| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08876871B2 |
Transverse connector
A transverse connector system having a first and a second locking element. The present invention also provides transverse rod having opposing first and second ends, the first end being retained within a portion of the first locking element and the second end being retained within a portion of the second locking element. The first locking element is configured with a connector body for engaging and capturing an elongated rod and a transverse rod simultaneously. |
| US08876870B2 |
Intraspinal device deployed through percutaneous approach into subarachnoid or intradural space of vertebral canal to protect spinal cord from external compression
To shield the spinal cord from an external compression, a barrier device having a self-expanding frame and covered with a non-porous elastomeric sheet is routed through either the subarachnoid or intradural space to the site of the compression through the lumen of a delivery catheter that is percutaneously inserted using an introducer needle. When the distal end of the delivery catheter is proximate the site of the compression, the barrier device is pushed out the distal end of the catheter and allowed to self-expand so as to be interposed between the compression and the spinal cord to prevent impingement. |
| US08876866B2 |
Spinous process fusion devices and methods thereof
The present application discloses a device for positioning and immobilizing at least two adjacent vertebrae. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the spinous process fusion devices can distract and immobilize the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The spinous process fusion devices can include a rod, a first wing, and a second wing. The rod may include one or more ratchet receivers in the form of proturbances that interact with ratchets on the second wing. |
| US08876865B2 |
Self-retaining sutures with bi-directional retainers or uni-directional retainers
Provided herein are sutures for use in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. Some sutures include bi-directional retainers, each of which can be deployed in two directions, but once deployed in one direction, resist motion in the opposite direction. Other sutures include uni-directional retainers that are conical in shape, and include tissue engaging protrusions that extend from edges and/or angled walls of the conical retainers. |
| US08876862B2 |
Hemostatic device and its methods of use
A hemostatic device is provided for sealing a puncture of a vessel. The hemostatic device includes a locator device and an injection tube coupled to the locator device. The locator device includes a device valve that is actuatable to selectively restrict access to a portion of the locator device. The hemostatic device is advanced into the vessel until a first fluid is channeled through the locator device. The device valve is actuated to selectively restrict the first fluid from being channeled through the locator device. A second fluid is injected through the injection tube to facilitate sealing a puncture of the vessel. The hemostatic device is withdrawn from the vessel. |
| US08876859B2 |
Devices for performing blepharoplasty and methods of using the same
A blepharoplasty device includes a handle member, an elongate, curved first jaw member coupled to the handle member and having a first tissue contacting surface, and an elongate, curved second jaw member coupled to the handle member and having a second tissue contacting surface. The first and second jaw members are moveable relative to one another between a closed position and an open position to capture eyelid tissue and facilitate the cutting and subsequent reattachment of the eyelid tissue. |
| US08876857B2 |
End effector with redundant closing mechanisms
End effectors with redundant closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods are disclosed. The disclosed end effectors may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a tool body disposed at the distal end of the shaft, a jaw movable relative to the tool body between a clamped configuration and an open configuration, a first actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw and operable to vary the position of the jaw relative to the tool body between the clamped configuration and the open configuration, and a second actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw. The second actuation mechanism has a first configuration where the jaw is held in the clamped configuration and a second configuration where the position of the jaw relative to the tool body is unconstrained by the second actuation mechanism. |
| US08876854B2 |
Implant release mechanism
A delivery assembly (10) for an implant (30) includes a release mechanism with a locking element (52) and a blocking member (56). The locking element (52) includes a latching pin (14) that engages with an eyelet (54) in the implant (30) to attach the implant (30) to a distal end of an inner catheter (36). The blocking member (56) prevents premature disengagement of the latching pin (14) from the implant (30). Withdrawal of the blocking member (56) allows disengagement of the latching pin (14). The locking pin (52) and the blocking member (56) extend along the lumen of the inner catheter (36) from a handle (12) such that a guide wire (34) is also able to extend through the lumen of the inner catheter (36). The locking pin (52) and the blocking member (56) preferably have a crescent-shaped transverse cross section. The release mechanism allows retrieval of the implant (30). |
| US08876848B2 |
Dilator and elongate guide wire and method of using same
The combination of a) a dilator having: a tubular body with a length, an internal passage, and proximal and distal ends spaced in a lengthwise direction; and b) an elongate guide wire having a length and capable of being received in, and movable in a lengthwise direction within, the internal passage with the dilator and guide wire in operative relationship. The tubular body has a locally flexible length that allows a limited predetermined degree of bending of the tubular body at, or adjacent, the distal end of the tubular body to allow the dilator to conform to a curved guide wire shape. |
| US08876847B2 |
Hair punch
A punch for removing hair follicles from a donor site comprises a generally tubular body having a proximal end region terminating in a tissue-cutting edge, a distally-extending segment of reduced outer diameter—preferably a generally concave segment—terminating at its proximal end at or near the cutting edge and terminating at its distal end with a diameter substantially the same or greater than the diameter of the cutting edge. The punch further includes a follicle-receiving chamber defined by an inner wall extending distally from the proximal end of the punch. Preferably, at least a portion of the chamber lying within the external region of reduced diameter is generally converging in the distal direction. |
| US08876843B2 |
Apparatus for placing medical implants
An apparatus includes a carrier configured to be movably disposed within a channel defined by an elongate member. The carrier includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to be coupled to an actuator. The distal end portion includes a protrusion and an engagement surface. The protrusion has a tip configured to bodily pierce tissue. The protrusion is configured to be received within a lumen defined by a connecting portion of an implant, such as, for example, a pelvic floor implant, such that the tip extends through the lumen defined by the connecting portion of the implant. The engagement surface is configured to engage a portion of the connecting portion of the implant to limit movement of the connecting portion of the implant relative to the protrusion. |
| US08876840B2 |
Medical suturing tool with multiple puncture needles
A suture tool for fixing the gastric wall to the abdominal wall includes a first puncture needle for insertion, a suture thread, a second puncture needle for removing the suture thread, a linear grasping member and one or more anchor member. The tip end portion of the suture thread is inserted into the first puncture needle and a hook of the linear grasping member is inserted into the second puncture needle for removing the suture thread inserted into the first puncture needle for securing the gastric wall to the abdominal wall. |
| US08876839B2 |
Follicula unit removal tool with pivoting retention member and method of its use
Tools and methods are provided for removing follicular units from a body surface while improving retention of the follicular units in the removal tool. The removal tool is configured to accommodate a retention member. The retention member may comprise pivotally movable elements which retain the follicular unit in the removal tool. The described tools and methods are especially useful for harvesting follicular units from a body surface in a hair transplantation process. |
| US08876837B2 |
Method and apparatus for implanting a modular femoral hip
A method of implanting a prosthetic component is disclosed that includes attaching a guide rod to the prosthetic component, removably coupling the guide rod to a shaft extending from a handle, and positioning the prosthetic component in an anatomical feature. The method also includes impacting an impaction portion of the handle and uncoupling the guide rod from the shaft, leaving the guide rod attached to the prosthetic component. The method further includes positioning a reamer over the guide rod to create a reamed opening in the anatomical feature. |
| US08876835B2 |
Device for positioning an implant
Equipment for placing an implant comprising an instrument for gripping the implant comprising two portions able to adopt a position of holding the implant and an open position allowing gripping or release of the implant once the latter is implanted, and an element for locking the portions in the holding position, the locking element comprising an attachment device arranged to come into engagement with a complementary attachment device provided in a reception housing formed by the portions in the implant-holding position, the attachment device and the complementary attachment device forming a sliding connection. |
| US08876832B2 |
Ultrasonic handpiece
An ultrasonic handpiece is used for augmenting a bone screw. The handpieces comprise a housing, an ultrasonic converter shiftingly accommodated in the housing, and a sonotrode connected to one end of the ultrasonic converter. The sonotrode protrudes from the housing into the bone screw. An adjuster wheel is adjustably connected to the housing. A spring is provided the ends of which are supported by the ultrasonic converter and the adjuster wheel, respectively. The ultrasonic converter is preloaded in the direction away from the adjuster wheel by setting the adjuster wheel, thereby the sonotrode is urged with a selected force into the bone screw and the augmentation material is pressed out of the bone screw and into the bone. |
| US08876830B2 |
Virtual implant placement in the OR
A virtual implant placement method and system comprising models of implants and/or bones linked to tracking assemblies mounted onto the bones. A joint model is constructed intraoperatively based on the positions of the tracking assemblies to determine the positions of cut planes. |
| US08876828B2 |
Vertebral surface preparation instrument
An instrument for preparing a surface of a vertebra, such as a vertebral endplate, for receipt of a spinal disc implant. The instrument includes a working tool with implements on one or more surfaces of the working tool that act on the vertebral surface. The instrument includes a rotary-to-linear translation system to cause the working tool to move; for example, from side-to-side, top-to-bottom, or along a path that includes side-to-side and top-to-bottom aspects. The rotary-to-linear translation system may include a drive shaft having a cam pin at a distal end, and a cam follower slot at an anterior end of the working tool. |
| US08876825B2 |
Disposable cylindrical cutter
A single use bone cutter comprised of two concentric cylinders and a series of insert blades or cutter disc is described. The cutter blades or cutter disc is preferably positioned at the distal end of the cutter. The bone cutter also comprises a guide rod that aids in the line of sight when using the cutter device. |
| US08876821B2 |
Intramedullary nail, system, and method with dynamic compression
The present invention describes an intramedullary nail for use in orthopedic surgery for the fixation of bone fractures and fusion sites. The nail employs one or more internal loaded springs, biocompatible elastic or rubber bands, or other mechanism that provides continuous dynamic compression across the healing site throughout the healing process. By altering the size, tension and/or number of the internal compression devices, the amount of compression may be customized on a case-by-case basis. Further, the slots within the nail for its attachment can be utilized to create a torsional force when desired. The nail can have a cross-sectional shape that prevents its rotation. A system and method of use is also described. |
| US08876820B2 |
Surgical clamp
A surgical clamp including a pair of jaws, which may be used to ablate or create lesions in tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, the jaws are movable between an articulated position in which the jaws are separated and not parallel to one another, an opened position in which the jaws are separated and substantially parallel to one another, and a closed position in which the jaws are adjacent and substantially parallel to one another. |
| US08876818B2 |
Methods and systems for determining physiologic characteristics for treatment of the esophagus
A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure. |
| US08876816B2 |
Electrosurgical system and an electrode assembly for an electrosurgical system
In an electrosurgical system having a generator for generating radio frequency (RF) power and an electrosurgical instrument, the instrument includes a passive electrical identification component having a parameter of finite non-zero value identifying the instrument. The generator has a sensing circuit with a second electrical component, a signal source providing a voltage step-change, and a signal detector for detecting a transient response of the combination of the identification component and the second electrical component, the detector output signal being representative of the parameter value thereby allowing automatic identification of the instrument when it is connected to the generator. Also disclosed is an electrode assembly in which the identification component is associated with a digital device including a memory, the instrument having a pair of contacts interconnected by the identification component and serving to supply power from the generator to the digital device and/or convey data from a data output of the digital device. |
| US08876810B2 |
Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment method and device
A device and method are provided which achieve tissue ablation as well as tissue coagulation substantially simultaneously during the treatment of BPH by utilizing at least two wavelengths of light. The device and method improve urinary flow and minimize post-treatment blood loss and edema while maintaining a nearly blood-free operating field during treatment by irradiating substantially simultaneously with at least two different wavelengths of light. According to the present invention, tissue ablation is affected by having one wavelength that is highly absorbed in the prostatic tissue while another less highly absorbed wavelength coagulates surrounding tissues while maintaining minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissue. In a preferred embodiment the highly absorbed wavelength is about 1460 nm and the less absorbed by water but with some significant hemoglobin absorption is about 980 nm. This combination aids the patient by reducing blood loss and edema. It can aid the practitioner, especially where imaging is employed, by maintaining a substantially blood-free area during treatment. The present device and method is used in conjunction with optical fibers including side emitting optical fibers to provide a practical, minimally invasive treatment of enlarged prostates. |
| US08876807B2 |
Forced deployment sequence
A fixed sequence activation handle is described that forces a predetermined activation sequence. Such handles are suitable for use in the delivery of medical devices or for other application that require a fixed sequence of activations. |
| US08876806B2 |
Surgical instrument with articulating assembly
A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated member assembly extending from the housing. The elongated member has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is movably coupled to the first portion by a cable that facilitates the relative movement of the first portion and the second portion. |
| US08876805B2 |
Medical instrument
A transmission adapter for a medical instrument having a shaft, a transmission element that can move within the shaft and an operating device with a first part, which can be mechanically rigidly coupled with a proximal end of the shaft, and a second part, which can move with respect to the first part, includes a first coupling for releasable mechanical coupling with the second part of the operating device and a second coupling for releasable mechanical coupling with a proximal end of the transmission element. |
| US08876803B2 |
System for monitoring safety in medication delivery for diabetes management
An integrated diabetes management (IDM) system includes a safety layer which, in one configuration has two components, one located between a glucose sensor and a controller and a second component located between a controller and a pump, to monitor various aspects of signals and modify those signals for compatibility and safety purposes. In one application, the safety layer receives output control signals from a controller and modifies those control signals as a function of an actual amount of insulin delivered to the user. The safety layer allows for an increased level of safety in the IDM system and permits development of separate hardware and software upgrades with the safety layer assuring that compatibility between components will continue. |
| US08876802B2 |
Methods and devices for programmable delivery of microdoses of liquid drugs
Devices of this invention include replaceable cartridges for delivery of doses of fluids. Cartridges having a fluid supply reservoir comprising an expandable element are designed to be connected with non-disposable actuating module supplied with a sensor, a mechanism to apply a force to the fluid, thereby forcing a predetermined dose out of the reservoir, and a processor providing control outputs from a sensor system according to preprogrammed instructions. Methods of this invention include delivery of microdoses of fluids using devices of this invention. |
| US08876801B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for a dissolvable valve member
A valve assembly is provided which includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and defining a fluid channel and a central chamber. A dissolvable valve member is positioned to obstruct flow through the channel within the chamber. The dissolvable valve member is formed of a material which is dissolvable at a predetermined rate upon contact with a preselected fluid. The preselected fluid is selected from the group consisting of blood, urine, saline and antimicrobial solutions. The dissolvable valve member can be formed from a fluid soluble glass or a starch based material. |
| US08876800B2 |
Urological device
A urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure. |
| US08876798B2 |
Catheter adapter
A clam shell shaped adapter for retaining a catheter to establish a fluid path between the catheter and a fluid device or line has first and second shells integrally connected by a living hinge. The first shell has a luer end and a catheter end. A flexible tubing at an inner surface of the first shell connects the luer end to the catheter end. The catheter is inserted through the catheter end to extend along the flexible tubing. A retainer structure is provided at an inner surface of the second shell so that when the first and second shells close upon each other, the retainer structure presses against the flexible tubing to fixedly retain the catheter in a fluidly sealing manner. Respective latch mechanisms provided at the shells lockingly couple the first and second shells to each other. |
| US08876794B2 |
Methods for ameliorating pain and devices for delivering a medicament
A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement. |
| US08876791B2 |
Collateral pathway treatment using agent entrained by aspiration flow current
A method and system for increasing the flow resistance of collateral pathways in the lung by employing aspiration to establish an artificial convective flow current between compartments in the lung in order to entrain and deliver a clogging agent preferentially to the collateral pathways. The method may sometimes be performed after lung has been assessed for the presence of collateral pathways. |
| US08876790B2 |
Connector for containers containing a medicinal active substance
A connector according to the invention includes a first connection region for connecting a first container, a piercing element and a break-open element, wherein the piercing element has a first end section and a second end section and a channel, running from the first end section to the second end section, for transporting a medicinal active substance, wherein the first end section is formed for piercing a membrane of the first container connected in the first connection region, and, at the second end section, the break-open element is attached such that it can be broken open and/or broken off, wherein, in the attached state, the break-open element seals the channel of the piercing element in liquid tight fashion. |
| US08876789B1 |
Withdrawal catheter and method
A withdrawal catheter and method for removing a material from a specific area includes a first tubing positioned within a second tubing. The first and second tubing has a plurality of holes for withdrawal of the material, such as fluid and small particulates. The first and second tubing may have different wall thicknesses, and the holes may be positioned staggered and have different diameters. At least one of the first and second open ends of the first tubing is connected to a fastener, having a bore for passage of material therethrough. A third tubing is attachable to the fastener for providing a path for the flow of the material from the first and second tubing. The material is aspirated through the first tubing for withdrawing the material. The second tubing substantially prevents larger pieces of material from contacting the first tubing and clogging the holes of the first tubing. |
| US08876786B2 |
Flow control device for medical liquid
A flow control device for medical liquid including a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a channel formed in an inner surface of the housing, the channel extending at least partly in axial direction; a rotatable member rotatable in relation to the housing without being axially displaced, the rotatable member having at least two apertures; and a core member arranged inside the rotatable member, fixedly connected to the rotatable member. A helical flow path is formed between the lateral surface of the core member and the inner surface of the rotatable member, the at least two apertures of the rotatable member being in communication with said helical flow path, and wherein each of the apertures debouches into the channel in at least one rotational position of the rotatable member. |
| US08876782B2 |
Drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices
The present disclosure is directed to a dose setting mechanism that may be used with a drug delivery device. The dose setting mechanism may include an inner body having a helical thread along an outer cylindrical surface of the inner body, and a drive sleeve for driving a piston rod in an axial direction, the drive sleeve positioned within at least a portion of the inner body. The dose setting mechanism may further include a dose dial sleeve rotatably engaged with the helical thread of the inner body and a dial grip connected to the dose dial sleeve and releasably connected to the drive sleeve. Further when a dose is set, the dial grip is rotated so that both the dose dial sleeve and the drive sleeve rotate with respect to the inner body. |
| US08876781B2 |
Safety pen needle device
The present invention relates to a safety pen needle device comprising a first needle shield (60) and a second back-end needle shield (90). During the injection the first needle shield (60) is moved to en retracted position this movement causes a actuation sleeve (31) to rotate. Said rotation causes a holding member (96, 98) provided on the second needle shield (90) to be released. When the first needle shield (60) is moved from the retracted position to a extended position the actuation sleeve (31) is rotated further so that a first guide member (74) on the first needle shield (60) abuts a first stop member (34) arranged on said actuation sleeve (31). After an performed injection both shields are moved to extended positions by the rotation of an actuation sleeve (31). After the injection the shield are locked it their extended position. |
| US08876779B2 |
Auto injector with changing anchor locations for a mechanical driver
The present invention relates to a disposable auto injector that can be safely operated for automatic injection of a dose of medication and having a housing for accommodation of a syringe with a needle, the syringe being movably positioned in the housing between a first position in which position the needle is accommodated inside the housing and a second position in which position the needle protrudes outside the housing, a mechanical driver anchored to the housing at a first anchor location for applying a force to the syringe thereby moving the syringe from the first position to the second position, and wherein the mechanical driver is also configured for applying a force to the syringe by anchoring the mechanical driver to a different second anchor location. |
| US08876778B2 |
Injection device with retaining means actuated by needle shield
A device is presented for injection of a product into an injection site, comprising: a container provided with a needle, a housing receiving the container, and a needle shield releasably coupled with the container. The device also includes a retaining arrangement provided at or near the distal end of the device, designed for preventing the container from moving distally with respect to the housing until the needle shield is removed from the container. |
| US08876777B2 |
Safe needle methods, apparatus, and systems
A bandage can be used to secure a needle to an access site so as to prevent unintended movement or withdrawal of the needle from the access site during administration of a treatment to a patient. After treatment, the needle can be removed by manipulating a portion of the bandage. Another portion of the bandage can be maintained in position over the access site during needle removal and can be used to promote clotting of the site after needle removal. The bandage may include a clotting agent, a hemostasis pad, and/or a clot-promoting structure. Additionally or alternatively, finger pressure can be applied to the access site through the bandage. For example, the bandage may include a viewing window without any adhesive to allow visual monitoring of the access site during treatment. Finger pressure may be applied to the viewing window and thereby to the access site during and after needle removal to encourage hemostasis. |
| US08876776B2 |
Engagement catheter systems and devices and methods of using the same
An engagement catheter for use with a vacuum source for engaging a tissue. An embodiment of the engagement catheter includes a first lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a skirt operatively connected to the distal end, the skirt having a distal end with a circumference larger than the outer circumference of the engagement catheter, a suction port located at or near the distal end of the engagement catheter, the suction port configured to allow the distal end of the skirt to removably engage a surface of a bodily tissue, and a vacuum port located at the proximal end of the engagement catheter and capable of operative connection to a vacuum source, wherein when a vacuum source is operatively attached to the vacuum port, the skirt is capable of forming a reversible seal with the surface of the bodily tissue. |
| US08876775B2 |
Needle safety cap
A safety cap for use with a needle, the cap including an opening in the cap adapted to receive a needle therein, a releasable lock mechanism disposed within the opening, and a permanent lock mechanism disposed within the opening. The safety cap may be provided on a needle, the releasable locking mechanism being actuated to release the needle from the cap. After use, the needle may be reinserted into the safety cap and permanently locked therein by the permanent locking mechanism, thereby providing for safe disposal of the used needle. |
| US08876773B2 |
Indwelling needle assembly
An indwelling needle assembly includes a hollow outer needle, an outer needle hub fixed to a proximal portion of the outer needle, and an inner needle inserted in the outer needle. An inner needle hub is fixed to a proximal portion of the inner needle. A pressing member is connected to the outer needle hub, wherein the pressing member presses a portion of the outer needle between a proximal end and a distal end during a puncturing operation. The needlepoint of the inner needle and a distal portion of the outer needle, while in an assembled state, puncture a blood vessel in a process of placing the outer needle indwelling in a blood vessel. |
| US08876770B2 |
Cartridge adapter for use in an infusion system
Infusion systems for pumping fluid into a body of a user, and methods for providing infusion systems, are disclosed. The infusion systems include an infusion pump, wherein the infusion pump comprises an infusion pump housing including a cavity. A fluid storage is removably inserted into the cavity of the infusion pump housing wherein, the fluid storage comprises a cartridge and an adapter connected to the cartridge such that the adapter encases the cartridge, and an infusion set is removably connected to the fluid storage. |
| US08876765B2 |
Pump module for use in a medical fluid dispensing system
A pump module for use in a medical fluid dispensing system is provided that includes a pump body and first and second pump chambers formed in the pump body. The module further includes a pair of chamber inlets and chamber outlets formed in the pump body, each associated with one of the pump chambers. Each of the pump chambers further includes a first portion having a generally spherical segment shape and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a generally conical shape, with the first and second portions in fluid communication with the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet. The second, conically shaped portion converges to the chamber outlet. |
| US08876764B2 |
Intradermal pen adapter
An intradermal injection adapter includes a body having a longitudinal axis and a central portion located distally relative to the body along the longitudinal axis. The central portion has a cannula channel therethrough extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cannula within the cannula channel has a sharpened tip for injection into a patient and a sharpened opposite proximal end for injection into a pen injector. A distal protrusion has a first skin contacting surface extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first skin contacting surface is spaced from the cannula such that a distal portion of the cannula extends generally parallel to the first skin contacting surface. |
| US08876761B2 |
Intestinal brake inducing intraluminal therapeutic substance eluting devices and methods
Methods and devices create an intestinal braking effect, are non-invasive or minimally invasive, and may be reversible. These methods and devices are accomplished via stabilized implantable systems and ingestible pills. In one embodiment, a method of producing satiety comprising the steps of accessing a gastrointestinal tract of a patient and implanting an intraintestinal therapeutic substance eluting implant. The implant is capable of eluting a satiety inducing substance selected from at least one of a nutrient, a specific satiety inducing bio-active substance, pancreatic polypeptides, free fatty acids, cholecystokinin, amino acids, glutamine, lipids, linoleic acid, or a combination thereof, from the implant into the gastrointestinal tract. |
| US08876758B2 |
Viscous formulations and their use in needle-free injection
Formulations are described that are viscous and will benefit from needle-free delivery at high driving pressures. Conventional delivery of these viscous formulations by hypodermic syringes is inconvenient as well as painful. Formulations include those which have a viscosity of about 5 cS or more at about 20° C. and which can have 0.5 ml or more administered by a needle-free injector in about 0.1 second±0.02 seconds. |
| US08876755B2 |
Closed loop control system interface and methods
Method and apparatus including calling, retrieving and/or initiating a programmed function in conjunction with execution of one or more commands related to a closed loop control algorithm, receiving one or more data in response to the one or more commands over a data interface, and executing the one or more commands related to the closed loop control algorithm based on the received one or more data are provided. |
| US08876753B2 |
Peritoneal dialysis methods and apparatus
A peritoneal-based artificial kidney processes peritoneal fluid without need for additional fluids. Spent dialysate is separated into a protein-rich stream and a protein-free stream. The protein-rich stream is regenerated using a sorbent assembly, and its protein composition can be modified by removal of selected protein(s). Alternatively, the spent dialysate is first processed in a sorbent assembly and then separated into the protein-rich and protein-free streams. Immobilization of urease allows more protein rich fluid to be regenerated and re-circulated into the peritoneal cavity for toxin removal and allows practicable development of portable and wearable artificial kidneys. |
| US08876752B2 |
Dialysis catheter
A dialysis catheter is provided which makes it possible to improve patency without reducing the ease of insertion, while also making it possible to effectively suppress the “clinging phenomenon”. The dialysis catheter has a first portion provided with a thickened part which increases the thickness of the peripheral wall of a blood feed lumen on the blood removal lumen side thereof, and the cross-sectional area of the first portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a second portion. |
| US08876751B2 |
Phacoemulsification handpiece pressure booster
In various embodiments, a handpiece may include an irrigation line coupled to an adjacent line reservoir with a piston configured to move within the adjacent line reservoir to increase an irrigation pressure in the irrigation line near a surgical site. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used to detect an occlusion break in the aspiration line and information from the sensor may result in signaling an actuator to move the piston in response to the occlusion break detection to compensate for a vacuum pressure drop associated with the occlusion break. The handpiece may further include a purge bypass line between the irrigation line and the adjacent line reservoir to allow flow from the irrigation line to travel through the adjacent line reservoir to purge the adjacent line reservoir. |
| US08876750B2 |
Coaxial tubing system for phacoemulsification handpieces
An irrigation and aspiration tubing system for use with surgical handpieces and irrigation fluid supplies has a first flexible irrigation tube for transporting irrigation fluid to the handpiece and a second flexible aspiration tube disposed within the first tube. The inner diameter of the first tube is selected to provide a cross-sectional area available for fluid flow in excess of the cross-sectional area of a standard surgical irrigation tubes. The system also includes at least one adaptor to allow the tubing to be attached to known surgical handpieces. Preferably, a second adaptor is also provided allowing attachment to sources of irrigating fluid and aspiration vacuum. The system finds particular utility with phacoemulsification instruments used for opththalmic surgery. |
| US08876748B2 |
Cover for gas mist pressure bath
A cover for gas mist pressure bath includes a living-body cover member having an extension part extending from substantially center part of the living-body cover member, an adhesive part adhering the cover member to the skin and the mucous membrane of the living-body, a gas mist supply port for introducing the gas mist into the cover member for gas mist pressure bath, an outlet for exhausting air, the gas mist or the mixed gas sealed in the cover member for the gas mist pressure bath and controlling amounts of the gas, a fixing member fixing the cover member on the living-body, including a pair of belts extending from an edge of the adhesive part and a pair of belt stoppers adjusting the pair of belts, and a constricting ring pressurizing an inside of the living-body cover member to carry out pressurization. |
| US08876743B2 |
Conformable material for an orthotic device and method of making same
A conformable material for an orthotic device including a plurality of fibers each including a plurality of filaments encapsulated by a first thermoplastic material. A second thermoplastic material is configured to bind the plurality of fibers and form the conformable material. |
| US08876742B2 |
Measurement of a compression parameter for CPR on a surface
A device for the determination of at least one compression parameter during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient. The device includes a compression unit adapted to move in accordance with the chest of the patient and a surface unit adapted to move in accordance with a surface supporting the patient. The compression unit has one of a signal component and a reference component, the surface unit has the other of the signal component and the reference component. The device also includes a processor configured to determine a relative measurement between the compression unit and the surface unit using data derived from the signal component and the reference component. The processor is further configured to determine the at least one compression parameter based on the relative measurement. The determined at least one compression parameter takes into account any motion and/or displacement of the surface. |
| US08876739B2 |
System for clinical assessment of movement disorders
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system for clinical assessment of movement disorders (iTUG) is comprised of a) a protocol to assess gait, balance, and mobility; b) a plurality of wearable sensors including accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, optical sensors, and goniometers to record kinematics data obtained from a patient during said protocol; c) means for wirelessly transmitting said kinematics data to a storage and data processing server; and d) a plurality of statistical and biomedical signal processing methods to analyze said kinematic data and derive a plurality of metrics (outcomes) to objectively quantify movement disorders. A specially important outcome for the assessment of movement disorders is described, namely, the quantification of the onset and offset parameters during turning. A method for quantification of said onset and offset turning parameters involves 1) collecting data to measure the angle of the trunk during turning, 2) modeling said angle using a mathematical model, and 3) using numerical optimization and estimation methods for fitting the model in the data to determine said onset and offset turning parameters. |
| US08876738B1 |
Human activity monitoring device
A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes monitoring accelerations from an inertial sensor integrated into a garment. The accelerations are processed to determine one or more acceleration statistics, and transmit the acceleration statistics. |
| US08876735B2 |
Apparatus and methods for identifying a tissue inside a living body
The present invention provides an apparatus for performing a measurement inside a living body. The apparatus includes a first sensing element, a manipulating device and an analyzing device. The first sensing element performs the measurement. The manipulating device is coupled to the first sensing element, and manipulates the first sensing element. The analyzing device is for analyzing the measurement. |
| US08876732B2 |
Sample taking device, and sample taking methods
Sampling device for obtaining a sample of an analyte, comprising a feed line (30) and a discharge line (40) as well as an analyte feed chamber (13) in fluidic connection between the feed line and the discharge line, the analyte feed chamber having an opening (14) which is provided with an analyte-permeable membrane (15) to allow the analyte to pass through from a region outside the analyte feed chamber into the analyte feed chamber, the surface area of the opening of the analyte feed chamber being at most 400 times the minimum cross-sectional surface area of the discharge line, more preferably at most 100 times and most preferably 50 to 80 times the minimum cross-sectional surface area of the discharge line. This device will reduce the dead time between the passage of the analyte through the membrane and the detection of said analyte at the sensor. |
| US08876730B2 |
Diagnostic or treatment tool for colonoscopy
Apparatus (20) is provided for use in a gastrointestinal tract (40) of a patient, including an inflatable device (22) configured to be moved through the gastrointestinal tract (40) to a treatment site in response to a difference between fluid pressure proximal to the inflatable device (22) and fluid pressure distal to the inflatable device (22). An optical system (24) coupled to the inflatable device (22) configured to image the gastrointestinal tract (40). A working channel (32) coupled to the inflatable device (22) and shaped to define a channel lumen therein to provide access from outside of the patient to the treatment site. A tool (34) configured to be passed through the channel lumen and to emerge from a distal end of the working channel (32). The tool (34) comprises a tool steering mechanism (44) to facilitate steering of the tool (34) from outside of the patient. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08876727B2 |
Phrenic nerve stimulation detection using heart sounds
A method and system of detecting phrenic nerve stimulation in a patient that includes detecting an activation event, obtaining a heart sound signal of a patient from an implanted heart sound sensor, determining that an electrical stimulation has been applied to the patient, in response to detecting the activation event, monitoring a portion of the heart sound signal, the portion defined by a predetermined window after the application of the electrical stimulation, and determining whether phrenic nerve stimulation occurred based on the portion of the heart sound signal. |
| US08876726B2 |
Prevention of incorrect catheter rotation
A method includes providing an elongated probe having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, and capable of rotation of the distal end about the longitudinal axis in mutually opposite first and second directions. While an operator manipulates the probe within a body of a patient, the rotation that is applied to the distal end is sensed automatically. An alert is issued to the operator upon sensing that the rotation is in the second direction, but not when the sensed rotation is in the first direction. |
| US08876723B2 |
System and method for navigating an ultrasound catheter to image a beating heart
Catheter navigation is coupled with ultrasound imaging to yield a context map showing the location on a heart of the ultrasonically imaged frame. |
| US08876721B2 |
Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprises: an ultrasound probe that has a transducer array transmitting an ultrasonic beam toward a subject and receiving an ultrasonic echo by the subject to output reception signals; a diagnostic apparatus body that is connected to the ultrasound probe by wireless communication and generates an ultrasound image on the basis of the reception signal output from the transducer array; at least one power receiving terminal that is arranged at the ultrasound probe and electrically connected to respective parts in the ultrasound probe; and a power supply unit that is capable of being attached to an operator's body and is detachably connected to the power receiving terminal so as to perform power supply to the respective parts in the ultrasound probe. |
| US08876720B2 |
Peripheral ultrasound device providing pivotal adjustment of an imaging mechanism about two axes
A device for acquiring ultrasound-generated data from a patient including a securing system and a probe configured for connection to the securing system, the probe including a base having an interfacing surface, an imaging mechanism adjustable relative to the base and configured to send and receive ultrasound signals along an imaging direction, and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the imaging mechanism relative to the base thereby adjusting the imaging direction. |
| US08876719B2 |
Systems and methods for beam enhancement
Beam enhancement through sidelobe reduction and/or mainlobe sharpening is shown. Embodiments utilize dynamic resolution, improved dynamic resolution, and/or enhanced dynamic resolution techniques to synthesize beams, such as ultrasonic beams used in ultrasonic imaging, having desired attributes. Embodiments simultaneously form a first sample beam and a second or auxiliary sample beam for every sample to synthesize enhanced scan beams. According to a dynamic resolution techniques herein a new beam may be formed from the sum of the two sample beams. A synthesized dynamic resolution beam of embodiments has reduced sidelobes with relatively little or no spread of the mainlobe. An enhanced dynamic resolution beam sharpening function can be applied to provide a further enhanced beam, such as to further narrow the mainlobe. |
| US08876718B2 |
Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and ultrasound image generating method
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound transducer unit having inorganic piezoelectric elements arranged in layer form and organic piezoelectric elements arranged in layer form, the inorganic piezoelectric elements and the organic piezoelectric elements being stacked on each other with a first acoustic matching layer provided therebetween, a transmission circuit for transmitting ultrasound from the inorganic piezoelectric elements through the organic piezoelectric elements serving as a second acoustic matching layer, a reception circuit for using the organic piezoelectric elements as non-resonant reception devices to receive an ultrasonic echo and thereby obtain reception signals and processing the reception signals so as to generate sample data, and an image generating unit for generating an ultrasound image based on the sample data generated by the reception circuit. |
| US08876716B2 |
Method of characterizing breast tissue using muliple ultrasound renderings
A method for characterizing tissue of a patient, including receiving acoustic data derived from the interaction between the tissue and the acoustic waves irradiating the tissue; generating a morphology rendering of the tissue from the acoustic data, in which the rendering represents at least one biomechanical property of the tissue; determining a prognostic parameter for a region of interest in the rendering, in which the prognostic parameter incorporates the biomechanical property; and analyzing the prognostic parameter to characterize the region of interest. In some embodiment, the method further includes introducing a contrast agent into the tissue; generating a set of enhanced morphology renderings of the tissue after introducing the contrast agent; determining an enhanced prognostic parameter from the enhanced morphology renderings; and analyzing the enhanced prognostic parameter. |
| US08876715B2 |
Method and system for correcting ultrasound data
A method for correcting ultrasound data includes acquiring ultrasound data using an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements associated with a plurality of channels that include conductive pathways and communicating the ultrasound data as received ultrasound signals along the conductive pathways of the channels. The method further includes determining a crosstalk signal that is generated in one or more of the channels by at least one of communication of the received ultrasound signals along the channels or vibration of one or more of the transducer elements. In one aspect, the method also includes modifying one or more subsequently acquired ultrasound signals that are communicated along the channels based on the crosstalk signal. |
| US08876713B2 |
Retractor with integrated light source
A surgical retractor that comprises an integrated light source for creating a working space for the access of dissecting instruments employed during an open surgical procedure is described. The retractor is of the type that comprises two elongated arms mechanically connected by a pivot that allows the retractor to move between a closed and an open configuration. The described retractors further comprise adjustable paddle assemblies located at the distal end of the elongated arms and a unique locking mechanism that allows for the relative separation of the paddle assemblies to be set at any position between the closed and open configuration of the retractor. The design of the retractor provides them with increased functionality while allowing them to be cost effectively produced so that they can simply be disposed of after use. |
| US08876711B2 |
Vaginal dilator having upper or lower accessorial blades or side blades
A vaginal dilator having side blades or having upper and lower blades including accessorial blades is described. The vaginal dilator includes an upper blade, a pressing member, a lower blade and a handle. The upper and lower blades are connected by a pin. The pressing member is engaged with the handle by a first dilating fixation device. The vaginal dilator having side blades includes an arc-shaped movable locating sleeve rotationally connected with the upper blade. Each end of the sleeve is provided with a mounting base. The mounting base is provided with a joint cavity for receiving a side blade which can be retracted between the upper and lower blades. The back portion of the side blade is provided with a second dilating fixation device engaged with the back end of the upper blade or a locating buckle of the mounting base. |
| US08876708B1 |
Laparoscopic port assembly
Various embodiments of a laparoscopic trocar assembly are disclosed. The port assemblies include inserted parts that protect the patient's tissues at the point of deployment. The port assemblies include seals for maintaining pneumoperitoneum both when instrument are being used and when instruments are not inserted. |
| US08876707B2 |
Hand-held ear vacuum with camera and video display
An ear speculum that includes a body having an ear-contacting tip with an opening; a light providing member; a viewing member; and a vacuum intake port, wherein the members and intake port are provided within the ear speculum with the vacuum intake port occupying a larger portion of the of the cross-sectional area of the ear speculum opening than the light providing or viewing members to facilitate removal of material from an ear canal. Also, an otoscope that includes a head; an ear speculum as described herein in operative association with the head; an image detector in image communication with the viewing member; a suction source in vacuum communication with the vacuum intake port; and a light source in illumination communication with the light providing member. Also, a system and method for removing material or debris from an ear canal using the otoscope described herein. |
| US08876706B2 |
Endoscopic apparatus
According to an aspect of the invention, an endoscopic apparatus outputs illuminating light from a tip of an endoscope inserting module to a subject and detects a reflected light from the subject to obtain an image signal of the subject. The endoscopic apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source, a target light intensity setting module, a light intensity ratio setting module, an information storing module, an amplitude value setting module, a driving signal generating module, a signal supplying module. |
| US08876704B2 |
Medical device
Apparatuses of the type broadly applicable to numerous medical applications in which it is desirable to insert one or more steerable or non-steerable catheters or similar devices into a working channel of an associated device, such as an endoscope, catheter, etc., or passageway of a patient, are disclosed. The apparatuses may include catheters having a dedicated guide wire channel and one or more of the following: viewing capabilities, a working channel, and auxiliary channels, such as insufflation/irrigation channels. The catheters may include a guide wire channel that is configured to provide the catheter or other device with rapid exchange capabilities. |
| US08876701B2 |
Medical systems, devices and methods for endoscopically suturing perforations
Medical systems, devices and methods are disclosed for suturing a perforation in tissue, that may be employed endoscopically and/or laparoscopically, and that offer simple, reliable and controllable placement of suture around a perforation for complete closure thereof. One embodiment of the medical system generally includes an endoscope, an endcap, a needle, a suture, and first and second grip systems configured for relative translation to selectively pass the needle between the first and second grip systems. |
| US08876698B2 |
Pressing member, endoscopic treatment system, and endoscopic suturing device
An endoscopic treatment system 1 of the present invention includes an overtube 2 that is inserted into the body of a patient. An endoscope 7 and a suturing device 8 are inserted into the overtube 2. The overtube 2 has a long and flexible tube main body 3, and a chamber 4 is provided at the distal end of the tube main body 3. The chamber 4 has a lateral hole 10 formed on the lateral surface thereof. The width of the lateral hole 10 is set such that a lesion can be drawn into the lateral hole 10 while preventing other organs on the periphery of the lesion from being drawn into the lateral hole 10. |
| US08876696B2 |
Device, system and method for improving erectile functions in males
A device, system and method for improving sexual erectile functions in males that includes an electromyography (EMG) sensor, which is set up in the perineum area over the bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles. A cable connects the EMG sensor to an amplifier, the output of which is connected to an analog-to-digital converter. The converter transforms the EMG signal into a form that is accepted by a computer or a smartphone, which contains software that is able to display the EMG signal in a visual-auditory form that can be accepted by the sensory organs of a user. The training of the perineum muscles restricts the blood outflow from the cavernous bodies of a penis and reinforcement of erectile function. |
| US08876694B2 |
Tube connector with a guiding tip
Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to utilizing a guiding tip to connect two open ends of respective tubes of a gastric banding system. More particularly, one of these tubes may include a barbed element at or near the point of connection which makes it difficult to connect the two tubes as the barbed element may be larger than an opening to receive the barbed element. The guiding tip provides a solution to this problem by acting as an interface between the barbed element and the receiving tube. In this manner, the sealing functionality of the barbed element may be retained while improving the ease of inserting the barbed element into the receiving tube. |
| US08876692B2 |
Method and device for preserving the vitality and function of a harvested blood vessel
Blood vessel preservation technology is disclosed wherein harvested blood vessels are attached to stationary attachment fixtures at one end, and to a non-stationary (freely extending) fixture at the other end. The vessel and fixtures are placed within a container. Thereafter, a stream of pulsatile blood is directed through the fixtures and the lumen of the vessel causing the vessel to assume full natural length and aligning the vessel with the container. The pulsatile blood then completely bathes the outside surface of the vessel before being re-circulated. The methods disclosed include those wherein the patient's own circulatory system is part of the circulatory path flowing through the vessel and methods in which the circulatory path is outside and apart from the patient. A pulsatile pump, blood heater and pressure regulator may all be utilized in preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods and devices. |
| US08876688B2 |
Combination treatment modification methods and systems
Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting at least one indication of bioactive agent use by an individual and/or modifying an artificial sensory experience to alter at least one effect of the bioactive agent. |
| US08876687B2 |
Surgical retractor and retractor assembly
Retractor for insertion in an incision of a patient includes a frame defining a central opening and a reference plane, and at least one blade disposed within the central opening. The blade operatively coupled to the frame by a support structure for movement in a first direction generally laterally with the reference plane between an unretracted position and a retracted position, a second direction at an angle extending through and relative to the reference plane for adjustment of the blade depth, and a third direction rotationally relative to the reference plane. Additionally, the frame includes a track in mating relationship with the support structure for sliding movement therebetween in a defined relationship relative to the reference plane. Retractor assembly includes the retractor as previously described, in combination with an adjustment tool or an insertion tool. |
| US08876686B2 |
Control of blood flow assist systems
In one aspect, an implantable pump system for assisting blood flow in a patient includes a blood flow path comprising a flexible conduit, at least one valve in fluid connection with the flexible conduit, a drive system in operative connection with the valve to move the valve in a reciprocating manner, an implantable control system and at least one sensor in communicative connection with the control system. The sensor is adapted to measure at least one property of blood. The control system is adapted to control movement of the valve on the basis of data regarding position of the valve with respect to time or a derivative thereof (that is, position, velocity, acceleration or a derivative thereof) in combination with data of the measured at least one property of blood from the sensor. |
| US08876685B2 |
Blood pump with an ultrasound transducer
A blood pump including an ultrasonic sensor mounted in or on a blood contacting surface of the blood pump. The ultrasonic sensor measures blood velocity and reports information to a blood pump controller. The ultrasonic sensor is directed to measure blood velocity in an inflow cannula connected to the blood pump. |
| US08876682B2 |
Folding device
A folding device (100) for folding a paper web (102) in the longitudinal direction includes a first rolling device (104) adapted to receiving the paper web from a supplying device (110). A fold-creating means (106) is adapted to create at least one fold along the paper web. A fold-pressing means (108) is adapted to press together portions of the paper web which are separated by the fold. A second rolling device (109) is adapted to receive and guide the folded paper web out from the folding device to a receiving device (112). At least a first and a second motor (114, 116) are connected to a control unit and are adapted to drive the paper web through the folding device and to maintain a predetermined tension in the paper web. |
| US08876676B2 |
Portable fitness chair
A portable exercise chair that includes a chair frame, a chair seat and a resistance system. The resistance system includes first and second resistance arrangements. Each of the resistance arrangements includes first and second resistance hubs and a stretchable resistance member. The resistance hubs on the first and second resistance arrangements are releasably and swivelly connected to the chair frame. The resistance system is designed to enable a user to perform a variety of exercises. The portable exercise chair can include a retractable foot plate. |
| US08876675B2 |
Method and apparatus for knee strengthening
An exercise device and method of use is provided. The exercise device includes an elongated elastic element having a first end and a second end. The elongated elastic element is stretchable along its length. The exercise device further includes a pulley system comprising a pulley having a channel along its outer circumference through which the elongated elastic element runs. An engagement mechanism removably anchors the pulley to a fixed point while allowing the pulley to rotate as the elongated elastic element passes through the channel. |
| US08876674B2 |
Selectable weight stack
A weight stack for an exercise machine may include one or more primary and secondary load elements that are selectively joined to a weight carriage. The load elements may be supported from below by one or more support beams and positioned at spaced apart locations on the support beam when the weight carriage is located at its rest position or when the load elements are not joined to the weight carriage during an exercise. The load elements may include engagement surfaces that engage the beam either directly by contacting the beam or indirectly via a divider structure positioned between the load elements and the beam. For some load elements, the engagement surfaces define a portion of a slot in the load element. The exercise machine may further include a single guide pole that constrains the weight carriage to move substantially linearly and vertically relative to the exercise machine's support frame. |
| US08876672B2 |
Method and apparatus for exercise device
An apparatus including a rigid frame structure, a first device for holding a first end of a first weightlifting bar, and a second device for holding a second end of a first weightlifting bar, opposite the first end of the weightlifting bar, is provided. The first device may include a first flexible device and a first retainer device. The second device may include a second flexible device and a second retainer device. The first and second flexible devices can be removably attached to the rigid frame structure. The apparatus provides a safe structure for working out with free weights. |
| US08876669B2 |
Exercise cycle with planetary gear system and rolling recoiled lateral motion system
A planetary gear system in an exercise machine featuring a flywheel; an axle shaft positioned through the center of the flywheel, a sun gear disposed on the axle shaft and fixedly attached to the flywheel, a housing disposed on the axle shaft, a planet carrier fixedly attached to the axle shaft and disposed in the housing, and a ring gear fixedly attached in the housing. One or more planet gear wheels are rotatably attached to the planet carrier. The planet gear wheels can rotate independently of the planet carrier. Rotation of the axle shaft in a first direction rotates the planet carrier in the first direction, thereby causing the planet gear wheel to rotate in a second direction within the ring gear. Rotation of the planet gear wheel in the second direction causes the sun gear and the flywheel to together rotate in the first direction. |
| US08876668B2 |
Exercise device with magnetic braking system
A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force. |
| US08876659B2 |
Engine start control device
An engine start control device includes a mechanical pump supplying hydraulic pressure; an electric pump connected in parallel to the mechanical pump and independently driven; a device for stopping the engine when an idling stop condition is satisfied and starting the engine when a restart condition and a fuel injection condition are satisfied; a device for driving the electric pump when the hydraulic pressure is less than a first hydraulic pressure when the engine is stopped by idling stop; and a device for driving a motor at a target speed and for performing control so that the change in the target speed is small compared with the change exhibited when the hydraulic pressure is equal or higher than a second hydraulic pressure, when the hydraulic pressure is less than the second hydraulic pressure, and the restart condition is satisfied after the idling stop. |
| US08876658B2 |
Control apparatus for preventing rolling back of an electrically driven vehicle upon start-up thereof
In an electrically driven vehicle propelled by an electric machine (motor)equipped with a collaborative braking system of regenerative and frictional braking capacities, in order to achieve the “rollback prevention” at starting on an sloping road, when the regenerative braking is not available due to charging restriction to battery, frictional braking is used instead of regenerative braking and wheels are (automatically, i.e. not manually by driver) braked with friction to prevent the rollback. Moreover, in addition to braking wheels by frictional braking, further control is performed to adjust and match the magnitude of frictional braking force to a braking force in accordance with the starting operation. Thus, at the time of rollback prevention by the frictional braking as well, the similar prevention of rollback will be possible as the prevention by way of regenerative braking such that the effect of rollback prevention may be achieved without a feel of discomfort. |
| US08876657B1 |
Automatic gear bike
The automatic gear bike includes a control system for selectively operating in an automatic mode, providing power to the bike or a manual mode. The control system includes a control assembly, a motor assembly operatively in communication with the control assembly, and a gear assembly in operative engagement with the motor assembly. The gear assembly includes a ration gear, a hub, and hub embedded gear. The ration gear is operatively connected to the beam gear, and the hub embedded gear is connected to the hub. The controller receives detects the real-time bike speed, and compares the bike speed to a pre-selected bike speed. Based on the comparison the controller sends a signal to the motor assembly to selectively transfer power to the beam gear and operatively connected gear assembly, to increase or decrease the bike speed such that the real-time bike speed is substantially equal to the pre-selected speed. |
| US08876654B2 |
Toroidal continuously variable transmission
A toroidal continuously variable transmission of the present invention comprises: input side disks (1a, 1b) and output side disks (6) being supported concentric with each other such that the disks can rotate freely; a trunnion (9) that comprises end sections (36) on both ends on which tilt shafts (13) that are concentric with each other are provided, and a support beam section (15) that extends between both end sections (36), the trunnion (9) being capable of pivotally displacing around the tilt shafts (13); a thrust rolling bearing (17); and a power roller (8) that is supported to the inside surface of the trunnion (9) by way of the thrust rolling bearing (17) such that it rotates freely; wherein the support beam section (15) comprises an inside surface having a cylindrical convex surface (14); the thrust rolling bearing (17) comprises an outer race (18a) having an outside surface with a concave section (19a) that fits with the cylindrical convex surface (14) of the support beam section (15), and a plurality of rolling bodies (26) that are located between the power roller (8) and a track of an outer race (18a); and the concave section (19a) of the outer race (18a) has side surface sections (29) on both sides in the width direction, fits with the cylindrical convex surface (14) by the cylindrical convex surface (14) coming in contact with both side surface sections (29). |
| US08876653B2 |
Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission includes: a first torque-receiving shaft; a second shaft parallel with the first shaft; a first planetary gear set on the first shaft having a first, second and third rotation elements operated as a fixed or output element, directly connected to the first shaft and operated as an input element, and operated as a selective output element, respectively; a compound planetary gear set including a second planetary gear set and a third planetary gear set, and having a fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rotation elements, selectively connected to the second and third rotation elements, connected to an output gear, selectively connected to the first rotation element, and selectively connected to the third rotation element, respectively; three transfer gears forming externally-meshed gears; and frictional elements selectively interconnecting the rotation elements or selectively connecting the rotation elements to a transmission housing. |
| US08876652B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission has an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio. |
| US08876651B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in different combinations to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio. |
| US08876650B2 |
Aircraft accessory drive multiple speed transmission
A transmission assembly is provided and includes a load, an input shaft rotatably driven by a low pressure section of a turbomachine and a transmission coupled to the load and the input shaft. The transmission is operable to transmit rotation of the input shaft to the load and configured to convert a first rotational speed range of the input shaft to a second rotational speed range for transmission to the load. The second rotational speed range is narrower than the first rotational speed range. |
| US08876649B2 |
Welding structure and method for manufacturing welding structure
Assuming that a direction in which a first member and a second member are arranged is a first direction and a direction orthogonal to the first direction is a second direction, a welding structure includes: a pressure fit portion; a first cavity; a second cavity; a first weld bead formed between the first cavity and an end of a joining part of the first member and the second member on one side in the second direction by welding the first member and second member while the second cavity is communicated with outside; a second weld bead formed between the second cavity and an end of the joining part on the other side in the second direction; and a cutout groove communicating between the first cavity and the second cavity. |
| US08876646B2 |
Drive for a movable furniture part
A movable furniture part, such as a furniture drawer, includes an ejector device having an ejector lever and an electric motor for driving the ejector lever. A retracting device has a pulling member that can be wound onto a roll. The roll can be driven by an electric motor, and the ejector device and retracting device are mechanically connected to one another such that they can be mounted as a unit in or on a furniture body. |
| US08876644B2 |
Pump unit with a pump and a hybrid drive
The pump unit has a pump and a hybrid drive. The pump comprises a pump housing and a pump shaft. The hybrid drive comprises an electric motor and a driveshaft connection to a driveshaft. The electric motor and the driveshaft connection are each in driving mechanical functional connection with the pump shaft by way of a planetary gearset for driving the pump shaft. A stator of the electric motor is at least partially integrated in the pump housing. A rotor of the electric motor is mechanically connected fixed to a sun gear of the planetary gearset. The driveshaft connection is mechanically connected fixed to a ring gear of the planetary gearset. The pump shaft is mechanically connected fixed to a planetary carrier of the planetary gearset. |
| US08876643B2 |
Device for driving a vehicle
A device for driving a vehicle includes a housing, an electric motor, a differential gear unit, and a planetary gear unit. The planetary gear unit includes a sun gear connected to the electric motor, a ring gear coupleable via a first coupling to the housing, a plurality of planetary gears disposed between the ring gear and the sun gear and mounted on a planet carrier coupled to the differential gear unit, the planet carrier coupleable to the ring gear by a second coupling, the second coupling being disposed in a plane with the first coupling parallel to the electric motor. |
| US08876641B2 |
Chain tensioner device
A chain tensioner device includes a main arm, tensioner lifter, and a sub-arm. The main arm is pivotally supported by a first shaft. The main arm slidably contacts an endless chain to apply a tension to the endless chain. The tensioner lifter includes a housing, a plunger, and a spring. The plunger is slidably held by the housing. The spring is to press the plunger such that the plunger projects from the housing. The sub-arm is disposed between the main arm and the tensioner lifter. The sub-arm is pivotally supported by a second shaft to transmit a biasing force applied by the plunger of the tensioner lifter to the main arm. A moving direction of the plunger is substantially orthogonal to a direction of a tangent at a contact portion between the plunger and the sub-arm when an elongation of the endless chain reaches a maximum elongation. |
| US08876639B2 |
Systems and devices for improving catching skills
In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the chin resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system includes a helmet and a resistance band configured to operatively connect to the helmet and the user. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the throwing hand resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system includes a mitt and a strap having a loop member configured to engage with the user's wrist. |
| US08876633B2 |
Golf club head and golf club
An intersection point between a shaft axis Z1 and a sole surface 18 is defined as S1. A point S2, a point S3, and a point S4 are set on the sole surface 18. An intersection point between a straight line passing through a center of gravity of the head and being perpendicular to the horizontal plane and the sole surface 18 is defined as G1. A point R1, a point R2, a point R3, and a point R4 are set on the sole surface 18. A section A1 and a section A2 are set based on the points. An angle between the shaft axis Z1 and a ground plane is defined as θ. The angle θ exists so that at least a point belonging to the section A1 and at least a point belonging to the section A2 are brought into contact with the ground plane. |
| US08876630B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head of an iron type includes a face plate part for hitting a ball, which has a cavity part on the back side thereof; a sole part; a hosel part for connecting the head to a shaft; a viscoelastic body made to adhere to the back face of the face plate part, the viscoelastic body including a board-shaped part located on the back face of a central portion of the face plate part and extending parts extending from the board-shaped part to the toe side and the heel side of the head; and a cover plate lapping over the viscoelastic body, the cover plate including a concavity for accommodating the board-shaped part of the viscoelastic body and concave lines for accommodating the extending parts of the viscoelastic body. The cover plate has an opening, and a part of the viscoelastic body is exposed through the opening. |
| US08876629B2 |
Golf club head having a multi-material face
A golf club with a multi-material face is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention has a striking face that forms a pocket, wherein the pocket is filled with a secondary material having a lower density to improve the performance of the golf club head. The multi-material face disclosed in accordance with the present invention may generally have a characteristic time slope of greater than about 5 and less than about 50, wherein the characteristic time slope is determined based on the various data points collected according to the United States Golf Association's (USGA's) Characteristic Time (CT) test. |
| US08876625B2 |
Golf club with improved performance characteristics
A metal wood type golf club with improved performance characteristics is disclosed herein where the metal wood type golf club head will combined the performance characteristics of both a driver type golf club head and a fairway type golf club head. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club head with a volume of between about 150 cc to about 360 cc, a CG location between about 10 mm to about 20 mm above the ground, a face depth of between about 30 millimeters (mm) to about 65 millimeters (mm), a loft of about between 10 degrees to about 16 degrees, and a COR of about 0.790 to about 0.830, wherein the entire golf club has a length of between about 41 inches to about 45 inches. |
| US08876621B2 |
Swing analyzing device, swing analyzing program, and recording medium
A swing analyzing device includes at least an angular velocity sensor, a data acquiring unit, and a motion detecting unit. The angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities generated about a plurality of axes by a swing. The data acquiring unit acquires detection data of the angular velocity sensor. The motion detecting unit detects at least one of motions of the swing. Particularly, the motion detecting unit includes an angular velocity calculating unit which calculates the sum of the magnitudes of the angular velocities generated about the plurality of respective axes using the acquired detection data. |
| US08876620B2 |
Sporting equipment handle grip improvement apparatus
An apparatus for improving a user's grip on a sports equipment handle is made of a single substantially resilient deformable planar sheet of non-slip material. The planar sheet has a narrower first end in which a finger hole is disposed, and a wider second cad. To use the apparatus, a user places the apparatus on a finger with the wider end oriented toward the finger tips. A handle is placed on the wider end, and rolled toward a user's palm, thereby securing the apparatus to the user's hand. The apparatus may be disengaged by simply relaxing the grip on the handle and allowing it to rotate out of the apparatus. |
| US08876617B2 |
Child swing with versatile seat assembly
A child swing has a frame with a base, a support extending up from the base, a hub carried by the support above the base, and a seat assembly having a swing arm with a seat carried at a lower end. The seat assembly moves in a swinging direction. The seat assembly is configured to be selectively removable from and connectable to the hub. The orientation of the seat assembly relative to the swinging direction is also selectively adjustable between a forward facing orientation and a side facing orientation. |
| US08876616B2 |
Boxing ring simulator
A boxing ring simulator/personal boxing ring is portable, lightweight, and interactively responsive to physical contact during use. The boxing ring simulator includes a plurality of springed posts to support horizontal rails that define the ring perimeter and to enable movement of the “ropes”. Such components capture the “Stay Off the Ropes” method, thereby providing an opportunity for the user to become familiar with the perimeter inside a ropes/boxing ring. The boxing ring simulator emphasizes keeping all activity in the center of the ring, to train a boxer/user to traditionally remain “off the ropes” while also beneficially allowing the user to learn, practice and experience how to use the ropes and/or to fight off of the ropes. |
| US08876600B2 |
Display device for gaming machine and gaming machine including the same
A display device for a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel configured to display images for a game; a shutter assembly configured to cover and uncover the display panel at least in part, the shutter assembly including a first sliding door configured to move along a first guide and a second sliding door configured to move along a second guide; and a driving unit configured to drive the first sliding door, wherein the shutter assembly is configured to make friction between the second sliding door and the second guide greater than friction between the first sliding door and the first guide. |
| US08876598B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for presenting media in a wagering game machine
System, methods and apparatus for presenting media in a wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an internal media request from a component of the wagering game machine and receiving an external data signal from outside the wagering game machine. In the embodiment, the method also includes preparing media based on the internal media request and the external data signal and presenting the media on media presentation devices. |
| US08876597B2 |
Automated wagering game machine configuration and recovery
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining one or more casino events that request a configuration for one or more wagering game machines, generating one or more automated configuration tasks, assigning one or more properties to the tasks, and storing the one or more automated configuration tasks and the one or more properties so that the one or more properties are persisted on the gaming network. The operations can also include recovering a wagering game machine's operational state if the automated configuration tasks encounter problems during execution that affect the wagering game machine's playability. |
| US08876594B2 |
Cashless computerized video game system and method
A cashless wagering game system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game system includes a control network. The control network can include an account server configured to receive player activity information and demographic information over a network, wherein the player activity information includes a financial transaction associated with a player account, and where the demographic information is associated with a player. The control network can also include a player terminal configured to present a wagering game and to report the player activity information to the account server. |
| US08876591B2 |
Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards. In one embodiment, the number of secondary bonus awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. The selected gaming machine then determines a component of or the amount of the bonus award to be provided to the gaming machine selected by the central server. |
| US08876586B2 |
Gaming devices having game modifiers usable between games and stages within games
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the use of game modifiers that are triggered in a first game and are used in game stages in a subsequent second game. According to some embodiments, a gaming device is configured to play a multi-stage game of chance. After each stage is completed in a first game, it is determined whether any of the game stages have triggered modifications of one or more game modifiers that are used in one or more corresponding game stages in a subsequently played game. The altered game modifiers may modify prizes associated with an incremented one of the game stages in the subsequent game so that the altered modifiers move between game stages in multiple games. |
| US08876585B1 |
Method and apparatus for electronic puzzle device
An electronic puzzle, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes a playfield that is subdivided into a plurality playing positions. Each playing position includes a switch, and an indicator that includes at least a first indicating element and a second indicating element, and each of said indicating elements has a plurality of indicating states to provide a plurality of visual indications. Further each playing position has a geometric pattern that is activated by the associated switch. The object of the game is for the player to manipulate the switches in order to transform an initial pattern of visual indications to a desired pattern of visual indications. Upon the activation of a switch, the first indicating element of at least one playing position in the associated geometric pattern changes its indicating state, and the second indicating element of at least one different playing position in said associated geometric pattern changes its indicating state. The device employs a microprocessor to control the progress of the game, monitor the activation of the switches, updates the indicating states of affected indicating elements in the associated geometric pattern, and generates new visual indications based on the updated indicating states. The microprocessor also controls the generation of audio/visual effects to enhance the enjoyment of play. Further, the device employs means to generate a plurality of puzzles, and games, and provisions to vary the level of difficulty of play. |
| US08876584B2 |
Gaming machine with outcome based on event rankings
A method of playing a game, the method comprising selecting a predefined number of player indicia; providing an event reference, the event reference being viewable on a display device, the event reference comprising a plurality of event participants, the plurality of event participants being ranked; randomly generating a plurality of randomly generated indicia, the plurality of randomly generated indicia comprising a first indicia and a second indicia; associating the first indicia with a first event participant; associating the second indicia with a second event participant; obtaining the ranking of the participants based on the order they finish in the event reference; ordering the plurality of randomly generated indicia based on the ranking of their respective associated participants; and determining a game outcome, the game outcome comprising comparing the player indicia to the plurality of randomly generated indicia. |
| US08876583B2 |
Regulator of residue flow for spreading devices on agricultural combines
An agricultural combine having an adjustable spreader assembly is provided that includes a spreader with one or a pair of regulators. The spreader includes a discharge opening about its lateral side. The regulator is pivotably connected to the lateral side of the spreader such that the regulator is in fluid communication with the discharge opening. The regulator can be configured to move from a retracted position to an extended position or to vary the direction of discharge of crop residue. The spreader can be a vertical spreader, a horizontal spreader, or a spread board. |
| US08876578B2 |
Portable working machine
A portable working machine is provided with a wheel guard partially covering a wheel rotated by a drive source such as an engine, and the wheel guard is retained by a retaining portion of an arm via rubber dampers serving as elastic members. Concave-convex portions are formed on the rubber dampers, a convex-concave portion corresponding to the concave-convex portions is formed in the wheel guard side, and the wheel guard is retained by the arm so that the concave-convex portions are engaged with the convex-concave portion. |
| US08876577B2 |
Floor finish removal and cleaning apparatus
A floor care apparatus is provided that utilizes at least one cylindrical pad to remove a floor finish. More specifically, a cylindrical pad having an abrasive surface is integrated onto a cylindrical scrubber brush or associated core or roller commonly used in the art. The main outwardly-facing surface of the pad contacts the floor to remove a predetermined amount of floor finish wherein generated debris is expelled away from the pad. After finish removal, a new layer of finish is applied to the floor. Thus, the need to remove all finish layers from a flooring surface is alleviated, which saves time and money. |
| US08876573B2 |
Toy
A reconfigurable structure for use with toy vehicles is provided, the structure having a first tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the first tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a ramp movably secured to the first tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a second tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the second tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the second tower; a ramp movably secured to the second tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the second tower; and wherein the reconfigurable structure is capable of having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the ramp of the first tower is configured to releasably engage the lift of the second tower when the reconfigurable structure is in the deployed configuration. |
| US08876571B2 |
Aerial display system with marionettes articulated and supported by airborne devices
A system for performing an aerial display. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a ground control system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The system further includes a marionette with a body and articulatable appendages attached to the body. The body and appendages are supported with tether lines extending between the marionette and the UAVs. Then, during a display time period, the UAVs concurrently execute the flight plans to position and articulate the marionette within a display air space. In some embodiments, the UAVs each is a multicopter, and each of the multicopters includes a local controller operating to move the multicopter through a series of way points defined by the flight plan associated with the multicopter. |
| US08876570B2 |
Method for producing an electrode for a high-pressure discharge lamp and high-pressure discharge lamp comprising at least one electrode thus produced
A method for producing an electrode (16) for a high-pressure discharge lamp (10), comprising the following steps: a) scanning at least part of the electrode surface for producing an oxide layer (step 120); b) at least partially sublimating the oxide layer formed in step a) (step 120); and c) reducing the rest of the oxide layer. |
| US08876566B1 |
Marine exhaust system with idle relief chamber
A marine drive and marine exhaust pipe include a main exhaust flow chamber and an auxiliary idle relief chamber. The auxiliary idle relief chamber vents exhaust above the surface of the body of water in which the vessel is operating. |
| US08876565B2 |
Protective housing for a propeller of a submarine vehicle, connection system with a connecting cable and the use of such protective housing for incorporating a connecting cable
The invention relates to a protective housing for a propeller of a submarine vehicle. The invention also relates to a connection system for a propeller-driven submarine vehicle with a submarine cable and such a protective housing. The invention further relates to the use of a protective housing for a propeller of a submarine vehicle for receiving a strain relief connection for a connecting cable. The invention enables low-cost communication between a propeller-driven submarine vehicle and a support platform by means of a connecting cable which is hydrodynamically streamlined and ensures strain-relief for the connecting cable. The connecting cable is fixed to the periphery of the protective housing, outside the working space of the propeller located on a propeller axis, and a strain-relief cable-holding fixture is arranged for a connecting cable on the submarine vehicle. |
| US08876564B2 |
Connection structure of crimping terminal to electric wire
In a connection structure of a crimping terminal to an electric wire, the crimping terminal having an electric connection part in the front thereof, and an electric wire connection part formed in substantially a U shape in cross-section view by having a base plate part, and a pair of electric wire crimp pieces upwardly extending from both lateral edges of the base plate part in the back of the electric connection part, a metallic cap whose inner periphery is provided with serrations is attached to a distal end of the electric wire so as to cover the range from an exposed conductor-to the portion of an insulating coating, and the conductor and the insulating coating of the electric wire are bitten into the serrations by crimping the electric wire crimp pieces so as to surround the cap. |
| US08876563B2 |
Crimp terminal
A conductor crimp portion (11) before being crimped to a conductor (Wa) of an electric wire includes, in an inner surface (11R) of the conductor crimp portion (11), circular recesses (20) as serrations of the conductor crimp portion (11) scattered to be spaced from each other. The recesses (20) each has an inner bottom surface (20A) in a form of a hemispherical surface. |
| US08876561B2 |
Electrical connector having means to prevent terminal spaces falling apart from a circuit board
An electrical connector includes a connector housing having a slot into which a circuit board is to be inserted, and a plurality of connector terminals to be inserted into the connector housing. The connector housing includes terminal spaces into which the connector terminals are inserted, and partition walls partitioning the terminal spaces from each other. The connector terminals each include a sheath to be inserted into one of the terminal spaces, and a resilient contact making electrical contact with the circuit board. The electrical connector includes a convex portion and a concave portion for preventing the terminal spaces and the circuit board from falling apart from each other. The convex portions can be formed on opposite sidewalls of the sheath, and the concave portions can be formed at the partition walls. |
| US08876560B2 |
Stackable cable reel with field data distribution system
A cable reel assembly comprises a hub configured to house a field communication distribution box with front and rear flanges projecting radially outward from front and rear edges of the hub. A cable receiving trough is formed between the flanges in which a communications cable may be wound. A nesting ring which is smaller in diameter that the front and rear flanges projects outward from the second flange. The nesting ring of a first cable reel assembly is positionable within an area surrounded by the first flange of a second cable reel to facilitate stacking of the cable reels. |
| US08876556B2 |
Light head and lamp using the same and assembling method of light head
A light head, a lamp using the light head, and an assembling method of the light head are provided. The lamp includes the light head, a circuit board, a light source, and a light cover. The circuit board is disposed on the light head and electrically connected to the light source. The light cover is assembled to the light head. The circuit board and the light source are located in the light cover. The light head includes a first assembling element, a second assembling element, first pins, and a second pin. The first assembling element has an axial direction and a radial direction. The second and first assembling elements are telescoped and are coaxial. The first pins pass through the first assembling element along the axial direction, and the second pin passes through the first and second assembling elements along the radial direction. |
| US08876551B2 |
Wall-shaped high-frequency assembly having a mounting wall with integrally formed sleeves
A wall-shaped HF assembly is characterized by the following features, among others: the mounting wall and the at least two connection sleeves of the wall-shaped HF assembly are both made of the same electrically conductive metal material, the at least two connection sleeves are formed as one piece together with the mounting wall, specifically in the form of a material connection, the mounting wall and the at least two connection sleeves are provided with an electrically non-conductive surface coating. |
| US08876549B2 |
Capacitively coupled flat conductor connector
A capacitively coupled flat conductor connector is provided with a male connector body and a female connector body. An alignment insert is coupled to the male connector body, the alignment insert dimensioned to support a predefined length of an inner conductor. An alignment receptacle is coupled to the female connector body, the alignment receptacle dimensioned to receive a connector end of the alignment insert to seat an overlapping portion of an inner conductor and an inner conductor trace parallel with one another against opposite sides of a dielectric spacer. An outer conductor dielectric spacer isolates the contacting elements of the outer conductor signal path between the male and female connectors. |
| US08876548B2 |
Rack unit outlet spacing for power outlet units
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a power outlet unit. The power outlet unit includes an inlet, a first group of outlets spaced apart at intervals of one rack unit, a first circuit breaker electrically connected to the inlet and the first group of outlets, a second group of outlets spaced apart at intervals of one rack unit, and a second circuit breaker electrically connected to the inlet and the second group of outlets. |
| US08876544B2 |
Connector having rotatable actuation lever which can lock a connection between a mating connector and the connector when actuated
A connector can prevent a short circuit between a conductive member positioned on a board and an actuation lever actuatable without an actuation tag. A distance between the board and an actuation portion is larger than another distance between the board and an engage portion under a locked state where the engage portion is engaged with an engaged portion. Under the locked state, the actuation portion is positioned away from the conductive member (a SMT terminal and the conductive pattern formed on the board) so that the actuation lever can be prevented from making the short circuit with the conductive member. |
| US08876542B2 |
Connector and construction machine
A connector for connecting an electric-power-transmission power cable to an electric device installed in a vehicle, includes a device socket, a cable plug that is plugged in or unplugged from the device socket, and a detection switch that is electrically turned on or off by a mechanical contact point provided on the device socket and a mechanical contact point provided on the cable plug. The device socket includes a contact terminal of the detection switch. The cable plug includes a plug housing that is electrically grounded by being connected to the device socket and a cover plate that covers an opening of the plug housing. The cover plate includes an insulative plate body and a contact conductor that contacts with the contact terminal of the detection switch. The plate body and the contact conductor are integrally molded. |
| US08876536B2 |
Integrated circuit socket system with configurable structures and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit socket system includes: forming a retainer plate having a pinhole extending through the retainer plate; forming a base plate having a connector hole extending through the base plate, the connector hole aligned with the pinhole; inserting a compressible pin having a lower probe end through the connector hole and the pinhole below the connector hole, a portion of the compressible pin in the base plate; forming a device plate having a cavity hole extending through the device plate and aligned with the an upper probe end of the compressible pin exposed in the cavity hole; and mounting a removable fastener through the device plate, the base plate, and into the retainer plate, the device plate over the base plate directly on the retainer plate and attached to one another by the removable fastener. |
| US08876533B2 |
Evaluating system and method for shooting training
An evaluation system for shooting training. The evaluation system is arranged to determine from which shooter fired ammunition detected by a target system originates. The evaluation system includes a receiver unit arranged to receive shooter messages from a plurality of weapon systems and to receive a target message from the target system. Each shooter message includes time marked firing information and first pairing information related to a weapon of the weapon system. Each target message includes time marked hit/miss information and second pairing information related to a target of the target system. The evaluation system further includes a processing unit arranged to pair the target with one associated weapon based on the target message and each respective shooter message. Also, a method for determining from where ammunition detected at a target was fired. |
| US08876532B2 |
Bone repair putty
A bone repair material is described that is of putty-like consistency, particularly useful for repairing dental bony defects such as those caused by bone loss resulting from moderate or severe periodontitis, augmenting of bony defects of the alveolar ridge, filling tooth extraction sites, or sinus elevation grafting. The repair material includes a porous, resorbable particulate that is bone-derived or derived from bone-like hydroxyapatite or synthetic hydroxyapatite; and, a resorbable carrier, such as high molecular weight polysaccharides, such as hyaluronic acid. A high concentration of particulate in the putty enhances bone repair and requires a high concentration of carrier to retain the putty at the defect site. For a particulate density of about 1.2 g/cc such as PEPGEN P-15® Bone Graft, a preferred formulation comprises about 55% percent by weight of the putty suspended in a hyaluronic acid gel of about 1.4×106 daltons molecular weight and a final concentration of about 56 mg/cc which material adheres to a bony periodontal defect and does not excessively expand or migrate from the defect when held in place by a conventional flap closure. |
| US08876531B2 |
Non-removable bridge dental prosthesis
A non-removable bridge dental prosthesis includes an artificial tooth to be inserted into a region from which a tooth has been lost, a bridge tightly fixed to the rear surfaces of the teeth on either side of the region from which the tooth was lost, and a coupling member for coupling the artificial tooth to the bridge. The coupling member is integrally installed on the rear surface of the artificial tooth, and has a catching piece and a coupling projection. A coupling hole is formed in the bridge in a shape corresponding to the coupling projection and is located at a position where the coupling projection of the coupling member is formed. The coupling projection is inserted in the coupling hole of the bridge and simultaneously, the catching piece is caught on the top end of the bridge. |
| US08876525B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing dust particulates from preheated particulate material
A method for removing sulfur containing dust particles from particulate material exiting a material preheater in which the particulate material is heated by kiln off gases may include a number of steps. Off gases from the kiln are directed through a gas conduit to the preheater to preheat particulate material traveling through the preheater in a direction countercurrent to the direction of off gas flow through the preheater. Material exiting the preheater is directed to a material bypass conduit that is separated from the gas conduit and is flow connected to a material inlet to the kiln. A stripping gas is directed through the conduit to entrain dust particles in the preheated material and to carry said dust particles away from the preheated material. |
| US08876519B2 |
Process for knotting a dough strand into a desired form, especially knotting a dough strand into a pretzel form, plus related apparatus
An apparatus for the knotting of a dough strand into a desired form, particularly for the knotting of a dough strand into a pretzel form, wherein the dough strand subject to stretching of the dough strand length is knotted around a form element that provides the desired form for a dough strand with larger starting length than the actual length of the dough strand and/or the desired form with an increased form size, whereupon the form element that establishes the desired form is removed, at least partially, so that the dough strand that was placed into the desired form contracts into a final size. |
| US08876517B2 |
Filtration apparatus with a sealing device
A polymer filtration apparatus for sealing a slide plate translatable across a bore of an extrusion or mold machine, includes an annular seal having a sealing surface which is biased against the slide plate by a spring mechanism. The annular seal has a thrust surface which is angled relative to the sealing surface and the thrust surface is located at an opposite axial end of the annular seal from the sealing surface. The spring mechanism can be a single spring with overlapping tangs or a multiple spring assembly in overlapping relationship, with or without tangs, to form a continuous barrier. The spring assembly is used to exert a radial force against the thrust surface of the annular seal to bias the seal in an axial direction against the downstream slide plate. In operation, pressurized polymer melt in the extrusion bore further biases the spring against the annular seal which is then transferred to the seal and the slide plate. |
| US08876508B2 |
Apparatus for producing pneumatic tyres
An apparatus for producing a pneumatic tyre has a building unit designed to form a green tyre having a pair of beads. Each of the pair of beads is defined along a respective inner circumferential edge of the green tyre. The apparatus further includes bead moulding devices to tighten each bead between two axially opposite clamping surfaces. A moulding unit of the green tyre has a moulding cavity with an inner wall substantially conforming in shape to an outer surface of a moulded tyre. The apparatus further includes devices for vulcanising the green tyre, and actuating devices for transferring the green tyre together with the bead moulding devices into the moulding cavity. |
| US08876505B2 |
Rotor for a screw compressor
Rotor for a screw compressor includes a rotor body (2) and a shaft (6), whereby said shaft extends at least with a part into or through a central or approximately central axial bored hole or passage (5) in the rotor body (2). The shaft (6) has a stretch element (7), whereby the rotor body (2) or at least a part thereof is held on the shaft (6) by means of tension elements (11 and 12) which are locked or can be locked axially with respect to the shaft and which are connected with each other by means of the stretch element (7). During the mounting of the rotor body (2) on the shaft (6), the stretch element is pre-tensioned by means of a tensile load and after locking the tension elements (11 and 12) and removal of the tensile load, is kept under an axial pretension which, in case the rotor (1) is not built in, amounts to at least thirty percent of the yield strength of the material of the stretch element (7), and this by means of the tension elements (11 and 12) which are kept apart from each other by the rotor body (2) or a part thereof. |
| US08876503B2 |
Scroll compressor with shaft inserting portion and manufacturing method thereof
A scroll compressor having a rotational shaft insertion hole and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The scroll compressor includes a casing; a fixed scroll fixed to an inner wall surface of the casing; an orbiting scroll combined with the fixed scroll to form a compression chamber while performing an orbiting movement with respect to the fixed scroll; a rotational shaft having a shaft portion inserted into the fixed scroll, an eccentric portion that penetrates the fixed scroll to be combined with the orbiting scroll, and a neck portion having a diameter less than a diameter of the eccentric portion to connect the eccentric portion to the shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion, the eccentric portion, and the neck portion are integrally formed; a fixed bush interposed between the fixed scroll and the shaft portion; and a driving unit configured to drive the rotational shaft. A neck portion insertion hole, into which the neck portion is inserted, and a shaft portion insertion hole, into which the shaft portion is movably inserted in a transverse direction, are formed at the fixed scroll, and the fixed bush restricts a transverse directional movement of the shaft portion to maintain a state in which an outer circumferential portion of the neck portion insertion hole is inserted into the neck portion. |
| US08876502B2 |
Mechanism for restraining fuel pressure pulsation and high pressure fuel supply pump of internal combustion engine with such mechanism
A mechanism for reducing pressure pulsation includes a pair of metal dampers formed by joining two disk-shaped metal diaphragms over an entire circumference and forming a hermetically sealed space inside a joined portion. Gas is sealed in the aforementioned hermetically sealed space of the damper, and a pair of pressing members give pressing forces to both outer surfaces of the aforementioned metal dampers at a position at an inner diameter side from the joined portion. The mechanism is unitized, with the pair of pressing members being connected in a state in which they sandwich the metal damper. |
| US08876500B2 |
Centering coupling for splined shafts submersible pumping systems and electrical submersible pumps
A submersible pumping system, electrical submersible pump, and method of providing enhanced alignment of motor and driven shafts of submersible pumping systems and electrical submersible pumps, are provided. An example of an electrical submersible pump system includes a pump, a pump motor, and a seal section. The motor drives the pump via motor and driven shafts rotatingly coupled with a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly maintains the shaft ends in coaxial alignment with an alignment device. The alignment device is profiled on opposite ends for mating engagement with the centering guides extending from the shaft ends. |
| US08876496B2 |
Offset electrical terminal box with angled studs
A compressor assembly including a housing and a terminal box is provided. The terminal box is offset relative to the housing and coupled with the housing with angled studs. |
| US08876494B2 |
Compressor having first and second rotary member arrangement using a vane
A compressor is provided that includes a stator, a cylinder type rotor rotated within the stator by a rotating electromagnetic field of the stator and that defines a compression chamber inside, a roller that rotates within the compression chamber of the cylinder type rotor by a rotational force transferred from the rotor and compresses a refrigerant during rotation, a vane that divides the compression chamber into a suction region, into which the refrigerant is sucked, and a compression region, in which the refrigerant is compressed and discharged from, and transfers the rotational force from the cylinder type rotor to the roller, an axis of rotation that integrally extends from the roller in an axial direction, and a suction passage, through which the refrigerant is sucked into the compression chamber, through the axis of rotation and the roller. |
| US08876491B2 |
Apparatus and method for a submersible pump system and linear electrofusion
This invention relates generally to a high volume, buoyancy controlled submersible pump assembly designed to sit on the bottom of a body of water or other liquid substance and move a large volume of water or liquid substance. Alternatively, the submersible pump assembly is capable of achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy or near neutral buoyancy in a particular body of water or liquid substance. The neutrally buoyant version includes maintaining the pump assembly at a given depth without requiring it to sit on the bottom of the body of water or other liquid substance. This invention also relates to linear electrofusion for thermoplastic components. |
| US08876489B2 |
Peristaltic pumping apparatus and method
The present disclosure relates to a rotor assembly for a peristaltic pump. The pump includes a first rotor having a plurality of rollers and a second rotor, coupled to the first rotor, having a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the first and second rotors are located at an angle of about 45° relative to each other. In an embodiment, the first rotor and the second rotor are circular. In another embodiment, the rollers of the first rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. In yet another embodiment, the rollers of the second rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. A peristaltic pump and a method of supplying fluid to a surgical area are also disclosed. |
| US08876486B2 |
Marine wind turbine having a pylon vertically adjusted by setting
An off-shore wind turbine with a base supporting a pylon and a wind engine, the wind turbine being characterized in that the said base includes a tubular cavity, a bottom portion of said pylon being fixed in embedded manner inside said tubular cavity using a device that enables the angle of inclination of the axis (ZZ′) of the pylon to be adjusted relative to the axis (Z1Z′1) of the tubular cavity; and the adjustment device includes independent chocking mechanism interposed between the pylon bottom portion and the tubular cavity; and a centering mechanism secured to the pylon bottom portion and/or to the tubular cavity, the centering mechanism being situated inside the tubular cavity below at least some of the chocking mechanism and suitable for holding the point of intersection of the axis (ZZ′) of the pylon bottom portion with the axis (Z1Z′1) of the tubular cavity in a fixed position. |
| US08876485B2 |
Turbine nozzle airfoil profile
The present application provides a turbine nozzle including an airfoil shape. The airfoil shape may have a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 1. The Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to dimensional distances in inches by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a height of the airfoil in inches. The X and Y values are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The airfoil profile sections at Z distances may be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape. |
| US08876484B2 |
Turbine blade pocket pin stress relief
A turbine blade comprises an airfoil having a pressure side and a suction side, and extending from a leading edge to a trailing edge. The airfoil has a tip remote from a mounting root, and a pocket extending inwardly of the tip. The pocket has spaced walls with one wall associated with the pressure side of the airfoil, and an opposed wall associated with the suction side. A pin extends across the pocket and connects the opposed walls. A slot is formed in the pin at a location intermediate ends of the pin which connect to the opposed walls. A method for identifying a location for the pin along a distance between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the pocket utilizes a modal analysis, and seeks to find a location where both a reaction force and a moment are lower than they might be at other locations. |
| US08876483B2 |
Wind turbine rotor blade components and methods of making same
Structural preform layers of multiple rigid unidirectional strength elements or rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements of wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Each preform layer includes one or more fibrous carrier layers to which the multiple strength elements or rods are joined and arranged in the single layer. Each strength element or rod is longitudinally oriented and adjacent to other elements or rods. Individual strength elements or rods include a mass of substantially straight unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the elements or rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation. The relative straightness of the fibers and fiber collimation provide strength elements or rods and the preform layers with high rigidity and significant compression strength. |
| US08876481B2 |
Turbine airfoil component assembly for use in a gas turbine engine and methods for fabricating same
A turbine airfoil component assembly for use with a turbine engine including a attachment assembly having an inner surface defining a cavity. The attachment assembly includes a metal alloy substrate. An airfoil assembly is at least partially positioned within the attachment assembly and extends outwardly from the attachment assembly. The airfoil assembly includes a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) substrate. A reaction barrier coating is disposed over at least a portion of the airfoil assembly. The reaction barrier coating is positioned between the attachment assembly and the airfoil assembly. |
| US08876479B2 |
Damper pin
A damper pin for coupling platforms of adjacent turbine blades includes a first flat longitudinal end region, a second flat longitudinal end region and a reduced cross sectional area. The reduced cross sectional area is separated from the first flat longitudinal end region by a first main body region and the reduced cross sectional area is separated from the second flat longitudinal end region by a second main body region. The cross sectional area of the reduced cross sectional area is less than the cross sectional area of each of the first and second main body regions. |
| US08876469B2 |
Centering device and system for driving ring
A centering device includes a pivoting part configured to pivot around a first axis that extends along an axial direction of a hole formed in the pivoting part; a roller attached to a first end of the pivoting part and configured to rotate; a rod attached to a second end of the pivoting part and configured to move along a second axis; a spring mechanism enclosing a part of the rod and configured to apply a biasing force to the pivoting part; and a rod housing configured to receive an end of the rod and to allow the rod to freely move through the rod housing. |
| US08876468B2 |
Ceiling fan with concentric stationary tube and power-down features
A fan system comprises a hub, a plurality of fan blades, a drive system, and a stationary tube. The hub is configured to rotate. The fan blades are mounted to the hub. The drive system comprises a rotatable hollow output shaft. The hollow output shaft is in communication with the hub, such that the drive system is operable to rotate the hub via the hollow output shaft. The stationary tube is inserted through the hollow output shaft. The stationary tube is configured to remain stationary as the hollow output shaft rotates. Wires and the like may be passed through the stationary tube, to reach an accessory mounted at the bottom of the stationary tube. The fan system may also include a detector, such as a heat detector, a smoke detector, or an accelerometer. The detector may power down the fan system in response to detecting certain conditions. |
| US08876463B2 |
Interturbine vane with multiple air chambers
A gas turbine engine has a mid turbine frame disposed between turbine rotor assemblies. The mid turbine frame includes hollow airfoils radially extending through an annular gas path duct. The airfoils each include a double-walled leading edge structure to define a front chamber separated from a rear chamber defined in the remaining space within the airfoil. |
| US08876462B2 |
System of contra-rotating propellers driven by a planetary gear train providing a balanced distribution of torque between the two propellers
A system of contra-rotating propellers for an aircraft turbomachine, including: a free power turbine including a first rotor; first and second propellers; and a mechanical transmission system including a planetary gear train fitted with a sun gear driven by the rotor, at least one planet gear driving the first propeller, and a ring driving the second propeller. The free power turbine also includes a second rotor that is contra-rotating relative to the first rotor, and rotating the ring. |
| US08876456B2 |
Agricultural system for conveying product to a holding container
An agricultural system for conveying product to a holding container is provided. One agricultural system includes a product conveying system having a conveyor and a hopper. The conveyor is configured to move product from the hopper to a holding container. The hopper has an opening for receiving product, and the opening includes a first side adjacent to the conveyor, and a second side opposite the first side. The second side is substantially v-shaped, and configured to channel the product to exit the hopper through the opening while the opening is directed downwardly. |
| US08876446B2 |
Cutting tool having clamping bolt provided with locking portion and cutting insert therefor
A cutting tool has a cutting insert secured in a tool shank by means of a clamping bolt, whereby two opposing side surfaces of a body portion of the cutting insert are located between two spaced apart protuberances of the tool shank. The body portion includes a cut-out extending between the two opposing side surfaces and opening out to a bottom surface. The cut-out includes an undercut with at least one undercut sub-surface with respect to a forward direction. The clamping bolt can be rotated from a locked position wherein the bolt shank has a threaded portion engaged in one of the protuberances and a bolt locking portion located directly forward of the at least one undercut sub-surface, to an un-locked position wherein the threaded portion remains engaged in the protuberance and no portion of the bolt shank is located directly forward of the at least one undercut sub-surface. |
| US08876436B2 |
Rock bolt
A rock bolt includes an elongate tubular body with an internal bore. A filler material is insertable into the internal bore at one end of the elongated tubular body. The end of the tubular body is then deformed thereby using the filler material to seal the end of the bore. The filler material may be a non-metallic material, such as a tube of plastic. |
| US08876435B2 |
Floating dock, connection system, and accessories
The present invention is directed to a floating dock system, the floating dock system comprising at least two dock sections, said dock sections comprising substantially horizontal slots along at least one edge; and at least one coupling member configured to engage a horizontal slot in at least two dock sections; whereby the at least two dock sections are retained together by the at least one coupling member. |
| US08876434B2 |
Method and device for installing a tidal power plant
There is provided a method for the installation of a tidal power plant having a water turbine, which is mounted so it is rotatable on a nacelle, the nacelle being assigned to a coupling device for placement of the tidal power plant on a coupling counterpart on a tower, which carries the tidal power plant during operation. |
| US08876428B2 |
Method of repairing a court surface
This invention relates to a method of repairing a court surface. This method involves applying a liquid adhesive to the court surface; covering the court surface to which the liquid adhesive has been applied with a fabric; applying a first layer of sand to the fabric-covered surface; applying a first binder coating to the first layer of sand; applying one or more additional layers of sand; applying a further binder coating to each of the one or more additional layers of sand; applying a first coat of an acrylic resurfacer to the further binder coating last applied; and applying a second coat of an acrylic resurfacer to the first coat of acrylic resurfacer to repair the court surface. |
| US08876426B2 |
Outer box connector and method thereof
An outer box connector (OBC) (100) and methods (200 and 250) are shown and described. The OBC (100) can include: a body (102) having an outer surface (104) and an inner surface (106); a first anchor (108) and a second anchor (110) extending inwardly from the inner surface (104); a lever (112) extending substantially outwardly from the outer surface (104), the lever (112) being connected to a distal portion (114) of the first anchor (108); and the first anchor (108) including an unlocked condition (116) adapted for allowing insertion in and removal from a corner fitting (120) and a locked condition (118) for locking the first anchor 108 with a corner fitting (12). Advantageously, the OBC (100) and methods allow simplified container handling and connection and disconnection, in transportation applications. |
| US08876419B2 |
Printing system, sheet processing system, and sheet direction changing apparatus
In a printing system capable of selectively performing duplex printing and simplex printing, a first input unit and a second input unit are adjacent to each other. A first output unit and a second output unit are adjacent to each other. In duplex printing, a sheet supplied from the first input unit is printed on a first side thereof in a first printing apparatus and the traveling direction thereof is changed at a changing unit while the sheet is reversed, and then the sheet is printed on a second side thereof in a second printing apparatus and output to the second output unit. In simplex printing, a sheet supplied from the first or second input unit is printed on one side thereof and the traveling direction thereof is changed at the changing unit, and then the sheet is output to the first or second output unit. |
| US08876417B2 |
Paper sensing in printers
A paper sensor comprises a moveable grill. The paper sensor is arranged for location within an air flow in a printer, and comprises the grill as a paper-engaging body provided with a plurality of through holes such that air can flow freely through the grill. The grill is operable to move between a first position and a second position. The paper sensor is arranged so that in use a sheet of paper introduced adjacent the grill engages the grill and reduces the air flow through one or more of the holes in the grill, creating a pressure differential across the grill, that pressure differential causing the grill to move from the first position to the second position, and thereby indicating the presence of paper. A printer comprising a paper sensor, and a method of sensing paper is also disclosed. |
| US08876414B2 |
Optical communication module and method of manufacturing the same
An optical device board 2 is set to be a printed circuit board in which an optical device 6 is bonded into a predetermined position of a printed wiring board 5. The optical device board 2 is bonded to a base board 3 provided with a plurality of wiring terminals 7. A lens barrel 4 is bonded to the optical device board 2. The optical device 6 is bonded into a position calculated from an actual measured dimension of the printed wiring board 5, and the calculated position is held and positioning is carried out in such a manner that a central axis of the lens barrel 4 is coincident with the calculated position when the lens barrel 4 is to be bonded to the optical device board 2. |
| US08876412B2 |
Optical connector and electronic equipment using the same
An optical connector includes a fiber holder to hold optical fibers; a housing to accommodate the optical fibers and the fiber holder; and a thermally driven actuator to displace at least a part of the fiber holder upon application of heat from a first position at which the fiber holder is retracted inside the housing to a second position that allows the optical fibers to be optically coupled to a counterpart connector. |
| US08876411B2 |
Method for performing power management in an active optical cable (AOC)
An active optical cable is provided that incorporates a power management solution. The AOC has plugs are configured to mate with respective USB sockets. The AOC is used to interconnect a USB host with a USB device. To the USB host and to the USB device, the AOC appears to be a standard USB electrical cable. Each of the plugs of the AOC has an optical-to-electrical and an electrical-to-optical (OE/EO) conversion module that converts electrical USB signals output from the USB host or USB device into optical signals and converts optical signals carried on the optical fibers of the AOC into electrical USB signals. The plugs include controllers that monitor certain conditions of the AOC and that select the power levels to be used in the plugs based on detected conditions. |
| US08876410B2 |
Self-aligning connectorized fiber array assembly
An apparatus for providing self-aligned optical coupling between an opto-electronic substrate and a fiber array, where the substrate is enclosed by a transparent lid such that the associated optical signals enter and exit the arrangement through the transparent lid. The apparatus takes the form of a two-part connectorized fiber array assembly where the two pieces uniquely mate to form a self-aligned configuration. A first part, in the form of a plate, is attached to the transparent lid in the area where the optical signals pass through. The first plate includes a central opening with inwardly-tapering sidewalls surrounding its periphery. A second plate is also formed to include a central opening and has a lower protrusion with inwardly-tapering sidewalls that mate with the inwardly-tapering sidewalls of the first plate to form the self-aligned connectorized fiber array assembly. The fiber array is then attached to the second plate in a self-aligned fashion. |
| US08876403B2 |
Optical connector, connector adapter, optical fiber line, and optical communication system
There are provided an optical connector having one or more protruding portions protruding and one or more recessed portions depressed relative to a reference plane corresponding to a reference face of a coupling of a standard optical connector in a connecting end face of a coupling into which a housing receiving a ferrule is inserted, a connector adapter to which the optical connector can be inserted and coupled, an optical fiber line using the optical connector and the connector adapter to connect optical fibers, and an optical communication system. |
| US08876400B2 |
Thrust roller bearing and method for manufacturing thrust race thereof
A thrust race of a thrust roller bearing has a race portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the race portion in an axial direction. At a plurality of locations along a circumferential direction on the cylindrical portion, cutout portions are formed such that each of the cutout portions is recessed in the axial direction from a distal edge of the cylindrical portion toward the race portion. A protrusion is provided at a portion closer to the race portion from a bottom edge of each of the cutout portions such that the protrusion protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical portion toward a side away from the race portion. The protrusion serves as a race-retaining locking portion to prevent a race from moving out from a mating member on which the race is mounted. |
| US08876397B2 |
Liquid lubricating tapered roller bearing device
A liquid lubricating tapered roller bearing device, includes: an outer ring; an inner ring including an outer end surface at a smaller diameter side; tapered rollers; and a cage located further inside in an axial direction than the outer end surface of the inner ring and including an end portion at a smaller diameter side, the end portion defining an outer end surface and an inner periphery. Inequalities X2/B≧0.010 and 0.009≦X1/D≦0.043 are satisfied where B represents a width in the axial direction of the inner ring; D represents a bore diameter of the inner ring; X2 represents a distance in the axial direction from the outer end surface of the inner ring to the outer end surface of the case; and X1 represents a dimension of a clearance in a diameter direction between the inner periphery of the cage and the inner ring. |
| US08876396B2 |
Roller bearing with knurled wear resistant exterior surface and method of manufacturing the same
A roller bearing includes an outer ring having a substantially cylindrical internal bearing surface and an outside surface defining a plurality of protuberances. A protective coating is applied to the outside surface of the outer ring. An inner ring is coaxially disposed at least partially in the outer ring and has a substantially cylindrical external bearing surface. The external bearing surface and the internal bearing surface define an annular cavity in which a plurality of rolling elements is disposed. The rolling elements are in rolling engagement with the external bearing surface and the internal bearing surface. The outside surface of the outer ring can be case hardened, for example the outer ring can be carburized. The outside surface of the outer ring can be knurled. A method of manufacturing such a bearing is also disclosed. |
| US08876393B2 |
Bearing enclosure with integrated wear detection
An electro-mechanical fuse integrated into the enclosure of a bearing assembly of a generator or like component. Under normal operation, the electro-mechanical fuse provides continuity through a bearing sensing circuit. However, ball cage damage causes the fuse to open and, in turn, the bearing sensing circuit indicates bearing wear. Thus, damage to other generator components is greatly reduced because the generator is removed for maintenance in a timely manner. |
| US08876392B2 |
Pad-type thrust bearing and rotary machine comprising such a thrust bearing
A pad-type thrust bearing in which each pad rests on a volume of liquid enclosed in a cavity connected to adjacent cavities by ducts. The thrust bearing includes a number of casings, each casing delimiting the cavity and which are connected to one another by ducts. The convex casings and the ducts together form a hollow functional subassembly which is separate from the other constituent components of the thrust bearing and which delimits a liquid-filled closed volume. Each casing includes two half-shells positioned one on each side of a flexible bladder and each duct including a flexible hose inserted in a sheath. |
| US08876389B2 |
Segmented coast-down bearing for magnetic bearing systems
Coast-down bearing apparatus and methods are provided. The coast-down bearing includes a plurality of segments each having a radius of curvature substantially equal to an outer radius of a shaft and spaced radially therefrom to define a clearance, with the plurality of segments being configured to receive the shaft when a magnetic bearing drops the shaft. The coast-down bearing also includes a plurality of slots disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of segments. |
| US08876388B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing device
A fluid dynamic bearing device which exhibits high bearing performance at low cost has a highly accurate bearing gap. At least a region in the outer circumferential surface of a shaft, which faces the radial bearing gap, is constituted of an electroformed part, and the region of the shaft excluding the electroformed part is constituted of a resin portion. |
| US08876386B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing device
A fluid dynamic bearing device which can exhibit high bearing performance is provided at low costs by forming a highly accurate bearing gap. At least a region in the outer circumferential surface of a shaft which faces the radial bearing gap is constituted of an electroformed part, and the region of the shaft excluding the electroformed part is constituted of a resin portion. |
| US08876385B2 |
Bearing member and fluid dynamic bearing device using same
A sintered metal bearing member is provided that includes radial bearing surfaces arranged at two regions spaced apart from each other in an axial direction on an inner peripheral surface. The bearing member includes radial dynamic pressure generating portions in contact with the radial bearing surfaces. The radial dynamic pressure generating portions are formed on the radial bearing surfaces. The bearing member includes a thrust bearing surface arranged on at least one of the end surfaces and a thrust dynamic pressure generating portion for generating a dynamic pressure in the lubricating oil in contact with the thrust bearing surface. The thrust dynamic pressure generating portion is formed on the thrust bearing surface. The bearing member includes a middle relief portion arranged between the radial bearing surfaces in the axial direction. The middle relief portion has a larger diameter than the radial bearing surfaces. |
| US08876384B2 |
Hydrodynamic bearing assembly
A hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a shaft; a sleeve having a shaft hole formed therein so that the shaft is rotatably inserted thereinto; and first and second dynamic pressure generation grooves provided in at least one of an outer surface of the shaft and an inner surface of the sleeve and having a herringbone pattern including V-shaped portions in which upper and lower wings are provided to generate dynamic pressure in lubricating fluid filling a bearing clearance between the shaft and the sleeve at the time of rotation of the shaft. The first dynamic pressure generation groove has a V-shaped portion of which an upper wing is longer than a lower wing, and the second dynamic pressure generation groove is disposed below the first dynamic pressure generation groove in an axial direction and has a V-shaped portion of which a lower wing is longer than an upper wing. |
| US08876382B2 |
Embossed draw tape bag
The plastic bag with a hem and draw tape may include flexible thermoplastic sidewalls that have a network pattern imparted onto them across the side seams. In one embodiment, the network pattern is below the hem seal. In another embodiment, the network pattern covers the hem seal. The bag may also include a ribbed pattern below the network pattern. The network pattern may be continuous or discontinuous. |
| US08876381B2 |
Tbag bottom cushioning structure for inflated air cushion bag
A bag bottom cushioning structure for an inflated air cushion bag is provided at the bottom of the bag and has air columns rendered into a bent configuration to form an extended curved-surface cushioning space. The bag has a first wall, a second wall, and a bottom wall connecting the bottoms of the first and second walls. The three walls form a receiving space therebetween. The tops of the first and second walls form a bag opening therebetween in communication with the receiving space. The bottom wall is provided at intervals with air columns extending toward the bag opening along the first and second walls respectively. The two inner lateral surfaces of the bottom wall are bonded together by one or more fixedly connecting portions such that the air columns on the bottom wall are bent, and thus protrude, away from the bag opening, forming the extended curved-surface cushioning space. |
| US08876380B2 |
Fluoroscopic data display
An apparatus, including a transparent panel, which is configured to protect an operator positioned on a first side of the panel from X-ray radiation applied to a patient on a second side of the panel during a medical procedure, while permitting the operator to view the patient through the panel. The apparatus also includes a display device, which is coupled to present information on the transparent panel responsively to the medical procedure. |
| US08876378B2 |
X-ray diagnostic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes at least a tabletop support, an arm, a position storing unit, and a mechanism controlling unit. The tabletop support supports a tabletop movably in a longitudinal direction, a raising/reclining direction, and an upper/lower direction of the tabletop. The arm holds an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector movably in an approaching/separating direction with respect to the tabletop support. The position storing unit stores a photographing position of the arm and a photographing position of the tabletop in association with each other. When the arm is at a retraction position, the mechanism controlling unit moves the tabletop in the raising/reclining direction and the upper/lower direction to maintain a position in at least the upper/lower direction of a region of the object corresponding to a photographing position of the arm stored by the position storing unit. |
| US08876377B2 |
Proximity detection system for imaging systems and method for sensing proximity
A proximity sensor array for a medical imaging system includes a flexible substrate configured to be mounted to a detector, and a plurality of sensors disposed on the substrate, the flexible substrate being deformable to contact a sensing surface of the detector. A method of fabricating a proximity sensor array and a medical imaging system are also described herein. |
| US08876375B2 |
Color coded dental X-ray positioning device
A positioning device for holding a dental x-ray imaging media during the taking of a dental x-ray includes an aiming ring, a bite block and a positioning arm extending therebetween. The bite block carries a journal or barrel for receiving a portion of the positioning arm therein such that the portion of the positioning arm thus received can rotate or move therein, such that the position between the bite block and the aiming ring can be selected in one of a plurality of positions corresponding to a position for taking one of a plurality of dental x-ray images. In another embodiment, the bite block carries a window through which a color-coded or other indicia portion of the positioning arm is positioned such that the user can view the indicia to determine the x-ray image for which the device is set. |
| US08876367B1 |
Container holder for mixers
An apparatus and method for use in the biopharmaceutical and chemical industries to facilitate the temporary attachment of standard laboratory glassware to vibratory mixers and other types of aggressive shaking equipment. The container holder couples the entire flask or container to the mixing equipment in a secure fashion. The technology may be used with conventional glass flasks, or with plastic flasks that can be configured for either single-use or multiple-use. The invention allows for single handed, low force insertion of the flaskware as well as the incorporation of sensors into the container holder. |
| US08876364B2 |
Dynamic mixer with a seal
A dynamic mixer for a plurality of fluid components contains a housing and a rotor element which is rotatably arranged in the housing, with the housing having one inlet opening for at least one component each and at least one outlet opening. A ring-shaped intermediate space is provided between the rotor element and the housing in which a mixing element connected to the rotor element is arranged. A seal for sealing the rotor element in the mixer housing is provided at the bearing location of the rotor element in the housing. |
| US08876358B2 |
Display apparatus
Disclosed is a display apparatus which does not use some elements of cases and set cover members necessary for producing the display apparatus and thus can minimize a thickness and enhance a sense of beauty with an innovative design. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a panel supporting member, an adhesive member, a guide frame, and a cover member. The panel supporting member supports a rear edge of the display panel. The adhesive member is disposed at one side of the panel supporting member, and couples the display panel and the panel supporting member. The guide frame supports the panel supporting member. The cover member is disposed to overlap with the other side of the panel supporting member and surround a side surface of the guide frame, thereby enabling movement of the panel supporting member. |
| US08876357B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
The invention is intended to provide a lighting device that shortens time required to obtain peak brightness. A backlight unit 16 according to the invention includes: cold cathode tubes 22 as a light source; a chassis 18 housing the cold cathode tubes 22; a reflection sheet 21 disposed within the chassis 18 and reflecting light; and a heat insulator 27 disposed between the chassis 18 and the reflection sheet 21. Because the heat insulator 27 is disposes between the chassis 18 and the reflection sheet 21, heat in the chassis 18 is less likely to escape to the outside. Therefore, the temperature inside the chassis 18 can be efficiently increased with the heat generated by the cold cathode tubes 22. |
| US08876354B2 |
Light source comprising light deflecting particles
A first light source system comprises a light guide with light deflecting particles. If its light emission function and concentration variation function (of the light deflecting particles) are known, then a similar second light source system with a desired light emission function can be designed using the following method. The concentration variation function of the second light source system is obtained by mutating the concentration variation function of the first light source system using the same mutating function that mutates the light emission function of the first light source system into the light emission function of the second light source system. |
| US08876352B2 |
Method and system for flexible illuminated devices having edge lighting utilizing light active sheet material with integrated light emitting diode
An edge lighting device, and a method of providing edge lighting, including providing a lighting device with at least one light emitting diode (LED) chip embedded therein, wherein the LED chip(s) generates light photons. A path of the light photons within the lighting device that are emitted by the LED chip(s) from a top surface of the LED chip(s), are redirected from a first edge of the lighting device back through the lighting device to a second edge of the lighting device opposite to the first edge. The first edge and the second edge of the lighting device are perpendicular to the top surface of the LED chip(s). The photons which were redirected from the first edge of the lighting device then follow a path through the second edge of the device and are then output from the edge lighting device at the second edge of the device. |
| US08876351B2 |
Light emitting diode lamp having heat dissipation module
A light emitting diode (LED) lamp includes a heat dissipation module, a circular light guide plate (LGP), and LED light sources. The heat dissipation module includes a heat dissipation element and a heat-conducting base that has a containing concave. The heat dissipation element connecting and surrounding the heat-conducting base is distant from the circumference of the heat-conducting base. The circular LGP in the containing concave has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an annular side surface. The top surface faces the heat-conducting base and has concentric annular trenches. The LED light sources are configured in the containing concave and face the annular side surface. The LED light sources are suitable for emitting a light beam which is capable of passing through the annular side surface to enter the circular LGP and capable of being reflected by the annular trenches and emitted from the bottom surface. |
| US08876350B2 |
Light source device and display device provided with same
A light source device includes a circuit board having a LED mounted on a surface, a lens attached to the surface so as to diffuse light emitted from the LED, a reflecting sheet having a through hole in the inside of which the lens is disposed and reflecting light emitted from the LED at an opposite side of the surface, and a restricting member which is disposed at one of an edge of the through hole in the reflecting sheet and the lens, and restricts a deviation of the reflecting sheet in a direction departing from the surface. |
| US08876346B2 |
Illumination source for use in inspection methods and/or lithography; inspection and lithographic apparatus and inspection method
An illumination system for a lithographic or inspection apparatus. A plurality of optical waveguides transmit radiation from the illumination source to an output. A switching system enables selective control of one or more subsets of the optical waveguides. An inspection method uses an illumination system and inspection and lithographic apparatuses comprise an illumination system. In one example, the optical waveguides and switching system are replaced by a plurality of parallel optical bandpass filter elements. The optical bandpass filter elements each only transmit a predetermined wavelength or a band of wavelengths of radiation. At least two of the parallel optical bandpass filter elements each being operable to transmit a different wavelength or band of wavelengths. |
| US08876343B2 |
Lighting system arranged in vehicle door
A lighting system for a motor vehicle 1 is disclosed in which a light source 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is fitted to the inside of each door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R so as to selectively provide interior lighting when the respective door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R is closed and puddle lighting when it is open. Each of the light sources 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is mounted close to a waistline of the door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R to which it is attached and is arranged to project light in a downward direction so as not to provide a distraction for a driver of the motor vehicle 1. |
| US08876341B2 |
Headset lighting system for a bicycle
A light for a bicycle having a head tube is provided. The light includes a body having an opening extending therethrough, the opening sized to receive the head tube, the body further having a recessed area extending about the perimeter of the body. A light emitting device is at least partially disposed within the recessed area. A power source is at least partially disposed within the recessed area and operably coupled to the light emitting device. A cover member is coupled to the body about the recessed area, the cover member being made from a flexible material. |
| US08876339B2 |
Luminaire
The invention relates to a luminaire (1) comprising a housing (2) having at least one side wall part (3) and a bottom wall part (5), a light source (7) being positioned in the housing (2), and a curved, optically transparent sheet (10) having a plurality of elongated linear prism structures with right top angles (16) on its concave surface. Said surface faces away from the light source (7). The invented luminaires (1) show reduced glare. They can be used with great advantage in office lighting and house lighting. |
| US08876338B2 |
Driveway marking device
A marking device includes a frame which supports a reflector member therein for being supported on a stake to be penetrated into the ground, for example for marking driveways. The frame is operable between open and closed positions to readily release the reflector member therefrom. Several frames can be stacked on a common stake by modular interconnection between adjacent frames in which some frame may support reflectors and other frames are suitable for retaining a cable extending therethrough. In this instance when a plurality of marking devices are penetrated into the ground at spaced positions in a row, a common cable, for example an electrical extension cord or a string of lights can be threaded through empty frames in the row to be supported spaced above the ground. |
| US08876337B2 |
Light fixtures and multi-plane light modifying elements
In an example embodiment, a light fixture is provided that includes an enclosure with an aperture plane and two or more linear light emitting diode (LED) arrays configured to mount within the enclosure on LED array mounting features that are oriented at an angle between about 80 degrees and about 135 degrees relative to a back surface plane of the enclosure. The light fixture may further include a lens with an axis of symmetry defining two opposing lens halves that define substantially planar outer portions and curved inner portions. The two lens halves may be configured to intersect or join in proximity to the axis of symmetry that is disposed parallel, and above or in proximity to the two or more linear LED arrays. The outer edges of the substantially planar outer lens portions are disposed in proximity to opposing edges of the aperture plane of the enclosure. |
| US08876334B2 |
Light-mixing multichip package structure
A light-mixing multichip package structure includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, a package unit, and a frame unit. The substrate unit includes a substrate body. The light-emitting unit includes a plurality of first and second light-emitting groups. The first and the second light-emitting groups are disposed on the substrate body and electrically connected to the substrate body in series. Each first light-emitting group includes a plurality of first parallel connection units electrically connected in parallel, and each first parallel connection unit includes at least one blue LED chip, and each second light-emitting group includes at least one red LED chip. The package unit includes a phosphor resin body disposed on the substrate body to cover the first and the second light-emitting groups. The frame unit includes a surrounding light-reflecting frame surrounding the first and the second light-emitting groups and the phosphor resin body. |
| US08876327B2 |
Laser light source module and method of manufacturing laser light source module
A laser light source module includes a plurality of laser light sources, a synthesizing element, a light receiving element, a case unit and a sealing unit. The synthesizing element overlaps laser beams outputted from the laser light sources. The light receiving element detects the intensities of the laser beams outputted from the laser light sources. The case unit houses the laser light sources and the synthesizing element. The sealing unit seals the case unit. The light receiving element is attached to the sealing unit. |
| US08876326B1 |
Multi-mode LED edge-light for NVIS compatible operation
A night vision compatible edge-light is disclosed. The edge-light may include high efficiency white LEDs alternated with filtered multi-die or compact clustered color LEDs to provide a dual-mode configuration. For example, the filtered color LED modules may be energized in order to provide a night vision compatible mode of operation. That is, the filtered color LED modules may provide illumination so that the display is not only visible to unaided eyes, but also compatible with night vision equipment (e.g., night vision goggles) without adversely affecting the operation of the night vision equipment. On the other hand, the unfiltered white LED modules may be energized to provide illumination suitable for relatively bright operation conditions (e.g., in daylight or when sufficient ambient lights are available). Furthermore, both the white LEDs and the color LEDs may be energized simultaneously to enhance the day mode if so desired. |
| US08876324B2 |
Handrail with orientable illumination
A handrail assembly for lighting an adjacent area includes two stanchions for attachment to a surface, each stanchion including mounting structure; a bar for attachment to the stanchions, the bar having two ends and defining mounting structure at the ends; and a lighting element configured to be carried by the bar. The mounting structure of the stanchions and bars cooperate to provide two alternate mounting orientations of the bar within the stanchions. In a first of the orientations the lighting element is offset circumferentially in a first direction relative to a centerline of the stanchions lighting a first adjacent area on a first side of the stanchions. In a second of the orientations the lighting element is offset circumferentially in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the centerline of the stanchions lighting a second adjacent area on a second side of the stanchions. |
| US08876320B2 |
Direct type backlight
A direct type backlight is provided in the disclosure and comprises: light emitting bodies; a reflecting sheet disposed below the light emitting bodies; a back plate disposed below the reflecting sheet; and a diffusing plate disposed above the light emitting bodies, wherein the backlight further comprises a reflection-enhancing layer disposed between the diffusing plate and the light emitting bodies, and the transflective layer has, on a side thereof facing the light emitting bodies, a reflectivity that is greater than a reflectivity of the diffusing plate and smaller than 1. |
| US08876314B2 |
Drawer-type refrigerator with a lighting device
A lighting device for a drawer type refrigerator is provided. The drawer type refrigerator comprises at least one drawer having a drawer door, and an upper rotary door or an upper drawer door disposed above the drawer door. The lighting device comprises: a lamp assembly comprising a lamp and a lamp shade of a light-transmission material and disposed in a groove formed in a lower portion of the upper rotary door or the upper drawer door; a switch assembly configured to control the lamp assembly based upon whether the drawer is pulled out; a power supply assembly configured to supply power to the switch assembly; and a connection assembly connected between the lamp assembly and the switch assembly to supply power to the lamp assembly. |
| US08876313B2 |
Light sources adapted to spectral sensitivity of diurnal avians and humans
A method of illuminating livestock with artificial light sources. The method includes generating a first light having a first light output that provides white light at typical lumen levels for workers. Then by using a dimming device the light source can be dimmed to provide a blue light at under 3 lumen in order to provide artificial light to the diurnal avians representative of moonlight to cause the occurrence of a predetermined characteristic visual spectral response of the diurnal avian substantially enclosed habitat for diurnal avians. |
| US08876312B2 |
Lighting device and apparatus with spectral converter within a casing
In one embodiment, a light-emitting device having a substrate, a casing, a plurality of light source dies, a plurality of spectral converters and a plurality of optical structures is disclosed. The spectral converters may be configured to spectrally adjust a portion of the light output of the light source die into a first and second converted spectral output that is substantially different from one another. In another embodiment, a system for illumination having a plurality of lighting assemblies has been disclosed. Each of the lighting assemblies comprises a light source die and a spectral converter. The spectral converter is configured to spectrally adjust the light output of the light source die so that the plurality of lighting assemblies are configured to emit substantially different spectral output. In yet another embodiment, a lighting apparatus having a primary spectral converter and a secondary spectral converter is disclosed. |
| US08876308B2 |
Display module and electronic device
A display module includes a display panel, a first polarized plate, a second polarized plate, a backlight module, a frame and an adhesive tape. The display panel has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first polarized plate is disposed on the first surface, in which the first end of the first polarized plate extends beyond the display panel. The second polarized plate is disposed on the second surface. The backlight module is disposed under the second polarized plate. The frame surrounds the display panel and carries the backlight module. The adhesive tape is adhered to the first end of the first polarized plate and a side surface of the frame. In addition, an electronic device with the above-mentioned display module is also disclosed. |
| US08876306B2 |
Mirror comprising mechanical means for generating primary geometrical aberrations
Optical devices can comprise a deformable mirror and a system for deforming said mirror. A deformation system comprises a first mechanical structure comprising a first surround, one or more electromechanical actuators attached to the first mechanical structure, a second mechanical structure comprising a substantially planar bottom and a second surround, both deformable, the bottom being attached to the first surround, the second surround being attached to the surround of the mirror, a rigid stud being attached to the bottom, substantially planar and centerd on the bottom, the electromechanical actuator or actuators exerting predetermined forces or bending moments on the stud so as to generate a particular distribution of the bending moments on the surround of the mirror, deforming it according to a geometrical form representative or of one or more predetermined geometrical aberrations. |
| US08876305B2 |
Rearview mirror for vehicles
The rear-view mirror comprises a mirror housing, in which a mirror glass is disposed. It is surrounded by a rim portion, wherein at least a part of the rim portion is configured moveable relative to the mirror housing. Said part can be configured elastically resilient, linked with the mirror housing, or it can be provided detachable. When the mirror housing touches its installed elements during an evasive movement, the corresponding part of the rim portion can move, whereby an additional travel distance for the mirror housing is provided. |
| US08876304B2 |
Imaging assembly
An image assembly may include a substrate having a face, a first optical layer and at least one spacer member. The imaging assembly may also include an anti-reflection structure. The at least one spacer member may be arranged between the substrate and the first optical layer to define an air gap therebetween. The anti-reflection structure may be coupled to at least part of the face and at least one of the first optical layer and the at least one spacer member. The anti-reflection structure may also include a plurality of projections having dimensions smaller than a wavelength of radiation to be imaged by the imaging assembly. |
| US08876302B2 |
Projector
A projector includes: a light modulation unit that modulates illumination light; a projection unit that projects image light modulated by the light modulation unit; and a holder that holds an optical filter and a cover in such a way that the optical filter and the cover can be alternately switched and positioned in an optical path on the light-exiting side of the projection unit. |
| US08876301B2 |
Video projection device easy for adjustment work
A video projection device includes an optical engine, a projection lens, a reflection mirror, a non-spherical mirror, a screen, and a cabinet which covers the lower surface and the back surface of the screen. The projection lens and the non-spherical mirror are placed at an approximate center in the leftward and rightward directions of the screen and at a back portion within the cabinet. The reflection mirror is placed at an approximate center in the leftward and rightward directions of the screen and at a front portion within the cabinet. The video projection device further includes projection-unit structural members for integrally coupling the projection lens, the reflection mirror and the non-spherical mirror to each other, thereby forming a projection unit. |
| US08876300B2 |
Image projecting apparatus having function of changing light emission direction for emitting obliquely inclined light
An image projecting apparatus for projecting an image includes a light source, a light emitting port, an emitting unit, and a control unit. The emitting unit causes the light emitted from the light source to be emitted from the light emitting port in such a manner that an emission direction of the light emitted from the light emitting port is variable. The control unit controls the light source and the emitting unit to switch between a first projection mode and a second projection mode. When the image projecting apparatus is placed on a horizontal plane, the emission direction is a front direction of the light emitting port or obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal plane in the first projection mode, and the emission direction is obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal plane in the second projection mode. |
| US08876297B2 |
Camera having projection unit with light source
An electronic device includes: a projection unit that includes a light source and projects an optical image with light from the light source; a shift unit that shifts the projection unit between a usage position and a housed position; and a heat conduction member that conducts heat due to the light source to a chassis, irrespective of the position of the projection unit. |
| US08876296B2 |
Portable electronic apparatus and display control method
To carry out display control with a projector unit and a display unit in further consideration of user needs, a portable electronic apparatus of the invention includes the display unit that displays given display data, the projector unit that projects at least a part of the display data, a storage unit that stores therein the display data including at least self-state information indicative of a state of the own apparatus, and a control unit that makes the display unit display the display data stored in the storage unit including the self-state information and makes the projector unit project the display data stored in the storage unit without including the self-state information. |
| US08876292B2 |
Fundus imaging apparatus
A fundus imaging apparatus includes: an interference optical system configured to detect, with a detector, an interference state between a reference light and a measurement light that is reflected at a fundus; an optical scanner configured to scan the fundus with the measurement light; an optical member configured to adjust an optical path length difference between the measurement light and the reference light; an imaging unit configured to photograph a tomographic image of the fundus based on an output signal from the detector; a first optical path length adjuster configured to move the optical member, based on a light-receiving signal output from the detector corresponding to a position of the optical member; a second optical path length adjuster configured to readjust a position of the optical member; and an optical system adjuster configured to adjust the interference optical system between adjustments by the first and second optical path length adjusters. |
| US08876288B2 |
Progressive multifocal ophthalmic lens
The invention relates to a finished or semi-finished lens which comprises: a disc containing all the points of the lens that have the same abscissa and the same ordinate as points located within a circle in the reference plane having a diameter of 30 millimeters and centered on the prism reference point; a progression length of less than 14.5 millimeters; a first specific point having a cylinder value equal to the maximum cylinder value of all the points of the lens located in the nasal area and in the disc; and a second specific point having a cylinder value equal to the maximum cylinder value of all the points of the lens located in the temporal area and in the disc; a first ratio between: the maximum gradient of the cylinder for the points of the lens that have the same abscissa and the same ordinate as the points located on segments connecting the mounting cross to the first and second specific points, and surface addition of less than 0.095 per millimeter; and a second ratio between: the maximum cylinder value of the first and second specific points, and surface addition of no more than 0.85. The invention enhances the comfort of the wearer. |
| US08876281B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a supporting member on which a plurality of suction holes for sucking a recording medium are formed, a transportation device which transports the recording medium along the supporting face, a recording head which ejects fluid on the recording medium supported by the supporting face, and a control device which controls printing when a front end of the recording medium reaches a position at which the front end of the recording medium covers the suction holes. |
| US08876277B2 |
Vacuum pulldown of a print media in a printing system
A printing system includes one or more lineheads disposed opposite a first side of a print media and at least one vacuum assembly having a vacuum manifold disposed opposite a second side of the print media. The linehead or lineheads has one or more print zones where a liquid or ink is deposited onto the first side of the print media. The vacuum manifold is aligned with a non-print zone of each linehead and outputs a vacuum force proximate to the second side of the print media such that at least a portion of the second side of the print media is deflected away from the lineheads. The printing system can also include another component, such as a dryer, disposed over the print media and laterally adjacent to the linehead. Another vacuum manifold can be disposed adjacent to the second side print media between the linehead and the component. |
| US08876276B2 |
Recording method, recording apparatus, and ink set
In a recording method, a first ink composition containing a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a photopolymerization initiator is ejected from a recording head onto a recording medium; light is emitted from a light source to the first ink composition that has adhered to the recording medium with the result that the first ink composition is cured at a cure rate that is in the range from 70 to 95%; a second ink composition containing a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a photopolymerization initiator is ejected from a recording head to the first ink composition that has been cured on the recording medium; and light is emitted from a light source to the second ink composition. |
| US08876272B2 |
Compositions and methods including depositing nanomaterial
An ink composition comprising a nanomaterial and a liquid vehicle, wherein the liquid vehicle comprises a composition including one or more functional groups that are capable of being cross-linked is disclosed. An ink composition comprising a nanomaterial, a liquid vehicle, and scatterers is also disclosed. An ink composition comprising a nanomaterial and a liquid vehicle, wherein the liquid vehicle comprises a perfluorocompound is further disclosed. A method for inkjet printing an ink including nanomaterial and a liquid vehicle with a surface tension that is not greater than about 25 dyne/cm is disclosed. In certain preferred embodiments, the nanomaterial comprises semiconductor nanocrystals. Devices prepared from inks and methods of the invention are also described. |
| US08876270B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head having a head body that ejects liquid from nozzle openings and a flow path member that includes a liquid flow path through which the liquid is supplied to the head body, the liquid flow path being provided with a filter chamber disposed at a position in the liquid flow path with a filter disposed inside the filter chamber, and a portion of the filter chamber which opposes the filter being made of an elastic member; a pressing unit that presses the elastic member toward the filter; and a suction unit that suctions the liquid in the liquid flow path from the nozzle openings. |
| US08876266B2 |
System and method for refilling ink containers
An inkjet printer cartridge refilling system is described. The system may include a plurality of fixtures or adapters that are configured to hold inkjet printer cartridges. The adapters allow a variety of different configurations of inkjet printer cartridges to be refilled and cleaned by mating the cartridges to universal stations on the refilling system. |
| US08876262B2 |
Inkjet head and inkjet recording apparatus
According to one embodiment, an inkjet head includes actuators configured to pressurize ink. The actuators include piezoelectric elements provided on an insulating layer, first electrodes electrically connected to the piezoelectric elements, and second electrodes connected to the piezoelectric elements and configured to hold the piezoelectric elements in cooperation with the first electrodes. The first electrodes of all the actuators are electrically connected to a common first energization pattern. The second electrodes of all the actuators are individually electrically connected to second energization patterns. The first energization pattern and the second energization patterns are separated from each other without overlapping each other on the insulating layer. |
| US08876258B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: a pressure generation chamber that communicates with a nozzle opening which ejects liquid; a pressure generation unit that causes a change in pressure in the pressure generation chamber; and a flexible wiring substrate that transmits a control signal from outside and includes a wiring layer which is connected to each individual electrode of a plurality of pressure generation units and also connected to a terminal portion of a common electrode common to the plurality of pressure generation units. In the liquid ejecting head, the wiring layer of the wiring substrate includes slits in an area connected to the terminal portion of the common electrode of the pressure generation unit, while the wiring layer of the wiring substrate and the terminal portion of the pressure generation unit are connected via an anisotropic conductive material. |
| US08876251B2 |
Recording apparatus
An apparatus includes a supply unit having a humidifying portion that supplies humidified gas near a nozzle array of a line-type recording head. In correspondence to displacement of the recording head in a direction of the nozzle array, at least one of an introducing direction and an introducing position of the supplied humidified gas can be changed. |
| US08876249B2 |
Printing method and apparatus
An apparatus and method for use in printing an image in a multipass printing device, the method comprising obtaining information identifying two or more defective nozzles in a nozzle array, determining that a line of a printed image is associated with more than a first predetermined number of defective nozzles based on the obtained information identifying two or more defective nozzles and selected step sizes, and identifying adjusted step sizes such that no more than the first predetermined number of defective nozzles is associated with any line of the printed image. |
| US08876248B2 |
Detecting method for printing material boundary of large UV inkjet printer
A detecting method for printing material boundary of a large UV inkjet printer includes steps of performing a full-field scanning process at a first scanning speed by a photosensitive element disposed on an inkjet module to cause a sensing device to produce induced voltage signals corresponding to different positions below sequentially in order to determine rough coordinate positions of two opposite sides of the printing material based on the changes of the induced voltage signals, and to define detailed scanning areas including the rough coordinate positions of the two opposite sides; and performing a detailed scanning process for the detailed scanning areas along an opposite direction at a second scanning speed slower than the first scanning speed by the photosensitive element in order to obtain boundary coordinate positions of the two opposite sides of the printing material based on the changes of the induced voltage signals. |
| US08876247B2 |
Liquid ejecting head module and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head module including: a head unit which has a plurality of heads having a nozzle plate on which a nozzle opening is provided; a carriage to which the liquid ejecting head unit is fixed; and a thermistor attached to the carriage, wherein the thermistor is biased to the cover head side which is in contact with the nozzle plate of a head, comes into contact with the nozzle plate and measures the temperature of the nozzle plate. |
| US08876238B2 |
Image recording apparatus, method for producing test pattern in the same, and nontransitory storage medium storing program
An image recording apparatus, including: a first head for ejecting first liquid for recording; a second head for ejecting second liquid; and a controller. The controller selects, based on the image data, one of waveforms for ejecting the first liquid for each pixel and supplies, to the first-liquid ejection head, a drive signal based on the selected waveform. The controller selects, based on the image data, one of the of waveforms for ejecting the second liquid for each pixel and supplies, to the second-liquid ejection head, a drive signal based on the selected waveform. The controller determines whether recording of a test pattern using the second liquid is required, and when the recording of the test pattern using the second liquid is required, selects the waveform such that the first liquid is not ejected. |
| US08876234B2 |
Power supply device, power supply device control method, and image forming apparatus
According to an embodiments, a power supply device includes: a first voltage generator that operates to output a first voltage; a second voltage generator that operates to output a second voltage higher than the first voltage; a third voltage generator that, from the second voltage generated by the second voltage generator, operates to generate a third voltage equal to the first voltage and to output the third voltage therefrom; and a selector that operates to select as an output whichever has a higher voltage from the output of the first generator and the output of the second generator, wherein each of the output of the second voltage generator and the output selected by the selector are supplied to a load. |
| US08876231B2 |
Adapter kit of slide module
An adapter kit of a slide module includes a fixing rack and an external frame coupled with an inner rail and an outer rail respectively and is installed between a drawer and a cabinet. First and second side boards are disposed on both sides of the fixing rack respectively, and the second side board has at least one folded portion and at least one level difference portion. First and second bent portions corresponding to the first and second side boards are disposed on both sides of the external frame respectively, thus the first bent portion and the folded portion can be latched with each other, and an inner surface of the second bent portion abuts the level difference portion to form two support structures to enhance the strength. The adapter kit can be used with various slide modules to provide a hidden slide design and lower the development cost. |
| US08876229B2 |
Device for attaching a functional part to a rail of a drawer pull-out guide
A device (20) for attaching a functional part (14) to a rail (5,6) of a drawer pull-out guide (3) includes a first bearing element (11) and at least one second bearing element (12), wherein the bearing elements (11, 12) are arranged in the front end area of the rail (5) and in the rear end area of the rail (5), wherein at least one clamping device (13) is provided, by means of which the at least two bearing elements (11, 12), in the installed position thereof on the rail (5), can be connected to each other and braced relative to each other. |
| US08876228B2 |
Door for a household appliance
A door for a household appliance. The door includes a door body having an appliance-side plate and an outer-side decorative panel spaced from the appliance-side plate by a gap. A profiled cover extends at least between a portion of a side of the appliance-side plate to a portion of a side of the outer-side decorative panel such that the profiled cover closes off a side edge extent of the gap. |
| US08876218B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for longwall support
A hydraulic circuit for longwall support for use in underground mining for supporting a longwall by means of a plurality of support shields includes in the annular piston line of each cylinder/piston unit a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor, upon reaching a predetermined maximum pressure activates a pressure deviation signal, causes the entire longwall to be depressurized by means of a longwall shut-off valve. The pressure deviation signal is blocked for one of the hydraulic valves against each triggering signal. |
| US08876214B2 |
Vehicle seat comprising a plurality of structural or retaining parts as well as a method for producing structural or retaining parts of such a vehicle seat
The invention relates to a vehicle seat and to a method for producing said vehicle seat, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a plurality of structural or retaining parts which are joined together or to a further part in at least one joining region, the join being produced by friction welding in at least one of the joining regions. |
| US08876203B1 |
Collapsible chair
A chair operable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration includes one or more legs, a handle and a locking mechanism. The one or more legs support a seat and the handle extends away from the seat opposite the one or more legs. The locking mechanism includes a lock plug disposed in an elongate trough. Movement of the handle between the extended and collapsed configurations involves depressing the lock plug and flipping the trough to an opposite side of the lock plug. |
| US08876202B2 |
Berth sleeper system
A berth sleeper system including a platform portion and a seat portion, the seat portion defining an axis of rotation and being rotatable relative to the platform portion about the axis of rotation, wherein the seat portion includes a seat base, a backrest and a recline mechanism, the recline mechanism supporting the seat base and the backrest in an upright configuration and a horizontal configuration, wherein the seat base is substantially co-planar with the platform portion, while the backrest is disposed at an angle relative to the seat base in the upright configuration, and wherein the seat base and the backrest are substantially co-planar with the platform portion in the horizontal configuration. |
| US08876201B2 |
Vehicle sun roof apparatus
Provided is a vehicle sun roof apparatus including a movable panel, a supporting bracket, a guide rail, and a sliding member including: a holding portion provided on either one of the rear end portion of the sliding member and the supporting bracket so as to project in the vehicle width direction, and a holding groove provided on the other one of the rear end portion of the sliding member and the supporting bracket and configured to allow the holding portion to be locked in so as to introduce the movable panel to the fully-closed state when the movable panel is transferred to the fully-closed state. |
| US08876200B2 |
Magnetic vehicle attachment system for use with non-magnetic body structure
A vehicle headliner attachment system for mounting a headliner to a non-magnetic roof structure includes a headliner having an interior and an exterior surface, a ferromagnetic plate attached to the exterior surface of the headliner, and a magnetic clip assembly affixed to the non-magnetic roof structure. The ferromagnetic plate and magnetic clip assembly enable magnetic attachment of the headliner to the non-magnetic roof structure. |
| US08876198B2 |
Device and method for fastening, clamping, or adjusting two components to one another
A device and a method for fastening, clamping, or adjusting a molding part to a body-mounted part are provided. To allow the absorption of large tensile forces, a tensioning element designed as a tension strut is provided, which includes at least one oblong element made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The length of the tensioning element is adjustable between two end positions via a bracing device. |
| US08876196B2 |
Cab frame structure for construction machine
ObjectIn a cab frame structure for a construction machine in which a front pillar and a roof pillar are configured by one tubular material, the cab frame structure for the construction machine in which an attachment position of a front header can be reversibly raised and an upward viewing angle of a driver is enlarged is provided.Solving MeansA front pillar 1 and a roof pillar 2, which constitute a cab frame of the construction machine, are configured by one tubular material 9 having a curved portion 10 at a joint between them, and by making a curvature radius of a curve outer side 10a in the curved portion 10 smaller than a curvature radius of a curve inner side 10b, a space 12 to raise an accommodation position of a top end 7x of a front window unit 7 is formed in the curved portion 10. A front header 4 is arranged at the position of the top end 7x of the front window unit 7 accommodated in the space 12. With this configuration, the attachment of the front header 4 can be reversibly raised, and an upward viewing angle θ2 of a driver can be expanded. |
| US08876192B2 |
Aerodynamically effective device for a motor vehicle
An aerodynamically effective device for a motor vehicle has an air guiding element, which can be adjusted between an inoperative position and at least one operative position, a drive unit for adjusting the air guiding element and a control device for controlling the drive unit. The control device has an actuating device for actuating the drive unit. The actuating device can be operated from outside the motor vehicle. |
| US08876191B2 |
Aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus
An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration. |
| US08876189B1 |
Vehicle mounted canopy
A vehicle mounted canopy including mounting brackets conforming to a vehicle roof with tracks attached thereto. Each outside track has stopping pins and a roller slidingly and rotationally disposed within the recess between the stopping pins to receive an inside track disposed on each side of a canopy frame that slidingly engage the respective outside track to extend the canopy frame. There is also a T-handle lock permitting a user to secure the inside track and outside track in a locked position in the mounting bracket and to alternately release the inside track and outside track from the mounting bracket to the stopping pins to permit usage of the canopy in an extended position. |
| US08876188B1 |
Vehicle body structure
A seal is installed to a seal supporting surface of a vehicle pillar structure. A door assembly has an inner panel and a window sash section with an attachment area at an intersection between the inner panel and the window sash section. A trim panel has a main body covering at least a portion of an inboard surface of the inner panel and a flange that extends along an upright edge of the main body. The flange has an upper end covering the attachment area and a lower end of the window sash section. The window sash section and the flange define a sealing surface extending from an upper end of the door assembly to a lower end of the door assembly. The seal contacts the sealing surface with the door assembly in the closed position. |
| US08876185B1 |
Magnetically adjustable sun visor assembly
A magnetically adjustable sun visor assembly for providing additional dimension to a vehicle sun visor includes a mounting panel that may be operationally coupled to a vehicle sun visor. A coupler is coupled to the mounting panel so the coupler may be operationally coupled to the vehicle sun visor so the mounting panel is operationally coupled to the vehicle sun visor. A primary panel is operationally coupled to the mounting panel so the primary panel is positionable between an extended position and a stored position. The primary panel is selectively positioned in the extended position to block sunlight for a user. A secondary panel is operationally coupled to the primary panel so the secondary panel is positionable between an extended position and a stored position. The secondary panel is selectively positioned in the extended position to block sunlight for the user. |
| US08876181B1 |
Object transport device
An object transport device which aids in the lifting, carrying, and transport of objects such as logs. The object transport device generally includes a grasping assembly which includes a handle and a pivotally secured hook adapted to extend around and retain an object such as a log. An optional cant extension is provided which may be removably secured to the grasping assembly to convert the present invention into a conventional cant hook configuration. A lifter adapter is also provided which may be removably secured to the grasping assembly. The lifter adapter may removably receive a T-shaped lifter extension to convert the present invention into a conventional timber jack configuration which aids in lifting and supporting larger or heavier objects. |
| US08876180B2 |
Waste removal system
A waste removal device includes a body, a paddle, and a collection chamber. The paddle is drivable to deliver waste from an area to be cleaned to the collection chamber. The waste removal device further includes a fluid delivery device arranged to deliver a fluid to the area to be cleaned. A lever may be actuated to drive the paddle and an optional brush or other secondary means, which scoop and clean pet waste from a surface. Upon activating the paddle, a water sanitation system may engage and deliver sanitation fluid both onto the area to be cleaned and onto internal mechanisms of the device. |
| US08876175B2 |
Door handle type closure system
A door handle closure system has a positioning washer that holds a door handle in an “open” or “closed” position. The positioning washer is made of a resilient thermoplastic material, providing a positive spring feeling when the door handle reaches the opened or closed positions. The door handle (1) has a longitudinal rib (1.2) received in a cut (2.3) provided in the washer (2). In the open position, the washer (2) has external upsets which are received within two entrances (3.2) located in the fixed bushing (3). In any intermediate position, the external upsets (2.1) are dislocated from the entrances (3.2) of the fixed bushing (3), deforming part of the washer (2), so as to reduce its original diameter, in effect, loading the “spring”. In the closed position, the external upsets (2.1) are received within two entrances (3.2) located opposite thereto in the fixed bushing (3), relieving the spring pressure. |
| US08876172B2 |
Vending machine lock with motor controlled slide-bar and hook mechanism and electronic access
An enhanced slide and hook locking mechanism control system for vending machines and the like that utilizes a reversible motor and worm gear drive that operates the slide and hook mechanism. The worm drive is coupled to the slide through a crankshaft type of interconnection. Or as alternatives, the slide means can be gear driven or it may be connected using push-pull type of cable or rod. An electronic control with a microcomputer interface drives the motor control and the system may be operated by a keypad or a remote wireless control device. |
| US08876167B2 |
Anti-counterfeit printed matter
This invention relates to an anti-counterfeit printed matter, including securities such as banknotes, stock certificates, and bonds, various kinds of certificates, and important documents, which requires anti-counterfeit or anti-copy.[Solving Means] A visible image is formed by a first object group arrayed in a first direction at a predetermined pitch and a second object group arranged in the non-imaging area of the first object group. The second object group forms the negative and positive images of a first invisible image by arbitrarily arranging two kinds of objects in pairs in the on/off relationship. Addition, in the anti-counterfeit printed matter, the first object group includes object portions that are formed in at least two height levels from the surface of the printed matter so as to have a predetermined difference in height, thereby forming a second invisible image. |
| US08876162B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion, a first seat portion, a second seat portion, a third seat portion, a roll-over protection cage, and a three-point type seat belt unit for the second seat portion. The first seat portion, the second seat portion and the third seat portion are supported by the frame portion and disposed side by side in this order in a width direction of the vehicle. The roll-over protection cage is supported by the frame portion to provide covering above the first seat portion, the second seat portion and the third seat portion. |
| US08876161B2 |
Buckle, and seat belt apparatus including this
A seat belt buckle for receiving a tongue connected to a seat belt webbing. The buckle includes a first ejector spring in a position out of an area α of the path of movement of an engagement portion of the tongue and an imaginary extended area β extended from the area α in the direction of movement of the engagement portion, and on the outer side of a base. A second ejector spring is provided in a position out of at least one of the area α and the imaginary extended area β, and on the outer side of the base 8. A bracket for fixing the buckle to the vehicle body can be provided closer to a tongue insertion hole, thereby reducing the length of the buckle in the tongue insertion direction. |
| US08876160B2 |
Vehicle chassis with anti-camber
A vehicle chassis for motor homes, busses and similar vehicles is provided. In an embodiment, the chassis includes anti-camber to counteract the bending action provided by the engine being mounted rear ward of the rear axle(s) of the vehicle such that the rear axle(s) act as a fulcrum causing crowning of the chassis. Further, embodiments of the invention utilize through the frame construction for lateral support members to increase storage space of a basement region and to increase strength of the welded joints of the various structural members. |
| US08876158B2 |
Air bag apparatus
An air bag apparatus includes: a base plate, two gas generators, a cover member covering the two gas generators so as to form a gap, an air bag accommodated in contact with the base plate, a hollow formed in the base plate and provided with a communication hole, the hollow accommodating the two gas generators such that a space is provided between two gas generators and another gap, for communicating with the communication hole, is formed, the air bag accommodated such that a gas inlet thereof enclose the communication hole from the other side of the base plate, the air bag, the base plate and the cover member being integrally fixed, and a sealed gas discharge path formed by the cover member and the base member, and leading from the gas discharge port of the two gas generators to the gas inlet of the air bag. |
| US08876152B1 |
Inflatable restraint deployment ramp
An inflatable restraint assembly includes a vehicle pillar and a pillar trim component that is attached to the vehicle pillar, the pillar trim component having an upper end. A curtain airbag module has an inflatable curtain portion that is disposed in a stowed configuration prior to deployment and moves to a deployed configuration subsequent to deployment. A guide ramp is disposed between the inflatable curtain portion of the curtain airbag module and the upper end of the pillar trim component. A headliner has an outboard portion that is sandwiched between the guide ramp and the upper end of the pillar trim component prior to deployment of the inflatable curtain portion of the curtain airbag module. |
| US08876150B2 |
Anti-twist device for a vehicle airbag
Disclosed is an anti-twist device for a curtain airbag of a vehicle. The anti-twist device allows a worker to immediately recognize the twist of the curtain airbag or automatically releases the twist of the curtain airbag when the curtain airbag is installed in the vehicle, thereby improving stability of the curtain airbag. The anti-twist device is mounted on the curtain airbag including a bracket having an inflator mounted thereon and coupled to a vehicle body, the airbag cushion received in a winding state while communicating with the inflator, and a band surrounding the airbag cushion, and includes a body having a predetermined length and provided in parallel to the airbag cushion, a first fixing part formed at one end of the body and coupled with the bracket or the vehicle body, and a second fixing part formed at an opposite end of the body and coupled with the band. |
| US08876145B1 |
Castor supported dolly assembly capable of being made from lightweight materials and so as to be disposable or severable
A castor supported dolly assembly comprising a plurality of dolly members formed of a lightweight, disposable and/or severable material may be interconnected into interchangeable operative positions to define supporting orientations. Each dolly member includes and at least one connecting segment comprising a slot and a base. A connected orientation, of any two of the dolly members, comprises a confronting relation of the bases of engaging connecting segments and an aligned orientation of corresponding passages formed therein, so as to concurrently and removably receive and retain a castor in interconnecting relation to the confronting bases. Each dolly member may also include at least one supporting segment structured to receive a castor therein. |
| US08876144B1 |
Snow mobility device
A snow mobility device that defines a longitudinal axis, the snow mobility device having a generally planar deck with a top surface and a bottom surface, the deck defining a front portion, a rear portion, a middle portion, and outer edges. The middle portion is generally flat and the front and rear portions are each curved upwardly. The edges are rounded. There are at least two rails extending outwardly from the bottom surface along all of the middle portion and at least some of each of the front and rear portions of the deck, the rails spaced from one another and essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snow mobility device. |
| US08876143B1 |
Locking mechanism for trailer hitch
A nut member having a groove is used to replace the existing nut that holds a ball mount for a trailer to the mounting location. A sleeve is positioned over the nut member and a locking mechanism in the sleeve is engaged so that a locking arm is positioned within the groove of the nut member thereby inhibiting removal of the sleeve when the lock is engaged. Access to the nut member is inhibited by being enclosed by the sleeve. |
| US08876140B2 |
Adjustable motorcycle trailer assembly
A trailer assembly operable to transport vehicles includes a first frame section adapted to be directly selectively couplable to a trailer hitch of an automobile, has at least two spring suspensions coupled thereto, and has at least two tires coupled to the frame section by the at least two spring suspensions. A second frame section is selectively and rotatably coupled to the first frame section and an offset axle is coupled at opposing distal ends thereof to the at least two spring suspensions and coupled along its length to the second frame section. |
| US08876139B2 |
Truck towing system and assembly
A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck. |
| US08876138B2 |
Height adjustable wheelchair seat
The present invention provides a wheelchair device configured to reduce the likelihood that a user might fall out of a wheelchair. The device includes a wheelchair frame, a lever, and a seat cushion, whereby the seat cushion is flexible and configured to sink into a recessed and angled orientation when occupied by a user. The sunken seat cushion serves to encourage a user to attain proper posture and further serves to reduce the chances that a user might fall forward out of the seat. The lever of the present invention is attached to the underside of the wheelchair device and comprises a handle portion and a flat base portion with a curved upper surface. A forward actuation of the handle results in the lever rotating about the wheelchair, causing the base to contact and lift the seat cushion to a level that facilitates the exiting of the wheelchair device. |
| US08876137B2 |
Frame for a bicycle
A frame for a bicycle and a bicycle equipped therewith, wherein the frame includes a frame body having a top tube and a down tube, and at least one supporting device connecting the top tube to the down tube. A supporting device includes a flow-through opening through which, when used as intended, at least part of the arriving air flows. |
| US08876136B2 |
Easy riding bicycle
A bicycle design includes a seat tube affixed to the chain stay at a fixed distance rearward of the bottom bracket so that the rider sitting on the saddle can comfortably fully extend one leg to place a foot flat on the ground or to use the proper full leg extension for pedaling. The rider sits comfortably upright on the saddle while pedaling and can pedal while standing up. The fixed distance may be on the order of about the height above ground of a heel of the rider's foot sitting on a properly adjusted conventional frame when the foot is outstretched to reach the ground and/or on the order of about a radius of a circle through which the pedals are moved during pedaling of the bicycle. |
| US08876135B2 |
Combined-drive bicycle
There is disclosed a combined-drive bicycle which can increase a driving speed and the beneficial effects of exercise and simultaneously to give fun to a rider. The combined-drive bicycle includes a handle assembly configured to steer a front wheel, the handle assembly comprising a crank handle to generate a handle motive force and a first gear rotated by the rotation of the crank handle, a pedal assembly configured to transmit the handle motive force and a pedal motive force generated by pedals to a rear wheel selectively or simultaneously, and a motive force transmission part to transmit the handle motive force to the pedal assembly, irrelevant to the steering of the handle assembly. |
| US08876134B2 |
Arrangement for axle and wheels with rolling cylinders for transportation
Arrangement for axle and wheels with rolling cylinders for transportation of a load, formed by two separate wheels (1) positioned parallel to one another by means of a main axle (10) arranged in the center of the wheels and a plurality of rolling cylinders (11) that turn radially about the individual axis thereof, supporting and moving thereon a base board (12); said cylinders are fastened by cable or cord (13) to the reel (14), which optionally takes up the cord (13) by means of the handle (15); the rolling cylinders (11) are arranged in an annular manner on the inner face of the wheels (1), following the circumference of the wheels; the ends of the main axle (10) and the base board (12) are connected by cables or cords or the like to the pulling animal or to any other force capable of moving the assembly; movement of the wheels (1) gives rise to the simultaneous movement of the rolling cylinders (11), which, in operation, pass under the base (12) and support the load contained on the base, allowing the sliding thereof on the rolling shafts (11). |
| US08876130B2 |
Triangular shaped bucket with rust resistant wheels
A bucket having a triangular shape wherein three side walls and a floor define a triangular interior volume, the bucket having wheels for facilitating moving the bucket from one location to another location, and there being a storage compartment provided in a sidewall of the bucket for storing signs, such as, for example, wet floor signs. |
| US08876127B1 |
Castor supported dolly assembly capable of being made from lightweight materials and so as to be disposable or severable
A castor supported dolly assembly comprising a plurality of dolly members formed of a lightweight, disposable and/or severable material may be interconnected into interchangeable operative positions to define supporting orientations. Each dolly member includes and at least one connecting segment comprising a slot and a base. A connected orientation, of any two of the dolly members, comprises a confronting relation of the bases of engaging connecting segments and an aligned orientation of corresponding passages formed therein, so as to concurrently and removably receive and retain a castor in interconnecting relation to the confronting bases. Each dolly member may also include at least one supporting segment structured to receive a castor therein. |
| US08876120B2 |
Connecting rod assembly for connecting a work head
A connecting rod assembly is capable of pushing the work head outward to allow more of the part of the work head to be exposed out of the connecting rod assembly, making it easier for the user to pull out the work head, thus solving the problem that it is difficult to pull the work head out of the conventional connecting rod structure since the conventional connecting rod structure doesn't have any function or devices to move the work head outwards. |
| US08876118B2 |
Gaskets
The gasket includes a sealing strip comprising a resilient material, the resilient material comprising a chemically exfoliated vermiculite (CEV) component in a proportion of at least 25% w/w of the sealing strip, the said CEV component being at least partially derived from dry CEV, wherein the sealing strip does not include a carrier strip, made by the process of the application of a wet sealing strip material to a forming sheet to form a layer; partially drying the wet sealing strip layer on the forming sheet; removing the layer from the forming sheet; and (d) cutting the layer into strips suitable for use in the formation of a spirally wound gasket. |
| US08876117B2 |
Tolerance-optimized sealed joint and production method
A supporting frame seal includes a supporting frame with at least one inner opening; at least one sealing element which surrounds the inner opening; and at least one elastomer pin which projects from a first side of the supporting frame. The supporting frame has an opening which is aligned with the at least one elastomer pin. |
| US08876116B2 |
Sealing structure
A sealing structure capable of reducing oil leakage while preventing the oil from being deteriorated by a temperature rise of the oil.The sealing structure is configured to seal a clearance between two members tightly by a seal ring interposed therebetween. The seal ring is provided with a slidable structure, which is configured to seal the clearance between the two members by a hydraulic pressure applied thereto, and to unseal the clearance between the two members by a relative movement thereof resulting from a thermal expansion thereof. |
| US08876109B2 |
Medium feeding device and image forming apparatus
A medium feeding device includes a medium feeding unit that feeds a medium by contacting the medium, a separating unit that presses the medium against the medium feeding unit to separate the medium from subsequent media, and a conveying unit that conveys the medium having been separated by the separating unit. A first guide member is provided between the medium feeding unit and the conveying unit, and configured to guide a surface of the medium on the medium feeding unit side. A second guide member provided is so as to face the first guide member, and configured to guide the medium. The first guide member has a guide protruding portion that protrudes toward the second guide member. |
| US08876108B2 |
Sheet transport apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet transport apparatus includes: a transport portion that transports a sheet; a skew correction portion against which a leading edge of the sheet transported by the transport portion abuts for skew correction, the skew correction portion moving to a position where the skew correction portion does not hinder the transport of the sheet after the skew correction; and a plurality of sheet abutting portions that is provided in the skew correction portion and against that the leading edge of the sheet transported by the transport portion abuts, the plurality of sheet abutting portions respectively including a resin member, and an abutting portion which is provided in the resin member and having an abrasion resistance higher than that of the resin member, and against which the leading edge of the transported sheet abuts. |
| US08876107B2 |
Sheet stacking device, image forming system, and sheet stacking method
A sheet stacking device includes: a stacking unit that stacks thereon a sheet discharged in a sheet discharging direction; a conveying unit that performs a moving-back operation of conveying the stacked sheet in a direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction; a pressing unit that performs a pressing operation of pressing the conveyed sheet; and a driving unit that drives the conveying unit and the pressing unit by a same driving source. |
| US08876106B2 |
Recording device
To provide a recording device enabling unencumbered movement of a stacker to a target position at which an amount of extension that corresponds to the length of a medium is reached, a printer is provided with a conveyance unit for conveying paper, a paper length determination unit for determining the length of the paper in the direction of conveyance of the paper, a recording unit for recording onto the paper being conveyed, one stacker for receiving the already-recorded paper, an electric motor for driving the stacker, and a controller for controlling the electric motor. The controller (in particular, a stacker control unit) controls the electric motor and controls the stacker to a position at which the amount of extension that corresponds to the length of the paper is reached. |
| US08876101B2 |
Printing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium storing program
A printing apparatus capable of connecting a post-processing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to convey an envelope so that the long edge of the envelope can become a leading edge in conveyance direction and print an image on the envelope. When the post-processing apparatus is connected, the printing apparatus restricts from conveying the envelope so that the long edge of the envelope becomes the leading edge in conveyance direction for printing the image on the envelope. |
| US08876098B2 |
Stitching machine for variable size sheets
A thread stitching machine to process signatures into book blocks includes a transport system for the signatures including a transport section on which the signatures are straddling for supply to a stitching station. The transport section includes an auxiliary saddle and a driven, continuously moving conveying chain to drive the auxiliary saddle. The conveying chain has spaced-apart, integrated pusher elements. A downstream installed stitching station includes a freely moving stitching saddle immediately following the auxiliary saddle. The stitching saddle includes a separate conveying device for the signatures, operated by a drive. A detection device is arranged at a transition between the auxiliary saddle and the stitching saddle to detect a position of the signature and a time which the signature passes by. The conveying chain is operated with a change in speed that depends on different sheet lengths following each other directly in a sequence of signatures. |
| US08876095B2 |
Coil spring
A coil spring has a spring wire that is wound in a coil shape and whose sectional outer basic shape is circular and flat faces are formed between coil inner and outer diameter sections of a sectional outer shape of the spring wire, wherein a flattening T/W of the sectional outer shape with the flat faces in the coil axis direction is set so that a stress ratio is equal to or lower than a stress ratio of a coil spring whose sectional outer shape is circular. |
| US08876090B2 |
Apparatus and method for an air bypass system for a natural draft cooling tower
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for an air bypass system for a natural draft cooling tower that employs a wet heat exchanger, a direct dry heat exchanger or an indirect dry heat exchanger to extract heat from a heated fluid, which is usually liquid or steam. |
| US08876084B1 |
Rolling floor jack safety device
This invention relates to light to heavy duty automotive repair practices in which repairs are required to use a rolling hydraulic floor jack. The rolling floor jack has a safety pin device with adjustable hole locations for different heights to accommodate the end user. The rolling floor jack lifting arms would be supported by the safety pin device. When the safety pin device is inserted thru the holes in the sides of the body side panels of the jack, there is a spring loaded release safety ball built into it to also in sure the safety pin is properly inserted and not slide out. The safety pin device has a side storage (cradle) mounted to the right side panel to store it when not in use. The safety pin device has a safety chain attachment connected to it and the other end of the safety chain attachment is connected to the right side panel to help the end user from misplacing it or losing it. This rolling floor jack safety pin device is a feature that will support any automotive vehicle or heavy equipment if and when the hydraulic jack internal seals fail or hydraulic fluid leakage. This can cause a sudden drop of the lifting arms and allow the lifted automotive vehicle or heavy equipment to move downward in which the safety pin device will stop the movement from the rolling floor jack lifting arms from collapsing totally. |
| US08876081B2 |
Rotary shear valve assembly with a polymer insert device
A multi-position rotary shear valve assembly having a metallic or ceramic stator device and a metallic or ceramic rotor device. The stator device defines a planar stator face and two or more stator channels in fluid communication with the stator face at corresponding stator ports, while the rotor device includes a substantially planar rotor face defining one or more rotor channels. A tribological coating is disposed atop at least one of the rotor and stator face. The valve assembly includes a polymer insert device defining an exposed contact face having an inner diameter less than that of the outer circumferential edge and an outer diameter more than the outer circumferential edge. The insert device is formed for press-fit insertion in a groove defined in the rotor face. The outer circumferential edge of the stator face contacts the insert exposed face during rotation between the two or more rotor positions. |
| US08876080B2 |
Antitheft device
An antitheft device includes a cover, a base plate, and an adhesive element. The base plate is located in a receiving space of the cover and is adapted for a controlling element to connect thereto to release or lock the cover and the base plate. The base plate is able to be adhered onto an object to be secured by the adhesive element. The adhesive element is also located in the receiving space of the cover so that the adhesive element is prevented from being removed or broken easily. |
| US08876079B2 |
Display location
A method and apparatus are disclosed for locating a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) at a desired viewing angle. The apparatus comprises a display support that supports a display of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) and that is pivotably mounted at an edge region thereof to the terminal; a variable length member that connects a further region of the display support to the terminal; and a motor that selectively varies the length of the member, the edge region and further region being spaced apart to tilt the display at a viewing angle responsive to the length of the variable length member. |
| US08876077B2 |
Spherical orienting device and method for manufacturing the same
A spherical orienting device includes a base, first and second actuation shafts, an orientable device, an inner member, a middle member, and an outer member. The first and second actuation shafts are rotatably held by the base for rotary actuation about first and second actuation axes, respectively, which intersect orthogonally at a spherical center of rotation. The orientable device is supported by first and second revolute support joints which are disposed for rotation about an orientation axis of the orientable device and a support axis, respectively. The inner member is fixed to the first actuation shaft and linked to the second support joint. The middle member is inwardly linked to the first support joint and outwardly linked to a middle revolute joint disposed for rotation about a linkage axis. The outer member is fixed to the second actuation shaft and linked to the middle revolute joint. |
| US08876076B2 |
Cradle for portable terminal
A cradle for stably cradling a portable terminal on a support surface in one of a plurality of possible orientations includes a case member having an open surface on which the portable terminal is to be cradled, a weighting member case disposed in an inner side of the case member along an edge of the open and a weighting member received movably inside the weighting member case, so that the weighting member is able to move under the influence of gravity to a lowest point inside the weighting member case irrespective of the orientation in which the case member is supported on the support surface. As the weighting member moves, the center of gravity of the cradle coupled with the portable terminal is moved to a position closest to the support surface on which the cradle is disposed, thereby maintaining a stable cradling state for the portable terminal. |
| US08876075B2 |
Apparatus for supporting medical equipment
An apparatus for supporting medical devices, in particular operation theatre lamps, on the ceiling of an operation theatre uses a vertical pillar 8 at which bearing heads 3 are selectively mounted. Cantilevers of different lengths may be secured at one bearing head 3. |
| US08876073B2 |
Bracket assembly
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a bracket assembly comprising a bridge which in turn comprises a central span, a wing attached to the central span, an arm receiving slot; and one or more anus comprising a central region and a flange, wherein said central region and said flange are connected by an offset; the bridge and said arm being adapted to be coupled together. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a joint comprising a first work piece and a second work piece; a bracket assembly comprising a bridge comprising a central span, having a wing extending from said central span at approximately equal angles, said bridge further comprising a arm receiving slot; and a arm comprising a central region connected by an offset to a flange, said arm further comprising a bridge receiving slot wherein said arm receiving slot and said bridge receiving slot engage thereby mating said bridge and said arm; and fastening means to connect the bracket assembly to said work pieces. The present disclosure also provides a method of using the bracket assembly to assembly furniture. |
| US08876072B2 |
Holder and sucker thereof
A holder and a sucker thereof for mounting onto the surface of an object are provided. The sucker has an adhesive layer and a deformable body which is disposed on the edge of the adhesive layer. The holder further includes a rod and a locking module. An end of the rod is connected to the sucker. The locking module is disposed on the sucker and is adapted to lift the rod to form a low pressure space. Thus, the holder and the sucker can be positioned onto the surface of the object. |
| US08876070B2 |
Thin-type collapsible foot stand
A thin-type collapsible foot stand includes a base unit, a first rotatable unit and a second rotatable unit. The base unit includes a base body having a first pivot portion, a first connection portion and a first extending portion. The first rotatable unit includes a rotatable platform having a second pivot portion corresponding to the first extending portion, a second connection portion corresponding to the first connection portion, and a second extending portion corresponding to the first pivot portion. The second rotatable unit includes two rotatable support frames. Each rotatable support frame includes a support body disposed between the base body and the rotatable platform, a first pivot structure connected between one end portion of the support body and the first pivot portion, and a second pivot structure connected between the other end portion of the support body and the second pivot portion. |
| US08876063B2 |
Flight control using multiple actuators on primary control surfaces with tabs
A flight control system for an aircraft directs a primary surface that is pivotable with respect to the aircraft with a moveable tab located at the end of the primary surface. A primary surface actuator maintains a position of the primary surface. A tab actuator moves the tab with respect to the primary flight control surface. A controller configured to coordinate the movement of the primary flight control surface with the movement of the tab by deflecting the tab with respect to the primary flight control surface, thereby allowing aerodynamic forces acting upon the deflected tab to position the primary flight control surface at a desired position. The primary flight control surface can then be maintained at the desired position by the primary surface actuator. |
| US08876057B2 |
Aerodynamic integration of a payload container with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft
A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) rotary-wing air-craft is sized and configured to match a payload container such as a standardized Joint Modular Intermodal Container (JMIC). The aircraft may be an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) that is capable of autonomously engaging and disengaging the container so that the aircraft can pick up and drop off the JMIC with minimum human intervention. |
| US08876055B2 |
Aircraft refuelling system
An aircraft refuelling system of an aircraft is provided. The refuelling system comprises a refuelling connector (34) mounted as part of the aircraft and configured to detachably connect to the fuel outlet (2) of a fuel supply apparatus separate from the aircraft, and a fuel pressure regulator (36) having an inlet in communication with a fuel inlet (35) of the refuelling connector (34) and having an outlet in communication with refuelling pipework (39) of the aircraft. The fuel pressure regulator (36), regulates the pressure of fuel in the refuelling pipework (39) when fuel is being passed into the refuelling pipework (39) from the fuel inlet (35) of the refuelling connector. A fuel pressure regulator apparatus for mounting in an aircraft, comprising a connector forming a fuel inlet to the fuel pressure regulator apparatus, configured to detachably connect to the fuel outlet of a fuel supply system, a fuel outlet for connection to the refuelling pipework of an aircraft and a fuel pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of fuel passing through the fuel outlet is also provided. |
| US08876051B2 |
Bridging seal
A bridging seal comprising a stack of two or more layers of elastomer, the bridging seal having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, adjacent layers being attached to each other at the first and second edges, wherein adjacent layers of the bridging seal have opposing surfaces and a substantial portion of the opposing surfaces is unbonded. The bridging seal may be used to seal a gap between two aerodynamic surfaces on an aircraft. |
| US08876036B2 |
Reconfigurable rotor blade
A reconfigurable rotor blade system includes an internal mass that is configured to translate in order to produce a spanwise torsional twist of the rotor blade. An actuator is configured to selectively translate the mass so as to relocate a center of mass of the rotor blade. The torsional twist is selectively produced during operation of the rotorcraft. |
| US08876033B2 |
Transporter for containers of spooled wire or cable
A transporter for manually transporting cartons of wire or cable has a horizontal support member having first and second pieces, first and second spaced-apart vertical support members, and first and second axial inserts attached to the vertical support members for insertion into entry holes in a reel or carton. A collapsible handle is affixed to the support structure and one or more stabilization members prevent the carton from rotating as wire is dispensed from the carton. |
| US08876032B1 |
Weed barrier removal assembly
A weed barrier removal assembly facilitates removal of weed barrier material. The assembly includes a mounting plate configured for coupling to a motorized vehicle. First and second arms are coupled to and extend from the mounting plate in spaced relationship to each other. A first coupler is rotatably coupled to the first arm and a second coupler is rotatably coupled to the second arm. The first and second couplers are configured for coupling to an elongated member wherein the elongated member extends between the first and second arms. A motivator is operationally coupled to the first coupler wherein the first coupler is selectively rotated by activating the motivator. |
| US08876029B2 |
Grinding disk for food waste disposer
A grinding disk used for a food waste disposer includes a knocking disk base, a long strip knocking plate, at least two knocking blocks and rivets. The long strip knocking plate is arranged on the lower surface of the knocking disk base. The knocking blocks are movably and symmetrically mounted to the knocking disk base via the rivets, and each knocking block includes a cushion block for connection of the rivets and a knocking block head pivotally connected to the cushion block. When the knocking disk base is rotated with the shaft of an electric motor, the cushion block of the knocking block drives the knocking block head to slide, such that the knocking block head rotates about the rivet to hammer an object, and the cushion block can also move up and down and hammer the object while rotating and sliding. |
| US08876023B2 |
Showerhead
A showerhead (20) has a spray head (32) having a plurality of spray outlets (36, 38,42,44) on different faces is mounted for manual rotation about a single pivot axis both to select a spray outlet and to adjust the direction of the spray for the selected spray outlet. The showerhead can be configured so that flow of water is uninterrupted during changeover between spray modes. Alternative versions of the showerhead are disclosed in which the spray head is mounted for powered rotation, for example by a motor, allowing remote operation of the showerhead. |
| US08876021B2 |
Silicone spray tip
An applicator assembly for mixing at least a first and second component is provided. The applicator assembly includes a manifold configured for operable engagement with at least a first and second source of component, the manifold including at least a first and second component channel therethrough, an elongated shaft extending distally from the manifold, the elongated shaft including at least a first and second component lumen extending the length thereof, the at least first and second component channels in fluid communication with the at least first and second component channels, a tip assembly defining a first chamber, an intermediate chamber and a final chamber. |
| US08876020B2 |
Sprayable gel wound dressing
A sprayable hydrogel wound dressing composed of an aqueous solution of neutralized Carbopol and silver hydrosol of silver nanoparticles electrolytically formed from silver metal without the use or inclusion of organic materials. The hydrogel is sprayed with a physical barrier sprayer system which separates the hydrogel from the propellant. The hydrogel is thixotropic/shear thinning so that the viscosity of the hydrogel is sufficient reduced in the sprayer to allow spray formation and regains sufficient viscosity to resist running when deposited on a vertical surface. |
| US08876019B2 |
Cleaning device for a lens of a headlight of a motor vehicle
A cleaning device (1) for a lens (2) of a headlight of a motor vehicle has two telescoping tubes (6, 7), the outer tube (6) holding a spray nozzle (9). The outer tube (6) is also surrounded by a protective tube (8) to be fixed in the motor vehicle. When the outer tube (6) is pulled out (9), the spray nozzle is displaced over the lens (2). The connections of the tubes (6, 7) are reliably protected from dirt accumulation. |
| US08876018B2 |
Arrangement of thrust reverser flap link rods on the internal fixed structure of a turbojet engine nacelle
An arrangement is provided that includes a thrust reverser flap link rod on an internal fixed structure of a turbojet engine nacelle. The link rod is connected to the internal fixed structure by an elastic means that is a spring. |
| US08876017B2 |
Variable flow screen nozzle
A variable flow control nozzle has a head, a tube, and a valve. The head disposes adjacent an opening and has a screen for passage of fluid flow into and out of the head's interior. The tube extends from the head through the opening and secures the head thereto. A tube passage communicates the interior of the head with the other side of the opening. The valve disposed in the passage has a first condition permitting first fluid flow from the passage to the interior of the head and has a second condition permitting second fluid flow from the interior to the passage. The second fluid flow may be greater than the first fluid flow. The tube can have first and second tube members with different internal diameters, and the valve can use a ball movable between positions in the tube members. |
| US08876012B2 |
Water saver system
A water saver system that includes a temperature and touch sensitive valve, connected between the shower water control valves and the shower head, that diverts water to an accumulator tank until the water warms up. The temperature sensitive valve opens when the water reaches a preset temperature. The water stored in the accumulator tank flows back through a metering orifice and mixes with the warm water over the course of the shower so little water is wasted. The accumulator tank could be placed on the floor of the shower or outside the tub (under sink) in a retrofit or built into the wall stud cavity in new construction. |
| US08876011B2 |
Payment card and methods
One variation of a method for controlling a payment card (including a magnetic stripe emulator, a processor, and an input region) includes: establishing a wireless connection with a mobile computing device; receiving, over the wireless connection, a first magnetic sequence command corresponding to a first payment method and a second magnetic sequence command corresponding to a second payment method; initiating a payment mode comprising a disable trigger; in response to selection of the first payment method through the input region, arming the processor to drive the magnetic stripe emulator according to the first magnetic sequence command in the payment mode; in the payment mode, dismissing selection of the second payment method through the input region; and in response to instance of the disable trigger, disabling operation of the magnetic stripe emulator. |
| US08876008B2 |
Ball with positioning system
A ball (1) for use in a sporting activity can comprise a body having an electrical circuit (21) on a flexible substrate (20) received therein. The electrical circuit (21) comprises a dipole antenna (26) integrally formed with the electrical circuit (21) on the flexible substrate (20). The dipole antenna can comprise two arms (23, 24) each folded in a semi-circular shape. |
| US08876003B2 |
Read head device with selected output jack characteristics
A read head is configured to be coupled to the mobile device. The read head is positioned in a housing. The read head has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card to enable a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. The read head reads data from the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head includes an output jack adapted to be inserted at least one of the audio jack or microphone input port of the mobile appliance to provide a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to, the mobile device. The output jack extends at least 2 mm from the housing. |
| US08876002B2 |
Systems for configuring voting machines, docking device for voting machines, warehouse support and asset tracking of voting machines
A system and device facilitate the storage and tracking of warehoused voting machines. A system includes a host computer, a plurality of voting machines that are connected via a network to the host computer, each voting machine having one or both of a wireless communication device and a data port that is coupled to the host computer. The system also includes an election and voting machine preparation portion included in the host computer to manage and/or control the connected voting machines. The election and voting machine preparation portion is configured to manage the status of the connected voting machines, is configured to instruct the voting machines to run self tests, is configured to receive results of the self tests back from the connected voting machines, and is configured to prepare/program the connected voting machines with an election ballot. |
| US08876000B2 |
Beverage preparation machine with touch menu functionality
The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1), comprising a memory for storing icons (72), said icons (72) being divided into at least two menu level groups (73, 76, 78), whereby each icon (72) indicates a selectable menu function of the machine (1). The machine (1) further comprises a display (10) for displaying: in a first operation mode a first group (73) of icons adjacent a main portion (75) of the display (10); and in a second operation mode one group (73, 76, 78) of icons (72) as currently selectable icons (72) on said main portion (75) of the display (10). A touch pad (10, 22) is adapted to accept a touch operation for switching between the first and second operation mode. |
| US08875996B2 |
Biometrically activated radio frequency identification tag
A biometrically activated radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a fingerprint detection matrix, an antenna control circuit, and a biometric identification chip. The fingerprint detection matrix acquires biometric data indicative of a user's identity and passes it to the biometric identification chip. The biometric identification chip compares the biometric data acquired by the fingerprint detection matrix to biometric data stored thereupon. The antenna control circuit activates the RFID tag selectively dependent upon the result of the comparison of the acquired and stored biometric data. |
| US08875995B2 |
M-commerce virtual cash system, method, and apparatus
A virtual cash system, method, and apparatus has an account record containing a record of money amounts associated with a wireless device and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting to the wireless device predetermined information from the account record. Cash amounts can be spent from the account record directly from the wireless device via information derived from the wireless device via a bar code on the display, a short range radio signal, a light beam, or the like. A different security code is generated for each account transaction for verification. |
| US08875987B2 |
Extension mailbox
An extension mailbox which includes a main mailbox housing mounted onto a vertical support extending from the ground. A plurality of auxiliary mailbox housings, are nested concentrically within the main mailbox housing. A rail system allows the auxiliary mailbox housings to project outwardly away from the main mailbox housing in a telescopic horizontal manner. |
| US08875986B2 |
Double-walled insulated cup of paper material and method for the fabrication of an insulated cup
A double-walled insulated cup of paper material having an outer sleeve and an inner cup with a truncated conical wall and a bottom wall interconnected by a peripheral edge frame. The inner cup has a top shoulder and a bottom shoulder and the outside diameter of the inner cup at the level of the top shoulder increases toward the top edge of the inner cup. The outer sleeve lies against the inner cup in the region of the top shoulder thereof and extends to the bottom edge of the peripheral edge frame. The outside diameter of the outer sleeve at the level of the bottom edge of the peripheral edge frame is smaller than the inside diameter of the inner cup just above the bottom shoulder and is greater than the inside diameter of the inner cup just below the bottom shoulder. |
| US08875985B1 |
Conversion envelopes
The present invention provides an envelope that converts from a larger envelope to a smaller envelope to enable the envelope to be used twice when multiple page statements are mailed. A 6″×9″ envelope can convert down to a smaller reply envelope 4⅛″×9″ making the return envelope suitable for remittance processing. As such, envelopes may advantageously be provided that can be reused one or more times. |
| US08875981B2 |
System and method for a microreactor
A cartridge microreactor includes a tubular heater, a metal capillary reaction tubing and a brazing alloy. The tubular heater includes an inner tube surrounded by an outer heater sheath. The metal capillary reaction tubing has a high aspect ratio, an inlet port and an outlet port and is wrapped around the tubular heater so that it is in intimate thermal contact with the heater sheath. The brazing alloy permanently bonds the tubular heater with the metal capillary reaction tubing. The metal capillary reaction tubing is configured to be heated by the tubular heater and is configured to receive one or more reactants through the inlet port and to allow the reactants to react under a selected temperature and pressure and to produce one or more products exiting through the outlet port. |
| US08875972B2 |
End effector coupling arrangements for a surgical cutting and stapling instrument
In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument. |
| US08875971B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus with interlockable firing system
A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle. |
| US08875959B2 |
Device for supplying molten metal for centrifuge machines
A supply device of molten metal for application in semi-automatic centrifuge machines with one plate or for automatic machines with three or more plates to collect the molten metal from the furnace, take it to the centrifuge and pour it into the centrifuge. The supply device occupies minimum space and allows both for a side or back furnace configuration. The device includes an automatic and programmable assembly having an arm that is radially secured on one end to the rotating shaft of a geared motor fitted to the centrifuge. On the other, the device is articulated to another vertical arm, holding a ladle at its lower end. The operation of the device is synchronized with the operation of the centrifuge, increasing productivity, reducing hazards for workers, reducing energy consumption, and improving the finish of the final product. |
| US08875958B2 |
Plastic spout
A plastic spout (150,170) which is adapted to be sealed between two foil walls of a pouch. The spout has a spout body, which forms a passage (153) for delivering a medium from the pouch and/or feeding a medium to the pouch. In a bottom part thereof, the spout, on opposite sides, forms a sealing zone for a sealed connection to an adjoining foil wall. The sealing zones of the spout body are formed by sealing walls (158,159) which project downward from the spout body, each having a curvature over their entire length, such that each sealing wall is outwardly convex over its entire length with respect to an imaginary plane passing through the outermost ends, which adjoin one another, of the sealing walls. The sealing walls can preferably move flexibly transversely with respect to their plane and, on their inner side, are unsupported or are supported by one or more flexible supporting parts of the spout body. |
| US08875955B2 |
Dual-walled dispenser
A dispenser having an inner barrel, outer shell, screw member, platform and control member; the outer shell, screw member and control member having configurations that provides for particular engagement features in the assembled dispenser, including features that compensate for dimensional variation. |
| US08875952B2 |
Air-activated sequenced valve split foam pump
Foam dispenser systems and pumps for use in foam dispenser systems are disclosed herein. A refill unit for refilling a foam dispenser system comprises a container for holding a supply of foamable liquid and a pump housing connected to the container. The pump housing comprises one or more connections for connecting to one or more external air pumps, wherein the air pumps supply air pressure to move the foamable liquid into a mixing chamber and to mix air with the liquid in the mixing chamber and create a foamy air-liquid mixture. |
| US08875951B2 |
Aerosol cap and system for dispensing a fluid from a canister
An aerosol cap adapted to mate with a canister includes an outer hollow shell and an inner hollow shell that is partially enclosed by the outer shell and centrally disposed therein. The outer hollow shell includes at least one rib element. The inner and outer shells are physically interconnected together by the at least one rib element. The inner hollow shell includes a base ring member hingedly connected to a pod member. The pod member includes a button support for receiving a button actuator of the canister. The pod member further includes a cam profile for cooperating with the at least one rib element to transition the aerosol cap between an operative position and a non-operative position upon rotating the outer hollow shell relative to the inner hollow shell. |
| US08875947B2 |
Dual dispensing apparatus
A dual dispensing apparatus for dispensing two flowable components having a first storage chamber for the first component, and a second storage chamber for the second component. The two storage chambers are arranged next to one another and each have an outlet for the first or the second component respectively at their distal ends. The apparatus also has a first plunger for penetrating into the first storage chamber and a second plunger for penetrating into the second storage chamber. A respective piston for dispensing the respective component is molded to each plunger and is sealingly guided by the respective wall of the storage chamber. Each storage chamber has at least one first guide element at its end remote from the outlet and each plunger has at least one second guide element adjacent to the respective piston. The first and the second guide elements are configured for mutual engagement. |
| US08875941B2 |
Flexible sheet material dispenser
A novel sheet material dispenser package includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a collapsible top wall, a collapsible bottom wall, a first hinge feature, and a second hinge feature. A first side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a first region of the second sidewall via the first hinge feature and a second side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a second side region of the second sidewall via the second hinge feature. The top wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. The bottom wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. In a particular embodiment, the sheet material dispenser is a collapsible tissue dispenser adapted to sit in a cup holder when in a non-collapsed state and in a pocket when in a collapsed state. |
| US08875935B2 |
Wine glass
A wine glass constructed from molded plastic includes an upper body defining an upwardly narrowed flume for concentrating the wine bouquet, in combination with a contoured lower base defining an annular moat surrounding a central punt for enhanced visual inspection of the wine. In addition, the upper body further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof forming a shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules adapted for assembly to form the wine glass, and disassembly for respective compact stacking. In another form, the wine glass has a one-piece construction adapted for compact stacking by nested reception of the upwardly narrowed flume partially into the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack. |
| US08875933B2 |
Drainable container system
A drainable container system for a vehicle includes a container having an exterior surface and defining an interior cavity configured for storing a fluid, and a drain hole configured for draining the fluid from the cavity. The hole has a central longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the surface. The system includes a drain plug, wherein the plug is insertable into the hole along the axis into a locked position so that the fluid does not drain, and removable from the hole along the axis when disposed in an unlocked position so that the fluid drains. The system includes a locking element configured for preventing rotation of the plug within the hole about the axis when the plug is disposed in the locked position, wherein the element is formed from a metal that is substantially elastic at a temperature of from about −40° C. to about 10° C. |
| US08875931B2 |
Composite sandwich shell edge joint
A composite sandwich shell edge joint includes an outboard buildup pad, an inboard buildup pad spaced-apart and adjacent to the outboard buildup pad, an outboard face sheet extending from the outboard buildup pad, an inboard face sheet extending from the inboard buildup pad, bridging plies connecting the outboard buildup pad and the inboard buildup pad and at least one barrel nut installed in the buildup pads. |
| US08875929B1 |
Container for collapsible food pouch
A container for holding a collapsible food pouch that includes a hard-plastic bottom segment forming an elongated concave dish and a rotatably attached top segment. The top end of the bottom segment and optionally the top end of the top segment has a slot sized to receive a plastic discharge tube of the collapsible food pouch such that when the pouch's pliant material is placed below the top end, the discharge port of the pouch is positioned outside the top end of hard-plastic bottom segment. When the top segment is rotated closed, the top segment engages the plastic neck to hold it within the slot. The top segment may have two doors. A loop of hard plastic may serve as a tethering point and a lock may lock the container closed. Vent holes permit entry of air into the container. |
| US08875923B2 |
Identification attachments
This invention provides an attachment for mounting electromagnetic identification tags onto the necks of bottles. The tag has a portion which provides a receptacle portion for an RFI tag. This receptacle portion is connected to a portion that embraces a neck of a bottle to attach the receptacle portion, and thereby, the RFID tag to the neck of the bottle. The identification tag may be formed from a material that does not interfere with electromagnetic signals. |
| US08875920B2 |
Beverage container including a cap and collar
A beverage container (1) comprises a container body (3) including an opening, a cap (5) to close the opening, and a collar (7), mountable on the container body (3). The cap (5) and the collar (7) include cooperating securement means (19, 21) by which the cap (5) may be secured to the collar (7), thereby securing the cap (5) to the container body (3) when the collar (7) is mounted on the container body (3). The cap (5), the collar (7) and the container body (3) are configured such that removal of the cap (5) from the container body (3) causes removal of the collar (7) from the container body (3). |
| US08875906B2 |
Reverse osmosis membrane including nano-silver wire layer and fabrication method thereof
There are provided a reverse osmosis membrane comprising a porous support; a silver nanowire layer formed on the porous support; and a polyamide film formed on the silver nanowire layer, and a fabrication method of a reverse osmosis membrane, the method comprising coating a porous support with an aqueous amine solution including silver nanowires to form a silver nanowire layer; and bringing the silver nanowire layer into contact with an aliphatic hydrocarbide-based organic solution including acyl halide to form a polyamide film. |
| US08875901B2 |
Sorting mined material on the basis of two or more properties of the material
A method and an apparatus for sorting mined material is based on using a range of options for sensing multiple properties of a mined material on a fragment by fragment basis and then analyzing the multiple types of data and making decisions about the classification of each fragment and then sorting the fragment based on the analysis. The multiple sensing options include the response of the fragments to electromagnetic radiation. Other sensing options may include sensors that look at the response of fragments of a mined material to an acoustic wave or a magnetic field or optical sensors that evaluate texture or other surface characteristics of fragments. |
| US08875897B2 |
Trash separator
An apparatus for processing a sample including fibers and trash, having a cylinder rotating in a first direction for receiving the sample. The cylinder has a surface with rigid pins. The pins engage and retain the fibers of the sample. A collection surface receives the trash that falls from the cylinder. A counter-flow of air moves in a separation region between the cylinder and the collection surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to and towards the underside of the cylinder. The counter-flow of air has at each position within the separation region an air-flow velocity that is sufficient for the counter-flow of air to blow the fibers that are not originally retained by the pins up toward the cylinder and thereby engaging the fibers with the cylinder, and yet insufficient to prevent gravity from pulling the trash downward through the counter-flow of air. |
| US08875896B2 |
Installation guide
In one embodiment, a guide for installing a photoconductive film on to a photo imaging plate includes a movable channel located near the photo imaging plate, for example in a digital printing press. The channel has a bed and a pair of sidewalls extending parallel to one another along opposite sides of the bed such that the lateral movement and skew of a photoconductive film lying on the bed is constrained by the sidewalls. The channel movable between a first position in which an open end of the channel is away from the photo imaging plate and a second position in which the open end of the channel is immediately adjacent to and aligned with the photo imaging plate for installing a photoconductive film on to the photo imaging plate. |
| US08875894B2 |
Offshore cargo rack for use in transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore platform
A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform provides a frame having a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions. The lower end of the frame has a perimeter beam base, a raised floor and a pair of open-ended parallel fork tine tubes or sockets that communicate with the perimeter beam at the front and rear of the frame. The frame includes a plurality of fixed side walls extending upwardly from the perimeter beam. A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame, movable between open and closed positions, the gates enabling a forklift to place loads on the floor. The frame has vertically extending positioning beams or lugs that segment the raised floor into a plurality of load-holding positions. Each load holding position has a plurality of positioning beams or lugs that laterally hold a load module. |
| US08875892B1 |
Multi-compartment ring-shaped holder
A multi-compartment holder has an inner ring with multiple compartments, each accessible through its respective first opening. The inner ring is rotatably seated within an outer ring that has a second opening so that as the inner ring is rotated with respect to the outer ring, each compartment's first opening, aligns, in turn, with the outer ring opening, allowing access into the particular compartment through the aligned first opening of the compartment and second opening of the outer ring. |
| US08875889B2 |
Packaging cushion structure made from stiff paper-board sheets
A product cushioning structure for supporting a shock sensitive product in an outer packaging container having a plurality of container walls has at least two interconnected outer container-contacting panels for supporting and stabilizing the cushioning structure within the outer packaging container in at least two mutually perpendicular directions. At least two inner product-supporting panels support the shock sensitive product within the cushioning structure. Intermediate wall sections extend between the outer container-contacting panels and the inner product-supporting panels. The intermediate wall sections, outer container-contacting panels and inner product-supporting panels are made of a stiff paper-board material and are joined together to form box-like cells between the respective inner product-supporting panels and outer container-contacting panels. The cells are crushable to provide shock absorption support to the product during shock loading conditions. They are arranged in or foldable into a mutually angled configuration so that the cushioning structure provides shock absorption support to the product during shock loading conditions in at least two mutually perpendicular directions. The box-like cells may comprise an open box-like component formed by the intermediate wall sections and the inner product-supporting panels, and a unitary planar component formed by the outer container-contacting panels. The unitary planar component is bonded to the open box-like component at the periphery thereof to inhibit splaying of the intermediate wall sections in the presence of a shock loading in a direction normal to the inner product-supporting panels. |
| US08875888B2 |
Stackable container assembly with reciprocal locking of the stacked containers
It is a matter of a container assembly with at least one stackable container (1) which has a bottom part (7) and a lid (8) mounted on top thereof Several containers (1) may be so stacked that the lid (8) of the lower container (1) is located between two bottom parts (7). The container (1) is equipped with at least one connecting device (3) which has coupling means (26) mounted movably on the lid (8) of the container (1). The coupling means (26) are movable, for the connection of two containers (1) mounted one above the other, into a connected position relative to the lid (8), in which they are simultaneously in connecting engagement with the bottom parts (7) of both stacked containers (1). |
| US08875870B2 |
Conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade and assembly
A replaceable conveyor scraping blade has a blade body extending lengthwise along a longitudinal axis. The blade body is produced from a material having a flexible, elastic quality. The blade body comprises a base portion, and intermediate portion, and a terminal end. The base portion is attachable to a tensioning device for biasing the blade body against a conveyor belt. The intermediate portion is generally arcuate and comprises a leading surface and a trailing surface. The leading surface extends upwardly relative to the base portion. The trailing surface is opposite the leading surface. It also extends upwardly relative to the base portion and has a scalloped surface when viewed in cross-section extending lengthwise along the longitudinal axis. The terminal end has a scraping surface separating an uppermost portion of the trailing surface from an uppermost portion of the leading surface. |
| US08875867B2 |
Bottle feeding and processing system
System for feeding and processing bottles (1) to be conveyed to a device (30) for entry into a filling machine (40) operating at an assigned speed (Vp), the system comprising: a realignment centrifuge (100) fed randomly with the bottles (1) and having a tangential outlet (113); movement devices (12, 13, 14), able to convey the bottles (1) leaving the realignment centrifuge (100) and vary the speed of advancing movement thereof; at least one device (21) for handling the bottles; the realignment centrifuge is operated at an operating speed (Vc) greater than the speed (Vp) of the filling machine, and movement devices (12, 14) comprise at least a first device (12); a third device (14); said handling device (21) has means (5) for gripping the bottles. |
| US08875866B2 |
Article transport facility
A ceiling transport carriage transfers an article at a first supporting position and receives the article from second supporting position in an article transfer section, in association with hoisting operations of a support unit. A ground transport device transports the article between the above two positions and a processing position where an article processing device effects a processing or operation on the article. The respective positions above are set in tandem in the article transfer section along a tandem direction along which the article processing device and the article transfer section are disposed in tandem. The ceiling transport carriage includes a movement operating mechanism for operating and moving a support unit along the tandem direction, to a position immediately above the first supporting position and to a position immediately above second supporting position. |
| US08875863B2 |
Multi-disc frictional engagement mechanism
A multi-disc frictional engagement mechanism includes a plurality of driven plates and drive plates, a hydraulic piston, a spring which comes into contact with a pressure receiving portion of the hydraulic piston, an oil chamber which causes a hydraulic pressure to act on the pressure receiving portion, and a lock mechanism which restricts a movement of the hydraulic piston in a coupling direction toward the driven plates and the drive plates in a state where the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber, the spring is compressed by the pressure receiving portion and the driven plates and the drive plates are not coupled. |
| US08875857B2 |
System adapted for one or more electrically propellable vehicles (a snow plough arrangement)
A snow plough arrangement comprising a least one snow plough unit and related to a system for driving an electrically propellable vehicle along a roadway. The vehicle has three sources of power: a vehicle-related power generator, a set of batteries and vehicle-external electric stations. The vehicle is provided with a current collector which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be connected with an electric station. The snow plough unit is rotatably fastened to the contact means in an upper area thereof about a horizontally oriented axis of rotation and adapted to clear loose obstacles from the track and yield to solid obstacles. The snow plough unit and the axis of rotation are movably disposed in a vertical direction by means of a resilient member. The snow plough unit comprises a forwardly directed edge portion oriented in the direction of travel, the edge portion comprising a point, which may be brought into contact with the bottom of the track and/or the conductor. |
| US08875854B2 |
Apparatus that includes a suitcase with integrated support arrangements for conversion to a bed or a chaise lounge
An apparatus that includes a suitcase and integrated support arrangements that are transformable from an extended state to provide support for a person to lie down and a stored state for ease of transport. |
| US08875852B2 |
Flow-control passive valve and damping-adjustable shock absorber comprising same
A flow-control passive valve controls flow of fluid between an upstream space at high pressure and downstream space at low pressure. The valve comprises a valve body in fluid communication with the upstream and downstream spaces and within which are defined first and second spaces. A movable member is slidably received in a body chamber, and a force is applied to the member tending to keep it in a given “non-working” position. Metering discs meter the flow from the upstream to downstream space through the body and comprise first, second, and third fixed restrictors and first and second variable restrictors. Pressure in the first space is lower than that in the upstream space via a pressure drop through the first fixed restrictor while pressure in the second space is variable between the pressure in the first space and that in the downstream space depending on the position of the member. |
| US08875851B2 |
Electromechanical vehicle brake
A combined electromechanical vehicle brake has a hydraulically activated operating brake and an electromechanically activated parking brake apparatus. A hydraulic operating pressure chamber in a brake housing is delimited by a brake piston that can be loaded by hydraulic pressure to carry out operating braking actions. The brake piston can be activated along a longitudinal piston axis to achieve a braking effect. The parking brake apparatus acts upon the brake piston by a gear unit because the gear unit converts the rotational movement of an electromechanical actuator into a translational movement, causing the brake piston to be activated to carry out parking brake processes and remain in the activated position. The gear unit has a threaded spindle and a threaded nut that contact one another via a plurality of rolling elements. A spring element allows the rolling elements to slip when the gear unit is activated in the unloaded state. |
| US08875849B2 |
Caliper brake device
In a vehicle caliper brake device, a brake pad supported by a holder applies a frictional force to a braking surface as a diaphragm actuator is driven. The holder is supported by a caliper main body to be capable of displacing in a displacement direction of the brake pad. The diaphragm actuator includes a piston that is driven by a diaphragm to push the holder. The piston is fixed to the holder using a plurality of screws, and therefore the piston applies a pressing force to the brake pad uniformly without the need for guidance by a guide. |
| US08875842B2 |
Cap for a grease nipple
The present invention relates to a protective cap (20) for a grease nipple. The protective cap comprises a removable cap portion (22) with an internal cavity (23) that is shaped to fit over and enclose a nipple head of the grease nipple, and comprises an attachment portion (24) that is adapted to remain attached to the grease nipple when the cap portion is removed. According to the invention, the attachment portion (24) of the protective cap (20) comprises a plurality of through holes (26, 27, 28, 29) each of which has a unique diameter. |
| US08875838B1 |
Acoustic and elastic flatband formation in phononic crystals:methods and devices formed therefrom
A phononic device is provided suitable for attenuating mechanical vibration, as well as acoustic vibration that propagate through a medium. Through the periodic inclusion of domains of a material in a matrix that vary in the ratio of the longitudinal speed of sound (CL) and the transverse speed of sound (CT) between the domains and the matrix of equal to or greater than 2.0 and 40, respectively; improved significant attenuation of vibration is achieved. |
| US08875834B1 |
Increased stiffness underbody panel
A vehicle structure includes a frame having a first frame rail and a second frame rail. The first and second frame rails are spaced apart by a distance and are substantially parallel to one another. The vehicle structure also includes a vehicle body attached to the frame. The vehicle structure also includes a cradle mounted under the vehicle body to each of the first and second frame rails and configured to support a vehicle drivetrain subassembly. The vehicle structure additionally includes a panel attached to each of the first and second frame rails and the cradle, and configured to stiffen the vehicle structure. |
| US08875832B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
A straddle-type vehicle having an air cleaner disposed in front of a down tube that funnels running wind to a funneled wind target member like an engine that is disposed beneath the air cleaner. The air cleaner has an air cleaner cap that faces a front fender. Side end sections of the air cleaner cap protrude further toward the front of the motorcycle than a central section of the air cleaner cap. |
| US08875830B2 |
System for transporting items on a vehicle
An anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of an accessory. The anchor has a base part movable between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. An accessory part is operatively connected to the base part. The accessory part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the accessory for bracing at least partially the accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. The anchor has other features. A vehicle having an anchor and an attachment base assembly is also presented. |
| US08875820B2 |
Hybrid construction machine
A hybrid construction machine includes: an electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit; an engine cooling circuit including a first coolant and switchable between a state the first coolant after cooling the engine is introduced into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit and a state stopping introduction of the first coolant into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit; an equipment cooling circuit that cools, with a second coolant, equipment needing cooling, and switchable between a state the second coolant is introduced into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit and a state stopping introduction of the second coolant into the electric storage device temperature adjustment circuit; and a controller controlling the engine cooling circuit, the equipment cooling circuit, and a lead-out switching valve such that the first coolant or second coolant selectively flows, according to whether the electric storage device needs to be warmed or cooled. |
| US08875819B2 |
Hybrid drive system for hybrid electric vehicles
A hybrid electric drive system is provided for driving a medium or heavy duty vehicle. The drive system includes an internal combustion engine configured as the primary source of motive power. The engine is coupled to a front-most axle and a first drive shaft in mechanical communication with a middle drive axle. The drive system also includes an electric motor and a clutch assembly; and a second driveshaft in mechanical communication with the electric motor and a rear-most drive axle. When the electric motor is not in active operation, the clutch assembly disengages the electric motor from the rear-most drive axle. |
| US08875815B2 |
Mobile robot
Mobile robot comprising a body (30), a first locomotion unit (43) and a second locomotion unit (53) pivotally connected to two lateral opposite sides of the body (30) and arranged to rotate passively relative to the body about an axis (31) transverse to the body, the mobile robot further comprising a transmission system (91) connecting said first and second locomotion units (43, 53) and the body (30), characterized in that the mechanical transmission is arranged to limit the relative rotation of the locomotion units (43, 53) relative to the body (30) such that the first and second locomotion units (43, 53) rotate in opposite directions and such that the rotation angle (α) of the first locomotion unit (43) relative to the body (39) equates in absolute value the rotation angle (β) of the second locomotion (53) unit relative to the body (30). |
| US08875805B2 |
Mobile drilling system and a methodology for installation of the system
A mobile drilling system comprising a top member with a drilling rig positioned thereon. The top member is removably engaged with a foundation member. The foundation member comprises a tower. The top member is moveable and adapted to be elevated out of the water for placement on top of the tower. The tower is preferably of concrete and extends out of the water and above any ice. A method is also described by which the top member is elevated out of the water either by jacking down legs or lifting by interaction with the tower. |
| US08875800B2 |
Downhole sealing system using cement activated material and method of downhole sealing
A downhole sealing system includes a reactive material provided on a tubular and including an oxidizable substance; and a sealing material, wherein the oxidizable substance oxidizes when in contact with the sealing material. Also included is a method of providing a seal in a downhole system. |
| US08875798B2 |
Wellsite replacement system and method for using same
Systems and methods for replacing equipment at a wellsite, the wellsite having a subsea stripper installed proximate a subsea borehole. The system has at least one seal assembly portion, at least one seal replacement arm and an actuator. The seal assembly portion(s) is (are) positionable in the subsea stripper and replaceable therefrom. The seal assembly portion(s) has (have) a packer extendable within the subsea stripper to form a seal about the subsea stripper. The seal replacement arm(s) is (are) for replacing the seal assembly portion(s) through a door of the subsea stripper. The actuator is for remotely actuating the seal replacement arm(s) to engage the seal assembly portion(s) whereby the seal assembly portion(s) is (are) remotely replaceable. |
| US08875792B2 |
Apparatus for and method of protecting an umbilical
The present invention relates to apparatus for retaining at least one umbilical in relation to a string. The apparatus (30) comprises a body (32), first (38) and second members (40) and first (50, 52) and second fasteners. The body and the first member are movable in relation to each other between a first disposition, in which the body and the first member define a first bore (34) between them for accommodating a string, and a second disposition, in which the body and the first member are spaced apart from each other such that the string can be received in or removed from the first bore. |
| US08875790B2 |
Method and system for fracking and completing wells
A method for fracking and completing a well having a well bore through a formation includes packer jack fracking the formation using a packer to form a packer fractured formation moving the packer to seal the packer fractured formation, and hydraulically fracturing the packer fractured formation by injecting a fracking fluid through the packer. These steps can then be repeated through successive intervals of the formation. To complete a new well, a perforated liner can be placed in the well bore to direct the fracking fluid into the packer fractured formation. To complete an existing or a new well having a cemented liner the packer jack fracking step can also be used to break apart the liner and form at least one opening to provide a flow path for the fracking fluid. A system includes a perforated liner and a packer configured to fracture and seal successive intervals. |
| US08875789B2 |
Process for producing hydrocarbon fluids combining in situ heating, a power plant and a gas plant
An in situ method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation may include heating an organic-rich rock formation, for example an oil shale formation, in situ to pyrolyze formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to form a production fluid containing hydrocarbon fluids. The method may include separating the production fluid into at least a gas stream and a liquid stream, where the gas stream is a low BTU gas stream. The low BTU gas stream is then fed to a gas turbine where it is combusted and is used to generate electricity. |
| US08875782B2 |
Oil field system for through tubing rotary drilling
An oil field system comprising a main body having a bore therethrough, the main body having a connection at one end of the bore for, in use, connecting the main body to an existing wellhead, tree or other oil field equipment, a transverse cavity through the bore, the cavity having at least one opening to the outside of the main body, a plurality of flow control devices for insertion, at different times, into the cavity in order to selectively control fluid flow through the bore, wherein the plurality of flow control devices includes a gate valve and drilling BOP rams. |
| US08875781B2 |
Pumping assembly
A pumping assembly includes a hydraulic pump having a hydraulic ram tied to a reciprocating annular piston having a central bore. When the annular piston moves in an upward direction, the hydraulic ram moves toward an extended position extending from the housing. When the annular piston moves in a downward direction, the hydraulic ram moves toward a retracted position retracted within the housing. A polish rod extends up through the central bore of the annular piston and is held in position by a polish rod clamp positioned on top of the hydraulic ram. The polish rod moves with the hydraulic ram. Other pumping systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08875771B2 |
Single track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening
A single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening has a headrail for mounting the covering above and in front of the opening, such as a window or door. The headrail has a single track. Suspended from the headrail and translatable therealong are panels oriented at a small angle relative to the headrail. When the covering is open, the panels form an overlappingly stacked array at one end of the headrail. |
| US08875766B2 |
Device and method for the application of a sheet-like jointing means onto a contact area of a wafer
The invention concerns a device and a corresponding method for the jointing of wafers along their corresponding surfaces. |
| US08875762B2 |
Air maintenance tire and elbow connector system
An air maintenance tire and connector system includes a tire carcass having an elongate integral air passageway contained within a flexible tire component of the tire carcass between an air inlet and an air outlet cavity and a connector assembly inserted within an outlet one of the cavities. The connector assembly includes a hollow right angled elbow-shaped body fitting within the outlet cavity. The elbow-shaped body's second housing segment has an axial length sufficient to project axially inward from the first housing segment through a tire wall thickness to a tire central cavity. A valve device attaches to a remote end of the second housing segment within the tire cavity, the valve device operative to regulate air flow between the elbow-shaped body central chamber and the tire cavity. |
| US08875759B2 |
Heavy duty tire
A heavy duty tire comprises a tread portion provided with four or five circumferential grooves so as to axially divide the tread portion into five or six rib portions. The five or six rib portions are a pair of shoulder rib portions each provided with shoulder lateral groove, and three or four crown rib portions each provided with crown lateral grooves. The crown lateral grooves extend across the entire width of the crown rib portion. The shoulder lateral grooves extend axially outwardly from an axially inner edge of the shoulder rib portion so as to terminate at an axial distance of from 78 to 88% of the axial width of the shoulder rib portion from the above-mentioned axially inner edge. The depth of the circumferential grooves is 15 to 20 mm. The depth of the crown lateral grooves is 9 to 30% of the depth of the circumferential grooves. The depth of the shoulder lateral grooves is 9 to 25% of the depth of the circumferential grooves. The tread width TW is in a range of 0.78 to 0.87 times the cross sectional width SW of the tire. |
| US08875758B2 |
Features for maintaining voids within a tire tread
Particular embodiments of the present invention include tire treads that include a tread body having a length, a width, and thickness, the thickness being bounded by an outer surface and an underside surface. Such treads may also include a void positioned within the thickness of the tread body. Such treads may further include one or more members extending between the void and the tread underside surface. Other embodiments of the present invention include a tire having such treads, as well as molds for forming such treads. |
| US08875757B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having long hole shaped depressions
In the invention, a tread surface is provided with a groove portion including a main groove continuously extending in a tire circumferential direction, and a land portion including a rib or a block separated by the main groove, wherein the land portion includes a first edge portion having a depression row formed by arranging long hole shaped depressions extending along the groove portion in the tire circumferential direction and a second edge portion extending along the main groove while being different in position in a tire width direction from the first edge portion, and not having the depression row. |
| US08875755B2 |
Pneumatic tire for motorcycle
Disclosed is a pneumatic tire for motorcycle wherein edge effect can be achieved without changing the design of block pattern, and stability of steering such as grip, feeling of grounding, or controllability of slip is enhanced. When a block having a recess in which a protrusion is formed on the bottom is provided in a tread, edge component increases correspondingly as compared with a block provided only with a recess (having no protrusion), and thereby traction can be enhanced. Since it is not required to increase the hardness of rubber of the read nor to enlarge the block size, feeling of grounding is ensured and controllability of slip can be ensured in a muddy place or on a soft road surface. |
| US08875754B2 |
Funnel cap
An apparatus for the transfer of a material into a storage container comprising a based, a funnel member attached to the base, and a sliding collar that nests in the base. The base attaches onto an exterior portion of the inlet of the storage container. The sliding collar includes a retaining member for retaining the sliding collar within the base, and one or more apertures. In addition, an upper portion of the sliding collar has a diameter larger than a diameter of the inlet member; and a lower portion of the sliding collar has a diameter less than the diameter of the inlet member. |
| US08875753B2 |
Method and apparatus for making layered drinks
A layering device for producing a layered drink in a drinking container may include a hollow cup with an open top. A circumferential sealing rib may be formed on an exterior surface of a wall of the cup. An opening through the wall may be positioned axially between the rib and the open top of the cup. An outer diameter of the rib may engage with an interior surface of the drinking container. |
| US08875751B1 |
Storage and dispensing container
A storage and dispensing container includes: a housing having a bottom plate with a feed opening defined therein, and a generally cylindrical outer wall extending around an outer periphery of the bottom plate; a funnel disposed at a lower end of the housing, in flow communication with the feed opening; a drum having an outer wall defining an interior that is partitioned into at least two chambers which are open at upper and lower ends thereof, the wall including a cylindrical portion which is coupled to the outer wall of the housing, such that the drum is rotatable relative to the housing; and a removable cap which closes off the upper end of the drum. |
| US08875747B2 |
Gripper head for the insertion of weft threads on a gripper weaving machine
A gripper head for the insertion of weft threads on a gripper weaving machine as well as a gripper weaving machine with such a gripper head. The gripper head thread clamp for the weft thread is controlled in a contact-free manner and with high transfer reliability of the weft thread even in the machine center. |
| US08875746B2 |
Textile sleeve with twisted hybrid fill yarn and method of construction thereof
A textile sleeve for routing and protecting elongate members and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve includes an elongate wall having opposite edges extending parallel to a central axis. The wall is woven with warp yarns extending parallel to the axis and hybrid fill yarns extending transversely to the warp yarns. The hybrid fill yarns are provided having a yarn filament core and non-metallic first and second yarn filaments overlying the yarn filament core. The first yarn filament is twisted about the yarn filament core in a first helical direction and the second multifilament yarn is twisted over the first yarn filament and about the yarn filament core in a second helical direction. The first helical direction and the second helical direction being opposite one another to provide a resultant zero torque on the yarn filament core. |
| US08875745B2 |
Fabric for forming a paper web having an embossed surface
A fabric for forming a fibrous paper web having an embossed surface is provided that includes at least longitudinal and transverse threads interwoven with one another in a weave repeat defining a machine side and a paper side. Some of the longitudinal threads form embossing threads having projecting paper side floats on the paper side of the fabric passing over more than one transverse thread. The fabric includes at least a first woven fabric layer forming the paper side on its outside and having longitudinal and transverse first threads interwoven with one another and a second woven fabric layer forming the machine side on its outside and having longitudinal and transverse second threads interwoven with one another. At least some of the longitudinal second threads form embossing threads, which penetrate the first woven fabric layer for forming the paper side floats and connect the two woven fabric layers. |
| US08875735B2 |
Coolant ventilation system
A coolant reservoir and associated multi-functional unit for a thermal sub-system of a fuel cell system. The coolant reservoir includes a flame arrester positioned in a gas region of the reservoir. The multi-functional unit includes a first pressure relief valve that automatically opens if the pressure within the gas region goes above a first predetermined pressure. The multi-functional unit may also include a second pressure release valve that quickly releases pressure in the coolant reservoir if the pressure within the gas region goes above a second higher predetermined pressure. The multi-functional unit also includes an air-line and a check valve for allowing ambient air to enter the gas region if the pressure within the gas region falls below ambient pressure. The multi-functional unit also includes a cooling fluid fill line having plumbing that causes the coolant reservoir to vent prior to a cooling fluid cap being removed. |
| US08875733B2 |
Check valve in backflow prevention device
A check valve module. The check valve module includes an orifice, where the orifice is configured to allow the water flow stream through the check valve module. The check valve module also includes a clapper. The clapper is configured to allow the water flow stream through the orifice when open and prevent the water flow stream through the orifice when in a closed position by mating with the orifice. The check valve module further includes a fulcrum apparatus about which the clapper is allowed to rotate, a rotational constraint apparatus which directs the rotation of the clapper and a lateral constraint apparatus which directs the motion of the fulcrum toward and away from the orifice. |
| US08875731B2 |
Automatic water leveler
An apparatus for automatically maintaining the water level of a body of water, such as a pool, is described herein. The present invention comprises a float body contained within a float housing chamber and selectively coupled to a float valve, a ball check valve employed as a means for isolating the pressurized water in the circulation system of a body of water from the water in the float chamber and, after pump operation has ceased, allowing the passage of supply water from the float chamber of the apparatus of the circulation system of a body of water. Flexible conduits or tubing may be provided for ease of installation. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to be conveniently located near the equipment of the circulation system for the body of water. |
| US08875726B2 |
Apparatus for rinsing chemical containers
An apparatus for rinsing inverted chemical containers includes two main assemblies, namely a gravity flow valve assembly and a rinse adapter assembly. The gravity flow assembly is inserted into the throat of the container. The rinse adapter assembly is detachably secured to the throat of the inverted container. When the rinse adapter assembly is attached to the throat of the container, the rinse tube of the rinse adapter assembly extends upwardly through the gravity flow valve assembly and into the interior of the container. Rinsing fluid, such as water, is supplied to the rinse tube which sprays the rinsing fluid onto the interior of the container to rinse the chemical residue from the interior of the container. The apparatus may also be used to dilute the liquid chemical in the container so that the diluted chemical will more freely drain from the container. |
| US08875725B2 |
Fluid connector with integrated excess flow valve
A connector for fluids has a pipe through which the fluid flows. The pipe has a diameter, an inlet end, an outlet end, an expanded area relative to the diameter. The connector also has an excess flow cartridge disposed in the pipe, the excess flow cartridge having a housing for receipt within the diameter, the excess flow cartridge minimizing flow in the pipe if flow exceeds a desired limit, and the excess flow cartridge having a radial opening in a side thereof in register with the expanded area such that flow through the opening flows through the cartridge. |
| US08875720B2 |
Apparatus and method for washing polycrystalline silicon
Disclosed is a polycrystalline silicon washing apparatus that sequentially immerses polycrystalline silicon into a plurality of acid baths each of which is filled with an acid to wash the polycrystalline silicon. The temperatures of the acids in the acid baths are set such that the temperature of the acid in a later acid bath of adjacent acid baths is equal to or lower than that of a former acid bath and the temperature of the acid in the last acid bath is lower than that of the acid in the first acid bath. Each of the acid baths is provided with a temperature adjusting unit that controls the temperature of the acid at a constant value. |
| US08875710B2 |
Application device for a breathing mask arrangement
An application device for a breathing mask arrangement includes a base portion, a holding portion structured to support a mask and pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, a right arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, and a left arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a third pivot axis. The right and left arm elements are each provided with a contact portion for bearing against a right and a left forehead zone respectively of a mask user. The holding portion, the right arm element, and left arm element can be pivoted with respect to the base portion about the respective first, second, and third pivot axes. |
| US08875706B2 |
Aerosol delivery system
A ventilator assembly includes a housing defining an inhalation interior space and an exhalation interior space separate from the inhalation interior space. A ventilator port is positioned at a first location of the housing and defines a first passageway in communication with the inhalation interior space and the exhalation interior space. A patient port is positioned at a second location of the housing and defines a second passageway in communication with the inhalation interior space and the exhalation interior space. A one-way inhalation valve permits one-way flow from the ventilator port to the patient port through the inhalation interior space and a one-way exhalation valve permits one-way flow from the patient port to the ventilator port through the exhalation interior space. A receptacle is in communication with the inhalation interior space and is operative to receive a container comprising an aerosolized medication. |
| US08875702B2 |
Aerosol generator
A sonic aerosol generator is provided that provides a constant concentration of particulate aerosol over a long exposure time to an animal. The concentration of aerosols is maintainable for greater than 30 hours at concentrations of 15 mg/m3 or more. The aerosol generator is used to expose subject to high concentrations of aerosols that more accurately represents the levels that may be seen in a workplace environment. |
| US08875701B2 |
Inhaler
Disclosed is an inhaler, especially a powder inhaler, for administering a medicament in the form of inhalable substances, substance formulations, or substance mixtures. Said inhaler comprises a housing that is provided with a chamber (4) for accommodating the substances. The chamber (4) is replaceably disposed inside the housing. |
| US08875698B2 |
Gas mist inhaler
A gas mist inhaler includes a gas supply device for supplying a gas containing oxygen, carbon dioxide, or a mixed gas of oxygen and carbon dioxide, a gas mist generation device connected to the gas supply device for storing a liquid inside thereof and generating a gas mist prepared by pulverizing and dissolving the liquid stored in the gas mist generation device and the gas supplied from the gas supply device, and an inhalation member connected to the gas mist generation device and containing an inhalation port of inhaling the gas mist into a living organism. |
| US08875693B2 |
Adjustable gas grill burner and method of making and using the same
Adjustable gas grill burners are disclosed. Methods of making and using adjustable gas grill burners are also disclosed. |
| US08875681B2 |
Fuel rail mounting arrangement
A fuel rail has a mounting portion with an aperture through which a fastener extends along a central axis. The fastener secures the fuel rail with respect to a support surface. Stacked-layer isolators are positioned on both sides of the mounting portion. Each stacked-layer isolator includes a pair of rings and an elastomer layer positioned between the rings. Each elastomer layer has a pair of opposing contact surfaces respectively contacting adjacent contact surfaces of the corresponding pair of rings. The pairs of opposing contact surfaces of the elastomer layers and the contact surfaces of the pairs of rings are oblique to the central axis. |
| US08875679B2 |
Apparatus for adjusting fuel amount of diesel engine
An apparatus for adjusting the fuel amount of a diesel engine is capable of preventing a decrease in the accuracy of the adjustment of the fuel amount. An engine stop operation input portion 12 is installed in the slider 5 and an engine stop operation output portion 13 is opposite to the engine stop operation input portion 12. When an engine stop operation is performed, engine stop operation force 14 is inputted from the engine stop operation output portion 13 to the engine stop operation input portion 12 and the slider 5 slides in the direction of the decrease in the fuel amount with the governor lever 1 remained intact so that the engine is stopped. A virtual line 16 is assumed to pass through a central portion of the biasing spring 9 when seen from a direction parallel to the adjustment amount rack pin 8. |
| US08875674B2 |
Differential-stroke internal combustion engine
An apparatus and method for a differential stroke combustion engine. The combustion engine including one or more two-part pistons, each two-part piston having a first piston part and a second piston part. The apparatus comprising: piston-lever element mechanically coupled to the second piston part; a plurality of cam-followers assemblies selectively coupleable with the piston-lever element for controlling operation of the second piston part; and wherein selective engagement of one or more cam-followers assemblies defines an operational mode of the second piston part. |
| US08875671B2 |
Electrohydraulic device for closed-loop driving the control jack of a variable compression ratio engine
An electrohydraulic device for controlling the compression ratio of a variable compression-ratio engine, includes at least one dual-flow electrovalve (81) with no check valve and capable of opening and closing at least one hydraulic fluid duct (83) between the upper chamber (121) and the lower chamber (122) of a control jack (8), at least one position sensor (82) of a control rack (7), an angular position sensor (88) of the crankshaft (9) of the engine for adjusting the compression ratio, and at least one calculator (84). |
| US08875668B2 |
Apparatus configured to shelter oil-jet device from inadvertent installation damage
An apparatus includes an oil-jet emplacement assembly and an oil-jet sheltering assembly. The oil-jet emplacement assembly is configured to spatially emplace an oil-jet device at an installation position relative to an engine block of a vehicle. The oil-jet sheltering assembly is positioned relative to the oil-jet emplacement assembly. The oil-jet sheltering assembly is configured to protectively shelter the oil-jet device from inadvertent oil-jet installation damage. |
| US08875655B2 |
Graphical application system
A graphical application system, with a surface spattering device, with at least one nozzle for expelling a spattering material onto a target surface, a nozzle control mechanism controls expelling of the nozzle. A spatial referencing unit references the spattering device in space and a computation means automatically controls the nozzle according to information from the spatial referencing unit and according to predefined desired spattering data as a digital image or a CAD-model of a desired pattern to be spattered onto the target surface. A communication means for establishing a communication link from the spatial referencing unit to the computation means to supply the position and orientation to the computation means. The spatial referencing unit is located remote from the spattering device and comprises at least two optical 2D cameras arranged with a stereobasis, for determining the position and orientation of images taken by the cameras. |
| US08875651B2 |
Conveyance device for base material having both surfaces coated with coating solution
A double-sided coated substrate transport device (1) is described. A die head for front face coating (3) and a die head for back face coating (4) coat a coating liquid onto a substrate 1. A drying oven (5) dries the coating liquid applied to the substrate (1), to form coating films on the front and back faces of the substrate (1). A first and second rotating body unit (20A, 20B) are respectively furnished independently at widthwise edge sections of the substrate (1). Each of the first and second rotating body units has a free roller (21) and a drive roller (22) constituting a pair of rotating bodies, and a rotating body swivel section (23). The free roller (21) and the drive roller (22) grip the widthwise edge sections of the substrate (1) from the front and back sides. The rotating body swivel section (23) allows the orientation of the free roller (21) and the drive roller (22), respectively, to be modified separately for the first rotating body unit (20A) and the second rotating body unit (20B), so that the rotation axis of the free roller (21) and the drive roller (22) is inclined towards the downstream side in the substrate transport direction as seen from the outside in the substrate widthwise direction, with respect to a line perpendicular to the substrate transport direction. |
| US08875647B2 |
Operating method for an atomiser and a corresponding coating apparatus
The invention relates to a coating device, in particular for painting motor vehicle bodies, comprising a sprayer (1) for applying a coating material by means of an application element and an internal color-changer valve assembly (3), said assembly having several color inlets (4-7) for selecting coating materials of different colors. The internal color-changer valve assembly (3) is integrated into the sprayer (1) and is connected by its outlet to the application element (2), in order to feed the selected coating material to the application element (2). The invention also comprises an external color-changer valve assembly (14) with several color inlets for selecting coating materials of different colors, said external color-changer assembly (14) having a separate structure from the sprayer (1) and being connected by its outlet to the application element (2), in order to feed the selected coating material to the application element (2). The invention also relates to a corresponding operating method. |
| US08875641B2 |
Agricultural implement pass marker system
A method and apparatus are described for creating a pass marker in a field. During planting, planting of seed is stopped and started on pass marker rows differently than on adjacent rows to create a visible offset to assist a harvester or applicator to find and drive down the right row to prevent skips and overlaps. |
| US08875638B2 |
Securing loads to pallets
A pallet, a method of securing a load to a pallet, and a method of manufacturing therefor, in which the pallet includes a top plate, a base structure, and support legs, at least a portion of which join the top plate and the base structure. The support legs are disposed between the top plate and the base structure in an arrangement that accommodates engagement of the pallet with a standard jacking device along any edge of the pallet. Securing slots extend through the top plate, wherein a first subset of the securing slots is oriented lengthwise parallel to a first edge of the top plate and a second subset of the securing slots is oriented lengthwise perpendicular to the first edge of the top plate. |
| US08875636B2 |
Universal powerpack and attachments
A reconfigurable power pack, that produces rotational power and can be used with separate accessories. The housing can be mounted in a first configuration with its motor facing downward and in which the housing is energized to move along a substantially horizontal extrusion. A second configuration mounts the housing is to move along a track in a deck. Other configurations are also possible. |
| US08875634B2 |
Aerodynamic projectile
An aerodynamic projectile is provided having a shell with an aerodynamic structure and a controlled center of gravity, and which exhibits improved aerodynamics and resulting accuracy, and which is suitable for less lethal uses. The projectile shell has a closed front cavity housing a payload, such as a marking agent, therein. The projectile shell also has an open rear portion to provide access to the open rear cavity, and to decrease the weight of the projectile and appropriately locate the center of gravity. The projectile shell also includes a plurality of fins on a sidewall member to enhance the accuracy of the projectile. |
| US08875633B2 |
Adhesive lip for a high strength polymer-based cartridge casing and manufacturing method
A high strength polymer-based cartridge casing can include a first end having a mouth and a neck extending away from the mouth. Next, a shoulder extends below the neck and away from the first end. The cartridge can have a frangible portion capable of being split upon discharge of a projectile. A projectile can be disposed in the mouth and a relief can be disposed on the neck near the mouth and projectile. The relief can form a gap between the neck and the projectile to receive an adhesive. |
| US08875632B2 |
Method of manufacturing colored shot for shot shells
A method for providing permanently colored steel shot for shot shells through anodizing and shells manufactured utilizing the shot. |
| US08875631B2 |
High-G inertial igniter
A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced. |
| US08875627B2 |
Machine for the in-line transformation of single-use products, heat-printed with coloured waxes and paraffins
The invention describes a machine (10) for the in-line transformation of single-use products, comprising at least one unwinding group (12) for one or more reels (14) of web-shaped material (100), which constitutes the base support for said product, at least one printing group (18), arranged downstream of said unwinding group (12), capable of heat-printing decorative patterns, trademarks and/or inscriptions with a paraffin or natural wax-based ink (W) and/or mixtures thereof on the web-shaped material (100), and at least one folding and cutting group (20), arranged downstream of the printing group (18), wherein the printed web-shaped material (100) is folded and cut to form said products. The printing group (18) is provided with at least one melting or fluidifying group for feeding and heating the coloured waxes and paraffins (W), which need to be fluidified to be able to be applied onto the web-shaped material (100), and with one or more heating means (38; 58, 60, 62) capable of avoiding the cooling, and therefore the solidification, of the coloured waxes and paraffins (W) fed by the melting group before the waxes (W) themselves have been applied onto the web-shaped material (100). |
| US08875624B2 |
Adjustable rotating blade assembly food preparation device
A rotating blade food preparation device (10) for cutting, shaving, slicing, and peeling, vegetables and fruits, cheese, tofu, bread, and other food products, includes a handle (12), a frame element (16) connected to the handle (12), and a rotating blade assembly (28) operably secured to the frame. The rotating blade assembly (28) has one or more cutting elements (30) for cutting, slicing, shaving and peeling fruits, vegetables, cheese and other foods. The rotating blade assembly (28) is operably secured to the frame (16) by a shaft (18) allowing both movement and positioning of the blade assembly at various angles in relation to the frame (16), and fixing the rotating blade assembly (28) in a desired position for use. |
| US08875623B2 |
Apparatus for producing a pasta filata cheese
An apparatus for producing a pasta filata cheese product, such as a Mozzarella-type cheese, in a continuous process without emulsifier or pH regulator additives requires preparing a typical pasta filata-type cheese curd and supplying the curd in cut pieces to one end of a processing chamber (14). The chamber (14) has an agitator (18) which rotates to work, knead, stretch and move the curd through the chamber. At the same time, steam is injected into the curd in the chamber through a plurality of injection nozzles (23) spaced along the length of the chamber (14) to heat and cook the cheese while it is simultaneously mechanically worked. The cooked product exiting from the chamber (14) is molded to a desired shape. |
| US08875619B2 |
Fryer
A fryer, having respective tail pipes of a pulse combustor including: a forward pipe that extends outward and obliquely upward from a left or right side surface of a combustion chamber to reach an inside of a cooking zone, and bends in a C-shape along an inner surface of an oil bath, which is divided into left and right halves, with a return pipe mutually connected to the forward pipe in a U-shape in the back side center of the oil bath. The pipe then bends in a C-shape parallel to the forward pipe along the inner surface, which is divided into left and right halves, and from the upper left or right of the combustion chamber to reach an air chamber whereby in the oil bath, a cooking zone in which cooking oil is heated by the surrounding tail pipes is formed. |
| US08875617B2 |
Apparatus and capsule for preparing a drink
Apparatus for making a drink or liquid food from a capsule (3) containing a substance to be mixed with water injected at pressure into the capsule, the apparatus comprising a mixing unit (4) with a capsule insertion channel (14), a capsule holder (8) with a mixing wall (22), an injecting head (10) for injecting water into the capsule, and an opening and closing mechanism (12) for producing a relative movement between the capsule holder and the injecting head to open and close the injecting head on the capsule holder. The insertion channel is inclined at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal plane (HZ). |
| US08875615B1 |
Two piston cylinder
A two piston cylinder providing asymmetrical expansion and retraction capabilities is disclosed having two linked expansion chambers and a single chamber for retraction. The retraction chamber is situated between the two expansion chambers, and the expansion chambers are linked together by a tube passing through the piston that provides hydraulic fluid to both the retraction chamber and one of the expansion chambers. |
| US08875613B2 |
Removable inspection panel
A removable inspection panel for use with a projectile containment assembly in a shoot house or on a firing range where the firing of live ammunition is carried out is provided. The inspection panel is removably attached to a supporting structure between the supporting structure and a projectile containment assembly. The inspection panel is removable from the top of the supporting structure, for example, for periodic inspection of the condition of the inspection panel. Any detectable damage to the surface of the inspection panel facing the projectile containment assembly indicates immanent failure of the projectile containment assembly. |
| US08875611B2 |
Parting tool
A tool for parting, in particular for sawing, includes a carrier blade that has a toothing portion with a finite, geometrically determined toothing, and a receiver for fixing the carrier blade to a tool spindle of a power tool. The tool spindle can be driven in oscillation about its longitudinal axis. The toothing is disposed at a distance from the receiver and is configured to be advanced perpendicularly in relation to the longitudinal axis, such that the toothing is realized in a non-uniform manner along the toothing portion. The toothing portion has a middle region and end regions that adjoin the middle region and that are provided with strengthened corner teeth. |
| US08875610B2 |
Die lock for die retaining board
A kerf lock is provided for the retention of die cutting dies in die slots of a retaining board. A retaining system is also provided and includes a plurality of lock slots oriented substantially perpendicularly to a direction of insertion of a die cutting die. The lock slots have open faces to permit communication with the die slots. When the kerf lock is located within a lock slot it extends into the die slot until a die is inserted into the die slot. Upon initial insertion of a die into the die slot, the kerf lock compresses laterally. Once the die is completely inserted, the kerf lock exerts a normal force against the die in the direction of the die slot wall opposite the open face. An inserted die cutting die can thus be securely held within the die slot. |
| US08875607B2 |
Apparatus and method for forming self-retaining sutures
An apparatus and method for cutting retainers on a continuous strand is provided. The apparatus may include a rotary head member configured to be rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis. The rotary head member may include a center hole substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis and configured to receive the strand. A retainer forming member may be supported on the rotary head member and may include a cutting edge directed substantially inward toward the longitudinal axis. When the rotary head member rotates about the longitudinal axis and the strand is continuously pulled through the center hole along the longitudinal axis, the cutting edge may intermittently or continuously cuts retainers about an outer surface of the strand. |
| US08875604B2 |
Machine tool
There is provided a machine tool which holds a large number of tools and capable of performing various kinds of works without replacing the tools, which is easy to operate and which allows faster and accurate operations with less number of movable parts. A front tool post (141) and a back spindle (120) are configured to be integrally movable in a Y-axis direction, and a plurality of front working tools (140) and a plurality of back working tools (130) are disposed on the front and back tool posts (141) and (131), respectively, in a plurality of tiers in the Y-axis direction. |
| US08875602B2 |
Torque wrench for implantable medical devices
A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a first and a second component. The first component has first and second ends with a bore extending between the first and second ends of the first component. The first component includes a plurality of anti-rotation members extending from an inner surface of the bore at the second end of the first component. A second component includes a middle portion having a first and second ends. A drive shaft extends from the first end and a plurality of fingers extends from an exterior surface of the second end. The second component is received in the bore of the first component such that the fingers are interdigitate with the anti-rotation members. |
| US08875600B1 |
Spiral light bulb changing device
A spiral light bulb changing device includes an elongated member that has a handle connection portion and a bulb engagement portion. The bulb engagement portion has a pair of extension sections forming a slot adapted for receiving a spiral light bulb. Each of the extension sections has an upper surface. The upper surface of each of the extension sections has a plurality of wells therein. The wells are aligned with each other along a line traversing and orientated perpendicular to the slot. A pair of spacing prongs is provided. Each of the spacing prongs is removably positioned in one of the wells such that the slot is positioned between the spacing prongs. The spacing prongs each have a length such that the spacing prongs are adapted to abut a base of the light bulb when the slot receives the straight distal section of the spiral light bulb. |
| US08875596B2 |
Steering wheel with at least one shift paddle
A steering wheel has at least one shift paddle which is coupled to the steering wheel in such a manner that the shift paddle is movable relative to the steering wheel in order in a contactless manner to trigger a shifting operation. In order to improve the ease of operation when actuating the shift paddle on the steering wheel, the steering wheel is distinguished by a slotted guide mechanism by which a shifting sensation is generated during movement of the shift paddle. |
| US08875595B2 |
Operating mechanism for a parking brake
An operating mechanism for a parking brake. The operating mechanism includes a manual brake lever pivotably coupled to a bearing block by a tubular holder. The manual brake lever is fixed to the tubular holder. The mechanism also includes a locking device adapted to fix the manual brake lever in a predetermined pivoting position, an activation rod guided inside the manual brake lever and operatively connected to the locking device, and a transfer element connected to the tubular holder. The transfer element is adapted to transmit movement of the manual lever to the parking brake. |
| US08875593B2 |
Painting robot
A robot, such as a painting robot for painting components such as motor vehicle body components, is disclosed having a plurality of robot elements that are pivotable relative to each other. At least one flexible supply line may run from a proximal robot element to a distal robot element. The supply line may be axially displaceable in the proximal robot element relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply line, so that the supply line can perform an axial compensating motion during a pivot motion of the robot. |
| US08875592B2 |
Linear actuator
A linear actuator with a reversible electric motor (3,11,26,27,34), which over a transmission (4,12,24,25,35) drives a non-self locking spindle (5,14,22,23,36), by which a tube-shaped positioning element can be moved axially, in that it with one end is connected to a spindle nut (6,15) on a spindle (5,14,22,23,36). The actuator comprises a quick release (9,13) for releasing the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37) from the electric motor (3,11,26,27,34) and the part of the transmission (4,12,24,25,35) that lies from the motor (3,11,26,27,34) to the quick release (9,13) such that the spindle (5,14,22,23,36) is set to rotate by the load on the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37). The actuator further comprises braking means for controlling the speed of the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37) during the outer load, when the quick release (9,13) is activated. The braking means consists of a centrifugal brake (38,60), by which it is possible to provide a construction where the lowering speed is self-controlled when the quick release (9,13) is activated. |
| US08875583B2 |
Electromechanical transducer and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is an electromechanical transducer, including: a cell including a substrate, a vibration film, and a supporting portion of the vibration film configured to support the vibration film so that a gap is formed between the substrate and the vibration film; and a lead wire that is placed on the substrate with an insulator interposed therebetween and extends to the cell, wherein the insulator has a thickness greater than the thickness of the supporting portion. The electromechanical transducer can reduce parasitic capacitance to prevent an increase in noise, a reduction in bandwidth, and a reduction in sensitivity. |
| US08875580B2 |
Method and apparatus to detect wire pathologies near crimped connector
A method and apparatus for evaluating and/or quantifying damage to wire strands of a wire caused during installation of a crimped wire connector, involves launching an ultrasonic wave having known characteristics into a wire at a location that is either the crimp or is adjacent the crimped wire connector, and detecting changes in the characteristics (e.g., amplitude and/or phase shift) of the wave as it is propagates along a length of the wire. |
| US08875579B2 |
Method and apparatus for non-destructive weld testing
A method for detecting the integrity of a bond of a multi-piece work piece includes capturing a first image of the work piece, stressing the work piece, capturing a stressed image of the work piece, and comparing the first image of the work piece with the stressed image of the work piece to determine the integrity of the bond. |
| US08875577B2 |
Oscillator circuit, method for manufacturing oscillator circuit, inertial sensor using the oscillator circuit, and electronic device
An oscillator circuit includes an oscillator, a filter that filters a monitoring signal output from the oscillator and outputs the filtered signal, a driver that amplifies the filtered signal to generate a driving signal, and a controller operable to control a passing characteristic of the filter based on the monitoring signal. The oscillator performs a vibration while being driven by the driving signal, and outputs the monitoring signal according to the vibration. This oscillator circuit allows the oscillator to vibrate stably. |
| US08875573B2 |
Inertial device with pedometer function and portable electric appliance incorporating said inertial device
An inertial device that is integratable in a portable electronic device includes: an inertial sensor for generating at least one raw acceleration signal in response to accelerations caused by movements of walking and running of a user of the pedometer; and a processing unit, associated to the inertial sensor for counting a number of steps of the user of the pedometer on the basis of the raw acceleration signal. The inertial sensor and the processing unit are both encapsulated within a single package for integrated circuits, which can be coupled to a circuit board of an electronic device and is provided with at least one connection terminal for making the number of steps available to the outside world. |
| US08875572B2 |
Apparatus for rotatably mounting a rotor to be balanced
An apparatus for rotatably mounting a rotor to be balanced is provided. The apparatus include a rotatably mounted balancing spindle to which the rotor to be balanced is to be non-rotatingly connected, at least one bearing block, a plurality of spring bars aligned parallel to the spindle axis and used to mount the balancing spindle on the bearing block such that the balancing spindle is able to vibrate, and a drive mechanism for the balancing spindle. The spring bars are arranged in more than two planes at different distances from the spindle or in planes having different rotary angular positions about the spindle axis. |
| US08875568B2 |
Relative wind display and landing aid
A system for displaying information obtained along the direction of flight of an aircraft is provided. The system includes a vane assembly pivotally mounted to the aircraft having a sensor mounted thereto. The vane comprises a pointing axis configured to continuously align with the direction of the flight path of the aircraft. A display device is operatively connected to the output of the sensor for providing a display along the actual flight path of the aircraft. |
| US08875566B2 |
Method for monitoring the state of a piezoelectric injector of a fuel injection system
A method is disclosed for monitoring the state of a piezoelectric injector of the fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, the piezoelectric injector having a piezoelectric actuator and a nozzle needle that can be moved by said piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric injector can be operated in a partial-stroke mode and a full-stroke mode. In the partial-stroke mode, the curve of an electrical parameter over time is recorded, the maximum value of the curve is determined, a constant parameter value that arises after the presence of the maximum value is determined, the duration between the presence of the maximum value and the reaching of the constant parameter value is determined, the difference between the maximum value and the constant parameter value is determined, and conclusions about the state of the piezoelectric injector are drawn on the basis of the determined duration and the determined difference. |
| US08875565B2 |
Device incorporating a pressure sensor for measuring pressures within an internal combustion engine
This device includes an outer casing having: a first tubular zone (16) to the inside of which a finger (4) is fastened; a second tubular zone (40) of larger outside diameter than that of the first tubular zone (16) and extending the first tubular zone (16); and an elastically deformable part (18) of annular shape, extending in a plane transverse to the first tubular zone (16) and connecting the first tubular zone (16) to the second tubular zone (40). The pressure sensor (8) is placed between, on one side, an element (30) integral with the finger and, on the other side, a fixed element (20), called an interface, which is integral with the second tubular zone (40). The interface (20) has an axial contact zone (42) for contact with an element constituting the second tubular zone. |
| US08875563B2 |
Collecting line for monitoring and locating leakages and device having the collecting line
A collecting line for leakage monitoring in an installation is permeable to a substance to be monitored in at least one subarea extending along the longitudinal direction. The collecting line is formed of at least two subsections that are spaced from a first end of the collecting line. The distance between the second subsection and the first end is larger than the distance between the first subsection and the first end. The permeability to the substance to be monitored is higher in the first subsection than in the second subsection. A device having the collecting line is also provided. |
| US08875560B2 |
System implementing constituent identification and concentration detection
A gas monitoring system is disclosed. The gas monitoring system may have a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode to receive a gas between the first and second electrodes, and a pulse generator configured to apply a voltage pulse, tuned to a particular constituent of the gas, to the first and second electrodes and create a non-thermal plasma between the first and second electrodes. The gas monitoring system may also have a detection controller in communication with the pulse generator. The detection controller may be configured to determine an actual current between the first and second electrodes during application of the voltage pulse, and to determine a concentration of the constituent based on the actual current and an expected identity of the constituent. |
| US08875559B2 |
System and method for measuring the concentration of impurities mixed with hydrogen gas
A system and method for taking a sample of hydrogen gas and conditioning that sample so that extremely low levels of contamination can be more accurately detected. Initially a sample of hydrogen gas is captured and isolated in a collection chamber. A hydrogen permeable membrane is provided having a first side and a second side. The first side of the hydrogen permeable membrane is exposed to the gas sample held within the collection chamber. The hydrogen gas contained within the gas sample begins to permeate through the hydrogen permeable membrane and exit the collection chamber. This causes the pressure of the gas sample within the collection chamber to decrease. Since contaminants remain in the collection chamber, the concentration of contaminants within the remaining sample increases exponentially. The residual pressure within the collection chamber is measured and converted into a contaminant level reading. |
| US08875555B2 |
Bossed disc-like member manufacturing method and bossed disc-like member manufacturing apparatus
A bossed disc-like member manufacturing method and apparatus with which it is possible to simply form a boss portion with a desired height. The method includes a level difference formation step that moves a second portion, which is positioned on the inner peripheral side of a first portion in a radial direction of a disc-like blank, relative to the first portion in a first direction which is the thickness direction of the blank, thus forming a level difference between the first portion and the second portion. A conical portion formation step moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction, eliminating the level difference. In this manner, a conical portion is formed in the second direction on the inner side of the second portion; and a burring step performs a burring process on the conical portion, thus forming the boss portion. |
| US08875554B2 |
Hemming a flange with compression to form a sharp edge
A tool and method of hemming a panel wherein the tool engages a flange to apply a compressive force with a stop initially preventing a distal end of the flange from moving inwardly. The hemming tool bends the intermediate portion of the flange between the flange bend and the distal end toward the panel. The stop is withdrawn to allow the flange to be progressively formed toward the panel until the distal end is aligned with the intermediate portion. |
| US08875551B1 |
Combination lock with rotary latch
A combination lock is provided, the combination lock having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane; and a bolt configured for movement between a first position and a second position along a second plane the second plane being oriented at a different location than the first plane, the bolt engaging the rotary latch in the first position such that rotation of the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position is prevented. |
| US08875549B2 |
Lock assembly
A lock assembly has a body, a latching device, a linking device and a locking mechanism. The linking device is connected to and driven by the latching device. The locking mechanism is moveably mounted in the body and has a bolt base, a pushing element, a lever element and a locking bolt. The bolt base is mounted slidably in the body. The locking bolt is slidably mounted on the bolt base and is driven to retract into or completely extends out from the body with the transmission of the pushing element and the lever element. |
| US08875547B2 |
Washing machine, and ozone generator
Provided is an ozone generator (47) including two sheets of ozone generating electrodes (156, 157). These two ozone generating electrodes (156, 157) are arranged in a treating passage (152) in series along an air flowing direction. Thus, the air to come in from an air inlet port flows at first along the ozone generating electrode (156) of the first sheet, and receives, while flowing, the creeping discharge of the first ozone generating electrode (156) thereby to generate the ozone. The air thus having generated the ozone further flows in the treating passage (152) to the ozone generating electrode (157) of the second sheet, and receives, while flowing, the creeping discharge of the second ozone generating electrode (157) thereby to generate the additional ozone. The highly dense ozone can be used to clean the washing water. |
| US08875546B2 |
Coupling structure of steam generator in washing device
A steam generator for a washing device is disclosed, in which the power supplied to a heater is cut off before a water level of water used to generate steam is lower than an end of the heater, thereby avoiding a risk of fire. The steam generator includes a case coupled with the main body of the washing device. A heater is provided inside the case. A temperature fuse is provided inside the case when a coupling portion couples the case with the main body of the temperature fuse is configured to be higher than the heater based on a horizontal line. |
| US08875544B2 |
Burner apparatus, submerged combustion melters including the burner, and methods of use
Apparatus includes a first and second conduits configured to form an annulus between them. An adjustable structure includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a circumferential surface abutting a portion of the internal surface of the second conduit. The structure is adjustable axially in relation to and removably attached to the first conduit via a hub. The hub defines a central passage for fuel or oxidant. The body has one or more non-central through passages configured such that flow of an oxidant or fuel therethrough causes the fuel or oxidant to intersect flow of fuel or oxidant exiting from the central passage in a region above the upper surface of the body. |
| US08875541B2 |
Device for positioning a necklace
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses for positioning a piece of jewelry and methods of making said apparatuses. The jewelry may include a necklace, bracelet, and/or anklet. The apparatus may be placed over the clasp of a piece of jewelry and then be attached to the skin of the individual wearing the necklace. In this way, the apparatus prevents the movement of the clasp of the piece of jewelry from a desirable location to an undesirable location, where the clasp may detract from the beauty of the piece of jewelry. Further, the apparatus may come in many shapes, sizes, colors, etc., such that the device may provide for a stylish accessory for the individual wearing the device. |
| US08875540B2 |
Humidity control apparatus
A humidity control apparatus has a refrigerant circuit 20 that has a compressor 21 and a first adsorption heat exchanger 23 and a second adsorption heat exchanger 25, each of which has an adsorbent for adsorbing the moisture of air supported thereon, and that reversibly circulates refrigerant to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant circuit 20 is provided with a sensible heat exchanger 26 in which the refrigerant after having passed through the adsorption heat exchanger 23, 25 functioning as an evaporator exchanges heat with the air having passed through the adsorption heat exchanger 23, 25 functioning as a condenser, thereby cooling the air. |
| US08875538B2 |
Refrigerator
The embodiment relates to a refrigerator. A dispenser is not exposed to the outside when the dispenser is not used, such that the design of the refrigerator can be upgraded and the injection of foreign materials into the dispenser is blocked, such that sanitary conditions can be improved. |
| US08875537B1 |
Method of and system for cooling a singulation process
A system for cooling at least one singlulation saw used to singulate components from a substrate. The system is comprised of a coolant loop having at one or more coolant delivery element, a coolant collection element, one or more recycle tanks for contaminate particles to settle out of the captured coolant, a mixing tank configured after the recycle tanks within the loop to produce and replace lost coolant, and a cooling element to cool the coolant. The system can also include filters within the loop to remove particles not removed by the settling tank. Further, the system is able to be configured with a holding tank configured to prevent any bubbles from getting to the coolant delivery element. |
| US08875535B2 |
Compact condenser module including a tortuous path for removing water droplets from air
A water collector is telescoped into the interior of an aircraft condenser. The condenser has a header for collecting air from the condenser and the water collector is disposed at least partially within the header. |
| US08875529B2 |
Method for transitioning between vehicle climate control system modes
A method for controlling transitions between activating and deactivating a vehicle air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, displacement of the air conditioner compressor is adjusted before the air conditioner is coupled to an energy conversion device. The method may provide smooth transitions between different air conditioner compressor control modes. |
| US08875527B2 |
Heat exchanger for an equipment rack
A heat exchanger includes an air channel configured to receive air from an equipment rack. A fluid circuit is provided having a bi-phase coolant flowing therethrough. The fluid circuit includes a coolant channel coupled to the equipment rack and positioned adjacent to the air channel. The bi-phase coolant is part liquid and part gas as the bi-phase coolant flows through the coolant channel. The bi-phase coolant is configured to condition the air flowing through the air channel. |
| US08875517B2 |
Diffuser for turbine engine including indented annular webs
A diffuser for a turbine engine that includes two annular webs extending inside one another and connected between them by substantially radial vanes, wherein the downstream peripheral edge of at least one of the webs includes indentions evenly distributed about the longitudinal axis of the diffuser. |
| US08875511B2 |
Geothermal wind system
The Geothermal Wind System is a hybrid power production system using geothermal transfer of heat between native rock and an air mass circulating between two or more portals of substantially different vertical elevations by use of the stack effect and the buoyancy of heated air or gravity pulling cooled air to turn one or more wind turbines which drive one or more generators. This wind speed can be improved by use of a venturi valve in close proximity to the turbine(s). A novel example of an aerodynamic, adjustable radial venturi is also herein incorporated. Two modes of the GWS are herein described, one used at shallow depths having geothermal temperatures approximating the average exterior climate, and the second used with geothermal temperatures found at greater depths at substantially higher than outside temperatures. The GWS is a non-polluting, non-carbon burning, non-water-dependent power production system easily implemented in third world countries. |
| US08875509B2 |
Power generation using buoyancy-induced vortices
Various systems and methods are provided for power generation using buoyancy-induced vortices. In one embodiment, among others, a vortex generation system includes a nucleating obstruction; an array of vanes distributed about the nucleating obstruction, the array of vanes configured to impart an angular momentum on air drawn through the array of vanes to form a columnar vortex over the nucleating obstruction; and a set of turbine blades positioned over the nucleating obstruction, the set of turbine blades configured to extract power from the columnar vortex. In another embodiment, a method for power extraction from a buoyancy-induced vortex includes establishing a thermal plume; imparting angular momentum to boundary layer air entrained by the thermal plume to form a stationary columnar vortex; and extracting power from the stationary columnar vortex through turbine blades positioned within the stationary columnar vortex. |
| US08875508B2 |
Electric booster
An object of the present invention is to provide an electric booster enabling an easy connection of an ECU and a stator. An ECU casing containing boards and (ECU) is attached to the outer surface of the casing body so as to be located near a stator of an electric motor. The opening of the casing body is closed by a rear cover. A flat-portion through-hole (through-hole) is formed through the casing body. Bus bars connecting the stator and the ECU are disposed through the flat-portion through-hole. The bus bars are disposed such that one ends thereof are coupled with the stator while the other ends thereof protrude from the flat-portion through-hole. When the electric booster is assembled, since the stator and the bus bars are disposed at the casing body having the flat-portion through-hole, it is possible to easily assemble the casing body and the rear cover with the bus bars inserted through the flat-portion through-hole. |
| US08875507B2 |
Pump displacement control mechanism
A control arm assembly connected with a hydraulic pump allows for the adjustment of pump displacement by turning a threaded adjustment rod clockwise or counter-clockwise to move a half nut connected with a control rod vertically up or down in a slot of an arm to the desired set point. The half nut has a partial thread that engages the thread of the adjustment rod to control the vertical movement. The design allows for the positive repeatable finite adjustment of the half nut with minimal backlash that reduces the difficulty of the setting process in labor and assembly time. Once the desired set point has been met the adjustment rod is clamped tight to the second arm by tightening the nut against the notch to lock up the assembly to prevent any movement. |
| US08875506B2 |
Work vehicle lifting performance
A work vehicle includes a fluid circuit to operate at least one implement for performing work, the fluid circuit having at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The first operating mode is configured to operate within a first predetermined flow rate range within a first predetermined fluid pressure level range. The second operating mode is configured to operate within a second predetermined flow rate range and within a second predetermined fluid pressure level range. In response to the fluid circuit operating within the second operating mode, a maximum pressure value of the second predetermined fluid pressure level range is greater than a maximum pressure value of the first predetermined fluid pressure level range, and a maximum value of the second predetermined flow level range is less than a maximum value of the first predetermined flow level range. |
| US08875504B2 |
Mixing device
A mixing device includes: a cylindrical portion having a blade provided inside thereof for mixing exhaust gas that flows inside of an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, with an additive sprayed into the exhaust pipe by an adding valve; a flange having an insertion hole, into which the cylindrical portion is inserted, and extending outward in a radial direction of the cylindrical portion from an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion; and a plurality of supporting portions that are provided on the flange and that support the cylindrical portion, wherein each of the supporting portions includes an extending piece that extends in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion from a base end portion connected to the flange. |
| US08875501B2 |
Power system for controlling phosphorus aging
A method of controlling a power system including an engine and an exhaust treatment system having an exhaust treatment device is disclosed. The method includes determining a catalyst parameter indicative of a conversion efficiency of the exhaust treatment device. The method further includes determining a weighted index based on the catalyst parameter. The method further includes determining a plurality of first index values. In the method, each first index value of the plurality of first index values is predicted as a function of a corresponding respective aftertreatment control strategy. The method further includes selecting an aftertreatment control strategy based on a comparison between the weighted index and each first index value of the plurality of first index values. In the method, the selected aftertreatment control strategy changes the catalyst parameter. The method also includes operating the exhaust treatment system according to settings corresponding to the selected aftertreatment control strategy. |
| US08875496B2 |
Regeneration control system for exhaust filter and method
A regeneration control system for an exhaust filter in an internal combustion engine system includes a first sensing mechanism for monitoring an exhaust flow resistance of the exhaust filter, and a second sensing mechanism for monitoring an attenuation of electromagnetic energy transmitted through the exhaust filter. The regeneration control system further includes an electronic controller coupled with the sensing mechanisms and configured to output a filter regeneration command responsive to an amount of particulate matter trapped within the exhaust filter. The electronic controller is further configured to weight data from the first and second sensing mechanisms in determining the amount of particulate matter. Weighting of the data may be responsive to an operating state of the internal combustion engine system. Related methodology is also disclosed. |
| US08875495B2 |
Tank assembly and method
A tank assembly includes a tank defining a chamber that is configured to store a selectively variable volume of liquid. A positive temperature coefficient heater is disposed within the chamber. A source of electrical energy is in selective electrical communication with the heater and is configured to transfer electrical current to the heater. A controller is operatively connected to the heater and is configured to monitor the amount of electrical current to the heater. The controller is programmed to determine the volume of liquid in the chamber based on the amount of current transferred to the heater. |
| US08875493B2 |
Reactant delivery for engine exhaust gas treatment
A reactant delivery system for engine exhaust gas treatment may include a tank in which a reactant is received, a pumping device, a pressure relief device, and a reactant distribution device. The pumping device may have an inlet disposed within the interior of the tank to receive the reactant, and an outlet through which the reactant is discharged. The pressure relief device may have an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the pumping device, a primary outlet to discharge the reactant under pressure to a downstream location, and a bypass outlet through which at least some of the reactant discharged from the pumping device is selectively discharged. And the reactant distribution device may be in fluid communication with the bypass outlet of the pressure relief device and have a plurality of outlets to distribute the reactant to at least two different locations within the tank. |
| US08875492B2 |
Exhaust pipe injection control device
An exhaust pipe injection control device for controlling an appropriate fuel injection amount regardless of engine rotation speed. The exhaust pipe injection control device includes: a target injection amount setting unit which sets, according to an engine rotation speed and an exhaust gas flow rate, a target injection amount that is injected in a single injection from an exhaust pipe injector; a base pulse width (“BPW”) map in which a fuel injection time of the exhaust pipe injector is set so that, with respect to the target injection amount and an exhaust pipe injection fuel pressure, fuel in the target injection amount is injected; and an exhaust pipe injection executing unit which performs injection from the exhaust pipe injector by referring to the BPW map based on the target injection amount and the exhaust pipe injection fuel pressure. |
| US08875487B2 |
Exhaust purifying system for hybrid vehicle and control method therefor
An exhaust purifying system includes: a catalytic device supplied with electric power from a power supply unit; a first connecting unit connecting one end of the catalytic device to a negative electrode node of the power supply unit; a second connecting unit connecting the other end of the catalytic device to a positive electrode node of the power supply unit; a leak detecting unit detecting leak from the power supply unit; and a control unit controlling opening and closing of each of the first and second connecting units. When leak is not detected by the leak detecting unit in a leak check state where one of the first and second connecting units is closed and the other is opened, the control unit closes the other and applies current through the catalytic device, and when leak is detected in the leak check state, the control unit does not apply the current through the catalytic device. |
| US08875486B2 |
Guide system for nacelle assembly
A guide system for translating components of an aircraft engine nacelle includes a track assembly and a slider assembly. The track assembly includes a track guide member and a track liner engaged therewith. The track guide member includes a track channel configured to receive the track liner. The track liner defines an interior surface and includes a projection portion projecting inwardly of the track channel to define a convex surface. The slider assembly translatably engages the track assembly and includes a slider member having a head portion configured to be received within the track channel. The head portion defines a concave surface substantially corresponding to the convex surface of the track liner and is configured to mate therewith. The slider member further includes an extension portion extending from the head portion and outwardly of the track assembly. |
| US08875483B2 |
Gas turbine generator set
A gas turbine generator set includes a compressor unit including at least one compressor, at least one generator and at least one combustion chamber. Exhaust gases from at least one turbine are recirculated for a further thermal utilization. At least one cooling fluid compressor is configured to compress a cooling fluid including at least one of fresh air and a portion of the recirculated exhaust gases for a cooling of thermally loaded parts. |
| US08875482B2 |
Open-end spinning rotor
An open-end spinning rotor (1), comprising a rotor shaft (4), a rotor cup (2) and a coupling device (3) releasably connecting the rotor shaft (4) and rotor cup (2). The coupling device (3) has locking bodies (6), arranged in a holding element (5) and lock the rotor cup (2) and the rotor shaft (4) in the axial direction under centrifugal force during operation of the open-end spinning rotor (1). A resilient element (7) is associated with the locking bodies (6) and cooperates with the locking bodies (6) such that the locking bodies (6) also lock the rotor cup (2) to the rotor shaft (4) in the axial direction at a standstill. The holding element (5) is configured as a pin which is formed such that it produces a positive shaft-hub connection between the rotor shaft (4) and rotor cup (2) in conjunction with a correspondingly formed hub (8). |
| US08875480B2 |
Method of pulling a film tube or hood down over a stack of objects
The invention relates to a method for drawing a tubular film (1) over a stack of goods (2), wherein the tubular film is first gathered on a gathering device (R/Ü). The gathered tubular film is then drawn over the stack of goods using a covering device, in that the covering device is moved along the stack of goods and the tubular film is thereby ungathered. After reaching an end region of the stack of goods, the covering device is moved along a segment of the stack of goods (Λ) opposite the covering direction, so that a first tubular film segment (15) is laid on the tubular film already contacting the stack of goods. The covering device is then moved along at least part of the segment of the stack of goods in the covering direction again, so that a second tubular film segment (16) is laid on the first tubular film segment. |
| US08875478B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package
A flexible package is formed and filled in an in-line process by directing a web of film and a semi-rigid strip in a machine direction; folding the web of film into a pair of opposing walls with the semi-rigid strip there between; and selectively attaching the strip to only one of the opposing walls by controlling applied heating to opposing walls of the pair to seal one wall but not the other to the semi-rigid strip to define an opening between upper edges of the opposing walls. |
| US08875474B2 |
Composite panel
A composite panel comprises an outer skins and an inner core. The inner core includes a frame, an elastomeric material disposed between at least a portion of the frame and the outer skin, and a foamed polymer filler. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the same. |
| US08875473B1 |
Gutter installation assembly
A gutter installation assembly for holding a gutter, a ferrule and a fastener proximate a roof edge includes a holder that may be positioned proximate the roof edge. A vertical portion of the holder may be gripped by a user. A U-shaped portion of the holder is coupled to the vertical portion of the holder. The U-shaped portion of the holder may position the ferrule and the fastener proximate the roof edge. A retainer is coupled to the U-shaped portion of the holder. The retainer may retain the fastener on the U-shaped portion of the holder. A horizontal portion of the holder is coupled to the vertical portion of the holder. The horizontal portion of the holder may support the gutter. The user drives the fastener into the roof edge so the fastener retains the gutter on the roof edge. |
| US08875471B2 |
Method and apparatus for lifting and leveling a concrete panel
A lifting apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted, positioned atop a road bed, and elevated above the road bed. A lifting apparatus is located at each corner of the panel. Each lifting apparatus has a threaded sleeve extending through the panel to receive a removable threaded lifting bolt by which to establish a lifting point at which a lifting force is applied to lift and position the panel. When the threaded lifting bolt is rotated completely through the threaded sleeve, a pushing force is applied against a base plate, whereby to elevate the panel above the road bed as is necessary to make the panel level with adjacent panels during the construction or repair of a roadway. Grout is pumped through the panel to fill the space between the panel and the road bed. |
| US08875469B1 |
Easily installable protective sleeve for an embedded wooden post requiring uplift capability
A sleeve for protecting from deterioration and anchoring an embedded end of a post in the ground. The sleeve, molded from unperforated, resilient material, conforms to the exterior post dimensions and extends for at least the desired embedment distance. One or more inwardly projecting notches are cut into the post. The sleeve includes one or more reversible snap domes molded into the sleeve at locations coinciding with the post notches. The snap domes flex to an outwardly concave position as the post is being inserted into the sleeve and then snap to an inwardly concave position once the post is fully installed and the snap domes align with the notches. The inward concavity of the snap domes extends into and engages the post notches to prevent the sleeve from being removed from the post. When embedded into the ground, backfill material prevents the snap dome from being deflected into the outward concavity position, thus anchoring both post and sleeve in the ground. |
| US08875468B2 |
Wall bead
A wall bead 10 comprising a central longitudinally extending portion 13, a first elongate flange 11, and second elongate flange 12 which extend longitudinally of the bead, and which separately comprise a front and rear surface. The wall bead 10 further comprises a plurality of teeth 16 disposed upon the first and second flange at longitudinal positions thereon, wherein the teeth are directed away from the respective flange, substantially forwardly of the respective flange, along a common direction that is along the wall bead. |
| US08875462B2 |
Structural insulated panel system
An insulated enclosure includes a plurality of walls, each of the walls comprising structural insulated panels joined to adjoining structural insulated panels by joints. Each of the structural insulated panels includes a frame having a first vertical frame member, a second vertical frame member, a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and siding members disposed on opposing sides of the frame to define a cavity therebetween. The vertical frame members define, on an outwardly disposed surface thereof, a plurality of vertical recesses and projections. The joints between the plurality of structural insulated panels are butyl-free and include butyl-free compressible seals disposed between opposing recesses and projections in adjoining structural insulated panels. Insulation is disposed within the structural insulated panels and within at least a portion of at least one structural insulated panel vertical frame member. |
| US08875458B2 |
Molding arrangement and method for creating a recess when casting a part
A molding arrangement for creating a recess when casting a building part for connecting the tensile reinforcement element to the building part, with the molding arrangement including at least one molding element (2) to form the recess (5) as well as at least one anchoring element (3) for the creation of a form-fitting connection between the building part and a filler material to be introduced into the recess. Additionally the invention provides a building element for thermal insulation between two building parts having the molding arrangement. And finally a method is disclosed to connect a reinforcement element to a building part. |
| US08875452B2 |
Energy dissipating metal plate and building structure
A energy dissipating metal plate joins a pair of target members and exhibits energy dissipating performance corresponding to a relative displacement between the target members. The energy dissipating metal plate includes: a first joint part to be joined to one of the target members; a second joint part to be joined to other of the target members; and vibration dissipating parts which are provided on a transmission path of tensile force and compression force between the first joint part and the second joint part, and which have slits. Each of the first joint part and the second joint part is formed in a strip shape substantially parallel to a direction of the relative displacement. |
| US08875450B2 |
Solar array system for covering a body of water
Systems and methods for supporting a solar panel array are disclosed, with embodiments specifically directed to spanning bodies of water such as aqueducts, canals, or other waterways. Cable truss assemblies are used to support panel receivers and solar panels mounted over the panel receivers. The cable truss assemblies are supported on groups of columns or other vertically extending support members anchored in the ground. Cable anchor lines may supplement anchoring and support of the installed solar panel array. Embodiments of the system include various combinations of supporting cables making up the cable truss assemblies. A method is also provided for construction of the solar panel array. Lengthy and continuous spans of the solar panel array can be installed over waterways by use of the cable truss assemblies. The solar panel arrays produce power, and simultaneously reduce evaporation from the waterways, resulting in conservation of water. |
| US08875448B2 |
Method and apparatus for the installation of a lifting loop, and part forming a lifting loop
A method for the installation of a lifting loop in a fresh hollow core slab, said hollow core slab having its top surface broken for an opening substantially in line with a neck between the cavities, and said method comprises placing in the obtained opening a lifting loop-forming part set to bear against the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands, the lifting loop-forming part's end sections being placed under the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands by providing either a permanent or temporary deformation in the lifting loop-forming part. The invention relates also to an apparatus for implementing such a method, as well as to a lifting loop-forming part compatible with the method. |
| US08875445B2 |
Light weight modular units for staggered stacked building system
Manufactured modular units for the creation of multistory buildings are staggered stacked so as to create “bonus spaces” between units. Several lighter weight structural versions are presented. The first is a wood frame or cold rolled shape light gauge metal framed modular unit. The second version uses cross laminated timber panels to create the modular unit. The third version uses hot rolled steel shapes for the structure of the modular unit to be staggered stacked. These lighter weight modular units have many advantages. They are more easily transported at a lower fuel costs. They can be craned to higher levels with a single crane. Seismic forces are decreased. Less modular unit weight also allows for greater unit area. Thus, fewer units need to be transported and fewer units need to be craned. Also, a larger unit area and larger “bonus” area allows for more flexible space planning. |
| US08875440B1 |
Rotatable barrier for retaining a vehicle in a railroad boxcar during loading procedures
The present invention is a safety barrier for providing safety to forklifts while loading boxcars. The safety barrier includes a stationary structure attached to a barrier structure via a linking structure. The stationary structure comprises a number of bollards and the linking structure comprises a first portion and a second portion for attaching to the bollards. The barrier structure comprises a barrier end mounted to the linking structure by way of support posts, a pair of weighted ends attached to the linking structure by way of support posts. The barrier structure is rotatably mounted upon the linking structure such that barrier structure articulates between a deployed position and a non-deployed position to ensure safety to forklifts during loading procedures. |
| US08875437B1 |
Electric-shock pest killing apparatus with automatic pest body cleanup
This present invention is a pest killing apparatus having a upper housing separated and supported from a base, cleanup unit, a lamp tube to lure pests, pest collection box, high voltage electric net and control circuit. The pest cleanup unit has an electric drive motor, brush support means and a brush. A vertical pest attraction lamp tube is an inert gas lamp tube or LED light-emitting diodes, reflective material, glass tube and the tube sockets. The lamp tube is located in a central axial or side vertical position between the upper housing and the base to induce insects toward the electric net. The upper housing is provided with attachments so that the apparatus can be suspended. The base is provided with a flat underside so the apparatus may be placed in operation on a horizontal surface. |
| US08875436B1 |
Bait bucket configurable to transport bait in both liquid and solid medias
A live bait container operable to store at least two different types of live bait wherein each of the two different types of live bait live in different media. Additionally, the live bait container is configured with a plurality of internal dividers operable to fluidly couple adjacent portions so as to accommodate incompatible live baits that are stored in the same media. The plurality of internal dividers include three layer having a plurality of apertures wherein one of the three layer is movable so as to align the plurality of apertures thus allowing the fluid coupling of two adjacent portions. A keeper is present to control the movement of the movable layer of the plurality of internal dividers. A top is present having a ring-shaped slot operable to receive a portion of the keeper. |
| US08875435B2 |
Actuator for setting at least one optical property
An Actuator is provided for setting at least one optical property, in particular the position of a crosshair, of an aiming device, in particular of a telescopic sight, with a coupling part rotatable about an axis of rotation, onto which the at least one index element can be pushed. The actuator has a guiding device for guiding the index element onto the coupling part which makes it possible to push the index element onto the coupling part in the direction of the axis of rotation of the coupling part and to prevent a rotation of the index element relative to the coupling part when it is completely and/or partly pushed onto the coupling part at least in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and preferably in all directions. |
| US08875431B2 |
Artwork preservation system
The present invention relates to artwork preservation, and more particularly to an artwork preservation system that utilizes vacuum and is particularly suited to framed artwork. The artwork preservation system includes: a pair of corrugated planar members constructed and arranged to overlap a front side and back side of an artwork; at least one securing element, such as hook and loop fastener, for mating the first and second corrugated boards when the artwork is placed there between; a layer of air cushioning; and a sealable bag. The system may further include a vacuum pump for removing air from the sealable bag. |
| US08875428B2 |
Selectively deployable tab indicators
A tab status indicator system including a generally planar body portion and a tab coupled to the body portion and protruding generally outwardly therefrom. The system further includes an indicator movable between a deployed position, in which the indicator generally overlaps with the tab in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane of the body portion, and a retracted position, in which the indicator does not overlap with the tab or overlaps with the tab less than when the indicator is in the deployed position. |
| US08875423B2 |
Implement tooth assembly with tip and adapter
A ground engaging tip of a tooth assembly for a base edge of a ground engaging implement, is provided, wherein the tooth assembly includes an adapter configured for attachment to a base edge of the ground engaging implement and having a forwardly extending adapter nose. The adapter nose and an adapter cavity of the tip may be configured with surfaces to increase retention when downward forces are applied to the tip. |
| US08875419B2 |
Snow plow
A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The plow blade includes a limiting apparatus that limits upward movement of the retention apparatus. Preferably, the limiting apparatus includes a retention pin that can be secured within one of a plurality of vertically spaced apertures in the mounting upright(s) such that vertical positioning of the retention pin is adjustable. The snow plow further preferably includes a hoist or lifting upright having a lifting assembly, wherein the lifting assembly can raise the plow blade off of the ground. |