| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08113899B2 |
Method for producing plasma display panel
A method for producing a plasma display panel, the method comprising the steps of: (i) preparing a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel being a panel wherein an electrode A, a dielectric layer A and a protective layer are formed on a substrate A, and the rear panel being a panel wherein an electrode B, a dielectric layer B, a partition wall and a phosphor layer are formed on a substrate B; (ii) applying a glass frit material onto a peripheral region of the substrate A or B, and then opposing the front and rear panels with each other such that the glass frit material is interposed therebetween; (iii) supplying a gas into a space formed between the opposed front and rear panels from a direction lateral to the opposed front and rear panels, under such a condition that the front and rear panels are heated; and (iv) melting the glass frit material to cause the front and rear panels to be sealed. |
| US08113896B2 |
Aquatic carrier and rudder thereof
A fin of aquatic carrier is described, which includes a fixing component, a retractable component, and a first elastic component. The retractable component is pivoted to the fixing component; the first elastic component connects the fixing component and the retractable component and supports the retractable component. When the retractable component experiences an external force, the first elastic component is compressed and causes the retractable component to rotate with respect to the fixing component. When surfers or swimmers are hit by the fin of aquatic carrier described in this invention, the rotation of the retractable component with respect to the fixing component reduces the force exerted on them, thus preventing them from being hurt. In addition, an aquatic carrier with a fin is also described. |
| US08113895B2 |
Article such as surfboard and production method thereof
A production method of an article for water sports such as a surfboard with a hollow structure achieves a wide range of selections for users. The article is established with sufficient strength and durability, and is capable of achieving low cost and short delivery time. The article is configured by an outer shell having a hollow structure for forming an outer shape of a main body of the surfboard, a partition wall arranged within an internal space of the outer shell for connecting inner surfaces facing one another in said internal space, sectioned spaces separated and sealed by said partition wall and the inner surfaces of the outer shell, and a vent hole formed on said partition wall so that the sectioned spaces adjacent to one another can properly communicate with one another. |
| US08113890B2 |
Solar module connector and method of use
A solar module connector comprising: a cable; a housing having a mounting surface at least a portion of which partially defines an opening for facilitating contact with at least one buss lead of a solar module, a cavity, a cable end, and a passageway between the cavity and the cable end; a seal disposed around the cable and at least partially seated in the passageway; and a contact electrically connected to the cable and disposed in the cavity proximate the opening. |
| US08113887B2 |
Card connector and electronic apparatus including the same
There is provided a card connector for electrically coupling a card with a motherboard. The card connector includes a housing to and from which a contact pad of the card is inserted and ejected, where the housing is mountable on the motherboard; a pair of contacts is configured to hold the card between the pair of the contacts and to be electrically coupled with the contact pads of the card inserted into the housing, and extend in a first direction, and a pair of urging members is configured in the housing to force the pair of the contacts toward the card and extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US08113885B2 |
Portable assembly having a subscriber identification module
An electrical assembly comprises a housing, where the housing has an inner housing and a removable outer housing removably connected to the inner housing. A first connector portion is secured to the inner housing. The first connector portion comprises a dielectric body and connector terminals. A subscriber identification module is supported by the inner housing. The subscriber identification module has device terminals. A group of conductors or a conductor assembly supports an electrical connection of the connector terminals to the device terminals. A holder retains the subscriber identification module with respect to the inner housing. |
| US08113881B2 |
Connector
A connector includes a connector housing forming a cavity extending from a rectangular opening and including a top wall and a bottom wall which face each other, a first engagement portion provided on the bottom wall, a second engagement portion which is elastically deformable provided on the top wall; and a terminal including a frame having a box shape which includes an upper outer surface and a lower outer surface which face each other, a first engaged portion provided on the lower outer surface, a second engaged portion provided on the upper outer surface, and a conductive contact provided in the frame. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged with the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion respectively when the terminal is inserted into the connector housing. |
| US08113878B2 |
Coaxial connector for corrugated cable with corrugated sealing
A coaxial cable connector includes an internally corrugated member, an internally corrugated sealing member, and a back nut. Axial advancement of the back nut causes a back end of the internally corrugated member to compress radially inwardly. |
| US08113877B2 |
Connector for connecting external antenna
A connector for connecting an external antenna includes a base, an electric connector and a joint. The base has a port and a containing space. The electric connector is installed in the port. The joint is installed in the containing space and extended and exposed from the opening. The joint includes a connecting pillar, a connecting portion disposed on the connecting pillar, an insulation lining contained in the connecting pillar, a signal feed-in plughole formed at the center of the insulation lining, and a signal feed-in pin installed at an end of the signal feed-in plughole and extended out from an end of the joint. After the joint is connected to a cable, the connector can be connected externally to an antenna. |
| US08113876B1 |
Electrical connector for providing electrical power to an antenna
An electrical connector is provided for terminating an electrical cable having an insulated conductor surrounded by a ground shield. The electrical connector includes a housing, an electrical contact held by the housing, an inner ferrule configured to extend between the ground shield and the insulated conductor of the electrical cable, and an outer ferrule extending around the inner ferrule such that the ground shield of the electrical cable extends between the inner and outer ferrules when the electrical connector terminates the electrical cable. A rear cover is connected to the housing. The rear cover extends around and compresses the outer ferrule such that the ground shield of the electrical cable is captured between the inner and outer ferrules when the electrical connector terminates the electrical cable. |
| US08113872B2 |
Flat-cable connector, production process thereof, and locking device
A flat cable connector includes an insulated housing, a plurality of conductor contacts regularly arranged in the housing at a predetermined interval pads of a flat cable are connected with the contacts, respectively, when the flat cable is inserted into the housing. The conductor contact includes a stationary portion secured to the housing and a movable portion integrally formed with the stationary portion being resiliently moved with respect to the stationary portion, the conductive pads of the flat cable come into contact therewith. |
| US08113866B2 |
Aircraft electrical connector with differential engagement and operational retention forces
An aircraft powering system is provided which includes an aircraft electrical connector is provided with features to allow facile engagement with an aircraft and strong retention forces. The aircraft powering system may include the aircraft electrical connector having a unique biasing mechanism and modular construction, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to place differential forces onto mating electrical connectors from an aircraft. The biasing mechanism may be operatively coupled to a handle or trigger, which may be easily engageable by an operator. |
| US08113860B2 |
High power multi-pin electrical connector
This patent discloses an improved multi-pin electrical connector for use in wet environments. Multi-pin connectors are widely used. In some uses, the connectors may be exposed to water. The improved connector keeps external water from entering the connector and isolates any water inside the connector. A number of improvements are disclosed, including seals for the pins, seals for the wires exiting the back of the connector, and bonding internal insulator materials. The invention also incorporates an improved female receptacle design that provides a better male-to-female connection, thus improving performance of the connector. The multi-pin connector disclosed is suitable for use in almost any wet environment. |
| US08113856B2 |
Block-out cover and removal tool
A block-out cover is installed in a jack module to prevent entry of undesirable objects. The block-out cover includes at least one window and at least one locking arm. The locking arm secures the cover to the jack module. The window receives a removal tool designed to remove the cover from the jack module. The removal tool includes a body, a lever secured to the body to engage the cover and a prong with a cam surface. The cam surface of the prong deflects the cover from locking engagement with the jack module allowing the removal tool to remove the block-out cover. |
| US08113855B2 |
Electrical power adapter
Electrical power adapters comprising retractable prongs and/or retractable electrical outputs are disclosed. In one example, an electrical travel adapter includes a power unit having a retractable electrical output and a plug unit coupled to the power unit, the plug unit having a plurality of retractable prongs. |
| US08113854B2 |
Automotive electromechanic relay base with parallel terminals, for use in multiple pins boxes, with fast electric central clamping system
Automotive electromechanic relay base with parallel terminals, for use in multiple pins boxes, with fast electric central clamping system, stressing the construction in ‘L’ (frontal connective, wall (12) coupled with the printed circuit board (P)) for the formation of the base, stored in a box (8) which, jointly with the frontal connective wall (12), forms a fitting (9) with a resilience and, on the opposite side, a dented (27) flexible lock (26), allowing the formation of a relays box/module, distributing the relays both throughout the printed circuit board (P) and its frontal connective wall (12), being the coil terminals (6) and potency terminals (7) of the relays set symmetrically aligned, forming the pins terminal (11) projected from the frontal connective wall (12), facilitating the fast clamping to the electric central. The printed circuit board (P) is protected from averages due to the distribution, on the frontal connective wall (12), of the relays of the components accountable for electric currents overload, allowing their independent use, as well as their substitution. The electric connections protected within the box (8), preventing the use of wiring (generally extensive) for the interconnection among the relays, and less electronic components are used for the connections with the fuses. |
| US08113853B2 |
Junction box for photovoltaic systems
A junction box for a photovoltaic system includes a housing having a base and a cover removably attached thereto, and a plurality of guide channels extending from an exterior surface of the housing to an interior portion thereof. The guide channels are sized and shaped to receive a plurality of conductive foil strips from a solar panel array. When the strips are fed into the guide channels, they are guided to and properly positioned within corresponding receptacles. Each receptacle is sized and shaped to receive a buss bar, and each strip is connected to a corresponding buss bar by a low insertion connector. When the cover is fully engaged with the base, bosses extending from the cover press against the connectors, creating a spring tension and pinch and retain the associated strip. As a result, a reliable physical and electrical connection between the strips and the buss bars is achieved. A heat sink having a plurality of fins protrude outwardly from the housing to dissipate heat externally. |
| US08113852B2 |
Connector and interposer using connector
A connector conducting electricity between external electrodes while the connector is being compressed, the connector including: a columnar main body made of an elastic dielectric; a first contact terminal made of an inelastic conductor including first and second electrode sections provided on a top surface and a side surface of the columnar main body and a coupling section interconnecting the first and second electrode sections; a second contact terminal made of an inelastic conductor including third and fourth electrode sections provided on a bottom surface and a side surface of the columnar main body and a coupling section interconnecting the third and fourth electrode sections, the fourth electrode section being disposed in a position in which the fourth electrode section does not contact the second electrode section; and a conductor provided outside the main body and conducting electricity between the second and fourth electrode sections. |
| US08113851B2 |
Connector assemblies and systems including flexible circuits
A connector assembly that includes a base frame extending along a longitudinal axis between a pair of frame ends. The connector assembly also includes a moveable side that is supported by the base frame and extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The moveable side includes a mating array of terminals. The connector assembly also includes a flex connection that is communicatively coupled to the mating array. The flex connection and the mating array are configured to transmit data signals. The connector assembly also includes a coupling mechanism that is supported by the base frame and is operatively coupled to the moveable side. The coupling mechanism is configured to be actuated to move the moveable side between retracted and engaged positions along a mating direction. |
| US08113842B2 |
Systems and methods for providing educational structures and tools
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing educational structures and tools to enhance the effectiveness of teaching multiple academic disciplines. Both age-level and subject-focused instructors may be provided; technical tools facilitate student-focused, individualized learning experiences wherein integrated electronic records are maintained to track student progress and guide future efforts. A spiral curriculum provides flexibility to instructors and students. Read-aloud e-books may be provided that permit a student to control the rate of reading and identify areas where increased understanding is needed. Reading progress may be enhanced by use of an electronically implemented autophonics structure to identify areas of weak understanding. Many other technical tools may also be provided. |
| US08113835B2 |
Abutment assembly for dental implant
An abutment assembly for use with a dental implant unit includes a metal pedestal unit which has a fitting bushing adapted to fittingly engage a tubular fitted wall of an implant member, a ceramic abutment body which has an annular cut-out in a bottom wall thereof to be mounted on the pedestal unit, and a tubular packing member which has a bearing ledge on an inner peripheral surface to be pressed by a bolt member when the bolt member is threadedly engaged with the implant member, and a pressing region on an outer peripheral surface to be brought to intimately abut against a pressed region of an inner tubular wall surface of the abutment wall so as to place the abutment body in a tightened position. |
| US08113833B2 |
Disposable rotary tool for dental or medical applications
The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting. |
| US08113829B2 |
Unified workstation for virtual craniofacial diagnosis, treatment planning and therapeutics
An integrated system is described in which digital image data of a patient, obtained from a variety of image sources, including CT scanner, X-Ray, 2D or 3D scanners and color photographs, are combined into a common coordinate system to create a virtual three-dimensional patient model. Software tools are provided for manipulating the virtual patient model to simulation changes in position or orientation of craniofacial structures (e.g., jaw or teeth) and simulate their affect on the appearance of the patient. The simulation (which may be pure simulations or may be so-called “morphing” type simulations) enables a comprehensive approach to planning treatment for the patient. In one embodiment, the treatment may encompass orthodontic treatment. Similarly, surgical treatment plans can be created. Data is extracted from the virtual patient model or simulations thereof for purposes of manufacture of customized therapeutic devices for any component of the craniofacial structures, e.g., orthodontic appliances. |
| US08113828B1 |
Orthodontic bracket
An orthodontic bracket mountable on a tooth for use in retraction mechanics to facilitate movement of teeth along an arch, which includes an archwire receiving member rotatably mounted on a base and structured to freely rotate when tipping a tooth during sliding of the bracket along an archwire thereby minimizing friction between the archwire and bracket to significantly decrease the required retraction force, and treatment time, thereby minimizing the possibility of root resorption and maintaining the integrity of the root and surrounding bone. A locking pin for locking the member against rotation is employed when uprighting the tooth from a tipped position. |
| US08113825B2 |
Computer-controlled pyrotechnic matrix display
A computer-controlled matrix of pixels that emit bursts of fire in a controlled manner to create moving images and text on a plane in front of the matrix. The unit houses a number of pixels in a grid array, with each pixel associated with a solenoid gas valve. The valves are supplied by a main gas bus and when actuated release gas to an individual pixel, where it flows out and over a constantly burning pilot light and combusts. The valves are connected through a main circuit box to a computer, and are controlled by software that allows the user to script and play complex graphical animations, musical compositions, scrolling text, as well as real-time graphical response to specific user inputs. |
| US08113824B2 |
Large diameter mid-zone air separation cone for expanding IRZ
A large diameter mid-zone air separation cone is provided for decreasing NOx during burner operation by expanding the internal recirculation zone (IRZ) at the burner exit. The mid-zone air separation cone has a short cylindrical leading edge that fits in the outer air zone of a burner. The mid-zone air separation cone splits the outer air zone secondary air flow into two equal or unequal streams depending on the position of the air separation cone with respect to the outer air zone, and deflects a portion of the secondary air flow radially outward. Since the radial position of the air separation cone is farther from the burner centerline, the IRZ size is expanded and NOx emissions are minimized. |
| US08113822B2 |
Combustion method and combustion apparatus
First, to decrease an amount of emitted nitrogen oxides to zero as much as possible and also decrease an amount of emitted carbon monoxide to a permissible level. Second, to save energy on combustion at a low air ratio close to 1.0. Third, to attain a stable air ratio control in a low air ratio combustion region.Included are a combustion step in which hydrocarbon-containing fuel is burned by the burner to generate gas free of hydrocarbons but containing oxygen, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, an endothermic step in which endothermic device is used to absorb heat from gas generated in the combustion step, a hazardous-substance decreasing step in which the gas is brought into contact with an oxidation catalyst after the endothermic step to oxidize carbon monoxide contained in the gas by oxygen and reduce nitrogen oxides by carbon monoxide, and a concentration ratio adjusting step in which a concentration ratio of oxygen, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide in gas on the primary side of the oxidation catalyst is adjusted to a predetermined concentration ratio on the basis of concentration ratio characteristics of the burner and the endothermic device by using the air-ratio adjusting device of the burner. |
| US08113821B2 |
Premix lean burner
A burner assembly for lean, low NOx combustion may include a gaseous fuel manifold, counter-swirl vanes, and a converging nozzle with bluff body flame anchors. A cooling air tube optionally extends from the air inlet to the nozzle. |
| US08113814B2 |
Barrel clamping system for quick assembling and dismantling of extruder barrel sections
A system for clamping together a pair of extruder barrel sections of an extruder is disclosed. The system comprises of a clamp that includes an upper arm, and a lower arm connected to the upper arm at one edge of the upper arm. The upper and lower arms cooperating to define a recess configured to receive a pair of extruder barrel sections. The clamp further includes a locking structure configured to lock the upper arm to the lower arm with the pair of extruder barrel sections therebetween. The system further comprises of a support structure for the clamp that includes a bracket connected to the clamp and a column connected to a base of the extruder. The bracket and column are connected to each other such that relative movement between the bracket and the column is permitted axially along the extruder barrels sections. An extruder is also disclosed. |
| US08113809B2 |
Localized over-molding die structure
A localized over-molding die structure may include a core die, a cavity die having an inner space therein and placed onto an upper surface of the core die, and a slide die including a step portion on a lower surface thereof and slidably engaged with the cavity die in the inner space thereof to move upward and downward, wherein, the step portion includes an undercut formed at a lateral side thereof such that when at least two materials are successively injected into the cavity die, a corresponding part to the undercut is formed to at least one of the at least two materials. |
| US08113808B2 |
Two-color molding equipment and two-color molded product
A two-color molding equipment for shaping a two-color molded product by placing a film in primary mold tool configured by a fixed mold and a movable mold, injecting a resin into a first cavity formed by closing the molds to shape a primary molded piece, shifting the primary molded piece provided with the film to secondary mold tool configured by the fixed mold and the movable mold, and injecting a resin into a second cavity formed by closing the molds to shape a secondary molded piece, the two-color molded product composed of an integrated combination of the primary molded piece, the secondary molded piece, and the film interposed therebetween, wherein the first cavity is configured to shape the primary molded piece to be smaller than the film so that a part of the film protrudes from the primary molded piece, and a wall surface located at the protruding portion of the film to constitute the first cavity is provided with a convex portion that restricts mold shrinkage of the film protruding portion in the primary molded piece. |
| US08113805B2 |
Rotary fluid-displacement assembly
A rotary fluid-displacement assembly having a housing and a rotor positioned within an internal cavity of the housing. The rotor being configured to rotate about a rotor axis of rotation eccentric to a housing longitudinal axis. A gate is also provided that is slidably mounted therewith the rotor and movable axially about and between a first position, in which a distal end of the gate is positioned at a first distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second position, in which the distal end of the gate is positioned at a second distance from the peripheral surface of the rotor. The distal end of the gate being constrained to be spaced proximate from the inner wall surface of the housing as the rotor rotates about the rotor axis of rotation. |
| US08113802B2 |
Food centrifugal pump formed by stamping and welding having a seal arrangement between the impeller and casing
A food centrifugal pump formed by stamping and welding, comprising a pump casing and a cover mounted therein, an impeller, a shaft and a motor provided on the outer side of the casing, wherein the impeller is mounted on the shaft and driven to rotate by the motor; the pump casing is provided with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe; the impeller have a structure of half-opened type and consists of blades, a hub and a back cover plate, the front end of the blade is close to the inner side of the axial plane of the pump casing, and there is an end face seal formed therebetween; the pump casing is formed by stamping a single metal plate, the outer side of the axial plane of which is provided with an inlet pipe bracket used to support the inlet pipe, the end of which is connected to the outer side of the pump casing, the other end of which is nestedly connected to the inlet pipe and fixed thereon. The manufacturing process of the food centrifugal pump is simple and convenient, its cost is low, its flow rate capability is high, and the inside of the pump casing is clean. |
| US08113799B2 |
Oil-free centrifugal blade compressor and magnetic-gas bearing thereof
A magnetic-gas bearing disposed in a compressor is provided. The magnetic-gas bearing includes an axis, multiple magnetic elements, multiple magnetic coils and a static pressure gas restrictor. The magnetic elements encircle the axis, and each magnetic element has two ends wound around by the magnetic coils respectively, such that the two ends of each magnetic element form a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole respectively. The static pressure gas restrictor encircles the axis and has a jet opening, such that the gas pass through the jet opening to form a gas-film between the static pressure gas restrictor and the axis. Besides, an oil-free centrifugal blade compressor including the magnetic-gas bearing mentioned above is also provided. |
| US08113798B2 |
Turbomachine with tilt-segment bearing and force measurement arrangemment
A turbomachine has a housing and a rotor mounted radially and axially in the housing. The rotor has a shaft and at least one impeller attached to the shaft. Two tilt-segment bearings having tilt segments, which bearings act in opposite directions, are provided for axial mounting of the rotor. The bearings interact with an assigned contact surface of the shaft. At least one of the tilt segments has a force measurement device for direct detection of the axial force acting on the assigned tilt segment. The force measurement devices are connected with an electronic control device. |
| US08113796B2 |
Fuel delivery module
A fuel delivery module comprising a substantially fuel tight housing having a fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet, a fuel pump located in a first chamber defined within the housing, said fuel pump comprising an electric motor and a positive displacement pump assembly drivingly connected to the motor for pumping fuel from the fuel inlet to said fuel outlet, at least a substantial part of said housing being formed from a plastic material. Electrical conductors are connectable to the electric motor within a high pressure region of the first chamber, said electrical conductors being arranged to extend within a wall region of the housing from a high pressure region of the first chamber to a low pressure region before exiting the housing from said low pressure region. |
| US08113793B2 |
Fan
The present invention provides fan with an inrunner motor. The fan includes a fan frame, a rotor and a stator. The fan frame includes a base. The rotor includes a hub, a bushing and a magnetic member, wherein the magnetic member sleeves on the bushing. The stator is disposed on the base and coupled with the rotor, and the stator includes a shaft through the bushing, wherein an end of the shaft is fixed on the base. |
| US08113792B2 |
Compressor unit with pressure compensator
A compressor unit is provided. The compressor unit includes a compressor and a motor enclosed by a common casing in a sealless manner. A stator of the motor is cooled by a cooling system. A partition separates a process fluid from a cooling fluid in an area of the stator. Further, a relation between a process fluid pressure and a cooling fluid pressure is established by using a pressure compensator. |
| US08113785B2 |
Turbomachine rotor and turbomachine comprising such a rotor
A turbomachine rotor comprising a disk the periphery of which has a plurality of slots, a plurality of removable blades, each blade comprising a blade root housed in one of the slots, and a downstream flange, secured to said disk and against which each blade root bears. Further, the rotor comprises, between each blade root and the downstream flange, an elastic buffer intended to maintain a gap between the blade root and the downstream flange. |
| US08113783B2 |
Assembly of a fan blade and of its damper, fan blade damper and method for calibrating the damper
A fan blade assembly of a turbojet with fan and a fan blade damper is disclosed. The fan blade includes a root and a platform. The fan blade damper is suitable for being attached in a housing formed in the lower face of the platform. The housing includes an upstream side perpendicular to the root of the blade. The damper includes a front edge of which a first portion is parallel to the upstream side of the housing and of which a second portion is inclined relative to said upstream side. A fan blade damper and a method for calibrating the damper are also disclosed. |
| US08113782B2 |
Impeller structure of blower
An impeller structure includes a hub having a central spindle, and an impeller. The impeller has a top connection ring, a bottom connection ring, a pressure-retaining ring and a plurality of blades vertically arranged around the periphery of the hub. A top side outer edge of each blade is connected with a top connection ring, an bottom side of the inner side of the blade is connected with a bottom connection ring, the outer side is connected with the pressure-retaining ring, and a plurality of ribs extend outwards from the bottom edge of the periphery of the hub connecting with the bottom connection ring. A pressure relief hole is provided between the pressure-retaining ring and the bottom connection ring. When air passes through the pressure relief hole, a pressure effect is generated, increasing air pressure and volume of blower, alleviating turbulence. The pressure-retaining ring also reinforces the blade strength. |
| US08113778B2 |
Wind turbine blade stowage
A wind turbine blade stowage arrangement includes a first section of the wind turbine blade nested at least partially inside a second section of the wind turbine blade; and a conformable spacer, arranged between the first and second sections of the wind turbine blade, for positioning the first section inside the second section. |
| US08113775B2 |
Axial flow fan
The present invention provides an axial flow fan including an impeller that has a plurality of rotor vanes and is rotatable about a central axis, a motor that rotary drives the impeller, a base portion that supports the motor, a housing that has an intake vent, an exhaust vent, and an inner peripheral surface to surround the impeller and the motor, and a plurality of stator vanes that respectively connects the base portion and the housing, wherein the inner peripheral surface has a first inner peripheral surface formed to increase a distance from the central axis toward the intake vent or the exhaust vent in an axial direction, and there is formed a recess between the first inner peripheral surface and a stator vane that is included in the plurality of stator vanes and faces the first inner peripheral surface. According to the above described configuration, airflow is allowed to smoothly pass through the housing, resulting in a decrease in noise generated in the axial flow fan. |
| US08113764B2 |
Steam turbine and a method of determining leakage within a steam turbine
A steam turbine includes a shaft operatively connecting a first turbine section and a second turbine section. A packing assembly is positioned about the shaft. A first conduit is fluidly connected to the packing assembly. The first conduit is configured to introduce a flow of low temperature, low pressure steam to the packing assembly. A second conduit is also fluidly connected to the packing assembly downstream from the first turbine section and upstream from the first conduit. The second conduit receives a portion of the high temperature, high pressure steam passing into the packing assembly from the first turbine section. A valve is fluidly connected to the second conduit. The valve is configured to be selectively operated so as to allow the high temperature, high pressure steam to mix with the low pressure, low temperature steam in the second conduit. |
| US08113763B2 |
Process for three-dimensional modeling and design of off-highway dump bodies
A method of loading material into a dump body of a truck using a loading bucket whose volumetric capacity is approximately ⅓ or more than that of the dump body is provided. The dump body having side walls that are spaced relatively wider than conventional dump bodies. The loading bucket having a gate at a lower end thereof that when free swings open and causes the material contained in the loading bucket to drop into the dump body. The method including the steps of filling the loading bucket with an amount of earthen material and centering the loading bucket over the dump body. The bucket is then lowered to a position that: (1) substantially minimizes the clearance between the floor of the dump body and the swinging gate in its freed position; (2) allows the swinging gate to clear the side walls of the dump body as it swings through an arc after it is freed, and (3) allows the material to be discharged substantially in the center of the dump body. The swinging gate is then freed so as to open the bucket and allow the material held in the bucket to drop into the dump body. |
| US08113760B1 |
Secure loading system
A secure loading system operates with a wheelchair lift attached to a vehicle, securing the wheelchair to a platform during the lifting motion and retracting the platform into the vehicle once the wheelchair has been lifted, or performing a reverse operation wherein the platform is extended to the lift for lowering the wheelchair. The secure loading system may be an after-market add-on to a lift, or may be integrated into the lift at design time. The system may also be adapted for many other embodiments wherein a secured platform is needed during a lifting motion. |
| US08113758B2 |
Storage rack
A storage rack comprises a plurality of slacked supporting ledges each spaced away from each other arranged in pairs on facing sidewalls for receiving plate-type carriers for stored articles. Storage and retrieval of the carriers in the storage rack is provided by a transport device. The supporting ledges are a snaked press fit in the sheet metal of the sidewalls and the sidewalls are secured to upright rack stanchions. To define a storage rack ensuring exact positioning of the supporting ledges, it is proposed that the rack stanchions comprise horizontally protruding pegs engaging cavities in the supporting ledges. |
| US08113757B2 |
Intermediate transfer chamber, substrate processing system, and exhaust method for the intermediate transfer chamber
An intermediate transfer chamber that can prevent formation of defects in substrates. The intermediate transfer chamber is provided between a loader module being in a first environment where the interior thereof is at a first pressure and contains moisture, and a chamber of a process module being in a second environment where the interior thereof is at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. The intermediate transfer chamber comprises a transfer arm comprising a pick that bidirectionally transfers a substrate between the loader module and the chamber and supports the substrate, a load-lock module exhaust system that exhausts the interior of the intermediate transfer chamber so as to reduce pressure in the intermediate transfer chamber from the first pressure to the second pressure, and a plate-like member that controls the conductance of exhaust on at least a principal surface of the substrate opposite to the pick when the interior of the intermediate transfer chamber is exhausted. |
| US08113756B2 |
Clip
Provided is a clip which can be easily detached from a mounting hole solely by pulling a base portion thereof in any one direction. A clip (10) is equipped with a base portion (20) to engage with a front-side peripheral edge of a mounting hole (5), and a locking leg (30) to engage with a back-side peripheral edge of the mounting hole (5). The locking leg (30) has a stem portion (40) and a pair of elastic engagement members (50) extending in an anchor-fluke-like fashion from the forward ends of the stem portion (40) and having at their forward ends engagement portions (51) to engage with the back-side peripheral edge of the mounting hole (5). An axis (C) of the stem portion (30) and a line (L) connecting the centers of the engagement portions (51) of the pair of elastic engagement members (50) are offset from each other as seen in an axial direction of the stem portion (40). When the base portion (20) is pulled strongly, the stem portion (40) gradually leaves the mounting hole (5) while warped in an arch, with the elastic engagement members (50) and the stem portion (40) opening in a V-shape, thus making it possible to detach the clip (10) from the mounting hole (5) relatively easily. |
| US08113755B2 |
Screw structure with stop ring
A screw structure with a stop ring includes a screw, a ferrule, and a stop ring. The stop ring is fitted on a threaded shank of the screw to push against a front end of the ferrule, so that the ferrule is pressed against a head of the screw. With the ferrule being firmly pressed against the head of the screw by the stop ring, the ferrule will not sway relative to the screw, allowing the screw structure to be stably sucked with a sucking tool and be highly accurately assembled to a printed circuit board. |
| US08113754B2 |
Fastener system with positive retention mechanism
An apparatus comprises a fastening member, a complimentary fastening member, and a retainer member. The fastening member has a first end, a second end, a channel located at the first end, outer threads located on an outer surface of the fastening member, and inner threads located on an inner surface of the channel. The outer threads of the fastening member are closer to the first end than the second end. The complimentary fastening member has a channel and inner threads located within the channel. The inner threads of the complimentary fastening member are capable of engaging the outer threads of the fastening member. The retainer member has a threaded end. The retainer member is capable of entering the channel of the complimentary fastening member and the threaded end of the retainer member is capable of engaging the inner threads of the fastening member. |
| US08113752B2 |
Cargo restraint system with enhanced peel strength
A cargo restraint system and method with enhanced peel strength characteristics the restraint system including laminated load restraining strips with a layer of adhesive to adhere the restraining strip to a container wall surface having a thickness of approximately greater than 1.6 and less than 3.0 millimeters. The load restraint method for securing cargo within transport containers wherein an angle θ of attachment between a side wall of a container and a reinforcing strip of material attached to the side wall is maintained at approximately 15 degrees or less in accordance with the formula B≦cot θ•A, where θ is the angle formed between an exterior surface of said load restraining strip and an interior plane of the lateral wall surface of the transport container “A” is the distance from a front edge of a load to an adjacent side wall and “B” is the distance along the wall of the container behind the point of contact of the restraining strip with an edge of the load to be restrained. |
| US08113751B2 |
Locking device for fastening a container
A locking device for fastening containers for an aircraft. The locking device comprises at least one locking arrangement that can be affixed to an aircraft floor and that comprises a retaining element. The locking arrangement can be fastened to the aircraft floor such that a gap for adjusting the container is provided between the container and the locking arrangement. The retaining element of the locking arrangement can subsequently be moved in the direction of the payload such that a gap between the locking arrangement and the payload can be adjusted. |
| US08113748B2 |
Hole saw and slug remover
A hole saw with slug remover including a top cylindrical housing; a bottom cylindrical housing attached to the top cylindrical housing, the bottom cylindrical housing having teeth for cutting; a pilot drill extending through the top cylindrical housing and bottom cylindrical housing; a drive screw rotatably affixed to the top cylindrical housing, the drive screw having a threaded exterior; and an ejection plunger engaging the threaded exterior of the drive screw wherein the ejection plunger is forced downward to eject a slug when the drive screw rotates counter-clockwise and is forced upward when the drive screw rotates clockwise. |
| US08113745B2 |
Pressure tank, an device for feeding powder to a conveying pipe, and its feeding method, and method for determining feeding intervals of powder to the conveying pipe
A pressure tank having a simple structure to intermittently feed powder to a conveying pipe, and a method for determining the intervals for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe. The pressure tank includes a tank body used as a structure of a pressure vessel having a receiving port at its upper portion and a discharging port at its lower portion, a first check valve disposed just under the receiving port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the receiving port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air, and a second check valve disposed just under the discharging port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the discharging port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air. To determine the intervals for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe, the apparatus is controlled based on measurements of the pressure loss or of the time that is required for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe, so that the pressure loss of the compressed air in the conveying pipe corresponds to the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the conveying pipe. |
| US08113739B2 |
Sand drift prevention method, method of forming and improving vegetation in sandy soil using the same, and tubular knit fabric for columnar sandbag
A sand drift prevention method in which a plurality of columnar sandbags made of a tubular knit fabric are placed so as to cross over one another, and in such a pitch that 3 to 30 sandbags are disposed for every ten meters, and in which the cross-sectional area of each of the columnar sandbags is 10 to 400 cm2. A method of forming and improving the vegetation in sandy soil in which drift of sand is prevented by the sand drift prevention method, a plant desired to grow is grown in the sandy soil surface exposed as being surrounded by columnar sandbags placed so as to cross over one another. A tubular knit fabric for a columnar sandbag employed in these methods, and, in particular, the tubular knit fabric knitted by use of a polylactic-acid fiber. |
| US08113734B2 |
Fixed eyebolt assembly and inventory thereof
An eyebolt assembly is provided in which a skirt member is reinforced by radially projecting diametrically extending ribs. A fixed lifting eye projects from one side of the skirt, and a mounting stud projects from the opposite side. The mounting stud is double threaded with one thread being adapted to mate with a threaded bore in the body of the eyebolt assembly, and the other thread being matched to a threaded bore in a load. The same eyebolt body can be employed with a plurality of different mounting studs, which simplifies inventorying eyebolt assemblies to meet all of the different threaded bores that may occur in different loads. Only the mounting studs need to be threaded to match the loads. The skirts are provided with striking faces so that they can be tightened and loosened by striking them with a hammer. |
| US08113730B2 |
Dispensing package with applicator
A package for dispensing a substance is described, where the package includes a stiff sheet that has a score formed on and traversing the first surface. The package also includes a flexible sheet defining a cavity for receiving the substance between the stiff sheet and the flexible sheet. The package also includes an applicator having a porous material pad, where the applicator is attached to the stiff sheet over the score by two hinges. The stiff sheet is configured to be folded about the score to cause the substance to be expelled from the cavity through a metering hole into the porous material pad and the two hinges allow the porous material pad to remain generally flat as the stiff sheet is folded. |
| US08113728B2 |
Hand operated marking device incorporating printer with movable printhead and replaceable cartridge
A hand operated marking device includes a pair of housings movably interconnected together, a first one of the housings adapted to be received in a second one of the housings responsive to a compression of the housings; a printer located along a bottom surface of the first housing, the printer including a movable printhead exposed through an aperture of the first housing; a moving mechanism housed within at least one of the housings, the moving mechanism for moving the printhead in a printing direction responsive to the compression of the housings; and a shutter for covering the aperture of the first housing, the shutter adapted to be retracted as the moving mechanism moves the printhead. The moving mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotally mounted at one end to the second housing and at the other end to the printhead, and further comprising an extension return spring extending between the other end of the arms and the first housing. |
| US08113726B2 |
Display device
A display device comprises a housing, an image capture device and a screen mounted to the housing. A drive platform is mounted to the housing. The drive platform comprises: a rotatable part to which the image capture device is mounted; a stationary part having a chamber to receive the rotatable part and a capture window to expose the image capture device; and at least one piezoelectric motor which rotates the rotatable part to pan and tilt the image capture device within the capture window. |
| US08113724B2 |
Optical communication module, manufacturing method therefor, and optical transceiver
A manufacturing method of an optical communication module for manufacturing the optical communication module, including the sequentially performed steps of: (1) mounting a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element on a side surface of a sub-mount substrate and mounting the sub-mount substrate on a printed circuit board such that the light-emitting and -receiving directions of the light-emitting element and light-receiving element are parallel to the printed circuit board; (2) aligning an optical waveguide; and (3) dropping resin solution on an area of the sub-mount substrate including an optical waveguide end and the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element, and curing the resin solution. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical communication module which can be made thin, small and cheap. |
| US08113721B1 |
Off-axis misalignment compensating fiber optic cable interface
An off-axis misalignment compensating fiber optic cable plug is provided. The plug has a cable interface to engage a fiber optic core end, where the fiber optic core has a cross-sectional area. The plug also includes a lens having a first surface to transceive an optical signal with a jack. The first surface has a cross-sectional area at least 30 times as large as the core cross-sectional area. The lens has a second surface to transceive optical signals with the fiber optic line core end. In one aspect, the lens has an axis and the lens first surface is convex with a radius of curvature capable of receiving an optical signal beam with a beam axis of up to ±2 degrees off from the lens axis. Even 2 degrees off-axis, the lens is able to focus the beam on the fiber optic line core end. |
| US08113719B2 |
Cage and thrust roller bearing equipped with the cage
A cage includes a radially inward-side annular plate, a radially outward-side annular wall, a plurality of pillar portions, and pockets formed in the pillar portions. Rollers are rotatably retained in the pockets. An inner peripheral surface of the radially outward-side annular wall is formed so as to be oblique toward a radially outward direction. A radially outward-side end surface of each of the rollers has a spherical surface shape. |
| US08113715B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing device
In this type of fluid dynamic bearing device, a dynamic pressure generating part having high molding accuracy is formed at low cost.A rotating member 2 includes a shaft part 9, and a holding member 10 as a thrust member provided in one end of the shaft part 9. In a partial annular region of a lower end surface 10a1 of a disk part 10a making up the holding member 10, a region where a plurality of dynamic pressure grooves 10a2 and a plurality of sectioning parts 10a3 formed between the plurality of dynamic pressure grooves 10a2 to section the respective dynamic pressure grooves 10a2 are arrayed spirally is formed. The above-described dynamic-pressure-groove 10a2 arrayed region is opposed to an upper end surface 8a of a housing part 8, and forms a thrust bearing clearance of a thrust bearing part T between the dynamic-pressure-groove 10a2 and the upper end surface 8a during the rotation of the shaft part 9. The above-described dynamic-pressure-groove 10a2 arrayed region is molded in the lower end surface 10a1 of the holding member 10 by press working. |
| US08113714B2 |
Linear motion guide unit
By reducing the component count, a more compact linear motion guide unit having sealing structures capable of maintaining high sealing performance between slider and guide rail over a long term is realized. A rubber-made end seal, attached to each end face of a slider slidably straddling a guide rail, has a lip portion integrally formed on a contact face with the guide rail, and a recessed portion formed in a face opposite to a mounting face attached to the slider. A positional relationship is determined such that the lip portion is located closer to the slider than the recess bottom face is. An oil-impregnated wiper seal is mounted in the recessed portion of the end seal. A scraper is disposed along the outer side of the wiper seal mounted in the recessed portion, so that the wiper seal is fixedly interposed between the scraper and the recess bottom face. |
| US08113712B2 |
Bed for capturing radiation image and radiation image capturing system
A radiation detecting cassette is disposed in a desired position between a bed and a patient in an operating room. After a detector-side connector and a bed-side connector are connected to each other by a cable, an image capturing apparatus captures and records radiation image information of the patient in a radiation detector. The recorded radiation image information is transmitted from a transceiver of the bed to a console by way of wireless communications in a communication range selected by a selector of the bed, then processed by the console, and transmitted to a display device, which displays a radiation image based on the supplied radiation image information. |
| US08113706B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module, especially a side-edge type backlight module is disclosed. The backlight module comprises: a back plate having plural side walls, plural supporting elements locating on the connecting parts of the plural side walls, and a reflective sheet locating on the plural supporting elements. Therefore, an air space is maintained between the reflective sheet and the back plate of the backlight module. As a result, when the backlight module is operating, the heat produced by the light emitting units will not be transmitted to the reflective sheet of the backlight module during the operation. That is, even after long-term operation, the temperature of the reflective sheet of the backlight module can be maintained at a stable level. |
| US08113704B2 |
Backlight unit having light guide plates
An LED back-light unit and other devices using the LED back-light unit are discussed. According to one embodiment, an LED back-light unit includes a light guide portion that includes a light guide plate and a reflection plate coupled to the light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate has a light input part and a first connection part, and wherein the reflection plate has a second connection part connected to the first connection part, and a light source including at least one light emitting diode, the light source emitting light toward the light guide portion. |
| US08113702B2 |
Variable condenser for delivery of illumination including recursively nested circle to-line fiber optic converter cable
A variable condenser for delivery of illumination, including a recursively nested circle-to-line fiber optic shape-converting cable and a focusable input lens system. At the input of the fiber optic cable, sets of individual optical fibers comprise successively smaller annuli recursively nested about a common center. At the output of the fiber optic cable, the sets of individual optical fibers comprise pairs of line segments recursively nested about the line midpoint, whereby the nesting level of the pairs of line segments has an exact or an approximate correspondence to the nesting level of the annuli. The output may be split into a plurality of lines, whereby the sets of individual optical fibers are distributed among the plurality of lines. The input lens system has a single adjustable focus means to vary the radius of an illumination spot incident upon the input of the fiber optic cable circle input. |
| US08113700B2 |
Headlamp with high and low beam control device
A headlamp includes a lamp base with an interior reflecting surface, a lamp provided in the lamp base, a driver deposited on a recessed supporting surface of the lamp base, two light shields installed on the lamp base and a spring biasing the lamp shields towards one another. The driver includes a driving shaft, and a pushing block with a conical surface gradually tapered toward its free end. The light shields are pivotally fixed on the lamp base by fastening elements and their inner portions overlapped each other, and each has a sliding groove bored obliquely and tapered downwards for the pushing block to pass through. The light shields are drawn by the driver to control light projecting from the lamp to produce a high and low beam illumination pattern. |
| US08113698B2 |
Light-emitting diode light bulb and application thereof
A light-emitting diode (LED) light bulb and an application thereof are described. The light-emitting diode light bulb comprises: a light-emitting diode light source module; a base, wherein the light-emitting diode light source module is disposed on the base; and a driver portion to drive the light-emitting diode light source module, comprising a rotation shaft, wherein the driver portion is connected to the base via the rotation shaft, such that the light-emitting diode light source module can rotate relative to the driver portion. |
| US08113696B2 |
Universal light ball and tube light system
A universal light ball system has a light source with a substantially round housing disposed within a substantially elongated housing so that the light source may be directed by changing the orientation of the substantially round housing relative to the substantially elongated housing. The substantially elongated housing may be inserted into another member such as a the hollow top of landscape edging in order to provide unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing landscape lighting. |
| US08113692B2 |
Light source module for generating polarized light
A light source module for generating polarized light includes a light emitting element, a reflector, and an optical element. The light emitting element generates a light ray, and the reflector reflects the light ray towards the optical element. The optical element includes a light splitting face and a reflection face. The light splitting face receives the light ray, and an angle between the light splitting face and the incident light ray is at about a Brewster's Angle. After the light ray is irradiated to the light splitting face, the light ray is divided into a refraction light and a reflection light. The reflection face reflects the refraction light, and the reflection face is substantially perpendicular to a path of the refraction light. Therefore, a light source with a high degree of polarization is realized by a design of the light splitting face and the reflection face. |
| US08113682B2 |
Multipurpose waterproof lighting device with electronic glow stick
A lighting device comprises an elongated assembly forming a water-tight chamber adjacent a first end of the lighting device, where the first end includes a transparent face along a long axis of the elongated assembly. A lighting module, having a first light source and a second light source positioned on opposite ends of the lighting module, is positioned within the water-tight chamber so that the first light source is adjacent to and is configured to project light out the transparent face in a first direction along the long axis of the elongated assembly. The second light source is configured to illuminate along an elongated portion of the elongated assembly, where the elongated portion extends from the water-tight chamber in a second direction along the long axis of the elongated assembly opposite from the first direction, and out translucent circumferential sides of the elongated portion. A button on the module allows one to selectively alternate between the first and second light sources. |
| US08113679B2 |
Light system and method for creating a localized light
The invention relates to the creation of a localized light, particularly to a light system (12) for creating a localized light illuminating for example clothing hanging on the rail. The light system comprises lighting means (16,17) and lighting control means (18,19) which are adapted to create the localized light (14) responsive to user actions with objects hanging on a rail (10). Thus, a user browsing for example clothing hanging on the rail always has sufficient localized light for watching the clothing even in a situation with dimmed ambient lighting. |
| US08113676B2 |
Illuminated book mark
A device for discreetly illuminating theater programs for reading in a darkened theater, including an elongated generally flat top surface portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a first width and defining a display surface, an elongated generally flat bottom surface portion spaced from the generally flat elongated top surface portion and extending generally parallel to the elongated generally flat top surface portion and having a second width less than the first width, a first side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and disposed substantially perpendicular to the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, a second side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, wherein the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and the first and second side portions define a housing, a generally cylindrical recess formed in the housing, a translucent elongated slit formed in the second side portion and directed away from the elongated generally flat top surface portion, and a light source disposed in the generally cylindrical recess. Activation of the light source shines light through the slit. |
| US08113675B2 |
Arrangement for emitting mixed light
An arrangement for emitting mixed light (5) comprising primary and secondary radiation (51, 52, 53) in a mean direction of emission (5), comprising at least one first electroluminescent light-source (21) for emitting first primary radiation (51) having a maximum intensity at a first wavelength, at least one second electroluminescent light-source (22) for emitting second primary radiation (52) having a maximum intensity at a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength, and a light-converting element (3) for absorbing at least one of the primary radiations (52, 53) and re-emitting the secondary radiation (53), which light-converting element (3) is so arranged that the entire proportion of primary radiation (51, 52) in the mixed light passes through the light-converting element (3), and that the light-converting element (3) comprises a ceramic light-converting material whose microstructure is selected to be such that the color point of the mixed light (5) comprising primary and second radiation is substantially independent of the angle of viewing (B). |
| US08113673B2 |
Photographic diffuser
A photographic light diffusing device for mounting to a photographic light source includes a base for attaching the photographic light diffusing device to the photographic light source, a semi-transparent hood extending from the base and defining a top edge, and a flap hinged to the top edge of the hood and rotatable with respect to the hood. |
| US08113672B2 |
Outer mirror
An object of the present invention is to provide an outer mirror which prevents the whistle noise without the rotation of the mirror assembly being prevented. In order to achieve the above object, an outer mirror which includes a mirror base provided on a vehicle body; a shaft portion fixed to the mirror base; a mirror assembly rotatably mounted on the mirror base around the shaft portion used as a rotational axis; a windshield member to occlude a gap between the mirror base and the mirror assembly, in which the shaft portion includes a mounting seat attached to the mirror base; a shaft body provided uprightly on the mounting seat, the mirror assembly includes a housing having an opening toward the mirror base and the shaft body is inserted into the opening; and a mirror attached to the housing is provided. |
| US08113671B2 |
Interior rear view mirror with an additional device
The invention relates to an interior rear view mirror (01) for arrangement in the interior of a motor vehicle, with a mirror element (02) for observing the traffic following behind, wherein on the housing (03) of the interior rear view mirror (01), an additional device (04) is provided which can be adjusted between an inoperative position in the interior of the housing (03) and a usage position outside the housing (03), wherein the center of gravity (07) of the adjustably mounted additional device (04), during arrangement of the additional device (04) in the inoperative position, lies in a vertical plane which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and through the center of gravity (06) of the interior rear view mirror (01). |
| US08113670B2 |
Image recording apparatus with pivotable display
An image recording apparatus includes an apparatus body, a recording section for forming an image, a display panel assuming upright and laying posture with respect to the apparatus body by pivoting on a predetermined axis, and a covering member having a first end and a second end. The first end is mounted pivotably on one of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. The second end engages slidably with the other of the apparatus body and the back surface of the display panel. Accordingly, the covering member can be accommodated substantially in parallel with the back surface of the display panel. As a result, when the display panel is laid down, it is low in height, thereby making the image recording apparatus to be compact. |
| US08113668B2 |
Extendable real object projector
A portable material exhibiting apparatus comprises a base assembly having a pivoting base, the pivoting base being disposed on one side of the base assembly; a retractable rod assembly having one end pivoting to the pivoting base; and an image capturing module having one end pivoting to the other end of the retractable rod assembly. Therefore, when carrying the portable material exhibiting apparatus, the image capturing module may rotate to be parallel with the retractable rod assembly. The retractable rod assembly may shorten its length and rotate to be parallel with the base assembly. Via this arrangement, the spaced occupied by the portable material exhibiting apparatus is reduced greatly. |
| US08113667B2 |
Projection optical system
A projection optical system satisfies a conditional formula: 0.01<{(tan θf1−tan θf2)−(tan θn1−tan θn2)}·(β2/β1)<0.20 where the direction of a normal to and the direction of a long side of the screen of the screen surface are referred to as a “z-direction” and an “x-direction”, respectively, the x-z plane component of the angle of incidence with respect to the screen surface is referred to as an “incident angle θ” and when, among rays that pass through the center of an aperture and that are incident on the ends of the upper and lower sides of the screen of the screen surface, the incident angle θ of rays whose incident angle θ is larger is referred to as “θf” and the incident angle θ of rays whose incident angle θ is smaller is referred to as “θn”, θn and θf2 respectively represent, when the absolute value of a projection magnification is the highest or lowest during focus adjustment, the incident angle θf, θn1 and θn2 respectively represent, when the absolute value of the projection magnification is the highest or lowest during focus adjustment, the incident angle θn, and β1 and β2 respectively represent the maximum and minimum values of the projection magnification during focus adjustment (except that β1 and β2 respectively represent, if the projection magnification is negative, a value of the projection magnification when the absolute value thereof is the highest or lowest). |
| US08113654B2 |
Contact lens with visual indicator
A contact lens is provided with an indicator that is visible when placed in contact with a solution, but substantially transparent when removed from that solution. The indicator may be of the type to designate whether the contact lens is to be worn on the right or left eye. |
| US08113652B2 |
Contact lens with meridional sagittal variation and methods for making and using the same
The present invention is directed toward the design of lenses to incorporate elevation features in at least one annular zone on the posterior surface of the lens that engage the elevation differences of the eye while allowing the central zone of the lens to have conventional spherical, aspheric, multifocal or toric geometry. In various embodiments, lenses according to the present invention are rotationally stable, free of flexure and well centered over the pupil. |
| US08113650B2 |
Printer having arcuate printhead
A printer is provided having housing, and print head and inlet roller assemblies housed by the housing. The print head assembly has at least one print head for printing on print media fed along a print media feed path and the print head has an arcuate portion in the vicinity of the print media feed path. The inlet roller assembly has at least one inlet roller for feeding print media along the print media feed path. The arcuate portion of the print head has a radius of curvature approximating that of the inlet roller. |
| US08113645B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes: a loading section in which a recording medium is set; a feed roller feeding the recording medium set in the loading section; a first urging mechanism urging one of the loading section and the feed roller to decrease a distance between the set recording medium and the feed roller; an edge guide being movable in a width direction of the recording medium to align lateral edges of the recording medium set in the loading section; a DC motor allowing the edge guide to move; and a determination unit determining whether a current value at the time of driving the DC motor reaches a predetermined threshold value. Here, the driving of the DC motor is stopped when it is determined by the determination unit that the current value reaches the predetermined threshold value. |
| US08113640B2 |
Liquid droplet discharging apparatuses and liquid cartridges
A liquid cartridge has a liquid chamber configured to store liquid, and a liquid supply opening configured to supply liquid from an interior of the liquid chamber to an exterior of the liquid chamber. A first closing mechanism is configured to selectively cover and uncover the liquid supply opening. An air communication opening formed in the liquid cartridge is configured to place the interior of the liquid chamber in communication with an exterior of the chamber, in order to equalize a pressure in the liquid chamber with an atmospheric pressure. A second closing mechanism is configured to selectively cover and uncover the air communication opening. When the liquid cartridge is mounted to a cartridge mounting portion of a liquid discharging apparatus, a damper located in one of the liquid cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion is configured to oppose at least a portion of a mounting force applied to the liquid cartridge. During the mounting of the liquid cartridge to the cartridge mounting portion, the first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism are configured, such that the air communication opening is uncovered before the liquid supply opening is uncovered. |
| US08113637B2 |
Liquid supply device and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid supply device includes a supply pump in a liquid supply passage, a first unidirectional valve upstream from the supply pump and a second unidirectional valve downstream from the supply pump. Constituent members each include a single passage forming member provided with a part or the whole of the liquid supply passage. The constituent members are laminated and formed such that a partial passage of the liquid supply passage permitting the first unidirectional valve to communicate with the supply pump and a partial passage thereof permitting the supply pump to communicate with the second unidirectional valve are formed in the laminated state. The supply pump and the first and second unidirectional valves are disposed on the substantially same plane by laminating the constituent members. The first unidirectional valve communicates with the supply pump and the supply pump communicates with the second unidirectional valve by the partial passage. |
| US08113633B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus having same
A liquid ejecting head includes a passage unit made by laminating a plurality of plates including a first plate having a first through-hole with a first size and a second plate having a second through-hole with a second size which is larger than the first size. The first plate and the second plate are bonded with adhesive so that the first through-hole and the second through-hole in communication with each other. The affinity for the adhesive to bond to the inner peripheral surface of the second through-hole is set to be at least higher than the affinity for the adhesive to bond to the area around the opening of the first through-hole. Adhesive that flows out from between the first plate and the second plate at the time of bonding of the first plate and the second plate is guided to the inner peripheral surface of the second through-hole. |
| US08113632B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting head unit, and liquid ejecting apparatus
Concave portions are provided at both side faces of the reinforcing plate in the juxtaposition direction of the actuators on a discharge face side in which the nozzle orifices are opened. Second exposed portions, in which corner portions that include the discharge face sides of convex portions formed by the concave portions and the side faces of the reinforcing plate are exposed, are provided at both side faces of the case in the juxtaposition direction of the actuators. |
| US08113628B2 |
Inkjet printers having micro-fluidic actuators
A printer includes (a) an ink reservoir containing ink and having an outlet through which the ink passes for ejection onto a print medium; (b) a micro-fluidic actuator having (i) an inlet channel through which fluid enters; (ii) a chamber through which the fluid is received from the inlet channel; (iii) an outlet channel that receives the fluid from the chamber and passes the fluid through the outlet channel so that a conduit pathway for the fluid is formed from the inlet channel, chamber and outlet channel; (iv) a flexible membrane that forms a portion of a shared wall between the chamber and the ink reservoir and that displaces in response to fluidic pressure; (v) at least a first valve in the conduit pathway which, when the valve is activated, causes flow of the fluid through the conduit pathway to be altered so that pressure of the fluid passing through the chamber changes which, in turn, causes the flexible membrane to displace which, in turn, causes the ink to be ejected or not ejected from the ink reservoir according to the displacement of the flexible membrane. |
| US08113623B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a medium conveying mechanism which conveys a medium in a first direction; a head pair composed of two liquid ejecting heads respectively having liquid ejection surfaces in which liquid ejection areas are respectively formed, the two heads having respective one end portions overlapping each other as viewed in the first direction, and disposed such that the respective one end portions are adjacent to each other in the first direction; two wipers for wiping the respective ejection surfaces; and a wiper moving mechanism configured to move the two wipers in mutually opposite directions, wherein the ejection areas partly overlap each other as viewed in the first direction, wherein, when each wiper is placed by the wiper moving mechanism at a wiping start position at which each wiper does not face the corresponding ejection surface, the two wipers partly overlap each other as viewed in the first direction, and wherein, when each wiper is placed at a wiping complete position at which each wiper does not face the corresponding ejection surface, the two wipers overlap each other as viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US08113617B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus for current detection during startup and termination
An ink-jet recording apparatus, including: a flow-passage unit; a plurality of actuators; a plurality of signal output circuits which are provided so as to respectively correspond to the actuators; at least one power supply device; at least one electric current detecting device; and a control device including (a) a startup charging portion which controls the signal output circuits, upon startup of the apparatus, such that all of the actuators are placed into a charged state from a discharged state in order at least one by one, when all of the actuators are in the discharged state and (b) a power-supply inhibiting portion which inhibits electric power supply from the at least one power supply device when the electric current detected by any of the at least one electric current detecting device is equal to or larger than a threshold during execution of a control by the startup charging portion. |
| US08113615B2 |
Inkjet recording device and controller, control program and control method for inkjet recording device for gap reduction of ink droplets
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a controller, control program, and control method for an inkjet recording device, and an inkjet recording device capable of forming a high-quality image by making positional shift of a landing ink droplet inconspicuous through simple control. A high-quality image can be formed by controlling nozzles ejecting an ink droplet landing at a position where the pitch of adjacent landing droplets is larger than a predetermined pitch such that the area of a landing droplet formed by the nozzles is larger, thereby reducing the gap between landing droplet trains by the landing droplet train for ink droplets corresponding to print data. |
| US08113609B2 |
Guide rail for refrigerator
A guide rail for a refrigerator includes a rail body having a back face to be brought into close contact with a side surface of an inner case defining a storage space of the refrigerator; a guide portion provided in the rail body so that the guide portion extends in front of a guide rib formed to be elongated in a fore and aft direction on the side surface of the inner case, thereby guiding the movement of a receiving container to be accommodated in or taken out from the storage space; and a seating space provided in the rail body so that a portion of the guide rib is inserted into the seating space when the back face of the rail body is brought into close contact with the side surface of the inner case. |
| US08113605B2 |
Foldable display module
A foldable display module is described which comprises one base formed by one lower and one upper left panel; one lower and one upper front panel, and one lower and one upper right panel. The base has one “collapsed” and one “upright” position as well as one cover hingedly attached to the upper front panel that in the base's “upright” position runs horizontally between the upper left and upper right panels; and, one shelf hingedly attached to back face of the upper front panel and running between the upper left and upper right panels. The module has one pair of posts projecting upwardly from the base and one board is coupled to its upper end. The board, posts and the base's right side and left side panels can be housed inside the front panels to fold the module. |
| US08113604B2 |
Modular insulation system for an environmentally controlled cabinet
A modular insulation panel provides insulation to a cabinet having lateral side walls, a back wall and a top wall. A main panel assembly insulates a lateral side wall, wherein the main panel assembly includes a framed double wall structure with a space therebetween for providing insulation to the lateral side wall. An auxiliary panel assembly insulates the back wall, wherein the auxiliary panel assembly includes a framed double wall structure with a space therebetween for providing insulation to the back wall. A hinge hingedly attaches the frame of the main panel assembly to the frame of the auxiliary panel assembly. |
| US08113603B2 |
Laundry machine
A laundry machine is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a cabinet defining a first receiving space to receive laundry to be treated, a plurality of legs each of which comprises a leg head located at an installation surface and a leg body configured to connect the leg head to the cabinet, a sub cabinet defining a second receiving space having a volume less than the first receiving space, the sub cabinet being coupled to a bottom of the cabinet, and a plurality of coupling members configured to detachably couple the sub cabinet to the cabinet. According to this laundry machine, it is possible to easily achieve the coupling and separation between the cabinet and the sub cabinet. |
| US08113600B2 |
Storage and organization system with stackable shells
A storage shell includes sidewalls and rails. The sidewalls each extend between two others of the sidewalls to collectively define a chamber therebetween. The sidewalls create a plurality of intersection lines each being defined along a boundary between two of the plurality of sidewalls. The plurality of are rails each coupled to and radially extends away from a different corresponding one of the plurality of intersection lines relative to a center of the storage shell. Each of the plurality of rails is formed with a Y-shaped cross-section. Related storage and organization systems, and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages. |
| US08113595B1 |
Electric booster with hydraulic transmission
An electric brake has a master cylinder (12) including pistons (22, 24) for rear and front brake circuits and an electric motor (50) for actuating the rear brake piston (22). A feedback circuit provides a signal indicative of the fluid pressure supplied to the rear brake circuit and is operable in response to driver commanded braking force (48) to supply fluid pressure to the rear wheel brake circuit. A mechanical coupling (44, 46) between the second piston and a brake pedal is responsive to driver applied brake pedal force to supply fluid pressure to the front wheel brake circuit. A fluid circuit (30, 82) utilizes the fluid pressure supplied to the rear wheel brake circuit to augment driver applied brake pedal force thereby supplying power boosted fluid pressure to the front wheel brake circuit. |
| US08113591B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing a ventilated chair backing assembly
The present invention relates to an apparatus for a ventilated chair backing assembly comprising: a foam chair backing component with a first plurality of ventilation holes extending from a front surface to a back surface, said plurality of holes having a skin; an internal support component with a second plurality of ventilation holes extending from a front surface to a back surface aligned to the first plurality of holes. |
| US08113590B2 |
Arm support, and sitting support with such arm support
An arm support, comprising an arm supporting element, connected via a connecting device with a lift device, wherein the arm supporting element has a longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end and is connected via a tilting axis (E) with the connecting device, which tilting axis (E), in top plan view, is situated between the front end and the rear end, wherein the lift device comprises compensation means for bearing the weight of the arm support and a load borne thereon, in particular an arm of a user. |
| US08113585B2 |
Article of furniture and fitting for an article of furniture
A hinged fitting for an article of seating furniture, which has a supporting element which is capable of being swung, by means of a swing over joint, from a basic position to the side of the seat to an end position that is located in front of the seat to form a leg rest, with the top or lateral surface of the supporting element in the basic position becoming the bottom surface thereof in the end position, has a displacement device, by means of which the end position of the supporting element can be displaced to a position in front of the seat or the base frame of the article of seating furniture beyond the position defined by the swing over joint. |
| US08113577B2 |
Cable connection structures
A connection end portion of an inner member is provided with engagement protrusions, and a connection end portion of a stay is provided with reception grooves capable of axially receiving them. By inserting an operation cable into a tube of a fit-tube portion of an ascent/descent body, the engagement protrusions are axially received in insertion grooves, and are temporarily retained at terminal end portions thereof that are bent in one peripheral direction. When the stay is inserted into the tube of the fit-tube portion, the engagement protrusions are received in the reception grooves, and are transferred to terminal end portions thereof that are bent in the other peripheral direction. Through this operation, an axial connection state is attained in which the operation cable is suspended from the stay, and the headrest is attached to the ascent/descent body to become capable of ascending and descending with respect to the seat back. |
| US08113574B2 |
Rocking-reclining seating unit with power actuator
A rocking and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a rocker mechanism attached with the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the rocker mechanism configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to experience a longitudinally-directed rocking motion relative to the base unit; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism. The actuating unit is configured to move the chair between (a) an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed, the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and the ottoman are generally vertically disposed and positioned below the seat, (b) an intermediate TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat and the backrest and the seat substantially maintain the same relationship as they have in the upright position, and (c) a fully reclined position, in which the angle between the backrest and the seat increases. |
| US08113570B1 |
Aerodynamic nose cone cap
A molded hollow aerodynamic cap which is attached to the tongue part of the trailers frame. The cap extends from the hitch and is attached to the front of the trailer. The aerodynamic design of the cap gives the towing driver better handling control and fuel saving mileage. Inside the cap is used for storage and other purposes. |
| US08113568B2 |
Collapsible roof assembly for a passenger vehicle
A collapsible roof assembly for a vehicle includes a roof, an actuating linkage system, and a main bearing. The roof is movable between closed and opened positions relative to the vehicle body. The actuating linkage system has a guide rod connected at a first end to the roof for moving the roof between the closed and opened positions. The main bearing is connectable to the vehicle body. The main bearing has first and second bearing plates each having at least one corresponding connecting section. The corresponding connecting sections are connected together such that the first and second bearing plates are joined together with surface regions other than the corresponding connecting sections spaced apart from one another with a parallel spacing delimited by a cavity. The guide rod is articulately connected at a second end to the main bearing via a bearing pin extending through one of the corresponding connecting sections. |
| US08113565B2 |
Device for increasing container volume
The device for increasing volume of a container (24) has extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) pivotally mounted on an upper edge (31) of an upper opening (32) so as to form a cover at least partially closing the upper opening (32) when the extension elements (37, 38, 39, 40) are in flat closed positions and an enlarging extension (27) for the container when the extension elements are in raised filling positions, neighboring extension elements being pivotally connected with each other, and at least one driving pivoting device (53), which pivots or swings each extension element (37, 38, 39, 40) from its flat closed position into its raised filling position (47, 48, 49, 50) out beyond a vertical position thereof in a direction toward an exterior of the container, or from its raised filling position into its flat closed position. |
| US08113562B2 |
Tilting rack system
An apparatus for tilt-able rack system especially suited for a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The tilting rack system includes a stationary upright support frame, and a hinged upright support, with the hinged upright mounted to the vehicle rearward of the stationary upright. A slide-able and tilt-able pair of rails mount to the support frame at the hinged and stationary uprights. As the hinged uprights lever rearward and downward, by action of a hinge at the base of each upright, the rails can slide and tilt upon a sliding hinge at the top of each stationary upright. The rearward, hinged uprights may be actuated by hydraulics, manual cranks, cables, or any other such mechanisms. The entire rail and associated frame can tilt down to the rear of the vehicle, allowing the easy placement of long items on the frame, such as ladders, pipes, boats, boards, and panels. |
| US08113560B2 |
Mounting apparatus and method
A mounter apparatus includes a first block disposed so as to be able to be reciprocated by an actuator in a first direction, the first block has a conical hole having a conical internal wall and an axis parallel to the first direction, a second block disposed so as to face the first block and is held by the first block with an elastic body interposed between the first block and the second block, the second block moving by the actuator together with the first block in the first direction, the second block approaching the first block while compressing the elastic body, the second block moving away from the first block due to an elastic force of the elastic body, and a suction head portion rotatably held by the second block and has a suction nozzle on the opposite side from the side where the first block is disposed. |
| US08113557B2 |
Wire gripper jaw drive
A wire gripping assembly is provided with a pair of lever arms that are each movable between a gripping position and a release position. Each lever arm includes a plurality of engagement teeth that interact with drive teeth formed on a moving rack member. The rack member is coupled to a piston movable within an open interior of a drive cylinder. Pressurized air is supplied to either side of the piston to move the piston and rack member. The movement of the piston and the rack member within the drive cylinder results in pivoting movement of the first and second lever arms between the gripping position and the release position. |
| US08113556B2 |
Lifting device
A lifting device for lifting a workpiece provided with a scissor-type linkage having two arms and two rod-like gripping arms connected thereto in an articulated manner. The lifting device also includes a cross member having at least two axially adjacent elongated holes extending in the axial direction of the cross member. The two gripping arms are each guided through an associated elongated hole and are rotatable around an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal direction and transverse to the through-direction of the associated elongated hole and it becomes. As a result, it becomes possible for the free ends of the gripping arms to tilt in an associated lifting opening of the workpiece, i.e., a cylinder head, when a workpiece is lifted. |
| US08113554B2 |
Method and apparatus for an attachable and removable crumple zone
A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces, wherein the container is attached to a vehicle. An energy-absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. At least one elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is included, wherein the proximate end is proximate to a first face of the container. A long axis of the at least one elongated member may intersect the first face. A bumper may be connected to the distal end of the at least one elongated member. |
| US08113552B2 |
Locking device
A locking device for a sliding door or a swing and sliding door having a door leaf, the lock device comprising a drive train including at least one motor, a drive transmission and a drive spindle. The locking device also comprises a locking transmission and a torque dividing arrangement. |
| US08113548B2 |
Quick connector for high pressure applications
A quick connector coupling to releasably connect a rigid tube into a hollow body component bore with a resilient seal member creating a fluid tight seal. A seat member retainer includes legs abutting the body component. It includes an insertion sleeve that receives the axial insertion forces to insert the seal member retainer into the bore. A protective cap is arranged to contain preassembled seal and retainer components for assembly onto the rigid tube. |
| US08113547B2 |
Snap mount fluid quick connector
A fluid quick connector includes a retainer mounted in a housing which lockingly couples a first endform to the housing. Latch arms bendably extend from the housing for latching engagement with a second endform. An inner diameter of the latch arms are proximate the outer diameter of the first endform inserted through the housing to prevent substantial movement of the latch arms in a direction which would disengage the latch arms from the second endform. In another aspect, the retainer has inner arms which engage a recessed surface engagement feature in the first endform to lock the other endform to the housing. A portion of a spherical surface is formed on the ends of the inner arms to reduce the push in force required to insert the first endform through the housing and past the retainer. |
| US08113540B2 |
Driver airbag assembly
A driver airbag assembly may include an airbag cover including a switch insert hole, a cushion module provided in back of the airbag cover and engaged with the airbag cover, a mounting plate coupled to the airbag cover in the back thereof to support a rear end portion of the cushion module between the airbag cover and the mounting plate, and having a wing which extends laterally, and a remote control switch unit having a main body disposed between the airbag cover and the mounting plate, a switch part disposed in the main body and exposed to outside of the airbag cover through the switch insert hole, and a subsidiary body interposed and secured between the main body and the wing of the mounting plate and slidable laterally along the main body to be removable from a predetermined position of the main body. |
| US08113535B2 |
Safety system
The invention relates to a safety system for motor vehicles having sensor devices for detecting an accident and an apparatus for reinforcing a carrying construction (1) of a motor-vehicle roof (6), in particular the A, B or C column of the motor vehicle, which protrudes beyond a lower edge of a window opening (4), in which an inflatable reinforcing element (2) is deployed which is fastened to the carrying construction (1) and can be filled with gas via a gas generator (3) if corresponding sensor data are present. The invention also relates to a carrying construction (1) per se. |
| US08113530B2 |
Nano-metal bicycle frame and related components
A bicycle comprises a frame. A portion of the frame includes a substrate and a layer of nano-crystalline material extending over at least a portion of the substrate. A conductive interface is disposed between the substrate and layer of nano-crystalline material for improved adhesion of the layer of nano-crystalline material to the substrate and improved impact performance of the frame portion. |
| US08113523B2 |
Backrest reclining mechanism and related stroller
A backrest reclining mechanism is applied to a stroller. The backrest reclining mechanism includes a fabric, at least one pulley, at least one cable, and an adjusting device. The fabric is disposed around a backrest of the stroller. Two ends of the fabric are connected to two sides of a main body of the stroller respectively. The pulley is rotatably disposed on the backrest. The cable is wound around the pulley. A first end of the cable extends within the fabric to be connected to the main body. The adjusting device is movably disposed on the backrest and connected to a second end of the cable. The adjusting device is used for changing a length of the cable between the first end and the pulley when moving, so as to adjust a reclining angle of the backrest. |
| US08113522B2 |
Counter-rotating motors with linear output
An actuator includes a first rotary motor, a second rotary motor, and a transmission coupled to the first and second rotary motors. The transmission converts rotation of the first rotary motor in a first direction and simultaneous rotation of the second rotary motor in a second direction to linear motion of an output shaft in a single direction. The actuator is usable in an active automobile suspension. |
| US08113520B2 |
Adapter for a motor-driven machine tool with a rotatably driveable machine tool
An adapter (9) for a motor-driven machine tool with a tool to be rotatably driven has positive-fit counterpart pieces (10) on one face (16) which are adapted to positive-fit elements (3) of the tool shaft (1). Multiple axially protruding mandrels (11) are arranged along the circumference on the opposite face (13). |
| US08113519B2 |
Packing material fitting structure
A packing material fitting structure that prevents the packing material from easily dropping out and facilitates mounting and fixing of the packing material in a packing material fitting place in a part such as a casing or a cover of an engine or a pump with sealing ability. The fitting structure is provided with a packing material having an annular main body portion and a plurality of projections each having a main protruding portion formed to protrude from the annular main body portion and an auxiliary protruding portion formed integrally in the vicinity of the main protruding portion, the projections being formed with an appropriate spacing in the longitudinal direction of the main annular main body portion. The fitting structure is also provided with a casing having formed therein an annular fitting groove for inserting the annular main body portion of the packing material. A cutout portion into which only the main protruding portion of the projection is inserted is formed in a groove wall portion of the fitting groove. An integral forming region of the auxiliary protruding portion and the annular main body portion has a width substantially equal to or larger than a width of the fitting groove. In the packing material, a projection formation location is pressed and fixed only by the cutout portion and both groove wall portions in the vicinity of the cutout portion. |
| US08113512B2 |
Medium conveyance mechanism (device)
Aligning of banknotes is carried out without using an aligning device. A medium conveyance mechanism includes an upper belt (2) entrained around two rollers (3a, 3b), a lower belt (5) entrained around two other rollers (6a, 6b) and disposed so as to overlap the upper belt (2), and an aligning guide (15) disposed at one side of the upper belt (2) and the lower belt (5) at a distance therefrom, which aligning guide (15) has an inclined surface (16) for carrying out aligning of a banknote and a conveyance reference surface (17) formed at an end side of the inclined surface (16). When the banknote being conveyed abuts the inclined surface (16) of the aligning guide (15) for aligning, one side of the banknote is guided by the conveyance reference surface (17) while the banknote is slipped with respect to the upper belt (2) and the lower belt (5) in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the banknote is conveyed. |
| US08113511B2 |
Document deskewing module with a moving track bottom and methods of operating a document deskewing module
A document deskewing module comprises a set of sensors arranged to detect when a document transported in a first direction of document travel along a document transport path is deskewed, a first set of drive rollers in the form of hard drive rollers disposed along the document transport path, a first set of idler rollers moveable towards and away from the hard drive rollers, a second set of drive rollers in the form of soft drive rollers disposed along the document transport path, a second set of idler rollers moveable towards and away from the soft drive rollers, a track bottom disposed on one side of the document transport path and movable in the first direction of document travel, and a controller arranged to control operation of the first and second sets of idler rollers and the movable track bottom. |
| US08113510B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus that processes sheets transported in a transport direction and stacked on a tray, including: a sheet moving device configured to be brought into contact with an upper surface of a sheet stacked on the tray and to be moved in a width direction intersecting with the transport direction to move the sheet in the width direction; an alignment member against which a side edge of the sheet moved in the width direction by the sheet moving device is brought into abutment, to align the sheet; and a guide member configured to hold down the sheet between the sheet moving device and the alignment member with the sheet moving device in contact with the upper surface of the sheet, wherein the guide member is moved integrally with the sheet moving device in the width direction. |
| US08113506B2 |
Sheet supply apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet supply apparatus is provided with a print medium storage device for storing a print medium. The print medium storage device includes a guide member for guiding the print medium thus stored; an engaging portion for engaging the guide member at a specific position; an engaged portion for engaging the engaging portion; an operation portion disposed to be movable for separating the engaging portion from the engaged portion; and an abutting portion for abutting against the operation portion to move the operation portion when the print medium storage device is situated at a first position, and for separating from the operation portion when the print medium storage device is situated at a second position. |
| US08113482B2 |
Microvalve device with improved fluid routing
A microvalve device for controlling the supply of pressurized fluid to a load in a fluid circuit, and having multiple internal fluid conduits for providing pressure feedback. |
| US08113479B1 |
Telescoping stabilization system comprising a reinforced telescoping member
Telescoping stabilization system comprising a telescoping composite strut body which comprises a lower member pivotally coupled at a lower end to a base, a medial member telescopically received within the lower member, and an upper member telescopically received within the medial member and having an upper end portion releasably coupled to a strut head and having a reinforcement member received within a complementally shaped exterior peripheral recess formed in the upper member adjacent its upper end portion wherein the reinforcement member includes an exterior surface lying substantially flush with an exterior peripheral surface of the upper member for being slideably receivable within the medial member when the telescoping composite strut body is in a collapsed position and wherein the rectangular reinforcement member precludes the strut head from splitting the upper member when the telescoping composite strut body is in an extended position and side loaded. |
| US08113474B1 |
Mounting apparatus for data storage device
A mounting apparatus for mounting a data storage device includes a bracket and a blocking member. The bracket includes a front panel and two sidewalls extending from opposite ends of the front panel. The blocking member is positioned between the sidewalls of the bracket opposite to the front panel and pivotably attached to the sidewalls of the bracket. |
| US08113473B2 |
T-post and other mounting systems and accessories
Described in certain embodiments are mounting systems that employ one or more T-posts to support useful implements such as birdhouses, signs, fencing, banners, and the like. Additional disclosed embodiments relate to unique post- or wall-mount systems for such implements. |
| US08113469B2 |
Passive micro-roughness array for drag modification
The present invention is directed to a micro-array surface that provides for either drag reduction or enhancement. In one aspect, an aerodynamic or hydrodynamic wall surface that is configured to modify a fluid boundary layer on the surface comprises at least one array of roughness elements disposed on and extending therefrom the surface. In one example, the interaction of the roughness elements with a turbulent boundary layer of the fluid reduces the skin friction drag coefficient of the surface over an identical smooth surface without the roughness elements. |
| US08113465B2 |
Trailing edge aircraft structure with overhanging cover
An aircraft structure comprising: a rear spar; and a composite cover attached to the rear spar and having an overhanging portion extending to its rear. The overhanging portion of the cover comprises one or more ramps along which the thickness of the cover reduces. A second cover is attached to the rear spar and overhangs to its rear. A hinge rib is attached to one or both of the covers, and an aerodynamic control element such as an aileron, rudder or elevator is pivotally mounted to the hinge rib. |
| US08113460B2 |
Fast hybrid helicopter with long range and an optimized lift rotor
A hybrid helicopter (1) includes firstly an airframe provided with a fuselage (2) and a lift-producing surface (3), together with stabilizer surfaces (30, 35, 40), and secondly with a drive system including: a mechanical interconnection system (15) between firstly a rotor (10) of radius (R) with collective pitch and cyclic pitch control of the blades (11) of the rotor (10), and secondly at least one propeller (6) with collective pitch control of the blades of the propeller (6); and at least one turbine engine (5) driving the mechanical interconnection system (15). The speed of rotation (Ω) of the rotor (10) is equal to a first speed of rotation (Ω1) up to a first flightpath air speed (V1) of the hybrid helicopter (1), and is then reduced progressively in application of a linear relationship as a function of the flightpath air speed of the hybrid helicopter. |
| US08113456B2 |
Dual-bearing reel speed-change operation mechanism
In a speed-change operation mechanism, a main body of a lock member is disposed to produce a clearance between the main body and the surface of the handle arm, whereas a pivot operation part of the lock member is disposed to close a clearance between the main body and the surface of the handle arm and simultaneously to produce a clearance between the pivot operation part and the surface of the handle arm. A relatively large clearance is produced between the main body of the lock member and the surface of the handle arm, whereas a small clearance, just enough to allow a pivot operation of the lock member, is produced between the pivot operation part of the lock member and the surface of the handle arm. |
| US08113455B2 |
Device for grinding input material
A device for grinding input material is provided with a supporting disk rotating around an axis of rotation within a housing. On the supporting disk, in its circumferential area, first grinding tools are arranged concentrically, axially opposite from which second grinding tools are arranged, forming a radial grinding gap. During operation of a device in accordance with the invention, the grinding tools execute a motion relative to one another. In accordance with an embodiment, the first grinding tools be fastened over an interchangeable ring to the supporting disk, wherein the interchangeable ring is fastened removably to the supporting disk concentric to the axis of rotation and on which the first grinding tools are arranged. |
| US08113450B2 |
Pulverization/dispersion processing system
In a pulverization/dispersion processing system using a medium agitating type wet pulverization/dispersion machine, a system capable of judging the progress of pulverization/dispersion processing successively and objectively during the pulverization/dispersion processing is provided.A pulverization/dispersion processing system 10 including a medium agitating type wet pulverization/dispersion machine 20, a holding tank 40 of a material to be processed, a circulating pump 30, and circulating lines 50 connecting these components to each other is equipped with a particle size distribution measuring instrument and/or a zeta potential measuring instrument 60 in one of the circulating lines 50. These measuring instruments 60 perform measurement by means of an ultrasonic wave, and can use an ultrasonic attenuation method or an electronkinetic sonic amplitude method. |
| US08113448B2 |
Methods of recycling carpet components and carpet components formed thereform
Methods of recycling carpet components are disclosed. Usable compositions containing recycled carpet components, and carpets and carpet components containing recycled carpet components are also disclosed. |
| US08113440B2 |
Vehicle supplemental heating system including spool valve manifold
Disclosed herein is an exemplary supplemental heating system including a liquid heat generator having a hydrodynamic chamber for selectively heating a fluid. The supplemental heating system further includes a manifold having an inlet passage fluidly connectable to a discharge passage of a heat exchanger, a first discharge passage fluidly connectable to an engine cooling system, and a second discharge passage fluidly connected to an inlet passage of the hydrodynamic chamber. A control valve comprising a spool slideably disposed within the manifold controls distribution of the fluid between the manifold inlet passage and the first manifold discharge passage, and the manifold inlet passage and the manifold second discharge passage. |
| US08113439B2 |
Antenna apparatus
This invention provides an antenna apparatus (60) for use in a non-contact type IC card into and from which data can be written and read by electronic apparatuses having a communication function, by virtue of inductive coupling. The antenna apparatus comprises a loop coil (61) and a magnetic member (62). The loop coil is produced by winding a conductive wire in a plane and configured to perform the inductive coupling. The magnetic member covers one region (61a) of the loop coil, provided at one side, from one surface of the loop coil, passes through the loop coil, and covers the other region (61b) of the loop coil, provided at the other side, from the other surface of the loop coil. The entire region of the loop coil is thus covered. |
| US08113438B1 |
Governor arrangement for contactless point of sale terminal gateway
Gateway for contactless purchase transactions identifies plural transaction cards held by a customer at a point of sale terminal and loads account information into a memory. The customer's payment options are presented and a selection is received through a user interface. Account information associated with the selected card is forwarded to the point of sale terminal for use in the purchase transaction. The memory is cleared of the account data in advance of a next purchase transaction. Optionally, payment options can be displayed concurrently for selection, and one or more of the payment options can be highlighted to encourage its selection, and other messages, offers, and incentives can be displayed to the customer. |
| US08113436B2 |
Semiconductor structure with communication element
In one embodiment, a structure includes a semiconductor chip including a communication element for performing a wireless communication function where the communication element has a communication core occupying a region of the semiconductor chip, a plurality of chip pads with two of the chip pads electrically connected to the communication core; a chip carrier for carrying the semiconductor chip where the chip carrier includes a plurality of carrier pads with two of the carrier pads connected to the two chip pads; and an antenna connected to the carrier pads and electrically connected to the chip pads and to the communication core. |
| US08113435B2 |
Card reader
A card reader system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed. The card reader can include a transmitter that modulates a radio frequency carrier with a transmit data signal and a receiver that detects a modulation of the radio frequency carrier by a contactless smartcard. A processor can be coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The processor can generate the transmit data signal so as to simulate a data exchange according to a protocol of the contactless smartcard. The processor can determine a timing for reading data from or writing data to the contactless smartcard and can discontinue the simulated data exchange based on the timing. |
| US08113433B2 |
Memory device
A memory unit generates a corresponding output signal bearing data in response to an input signal. The memory unit includes a series of circuit stages configured to be triggered by the input signal at a first stage of the series, thereby causing a sequential triggering of stages along the series to a last stage to generate the output signal. The data is represented in time durations taken for each stage in the series to trigger a subsequent stage. In at least one embodiment, the data-bearing output signal is a temporally-encoded reflection of interrogation radiation received from an interrogation device. Each stage is configured to produce a detectable fluctuation in the output signal upon triggering of the stage such that the data in the output signal is represented by the time between fluctuations produced by each stage triggering a subsequent stage in the series. |
| US08113432B2 |
Apparatus for recognizing an optical recognition code in which a code symbol of a 1-dimensional color bit code indicative of certain data is divided into a plurality of code symbols
It is possible to linearly arrange cells and indicate particular data in the order of colors of respective sells. A code system uses an optical symbol decoding method capable of reading the color arrangement if the arrangement continuity and the linear shape are maintained. The data expression method may be other than “the order of colors.” For example, it is possible to employ a method for allocating a numeric value to each of the colors by one-to-one correspondence (R=0, B=1, etc.), a method for allocating data by a color transition (“CM”=“MY”=“YC”=0, “CY”=“YM”=“MC”=1, etc.), a method for allocating data for a combination of colors, and the like. |
| US08113431B2 |
Scale assembly mounting apparatus for an optical scanner
A scale assembly mounting apparatus for an optical scanner which suspends a scale assembly above a mirror housing of the scanner. The apparatus includes a top surface which surrounds an aperture of a mirror housing of the scanner on at least three sides, and a bottom surface including a load cell assembly mounting structure for suspending a load cell assembly between the bottom surface and the mirror housing. |
| US08113430B2 |
Illumination lens for optical code reader
An optical code reader of the imager type includes at least one light source and at least one illumination lens downstream of the at least one light source for projecting a predetermined illumination pattern. The at least one illumination lens comprises a first main face, wherein in a first direction, the first main face has a plurality of elementary regions, each of the elementary regions of the at least one illumination lens having a slope with respect to an optical axis of the reader that is individually calculated so that the elementary region deviates the light fraction coming from the at least one light source and incident thereon towards a specific elementary region of the illumination pattern. |
| US08113429B2 |
Barcode reading station
A barcode reading station which mounts a barcode reader for reading a barcode on a barcode carrier, such as a document or electronic device which displays the barcode. The barcode reading station includes a holster for a barcode reader, the barcode reader producing a scan volume, a barcode reading table for identifying a target location for barcode reading, and a mirror for deflecting the scan volume of the barcode reader towards the barcode reading table. |
| US08113428B2 |
System and method of optical reading employing virtual scan lines
Optical reading system and methods having multiple modes of operation, for example: omnidirectional and single-code picking; fixed and handheld reading; 1D and 2D code reading. In one configuration, an image-based system obtains input data via an area sensor (e.g., a 2D CCD array) with only data corresponding to a pattern of virtual scan lines being stored and processed. A user may implement different operating modes such as a first mode reading codes in any location or orientation and a second mode reading only a code oriented along a particular virtual scan line or group thereof. Alternately, the data reader is operable to switch between handheld mode selecting a first pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode and a fixed mode selecting a second pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode. Virtual scan patterns in either mode can change within or between frames. |
| US08113427B2 |
Methods and apparatus for automated product identification in point of sale applications
Systems and techniques for product identification using terahertz radiation detection. An area of interest is illuminated with radiation in the terahertz frequency range and terahertz radiation reflected from objects within the area of interest is detected and a detector signal based on the detected radiation is processed to generate identifying information for the objects. The generated identifying information may be compared against stored identifying information for products and the result of the comparison is used to select a product or group of products for which the comparison produces a match. Processing of the detector signal may generate a spectral signature characteristic of reflective and absorptive properties of an object under illumination, and the spectral signature may be compared with stored spectral signature information for products. |
| US08113425B2 |
RF point of sale and delivery method and system using communication with remote computer and having features to read a large number of RF tags
A method and system for providing point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and/or distribution of products in a restricted access unit near the customer. The method and system utilize products equipped with radio frequency tags and reduce the effects of energy sharing, shadowing, and nulls. In one embodiment, a plurality of RF tagged products are placed within a refrigerator, cabinet, or other micro-warehouse that has a door or opening that can detect access to the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, one or more antennas are positioned within the door. Each antenna may have a transmission line of sight and be configured to emit a signal at predefined frequencies. Each antenna generates an electromagnetic field within the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, the products are positioned in one or more bins, compartments, or similar devices located within the micro-warehouse such that at least two of the plurality of products are spaced a distance from each other to reduce energy sharing. The electromagnetic field is moved or altered within the micro-warehouse through the use of reflectors, devices that move the antennas, or other mechanisms. |
| US08113421B2 |
Dedicated self-service return terminal and method of operating a dedicated self-service return terminal for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored
A dedicated self-service return terminal is provided for receiving returned media on which entertainment data is stored. The dedicated self-service return terminal comprises a reader arranged to read data associated with returned media on which entertainment data is stored, a media transporter mechanism having a media return slot for receiving returned media, a shutter mechanism having a shutter door movable between an open position which allows returned media to be inserted through the media return slot and a closed position which blocks the media return slot and prevents returned media from being inserted through the media return slot, and a controller arranged to (i) move the shutter door to the open position to allow returned media to be inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media, and (ii) maintain the shutter door in the closed position to prevent returned media from being inserted through the media return slot when a determination is made that returned media is not being returned to the correct location based upon data read from returned media. |
| US08113419B2 |
Processing device for value documents
An apparatus for processing documents of value having a checking device for checking documents of value in a processing area, an intermediate repository arranged in an intermediate area for intermediately storing documents of value, a transport device for transporting the documents of value to the intermediate repository, a final storage device for storing documents of value from the intermediate repository, an intermediate-area housing enclosing the intermediate area having a first opening that receives documents of value coming from the checking device, a second opening, through which the documents of value are transportable from the intermediate repository into the final storage area, and an intermediate-area housing element which can be moved back and forth between an open position, which allows access to the intermediate repository, and a close position, which prevents access to the intermediate-area housing, and a locking device for locking the intermediate-area housing element in the close position. |
| US08113416B2 |
Hermetically sealed paperboard container with enhanced barrier performance
A hermetically sealed paperboard container including a container body component including upper and lower ends, the body component being formed from a blank including a paperboard layer having first and second major sides, a first sealant layer on the first major side, a barrier layer on the second major side, and a second sealant layer on the barrier layer, wherein the blank includes first and second longitudinal ends, the first longitudinal end being skived to a predetermined thickness for a predetermined width, the skived portion being folded over onto the blank and heat-sealed to the first sealant layer to form a folded first longitudinal end, and wherein the body component includes an overlapped seam including the folded first longitudinal end positioned inside the second longitudinal end, a bottom component sealed to the lower end; and a lid component hermetically sealed to the upper end. |
| US08113414B2 |
Method of brazing an aluminum alloy material and method of producing an aluminum alloy heat exchanger
A method of brazing an aluminum alloy material, which is a Nocolok brazing method of the aluminum alloy material, in which the method satisfies the condition: Ts≦Tf≦Ts+15° C. in which Tf represents an incipient fluidization temperature of a filler material, and Ts represents an incipient fluidization temperature of flux. |
| US08113406B2 |
Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staple sizes
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge. |
| US08113405B2 |
Surgical instrument with indicator
A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion and an indicator. A firing trigger is movable between first and second positions. The head portion includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The indicator is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and is movable between a first position and a second position in response to movement of the anvil assembly towards its approximated position. The indicator is movable between the second position and a third position in response to firing of the instrument. |
| US08113401B2 |
Apparatus for cutting liquid crystal display panel
An apparatus for cutting liquid crystal display panels is disclosed in the present invention. The apparatus includes at least one table receiving bonded mother substrates having a plurality of unit liquid crystal display panels, at least one cutting wheel forming a scribing line on a surface of the bonded mother substrates, and a suction unit coupled to the at least one cutting wheel and sucking in glass debris on the surface of the bonded mother substrates. |
| US08113397B2 |
Load stop for supporting a load on a load carrier
A load stop (1) for supporting a load being transported on a load carrier arranged on a vehicle. The load carrier includes at least one load carrying tube (2) with at least one groove (6) for fastening the load stop on the load carrying tube. The load stop includes an essentially rigid bracket (9) intended to be supportingly arranged adjacent the load. A fastening portion (11) is also provided for mounting the load stop to the load carrying tube. The bracket (9) is pivoted in at the fastening portion (11), wherein the load stop (1) is foldable between at least a raised working position and a folded transporting position. |
| US08113392B2 |
Lower neck indicator for wire hook hangers
A lower neck sizer for a garment hanger and a combination of a turnable wire hook hanger and the lower neck sizer are disclosed. The sizer has a body dimensioned to surround a lower neck portion of the hanger, where a hook of the hanger joins a body of the hanger. The sizer also has an inwardly extending tab secured to the sizer body for engaging the hanger at the lower neck portion to resist removal. |
| US08113390B2 |
Gas generation dispenser apparatus and method for on-demand fluid delivery
An on-demand fluid dispenser to dispense fluid in response to gas generation by a gas cell. The on-demand fluid dispenser includes an expandable gas chamber, a fluid chamber, and an on-demand gas cell. The expandable gas chamber includes a moveable plunger forming a wall of the expandable gas chamber. The moveable plunger also forms a wall of the fluid chamber. The on-demand gas cell is configured to generate the gas on demand. The on-demand gas cell is also configured to direct the gas to the expandable gas chamber to expand the expandable gas chamber. Expansion of the expandable gas chamber moves the moveable plunger to reduce a volume of the fluid chamber and to dispense an amount of fluid from the fluid chamber. |
| US08113389B2 |
Anti drip fluid dispenser
The present invention provides a dispenser for dispensing a fluid which has an anti-drip feature. To achieve this anti-drip feature, the dispenser is provided with a suck back mechanism which is separate and independent from a pump in the dispenser. The suck back mechanism uses a resilient member capable of storing fluid. |
| US08113387B2 |
Water dispenser for a kitchen wall partition
A water dispenser is adapted to be disposed in a kitchen wall partition that is formed with an opening and that has a sink unit disposed thereon. The water dispenser includes a housing retained in the opening, a pipe unit disposed in the housing to fluidly communicate with the sink unit, a heating unit disposed in the housing for boiling and storing water from the pipe unit, a face panel, and a control unit. The face panel is retained detachably on the housing, and has a hot water supply pipe extending from the heating unit into a dispensing cavity, and a drain unit connected to the sink unit. The control unit includes a heating circuit for controlling heating operation of the heating unit, a first valve for controlling water flow into the heating unit, and a second valve for controlling water flow through the hot water supply pipe. |
| US08113386B2 |
Device and method for on-demand dispensing of spoonable or drinkable food products having visual appearance of multi-components
A dispensing system and method for the on-demand dispensing of spoonable or drinkable food products into a container. Single servings or larger portions of these products can be dispensed. The system and method achieve dispensing of the product with a visual differentiation of the components in the container. The container may be translucent or transparent so that the consumer can view the visually differentiated product therein. The products form yet another embodiment of the invention. |
| US08113381B2 |
Pet waste bags dispenser
A pet waste bags dispenser provided for dispensing animal waste bags, having a collapsible container, a dispenser cavity cover and a dispensing means, wherein the dispensing means allows waste bags placed within the waste bags dispenser to be dispensed to a user easily and conveniently. The collapsible waste bags dispenser is made of a collapsible material, such that the dispenser is easy to store, light in weight, simple to manufacture, and has the flexibility to contain different amounts of waste bags within the collapsible container, wherein rolls of or individually wrapped waste bags are allowed to be dispensed. The collapsible waste bags dispenser further has external connecting means for connecting the waste bags dispenser to a foreign object, so as to facilitate the user to easily obtain a waste bag from the dispenser. |
| US08113380B2 |
Ergonomic serving tray
An ergonomic serving tray with a unique design, which allows the user to lift, carry, and set down said ergonomic serving tray with a single hand, without tilting the ergonomic serving tray, comprising an ergonomic serving tray 100 equipped with at least one leg 106 that elevates the tray, allowing the user to easily insert a single hand under the ergonomic serving tray and lift it, and which is further equipped with a unique grip 108 that is ergonomically shaped to comfortably increase both the user's lifting capacity and the user's control over the ergonomic serving tray, said grip being located substantially adjacent to the center of gravity, to facilitate lifting, balancing, and carrying of the ergonomic serving tray. |
| US08113376B2 |
Static electricity discharge tank cap
A tank cap includes: a synthetic-resin cap body (20) mounted on a fuel supply port cylinder (18) of a conductive fuel tank, (T); a conductive cap shell (22) coupled to an upper part of the cap body (20); and a gasket (23) provided in the cap body (20) and in close contact with a sealing surface (18a) of the fuel supply port cylinder (18). The cap body (20) and the cap shell (22) are linked to be mutually rotatable. A ratchet mechanism (35) is mounted between the cap shell (22) and the cap body (20). An elastic contact piece (38) elastically and slidably contacting an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical peripheral wall (22a) of the cap shell (22) is integrally projectingly provided on an outer periphery of the gasket (23). Thus, it is possible to cause static electricity carried by an operator to escape to a fuel tank through the gasket. |
| US08113375B2 |
Easily openable can lid having a movable portion
A can lid of a can provided with an easily openable opening means is disclosed wherein the can lid is equipped with a can lid which is fastened by winding tightly on the can main body and the top end opening of the can main body, a score section installed around the territory of the prearranged opening area and a tab for severing the score section. In the can lid, there is formed a protrusion protruding upward from the can lid in front of the can opening during manufacturing of the can lid, in which it is a collapsing protrusion where the protrusion elastically deforms into the can main body by depressing motion of the user and thereby enables forming of a concave section for easy insertion of the user's finger. |
| US08113374B2 |
Closure for container having removable portion and sealing membrane
A closure for a container includes a base having an aperture therethrough, a membrane attached to the bottom of the base and adapted to be attached to the container to seal the opening, a pull tab positioned within the aperture and connected to the base around at least a portion of an inner periphery of the aperture by a frangible portion, and a cap connected to the base by a hinge. The base is adapted to be connected to the container such that the aperture is positioned over the opening. The pull tab is connected to the membrane, so that when a user pulls on the pull tab, the frangible portion breaks to allow removal of the pull tab to open the aperture, and removal of the pull tab causes the portion of the membrane to tear away to unseal the opening of the container. The cap is pivotable about the hinge between an open position and a closed position. |
| US08113372B2 |
Collapsible storage container
A collapsible cargo container is disclosed wherein end walls are pivoted into the container when empty and locked against the roof, and then side walls buckle via hinges into a folded configuration. The folded configuration is achieved easily with a modified spreader without the need to otherwise disassemble or deconstruct the container, leaving no loose parts or tools. The cargo container preferably constructed with an improved light weight panel that facilitates loading of the container while improving strength and reducing weight. |
| US08113366B2 |
Child resistant container closure package with multiple twist and turn configuration
A maze type package that includes a cylindrical container member that has a plurality of mazes thereon is disclosed. The package includes a coaxial closure member that employs studs for engaging the mazes and to releasably secure the closure to the container. |
| US08113363B2 |
Adjusting mechanism for a winch
An arrangement includes a winch that is preferably used for hoisting loads as well as an adjusting mechanism for the winch. In the assembled state, the winch is mounted on a crane boom so as to be movable by a limited degree between an operating position and a transported position by means of the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism is equipped with at least one linear drive unit which cooperates with a lever gear to adjust the winch. |
| US08113352B1 |
Storage frame for tool rack packages
A storage frame for tool rack packages has two side walls and a middle wall arranged between the side walls. Each side wall has two side bars and a side board connecting the side bars. Each side bar has multiple side mounts respectively corresponding to the side mounts of the other side bar. Each side mount has two side tabs and a side gap defined between the side tabs. The middle wall has two middle bars and a middle board connecting the middle bars. Each middle bar has multiple middle mounts respectively mounted on two side surfaces of the middle bar and respectively corresponding to the middle mounts of the other middle bar and respectively corresponding to the side mounts of the side bars. Each middle mount has two middle tabs and a middle gap defined between the middle tabs. |
| US08113349B2 |
Sharps dispensing and disposal system
A sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps dispensing container and a sharps disposal container within the sharps dispensing container. In one embodiment, the sharps disposal container is mounted at least partially within the sharps dispensing container, with a chamber surrounding at least a portion of the sharps disposal container. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps disposal container having an inner wall and an inlet for depositing used sharps into the sharps disposal container. The sharps dispensing container includes an outer wall that surrounds at least a portion of the sharps disposal container and forms a buffer zone. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes at least one elastic support member that elastically suspends a sharps disposal container in the interior of a sharps dispensing container. A cover detachably couples the sharps disposal container with the sharps dispensing container. |
| US08113345B2 |
Media packaging
A compact disk package, printable on a single paper board blank. The printed package is foldable into at least three sections, namely a front section, a back section connected to the front section along a common, foldable side edge and a CD-holding section attached to the top edge of the back section by a foldable flap. The CD-holding section according to one aspect of the invention is generally square shaped, with a width greater than the diameter of the CD. Two curved slits are cut into the CD-holding section, the arc of the slits corresponding to the curvature of the CD. |
| US08113340B1 |
Modular conveyer belt
A modular member for a conveyer belt is provided that includes an elongated main base, at least one attaching rod and a plurality of hooks. The at least one attaching rod is coupled proximate a first side of the main base. The plurality of aligned hooks are coupled proximate a second side of the main base. Each hook includes a slot defined by an inner surface. The slot of each hook is configured to receive an attaching rod of another modular member. The inner surface that defines the slot of at least one hook has an attaching rod relief cutout section. The attaching rod relief cutout section limits wear between the attaching rod of another modular member that is received in the slot of the at least one hook and the inner surface of the slot of the at least one hook. |
| US08113338B2 |
Wear-resistant, continuous, flexible transfer belt
A continuous, flexible transfer belt is disclosed. The transfer belt may be used in a transfer system for a progressive press, and is particularly suited for the transfer of easy open can ends. The transfer belt includes at least one lane that extends along an axis of the belt. The at least one lane has a plurality of openings therein that are configured to receive an easy open end. The transfer belt includes a flexible material and has a wear resistant layer that includes a wear resistant material. The wear resistant layer is disposed proximate an upper surface of the belt and extends outwardly from the opening, wherein the wear resistant layer underlies an outer rim of the easy-open end. |
| US08113337B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating flat objects by use of two separators and a length detector
An apparatus and a method separate flat objects, including flat mail items. The apparatus has a first and a second separator. Each separator extends a plurality of overlapping objects in a direction parallel to the object planes. The second separator has a transport element and a retaining element. The second separator can be operated optionally in a separating mode, in which it is capable of separating objects, and a transport mode. An overlap detection device checks whether an item which is transported by the second separator contains a single object or a plurality of overlapping objects. The overlap detection device measures the respective length of the transported item at at least two instants. If the length changes, the item contains a plurality of overlapping objects. If a plurality of objects has been detected, the second separator is switched over into the separating mode and it separates the objects. |
| US08113331B2 |
Rotating materials handling chute
A chute for directing materials from a source conveyor to a plurality of discharge conveyors, the chute comprising an upper chute section having a central vertical axis; a chute body movable between a raised position and a lowered position and rotationally connected below the upper chute section by rotation means for rotating the chute body about the central vertical axis between at least two selected rotational positions; and a plurality of lower chute sections, each lower chute section reversibly connectable at an upper end to a lower end of the chute body at one of the selected rotational positions, and at a lower end to a conveyor. |
| US08113320B2 |
Fire evacuation support system and fire door control device
Provided, on each floor of a building, are an elevator installation zone, in which an elevator is installed, a neighboring zone which neighbors the elevator installation zone, and is in communication with the elevator installation zone through a first communication port, and an external zone which is in communication with the neighboring zone through a second communication port different from the first communication port. The first communication port is opened and closed by a first fire door, and the second communication port is opened and closed by a second fire door. A fire evacuation support system manages an operation of the elevator based on information from a plurality of fire detectors provided on each floor when a fire occurs in the building. Further, the fire evacuation support system includes an evacuation operation command section in which implementation of an evacuation operation for transporting a person left in the building to an evacuation floor is allowed for the elevator when contamination due to the fire is avoided in both the elevator installation zone and the neighboring zone, and in which the implementation of the evacuation operation is stopped when at least anyone of the elevator installation zone and the neighboring zone is contaminated due to the fire. |
| US08113318B2 |
Elevator machine with integrated brake surface
An elevator machine (10) includes a machine shaft (14, 14′) and a sheave (26) that rotates with the machine shaft (14, 14′). A motor (12) selectively rotates the machine shaft (14, 14′). A brake (30) having at least one brake armature (36) selectively moves a brake rotor (28) coupled for rotation with the shaft (14, 14′) between a braking position and a released position. The brake rotor (28) selectively contacts a braking surface (44) formed directly on a housing (20, 22, 84, 90) to resist rotation of the machine shaft (14, 14′). |
| US08113317B2 |
Electric motor driven lubrication pump control system and method that accomodates turbomachine windmill operation
A system and method are provided to selectively control lubricant supply flow to one or more rotating machines in an aircraft when the rotating machines are windmilling. A controller determines if the rotating machines are windmilling. When the rotating machines are windmilling, the controller at least selectively energizes an electric motor driven lubrication pump, to thereby supply lubricant to the windmilling turbomachine. |
| US08113313B2 |
Pipe assembly with scoop for directing fluid into a standpipe and for mitigating acoustic and vortex coupled resonance
A piping assembly for directing fluid and mitigating acoustic and vortex coupled resonance is provided that includes a main pipe delivering fluid in a first direction; a standpipe coupled to the main pipe at an intersection; and a scoop positioned at the intersection directing the fluid towards the standpipe. A scooping insert and a method for disrupting vortex shedding in a piping assembly are also provided. |
| US08113309B2 |
Method for operating a drivetrain
A method for operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain includes at least a hybrid drive with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, a clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a transmission arranged between the hybrid drive and a drive output. When the vehicle is at rest, the clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is filled at least with filling pressure and then, when the vehicle is started, if the starting torque desired by the driver is above a limit value, the internal combustion engine is immediately turned over and started up by the electric motor, whereas, when starting, if the starting torque desired by the driver is below the limit value, then on starting, the internal combustion engine is not turned over by the electric motor. |
| US08113308B2 |
Integrated electric motor differential for hybrid electric vehicles
An electro-mechanical drive train for a hybrid electric vehicle. The electro-mechanical drive train includes a housing and a pinion shaft having a first end disposed within the housing and a second end in communication with a combustion engine. A differential is disposed within the housing and in combination with the end of the pinion shaft. An electric motor is also disposed within the housing and in actuating combination with the pinion shaft. |
| US08113303B2 |
Modified cutters and a method of drilling with modified cutters
A cutter for a fixed cutter drill bit including a substrate and an ultrahard material layer disposed on an end surface of the substrate, the ultra hard material layer having an upper surface opposite the substrate end surface and a peripheral surface such that the upper surface intersects the peripheral surface along a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge continuously increases and decreases in height as measured from a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cutter. |
| US08113301B2 |
Jetted underreamer assembly
An underreamer for earth boring operations has a tubular body with a passage extending through it. Arms are pivotally mounted to the body and movable between retracted and extended positions. An actuator mandrel, located within the passage in the body, pushes the arms outward when drilling fluid is pumped downward in the drill string. Ports are located in the sidewall of the body and in the actuator mandrel. The ports align with each other when the mandrel moves to its downstream position. The ports divert a portion of the drilling fluid out to jet it across the cutting elements on the arms. The remaining portion of the drilling fluid passes downward to the drill bit and out nozzles of the drill bit. |
| US08113300B2 |
Impact excavation system and method using a drill bit with junk slots
A method and system for excavating a subterranean formation including pumping a fluid through a nozzle such that an exit velocity of the fluid is greater than an entrance velocity of the fluid. A plurality of solid material impactors may be circulated with the fluid through the nozzle. A substantial portion by weight of the solid material impactors has a mean diameter of approximately 0.100 inches or less. The substantial portion by weight of solid material impactors exit the nozzle, contact the formation and rebound into a junk slot. |
| US08113299B2 |
Drill mast articulation assembly
A jib assembly for use with a drill rig includes a jib boom having a first end and a second end. The jib boom is to rotate about the first end and the second end is configured to be coupled to a mast assembly mount. The jib assembly also includes an articulation assembly having at least one variable length link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the variable length link is offset from the jib boom and the second end is configured to be pivotingly coupled to the mast assembly mount. |
| US08113296B2 |
Anti-rotation device for an impact tool
An anti-rotation device resists relative rotation between a shank and a tool head within which the shank is supported in an impact tool, for example a rivet gun. The anti-rotation device includes a first anchor portion arranged to grip the shank between the mounting end and the working end of the shank and a second anchor portion arranged to grip the tool head in which the first and second anchor portions are formed integrally with one another of resilient material. |
| US08113295B2 |
Conservation tillage implement, system and method
A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may comprise a coil spring having a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles. Advantageously, the implement can be operated in standing water, as found in the growing of rice. |
| US08113289B2 |
Flow regulator for downhole progressing cavity motor
A system for regulating the flow of fluid through a progressing cavity motor includes an annulus restriction (22) for restricting flow through the annulus passageway, and an annular biasing member (24) for biasing the annular restriction toward a closed position. Fluid flow in the annulus passageway creates an opening force on the annulus restriction. A central restriction (28) within the motor provides a restricted flow through the motor. A central biasing member (26) biases the central restriction toward an open position, with fluid flow in a central passageway exerting a closing force on the central restriction. |
| US08113288B2 |
System and method for optimizing production in gas-lift wells
The system and method are utilized to control the flow of crude oil, natural gas, and field produced salt water to optimize production from an oil or gas well. The invention is suitable for use with a well that utilizes gas-lift as artificial lift. The equipment is designed to regulate the flow of injection gas into the production tubing to optimize production of the well. |
| US08113286B2 |
Downhole barrier valve
A ball type downhole barrier valve capable of bidirectional sealing features a ball rotating on its axis to open or close with control line pressure to an actuating rod piston assembly. The ball is also shiftable to a locked open position. A cage surrounds the ball and retains opposed seats to it. The cage is made from one piece and tangential holes are drilled and tapped before the piece is longitudinally split with a wire EDM cutting technique. Fasteners to rejoin the cut halves properly space them to the original one piece internal dimension. Auxiliary tools allow determination of spacing of internal components so that a desired spring preload on the seats against the ball can be achieved. Seals on the sleeves that form ball seats help prevent leakage due to ball distortion at high differential pressures when the valve is closed. |
| US08113285B2 |
Agitated wellbore cleaning tool and method
A wellbore cleaning assembly is run into a wellbore to be cleaned on a work string. The cleaning assembly comprises a number of cleaning elements for cleaning a wall of the wellbore; and an oscillator coupled to the at least one cleaning element by a force transmission element, for generating an axial oscillating movement of the at least one cleaning element relative to the work string. |
| US08113284B2 |
Use of distributed temperature sensors during wellbore treatments
The invention relates to a method for treating subterranean formation comprising providing distributed temperature sensors, injecting a treatment fluid and monitoring the temperature across the treatment interval during the injection process. |
| US08113281B2 |
Method and apparatus for in situ extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil
A method to extract bitumen or very heavy oil in situ from oil sand seams close to the Earth's surface is provided. Energy is introduced via at least two pipes at a given, repeatable distance from the seam, a predefined geometry is maintained in relation to the well pair. The associated apparatus includes at least one additional pipe which is alternatively designed as an electrode or also for feeding vapor and is placed above the injection pipe. |
| US08113278B2 |
System and method for enhanced oil recovery using an in-situ seismic energy generator
Disclosed is a system and method for enhanced oil recovery using at least one in-situ seismic energy generator for generating seismic acoustic waves. More particularly the system and method employ a downhole electro-hydraulic seismic pressure wave source to enhance the recovery of oil from reservoirs. |
| US08113276B2 |
Downhole apparatus with packer cup and slip
A downhole apparatus and for use in a well bore and associated method are disclosed. The downhole apparatus includes a center mandrel. A slip means is disposed on the mandrel. The slip means can include teeth or the like for grippingly engaging the well bore when in a set position. A packer cup is also disposed on the mandrel. The packer cup is provided for sealing an annulus between the mandrel and the well bore. The packer cup is slidable relative to the mandrel, and can be controlled to slide along the mandrel in order to move the slip to the set position. Also disclosed is a downhole assembly that includes a downhole tool and a setting apparatus. The setting apparatus can be used for lowering the downhole apparatus to a desired setting depth and then releasing the downhole apparatus. |
| US08113272B2 |
Three-phase heaters with common overburden sections for heating subsurface formations
A heating system for a subsurface formation is described. The heating system includes three substantially u-shaped heaters with first end portions of the heaters being electrically coupled to a single, three-phase wye transformer and second end portions of the heaters being electrically coupled to each other and/or to ground. The three heaters may enter the formation through a first common wellbore and exit the formation through a second common wellbore so that the magnetic fields of the three heaters at least partially cancel out in the common wellbores. |
| US08113271B2 |
Cutting tool for cutting a downhole tubular
The tubular cutting tool for severing downhole tubulars, the tool having a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, a cutting member, and a lubricant delivery system. Cutting may be accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor and extending the cutting member away from the cutting head. The lubricant delivery system lubricates the respective contacting surfaces of the cutting member and the tubular and is actuated when the cutting member extends from the cutting head. |
| US08113267B2 |
Twin-roll casting machine
Provided is a twin-roll casting machine capable of suppressing irregularities in crosswise thickness distribution of a strip. The twin-roll casting machine comprises chilled rolls, side weirs, and nozzle pieces. A plurality of openings for supply of molten metal to between the chilled rolls are formed alternately on portions of each of the nozzle pieces adjacent to the one and the other rolls, respectively, and are spaced apart from each other axially of the rolls. |
| US08113264B2 |
Tensioned roller shade system having a conical, grooved spool
A tensioned roller shade system for installation in an opening, such as a window or a skylight, comprises a frame, a roller tube rotatably mounted between side channels of the frame adjacent a first end of the frame, a conical, grooved spool mounted adjacent the roller tube, and a shade fabric is windingly received around the roller tube. A tensioning cord is operatively coupled between the spool and a fabric end of the shade fabric. The spool has a single groove, which wraps around the spool and windingly receives about the tensioning cord. A pulley is operatively coupled to the frame adjacent a second frame end and windingly receives the tensioning cord. The tensioning cord is adapted to bias the second fabric end toward the second frame end, such that the second fabric end of the shade fabric is adapted to move between the first and second frame ends as the roller tube is rotated. |
| US08113262B2 |
Accessory for wand for window treatment blinds
An accessory wand handle for use on existing control wands. An elongated handle with a bore is fitted over the end of an existing wand for blinds. The handle is secured on the existing wand by a frictional fit between the outside surface of the existing wand and the inner surface of the bore in the accessory wand handle. The wand handle is larger than a wand to provide a mechanical advantage for users to turn the wand. The wand handle itself can be constructed to compliment the appearance of the wand. There is sufficient space between the wand and the walls of the bore for placement of decorative items. The handle itself may be decorated or inscribed with logo or other promotional materials. |
| US08113260B2 |
Articulation device for awning arm elbow
An articulation device for an awning arm elbow includes a forearm elbow part defining a fork between the branches of which a core configured around an axis is supported. A flexible tie rod is coupled to the core and is connected to an elastic member. An arm elbow part defines a surrounding wall around the core. Bearings act to guide relative rotation between the forearm and arm elbow parts and to support the forearm on the arm. The bearings include at least one bearing unit which includes a first annular element fixed to the forearm elbow part and a second annular element fixed to the arm elbow part. These first and second annular elements include respective facing surfaces which cooperate in the functions of the bearings. |
| US08113257B2 |
Method and device for the multi-lane application of labels
A method and device for the multi-lane and multi-row application of labels on articles such as packages or the like, which are guided in parallel lanes, in which the labels are dispensed from a backing film by a label dispenser, taken up by a conveyor belt, which is guided transversely over the lanes and transferred by a transfer device from the conveyor belt onto the articles. The labels are transferred in consecutive rows from the conveyor belt to a section of a transfer belt which extends transversely to the conveyor belt over and beyond the lanes, until a set with a specified number of label rows on this transfer belt section is completed and the transfer belt, during an advance of the lanes, is driven to dispense the set of label rows onto the articles. |
| US08113247B2 |
Bottom fillable bottles and systems for charging the same
A valve assembly for charging/recharging containers and the like, from a bottom surface thereof is provided. The valve assembly includes a dispenser manifold including a nipple extending from an upper surface thereof and defining a lumen through the nipple; a fitting extending from a bottom surface of the dispenser manifold, the fitting defining an opening therethrough which is in fluid communication with the lumen of the nipple; and a plunger reciprocally disposed within the lumen of the nipple and within the opening of the fitting, wherein the plunger has a first position in which the lumen of the nipple is occluded and a second position in which the lumen of the nipple is not occluded. |
| US08113244B2 |
Adhesive and peripheral systems and methods for medical devices
Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir. |
| US08113243B2 |
Apparatus and methods for filament crimping and manufacturing
Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed. |
| US08113235B2 |
Apparatus and methods for facilitating prosthesis donning, doffing, retention, and fit
Apparatus and methods for improved prosthesis donning, doffing, retention, and fit. A valve located in a prosthetic socket port includes a body, a core, a spring located partially within the core, a diaphragm, and a maintained operator. The operator includes a recess and a protrusion. The operator may be indexed to a displacement or vent position. When the operator is indexed to the displacement position, a tip of the core is pressed against the recess via the spring, and the diaphragm displaces any air that enters into the prosthetic socket when a load is applied to the residual limb. When the operator is laterally actuated, it is indexed to the vent position and the core tip moves from the recess to the protrusion. In this position, the diaphragm opens the socket cavity to the external atmosphere via valve vents, thereby facilitating prosthesis donning and doffing. |
| US08113234B2 |
Stem-mounted tire inflation pressure regulator
The specification discloses a tire inflation pressure regulator facilitating precise tire inflation. The regulator includes a body, a two-position valve within the body, and a rotational lock. The body includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent. In one position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air outlet when the tire pressure is below a preset level; and, in a second position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air vent when the tire pressure exceeds the preset level to prevent overfilling. The valve moves rapidly between the two positions, and is unstable between the two positions. The valve includes a regulator enabling the preset level to be adjusted. The rotational lock enables the regulator to be screwed onto a tire stem, but prevents removal of the regulator from the tire stem without a key. The regulator preferably includes a cap removably sealed over the air inlet and the air vent to prevent the undesired loss of air. |
| US08113233B2 |
Hydraulic circuit of option device for excavator
A hydraulic circuit of an option device for an excavator is disclosed, which can constantly supply hydraulic fluid to an option device, such as a breaker and so on, selectively mounted on the excavator, irrespective of the size of a load occurring when the option device operates, and control respective flow rates required for various kinds of option devices. The hydraulic circuit includes a variable hydraulic pump, an option device, a first spool shifted to control hydraulic fluid fed to the option device, a poppet and a piston, an option spool shifted to control hydraulic fluid fed to the option device via the first spool, a second spool shifted to control hydraulic fluid fed to a back pressure chamber of the poppet, and a control means installed in the poppet and controlling hydraulic fluid passing through an orifice of the poppet when the piston and the poppet are pressed by the hydraulic fluid fed from the hydraulic pump, through the shifting of the second spool. |
| US08113232B1 |
Flood prevention system and associated method
A water flow control system for regulating water traveling through an existing water supply line preferably includes a housing connected to an existing water line. A user interface may be coupled thereto and remotely attached. A mechanism may automatically prevent water from flowing through the housing upon detection of a triggering event. A controller may be situated within the housing along with motion sensors. A rotatable fan may be situated within the housing along with a plurality of tracks, triggers, and resilient spring members anchored to the triggers and tracks respectively. The rotation speed of the fan may be commensurate with the real-time water flow rate of the water flowing through the housing. A control logic algorithm operates to close a restrictor valve if the water flow rate exceeds limits set by the user interface. A manually-actuated lever may also be attached to open or close the restrictor valve. |
| US08113231B2 |
Device for controlling water level
Disclosed herein is a water level controlling device for intercepting the supply of water to the water reservoir of a water purification system. The water level controlling device includes a water reservoir having a plurality of diaphragms which are provided on the lower surface of the water reservoir in such a way as to move up and down. A flow body is mounted to the lower surface of the water reservoir and defines a water circulation path, with a plurality of control parts provided in the circulation path to block the flow of water by the corresponding diaphragms. A plurality of floaters moves up and down in the water reservoir according to the water level. An actuator moves each of the diaphragms to the corresponding control part as each of the floaters rises, thus intercepting the flow of water passing through the control part. |
| US08113222B2 |
Dishwasher with driven spray arm for upper rack
An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber for receiving utensils to be washed, a first rack located within the wash chamber, a second rack located within the wash chamber above the first rack, a rotatable spray arm associated with the second rack, a liquid recirculation system for selectively supplying liquid to the rotatable spray arm, and a drive system for driving the rotatable spray arm. |
| US08113221B2 |
Substrate cleaning method, substrate cleaning apparatus and computer readable recording medium
After a rinse process on a wafer W is performed by feeding pure water to the surface of the wafer W at a predetermined flow rate while rotating the wafer W in an approximately horizontal state, a feed amount of the pure water to the wafer W is reduced, and a pure-water feed point is moved outward from the center of the wafer W. In this manner, the wafer W is subjected to a spin dry process while forming a liquid film in a substantially outer region of the pure-water feed point. |
| US08113215B2 |
Smoking article filter having liquid additive containing tubes therein
Provided are filters including at least one impervious additive containing tube. A barrier, such as a liquid barrier, seals each end of the tube so as to contain additives, such as a liquid additive, within the additive containing tube. The one or more additive containing tubes are inserted into filters for smoking articles. Drawing action during a puff causes breach of the barrier and release of the additive into the surrounding filter material. |
| US08113214B2 |
Apparatus for conditioning of organic materials
Apparatus for conditioning of organic materials including an inlet gate, an outlet gate, a conditioning chamber having a set of nozzles for supplying thermodynamic medium, and an immobilizing device. The set of nozzles and the immobilizing device are arranged in relation to each other such that thermodynamic medium flowing through the set of nozzles places organic material in the immobilizing means and flows over conditioned organic material placed in the immobilizing means. |
| US08113213B2 |
Lighted portable safety ashtray
An article of manufacture is disclosed, a lighted portable safety ashtray, comprising: at least one hollow outer body of a suitable height, width and depth, and; at least one hollow inner body of a suitable height, width and depth, smaller than and inserted into the hollow outer body, and; at least one removable receptacle top disposed on the inner hollow body and outer hollow body further comprising an opening in the receptacle top, and; at least one light source, and; at least one power supply, and; at least one electrical circuit in communication with the light source and the power supply, and; at least one electrical switch to open or close the electrical circuit in communication with the light source and the power supply. Optional timer and electroluminescence light source is also disclosed. |
| US08113210B2 |
Medical tube and system for locating the same in a body using passive integrated transponders
A medical tube has one or more permanent passive integrated transponders associated therewith that are capable of being located by a detection apparatus which senses the electromagnetic field strength gradient generated by each passive integrated transponder associated with the medical tube and indicates the value of the gradient to the user. In one embodiment, the passive integrated transponder is associated with the distal end of an endotracheal medical tube in a fixed orientation with an electromagnetic field pointing at a preferred angle of no more than 15 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the medical tube. The passive integrated transponder's static electromagnetic field is sensed by the detection apparatus and indicates the location of the distal end of the medical tube within a body. |
| US08113209B2 |
Sub-dermal laser skin treatment
A method and system for skin tightening comprises a hollow cannula that contains an optical fiber connected to a laser source. The cannula is inserted subcutaneously into a patient so that the end of the fiber is located within the tissue underlying the dermis. The source emits an output pulse that is conveyed by the fiber to the dermis, where the pulse causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within the treatment area. Radiation from the skin surface is detected to prevent non-reversible damage to the dermis, such as skin necrosis and excessive collagen melting. This method of sub-cutaneous laser treatment can also be used to treat striae, or stretch marks. |
| US08113207B2 |
Self-conforming sound attenuation earplug
A self-conforming sound attenuation earplug for location in an ear canal. The earplug includes a stem. At least one support is joined with the stem and located between the stem ear end and the stem user end, and extends radially outward from the stem. A shell is made of a deformable-resilient shell material and has a tapered exterior that increases in circumference when moving from the stem ear end to the stem user end. The shell engages at least a portion of the support and engages at least a portion of the stem located between the stem ear end and the stem user end. At least a portion of the support is free from contact with the shell and the support material is a different type of material than the shell material. |
| US08113202B2 |
Cushion inside a cushion patient interface
A patient interface device including a cushion assembly having a cushion-in-a-cushion arrangement and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient using such an interface device. The patient interface includes a mask shell having a patient side and an outer side opposite the patient side adapted for receiving a supply of gas. A seal cushion contacts a first area of a patient's face to form a seal therewith. A support cushion is disposed outside the seal cushion and includes a first end portion that contacts a second area of a patient's face. |
| US08113201B2 |
Collapse resistant respirator
A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed. |
| US08113195B2 |
Bringing a multi-component jet into the visual field of a user
A device for supplying a multi-component jet into the visual field of a user, wherein the device has a line, an outlet opening and a transport unit. An oxygen-containing component and a water-containing component can be supplied to the line. The transport unit can be used to transport a mixture consisting of the oxygen-containing component and the water-containing component through the line to the outlet opening, so that the mixture streams out of the outlet opening directly toward the visual field of the user. |
| US08113189B2 |
Compressed gas gun having gas governor
A paintball marker has an inline cylinder that includes a gas governor that reduces gas flow from a compressed gas source to a valve area when the bolt is in a firing position; this increases efficiency in the marker because only the required air is used to fire the paintball. This bolt operates independent of the valve pin, which increases cycle speed and enables the governor to open and close at an optimum time in the firing cycle. Further, when the bolt/piston is recocking, the gap between the valve pin and governor valve pin enables low pressure gas driving the piston to start pressurizing the cylinder and driving the piston rearwards without resistance from the high pressure gas. The marker also allows a user to remove the inline cylinder without tools, and provides a convenient carrying handle for holding the paintball marker, which is commonly called a “snatch grip.” |
| US08113187B2 |
Delay compensation systems and methods
A steady-state (SS) delay module determines a SS delay period for SS operating conditions based on an air per cylinder. A dynamic compensation module determines a predicted delay period based on first and second dynamic compensation variables for dynamic operating conditions, the SS delay period, a previous predicted delay period. The first dynamic compensation variable corresponds to a period between a first time when fuel is provided for a cylinder of an engine and a second time when exhaust gas resulting from combustion of the fuel and air is expelled from the cylinder. The SS and predicted delay periods correspond to a period between the first time and a third time when the exhaust gas reaches an exhaust gas oxygen sensor located upstream of a catalyst. A final equivalence ratio module adjusts fuel provided to the cylinder after the third time based on the predicted delay period. |
| US08113186B2 |
Multifuel internal combustion engine
A multifuel internal combustion engine in which single low boiling point component fuel and at least one kind of fuel having properties different from those of the single low boiling point component fuel are introduced into a combustion chamber CC separately or together thereby operating the multifuel internal combustion engine, includes lubricant-oil temperature detecting unit means (temperature sensor 91) that detects a temperature of lubricant oil, or lubricant-oil temperature estimating unit means that estimates the temperature, and purge control unit means (electronic control unit 1) that prohibits purge control by an evaporation gas purge apparatus (evaporation gas passage 42, check valve 43, canister 44, on-off valve 45) or reduces a purge flow rate of evaporation gas in the purge control, when the detected or estimated temperature of the lubricant oil is near a boiling point temperature of the single low boiling point component fuel at which it is necessary to reduce a fuel injection amount from a fuel injection valve to a predetermined amount or less to adjust an air/fuel ratio of the combustion chamber to a target air/fuel ratio. |
| US08113179B1 |
Programmable diesel fuel injector
An apparatus for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a solid magnetostrictive material with a favored direction of magnetostrictive response formed into a shape with ends that are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the favored direction of magnetostrictive response. A fuel control valve element is located coaxial to the favored direction of magnetoelastic response of the magnetostrictive material, the element opening inwardly. A solenoid coil is located concentric with the magnetostrictive material and coaxial to the favored direction of magnetoelastic response, the solenoid coil adapted to excite the magnetostrictive material into mechanical motion. An excitation signal is provided within the solenoid coil consisting of a main current signal with a superposed alternating signal approximately the width of a hysteresis loop of the solid magnetostrictive material. Finally, a magnetic return path circuit in magnetic communication with the solid magnetostrictive material is provided. |
| US08113178B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling quantity of fuel over common rail diesel engine
An apparatus for controlling the quantity of fuel over a common rail diesel engine includes a wave speed correction map correcting a wave speed and a time corrector, a first adder multiplying the corrected wave speed by an injection time difference, a base correction map using an output of the first adder and a former injection quantity as input variables, an amplitude map using a following injection quantity and a rail pressure as input variables, and a second adder multiplying a base correction map value of the base correction map by an amplitude map value of the amplitude map, and outputting a finally corrected value of the fuel quantity. |
| US08113171B2 |
Engine intake system
An engine intake system is provided that includes a sensor unit (16) formed by mounting a throttle sensor (18) and a negative pressure sensor (20) on a sensor housing (17) mounted on a mounting face (15) on one side of a throttle body (1), and a negative pressure transmission path (35) providing communication between an intake path (2) and the negative pressure sensor (20) is formed in a crank shape from a first passage (35a) having one end opening on a peripheral face of an upper half of the intake path (2) in proximity to a horizontal plane (H) containing the axis of the intake path (2), a groove-shaped second passage (35b) formed between mating faces of the throttle body (1) and the sensor housing (17) so as to extend while bending upward from the other end of the first passage (35a) at substantially right angles, and a third passage (35c) formed in the throttle body (1) so as to extend from the upper end of the second passage (35b) in a direction opposite to the first passage (35a) and reach the negative pressure sensor (20). It is thus possible to prevent fuel, foreign matter such as carbon, or blow-back gas from entering the negative pressure sensor via the negative pressure transmission path. |
| US08113170B2 |
Method for idle speed control
A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup. |
| US08113169B2 |
Device for controlling heating of a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine
In an embodiment, conductance of electricity to a heating element (4) for heating a throttle valve (2) of an automobile engine and a peripheral section thereof is performed only during a period wherein this heating can be performed effectively. Specifically, a controller (53) receives an output signal from an air flow sensor (54), and when a quantity of intake air is equal to or less than a predetermined “intake air quantity criterion for heating”, conduction of electricity to the heating element (4) is carried out. Conversely, when the quantity of intake air is greater than this “intake air quantity criterion for heating”, conduction of electricity to the heating element 4 is prohibited. |
| US08113168B2 |
Engine unit and vehicle including the same
An engine unit includes a V-type engine and a throttle body assembly. The throttle body assembly has front and rear throttle bodies, an actuator and a second rotational shaft. The front throttle bodies include front throttle valves that open and close front cylinders. The rear throttle bodies include rear throttle valves that open and close rear cylinders. The actuator is disposed, in a longitudinal direction, between center axes of the front cylinders and center axes of the rear cylinders. A shaft center of the second rotational shaft is located to the front of or to the rear of a shaft center of a first rotational shaft. |
| US08113166B2 |
Auto choke device for an engine
An auto choke device for an engine includes a choke valve for varying the opening of an intake passage of the engine, and a starter motor for starting the engine. Upon activation of the starter motor, the choke valve starts valve opening motion from a fully closed position. The choke valve continues the valve opening motion at a certain valve opening speed until it achieves a start opening set based on the temperature of the engine. |
| US08113163B2 |
Concentric camshaft and method of assembly
A camshaft may include a first shaft, a stop member, and a first lobe member. The first shaft may include an outer radial surface having a first recess extending radially therein. The stop member may be axially fixed within the first recess. The first lobe member may define an inner bore located on the outer radial surface of the first shaft. The first lobe member may include a second recess extending radially into the inner bore. The stop member may extend into the second recess to axially locate the first lobe member on the first shaft. |
| US08113161B2 |
Multi-cam electric valve mechanism for engine
A multi-cam electric valve mechanism for engine is disclosed, which comprises: a motor fixed on a cylinder; a motor shaft wherein one side of it connected to the motor and rotated accordingly and the other side of it symmetrically provided with a plurality of rotors whose shafts are perpendicular to the motor shaft; a ring-shaped cam with a plurality of wave-shaped grooves on the circumference thereof corresponding to the rotors and for setting same; a rotation-stopping lever connected to the cylinder and cam respectively to let the cam linearly move along with it; and a valve lever wherein one side of it connected to the cam and the other side of it connected to a valve. |
| US08113156B2 |
Energy recovery system for an added motion system
A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit includes an actuating mechanism having an engine valve and an engine valve spring, an added motion valve system having a cam system, a valve in fluid communication with the actuator mechanism, and a dump valve and at least one check valve in fluid communication with the valve to allow a recovery of energy stored in an engine valve spring during closing movement of the engine valve associated with the added motion system. A method for controlling a hydraulic circuit is also disclosed. |
| US08113153B2 |
Return temperature stabilizer assembly
A return temperature stabilizer assembly or metering means is provided for a boiler that facilitates the mixing of cooler, inlet return fluid with the heated fluid within the boiler chamber whereby the temperature striations within the boiler chamber are reduced or eliminated, and wherein the temperature stabilizer assembly is modular in design, and therefore capable of easily accommodating boilers of differing sizes. |
| US08113146B2 |
Animal waste pad holder
A device for holding animal waste pads having raised peripheral sidewalls surrounding a base for containing a waste pad, and sidewall extensions attachable to the sidewalls to contain and direct an animal to an appropriate position in the use of the animal waste pads. |
| US08113136B2 |
Convertible seat assembly for a watercraft
A watercraft has a deck connected to a hull, the deck having a wall, and a reboarding platform connected to at least one of the hull and the deck. The watercraft has a convertible seat assembly wherein a first panel is connected to the wall, and a second panel is movably connected to at least one of the wall, the reboarding platform and the first panel. The convertible seat assembly has a first configuration wherein the second panel is disposed on a reboarding platform side of the wall, and a second configuration wherein the first panel forms a generally vertical seat back and the second panel forms a generally horizontal seat bottom. A convertible seat assembly for a watercraft is also disclosed. |
| US08113130B2 |
Folding assembly and foldaway table
A folding mechanism for a folding table is described. The folding table includes a table top, a supporting portion and a leg portion with two legs and a fixing rod mounted between the two legs. The two legs form a rotatable connection with the table top. The supporting portion includes a supporting rod and a locking member. The locking member has a U-shaped sheet and a locking element disposed in the supporting rod. The U-shaped sheet includes a central vertical sheet and two side vertical sheets. The central vertical sheet and the two side vertical sheets are fixed to the fixing rod. The central vertical sheet has a sliding opening for accommodating the supporting rod so that the supporting rod rotates relative to the sliding opening during sliding. One end of the supporting rod is rotatably connected to a lower surface of the table top. The other end passes through the sliding opening. When the folding mechanism is in a locked position, the locking element in the supporting rod engages the two side vertical sheets of the U-shaped sheet fixed to the fixing rod. |
| US08113129B1 |
Pallet system
Pallet systems are described that can be formed of corrugated paperboard without the necessity of any attachment materials such adhesives, staples, or the like. Individual stringers of a pallet matrix are interwoven together, with stringer notches interlocking with notches of crossing stringers from both above and below any one stringer. Systems can be easily and quickly assembled and, should the need arise, can be quickly repaired, for instance by replacement of one or more individual runners. Systems can also exhibit extremely high strength, and can withstand greater than about 20,000 pounds of static compression at less than about ⅜ inch deflection. |
| US08113127B2 |
Cleaning tray
A cleaning tray for the improved cleaning of surfaces is provided. The tray is releasably engagable with a plurality of different shaped horizontal surfaces, and allows the horizontal surface to overhang at least a portion of a collecting portion, with detritus easily swept from the horizontal surface into the collecting portion, and then into a waste container. |
| US08113122B2 |
Trestle support apparatus
A trestle support apparatus for use with a model track assembly is provided. The model track assembly includes track sections and trestles of a first configuration and separate track sections and trestles of a second configuration. The trestle support apparatus includes an elongated base including an elongated channel dimensioned to releasably receive and support a trestle of a first configuration. First and second stanchions are releasably mounted to the base. |
| US08113117B2 |
Energetic material initiation device
An initiator that includes a header body, an insulating spacer, an initiator, a plurality of terminals and a plurality of contacts. The insulating spacer is coupled to the header body. The initiator forms at least a portion of an exploding foil initiator and includes a plurality of electric interfaces. The initiator is secured to a side of the insulating spacer opposite the header body. The terminals extend through the header body. The contacts electrically couple the electric interfaces to the terminals. |
| US08113115B2 |
Liquid transfer member pressing force adjusting method and apparatus of rotary stencil printing plate liquid coating machine
A rotary screen printing press includes, a rotary screen cylinder which supports a screen printing form and is supported rotatably; an impression cylinder which is provided to oppose the rotary screen cylinder, and is supported rotatably; and a squeegee which is located within the rotary screen cylinder and, during printing, contacts an inner peripheral surface of the screen printing form, while being pressed against it, to transfer ink stored within the rotary screen cylinder to a material to be printed, which is held on the impression cylinder, via holes of the screen printing form. The printing press has a squeegee throw-on and throw-off control device which controls the pressing force of the squeegee acting on the inner peripheral surface of the screen printing form during printing in accordance with the type and thickness of the material to be printed. |
| US08113113B2 |
Discharged bale control device and control method
A baler for making large cylindrical bales is equipped with a device for controlling the placement of a bale after it is discharged. The bale control device is coupled to fixed forward side wall sections of the baling chamber and is selectively operated such that front and rear bale control members of the device are respectively located behind and forward of a space into which a completed bale may be discharged. Thereafter, the bale control members are moved to the rear in to a location wherein the front bale control member holds the discharged bale to the rear of a path traced by the discharge gate when it swings between a raised discharge position and a lowered baling position. The rear bale control member engages a discharged bale so as to halt the rolling inertia imparted to the bale during discharge, the front and rear bale control members thus cooperating for locating the bale at rest. Once the bale is at rest, the rear bale control member is moved to a bale-clearing position wherein the rear bale control member may move forwardly relative to the bale without coming into contact with the bale. |
| US08113110B2 |
Square baler for simultaneously forming multiple bales
A square baler includes a crop feed duct defining a pre-compression chamber which is curved upwardly and rearwardly from an open forward end and an inlet located across the bottom of a baling chamber. A pair of vertical partitions extend between top and bottom walls of the pre-compression chamber and divide it into three equal sized channels. Respectively located in fore-and-aft alignment with front edges of the pair of partitions is a pair of stationary knives forming part of a crop cutter arrangement including a pre-cutter rotor carrying two pairs of blades, with one of each pair cooperating with one of the stationary knives to cut incoming crop into three segments which are respectively moved into the three channels by a packer arrangement. Once the crop in the pre-compression chamber attains a preselected density, a stuffer arrangement is actuated to lift separate charges of crop from the three channels and force them into the baling chamber where they are compressed into three separate, side-by-side flakes by the baler plunger. When sufficient charges have been compressed to form three bales having a desired thickness in one embodiment, or a desired length in another embodiment, two lengths of twine are tied about each of the three bales. |
| US08113109B2 |
Machine for heat exchange with a product
The present invention relates to a machine for heat exchange with a product including a vat, with a first end, a second end and an outer surface, for containing the product to be treated, a shaft, at least one element for heating or cooling a product and for being coupled in the shaft and at least one scraper blade. The machine for heat exchange with a product additionally includes a plurality of separators configured to be coupled in the shaft, at least one separator being located between two contiguous elements. Between two contiguous elements there may be located inner scraper blades anchored in structures fixed to the shaft of the machine at their ends, which in their rotation movement will scrape the outer surfaces of the elements and separators. Additionally, outer scraper blades may be arranged between the structures and the vat to scrape the inner surface of said vat. |
| US08113108B2 |
Method and device for storing, treating and dispensing items of food by means of supports
The invention relates to a device for storing, treating and dispensing items of food, especially baked products, which device comprises at least two sections (2, 3). The inventive device is characterized by a plurality of supports (12) for receiving the items of food (9, 10) and a transport device (17, 20, 21, 22) that configures a closed transport cycle of the supports (12) between the sections (2, 3). |
| US08113104B2 |
Ceramic components with diamond coating for armor applications
An improved ceramic armor system comprising a ceramic component and a diamond powder based slurry bonded to a strike surface of the ceramic component, the diamond powder based slurry including a diamond powder and a base selected from the group consisting of a silicate and a phosphate base. |
| US08113103B2 |
Trigger apparatus for use with firearms
Trigger apparatus for use with firearms are described herein. An example electronic trigger apparatus described herein includes a first actuation drive to move an actuation member between an initial position and an operating position at which the actuating member is to activate a trigger lever of the firearm to discharge the firearm. A clutch is movable between a first position to operatively couple the first actuation drive to the actuation member and a second position to releasably couple the first actuation drive from the actuation member. A second actuation drive is operatively coupled to the actuation member and biases the actuation member to the initial position when the first actuation drive is releasably coupled from the actuating member via the clutch. |
| US08113102B2 |
Programming process for the fuse of a projectile and programming device enabling the implementation of such process
The invention relates to a programming process and device for a fuse of a projectile using a programming coil transmitting by induction a programming signal to reception means integral with the fuse. This process is characterized in that the programming signal is transmitted from at least one second programming coil that is separate from the first one, each coil being linked individually to electronic control means and the two coils being arranged so as to be able to lie in proximity to the fuse of the projectile when the latter passes in the feed means of the weapon, the coils being arranged such that the projectile fuse passes successively in front of each coil, particularly adapted to the programming of medium caliber projectiles. |
| US08113100B1 |
Wood cutting band saw blade
A wood cutting band saw blade includes a cutting edge and a back edge, wherein the cutting edge is defined by a plurality of teeth spaced relative to each other. The plurality of teeth include a plurality of set teeth each having a tip, each defining a bend plane, and each including a shelf located at least partially between the tip and the bend plane for reducing saw dust passing to the kerf and accumulating on the band saw blade. Each of the set teeth may define a relief surface and a cutting surface where the relief surface extends from one side of the tip in a direction opposite that of the movement of the band saw blade and the cutting surface extends from another side of the tip. The shelf includes a shelf surface extending from the cutting surface and may terminate in a shelf tip. |
| US08113098B1 |
Automated shingle milling system
Saw mill for machine vision detection of undesirable features in the wood in shingles being cut from billets and automated optimized saw operation are disclosed. The saw mill includes a transport system that carries the billet through a butt-trimming saw, past a machine vision station, into an transition station for changing direction of travel of the billet and aligning the billet for travel into the subsequent gang rip saw station. The machine vision station determines any defects in the billet, grades the billet according to order-specific parameters, determines the optimal saw cut to maximize the value of the shingle, and sends control data to the gang rip saw controller, to position the saw blades for the optimal saw cut(s) for the shingle. A sorting system receives instructions from the visual imaging system and automatically shunts the product coming from the gang rip saw station into the appropriate container. |
| US08113097B2 |
Protective device
A protective device for use with table-top circular saws that operate a tool designed as a rotating, disk-shaped sawing tool includes at least one actuator unit and at least one protective unit. The at least one actuator unit moves the protective unit into a protective position on the tool. |
| US08113092B2 |
Push-type ratchet wrench
A push-type ratchet wrench may be easily operated. At least one end of a handle has a head, in which a driving body for rotating a workpiece and an engaging block capable of selectively switching the rotation direction of the driving body are provided. Also, a control member for actuating the engaging block is provided on the head. The control member includes a base disposed in the head, and an actuating block pivotally mounted on the base. The actuating block has an actuating sheet passing through the base and extending toward the engaging block. A clamping slot is formed at a location corresponding to the engaging block so that the actuating sheet can be clamped by the engaging block, and the user can press the actuating block leftward/rightward to achieve the object of switching and to prevent the conventional problems of easily breaking and uneasily actuating. |
| US08113088B2 |
Torque proportioning differential
A differential gear mechanism including a gear case having a body defining a gear chamber having a pair of opposed openings with a pair of output gears rotatably supported in the gear chamber adjacent to the openings. At least one of the output gears has a hub with a tapered portion facing an adjacent opening. At least one of the openings includes an inner chamfer portion that corresponds to an adjacent tapered portion. The gear case and gear set cooperate to move the output gear such that the tapered portion is disposed in frictional, torque translating engagement with a chamfered portion to bias torque translated through the differential to the output shafts under predetermined conditions. |
| US08113086B2 |
Parking brake with separate pedal pivot
A park brake includes a brake lever that is movable about a primary and secondary pivot. The brake lever selectively rotates about the primary and secondary pivots changing a ratio of rotation of the brake lever relative to a cable. |
| US08113082B2 |
External gear shift for a manual transmission
An external gear shift for the gear selection in a manual transmission is provided that includes, but is not limited to a gearshift/selector lever, which is guided in a link plate and which is movable along a selector track and a plurality of shifting tracks, and a measuring sensor to detect an instantaneous position (s, w) of the gearshift/selector lever. Guide fingers of the link plate disposed between shifting and selector tracks each have flanks oriented obliquely to the shifting and selector tracks. |
| US08113076B2 |
Mechanical positioner for reclining seat assembly
A mechanical linear actuator having a tubular member that is defined by a housing for rotatably and axially supporting a circular nut, a lead screw is mated to the circular nut so that it can move axially in and out of the tubular member. A torsion spring clutch brake is wound about the circular nut to normally brake the nut and thus prevent the lead screw from moving into or out of the tubular member. An unlocking mechanism can remotely unwind the torsion spring clutch brake to sufficiently release the circular nut and thus allow the lead screw to pass in and out of the tubular member. An adjustable stop is provided for adjusting the stroke of the actuator. |
| US08113073B2 |
Lead screw nut support arrangement
A lead screw nut support arrangement includes a wall having a width and a through hole that passes through the wall. A support bushing passes through the through hole in the axial direction, leaving an amount of play, and having a length greater than the thickness of the wall. The support bushing is supported in the through hole movably in the axial direction. A lead screw nut is also included whose end face adjoins a first end face of the support bushing on the inner side of the wall. The support arrangement also includes a mount that braces a second end face of the support bushing against the lead screw nut such that the lead screw nut is elastically loaded in the direction away from the wall. |
| US08113070B2 |
Sight glass with a flow directing assembly
A sight glass with a flow directing assembly is used to detect the presence of entrained liquids in natural gas during spot sampling procedures. The flow directing assembly directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon a first transparent window and swirl around in a chamber of the sight glass which may cause droplets of liquid to form on the inside of the window and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. At least one embodiment of this sight glass also acts as a fluid separator, collecting the liquids in the chamber which may then be periodically drained. |
| US08113067B2 |
Pipette
A pipette and a process for producing a pipette (10) with a capacity of from 1 to 50 ml from a thermoplastic polymer. An essentially cylindrical pipette shaft (12) with an internal diameter (di) and an essentially cylindrical cup-shaped pipette reservoir (16) with an internal diameter (Di) are produced in an injection molding process. The pipette shaft (12) has, at one end, a pipette tip (14) which narrows to a suction/exit orifice (20), and, at the other end, a conical widening (18). The pipette reservoir (16) has a suction nozzle (24) abutting coaxially from the bottom of the pipette reservoir (16). The conical widening (18) is welded or adhesive-bonded at the end and coaxially to the pipette reservoir (16). The ratio of the total pipette length (L) to the arithmetic mean of the internal diameters (di and Di) of the pipette shaft (12) and of the pipette reservoir (16) is at least 15. The pipette may have a suction nozzle (24) with a retainer, such as a radially inward jutting rib (34) for a cotton wool bud. |
| US08113065B2 |
Force sensor
A force sensor 1 includes: a force sensor chip 2 including an action portion 21, a connecting portion 23 on which strain resistive elements are disposed, and a support portion 22 for supporting the action portion 21 and the connecting portion 23; an attenuator 3 including an input portion 30 to which an external force is input, a fixing portion 32 for fixing the force sensor chip 2, and a transmission portion 31 for attenuating the external force and transmitting the attenuated external force to the action portion 21; a first glass member 11 disposed between the action portion 21 and the transmission portion 31 and a second glass member 12 disposed between the support portion 22 and the fixing portion 32, through which glass members 11, 12 the force sensor chip 2 and the attenuator 3 are joined. A single or more glass beams 13 joins the first glass member 11 and the second glass member 12 together as a single member. |
| US08113064B2 |
Vibration-type measuring transducer as well as measuring device with such a measuring transducer
A measuring transducer comprising at least one measuring tube for conveying a flowing medium. The measuring tube vibrates at least at times during operation. A sensor arrangement, which serves to register oscillations of the at least one measuring tube. The measuring tube extends with an oscillatory length between an inlet-side, first measuring tube end, and an outlet-side, second measuring tube end, and, during operation, oscillates about an oscillation axis, which is parallel to or coincides with an imagined connecting axis which imaginarily connects the two measuring tube ends. By means of a first oscillation sensor, the sensor arrangement produces a first primary signal of the measuring transducer representing vibrations of the measuring tube, and by means of a second oscillation sensor the sensor arrangement produces a second primary signal of the measuring transducer representing vibrations of the measuring tube, wherein a length of a region of the first measuring tube extending between the first oscillation sensor and the second oscillation sensor defines a measuring length of the measuring transducer. The oscillation sensors of the sensor arrangement are placed in the measuring transducer in such a way that a measuring transducer sensitivity, SACT, referenced to a theoretical sensitivity at a maximum measuring length corresponding to the oscillatory length, as well as a signal amplitude, of the primary signals actually achieved during operation, referenced to a theoretically maximum possible signal amplitude, AMAX, at the location of maximum oscillation amplitude, fulfill the condition ℛ = A ACT A MAX · S ACT S MAX = ! Max . |
| US08113062B2 |
Tilt sensor for use with proximal flow sensing device
A tilt sensor is provided that is generally adapted to detect tilted and non-tilted states of an object associated therewith, which in some cases is a ventilation circuit component. The tilt sensor may correspond to a pneumatically operated tilt sensor that can be used in conjunction with a ventilator to help prevent compromised measurements from certain elements which can be used in a ventilator patient circuit. |
| US08113061B2 |
Materials testing
Methods of and apparatus for testing a material are described. The testing involves providing a material across a region of a support member which is arranged to define an opening and moving a force applying device relative to the material to apply a force to the material. The force applying device moves towards, passes into and/or passes through the opening prior to, during or after applying the force to the material. |
| US08113058B2 |
Piezoelectric pressure transducer
To render possible a high-quality, yet cost-effective provision suitable for mass production of a piezoelectric pressure transducer (1) with at least one piezoelectric measuring element (3, 3′, 3″) arranged on a housing base part (2), which measuring element is connected on the opposite side to a diaphragm (4), the measuring element (3, 3′, 3″) is fixed on an electrode sheet (5, 5′, 5″, 5″′) or directly on the base part 2 or the diaphragm 4, wherein the electrode sheet (5, 5′, 5″, 5″′) wraps conductively and positively as well as in a manner fixing the layers around a contact pin (7) insulated with respect to the base part (2) and projecting outwards. |
| US08113051B2 |
Angular velocity measuring device
An oscillator is oscillated at a predetermined oscillation frequency. A detecting unit exerts Coriolis force on the oscillator. A repetitive control system applies an external force to the oscillator so as to cancel out the Coriolis force to achieve an angular velocity measuring operation at a high sensitivity and a high S/N ratio. |
| US08113050B2 |
Robust six degree-of-freedom micromachined gyroscope with anti-phase drive scheme and method of operation of the same
A method of operating an anti-phase six degree-of-freedom tuning fork gyroscope system comprises the steps of driving a first three degree-of-freedom gyroscope subsystem, and driving a second three degree-of freedom gyroscope subsystem in an anti-phase mode with the first gyroscope subsystem at an anti-phase resonant frequency. Acceleration or an angular rate of motion is sensed by the first and second three degree-of-freedom gyroscope subsystems operating in a flat frequency response range where the anti-phase resonant frequency is designed. Response gain and phase are stable and environmental and fabrication perturbations are avoided by such operation. A anti-phase six degree-of-freedom tuning fork gyroscope system which operates as described is also characterized. |
| US08113049B2 |
Method and a machine for balancing vehicle wheels
A method and a machine for balancing vehicle wheels with weights (18), the method comprising stages of: using a video camera (5, 6, 206) to frame a portion of a surface of a hub (101) of a wheel on which a weight (18) is to be applied, locating, in images of the hub (101) taken by the camera (5, 6, 206), at least a balancing plane (E1, E2) which is perpendicular to a rotation axis (A) of the wheel, piloting at least a pick-up device (8, 9, 209) such as to direct the at least a pick-up device (8, 9, 209) onto a point (P1, P2) of the hub (101) belonging to the balancing plane (E1, E2), detecting, by means of the pick-up device (8, 9, 209) characteristic geometric parameters of the hub (101) at the balancing plane (E1, E2), measuring an imbalance of the wheel, calculating, by means of an electronic calculator (4, 204) an entity of at least a weight (18) to be applied to the hub (101) at the balancing plane (E1, E2), and also calculating an angular position (T1, T2) of the weight (18) in the balancing plane (E1, E2). |
| US08113048B2 |
Dynamic imbalance detection apparatus and method using linear time-varying angular velocity model
Provided is a dynamic balancing apparatus using a linear time-varying angular velocity model, which includes a rotational shaft on which a rotational body having a rotating unbalanced mass is installed; a linear time-varying angular velocity generator which allow the rotational shaft to be rotated at a linear time-varying angular velocity; a support for supporting both sides of the rotational shaft; and a transducer for measuring applied force or vibration transferred to the support by revolution of the rotational shaft having a linear time-varying angular velocity. |
| US08113047B2 |
Ultrasonic measuring device for a container
The invention relates to an ultrasound measuring device for a container. A coupling device supporting an ultrasound transducer serves for coupling and asymmetric alignment of the ultrasound transducer with respect to the container. This causes a sound field of the interfering signal in an ultrasound measurement to propagate within the container in an asymmetric fashion with respect to planes of symmetry of the container, whereby the interfering signal that is received at the site of injection is attenuated relative to a useful signal. |
| US08113046B2 |
Sensor assembly with hydrophobic filter
The present disclosure relates generally to sensors, and more particularly, to methods and devices for reducing moisture, dust, particulate matter, and/or other contaminates entering a sensor. In one illustrative embodiment, a sensor assembly includes a housing with an inlet flow port and an outlet flow port. The housing defines a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port, with a sensor positioned in the housing and exposed to the fluid channel. The illustrative sensor is configured to sense a measure related to the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel. A hydrophobic filter may be situated in the fluid channel, sometimes upstream of the sensor. When so configured, and during operation of the sensor assembly, a fluid may pass through the inlet flow port, through the hydrophobic filter, across the sensor, and through the outlet flow port. The hydrophobic filter may be configured to reduce the moisture entering the fluid channel of the sensor. |
| US08113039B2 |
Method for testing the operation of a pressure sensing unit of an injection system of an internal combustion engine
In a method for testing the operation of a pressure sensing unit of an injection system of an internal combustion engine, the injection system has no high-pressure valve. An error is detected when a pressure gradient value falls below a pressure gradient limit while at the same time the most recently detected pressure is higher than a pressure limit. |
| US08113035B2 |
Method for the detection of gaseous impurities in materials
Disclosed is a method for detecting hydrogen in steel. According to the method, hydrogen contained in steel is transferred into and preferably concentrated in at least one second material. Representative second materials include metals such as vanadium, niobium, tantalum, and their alloys. Upon transfer to the second material, the hydrogen is detected and preferably quantitatively determined. The data obtained with the method enables conclusions to be drawn about the presence of hydrogen in steel. Preferably, the concentration of hydrogen in steel is quantitatively determined from information obtained about the presence of hydrogen in the second material. |
| US08113034B2 |
Gas sensor with piping for the introduction of inspection gas
An apparatus includes a gas sensor configured to detect a specific gas which is a subject for detection, and inspection gas introduction piping configured to lead an inspection gas to the gas sensor, wherein at least a portion of the inspection gas introduction piping serves as ventilating piping configured to ventilate an inside of a ventilation-requiring device. |
| US08113030B2 |
Methods for manufacturing flanged article
Methods are taught for manufacturing a work having a peripheral flange by pressing a sheet material may include half die cutting the material so as to simultaneously form inner and outer circumferential surface of the peripheral flange while the peripheral flange is simultaneously subjected to isostatic pressures that are directed from the flange inner surface to the flange outer surface or from the flange outer surface to the flange inner surface. |
| US08113024B2 |
Double-system lock apparatus
A double system lock apparatus comprises a lock shell, a combination lock, a key lock, and a control piece set. The lock shell has a panel and a main base assembled with each other. The combination lock has a plurality of rotating discs, coupling springs, couplings, and a shaft. The key lock has a lock cylinder and a sleeve set. From back to front, the control piece set has a first control piece, a second control piece, and a third control piece. By means of the control piece set working between the combination lock and the key lock, a double system lock apparatus of simple structure but well function has been formed. |
| US08113021B2 |
Door lock with an improved structure
A door lock with an improved structure is disclosed. It has a turning device that includes a positioning base. The positioning base is mounted with a circular spacer with a lock control device therein. A connecting shaft for driving the lock control device is provided with a limiting element that has a protruded stopping part at its end. The lock has a lock core whose one end allows the insertion and turning of a key. Its other end is connected with the connecting shaft and has grooves, so that the stopping part of the limiting element blocks the lock core when the door is locked. |
| US08113015B2 |
Control of the bow of a glass ribbon
Methods for controlling the bow (shape) of a vertical glass ribbon (13) produced by a downdraw process are provided. The methods involve passing the ribbon (13) through a gas-filled vertical enclosure (23), e.g., a draw tower, whose bottom (31) is open to the atmosphere. The ribbon (13) acts as a septum that divides the enclosure's internal volume (29) into a first sub-volume (25) and a second sub-volume (27). Using the stack effect, a positive pressure difference is produced between the first sub-volume (25) and the second sub-volume (27) along at least a portion of the length of the enclosure (the DDZ). The edges of the ribbon (13) are constrained so that they do not move into the second sub-volume (27) over at least the DDZ. As a result, the ribbon bows with its concavity facing the first sub-volume (25) and its convexity facing the second sub-volume (27). |
| US08113006B2 |
System for the fuel storage and fuel delivery of cryogenic fuel
A system for cryogenic storage and delivery of fuel, particularly for supplying an internal-combustion engine driving a motor vehicle, includes at least a cryotank having an inner reservoir for receiving the cryogenic medium, which inner reservoir is held in a heat-insulated manner in an outer reservoir, a coolable cooling shield between the inner reservoir and the outer reservoir of the cryotank, and a heat sink. As a thermal-energy storage device, the heat sink is in heat-transmitting contact with the cooling shield. A filling and removal device has at least one pipe penetrating the outer reservoir and leading into the inner reservoir. At least for the filling with or for the removal of cryogenic medium, the heat sink is in heat-transmitting contact with the pipe for the cryogenic medium, in order to reduce the entry of heat from the environment into the inner reservoir while emitting heat. The inner reservoir has a recess in which at least the heat sink and the pipe for the cryogenic medium are housed such that they are situated essentially within the circumferential contour of the inner reservoir. |
| US08112998B2 |
Apparatus and method for cooling a turbine using heat pipes
The turbine section of the turbine engine is provided with a flow of cooling air which is taken from a compressor section of the turbine engine. The air received from the compressor section is itself cooled before the air is delivered to the turbine. Heat is removed from the flow of air by a plurality of heat pipes which conduct heat away from the flow of air to lower the temperature of the air before it is provided to the turbine. |
| US08112996B2 |
Systems and methods for collecting solar energy for conversion to electrical energy with multiple thermodynamic engines and piezoelectric generators
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using solar collectors with multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines and/or piezoelectric generators. The solar collectors are configured to collect solar energy and to distribute the collected solar energy in a pulsating manner directly into multiple closed-cycle thermodynamic engines, piezoelectric generators, and the like. The pulsating manner means that the solar energy is allowed to enter into a particular engine or generator periodically, for a predetermined period of time, similar to turning a switch ON and OFF. Advantageously, this enables more efficient use of the collected solar energy. |
| US08112995B2 |
Turbocharger with variable turbine geometry
A turbocharger with variable turbine geometry comprising of a turbine housing having an exhaust gas inlet and an outlet, a volute connected to the inlet, and a nozzle wall adjacent the volute, carrying a turbine wheel and is attached to a shaft with a plurality of improved aerodynamic profiled stator blades that are disposed within the turbine housing between the exhaust gas inlet and turbine wheel. |
| US08112992B2 |
Jay gravi-buoyant balls
This is an energy or electricity generation process or system that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy comprised of a design using gas or air, liquid or water and solids in high, rectangular and sealed chambers where specially designed mainly solid, spherical, buoyant bodies, objects or devices circulate up and down using the full potential of gravity to drop down, activate a mechanism to initiate an alternator in one chamber and then employ the process and power of buoyancy in water in another chamber to lift back up to it's original point at the top to start all over again circulating continuously wherefore supplying energy continuously. |
| US08112991B1 |
Hydrostatic transmission
A hydrostatic transmission includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, and a center section. The center section is formed therein with first and second fluid passages connecting kidney ports opened at a pump mounting surface to kidney ports opened at a motor mounting surface. The first and second fluid passages include respective straight portions parallel to the pump mounting surface and the motor mounting surface. When the center section is viewed to face the motor mounting surface, the straight portions of the first and second fluid passages substantially entirely overlap each other. When the center section is viewed to face the pump mounting surface, the straight portion of the first fluid passage is disposed between both ends of the second fluid passage, so that the straight portion of the first fluid passage and the ends of the second fluid passage are aligned on a substantially straight line. |
| US08112990B2 |
Low exhaust temperature electrically heated particulate matter filter system
A system includes a particulate matter (PM) filter, a sensor, a heating element, and a control module. The PM filter includes with an upstream end that receives exhaust gas, a downstream end and multiple zones. The sensor detects a temperature of the exhaust gas. The control module controls current to the heating element to convection heat one of the zones and initiate a regeneration process. The control module selectively increases current to the heating element relative to a reference regeneration current level when the temperature is less than a predetermined temperature. |
| US08112988B2 |
System and method for desulfating a NOx trap
A method is described for controlling an engine with a NOx trap. The method may include adjusting timing of subsequent desulfation based upon a delay between initiating the desulfation process and a temperature increase in the NOx trap. |
| US08112987B2 |
Process for reducing NOx emissions from engine exhaust using LNT and SCR components
A method of reducing NOx in a vehicle exhaust operating by alternating exhaust flow between two lean NOx traps and directing the emerging exhaust to a downstream SCR catalyst system. While exhaust predominantly flows through one of the lean NOx traps, a reductant is provided to the other NOx trap so as to produce ammonia that is also directed to the SCR catalyst system. An exhaust system implementing the method of the invention is also provided. |
| US08112986B2 |
Managing reductant slip in an internal combustion engine
A method for controlling operation of vehicle system including an internal combustion engine and a catalytic emission control device coupled in an exhaust of the engine, the method including delivering, which may include injecting into the exhaust, reductant to the emission control device responsive to vehicle operating conditions, and increasing emission control device inlet-NOx in response to reductant release from the emission control device. |
| US08112985B2 |
Hydrocarbon retaining system configuration for combustion engine
Systems, methods, and computer readable storage media are described in which exhaust gas is routed to a hydrocarbon retaining device during starting, and purged to the engine intake manifold. Various alternative approaches are described for controlling operation and diagnosing degradation. Further, various interrelated configurations are described. |
| US08112984B2 |
Method and device for the diagnosis of the effectiveness of a catalytic converter
In a method and a device for the diagnosis of the effectiveness of a catalytic converter in the exhaust gas line when using a very late afterinjection or secondary injection, in order to provide a sensitive and yet robust diagnostic method while saving costs for additional exhaust gas temperature sensors and with fuel consumption increased only to a minimum extent, the diagnostic method delivering reliable results with only little delay, and a corresponding device which can also easily be used in various concepts for internal combustion engines, an increased compressor output, caused in the course of the test injection, of an exhaust gas turbocharger used downstream of the catalytic converter produce a higher charge pressure or a marked increase in the air mass flow (mL) such that the effectiveness of the catalytic converter is determined from a change in the intake air quantity of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08112980B2 |
Finish for synthetic filament yarn processed in friction false-twist texturing and application thereof
A finish for synthetic filament yarn which decreases broken filaments and ends down in friction false-twist texturing includes 40 to 98 wt % of a polyether compound, and essentially comprises components (A) and (B); wherein the component (A) is at least one member selected from the group consisting of (A1) a C1-C10 fatty acid, (A2) a C1-C10 hydroxyfatty acid, (A3) a sarcosine derivative, and salts thereof, and the amount of the component (A) in the finish ranges from 0.05 to 5 wt %; and wherein the component (B) is an alkylphosphate salt and the amount of the component (B) in the finish ranges from 0.01 to 3 wt %. |
| US08112979B2 |
Crop lifter
A crop lifter for a mower of a harvesting machine with at least one mowing finger (2) has a carrier rail (5) and a stalk lifter (8). A first end (6) of the carrier rail (5) can be fixed to the mower. The stalk lifter (8) is connected to a second end (7) of the carrier rail (5). The stalk lifter (8), together with the carrier rail (5), encloses an acute angle. |
| US08112977B2 |
Disc mower narrow transport frame
A wheel-supported frame for an agricultural harvester header having a tongue and a pivotally connected transverse frame, a retractable transport wheel connected to the tongue, and a pivoting mechanism for pivoting one of the supporting wheels approximately 90 degrees to align with the deployed transport wheel. The invention enables the harvester to be easily reconfigured between an operating configuration and a transport configuration. By rotating the transverse frame to align its transverse width with the direction of travel during transport, deploying the transport wheel, and aligning one of the normal support wheels with the transport direction of travel, the harvester is reoriented for transport along its lateral axis. The lateral transport apparatus is easily reconfigured by a single individual and requires no additional equipment beyond that integral to the harvester in order to reconfigure the harvester between transport and operational modes. |
| US08112976B1 |
Selectively usable roller striper for lawn mower
A rotary cutting deck has a roller striper along a rear side thereof. The roller striper comprises a pivotal frame that rotatably journals a roller made from a plastic roller body. Torsion springs surround the pivots for the frame. The springs put enough downforce on the plastic roller body to lay the cut grass over in a rearward direction as the cutting deck moves forwardly over the ground. The roller striper can be selectively moved into and out of engagement with the ground by a pivotal handle that can be manipulated by an operator from a seat of the lawn mower on which the cutting deck is installed. |
| US08112973B2 |
Method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture
A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture having improved shelf life. The method comprising the steps of providing an inner package having a source of antimicrobial agent, providing an adsorbent material effective to adsorb a portion of the antimicrobial agent over time, positioning a suture within the inner package, the suture comprising one or more surfaces, covering the inner package with an outer package having an inner surface and subjecting the suture, the inner package and the inner surface of the outer package to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the suture and the inner package, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the inner package, wherein the packaged antimicrobial suture exhibits improved shelf life. A packaged antimicrobial suture and a method of increasing the shelf life of a packaged antimicrobial medical device are also provided. |
| US08112971B2 |
Valve for sealing an evacuation port of a container
A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16). |
| US08112961B2 |
Two part grille with interlocking connections for assembly in doors or the like
A two part grille with interlocking connections molded from opaque plastic allows one or more screens or filters supported inside the grille and provides a configuration which allows its parts to be fitted on opposite sides of an opening in a wall or a door locked together by a mortise and tenon joint so that no screws are necessary, and the two part grille further has intermediate spacers used to accommodate differing thickness of a wall or the like. |
| US08112955B2 |
Building having a reinforced stud wall and method for reinforcing a stud wall
A building comprises first and second floors and respective first and second ceilings; a foundation; and a stud wall extending between the second floor and the second ceiling. A cross member is operably attached within the stud wall. A tie rod anchor is anchored in the foundation. A series of interconnected tie rods has one end secured to the tie rod anchor and an end portion extending through the cross member, the interconnected tie rods extending within the stud wall through the second floor. A nut is secured to the end portion of the interconnected tie rods. A loaded spring is disposed between the nut and the cross member to maintain the interconnected tie rods under tension when a slack develops on the interconnected tie rods. |
| US08112954B2 |
Lock and seal system for sliding doors
Implementations of the present invention relate generally to systems and components for sealing and locking doors, including sliding doors for use with modular walls. A locking system can be configured to secure and release a sliding door. In particular, the locking system can include a sliding door with one or more receiving channels configured to receive a pin extending from a floor's surface. A locking mechanism can be included and configured to selectively drive a shaft to capture and release a pin that has been received by the receiving channel. The sealing system is configured to seal a gap between a modular wall and an adjacent sliding door. In particular, the sealing system can include a connector configured to connect trim to a wall panel wherein the connector includes an integrated gasket seal configured to seal the gap. |
| US08112951B2 |
Permanent form assembly and method for swimming pool user support structures
A permanent form assembly and method for creating and forming swimming pool user support structures within a swimming pool includes one or more of a vertical elongated support, one or more of a lateral brace, and a plurality of support structure risers that when assembled create a permanent support structure form having a volume for receiving a filler within the volume. |
| US08112949B2 |
Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks and associated systems and methods
Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks are described herein. An elongate, compressible pad member for use with a loading dock seal is positioned to compliantly conform to an aft end of a trailer positioned proximate to an opening in a building. The pad member includes a body portion having a front side and a back side. The body portion is composed of a compressible foam material. The pad member further includes a plurality of individual fingers projecting away from the front side of the body portion. The individual fingers are integral with the body portion and are spaced apart from each other. |
| US08112938B2 |
Gate system with automatic locking and unlocking feature
A controlled gate system is comprised of a barrier arm which is pivotally connected to a first fixed support. A motion detector is secured to a second fixed support spaced a predetermined distance from the first fixed support and in alignment therewith to create a restricted passageway with the barrier arm normally resting in an obstructing position within the passageway. The barrier arm is arrested at the obstructing position by a solenoid actuated latch which is disengaged by the motion detector. The arc of displacement of the barrier arm is also restricted to permit passage through the passageway in a single direction. Under certain conditions a controller will permit the barrier arm to be disengaged to permit passage in the passageway in opposed directions. The motion detector of the preferred embodiment is constituted by a further barrier arm. |
| US08112935B2 |
Method for producing a powder containing xylitol crystal particles with another polyol
A method for producing a powder containing xylitol crystal particles and another polyol including a mixture containing a xylitol syrup and another polyol, whose dry material content is equal to or greater than 95% by weight, xylitol content ranges from 85 to 97.5% by weight and the other polyol content ranges at least from 15 to 2.5% by weight with respects to the dry material. The method includes: obtaining the mixture by simultaneously dispersing the xylitol and the other polyol syrup and xylitol-containing germs in an open rotating vessel containing xylitol-based granules, mixing the xylitol and the other polyol syrup and xylitol-containing germs on the surface of the xylitol-containing germs contained in the vessel, removing the xylitol-based granules and the other polyol from the vessel and crystallizing the xylitol and other polyol contained in the granules. |
| US08112930B2 |
Firearm with enhanced corrosion and wear resistance properties
This invention encompasses articles, compositions, and methods that provide enhanced corrosion resistance and wear resistance to firearms, firearm components, and firearm accessories. In one aspect, for example, a substrate comprising a firearm component is coated with a first layer of a corrosion-resistant material such as a first metal, followed by a second thin film layer of an abrasion-resistant material such as a second metal, a ceramic material such as a metal nitride, diamond-like carbon material, or other materials. |
| US08112926B2 |
Reversible stop hook for a gun magazine and kit for a gun
A reversible stop hook (26) for a magazine (16) of a gun (10) is adapted to be housed in the gun transversally to the magazine to be locked and comprises a coupling portion (28) being provided with a button-shaped end (30) and a stop end (32) for the magazine. The coupling element comprises at least a first component (42) and a second component (40) partially inserted one inside the other along a longitudinal direction of the stop hook. The first component (42) comprises a coupling portion (50) which is either deformable or yielding, in order to mutually fasten the first and second components along the longitudinal direction. A third component (60) is inserted into the coupling portion (50) of the first component (42) in order to prevent the first and second components from mutually unfastening. |
| US08112923B2 |
Method of and system for two-way see-through banner and window imaging
A two-way see-through banner. The two-way see-through banner includes a first side having a first image printed thereupon, a second side having a second image printed thereupon, and a plurality of perforating holes through the banner. The perforating holes are created only after the first image and the second image have been printed on the first and second sides of the banner. |
| US08112922B2 |
Reflective material for signage, buildings and vehicles
A reflective sheet material for use on exterior signs and exposed surfaces includes a sheet member having a series of adjacent, parallel primary grooves extending across at least one surface. Each group is defined by first and second elongate facets forming an angle of at least 90 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the surface and to the length of the facets. A thin opaque, reflective layer extends over the surface in the region of the grooves and conforms to the series of grooves so as to form a series of associated angular grooves. A transparent material extends over and substantially fills these angular grooves, thereby forming a substantially smooth outer surface which is located at or close to the top edges of the grooves. The sheet material can be flexible or rigid. |
| US08112903B2 |
Household clothes drying machine with additional condenser
A clothes drying machine comprises a drum (1), a first fan (5) blowing a first flow of drying air through a drying-air conduit, a condenser (3) through which said flow of drying air passes, a cooling-air conduit conveying a second flow of fresh air through said condenser, said second flow being circulated by a second fan (6), and a motor adapted to drive said fans. There is provided an additional condensation element (11) run in parallel of said conduit of drying air, and a respective second air conduit connecting said additional condensation element to said drying air conduit; said additional condensation element is cooled by air at room temperature inside the dryer machine and/or by a wall of it, and the water there condensed is being passed to a common condense recovery reservoir (10). |
| US08112892B2 |
Hair removal apparatus
A hair removal apparatus with a housing and an actuator head movable in the housing. The actuator head accommodates an actuator system that removes the hairs and is adapted to be driven by an electric drive mechanism arranged in the hair removal apparatus. The actuator system is movable into at least one active position for hair treatment. The actuator head has only one of its ends rotatably mounted on the housing. The actuator head is readily accessible from the one side, thus enabling hairs in problem areas of the skin surface to be removed. |
| US08112891B2 |
Method for manufacturing floorboard having surface layer of flexible and resilient fibers
A method is provided for manufacturing floorboards with a surface layer and a core for making a floating flooring. The floorboards are mechanically lockable, and have pairs of opposing connectors along their edge portions for locking adjoining floorboards to each other both vertically and horizontally. The method includes joining a surface layer of flexible and resilient fibers to a wood-fiber-based core to form a floor element, and linearly displacing the floor element relative to a set of tools in order to machine the joint edges of the floor element to provide at least part of upper joint edges of the floorboard. |
| US08112889B2 |
Method of manufacturing an ink jet printhead
A method of manufacturing an ink jet printhead, including: arranging a nozzle plate in which there is formed a plurality of nozzles, the nozzle plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being on the side of the ejection of ink drops and the lower surface being opposite to the upper surface; depositing on the upper surface a first coating including a first layer including silicon carbide, while maintaining the nozzle plate at a first deposition temperature not larger than 250° C.; depositing on the lower surface a second coating including a second layer including silicon carbide, while maintaining the nozzle plate at a second deposition temperature not larger than 250° C.; positioning the nozzle plate onto the ink barrier layer by bringing into contact the second coating layer with the ink barrier layer. The first layer is deposited before the second layer. |
| US08112886B2 |
Production method of contact mat for an actuator
A production method for a contact mat for electrical contacting of an actuator uses a contact mat roll including (a) a plurality of terminal posts spaced apart from each other and extending in a first direction and (b) a plurality of electrically-conductive wires extending parallel to each other in a second, perpendicular direction, such that each wire extends across the terminal posts. The method includes unwinding the contact mat roll; connecting the wires to a metallization strip of an actuator; separating the wires at a location between adjacent terminal posts in the mat, such that a contact mat, including a single terminal post and the wires extending from the metallization strip to the terminal post, is connected to the actuator; and winding a free end of the contact mat including the terminal post at least partially around the actuator and securing the terminal post in position. |
| US08112880B2 |
Method for manufacturing multilayer printed circuit boards
A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) includes: providing a first PCB substrate, a second PCB substrate and an adhesive layer, the first PCB substrate having a first main portion and a first unwanted portion divided by a first imaginary boundary, the second PCB substrate including a second main portion and a second unwanted portion divided by a second imaginary boundary; forming an opening in the adhesive layer; filling an filling mass in the opening; laminating the first PCB substrate, the second PCB substrate and the adhesive layer such that the adhesive layer is sandwiched between the first PCB substrate and the second PCB substrate, and the first, second imaginary boundaries are misaligned, a projection of each of the first and second imaginary boundaries in the adhesive layer being within the opening; and cutting the first and second PCB substrates along the first and second imaginary boundaries respectively. |
| US08112878B1 |
Assembly auxiliary jig
An assembly auxiliary jig facilitates assembly of an electronic device having a casing, a first fitting, a second fitting, and a wire. The assembly auxiliary jig includes: a base having therein a receiving space for positioning and receiving the casing and an accessing recess configured to communicate with the receiving space and facilitate access to the casing; a first platform disposed at the base and having a positioning groove in communication with the receiving space to thereby receive the first fitting; a first lid hinged to the first platform and configured to close the positioning groove; a second platform disposed at the base and defined with a positioning recess in communication with the receiving space to receive the second fitting; and a second lid hinged to the second platform and configured to close the positioning recess. |
| US08112874B2 |
Stent island removal system
A tool, system, and method for removing islands from a stent is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with at least one exit hole in communication with the interior of the tube, and the tube being connected to a pressurized fluid source. A stent island is located over the exit hole and is removed by the force of the exiting fluid from the exit hole. |
| US08112870B2 |
Bone screw and method for manufacturing the same
A faceted bone screw and a method for manufacturing the same includes a screw thread configuration having facets that are substantially transverse to the thread. The facets are generally made up of a plurality of transitioning peaks and valleys which vary the depth of the thread and are disposed in one or more locations throughout the threaded portion of the bone screw. The facets operate to reduce the torque required to drive the bone screw into bone, while at the same time operate to assist in anchoring the bone screw within the bone once inserted therein, and thereby reduce the possibility for the screw backing out after insertion. |
| US08112860B2 |
Method of treating glazing panels
The present invention relates to a method of treating a glazing panel from an inside location. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of treating glazing panels used in windows and patio doors. Initially, a hole is formed on both inside and outside panes on windows and on the side and outside frames of patio doors. Next, a filter is attached to the outside pane to cover the hole whereby the filter membrane is designed to allow the passage of air and inhibit the ingress of moisture. Finally, a seal is used to cover the hole on the inside pane or to ensure that the building air does not enter the interior of the glazing panel. Where the panes are tempered glass, the hole(s) may be drilled through the frame. If necessary, one or more tubes may be inserted through the hole. Various kinds of filters are disclosed. |
| US08112858B2 |
Method for transforming a container into an article
An apparatus, a system and a method transform a container into an article. The apparatus, the system and the method operate as a vending machine that allows a user to deposit the container and/or money into the vending machine. After receiving the container and/or the money, a shape of the container, a barcode on the container, and/or a weight of the container are analyzed to determine whether to accept the container or to reject the container. If the container is rejected, the container and/or the money are returned to the user. If the container is accepted, the apparatus, the system and/or the method cuts, washes and/or dries the container. The apparatus, the system and/or the method further cuts, presses, flanges and/or wraps the container into an article. The article may be a toy car and/or other novelty item. A window allows the user to observe the container transformed into the article. A decal may be delivered to the user to decorate the article. |
| US08112857B2 |
Stent crimping device
A system for crimping a prosthesis is disclosed, comprising a plurality of wheels. Each wheel has an outer circumferential surface configured to be placed in contact with the prosthesis. When in contact with the prosthesis, each wheel is configured to be rotated, thereby to apply a radially inward force on the prosthesis so as to reduce the diameter of the prosthesis. More than one set of wheels may be provided, so that the prosthesis is crimped first by one set of wheels, then by a subsequent set of wheels. |
| US08112856B2 |
Clamp of anti-vibration spring
A clamp of an anti-vibration spring includes a pipe body and a sheathing element fixed to an end the pipe body. Another end of the pipe body is fixed to a covering element. The sheathing element is passed through the external periphery of the pipe body. The pipe body includes a screw rod screwed at the moving element, and an end of the screw rod is protruded from an end of the covering element and fixed at a driving element. A connecting element between the sheathing element and the moving element positions the sheathing element and the moving element. Each sheathing element has a connecting portion including a transversal slot, two clamping disc, and an insert portion on the clamping disc connected to the transversal slot and fixed by a positioning element. By turning the driving element, the anti-vibration spring is compressed or released between the two clamping discs. |
| US08112850B2 |
Buckle
A buckle includes a male member and a female member. The male member is provided with a base, a pair of legs and an engaging portion provided on a distal ends of the legs. The female member is provided with an insertion port, a guide that elastically deforms the distal end of each of the legs inserted through the insertion port in a direction in which the distal ends come closer to each other and a pair of engaged portions formed on both sides of a remote side of the guide. Each of the engaged portions displaces each of the engaging portions in the direction in which the engaging portions get apart with each other and is provided by a concave that has an abutment wall on a rear portion in the releasing direction to be abutted by each of engaging portions. Each of the abutment walls is formed as a slant surface that inclines in the direction in which the abutment walls come closer to each other toward the releasing direction of the male member. |
| US08112849B2 |
Device for fixing a stretched fabric
A device for fixing a fabric includes a frame of polygonal shape that is able to accommodate at least one insert, whereby the fabric is wedged between the frame and the insert, the frame includes a groove with a shrunken mouth, and the insert includes a horseshoe-shaped body that can be deformed elastically and can be inserted forcibly into the groove, characterized in that the body includes, on the one hand, a first wall that delimits a housing that opens toward the outside, and, on the other hand, a second wall that defines a retaining surface that can work with the groove, whereby a recess is arranged between the two walls (26, 32) so as to make the deformations of each wall (26, 32) independent, whereby junction zones are provided to connect the first wall and the second wall on both sides of the mouth of the housing. |
| US08112845B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating foreign matter from fibrous material
An apparatus for cleaning foreign matter from separated tufts of fiber uses a transfer cylinder intermediate a revolving open reel type structure mounted within a porous housing to separate a conveying air stream from tufts of fiber conveyed thereby and a toothed cleaning cylinder to separate air flow through said revolving reel from said cleaning cylinder such that air is not drawn through said cleaning cylinder into said porous housing. |
| US08112841B2 |
Ultraviolet vacuum cleaner with safety mechanism
A combination vacuum cleaner and ultraviolet disinfecting device is presented having a vacuum for cleaning a cleaning medium, such as a carpet, and a UV light source for radiation of the cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device provides a multiple of safety switches to prevent power supply to the UV light source under certain conditions. Safety switches are provided requiring a constant activation of a switch by the user on the device handle, activation of contact switches indicating the device is in contact with the cleaning medium, activation of a switch indicating the device is in an in-use position, and a tilt sensor to prevent power supply to the UV light if the device, or a portion thereof, is tilted beyond a preselected degree. |
| US08112836B2 |
Positioning mechanism of a bed
A positioning mechanism of a bed comprising height adjustable lifters that are mounted between the undercarriage and patient surface frame. The first lifter is arranged so that its axis intersects the longitudinal axis of the frame. The first lifter is connected to frame oscillatingly around the longitudinal axis of the frame and in a sliding way in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the frame. The second and the third lifters are interconnected with an arm, oriented transversally to the longitudinal axis. The arm is oscillatingly connected to the frame and is connected at one end to the second lifter both oscillatingly around an axis, in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the frame and in a sliding way transversally to the frame. The other end the arm is connected to the third lifter, oscillatingly around the axis, in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the frame. |
| US08112832B2 |
Attachment of a sanitary washstand fitting to a washstand
The invention relates to a sanitary washstand fitting, comprising a housing which is detachably secured to a washstand with the aid of a fixing device. The fixing device comprises a base which can be fixed to the washstand, an insertion device enabling the housing to be placed on the base from the top, and a clamping device enabling the housing thus arranged to be clamped against the base. The clamping device comprises a spring ring which is received in a groove of the base and which is radially expandable by means of a threaded pin such that it can also be engaged in a complementary counter groove in the housing. |
| US08112830B2 |
Neck guard for use in a hair-washing sink
A neck guard for a salon/barber industry sink, wherein the sink has an indentation in a lip of the sink to accommodate a person's neck. The neck guard includes a lower layer, a cushioning layer and a cover layer. The lower layer is flexible and incorporates fasteners such as suction cups configured to removably attach the lower layer to the sink. The cushioning layer is bonded to the lower layer and has a surface that is suitable for having the cover layer attached to it by means such as a low-tack, pressure-sensitive adhesive. The neck guard is sufficiently flexible to wrap around and conform to the indentation in the lip of the sink and to enable attachment of the fasteners to the sink, thereby securing the neck guard within the indentation in the lip of the sink. |
| US08112826B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling opening and closing unit by using counter electromotive force of motor
An apparatus for controlling a rotational movement of an opening and closing unit by using a counter electromotive force of a motor includes: a motor driving unit that drives an electric damper by driving a motor to operate the opening and closing unit; a position detecting unit that detects the position of the opening and closing unit operated by the motor driving unit; a power intercepting unit that receives a signal of detecting the position of the opening and closing unit from the position detecting unit, and cuts off power if it determines that the opening and closing unit is at a pre-set position based on the received position detect signal; and a counter electromotive force generating unit that generates a counter electromotive force of the motor when the power intercepting unit cuts off power. |
| US08112824B2 |
Dosing device for a toilet
A dosing device for dosing chemicals (9) into outlet water for flushing a toilet having a toilet bowl. The dosing device comprises a place of dosing, at which outlet water and the chemicals are mixed during a flushing of the toilet. The place of dosing is arranged between an inlet to an overflow pipe (5) and an inlet to the toilet bowl. |
| US08112822B2 |
Toilet stool for odor removal which applies the reserving energy as power source
An odor removal toilet stool using a preserving energy as a power source, capable of removing bad smell air and preventing its back flow in which the cleaning water (supplying water) stored in a water storage tank is supplied at two stages such as an initial standby water level and later full water level, wherein during supplying water to the full water level, air transference method using hydrodynamic operation occurred from a high speed injection with a injection nozzle is used without electric energy. |