function, (ii) monitor a combination of one or more signals indicative of a fault condition, and (iii) provide one or more signals to de-energize the normally-energized solenoid to exhaust air pressure in at least some components of the parking brake system and thereby to set park brakes when both signals indicative of a service brakes holding function and signals indicative of a fault condition of the vehicle are detected. |
| US08820855B2 |
Hydraulic braking device having security provisions, for a farm tractor or a similar vehicle
A braking system for farm tractors and similar vehicles, has a differential braking system and a hydraulic system for the braking assistance forming a system unit (H) which includes two circuit branches (H1,H2), each circuit branch operating the braking with respect to one side of the vehicle. To the system unit are applied, through connection interfaces (36,37), two control units (C1,C2), each control unit including an electrovalve (20) and a distributor (24) operated by the electrovalve, each distributor controlling the operation of the system unit (H) with respect to one of the circuit branches, and each electrovalve being singularly controlled by an electronic control circuit (EL) provided with sensors of the main vehicle parameters, such as a sensor (V) of the vehicle speed, sensors (R) of the speed of singular wheels, sensors (P) of the positions of the braking pedals and a sensor (A) of the position of the accelerator pedal. |
| US08820851B2 |
Tire for a cycle and a cycle wheel comprising a rim and such tire
A tire for a cycle having a substantially toroidal shape, the tire including a tread adapted to be in contact with the ground, a base adapted to be fixed on the peripheral portion of a cycle rim, and two sides connecting the tread and the base, a lip having a height h greater than twice its thickness e and projecting from the upper portion of each of the two sides, in the vicinity of the tread. The height of the lip is greater than 15% of the width S of the tire in an inflated state. The lips can be constituted by the non-attached extension of the tread and, in particular, by a ply of material affixed to the top of the tire and whose edges are left free on a height greater than 15% of the width of the tire, or each lip can be arranged on an intermediate element adhered on the sides and/or the base of the tire, the intermediate element being capable of being a ring including an annular channel open towards its periphery and two lips projecting from each side of the channel. |
| US08820850B2 |
Rolling element for the polydirectional travel of a vehicle, and vehicle having such a rolling element
In a rolling element (10) for the polydirectional travel of a vehicle on a magnetically attractive underlying surface (19), a compact, robust and simple design is made possible in that the rolling element (10) has a spherical element (11) and at least one permanent magnet (14). The spherical element (11) supports the at least one permanent magnet (14) in such a way that the at least one permanent magnet (14) maintains its spatial orientation when the spherical element (11) rolls on the underlying surface (19), and the spherical element (11) is held in contact against the underlying surface (19) by the magnetic interaction of the at least one permanent magnet (14) with the underlying surface (19). |
| US08820848B2 |
Milling rotor for processing ground material and a ground milling machine having such a rotor
The present invention relates to a milling rotor for processing ground material, comprising a plurality of milling tools which are arranged in a distributed manner over the jacket surface spaced at predetermined distances and according to a predetermined pattern. In order to improve the distribution of the milling material, the milling tools are arranged in the circumferential direction of the milling rotor along parallel imaginary lines which are composed of at least one respective, equally long section of a left-hand and a right-hand helical line. |
| US08820845B2 |
Sensored pick assembly
A degradation assembly may comprise at least one sensor mounted on a pick; the pick comprising a first conductor in communication with the sensor. The assembly may also comprise a receiving element including a bore comprising a second conductor. The first and second conductors may combine to create a connection as the pick is inserted into the bore of the receiving element. |
| US08820839B1 |
Head restraint assembly
A head restraint assembly for pivotally supporting a head restraint above a seat back comprises a bracket pivotally mounting at least one head restraint support, a lock element linearly movably disposed in the bracket, and a spring element biasing the lock element in a position of engagement with the at least one head restraint support. The spring element includes a portion extending beyond the lock element and associated with the bracket to fix the position of the spring element relative to the bracket. The head restraint support is pivotally moveable between upright and folded positions. The lock element is selectively linearly movable from a position of engagement with the head restraint support, in which position of engagement the head restraint support is fixed in the upright position, to a position of disengagement in which the head restraint support is pivotally moveable between the upright and folded positions thereof. |
| US08820838B1 |
Apparatus for facilitating sleeping while seated
An apparatus is provided for facilitating sleeping while seated. Typically the device includes a headband, which may be a portion of a hat or a cap, and the device includes a tensioning device made of a flaccid or pliant material such as a ribbon or flexible cord. A user wears the headband and the tensioning device is positioned between the user's back and the backrest of a chair. With any forward motion of the person's head a tension is increased in the tension tie and that limits the forward motion of the person's head and facilitates sleep. |
| US08820833B2 |
Structure of trim cover assembly for seat back
On a rear side of seat back, a trim cover assembly of the seat back includes an openable first cover portion disposed centrally thereof and a pair of second cover portions disposed on opposite sides of the first cover portion. A pair of female fastener assemblies are provided to two lateral ends of the first cover portion, respectively, and each comprises: an anchor element; a female fastener element; and a connecting element connected between the anchor and female fastener elements. The anchor element is securely engaged with a seat back frame, thereby neatly securing the two lateral ends of the first cover to the rear side of seat back. The male fastener element is securely engaged with the female fastener element, thereby neatly securing the two second cover portions to the rear side of seat back in alignment with the two lateral ends of the first cover portion. |
| US08820824B1 |
Vehicle roof structure
A vehicle assembly includes a body including a pair of laterally spaced body members and a front roof rail and a rear roof rail spanning between the body members. The body members together with the front and rear roof rails support a roof structure. The body is formed of a steel or steel alloy. The roof structure includes a roof panel, a roof stiffener, a forward connecting member and a rearward connecting member. The roof structure is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The roof structure is bonded to the body via an adhesive. A plurality of bolts is installed along adhesive application areas between the body and the roof structure. At least one bolt connects the forward connecting member to the front roof rail and at least one bolt connects the rearward connecting member to the rear roof rail. |
| US08820822B2 |
Wheel house liner with hemmed edge, and system and method of manufacturing thereof
A wheel house liner for a wheel house of a vehicle includes a main body and at least one flange along at least a portion of an end of the main body, the at least one flange forming a hemmed edge. The wheel house liner also includes a bonding agent to hold the at least one flange and the main body together, and at least one fastener hole. The main body is formed by a forming machine. The at least one flange is then formed by bending, by a bending tool, at least a portion of an end of the main body. The bonding agent may be applied to the portion of the end before or after the forming of the at least one flange. Finally, the hemmed edge is formed by folding, by the bending tool, the at least one flange against the main body. |
| US08820811B1 |
Standard interface rack
A vehicle interface rack includes at least one twist-lock bracket configured to be inserted into a vehicular twist-lock receptacle and rotated a predetermined distance within the vehicular twist-lock receptacle to define a locked position. The vehicle interface rack also includes a rack structure configured to rest upon a vehicle bed when the rack structure is in a secured position defined by a securing portion of the rack structure being coupled with the at least one twist-lock bracket disposed in the locked position. |
| US08820809B2 |
Robot hand and robot
A robot hand according to embodiments includes a holding unit, a bottom end, an optical sensor, and a reflecting member. The holding unit holds a thin-plate-shaped workpiece. In the bottom end, its leading part is coupled to the holding unit and its tail part is rotatably coupled to an arm. The optical sensor is provided in the bottom end and has a projector and a photoreceiver. The reflecting member is provided in the holding unit. The reflecting member reflects light from the projector, makes it pass through the holding area of the workpiece, and makes it reach the photoreceiver to form an optical path. |
| US08820791B2 |
Adapter for rolling boards
In one embodiment, an adapter for a board (1) is provided, comprising at least two different receptacles (20) for attaching different types of chassis. |
| US08820789B2 |
Seat harness pretensioner
Various embodiments of seat harness pretensioning devices for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat unit for use in a military land vehicle or helicopter includes a stroking device that enables the seat to move downwardly in response to sudden movement. The seat unit also includes a seat belt or harness that extends around the occupant in the seat. Sudden movement of the seat in response to an explosion or hard landing causes a tensioning system to automatically pretension the seat harness. |
| US08820786B2 |
Side airbag and method of manufacturing the side airbag
It is provided a side airbag in which a bag thickness can be made thicker, without an undue increase in size. In a side airbag, a side panel formed in a belt shape is sewn to peripheral edge portions of a pair of main panels placed facing each other, whereby an airbag body is formed. A tether disposed inside this airbag body is folded in such a way that both lengthwise direction sides of the tether are aligned in a direction in which the pair of main panels face each other. One long-side edge portion of the tether is sewn to the pair of main panels and to a front portion of the side panel, and both lengthwise direction sides of another long-side edge portion of the tether are superimposed on top of each other and sewn together. |
| US08820785B2 |
Airbag apparatus
An inflation portion of an airbag, which is inflated by inflation gas, is partitioned into an upstream inflation portion and a downstream inflation portion via a partition member. When being tensioned in a planar manner, the partition member has a length in a longitudinal direction that is longer than a length in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A pressure regulating valve that is closed at an early stage of a supply period of the inflation gas to the inflation portion and is opened from the middle of the supply period includes a slit-like inner opening that is provided on the partition member and extends in the transverse direction and a pair of valve body portions that are provided around the inner opening and are selectively positioned close to and separated from each other. |
| US08820784B1 |
Gas deflector for gas generating system
A gas generating system is presented that contains a gas deflector positioned about an associated gas generator. The deflector may be attached to an outer wall of a perforate housing of the gas generator, or, alternatively, the deflector may be attached to a support structure positioned about the perforate housing, whereby gases exiting the gas generator upon actuation thereof, impinge upon the deflector. |
| US08820779B1 |
Inflatable airbag assembly with an internally mounted inflator
An inflatable airbag assembly can include an inflatable curtain airbag and an inflator. In some arrangements, the inflatable curtain airbag may include an inflator housing region where the inflator may be at least partially disposed. In some arrangements, the inflatable airbag assembly may also include a mounting assembly that includes a coupling member tethered to a mounting member. |
| US08820776B2 |
Folding golf cart
A folding golf cart, including a bottom frame, the pillar, the handle, the front wheel and the rear wheel, the rear-wheel carrier, the folding connecting rod, the support rod, the connecting rod and the sliding seat. The bottom end of the pillar is connected to the back-end part of the bottom frame. The bottom of the handle is designed with a connector whose one end is connected to the near-top part of the pillar and the other to one end of the folding connecting rod. The other end of the folding connecting rod is hinged to the back end of the bottom frame, the front ends of both the rear-wheel carriers are connected on both sides of the sliding seat and the two sides of the support rod are hinged to the pillar and the rear-wheel carrier. |
| US08820775B2 |
Folding golf cart
A folding golf cart composed of a frame, pillar, handle, handle connector secured to the top of the pillar, and a frame connector secured to the rear end of frame. The handle is rotatably connected with the handle connector, the bottom end of the pillar is pivoted to the frame connector and the rear wheel carrier is connected on both sides of the frame connector. A frame lock is connected between the pillar and frame connector, a handle lock is connected between the handle and handle connector. The handle lock is composed of a manipulator rotatably connected with the handle connector and two gear joint sockets connected with the handle. The two gear joint sockets are pivoted respectively on both sides of the handle connector. Clutch gears for engaging with the gear joint socket are arranged between the manipulator and two gear joint sockets. |
| US08820774B2 |
Construction cart
A foldable cart is described. The cart may be collapsed for transport in the bed of a pickup truck to a jobsite. Upon reaching the jobsite, the cart is removed from the pickup truck, unfolded and used to transport construction materials. |
| US08820772B2 |
Heel unit for a touring binding
A heel unit for a touring binding of a sliding board, comprising a binding body on which two coupling projections for connection to a heel portion of a touring boot are movably held, wherein the movable retainer of the coupling projections is configured such that the coupling projections move away from a sliding board plane. |
| US08820768B2 |
High lock warning system for fifth wheel hitches
The high lock warning system for fifth wheel hitches provides audible and/or visual warning to the operator of a towing vehicle in the event that the king pin of the trailer passes beyond the forward edge of the fifth wheel hitch plate of the towing vehicle during hitching operations. The system includes a panel pivotally attached to the forward portion of the fifth wheel. One or more warning devices are activated if the panel is deflected by the king pin during hitching operations, i.e., a high lock condition. The system may also include an indicator to show proper engagement of the king pin in the fifth wheel hitch. The high lock warning actuator panel may be secured in its normal position by a shear pin that breaks in the event of a high lock, and/or a spring to return the panel to its normal position after a high lock. |
| US08820764B2 |
Bicycle frame
A bicycle frame comprising: a head, top, down and seat tubes along with a bottom bracket; a pair of seat and lower chain stays; and a pair of upper chain stays, the upper chain stays attached to at least one frame component selected from the down tube, the seat tube, and the bottom bracket, whereby, the addition of the upper chain stays adds rigidity to the frame to resist torque forces applied to the bottom bracket. |
| US08820763B2 |
Device of human conveyance
A device for human conveyance includes front and rear wheels. The rear wheel interfaces to a sprocket/gear through a ratchet drive system allowing forward rotation of the rear wheel responsive to forward rotation of the sprocket/gear and allows free backward rotation of the sprocket/gear. The front and rear wheels are rotatably interfaced to a frame that keeps the front wheel at a constant distance from the rear wheel. A front end of an arc-shaped spring is affixed to the frame and a rear end of the arc-shaped spring has sprocket/gear teeth that are interfaced to the sprocket/gear whereas depression of the arc-shaped spring pushes the rear-end of the arc-shaped spring in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and the sprocket/gear teeth turns the sprocket/gear in a forward rotational direction. A resilient member is disposed between the arc-shaped spring and the frame to absorb shock. |
| US08820762B2 |
Pressure buffer device and suspension device
A pressure buffer device includes a bypass path configured to form a channel of the oil from the a second oil chamber to the a first oil chamber, a slit valve connected to the bypass path, configured to form an inflow route of the oil from the bypass path to a pressure chamber, and having a channel sectional area smaller than a channel sectional area of the bypass path, and a communication path connected to the bypass path, configured to form an inflow route of the oil from the bypass path to an annular recess, and having a channel sectional area larger than the channel sectional area of the slit valve and smaller than the channel sectional area of the bypass path. |
| US08820753B2 |
Lubricant sealing structure for gear coupling
Disclosed is a lubricant sealing structure for a gear coupling, which can firmly prevent the leaking of the lubricant due to vibration or the like in the axial and radial directions inside the gear coupling. A sealing member is a cloth-inserted rubber 21 having flexibility. The cloth-inserted rubber 21 has a first end being fixed to a fixing member 24s on a cover plate 20 mounted on a side of an outer ring 7 and a second end being fixed to another fixing member 25s on a side of the drive shaft 10 in liquid tight manner in the axial direction of a drive shaft 10. Each of the first and second ends of the cloth-inserted rubber 21 has a face extending in a direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction. The cloth-inserted rubber 21 seals the lubricant at the face of said each of the first and second ends. |
| US08820752B2 |
Intershaft seal with centrifugal compensation
A segmented intershaft seal assembly for use between inner and outer shafts within a turbine engine is presented. The intershaft seal assembly includes annular end rings, an annular seal element with an inverted “T”-shaped cross section, at least one resilient element, an annular spacer ring, carriers, counterweights, and hydrodynamic grooves. The intershaft seal assembly is secured to the inner shaft. The resilient element(s) biases seal segments away from the inner shaft toward the outer shaft. The counterweights are disposed about the seal segments and substantially negate forces imposed by the seal segments outward toward the outer shaft. The hydrodynamic grooves are disposed along an inner annular surface of the outer shaft and direct fluid onto an outer surface along the seal segments when the outer shaft rotates. The hydrodynamic grooves form a thin-film layer and non-contact seal that separates the seal segments from the outer shaft which otherwise provide a contact-type seal. |
| US08820748B2 |
Sealing system for a turbomachine
A sealing system for a turbomachine for sealing an annular gap between a rotor and a stator of the turbomachine has a sealing body which can be inserted into the annular gap and can bridge the latter, said sealing body being embodied elastically and thereby able to compensate for a height variation of the annular gap, and at least one sealing ring which is embedded in the sealing body such that the sealing ring is held by the sealing body in the annular gap between the rotor and the stator. |
| US08820747B2 |
Multiple sealing element assembly
A seal assembly, method for sealing a seal assembly and a modular seal unit for a rotating control device for use in an offshore environment. The modular seal unit includes a first outer housing, a first seal housing lockable within the first outer housing, and a first sealing element disposed on a lower end of the first seal housing. The first sealing element includes a throughbore configured to receive a drill pipe, and a sealing surface configured to seal against the drill pipe. The modular seal unit also includes a first connector configured to couple the first seal housing to the first outer housing, and a second connector configured to couple the first seal housing to one selected from a second outer housing of a second modular seal unit or a running tool adapter. |
| US08820746B2 |
Methods and devices for On-the-Roll sports games
A realistic professional team sports board game, including an On-The-Roll mechanism where, once play begins, real time play continues, generally against a clock, opposing teams continue to roll dice continuing sub-play actions or elements, until a play is completed, as by a touchdown, tackle and a series of rules and charts, based on statistical compilation that maps various combinations of offensive and defensive strategies and dice rolls into realistic game situations and the progression among them. Both teams: secretly choose a strategy, generally by selecting a card placed face down; roll dice; reveal strategy choices by turning cards face up; determine a situation chart to consult, and further determine which result is selected from within the chart, based on some combination of which cards were played and the results of the dice rolls. A variety of play cards affect the overall game momentum of either team. |
| US08820744B1 |
Race day scratch play game, game card and method of playing
Scratch-off game cards, systems and methods of play for pre-picking winners of real-time sporting events before events take place. Each player scratches off a number of scratch-off portions from scratch off sheets to determine teams picked before the sporting event begins. Players list selected racing teams and start positions on cards before events begin. After the event concludes, players list final position numbers for the teams. Players sum up their initial position numbers to determine initial position sum scores, and players sum up their finish position numbers to determine finish position scores. The player with the lowest initial and or final position sum score wins game. Optionally, the player with the winner of the race on the player's game card wins another portion of the game. In the case of a sponsored race, the rules and method of play can vary. |
| US08820737B2 |
Sheet-transport device, sheet-turning unit and method for turning sheets
Presented herein is a sheet turning unit (1) comprising a first sheet conveyor device (2a) for transporting a sheet at least along a first transport path (B1) in a first plane (E1), and comprising a second sheet conveyor device (2b) for transporting the sheet along a second transport path (B2), said second transport path extending at an angle of 90° with respect to the first transport path (B1) and, in sum, describing a curve of 180°, whereby the starting point of said curve is located in the first plane (E1) and the end point of said curve is located in a second plane (E2) that is different from the first plane, and comprising a third sheet conveyor device (2c) for transporting the sheet along at least a third transport path (B3). As a result of this, the leading edge of the sheet remains in front even after the turning operation, and a precisely functioning and reliable sheet turning unit is being provided. Furthermore, advantageous embodiments of the first and third sheet conveyor devices are described, said devices enabling the transport of a sheet in two directions. The advantageous embodiments of the first and third sheet conveyor devices are compact and simple in design and can be controlled easily. The advantageous embodiments of the first and third sheet conveyor devices comprise a sheet transport body that, by means of a rotating mechanism arranged in the sheet transport body, can be rotated about a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis, said axes extending through one point of intersection and being perpendicular to one another. |
| US08820735B2 |
Sheet storing apparatus
Provided is a sheet storing apparatus including a processing tray and a stack tray arranged respectively at the downstream side of a path sheet discharging port of a sheet discharging path and at the downstream side of the processing tray as forming a step respectively, and a reversing roller arranged at a tray sheet discharging port as being capable of rotating forwardly and reversely to convey a sheet conveyed from the path sheet discharging port selectively to the processing tray and the stack tray, so that a sheet to be conveyed to the processing tray from the path sheet discharging port is conveyed in a state of having corrugations formed thereon and a sheet to be conveyed to the stack tray from the sheet discharging port is stored at the stack tray in a flat shape as having the corrugations corrected after passing through the reversing roller. |
| US08820734B2 |
Loading device for recording media, control method thereof, and recording medium
A loading device includes a disposing unit to dispose the recording media, and a detector to detect the disposed recording media. The disposing unit includes a loading member on which the recording media are loaded, a pair of guide members movable in width directions of the recording media that are mounted on the loading member, and a guide driver to move the guide members. The end detector detects positions at which the guide members are in contact with the recording media as the ends of the recording media. The guide driver further moves the guide members in the width direction to cause the recording media to form flexures, subsequently moves the guide members to separate from the recording media, and then moves the guide members to be in contact with the recording media again. |
| US08820733B2 |
Sheet feeding device, and image reading device and image forming apparatus including the sheet feeding device
A sheet feeding device includes a grounding member arranged to a housing and electrically grounded, a sheet loading part arranged to the housing and loading a sheet, a sheet conveying path extending from the sheet loading part and conveying the sheet in a conveying direction, a sheet feeding part and a swinging member. The sheet feeding part is arranged facing to the sheet loading part and conveys the sheet on the sheet loading part in the conveying direction. The electro-conductive swinging member is swingably supported to the housing and swung in a first direction by bring the sheet from the sheet loading part into contact with the swinging member. The swinging member includes a first contact part receiving the contact of the sheet and a second contact part coming into contact with the grounding member accompanying to the swing in the first direction of the swinging member. |
| US08820731B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus according to the present invention has: an apparatus main body whose external appearance is configured from an upper casing, a lower casing, and a link casing that vertically links the upper casing and the lower casing and that has a paper discharge opening for discharging paper on one side face; a paper discharge portion that is formed as a space between the upper casing and the lower casing and that is to store paper discharged from the paper discharge opening; and an operation panel portion that is disposed in a vertically tiltable manner on a front face of the upper casing. When viewing the apparatus main body from the front side, an open space that allows paper discharged to the paper discharge portion to be viewed is provided between the operation panel portion and the link casing. |
| US08820728B2 |
Semiconductor wafer carrier
A system and a method for protecting semiconductor wafers is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a carrier with a central region and an exterior region. The exterior region preferably has a thickness that is greater than the central region, to form a cavity in the carrier. An adhesive is preferably placed into the cavity, and a semiconductor wafer is placed onto the adhesive. The edges of the semiconductor wafer are protected by the raised exterior region as well as the displaced adhesive that at least partially fills the area between the semiconductor wafer and the exterior region of the carrier. |
| US08820727B2 |
Rapid dogging and rolling system
A log rolling, support and clamp assembly includes a longitudinal frame having a plurality of rollers coupled to and positioned along the length of the frame from a first end to a second end and permitting rolling of a log on the assembly. A log rest and an opposing log dog are coupled to the frame, the log dog being slideably moveable towards the log rest. The assembly is attachable to a portable sawmill and assists in handling the logs after being loaded on the bed of the sawmill. Also disclosed is a sawmill and a kit having such an assembly. |
| US08820726B2 |
Abutment fixing apparatus
An abutment fixing apparatus comprising a holder, a body connected to the body, and at least one installation recess into which at least one abutment is inserted. The abutment fixing apparatus further comprises at least one fixing unit connected to the body and fixing the abutment at a desire position of the at least one installation recess, and the at least one fixing unit moves the abutment in a direction equal to an insertion direction of the abutment into the at least one installation recess or applies a pressure to an entire external surface of a portion of the abutment, which is covered with the at least one fixing unit, to fix the abutment at the desired position of the at least one installation recess. |
| US08820716B1 |
Cord tightening tool
A cord tightening tool used to tighten elongated flexible cord includes a frame with each outer end having a saddle that attaches to a cord to be tightened. A hook with a swivel mount is provided in a center of the frame that attaches to the cord between the saddles. A threaded shaft connected to the hook can be rotated to pull the cord downward to remove slack. The saddles and hook are interchangeable with different shapes to be used with various types of cord materials. |
| US08820715B2 |
Wire stringing angle clamp
A stringing angle clamp device and methods associated therewith are provided. The stringing angle clamp device has a pulley wheel rotatable about an axle. A connecting structure has at least a first end and a second end, wherein the first end rotatably is affixed to the axle and the second end is sized to connect to a utility pole. A first guide arm and a second guide arm are each rotatably affixed to the axle. A first wire clamping structure is affixed to the first guide arm and a second wire clamping structure is affixed to the second guide arm. |
| US08820714B2 |
Sleeve driving structure for various easy jacks
A sleeve driving structure for various easy jacks contains: a sleeve body including a polygonal fitting portion formed in a first end thereof for fitting with a rotating tool and including a first connecting extension and a second connecting extension symmetrically extending outward from a second end thereof, the first connecting extension and the second connecting extension being parallel to and separated from each other so as to insert at least one driving piece of a screw rod of a jack, and the first connecting extension and the second connecting extension having a first orifice and a second orifice symmetrically communicating and concentric with each other and defined in a first direction thereof; a bolt body fitted in the first orifice and the second orifice of the first connecting extension and the second connecting extension and at least one aperture of the at least one driving piece of the jack. |
| US08820713B2 |
Automatically extensible telescopic apparatus
An automatic extensible telescopic apparatus includes an internal tube inserted in an external tube. A positioning unit includes a ferrule, two fins, an axle, a toothed wheel and a first detent. The ferrule is provided on the external tube. The fins extend from the ferrule. The axle is supported on the fins. The toothed wheel is supported on the axle and includes teeth for insertion in recesses defined in the internal tube. The first detent is supported on the fins for engagement with the toothed wheel. A handle includes two leaves and a second detent. The leaves are placed between the fins and supported on the axle. The second detent is supported on the leaves for engagement with the toothed wheel. An extending unit is connected to the axle so that the extending unit rotates the toothed wheel via the axle, thus extending the internal tube from the external tube. |
| US08820712B2 |
Opening and closing valve for high-pressure gas
A pilot valve is provided with a conical first contact surface, and a pilot valve seat is provided with an annular second contact surface of which an initial contact portion with respect to the first contact surface has a circular-arc cross-section. The first contact surface is formed of a resin with elasticity, and the second contact surface is formed of metal. When a pressure-contact load is small, the first contact surface and the second contact surface come into line-contact with each other. When a pressure-contact load increases, the first contact surface and the second contact surface come into plane-contact with each other. |
| US08820711B2 |
Seal system
A slide gate having a frame assembly including an intermediate cross member coupled between a first and second gate guide members defining a corresponding pair of side channel elements each containing an elongate side seal which abut opposed ends of an elongate top seal secured to the intermediate cross member to seal a gate slidely engaged in the pair of side channel elements. |
| US08820710B2 |
Pushbutton mechanism for multi-measure controlling a feeder valve
The pushbutton mechanism comprises a lower part (1) and a cover (2) which are connected to each other and together constitute a house; a push bar (3) being in contact with the cover (2) and passing through an opening (5) in the lower part (1) and protruding out from that; an activation surface being on the cover (2); a biasing spring (4) between the cover (2) and the lower part (1) providing mechanic bias at the initial position of the pushbutton mechanism; and the cover (2) is able to move from its initial position when approaching relatively to the lower part (1) in response to an external pressing force. The cover (2) is formed as a single piece and is attached to the lower part (1) so that it is movable to an angled position compared to its initial position, the angled position of the cover (2) and thus that part of the displaced push bar (3) protruding out of the lower part (1) is depending on the point of exertion the pressing force within the activation surface. |
| US08820707B2 |
Visual position indicator for a valve
A visual position indicator for a valve includes a knob and inner and outer sleeves. The knob is rotatably mounted on the valve and is attached to a stem operating to open and close the valve. The inner sleeve connected on the valve includes a first colored band and an outer thread portion. The outer sleeve engaged with the knob includes a second colored band and an inner thread portion. The outer and inner thread portions are engaged with each other. The first and second colored bands respectively have a color different to each other. While the valve is closed, the outer sleeve fully conceals the inner sleeve to cause the second colored band to be visible. While the valve is open, the outer sleeve is fully concealed by the knob to cause the first colored band to be visible. |
| US08820706B2 |
Valve device
The on-off valve includes a body having a fluid path, a spherical valve body opening and closing the fluid path, a guide member opposing the valve body and having a flange portion radially extending outward, a first seat member slidable along an outer peripheral surface of the guide member and seating the valve body, an O-ring disposed between the first seat member and the guide member, a chamber formed of an inner wall portion of the fluid path, the outer peripheral surface, the flange portion, and the first seat member, and a spring member disposed in the chamber and urging the first seat member toward the valve body. In the on-off valve, a gap portion is formed between the inner wall portion and the first seat member and connects the valve body side of the fluid path to the chamber. |
| US08820705B2 |
Faucet handle with angled interface
A faucet assembly including a handle that rotates about a rotational axis extending perpendicular to an angled interface for adjusting a water parameter. |
| US08820704B2 |
Guide member for use in a valve actuator assembly
A valve actuator assembly includes a housing having a diaphragm plate and diaphragm disposed within the housing. A stem projection downwardly extends from a bottom surface of the diaphragm plate, and the stem projection is coupled to an actuator stem disposed along a longitudinal axis. A guide member has a top wall and a center aperture that receives the stem projection, and the top wall is biased into engagement with the bottom surface of the diaphragm plate by a spring. The guide member also has a side wall that downwardly extends from the top wall, and an outer surface of the side wall is adapted to engage an inner surface of a spring housing to limit displacement of the diaphragm plate and the actuator stem in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08820702B2 |
Projecting apparatus having adjusting function
A projecting apparatus has an adjusting function to adjust a sub-projecting apparatus. The projecting apparatus includes a projector, a first supporting rack disposed on a side wall of the projector, a first carrying seat disposed on the first supporting rack, an adjusting mechanism disposed on the first supporting rack and connected to the first carrying seat, a second supporting rack disposed on the side wall of the projector, and a second carrying seat pivoting on the second supporting rack. The sub-projecting apparatus is disposed on the first carrying seat and the second carrying seat, the adjusting mechanism is adjusted to move the first carrying seat relative to the first supporting rack, and the first carrying seat drives the sub-projecting apparatus to rotate. |
| US08820700B2 |
Adjustable pod support for machine control device
Apparatus for adjusting the spatial position of a machine control device relative to a machine cab floor includes a support bracket defined by a pair of spaced parallel struts, and a pair of spaced cross beams orthogonally positioned relative to the struts, each cross beam having opposed ends rigidly securing the struts together. A laterally translatable carriage is supported on the cross beams for movement of the carriage between the struts along a first axis. The carriage includes a pair of spaced pin-receiving bores, orthogonally oriented with respect to the cross beams, that extend generally parallel to the struts. Spring-loaded pins may extend through each of the carriage bores to support movement of a control device along a second axis. |
| US08820697B2 |
System for engaging an aircraft seat in a fastening rail
The system for engaging an aircraft seat in a fastening rail of the rest of said aircraft, of the type including a catching means able to be moved between an assembly/disassembly position of the seat and an active position locking said seat in position, via a handling lever that can be moved by an assembly operator between an assembly/disassembly position and a locking position, and including a means for locking the lever in the locking position, able to be disengaged by the operator via a quarter turn means, to release the lever and therefore release the catching means, is characterized in that at least one handling portion of the quarter turn means for disengaging the locking means of the lever is accessible to the operator, from the upper face of the catching means. |
| US08820696B1 |
Picture hanging device having a protective cap
The present invention provides methods and systems for a picture hanging device for mounting a picture to a retention member engaged to a wall that includes a tube having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the tube is designed to receive a retention member mounted to a wall, the top portion of the tube extends into the air for correctly aligning the picture on the retention member and contains a protective cap, whereby a hanging mechanism engaged to the picture is positioned about the tube and is slid down the tube for engagement to the retention member and the tube is positioned within the center of the picture for correctly aligning the picture on the retention member. |
| US08820692B2 |
Motor casing and a motor utilizing the same
A motor casing includes a frame assembly and a motor base. The frame assembly includes a frame having an inner face defining an air channel, and a plurality of connection members disposed in the air channel. Each connection member has first and second ends. The first ends of the connection members are coupled to the inner face of the frame. The motor base includes a supporting member and a covering member. The supporting member has an inner surface defining a through-hole, and an outer surface coupled with the second ends of the connection members. An opening portion and a coupling portion are formed at two sides of the through-hole. The covering member is coupled to the opening portion of the supporting member and has first and second surfaces. The first surface faces the through-hole of the supporting member. The covering member includes at least one vent. |
| US08820690B2 |
Force spreading clamp
A force-spreading clamp including a tubular body having a longitudinal opening for receiving at least a portion of a generally cylindrical object and a wall encircling the longitudinal opening, a gate including a clamping member positioned within the longitudinal opening and having a contact wall for distributing clamping force along a surface of a generally cylindrical object, a guide mechanism being configured to maintain alignment between the gate and the tubular body, and an actuator configured to actuate the gate in a radially inward direction with respect to the tubular body wall to cause the clamping member to apply clamping force to a generally cylindrical object. |
| US08820688B2 |
Tilt foot mechanism of projection display device
Provided is a tilt foot mechanism of a projection display device, in which the number of components is reduced to lower costs. The tilt foot mechanism includes foot (14) elevatable with respect to the case of the projection display device. Foot (14) includes rod (20) in which spiral groove (23) is formed. The tilt foot mechanism further includes base portion (11) integrally formed with the case, lever (12) rotatably attached to base portion (11) and having convex portion (42) formed to fit in groove (23) of rod (20), and spring (13) disposed between base portion (11) and lever (12). Lever (12) has projection (45) on which a part of foot (14) can abut. Lever (12) is rotated against the pressing of spring (13) along with the rising of foot (14) abutted on projection (45). |
| US08820684B2 |
Spacecraft heat dissipation system
A spacecraft is provided. The spacecraft comprises a plurality of heat generating electrical components. A first thermal radiator panel and a second thermal radiator panel are provided on the spacecraft, each panel being thermally coupled to the heat generating electrical components. Heat pipes are also provided. At least one first heat pipe is externally attached to the first thermal radiator panel and at least one second heat pipe is externally attached to the second thermal radiator panel. The at least one first heat pipe is thermally coupled to the at least one second heat pipe. |
| US08820680B2 |
Landing gear mechanism for aircraft
Landing gear mechanism for aircraft are provided which include first and second connecting arms and front and rear wheels operatively associated with the first and second connecting arms, respectively. A balance beam element is indirectly linked to the front and rear wheels through each one of the connecting arms and shock absorber elements, respectively, so that the front portion of the balance beam element is associated with the first portion of the first shock absorber element. A positioning damper element is hingedly connected to the aircraft structure and also connected, directly or indirectly, to a portion of the body of the balance beam element. |
| US08820671B2 |
Reel assemblies with customizable and interchangeable drums
Methods, systems, and apparatus are described herein for using reel assemblies including customizable and interchangeable drums. According to embodiments described herein, a reel assembly includes a first flange having a bolt pattern and a second flange having the bolt pattern. The reel assembly also includes a core drum having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the reel assembly also have the bolt pattern. The first end of the reel assembly is detachably coupled to the first flange via the bolt pattern, and the second end of the reel assembly is detachably coupled to the second flange via the bolt pattern. |
| US08820667B2 |
Sieve mill with improved sieve retaining properties
The disclosure relates to a sieve mill including a basket having a curved inner side for supporting a sieve which rests on the curved inner side of the sieve basket, and two longitudinal edges which are parallel and opposite each other, a material inlet arranged above the sieve and a cylindrical rotor arranged such that it can rotate inside the sieve basket. A longitudinal edge of the sieve is arranged in a first retaining bar having a first positioning recess for receiving the longitudinal edge, and another longitudinal edge is arranged in a second retaining bar having a second positioning recess for receiving the other longitudinal edge, the second retaining bar can pivot between an open position in which the second positioning recess can withdraw and feed the associated longitudinal edge, and a closed position in which the second positioning recess exerts pressure upon the longitudinal edge. |
| US08820666B2 |
Post consumer scrap film recycling process
A method for processing a supply of post consumer scrap linear low density or low density polyethylene film into near-virgin quality blown film product. The method includes tearing the supply of film in a shredder, wherein the surface area of the film is exposed, including delaminating the film. The torn supply of film is washed in a water bath including a surfactant. The film is agitated in the bath containing the surfactant wherein contaminants on the film are removed from the film. The washed film is ground into smaller pieces and additional washing of the ground film in a rotating friction washer occurs wherein additional contaminants are removed from the film. The ground film is then dried and compacted without addition of water into granulated objects of near-virgin quality blown film product. |
| US08820659B2 |
Rotor nozzle for a high-pressure cleaning appliance
A rotor nozzle for a high-pressure cleaning appliance is provided. The rotor nozzle has a housing, which comprises at least one inlet opening tangentially, and which is provided in a front wall with a pan-shaped depression with a central opening. A nozzle body is arranged in the housing and supported with a spherical end in the pan-shaped depression. A longitudinal axis of the nozzle body is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the housing, it being possible for liquid in the housing to be caused to rotate about the longitudinal axis, and the nozzle body rotating together with the rotating liquid. In order to reduce flow losses in the rotor nozzle, without the operation of the rotor nozzle (in particular, start-up behavior of the nozzle body) being noticeably impaired, the nozzle body is provided with an outer contour deviating from the circular shape in a rear end area. |
| US08820658B2 |
Heat resistant piezo bimorph synthetic jet apparatus
A heat resistant piezo bimorph synthetic jet apparatus comprises a working fluid chamber partially defined by a plate, a working fluid port that provides fluid flow communication between the working fluid chamber and a working fluid mass, and a bimorph piezoelectric structure included in the plate. The bimorph piezoelectric structure alternately increases and decreases chamber volume by alternately expanding convexly and concavely in response to application of voltage of alternating polarity to alternately draw working fluid into and expel working fluid from the working fluid chamber through the working fluid port. A thermal insulating layer is disposed between the working fluid chamber and the bimorph piezoelectric structure to protect a ceramic layer within the first bimorph piezoelectric structure from high temperature working fluid. |
| US08820654B2 |
Method of forming throttle passage and pipe with throttle passage
A throttle passage is formed by providing a step portion by expanding an open end side of a refrigerant passage of the refrigeration cycle, placing a throttle passage member on the step portion, and squashing the throttle passage member using a columnar squashing jig to widen a rim of the outer periphery, thereby causing the throttle passage member to be fixedly engaged to an inner wall of the refrigerant passage. The throttle passage member has a simple shape formed only by machining a circular plate having a hole formed in a center thereof into a truncated conical shape, and therefore can be made at low cost. Throttle passage member is only squashed to be fixedly engaged in the refrigerant passage, and therefore can be easily formed. |
| US08820652B2 |
Bypass valve for a water circulation system
A bypass valve includes a housing having a hot water port configured to communicate with a hot water supply line and a return port configured to discharge water from the housing for recirculation to a hot water source. The housing has a passage permitting recirculating flow between the hot water port and the return port. A valve member is operable to allow and restrict recirculating flow through the passage. The valve member restricts water flow through the passage in a failed state. |
| US08820647B2 |
Authorizing the use of a biometric card
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for authorizing the use of a biometric transaction card. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a biometric card having a biometric sensor to determine whether the biometric information (fingerprint) is from human skin. In a typical embodiment, the cardholder approaches a magnetic reader with the card. The user places his/her finger on the SpO2 sensor of the card. The sensor estimates the SpO2 level. Card authorization is based, in part, on the estimated SpO2 level. |
| US08820643B1 |
Selecting illumination characteristics that will be most suitable for reading a barcode
A barcode reader may be configured to capture at least one test image of at least a portion of a barcode. The at least one test image may include a plurality of window images. Each window image may be smaller than a full photo sensor array image. Illumination for each window image may be provided by a distinct one of the plurality of illumination systems. The barcode reader may also be configured to determine a selected illumination system. The selected illumination system may be the illumination system that yielded a window image having highest quality among the plurality of window images. The barcode reader may also be configured to cause the photo sensor array to capture a subsequent image using the selected illumination system. |
| US08820633B2 |
Methods for a third party biller to receive an allocated payment authorization request
A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks. |
| US08820631B2 |
System and method for issuing prepaid negotiable instruments
Pre-paid negotiable instruments are issued in response to a request at a host system from the holder of a stored-value account. The request is made through an IVR system or a web interface, and the host allocates funds from the account and provides a balance remaining after the negotiable instrument is issued. The instrument is printed with a transaction number or other identifier at an issuing system, and is then sent to the account holder. The account holder activates the instrument after receipt. The payee receives the instrument and authorizes the instrument by providing the transaction number or identifier to the host. When authorized, payment is guaranteed to the payee from the issuer. |
| US08820630B2 |
Hand held bar code readers or mobile computers with cloud computing services
A data decoding system that includes a server-side proxy component and at least two back-end computers, where the server-side proxy component is configured, when it receives a decoding request from a client, to select a back-end computer to forward the decoding request to, based on either a pre-defined rule, load estimates for said at least two computers, estimated network throughputs across network paths to the two computers. In response to receiving this request, the back-end computer that is selected is configured to decode the request, which is an image of decodable indicia, by locating the decodable indicia within the image and decoding it into a decoded message. The decodable indicia was provided by a raw image byte stream, a compressed image byte stream, or a partial compressed image byte stream. |
| US08820626B2 |
Diagnostic use of physical and electrical battery parameters
Diagnostic use of physical and electrical battery parameters is made to enhance battery authentication and security. A power management module measures an electromagnetic radiation spectrum of a battery module based on signal strengths of the electromagnetic radiation detected at one or more antennas. The measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum of the battery is compared to a reference electromagnetic radiation spectrum, which may be specified for authentic batteries, for example. If the measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum corresponds to the reference electromagnetic radiation spectrum, the battery is authenticated for use with the mobile communication device. A relative condition of the battery, such as an age or state of health, may also be estimated based on the measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum of the battery module. |
| US08820618B2 |
Reinforced polygonal containers and blanks for making the same
A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, two opposing end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side edge of a first side panel of the two side panels. The reinforcing panel assembly includes a corner panel extending from the first side edge of the first side panel, a first reinforcing end panel extending from a side edge of the corner panel, a second reinforcing end panel extending from a side edge of the first reinforcing end panel, an inner reinforcing corner panel extending from a side edge of the second reinforcing end panel, and an inner side panel extending from a side edge of the inner reinforcing corner panel. |
| US08820617B2 |
Carton with tamper evident prize information feature
A carton including a top and bottom portion adapted to secure an item within the top and bottom portion in a closed configuration. The carton also includes an information tab defined in a first surface of the top portion. The information tab is defined via series of perforated edges. An information tab cover on the carton is defined by a series of perforated edges that enable at least partial separation of the information tab from the carton. When the carton is in an unassembled configuration, a surface of the information tab is exposed to enable placement of information on the information tab. When the carton is in an assembled configuration the information tab cover covers the surface of the information tab so that the information placed on the information tab is not visible. |
| US08820614B2 |
Magnesium alloy joined part and production method thereof
The method of producing a magnesium alloy joined part has the following steps: a joining step of joining a reinforcing material made of metal to a plate material made of magnesium alloy without allowing an organic material to remain at the joined portion and a plastic-working step of performing plastic working on the plate material to which the reinforcing material is joined. A desirable means of joining the reinforcing material to the plate material can be to use an inorganic adhesive. Because the magnesium alloy joined part is formed by a structure in which the reinforcing material is joined to the plate material, in comparison with the case where the reinforcing material is formed by machining or the like, the magnesium alloy structural member can be obtained with high production efficiency. |
| US08820607B2 |
Surgical retraction mechanism
A retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. The retraction mechanism includes a motor, a first speed reducing mechanism, a clutch mechanism incorporating a second speed reducing mechanism, and a shaft. The first speed reducing mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The second speed reducing mechanism has a locked state and an unlocked state. In addition, the clutch mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first speed reducing mechanism. The shaft is configured to rotate upon activation of the motor the second speed reducing mechanism is in the locked state. The rotation of the shaft retracts a firing drive of the hand held surgical apparatus. |
| US08820603B2 |
Accessing data stored in a memory of a surgical instrument
A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device. |
| US08820602B2 |
Modular clip applier
An apparatus for placement into an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen to deploy a closure element. The apparatus comprising a housing having a handle portion formed at a distal end, the handle portion configured to be engaged by a user when advancing the housing to deploy the closure element. A triggering element deploys the closure device and can at least be partially formed in the housing. A throw reducing mechanism can slide relative to the housing and reduce the distance a user must stretch a hand to move a triggering system within the housing. The housing can include, or be connected to, a handle member having one or more expansion members which expand to provide a stable base for manipulating the apparatus. |
| US08820601B2 |
Plastic fastener dispensing hand tool having a novel anvil design to reduce needle sticks
An improved hand tool for dispensing plastic fasteners having a novel anvil design that reduces inadvertent user needle sticks during operation of the hand tool and a needle having a novel casing that further reduces inadvertent user needle sticks during the replacement of the hand tool needle. The hand tool has a gun shaped casing with a barrel portion and a handle portion. The casing has a needle assembly opening at the front of the barrel portion and a trigger slot at the front of the handle portion. The hand tool further has a hollow needle disposed on one end of a needle assembly. The needle assembly is slidably movable back and forth between a retracted position disposed substantially within casing and an extend position disposed substantially out of the casing through the needle assembly opening. The hand tool further has a trigger that is pivotally mounted within the casing that extends out from the trigger slot. The trigger is capable of moving the needle assembly between the retracted and extended positions. The hand tool further has an anvil. The anvil has a finger guide portion, a main portion, and a tag slot. The tag slot separates the finger guide portion from the main portion. |
| US08820586B2 |
Powder/granular material feeding device
A provided powder/granular material feeding device fully satisfies the function of sufficiently preventing bridges and ratholes and the function of favorably stabilizing the filling rate of an outlet portion. Moreover, the powder/granular material feeding device does not require consumable items such as a flexible chute or leave a large amount of powder/granular material in a specific region inside a chute. The powder/granular material feeding device includes: a hopper 1 that receives powder/granular material; an outlet portion 2 that discharges powder/granular material; a chute 3 that guides, into the outlet portion 2, powder/granular material dropped from the hopper 1; and a stirring part 4 that rotates stirring members 4b about a shaft 4a protruding so as to tilt diagonally upward from the lower part of the interior of the chute 3. |
| US08820584B2 |
Bottle for forming and safely housing elemental iodine and dispensing attachments
A bottle for the creation, storage, administration and dispensing of elemental iodine is disclosed. An amount of crystal iodine is safely housed at the bottom of the bottle. Water is poured into the bottle and contacts with the crystal iodine to form elemental iodine. With the crystal iodine safely secured at the bottom of the housing, the formed elemental iodine maintains contact with the crystal iodine to maintain its stability and extends is shelf life. Several dispensing device are also disclosed for dispensing or administering the elemental iodine, as needed, in order to treat internal and external areas of a human's or animal's body. |
| US08820583B2 |
Dispenser for refrigerator
A dispenser for a refrigerator includes a cavity provided at one side of a door and a discharge opening provided at an upper surface of the cavity. A cover is movable to inside of the cavity, and configured to open and close the cavity. An inclination surface is provided on an inner surface of the cavity. A switch on the inclination controls dispensing of water or ice from the discharge opening. Under this configuration, water or ice is dispensed from the discharge opening if the switch is actuated as the cover moves to the inside of the cavity to contact the inclination surface. The cover is coplanar with an outer surface of the door to close the cavity. |
| US08820581B2 |
Dispensing device for multi-component cartridges
A dispensing device for a multi component cartridge includes a housing in which a reception element for receiving a cartridge end of the multicomponent cartridge is arranged. The cartridge end is located at the inlet side of a first and second storage container filled with a filling mass and respectively sealed in a fluid tight manner at the cartridge end by a respective piston. A plunger arrangement and a drive arrangement for moving the plunger arrangement are arranged in the housing. A movement of the plunger arrangement in a dispensing direction can be carried out by the drive arrangement for dispensing the filling mass from the storage containers of the multicomponent cartridge. The reception element has an axis of rotation which is substantially arranged in parallel to the dispensing direction. The cartridge end pushed into the reception element can be transferred from an assembly position into a dispensing position by a rotation about the axis of rotation. |
| US08820575B2 |
Digital signage retrofit for vending machine
Embodiments of the disclosure include a vending machine retrofitted with digital signage. According to an embodiment, a display panel is affixed to the window; a media player is coupled to the display panel; a cellular wide area network (WAN) radio is coupled to the media player; and a cellular antenna is coupled to the cellular WAN radio and affixed to the top surface of the vending machine. |
| US08820574B2 |
First in first out vending systems
A vending machine for dispensing a number of products. The vending machine may include a transparent panel, a number of visible product columns, a number of non-visible product columns, and a product delivery system. |
| US08820573B2 |
Mechanism to hold cover open or closed
As monitor 1 held by casing 3 is upwardly pushed, clamp 2 is rectilinearly moved toward push latch 4 in cooperation with rotation of the monitor 1, the monitor 1 is rotatable by claw section 2a disengaged from locking hole 1b, and a striker holding section 4a engages with striker 2b to be forced into the main body of the latch 4 to be in engagement locked position. As the opened monitor 1 is upwardly pushed, the clamp 2 is rectilinearly moved toward the latch 4 in cooperation with the rotation of the monitor 1, the holding section 4a placed in the locked position with the striker 2b is forced into the main body of the latch 4 to be in engagement-lock releasing position, and the released section 2a is urged and moved by spring 5 to lock the hole 1b to hold the monitor 1 in closed position. |
| US08820571B2 |
Plastic beer keg
A beer keg includes a container having a base and a wall extending upward from a periphery of the base. A liner within the container includes a base, sidewalls and a mouth. The base of the liner interlocks with the base of the container to prevent relative rotation therebetween. A valve is disposed over the mouth of the liner. |
| US08820569B2 |
Fuel container, fuel residual amount measurement device, and fuel residual amount measurement method
A fuel container includes a container body having a fuel discharge port and an interior spacing. A body of liquid fuel is filled in the interior spacing of the container body. Follower units are provided in the container body, in contact with at least a part of an end of the body of the liquid fuel. Solid follower auxiliary members are interposed between the follower units and the body of liquid fuel to be optically detectable. |
| US08820563B2 |
Cooking lid
The invention relates to a cooking lid (1) for preventing liquids from boiling over, having at least one passage opening (4) to which a movable closure part (3) of a closure element (2) is assigned. In order to make available a cooking lid (1) that guarantees not only a controlled cooking process but also sufficient escape of steam, and also offers a possibility of adding ingredients or liquids during the cooking process, the invention provides that the closure part (3) is disposed so as to rotate. |
| US08820559B2 |
Shipping containers for flowable materials
A container for shipping and storing flowable materials includes generally planar walls that form or enclose a generally-box shaped vessel for holding flowable material. The container includes a plurality of corner fittings and optionally a plurality of connecting members that provide a frame structure to support the corner fittings. The corner fittings enable the container to be lifted and to be secured to a transport platform, transport vehicle, and/or another container. The vessel walls may be composed of a material that is not as strong or as dense as the material that forms the corner fittings and/or connecting members. The vessel walls may be corrugated and/or include a support structure overlaid on their exterior surface to increase the strength of the walls. The vessel interior may contain baffles to reduce sloshing and increase the strength of the vessel walls. |
| US08820552B2 |
Locking sleeve with a retaining device for fastening a closure device and closure device
A locking sleeve (17) is described for fastening a closure device (11) on a container opening comprising a sleeve body which is at least provided with a slip-on collar at its lower end region, wherein the slip-on collar has an inner circumferential surface (21) for enveloping coverage of an outer circumferential surface (25) of the closure device, this inner circumferential surface being provided with a retaining device (22) at least in an area of overlap with the outer circumferential surface and the retaining device comprising a plurality of retaining units (23) which are radially distributed over the circumference of the inner circumferential surface. |
| US08820551B2 |
Expandable fluid preservation system and method for use
A fluid preservation system for use with a container containing both fluid and gas where there exists a transition between the fluid and the gas and where the container has an opening with a first inside diameter and a first inner surface and a body with a second inside diameter and a second inner surface. The fluid preservation system comprises an elongated member with a proximal end and a distal end, an expandable sealing member near the distal end of the elongated member, where the expandable sealing member has an expanded state and a compressed state. Means to change the expanded sealing member between the expanded state and the compressed state is located near the proximal end of the elongated member. The expandable sealing member in the expanded state is in contract with the second inner surface of the container near the transition between the fluid and the gas. The expandable sealing member in the compressed state is able to pass through the first inside diameter of the opening of the container. The means to change the state of the expandable sealing member remains outside of the container and the expandable sealing member in the expanded state displaces less than substantially all of the gas in the container. |
| US08820549B1 |
Multi-chamber nursing bottle having frangible portion for separately storing liquids and other substances
A multi-chamber beverage container. The container includes an insert having an opening. The insert also includes a first chamber containing a first set of contents and a second chamber containing a second set of contents. The first and second chambers are separated by a frangible seal. The frangible seal is ruptured to mix the first set of contents with the second set of contents in an interior of the insert. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a container shell to house the insert. The insert may also include a cap that accommodates a nipple assembly. |
| US08820546B2 |
Mount for dental ceramic blocks
The present invention is directed to a dental mount for receiving and retaining a plurality of different dental ceramic blocks used in dental restoration treatments, wherein the dental mount comprises a substantially flat front face having a plurality of dental ceramic block receiving holes located thereon; each of the dental ceramic block receiving holes being dimensioned to form a retaining fit with any one of the different dental ceramic blocks. The advantage of providing a dental mount with dedicated holes for retaining any one of the dental ceramic blocks is that the dental mount can be used to comparatively present all the different types of dental ceramic blocks next to one another in an organized and graded manner so that a dentist may make quick and accurate comparisons between the different types of dental ceramic blocks. Furthermore, the dentist can quickly assess their stock levels by glancing at the dental mount. A further advantage is that the dental ceramic blocks are securely held apart from one another on the dental mount and therefore cannot damage one another when they are moved or transported. |
| US08820535B2 |
Classifier with variable entry ports
Multiple embodiments of a variable flow classifier for vertical air-swept coal pulverizers are disclosed. In all embodiments, a classifier structure includes a cone with means for providing a pattern of inlet ports for introducing airborne coal to the cone wherein said means allows for selective variation in the size of the ports. |
| US08820534B2 |
Fat/meat grading method and system
Method and system for processing of meat trim products, where trim products are supplied as a sequence of collections of trim (COTs), each collection of trim (COT) comprising a plurality of trim products, whereby a fat/meat relationship for a collection of trim (COT) is measured, a collection of trim (COT) is transferred to a selected station by a separator, controlled by a controller, and whereby a batch is completed at a selected station on the basis of data for said fat/meat relationship, said batch comprising one or more collections of trim (COTs) and fulfilling a predetermined criterion regarding a total fat/meat relationship. |
| US08820529B2 |
Film container
A film container includes a bottom film and a top film connected thereto for forming at least one accommodating chamber for a filling, in particular a pharmaceutical active substance formulation. A detachably fastened sliding element which covers the accommodating chamber is assigned to the accommodating chamber as a safeguard. |
| US08820528B2 |
Packaging device for module
The present invention provides a module packaging device, which includes a cushioning device and a plurality of retention boards mounted to the cushioning device. The cushioning device includes a plurality of interconnected cushioning air columns of which every two adjacent ones of the cushioning air columns form a receiving channel. The retention boards are respectively mounted in the receiving channels. Modules are each positioned on each of the cushioning air columns between two of the retention boards. The module packaging device uses a cushioning device that is composed of cushioning air columns and the cushioning device, which is of a U-shaped, is positioned in a package box to provide an effect of cushioning and protection to opposite ends and bottom of the liquid crystal modules or the backlight modules received therein to protect the liquid crystal modules or the backlight modules from damages caused by external forces. |
| US08820525B1 |
Protective case with bracket for digital products
Protective case with bracket mechanism for digital products, including protective sleeve body, fixed member arranged on bracket mechanism on back face of protective sleeve body, bracket mechanism includes fixed member, cushion member and support member, where fixed member is fixedly connected on back face of sleeve body, and, fixed member includes plurality of locking parts. Bottom of cushion member pivots in pivoting groove at bottom of fixed member, bottom of support member pivots about upper portion of cushion member, which is arranged on fixed member, cushion member and support member arranged within fixed member when bracket mechanism closes, and, to open bracket mechanism, bottom portion of the cushion member extends outward by pivoting about pivoting grove of fixed member, and upper portion of support member pivots and slides about track grooves in fixed member, where upper portion of support member is securely locked into one of plurality of locking parts. |
| US08820524B2 |
Lightweight modular golf bag with frame
A modular golf bag having an external frame is provided. Poles connect a frame top capable of receiving golf clubs to a frame bottom. A pliable bag body extends between the frame top and the frame bottom such that a cavity capable of receiving golf clubs through the frame top is formed. Poles may be affixed to the pliable bag body using internally positioned pole sleeves, one or more slits in the pliable bag body, or a combination thereof. Also, storage compartments may be detachably connected between the poles. |
| US08820521B2 |
Refill unit for a moist smokeless tobacco product
Packaging for moist smokeless tobacco can be provided in the form of a refill unit comprising a base portion (10) configured to fit in the bottom of an existing moist smokeless tobacco product container and a lid portion (30). |
| US08820519B2 |
Egg belt
A egg belt comprises a belt extending in a conveying direction for conveying eggs in the conveying direction. The belt is provided with a plurality of openings, each being triangular in shape. |
| US08820517B2 |
Lateral plate element for a link included in a self-stacking endless conveyor belt
A lateral plate element (106) for a link for a self-stacking endless conveyor belt includes an outer plate section (110); an inner plate section (120); and a bridging plate section (130) bridging the outer and inner plate sections. A resting surface (141) engages a lateral plate element of an underlying tier of the self-stacking endless conveyor belt (1). An upper portion with an associated upper edge (7) engages the resting surface of a lateral plate element of an overlaying tier of the self-stacking endless conveyor belt when it extends helically. An inner abutment surface (126) engages the upper portion of the underlying lateral plate element to limit outward lateral movement of the lateral plate element relative the underlying lateral plate element. An outer abutment surface (142) engages the upper portion of the underlying lateral plate element to limit the inward lateral movement of the lateral plate element relative the underlying lateral plate element. A spacer element (127) limits outward lateral movement of the lateral plate element relative the underlying lateral plate element. |
| US08820515B2 |
Feed auger lift assembly for an agricultural conveyor
An agricultural conveyor assembly of the type including a main conveyor, a feed auger assembly, and a main auger boot pivotally supporting the outlet end of the feed auger assembly on the inlet end of the main conveyor for swinging movement further includes a feed auger lift assembly. The feed auger lift assembly includes: i) a support assembly pivotally supported on the main auger boot for pivotal movement with the feed auger assembly about an upright axis and which further pivotally supports the feed auger assembly thereon for relative pivoting about a horizontal lift axis; and ii) an extendable lift member coupled between the feed auger assembly and the support assembly such that the extendable lift member controls pivotal movement of the feed auger assembly about the lift axis while being movable together with the feed auger assembly about the swing axis. |
| US08820509B2 |
Autonomous mobile conveyor system
A conveyor system for a use with mining machine is provided. The conveyor system may have a plurality of conveyor segments operatively connected end-to-end, a first of the plurality of conveyor segments also being configured to connect to the mining machine. The conveyor system may also have a plurality of mobile base supports each being configured to support one of the plurality of conveyor segments, and at least one controller for communication with the mining machine and the plurality of mobile base supports. The at least one controller may be configured to determine a desired location of the mining machine different from a current location of the mining machine, and to determine a required trajectory of the plurality of conveyor segments based on the desired location of the mining machine. The at least one controller may also be configured to communicate the required trajectory to each of the plurality of mobile base supports to move the mobile base supports into alignment with the required trajectory. |
| US08820506B2 |
Time delay separator
A separator device for a conveyor has a stop (12) arranged to be moved between a separating position and a conveying position, a trigger (11) arranged to move the stop (12) into the separating position when triggered, and a delayer (20) arranged to delay a movement of the stop (12) from the separating position into the conveying position. The delayer (20) has an energy storage arranged to gain energy when the trigger (11) is triggered. The energy storage is arranged to power a rotary drive impeding the stop (12) from moving into the conveying position. |
| US08820499B2 |
Umbilical cart and system
Disclosed is a conduit cart for supporting conduits above at least one rail. The conduit cart has a base; and at least two right-side protrusions, namely, a right-side sub-rail protrusion extending horizontally from the base; and a right-side super-rail protrusion extending horizontally from the base. The right-side sub-rail protrusion and right-side super-rail protrusion are adapted to straddle a flange of a first rail and the first rail is one among the at least one rail. Further, the base has at least two left-side protrusions, namely, a left-side sub-rail protrusion extending in a direction opposite to the right-side sub-rail protrusion from the base; and a left-side super-rail protrusion extending to the right-side super-rail protrusion from the base. The left-side sub-rail protrusion and left-side super-rail protrusion can straddle a substantially horizontal flange of a second rail, and the second rail is among the at least one rail. |
| US08820496B2 |
Damper for damping vibrations with a damping body promoting formation of foam
A damper includes at least one substantially longitudinal damping body with two end surfaces and one substantially longitudinal surface between. The damping body is placed in a substantially longitudinal cavity, which includes a cavity surface, with a damping fluid that includes a liquid and a gas. At least one of the cavity surface, end surfaces or longitudinal surface is broken, and the damping body can pulsate in the cavity when the damper is in operation. |
| US08820495B2 |
Adjustable internal bypass shock absorber featuring a fluid flow regulator
In one embodiment, an internal bypass shock absorber is disclosed whose compression and rebound resistance can be independently adjusted and is position dependent. The shock absorber features a fluid flow regulator coupled to a hollow chamber opening of a partially hollow piston rod. The fluid flow regulator may also feature a plurality of compression orifices and rebound orifices, and a compression valve stack and rebound valve stack each having one or more deflection discs. The number, diameter, and thickness of the deflection discs of the stacks can be adjusted to independently control compression and rebound resistance by controlling the flow of fluid between the first and second chambers of the cylinder housing of the shock absorber. The shock absorber may also have a tapered needle that controls the position at which the shock exhibits its maximum resistance. |
| US08820490B2 |
Manual adjuster for automatic slack adjuster
A slack adjuster comprises a worm shaft that is configured to drive a worm gear adapted for coupling to a camshaft. An adjustment assembly receives slack adjustment input from a push rod and is configured to automatically rotate the worm shaft when brake slack exceeds a predetermined limit. The slack adjuster includes a manual adjuster that is moveable between a non-adjustment position where the manual adjuster is de-coupled from the worm shaft and a manual adjustment position where the manual adjuster is coupled to the worm shaft such that a position of the worm shaft can be manually adjusted as needed. |
| US08820489B2 |
Electric motor with static brake
An electric motor for driving a vehicle wheel includes a parking brake that is selectively applied to provide a park brake condition. The parking brake is a clutch style brake and includes a sliding brake disk that is mounted for rotation with a motor shaft. A brake piston is used to move the sliding brake disk into engagement with a motor housing to achieve a park applied position. The parking brake is held in a release position by a hydraulic system that exerts a fluid pressure force against the brake piston. A resilient mechanism cooperates with the brake piston to apply the parking brake once the fluid pressure force is diminished. |
| US08820478B2 |
Lubricating and cooling epicyclic stepdown gearing
A lubricating and cooling epicyclic stepdown gearing, for example in an aeroengine turbomachine, including a cylindrical casing mounted on a planet-carrier of the gearing and forming a centrifugal scoop surrounding stationary oil-delivery strips, the cylindrical casing including radial ducts feeding nozzles pointing towards zones where the planet gears mesh with outer ring(s) of the gearing. |
| US08820475B2 |
Exhaust muffler
An exhaust muffler for an internal combustion engine including a housing having a sidewall, a first end plate and a second end plate spaced apart and located opposite the first end plate. A plurality of partitions may be disposed within the housing defining a plurality of chambers, including a resonator chamber, a cross-flow chamber, and an outlet chamber. An inlet pipe may be disposed through the housing into the resonator chamber and in fluid communication with the cross-flow chamber, the inlet pipe having a bend in the resonator chamber, wherein the inlet pipe is in fluid communication with the resonator chamber through a resonator aperture located in the bend. A resonator tube may be in fluid communication with the cross-flow chamber and the outlet chamber. An outlet pipe may be disposed through the housing and in fluid communication with the outlet chamber. |
| US08820474B2 |
Ear tip piece for hearing instruments
An ear tip piece device made of resilient material dimensioned for fitting the ear canal of a user, having a solid portion, a reversibly compressible portion and a first channel. In one embodiment, the ear tip piece is asymmetrical due to a bend. In another alternative embodiment, the ear tip piece has a second channel that is used for allowing natural transmission of sound to the ear. |
| US08820471B2 |
Speaker
A speaker, including: a casing having a baffle plate; and a sound source fixed to the baffle plate of the casing, wherein at least one cutout is formed in the baffle plate, the at least one cutout having a configuration in which a width of the at least one cutout increases with an increase in a distance from the sound source. |
| US08820470B2 |
Adjustably attenuating ear plug
An adjustably attenuating ear plug adapted for use in an ear canal, includes a flexible body, and a valve assembly further comprising a disk and knob translatable relative to the disk, wherein the knob defines at least one inlet, the disk alternately defines at least one shield and hole, and the inlet is alternatively aligned with the hole and shield to varying degrees, so as to selectively and variably expose the canal to the environment. |
| US08820466B2 |
Working machine
To provide a working machine of which a compressor and an alternator are accessible from a back side of an engine hood. On a machine body, a motor is mounted such that a shaft center of an output shaft thereof coincides with a lateral direction of the machine body; an engine hood covering the motor is provided with an open/close cover that can open the inside of the engine hood backward; on a lateral surface of the motor on an output shaft side, a compressor bracket attached with a compressor at a position behind the output shaft of the motor is attached and fixed; and an alternator that is positioned behind the output shaft of the motor and vertically displaced in position from the compressor is provided. |
| US08820465B2 |
Front fork for a saddle ride vehicle, and vehicle incorporating same
A front fork for a saddle-type vehicle includes a front wheel and a pair of left and right leg members disposed on opposite sides of the front wheel. Each of the left and right leg members includes an outer tube having a lower end portion thereof journaling an axle of the front wheel, an inner tube slidably fitted into the outer tube and having an upper portion thereof connected to a head pipe of the vehicle, and a spring installed in a compressed state between the outer and inner tubes. The respective springs of the left and right leg members are set to have different weights from one another. As such, the front fork is configured to correct a weight imbalance between left and right sides of the vehicle body, while increasing freedom in the layout of the vehicle body. |
| US08820464B2 |
Coil spring holder for a seat load sensor to compensate for dimensional errors in the manufacturing process
An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a washer and a spring holder, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the washer, and a step is formed between an upper surface of the washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod and tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step. |
| US08820457B2 |
Hydraulic excavator
A hydraulic excavator basically includes a counterweight, an engine compartment, an equipment compartment, a cab, a plurality of steps, a passage and a pair of antenna supporting parts for supporting a pair of GNSS antennas, respectively. The antenna supporting parts are positioned ¼ or more of the vehicle width away from the revolving center and are positioned closer to the revolving center than a left rear edge of the passage. The left rear edge of the passage is the position furthest away from the revolving center of the steps and the passage. |
| US08820454B2 |
Motorized wheelchair
A motorized wheelchair includes a frame, a battery support assembly that supports a battery box and is connected to the frame, first and second power drive assemblies disposed on each lateral side of the wheelchair, first and second rear wheels driven by the power drive assemblies, and first and second castor wheels that are pivotally connected to said frame. The battery support assembly is pivotally connected to the frame by a first connecting arrangement, so that said battery support assembly can pivot around a first longitudinal axis. The battery support assembly is pivotally connected to the first connecting arrangement by a second connecting arrangement, so that the battery support assembly can pivot around a second lateral axis. |
| US08820453B2 |
Bumper assembly
A bumper assembly is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The bumper assembly may have a heat exchanger, and a bumper configured to support the heat exchanger. The bumper may have a recess formed in an upper surface and located to provide a clearance space around a lower portion of the heat exchanger. |
| US08820452B2 |
Vehicle component mounting arrangement
A vehicle component mounting structure is provided with a vehicle body, a battery, a charger, a high-power electrical component other than the charger. The battery is mounted on the vehicle body. The charger is mounted on the vehicle body and converts a lower-voltage electric power supplied thereto from an external source into a higher-voltage electric power that is supplied to the battery. The high-power electrical component is mounted on the vehicle body with high voltage being supplied to the high-power electrical component. The charger and the high-power electrical component are arranged on longitudinally opposite sides of the battery with respect to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. |
| US08820448B2 |
In-wheel motor and electrically driven vehicle
The in-wheel motor of the present invention includes: a cylindrical coil body; a coil body support member fixed to a shaft; an outer yoke that is disposed on an outer circumferential side of the coil body, and is fixed to a wheel disk; a magnet fixed on an inner circumferential face of the outer yoke; an inner yoke that is disposed on an inner circumferential side of the coil body, and is disposed to face the coil body. The outer yoke and the inner yoke are fixed, and are rotatable around the shaft; and a caliper is provided on an inner circumferential side of the inner yoke. |
| US08820443B2 |
All in one towing solution
An all in one towing solution provides its own drive train. The drive train of the trailer is matched to an ECU and engine of a lead vehicle which communicate to ensure that the drive axle of both the lead vehicle and the trailer rotate at the same speed. The trailer is connected to a lead vehicle by an attachment system, which utilizes trailer tongues and a latching mechanism such as ball hitches. The main body of the trailer is built from a hollow base and a plurality of bulkheads, which form storage compartments for the present invention. The main body additional provides tow points for towing a larger or heavier cargo that may require specialized connections, such as a fifth wheel coupling. The present invention allows common family sedans and other commuter vehicles to tow loads that would otherwise require vehicles with sufficient power and suspension. |
| US08820441B2 |
Combination coring bit and drill bit using fixed cutter PDC cutters
A drill bit having fixed Polycrystalline Diamond Compact cutters is used to drill a borehole having a core stump therein. A plurality of additional fixed Polycrystalline Diamond Compact cutters are disposed in the dome of the bit and are usable to concentrate stresses in the top end of the core stump to facilitate the cutting down of the core stump. |
| US08820435B2 |
Auger for digging holes
An auger for digging holes that minimizes the amount of loose dirt excavated in and around the dug hole. The auger comprises an elongated shaft body whose axial longitudinal center is disposed in a parallel offset position from the axial engagement line of orientation with the driving source for rotationally driving the auger. The shaft body of the auger revolves in an eccentric lateral orbit as the auger rotates which digs the hole by pushing and widening the dirt in the hole rather than cutting and scraping. The distal end of the auger has a tapered configuration for initial penetration into the ground. The eccentric movement of the shaft body of the auger helps to compact the walls of the hole being dug. |
| US08820431B2 |
Power tool with integrated bit retention device
A power tool having a housing, an electric motor disposed in the housing, and a spindle drivingly attached to the electric motor. The spindle includes a cavity adapted for receiving a bit therein and a window extending through the spindle in communication with the cavity. The power tool further has a retention device including a bit engaging member disposed within the housing and operable to extend through the window and retain a bit within the cavity. The power tool still further has an actuator operable by a user externally of the housing to disengage the bit engaging member from a bit received in the cavity and, finally, a mechanical interconnection system operably coupled between the actuator and the retention device to actuate the retention device in response to the actuator, wherein the mechanical interconnection is disposed within the housing. |
| US08820430B2 |
Mode change mechanism for a power tool
A power tool is described which has several modes of operation, such as drilling and screw driving modes. A clutch is provided with various settings for adjusting the torque at which the clutch interrupts power to a spindle. Furthermore, a two speed gearbox is provided for adjusting the speed of the spindle. All of these variables are controllable from a single adjustment member or collar thereby reducing necessary decisions needed to be made by an operator for a particular job in hand. For instance, when an operator wants the tool to operate in a screw driving mode, the gearbox is automatically set to drive the spindle at a low speed with the clutch being operable to interrupt drive when a torque force applied to the spindle exceeds a threshold value. |
| US08820427B2 |
Storage tank frame assembly for an agricultural implement
A storage tank frame assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a tool bar assembly having a tool bar and row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a storage tank configured to hold the flowable agricultural product and to provide the flowable agricultural product to the row units. The agricultural implement includes a frame assembly having a first and a second mounting assembly. The frame assembly is coupled to the tool bar assembly. The agricultural implement also includes an axle removably coupled to the frame assembly and configured to be coupled to wheels for transportation of the agricultural implement. The frame assembly is configured to be coupled to multiple sizes of storage tanks via the first mounting assembly and to multiple sizes of axles via the second mounting assembly. |
| US08820425B2 |
Filtered cake candle extinguisher
A filtered cake candle extinguisher device comprises a filter, a mouthpiece connected to the filter and a decorative cover for covering filter. A sound generator may be provided to enhance the user's enjoyment while using the extinguisher device to blow out a candle or candles. |
| US08820423B2 |
Self servicing fire extinguisher with internal mixing and external CO2 chamber
Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The improvements allow for frequent and simpler untrained and automatic self-servicing of a fire extinguisher. The improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that fluffs, mixes or stirs the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. Additional improvements include a larger opening to more quickly fill and inspect the powder within the chamber. Another improvement includes the use of a CO2 canister located external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or replacement of just the CO2 canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allows for non-HASMAT shipping. These features will extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition. |
| US08820422B2 |
Pressure assisted aerial retardant delivery system
An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank. |
| US08820416B2 |
Actuation assembly for downhole devices in a wellbore
Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to an actuation assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The actuation assembly can include a body, a potential force in the body, and a device in the body. The device can cause the potential force to be released from the body in response to receiving a signal identifying a target device disposed in the wellbore. |
| US08820407B2 |
Flow diverter ring for reducing wear in mud saver valves
A valve assembly includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough, an upper valve subassembly disposed within the main housing, the upper valve subassembly including an upper seat configured to contact a corresponding lower seat of a lower valve subassembly, and a flow diverter ring disposed proximate the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly, wherein the flow diverter ring is configured to direct a fluid flow radially away from the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly. |
| US08820406B2 |
Electrodes for electrical current flow heating of subsurface formations with conductive material in wellbore
A first wellbore includes a substantially horizontal or inclined portion in a hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. A first conductor having electrically conductive material is at least partially positioned in the first wellbore. At least one conducting material substantially surrounds the first conductor in the first wellbore. A second conductor having a substantially horizontal or inclined portion is located in the hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. The second conductor includes electrically conductive material. At least one conducting material substantially surrounds the second conductor. A power supply is coupled to the first conductor to electrically excite the electrically conductive materials of the first conductor such that current flows between the electrically conductive materials in the first conductor, through at least a portion of the formation, to the second conductor, and the current resistively heats at least a portion of the formation between the two conductors. |
| US08820405B2 |
Segregating flowable materials in a well
A method of segregating flowable materials in conjunction with a subterranean well can include segregating flowable cement from a fluid by placing a flowable barrier substance between the cement and the fluid, and the barrier substance substantially preventing displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid. Another method of segregating flowable materials can include flowing a barrier substance into a wellbore above a fluid already in the wellbore, and then flowing cement into the wellbore above the barrier substance. A system for use in conjunction with a subterranean well can include a flowable cement isolated from a fluid by a flowable barrier substance positioned between the cement and the fluid, whereby the barrier substance substantially prevents displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid. |
| US08820399B2 |
Modular coiled tubing unit
A coiled tubing unit includes a coiled tubing reel skid comprising a load supporting skid frame having a plurality of guide post sleeves and a reel skid landing platform comprising a plurality of guide posts that mate with the plurality of guide post sleeves, wherein mating of the guide posts with the guide post sleeves is configurable so that the coiled tubing reel skid is disposable at multiple positions on the landing platform. The coiled tubing unit is configurable for many different weight distribution requirements. |
| US08820396B2 |
Ultra high pressure hydraulic sublevel pipe cutter
An ultra-high pressure (UHP) cutting device for insertion into a wellbore for cutting the casing of the wellbore from within the wellbore is provided. The cutting device comprises a UHP hose connector for connection with a UHP hose in communication with a fluid source; a rotatable UHP tube with a top end in fluid communication with the UHP hose connector and a bottom end opposite the top end; a rotating means in operational communication with the UHP tube for rotating the UHP tube during operation of the cutting device; and a cutter head in fluid communication with the bottom end of the UHP tube. |
| US08820394B2 |
Convection enhanced closed loop geothermal heat pump well
An energy transfer system for transferring energy between the earth and a facility comprising a well bore at least partially filled with groundwater, a center pipe having a top end and a bottom end disposed in the well bore and having a plurality of apertures for allowing the ingress and egress of groundwater, a pump disposed within the center pipe for facilitating a flow of groundwater through the apertures, and a closed source loop disposed in the well bore, the source loop including at least one source loop pipe extending adjacent the center pipe in said well bore and containing a working fluid for absorbing or transmitting thermal energy. |
| US08820391B2 |
Breather for permanent aluminium-casting mould
The patent relates to the field of metallurgical products and comprises a cylindrical body (15) provided with a plurality of slots (16), with a taper “A” designed such that the larger opening (18) is at the outer surface of the breather (15) and the smaller opening (19) is located internally with respect to the breather (15), so that the aluminum component (5), when removed from the mold (6), brings with it the burr (17), leaving the slots (16) of the breather (15) always free, and also a breather (20) comprising a cylindrical body constituted from a plurality of holes (21), with a conicity “A” designed such that the larger opening (22) is at the outer surface of the breather (20) and the smaller opening (23) is located internally with respect to the breather (20). |
| US08820388B2 |
Motorizable shade system and method
A motorizable shade system and method consists of a header system where the header system includes an integral header attachment connection. At least one cord spool is provided within the header system and is connected with at least one suspension cord and a shade is suspended from the at least one suspension cord. A motor assembly attachment connection is provided in a motor assembly that is conformed to connect with the integral header attachment connection and the motor assembly also includes a motor assembly electrical connector. A power system with a power attachment connection is provided that is conformed to connect with the integral header attachment connection. The power system also includes a power system electrical connector that is conformed to connect with the motor assembly electrical connector. The motorizable shade system operates manually unless and until a motor assembly and power system are connected with the integral header attachment connection and the cord spool. |
| US08820384B2 |
Roller shutter for an opening in a building
A roller shutter for an opening leaf of a building, includes a retractable shut-off panel that moves between retracted and deployed positions, and a guide to selectively guide the panel a path between the retracted position and a deployed position in a first plane, and another path is a path between the retracted position and a deployed position in a second plane parallel to said first plane. The guide selectively switches movement of between said first path and said second path. A deployment-switching stop guides the shut-off panel along the second path when the shut-off panel is in contact with the deployment switching stop and the shaft is driven in a direction of rotation for deployment. |
| US08820383B2 |
System and method for processing a tire-wheel assembly
An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08820377B2 |
Pneumatic radial tire
Each of belt layers of a pneumatic radial tire includes a plurality of single steel wires with an identical wire diameter extending linearly in an identical direction in alignment with each other and embedded in rubber. Each of the wires is provided with axial torsion. On the outer surface of a tread portion, circumferential grooves extend in the circumferential direction of the tire. The wire diameters of the single steel wires are 0.28 mm to 0.38 mm. An average of intervals of the single steel wires is not less than 0.10 mm. The tire has an out-of-plane bending stiffness of not less than 6000 N·mm2 per inch of length of the tread portion in the circumferential direction when a force application point is located at the circumferential groove. The implanted density E (wires/50 mm) of the single steel wires satisfies E≧1869×d2−1838×d+493, where d is the wire diameter. |
| US08820374B2 |
Tire
A tire, wherein, a lateral groove (7) is disposed between a predetermined land block (5) and a land block (6) adjacent to the land block (5) in the tire circumference direction, among land blocks (4, 5, 6), and is formed of an inner lateral groove (Q) and an outer lateral groove (P), the inside lateral groove (Q) being disposed at an inside of a boundary of a bent portion (12) in a tire width direction, the outside lateral groove (P) being disposed at an outside of the bent portion (12), the bent portion (12) being formed at intermediate portion in the tire width direction. The angle θ1 of the inner lateral groove (Q) relative to the tire circumference direction is smaller than the angle θ2 of the outer lateral groove (P) relative to the circumference direction. |
| US08820370B2 |
Elastomeric insert for supporting a tire and mounted assembly incorporating it
The invention provides an insert for supporting a pneumatic tire which is intended to support substantially the entire internal face of the pneumatic tire and has a radially internal face intended to sit atop a wheel rim that accepts the pneumatic tire, has at least one cavity designed to be inflated by a valve of the wheel which valve is independent of the insert, via inflation gas conveying means opening onto said radially internal face and into said at least one cavity and discharge means for discharging the gas from this cavity, said at least one cavity and these conveying and discharge means being formed in and/or on the insert, the inflatable cavity being formed by an internal volume within the heart of the insert or alternatively by a concave external surface of the insert. |
| US08820367B2 |
Activity and storage bag
An activity and storage bag is includes a central compartment for holding one or more removable objects. The central compartment has an inner surface that is water-resistant and an outer surface. The activity and storage bag further includes a wallet attached to the outer surface of the central compartment for storing wallet items. The wallet includes an external flap that folds out from and attaches back with an internal flap that is connected to the outer surface of the central compartment. The activity and storage bag further includes one or more side pockets attached to the outer surface of the central compartment adjacent to the wallet. |
| US08820365B2 |
Machine and method for the automatic preparation of intravenous medication
A machine for the automatic preparation of an intravenous medication is provided. In one implementation the machine has a chamber with a starting products area where at least one receptacle is disposed with a base product from which the intravenous medication is generated, a transfer tools area where at least one transfer tool that is used to prepare the required medication is disposed, a prepared products area where at least one container to house the prepared medication is disposed, and a first robot to handle the transfer tool, the first robot being adapted to transport the transfer tool between the transfer tools area, the starting products area and the prepared products area in order to prepare the intravenous medication. |
| US08820358B2 |
Check valve
A check valve including a cylindrical valve well defining a chamber, a valve disk, a pin centrally connecting the valve well to the valve disk; the valve disk being axially symmetrically positioned with respect to the valve well. The valve disk forms a fluid seal with an annular rim of the valve well when a first pressure acting on the valve disk is greater that a opposing second pressure within the chamber. The check valve further includes a plurality of vanes disposed within the chamber, where the vanes prevent the valve disk from collapsing into the chamber due to an excessive first pressure on the valve disk. |
| US08820355B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning pools with reduced energy consumption
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for substantially improving the energy efficiency of swimming pools having in-floor cleaning systems. Comprehensive data is provided demonstrating the improvement in cleaning capacity realized in a typical prior art pool before and after conversion to the present invention. Methods are disclosed for the reallocation of all or a substantial part of the increase in cleaning capacity toward a proportionate reduction in energy consumption by reducing the run time or operating speed of the pool pump motor while maintaining the same or a higher level of cleaning capacity achieved by the prior art. |
| US08820353B2 |
Interface assembly for space vehicles
Disclosed is a multipart valve assembly. The assembly can be used in selectively coupling two vehicles. The assembly includes inter-fitting male and female components and associated control valves. Coupling the male and female components establishes media (fluid or gas), communications, and electrical paths between space vehicles. This permits the passage of media from one vehicle to the other and likewise enables one vehicle to operate the control valve of the other vehicle. |
| US08820352B2 |
Multi-functional concealed shower valve
A pressure-adjustable concealed shower valve includes a shell, containing an embedded body with water channels. A cover board that communicates with the water channels is arranged on the body. The body is provided with channels for hot water and cold water. The hot water channel and cold water channel are provided with a partition wall with a hole. The partition wall separates water inlets and outlets of the hot water channel and cold water channel. A buffer unit that can be opened and closed is arranged on the partition wall. The buffer unit contains a fixed adjustment screw and the corresponding booster spring and the central rod. The end of the central rod matches with the hole on the partition wall and can form an open or close structure. The partition wall and the buffer unit are arranged away from the straight line in which the water channel is located. |
| US08820349B2 |
Control valve for adjusting a process medium flow of a technical process installation
In a control valve for adjusting a process medium flow of a technical process installation, a housing is provided with an interior to be traversed by a process medium. A valve seat is disposed inside the housing interior. A valve member is provided obstructing or clearing the valve seat wherein a flow cross section of the control valve can be altered according to a relative position between the valve member and the valve seat for adjusting the process medium flow to initiate a pressure change in the process medium flow between an upstream and a downstream duct section. An electrical consumer is provided. A thermoelectric element is coupled to supply electrical power to the electrical consumer. The thermoelectric element is disposed at a position in the housing interior for generating the electrical power resulting from a temperature difference that accompanies a pressure difference at a location of said position of the thermoelectric element. |
| US08820348B2 |
Radial flow oscillating valve for reciprocating compressors and pumps
The invention provides a unique self actuating oscillating valve and suggests means to control flow. |
| US08820346B2 |
Self-actuating drainage device and method of operation
A self-actuating drainage device for placement on a structure to drain water accumulated on the structure includes a collection funnel having a bottom with a funnel hole extending therethrough, a siphon conduit contiguous with the funnel hole, the siphon conduit having a first end disposed on the structure and an opposite end disposed at a position lower than the first end. The device further includes a valve mechanism which includes a float maintained within the collection funnel. The valve mechanism opens when accumulated water raises the float so that the water collected in the collection funnel is released through the siphon conduit and starts a siphoning action from the first end to the opposite end when the valve mechanism closes. |
| US08820345B2 |
Construction equipment machine with hydraulic pressure controlled selecting system
A construction equipment machine has a lower frame and an upper frame rotatably connected, the machine having at least one hydraulic pilot circuit comprising a primary hydraulic pilot line running from the upper frame to the lower frame through a rotary joint for controlling the operation of at least one hydraulic device located on the lower frame, including: a pressure regulating system capable of setting in the pilot circuit a pilot pressure having a value; a hydraulic pressure controlled selecting system which is located on the lower frame and is fed by the primary hydraulic pilot line, at least two independent secondary pilot lines located downstream of the pressure controlled selecting system, and wherein said hydraulic pressure controlled selecting system is capable of selectively and independently supply or not supply pressurized fluid to the independent secondary pilot lines, responsive to the value of the pilot pressure. |
| US08820340B2 |
Frames and hinges
A collapsible shelter frame including members articulated by pivot means and having a pair of opposed pivot members, such as plates, joined at a common axle about which a surface of a first pivot member of the pair is slidingly rotatable over a surface of a second pivot member of the pair in parallel opposition thereto. |
| US08820339B2 |
Walking aids
Walking aids are described which are of simple construction but which allow for both resilience, i.e. the part of the walking aid which is gripped by the user and the ground-engaging end (3) can be resiliency pressed together, as well as a degree of angular flexibility so that the end (3) stays aligned with the ground even if the stick, crutch or the like (1) is angled relative thereto. This is achieved in particular by the use of a bellows structure (2) between the shaft (1) of a walking aid and a ground-engaging foot (3). |
| US08820338B1 |
Walker for improved stairway mobility
A walker adapted to navigate stairways and inclined surfaces is provided. |
| US08820337B2 |
Elastic force magnifying structure of self-opening/closing umbrella
The present invention provides an elastic force magnifying structure of self-opening/closing umbrella. The umbrella includes a central post that comprises an inner tube, an intermediate tube, and an outer tube telescopically fit to each other. The central post receives a primary spring received therein. The elastic force magnifying structure includes an elastic force increasing spring arranged inside the outer tube. The elastic force increasing spring is coupled by a coupling sleeve to the primary spring to serve as an extension thereof. |
| US08820336B1 |
Flexible umbrella holder
The present invention features an umbrella holder system with ball joint for shade angle adjustment. The system features a general U-shaped base, a ball joint and an umbrella with a handle. The ball joint has an upper opening adapted to receive the umbrella handle and a lower part connected to the U-shaped base. The U-shaped base can be secured to a support structure via a screwed handle. The ball joint has a ball with a threaded rod or a plurality of holes for position securing. The umbrella is pivotably attached to the U-shaped case and can be secured to a desired position. |
| US08820335B2 |
Cleaning apparatus, substrate processing system, cleaning method, program and storage medium
Disclosed is a cleaning apparatus capable of cleaning a holding unit of a holding member that holds a substrate. The cleaning apparatus is configured to prevent a cleaning liquid from adhering to a rear-end unit of the holding member where a drying is difficult to be done, while a cleaning process is performed by spraying the cleaning liquid to the holding unit. Also disclosed are a substrate processing system that incorporates the cleaning apparatus, a cleaning method based on the cleaning apparatus, a program to perform the cleaning method, and a storage medium to store the program. The cleaning apparatus is equipped with a cleaning unit that cleans the holding unit by spraying the cleaning liquid to the holding unit, and a cover unit that covers the rear-end unit by making a back-and-forth operation with respect to the holding member. |
| US08820327B2 |
Sealing lip device for a breathing mask, a breathing mask and a method and a mold for producing same
A sealing lip device for a breathing mask includes a receiving opening for receiving at least the nose tip region of a mask wearer, a sealing lip which is formed from an elastomeric material and which surrounds the receiving opening and which is configured to cross the bridge of the nose and which has a contact zone provided for bearing against the face of a mask wearer in use. The sealing lip is elastically and yieldingly arranged in such a way that a first sealing lip zone which in use seals the region of the bridge of the nose has a higher degree of flexibility than a second sealing lip zone which in use is adjacent to at least one of the nostrils and the upper lip of the mask wearer in the application position of the breathing mask. The sealing lip includes a folding bellows structure that suspends the sealing lip in the region of the first zone provided for sealing of the region of the bridge of the nose. The folding bellows structure includes a fold indentation having zones of differing wall thickness. |
| US08820324B2 |
Hinged dry powder inhaler comprising a circulating airflow chamber
A dry powder inhaler comprises two parts (2, 4) connected by an integrally molded, e.g. living hinge (6), so as to be moveable from an open position to a closed position. At least one of the parts (2, 4) defines at least part of a circulating airflow chamber (12), wherein when said parts (2, 4) are in said closed position, the inhaler comprises an airflow path including the circulating airflow chamber (12). |
| US08820322B1 |
Water filled unitary flexible pouch for use with heating element
A water filled unitary flexible pouch for use with a heating element for delivering humidified air to a user, comprising a disposable pouch formed from a first and a second flexible polymer sheet sealed to the first flexible polymer sheet, wherein the second flexible polymer sheet comprises a flexible metalized area adapted to contact the heating element. A premeasured amount of distilled water is in the disposable pouch in contact with the flexible metalized area, and forms vaporized water when the flexible metalized area contacts the heating element. An integral inlet port is used to flow continuous pressurized air into the disposable pouch at a titrated pressure ranging from about 4 centimeters of water to about 30 centimeters of water, and an integral outlet port is used to flow vaporized water and pressurized air from the disposable pouch at a pressure up to about 30 centimeters of water. |
| US08820321B2 |
Storage system for powdered pharmaceuticals, and inhaler equipped with this system
In order to improve the administration of powdered pharmaceuticals, the invention proposes a storage system for powdered pharmaceuticals, in particular for use or integration in a powder inhaler, for receiving a multiplicity of doses of at least one medically active substance, with at least two storage spaces (4) which are separate from each other and are each intended to hold a multiplicity of doses of a medically active substance, and the invention also proposes an inhaler for powdered pharmaceuticals, the inhaler comprising such a pharmaceutical powder cartridge system (1) as an integral part or as an exchangeable part. |
| US08820320B2 |
Bite blocks
Bite blocks providing an instrument lumen 62 for use during transoral medical procedures may be made from a material having a Shore D hardness less than 60 for improved patient comfort. An air way lumen 64 may be provide in side by side arrangement to the instrument lumen 62 for maintaining the patient's airway. The air way 70 may have a concave guiding channel 72 for helping to guide the instruments down the esophagus. |
| US08820314B1 |
Extendible oven rack apparatus
An extendible oven rack apparatus includes an oven rack, a lower frame and first and second slide assemblies connected between the oven rack and lower frame. A locking assembly is connected to the lower frame for selectively locking the lower frame into the oven. The locking assembly includes a locking pin laterally movable relative to the lower frame and a locking bar longitudinally slidable relative to the lower frame for selectively locking the locking pin its laterally outward position. |
| US08820309B2 |
Methods, wires, and apparatus for slicing hard materials
Methods, wires, and apparatus for use in cutting (e.g., slicing) hard, brittle materials is provided. The wire can be a super-abrasive wire that includes a wire core and super-abrasive particles bonded to the wire core via a metal bonding layer. This wire, or another type of wire, can be used to slice workpieces useful for producing wafers. The workpieces can be aligned within a holder to produce wafers using the device and methods presently provided. The holder rotates about its central axis, which translates to workpieces moving in orbit around this axis. A single abrasive wire, or multiple turns of wire stretched tightly between wire guides, is then contacted with the rotating holder to slice the workpieces. |
| US08820308B2 |
Methods, wires, and apparatus for slicing hard materials
Methods, wires, and apparatus for use in cutting (e.g., slicing) hard, brittle materials is provided. The wire can be a super-abrasive wire that includes a wire core and super-abrasive particles bonded to the wire core via a metal bonding layer. This wire, or another type of wire, can be used to slice workpieces useful for producing wafers. The workpieces can be aligned within a holder to produce wafers using the device and methods presently provided. The holder rotates about its central axis, which translates to workpieces moving in orbit around this axis. A single abrasive wire, or multiple turns of wire stretched tightly between wire guides, is then contacted with the rotating holder to slice the workpieces. |
| US08820307B2 |
Paintball loader
A paintball loader, more specifically a paintball loader which rapidly and forcibly feeds paintballs to a paintball marker, comprises a rotor body having at least one rotor fin, and a drive motor for rotating said rotor body in a first direction. The paintball loader has a central outlet located radially inwards of the tip of the rotor fin and an abutment body arranged to interact with the at least one rotor fin. When the rotor body is rotated, a paintball, located in a space formed between the at least one rotor fin and the abutment body, is pushed out of the paintball loader through the central outlet. |
| US08820304B2 |
Adjustable roller guard for archery bow
An adjustable cable guard for archery bows includes a guard holder and a cable guard held by the guard holder to engage a cable of the bow to maintain the cable a predetermined distance from a drawstring of the bow. The guard holder includes a body having a clamping groove having a length axis and a bifurcating slit that extends from the clamping groove into the body of the holder, and the cable includes a tongue located to be matingly and slidingly received by the clamping groove. The position of the tongue within the clamping groove may be locked against movement by compressing the slit to bear surfaces of the clamping groove against surfaces of the tongue. |
| US08820303B2 |
Acceleration of a mass by a structure under central or gyration induced forces
Gyration induced acceleration of a mass is modified by inserting changes in the pathway of a mass under the influence of gyration force resulting in an acceleration to re-phase after the phase disruption. |
| US08820302B2 |
Structural oil baffle for engine covers
An oil baffle, a system, and a method are disclosed for separating a gaseous component from oil in a blow-by vapor for an internal combustion engine. An example system may include a cam cover configured to be mounted on a cylinder head. The system may also include an oil baffle that may have a generally planar body with a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The first face may be coupled to the cam cover and may define an oil separation chamber between the cam cover and the first face. The oil baffle may include one or more stiffening members coupled to and extending from and substantially normal to the second face. |
| US08820294B2 |
Fuel injection spray patterns for opposed-piston engines
A combustion chamber for an opposed-piston engine includes a squish zone defined between circumferential peripheral areas of opposing end surfaces of the pistons, a cavity defined by one or more bowls in the end surfaces, and at least one injection port that extends radially through the squish zone into the cavity. The cavity has a cross-sectional shape that imposes a tumbling motion on air flowing from the squish zone into the cavity. Opposing spray patterns of fuel are injected into the combustion chamber. In some aspects, the opposing spray patterns are injected along a major axis of the combustion chamber. |
| US08820292B2 |
Spark-ignition internal combustion engine
Provided is a spark-ignition internal combustion engine capable of ensuring engine output power while setting a geometric compression ratio of an engine body to a high value. In the spark-ignition internal combustion engine, each of a clearance between a top surface (3a) of a piston (3) located at a top dead center position and a lower surface (8a) of each of two intake valves (8) in a full-closed state, and a clearance between the top surface (3a) of the piston (3) located at the top dead center position and a lower surface (9a) of each of two exhaust valves (9) in a full-closed state, is set to 5 mm or more, and a stroke length S of the piston (3) is set to satisfy the following relation: S≦0.977×B+18.2, where B is a bore diameter of a cylinder. |
| US08820289B2 |
Module containment of fuel control system for a vehicle
A unitary assembly for retaining the various components of a fuel control system on a vehicle, wherein the assembly includes a unitary module at least partially structured in the form of a mounting assembly operative to contain and support at least a portion of the fuel control system specifically including a containment structure or at least one fuel tank for storing and operatively disposing a fuel supply associated with the fuel control system. An electronic control unit of the fuel control system is structured to facilitate metering and distribution of an operative fuel mixture which may include an alternate fuel as well as a conventional distillate fuel. The module and the mounting assembly are cooperatively structured to collectively retain the electronic control unit, the containment structure and at least a portion of a remainder of the fuel control system as a self-contained unit on the vehicle. |
| US08820287B2 |
Supplementary energy starting system incorporating a timing circuit
An engine cranking system and a method of cranking an engine are provided. The engine cranking system comprises an engine, cranking motor, and capacitor. The engine cranking system further comprises an electrical path interconnecting the cranking motor or a battery to the capacitor. The engine cranking system further comprises a control circuit coupled to the capacitor. The control circuit comprises a timer operative to track temporal information. The control circuit is operative to apply a control voltage that varies in response to the tracked temporal information. The control circuit further comprises a relay included in the electrical path. The relay is operative to switch, in response to the control voltage, between an open-circuit condition, in which the relay interrupts the electrical path, and a closed-circuit condition. |
| US08820286B2 |
Lightweight portable electric generator with integrated starter/alternator
A compact and lightweight electric generator for portable power applications employs a new engine design and integration approach for reducing engine, generator, and starter weight. A unique flywheel alternator/starter configuration that generates electrical power, rotates the engine for starting, provides inertia for smooth engine operation, pressurized air for cooling, and inertia for the alternator. An engine cowling provides rotating component protection, a fan shroud mechanism, cooling air ducts, and a cooling mechanism for handling large quantities of heat produced by rectified power conversion. An electrical hook up that allows the generator to provide transient surge capacity for starting inductive loads, or improved load leveling and fuel efficiency. |
| US08820281B2 |
Camshaft with variable valve opening period
A camshaft for an internal combustion engine, having a hollow outer shaft and an inner shaft which is concentrically mounted inside the outer shaft to be rotatable about an angle and a multi-part cam element having a first cam section that is mounted on the outer shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and a second cam section that is connected to the inner shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and rotationally mounted on the outer shaft. The two cam sections have different cam contours, the relative movement of the two cam sections in opposite directions allowing the resulting cam contour of the cam element interacting with a cam follower to be changed to adjust the variable valve opening period. The two cam sections have different maximum lifts, the cam top section of the cam section having the smaller maximum lift being substantially formed by an annular sector. |
| US08820280B2 |
Variable camshaft timing mechanism with a default mode
A variable cam timing phaser with a control valve for directing fluid from a fluid input to and from the advance chamber and the retard chamber of the phaser through an advance line, a retard line, a common line, an advance default line, a retard default line, and at least one exhaust line. The control valve being movable between a default mode and an oil pressure actuated mode. In the default mode, the control valve blocks exhaust lines, retaining fluid within the chambers. The oil pressure actuated mode includes at least an advance mode, a retard mode, and a holding position. |
| US08820277B2 |
Engine assembly including cylinder head oil gallery
A cylinder head assembly includes a first member coupled to an engine block and a second member coupled to the first member. The first member defines a first port in communication with a first cylinder and a second port in communication with a second cylinder. The second member defines a longitudinally extending portion located on a first lateral half of the first member. A first control passage and a second control passage are defined between the first member and the longitudinally extending portion of the second member. The second member defines a wall separating the first and second control passages from one another. |
| US08820276B2 |
Variable lost motion valve actuator and method
A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed. |
| US08820275B2 |
Torque multiplier engines
Torque multiplier engines, and associated methods and systems, are disclosed herein. An internal combustion engine in accordance with a particular embodiment can include a connecting rod operably coupling a pair of opposing pistons. The engine can further include a first bearing coupled to the connecting rod and positioned to engage a first cam groove of an inner cam drum. A second bearing coupled to the connecting rod can be positioned to engage a second cam groove on an outer cam drum. The first and second bearings can translate linear motion of the opposing pistons to rotation of the cam drums. |
| US08820273B2 |
Variable compression ratio internal combustion engine and method for discharging coolant from variable compression ratio internal combustion engine
A cylinder block side drain is provided in a cylinder block and a crankcase side drain is provided in a crankcase. A jacket cover is provided in an water jacket of the cylinder block. The jacket cover is pressed against the wall of the water jacket on the crankcase side. When discharging the coolant, the water jacket is opened by pushing the jacket cover inward using a coupler and the coolant is discharged to the outer side of the crankcase via the coupler. |
| US08820272B2 |
Cooling system having shock reducing valve
A cooling system for an engine includes a pump driven by the engine and configured to circulate coolant through the engine. The cooling system also includes a heat exchanger configured to receive coolant from the engine and to reduce a temperature of the coolant. The cooling system further includes a thermostat fluidly connected to the engine and the heat exchanger. The thermostat is configured to selectively direct coolant from the engine to the heat exchanger when a temperature of the coolant is greater than a temperature threshold of the thermostat. The thermostat is also configured to substantially block coolant from passing to the heat exchanger when the temperature of the coolant is less than or equal to the temperature threshold. The cooling system also includes a valve fluidly connected to the engine and the heat exchanger, and connected in parallel with the thermostat. The valve is configured to direct a portion of the coolant exiting the engine to the heat exchanger during a first operating condition. During the first operating condition, a pressure of the coolant exiting the engine is greater than a pressure threshold of the valve. |
| US08820270B2 |
Water injection system using water reclaimed from combustion exhaust
An injection system for injecting one or both of water and alcohol into an internal combustion engine includes a system monitor, a control module, a mixture delivery system, and a water reclamation system. The system monitor can have a parameter level display. The control module can be adapted to receive and store one or more user-supplied parameters. The water reclamation system can comprise a means to recover water from exhaust of an internal combustion engine utilizing capillary condensation. |
| US08820268B2 |
Treat dispenser
One embodiment of a treat dispenser for an animal comprises a container having a first interior for receiving treats, a first opening for dispensing treats from the interior, a removable cap for inserting treats into the interior, and a first axis, and a cover at least partially surrounding the container to define a second interior between the cover and the container that receives treats dispensed from the first interior. The cover has a second opening for dispensing treats from the second interior. The cover is preferably slidable and rotatable along the first axis relative to the container. In one embodiment, the treat dispenser is attached to a rollable frame. |
| US08820267B2 |
Device for removing manure from a floor
The present invention relates to a device for removing manure present on a floor, including a frame, a drive for moving the device over the floor and at least one manure slide which has an upper edge, wherein the manure slide is held by the frame by means of a connection structure, wherein the connection structure includes a first rotational connection with a first substantially horizontal rotational centre line which is located below at least a portion of the upper edge of a manure-pushing wall portion of the manure slide. |
| US08820266B2 |
Method and system for aquaculture
An integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system (multico) for a primary species, preferably a carnivorous marine species with high market value, secondary, preferably an omnivorous species of medium market value and tertiary species, preferably a detrivorous species with high market value, combined with an unfolding system for the primary species to an open semi-intensive or extensive system, the multico system for the primary species is an intensive closed or semi-closed system. The secondary species is stocked in an intensive closed or semi-closed system, while the tertiary species is stocked in a semi-intensive or closed extensive or semi-closed system. The multico system of the primary species is in communication with the system of the secondary species, while the system of the secondary species is in communication with the system of the tertiary species. |
| US08820264B2 |
Remotely controlled feeding station
The Remotely Controlled Feeding Station comprises; a support line, a platform suspended from the support line, a propulsion system configured to cause the platform to move along the support line the propulsion system affixed to said platform, and having an optional control system for commanding said propulsion system. |
| US08820263B2 |
Teatcup liner
A teatcup liner for a teatcup has a longitudinal shape extending along a longitudinal axis (x). The teatcup liner includes a barrel (2) having a length (L) and defining an inner space (21) for receiving the teat. The barrel has a polygonal cross-sectional shape transversely to the longitudinal axis along the barrel. The polygonal cross-sectional shape defines a plurality of corner portions and a plurality of side portions, each connecting two of the corner portions. Each corner portion includes an inner surface facing the inner space and having an inner radius extending from the inner space to the inner surface. The inner radius is equal for each corner portion. Furthermore, the inner radius of each of the corner portions is at least 4 mm at a centre part of the corner portion. |
| US08820257B2 |
Amphiphilic fouling release coatings
The present invention provides an amphiphilic polymeric material well-suited as a coating for marine applications, such as use as a fouling-release coating on the external surfaces of ships, particularly ship hulls. Also provided are methods of making the polymeric material and methods for using the polymeric material, as well as articles and surfaces that are coated with the polymeric material. |
| US08820255B1 |
Boat expanding and contracting apparatus
A pontoon boat includes two pontoons parallel to the bow to stern axis, and transverse beams which connect the pontoons. The pontoon boat has a width along the transverse beams which can vary from a contracted to an expanded state to allow for storage, and use, respectively. |
| US08820254B2 |
Catamaran ship used for assembling, transporting and installing a marine wind turbine on the seafloor
A catamaran-type boat suitable for handling, assembling, and/or transporting off-shore wind turbines, the boat having two side floats constituting a U-shaped floating structure, the open space between the two branches of the U-shape constituted by the two side floats being suitable for receiving a base, the floats being fitted with grippers suitable for gripping the base between the two side floats, and the grippers being suitable for gripping the base and at least two grip levels of different heights. |
| US08820252B2 |
Embroidery data processing device, computer-readable storage medium storing embroidery data processing program, and sewing machine
A embroidery data processing device includes an area defining portion that defines a sewable area on the work cloth, a computation portion that computes a first characteristic quantity that specifies a size of the sewable area, a comparison portion that compares the first characteristic quantity to at least one characteristic quantity for at least one embroidery pattern that can be sewn based on the embroidery data, the at least one characteristic quantity being stored in a storage portion and specifying a size of the at least one embroidery pattern, an extraction portion that, in a case where a comparison indicates that at least one sewable pattern exists, extracts the at least one sewable pattern, the at least one sewable pattern being at least one embroidery pattern that fits within the sewable area, a notification portion that notifies a user about the at least one sewable pattern. |
| US08820249B2 |
Burner
A burner having a secondary air regulator is provided. The secondary air regulator has an end plate having a bored hole penetrating in an axial direction and for forming a cylindrical space with peripheral surface opened in a space with the furnace core side surface of the wind box, a rotary damper having a bored hole penetrating in an axial direction and being capable to open or close the hole on the end plate by rotating in a peripheral direction, a sliding damper for surrounding the cylindrical space and being slidable in an axial direction, air vanes installed at a predetermined distance along circumference of the cylindrical space and for giving swirling to the secondary air, first driving means for rotating the rotary sliding damper, and second driving means for sliding the sliding damper. |
| US08820242B2 |
Hot hole charge system
An apparatus, method and insulation medium for inserting and insulating a charge medium within a borehole includes a charge tube comprised of an elongate tube having a length and diameter sufficient for containing a desired quantity of a charge medium. A charge medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially filling the charge tube. An insulation medium in a pumpable form is provided for substantially encapsulating the charge tube and substantially filling an annular space between the charge tube and the borehole for insulating the charge tube from a downhole environment in which the charge tube is to be inserted. A detonator is inserted within the charge medium proximate a distal end of the charge tube and a charge cable extends from the detonator through the charge tube and exits from the charge tube. |
| US08820241B2 |
Safety device for a fuze of a projectile
A safety device for a fuze of a projectile that includes a detonating device for detonating the fuze. The safety device has a safety unit with a processor for safeguarding a detonation process of the detonating device. The safety unit contains a sensor unit configured to output a disengagement signal at a predetermined acceleration state. The processor is set up to output a control signal to release the safety unit in accordance with the presence of the disengagement signal. A low-acceleration state of the flight of the projectile can thus be detected and used as release parameter. |
| US08820240B2 |
Safety priming device for rotating ammunition
An ammunition safety priming device using silicon micro-mechatronic systems technology, having at least two priming safeties intended to be deactivated by as many external independent physical events, includes at least one movable element, along a translation axis, for deactivating at least one of the priming safeties by action on said movable element of one of the physical events. Said movable element is produced in a material other than silicon. The device has applications including ammunition, rocket stage separation devices, and airbags. |
| US08820239B2 |
Reverse offset printing method using plural partial off
The present invention relates to a reverse offset printing method, and more particularly, to a reverse offset printing method in a partial off type capable of accurately transferring a pattern to a cliche to achieve more precise minute printing by separately performing removal for each shear region of a functional ink even though the pattern is minute. |
| US08820238B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling the cut register of a web-fed rotary press
In order to control the cut register of a web (1) in a web-fed rotary press, a pulling device (Z3) which transports the web (1) is changed with regard to its circumferential speed. |
| US08820236B2 |
Device for supplying radiant energy onto a printing substrate
A device for supplying radiant energy onto a printing substrate (14), including at least one radiant energy source (10) whose light (12) impinges on the printing substrate (14) on the path (16) of the printing substrate (14) through a printing press at a position (116) downstream of at least one printing nip (18) in a printing unit. The radiant energy source (10) emits light (12) having a peak-to-valley homogeneity of less than 15% in a direction transverse to the direction of the path (16) of the printing substrate (14). |
| US08820226B2 |
Apparatus and method for sensing the concentration of pulp in a concentrated pulp stream
A juice processing system includes at least one fluid line for a concentrated pulp stream, and a flow restrictor coupled in fluid communication with the at least one fluid line for generating a pressure drop in the concentrated pulp stream indicative of a concentration of pulp therein. The system may further include at least one pressure sensor associated with the flow restrictor for sensing the pressure drop, and a controller coupled to the at least one pressure sensor for generating at least one control signal based upon the sensed pressure drop. The control signal may be for an upstream and/or a downstream control device. |
| US08820218B2 |
Apparatus for automatically dissolving instant powder, particularly milk powder, in hot water and, in particular, for frothing-up
Apparatus for automatically dissolving instant powder, particularly milk powder, in hot water and particularly for frothing up, including a flow generation device for generating a flow of the hot water impinging onto the instant powder with a circular component, wherein a frothing chamber (6) is provided into which opens a nozzle (10) tangentially directed to the internal wall (11a) of a frothing chamber (6), the nozzle (10) being connected with a hot water pressure duct (13), and the frothing chamber has a powder inlet opening (9) into which opens an inlet funnel (5), and in addition the frothing chamber (6) has an outlet opening (8). |
| US08820216B2 |
Opening means for a capsule-based beverage preparation device
The invention proposes a system comprising a beverage preparation device (10) and a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a compartment (2) of the capsule by injection of a liquid into the capsule, the beverage preparation device (10) having opening means (3) which are designed to interact with a wall member (4) provided at an outlet face (6b) of the capsule (1), wherein the opening means (3) comprise an opening member (7) having a hook-like shape designed to shear and move away at least a portion of a cover (11) sealed to the outlet face (6b) of the capsule. |
| US08820215B2 |
Device for preparing a beverage comprising an adjustable closing mechanism
The present invention proposes a device (50) for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule (24) by injection of a liquid into the capsule (24) provided to the device (50). Said liquid is provided by a pump of the device, said device comprising an extraction head (20) having an aperture (2.2) for inserting a capsule (24) into a brewing chamber (25) of the device. The brewing chamber (25) is defined by an upper and a lower enclosing member (10a, 10b), a closing mechanism (1) to selectively enclose said capsule by a relative displacement of said enclosing members. The enclosing members are designed for being transferred between an open insertion position for inserting a capsule (24) into the brewing chamber (25) and a closed injection position for enclosing the capsule within the brewing chamber (25), and adjustment means (3a, 3b, 9b, 9c, 7a, 7b, 8a) connected to at least one of said enclosing members (10a, 10b) in order to adjust the relative position of the enclosing members and hence the closing force of the closing mechanism (1). |
| US08820213B2 |
Warning device for a beverage machine
A machine for preparing a liquid food or beverage, including at least one outermost machine face selected from a front face, a top face and a lateral face; a component for emitting light and a control unit connected to the light emitting component. The light emitting component has states of light emission or non-emission, and an illuminatable outer face on the outermost machine face. The control unit is arranged to detect at least one condition of such machine involving a non immediate readiness of such machine to prepare a liquid food or beverage, and to communicate this condition to a user via the illuminatable outer face by changing the state of the light emitting component. The illuminatable outer face extends in at least one direction across a substantial part of the outermost machine face and is arranged to be substantially entirely illuminated when in this state of light emission. |
| US08820212B2 |
Urban combat system automatic firearm having ammunition feed controlled by weapon cycle
A weapon system for urban combat incorporating an automatic gun having a short recoil, a feed system with gun driven box magazines of different capacities, a detachable link-belt feed, spring buffered barrel and bolt recoil absorbing arrangement, and simplified fire control. |
| US08820210B2 |
Firearm charging handle
A charging handle for a firearm includes a fixture and a lever mounted for pivotal movement to the charging handle. The fixture is pivoted to the charging handle for movement between a first, locked position, and a second, unlocked position. The lever is pivoted to the fixture for movement between first and second positions. In the first position of the lever and the first position of the fixture, the lever is stored proximate to the firearm in a low-profile arrangement. In the second position of the lever and the first position of the fixture, the lever is coupled to the fixture to move the fixture into the second position. In the second position of the lever and the second position of the fixture, the lever is deployed outward from the firearm and is available to be retracted backward so as to cycle the charging handle. |
| US08820204B2 |
Stationary blade support device configured so that stationary blade is not deformed, paper cutting device with stationary blade support device, and printer with paper cutting device
A fixed blade support device includes a biasing member and a fixed blade support member (11). The fixed blade support member (11) includes a base surface portion (11a), an upright surface portion (11b), and a retainer portion (11c). The upright surface portion (11b) extends from the base surface portion (11a) in a biasing direction so as to close a rear side of a root portion of a fixed blade (12) on an opposite side to a blade edge portion thereof, and is configured to prevent the fixed blade (12) from being disengaged in a direction of engagement with a movable blade. The retainer portion (11c) extends from the upright surface portion (11b) so as to cover the root portion of the fixed blade (12), and is configured to prevent the fixed blade (12) from being disengaged in the biasing direction. |
| US08820203B2 |
Method of controlling a robot for small shape generation
A method of controlling robot motion for small shape generation is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a robot having a plurality of interconnected distal links with a respective plurality major axes and a respective plurality of minor axes, the robot having a controller for moving the robot to a starting position and along a path including a series of interpolated positions to be followed relative a workpiece; b) moving the robot to the starting position; c) determining a next interpolated position on the path, wherein the robot remains fixed in position about at least one of the major axes and a location and an approach vector of the next interpolated position can be achieved; and d) moving the robot to the next interpolated position. A method where the robot remains fixed in position about all major axes is also provided. |
| US08820197B2 |
Hand tool with replacement handle
A hand tool includes a body having a first space in which a first threaded portion and a non-circular positioning portion are located. A handle is threadedly connected to the body and has a pivotal member pivotably connected thereto. The pivotal member has a second threaded portion which is connected to the first threaded portion. A slot is defined in the second threaded portion and a push member is located in the slot. The push member has a non-circular positioning member which is in contact with the positioning portion. The handle further has a room to which an end cap is threadedly connected. |
| US08820195B2 |
Bit or fastener driver
A tool includes a first bit receiving socket, a second bit receiving socket, and an angled metal structure. The angled metal structure includes a first end connected with the first bit receiving socket and a second end connected with the second bit receiving socket. |
| US08820194B2 |
Variable gear ratio ratchet
This invention relates to a fastener driving device including a variable ratio gear mechanism that enables the ratio of the rotation of the handle to the rotation of a driving bit extending from the handle to be varied to allow the bit to rotate at different speeds from the handle. The device includes a gear mechanism disposed within a housing for the device that includes a locking member. The locking member can be engaged with the gear mechanism to lock the gear mechanism in a configuration for a 1:1 gear ratio. The locking member can be moved with regard to the gear mechanism to provide an increased gear ratio for the gear mechanism when desired. |
| US08820192B2 |
Bicycle crank arm and insert therefore
A crank arm for a bicycle may include a body extending along a body axis and having a first body end and a second body end axially spaced apart from the first body end. The insert may also include an insert provided toward the first body end. The insert may include a base portion having a radially outer surface. At least one extension may extend outwardly from the radially outer surface and may be encased within a corresponding recess in the body whereby relative planar movement between the body and the at least one extension in a first plane. The retaining portion may have a retaining portion width measured in the first direction and the retaining width may be greater than the throat width thereby inhibiting relative radial movement between the at least one extension and the recess and preventing radial extraction of the extension from the corresponding recess. |
| US08820189B2 |
Articulated robot wrist
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an articulated robot wrist which can comprise a first body comprising a first and a second end, said first end being intended to be mounted on a robot component that is rotatable around a first axis; a second body comprising a first and a second end, said first end being rotatably mounted on said second end of said first body, around a second axis inclined with respect to said first axis; and a third body comprising a first and a second end, said first end being rotatably mounted on said second end of said second body, around a third axis inclined with respect to said second axis, wherein said first and third axes are both substantially orthogonal to said second axis, and wherein in at least one position of said robot wrist said first and third axes are substantially aligned with each other. |
| US08820183B2 |
Deceleration mechanism and transmission device utilized thereby
A deceleration mechanism comprises a base, a transmission device rotatably connected to the base, and a driving device fixed to the base. The transmission device includes a driving assembly having a driving wheel and a driven assembly having a driven wheel. Diameter of the driven wheel is greater than that of the driving wheel. The driving device provides power to rotate the driving wheel. The transmission device further includes a transmission member wound on the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The transmission member winds on the driving wheel at least one winding, then criss-crosses and winds on the driven wheel. |
| US08820178B2 |
Self-diagnosing differential pressure flow meter
An aspect provides a method of metering flow through a fluid conduit having an obstruction therein, including: placing an obstruction body within the conduit; generating at least two differential pressure measurement signals using at least three different pressure ports, said at least three different pressure ports comprising: an upstream pressure port; a downstream pressure port; and an auxiliary pressure port; wherein at least one of the upstream pressure port, the downstream pressure port, and the auxiliary pressure port is positioned at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to a conduit wall; establishing a baseline relationship between the at least two differential pressure measurement signals; and determining if the baseline relationship between the at least two differential pressure measurement signals differs by a predetermined amount. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US08820177B2 |
Flow measurement unit
A flow measurement unit for measuring a rate of airflow for a ventilation system. The flow measurement unit includes a flow measurement device installed in a housing. A first and a second pressure gauge are provided anteriorly and posteriorly, respectively, to the flow measurement device. The first and the second pressure gauge are configured to provide a first pressure reading, corresponding to the first pressure, and a second pressure reading, corresponding to the second pressure of airflow. Further, the flow measurement unit includes a fan to adjust airflow, such that the second pressure approaches the first pressure of airflow. |
| US08820170B2 |
Pressure sensor
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for pressure measurement of fluids including vehicular fluids. The pressure sensor includes a MEMS die for pressure measurement. The MEMS die is attached to a glass pedestal member. The pedestal member is mechanically held in place via a mounting frame that attachable to a pressure port of a fluid-containing enclosure. Techniques herein provide a strong connection of a MEMS die to a pressure sensor while decoupling thermal expansion stress from the MEMS die. With such decoupling techniques, pressure sensing reliability and accuracy can be improved. With thermal expansion stress decoupled from the MEMS die, sensor sealing materials can be selected for their robust chemical properties instead of structural properties. Such techniques provide an accurate, durable, and cost-effective pressure sensor. |
| US08820161B2 |
Microelectromechanical z-axis detection structure with low thermal drifts
A MEMS detection structure is provided with: a substrate having a top surface, on which a first fixed-electrode arrangement is set; a sensing mass, extending in a plane and suspended above the substrate and above the first fixed-electrode arrangement at a separation distance; and connection elastic elements that support the sensing mass so that it is free to rotate out of the plane about an axis of rotation, modifying the separation distance, as a function of a quantity to be detected along an axis orthogonal to the plane. The MEMS detection structure also includes: a coupling mass, suspended above the substrate and connected to the sensing mass via the connection elastic elements; and an anchoring arrangement, which anchors the coupling mass to the substrate with a first point of constraint, set at a distance from the axis of rotation and in a position corresponding to the first fixed-electrode arrangement. |
| US08820160B2 |
Method for producing a speed sensor element
A method for producing a sensor element, wherein at least parts of the sensor element are subjected to at least one plasma treatment process during production. The plasma treatment process may be either a plasma cleaning process and/or a plasma activation process. During the plasma treatment process, a base element and/or a carrier element of the sensor element is subjected to a plasma treatment process before a placement process and/or before a contact-connecting process with electrical connection means. The sensor element is equipped with at least one measurement probe element and/or at least one electronic circuit. This method is used to produce a sensor element, such as a speed sensor element, that may be used in a motor vehicle. |
| US08820157B2 |
Method of measurement of gluten content in a sample of flour
The present invention relates to a method for measuring the gluten content in a flour sample. The method includes preparing the flour, sifting it, and adding water, then pre-hydrating with water in a pre-hydrating mixer for a few seconds, until a sphere cohesive material (SCM) is obtained. Then, the sphere SCM is submerged in a container with salt water for a few minutes, to allow the structuring of the gluten. Then, the sphere is washed in a washing machine to eliminate the water soluble substances, which are not gluten. Then, the gluten structured with excess water is centrifuged in a “centrifuge”, then removed from the centrifuge and weighed. The value that is read is the measurement of wet gluten. To obtain the value of the dry gluten, dry in a desiccation stove or a Teflon® dryer. |
| US08820155B2 |
Coated metallic sample peel test
A method for conducting a peel test of a polymer coated metallic sample includes making a peel test specimen having a polymer joined to a substrate. A free portion of the polymer is left unattached to the substrate. The peel test specimen is positioned in an environment for testing in such a manner that the polymer is allowed to peel downward from the substrate. A weight is joined to the free portion of the polymer and a start time is recorded. The attached portion of the polymer is periodically measured and the elapsed time is recorded. A peel rate is calculated from the measurement and time. |
| US08820154B2 |
Transmission device for transmitting information relating to condition of tire, tire assembly, and tire condition monitoring system
A transmission device of a tire condition monitoring system comprises a sensor which detects, as tire information, the condition of gas filled into a tire cavity region, a transmitter which transmits the detected tire information by radio, and a housing which covers the sensor and the transmitter. A surface of the housing defines an opening that connects an internal space within the housing and the tire cavity region. The opening extends on the surface of the housing while forming the shape of a straight line, a curved line, or a combination of a straight line and a curved line. The maximum value of the opening width orthogonal to the direction in which the opening extends is 0.8 mm or less. Even if a flat tire is fixed using a puncture sealant, tire information such as tire pressure information can be appropriately measured and acquired by this transmission device. |
| US08820153B2 |
Test stand having a vibration damper
A rotation test stand for a test specimen includes a load device for generating a load for the test specimen, a test specimen accommodation for accommodating the test specimen and for transmitting the load to the test specimen as well as a measuring device for measuring a measured variable acting on the test specimen. Provision is furthermore made at a suitable location for a vibration damping device for damping vibrations, which arise in the test stand. The vibration amplitudes are to be reduced, in particular, by a torsional vibration damper or a linear vibration damper. The vibration damper can be disposed in the drive train or at the measuring device. |
| US08820152B2 |
Diagnostic method for a refueling event detection system
A method for diagnosing the performance of a refueling event detection system for a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of a) determining a fuel change amount based on a difference of an indicated fuel amount and a previously indicated fuel amount, b) determining a consumed amount of fuel consumed by the engine since a prior refueling event was detected, and c) diagnosing the performance of the refueling event detection system based on the consumed amount and the fuel change amount. |
| US08820151B2 |
Cetane number estimation apparatus
A cetane number estimation apparatus injects fuel from a fuel injection valve in a diesel engine based on a target fuel injection amount, calculates an indicator of output torque of the diesel engine produced through fuel injection, and estimates the cetane number of the fuel using the calculated indicator. The cetane number estimation apparatus includes a pressure sensor for detecting fuel pressure varied by variation in actual fuel pressure in the fuel injection valve at the time of the fuel injection. The cetane number estimation apparatus also has a pressure correcting section that is adapted to calculate actual operating characteristics of the fuel injection valve based on a variation waveform of the detected fuel pressure and corrects the target fuel injection amount based on the difference between the calculated actual operating characteristics and prescribed reference operating characteristics. |
| US08820150B2 |
Injection control method
A method of determining whether a cylinder in an engine system comprising a plurality of cylinders is ready for injection/ignition, the method comprising: monitoring the in-cylinder pressure of each of the plurality of cylinders within the engine system; determining a pressure related parameter for each cylinder within the engine system; wherein, in the event that the pressure related parameter in a given cylinder exceeds a first threshold, the method further comprises performing a diagnostic test in order to determine whether the given cylinder is ready for injection/ignition. |
| US08820148B2 |
External casing functional access port
A functional access port in a machine casing, a machine having a functional access port, and a method of monitoring a machine via a functional access port are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an access port is provided in the external casing of an industrial machine. The access port comprises a passageway through the external casing of the machine, providing access to an interior of the machine. The access port further includes a removable passageway cover for removably occluding the passageway. A location, a size, a shape, and an orientation of the passageway relative to the external casing are strategically selected in accordance with engineering and design requirements to provide access through the passageway to a desired location on the interior of the machine while the external casing is in place, with minimal to no disassembly of the casing. |
| US08820147B2 |
Multiphase fluid characterization system
A measurement system and method for permitting multiple independent measurements of several physical parameters of multiphase fluids flowing through pipes are described. Multiple acoustic transducers are placed in acoustic communication with or attached to the outside surface of a section of existing spool (metal pipe), typically less than 3 feet in length, for noninvasive measurements. Sound speed, sound attenuation, fluid density, fluid flow, container wall resonance characteristics, and Doppler measurements for gas volume fraction may be measured simultaneously by the system. Temperature measurements are made using a temperature sensor for oil-cut correction. |
| US08820145B2 |
Measuring device for measuring consistency of cement slurry for a consistometer
This present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring consistency of cement slurry for a consistometer. The measuring device comprises a high-pressure vessel, a slurry cup and a magnetic driver, wherein the slurry cup is rotatably mounted inside the high-pressure vessel by the magnetic driver, stir blades are hanged in the slurry cup, and the magnetic driver is driven by a driving motor which is located outside the high-pressure vessel and is further provided with a tension sensor. The invention cancels the conventional mode for measuring consistency by a potentiometer, uses the tension sensor to measure the torque transferred from the driving motor to the magnetic driver, i.e. the cutting torque created by the stir blades on cement slurries within the slurry cup, thereby measuring the consistency of cement slurry. |
| US08820144B2 |
Apparatus and method for fluid monitoring
According to some embodiments, an apparatus and method are provided for detecting the composition of a fluid. An alternating electromagnetic field may be applied to the fluid and distortions in the electromagnetic field are compared with predetermined, expected distortion “signatures” for particular components at particular concentrations. The presence and concentration of the components in the fluid may be detected by detecting these distortion signatures. |
| US08820136B2 |
Microelectromechanical gyroscope with continuous self-test function
A microelectromechanical gyroscope includes a body and a sensing mass, which is movable with a degree of freedom in response to rotations of the body about an axis. A self-test actuator is capacitively coupled to the sensing mass for supplying a self-test signal. The capacitive coupling causes, in response to the self-test signal, electrostatic forces that are able to move the sensing mass in accordance with the degree of freedom at an actuation frequency. A sensing device detects transduction signals indicating displacements of the sensing mass in accordance with the degree of freedom. The sensing device is configured for discriminating, in the transduction signals, spectral components that are correlated to the actuation frequency and indicate the movement of the sensing mass as a result of the self-test signal. |
| US08820134B2 |
Mechanism for moving the blade holder of a panel bender for bending sheet metal
A panel bender (10) designed for making bends on sheet metal sheets (13) comprises a substantially C-shaped main structure (11) equipped with a fixed element (12) and a mobile element (14) designed to support and clamp in a preset position a sheet metal sheet (13) to be bent, and also comprises a substantially C-shaped blade holder structure (16) connected to the main structure (11) and mobile in space inside this by means of a series of vertical guides (15) at right angles to the plane of the sheet metal sheet (13) to be bent. The blade holder structure is equipped with an upper blade (26) and a lower blade (27) designed to enter into contact with the surface of the sheet metal sheet (13) to be bent clamped between the mobile and fixed elements (12, 14) of the main structure (11) and to deform the sheet metal sheet by means of a movement with a programmable trajectory. The blade holder structure (16) also comprises respective pairs of upper (18) and lower (18′) wedge-shaped slides connected to the vertical guides (15) and running along these, the slides (18, 18′) having counteropposing faces (30, 30′) inclined at a preset angle; each upper (18) and lower (18′) wedge-shaped slide is also connected to the main structure (11) by a respective linear actuator (32, 32′) controlled hydraulically or electro-mechanically. The movements of the linear actuators (32, 32′), which cause the movements of the wedge-shaped slides (18, 18′) in the respective vertical (Y) and horizontal (X) directions, are independent and synchronized by a numeric control system. |
| US08820129B2 |
Cylinder lock assembly with non-rotating elements
A key device including a shaft including a key-cut surface for forming inward key cuts thereon, a key head mounted on the shaft; and a fixed key pin protruding outwards from the key-cut surface. |
| US08820127B2 |
Locking mechanism and a locking device comprising the same
A pin-tumbler locking mechanism comprising a lock-core with an elongated key slot and a series of bores arranged in a plane of the key slot for a corresponding series of driver pins of various lengths slidably received in the bores. The lock-core is normally supported in lock casing. A corresponding series of spring-supported key pins is seated in a series of bores coaxially with the driver pins so that normally at least some of the key pins are adapted to push respective driver pins to project into the key slot each by a different extent according to the respective lengths thereof; a key comprising alternately teeth and notches so that when inserted into the key slot, the driver pin ends contacting the key pins become flushed with planar surface to allow a sliding movement of the lock-core within the lock casing. |
| US08820124B2 |
Drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine including a balancer capable of rapidly reducing vibration of a spin tub. The drum type washing machine includes a spin tub which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange provided at a center portion thereof with the rotating shaft and coupled to the spin tub so as to uniformly transfer the rotational force to the spin tub. The rear balancer is supported on a rear surface of a rear cover by the shaft flange. Thus, the balls accommodated in the balancer are prevented from moving out of the balancer, even if the balancer is broken due to long-period use. |
| US08820123B2 |
Apparatus and method for cooling molten glass and fibers
Fiberizing bushing assemblies, usually of rectangular shape, for fiberizing molten inorganic material like glass require cooling members located in the proximity of the orifices or tips forming the fibers. Cooling tubes carrying a cooling fluid like water are used by some fiber manufacturers and the cooling tubes have always been oriented with the length dimension of the bushing. It has now been discovered that orienting the cooling tubes to be substantially parallel to the width dimension, though more costly to fabricate because of the greater number required per bushing assembly, significantly reduce fiber break out rate and significantly increase productivity because they are easier to keep properly adjusted and result in a more uniform temperature of the fiberizing tips. |
| US08820121B2 |
Method of manufacturing optical fiber base material
Provided is a method of manufacturing an optical fiber base material having at least four layer including a core, a first cladding, a second cladding containing fluorine, and a third cladding. The manufacturing method comprises preparing a starting base material that includes the core and the first cladding; forming a porous intermediate glass base material by supplying glass raw material and oxygen to a high-frequency induction thermal plasma torch to synthesize glass fine particles that are then deposited on a surface of the starting base material; forming an intermediate glass base material that includes the core, the first cladding, and the second cladding containing fluorine, by heating and vitrifying the porous intermediate glass base material in an atmosphere containing fluorine; and providing the third cladding on the outer surface of the intermediate glass base material. |
| US08820120B2 |
Pull-rolls for use in glass manufacturing processes and methods for making the same
Pulling rolls for used in forming glass ribbons with reduced defects and cracking are disclosed. In one embodiment, the pulling roll may include a shaft member and a roll assembly. The roll assembly may be positioned on the shaft member for rotation with the shaft member. The roll assembly may include an axially compressed stack of ring elements formed from an inorganic material such as mica paper. The mica paper may include layers of overlapping mica platelets oriented substantially in parallel with one another. A contact surface of the roll assembly may have a Shore D hardness greater than or equal to about 10 and less than or equal to about 60. |
| US08820119B2 |
Vial and method for producing the same
To provide a vial with low alkali elution and a method for producing the same by removing a deteriorated region caused by processing on an internal surface of a vial. A vial with reduced alkali elution and a method for producing the same by forming vials from borosilicate glass tubes comprises a first step of forming a borosilicate glass tube into a cup-shaped body by formation of a bottom of a vial, and a second step of forming the cup-shaped body into the vial by formation of a mouth of the cup-shaped body. Further provided is a vial with reduced alkali elution and a method for producing the same by forming vials from borosilicate glass tubes, which comprises a first step of forming a borosilicate glass tube into a cup-shaped body to form a bottom of a vial; a second step of fire-blasting an internal surface of said cup-shaped body by a certain length from the bottom toward an opening of said cup-shaped body with flames to remove a deteriorated region caused by processing; and a third step of forming a mouth of said cup-shaped body to complete a vial with reduced alkali elution. |
| US08820113B2 |
Cooling computing devices in a data center with ambient air cooled using heat from the computing devices
To reduce power consumption and more efficiently cool computing devices in a data center, an air supply unit supplies air from outside the data center to an air handling unit, which cools servers within the data center using the supplied air. Using air from outside the data center, rather than recirculating and cooling air from within the data center, reduces the power consumption of the data center. In an embodiment, a chiller and/or an evaporative cooling system are coupled to the air supply unit to allow further cooling of the outside air before it is circulated. Heat generated by the servers within the data center is collected, for example using thermal pathways coupled to server components, and used by the chiller in an absorption or adsorption process to further reduce power consumption of the data center and allow the air handling unit to further cool the outside air. |
| US08820112B2 |
Flexible cooling system integration for multiple platforms
A refrigerator is provided that includes a CMS adapted to define at least a portion of an envelope of at least one of a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment, where the CMS has a high pressure side and a low pressure side. The high pressure side includes an orientation-flexible compressor and a condenser fluidly connected with the orientation-flexible compressor. The low pressure side is fluidly connected to the high pressure side and includes an evaporator. The CMS also includes at least one housing configured to enclose at least one of the orientation-flexible compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator. The CMS further includes an insulating panel forming at least a portion of the at least one housing, and substantially separating the high pressure side from the low pressure side. The CMS is typically configured to operate in a plurality of orientations based upon the orientation-flexible compressor. |
| US08820111B2 |
De-super heater chiller system with contra flow and refrigerating fan grill
One aspect provides a cooling system, and method of manufacture thereof, that has a housing having at least one condenser attached thereto and an auxiliary condenser attached to the housing. A refrigeration loop fluidly couples at least one condenser and the auxiliary condenser. A compressor forms a portion of the refrigeration loop, wherein the auxiliary condenser is interposed the compressor and at least one condenser within the refrigeration loop that forms a refrigerant path from the compressor to the auxiliary condenser and from the auxiliary condenser to at least one condenser. A fan located within the housing is positioned to force air through the auxiliary condenser and out of the housing. |
| US08820107B2 |
Machine for producing water for wind energy
A wind machine for producing water by condensation, includes a wind rotor, an air-dehumidifying unit and at least one electric power generation unit, these being supported by a tower anchored in the ground, the dehumidifying unit including at least one refrigeration compressor, at least one condenser and at least one evaporator that are connected together by a refrigerant fluid circuit, incorporating a member for expanding the fluid, the machine furthermore including elements for recovering and storing condensed water vapor. The at least one electric power generation unit is mechanically coupled directly to the wind rotor via its rotation shaft. The wind machine includes a device for storing and recovering the electric power thus generated and a device for automatically controlling and regulating the dehumidifying unit. |
| US08820103B2 |
Air conditioner having plural compressors with oil bypass unit
An air conditioner includes a plurality of compressors, an intake passageway, a bypass unit, and an expansion valve. The intake passageway distributes a fluid to each of the compressors. The bypass unit includes a plurality of bypass pipes connected respectively to the compressors and a common bypass pipe to discharge the fluids from the compressors to the intake passageway. The expansion valve is provided to the bypass unit to control a flow of fluid from the common bypass pipe to the intake unit. |
| US08820099B2 |
Thermal power upgrade facility
The invention relates to a facility making it possible to maximize the overall power output, the facility including at least one absorption group (7), for producing ice water, and a heat pump (10). The particular feature of the facility is that the inlet of the heat pump power supply system is connected to the outlet of the exhaust system (9) of the absorption group (7) so as to transfer at least part of the low-temperature thermal power from the exhaust system (9) to the hot water production system (12). Such a facility also makes it possible to generate sanitary ice water and hot water and desalinate sea water. |
| US08820098B2 |
Method and apparatus for quenching of materials in vacuum furnace
A method of quenching a material by injecting a cryogenic fluid into a cooling stream and simultaneously venting gas from the cooling stream, in order to maintain a desired target pressure in a chamber containing the material. In a examplary application of the method, the quenching is a step in the heat-treatment of a metal and the chamber is part of a vacuum furnace. Also disclosed is a method of supplying a cryogenic fluid to a process in which the amount of cryogenic fluid necessary to perform the process is transferred from a storage vessel to a supply vessel via a supply line, after which the supply line is closed. An elevated pressure is maintained by vaporization of a relatively small amount of the cryogenic fluid that is allowed to build in a pressure vessel that is in fluid communication with the supply vessel. |
| US08820097B2 |
Method and system for regulating the mixture of cryogen liquid and warm gas for a controlled rate cryogenic chiller or freezing system
A method and system for controlled rate freezing and nucleation of materials is provided. The presently disclosed system and method provides the ability to rapidly cool the materials contained in vials or other containers within a cooling unit via forced convective cooling using a laminar and uniform flow of cryogen in proximity to the plurality of vials disposed within the cooling unit. The rapid cooling of the biological materials is achieved by precisely controlling and adjusting the temperature of the cryogen being introduced to the system as a function of time. The presently disclosed methods to systems also provide nucleation control via temperature quench and depressurized nucleation control. |
| US08820094B1 |
Thermoelectric wine bag cooler/dispenser
A thermoelectric wine pouch cooler/dispenser apparatus powered by household current has a thermally insulated cabinet that sits on a countertop or other flat surface and has a thermoelectric cooling system. The cabinet has at least one thermally insulated compartment that receives a removable bag support housing containing a collapsible flexible wine-filled bag from a “bag-in-box” wine container and its dispensing valve. The bag support housing includes a spring biased plate to facilitate emptying of the contents of the bag. The temperature of each compartment is individually controlled by a digital temperature controller and a thermoelectric cooling assembly which includes a fan and a cold plate engaged on a thermally conductive heat transfer block at the top of each compartment which engages the bag support housing. |
| US08820093B2 |
Magnetocaloric heat generator
The magnetocaloric heat generator (1) comprises at least two magnetocaloric elements (2, 12) arranged in succession and making up at least two consecutive thermal stages crossed by separate heat transfer fluids and comprising each two opposite ends (3 and 4, 13 and 14), a magnetic arrangement intended for subjecting each magnetocaloric element (2, 12) to a variable magnetic field, alternately creating a heating cycle and a cooling cycle in each magnetocaloric element (2, 12), a mechanism (8) for circulating the heat transfer fluids through the magnetocaloric elements alternately towards one end and towards the opposite end and vice versa, in synchronization with the variation of the magnetic field. The magnetocaloric elements (2, 12) are connected thermally two by two at their consecutive ends (4, 13) through the intermediary of a heat exchange mechanism (5) in thermal contact respectively with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first (2) of the magnetocaloric elements and with the heat transfer fluid circulating in the second (12) of the magnetocaloric elements. |
| US08820090B2 |
Method for operating a gas turbine engine including a combustor shell air recirculation system
During full load operation of gas turbine engine operation, a valve system is maintained in a closed position to substantially prevent air from passing through a piping system of a shell air recirculation system. Upon initiation of a turn down operation, which is implemented to transition the engine to a turning gear state or a shut down state, the valve system is opened to allow air to pass through the piping system. A blower is operated to extract air through at least one outlet port of the shell air recirculation system from an interior volume of an engine casing portion associated with the combustion section, to convey the extracted air through the piping system, and to inject the air into the interior volume of the engine casing portion through at least one inlet port of the shell air recirculation system to circulate air within the engine casing portion. |
| US08820089B2 |
Exhaust temperature based mode control method for gas turbine and gas turbine
Gas turbine, computer readable medium, and method for controlling an operating point of the gas turbine that includes a compressor, a combustor and a turbine is provided. The method includes determining a turbine pressure ratio, calculating a primary to lean-lean mode transfer threshold reference curve as a function of the turbine pressure ratio, determining at a first time when an exhaust temperature associated with the operating point is higher than an exhaust temperature of the primary to lean-lean mode transfer threshold reference curve for the same turbine pressure ratio, and changing, after a predetermined time after the first time, a split fuel quantity from a first value to a second value if the exhaust temperature associated with the operating point remains higher than the exhaust temperature of the primary to lean-lean mode transfer threshold reference curve. |
| US08820088B2 |
Variable area fan nozzle with acoustic system for a gas turbine engine
A high-bypass gas turbine engine includes a variable area fan nozzle with an acoustic system having an acoustic impedance. |
| US08820084B2 |
Apparatus for controlling a boundary layer in a diffusing flow path of a power generating machine
An apparatus (10) is presented for controlling a boundary layer (30) in a diffusing flow path (14) of a power generating machine (16). The apparatus includes a passage (18) in the power generating machine with an inlet (20) and an outlet (22). The apparatus also includes a fluid source (24) coupled to the inlet to transmit fluid into the passage. The apparatus also includes a vortex generator (26) within the passage effective to generate a vortex fluid (12) at the outlet. The outlet is positioned to inject the vortex fluid into the diffusing flow path of the power generating machine in order to control the boundary layer of the diffusing flow path. An apparatus is also provided to enhance the diffusion of a flow path within a power generating machine. |
| US08820082B2 |
Screw expander system
A screw expander system has a condenser positioned for receiving a mixture of oil and operating medium from a screw expander. A pump pressure-feeds the mixture from the condenser to an evaporator where the operating medium is evaporated. An oil separating tank separates the mixture from the evaporator into the gaseous operating medium and the oil, and the operating medium is returned to the screw expander via a throttle mechanism. The oil can thereby be supplied to the screw expander without providing a separate oil pump, as a result of which the screw expander system is compact. |
| US08820080B2 |
Nonfractionalized biomass-fueled refrigerant-based cogeneration
A system and method for cogeneration of electricity and useful heat utilizing non-fractionalized biomass as a fuel whose combustion in thermal proximity to a heat transfer medium, preferably water, is used to drive an organic Rankine Cycle which generates mechanical power for driving an electrical generator, and from which useful heat is captured and may be used for any of a myriad of purposes. |
| US08820079B2 |
Chloro- and bromo-fluoro olefin compounds useful as organic rankine cycle working fluids
Aspects of the present invention are directed to working fluids and their use in processes wherein the working fluids comprise compounds having the structure of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: H, F, Cl, Br, and C1-C6 alkyl, at least C6 aryl, at least C3 cycloalkyl, and C6-C15 alkylaryl optionally substituted with at least one F, Cl, or Br, wherein formula (I) contains at least one F and at least one Cl or Br, provided that if any R is Br, then the compound does not have hydrogen. The working fluids are useful in Rankine cycle systems for efficiently converting waste heat generated from industrial processes, such as electric power generation from fuel cells, into mechanical energy or further to electric power. The working fluids of the invention are also useful in equipment employing other thermal energy conversion processes and cycles. |
| US08820075B2 |
System and method for producing geothermal energy
Methods and systems are provided for extracting geαthermal heat from neighboring or proximate/ones in a fractured rock formation. The extraction of heat may be performed by cycling between injection and production using separate wells for each zone and offsetting the injection-production cycles between neighboring zones, for example, by keeping the injection-production cycle;* for neighboring zones out of phase with each other. The techniques provide for improved heal recover}’ from rock volumes while decreasing the size of buffer/ones between neighboring/ones, her example, in exemplary embodiments of the present techniques, proximate zones may be within 1000 meters, or even less, of each other. Accordingly, the zones do not have to be totally isolated from each other. The methods and systems described herein may help to impede cross-flow between the zones while minimizing waste heat (and well separation) from unutilized rock layers left between wells. |
| US08820072B2 |
Compressor diffuser plate
A diffuser plate for a centrifugal compressor includes an inner edge disposed at an inner diameter about a central axis; an outer edge disposed at an outer diameter, the outer edge displaced an axial distance from the inner edge; a deformable section that includes a substantially S-shaped cross-section, the deformable section disposed between the inner edge and the outer edge; and a spring constant for forced axial displacement of the outer edge with respect to the inner edge, the spring constant characterized, at least in part, by the deformable section. |
| US08820071B2 |
Integrated compressor housing and inlet
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a compressor housing for a forced induction system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The compressor housing includes a compressor inlet passage in fluid communication with a compressor volute configured to house a compressor wheel, the compressor inlet passage comprising a wall that is shared with the compressor volute. The compressor also includes a compressor outlet in fluid communication with the compressor volute, the compressor outlet being configured to direct a compressed gas to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08820069B2 |
Shape memory alloy trigger for pressure relief valve
This disclosure describes an apparatus having a valve and an elongated shape memory alloy element. The valve has a lever in a first position, whereby the valve is closed. The elongated shape memory alloy element has a first end connected to the lever. The shape memory alloy element has been strained to have a first length, wherein exposure of at least a portion of the shape memory alloy element to a temperature at or exceeding its austenite transformation temperature causes the shape memory alloy element to shorten to a second length, the second length being less than the first length, thereby causing the first end of the shape memory alloy element to pull the lever to a second position, whereby the valve is opened. |
| US08820068B2 |
Linear multi-cylinder stirling cycle machine
A linear, multi-cylinder Stirling cycle machine comprises a plurality of Stirling cycle units arranged in an open series or closed loop. Each of the units comprises a compression space in fluid communication with an expansion space via a regenerative heat exchange assembly. The compression space and expansion space are in fluid communication with, respectively, a compression piston and an expansion piston, and the separate Stirling cycle units are mechanically coupled together by linear power transmitters, which connect the expansion piston of one unit to the compression unit of the other. The linear power transmitters can be linear transducers such as linear motors or generators. In the open series arrangement the series of Stirling cycle units can have an initiating compressor at one end and a terminating expander at the other end. hi the closed loop arrangement, one of the Stirling cycle units can include an exergy throttle to restrict gas flow rates to control the speed of the machine. The machine may be used in a combined heat and power apparatus with some Stirling cycle units acting as engine/generators and with waste heat being used for heating. Some Stirling cycle units can be used for cooling or heat pumping. |
| US08820066B1 |
Steerable transaxle
A steerable transaxle for a vehicle is disclosed. The transaxle employs a single hydraulic pump connected to two opposing hydraulic motors through a hydraulic circuit and steerable hub assemblies located at opposite ends of the housing. The hydraulic motors are offset at an angle so the central section of the transaxle is positioned out of the path of the turning wheels. A single brake puck may be employed to brake both hydraulic motors. An internal return-to-neutral mechanism having dual tines in order to maintain constant contact with a swash plate and nullify dead band effects is used. |
| US08820065B2 |
Supplementary boosting for hydrostatic transmission circuit
The present invention relates to a hydrostatic transmission closed circuit comprising a fluid tank (50), a hydraulic pump (12; 212), a first engine assembly (20; 220) and a second engine assembly (30, 40; 230), said first and second engine assemblies (30, 40; 230), each comprising at least one hydraulic engine, a booster pump (14; 214), an exchange unit (60; 260), said circuit being characterised in that it also comprises a supplementary boosting line (150; 350) which removes fluid at the outlet of the exchange unit (60; 260) and boosts the hydrostatic transmission circuit at the level of the series line (104; 204). |
| US08820064B2 |
Recuperating passive and active suspension
A hydraulic actuator assembly includes an actuator, a first sink subsystem in fluid communication with an upper working chamber of the actuator, a second sink subsystem in fluid communication with a lower working chamber of the actuator and a source subsystem in fluid communication with both the upper and lower working chambers of the actuator. A low pressure accumulator is in fluid communication with the upper and lower working chambers, the first and second sink subsystems and source subsystem. A high pressure accumulator is in fluid communication with the first and second sink subsystems and the source subsystem. The hydraulic actuator assembly can generate passive or active forces with or without energy recuperation. |
| US08820054B2 |
Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine, inside of an engine exhaust passage, an upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor (23), a hydrocarbon feed valve (15), an exhaust purification catalyst (13), and a downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor (24) are arranged in this order from the upstream. At the time of engine operation, the injection amount of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon feed valve (15) is controlled based on the air-fuel ratio detected by the upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor (23) and the downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor (24) so that the amplitude of change of the concentration of hydrocarbons which flow into the exhaust purification catalyst (13) becomes within a predetermined range of amplitude. |
| US08820052B2 |
Liquid reductant system and method for operation of the liquid reductant system
A liquid reductant injection system is provided. The liquid reductant injection system includes a storage tank housing a reductant solution, a return conduit extending into the storage tank, the return conduit including an outlet positioned in the storage tank, and a thermosyphon comprising an evaporator coupled to an exhaust conduit and in fluidic communication with a condenser coupled to a portion of the return conduit inside the storage tank, the condenser positioned vertically above the evaporator. |
| US08820051B2 |
Vehicle oxidation catalyst efficiency model for adaptive control and diagnostics
A vehicle includes a fuel tank, an internal combustion engine, an oxidation catalyst, a regenerable particulate filter in fluid communication with an outlet side of the oxidation catalyst, and a host machine. The host machine calculates an actual hydrocarbon level in the exhaust stream downstream of the particulate filter as a function of an actual energy input value and an actual output value of the oxidation catalyst, and subsequently executes a control action using the actual hydrocarbon level. A method for use aboard the vehicle includes using the host machine to calculate an actual hydrocarbon level in the exhaust stream downstream of the particulate filter, including solving a function of an actual energy input value and an actual energy output value of the oxidation catalyst, and executing a control action aboard the vehicle via the host machine using the actual hydrocarbon level. |
| US08820049B2 |
Method to reduce engine emissions for an engine capable of multi-stroke operation and having a catalyst
A method to control valves in a cylinder operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode. Valves are controlled to improve engine emissions as operating conditions vary. |
| US08820047B2 |
Combustion burner
A combustion burner 10A according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a fuel nozzle 110; a burner tube 120 forming the air passage 111 between the burner tube 120 and the fuel nozzle 110; swirler vanes (swirler vanes) 130 arranged in a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction on the external circumferential surface of the fuel nozzle 110, each extending along the axial direction of the fuel nozzle 110, and gradually curving from upstream toward downstream; and a liquid fuel injecting hole 133A from which a liquid fuel is injected to a surface of each of the swirler vanes 130. The combustion burner 10A also includes multi-purpose injecting holes 11-1 to 11-3 as a cooling unit that cools a part of a vane pressure surface 132a of the swirler vane 130 on which the liquid fuel LF hits. Water is injected through the multi-purpose injecting holes 11-1 to 11-3 to form a water film 15A on the vane pressure surface 132a, whereby a combustion temperature is reduced and formation of carbon deposit is prevented. |
| US08820045B2 |
Auxiliary power unit fire enclosure drain seal
A drain assembly for an auxiliary power unit having a hot zone formed by a combustor case comprises a fire enclosure, a drain fitting, a discharge port and a piston seal. The fire enclosure encapsulates the hot zone of the combustor case. The drain fitting connects to the fire enclosure. The discharge port extends from the combustor case into the drain fitting. The piston seal is positioned between the drain fitting and the discharge port. |
| US08820036B2 |
Process and apparatus for packaging bags
A method for packaging bags includes providing a plurality of bags arranged in a stack; moving the stack of bags to a tube; rotating the stack of bags to form a rolled set of bags; and moving the rolled set of bags into a packaging container. A system for carrying out the method includes a plate having an open gap sized to support the stack of bags over the open gap; a tube having a longitudinal slot oriented to receive the stack of bags; a finger arrangement to move the stack of bags into the tube and then rotate the stack into a rolled set; and a push member to move the rolled set of bags into a packaging container. |
| US08820034B1 |
Low thermal bridge building components
Building components having a reduced thermal bridge relative to traditional building components. In embodiments, a beam comprises at least two flanges and a web connecting the flanges and maintaining the flanges in a roughly parallel configuration to each other. In embodiments, the web comprises multiple web pieces having reduced cross sections. In alternative embodiments, the web comprises a single continuous web piece with a reduced cross section. In alternative embodiments, the web comprises one or more foam or honeycomb pieces. |
| US08820032B2 |
Door with assembly of stiles and rails
An entry door is shown and described. The entry door may include a first skin, a second skin, and at least one stile formed from a plurality of interconnected members attached together. The entry door may also include at least one rail formed from a plurality of interconnected members attached together, where the at least one rail and stile are positioned between and secured with the first and second skins forming a cavity between the first and second skins, and an insulative material positioned between the first and second skins generally filling the cavity. |
| US08820031B2 |
Tile alignment and leveling device
A tile alignment and leveling device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are being secured to a substrate. The device includes a flexible member, a bottom plate, and an intermediate member. The intermediate member spaces the flexible member and bottom plate a predetermined vertical distance. The flexible member has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally combined with the intermediate member thereby allowing the flexible member to pivot between a first position and a second (downward) position. In use and in its second position, the flexible member second end exerts force against the top of the tiles to help align and level the tiles as they are secured to the substrate. |
| US08820029B2 |
Modular fenestration system
A modular fenestration system includes a collection of standardized functional units such as double hung window units, casement window units, picture window units, transom units, and the like. The functional units all share common sightlines, common glass set-back, common interfaces, common design language, and are sized according to a unique modular or incremental sizing grid. The sizing grid specifies individual window units in terms of the rough opening size in which they are designed to be installed. Individual functional units are easily combinable in a vast array of combinations to create a large number of possible composite window units. The system also includes a collection of interior and exterior trim units, grilles, and hardware in various architectural styles that can be attached to installed standardized functional units via the common interfaces to match the architecture of a particular home or building. |
| US08820027B2 |
Mineral composite panel and its production process
The embodiments herein provide a prefabricated mineral composite panel and a method for producing the same for constructing the internal walls, the lateral walls and the corner walls in a building. The method comprising the steps of: preparing and assembling a cast, fixing a mesh in the cast, pouring a prefabricated mineral composite into the cast, smoothening and flattening a top surface of the cast, disassembling the cast to withdraw a semi-dried prefabricated mineral composite panel, placing the semi-dried prefabricated mineral composite panel in a drying room for drying the prefabricated mineral composite, removing the dried prefabricated mineral composite panel from the drying room and packaging the prefabricated mineral composite panel. |
| US08820025B1 |
Universal node for space frame structures
A structural apparatus for carrying loads and transferring forces to ground, the apparatus having a plurality of nodes, each having a spherical core, the core having a spherical surface. Each one of the nodes having a plurality of housing frames secured in fixed selected positions in contact with the surface. Each one of the nodes having a plurality of housing hubs secured by the housing frames in contact with the surface and free to circularly rotate about a radius of the core, and each one of the nodes has a plurality of fasteners, each of the fastener having a head and a shaft extending from the head, the head constrained between the surface and a housing hub positioning the shaft in a radial attitude relative to the core. A plurality of struts interconnect the nodes and the struts are joined with the shafts at their opposing ends. |
| US08820023B2 |
Block deck using concrete
The present invention relates to a block deck used as the interior or exterior material of a building. More specifically, disclosed is a block deck using concrete, wherein a hollow portion is formed inside and filled with concrete so as to exhibit superior strength. The present invention provides a block deck including: a frame member formed with a hollow portion inside; and filler formed of a concrete material so as to be filled in the hollow portion. At this time, the concrete may be foamed according to desired strength with a foaming rate in the range of 0-50%. The frame member may be formed of natural wood, synthetic wood and synthetic resin materials. And, the frame member may be formed integrally or divisionally into two or more so as to be coupled, wherein coupling is carried out by being fitted in a sliding manner. |
| US08820022B1 |
Building unit with cobble top
A building unit has a substantially planar base having an outer periphery including multiple mating sides. Each mating side has at least one “S”-connection, which includes at least one outwardly extending male mating section and at least one inwardly extending adjacent female section. On the base, there are multiple cobbles or raised regions separated by false joints. A first portion of the raised regions are positioned on the male mating sections, respectively and extend to positions proximate to the outer periphery of the base. A second portion of the raised regions are positioned adjacent the female mating sections, respectively and are set back from the outer periphery. Each side of one unit can mate with any side of another like unit. The arrangement results in a surface covering that lacks a discernible pattern. |
| US08820020B2 |
Hip, ridge or rake shingles and stacks of hip, ridge or rake shingles
A plurality of hip, ridge or rake shingles, and the shingles produced thereby and stacks and packages of such shingles are provided.An adhesive impregnated mat is moved longitudinally, and granules are provided onto adhesive, in predetermined bands. An overlay band of adhesive, continuous or discontinuous is provided, with granules thereon, increasing the thickness of the shingle material being made, in predetermined bands, relative to the remainder of the shingle material. The shingle material is slit longitudinally, and one portion can be laminated to another portion, preferably creating a multiple-ply laminated shingle material with thickened overlay portions and optionally with shadow line portions. The material is then slit longitudinally, and cut transversely into a plurality of hip, ridge or rake shingles, which may be individually separated from each other, or which may comprise a plurality of connected together shingles. The shingles are then stacked and wrapped. |
| US08820019B2 |
Suspended ceiling system and foldable runner therefore
A runner, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of installing a suspended ceiling, the runner having a base with two laterally opposite flanges for supporting ceiling tiles, a hinged web connected to the base between the flanges so as to be foldable between a flat configuration with the web folded against one of the flanges and an inverted-T configuration with the web normal to the base for suspension and use, the hinged web allowing for economies is shipping when compared to conventional rigid inversed-T shaped runners. |
| US08820017B2 |
Reverse molded panel
A reverse molded fiberboard panel; a wainscot kit comprising a plurality of differently sized reverse molded panels, and a planar finishing or spacer panel, adapted to completely cover any size wall between a wall base board and a wall chair rail; and a method of reverse molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, raised panels without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The reverse-molded panels are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press, in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture. |
| US08820013B2 |
Plug and plate for waterproofing and method for using same
A plate is provided that spans a space between a bleeder hole in a wall and a drainage trench in a floor adjacent the wall. The plate includes a base and a wall extension, substantially perpendicular to one another. The base extends from a point proximate to the wall to the trench where the base and the wall extensions are spaced apart from the floor and the wall, respectively. |
| US08820007B2 |
Device for forming post sleeves, and method of use
A post sleeve installation assembly includes: an elastomeric sleeve core shaped to form a post sleeve when positioned in uncured concrete, a removable stiffener inside the core, an aperture extending lengthwise in the stiffener, a locking element positioned within the core, and an assembly plate coupled to the stiffener. The assembly plate clamps to a prefabricated sleeve element, with the core and stiffener positioned within a post cavity of the sleeve element. an installation stake is positioned in the aperture and prevented from sliding upwards by the locking element. A release point on the assembly plate permits an operator to release the locking element for removal of the stake. To install a post sleeve, the operator positions the installation assembly, clamped to a prefabricated sleeve element, in a post hole with the stake resting on the bottom, then fills the hole with concrete, manipulating the stake to position the assembly. |
| US08820006B2 |
Hub and strut connection for constructing a geodesic dome
The present invention relates generally to geodesic dome structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hub and strut connection for a geodesic dome structure and method for making same. The apparatus described herein provides a unique design for a geodesic dome utilizing materials that are affordable and readily available throughout much of the world for the construction and connection of hubs and struts. |
| US08820004B1 |
Bicycle storage container system
A modular bicycle storage system designed primarily for use in urban environments includes a plurality of enclosures formed from a weatherproof fiberglass or plastic sheeting. The enclosure is accessed by a door that can be secured with a lock further includes lighting for nighttime use. A plurality of enclosures can be fastened and arranged in a modular fashion, both vertically and horizontally. The arrangement forms a pattern which is both space efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The enclosures also provide features which enable tethering to a ground surface if desired. |
| US08820003B2 |
Retractable attic closet
A closet can fit into an attic and a cabinet (105) can be retracted out of the closet to the living space below manually, or using a return spring or electrical means. An air space (150) around the cabinet insulates it from thermal contact with the walls. A panel (110) with vent openings (155) is affixed to the bottom of the cabinet. In an alternative embodiment the cabinet is hung from a restraining member (145), or arm (1105), by which it can be raised for storage and lowered for access. When raised, the panel is in contact with the ceiling (110) between the attic and air from the living space mixes into the air space by convection. A fan (160) can urge circulation between the air space and the living space, reducing of temperature extremes in the air space and hence the cabinet. |
| US08820002B2 |
Stud mounted headwall unit and method for installing same
A headwall unit mountable to at least one wall support member, the at least one wall support member having a wall supporting surface for receiving wall material. The headwall unit includes a frame comprising a back plate mountable to the at least one wall support member so as to overlie the wall supporting surface, the back plate having at least one back port for receiving a medical service carrier through the back plate; and a faceplate attachable to the frame such that the faceplate is spaced apart from the back plate and defines a space therebetween for receiving a fixture, the fixture being connectable to the medical service carrier for supplying a medical service. |
| US08819999B2 |
Sliding door
A sliding door with a sliding panel and a fixed panel allows for the sliding panel to pivot with respect to the fixed panel regardless of the position of the sliding panel and allows both the sliding panel and fixed panel to pivot with respect to an outer frame in which the panels are mounted when the sliding panel is fully open or nearly fully open without requiring a floor track. The sliding panel may move linearly with respect to the fixed panel and outer frame along the length of a header, and a guide bracket cooperatively engaged with the sliding panel may be partially positioned in a guide track formed in the fixed panel bottom rail. A floor plate may be secured to the floor surface adjacent the bottom end of a first jamb to provide support/stability to the panels. |
| US08819995B2 |
Window regulator and jig
A window regulator and a jig to facilitate assembly. The window regulator includes a drum configured to be able to rotate in a normal direction/reverse direction, an annular wire 71 partly wound around a drum, guide members 81, 83, 91 and 93 configured to guide the wire 71 in such a manner that the wire 71 is arranged along a direction of upward and downward movement of a window glass 53, slack preventing means configured to urge the wire 71 in a stretching direction and eliminate the slack of the wire 71, and window glass mounting means 101 and 103 configured to mount the window glass 53 to a portion of the wire 71 extending along the direction of upward and downward movement of the window glass 53, and a bracket 131 being mounted rotatably on the inner panel and having the guide member 83, and being configured to guide the guide member 83 to a mounting position on the inner panel is provided. |
| US08819983B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for securing a recording device to a hunting apparatus
The present invention provides a mounting apparatus for attaching to a hunting weapon and supporting a recording device. The apparatus includes means for removably securing a recording device to the apparatus; a connector adapted to removeably attach the apparatus to a hunting weapon; and a flexible, elongate member being semi-rigid and having a first end affixed to the securing means and a second end affixed to the connector, whereby upon attachment of the apparatus to a hunting weapon the flexible, elongate member permits manual repositioning of the secured recording device relative to the hunting weapon while supporting the secured recording device in a set position after manual repositioning occurs. Alternatively, the securing means may include an adjustable means to permit receipt and holding engagement of multiple form factors of recording devices and/or may include a rotating joint such that the securing means and secured recording device may be rotatably repositioned when mounted onto a weapon and/or may further include first and second adjustable brackets for holding the recording device in place. An adapter may form an intermediate connection between the apparatus and a weapon. A stabilizer may balance and offset the weight of the apparatus when mounted to a weapon. The invention may be integrated with other functional components of a weapon, such as a bow stabilizer or scope. |
| US08819982B2 |
Precision rifle chassis system
A rifle assembly includes a central chassis having a vertically aligned opening and a pair of slots extending from the sidewalls into the opening. An action has a pair of projections engageable with the slots in the chassis and is removably securable within the chassis. The action is insertable into and removable from above the chassis, with the action axis at an angle to the chassis axis, to engage the respective action and chassis slot and projection. The action is rotatable with respect to the chassis upon engagement of the respective action and chassis slot and projection to align the axes of the action and chassis and lock the action to the chassis against rotation and removal. A resilient material is disposed between the chassis and action to load the action to the chassis with a force in excess of recoil force of the action. |
| US08819980B2 |
Modular rifle handguard
The present disclosure provides an ergonomic handguard that supports rail mounted weapon accessories in a variety of different orientations. The handguard includes sides and bottom surfaces that are ergonomic. The stem includes modular sections of picatinny rail that can be attached to various locations on the handguard as needed to provide a mounting structure for rail based weapon accessories. |
| US08819977B2 |
Compact firearm spring arrangement
A compact firearm spring arrangement within a firearm magazine utilizes two or more springs connected in a linear arrangement by a connecting cup that allows one spring to compress within the other, thereby resulting in a free length spring system having a reduced height when fully compressed while maintaining sufficient force for operation of the firearm. The reduced height of the spring when fully compressed allows for additional bullet storage space within a magazine of standard size or, alternatively, a more compact system within a magazine that provides an equal amount of bullet storage space while reducing the friction of operation of the firearm. |
| US08819972B2 |
Labeling article, method of use and assembly
A labeling article and a method of use and assembly of the labeling article, where the labeling article comprises a label, an elastic securing band, and a release liner, and where the elastic securing band is configured to be stretched to define a loop between the elastic securing band and the release liner. |
| US08819971B2 |
Display ads for door handles providing multisensory stimuli
A display ad system for door handles may include electronics that provide multisensory stimuli. In one embodiment, an end cap includes light and sound triggered by a motion detector. In another embodiment, an end cap includes fan-directed aromas triggered by a motion detector. In a third embodiment, a flexible grid of LED lights backlights the display ad in any time sequence desired, and may be motion-triggered as well. A door handle embodiment may also provide a note board surface as an alternative to showing display ads. |
| US08819970B2 |
Multi-layered ornamental clothing
A multi-layered-outfit 60 having one or more multi-layered-images 70 thereon consists of a base garment 20 having one or more base images 30 thereon and one or more complementary garments 40 having one or more enhancement-images 50 thereon. The base garment 20 may be made from any suitable clothing material. The complementary garment 40 must be made from a translucent or transparent clothing material in order to allow the base image 30 to be visible. Both the base garment 20 and the complementary garment 40 may be adapted to a variety of needs, such as lightweight fabric for warmer climates or a thicker fabric for colder climates. The base image 30 and the enhancement-image 50 are preferrably complementary images which combine when overlapped to form a more complete multi-layered-image 70. |
| US08819963B2 |
Articles of footwear with tensile strand elements
An upper for an article of footwear may have material layers and a plurality of strand segments. The material layers are located adjacent to each other and in an overlapping configuration, and the material layers are located in a lace region and a lower region of the upper. The strand segments extend from the lace region to the lower region. The strand segments may be located and secured between the material layers in the lace region and the lower region. The strand segments may form both an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper in an area between the lace region and the lower region. The material layers may define an opening between the lace region and the lower region, and the strand segments extend across the opening. |
| US08819961B1 |
Sets of orthotic or other footwear inserts and/or soles with progressive corrections
A footwear sole or an orthotic or combinations of both including a set of incrementally different inserts forming a progressive sequence. The progressive sequence includes inserts having corrective structures that are incrementally closer to a final corrective structure than a corrective structure of a previous insert in the sequence. The corrective structure of the inserts may change in one or more of shape, thickness and firmness of at least one portion of the at least one insert as compared to the previous insert in the sequence. Each of the inserts of the set is worn for a period of time in order of the progressive sequence as part of the footwear sole and/or orthotic. |
| US08819959B2 |
Nozzle and additive supply arrangement for a textiles treatment apparatus
The invention relates to a nozzle arrangement (6) adapted to supply at least one fluid-phase additive into a storing compartment (4) of a textiles treatment apparatus (2), in particular an exhaust air and/or condenser dryer, a refreshment apparatus or a washing machine having drying function. The nozzle arrangement comprises at least one nozzle (8), each being adapted to feed an additive; and at least one trapping device (10) adapted to trap and/or to remove liquid and/or particles leaving the at least one nozzle (8) or forming at or close to said nozzle. Further, the invention relates to an additive supply arrangement (6, 18, 20, 22, 12) adapted to supply at least one additive, comprising at least one nozzle (8), each being adapted to feed an additive; at least one additive supply source (12); and at least one fluid channel (18, 20) connecting the at least one additive supply source (12) to the at least one nozzle (8); wherein at least one fluid channel comprises at least one capillary element. |
| US08819958B2 |
End of cycle detection for a laundry treating appliance
A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber for receiving laundry to be dried according to a predetermined cycle of operation and determining when the laundry is dry. |
| US08819956B2 |
Clothes dryer
An apparatus for drying clothes includes a body having an inner space, a first dryer rotatably arranged in the inner space to dry a first load of laundry while the first load is tumbled, and a second dryer to dry a second load of laundry without tumbling. The second dryer uses air discharged from the first dryer to dry the second load of laundry. |
| US08819953B2 |
Method and device for measuring cylinders
An apparatus for revealing the geometry of operative cylinders, in particular during the grinding operation of the same, includes a pair of movable clamps which can be moved away from and towards each other with respect to a fixed intermediate structure, the clamps having tilted surfaces in opposite directions to each other according to a swallowtail arrangement with respect to a cylinder being measured, positioned between them and between a surface of the fixed intermediate structure, the surfaces of the movable clamps and the surface of the fixed intermediate structure always being kept in contact with the cylinder, whether still or rotating, wherein the fixed structure also has, in its interior, parts of a group which interact with each other to correlate the movement of the clamps. |
| US08819952B2 |
Control device for a parallel slider device, control method and measuring device using same
In a parallel slider device, the two sliders are allowed to move in a smooth manner without interfering with each other. A same position command is given to a front servo controller for a front linear servo motor and a rear servo controller for a rear linear servo motor, and the front servo controller and the rear servo controller are provided with mutually different control gains. |
| US08819948B2 |
Method and apparatus for transcribing a profile
The present invention relates to the field of cabinetry, cabinet making and the building industry in general. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for transcribing a profile of a reference surface onto a target surface. In one form, the present invention provides a scribe tool that may include at least one marking portion operatively associated with a reference surface following portion, the at least one marking portion extending laterally beyond the perimeter of the reference surface following portion and may include at least one marking region forming an angle of about 90° or less at its outer extent. |
| US08819947B2 |
Level device for a shoe
Embodiments of the present invention provide a level device for a shoe in which particular portions of shoes which may easily contact and/or collide with the ground or other objects may be embraced and thus protected with a separate cover unit and, at the same time, a surface state of any given location may be visually determined, and, hence, first, the shoes may be prevented from damage and thus have improved durability, second, the separate cover unit may decorate the shoes to achieve aesthetic improvement, thereby providing high quality and/or diverse designs of the shoes, and, third, the shoe-wearer may visually determine in a simple and convenient manner whether a location where the wearer is standing is level or not and if not, the direction and extent of the grade. |
| US08819946B2 |
Electric shaver
A support arm that is rockably supported on one end of a grip portion and projects from the one end is provided. Both ends of a blade head are supported by the support arm such that the blade head can rock around an axis extending along a reciprocating direction of an inner blade, and an axial direction of the rocking motion of the support arm with respect to the grip portion is set in a direction intersecting with the reciprocating direction of the inner blade. This configuration achieves an electric shaver capable of increasing the movable range of the blade head while preventing a main body from increasing in size. |
| US08819941B2 |
Nut opening apparatus
A monolithic nut opening apparatus includes a hinge portion forming a rearward end. A first elongated arm and a second elongated arm longitudinally extend towards a forward end from opposing ends of the hinge portion. A first tip extends from the first elongated arm and at least one upward extending lateral tapered edge extending from the first tip. A second tip extends from the second elongated arm and at least one downward extending lateral tapered edge extending from the second tip. |
| US08819934B2 |
Instrument for fabricating a heat pipe
The disclosure provides a method for fabricating a heat pipe, and an instrument of the method. The method for fabricating a heat pipe includes providing a hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube has an open end and a closed end; disposing a mandril into the hollow tube from the open end, wherein the inside wall of the hollow tube is separated from the mandril by a space, and wherein the mandril comprises a first portion and a second portion and the first portion has a thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of the second portion; filling up the space between the mandril and the hollow tube with a powder; performing a sintering process to the hollow tube, forming a first agglomeration region and a second agglomeration region; removing the mandril; injecting a working fluid into the hollow tube; and sealing the open end of the hollow tube. |
| US08819930B2 |
Method for improving the adhesion between silver surfaces and resin materials
The invention addresses the problem of improving the adhesion between silver surfaces and resin materials, such as epoxy resins and mold materials, used in the production of electronic devices. The invention provides a method for improving the adhesion between a silver surface and a resin material comprising a step of electrolytically treating the silver surface with a solution containing a hydroxide selected from alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, ammonium hydroxides and mixtures thereof, wherein the silver surface is the cathode. In a particular embodiment of this method, the present invention provides a method for producing a surface mounted electronic device comprising the following steps: (i) providing a lead frame having copper and silver surfaces, (ii) electrolytically treating the silver surfaces of the lead frame with a solution containing a hydroxide selected from alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, ammonium hydroxides and mixtures thereof, wherein the lead frame is the cathode, (iii) encapsulating an electronic device together with the lead frame using a resin material. |
| US08819929B2 |
Component mounting method
A component mounting method for mounting a plurality of types of components on a substrate is disclosed. The mounting method includes providing a component mounting apparatus 1 for mounting a semiconductor chip 6a picked from a component feeding stage 3 to a substrate 7, having a paste coating unit 20 for squirting paste from an associated coating nozzle to apply the paste to the substrate 7, a paste transfer unit 54 for transferring paste by an associated transfer tool to the substrate 7, and a heating-press unit 57 for pressing the component loaded on the substrate 7 against the substrate 7 while heating the component. The mounting method also includes selecting a work unit from the paste coating unit 20, the paste transfer unit 54 and the heating-press unit 57, and equipping a second head 12 with the selected work unit. |
| US08819928B2 |
Ultrasonic imaging catheters
An intravascular ultrasonic imaging catheter is provided with a flexible circuit electrically coupled to a transducer array mounted on the distal end of the catheter, a portion of the flexible circuit being helically wound about the catheter in order to enhance the flexibility of the circuit. The catheter may be a balloon catheter which is also provided with a stent mounted on the balloon, the stent carrying one or more drugs designed to be eluted or washed into a patient's blood stream after the stent has been delivered, by a the balloon catheter, into a target area within the patient's vascular system. |
| US08819924B1 |
Torsion eliminating compression device for cable
A method and device for eliminating torsion during the servicing of cable heads. The device is a tool with a handle portion and clamping members having an opening and gripping surfaces for receiving and gripping two different cable-heads for servicing, such as attachment or detachment. When the handle portion is squeezed and held, the tool provides a compression force substantially parallel to a common central axis of the cable heads. The arrangement of the tool prevents undesired load on the cable heads, optimizes the efficiency of servicing while preventing damage to the cable-heads. |
| US08819920B2 |
Method of manufacturing stacked resonated coil
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a stacked resonant coil, the method including: (A) forming circuit layers on a plurality of double-sided FCCLs, respectively, and then stacking the double-sided FCCLs respectively having the circuit layers formed thereon; (B) forming first and second conductive via holes in the stacked plurality of double-sided FCCLs, the first conductive via hole being for interlayer connection of the first ends respectively formed in the circuit layers and the second conductive via hole being for interlayer connection of the first electrode patterns respectively formed in the circuit layers; and (C) forming a wiring layer on an external layer of an uppermost double-sided FCCL in the staked plurality of double-sided FCCLs, the wiring layer electrically connecting the first ends and the first electrode patterns, thereby improving mass-productivity of products having uniform performances and excellent quality. |
| US08819916B2 |
Method for making a tube bundle
A plurality of tubes are connected in a bundle that is bent to follow a curved tortuous path. The method includes providing a plurality of individual tubes and then encapsulating the tubes within a molded or extruded encapsulating material so that the tubes are joined and supported together in a tube assembly. Connectors are provided on the ends of the tubes, either before or after the encapsulating of the tubes. The tube assembly is then bent to the desired bent tortuous shape. |
| US08819913B1 |
Method for assembling an optical relay system
A method of assembling an optical relay assembly including forming a line of optical components within an optical component aligning groove of a first base member and directing the line of optical components from the optical component receiving groove into a cylinder covered by a shrinkable tube. The cylinder, line of optical components and shrinkable tube are then positioned within a cylinder receiving groove of a second base member and the line of optical components are extruded from the cylinder into the shrinkable tube. The line of optical components and shrinkable tube are advanced along the cylinder receiving groove and through a heating area for shrinking the shrinkable tube about the line of optical components. |
| US08819910B2 |
Positioning tool for fan
A positioning tool includes an actuating member and a rotating member rotatably attached to the actuating member. The actuating member includes a supporting lump. Two positioning pins are located on the supporting lump. The rotating member includes a rotating plate located between the two positioning pins. Three latching pins are located on the rotating plate. |
| US08819909B2 |
Tool for attaching valve keys to the valve of the engine
A tool for attaching valve keys to a valve stem includes an elongated holder with a longitudinal axis, an inner hollow space and an end opening. An elongated core is arranged in the hollow space of the holder coaxially to the longitudinal axis. An elongated recess for receiving a substantial upper portion of the valve stem is provided in the end region of the core coaxially to the longitudinal axis. The recess of the core issues into the end opening and has a depth which is greater than or at least equal to the axial distance between the end and the annular groove of the valve stem. The core at least partially covers the annular groove, such that the valve keys can be supplied to the lateral surface of a valve stem underneath the annular groove and incorrect engagement can be avoided. |
| US08819898B2 |
Handle structure
A handle structure contains a body, a housing, a cover, a controlling member, and a resilient element. The body includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer face has a non-grip face and a flat rim, and the inner surface has a connecting column. The housing is hollow and includes a front fringe, a rear fringe, and a L-shaped recess. The cover is fixed on a rear side of the housing and used to fix a handle structure on a plate. The controlling member is fitted into the housing and includes a front end and a rear end. The front end connects with the connecting column via the front fringe. The controlling member also includes a raised portion fixed in the L-shaped recess. The resilient element located between the controlling member and the cover. Hence, the controlling member is pushed by the resilient element to move toward the body. |
| US08819897B2 |
Durable low-vibration long arm hinge apparatus
Disclosed is a long arm quick release hinge comprised of a hinge cup pivotally connected to a hinge body with a hinge pin via a hinge arm and a link in a four-bar linkage arrangement. The link is a collection of plates with interlocking projections and indentions arranged adjacent to each other and separated by resilient shock absorbing spacers. The hinge body is adjustably connected to a connecting plate with an overlay screw and an adjustment screw. |
| US08819895B2 |
Door closer with free-swing function
A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, having a free-swing function, including a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a free-swing assembly which is adapted to enable a translational motion of the piston assembly decoupled from the closer spring when the closer spring is locked, and which is embodied as a sliding-coupling which exclusively transmits compressive forces between the closer spring and the piston assembly, and a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring. |
| US08819893B2 |
Cable bushing
In a cable bushing capable reliably prevent slip-off while also making assembly easy, a cutout and a raised section are formed so as to regulate the turning of a base member and the interlocking section of a cable holding member. A base ridge is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base member, and a cap ridge is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the back end of the cap member, enabling the cap member to be rotationally pushed onto the base member. In order to regulate the turning of the cable holding member and the cap member as well as prevent the cap member from slipping off the cable holding member, an engaging section is formed on the cable holding member, and an engaging receiver engaged by the engaging section in the turning direction and the front-to-back direction is formed on the cap member. |
| US08819890B2 |
Rotational structure
A rotational structure applied to a rotational mop set is provided. The rotational structure comprises a rotating body, a rotating unit, and at least a pawl unit. The rotating body has at least a stopper. The rotating unit is rotatably assembled to the rotating body, and has a through hole. A spiral bar penetrates the through hole for driving the rotating unit along a first rotating direction or a second rotating direction. The pawl unit is corresponded to the stopper and rotatably assembled to the rotating unit for engaging with the stopper when the rotating unit rotates along the first rotating direction to drive the rotating body to rotate along the first rotating direction, and the pawl unit escapes from the stopper when the rotating unit rotates along the second rotating direction. |
| US08819886B1 |
Paint roller
A paint roller, comprising: a handle; a roller head, having a bevel; and a neck. The bevel has a length that extends perpendicular to the circumference of the roller head. The neck connects the handle to the roller, and the neck comprises: a first leg connected to the handle; a first bend connected to the first leg having a first radius of curvature, redirecting the neck about 90 degrees from the first leg; a second bend redirecting the neck about 180 degrees from the first leg; a second leg connected to the second bend, the second leg shorter than the first leg; a third bend redirecting the neck about 90 degrees from the second leg; a third leg connected to the third bend, the third leg shorter than the second leg; a fourth bend redirecting the neck about 90 degrees from the third leg; and a fourth leg connected to the fourth bend, shorter than the third leg, the fourth leg connected to the roller head. |
| US08819883B2 |
Golf club cleaning device
A golf club cleaning device (10) includes a base member (12) and a brush member (14) secured to the base member (12). The brush member (14) includes bristles arranged around a circular outer edge thereof. One or more straps (26) are provided having hooks (28) at first ends thereof and second ends secured to the base member (12). The hooks (28) engage with a peripheral edge of a rim (18) of the wheel (16) to secure the base member (12) to a side surface of a wheel (16) such that while the wheel (16) is turning, the brush member (14) and the base member (12) rotate so that a face of a golf club (44) can be cleaned by the rotating bristles (39). |
| US08819882B2 |
Combination of a tray and a cleaning device for cleaning surfaces
In a cleaning device, a head of the device in which a brush is arranged, can get contaminated by particles and/or droplets picked up by the brush during one or more cleaning actions. In order to clean the head, the cleaning device is placed on a tray filled with an amount of cleaning liquid, and the cleaning device is operated for a period of time. During that time, the head is flushed with the cleaning liquid, where the brush serves for picking up the liquid from the tray and releasing the liquid in the direction of components of the head. The tray has an elevated portion, and the brush is positioned on that elevated portion to allow for gradual wetting of the brush. |
| US08819881B2 |
Electrostatic dust collector
Electrostatic dust collector comprising a first (1) and a second electrode (2), a voltage source (3) for applying a voltage between the two electrodes (1, 2), and a connection to ground (2a) is provided. The first electrode (1) and the second electrode (2) form a dust collection device, the first electrode (1) being positively charged and the second electrode (2) being negatively charged. |
| US08819875B2 |
Combined bidet-toilet assembly for aircraft
A combined bidet and toilet system is provided for a toilet in transportation having a spray nozzle and a flow rate restrictor. The spray nozzle is adapted to provide a water supply to clean a user on the toilet. The flow rate restrictor is adapted to regulate the water supply on the basis of a water flow rate through the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is adapted so that it is extensible on the toilet for use. |
| US08819872B2 |
Plumbing pipe and garbage disposal sanitizer and deodorizer
There is provided a disinfectant/deodorizer apparatus capable of disinfecting and/or deodorizing garbage disposals and other effluent pipes and drains through an automated process that will be activated through an electronic timer on a circuit board. The circuit board activates a motor that will turn and push on an actuator that forces the disinfectant/deodorizer canister up, forcing the tip to depress into a hole in the top end receiver of the apparatus, which will receive the material substance in a small diameter tubing that ends into an opening on a garbage disposal, or an effluent pipe or drain, thus causing disinfecting and/or deodorizing of said piping or appliance. |
| US08819868B2 |
Protective ear shades
Left and right ear shades that are removably connectable to the bottom of a baseball-style cap or headband of a hardhat and fit around the back, top, and front of the ears. The shades can be positioned to accommodate the wearer. Each ear shade includes a forked clip that receives the hat band between inner and outer tines. For relatively thick hat bands, such as a those of baseball caps, the forked clip provides adequate resilient clamping force between the tines against the hat band to hold the ear shade in place. An optional removable clip fits around the top of the tines and resiliently connects near the bottom of the fork. Use of this optional removable clip allows the ear shade to be held in place on hats having hat bands that are too thin to be held in place solely by the clamping force of the fork tines. |
| US08819864B2 |
Wader
A wader is disclosed. The wader includes a bib including a front and a rear portion, and a shoulder strap configured to couple to either the front portion of the bib or the rear portion of the bib. The wader includes an adapter strap configured to couple between the shoulder strap and either the front portion of the bib or the rear portion of the bib. The adapter strap is configured to support both a left side and a right side of the bib when the adapter strap is coupled to either the front portion of the bib or the rear portion of the bib. In some implementations, the adapter strap includes a first buckle configured to couple to the shoulder strap and the bib, a second buckle configured to couple to the bib, and a third buckle configured to couple to the bib. |
| US08819863B2 |
Stabilizer apparatus and method
Disclosed is an apparatus for stabilizing user's body parts. The apparatus is capable of being attached to a wearable article to be worn by the user. The apparatus includes an electrical arrangement and a protective covering arrangement. The electrical arrangement is capable of detecting one or more variables acting on the user's body parts, and responding in a manner to stabilize the user's body parts. Further, the protective covering arrangement is arranged to encapsulate the electrical arrangement therein. Furthermore, a method for making the apparatus and wearable articles made there from are also disclosed. |
| US08826460B2 |
Data exchange between applications of an electronic device
An electronic device includes a requesting application and a hosting application. When the requesting application requests permission from the hosting application to access a category of data, the device identifies the requesting application and the permission request. The device awaits a user input to determine whether the user will permit the requesting application's request to be granted. |
| US08826459B2 |
Systems and methods of automatic multimedia transfer and playback
Digital rights management to protect copyrighted materials is a common element of consumers accessing content for a variety of uses including business and recreational. Such techniques have been generally deployed on small items of multimedia content such as individual tracks of music. However, at present despite the penetration of portable electronic devices for texting, telephony, email, and music their use by consumers for video, film, and large multimedia content has been limited in part due to the issues of downloading and handling individual files of hundreds or thousands of MB. It would therefore be beneficial to provide a means to download large multimedia content files and render these upon a variety of portable electronic devices while allowing the downloaded multimedia content to be securely stored within a portable memory device allowing the user to render the content upon their own electronic devices or other electronic devices without re-distributing the content. |
| US08826458B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
Some embodiments of the invention provide a server apparatus, comprising: a control block comprising at least one processor; at least one data reception unit operable to receive a request to share a picture; at least one storage facility, storing programmed instructions for execution by the control block, the programmed instructions defining an image analysis engine operable to determine that the picture comprises an image of a person; and at least one data transmission unit operable to issue a request to the person, or someone associated with the person, to consent to sharing the image. Other embodiments provide a method, performed by at least one computer. The method comprises: (A) receiving a request to share a picture; (B) determining that the picture comprises an image of a person; and (C) requesting that the person, or someone associated with the person, consent to sharing the image. |
| US08826456B2 |
Benchmark measurement for legitimate duplication validation
A system and method for detecting piracy of a software product that is distributed on a particular media type is described. Embodiments of the invention track a title load time of a software product that is distributed on a particular media type, and compare it against a benchmark load time for that media type. This comparison is used to detect if the title may have been illegally transferred or pirated to another, unauthorized media type. |
| US08826455B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated assignment of access permissions to users
Given a new user U or a user whose role in the organization changed, an automated method of the present disclosure in one aspect determines the new or revised access permissions the user should have. In one aspect, the method of the present disclosure automatically determines access rights based on the access rights held by similar users. This general idea, including a formalization of similarity between users, the details of how access rights are determined, and an algorithm to test if the presented methods are safe to use are provided. |
| US08826450B2 |
Detecting bulk fraudulent registration of email accounts
The invention provides for at least three processes for detecting the probability of abusive use of a message account for sending large amounts of unsolicited messages, such as spam, to other message accounts. For example, information provided at registration for a new message account can be processed to determine the likelihood of abusive use of that message account. Also, inbound messages can be processed to determine if the message account that sent the inbound message is abusing the use of that message account. Additionally, outbound messages can be processed to determine if the message account that is attempting to send an outbound message is abusing the use of that message account. Each of these three processes can operate separately or in any combination with each other to further improve the probability that abusive use of a message account will be detected promptly and accurately. |
| US08826446B1 |
System and method for applying privacy settings to a plurality of applications
A system and method for adjusting privacy protection for a user in a plurality of applications is disclosed. A privacy protection request is sent to a user device. In one embodiment, the request is displayed on user device in the form of a pop-up window. In another embodiment, the request is displayed in a privacy settings area. The privacy protection request includes a plurality of protection levels. Once a protection level is selected the protection level is sent back and received by the system. Privacy settings are adjusted according to the selected privacy protection level based on information stored in a master template. In some embodiments, the privacy protection level is translated to associated privacy settings. Once the privacy settings have been adjusted, the privacy settings are applied to a plurality of online applications associated with the user based on the privacy protection level selected. |
| US08826444B1 |
Systems and methods for using client reputation data to classify web domains
A computer-implemented method for using client reputation data to classify web domains may include identifying a web domain. The computer-implemented method may also include identifying at least one client that has attempted to access the web domain. The computer-implemented method may further include identifying a reputation associated with the client that attempted to access the web domain. The computer-implemented method may additionally include classifying the web domain based at least in part on the reputation of the client that attempted to access the web domain. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08826441B2 |
Event-based security state assessment and display for mobile devices
A security component on a mobile device collects data on security events, and determines an assessment of security state and severity levels using a database containing security threat data. A server receives security event data, performs an additional security state assessment, and transmits it for display on the mobile device or a webpage. Display of a security state assessment includes status indicator signals, and lists and charts of security events. |
| US08826440B2 |
Defensive techniques to increase computer security
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method includes initializing a first descriptor table and a second descriptor table. The first descriptor table is associated with a first permission level and the second descriptor table is associated with a second permission level that is different from the first permission level. The first descriptor table and the second descriptor table are associated with a hardware processor and initialized by an operating system kernel. The method also includes providing a memory address associated with the first descriptor table, in response to a descriptor table address request. The descriptor table address request is provided by a software process. The method also includes updating the second descriptor table, in response to an update request. |
| US08826438B2 |
Method and system for network-based detecting of malware from behavioral clustering
A computerized system and method for performing behavioral clustering of malware samples, comprising: executing malware samples in a controlled computer environment for a predetermined time to obtain HTTP traffic; clustering the malware samples into at least one cluster based on network behavioral information from the HTTP traffic; and extracting, using the at least one processor, network signatures from the HTTP traffic information for each cluster, the network signatures being indicative of malware infection. |
| US08826437B2 |
Intelligent system and method for mitigating cyber attacks in critical systems through controlling latency of messages in a communications network
A system and method are provided for controlling the latency of messages to enable a network of devices to detect and respond to potential malware. The system and method receiving a message at a device and determining whether the message represents potential malware and requires a delay to allow time to detect and respond to potential malware. The amount of the delay associated with the message is determined and the message is processed based on the delay amount. |
| US08826436B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus to apply permissions to applications
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to apply permissions to applications. A disclosed example method includes navigating to a first network address of a first network entity and downloading an application from the first network entity, disabling all network address communication except for the first network address, sending an authorization request to a second network entity via the first network address, and authorizing the application to execute when an indication of authentication is received from the second network entity via the first network address. |
| US08826433B2 |
Security intrusion detection and response
A system comprises an enclosure, host logic contained in the enclosure, and intrusion security logic also contained in the enclosure. The intrusion security logic is coupled to the host logic and configured to detect a security intrusion to the system and to respond to a security intrusion with a user-configurable trigger event. The intrusion security logic implements at least two tamper blocks, each tamper block configured to monitor one more input signals and initiate a trigger event when a security breach of the enclosure is detected. At least one of the tamper blocks comprises a state machine whose operation is controlled by way of user-programmable registers. |
| US08826425B2 |
System and method for automatically discovering security classification of hosts
A system and method for discovering security classifications of network areas includes representing actually allowed network flows and flows permitted by a security policy in a format that enables comparison. The actually allowed network flows and the security policy are provided in a networked computing environment including network areas, wherein each network area is a collection of one or more computing and network devices, and enterprise security policy defines security requirements for security classifications. An assignment of security classifications to network areas is determined by comparing the actually allowed network flows with the flows permitted by the security policy. |
| US08826424B2 |
Run-time additive disinfection of malware functions
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for runtime additive disinfection of malware. Runtime additive disinfection of malware may include performing the steps of identifying, based at least in part on its type, an executable software application that is suspected of being infected with malware, wherein the malware is adapted to perform a function during the execution of the executable software application, predicting the malware function based on known patterns of malware infection relating to the type of the executable software application, and in response to the prediction, adding a remediation software component to the executable software application that disables the executable software component from executing code that performs the predicted malware function. |
| US08826421B2 |
Method and apparatus for security validation of user input
According to embodiments of the present invention, a computing device provides a security rules subset of a server-side protection element to a pre-validation component deployed at a client side. The computing device validates the user input based on the security rules. The computing device determines, in response to detecting a user input violation and that a violated security rule has/or has not been provided to the pre-validation component, the user as a first or second class of users. The computing device performs different security protection actions to the first and second class of users. The computing device asynchronously performs a dynamic update to the security rule subset provided to the pre-validation component. The security rule subset is screened from the security rules of the server-side protection means. A policy for screening the security rule subset is selected. |
| US08826415B2 |
Automated device access
A method of unlocking a locked device includes receiving a device identifier over a wireless communication protocol, determining if the device identifier is associated with a list of trusted devices, transmitting a request to generate an acoustic signal over the wireless communication protocol based on the determination, receiving the acoustic signal as an audio sound generated external to the locked device, estimating a distance between a source of the audio sound and the locked device, and unlocking the locked device based on the estimation. |
| US08826412B2 |
Automatic access to network devices using various authentication schemes
An access discovery method and system discovers and stores the proper access protocol for each device on a network. The discovery process includes progressively sequencing through state transitions until a successful access protocol sequence is determined, and an access script corresponding to this sequence is stored for subsequent access to the device. Preferably, the protocol-discovery algorithm is modeled as a state table that includes a start state and two possible terminal states: success and failure. A state machine executes the state table until a terminal state is reached; if the terminal state is a failure, the system backtracks to attempt an alternative sequence. The process continues until the success state is reached or until all possible sequences are executed without success. An exemplary state model is provided that has been shown to be effective for modeling network devices from a variety of vendor devices. |
| US08826408B2 |
Consolidating disparate cloud service data and behavior based on trust relationships between cloud services
A method for consolidating cloud service data and behaviors can begin with the compilation of user/service membership data that associates requesting entities with subscribed cloud services by a trusted cloud service consolidator. A federated trust library housing inter-service trust information for the cloud services contained in the user/service membership data can be created. In response to a service request from a requesting entity, trusted secondary cloud services can be identified for the requesting entity. Identification of the trusted secondary cloud services can be based upon trust factors synthesized from data contained in the federated trust library. Data satisfying the service request and associated behaviors from each trusted secondary cloud service can then be consolidated into a unified data structure. A behavior can be an executable action supported by a trusted secondary cloud service. The unified data structure can be conveyed to the requesting entity in a service response. |
| US08826406B2 |
Password security input system using shift value of password key and password security input method thereof
The present invention relates to a password security input system which performs authentication through input of a security password key which is obtained by applying a shift value to an actual password key, and a password security input method thereof. According to the present invention, a password security input system is configured with a user terminal comprising: a password setting module for receiving and storing an actual password which is inputted during the initial setting by a user; an input window generating module for generating an input window in which key buttons are randomly disposed in every instance where a password is inputted; a password input module for receiving keys of a security password which are position-changed by applying the same shift distance to the key positions of the actual password in the input window displayed on a screen; and a password authentication module for comparing a key shift value of the pre-stored actual password with a key shift value of a security password inputted by a user on the basis of the input window, and determining that password authentication is in success when the two key shift values are the same. According to the present invention, even if a security password is exposed to a third person, the user can maintain the actual password with a sound mind. |
| US08826404B2 |
Method and communication device for accessing to devices in security
A method for a communication device for securely accessing a device includes obtaining accessing authentication information via an out-band channel, the accessing authentication information being used for accessing authentication between a service request device and a service providing device, the service request device and the service providing device sharing the same management device, and forming the out-band channel with the management device respectively (11); and authenticating the accessing authentication information, and providing, by the service providing device, when an authentication result indicates that the authentication of the accessing authentication information is passed, service for the service request device via an in-band data channel, the service providing device and the service request device forming the in-band data channel via a service network (12). |
| US08826403B2 |
Service compliance enforcement using user activity monitoring and work request verification
Auditing system logs of a remote client device is provided. Login session information entered at a workstation device accessing the remote client device to perform an activity associated with a work request is received. An access token is generated based on the login session information and information associated with the work request on the remote client device. The access token is compared with an audit log report of the remote client device that includes the activity associated with the work request performed by the workstation device on the remote client device. It is determined whether information in the access token matches information in the audit log report of the remote client device. In response to determining that the information in the access token does not match the information in the audit log report of the remote client device, an action alert is sent. |
| US08826401B1 |
Method and system using a cyber ID to provide secure transactions
A method and system for securing a user transaction involving a subscriber unit (“SU”) (having a processor, memory, and a display configured to accept user input), a credential information manager (“CIM”) (having a processor and memory), and a transaction service provider (“TSP”) (having a processor and memory). A cyber identifier (“CyberID”), a subscriber identifier (“SubscriberID”), and subscriber information, each associated with the user, is stored in the CIM. A transaction request is sent from the SU to the TSP, which creates a transaction identifier (“TID”), stores it in the TSP memory and transmits it to the SU. The SU transmits an authentication request, the TID, and SubscriberID to the CIM, which authenticates the SubscriberID and verifies the TID to the TSP. The TSP verifies the TID and reports it to the CIM, which transmits the CyberID and subscriber information to the TSP, and transmits a transaction authorization to the SU. |
| US08826400B2 |
System for automated prevention of fraud
A system for preventing fraud at a service provider's website has a fake credential distributor for creating a set of valid but fake credentials to access such website and distributing such set to a plurality of predefined websites, a fake user database including said set of fake credentials and a monitor for real-time monitoring any user login attempt from any origin network location to the website and comparing the credentials used in such user login attempt with the set of fake credentials in the fake user database. If the credentials used in such a login attempt coincide with any fake credential in the fake user database, such origin network location is added to a tainted connections list; and if there is another login attempt of a user from a network location in said tainted connections list, said user access request is refused even when it is using real credentials. |
| US08826398B2 |
Password changing
In one example, a computing device generates a new password for accessing a user account and/or computing system and inspires a change of an existing password for the user account and/or computing system to the new password. Thereafter, the computing device detects occurrence of a condition to trigger another change of the password for the user account and/or computing system and, responsively, inspires another change of the password for the user account and/or computing system. |
| US08826395B2 |
Method of improving online credentials
The invention comprises a method of providing additional assurance regarding a websites authenticity, The assurance is provided by using a credential that contains an image of the website operator or the website operator's business operations. The assurance is also provided by scanning the website associated with the credential for changes and alerting the website operator or a website visitor of the changes. The invention includes a method of ensuring the proper operation of the credential and a method of protecting the credential from mis-issuance. |
| US08826390B1 |
Sharing and access control
A system and machine-implemented method for providing secure access to an object, the method including receiving an indication of a request from a first entity to share access and delegation rights to a second object with a first object, the second object having a corresponding access control list (ACL) including a listing of one or more authorized entities having access to the second object including the first entity, generating a token representing access and delegation rights of the first object with respect to the second object and providing the token to the first object, adding a token identifier (ID) corresponding to the token to the ACL of the second object, such that the first object is added to the authorized entities having access and delegation rights to the second object. |
| US08826389B2 |
Multi-media identity management system
A method for utilizing multi-media identities for access control to a secure area or item can begin with a multi-media identity management system providing a multi-media identity to an entity for use with an access control system. The multi-media identity can be a digital identifier defining multi-media authentication data and security privileges for the entity. The provided multi-media identity and multi-media authentication data can be received in an access request for a secure area or item. The multi-media authentication data can be verified against the multi-media data elements of the multi-media identity. The security privileges of the multi-media identity can be validated for the secure area or item. When the multi-media authentication data, multi-media identity, and security privileges are valid, the entity can be granted access and denied access when at least one item is invalid. |
| US08826376B2 |
Communication of session-specific information to user equipment from an access network
In conjunction with establishment of a session between an access network and user equipment of a communication system, session-specific information is transmitted from the access network to the user equipment. The session-specific information transmitted from the access network to the user equipment comprises information to be utilized in an authentication protocol carried out between the user equipment and an authentication server of the system. For example, the session-specific information transmitted from the access network to the user equipment may comprise an identifier of a gateway coupled between the access network and the authentication server. |
| US08826375B2 |
Rich media collaboration system
A user annotates a shared document with text, sound, images, video, an e-mail message, graphics, screen snapshots, web site snapshots to share with others. The document and its annotations are stored in a digital object repository to which other users have access. Within the closed collaboration system, only users who are authenticated may upload digital objects, annotate digital objects and view objects and their annotations. The user sends a message to other users to invite them to view the object and its annotations and to add their own annotations. An annotated object generates an alert for all of the invited users. A remote authentication gateway authenticates users and has a repository for user metadata. Digital object repositories are separate from the authentication gateway, thus providing for disintermediation of the user metadata from the digital object data. The collaboration system may be hosted by a third party on a server computer available over the Internet that displays a web site. A user is not required to have collaboration system software on his or her computer and may annotate any image on the web site for later viewing by other users of the web site. |
| US08826372B1 |
Applying a packet routing policy to an application session
A security gateway includes packet routing policies, each including a host network address, an application network address, and a forwarding interface. In routing data packets of an application session, the security gateway: recognizes the application session between a network and an application; determines a user identity from an application session record for the application session; determines packet routing policies applicable to the application session based on the user identity; receives a data packet for the application session, including a source network address and a destination network address; compares the source network address with the host network address, and the destination network address with the application network address; and in response to finding a match between the source network address and the host network address, and between the destination network address and the application network address, processes the data packet using the forwarding interface of the packet routing policy. |
| US08826371B2 |
Authentication system and method
Aspects of the invention relate to a customer authentication system for authenticating a customer making a request related to a customer account. The customer authentication system may include multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms for receiving customer requests and collecting customer data. The customer authentication system may additionally include a central authentication system for receiving the customer requests and customer data from the multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms, the central authentication system determining, based on authentication policy, whether the collected customer data is sufficient to authenticate each customer in order to fulfill the customer request. The central authentication system may return its conclusions and instructions to the multiple application level data receiving and processing mechanisms. The customer authentication system may additionally include a fraud policy system for centrally managing authentication policy implemented by the central authentication system. |
| US08826367B2 |
Elastic resource provisioning in an asymmetric cluster environment
System, method, computer program product embodiments and combinations and sub-combinations thereof for elastic resource provisioning are provided. An embodiment includes grouping physical resources in an asymmetric distributed cluster of data processing nodes logically into one or more provisions. Further included are configuring access to the physical resources with the one or more provisions, and managing adjustment of operations among the data processing nodes in correspondence with adjustment to the physical resources through the one or more provisions and transparently to an application utilizing the physical resources. |
| US08826362B1 |
Enhanced cablecard processor including OOB simulator
An enhanced cable card device is described that operates in host devices without requiring an out-of-band data channel. One embodiment includes a broadcast receiver for receiving a broadcast signal, a processor for coordinating processing in the cable card, a memory for storing data normally received by the cable card over an out-of-band signal, an in band data receiver for receiving an in band data signal, and a control program running on the processor to signal reception of an out-of-band signal to a host device electrically connected to the cable card. In addition, the control program processes data from the memory and provides processed output data to the host device simulating data normally received over an out-of-band data channel, and the cable card allows the host device to operate normally without an out-of-band receiver. |
| US08826361B2 |
Method and apparatus for interactive programming using captioning
A method and system for the creation of interactive programming using captions. A caption and program information extractor monitors a broadcast media signal having captions and program information encoded in the broadcast media signal. The captions and program information are extracted and stored in a content database. A moderator accesses the content database to retrieve captions and for a program specified by the program information. The moderator uses the services of a moderator server to generate interactive programming from the captions and the moderator's own comments. The interactive programming is transmitted to a plurality of viewers who interact with the interactive programming by entering viewer comments. The viewer comments are received by the moderator along with additional captions and new interactive programming is generated using the viewer comments, additional captions, and additional moderator commentary. |
| US08826360B2 |
Broadcasting method and broadcast signal receiving apparatus
A broadcasting method and a broadcast signal receiving apparatus is provided wherein auxiliary information, such as video and audio data for supplementing broadcast information presented through a broadcasting network in an interlocked manner can be watched and listened to by the viewer. Broadcast information received from a broadcasting network is temporarily stored in a storage means of a broadcast signal receiving apparatus and a recording medium for storing auxiliary information used as a supplement to the broadcast information is mounted on the broadcast signal receiving apparatus. The broadcast information and the auxiliary information are then played back in an interlocked manner with a predetermined timing. As a result, a function to present information which cannot be accommodated in a broadcast frame and a parental function can be implemented. |
| US08826359B2 |
HFC cable system with shadow fiber and coax fiber terminals
System and method to extend the upstream data capacity of an HFC CATV system by extending a “shadow” optical fiber network deeper into the various CATV cable neighborhoods, with coax fiber terminals (CFT) spaced roughly according to the distribution of CATV active devices such as RF amplifiers. The CFT can intercept local upstream data from various neighborhood sub-regions and transform this upstream data into upstream optical data, thus relieving upstream data congestion in the 5-42 MHz CATV frequency region. The system can produce an order of magnitude improvement in upstream capability, while maintaining high compatibility with legacy HFC equipment. The CFT may exist in multiple embodiments ranging from low-cost “dumb” CFT to sophisticated CFT that can additionally provide GigE to the home (GTTH) service. Methods to maintain good compatibility with legacy CMTS devices, and methods to utilize DOCSIS MAP data for more efficient data transmission are also discussed. |
| US08826357B2 |
Web-based system for generation of interactive games based on digital videos
Systems and methods are provided for adding and displaying interactive annotations for existing online hosted videos. A graphical annotation interface allows the creation of annotations and association of the annotations with a video. Annotations may be of different types and have different functionality, such as altering the appearance and/or behavior of an existing video, e.g. by supplementing it with text, allowing linking to other videos or web pages, or pausing playback of the video. Authentication of a user desiring to perform annotation of a video may be performed in various manners, such as by checking a uniform resource locator (URL) against an existing list, checking a user identifier against an access list, and the like. As a result of authentication, a user is accorded the appropriate annotation abilities, such as full annotation, no annotation, or annotation restricted to a particular temporal or spatial portion of the video. |
| US08826356B2 |
Cable modem and data receiving method thereof
Disclosed are a cable modem and a data receiving method thereof. The cable modem includes a downlink channel retrieval processing unit to retrieve a downlink channel, receive an entire channel information message through the retrieved downlink channel, and receive a broadcasting supplementary data message when the entire information message is valid; a channel information processing unit to receive broadcasting supplementary data using the broadcasting supplementary data message; an uplink channel retrieval processing unit to retrieve an uplink channel using the entire channel information message; and a channel information managing unit to store and manage main data receiving channels capable of receiving the entire channel information message and the broadcasting supplementary data. |
| US08826355B2 |
System and method for recording a multi-part performance on an internet protocol television network
An Internet protocol television (IPTV) system includes a server operable to send a performance guide and a time code over the IPTV system to two or more clients. The server receives a performance from each of the clients over the IPTV system, combines the performances into an overall performance, and sends the overall performance over the IPTV system to the clients. |
| US08826352B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media content
An apparatus and method for providing information in conjunction with media content, including a receiver, wherein the receiver receives at least one of a transmission of media content and a broadcast of media content, wherein the media content includes at least one of broadcast media content and entertainment media content, and further wherein the receiver receives information regarding the media content, a processor for processing at least one of the received media content and the received information regarding the media content, a display device for visually displaying the information regarding the media content, and/or a speaker device for audibly announcing the information regarding the media content. |
| US08826348B2 |
System and method for wireless communication of uncompressed video having a relay device for power saving
An apparatus and method for achieving power saving for a portable device in a wireless network for transmitting audio/video (A/V) data is disclosed. An optimal transmit power level is selected by transmitting multiple probe messages by a portable device at increasing transmit power levels until a response to one of the probe messages is received within a preset allowed response time. A relay node is selected by a portable device for receiving compressed A/V data, uncompressing the compressed A/V data, and transmitting the uncompressed A/V data to an intended receiver. |
| US08826342B2 |
Programmable, interactive content viewing on a mobile video application
Promotional content provided by content providers is distributed to mobile devices to be displayed with designated videos on mobile devices. The promotional content is received from a content provider, e.g., via an API and associated with a video, group of videos or channel available from a video hosting server. The promotional content meets certain specifications set by the video hosting server. A mobile device requests promotional content for a selected video and the video hosting server provides any available promotional content to the mobile device. The promotional content is displayed with the selected video as designated by the content provider. Activation of the promotional content in some embodiments results in an action being invoked on the mobile device, such as loading of a uniform resource identifier. In some cases, the promotional content is cached by the mobile device for later use. |
| US08826336B2 |
Methods and systems for providing a plurality of last applications
A system and method may include receiving, at a set top box, one or more user inputs from an input device, analyzing the one or more user inputs to identify last application data, prioritizing one or more pointers associated with the last application data based on at least usage data, receiving, at the set top box, one or more request messages from the input device, and outputting, to a display device, last application information, in response to receiving the one or more request messages, based on the prioritization of the one or more pointers. |
| US08826333B2 |
Video display device and video display method
Provided are a video display device and a video display method, by which a user can easily select a program to be watched even if a numerical keypad is not provided in a remote control device. A display portion displays a video of a program. While the video of the program is displayed on the full screen of the display portion, an operation detection portion detects a rotational operation of a dial provided in a remote control device. When the rotational operation is detected by the operation detection portion, a control portion functions so that while the video of the program is displayed on the display portion, a program list including a plurality of program items associated with different programs is displayed on the display portion. |
| US08826332B2 |
Media distribution and management platform
An embodiment of the invention simplifies management of the “video lifecycle”. An embodiment includes one of more modules that streamline the video publishing process by abstracting technical steps such as video publishing, updating video, unpublishing video, retrieval or statistics concerning video, authorization to process video, validation of video, video metadata processing, video transcoding, and/or video transmission. Other embodiments are described herein. |
| US08826330B2 |
Interactive content system and method
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of providing interactive content. The method may include sending, from a media device, a request for one or more interactive applications to a first content source that is distinct from a second content source that provides video content to the media device. The request may indicate one or more locations to be polled for the one or more interactive applications. The method may include generating, at the media device, a menu of selectable interactive applications displayable at a display device. The selectable interactive applications may include one or more available interactive applications identified by the first content source in response to the request. |
| US08826329B2 |
Graphical user interface for a device having multiple input and output nodes
A graphical user interface (GUI) is described. The GUI includes first GUI elements that provide a visual representation of the nodes of an audio/video device. In response to user input, a signal is caused to be routed between nodes by manipulating circuitry within the audio/video device. Second GUI elements provide a visual representation of the signals being routed within the electronic device between pairs of first GUI elements (e.g., between nodes). As a result, the user can readily understand which nodes are connected to each other. Thus, for example, a user can easily visualize which source node is providing input to a target node and, by selecting the appropriate GUI elements, can just as easily switch from one source to another or from one target to another. |
| US08826327B2 |
Provisioning an emergency alert system (EAS) message service to user devices
A system is configured to receive, from a user device, a request for video content; obtain the video content in response to the request; process the video content to generate one or more first segments, where each of the first segments corresponds to a respective portion of the video content; receive an emergency alert system (EAS) message; process the EAS message to generate one or more second segments, where each of the second segments corresponds to a respective portion of the EAS message; and transmit, to the user device, a playlist, associated with the video content, that includes the first segments and the second segments, where the playlist allows the user device to play the video content on a particular channel based on the first segments, and allows the user device to play the EAS message, based on the second segments, without tuning to a channel different from the particular channel. |
| US08826325B2 |
Automated unobtrusive ancilliary information insertion into a video
An improved computerized process for an AUTOMATED UNOBTRUSIVE ANCILLARY INFORMATION INSERTION INTO A VIDEO is described that inserts an advertisement into a moving object in a video selected by a user by an algorithm which requires no manual operations by the advertising business entity. A user who has access to any computer hardware device chooses his selected video but sees on his monitor that selected video with an advertising segment inserted in some optimum placement on that moving object in the selected video by an optimizing subroutine so that the insertion-does not distract from the -content of interest to the viewer. |
| US08826324B2 |
Server apparatus, trick reproduction restriction method, and reception apparatus
A server apparatus used in a system that delivers, to a reception apparatus via a network, a commercial stream of a content prior to a delivery of a main-program stream of the content, the server apparatus including: a reproduction control information storage section to store reproduction control information for the commercial stream, that includes at least first setting information that sets whether to restrict a trick reproduction in the reception apparatus; and a reproduction control information transmission section to extract, in response to a first reproduction control information acquisition request from the reception apparatus, the reproduction control information for the commercial stream from the reproduction control information storage section and transmit the reproduction control information for the commercial stream to the reception apparatus. |
| US08826317B2 |
System and method for determining broadcast dimensionality
An apparatus, system and method for determining levels of audience engagement relative to encoded audio data, where an encoded audio data is captured in a mobile device. The audio data is captured over one or more predetermined time periods, and processed to determine characteristics of the audio data. The characteristics are determined according to one or more predetermined thresholds, where volume levels, levels of encoding, and or other features are monitored. By determining levels in the audio data that exceed predetermined thresholds, engagement levels and values may be determined relative to the audio data captured over the time period. Data from preceding time periods may be compared to obtain comprehensive engagement data for audience measurement systems. |
| US08826312B2 |
Broadcast remote control
Identifying user behaviors via remote control signal broadcasts may be provided. A content element such as a video may be displayed on a display device. During display of the content, a control signal may be received and deciphered. The deciphered control signal may be used to determine whether the content is being consumed by a user, and this determination may be logged and/or reported to the content provider. |
| US08826310B2 |
Spindle motor
Disclosed is a spindle motor, the spindle motor including a turntable coupled to a rotating shaft and supporting the rotating shaft and a disc, a centering unit fitted over the rotating shaft and supporting an inner circumference of the disc, and a coil spring interposed between the turntable and the centering unit to elastically support the centering unit, wherein a first end of the coil spring is brought into contact with a spring hanging portion protruding from a side surface of the centering unit, and a second end opposite to the first end of the coil spring is supported by a spring support portion formed in the turntable. |
| US08826305B2 |
Shared versioned workload partitions
According to one aspect of the present disclosure a system and technique for shared versioned workload partitions is disclosed. The system includes a processor and logic executable by the processor to: create, in a host machine running an instance of a first version of an operating system, a first workload partition associated with a second version of the operating system, the second version of the operating system comprising a different version of the operating system than the first version of the operating system; create, in the logical partition, a second workload partition associated with the second version of the operating system; and hierarchically link the second workload partition to the first workload partition to enable sharing of resources of the first workload partition by the second workload partition. |
| US08826299B2 |
Spawned message state determination
According to embodiments of the invention, methods and apparatus are provided for tracking the status or state of a message spawned or sent from one processing element to another processing element in a multiple core processing element network. According to embodiments of the invention, a message status tracker may be incorporated within a multiple core processing element network. As a message is spawned or sent from an originating processing element to a receiving processing element, a counter within the message status tracker may be incremented. If the receiving processing element spawns further messages in response to the received message, the counter may be further incremented. When a receiving processing element finishes a process in response to a received message, the receiving processing element may decrement the counter. When the counter is decremented to an original value (e.g., zero) the original message may be considered complete. |
| US08826296B2 |
Method of supervising a plurality of units in a communications network
A method is provided for supervising a plurality of units in a communications network. The method includes a step of a first supervisor device receiving from a plurality of units information notifications having a plurality of information fields. For each information notification received, at least one imprint is generated, which includes codes extracted from predetermined fields of the notification. The method further includes counting the number of occurrences of at least one imprint, and notifying at least one master supervisor device of at least one imprint and the number of occurrences counted for that imprint. |
| US08826295B2 |
Apparatus and method for adaptive context switching scheduling scheme for fast block input and output
Provided is a method and apparatus for an adaptive context switching for a fast block input/output. The adaptive context switching method may include: requesting, by a process, an input/output device to perform an input/output of data; comparing a Central Processing Unit (CPU) effectiveness based on whether the context switching is performed; and performing the input/output through the context switching to a driver context of the input/output device, or directly performing, by the process, the input/output based on a comparison result of the CPU effectiveness. |
| US08826294B2 |
Efficient state management system
The present invention provides an efficient state management system for a complex ASIC, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, a computer-based system executes state-dependent processes. The computer-based system includes a command processor (CP) and a plurality of processing blocks. The CP receives commands in a command stream and manages a global state responsive to global context events in the command stream. The plurality of processing blocks receive the commands in the command stream and manage respective block states responsive to block context events in the command stream. Each respective processing block executes a process on data in a data stream based on the global state and the block state of the respective processing block. |
| US08826290B2 |
Method of monitoring performance of virtual computer and apparatus using the method
Provided are a method and an apparatus for monitoring performance of a virtual computer. In a method of controlling a computer system including a computer, the computer executes a virtualization program for causing logically divided resources of the computer to operate as first and second virtual computers, the first virtual computer executes a first OS, and the second virtual computer executes a second OS. In the method, information regarding the resources allocated to the first virtual computer and the second virtual computer by the virtualization program is obtained from the virtualization program, information indicating performance of the first virtual computer is obtained from the first OS, information indicating performance of the second virtual computer is obtained from the second OS, the obtained information and information indicating a time of obtainment of the information are stored in a storage system, and stored information is output. |
| US08826288B2 |
Computing with both lock-step and free-step processor modes
A computer system provides for both lock-step and free-step processor modes, allowing for an effective tradeoff between performance and data integrity. |
| US08826281B2 |
Managing document publication using time-driven job scheduling
Document scheduling architecture for automatic publication and removal from publication of a document. A document can be developed, approved, and scheduled for automatic viewing and removal from viewing using start data and end data that are represented as job definitions. Based on a triggering event, the jobs are selected and executed to effect document publication. The document is automatically published making it viewable by all users who have suitable permission to do so. The architecture provides a pluggable override scheduling, and hence, extensible scheduling solution for third-party entities to provide alternative approval and/or scheduling behavior. Other attributes include reporting to a user the status of a document, execution of a policy in combination with the document publication such that the policy overrides selected attributes of the publication state, and a management filter process wherein the document can be reviewed independently by another individual for veto of publication if desired. |
| US08826279B1 |
Instruction set architecture for compute-based object stores
Instruction set architectures for compute-centric object stores. An exemplary method may include receiving a request from a user, the request identifying parameters of a compute operation that is to be executed against one or more objects in a distributed object store, generating a set of tasks from the request that comprise instructions for a daemon, locating the one or more objects within the distributed object store, the one or more objects being stored on a physical node. The method includes providing the set of tasks to a daemon, the daemon controlling execution of the compute operation by a virtual operating system container based upon the set of tasks, and storing an output of the virtual operating system container in the distributed object store. |
| US08826274B2 |
Virtual machine system, networking device and monitoring method of virtual machine system
A method of monitoring a virtual computer system including a network device coupled to a client computer, sever computers each coupled to the network device, and a performance degradation source locator apparatus coupled to the network device and the server computer, obtaining, by the performance degradation source locator apparatus, performance information on physical computer resources and performance information on virtual computer resources of extracted virtual machines and server computers and the virtual machine and the server computer in which the latency has increased to locate a part in which the latency has increased. |
| US08826271B2 |
Method and apparatus for a virtual system on chip
A virtual system on chip (VSoC) is an implementation of a machine that allows for sharing of underlying physical machine resources between different virtual systems. A method or corresponding apparatus of the present invention relates to a device that includes a plurality of virtual systems on chip and a configuring unit. The configuring unit is arranged to configure resources on the device for the plurality of virtual systems on chip as a function of an identification tag assigned to each virtual system on chip. |
| US08826270B1 |
Regulating memory bandwidth via CPU scheduling
Technologies are described herein for regulating memory bandwidth usage in virtual machines via CPU scheduling. A virtual machine monitor (“VMM”) executing on a host computer detects excessive memory bandwidth usage by programs executing in a virtual machine on a processor of the host computer. The VMM may detect excessive memory bandwidth usage by monitoring cache-misses occurring in the processor, for example. Upon detecting excessive memory bandwidth usage, the VMM penalizes the virtual machine currently executing on the processor through the CPU-scheduling algorithm utilized to allocate processor time among the virtual machines. |
| US08826266B2 |
Updates of message consumers
A message is received at a message consumer, the received message having a component dependency identification that indicates a version of a software component that is necessary to process the message. The version of the software component is automatically downloaded if the message consumer does not already include the version of the software component. The version of the software component is then used to process the received message. |
| US08826263B2 |
Portable terminal, portable terminal control method, and portable terminal control program
A portable terminal includes: a storage unit for storing at least a first program and software converting data to convert the first program into a second program; a storage control unit to perform reading and writing of the program and data as to the storage unit; a software converting processing unit to execute processing that converts the first program into the second program, using the first program and software converting data read by the storage control unit from the storage unit; and a terminal starting control unit to execute at the time of terminal startup one or the other of starting up the first program, and starting up the converting processing from the first program to the second program by the program converting processing unit and the second program that has been converted. |
| US08826262B2 |
Realtime tracking of software components
The disclosure is for run-time accessing a software component is provided, together with a computer system embodying the same, and a software utility directing the method. Initially a software component is loaded and analyzed to identify one or more features thereof, which features are checked against a database. Following the check, the component is classified as one of at least first, second, and third component types. A first component type is run without amendment. A second component type is replaced by a component of equivalent functionality prior to running. A third component type is blocked from running. |
| US08826257B2 |
Memory disambiguation hardware to support software binary translation
A method of memory disambiguation hardware to support software binary translation is provided. This method includes unrolling a set of instructions to be executed within a processor, the set of instructions having a number of memory operations. An original relative order of memory operations is determined. Then, possible reordering problems are detected and identified in software. The reordering problem being when a first memory operation has been reordered prior to and aliases to a second memory operation with respect to the original order of memory operations. The reordering problem is addressed and a relative order of memory operations to the processor is communicated. |
| US08826250B2 |
Method for just-in-time compilation and execution of code blocks within discrete event simulations
A method for a discrete event simulation model of a system utilizing a just-in-time compilation for one or more code blocks associated with an event in one or more discrete event simulation models is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining the event in a discrete event simulation model, retrieving the code block associated with the event, compiling the code block into an object file using a compiler, linking the object file with a predetermined function in a simulation library, compiling the object file and the predetermined function into a customized dynamic link library, loading the customized dynamic link library (DLL) within a discrete event simulation program execution and linking the customized DLL to a simulation program. The method allows user entered logic to be executed in high speed by integrating a just-in-time compiler embedded into the discrete event simulation model to allow dynamic generation of high speed code blocks within one or more simulations. |
| US08826248B2 |
Enabling computational process as a dynamic data source for bi reporting systems
A system, method and computer program product for integrating at least one analytical or modeling driver into an existing business analytic environment. The system comprises a BAMS (Business Analytics and Mathematical Sciences) driver, implemented on the memory device and run by the processor, loads a real database driver and redirects a request from a client application to the real database driver. An extension driver, invoked by the BAMS driver, provides an interface to a data modeling or processing software and converts the interface from a software environment compiled by a programming language to another software environment targeted to another programming language. The extension driver extends or overrides functionalities of the BAMS driver. Implementing the BAMS driver and the extension driver in the existing business analytic environment do not require any change made on the existing business analytic environment. |
| US08826247B2 |
Enabling computational process as a dynamic data source for BI reporting systems
There is provided a system, method and computer program product for integrating at least one analytical or modeling driver into an existing business analytic environment. The system comprises a BAMS (Business Analytics and Mathematical Sciences) driver, implemented on the memory device and run by the processor, loads a real database driver and redirects a request from a client application to the real database driver. An extension driver, invoked by the BAMS driver, provides an interface to a data modeling or processing software and converts the interface from a software environment compiled by a programming language to another software environment targeted to another programming language. The extension driver extends or overrides functionalities of the BAMS driver. Implementing the BAMS driver and the extension driver in the existing business analytic environment do not require any change made on the existing business analytic environment. |
| US08826246B2 |
System and method for using partial software object dematerialization in a virtual machine
A system and method for partial object dematerialization within a virtual machine (VM), and particularly Java Virtual Machines. In accordance with an embodiment, the system allows for applying partial object dematerialization to situations where the object is either created locally, or is retrieved from external code where it might have already escaped. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises a computer; a virtual machine for executing a software application; memory space for the application byte code and the generated machine code; and a compiler with an object dematerializer, and dematerializer injector. Runtime partial object dematerialization code is injected into the intermediate code representation in such a way that additional or standard optimizer techniques can be applied to it. |
| US08826245B2 |
Method, system and program product for optimizing emulation of a suspected malware
A method, system and program product for optimizing emulation of a suspected malware. The method includes identifying, using an emulation optimizer tool, whether an instruction in a suspected malware being emulated by an emulation engine in a virtual environment signifies a long loop and, if so, generating a first hash for the loop. Further, the method includes ascertaining whether the first hash generated matches any long loop entries in a storage and, if so calculating a second hash for the long loop. Furthermore, the method includes inspecting any long loop entries ascertained to find an entry having a respective second hash matching the second hash calculated. If an entry matching the second hash calculated is found, the method further includes updating one or more states of the emulation engine, such that, execution of the long loop of the suspected malware is skipped, which optimizes emulation of the suspected malware. |
| US08826242B2 |
Data driven profiling for distributed applications
An exemplary method includes providing an application that includes client-side code and server-side code, instrumenting the client-side code and the server-side code to generate timestamps, distributing the instrumented client-side code and the instrumented server-side code and monitoring timestamps generated during execution of the application. In such a method, where timestamps generated by the client-side code and timestamps generated by the server-side code occur along a common timeline, a developer can monitor performance of the distributed application. Other exemplary methods, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08826241B2 |
Instruction sampling in a multi-threaded processor
A method of sampling instructions executing in a multi-threaded processor which includes selecting an instruction for sampling, storing information relating to the instruction, determining whether the instruction includes an event of interest, and reporting the instruction if the instruction includes an event of interest on a per-thread basis. The event of interest includes information relating to a thread to which the instruction is bound. |
| US08826238B2 |
Per group verification
Various embodiments provide per group verification techniques in which code may be verified against one or more rules on a group by group basis. In one or more embodiments relationships between portions of a module to be verified can be defined. By being aware of relationships between various code portions, various embodiments can divide a module into related groups and perform verification on the basis of the groups. Multiple groups can be derived based at least in part upon the relationships. Each group can then be verified separately for compliance with one or more rules. Verification results can be output for each of the groups. |
| US08826236B2 |
Step granularity selection in a software debugger
A debugger allows a programmer to select the granularity of a line step function. Using a debugger step statement, the programmer can specify line step, statement step, or automatic selection. When the user specifies line step in the debugger statement, the debugger functions in true line step mode, where a line of source code is executed for each step. When the user specifies statement step in the debugger statement, the debugger functions in statement step mode, where a statement is executed for each step. When the user specifies automatic selection in the debugger statement, the program is analyzed, and a decision regarding whether to use line step or statement step is made based on the characteristics of the program and based on user-specified selection criteria. In this manner the function of the debugger when line stepping can vary according to the programmer's needs. |
| US08826231B1 |
Methods and systems for deploying software applications
A method for assembling a plurality of software modules for executing at least one task is described. The method includes selecting at least one software module from a plurality of available software modules, the one or more software modules selected based on at least one task to be performed, if more than one software module is selected, then configuring the selected software modules to function together in a manner to perform the at least one task to be performed, and generating a cyber package including the at least one software module, the cyber package conforming to a pre-defined protocol. |
| US08826229B2 |
Immutable properties in a class
In an embodiment, a class definition of a class may provide an indication whether a property, which is part of the class, is immutable. The indication may be made implicitly or explicitly. A value of the property may be established (e.g., set) during a creation of an instance of the class. An attempt to set the value of the property after the instance is created may be disallowed. Further, an error (e.g., an error message, exception condition) may be reported in response to disallowing the attempt. |
| US08826228B2 |
Programming a multi-processor system
A computer-implemented method for creating a program for a multi-processor system comprising a plurality of interspersed processors and memories. A user may specify or create source code using a programming language. The source code specifies a plurality of tasks and communication of data among the plurality of tasks. However, the source code may not (and preferably is not required to) 1) explicitly specify which physical processor will execute each task and 2) explicitly specify which communication mechanism to use among the plurality of tasks. The method then creates machine language instructions based on the source code, wherein the machine language instructions are designed to execute on the plurality of processors. Creation of the machine language instructions comprises assigning tasks for execution on respective processors and selecting communication mechanisms between the processors based on location of the respective processors and required data communication to satisfy system requirements. |
| US08826226B2 |
Custom language models
Systems, methods, and apparatuses including computer program products for generating a custom language model. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a collection of documents; clustering the documents into one or more clusters; generating a cluster vector for each cluster of the one or more clusters; generating a target vector associated with a target profile; comparing the target vector with each of the cluster vectors; selecting one or more of the one or more clusters based on the comparison; and generating a language model using documents from the one or more selected clusters. |
| US08826223B2 |
Techniques for objective assessment and improvement of software quality
Techniques for quantifying and improving consumability of software bundles are provided. In one aspect, a method for quantifying a consumability of a software bundle is provided which includes the following steps. Constituent software products of the bundle are identified. Software components an installation of which is a pre-requirement for an installation of the software products are identified. Software units an installation of which is a pre-requirement for an installation of the software components are identified. Dependency graphs are created for the software components. The dependency graphs for the components are merged to create dependency graphs for the products. The dependency graphs for the products are merged to create a dependency graph for the bundle. The dependency graph for the bundle is used to quantify the consumability of the bundle. |
| US08826222B2 |
Pre-merge conflict avoidance
Methods, systems, and computer program products may provide pre-merge conflict avoidance in a revision-control system. A pre-merge conflict avoidance method may include identifying by a computer system a portion of interest of a revision-controlled base source code stored in a source-code repository, the base source code being developed by a plurality of developers. The computer system may determine whether at least one of the plurality of developers has made a change to a portion of a first copy of the base source code corresponding to the portion of interest prior to commitment of the first copy of the base source code to the source-code repository. In response to a determination that the at least one developer has made a change to the portion of interest, a notification may be produced about the change to the portion of interest by the at least one developer. |
| US08826217B2 |
Modeling gate size range by using a penalty function in a numerical gate sizing framework
Systems and techniques are described for optimizing a circuit design by using a numerical solver. The gates sizes are optimized by modeling a set of gate optimization problems and solving the set of gate optimization problems by using a numerical solver. The optimization can be performed iteratively, wherein in each iteration a gate optimization problem can be modeled for the portion of the circuit design based on circuit information for the portion of the circuit design. An objective function can be created, wherein the objective function includes at least one penalty function that imposes a lower and/or upper bound on at least one variable that is being optimized. In some embodiments, gradients of the objective function, which includes the penalty function, can be computed to enable the use of a conjugate-gradient-based numerical solver. |
| US08826212B2 |
Method of forming a layout including cells having different threshold voltages, a system of implementing and a layout formed
A method including developing a circuit schematic diagram, the circuit schematic diagram including a plurality of cells. The method further includes generating cell placement rules for the plurality of cells based on the circuit schematic diagram and developing a circuit layout diagram for the plurality of cells based on the cell placement rules. The method further includes grouping the plurality of cells of the circuit layout diagram based on threshold voltages and inserting threshold voltage compliant fillers into the circuit layout diagram. A system for implementing the method is described. A layout formed by the method is also described. |
| US08826211B1 |
Graphical user interface for physically aware clock tree planning
In one embodiment of the invention, a method for displaying and analyzing a clock gate tree topology is disclosed. The method includes displaying a bounding box of each flip-flop cluster in the floor plan of the integrated circuit; and for each flip-flop cluster, calculating the coordinates for a center of mass of the flip-flop cluster, displaying the position of the clock gate driving the flip-flops in the flip-flop cluster with respect to the center of mass of the flip-flop cluster, displaying first air lines from the enable signal gate to the clock gate with a first color, and displaying second air lines from the clock gate to the center of mass of the flip-flop cluster with a second color differing from the first color. |
| US08826208B1 |
Computational thermal analysis during microchip design
Some embodiments include a method for identifying high-temperature regions in a microchip. In some embodiments, the method includes selecting grids on the microchip, wherein each grid includes devices and interconnects connecting the devices. The method can also include determining, for each grid, a temperature factor value based on geometric area of the grid, geometric area occupied by the devices, switching factor of the of the interconnects, and length of the interconnects connecting the devices. The method can also include determining, for each grid, thermal sensitivity for the grid by generating a plot based on a Guassian equation. |
| US08826207B2 |
Method of generating technology file for integrated circuit design tools
A method and system for extracting the parasitic capacitance in an IC and generating a technology file for at least one or more IC design tools are provided. Parasitic extraction using the preferred method can significantly reduce field solver computational intensity and save technology file preparation cycle time. The network-based technology file generation system enables circuit designers to obtain a desired technology file in a timely manner. The common feature of the various embodiments includes identifying common conductive feature patterns for a given technology generation. Capacitance models created from the identified patterns are used to assemble the required technology files for IC design projects using different technology node and different process flows. |
| US08826206B1 |
Testing two-state logic power island interface
An aspect includes a computer program product for implementing a model of an electrical circuit including a first region and a second region, the first region including simulated logic and a simulated latch circuit. The computer program product includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes receiving, as simulated logical inputs to the simulated logic a simulated power supply voltage state of the first region, a simulated data input signal and a simulated clock signal. The method also includes generating, based on determining that the simulated power supply voltage state of the first region corresponds to an inactive state of the first region, a pseudo-random number as an output of the simulated latch circuit, the pseudo-random number generated based on the simulated data input signal and the simulated data output signal from the simulated latch circuit. |
| US08826205B2 |
Method for verifying digital to analog converter design
A method for producing a verified design of a digital to analog converter (DAC) starts with providing an HDL representation of the DAC. Numerical values of the analog output signal as a function of the representation of the DAC for a range of numerical values of the digital input signal are simulated with a simulator. A model is used for converting the simulated numerical values of the analog output signal to numerical values of an equivalent model signal in the same digital format as the input signal. A comparator compares the numerical values of the input signal and the model signal and determines differences greater than a defined tolerance. |
| US08826201B1 |
Formal verification coverage metrics for circuit design properties
A computer-implemented method and non-transitory computer readable medium for circuit design verification. Formal verification is performed on a circuit design to prove a correctness of a property of the circuit design. The circuit design has a cone of influence representing a portion of the circuit design capable of affecting signals of the property. A proof core of the circuit design is identified, the proof core being a portion of the cone of influence that is sufficient to prove the correctness of the property. A coverage metric is generated that is indicative of a level of formal verification coverage provided by the property based on the proof core of the circuit design. |
| US08826200B2 |
Alteration for wafer inspection
Methods and systems for binning defects on a wafer are provided. One method includes identifying areas in a design for a layer of a device being fabricated on a wafer that are not critical to yield of fabrication of the device and generating an altered design for the layer by eliminating features in the identified areas from the design for the layer. The method also includes binning defects detected on the layer into groups using the altered design such that features in the altered design proximate positions of the defects in each of the groups are at least similar. |
| US08826192B1 |
Graphical method of inputting parameter ranges
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for receiving the input of parameter ranges into computing devices. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for accepting user input of a time range into a computing device equipped with a touchscreen. The method includes displaying a time bar on the touchscreen and receiving a touch input ending at a first location and a second touch input ending at a second location. The computing device displays time markers at the first and second locations. The method further includes identifying first and second times corresponding to the first and second locations and a time range including the first and second times. The method further includes receiving a third touch input commencing at one of the time markers and terminating at a third location. The method further includes updating the time marker at the position of the third location and updating the time range. |
| US08826191B1 |
Zooming while page turning in document
A computer-implemented method includes identifying a bit-mapped image of a line or polygon shape; mapping the image to a texture map that is slightly large in at least one dimension than the bit-mapped image; overlaying the bit-mapped image and the texture map; computing pixel shading for pixels between an outer edge of the bit-mapped image and the texture map by measuring a distance from particular ones of the pixels to an idealized line near an edge of the bit-mapped image; and displaying the bit-mapped image with pixels at its edge shaded according to the computed pixel shading. |
| US08826186B2 |
Method for executing user command according to spatial movement of user input device and image apparatus thereof
A method for executing a user command in a display device including receiving, from an input device, a signal that indicates a movement direction of the input device, determining the movement direction of the input device based on the received signal, determining one of a plurality of functions of the display device that corresponds to the movement direction from among the plurality of functions of the display device, and executing the determined function. |
| US08826185B2 |
GUI evaluation system, GUI evaluation method, and GUI evaluation program
The uniqueness of the screen name for each screen of a system to be evaluated is evaluated simply and with high precision. The GUI evaluation system includes GUI information acquisition means for acquiring a screen name that is classified according to a hierarchical level and displayed in an evaluation target screen possessed by an evaluation target system, in accordance with screen name designation information for indicating a screen name display location used to display at least part of information equivalent to a screen name in a screen of the evaluation target system, the screen name designation information being indicated as classified according to a hierarchical level within a hierarchical structure formed by screen names, and acquiring information about components used in a contents display area where the contents of the lowest-level screen name existing in the evaluation target screen are displayed as a title; and screen name evaluation means for evaluating the uniqueness of screen names in the evaluation target system in accordance with the information about the level-specific screen name in each evaluation target screen, the level-specific screen name being acquired by the GUI information acquisition means, and in accordance with the information about the components included in the contents display area of each evaluation target screen. |
| US08826182B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a multi-dimensional input
An approach is provided for generating a multi-dimensional input. A user interface platform causes, at least in part, a mapping of one or more parameters, one or more representations of the one or more parameters, or a combination thereof onto one or more respective surface segments of at least one three-dimensional icon. The user interface platform then causes, at least in part, a rendering of the at least one three-dimensional icon in a user interface. The user interface platform then determines one or more manipulations of the at least one three-dimensional icon in the user interface, and processes and/or facilitates a processing of the one or more manipulations to determine one or more weighting values for the one or more parameters. |
| US08826181B2 |
Moving radial menus
A computer readable medium storing a computer program for execution by at least one processor is disclosed. The computer program is for determining that a first identified location is too close to an edge of a window of a graphical user interface to display a radial display area. The computer program is also for identifying a second location far enough from the edge to fully display the radial display area within the window. The computer program is also for displaying the radial display area at the second location. |
| US08826179B2 |
System and method for text disambiguation and context designation in incremental search
Methods and systems for text disambiguation and context designation in incremental search are provided. A method for selecting items in response to ambiguous keystrokes entered by a user and unambiguous metadata associated with a previously selected search result includes receiving ambiguous keystrokes, selecting and presenting a first subset of items and metadata associated with the items presented based on the ambiguous keystrokes. The method also includes receiving a selection of one of the items from the user, and, in response to a locking operation received from the user, locking in fixed relation at least one of the ambiguous keystrokes to at least one metadata term associated with the selected item. The method further includes, subsequent to receiving the locking operation, selecting and presenting a second subset of items based at least in part on the locked metadata term, and presenting the second subset of items. |
| US08826173B2 |
Graphical interface for the management of sequential medical data
The invention relates to a method for generating on at least one display device a graphics display of data descriptors. The data descriptors, describing items of data, are arranged on an interactive timeline as interactive timeline elements along with interactive data elements. The interactive timeline elements and the interactive data elements allow retrieval of the items of data. |
| US08826171B2 |
System and method for entry and display of blueprint data
A handheld device with a graphical user interface (GUI) for entering and displaying blueprint data as a hierarchical sequence of segments. A handheld device having a touchscreen and/or keys is used to sequentially enter line segments and arcs to enter blueprint data into the device. Each line segment or arc that is entered may be referenced to an existing endpoint or start point of a previously entered line segment or arc. A blueprint entered into the handheld device may be edited by modifying, deleting, or inserting a line segment or arc. When an edit is performed, the line segments and arcs in the sequence that follow the element being edited may be automatically modified to maintain continuity in the blueprint without disturbing prior segments in the sequence. |
| US08826170B1 |
Window switching interface
Methods for switching between tabbed windows are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an input of a touch gesture includes a dragging motion via a touch interface of a device, and determining whether the touch gesture begins within a predetermined distance from a first edge of the touch interface and proceeds towards a second edge of the touch interface. The method also includes providing at least one tabbed window in an application for display from a perspective vertically above the at least one tabbed window in response to determining that the touch gesture begins within the predetermined distance from the first edge and proceeds towards the second edge. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided. |
| US08826169B1 |
Hiding content of a digital content item
In some implementations, content of a content item may be presented on an electronic device and a portion of the content item may be selected to be hidden from presentation. The electronic device may hide the selected portion of the content during presentation of the content. Further, selection information identifying at least the location of the selected portion of the content item may be communicated over a network to a computing device to enable synchronization of the hidden content with other instances of the content item on other devices of the user. In some examples, the user may select one or more chapters of the content item to be hidden by selecting one or more chapter identifiers in a table of contents of the content item. Hidden content may include text, images, audio and/or video content, depending on the type of content item that is accessed. |
| US08826166B2 |
Evaluating and comparing the requirements of a task with the capabilities of an entity
A method for evaluating the requirements of a task with the capabilities of an entity includes generating a first visual representation, creating a mask based on the first visual representation, applying the mask to a second visual representation, and generating a third visual representation conveying which task requirements the entity is capable of satisfying. The first visual representation includes the requirements of the task, the second visual representation includes the capabilities of the entity, and the third visual representation is generated based on the application of the mask to the second visual representation. |
| US08826163B1 |
Systems, methods and user interface for graphical configuration for roof mounts
Systems, methods and user interfaces for graphical configuration for ballasted roof mounts of non-rectangular solar arrays. A graphical interface may be provided to allow a user to view a roof grid, and place solar modules within the roof grid where desired, to account for various obstacles on a roof, to create a non-rectangular solar array. Using the layout of the array and various site parameters (building height, wind speed, etc.) and solar module parameters (wide, length, thickness, etc.), the system may calculate a complete bill of materials, customer pricing, ballasting requirements and overall roof loads for a complete solar project. |
| US08826162B2 |
Display input device capable of invoking workflow, image forming apparatus including the same, and display method for display input device capable of invoking workflow
Provided is a display input device including: an input portion for receiving: a designation input for designating a setting screen to be displayed by a program; a job execution start input for starting a job; and a re-invocation input for re-invoking the same program as the executed program; and a control portion for causing, when the program is re-invoked by means of the re-invocation input and the job execution start input, a display portion to display a setting screen that is subsequent, in display order of the program, to the setting screen for which the designation input has been made. |
| US08826160B2 |
Preferred contact group centric interface
A preferred contact group centric interface for a communication device can be used to facilitate communications by a user. The user interface can be arranged to activate from a user's “home page” on the display, from an idle screen that is accessed after a timeout period expires, or any other appropriate mechanism that activates the preferred contact group centric experience. A user selects the preferred contact group from among an array of the user's contacts. Once the contact group is configured, a minimal number of navigation/selection features is necessary to activate any number of communication modes available to the contacts. The contact group is configured such that simple and quick navigation between the contact members is achieved. The contact group can be presented in 2D and 3D arrangements, in any number of list or geometric configurations. A pricing plan can optionally be tied to each member of the contact group. |
| US08826156B2 |
Containing and accessing multiple web browsers
A method and system for displaying a web page. Each record in a container browser includes a web site locator of a web site and a web browser identifier of a web browser associated with the web site. A first web browser retrieves and displays a particular web page from a first web site. A user desires to replace a web browser identifier of a first web browser in a first record in the container browser with a web browser identifier of a second web browser. The web browser identifier of the second web browser is received from the user. The web browser identifier of the first web browser is replaced by the web browser identifier of the second web browser in the first record. The second web browser retrieves and displays the particular web page from the first web site. |
| US08826153B2 |
Speculative actions based on user dwell time over selectable content
Methods, systems, and techniques for reducing web page load time are provided. An exemplary method for reducing web page load time includes detecting, in a browser, a cursor in a region of a web page. The region surrounds a selectable item associated with a URL. The exemplary method includes determining whether the cursor is present in the region for a threshold period of time. The exemplary method further includes performing a speculative action when it is determined that the cursor has been present in the region for the threshold period of time, without modifying underlying code of a web page associated with the URL. |
| US08826152B2 |
Displaying icon layouts in different resolutions
A method for displaying icons layouts in different resolutions where data representing a layout is preserved for a particular resolution and is later used to display another layout at the same resolution. The data indicates positions of icons in the layout, contains identifiers that identify particular icons, and contains coordinate positions of icons in the layout and may be preserved in various formats or preserved in various data structures. The data structure may comprise a bitmap and icon list. In some embodiments, a layout at a current resolution is produced using a previous layout at a previous resolution and at least two different mapping functions. Icons from the previous layout are mapped to the current layout where icons in an overlapping area between the current layout and the previous layout are mapped with a first mapping function and outside icons are mapped with a second mapping function. |
| US08826151B2 |
Information processing apparatus and computer-readable medium for virtualizing an image processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus is connected via a network to both an MFP and a virtual-space management server that manages a virtual space that contains a virtual device that is created by virtualizing the MFP. The information processing apparatus includes a display control unit that displays map information on a display unit, wherein a device symbol that corresponds to the MFP is present in the map information at a position corresponding to the position of the MFP in the real world; a receiving unit that receives a selected device symbol in the map information; an output control unit that outputs image data to either a first data storage unit of the MFP that corresponds to the selected device symbol or to a second data storage unit for the virtual device that is created by virtualizing the MFP and corresponds to the selected device symbol. |
| US08826150B1 |
System and method for tagging images in a social network
A method for tagging images in a social network is provided. The method may include enabling a capture of an image associated with an online group discussion. The method may further include allowing an automatic tagging of the image associated with the online group discussion, the image including a visual representation of a first participant of the online group discussion. The method may also include providing the first participant with an option to indicate whether to approve distribution of the tagged image. The method may also include receiving an indication from the first participant whether to approve the distribution of the tagged image. When the indication from the first participant whether to approve the distribution of the tagged image indicates approval of the distribution, the method may further include distributing the tagged image, based at least in part on the indication of approval of distribution of the tagged image. |
| US08826147B2 |
System and methodology for collaboration, with selective display of user input annotations among member computing appliances of a group/team
A system and methodology for collaboration. The illustrated system is comprised of a plurality of computing appliances, each respective one of the plurality of computing appliances, having a user input apparatus to provide respective annotation data as input for the respective user to permit the respective user to provide annotations which appear within a display presentation as an image for viewing and representative of the annotations. A first subset of the plurality of computing appliances, comprising at least two of the computing appliances, form members of a group; wherein separate selective communication of the annotation data is provided separately among the members of the group. There is selective display of the annotation data to selected ones of the members of the group. The annotation data is selectively coupled for distribution to other ones of the plurality of computing appliances in the group for selective viewing at said certain other ones of the plurality of computing appliances. The system is further comprised of selection logic permitting at least one of the users' to selectively choose which of the other users within the group are selected ones that are to have their corresponding annotations viewed as part of the display presentation for the at least one of the users. The selective display is visible only at the computing appliances of the selected ones of the members of the group. |
| US08826145B1 |
Unified web and application framework
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving an indication that a first activity has occurred. The first activity is associated with a uniform resource identifier (URI) that specifies at least one web page. The method also includes identifying an application that is associated with the URI using a registry that associates particular URIs with particular applications, retrieving, using the identified application, content associated with the URI, displaying the content or information derived from the content in a first format that is not controlled by a second format specified by a markup language of the at least one web page. |
| US08826140B2 |
Communication device for accessing content-related information from a network
A communication device to access a network device storing content-related information is provided. The content-related information includes a title and location information of information content. The communication device includes a location information storage to store the location information, a content-related information obtaining system to obtain the content-related information from the network device, a content-related information storage to store the obtained content-related information, a multiple-display system having a plurality of display areas, a display control system to control the title to be displayed in a fixed line in each display area, a selection receiver system to receive a selection of the title of the information content displayed in the fixed line in one of the display areas, an identifying system to identify the location information corresponding to the selected title, and a location information output system to output the identified location information to a displayable device. |
| US08826137B2 |
Screen reader having concurrent communication of non-textual information
A screen reader software product for low-vision users, the software having a reader module collecting textual and non-textual display information generated by a web browser or word processor. Font styling, interface layout information and the like are communicated to the end user by sounds broadcast simultaneously rather than serially with the synthesized speech to improve the speed and efficiency in which information may be digested by the end user. |
| US08826136B2 |
System and method for enabling collaborative media stream editing
A system and method for editing multimedia content. A server transmits multimedia content to a plurality of electronic devices. Each of the plurality of electronic devices enables a user to perform at least one action in relation to the multimedia content. A voting engine gathers information concerning the actions performed by users in relation to the multimedia content transmitted to the electronic devices. In response to the information gathered by the voting engine, the multimedia content is modified based upon predefined criteria. The modified multimedia content is subsequently provided to later users. |
| US08826135B1 |
Media player social network integration
A media player user interface on behalf of a user associated with a user account is generated that has a social network module that includes music updates associated with other users to which the user is linked. Media player actions associated with the user occurring in the media player user interface are also captured, updates are generated and provided to social network modules in a media player user interface associated with other linked users. |
| US08826131B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program for generating content lists
An information processing apparatus includes: a content-list creating unit for selecting, on the basis of a predetermined subject, contents out of recorded program contents, information contents concerning receivable program contents, contents acquired from an outside, and contents stored in the information processing apparatus in advance to thereby create a content list; a content-list selecting unit for selecting out of plural content lists created by the content-list creating unit, on the basis of at least one of contents of the content lists and a situation during user operation, plural content lists to be displayed; and a display control unit for causing a predetermined display unit to display the plural content lists selected by the content-list selecting unit. |
| US08826126B1 |
Print preview with cloud printing
The embodiments provide a data processing system including a print dialog manager configured to provide a print dialog in response to receipt of a print request for content to be printed in accordance with at least one printing option from a user of an application associated with a device. The print dialog identifies at least one printer and provides the at least one printing option. The data processing system includes a print preview generator configured to generate a print preview providing the content displayed in accordance with the at least one printing option within the print dialog, and a user interface controller configured to receive a selection of the at least one printing option through the displayed content. The print preview generator is configured to change the displayed content of the print preview according to the selection of the at least one printing option received through the displayed content. |
| US08826125B2 |
System and method for providing news articles
A news reader is disclosed which selects the optimal articles for presentation to the user and which facilitates a sense of community among users. Upon receiving an article from a news provider, the news reader analyzes characteristics associated with the article. Amongst other things, the characteristics may indicate whether the article represents a breaking news story or whether the article includes advertisements. After analyzing the characteristics of the article, the news reader determines whether the article is to be designated a primary/presentable article and aggregates the article with other primary/presentable articles related to the same topic. |
| US08826123B2 |
Timescale for presenting information
A method for presenting information on a timeline is provided, the method comprising displaying the plurality of documents on the timeline using either a linear or a non-linear timescale. Documents presented along a linear timeline can switch to a non-linear timeline and vice-versa. The plurality of documents can be search results provided along the timeline representing a time attribute of each result. More than one timeline can be used to display documents, each timeline using a timescale that can be similar or dissimilar. An interface and a system for implementing the method is also provided. |
| US08826119B2 |
Management of a web site that includes dynamic protected data
A solution for managing a web site that includes dynamic protected data is provided. After receiving a request for a web page from a requesting system, the invention determines if the requesting system can be identified as a browser system. If not, then a public web page that does not include dynamic protected data is obtained. Otherwise, a redirect message that includes an alternative address for the web page can be provided, and a protected web page that includes the dynamic protected data can be obtained after authenticating a user. |
| US08826117B1 |
Web-based system for video editing
Disclosed are web-based systems and methods for editing digital videos. A graphical editing interface allows designating one or more videos to assemble into a video compilation. The graphical editing interface further allows specifying the portion of a constituent video of the video compilation that will be displayed when the video compilation is played. The graphical editing interface additionally allows the association of annotations—specifying, for example, slides, people, and highlights—with portions of the video. The associated annotations alter the appearance of the video compilation when it is played, such as by displaying slides, or text associated with the annotations, along with the video at times associated with the annotations. The associated annotations also enhance the interactivity of the video compilation, such as by allowing playback to begin at points of interest, such as portions of the video for which there is an associated annotation. The associated annotations can be created by selection of annotation tools of the graphical editing interface, where at least one of the annotation tools is created responsive to a user providing information associated with the tool. |
| US08826115B2 |
Automated creation and maintenance of programs to process internet form related submissions
According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which a form is received from an author. A parsing function is performed to extract attribute information with respect to various form elements contained in the form. A user interface is presented to the author to allow the author to configure a set of actions that are to be performed in processing the submissions of the form. |
| US08826113B2 |
Surface-surface graphical intersection tools and primitives for data visualization, tabular data, and advanced spreadsheets
Graphical tools and primitives are provided for interactively intersecting graphical surfaces in a spreadsheet or visualization to produce surface intersection data. The invention can be used for simple business analysis as well as advanced engineering and science, and provide numerical solution for simultaneous spatially-manipulated interactive equations.Visualizations of two-dimensional surfaces are rendered from provided data according to position, orientation, and viewpoint, some or all of which can be controlled by a user interface so as to create or control the intersection of surfaces. The provided data can be from an electronic spreadsheet, and the overall visualization can be displayed together with the display an electronic spreadsheet or other tabular data representation. Visually rendered surfaces can comprise symbols, colors, textures, or glyphs representing data, and virtual illumination. Intersection data corresponding to the mathematical intersection of the surfaces is computed and provided to further computation. Intersection computation can comprise interpolation and resampling. |
| US08826111B2 |
Receiving apparatus and method for display of separately controllable command objects,to create superimposed final scenes
A receiving apparatus and method for display of final superimposed scenes from a receiver adapted to receive shared object control information used for forming final superimposed scenes and display final superimposed scenes. The final superimposed scenes are formed by superimposing two or more shared scenes each comprising one or more shared objects. The shared object comprises user-selectable command objects that are separately controllable independent of the shared scenes. |