| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08113869B2 |
Cable connector assembly with a front shell
A cable connector assembly (100) in accordance with the present invention comprises an insulative housing (1) and a plurality of contacts (2) received therein, a cable (5) connected with the contacts (2), a strain relief portion (50) molded on the cable (5), the strain relief portion (5) having a extruding portion (52) on the front end thereof and a retaining portion (51) behind the extruding portion (52), a plurality of retaining blocks arranged between the extruding portion (52) and the retaining portion (51), a cover (8) enclosing the aforementioned components, the cover (8) comprising an upper cover (81) and a lower cover (82), a back surface of the upper cover (81) and the lower cover (82) defining a arc-shaped cutout, the retaining portion (51) is mounted in the front of the arc-shaped cutout and the retaining block is locked in the arc-shaped cutout. |
| US08113867B2 |
Cable connection guiding method using a terminal block cover with terminal identification devices
A cable connection guiding method includes the steps of extracting conductor identification information being used to identify a conductor from a RFID tag connected to the conductor of a cable, and indicating a terminal indicating device associated with an obtained terminal, according to terminal identification information. |
| US08113865B1 |
Plug connector
A plug connector includes an insulating housing having a base body and a tongue portion protruded forwards from the base body, a propping lid which has a base block mounted to a rear of the base body and two insertion bolts protruded forwards from two opposite ends of a front face of the base block with a locking bump protruded at a front of an outside thereof, and a shielding shell having a casing sleeved to the tongue portion. A pair of fastening cavities is opened at two opposite sides of the base body for receiving the insertion bolts therein. The casing has two opposite side strips each elongated rearwards to form a clamping arm with a rear being provided with a locking hole. The clamping arm is inserted into the fastening cavity and coupled with the insertion bolt via the locking bump buckled in the locking hole. |
| US08113864B2 |
Quick-detachable terminal seat and programmable logic controller having the same
A quick-detachable terminal seat includes a main body and a pull rod. The terminal seat is mounted in a casing of a controller which is provided with two notches and locking slots on its periphery. The pull rod has two hooks engaged with the locking slots. The pull rod is provided with two inclined surfaces at locations corresponding to the notches respectively. When the pull rod is pulled out of the main body with the hooks being disengaged from the locking slots, the two inclined surfaces are moved out of the two notches respectively, so that the terminal seat can move upwardly with respect to the casing. In this way, the terminal seat can be detached there from quickly with less labor, or it can be mounted in the casing easily without additional tools. The present invention further provides a programmable logic controller having the terminal seat. |
| US08113863B2 |
Socket connector having a thermally conductive insert
A socket connector includes a housing having a mating end and a mounting end. The housing has a receptacle at the mating end configured to receive an electronic module therein. The mounting end of the housing is configured to be mounted to a circuit board. Contacts are held by the housing. The contacts have mating ends exposed within the receptacle for mating with the electronic module. The contacts having mounting ends extending from the housing for terminating to the circuit board. A thermally conductive insert is held by the housing and is configured to be in thermal engagement with the circuit board and the insert has a module engagement interface configured to be in thermal engagement with the electronic module such that the insert transfers heat from the electronic module to the circuit board. |
| US08113859B2 |
Lamp socket and display device having the same
A lamp socket constructed to achieve an ultrathin display device and minimize friction sound due to thermal expansion and shrinkage, and a display device having the lamp socket are provided. The lamp socket includes a first body part, a connection terminal that is connected to the first body part and is electrically connected to a lead of a lamp, a second body part that is spaced apart from the first body part, an elastic part that connects the first body part with the second body part and expands or shrinks in a lengthwise direction of the lamp, and a fixing part that extends from the second body part. |
| US08113858B1 |
Cable connector having switching function
A cable connector having switching function comprises a conductive terminal set comprising a fixed and a movable conductive terminals, an upper end of the movable conductive terminal having a slot, an upper end of the fixed conductive terminal being able to be moved relative to the slot; a switch terminal set comprising a fixed and a movable switch terminals, upper ends of the fixed switch terminal and the movable switch terminal forming a detachable connection; a linkage member pivoted in a base, an upper end of the linkage member connecting to a middle portion of the movable conductive terminal, the upper end of the movable switch terminal being placed against a lower end of the linkage member; and a pushing member slidably assembled in the base for pressing down onto the movable conductive terminal. The cable connector can fulfill circuit state determination by disposing the switch terminal set. |
| US08113857B1 |
High frequency connector
An improved high frequency connector including an insulative housing, a shield covering the housing, a first terminal and a second terminal defining a switch and securely contacting with each other in normal position. The housing includes an upper insulating case and a lower insulating case with a central cavity, wherein the contact portion of the first and second terminals are extending inside. The second terminal includes a second fixed portion and a second contact portion that is uniform in width up to the second fixed portion before bending forming. The invention is advantageous in that since the second contact portion of the second terminal is uniform in width up to the end of the second fixed portion before being punched and bent to form a contact area, no abrupt change will incur within that region, and therefore providing consistency of impedance, and thus attaining good signal transmission properties. In addition, by providing, respectively, a convex portion and/or cut-off portion for the first and second terminals to prevent the solder flux that is rising due to surface tension by reflow soldering from reaching the switch area, the invention prevents a disadvantage of poor signal transmission properties due to the increasing contact resistance by flux. |
| US08113850B2 |
Computer
A computer includes an expansion card, a mother board and a connector. The mother board includes an expansion slot thereon. The expansion slot corresponds to the expansion card. The connector connects the expansion card and the expansion slot. |
| US08113849B2 |
Docking system for use with a mobile medication cart
The docking system includes a wall-mounted assembly having an extending contact portion which includes a set of power contacts for supplying power to a medication cart via a docking port located on the medication cart when the cart is engaged with the wall-mounted assembly. The contact portion includes a depending hook member which engages a spring-biased locking solenoid in the docking port to lock the cart to the wall-mounted assembly when the cart is moved into contact with the wall-mounted assembly. The cart can be unlocked by a signal to the locking solenoid from the cart or manually. |
| US08113848B2 |
Online system and method for motivating students to improve their grade point average
A method for motivating students to improve their grade point average using a network system, comprising the steps of inputting into the network system a student's current class schedule; generating wagering odds for the student to achieve first grades for current class schedule; communicating possible wagering odds between the network system and the student resulting in finalized wagering odds; accepting the finalized wagering odds; achieving, by the student, second grades for the current class schedule at the end of a current term; and if the second grades are at least equal to the first grades, rewarding the student in accordance with the accepted wagering odds. |
| US08113846B2 |
Dummy medical instrument for use in a simulator
A dummy instrument for use in a simulator, the instrument comprising a control body (101) with user manipulatable angulation control (105), an insertion tube (102) and an umbilical (103) extending from the control body. In a real instrument corresponding to the one being simulated, at least one angulation cable would extend from the user manipulatable controls to the tip of the insertion tube such that movement of the angulation control changes the angulation of the tip. In the dummy medical instrument the angulation cable extends from the user manipulatable angulation control, and down the umbilical. The umbilical is releasably attached to a main unit (105). A motor (20,21) within the instrument at the distal end of the umbilical to applies a variable force to the cable. A position detector (30,31) within the instrument detects the angular position of the angulation control. |
| US08113845B2 |
Method and system for maintaining injection reminders via stuffed doll
The present invention provides for a system and method for keeping injection reminders via stuffed doll. A stuffed doll is configured to receive a plurality of needles and a plurality of markers on the entirety of its body. The needles' locations on the stuffed doll may represent reminders of injection sites on the patient's body. The needles may represent past, current, or future injection sites, or any combination thereof. The needles may further comprise different distinctive qualities, such as thickness and changeable day of the week indicators or colors, allowing the needles to represent different injection types or times. Each needle may still further include blank labels on which a patient can record details pertinent to the specific injection instance. The markers' locations on the stuffed doll may represent reminders of future injection sites on the patient's body. The markers may further comprise different distinctive qualities and include blank labels as described with the needles above. |
| US08113844B2 |
Method, system, and computer-readable recording medium for synchronous multi-media recording and playback with end user control of time, data, and event visualization for playback control over a network
A system and system are provided for providing synchronous multimedia recording and playback. Aspects the exemplary embodiment include in response to a training session is being conducted, synchronously recording in real-time simulator data from a simulator captured by a simulator capture tool, and video of the training session captured by a plurality of A/V sources; encoding each of the videos captured by the plurality of A/V sources as respective digital media files formatted as streaming media; and transmitting both the simulator data and the video media files from a server to a client over a network, such that when the client receives the simulator data and the stream, the respective videos are synchronously played back with the simulator data on the client. |
| US08113843B2 |
Apparatus for analyzing operations and method for analyzing operations
An operations analysis apparatus for motion includes a prescribed-motion data acquisition unit configured to acquire prescribed-motion data which is measured when an exemplar and an examinee perform a prescribed motion, respectively, and a feature extraction unit configured to extract exemplar features and examinee features, and a transformation matrix calculation unit configured to calculate a transformation matrix between the exemplar features and the examinee features, and a specified-motion data acquisition unit configured to acquire specified-motion data which is measured when the exemplar performs a series of specified motions, and a creation unit configured to, from the acquired set of specified-motion data regarding the exemplar, create a piece of exemplary specified-motion information for the examinee by using the calculated transformation matrix, and a indication unit configured to indicate the piece of exemplary specified-motion information for the examinee. |
| US08113841B2 |
Reading device for blind or visually impaired persons
A reading device for blind or visually impaired persons for recognizing and reading text passages comprises an image capturing unit being configured to capture an image of an environment of a blind or visually impaired person and to output image data corresponding thereto, an image processing unit being configured to process the image data such that text is recognized and extracted from the image data and to output text data corresponding thereto, a text outputting unit being configured to output data corresponding to the text data in a form noticeable or convertable to be noticeable by the blind or visually impaired person, and a housing comprising a first part and a second part, the first part having the image capturing unit attached thereto and the second part accommodating the image processing unit and the text outputting unit. |
| US08113839B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing system, and storage medium
An image and motion corresponding to the image are presented in response to a request issued by an user. The user transmits image data from a terminal to a motion data generating apparatus. The motion data generating apparatus generates motion data from the received image data. The motion data generating apparatus transmits the generated motion data together with the image data, in a mutually related fashion, to an image/motion control apparatus. The motion data generating apparatus also transmits ID data assigned to the image data and the motion data to the terminal. The image/motion control apparatus stores the received data. When the image/motion control apparatus receives ID data input by a user via an image/motion presenting apparatus, the image/motion control apparatus reads image data and motion data corresponding to the received ID data and transmits the image data and the motion data to the image/motion presenting apparatus. The image/motion presenting apparatus presents an image in accordance with the received image data and also presents motion in accordance with the motion data. |
| US08113836B2 |
Dental material and methods of use
A dental filling material comprising a polybutylene polymer having a molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 100,000 and being viscoelastic at about 20° C. The composition may include other polymeric resins, fillers, plasticizers and other additives typically used in dental materials. The filling material is used for the filing of root canals. |
| US08113830B2 |
Curing light instrument
An instrument for curing light-curable compounds that includes at least one light-emitting element operable for emitting light in a band of wavelengths and is capable of curing a light-curable compound. A control circuit controls the operation of the light-emitting element. The control circuit is operable for providing a power signal to the light-emitting element at a steady state power level to drive the element to emit a steady state light output. The control circuit, while continuing with a power signal at the steady state power level, is further operable to provide temporary micro-pulses in the power signal to temporarily provide an increased power level to the light-emitting element above the steady state power level before returning to the steady state power level, to thereby increase the light output of the instrument while controlling heat generated thereby. |
| US08113827B2 |
Aesthetic self-ligating orthodontic bracket
A self-ligating orthodontic bracket for captivating an archwire with a tooth. The bracket includes a bracket body mountable to a tooth and a self-ligating mechanism having an archwire slot and a ligating slide. The ligating slide is movable between an open position in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the archwire is retained in the archwire slot. The bracket body may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a polymer, a filled polymer composite, or a ceramic, and the self-ligating mechanism may be formed from a metal. The bracket may include a resilient engagement member with a detent positioned to engage an aperture or throughhole extending through the ligating slide when the ligating slide is in the closed position. |
| US08113826B2 |
Biased palatal bone expander
A biased palatal bone expander attaches directly to the palatal bone in the roof of the mouth of a patient. The expander has dual, biased, mutually parallel rods. The rods extend from coaxial tubes and have coaxial springs. The expansion of the springs urges the rod outwardly from the center of the expander thus widening the maxillary arch incrementally without a connection upon the teeth. The tubes and rods each attach to two mutually parallel bars perpendicular to the rods. Each bar has two opposite ends with an eyelet upon each end. The eyelets receive screws for securing the expander to a patient. Additionally, the appliance may include a thermoformed shell that a surgeon or orthodontist uses to guide positioning the appliance for installation. |
| US08113823B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a damper in a gas-fired appliance
A damper mechanism for a gas-fired appliance is disclosed. The damper mechanism is mechanically operated in response to changes in pressure within a portion of the appliance. Changes in gas pressure operate to displace a diaphragm, thereby moving a linkage attached to a flue damper, such that the damper can be moved between open and closed positions. An interim damper control activation arm can pivot in response to movement of the linkage to actuate electrical switches, which act to close a magnetic pilot valve when the damper is in a partially-opened or partially-closed position. |
| US08113820B2 |
Method and apparatus for molding and assembling plural-part plastic assemblies
Method and apparatus for molding and assembling a composition part assembly in, for example, a plastic injection-molding machine. Complementary mold portions associated with a mold plate and rotatable turret form plural parts. Assembly apparatus associated with the turret assembles the plural parts into an assembly. A further turret may be provided to add a complementary part to the assembly to make a final assembly. The method includes manufacture of composite part assemblies and final assemblies. |
| US08113819B2 |
Back-up device for use in a melt distribution apparatus of an injection molding system
Disclosed, amongst other things, is a back-up device that is configured to provide a structural support, in use, between a manifold and a housing member within a melt distribution apparatus of an injection molding system. The back-up device is associated, in use, with a valve-gate apparatus within a nozzle drop. The back-up device includes a cold-side member formed from a first material and a hot-side member formed from a second material. The first material is more thermally conductive than the second material. The cold-side member is configured to be thermally connectable, in use, with the housing member and the hot-side member. The hot-side member is configured to be thermally connectable, in use, with the manifold and the cold-side member. The hot-side member is also configured to prevent the cold-side member from directly contacting the manifold. |
| US08113818B2 |
Valve gate system
A valve gate assembly comprises a piston that is actuable between a forward position and a rear position and has a piston stop surface and a forward pressure surface. A cylinder has a cylinder stop surface that is disposed to contact the piston stop surface when the piston is in the forward position. The cylinder stop surface is radially outward of at least a portion of the forward pressure surface and a shutoff pin is substantially aligned with the axis. |
| US08113817B2 |
Molding apparatus
A molding apparatus is configured with article molding regions that receive a direct flow of a molding material feed such that external flow channels are not needed. The article molding regions are formed into front sides of opposed “A” and “B” surface mold tools that, when moved into a mating relationship with one another, form closed molding cavities within which molded articles are generated from molding material feed. The article molding regions each generally have a body bounded by a perimeter that establishes an outer edge for an article molded in the one of the closed molding cavities. With at least the “A” surface mold tool, a port is coupled with the body of each article molding region to establish a direct pathway is through which the molding material feed flows to enter the article molding regions, and thus the closed molding cavity, without having to flow along the tool front sides outside of the article molding regions. A distribution channel extends to each port to deliver the molding material feed and a moveable blocking pin is provided for each port to alternately prevent the molding material feed from flowing through the respective port to reach the closed molding cavity and allow the molding material to flow through the respective port to reach the closed molding cavity. |
| US08113815B2 |
Block mold having moveable liner
A mold assembly for manufacturing dry-cast concrete blocks in an automated dry-cast block machine, the mold assembly a plurality of liner plates forming at least one mold cavity, each liner plate corresponding to a perimeter side of the mold cavity, wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable toward and away from an interior of the mold cavity. A master drive element is routed about at least a portion of the perimeter sides of the mold cavity, including the perimeter side corresponding to the at least one moveable liner plate, and forming a continuous loop, wherein the master drive element is configured to be driven back and forth about the loop to provide a first linear force in a first direction and a second linear force in a second direction opposite the first direction substantially in parallel with each perimeter side along which the master drive element is routed. A secondary drive assembly includes a first drive element coupled to the master drive element and configured to rotate back and forth about a rotational axis which substantially normal to the perimeter side corresponding to the at least one moveable liner plate in response to the first and second linear forces, and a second drive element threadably coupled to the first drive element, wherein the second drive element is configured to move linearly back and forth along the rotational axis in response to rotation of the first drive element and to move the at least one moveable liner plate coupled thereto toward and away from the interior of the mold cavity. |
| US08113813B2 |
Optical shaping apparatus and shaping base
An optical shaping apparatus includes a light transmissive member, a shaping base, and a movement mechanism. The light transmissive member includes a regulation surface to regulate a liquid level of a photo-curable resin, and causes light used for curing the photo-curable resin to pass therethrough. The shaping base includes a support surface, a first end portion, and a second end portion, the support surface being opposed to the regulation surface and supporting a three-dimensionally shaped object that is formed by laminating the photo-curable resins cured by the light in a stepwise manner, the second end portion being on an opposite side of the first end portion. The movement mechanism moves the shaping base in a direction away from the light transmissive member so that the support surface is gradually moved away from the regulation surface from the first end portion side to the second end portion side. |
| US08113812B2 |
Valve pin bushing assembly for an injection molding apparatus
A valve pin bushing assembly for an injection molding apparatus. The assembly includes a bushing body for connection to a manifold, a flexible barrier having a first end that is continuously connected to the bushing body, and a valve pin continuously connected to a second end of the flexible barrier. The valve pin extends through a nozzle in a downstream direction towards a mold gate, wherein the valve pin is movable in an upstream direction and in the downstream direction for opening and closing the mold gate. The flexible barrier seals a channel of molding material from an outside space. |
| US08113811B2 |
Manufacturing nanocomposites
Techniques for preparing PNCs are provided. In one embodiment, a polymer extruding device may include a barrel configured to accommodate a composite material, a shaft rotatably disposed in the barrel, and a motor coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft, thereby moving the composite material. The polymer extruding device may further include a die including one or more injectors configured to inject nano particles into the die to cause shear stress to be exerted to the composite material, thereby forming a layer of the nano particles on a surface of the composite material. |
| US08113803B2 |
Lubricating system for aircraft drive
A lubricating pump having a first stage and a second stage; the first stage in turn has an intake connectable hydraulically to a tank of lubricating fluid, and a delivery outlet connectable hydraulically to a lubricated member; the first stage compresses the lubricating fluid from the tank to a pressure for supply to the member; the second stage in turn has an inlet connectable hydraulically to a casing housing the member, and an outlet connectable hydraulically to the tank; the second stage feeds the lubricating fluid in the casing back into the tank; the second stage is a Roots type, and has a first and a second rotor rotating about respective axes to feed the lubricating fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and the first and second rotor are operated by the first stage. |
| US08113801B2 |
Fan and motor thereof
A fan includes an inner rotor motor, which includes a housing, a rotor assembly and a stator assembly. The rotor assembly includes a rotor, which includes blades and is accommodated in the housing. The stator assembly is disposed in the housing corresponding to the rotor assembly. The stator assembly includes a coil disposed around the rotor. The coil is a flat helix structure formed by a continuous wire, and the flat helix structure forms a cylindrical plane perpendicular to a radius plane of the motor. |
| US08113795B1 |
System with coupling mechanisms
An internal combustion engine has a base. The base has exterior and interior faces. The exterior face has a starter. The starter initiates rotation about a fixed horizontal major axis of rotation. The interior face has a power output shaft. The power output shaft is adapted to be rotated about a fixed horizontal axis of rotation coextensive with the major axis of rotation. The power output shaft has a free end. The free end constitutes a power take off shaft. A driven device has a power input shaft. The power input shaft is mounted for rotation about a fixed horizontal major axis of rotation of rotation coextensive with the horizontal major axis of rotation of the power output shaft. A coupling member couples the power input shaft and power output shaft. |
| US08113789B2 |
System and method of disabling an HVAC compressor based on a high pressure cut out
A system and method is provided for monitoring a system pressure to infer whether a high pressure cut out (HPCO) switch has opened disabling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) compressor. A system and method are also provided for determining whether to disable the HVAC compressor based on a status of a low pressure cut out (LPCO) switch, an ambient temperature, and system mode state. The systems and methods may be used interchangeably with the appropriate adjustments to decision limits, such as where the LPCO may be monitored to infer status and the HPCO status may be directly used with temperature and system mode state. |
| US08113788B2 |
Rotor blade
Disclosed is a surface of the blade having a cylindrical root portion, an airfoil portion and a transition portion connecting the root portion with the airfoil portion, wherein the blade comprises a shoulder at the border between the transition portion to the airfoil portion, wherein the blade comprises an element which is arranged substantially at the root portion and/or at the transition portion which creates a slot between the element and the surface of the blade. |
| US08113787B2 |
Turbomachine blade with erosion and corrosion protective coating and method of manufacturing
A turbomachine blade (1) includes a blade body (2) and a corrosion and erosion protective multilayered coating (11) bonded thereto, the multilayered coating (11) including an erosion resistant first layer (3) at least covering a corrosion and erosion critical area (5) of the blade body (2) and a sacrificial second layer (4) provided over the first layer (3) at least covering the first layer (3), preferably covering the blade totally. A method of manufacturing such a turbomachine blade includes the steps of providing a blade and depositing the erosion resistant first layer on the blade body so as to cover at least the corrosion and erosion critical area, followed by depositing the sacrificial second layer over the first layer at least covering the first layer. |
| US08113784B2 |
Coolable airfoil attachment section
A rotor blade suitable for use in a gas turbine engine includes an attachment section which defines at least one internal cooling passage along a passage axis through the attachment section. |
| US08113781B2 |
Fan, motor and bushing thereof
A fan includes an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to rotate. The motor includes a bushing and a rotating shaft penetrating through the bushing. The bushing includes a tube and at least one base connected with one end of the tube. An inner diameter of the tube is smaller than an inner diameter of the base so that the mechanism design variability is enhanced and the efficiency of the fan and the motor is enhanced by effectively utilizing an inner space of the bushing. |
| US08113779B1 |
Turbine blade with tip rail cooling and sealing
A turbine blade with a stepped tip rail extending along the pressure side and the suction side of the blade tip, the stepped tip rail having tip cooling holes in the stepped portion of the tip rail to provide cooling and sealing for the blade tip. The walls of the airfoil include near wall cooling holes that open into a collector cavity formed on the backside of the tip and direct cooling air onto the backside of the tip to provide impingement cooling. The spent air from the near wall cooling holes is collected in the cavity and then discharged out the tip cooling holes. The tip cooling holes are offset inward from the near wall cooling holes to enhance the backside impingement cooling of the tip. |
| US08113777B2 |
Ultralight airfoils for wind energy conversion
A device is described for generating energy. The device includes at least two ultralight airfoils rotating along their own axis, which functionally reproduce the characteristics of a propeller. The ultralight airfoils which characterize such aerodynamic configuration use pulling members (such as cables or tie-rods) to keep their shape when operating. An important weight reduction of the structure is thus obtained, which allows different applications in the aeolian generation field. |
| US08113776B2 |
Reduced-impedance cooling system with variable pitch blade and hot-swappable spare
A method of operating variable pitch fans in series to cool an operating computer system. The method comprises running a first variable pitch fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through a second variable pitch fan disposed in series with the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the second variable pitch fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. In response to detecting a failure condition of the first fan, the method includes running the second fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the first fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. Preferably, the method includes locking the rotor of a fan that is not running, and locking the blades of the non-running fan in a minimal impedance position. |
| US08113774B2 |
Fan frame and heat dissipation fan incorporating the fan frame
A fan frame (20) includes a bracket (22) and a base (24). The bracket includes a sidewall (225). An air inlet (228) is defined in a top side of the sidewall. An opposite air outlet (229) is defined in a bottom side of the sidewall. A plurality of first locking units (227) are formed on the sidewall. The base includes a main body (240), a plurality of ribs (242) and a plurality of second locking units (245). Each rib has a fixed end (2421) connected with the main body, and an opposite free end (2422). Each second locking unit is formed at the free end of a corresponding rib. The second locking units are detachably interlocked with the first locking units to mount the base to the bracket thereby to form the fan frame. The bracket and base are formed by materials having different strengths. |
| US08113770B2 |
Turbine assembly for an exhaust gas-driven turbocharger having a variable nozzle
A turbocharger with an exhaust gas-driven turbine includes a variable nozzle formed by a stator supporting fixed vanes and defining bypass openings, and a rotor supporting movable vanes and defining bypass channels. Each fixed vane overlaps with a movable vane by a varying extent dependent on rotational position of the rotor. In a fully open position of the rotor, the movable vanes have a maximum extent of overlap with the fixed vanes, and the bypass channels align with the bypass openings so that some of the exhaust gas flows through the aligned bypass openings and channels, bypassing the turbine wheel. |
| US08113767B2 |
Auxiliary power unit inlet duct with acoustic silencing
An inlet duct for an auxiliary power unit comprises an inlet end, and extends to an outlet end. At least one splitter is positioned within the duct and between the inlet and the outlet end to sub-divide an interior of the duct into plural flow paths. |
| US08113766B2 |
Fan and fan frame thereof
A fan includes an impeller and a fan frame. The fan frame has a main body and at least one sound absorber, wherein the main body has a passage for receiving the impeller, a plurality of flanges are disposed on a periphery of the main body, a recess is defined between the two adjacent flanges, an aperture is disposed on a wall of the main body corresponding to the recess so as to allow the recess to communicate with the passage, and the sound absorber is disposed in the recess. Also, a cover is assembled in the main body and covers the sound absorber within the recess. |
| US08113762B2 |
Horizontal pipe storage and handling system
This application relates to a pipe storage and handling system having a stationary frame, a tilting frame moveably coupled to the stationary frame, a pipe rack moveably coupled to the tilting frame and an arm. The pipe rack includes a storage end configured to support a plurality of pipes. The tilting frame includes a loading end and is moveable between a loading position where the loading end is positioned at a higher elevation than the storage end and an unloading position wherein the storage end is positioned at a higher elevation than the loading end. The system includes an arm to engage a single pipe and move the single pipe onto or off of the tilting frame. The pipe rack may move the pipes vertically relative to the tilting frame. The pipe rack may support a cartridge for retaining the pipes. The system may include a pipe erector. |
| US08113753B1 |
Dunnage element
A steel dunnage element includes a countersunk portion defined adjacent to a working face of the element and which has two slots defined therein. The ends of the dunnage element include grooves to define hand holds and are arcuate so as to not harm a tie down cord that contacts the element. The slots are used to secure the dunnage element in a suitable location. Friction material can be located in the countersunk portion to further secure the cargo. |
| US08113749B2 |
Auger bit including a reamer
Embodiments of the invention comprise an auger bit for use with a power drill including an elongated member including a first end and an opposing second end, a helical surface having a central axis, where the helical surface defines at least one flute, a head portion integrally formed with the first end of the elongated member and including a primary cutting edge adapted to engage and remove material from a workpiece and a secondary cutting edge adapted to engage and remove additional material from the workpiece, a threaded tip integrally formed with the head portion and a shank integrally formed with the second end of the elongated member and adapted to engage the drill. |
| US08113744B2 |
Jetting system for foundation underpinning
A jetting system for installing foundation underpinning is disclosed. In some embodiments, the jetting system includes a pile having one or more pile segments, an elongated reinforcing tubular member, and a jetting tube. Each of the one or more pile segments includes a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbores of the one or more pile segments are vertically aligned forming a passage through the pile. The elongated reinforcing tubular is disposed within the passage, and the jetting tube is inserted into the reinforcing tubular. |
| US08113743B2 |
Earth-working apparatus and method for working encrusted earth
An earth-working apparatus (1) having a drive (1′, 1″) located above the ground is described. The earth-working apparatus has at least two earth-working devices (300, 400), a first earth-working device (300) including a rotating cutter and agitator device (30) that penetrates into the ground to be worked, having first tools and a second earth-working device (400) including a comminuting device (40) having second tools. Each earth-working device (300, 400) is individually mountable on the drive. The earth-working devices (300, 400) may be individually mountable on the drive. It is also possible to combine two or more earth-working devices and to mount them together on the drive. A method for working particularly encrusted ground surfaces is also described. |
| US08113737B2 |
Device for compacting road paving materials
The invention relates to a device for compacting road paving materials, comprising a screed board which is fastened on a road finisher and extends at a right angle to the direction of travel of the road finisher and a tamper that is mounted in front and/or behind the screed board. The tamper has a tamper strip that can be driven to perform a striking upward and downward movement and the interior of which is equipped with an electrical heating unit in the form of a rod-shaped heating element that can be clamped into a recess of the tamper strip. The device according to the invention is characterized by a spring accumulator receiving a heating element in the direction of the striking upward and downward movement for clamping the heating element. |
| US08113736B2 |
Pavement resurfacing equipment and method of application of polymer emulsion
One embodiment of the invention relates to a flexible sled that conforms to the contour of the pavement for applying a liquid emulsion onto a pavement surface comprising a rigid frame with flexible squeegee assembly adapted to be towed along a pavement surface. Another embodiment of the invention includes a hopper assembly for distributing aggregate. Another embodiment of the invention includes a sled for repairing ruts in wheel lanes of a road. Another aspect of the invention is a polymer emulsion composition having a high coefficient of friction comprising a mixture of polymer resin blended with a mixture of cement and angular sand aggregate and titanium dioxide to provide a solar reflectance index number that ranges from 0.30 to 0.38 and a friction number in the range of 45 to 55. Another aspect of the invention is a polymer emulsion for sealing open graded bituminous asphalt comprising a mixture of polymer resin blended with a mixture of cement and angular sand aggregate which will provide a friction number in the range of 45 to 55 when the ratio of aggregate to cement is 70/30. |
| US08113733B2 |
System having a high axial stiffness swivel joint
A system includes a support, an actuator and a swivel joint coupling the actuator to the support. The swivel joint includes a first base member, a second base member, and a spider positioned between the first and second base members. The spider includes a center support and first and second bearing support elements. Each bearing support element has an arcuate surfaces adapted to form joints with the first and second base members. In one embodiment, at least one shim element disposed is between at least one of the first and second bearing support elements and the center support. |
| US08113731B2 |
Medical skin applicator apparatus
A medical skin applicator apparatus includes a fluid housing having a fluid chamber for storing a medical agent and an applicator coupled to the housing. The fluid housing has a penetrable wall to permit access to the fluid chamber and release of the medical agent therefrom. The applicator includes an applicator surface for applying the medical agent to a patient. The applicator has a penetrating member adapted to penetrate the penetrable wall of the fluid housing upon achieving a predetermined coupled relation of the fluid housing and the applicator, to thereby permit the medical agent to be dispensed from the fluid chamber and applied to the patient with the applicator surface. |
| US08113729B2 |
Toothpaste droplets
A device, method, and system for delivering toothpaste to a user. In one embodiment of the invention, a droplet for delivering toothpaste to a user can be provided. The droplet can include a dissolvable outer membrane defining a volume with toothpaste inside the volume. The outer membrane can include a tail portion, which is configured to be embedded into the bristles of a toothbrush. The droplet further can include one or more extensions coupled to the outer surface of the outer membrane, the one or more extensions can have a triangular shape, a barb shape or the like. In one aspect of this embodiment, the droplet further can include a logo, a cartoon character, a word or the like printed on the outer membrane. |
| US08113723B2 |
Communications module integrated boot and release slide
One embodiment includes an integrated boot and release slide having a release slide and a boot. The release slide includes a main body, a plurality of arms, and a plurality of coupling structures. The arms extend from a first end of the main body. The coupling structures extend from a second end of the main body opposite the first end. The boot is overmolded over the coupling structures of the release slide and defines a cavity configured to slidably receive a communications cable. |
| US08113722B2 |
Hybrid fiber/copper connector system and method
A hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly which permits repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire connector assembly or the cable is disclosed. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from one gender to a different gender. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows the individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from being hybrid fiber/copper connectors to being only fiber connectors or only copper connectors. |
| US08113720B2 |
Hybrid fiber/copper connector system and method
A hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly which permits repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire connector assembly or the cable is disclosed. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from one gender to a different gender. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows the individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from being hybrid fiber/copper connectors to being only fiber connectors or only copper connectors. |
| US08113717B2 |
Rolling bearing
Surfaces of the raceway grooves of the outer and inner rings, a surface of each ball and all surface of the cage are coated with titanium oxide. In other words, hydrophilic layers made of titanium oxide are formed on the surfaces of the raceway grooves of the outer and inner rings, the surface of each ball and all surface of the cage. |
| US08113716B2 |
Bearing with lubrication oil filter
A bearing (crank bearing 6) is constituted of an upper bearing (61) that is attached to a cylinder block, a lower bearing (67) that is attached to a crank cap, and a bearing filter (71) for filtering engine oil. The bearing filter (71) is fitted in an oil hole (62A) of the upper bearing (61). |
| US08113713B2 |
Fluoroscopy operator protection device
A radiation protection device attaches to the C-arm of a fluoroscope and shields and collimates the X-ray beam between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. One embodiment has a radiation shield of X-ray opaque material that surrounds the C-arm of the fluoroscopy system, the X-ray source and the image intensifier. A padded slot fits around the patient's body. Another embodiment has conical or cylindrical radiation shields that extend between the X-ray source and the patient and between the patient and the image intensifier. The radiation shields have length adjustments and padded ends to fit the device to the patient. The radiation protection device may be motorized to advance and withdraw the radiation shields. A blanket-like radiation shield covers the patient in the area surrounding where the X-ray beam enters the body. |
| US08113711B2 |
Shoulder joint
A shoulder joint is provided. The shoulder joint includes a main support, a fold-out arm, first and second carriages arranged on the main support, and a first coupling that is operable to couple the first and second carriages together. The fold-out arm is attached by a pin to the second carriage, and the first carriage is connected to the fold-out arm in such a way that when the first and second carriages are operable to move towards each other, the fold-out arm is folded out by pivoting around the pin. The first coupling is operable to couple the first and second carriages together when the fold-out arm is folded out, and the first and second carriages are operable to move jointly in at least one direction when coupled together. |
| US08113709B2 |
High-pressure tank
A high-pressure tank is provided capable of simply and inexpensively suppressing gas leaks under low temperature condition. The high-pressure tank 10 comprises a tank main body 11 having the opening part 13, in which high-pressure gas is filled, and the reinforcement member 12 covering the outer surface of the tank main body 11 and reinforcing the tank main body 11. The tank main body 11 is provided with the outer projecting part 15 being uncovered with the reinforcement member 12 at a position different from the opening part 13. This outer projecting part 15 is heated from the outside of the tank main body 11 by the electric heater 30 to heat the tank main body 11, and thereby suppressing degradation of the sealing properties of the seal member 22. |
| US08113707B2 |
Device comprising a clock movement and a chronograph module
A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second. The organs of the base movement and of the chronograph module are arranged in such a way that in assembled state, the height and overall diameter do not exceed 7.75 mm and 30 mm respectively, the dimensions of the chronograph itself being not greater than 4 mm (height) and 30 mm (diameter) when its elements are mounted on a bottom plate, so that the device can advantageously be integrated in the case of a wrist-watch and affords an aesthetic exterior. |
| US08113703B2 |
Dual-layer light guide structure for LED-based lighting device
A device for guiding and mixing light comprising of a light guide, at least a first set of light emitting elements in a first layer and at least a second set of light emitting elements in a second layer. Each of the light emitting elements being arranged to emit light of at least a first predetermined frequency. The second layer extending in a second geometrical plane different from a first geometrical plane of the first layer for producing a uniform light output from the aggregate of the constituting frequencies. |
| US08113701B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A vehicular lamp has an opening portion extending in a left-right direction provided on a side that wraps around toward a rear of a vehicle on an end side of an outer side wall of a mirror housing that supports a side mirror body has a main lamp body. The vehicular lamp has a lamp body and a front lens. The main lamp body is formed into a shape that generally follows the curved opening portion. The front lens is attached to the mirror housing so as to slightly project from or be on generally the same plane as the opening portion. The vehicular lamp has a surface-emitting light guide inner lens provided along the front lens in a curved lamp chamber space. The lamp chamber space is defined by the lamp body and the front lens. The lamp chamber space is elongated in the left-right direction. |
| US08113697B2 |
Passive heat sink and light emitting diode lighting device using the same
A light emitting diode (LED) lighting device is provided. The LED lighting device includes an LED light bar and a passive heat sink. The passive heat sink includes a base and a plurality of heat sink fins. The LED light bar is placed on one side of the base, and the heat sink fins are placed on the other side of the base. The fins are fixed on the base by soldering. |
| US08113695B2 |
Trim component with concealed indicium
A component of an actuatable apparatus has a substrate, a selectively light- transmissive opaque covering, and an illumination source. The opaque covering is applied to an obverse surface or a reverse surface of the substrate to selectively enable and prevent transmission of light therethrough. The illumination source is adjacent the reverse surface for illuminating a selected area of the substrate. The opaque covering is characterized by first and second portions collectively defining a pattern associated with the selected area. The first portion enables transmission of light therethrough, and the second portion prevents or impedes transmission of light therethrough. Actuation of the illumination source directs light through the first portion but not through the second portion to reveal the pattern. The opaque covering renders the pattern invisible when the illumination source is in the non- illuminated state, and visible when the illumination source is in the illuminated state. |
| US08113691B2 |
Color change mechanism
The present invention provides a drive system for an optical light modulation system employing multiple light modulation element pairs. The each pair is driven by a single motor which drives one axis around which one element of the first pair rotates while the other element of the first pair free floats and rotates about a second axis. While the second axis drives the rotation of the first element of the second pair and the first axis provides a rotation pivot for the second element of the second pair. Thus the two pairs share the two axises providing a more compact drive system that can be used more flexibly in an optical train of an automated multiparameter lighting system. |
| US08113689B2 |
Non-lethal projectile for disorienting adversaries
Projectile apparatus is provided employing light and sound that may be dispersed over a large area with high intensity to produce a non-lethal, visible and audible countermeasure to temporarily blind and/or disorient one or multiple potential adversaries. The apparatus is suitable for use in tactical scenarios by military, police, and special operations personnel. The apparatus is also suitable for use in training operations for military, police, and special operations personnel. For amusement or recreation, the apparatus may be used in simulated warfare or in games such as paintball. |
| US08113687B2 |
Modular LED lighting fixture
A modular LED lighting fixture is provided, where the shape and brightness of light output from the fixture can be altered by changing LED modules and/or power supplies powering the modules within the fixture. The fixture can include a housing, a modular, removable LED module attached within the housing, and at least one modular, removable power supply attached to the housing for powering the LED module. |
| US08113686B2 |
Guideway illuminator
A guideway illumination system (100) comprises a first member (16) and a second member (18) each having at least one light source (20) and at least one of the first member (16) and the second member (18) receiving a power source (22). The first member (16) has a closed end (16a) and a connecting end (16b) and the second member has two connecting ends (18a 18b). At least one intermediate member (24) has at least one light source (20) and a male connecting end (24a) and a female connecting end (24b). At least one flexible joining member (26) is also provided, the flexible joining member being capable of bending at least 90° and being joinable to any of the first and second end members and the intermediate members. |
| US08113677B2 |
HeadLyte safety device
The “HeadLyte” Safety Device is intended to be attached or embedded within a helmet worn by a bicyclist, or, worn around the head of a walker or jogger. The “HeadLyte” is comprised of a band that is populated with light emitting devices providing 360 degrees of illumination. The purpose of this illumination is to alert other individuals and/or vehicles as to the presence and direction of travel of the person wearing the “HeadLyte”, The light emitting devices are connected to a power source and a microcontroller that enables them to flash in a variety of patterns. The light emitting devices may also utilize color to indicate direction of color. The increased visibility provided by the light emitting devices, combined with the location of the “HeadLyte” as it is worn at the highest possible point on the walker, jogger or bicyclist will further enhance the visibility of the wearer to others. |
| US08113669B2 |
Leg length adjusting mechanism for a projection type image display unit
A projection type image display unit has a housing on which a light source and an image display part for transmission or reflection of light from the light source are mounted. The unit includes a position adjusting device, by which a displayed position of an image is adjusted. The position adjusting device comprises: a manipulation member being vertically movable with a part thereof projecting from a side of the housing; a leg member projecting from a bottom of the housing and adapted to freely vary an amount of the projection thereof; and a connecting member connecting the manipulation member with the leg member to set the amount of the projection of the leg member by manipulating the manipulation member in a vertical direction. The connecting member comprises a lever member so that a movement direction of the manipulation member becomes the same as a movement direction of the housing and a movement amount of the manipulation member substantially becomes the same as a movement amount of the housing. |
| US08113659B2 |
Visual film identification
A method for identifying film includes locating a visual identifier proximally to perforations on a film length. Preferably, the visual identifier is located between perforations on the film proximal to an edge distal from a soundtrack on the film. |
| US08113657B2 |
Device and method for determining the orientation of an eye
In a device or a method for determining the direction of vision of an eye, a starting point or a final point of a light beam reflected by a part of the eye and detected by a detector system, or of a light beam projected by a projection system onto or into the eye two-dimensionally, describes a pattern of a scanning movement in the eye. The inventive method uses a displacement device that guides the center of the pattern of movement into the pupil or macula center of the eye, and a determination device that uses the pattern of movement of the scanning movement to determine the pupil center or macula center. |
| US08113655B1 |
Training method for accommodative and vergence systems, and multifocal lenses therefor
Accommodative and vergence systems training method and multifocal ophthalmic lenses of Horizontal periodic or quasi-periodic Optical Power Stepless Alternating (HOPSA-lenses) therefor are proposed. Reading the text with HOPSA-lenses worn, while the head is stationary, provides a continuous alternating of accommodation and vergence strain/relaxation and, therefore, provides dynamic training of both systems. The method is applicable for human visual system therapy, eye diseases treatment/prevention and ophthalmology researches. The method enables combining the effective visual trainings with documents reading/processing, visual target examining, watching TV/video, playing computer games, etc., as well as combining the training with conventional vision correction. Several embodiments of HOPSA-lenses are disclosed, such as multi- and mono-cyclic, multi-layer, splitting the basic correction and training functions between lens' sides or layers, having left and right lenses' surfaces individually configured to provide the congruence of optical power for fixation, and/or the convergence invariability for fixation during the training. |
| US08113651B2 |
High performance corneal inlay
A corneal inlay protects ocular structures from harmful wavelengths of light while maintaining acceptable color cosmetics, color perception, overall light transmission, photopic vision, scotopic vision, color vision, and/or cirdadian rhythms. The corneal inlay can also include a pinhole effect to increase depth of focus. In some embodiments, the corneal inlay can also correct refractive errors including, but not limited to, higher order aberration, lower order aberration, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and/or presbyopia. |
| US08113647B2 |
Inkjet printer with a protective print media input tray
An inkjet printer includes a body defining a print media path through which print media can pass. A printhead assembly is arranged within the body and is configured to print upon print media passing along the print media path. A user interface is located on the body. A print media input tray is pivotally mounted with respect to the body, to locate the print media in register with the print media path and which can pivot with respect to the body to form a protective cover for the user interface. A print media feed arrangement is configured to feed the print media from the input tray and through the print media path. |
| US08113646B2 |
Combined inkjet and photochromic reusable paper personal printer
A printing system and method combine conventional print and reusable print media functionality in a shared stand-alone system to allow a user flexibility in deciding whether to print a temporary document or an archival permanent document. The system integrates and shares functionality to reduce manufacturing and operating costs, as well as to reduce the device's footprint. Commonality may include a common printhead shuttling mechanism (traversing carriage) and portions of the mechanism for moving paper. Pre-conditioning and printzone conditioning stations may also be shared to achieve precondition heating and/or erasing of media sheets prior to printing and maintaining of an elevated temperature during printing. In embodiments, separate feed trays are provided for each media sheet type. |
| US08113638B2 |
Fluid coupling
A fluid coupling for establishing a sealed connection between a first conduit and a second conduit. The second conduit has a seal seat and a compression member. The compression member is movable relative to the seal seat. A seal is positioned in the seal seat. An engagement mechanism moves the compression member toward the seal seat to compress the seal to form a sealed fluid connection. The engagement mechanism has an input arm hinged to the compression member at a hinge connection. The input arm has a compression lever fixed at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the input arm. The input arm is arranged to push against the compression member as the input arm rotates about the hinge connection to the compression member. The compression member in turn pushes against the second conduit to move the second conduit relative to the first conduit, until the input arm reaches a predetermined angle about the hinge where the compression lever engages the second conduit such that further rotation of the input arm moves the compression member relative to the second conduit to compress the seal. |
| US08113634B2 |
Recording head and manufacturing method thereof
A recording head includes a stacked body including: a liquid flow path; a plurality of plates stacked on each other; and two communicating holes. Each of the plurality of plates includes: a cross-sectional portion of the liquid flow path; a positioning hole; and a reference hole. Locations of the positioning hole and the reference hole of a plate of the plurality of plates correspond to locations of the reference hole and the positioning hole, respectively, of a plate adjacent to the one plate such that, when the plates are stacked, the positioning holes and the reference holes of adjacent plates alternate to communicate with each other so as to form the two communicating holes, the diameters of the positioning holes of the plurality of plates being successively smaller in order from one side to another side of the stacked body relative to a stack direction of the plurality of plates. |
| US08113631B2 |
Liquid ejecting head
A head for ejecting a liquid from ejection holes, including: a first flow-passage member in which is formed a first liquid-supply passage; a second flow-passage member in which is formed a second liquid-supply passage connected to the first passage and which has outflow ports for dispensing the liquid from the second passage; a third flow-passage member in which are formed (a) at least one common liquid passage each communicating with at least one of the outflow ports and (b) individual liquid passages; and at least one energy giving member, wherein the first member, the second member, and the third member are superposed in this order on each other, and wherein the head further comprises a heater disposed between one surface of the first member that faces the second member and facing surface of the second member as one surface thereof that faces the first member. |
| US08113630B2 |
Method, head, and apparatus for ejecting liquid
A liquid ejecting method includes ejecting a liquid through a liquid ejecting head. Viscosity of the liquid falls within a range from 6 mPa·s to 15 mPa·s. The liquid ejecting head includes a nozzle that ejects the liquid, a pressure compartment that causes a change in the pressure of the liquid to eject the liquid through the nozzle, and a supply unit that communicates with the pressure compartment and supplies the liquid to the pressure compartment. A channel flow resistance of the supply unit ranges from equal to or higher than a channel flow resistance of the pressure compartment to equal to or lower than twice the channel flow resistance of the pressure compartment. A channel length of the pressure compartment ranges from equal to or longer than a channel length of the supply unit to equal to or shorter than twice the channel length of the supply unit. |
| US08113629B2 |
Inkjet printhead integrated circuit incorporating fulcrum assisted ink ejection actuator
An inkjet printhead integrated circuit includes a substrate; a drive circuitry layer positioned on the substrate, the substrate and the drive circuitry layer defining a plurality of ink inlet channels; nozzle chamber walls positioned on the substrate, the nozzle chamber walls supporting roof structures to define nozzle chambers in fluid communication with the ink inlet channels; ink ejection ports defined in the roof structures; ink ejection members positioned in respective nozzle chambers and displaceable with respect to the roof structures to eject ink from the ink ejection ports; fulcrum formations fast with the substrate, each fulcrum formation having an effort formation on one side and a load formation on an opposite side; and thermal actuators outside of and associated with respective nozzle chambers and connected to the drive circuitry layer to move with respect to the substrate on receipt of electrical signals from the drive circuitry layer. Each ink ejection member is fast with a respective load formation. Each effort formation is fast with a respective thermal actuator, whereby reciprocal movement generated by the thermal actuators results in reciprocal movement of the ink ejection members and subsequent ink drop ejection from the ink ejection ports The fulcrum, effort and load formations are composite with a primary layer and a secondary layer. |
| US08113627B2 |
Micro-fluidic actuator for inkjet printers
An inkjet printing device includes an ink reservoir containing ink and having an outlet through which the ink passes for ejection onto a print medium; a micro-fluidic actuator having at least (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 member that forms a portion of a wall of the chamber 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 member 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 member. |
| US08113622B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a nozzle for ejecting liquid and a sealing unit that seals the nozzle. The sealing unit moves between a sealing position for sealing the nozzle in a direction of movement and an off position. A slider guides the sealing unit to the sealing position by moving rectilinearly in one of two opposite directions. The slider guides the sealing unit to the off position by moving in the other of the two directions. A drive mechanism performs first and second movements for moving the slider in the one and the other directions, respectively by a drive force from a motor. A drive force transmitting unit transmits the drive force to the drive mechanism by rotating while engaging the drive mechanism. The drive force transmitting unit rotates in the same direction while transmitting the drive force as the drive mechanism performs the first and second movements. |
| US08113619B2 |
Printhead assembly for maintaining printhead
A printhead assembly comprising a printhead mounted on a substrate, an elastically deformable pad and an ink removal system mounted on the substrate. The pad has a contact surface for sealing engagement with an ink ejection face of the printhead. The pad being linearly moveable between a first position in which the contact surface is sealingly engaged with the face and a second position in which the contact surface is disengaged from the face. In order to provide a cleaning action, the contact surface is configured to progressively contact the face during sealing engagement and peel away from the face during disengagement. |
| US08113618B2 |
Methods and systems using printhead tank memory to determine printhead tank configuration
Methods and systems using printhead tank memory to determine printhead tank configuration are provided in accordance with embodiments of the invention. One example embodiment of the invention may include a printhead ink tank. The printhead ink tank may include a memory tag readable by a printer memory tag reader in communication with a printer controller. The memory tag may further include ink tank configuration instructions that include at least one of an ink tank configuration identifier or at least one ink tank location identifier. The ink tank configuration instructions can cause the printer controller to perform at least one memory operation associated with the memory tag. |
| US08113616B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a liquid ejecting head having a plurality of liquid-ejection openings, a liquid channel, and a plurality of actuators; an inflow liquid temperature sensor which detects a temperature of a liquid to be flowed into the liquid channel from an outside; a driver IC which is disposed so as to be thermally connected to the liquid ejecting head, which includes a signal producing circuit configured to produce an ejection signal, a non-ejection signal, and a vibration signal; and a controller including: a storing section configured to store drive data of the plurality of actuators; a first estimating section configured to estimate a first heat amount; a second estimating section configured to estimate a second heat amount; and a signal-producing-circuit controlling section configured to cause the signal producing circuit to produce the ejection signal, the non-ejection signal, and the vibration signal, wherein the signal-producing-circuit controlling section controls the signal producing circuit such that an increased heat amount exceeds a third heat amount. |
| US08113614B2 |
Recording apparatus and method for controlling recording apparatus
A recording apparatus for discharging ink from a recording head arraying a plurality of nozzles to execute recording of an image includes a drive unit configured to form a group with a defined number of nozzles so as to include an adjacent nozzle in a different block and to execute time-division driving of the block according to a driving order corresponding to a recording mode, and a recording control unit configured to execute scan recording to a recording medium in a first recording mode or a second recording mode. Each pass of scan recording in the second recording mode is executed using nozzles smaller in number than a number of nozzles used to execute each pass of scan recording in the first recording mode. The recording apparatus further includes a driving control unit configured to control the drive unit wherein a drive interval of an adjacent nozzle in the same group corresponding to the first recording mode is larger than a drive interval of an adjacent nozzle in the same group corresponding to the second recording mode. |
| US08113612B2 |
Ink delivery system
An ink delivery system includes a plurality of ink supplies, an air pressure source to generate ink pressure for each ink supply, an ink valve associated with each ink supply, where each ink valve is configured to prevent a reverse flow of ink from a pen to the associated ink supply, and each ink valve has a switch configured to provide an open signal when the ink valve is open, and a controller configured to determine one of a normal ink condition, an out of ink condition or a system pressure problem based on receiving the open signals and to regulate the pressure source according to the determination. |
| US08113610B2 |
Fluid ejection device and mounting position determination method
An output voltage of a paper-width detector is input while a carriage is moved leftward in a main scan direction. Whether a mounting position of a test element member in the main scan direction falls within a generally horizontal design basis range is determined based on the position of the carriage and reference information. The position of the carriage in the main scan direction is determined from a signal of a linear encoder when a right edge of the test element member is detected in response to a substantial change in the output voltage of the paper-width detector. Whether a mounting position of the test element member in a substantially vertical direction falls within a vertical design basis range is determined based on the mounting position of the test element member in the substantially vertical direction determined from the output voltage of the paper-width detector and the reference information. |
| US08113606B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing storage space
An adaptable furniture system includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion; at least one upper article of furniture located in the upper portion of the frame; at least one lower article of furniture located in the lower portion of the frame and underneath the at least one upper article; a moving system attached to the frame and the at least one upper article for moving the at least one upper article vertically within the frame; and a sliding system attached the at least one lower article to the frame for moving the at least one lower article forward and backward. |
| US08113602B2 |
Storage unit
A locker is provided. The locker comprises a base defining a storage space, a door coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position, and a latch bar moveable relative to the door between an extended and a retracted position. The latch bar defines at least one guide slot configured to receive a projection for guiding the movement of the latch bar between the extended position and the retracted position. The at least one guide slot is at least partially non-linear. The latch bar is moved to the extended position to secure the door in the closed position. |
| US08113599B2 |
Cabinet with multi-compartment cabinet body
A cabinet provided with a cabinet body having at least one vertical row of superimposed compartments which are separated by shelves and which can be opened and closed with compartment doors articulated on the cabinet. This invention simplifies and substantially reduces the cost of parts and of mounting the cabinet. Thus, a joint rod extending over a height of the cabinet body is assigned to each vertical row of compartments. The shelves are guided by a shoulder in the hinge zone having the joint rod and are fixed vertically on the joint rod by flange sleeves overlooking the upper and/or lower side of the shelves and their shoulder. The compartment doors which are adjusted to the heights of the compartments bear, on their rear surface, in the hinge zone, housings for the flange sleeves and can be covered with a shroud. The compartment doors can be installed, via the housings, on the flange sleeves oriented towards the compartment shelves and can be pivotally fixed on the flange sleeves by shrouds mounted on the compartment doors. |
| US08113597B2 |
Track joint seal system
A track joint seal system comprises a pin (43) having, at each end, a first track link (41) rotatably coupled to the pin by means of interposition of a bushing (49) and an end element (42) coupled to the end of the pin (43); the end element (42) comprises an annular seat (57) bearing, housed, a seal group (56) cooperating with the bushing (49) to make the sealing of the joint; the bushing (49) is provided at the end with an annular head seat (58), provided to house a bushing insert (53) provided with an abutment surface (48) destined to be in contact with a seal portion (47) of the seal group (56). |
| US08113592B2 |
Automotive construction engine and lifting column for a contruction engine
A road construction machine includes a machine frame, a working drum and a plurality of ground engaging supports. A plurality of lifting columns are connected between the machine frame and the ground engaging supports. Each of the lifting columns include two telescoping hollow cylinders. A plurality of lifting position measuring devices are provided, each measuring device being coupled with elements of one of the lifting columns, which elements are capable of being displaced relative to one another in accordance with the lifting position of the lifting column in such a manner that a path signal pertaining to a lifting position of the lifting column is continuously detectable by the measuring device. A controller is operably connected to the lifting position measuring devices to receive the path signals and to regulate the lifting positions of the lifting columns in response to the path signals. |
| US08113589B2 |
Vehicle seat with a rotatable and essentially displaceable backrest
A vehicle seat includes a seat part and a backrest. The backrest has a first axis of rotation and is rotatable about the first axis through at least 90° from a normal position into a loading position. The backrest has pivoting means and is transferable into an armrest position by the pivoting means. A predominant part of the backrest is mounted higher in the armrest position than in the loading position. |
| US08113588B2 |
Base frame of a motor vehicle seat having two rail pairs, rockers and a seat support
The base frame of the motor vehicle seat comprises two rail pairs, two front rockers, two rear rockers and one seat support. The seat support has two side parts, a front cross member and a rear cross member. Each rail pair is hinged to a side part via a front rocker and a rear rocker. An adjustment device is provided for the height adjustment of the seat support. A rocker is connected to a transverse part. A support part is provided which is connected to the transverse part and comprises a hinge area for an adjustment part of the adjustment device and a contact area on the adjacent cross member. |
| US08113587B1 |
Portable lift chair
A portable lift chair has a lightweight frame with a pair of cross members extending from opposing sides thereof from front to back in a substantially X-shaped configuration, with the cross members pivotally secured to one another and to the front portion of the frame by a pivoting linkage, a seat base, a pivotable bracket connecting the front portion of the seat base to the frame, a weight adjustable pressurized cylinder providing an upward bias to the rear portion of the seat base, a removable back rest, and a guide track with an actuator for moving the weight adjustment bracket from one anchor point to another as desired to achieve a predetermined pressure for the seat. |
| US08113584B2 |
Vehicle safety restraint system
A vehicle safety restraint system comprises a portable base having a mounting assembly and a restraint assembly. The portable base may be a booster seat. The mounting assembly mounts the base the base to the seat of a vehicle and the restraint assembly restrains an occupant of the base. The mounting assembly may wrap around at least a portion of the vehicle seat to mount the booster seat to the vehicle. The restraint assembly may comprise a five-point or a four-point restraint and may include a lateral support assembly. The restraint assembly may further include a torso support assembly. A method of mounting a portable base to a vehicle seat is provided. |
| US08113582B2 |
Chair cushion
A cushion for a chair includes a cushion body (20) having a mediate position provided with a convex waist support portion (21), an upper end provided with an inclined backrest support portion (22) and a lower end provided with a concave resting portion (24). Thus, the backrest support portion and the waist support portion of the cushion body are designed to fit the user's back and waist ergonomically so that the cushion body can support the user's back and waist smoothly and exactly. In addition, the upper buffering space (202) and the lower buffering space (201) of the cushion body provide a buffering effect to allow deformation of the cushion body so as to regulate the user's seating posture and to provide a comfortable sensation to the user. |
| US08113581B2 |
Supportive back overlay for wheelchair back
A supportive back rest for attachment to an original equipment back rest of a wheelchair to enhance the supportive characteristics of the wheelchair back rest. The supportive back rest includes a cushion, a suspension element and a cover. The cushion and one side of the suspension element are positioned in the cover. An opposed side of the suspension element is exposed and defines a space between it and the cushion. The suspension element slips over the upper edge of the original equipment back rest of the wheelchair to suspend the supportive back rest in position behind a seated user. The suspension element can be attached to the cover or can be attached to the cushion by molding or through attachment anchors. |
| US08113580B1 |
Disposable child seat cover
A disposable child seat cover formed of a single sheet of preferably plastic material, which can be dispensed from a continuous web of material forming multiple disposable child seat covers, is provided. The disposable child seat cover has two central expandable leg openings and two opposing longitudinal perforations divided by bisecting perforations. The perforations allow the user to easily create two front ties and two back ties from the longitudinal sides of the single sheet. The ties are utilized to secure the disposable child seat cover to a public child seat, such as a shopping cart seat or high chair. The disposable child seat cover is designed to effectively protect the child from germs and grime, while being sufficiently economical to allow retail establishments to provide complimentary disposable child seat covers to their customers. |
| US08113578B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat comprises a headrest mounted on the seatback frame so as to be movable in a front-and-back direction, a cushion plate mounted on the seatback frame, and a collision detector provided at back side of cushion plate. The headrest is connected to the collision detector by way of a active headrest mechanism. When the collision detector is moved backward, the headrest is moved forward. A space part is formed between an upper edge of the cushion plate and an upper frame of the seatback frame. The space part is enlarged by forming the upper frame by a pipe frame. |
| US08113573B2 |
Seat articulation mechanism
A seat articulation mechanism including a seat pan member that travels along a pathway defined in a seat articulation linkage as the entire mechanism translates between an upright and sleeping configuration through a lounge configuration. The mechanism further includes main and secondary translation linkages, one of which is driven by a single actuator to drive the mechanism between the upright and sleeping configurations. |
| US08113569B2 |
Energy-saving vehicle
An energy-saving vehicle, has a housing including an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, at least a first air inlet, and at least an air outlet, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a steering wheel. The air-flow channel is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion of the housing. The first air inlet is disposed in the front of the vehicle The air outlet is disposed at the back of the vehicle, The first air inlet and the air outlet are connected to the air-flow channel. The front wheels and the rear wheels are driven by a power unit. The length of the air-flow channel is no less than that of the upper portion of the housing. As the vehicle travels at a high velocity, air is led in from the air inlet and sprayed from the back of the vehicle, instantly filling a low pressure region at the back of the vehicle and turning the back of the vehicle into a high pressure region, which saves energy. Moreover, since the length of the air-flow channel is larger than that of the upper portion of the housing, lift resistance is eliminated, and the vehicle travels more stably. |
| US08113566B2 |
Loading space cover
A loading space cover having a dimensionally stable housing and a flexible sheet like screen is rolled up in the housing. Fastening devices are disposed at the longitudinal end sides of the loading space cover. Each fastening device can be held releasably in associated loading-space fasteners of a motor vehicle. The fastening devices are of structurally simple and cost-effective design. Additionally, in the event of a crash, the fastening devices are held reliably in the loading-space fasteners and permit an energy-absorbing twisting of the loading space cover about its longitudinal axis. |
| US08113561B2 |
Mounting structure of door grip
Mounting structure of a door grip in a door for the vehicle includes a inner panel composing a door body. The mounting structure of a door grip further includes a door trim arranged so as to oppose to the inner side of the inner panel. The door grip is fixed to the inner panel via the door trim and having a pair of connecting parts to be connected to the door trim. Further included are fixing members for fixing the door trim to the inner panel. The fixing members are arranged in both sides of the connecting parts regarding an axis line passing through both the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The fixing members are respectively provided in both sides of the first connecting part while the fixing members are respectively provided in both sides of the second connecting part. |
| US08113558B2 |
Carryable bag for large objects
A device for moving, carrying and storing large objects includes a bag comprising a sheet of plastic film material. The bag is sized to receive the object and has an opening for placing the object into the bag. The bag has an extension on at least one side the bag with at least one handle formed as an opening in the extension. The extension includes more than two layers of the plastic film material, which can be in the form of a gusset. The bag includes a seal for bonding the more than two layers of the film material together along at least a portion of the length of the side having the extension thereon. |
| US08113553B2 |
Divided spindle
This invention relates to lock spindles divided into two parts and interconnected by a connecting pin. The invention particularly relates to solenoid locks. The invention eliminates the effect of an external force applied to a divided spindle on the opposite-side spindle and other parts of the lock. The divided spindle comprises a connecting pin that is round in cross-section, a first spindle and a second spindle. The connecting pin can be connected to the spindle parts so that the spindle parts rotate in relation to the connecting pin. |
| US08113550B2 |
Connection with tail piece for a press-fitting
An adapter integrates a tail piece and connection for coupling to plumbing fittings utilizing a union nut or flange and provides a press-fit connection to the tail piece for installation in the system. The method of manufacturing the adapter comprises the steps of forming a flange on a section of conduit; placing a threaded union nut or mounting flange over the flange fitting; roll-forming an internal, concave annular recess into the section of conduit extending from the nut and inserting an O-ring into the recess for completing the adapter. The adapter can then be sealably attached to a plumbing fitting, such as a valve or the like, utilizing a conventional flat gasket between the flange of the adapter and the plumbing fitting. The installation is completed by inserting a conduit into the adapter to clear the O-ring and crimping the bead formed by the recess to complete the sealed connection. |
| US08113549B2 |
Coupling part for a fluid line coupling
A coupling part (1) for a fluid line coupling is provided with a locking element for locking in place a plug-in part that is to be introduced into the coupling (1), and with a checking element (8) to verify proper locking of the plug-in part. The checking element (8) is equipped with axially flexible spring arms (11, 12), which comprise an engagement structure (14, 15) devised to engage with a latching structure (15), and which, in a first checking position, block the checking element (8) from shifting into a second checking position if the plug-in part is not properly locked. After the second checking position has been assumed, as a result of the actuation by the plug-in part of an actuating structure formed on each spring arm (11, 12), the checking element (8) is out of engagement with the plug-in part, and it is therefore possible to remove the plug-in part from the coupling part in the second checking position of the checking part (8), as well, by actuating the locking element (5). |
| US08113545B2 |
Rotary joint
A rotary joint having a stationary section (60) having a fluid path (6) in which sealed fluid flows; a sleeve (30) having in it a second connection fluid path (6C) in which the fluid from the fluid path flows, rotatable relative to the stationary section, and made of a rustless material; a rotary seal ring (2) having a first connection fluid path (6B) that has an inner peripheral surface fitting on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve so as to be connectable to the second connection fluid path, having a first seal surface (2A) on one side face of the rotary seal ring (2), and having a second seal surface (2B) on the other side face of the rotary seal ring (2); a first stationary seal ring (10) having a first relative seal surface (10S) in intimate contact with the first seal surface; and a second stationary seal ring (11) having a second relative seal surface (11S) in intimate contact with the second seal surface and enabling the fluid path and the first connection fluid path to be connection to a space between the first stationary seal ring (10) and the second stationary seal ring (11). |
| US08113544B2 |
Rotating fluid union
A fluid union includes a rotatable member with an axis to rotate about, a non-rotatable member, and an actuating member disposed between the rotatable member and the non-rotatable member. The actuating member is moveable along the axis between an engaged position and a non-engaged position and the actuating member is biased towards the non-rotatable member. |
| US08113536B2 |
Method of folding an inflatable cushion and airbag module having a folded inflatable cushion
A method of folding an inflatable cushion into a housing of an airbag module is provided, the method including: arranging the inflatable cushion in an un-inflated position to define a first pleat and a second pleat each extending from a first end of the inflatable cushion to a second end of the inflatable cushion, the second end being opposite the first end, the inflatable cushion also having a first flap portion extending from the first pleat and a second flap portion extending from the second pleat, the second flap portion being opposite the first flap portion; rolling the first end and the second end of the inflatable cushion towards each other and underneath a top surface of the inflatable cushion, wherein a first pocket is formed by the first pleat below the top surface and a second pocket below the top surface is formed by the second pleat; and folding the first flap into the first pocket and folding the second flap into the second pocket. |
| US08113533B2 |
Snowboard and assembly for the practice of snowboarding
A board for gliding on snow includes a bottom at least partly defined by a base, a top and sides which connect the bottom and top to each other. Part of the top and the sides are part of a visible surface of the board in use. The board also includes a first part of means for reversibly mounting at least one removable decorative mask on said visible surface. |
| US08113532B2 |
Trailer locking system and apparatus
The present invention is directed towards, in one embodiment, a process, apparatus or assembly to prevent the theft of or movement of a towable trailer while the trailer is un-hitched from its corresponding original tow vehicle. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a support strip coupled to a support housing. Preferably, at least one off-the-shelf locking means is integrated with the support housing which is adapted to securely couple to or otherwise engage a trailer having an integrated locking dome. |
| US08113529B2 |
Bicycle component
A bicycle component with a wheel mount at which a wheel with a hub can be received, with the wheel mount including two tube components provided with a mounting device at each of its end portions. At the mounting device of at least one tube component a bushing device is arranged to be exchangeable and to be suitable and intended to receive and support a hub. |
| US08113525B2 |
Folding device for scooters
A scooter has a folding device provided to selectively pivotally connect to a T-shaped handle bar and a platform. The folding device for scooters comprises a pair of side plates respectively secured to a lower portion of a T-shaped handle bar, a seat secured between the pair of side plates and an engaging unit mounted onto an underside of the platform. The engaging unit is selectively engaged to the seat to fix the relative connection between the handle bar and the platform. |
| US08113524B2 |
Hubless personal vehicle
A personal vehicle for carrying a passenger, the vehicle comprising: a center frame; two wheel assemblies, wherein at least one wheel assembly is hubless; a foot support in a center portion of at least one wheel assembly; and at least one pivot means between at least one wheel assembly and the center frame. |
| US08113518B2 |
Multi-dimensional puzzle
A multi-dimensional puzzle is formed from a first jigsaw puzzle made from a first set of inter-fitting puzzle pieces and a second jigsaw puzzle made from a second set of inter-fitting puzzle pieces. The second jigsaw puzzle is mounted above the first jigsaw puzzle through the use of platforms positioned on mounting blocks, thus creating a spaced relationship between the first jigsaw puzzle and the second jigsaw puzzle and giving the multi-dimensional puzzle a three-dimensional look. |
| US08113516B2 |
Casino style game of chance apparatus
A casino style game apparatus preferably having a table layout for playing a roulette or roulette-like game without a roulette wheel. The preferred embodiment uses a ball blower to select a numbered ball from a set of thirty-eight numbered balls. A monitor displays the selected ball as viewed from a video camera mounted above the ball blower. The number displayed constitutes the random number decision generation replacing the use of a roulette wheel. An additional embodiment uses a random number generator to select a number from one to thirty-eight for random number decision generation. Another embodiment uses a shuffled thirty-eight card deck from which a numbered card is selected constituting the random number decision generation. An additional embodiment uses a remote control activated by a player to initiate the random number generator for selection of a number from one to thirty-eight to constitute the random number decision generation. |
| US08113514B2 |
Sheet decurling device and image forming apparatus
A moving unit includes first and second transportation paths that can selectively link to main transportation path of a recording sheet, a first roller arranged between the first and the second transportation paths, second and third rollers capable of making contact with the first roller across the first and the second transportation paths, respectively. When the moving unit moves to a position at which the first transportation path or the second transportation path is linked to the main transportation path, a mechanism varies a pressing force of the second roller or the third roller with respect to the first roller. |
| US08113513B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus with cross-directionally moving device
A sheet processing apparatus including a cross-directionally moving device for moving a sheet in a direction crossing a sheet discharging direction, and a cross-side restricting member for receiving one side edge of the sheet moved in the crossing direction by the cross-directionally moving device, and restricting the movement of the sheet, wherein the cross-directionally moving device moves the next sheet from a position between the other side edge of the sheet received by the cross-side restricting member and the cross-side restricting member to the cross-side restricting member. |
| US08113505B2 |
Image forming apparatus and paper feeding device thereof
Disclosed herein are a paper feeding device and an image forming apparatus capable a convenient removal a paper jammed between a pickup unit and a multi-sheet feeding prevention unit. The multi-sheet feeding prevention unit may be moveable in cooperation with a detachable paper cassette such that the multi-sheet feeding prevention member supported on the moveable multi-sheet feeding prevention unit moves toward and away from the pickup unit so that the pressing force between the pickup unit and the multi-sheet feeding prevention unit may be released to allow the jammed paper to be removed. |
| US08113503B2 |
Automatic warp compensation
The present disclosure includes an apparatus for feeding a stack of sheet stock in blocks. The apparatus includes a backstop, a block pusher plate, and at least one sensor for determining a height differential between the stack at generally near a lead edge of the stack and the stack at generally near a trail edge of the stack. The apparatus automatically adjusts for warp in the sheet stock. The present disclosure further includes a method comprising obtaining a first measurement at generally near a lead edge side of the stack, obtaining a second measurement at generally near a trail edge side of the stack, comparing the first and second measurements, and pushing the portion of sheet stock from the stack with a block pusher plate when the second measurement is within a predetermined tolerance of the first measurement. |
| US08113502B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding device includes: an arm member that is provided with a drive shaft at a base end thereof, the arm member being configured to swingably rotate around the drive shaft; a feed roller that is disposed at a leading end of the arm member, the feed roller feeding a sheet by being rotated while pressed on the uppermost sheet; and a transmission mechanism that is provided with one or more transmission rollers that transmit power provided from the drive shaft to the feed roller. Each of the transmission rollers is provided with a spindle that protrudes from both side faces thereof along an rotational axis. The arm member is provided with one or more pairs of bearing members for the respective transmission rollers, each of the pairs of the bearing members being faced with each other and being monolithically formed on the arm member. |
| US08113500B2 |
Duplex automatic document feeder and duplex document scanning method using the same
A duplex automatic document feeder includes first, second, third, and fourth paths, an ejecting path, a scanning module, first and second reversing roller units, a feeding tray, and an ejecting tray. A document is moved from the feeding tray to the scanning module for scanning of a first side surface thereof. Subsequently, the document is moved along a second-side scanning path defined by the first reversing roller unit, the third path, a portion of the first path, the fourth path, and the first reversing roller unit to allow for scanning of a second side surface thereof. After the first and second side surfaces are scanned, the document is moved along a document-inverting path defined by the second reversing roller unit, a portion of the fourth path, the ejecting path, a portion of the second path, the first reversing roller unit, and the ejecting tray. |
| US08113499B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same
When a sheet bundle is being conveyed by any one pair of plural pairs of rollers independently movable toward and away from the bundle sheet, before the bound portion of the sheet bundle passes the pair of rollers, the pair of rollers on the downstream side nearest to the bound portion are separated from the sheet bundle, and the pairs of rollers more downstream than that pair convey the sheet bundle. Thereby, it happens less often that the pairs of rollers gather the air collected between adjacent ones of the sheets of the sheet bundle to the bound portion to thereby cause a slack to the sheets, and the occurrence of wrinkles or twists in the sheet bundle can be reduced. Also, the pair of rollers are separated from the sheet bundle before the bound portion passes the pair of rollers, whereby it happens less often that the pair of rollers are damaged by the bound portion, and the sheet bundle can be conveyed smoothly. |
| US08113497B2 |
Clamping fixture with adjustable assemblies
The present invention includes a fixture for securing a work piece to a support surface at a machining workstation comprising a base attachable to the support surface and having at least one undercut edge, and, a work piece holder engaging the at least one undercut edge of the base, spaced apart from the support surface, and having moveable work piece attaching jaws. |
| US08113493B2 |
Resilient device
A resilient device includes a fixing member defining two sliding holes, two slide members slidably mounted to opposite sides of the fixing member, and a number of elastic members. Each slide member includes a protrusion engagable in a corresponding sliding hole. The fixing member includes at least one receiving portion for receiving the elastic members, and the elastic members are disposed between the slide members and separated by the slide members. Therefore, each elastic member is positioned to resist against the slide members for biasing the slide members. |
| US08113491B2 |
Gas-liquid contactor apparatus and nozzle plate
The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets with reduced linear stability. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a stability unit used with nozzles of a gas liquid contactor and/or an enhancer for stable jet formation, and more particularly to reducing the stability of liquid jets formed from nozzles of the gas liquid contactor. Another aspect of the invention relates to operating the apparatus at a condition that reduces the stability of liquid jets, e.g., a droplet generator apparatus. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to operation of the apparatus with an aqueous slurry. Still another aspect of the invention is directed towards to an apparatus for substantially separating at least two fluids. |
| US08113487B2 |
Vacuum processing apparatus
A grease supply mechanism is provided inside a vacuum transfer chamber. The grease supply mechanism includes: a grease storage part in a bottomed cylindrical shape storing grease therein; and a movable cover covering an opening of the grease storage part and sliding while being in contact with an inner wall of the grease storage part. When the cover is pressed and moved, the grease is supplied into a grease inlet via a grease supply port. |
| US08113481B1 |
Device for carrying animal waste bags
A method and device for carrying animal waste bags made from a unitary body comprising a hook for transporting the device and apertures to seal and hold the bags. The bags are inserted into an aperture and drawn through a compression slot which temporarily seals the bags. The device can then be attached to a variety of objects utilizing the integrated hook for hands free transportation of the waste bags. |
| US08113480B2 |
Frame support for wind turbine
A support for a wind turbine having rear frame extending from a bedplate, where the support includes at least one tension member extending between the rear frame and the bedplate. |
| US08113478B2 |
Stack board and server assembly using same
An exemplary stack board includes a base, a supporting platform and pivots connected between the base and the supporting platform. The base defines four guide channels therein. Each guide channel includes an oblique guide groove. The supporting platform is mounted on the base and capable of supporting a server system thereon. The pivots are received in the guide channels, respectively, and moveable along the oblique guide grooves such that the supporting platform is movable relative to the base from a first position substantially coinciding with the base to a second position protruding from one side of the base, with the supporting platform tiltable to an oblique orientation at the second position. |
| US08113476B2 |
Hinged picture hanger
A hanger for suspending an object from a supporting surface. An exemplary hanger may include a base mountable to a supporting surface, the base including a hook portion providing an upwardly opening gap, and a receiver pivotably mounted adjacent to a distal edge of the hook portion, the receiver being pivotable between an open position in which the receiver and the gap provide an aperture wider than the gap for receiving a supporting device connected to an object and a closed position in which the receiver substantially overlaps the gap. Some exemplary embodiments may include a magnet mounted to the receiver. |
| US08113472B2 |
Mounting system and method thereof
A mounting system for temporarily holding a device proximate to a panel while an individual works on the device, before the device is mounted to the panel, is provided. The mounting system can include a generally L-shaped bracket that has a catch tab extending from a distal end of the bracket. A panel is also included, the panel having a key hole with a catch slot. The catch tab can be passed through the key hole and engage the catch slot, thereby providing a temporary mount for a device attached to the generally L-shaped bracket. |
| US08113471B2 |
Decoder for a stationary switch machine
A method for controlling a model railroad stationary switch machine comprising sensing whether a train occupies a main track section near a track switch that connects between said main track section and at least two diverging track sections. An automatic switch control function for the track switch is inhibited in response to sensing that a train occupies the main track section near the track switch when a train is determined to be approaching the track switch on at least one of the diverging track sections. In addition, a method is provided for controlling a model railroad track switch comprising changing a position of the track switch, and automatically returning the track switch to a home position after expiration of a time interval following the changing of the track switch position. |
| US08113468B2 |
Precision attitude control system for gimbaled thruster
A system for providing attitude control with respect to a spacecraft is provided. The system includes a reaction wheel control module configured to control a number of reaction wheel assemblies associated with the spacecraft in order to control attitude, and a maneuver control module configured to use a number of gimbaled Hall Current thrusters (HCTs) to control the total momentum associated with the spacecraft. The total momentum includes the momentum associated with the reaction wheel assemblies and the angular momentum of the spacecraft. Using the gimbaled HCTs to control the momentum associated with the reaction wheel assemblies results in minimal HCT gimbal stepping. |
| US08113467B2 |
Overpressure protection for an aircraft fuel tank system
An aircraft venting tank (for example a surge tank) has a stack pipe unit. The stack pipe unit comprises first and second portions and houses a frangible overpressure protector element (for example a frangible disc). The stack pipe unit may be arranged to have a fitted configuration in which the first portion of the stack pipe unit is attached to a part of the venting tank structure, the first portion is coupled to the second portion, and the second portion is coupled to another part of the venting tank structure. The first portion may be held in a relationship with the second portion so as to form a seal between the frangible element, and the first and second portions. In a frangible element-replacement configuration the second portion may be coupled to the venting tank structure, such that the frangible overpressure protector element can be replaced without removal of the second portion from the venting tank structure. The venting tank may include a frangible element holder for holding a spare frangible element for use in an overpressure protector unit. |
| US08113466B2 |
System and method for drag reduction
A system and method for drag reduction allows thrust output, fuel efficiency or both to be maximized. Specifically, a rear portion of a body or motor vehicle may be modified to increase thrust output, fuel efficiency or both by creating a stagnation area, a suction inlet and a convex cusp area formed on the rear portion of the motor vehicle. Increasing the concavity or camber or sharpness of the radius of the stagnation area results in greater local pressure coefficient, which results in greater thrust output. The size and shape of the suction inlet and the convex cusp area will also have an effect on thrust output and fuel efficiency. A width and volume of an airplane fuselage may be increased. |
| US08113463B2 |
Blimp
An airship includes an airbag, a control cabin disposed on a lower portion of the airbag, a propel device mounted to a rear portion of the control cabin and a power control system disposed in the control cabin. The propel device includes a propeller for providing moving power to the airship and multiple compressors each having a spray nozzle connected thereto for providing air stream to change the moving direction of the airship. The power control system includes multiple solar energy boards secured on and outer periphery of the airship for transferring the solar energy into direct current that is used as an energy source of the airship. |
| US08113462B2 |
Low-drag swept wings
The invention relates to an aircraft, and a method for operating an aircraft, the aircraft having a longitudinally unstable configuration and swept wings, the swept wings being based on aerofoils having a leading edge and configured for preventing attachment line transition in conditions of laminar flow over the swept wing for at least a predetermined first range of lift coefficients at a second range of Reynolds numbers. The invention also relates to an aerofoil, and to a method for providing an aerofoil, the airfoil being configured for a thick-sectioned subsonic/transonic swept wing, having a curved leading edge, a trailing edge, a thickness dimension and a chord dimension, wherein the leading edge comprises a leading edge curvature associated with a leading edge radius that is configured for preventing attachment line transition in conditions of laminar flow over the swept wing. |
| US08113459B2 |
High-security aircraft
An aircraft comprising an elongated framework provided with propelling means and direction-control planes. The framework is coupled to a pneumatic chamber suited to be filled with lighter-than-air gas and comprising two tubular branches joined to form a V-shaped profile, with an aerodinamic-lift surface extending therebetween. |
| US08113457B2 |
Filament winding apparatus
A filament winding apparatus reduces fluctuations in a winding operation by bringing a plurality of guide portions that guide fiber bundles to a liner close to the liner in a winding unit. Each of the guide portions is a tubular member having a guide hole penetrated from a base end to a leading end portion. The leading end portion has a smaller thickness width. Each of the guide portions guides a second fiber bundle to the liner by passing the second fiber bundle from a side of the base end portion to a side of the leading end portion of the guide hole. By rotating each of the guide portions about an axis of the guide portion, and by sliding the guide portions in the radius direction of the liner, the guide portions can be brought close to the liner. |
| US08113452B2 |
Roller mill
A roller mill for grinding particulate material such as cement raw materials, cement clinker and the like includes a grinding table and a set of rollers rotatable about a vertical shaft. The set of rollers include a number of rollers rotating about separate roller shafts, which are connected to the vertical shaft. A nozzle ring for directing gases into the roller mill is also included. The nozzle ring encloses the grinding table. Means for regulating the gas flow through the nozzle ring is also provided. At least some of the regulation means are arranged to rotate together with the rollers. Preferably, the position of at least some of the regulation means for regulating gas flow through the nozzle ring relative to the rollers may remain the same so that the gases introduced into the mill via the nozzle ring may exhibit the same flow pattern in relation to the rollers. |
| US08113451B2 |
Shredder thickness with anti-jitter feature
A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, and a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. The shredder also includes a detector that is configured to detect a thickness of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller that is configured to operate the motor to drive the cutter elements to shred the at least one article and to set a flutter threshold higher than the predetermined maximum thickness threshold, if the detected thickness is less than a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The controller is also configured to thereafter continuously detect the thickness of the at least one article being inserted into a throat of the shredder; and to perform a predetermined operation responsive to the thickness detector detecting that the thickness of the at least one article is greater than the flutter threshold. |
| US08113449B2 |
Shredder with rotatable device for moving shredded materials adjacent the outlet
Disclosed herein is a shredder having a rotatable device located adjacent an output opening of the shredder housing. The rotatable device includes a shaft configured to rotate about an axis parallel to an axis of the cutting assembly so as to allow for rotation of the device. The rotatable device has a plurality of fingers extending at least partially radially with respect to an axis of the shaft. The rotatable device is able to rotate about the shaft axis in either direction, so as to disperse any accumulation of shredded materials in the waste bin, as well as remove shredded materials caught in or near the cutting assembly within and adjacent the output opening. |
| US08113447B1 |
Corn milling process
A corn milling process comprising fracturing corn kernels into relatively large particles, and passing the fractured particles between a pair of counter-rotating rollers, each of which presents fine corrugations of the type that normally characterizes the end of a differential corn milling process. The ratio of the roll speeds between the differential rollers is between approximately 1.1-1.4:1. The rollers are spaced apart a distance to grind the endosperm portion of the corn kernel particles while avoiding substantial penetration of the roller corrugations into the germ portion of the particles thereby separating the germ and endosperm portions without reducing the size of the germ. |
| US08113426B2 |
Check processing module for a self-service check depositing terminal
A check processing module (CPM) is provided for a self-service check depositing terminal. The CPM comprises a substantially U-shaped plastic guide including (i) first and second leg portions forming the substantially U-shape, (ii) a surface which forms an opening in the first leg portion, and (ii) a releasing member which is disposed on the second leg portion. The CPM further comprises a shaft assembly including (i) a plastic shaft having opposite end portions and a central portion between the opposite end portions, (ii) a number of drive rollers disposed on the central portion, (iii) a first plastic race bearing attached to one end portion of the plastic shaft and disposed in the opening of the plastic guide, and (iv) a second plastic race bearing attached to the other end portion of the plastic shaft and secured by the releasing member to the plastic guide. The releasing member is operable to secure the shaft assembly to the plastic guide during operation of the CPM, and is operable to release the shaft assembly from the plastic guide during disassembly of parts of the CPM. |
| US08113424B2 |
System and method for tracking medical products in a two bin per medical product replenishment system
The present relates to a system and method for tracking medical products in a two bin per medical product replenishment system. The system and method comprising storing medical product information including lot number and date of receipt, and recording replenishment requests and generated date. The system and method further correlate the date of receipt of the medical product having the particular medical product information with the generated date of recorded replenishment requests to identify probable corresponding replenishment requests. Also, the system and method correlate identified probable corresponding replenishment requests with location information of corresponding RFID tags to determine corresponding probable locations. |
| US08113423B2 |
Store for spare parts and method for allocating kits of spare parts
Said store for spare parts comprises a plurality of compartments which each contain a kit of spare parts and a plurality of kits are each composed of different types of spare parts.Application to the automotive industry. |
| US08113420B2 |
Check receiving device and method of automatic teller machine
A check receiving device of an automatic teller machine having a receiving unit and a storage unit to accumulate the check unit includes a first transfer unit having inspection devices installed along a transferring; a second transfer unit communicated with an end of the first transfer unit along the transferring path such that the check transferred from the first transfer unit stands by; a third transfer unit communicated with an end of the second transfer unit along the transferring path and receiving the check; a fourth transfer unit communicated with a communicating position between the second transfer unit and the third transfer unit; and a gate installed at a communicating position of the second transfer unit, the third transfer unit, and the fourth transfer unit. The gate changes a transferring direction of the check positioned in the third transfer unit to the fourth transfer unit. |
| US08113417B2 |
Easy open envelope
The easy open envelope comprising a front panel and a back panel hingedly connected to one edge of the front panel; a sealing flap connected to the opposite edge of the front panel at a fold line and having on an outer side of the sealing flap in one corner section thereof a legend or indicia indicating where to pull on the corner section of the sealing flap to open the envelope; and a strip of adhesive sealing material extending longitudinally across the envelope on one of the sealing flap or back panel of the envelope in the area where the sealing flap overlies the back panel, but not in the area of the corner section, whereby, once the sealing flap is sealed by the strip of adhesive material to the back panel, the sealed envelope easily can be opened by pulling on an edge of the corner section of the sealing flap having the legend to create an opening in the sealed envelope where a finger or tool can be inserted to open the envelope along the fold line. Preferably, a transverse line of perforations is provided in the sealing flap between the corner section and the remainder of the sealing flap having the strip of adhesive material there-beneath for adhering the sealing flap to the back panel. |
| US08113413B2 |
Protective metal-clad structures
In various embodiments, a metallic structure includes first and second clad structures each comprising a protective layer disposed over a steel layer, a joint joining the steel layers of first and second clad structures, and, directly connecting the protective layers of the first and second clad structures, a layer of metal powder disposed in contact with (i) the joint, (ii) the protective layers of the first and second clad structures, and (iii) a portion of at least one of the steel layers proximate the joint. |
| US08113411B2 |
Universal radio frequency shield removal
Apparatus and methods for removing components soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB). Embodiments presented generally include a contact plate having a component specific platform offset from the contact plate body. The offset platform may be substantially identical in size and shape as the component to be removed. Accordingly, contact between a heated platform and component may allow for conductive heating to occur based on contact with the component. Thus, forced air or convective heating of the component does not occur such that solder joint defects in adjacent components may be prevented. A vacuum retention port may be provided at an interface of the platform and component when in contact. The vacuum retention port may allow the freed component to be removed from the PCB using vacuum to hold the freed component to the platform. Also, apparatus for automation of a process according to the forgoing are presented. |
| US08113409B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus with clamping assembly
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly. An end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongate portion includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, wherein at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other to move the end effector between an open configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are substantially spaced and a closed configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are closer together. The end effector also includes a clamping assembly including a first clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the anvil assembly, and a second clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the cartridge assembly such that, when deployed, the first and second clamping surfaces oppose one another when the cartridge assembly is in the closed position. |
| US08113408B2 |
Surgical stapling device
A surgical stapling device for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. The surgical stapling device is adapted to receive disposable loading units having staples in linear rows whose length can be between about 30 mm and 60 mm. The disposable loading unit includes a proximal body portion, a mounting assembly and a tool assembly. The mounting assembly is secured to the proximal end of the tool assembly and pivotally mounted about a pivot axis to the distal end of the proximal body portion. A support member or blow-out plate assembly is positioned on opposite sides of the pivot avis and extends between the proximal body portion and the mounting assembly. An axial drive assembly is slidably positioned between the support members and is translatable through the cartridge assembly to eject staples from the cartridge assembly. The support members prevent outward buckling of the axial drive assembly during actuation of the device especially when the tool assembly is articulated. Preferably, a protrusion is provided in the proximal body portion of the disposable loading unit at a position to frictionally engage an articulation link. Engagement between the protrusion and the articulation link retains the articulation link at a fixed position within the proximal body portion to maintain the tool assembly in a desired orientation until a predetermined axial force is applied to the articulation link. The disposable loading unit also preferably includes a locking member which is operably connected to the axial drive assembly. The locking member provides an audible and/or tactile indication that the device has been actuated. |
| US08113407B2 |
Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staples 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. |
| US08113404B2 |
High-start spring energized stapler
A spring energized stapler includes a “high start” design wherein a striker has a rest position above the staple track. A handle is pressed to energize a power spring while the striker remains stationary. At a predetermined position of the handle, the striker is released to eject a staple. A subassembly of a cage and the power spring provides a preload to the power spring in the rest position. The subassembly is separately movable from the handle to allow a handle pressing end to move farther than the striker's distance of travel. The handle includes a movable pivot location to enable enhanced motion of the handle pressing end. Alternatively, an optional lever links the striker to the power spring to provide leverage upon the power spring. A release latch may be mounted in front of the striker to be engaged by the lever or the handle. |
| US08113403B2 |
Gas internal combustion type nailing machine
In a gas internal combustion type nailing machine, a tubular-shaped sleeve is fixed between a movable housing and a fan. Between the movable housing and sleeve, an annular space portion is formed. In such portions of the sleeve as existing respectively upwardly and downwardly of the fan, there are formed communication holes and in communication with the annular space portion. Mixed gas blown out by the fan flows through the lower communication hole and returns from the annular space portion to the combustion chamber through the upper communication hole. |
| US08113400B1 |
Dual compartment rolled food storage sheet goods dispenser
A dual food storage sheet goods dispenser (100) having a housing comprising a lower cartridge containing section (101) and an upper cartridge containing section (118). The lower cartridge containing section (101) includes a dispensing slot (112) located horizontally across a bottom (110) of the housing. A cutting edge (108) and respective carrier (106) are assembled to the exterior of the bottom (110) between the slot (112) and a front edge. Access to the lower section (101) is provided via an access door (124). An upper cartridge containing section (128) includes a dispensing clearance (126) located horizontally between an upper edge of a front wall (122) and an access door (124). A cutting edge (128) is assembled to a top of the front wall (122). |
| US08113399B2 |
Bag with carrying system
A bag having a convertible carrying system that may convert from a single strap capable of being used to carry the bag to more than one strap portion capable of being used to carry the bag. In embodiments, the strap may be connected to the bag at its ends to form a single strap capable of being used to carry the bag and the strap may be folded at a mid-section and removably attached to the bag substantially at or near at the mid-section to form more than one strap portion capable of being used to carry the bag. In an embodiment, the bag may have a secondary strap attached to the strap substantially at or near the mid-section which is capable of helping to maintain the folding in the strap. In this manner, the bag may be carried by a user as a shoulder bag or as a backpack. |
| US08113398B2 |
Hitch mounted bicycle racks for vehicles
A compact carrier apparatus includes one or more bicycle carriers. Each carrier includes wheel support sections configured to engage front and rear bicycle wheels, and a stabilizing arm with a gripping member configured to grip one of the wheels. A wheel support section includes a wheel engagement member disposed on an outer edge of the carrier support structure and oriented so that an engaged wheel projects beyond the outer edge. A bracing arm may selectively extend in a cantilevered fashion relative to the support structure to provide an additional load-bearing support point for such a wheel. The stabilizing arm may be mounted to the support structure at a location rearward of a wheel engagement member, and pivotable to a carrying position to grip the wheel. The path of the stabilizing arm, in the carrying position, traverses the center of the wheel and avoids passing over the fork or the brakes. |
| US08113395B2 |
Garment donning assist device
A compression garment upper extremity donning assist device is designed to assist those individuals who find it very difficult to don a compression garment using only one arm. Users are commonly weakened from a medical condition, lack flexibility or suffer from limited mobility. Due to the design, users of the donning device can easily mount it to the edge of any countertop, table, or level flat surface using the integrated suction cup. The user can then pull any type of upper extremity compression garment over the device, and then, by pushing through the garment stretched over the donning device, roll it up the arm for proper location and medical care compliance. |
| US08113391B2 |
Immersion nozzle for continuous casting
An immersion nozzle for continuous casting including a tubular body, the tubular body having at the upper end an inlet from which molten steel is introduced into a passage extending from the inlet downward inside the tubular body, the tubular body having a bottom and being depressed in cross section at least at a lower section, the lower section having two narrow sidewalls and two broad sidewalls, the narrow sidewalls having a pair of opposing first outlets communicating with the passage, the bottom having a pair of second outlets communicating with the passage. The lower section has ridges projecting into the passage respectively from the inner surfaces of the broad sidewalls between the pair of first outlets. The second outlets are arranged symmetrically about the axis of the tubular body such that the axes of the second outlets cross each other within the passage. |
| US08113384B2 |
Beverage dispensing system with a head capable of dispensing plural different beverages
A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening. |
| US08113377B2 |
Tamper evident multiple door closure
A server lid for a container with an integral tear strip tamper evident feature is presented. A tear strip for the tamper evident feature is molded as an adjunct to a base member which forms the closure. The tear strip is joined to the base by at least one frangible web, and hinges about the frangible web to overlie front edges of one or more flaps formed in the server lid. Ultrasonic welds connect the overlying tear strip to the flaps or adjacent the flaps for providing a tamper evident feature. The shape of the server lid provides stackability in that the base rim of the container will fit over the upper portion of the lid, including frangible webs to allow interfitting of one container bottom with the container closure of the next, to allow the containers to be stacked on a shelf without substantial danger of slipping or tipping. |
| US08113370B2 |
Plastic container having vacuum panels
A container structure for a hot fill liquid may employ an upper portion defining a mouth, a shoulder portion integrally formed with and extending downward from the upper portion, a bottom portion defining a base, and a body and sidewall extending between and joining the shoulder and bottom portions. The sidewall may employ a pair of opposing columns oriented diagonally relative to the base and concave inward relative to a container central vertical axis before the container is filled. The columns become concave inward to a lesser extent when the bottle is under an interior vacuum. The sidewall may also employ a pair of opposing, compound angle vacuum panels oriented diagonally relative to the base. A vacuum initiator groove is formed in each of the vacuum panels to initiate panel movement during liquid content cooling. The vacuum initiator groove is generally coincident with a vacuum panel longitudinal centerline. |
| US08113369B2 |
Container
A blow molded container has a neck portion defining a mouth. The neck portion leads into a shoulder portion and a bottom portion forms a container base. A sidewall portion connects the shoulder portion and the bottom portion and employs a first pair of opposing convex vacuum panels and a second pair of opposing convex vacuum panels. The first pair of opposing convex vacuum panels is larger in surface area than the second pair of opposing convex vacuum panels. A vertical column at each corner of the container joins the first pair of opposing vacuum panels to the second pair of opposing vacuum panels. A structural convex arch resides above and below each convex vacuum panel. Each of the vertical columns are molded into the structural convex arches. Vacuum initiator grooves may be molded into the first and second pair of opposing vacuum panels to control vacuum panel movement. |
| US08113365B2 |
Fully vented nursing bottle with single piece vent tube
A nursing bottle formed of a small volume container, incorporating a venting tube that extends to dissipate pressure at all times. The nursing bottle may have a cylindrical shape or other configuration that prevents formula placed therein from blocking the venting tube when held at any angle. The venting tube extends distally from the insert portion, operatively associated with a collar that holds the vent structures and the nipple to the neck of the container. The vent opens at the volumetric center of the reservoir above the venting tube. Alternatively, the venting tube has a conical shape of decreasing diameter distally toward the center of the bottom to dissipate the pressure that may cause leakage from the bottle. |
| US08113361B2 |
Shelving unit
A space saving having at least three shelves where objects can be stored that is capable of being positioned over an object or addition items can be stored in an open space under shelves of the unit. |
| US08113359B2 |
Sediment collection device for home brewing system
A sediment collection device is used on individual beverage containers for fermented beverages such as beer. A three piece arrangement is fit together before installation on the beverage container, and contains a rotating valve arrangement on complementary, funnel-like structures. This arrangement facilitates a moisture-tight connection between the bottle and the collection device. This arrangement ensures that sediment will not re-enter the beverage bottle. |
| US08113357B2 |
Screening module
A screening module 10 comprises a frame component 12 to be secured to an underlying screen deck, in use. A screening panel 14 is carried by the frame component 12. The screening panel 14 comprises an operatively upper screening surface 16 and a support structure 18 underlying the screening surface 16 with a plurality of spaced protrusions 20 being supported by and standing proud of the support structure 18. Operatively upper ends of the protrusions 20 lie substantially in a plane of the screening surface 16 and the protrusions 20 define a plurality of screening apertures 22 in the screening surface 16. |
| US08113355B1 |
Classifying kits
Classifying kits useful in separating gold, other precious metals, gems, collectable rocks, fossils, and archaeological artifacts from earth material. Classifying sieves and other parts of the classifying kits herein are configured to be used within a bucket and can readily be removable therefrom. Depending on the parts used and the goals of a user, the kits herein can be used with dry sifting methods or with water. |
| US08113353B2 |
Harvesting corn cobs
A cart is towed behind a combine harvester for collecting corn cobs and includes a conveyer belt feeding into a system for separating cobs from residue to be discharged and a tank for receiving and transporting the cobs. An unload auger is provided from the tank to one side of the cart while the cart moves forward. Power for driving the cart is obtained from a chopper drive of the combine harvester. The separating arrangement includes a series of sequential blower fans for blowing air through the discharged material as it is discharged from a conveyor and into a spreading guide disperses the residue. The cobs are conveyed using a series of augers where the auger to flight distance is at least 2 inches and particularly a pair of augers feed the cobs through a front wall of the tank so as to push cobs upwardly into the tank. |
| US08113351B2 |
Box and pallet assembly
The present invention relates to an assembly formed by a box and a pallet for storage and transport of varied loads. The assembly optimizes the use of the available space, thereby keeping the assembly stable and safe throughout the transport process. The box enables the placement of loads while the pallet supports both the box and the loads. In this assembly, the box includes a lower portion that is arranged on the pallet, preferably in a removable manner. The box includes at least one fitting opening and the pallet includes at least one fitting portion configured to cooperatively associate with the fitting opening of the box. |
| US08113350B2 |
Protection device for a system for packaging a product, such as a cosmetic product
The assembly includes a system for holding a product and a protection device for protecting the system. The protection device includes a cap mounted on the system so as to at least partly cover it and at least one releasing structure for releasing the system. The releasing structure includes a retaining means for retaining the system relative to the cap and an actuating structure for actuating the retaining means in order to disconnect the system and the protection device. The retaining structure is provided on an inner face of the releasing structure, the actuating structure being provided on an outer face of the releasing structure, on the opposite side from the inner face. The releasing structure may be a rocker system and the protection device may cover at least 90% of the packaging system. |
| US08113346B1 |
Waterproof music player storage device
A storage system having a housing divided into a first half housing telescopically received in a second half housing, the first and second half housing together form an inner cavity adapted to house a music player, the housing can move between at least a storage position and an extended position, the housing can be secured in the extended position via a securing means, doors pivotally placed in front panels of the housing which can each open and close for access to the inner cavity, a docking component adapted to operatively connect to a music player which is pivotally connected to a first bottom panel and can pivot about the pivot point between a first and second position, speakers in the housing which are operatively connected to the docking component, and a power source operatively connected to at least the speakers. |
| US08113343B2 |
Portable cigarette ashes container with cigarette lighter
A portable cigarette ashes container includes a receptacle and a top portion detachable from the receptacle, and has a top side in which a circular aperture to the interior of the receptacle and a further aperture to an upwards open pocket situated in the receptacle are situated, in which pocket a gas container of a cigarette lighter is received. A tubular passage having a length longer than the length of a cigarette butt and the same diameter as the cigarette butt is tightly secured to the edge of the circular aperture. A cap is hingedly connected to the top side of the top portion. The cap is provided with an interior closure member, which with the cap in closed position tightly closes the opening of the passage in the top side of the top portion. |
| US08113336B2 |
Automated manipulator system to separate bundles, and method for the operation thereof
In a method to separate bundle layers by way of a first conveyor track and a second conveyor track whose conveyor speed is greater than the conveyor speed of the first conveyor track, bundles are spaced apart from one another in the transport direction by a speed jump between the first conveyor track and second conveyor track; positions of bundles on the second conveyor track that are spaced apart from one another are detected by a position detection device. The bundles are moved from the second conveyor track with a manipulator, wherein the manipulator is controlled on the basis of the detected bundle positions on the second conveyor track. |
| US08113324B2 |
Damping valve for a vibration damper
A damping valve for a vibration damper includes a guide sleeve which slides on the piston rod of a vibration damper. An annular damping valve body which is provided with at least one through-opening is fixed axially by positive engagement on the guide sleeve, and the through-opening is covered at least partly by at least one valve disk which is biased by at least one closing spring which is supported at its end at a spring plate connected to the guide sleeve. The damping valve body and a spring plate which is constructed separate from the guide sleeve form a compression chain between two axially spaced stops of the guide sleeve. |
| US08113314B2 |
Stair system for oilfield tank
A stair system for a mobile storage tank includes a platform subsystem attached to a wall of the mobile storage tank, a staircase subsystem coupled to the platform subsystem, and a rail subsystem attached to the staircase subsystem. The platform subsystem includes a retractable platform extension, and the staircase and rail subsystem are configured to be extended for use and retracted for transit and non-use modes of operation. |
| US08113311B2 |
Chassis for a battery-operated industrial truck
A chassis for a battery-operated industrial truck has a center chassis section (1) configured to hold a battery block. The center chassis section (1) is open on top, has a forward transverse wall (5), a rear transverse wall (6), an open side wall (7) provided with a lateral battery compartment opening (B), and a closed side wall (8) which is at a distance from the open side wall (7) in the transverse direction of the chassis. The center chassis section (1) has a chassis bottom (9) in the form of a rigid and torsion-resistant hollow body. |
| US08113306B2 |
Control system for a work unit
The present disclosure relates to a work unit with power turning. The work unit includes a frame having a first end, a second end and left and right sides that extend between the first and second ends. A work element is carried by the frame. A left propulsion element is positioned at the left side of the frame and a right propulsion element is positioned at the right side of the frame. A drive arrangement is carried by the frame for driving the left and right propulsion elements. The work unit also includes left and right spaced-apart leverage arms that project outwards from the second end of the frame. At least one of the left and right leverage arms is operatively connected to the drive arrangement such that pressure applied by an operator to the left or right leverage arms in a left or right direction causes the drive arrangement to turn the work unit. |
| US08113304B2 |
Robotic platform
An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main section, which includes a main frame, and a forward section. The main frame has two sides and a front end, and includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. The forward section includes an elongated arm. One end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame about a transverse axis that is generally perpendicular to the sides of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below the main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about the transverse axis. The main section is contained within the volume defined by the main tracks and is symmetrical about a horizontal plane, thereby allowing inverted operation of the robot. |
| US08113302B2 |
Drilling tool
A drilling tool that has a flexible shaft so as to be able to make short radius curves while still being able to transmit torque and axial loads. The drilling tool includes a drill shaft for transmitting axial load, comprising a series of coaxial ring members connected together such that adjacent ring members are flexible in an axial plane relative to each other; each ring member being connected to an adjacent ring member by connecting member arranged to transmit torque therebetween; and axial supports extend between adjacent ring members so as to transmit axial loads therebetween. |
| US08113290B2 |
Dissolvable connector guard
A connector guard is provided to protect one or both downhole connectors during wellbore run in prior to mating downhole. The connector guard may comprise dissolvable or degradable material and include an engagement sections and a removal feature. The connector guard may be dissolved or degraded via a reactive agent or temperature either introduced downhole proximate to the guards or contained within a chamber included in or created by a connector guard. The connector guard may be further coupled by a non-reactive cover in order to control the rate of reaction of the dissolvable material. The cover may be breached prior to mating of the downhole connectors. |
| US08113283B2 |
Methods for improving low-quality proppant and method of using low-quality proppant in subterranean operations
The present invention relates to improved low-quality particulates and methods of making such improved particulates. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a slurry comprising a treatment fluid and low-quality particulates at least partially coated with an aqueous tackifying composition, wherein the aqueous tackifying composition comprises an aqueous tackifier compound and an aqueous liquid; introducing the slurry into a subterranean formation; and, depositing the coated, low-quality particulates into the portion of this subterranean formation. A method of improving particulates, comprising at least partially coating low-quality particulates with an aqueous tackifying composition, wherein the aqueous tackifying composition comprises an aqueous tackifier compound and an aqueous liquid. |
| US08113282B2 |
Apparatus and method for depositing a slurry in a well
A wireline apparatus for depositing slurry in a well. The apparatus includes a container for holding slurry to be deposited in the well. The container is operatively associated with and disassociated from a packer. The apparatus also includes a displacement valve actuated by a predetermined pressure and a cross-over tool operatively associated with the displacement valve. Actuation of the displacement valve causes the slurry to enter and pass through the cross-over tool and into the well. A method of gravel packing a well with the wireline deployed apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US08113277B2 |
Sucker rod end fittings and method of using same
An end fitting for sucker rods or continuous sucker rods defines a rod receptacle with an interior surface defining void spaces having an axial radius of curvature of at least twenty inches. In one form, the fitting receptacle defines two such void spaces and the radius of curvature differs between them. |
| US08113275B2 |
Multipart frac head with replaceable components
A multipart frac head with removable components permits the frac head to be refurbished in the field. A bottom leg and inlet ports of the multipart frac head can be replaced. |
| US08113273B2 |
Power cable for high temperature environments
An electric power cable for high temperature environments includes an electric conductor; an electrical insulator disposed on the electric conductor to form an insulated conductor, the electrical insulator suited for operation in a high temperature environment; and a protective sheath disposed over the insulated conductor to form a sheathed conductor. |
| US08113270B2 |
Tube insert and bi-flow arrangement for a header of a heat pump
An inlet header (22) of a microchannel heat pump heat exchanger has a tube (34) disposed therein and extending substantially the length of the inlet header (22), with the tube (34) having a plurality of openings (36) therein. During cooling mode operation, refrigerant is caused to flow into an open end of the tube (34) and along its length to thereby flow from the plurality of openings (36) into the inlet header (22) prior to entering the microchannels (24) to thereby provide a uniform flow of two-phase refrigerant thereto. A bi-flow expansion device (41) placed at the inlet end of the tube (34) allows for the expansion of liquid refrigerant into the tube (34) during periods in which the heat exchanger operates as an evaporator and allows the refrigerant to flow directly from the header (22) and around the tube (34) during periods in which the heat exchanger operates as a condenser coil. |
| US08113266B2 |
Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems
Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by a drive assembly. The system further includes a seal assembly positioned in a housing and contacting the spool to create a barrier to smoke and vapor migration through the housing. The system still further includes a sensor operably coupled to a control system and positioned to sense barrier position as the barrier moves between the deployed and the retracted positions. |
| US08113263B2 |
Barrier operator with magnetic position sensor
A motorized operator for moving a barrier, such as a garage door, between open and closed positions, includes a magnetic sensor for determining position and/or velocity of the barrier. The operator motor is drivingly connected to a speed change transmission which is connected to the barrier. The magnetic sensor includes a housing supporting a speed change mechanism including an output shaft supporting a magnet. The magnet is mounted adjacent a Hall effect sensor circuit which measures the change in the magnetic field generated by the magnet to determine position of the barrier, as well as speed. Control circuitry enables accurate determination of the position of the barrier for setting open and closed limit positions, for example. |
| US08113258B2 |
Ultrasonic welding device
An ultrasonic welding assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an ultrasonic welder having nodal horn support for improving transmission of transducer energy to the weld comprising an acoustical tool having a horn; a weld tip on the end of said horn; and at least two nodal mounts which are in contact with and axially and radially support said horn. The horn self-aligns in housing by sitting a housing-key within a keyway in the horn. The weld tip self aligns by sitting the keyed tip in a keyway of the horn. |
| US08113255B2 |
Device for positioning the conveyor belt running through machines for thermal treatment of filaments
A device for positioning the conveyor belt running through machines for thermal treatment of filaments, essentially constituted by a pressurized chamber (1) traversed by a conveyor belt (2) enclosed at each end by a sealing head mounted on a frame or movable door (3) connected to the pressurized chamber (1) by a bellows (4), each sealing head including a head of horizontal superposed rollers (5, 6) which are pressed against the opposite surfaces of the conveyor belt (2). The device includes a positioning elements (8) and a position control elements (9) acting on a very short region immediately adjacent each sealing head. The invention is more particularly applicable in the field of the textile industry, in particular of the field of treating filaments by elements of thermal treatment machines currently called heat setting machines. |
| US08113254B2 |
Self-inflating tire
A self-inflating tire assembly includes an annular air tube connected to a tire and defining an annular air passageway, the air tube being composed of a flexible material operative to allow an air tube segment opposite a tire footprint to flatten, closing the passageway, and resiliently unflatten into an original configuration. The air tube is sequentially flattened by the tire footprint in a direction opposite to a tire direction of rotation to pump air along the passageway to an inlet device for exhaust from the passageway or to an outlet device for direction into the tire cavity. The inlet device is positioned within the annular passageway 180 degrees opposite the outlet device such that sequential flattening of the air tube by the tire footprint effects pumping of air along the air passageway with the tire rotating in either a forward or reverse direction of rotation. |
| US08113249B2 |
Multi-function mortise/tenon apparatus
A multi-function mortise/tenon includes a chassis including a placement portion for placing a work piece horizontally/vertically and at least one transverse sliding rod. A work table includes a first base member, a second base member and a lift/lower platform provided between the first and second base members. The lift/lower platform and the first and second base members are driven to slide with respect to the chassis transversely/longitudinally. The lift/lower platform is driven to lift/lower with respect to the chassis. A guiding device is installed to the at least one transverse sliding rod slideably and transversely and is coupled to the work table which is driven by the guiding device to slide with respect to the chassis transversely/longitudinally. |
| US08113248B2 |
Dispenser related technology
A food storing apparatus capable of dispensing a content stored in the apparatus is disclosed. The food storing apparatus includes a button tray composite device configured to function as a switch to control the dispensation of the content, but also configured to function as a tray for receiving a residual content discharged after the content dispensation. |
| US08113246B2 |
Vacuum fresh-keeping cover
A vacuum fresh-keeping cover includes an upper cover, a top of which is connected with an air suction-ventilation device, a lower rim of which is connected with a soft gasket that can be suppressed on any horizontal surface, and an interior of which is formed with a container space. When a barometric value of the container space gets larger, the air suction-ventilation device is activated to expel out air in the container space continuously, to keep the container space at a near vacuum condition for preserving objects or food. When pulling up a touching element of the air suction-ventilation device, the air in the container space is drained out by the air suction-ventilation device to quickly remove the upper cover, to facilitate consumers for use, and to conveniently separate the air suction-ventilation device from the upper cover, for easily washing the upper cover with water. |
| US08113242B1 |
Composite repair for pipes
A repair assembly is provided for repairing a pipe that in one embodiment includes a layer of thermoplastic material substantially surrounding the pipe in an area needing repair; a heating element located to provide heat to the layer of thermoplastic material; and an overpress at least partially surrounding the pipe and the layer of thermoplastic material. The layer of thermoplastic material may be configured as a sleeve surrounding the pipe, and the sleeve may be configured in two semicylindrical halves with longitudinal seams where the semicylindrical halves meet. The seams extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the sleeve may further include outwardly extending flanges along the edges of the semicylindrical halves at the seams. |
| US08113241B2 |
Resilient test valve member
A method and apparatus for pressure testing a plumbing system, includes a resilient body having a body diameter. The resilient body is adapted to elastically deform by when passing through a service opening that is smaller than the body diameter and then resiliently return to the body diameter. A sealing surface is carried by the resilient body. A rigid coupling is positioned on the resilient body. The rigid coupling is adapted for coupling the resilient body to a shaft, such that the shaft is able to manipulate movement of the resilient body. The resilient body is inserted into a service opening of a plumbing system to be pressure tested. The resilient body flexes while being inserted and then resiliently returns to the body diameter with the sealing surface performing a sealing function. |
| US08113240B2 |
Low emission fluid transfer device
A fluid transfer system includes a transfer device coupled to a dry break coupler. The transfer device includes a valve assembly moveable between an open and a closed position. The valve assembly includes a main valve and a pilot valve. An actuator controls both the main valve and the pilot valve. A cam plate interconnects the actuator and the valve assembly. The cam plate provides a quick acting shutoff to quickly move the valve assembly to the closed position. A pivotal and rotatable connector couples the transfer device to the dry break coupler. A lock is integrated with the actuator to lock the valve assembly in the closed position. |
| US08113230B2 |
Simple axial locking of a valve shaft
An axial locking of a valve shaft to be non-turnably attached to a closing element of a valve, an end of the shaft to be attached to the closing element being machined on two opposite sides in order to fit into a pivot recess formed in the outer perimeter of the closing element. A collar part is provided to be fitted to the end of the shaft and to be turned into a locking position, one of the end surfaces of the main part of said collar part having at least one axial projection that fits into the pivot recess of the closing element of the valve when the collar part is in the locking position and the end of the shaft is positioned into the pivot recess of the closing element. |
| US08113229B2 |
Gear operated shut valve for a ventilation system
A gear operated shut valve for a ventilation system in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The gear operated shut valve includes gear train. The gear train includes a driven gear that is associated with the shut valve and a driving gear that is associated with an outlet knob on an outlet of the ventilation system. The shut valve is substantially angled with respect to the outlet. |
| US08113228B2 |
Suction valve
A suction valve for a pipe line in which a medium flows is provided, whereby the flow can be closed and regulated and whereby back flow prevented. The suction valve includes a movable a closing mechanism (3) placed in a valve house (1), and an opposed counter face in the valve house. The closing mechanism (3) can be moved by the pressure of the medium flow by forming the closing mechanism (3) to be as piston parts or cylinder parts in a working cylinder. The pressure of the medium flow used for moving the closing mechanism (3) is led into the closing mechanism through an outlet valve (8,9,10), which outlet valve is fitted inside the closing mechanism (3). |
| US08113217B2 |
Filter tip cigarettes and method of manufacturing same
The invention relates to a filter-tip cigarette with a tobacco rod (1) wrapped in a cigarette paper and a filter (6) wrapped along its length in tipping paper (4) or other wrapper being other than plugwrap, and a strip of material (5) fully covering the tipping paper of the filter and the cigarette paper of the wrapped tobacco rod in the region of the abutment between tobacco rod and filter bonds together the filter and tobacco rod. In addition, the invention relates to a process for the manufacture of such a filter, which may also be employed for the manufacture of ‘double unit cigarettes’. |
| US08113212B2 |
Separator
A separator for pneumatically transported particulate material comprises a separation surface through which, in use, a vacuum is drawn, for separating the particulate material from a gaseous medium in which it is transported and an inlet (30) for feeding a stream of the pneumatically transported io particulate material to the separation surface. The inlet (30) is moveable to sweep the particulate material over the separation surface, which may be a cylindrical sieve drum (2) mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A rotary airlock (18) for pneumatically transported particulate material is comprises a plurality of radial vanes (32) mounted for rotation about a central axis. Each vane (32) is resiliently biased in a first radial position whereby, in use, when a force acts upon it in a direction contrary to the direction of rotation of the airlock (18), the vane (32) is deflected from the first radial position in the direction of the force and when the force is removed the vane (32) returns to the first radial position. |
| US08113211B2 |
Multi component cigarette filter assembly
A cigarette filter assembly comprises a hollow paper tube with a spaced apart solid fiber plugs inside the tube together with granular filter material in the spaces between the plugs. Energy activated adhesive is only between the solid filter plugs and interior surface portions of the tube. After the spaced apart solid fiber plugs are within the tube the adhesive is activated to secure the plugs to the tube. The energy activated adhesive is only on selected portions of the hollow tube where the solid fiber plugs are located or alternatively the adhesive is only on the exterior surface portions of the solid fiber plugs. |
| US08113208B2 |
Apparatus and method for protecting earlobes of athletes
An earlobe protector is described. The earlobe protector may be adhered to an athlete's ear when the athlete is wearing an earring. The protector can allow the athlete to participate in contact sports without removing the earring. |
| US08113206B2 |
Oral appliances with major connectors and methods for manufacture
Oral appliances adapted to for spacing the occlusal surfaces of the teeth of a user are disclosed. The oral appliances have a major connector interconnecting a first bite pad and a second bite pad. The first bite pad can include a first spacer and the second bite pad can include a second spacer that are configured to maintain the spacing of the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth of a user during clenching or upon an impact to the jaw. Methods for the manufacture of composite oral appliances are also disclosed. The methods include forming a composite oral appliance over a model of a user's mouth. |
| US08113205B2 |
Contraceptive system and method of use
A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is implanted within a body lumen, secured to the wall of the reproductive lumen and then collapsed to collapse the wall and occlude the lumen. Alternatively, the occluding member may be collapsed upon a solid plug. The closure of the reproductive lumen may be reversed by introducing a balloon catheter and by a series of inflations of the balloon reexpanding the collapsed occluding member or by removing the plug. The occluding member and the plug may be configured to facilitate endothelialization, to provoke an inflammatory responses or to deliver a drug. |
| US08113200B2 |
Respirator mask with corrective lens frame assembly
A respirator mask has a removably mounted support frame that adjustably and removably mounts a corrective lens frame. The corrective lens frame further has a molded bridge with a biasing member embedded therein. A pivotal tab on the support frame is received in one of a plurality of detents on the lens frame for releasably securing the lens frame in the desired position on the support frame. Laterally disposed mounting lugs on the support frame are received in integrally molded pockets in the respirator mask. |
| US08113197B2 |
Respiratory mask assembly
A flow regulation vent for venting washout gas to atmosphere and for regulating flow from a pressurized gas supply includes a fixed portion adapted to engage a gas supply conduit; a spring force biased movable portion in communication with the pressurized gas supply; and a hinge pivotally connecting the movable portion to the fixed portion. The fixed portion has a gas flow orifice and the movable portion is pivotally movable between 1) a relaxed position, below a specified operating pressure to establish a first gas washout flow area, and 2) a fully pressurized position. At or above the specified operating pressure, the pressurized gas pivots the movable portion adjacent the fixed portion to cover at least a portion of the gas flow orifice and establish a second gas washout flow area. The second gas washout flow area is less than the first gas washout flow area. |
| US08113196B2 |
Dispensing device
A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device includes multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert and a mechanism is provided for reinserting the inserts back into the respective receptacles after use. |
| US08113193B2 |
Reciprocating solar engine with attached solar windows
A reciprocating solar engine includes a) a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which the platform is moveably positioned to reciprocally rotate through a predetermined arc b) a first solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on one side of the support and a second solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on a second side of the support; c) a connecting tube connecting the first container and the second container; d) a fluid contained within at least one of the first and the second container, the fluid being evaporable from solar heat and condensable from shading from solar heat; e) a roof above and connected to the platform, having at least one window of which is located above the first container and at least one window of above the second container; f) shuttering devices connected to the roof and movable so that one window is closed while the other is open and vice versa; and, g) shutter device controls functionally connected to the shutter device and the platform such that the shutter device controls activate the shutter devices to a first rest position when the second solar heat-receiving closed container is at its arc base, and to the second rest position when the first solar heat-receiving closed container is at its arc base. |
| US08113191B2 |
Flame tamers and arrangement thereof for barbeque grills
Flame tamers for bridging on a barbeque burner box above heat sources of a barbeque grill to distribute heat energy evenly over the barbeque cooking surface have protruding openings extending toward one more of the peripheral walls of the barbeque burner box so that foods on the cooking surface can be cooked evenly and efficiently, thus saving much energy consumption. |
| US08113190B2 |
Compact conveyor oven
A compact conveyor oven is disclosed comprising a cooking chamber, thermal heating source, conveyor means and independent top and bottom airflow within the cooking chamber wherein substantially equal pressurization of the top and bottom airflows is achieved within the compact footprint. |
| US08113188B2 |
Toy air gun
A toy gun includes a body, a piston adapted to move relative to the body between an extended position and a retracted position and to be moved rapidly toward the retracted position during a firing stroke. A number of firing chambers each receive a projectile and air compressed by the piston during a firing stroke to fire the projectile from the toy gun. An air delivery mechanism conveys the compressed air to one of the firing chambers and co-operates with the piston to advance as a result of piston movement to a configuration whereat it can convey compressed air to another of the chambers. |
| US08113185B2 |
Device for separating oil from blow-by gas
A device for separating oil includes a blow-by gas passage provided to a head cover to discharge blow-by gas introduced from an engine and a separator coupled to the blow-by gas passage to separate oil from the blow-by gas. The device for separating oil from blow-by gases can effectively separate oil from the blow-by gas. Since the blow-by gas passage for discharging the blow-by gas is provided to the head cover, a hose or a pipe is not required to carry the blow-by gas, and thereby the engine can be designed to be compact. |
| US08113183B2 |
Engine and supercharger with liquid cooled housings
The present invention reduces the overheating of sealed oil gear cases and excessive charge air temperatures at high engine speeds in automotive supercharger use by providing liquid cooling of one or more of the housings of a supercharger. Cooling the front cover of the supercharger will reduce the gear case temperatures under boost. Cooling the bearing housing will also reduce gear case temperatures in the adjacent gear case. Cooling the rotor housing, in combination with cooling of the rotors by a separate system, will maintain more uniform clearances under continuous boost, as with racing and autobahn applications. Cooling may be by traditional liquid coolant or with oil, and with separate or combined systems. The invention discloses liquid coolant systems for controlling sealed gear case lubricant temperatures as well as supercharger charge air temperatures if desired. Combined coolant handling and flow systems and their advantages are also disclosed. An exemplary engine-supercharger combination is described and illustrated. |
| US08113182B2 |
Integrated supercharger module
Integrated supercharger module having a low-pressure charging device (2) having a low-pressure compressor housing (4), a high-pressure charging device (3) having a high-pressure compressor housing (5), a turbine (9) and a cooler arrangement, wherein the low-pressure charging device (2), the high-pressure charging device (3), the turbine (9) and the cooler arrangement form a structural unit. |
| US08113176B2 |
Injector with axial-pressure compensated control valve
The invention relates to an injector for injecting fuel into combustion chambers. According to the invention, a valve piston of a control valve is provided with low pressure on both faces thereof. The valve piston is arranged in a valve chamber hydraulically connected to a control chamber and is guided inside a sleeve received in the valve chamber. The valve chamber contains a spring supported on one end against the sleeve and on the other end on the valve piston such that the spring presses the valve piston onto a valve seat and the sleeve onto an opposing bottom surface. The valve piston diameter inside the sleeve corresponds to the effective valve piston diameter at the valve seat. |
| US08113175B2 |
Fuel injection system
A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine comprises: a first fuel injector which is arranged within a housing unit; an accumulator volume for supplying fuel to the first fuel injector; a first fuel pump arrangement comprising a pumping plunger which is driven, in use, to cause pressurisation of fuel within a first pump chamber; a first metering valve which is operable to control fuel flow into the first pump chamber; a first fuel passage providing communication between the first pump chamber and the accumulator volume; and a first non-return valve located in the first fuel passage between the first pump chamber and the accumulator volume; wherein the first fuel injector communicates with the first fuel passage at a position between the first non-return valve and the accumulator volume; and wherein communication between the first fuel injector and the accumulator volume is uninterrupted. |
| US08113172B2 |
Adjustable advance distributor
A distributor is configured with an outer housing that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are adjustable in angular orientation relative to each other. Movement of the second portion relative to the first portion changes ignition timing in the distributor. The movement can be caused by rotation of a thumbwheel such that ignition timing can be changed without mechanical tools. The first and second portions also can comprise visual or tactile markings such that ignition timing can be changed without a timing light. The outer housing can be used in multiple applications simply by changing a length of a shaft housing member that houses a distributor shaft and a gear that is mounted to the distributor shaft. |
| US08113167B2 |
Oil pan
An oil pan of plastic material is provided with an oil suction pipe and an oil screen that is formed as one piece together with the oil suction pipe, wherein the oil suction pipe is comprised of two plastic shells and the oil screen that covers an inlet opening of the oil suction pipe is formed as one piece together with one plastic shell and extends down to the pan bottom. |
| US08113162B2 |
Cylinder head cover
A tubular valve casing formed of metal is molded with an outer shell portion formed of synthetic resin. A valve body is inserted into the valve casing through an opening formed at an end of the valve casing and incorporated in the valve casing. An annular projection is formed in the outer shell portion and projects toward the end surface of the valve casing corresponding to the opening. A seal ring is arranged between the projection and the valve body. |
| US08113158B2 |
Engine with variable valve actuating mechanism
An internal combustion engine is described having a valve mechanism that comprises an SCP camshaft operating two sets of valves. The first set of valves is operated via a summation rocker system such that the valve lift characteristic results from the combination of two cam profiles. The second set of valves has a valve lift characteristic that is different from that of the first set. In the invention, changing the valve lift characteristic of the first set of valves by varying the phase of the inner shaft of the SCP camshaft relative to the outer tube of the SCP camshaft serves additionally to alter the operation of the second set of valves. |
| US08113157B2 |
Variable valve control apparatus
A variable valve control apparatus includes: a variable valve actuating mechanism arranged to vary a closing timing of an intake valve; and a controller configured to advance the closing timing of the intake valve before a bottom dead center of a piston of an intake stroke until a load of an engine increases from a minimum load to a predetermined load, and to retard the closing timing of the intake valve from a timing before the bottom dead center of the piston, to a timing after the bottom dead center of the piston when the load becomes the predetermined load. |
| US08113151B2 |
System for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population
The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species. The captured data is then processed to create a database record which is associated with the selected subject and which can be used to uniquely identify the selected subject. The subject identification process is repeatable, so any subject can be accurately mapped to their associated database record, which database record can be updated to reflect changes in the subject. |
| US08113149B2 |
Cat entertainment and grooming device
A cat entertainment and grooming device 10 includes an enclosure 12 having a plurality of apertures 14 varying in dimension and configuration. The apertures 14 allow a cat access to an internal cavity 16 to allow the cat to play with pet toys 24 secured to internal portions of the cavity 16, or to sleep upon a heated cushion 62. The device 10 further includes a grooming member 30 centrally disposed upon an outer top wall 26 of a cover portion 38 of the enclosure 12. The grooming member 30 is rigidly positioned to remain stationary irrespective of the force imparted upon the grooming member 30 by a cat grooming itself by engaging the grooming member 30 while walking upon the outer top wall 26 of the enclosure 12. |
| US08113147B1 |
LED lamp and aquarium using same
An aquarium includes a semi-cylindrical transparent casing for holding water and water animals and plants and covered with a top cover, a base member attached to the bottom side of the transparent casing and defining an open space, a battery-operated LED lamp detachably mounted in the open space of the base member and controllable to emit light upwardly toward the inside of the transparent casing. The battery-operated LED lamp can be removed from the base member, and attached to the top cover to emit light downwardly toward the inside of the transparent casing, or separately used as a mobile lighting tool. |
| US08113145B2 |
Teat cup liner
A milking machine teat cup liner having a dome and a barrel, and the barrel has an upper transition portion and a lower square portion. The transition section mates with the round cross-section of the dome and the square cross-section of the lower square portion to provide superior vacuum seal with less irritation and damage to teat tissue. |
| US08113143B2 |
Method and apparatus for extruding a coating upon a substrate surface
A coating apparatus and method are disclosed that applies a coating to a product in a uniform and controlled manner. The coating apparatus comprises a feeding stage, an optional pre-treatment stage, at least one coating stage and a finishing stage. The coating stage(s) comprise a coating material feeder and a coating device. The coating device includes an aperture conforming to the perimeter of a substrate to be coated in a first and second dimension. As the substrate passes through the aperture, coating material is applied in a uniform and consistent layer ranging from 0.001 inches to 0.250 inches. The coating material also back fills minor surface imperfections and blemishes on the substrate to achieve a consistent finish across the whole area where coating material is applied. The coating device includes first and second shell portions. The first shell portion has a concave surface surrounding the aperture portion. The concave surface allows for coating material to collect prior to deposition upon the surface of the substrate. The second shell has a substantially flat face and a mirror aperture that aligns with the aperture of the first shell. A groove is formed along the perimeter of the aperture to collect coating material for coating the object as it passes through the apertures of both shells. |
| US08113141B2 |
Apparatus for processing a substrate
In a substrate-processing apparatus for performing coating, baking and developing processes on a semiconductor substrate, a first processing block performs a coating process and a developing process. A second processing block is disposed opposite to the first processing block to heat-treat substrates. A main transfer block is disposed between the first and second processing blocks to transfer the substrates. A third processing block is disposed on one side of the main transfer block in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the first and second processing blocks to adjust a temperature of the substrates. An auxiliary transfer block is disposed adjacent to the second and third processing blocks to transfer the substrates between the second and third processing blocks. Thus, an overload of the main transfer block may be reduced. |
| US08113131B2 |
System and method for controlling subsurface soil injection apparatus
An apparatus is provided for introducing a discrete, predetermined amount of material into soil at a plurality of predetermined points in the soil which includes a container for holding the material to be introduced into the soil, and tubing in fluid communication with the container at a first end thereof. At least one electrically controlled injector is provided in fluid communication with a second end of the tubing. Also, at least one shank is provided, which includes a base, and an injector mounting member attached to a surface of the base that is adapted for detachably mounting the electrically controlled injector onto the base. In addition, a controller is provided for activating the electrically controlled injector to introduce the material into the soil. Accordingly, enhanced control of the injection of the material into soil is achieved, and maintenance can be performed easily. |
| US08113126B2 |
Rail road car truck and bolster therefor
A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both. The friction dampers may operate to yield upward and downward friction forces that are not overly unequal. The friction dampers may be mounted in a four-cornered arrangement at each end of the truck bolster. The spring groups may include sub-groups of springs of different heights. |
| US08113125B2 |
Carriage traction vehicle
The invention is a carriage traction vehicle for use with a monorail. The vehicle is self-propelled along the monorail by one or more motors engaging a fixed rack attached to the monorail. |
| US08113116B2 |
Lithographic printing plate precursor
A lithographic printing plate precursor which is capable of undergoing on-press development by supplying at least one of printing ink and dampening water and includes a support and an image-recording layer, wherein the image-recording layer contains at least one of compounds represented by the formulae (1) to (3) as defined herein. |
| US08113105B2 |
Two-part piston for an internal combustion engine
A two-part piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper part that has a pin having an outside thread on the underside of its piston crown, and has a lower part that has a crown part, onto which an expansion sleeve that can stretch elastically in the axial direction is formed, radially on the inside. A pin is introduced into the sleeve in order to screw the upper part to the lower part. The expansion sleeve is stretched in the axial direction. In order to improve its strength, the material of the expansion sleeve has a higher stretching limit as compared with the rest of the piston material. The increase in the stretching limit is achieved by permanent stretching of the expansion sleeve in the axial direction, by approximately 1% of its length. |
| US08113101B1 |
Method for launching a missile
An air-based vertical launch system is described by means of which ballistic missile defense can be achieved effectively from a large aircraft. A method for ensuring safe missile egress is proposed. A method for ensuring that the missile strikes the ballistic missile payload section is also proposed. Together, the air basing method employing vertical (or near-vertical) launch and semi-active laser guidance yield an affordable and operationally effective missile defense against both tactical and long-range ballistic missiles. The affordability of missile defense is enhanced by the ability of an aircraft equipped with a vertical launcher to simultaneously carry out several defensive and offensive missions and to provide other capabilities such as satellite launch at other times. Methods for employing an aircraft equipped with a vertical (or near-vertical launcher) and one or more of the proposed egress assurance mechanisms in offensive ground attack missions, mine laying, and satellite launch missions are also proposed. |
| US08113099B2 |
Apparatus for processing a specimen
An apparatus (1) for processing specimens (15), comprising an observation device (2), a specimen holder (3) for receiving the specimen (15) to be processed, and a tool holder (6), the tool holder (6) being pivotable in a plane normal to its longitudinal axis (L′) by a pivot arm (22), and being rotatable about its longitudinal axis (L′); furthermore a drive system for selectable execution of the pivoting of the pivot arm (22) is provided. |
| US08113096B2 |
Tool for cutting structural materials
A method for assembling a tool for cutting structural materials includes the steps of providing a pair of handles, each handle having a connector plate. A drive pin is pivotally coupled to the connector plates, the drive pin being movable as the handles are pivoted. A detachable cutting head includes a body with a cavity having a pair of opposing cavity openings, and further includes a channel to receive structural material workpieces. A cutting plate is slidably disposed in the cavity. The cutting head is selectably coupled to the handles and the cutting plate moves slidably in the body as the handles are pivoted, cutting a structural material workpiece inserted into the channel of the body, a cut portion of the inserted structural material workpiece being ejectable through the first cavity opening. |
| US08113095B2 |
Torque measuring mechanism using cam engagement
A device for delivering a predetermined amount of torque to a tool. The device has a handle and a cam assembly located within the handle. The cam assembly has a cam member integrally formed with a drive shaft. An adjustment ring is capable of rotating the cam assembly to different positions related to different levels of torque. A plunger will be biased against an exterior surface of the cam member to provide the different levels of torque delivery. |
| US08113087B2 |
Bicycle handle-bar grip
A bicycle bar grip, particularly for touring bikes, mountain bikes and the like, comprising a sleeve for being slipped onto a bike handlebar. A grip element is joined to the sleeve and extends over a portion of the length of the sleeve. The sleeve also comprises a clamping area and a sleeve slot. A holding bar end extension is arranged in the clamping area via a clamp. The grip element has a supporting portion, which is provided for supporting a palm of the hand and which preferably transitions into a holding portion. The supporting portion ensures that a cyclist, when changing his/her grip from the grip element to the holding bar end extension or vice versa, can be supported on the supporting portion for turning the palm of the hand. This ensures that the cyclist, also when changing his/her grip, does not lose contact with the inventive bicycle handlebar grip and a sure hold by the cyclist is ensured. |
| US08113085B2 |
Multi-piece core adjuster with optional configurations
A modular core adjuster for a cable assembly includes an adjuster body and a slider body arrangeable with the adjuster body to accommodate the cable in more than one configuration. The modular core adjuster includes a multi-piece adjuster body having a first body portion and a second separate body portion configured to be combined to define the adjuster body. A slider body is supported by the adjuster body for movement relative to the adjuster body wherein the slider body is arrangeable with the adjuster body to accommodate the cable in more than one configuration. A lock cavity is formed through an outer peripheral surface of the first and second body portions and a lock member is disposed in the lock cavity and is movable from a shipping position to a locked position. |
| US08113084B2 |
Mounting device
A mounting device includes a vertically movable mounting table for mounting thereon a target object and a rotational driving mechanism for rotating the mounting table within a predetermined angle. The mounting table is vertically raised and rotated by the rotational driving mechanism. The rotational driving mechanism includes a driving shaft extending in a tangential direction of the mounting table and a moving body moving in the tangential direction via the driving shaft. A first cam follower is attached in perpendicular to the moving body and a second cam follower is extending horizontally from an outer circumferential surface of the mounting table so as to be in contact with the first cam follower. Also, a resilient member connecting the mounting table and the moving body brings the first cam follower and the second cam follower into elastic contact with each other. |
| US08113080B2 |
Neutral hold device for hydrostatic continuously variable speed change device
A neutral hold device for a hydrostatic continuously variable speed change device having a trunnion shaft, comprising a first member which rotates integrally with the trunnion shaft and in which a cam having a concave part is formed; a second member that pivots about a support shaft provided parallel to the trunnion shaft, and that is provided with a cam follower for engaging with the cam; a spring for urging the cam follower against the cam so that the trunnion shaft is retained in a neutral position by the cam follower being positioned in a set position of the cam by the urging of the spring; and auxiliary urging means for generating an auxiliary urging force for urging the trunnion shaft toward the neutral position while the trunnion shaft is positioned in a proximate region of the neutral position set in advance. |
| US08113079B2 |
Driving device and image forming apparatus
A driving device includes a shaft member and a driven gear rotatably disposed to the shaft member that is formed to be fixed to a surface plate member inside the driving device. The shaft member is provided with a flow passage for air penetrating along a shaft line thereof. A cavity is formed in a bearing member of the driven gear to be spaced from the shaft member. |
| US08113078B2 |
Entire machine jog drive
A work machine jog drive includes a jog motor configured to operate components of the work machine primary drive system in a slow controllable manner to operate performance system components of the work machine for adjustment, maintenance and other purposes. |
| US08113074B2 |
Gear for an adjusting device
A gear for an adjusting device with includes a gear spindle (5) and a spindle nut (30) exhibiting an internal thread (32). The spindle nut (30) rests on the spindle (5) and the inner thread (32) of the spindle nut (30) engages with the spindle thread (27). A bearing sleeve (15), which exhibits a bearing section (19) for supporting the spindle nut (30), is provided on either side of the spindle nut (30). At least one bearing sleeve (15) has a guide section (25) for guiding the spindle nut (30) relative to thread spindle (5). |
| US08113059B2 |
Circuit module
A circuit module, in particular a tire sensor module, which at least includes: a substrate, on or in which at least one component is mounted, a piezoelement, which has at least one clamping region and at least one oscillatory region, the piezoelement being clamped in its clamping region on the substrate or on an arrangement secured to the substrate, and its oscillatory region being accommodated in a manner that permits oscillation, contacts provided on the piezoelement for tapping off a piezoelectric voltage, and a current-supply circuit, which receives the piezoelectric voltage generated by the piezoelement, being used as a voltage source for supplying power to the circuit module. The piezoelement is preferably clamped between at least two substrate elements, at least one cavity being formed within which the at least one oscillatory region of the piezoelement is accommodated in a manner that permits deflection, and is limited in its oscillation displacement. |
| US08113056B2 |
Mid-IR laser for generation of ultrasound using a CO2 laser and harmonic generation
A mid infrared range laser source for ultrasound inspection having a high energy laser coupled with one or more harmonic generation devices. The high energy laser may be a CO2 laser and tuned to emit laser light at a single wavelength. The harmonic generation devices convert the laser beam into the mid infrared range for optimal ultrasound inspection. |
| US08113055B2 |
Method for evaluating fastening state of threaded joint of pipes or tubes and method for fastening threaded joint of pipes or tubes using the method
There is provided a method capable of evaluating a fastening state of a threaded joint that is used as a joint of pipes or tubes such as OCTG with a high degree of accuracy even after being fastened and a method for fastening a threaded joint of pipes or tubes using the evaluating method. The present invention provides a method for evaluating a fastening state of a threaded joint of pipes or tubes including a pin having an external thread part, a metal seal part, and a shoulder part on an outer peripheral surface, and a box having an internal thread part, a metal seal part, and a shoulder part corresponding to each part of the pin on an inner peripheral surface and being fastened with the pin. The evaluating method according to the present invention is characterized by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave to and from a plurality of locations along an axial direction of the threaded joint in at least one of the internal thread part, the metal seal part, and the shoulder part of the box; detecting echo intensities for the plurality of locations; and comparing the echo intensities detected for the plurality of locations to determine whether the fastening state of the threaded joint is good or bad. |
| US08113044B2 |
Downhole 4D pressure measurement apparatus and method for permeability characterization
A system for making pressure measurements in a formation surrounding a wellbore includes a sensor which, in use, is positioned into direct pressure communication with the formation from a predetermined location in the wellbore, and a means for isolating the sensor, when in use, from pressure effects arising from the wellbore. |
| US08113042B2 |
Gravity measurment methods for monitoring reservoirs
A method of performing gravity surveys in a wellbore is described including performing a time-lapse measurement in a monitoring well in the vicinity of injector wellbores, determining a depth for which the difference of the time lapse measurements changes sign or crosses zero as depth of the anomaly; and using said measurements at other depth points to further determine one or more parameters relating to the location and/or size of a density anomaly caused by injecting fluids through said injector wellbores, thus enabling the sweep of an injected fluid including the occurrence of fingering in the formation. |
| US08113041B2 |
Gravitational method and apparatus for measuring true vertical depth in a borehole
A method for measuring true vertical depth in a borehole, the method including: measuring gravitational acceleration in the borehole; and determining the true vertical depth from the measurement. |
| US08113040B2 |
Tire runout gauge
A runout gauge includes a stand (such as a tripod), and a gauge bar pivotally mounted on the stand. The gauge bar includes a wheel on its upper end positioned above the pivot for rollingly engaging an outer surface of a vehicle tire, and further includes a pointer located a greater second distance below the pivot. By this arrangement, movement of the wheel on the tire due to runout causes the pointer to move along an amplified path having a length greater than the movement of the wheel, thus making it easier to read. The illustrated stand includes indicia for measuring movement of the pointer, and also includes gauge slides on a frame component that abut the pointer in a manner showing an extent of the pointer's movement, which relates to the runout on the tire. |
| US08113031B2 |
Crimping tool
The present invention relates to crimping pliers for crimping connecting elements. The crimping pliers comprise crimping jaws building a nest for the connecting element. The crimping jaws are designed and arranged for being moved in radial direction versus a longitudinal axis of the nest for applying radial crimping forces upon the connecting element. Hand levers are provided for manually applying the crimping forces and causing the movement of said crimping jaws. The hand levers are located in a plane. The plane is aligned with the longitudinal axis of said nest and divided by the longitudinal axis into two half-planes. Both of said hand levers are located in one and the same half-plane. A transfer or transmission unit transfers a translational activation along the longitudinal axis in the force flow between said hand levers and said crimping jaws into a rotational activation around the longitudinal axis. |
| US08113026B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing the section and sizing of rolling mill products for wire rod
An apparatus is provided for reducing the section and sizing of rolling mill products for wire rod. The apparatus includes a first finishing monoblock made up of a plurality of rolling stands that are arranged in a sequence suitable for forming a rolling line. The apparatus also includes a second monoblock that is suitable for giving the product a round section with narrow tolerances. The second monoblock includes a sequence of stands with grooves configured to give a round-oval-round-round section to the product. |
| US08113019B2 |
Drum type washing machine for preventing water from penetrating into a bearing
Disclosed is a drum type washing machine. The drum type washing machine includes a sealing member for preventing water between a tub and a drum from penetrating into a bearing for supporting a rotation shaft and a water penetration preventing unit for preventing the water between the tub and the drum from penetrating into the sealing member. Accordingly, it is doubly prevented that the water between the tub and the drum penetrates into the bearing, thereby preventing corrosion of the bearing due to the water. As a result, it is capable of preventing vibration and noise caused by the corrosion of the bearing and of stably supporting the rotation shaft with maintaining the initial performance of the bearing, thereby preventing the drum type washing machine from being out of order. |
| US08113018B2 |
Apparatuses for controlling the temperature of glass forming materials in forehearths
Forehearths that create a substantially homogeneous temperature to molten glass forming materials across the end position are provided. A gas cavity, a weir, a refractory block, or a heating element in the forehearth may be utilized to reduce a temperature gradient of molten glass forming materials across the end position. Reducing the temperature difference of the molten glass forming material across the end position permits for improved chemical and physical properties of the glass fibers and the end products formed from the glass fibers. In addition, a reduction in the temperature gradient across the end position produces a more homogenous glass fiber and glass product. Further, a reduction in the shear break rate occurs when the molten glass forming material has a temperature that is substantially the same across the end position, which results in a reduction in the breakage of glass fibers and an increase in manufacturing efficiency. |
| US08113014B2 |
Method of manufacturing glass substrate for recording medium, glass substrate for recording medium, recording medium and holding jig
Provided is a method of manufacturing a glass substrate efficiently via prevention of foreign matter adhesion to a glass substrate as to chemical strengthening. Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a glass substrate for a recording medium possessing the step of conducting a chemical strengthening process by which a glass substrate held by a holding jig and the holding jig are immersed in a chemical strengthening solution, and 1st alkali metal ion on a surface of the glass substrate is substituted by 2nd alkali metal ion having a larger ion diameter than that of 1st alkali metal ion contained in the chemical strengthening solution, wherein the holding jig possesses a member of material made of a metal comprising an alkali metal element, or a metal film comprising an alkali metal element to cover a surface of the holding jig from the very beginning of the chemical strengthening process. |
| US08113013B2 |
Jewelry articles with magnets, and kits and methods for using and making the same
The present invention provides inter-transformative jewelry articles, and kits and methods of making and using the same. Inter-transformative jewelry articles according to the present invention are adapted to change or transpose, expand or simplify, and attach or detach, wherein one shape or design or article or item becomes another shape or design or article or item by using diverse, interchangeable and adaptive parts. |
| US08113011B2 |
Apparatus for use as a heat pump
Apparatus (10′) for use as a heat pump comprising: compression chamber means (40′); inlet means (30′) for allowing gas to enter the compression chamber means; compression means (60′) for compressing gas contained in the compression chamber means; heat exchanger means for receiving thermal energy from gas compressed by the compression means; expansion chamber means (124′) for receiving gas after exposure to the heat exchange means; expansion means (120′) for expanding gas received in the expansion chamber means; and exhaust means (100′) for venting gas from the expansion chamber means after expansion thereof. |
| US08113009B2 |
Electronic device cooling system and electronic device cooling apparatus
An electronic cooling apparatus has a cabinet which is open at the front and rear sides thereof and accommodates plural electronic devices each having a fan, and a rear door which is provided with an evaporator. Air blown by the fan is cooled by the evaporator and then returned to a room. An expansion valve and control. A drain pan with an extension portion having hole portions through which refrigerant pipes extend is provided. A drain hose discharges drain water from the drain pan. An exhaust heat temperature detecting unit and a control for controlling the refrigerant supply to the evaporator are provided. When the exhaust heat temperature is equal to or less than a set exhaust temperature, the controller stops the refrigerant supply to the evaporator. When the exhaust heat temperature exceeds the set temperature, the controller starts the refrigerant supply. |
| US08113007B2 |
Apparatus and method for receiving, storing and distributing blood bags
Method and apparatus (1) for receiving, storing and distributing blood bags including a cabinet (2) for containing all the components of the apparatus (1); a refrigerated space (21) for containing the bags; a magazine (3) housed inside the refrigerated space (21) comprising a plurality of cells (31), each capable of containing a single bag, each of the cells being identified by a cell code. The apparatus (1) further includes a data processing system (7) housed inside the cabinet (2), capable of controlling a movement system (5) and a cooling system (6) each housed inside the cabinet (2), and capable of controlling the receiving, the preservation and the releasing of the bags, and capable of exchanging data from and to an external data-management system (17) with which the apparatus (1) can interact. |
| US08113002B2 |
Combustor burner vanelets
The present application provides a burner for use with a combustor of a gas turbine engine. The burner may include a center hub, a shroud, a pair of fuel vanes extending from the center hub to the shroud, and a vanelet extending from the center hub and/or the shroud and positioned between the pair of fuel vanes. |
| US08113000B2 |
Flashback resistant pre-mixer assembly
A pre-mixer assembly associated with a fuel supply system for mixing of air and fuel upstream from a main combustion zone in a gas turbine engine. The pre-mixer assembly includes a swirler assembly disposed about a fuel injector of the fuel supply system and a pre-mixer transition member. The swirler assembly includes a forward end defining an air inlet and an opposed aft end. The pre-mixer transition member has a forward end affixed to the aft end of the swirler assembly and an opposed aft end defining an outlet of the pre-mixer assembly. The aft end of the pre-mixer transition member is spaced from a base plate such that a gap is formed between the aft end of the pre-mixer transition member and the base plate for permitting a flow of purge air therethrough to increase a velocity of the air/fuel mixture exiting the pre-mixer assembly. |
| US08112997B2 |
Condensate polisher circuit
A power generating system including a working fluid circuit. The power generating system includes a condenser system in the working fluid circuit and a condensate polisher circuit. The condenser system receives a working fluid that includes steam or a combination of water and steam and condenses at least a portion of the working fluid into a condensate. The condensate has a temperature above a predetermined upper operating temperature. The condensate polisher circuit is branched off from the working fluid circuit and receives and treats said condensate from the working fluid circuit and returns treated condensate to the working fluid circuit. The condensate polisher circuit includes a heat exchanger that reduces the temperature of the condensate at least to the upper operating temperature and a condensate polisher that removes contaminants from the condensate to bring the condensate to a predetermined purity. |
| US08112982B2 |
Charged particle thrust engine
Several methods of increasing the thrust and energy efficiency of charged particle jet engines operating in a gaseous or liquid medium have been developed. We identify the three main components of charged particle thrust generation and provide means to take maximum advantage of each. We also describe several methods to reduce the energy associated with the generation of charged particles and to minimize the number of charged particles needed to further increase energy efficiency. In addition to the methods used to increase thrust and energy efficiency, we have also developed several methods of efficiently controlling the amount and direction of thrust. Finally, we show many uses of these charged particle jet engines and ways to control them. |
| US08112981B2 |
External combustion engine
An external combustion engine comprising a pipe-shaped main container in which a working fluid is sealed flowably in a liquid state, a heated part formed at a location of one end of the main container and heating part of the working fluid in the main container in order to make it evaporate, a cooled part formed at a location next to the heated part toward the other end of the main container and cooling the vapor of the working fluid evaporated at the heated part in order to make it condense, an output unit communicated with the other end of the main container and converting the displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid to mechanical energy for output, and a controller alternately performing a heat storage mode making displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid stop in order to make the heated part store heat and an output mode allowing displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid and taking output from the output unit. |
| US08112968B1 |
Pre-assembled internal shear panel
An internal shear panel for reducing the tendency of the upper portions of buildings to move relative to the foundation when lateral forces, such as those produced by winds and earthquakes, are applied to the walls. The shear panel is pre-assembled having two vertical posts and two diaphragm members interconnecting the two vertical posts. The panel also has an upper and a lower horizontal member that are connected to the vertical posts and the diaphragm members. The lower horizontal member and the vertical posts are configured to be attached via brackets to holdown bolts mounted in the foundation of a building and the upper horizontal member is configured to be attached to an upper plate or rail of the wall. Hence, the shear panel can be installed by connecting the upper horizontal member to the upper portion of the wall and connecting the lower horizontal member to the holdown bolts in the foundation. |
| US08112966B2 |
Weather resistive barrier for buildings
We form a weather-resistive barrier on a building by applying a compressible latex foam on the joints between adjacent sheets of construction sheathing, with the sheets having been coated with an aqueous coating composition. |
| US08112965B2 |
Assembly and method for the construction of monolithic tiered concrete slabs
The assembly and method of the present invention is used for forming a monolithic tiered concrete slab or stairway. The assembly includes a plurality of foam blocks positioned adjacent one another and in a plurality of rows on a support base. The upper surfaces of the blocks are sloped and form a continuous included plane from the front row to the back row. Interface elements are attached to the upper surfaces so as to cover the joints between adjacent blocks. Riser ties are mounted on the interface elements, with riser face forms attached to the ties. After the blocks are positioned and the interface elements with riser ties and face forms assembled, concrete is poured under the blocks so as to cover the upper surface, the interface elements, and the ties, thereby forming a monolithic tiered series of risers and treads. |
| US08112963B2 |
Decorative accessory
A decorative accessory unit, a decorative accessory assemblage, a kit for a personal accessory craft project and a method for creating a personal accessory are described. A plurality of decorative units having at least two linking ends protruding therefrom are provided along with a plurality of connector elements for coupling the linking ends of two decorative units together. |
| US08112960B2 |
Insulating concrete form block including foam panel having inner row projections flush with and inner row projections set back from inner edge and different in size from outer row projections
An insulating concrete form block adapted to be interlocked with other insulating concrete blocks to form an insulating concrete form for casting concrete. The insulating concrete block including a first foam panel and a second foam panel supported in a spaced apart, parallel relationship to form a concrete receiving cavity. Each of the first panel and the second panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, and a second end. The top end and the bottom end of each of the first and second panels having an outside row of a plurality of projections and an inside row of a plurality of projections. The projections of the outside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses and the projections of the inside row being spaced apart to define a plurality of recesses with the projections of the outside row being adjacent to the recesses of the inside row and the recesses of the outside row being adjacent projections of the inside row. At least some of the projections of the inner row are set back from an inner edge of the panel such that when one panel is interconnected with a like panel a plurality of spaced apart recesses are formed along an inner face defined by the interconnected panels. |
| US08112959B2 |
Device connecting concrete slabs at an expansion joint
A device equips an expansion joint between slabs in building constructions, in particular concrete slabs. According to a first embodiment, the device is made up of two profiles (3,4) that fit together in such a way that the elements passing through the joint between the slabs are discontinuous and have a bracket shape anchored by plate dowel anchors. According to a second embodiment, the device has a single profile, the lower part of which is bent alternately in one slab part and the other on each side of the joint. |
| US08112957B2 |
Building component based on a plastic foam material
The invention concerns a building component that is assembled from a plastic foam material and a reinforcement netting of a spatial structure being at least partly embedded in the foam material, in which the plastic foam material is provided with a layer of sand at the side where the reinforcement netting projects from the foam material. The individual grains of the layer of sand are mutually connected to a binding agent to be applied in a liquid state, in which directly connecting to the layer of sand, the foam material is formed with the same binding agent. |
| US08112953B2 |
Window framing system
Pieces that are components of a frame for a window having a threat side and a safe side include a base and a pressure plate that together form part of one of a sill section, a head section, and a jamb section of the window. The base and pressure plate are elongated in a longitudinal direction. The base has (1) an L-shaped cross-section at a near portion of the base to receive an end of a glazing unit from the threat side of the window, and (2) a first pocket formed in a far portion of the base and running in said longitudinal direction. The rear portion is closer to the threat side than the far portion. The pressure plate is to be assembled with the base so as to secure the glazing unit in the corner. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08112948B2 |
Sealing structure for a loading dock opening
The present invention provides a sealing structure for a loading dock opening, consisting of two flexible side seals on opposite sides with a sealing form and mounted in a vertical orientation to a frame, and a curtain-like head seal also affixed to the frame, which is affixed to the loading dock walls. Taken together, the sealing structure sealingly engages the cargo body such that weather elements do not enter the warehouse or truck body but goods can be moved between the cargo body and the warehouse. The seal is deformable but resilient, forming a seal when in contact with the truck cargo body, which has shape memory and stiffness to revert to its original form when it no longer contacts the truck cargo body.The present invention also provides in one embodiment of the present invention, side seals mounted in a vertical orientation on each side of the loading dock entrance, an outer layer forming a sealing shape, typically that of a teardrop, in profile. It may contain one or more reinforcing strips within it, as well as a foam core, both of which help it to maintain its teardrop shape, even after frequent contact with a truck cargo body. The side of the side seal opposite the rounded portion of the teardrop comes together, forming a mounting flange, which is mounted by means of bolts to a metal frame, which in turn is mounted to the loading dock wall. |
| US08112947B2 |
Pedestal head
A pedestal head for a floor panel comprises includes a base for a lower part of a floor panel and an upper support for receiving an upper part of a floor panel. The pedestal head has a receiver or projection for receiving and locating a corresponding projection or receiver of the floor panel The pedestal head may be die formed from a single piece of metal. |
| US08112946B2 |
Articulating mast
The present invention relates to an articulating mast having sections that may be moved between an open, in-use position and a more compact reduced width configuration for storage and transportation. |
| US08112945B2 |
Vented eaves closure
A method is provided for installing a ventilated eaves closure and tile support apparatus along the eaves of a roof. A vented eaves closure apparatus is disposed along the eaves to support the first course of roof tiles at a desired pitch. The apparatus provides support, ventilation, and drainage, while also providing a barrier to wind-driven precipitation, bird nesting, and animal invasion. The apparatus includes an array of openings configured to allow drainage and facilitate the flow of air beneath the tiles and throughout the air space between the roof deck and the tiles. The method and apparatus can be adapted to fit a variety of roof types and roof tiles having different sizes, shapes, and profiles. |
| US08112944B2 |
Pre-engineered building for an integral mobile imaging unit
A pre-engineered building (50) includes a patient service enclosure (62) and a mobile imaging unit enclosure (64) sharing a common wall (66) to seamlessly wrap a mobile imaging unit (18, 56) within the mobile imaging unit enclosure (64) of the building (50), thereby providing patient service rooms (94) integral with an adjacent the mobile imaging unit (18, 56). Walls (66, 70, 72, 74, 84, 86, 88) of the building (50) are pre-engineered so that the walls (66, 70, 72, 74, 84, 86, 88) are manufactured in panelized configurations that may include structural support components, exterior sheathing, and utility components prior to installation of the walls (66, 70, 72, 74, 84, 86, 88) upon a foundation (58) supporting the pre-engineered building (50). |
| US08112941B2 |
Construction product having a moveable element with multi-functional thermal break
A construction product such as a window or door includes a multi-functional thermal break. The thermal break serves to contact and support elements of the sash of the construction product. The thermal break also provides one or more additional structural functions for the construction product. |
| US08112940B2 |
Seal arrangement on a vertical frame profile of a door wing
A seal, which is disposed at a vertical frame profile of a stationary door leaf or of a movable door leaf and has a sealing profile protruding from the frame profile and a deformation chamber extending in a longitudinal direction of the sealing profile. A part of the sealing profile protruding from the front side of the frame profile in cross-section forms the portion (T) of an ellipse or substantially of an ellipse, the minor axis (N) of the ellipse intersecting the wall of the sealing profile outside the frame profile. |
| US08112937B1 |
Natural growth terrarium planter
A natural growth terrarium utilizes a frustrum shaped lower root growing container having a top opening and a bottom opening and an outwardly tapered sidewall. The terrarium also includes a separate frustrum shaped upper plant stem growing container having a top opening and a bottom opening, and an inwardly tapering sidewall. The bottom opening of the upper container is configured to be removeably attached to the top opening of the lower container, such that when the containers are connected, a plant can be grown in the terrarium and its roots allowed to spread through the lower container and its upper stem allowed to grow within the upper container. When mature, plants grown in the terrarium can be safely and efficiently relocated from the terrarium to the ground where the plants are easily replanted and the terrarium removed for reuse. |
| US08112936B1 |
Container-based plant husbandry apparatus and controlled horticultural environment for using same
A container-based plant husbandry apparatus and a horticultural environment designed to optimize growth of plants therein. A liquid-tight container is filled to a first, predetermined height with a first media that, while providing support to an upper layer, is substantially liquid saturated. A second layer of growing media is physically placed upon and supported by the first media. Consequently, a wet zone and a dry zone are defined and established. The wet zone never encroaches the dry zone. An irrigation system adds water and/or nutrients. A controlled horticultural environment specifically designed for use with the containers is provided. The environment optimizes all environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light cycles in a controlled, sterile environment where pests, molds, fungus, and other hindrances to maximal plant growth may be effectively controlled if not eliminated. |
| US08112933B1 |
Mounting assembly with adjustable spring tension and pivoting lock lever
An improved mounting assembly is provided that is configured to be releasably attached to a standard dovetail rail profile, wherein the initial clamping tension of a clamping assembly is adjustable. The mounting assembly includes a main body having a lower portion that is configured to engage a standard dovetail and an upper portion accessory receiving formation. The lower portion of the mounting assembly has a first engagement member extending downwardly along one side thereof for engaging one side of the dovetail rail and a clamping assembly to engage the opposing side of the dovetail rail. At least one spring and a retention nut are provided as part of the clamping assembly such that retention nut controls the preset spring tension thereby controlling the clamping force applied by the clamping assembly. A lock lever connected to the actuator arm selectively locks the position of the retention nut on the threaded shaft. |
| US08112932B1 |
Tool for single handed reloading of muzzle loading firearms
A multipurpose tool includes four distinct tools and two containers which are used in the charging and priming of a modern muzzle loading firearm, and following discharge, removal of spent or unfired primers. The components include a water-resistant chamber for containing cartridges or propellant powder charge pellets and bullets of various calibers, a water-resistant chamber for protecting a pre-positioned primer, an integrated and extensible primer removal tool, an integrated and extensible primer retaining and insertion tool for quick primer removal and replacement, an integrated bullet starter, an integrated universal ramrod T-handle adapter, removable water-resistant storage chamber end caps and lanyards for loss prevention. The replaceable primer tool can accommodate removal, storage and insertion of multiple types of primers. |
| US08112931B2 |
Shotgun gas exchanger
A shotgun gas exchanger comprising a gas exchanger tube for connectively engaging with a shotgun barrel and a choke disposed in the gas exchanger having longitudinal axial channels on the exterior surface thereof, such that gas from the shotgun barrel flows through the longitudinal axial channels and gathers in front of the muzzle end of the choke to retard the release of pellets from a wadding cup exiting the muzzle. |
| US08112927B2 |
Chamber lock having a pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device
The invention relates to a chamber lock (1) for a firearm, having an outer, tubular lock housing (2) and a pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4) provided therein, wherein the pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4) comprises a latching device (6) acting directly or indirectly in the interior of the lock housing (2) positioned between the lock housing (2) on one side and a clamping sleeve (10) for tensioning the firing pin spring (7) on the other side, the latching device being configured such that the firing pin spring (7) can be tensioned in a repeating manner upon pushing the pushbutton (13) of the pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4) once, and subsequently can be maintained in the tensioned state by means of the latching device (6), and that the firing pin spring (7) can be released upon removing the latching effect of the latching device (6) upon a subsequent pushing of the pushbutton (13) of the pushbutton firing pin spring tensioning device (4). |
| US08112925B2 |
Display for automatic assembly system
“IMPROVEMENT IN DISPLAY FOR AUTOMATIC ASSEMBLY SYSTEM” wherein one automatic assembly part (11) formed by two walls (12) with wrinkles (13), agreeing by other wrinkles (14) to two walls (15) separated from each other by their free edges (16), form one hinging part in a system of tweezers. The part (11), grooves (17) and (18) on its walls (12), receives an elastic band (19) inserted in hook-shaped grooves (8) and (10) of the juxtaposed rims (4), (5) and (6), (7) of both parts composing the body of the display (1). The part (11), by its walls (12) and walls (15), respectively accommodates between internal faces and the folds of the rims (4), (5) and (6), (7) of parts (2) and (3) composing the body of the display (1). Therefore, by working in form of tweezers combined to the elastic action, the part (11) may extend and become plain when the display (1) is closed and folded, while, after being vertically positioned and just a slight opening of its parts (2) and (3), they are automatically put apart from each other by hinging the walls (12) and (15) of the part (11), causing the display to be automatically assembled. |
| US08112921B2 |
Sign and method for lighting
A sign comprising a surface having a display, and a plurality of sources of visible light. The sources of visible light are oriented to illuminate at least a portion of the display, and include solid state light emitters and/or luminescent materials. Line segments drawn on a Chromaticity Diagram connecting coordinates of some of the illumination color hues define a shape which encompasses coordinates of the display color hue(s). Also, a sign comprising a surface having a display having a surface area of at least 4 square meters, and at least 100 sources of visible light including solid state light emitters and/or luminescent materials. Also, a sign comprising a white light source and at least one additional source of light. Also, methods of illuminating signs. |
| US08112919B2 |
Method for removing and returning items to the original location
A method of removing and returning a file folder or folders to the original location or locations is provided. |
| US08112917B1 |
Ironing aid
An ironing aid for assisting in ironing of clothing including at least pants and shirts by extending inside of a sleeve or pant leg. The ironing aid includes an elongated handle extending along a longitudinal handle axis and including proximal and distal ends with the proximal end for grasping by a user for insertion into a sleeve or pant leg; a support block having one and other ends with the handle mounted at the one end thereof; a pair of arms each having respective proximal and distal ends with the distal ends thereof for contact inside of the pant leg or sleeve to provide a pressing action by an iron as the ironing aid is moved inside the clothing in advance of the iron, said pair of arms capable of transitioning between open and more closed positions; a pivot for respectively supporting the pair of arms on either side of the longitudinal axis and from the other side of the support block; and a spring disposed between the pair of arms for biasing the arms to an open position to contact inside the clothing. |
| US08112915B2 |
Upgraded ironing machine, particularly for ironing trousers
Upgraded ironing machine, particularly for ironing trousers, comprising a supporting structure (2) of at least two substantially vertical pressing plates (3), arranged so they are facing each other and moving from a home configuration, wherein the pressing plates are substantially a long way from each other, and a working configuration wherein the pressing plates are substantially close together, at least one ironing plate (4) substantially vertical and interposable between the pressing plates in the working configuration and at least one supporting element (11) of at least one pair of trousers positionable with the crutch arranged by a lower portion of the ironing plate and the legs laid and extended upwards respectively on the opposite sides of the ironing plate, and emission means (21) of at least one flow of air and/or steam inside the trousers and through the opening marked by the waistband of the trousers. |
| US08112912B2 |
Dump block with improved assembly features
A dump block with a self-adjusting bearing includes two side sections, a sheave with a peripheral groove and a central bore, a bearing assembly, and a sheave pin. The sheave pin has a first end with a shoulder, a second end with a threaded portion, and a bearing support section of a predetermined length extending between the first and second ends. The sheave pin is positioned within the bearing assembly and adjusted by urging the sheave pin to translate in the direction of the second end. A fastener is secured to the threaded section at a location between the two side sections. |
| US08112911B2 |
Method and device for mixing earth in situ for the formation of underground walls or diaphragms
A device is suspended from cables or other flexible or articulated structures, for the mixing in situ of earth for the formation of underground walls or diaphragms includes in its lower part a disaggregator (1) for the disaggregation of the earth. Above the disaggregator is positioned a corrector (5, 13) for the direction of the excavation. |
| US08112905B2 |
Forefoot catapult for athletic shoes
An athletic shoe includes an upper, an outsole, a pair of hinged plates, and a spring. The pair of hinged plates are attached between the outsole and the upper in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and the spring biases the plates apart, so that energy is stored and returned during a propulsion phase of a gait cycle in a human step. Foam may be disposed between the plates. A shroud may enclose an outer periphery of the plates. An adjustable torsion spring may be disposed in a hinge portion of the plates, and one or more wave springs may be disposed between the plates. |
| US08112904B2 |
Drum-type washer/dryer
A drum-type washer/dryer having an evaporator for performing dehumidification by cooling air drawn from the inner space of a drum and also having condenser for heating the air dehumidified by the evaporator, wherein the air heated by the condenser is made to sequentially pass through a duct and a blowhole and blown as dry air to clothes in the drum. A backflow preventing portion is provided in the duct, and when bubbles flow back into the duct from the inner space of the drum through the blowhole, the backflow preventing portion functions as resistance for preventing the back flow of the bubbles. |
| US08112902B2 |
Method for determining the load quantity in a spin dryer and spin dryer
A spin or tumble dryer having an air outlet with a moisture sensor is connected to a controller. The moisture sensor determines and stored the measured absolute atmospheric humidity values in the air outlet during operation. Specific characteristic values of the detected moisture can be determined, such as at a point in time and the duration to reach a maximum value or an absolute atmospheric humidity at a specific instant, which can be compared with the values stored in the controller. From this, it is possible to determine the laundry load quantity that is located in the spin dryer, and as a result a program sequence for drying the load can be optimized. |
| US08112900B2 |
Hearing aid dryer
An application for a hearing aid drying/disinfecting system includes a closable container with an internally mounted ultraviolet lamp for disinfecting the hearing aid. A heating element creates an internal temperature that is higher than ambient temperature and a fan circulates air through vents from the outside of the container over the hearing aid and back out, thereby drying the hearing aid contained within the drying/disinfecting system. The vents are positioned to reduce ultraviolet emissions out of the container. |
| US08112899B1 |
Wall-mounted body blow dryer
A wall-mounted, hot air body blow drying apparatus comprising a plurality of round nozzles located along a front surface of the apparatus is herein disclosed. Said nozzles are adjustable and capable of directing jets of warm air over a person's body. A flow of heated air is provided by a resistance heater, an electric blower, and a plurality of distributing ductwork. The apparatus may be hard-wired thereto a standard household power circuit or by using a standard power cord. The apparatus is variably controlled by a temperature and fan speed controlling system and a timer. To use, a person would stand in front of the dryer apparatus and slowly turn around, allowing the multiple heated forced air streams to dry their body in a similar fashion as a forced warm air hand dryer. |
| US08112897B2 |
Monitoring devices, assemblies and methods for attachment to gauges and the like
A monitoring device assembly and method may include a primary interface for attaching to a monitored device, and a monitoring device mechanically coupled to the primary interface that captures an image of the monitored device. |
| US08112894B2 |
Retractable pocket clip for knife
A folding knife with a retractable clip is disclosed. The folding knife comprises at least two rigid plates housing at least one knife blade and the retractable clip. The retractable clip is slidably mounted between the two rigid plates and traverses a path between a retracted position and an extended position defined by a guide slot in a base portion of the clip. A guide pin intermediate the slot and between the plates limits the translational movement of the retractable clip such that its extension is optimal for affixing it onto clothing by means of an elongated member attached to the base portion, and its retraction within the housing space renders a smooth facing to the knife. |
| US08112888B2 |
Method for repairing riser pipe elbow weld in boiling water nuclear reactor
A support clamp assembly for mechanically securing a thermal sleeve to an elbow conduit in a jet pump of a nuclear reactor vessel, the support clamp assembly including: a tension shaft having a first end extendable through an opening in a sidewall of the elbow conduit and an opposite end with a head; a cruciform assembly having a base with an opening to receive the tension shaft and to abut the head of the shaft, wherein the cruciform assembly seats in the thermal sleeve; a boss slidable over the first end of the tension shaft and having a curved surface seating an outside surface of the elbow conduit, and a coupling device engaging the first end of the tension shaft and abutting the boss, wherein the coupling device places the tension shaft under tension to secure the cruciform assembly to the thermal sleeve and the boss to the elbow conduit. |
| US08112887B2 |
Two-piece shipping cap for a seal
A seal shipping system includes a seal having an outer diameter surface and an inner sealing lip. A sleeve member having a cylindrical body and a radially extending flange extending from the cylindrical body engages the inner sealing lip. An annular collar surrounds the radially extending flange of the sleeve member and frictionally engages the outer diameter surface of the seal. |
| US08112882B2 |
Method for producing a structure
A method for producing a structure includes bonding two substrates facing one another by crushing a closed peripheral sealing strip located between the two substrates, the closed peripheral sealing strip delineating a closed cavity between the substrates. A microsystem is disposed on one of the substrates within the closed cavity. Before crushing, the sealing strip includes perforated patterns delineating a plurality of voids inside the strip. |
| US08112881B2 |
Method for manufacturing multilayer wiring board
A process for manufacturing a multilayer wiring board including the steps of forming an insulating layer on a base provided with a bump for interlayer connection, bonding a copper foil onto the insulating layer by a thermocompression bonding by sandwiching the copper foil between stainless steel plates, and patterning the copper foil, in which a metal foil is interposed at least between each of the stainless plates and the copper foil at the time of the thermocompression bonding. At this time, a mold release layer is formed on a surface of the metal foil to be imposed. Thus, such a multilayer wiring board can be manufactured that prevents sticking of a product after molding (cementing of the copper foil) and excels in dimensional stability without occurrence of wrinkling and ruggedness. |
| US08112876B2 |
Method of compressing a connector
A connector compression tool and associated method of compressing a connector is provided wherein the tool includes a handle, pivotally moveable from a second position to a first position, a body, configured to compress together when the handle is moved to the first position, and a jaw, operably associated with the body, wherein the jaw includes at least two centering openings having different widths to accommodate differently configured connectors having different diameters and different lengths. |
| US08112873B2 |
Backplane wiring for an input-output panel used for front or rear access
According to one embodiment, an input-output (I-O) panel is transformed. The I-O panel is configured to couple to an array of first midplane connectors of a first shelf configured according to a first format, where the first shelf has rear access. The I-O panel comprises an array of I-O panel connectors and defines an xy-plane. An array of second midplane connectors of a second shelf is transformed to substantially align the second midplane connectors with the I-O panel connectors. The second shelf is configured according to a second format, where the second shelf has front access. The array of second midplane connectors is arranged in columns defining a midplane column axis and rows defining a midplane row axis. |
| US08112871B2 |
Method for manufacturing electrosurgical seal plates
A method of manufacture for an end effector assembly is provided. The method includes providing a pair of jaw members. A step of the method includes forming one or more seal plates positionable on one of the pair of jaw members. Etching a dam along a side of the one or more seal plates is a step of the method, wherein the etched dam inhibits the flow of a plastic on the one or more seal plate such that a height of the plastic with respect to the at least one seal plate during an overmolding process may be controlled. The method includes positioning the one or more seal plates on the one of the pair of jaw members; and overmolding the seal plate to one or more of the pair of jaw members. |
| US08112867B2 |
Box opener
A cutting tool and its method for manufacture involves a blade member having an extension. Together, the blade member and extension are die cut from sheet metal and a cutting edge is then formed adjacent the extension. A metal or plastic handle is formed with a slit, and the blade member is positioned in the slit to leave the cutting edge exposed between the extension and the handle. The blade member is then secured to the handle. |
| US08112864B2 |
Extraction device for use when extracting a ceramic foam filter
An extraction device is provided for use when extracting a ceramic foam filter, as used for example in the production and processing of aluminum. The extraction device includes an anchor device (1) having an anchor body (2) suitable for driving into the filter, and a screw thread (8) that extends along at least part of the length of the anchor body, for engagement with the filter. |
| US08112862B2 |
Methods of assembling rotors having non-complementary flange openings
Methods for assembling a first rotor and a second rotor having non-complementary flange openings may include providing mating elements at substantially the center on corresponding rotor flanges, coupling dowels into each of a plurality of circumferentially spaced flange openings in one rotor flange, and mating the mating elements and extending the dowels through corresponding flange openings in the other rotor flange. The rotors are then progressively drawn closer by threading a threaded collar onto each dowel while ensuring alignment between the rotor flanges. Once the flanges contact, machining the flange openings makes them complementary. Once the dowels are removed, the rotors can be coupled by a fastener in each set of complementary flange openings. |
| US08112861B2 |
Method for replacing the hoisting roping of an elevator and a traction appliance arrangement used in the replacement
The present invention relates to a method and a traction appliance arrangement for replacing the hoisting roping of an elevator, which elevator comprises at least guide rails (10) along which an elevator car (7) provided with safety gear (7a) travels in the elevator shaft in an essentially vertical direction, a hoisting machine (8), a traction sheave (9) and roping (1b). The ropes (1aa) of the new roping (1a) and the ropes (1bb) of the old roping (1b) are joined to each other by splicing the ropes (1aa and 1bb) together at one of their ends and by strengthening the joint by means of compressive sleeves (4, 4a), after which the new roping (1a) is pulled into position by means of the old roping (1b) and the hoisting machine (8) of the elevator. |
| US08112854B2 |
Tool holding device for a five-axis lathe
A tool holding device is disposed between a headstock unit and a tailstock unit of a five-axis lathe, and includes a saddle driven to move longitudinally, a cross-slide riding on the saddle and driven to move transversely, a turntable platform disposed on a base mount that is disposed on the cross-slide and driven to revolve about an upright axis, and a tool post mounted on a base rest that is disposed on the turntable platform and driven to move uprightly. An indexable turret is disposed on the tool post for holding tool bits such that the five-axis lathe can perform movements about five axes to machine a workpiece so as to obtain a complicated geometric shape, thereby reducing setup time and errors and increasing production. |
| US08112852B2 |
Radio frequency tunable capacitors and method of manufacturing using a sacrificial carrier substrate
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method, comprising manufacturing capacitors by creating a wafer using a substrate as a sacrificial carrier for the construction of said capacitor; and removing said sacrificial carrier wafer once said capacitor processing is complete. |
| US08112847B2 |
Wire etc, connectors
A connector or locking device for wires (or wire ropes) W has a body (20) of alloy, two channels (21) within the body, entry ends (23) at opposite ends for wires, and wedges (25) within the body urged by springs (26) towards the entry ends (23) and to protrude into the channels (21) for the purpose of gripping inserted wires and preventing their withdrawal in the opposite direction to insertion, and is characterized in that guideways (30) are formed within the body (20) alongside each channel from adjacent its entry end (23) to beyond its wedge (25), and plastics slide (31) are fitted one within each of the guideways each with its inner end (32) overlapping a nose part (33) of the respective wedge and its outer end (34) protruding outwards beyond the entry end of the channel, retention means (35, 36) being provided between each slide (31) and its guideway (30) while allowing inward sliding to push the wedge (25) against the urge of its spring (26) when the outer end (34) of the slide is pushed relative to the body to release an inserted wire for withdrawal or adjustment of its position relative to the body. |
| US08112846B2 |
Cleat for securing packaging ties
Cleats configured to retain objects secured with a packaging tie in association with packaging material. |
| US08112844B2 |
Hinge mechanism for a portable device
A hinge having a base with a planar surface; a sliding plate having a planar surface; a revolving member located adjacent to a longitudinal edge of the base, the revolving member being capable of revolving and projecting from the base; a dampener located in the base for restraining movement of the revolving member to retain the revolving member in its revolved and projected position; a first joint for coupling the revolving member to the sliding plate, and a plurality of guides arranged longitudinally and transversely in the sliding plate, wherein in a first mode of operation, the sliding plate is slidable over the base in the longitudinal or transverse directions of the base, wherein in a second mode of operation, the sliding plate is substantially slid over the base to a position in the transverse direction of the base, the sliding plate is pivotable about the longitudinal edge of the base to a configuration such that the planar surface of the sliding plate forms an oblique angle relative to the planar surface of the base. |
| US08112840B2 |
Disc rotating and positioning structure of a mop
A disc rotating and positioning structure of a mop including a mop head, a mop rod, a pivotal base, a positioning device, a locking device and a bolt. When the mop is dewatered, the mop rod is in an erect position, such that a semicircular cam of the bolt faces upward to drive the locking device to press the disc upward and into a locked and linking status, and when the mop is used for mopping, the mop rod is in an inclined position to drive the semicircular cam of the bolt to shift to a side, such that the locking device is in a non-pressing status with respect to the disc, and a force is applied to rotate the mop head when the mop is used for mopping a floor. Therefore, the present invention can provide a convenient operation and a user-friendly application. |
| US08112838B2 |
Friction stir welding tool cleaning apparatus
The disclosure provides for a friction stir welding tool cleaning method and apparatus for fixed and retractable pin tools. The method and apparatus use a heating component, a temperature indicator component, a controller component, and a rotatable tool cleaner component for cleaning fixed pin tools. An additional bore cleaner component is used for cleaning retractable pin tools. Heat is applied to a friction stir welding tool having a surface with weld process residue material until the process residue material is sufficiently plasticized, and then the tool cleaner component is applied to the heated tool to remove the plasticized residue on the pin and shoulder surfaces of the tool, and for retractable pin tools, the bore cleaner component is applied to the heated tool to remove the plasticized residue in the tool bore. |
| US08112834B1 |
Connecting arrangement for spring deck holder for a crib mattress
A connecting arrangement for connecting a mattress support to supporting sides of a crib, includes stationary bars secured to the supporting sides, each having a first opening; slide bars, each having a second opening and mounted in sliding relation to a stationary bar between first and second positions in which the first and second openings are in or out of alignment with each other; a third opening in the slide bar and being in open communication with the second opening, the third opening being smaller than the second opening; and arms, each having one end connected to the mattress support and an opposite free end having a pin with an enlarged head for engagement within the first and second openings when the slide bar is moved to the first position and which is locked in the third opening when the slide bar is moved to the second position. |
| US08112831B2 |
Methods of manufacturing and installation of prefabricated shower benches and associated shower benches
A prefabricated shower bench for installation in a tiled shower includes a seating member defining at least one peripheral edge, and at least one sidewall depending downwardly therefrom. The sidewall has an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge is connected along a corresponding peripheral edge of the seating member. The lower edge terminates at a height above the ground which is the same as or slightly greater than the height of a corresponding sidewall of a prefabricated shower module. The upper surface is horizontal or pitched slightly downward toward the shower module when the shower bench is installed adjacent to the sidewall of the shower module. The lower edge of the downwardly depending sidewall is situated substantially in registry with an upper edge of the prefabricated shower module sidewall. The prefabricated shower module sidewall is in a plane that is substantially contiguous with a plane formed by the downwardly depending sidewall of the bench. The combination provides a contiguous surface over which finishing material such as shower tile may be installed. |
| US08112828B1 |
Toilet anti-splatter apparatus
The toilet anti-splatter apparatus limits urine splash in a toilet. The apparatus is provided in a plurality of sheets, all combined in a stack with one edge having a releasable bond. Each sheet provides a floating target with bulls eye containing a foaming agent. Upon water contact, the surfactant foaming agent foams, thereby diminishing splatter. The sheets are disposable and biodegradable and further inhibit splatter by floating until flushed. Available embodiments of the apparatus include those with bactericidal and fungicidal chemicals within the center capsule. Further embodiments contains dyes to encourage target strike by the user. |
| US08112823B2 |
Combination garbage disposal scraper, safety poker and deodorizer
A combination garbage disposal safety poker, scraper and deodorizer/sanitizer device is provided. The device comprises a cup-shaped strainer, a handle mounted to the strainer, a hollow cylindrical stem extending downward from the strainer, and a replaceable rubber scraper connected to lower end of the hollow stem and used for scraping waste from dishes and sinks. The inside of the stem serves as a compartment for holding a deodorizer/sanitizer tablet. Holes in the strainer and in the stem expose the deodorizer/sanitizer tablet to water, thereby gradually dissolving the tablet and continually deodorizing the garbage disposal unit and drain. |
| US08112821B1 |
Sweat-absorbing liner for use with headwear and associated method
A perspiration-absorbing apparatus includes a core member which has a curvilinear shape and is removably positioned along a posterior face of the existing headwear. The apparatus further includes a liner removably engaged directly with the core member and directly positioned along a posterior face thereof. The liner includes a layer of rubber statically juxtaposed adjacent to the perspiration-absorbing layer and extending parallel thereto. The liner is wrapped about the core member in such a manner that the rubber layer lies over an anterior face of the core member while the perspiration-absorbing layer lies over a posterior face of the core member such that the core member is intercalated between the rubber and perspiration-absorbing layers respectively. |
| US08112819B2 |
Three-dimensional camouflage garment
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional camouflage garment including a base fabric and fabric pieces attached thereto. The fabric pieces may be attached to the base fabric via substantially horizontal attachment lines. The fabric pieces may include a tab portion for attachment to the base fabric and a depending portion depending from the tab portion. As attached, the fabric pieces may include a non-flat orientation to facilitate the three-dimensional effect. Associated methods of producing a three-dimensional camouflage garment are also provided. |