最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08152872B2 Modular reformer with enhanced heat recuperation
The thermal reformer system (1) is provided that compromises a planar assembly including a reformer zone (5), a combustion zone (6), and various inlet and outlet manifolds with associated fluid flow passages (11, 20). The reformer system further compromises an inlet combustion fluid flow passage (31) connecting an inlet combustion fluid manifold (30) and the combustion zone (6), and an outlet combustion fluid flow passage (41) connecting the combustion zone (6) and the outlet combustion fluid manifold (40). In the thermal reformer system the heat transfer and recuperation from outlet fluid flows is efficiently transferred to inlet fluid flows, in order to minimize heat loss and insulation requirements.
US08152870B2 Methods of and systems for producing biofuels
A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, sequentially adding solvent sets to the algal biomass, and sequentially separating solid biomass fractions from liquid fractions to arrive at a liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids. The method also includes esterifying the neutral lipids, separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. The method also includes obtaining a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
US08152869B2 Fuel compositions
Middle distillate fuel composition is provided containing (a) a middle distillate base fuel, in particular a diesel base fuel, and (b) a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic base oil component with a viscosity of at least 8 mm2/s at 100° C. In component (b), the ratio of the percentage of epsilon methylene carbon atoms to the percentage of isopropyl carbon atoms is suitably 8.2 or below. Its pour point may be −30° C. or lower. Also disclosed is the use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic heavy base oil in a middle distillate fuel composition, for the purpose of improving the cold flow properties of the composition and/or for reducing the concentration of a cold flow or flow improver additive in the composition.
US08152859B2 Colouring of keratinous fibers using a pretreatment comprising an iron salt and a colour developer comprising hydrolysable tannin
A method of coloring keratinous fibers comprising contacting the keratinous fibers sequentially with a pre-treatment composition and a color developer wherein: i. the pre-treatment composition comprises: (a) 0.5-25% by weight of an iron salt at a pH below 2 including 0.5-5% by weight of a reducing agent (b) a buffer effective in the pH range 3-6 and (c) a penetration enhancer comprising one or more solvents having Hansen solubility parameter δh between 1-10 (MPa)1/2 and δp between 10-25 (MPa)1/2 wherein the component (b) is mixed with (a) or (c) not more than 360 minutes prior to contacting the keratinous fibers and ii. the color developer is selected from one or more of hydrolysable tannin or its breakdown products or derivatives or a mixture thereof obtained from a natural or synthetic source, where the sequence of contact is in any order.
US08152858B2 Head hair dyeing method
There is provided a head hair dyeing method using a two-part hair dye composition which contains: a first part containing a first part stock solution and a propellant, the first part stock solution containing an alkali agent and a surfactant; a second part containing a second part stock solution and a propellant, the second part stock solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a surfactant; and two aerosol containers for respectively discharging the first part and the second part as foam, the method including respectively discharging the first part and the second part as foam from the containers, applying the foam mixture to the head hair, and then re-foaming the mixture on the head hair.
US08152857B2 Tension-free elastic tape
A tension-free elastic tape is used for the surgical treatment of female urinary incontinence. The tape has a textile structure that allows ingrowth of the tape into the connective tissue. On its longitudinal edges, the tape has edge threads (2, 4, 6, 8) that project from the textile structure of the tape and that especially facilitate a good primary anchoring of the tape in the tissue. The edge threads are firmly incorporated in the structure of the tape.
US08152852B2 Variable height vertebral body replacement implant
A variable height vertebral body replacement implant used in corpectomy surgery to provide support in place of a removed or damaged vertebrae, and contain and compact bone graft material.
US08152851B2 Expandable corpectomy device
An adjustable length corpectomy device is provided with a means for providing bidirectional length adjustment and a means for selectively fixing the length of the implant.
US08152849B2 Implant with one piece swivel joint
An implant for permanent or temporary introduction into the human or animal body includes a base body for connecting spaced body parts and/or other implant components, the implant having a load axis, along which primarily tensile and/or compressive forces are transmissible, with at least one rotary axis formed at right angle to the load axis, the rotary axis facilitating at least limited bending of the base body about the rotary axis, especially of the ends of the base body arranged along the load axis, with the at least one rotary axis being defined by a swivel joint, which is formed in one-piece at the base body.
US08152848B2 Structural/biological implant system
A structural/biological implant and method of use. The implant being utilized as a single or multiple staged system that is designed to encourage new alveolar bone growth with or without the need to obtain autologous bone. The implant has an apical portion that is fastened into existing bone, with the remainder of the implant left outside of existing bone. The exposed portion of the implant may have an external shape or configuration with a variety of attached and/or integrally formed mechanical retention and stability elements. Osteotropic/angiotropic material may be associated with the implant to induce and or conduct new bone growth and possible vascularization, thus, rather than fitting the implant into the bone, the bone is grown integratively with the implant. The osteotropic/angiotropic materials may be simultaneously placed with the staged implant to provide consistent stabilization for the materials and to provide an immediately available surface for bone cell adhesion and growth. The invention thus allows implants to be used in location where the volume and/or shape of the bone would not be adequate for existing implant systems.
US08152847B2 Methods of use of cartilage implants
Methods of using cartilage implant devices are provided. The methods include locating articular cartilage having a lesion, and utilizing an implant having dimensions compatible with the lesion. The method further includes forming a cavity in the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and cancellous bond, and engaging the implant with the cavity so that the lower face of the articular end of the implant abuts against the subchondral bone, and the stem of the implant abuts against the cancellous bone.
US08152845B2 Blood pump system with mounting cuff
An implantable blood pump system includes a blood pump housing and a mounting cuff. The blood pump housing at least partially contains a pump drive system adapted to transfer blood from an interior chamber of a heart and return the blood to a circulatory system. The blood pump housing includes an inlet port adapted to provide a passage for the flow of blood from the interior chamber of the heart into an interior space of the pump housing and an outlet port adapted to provide a passage for the flow of blood from the interior space of the pump housing to the circulatory system. The blood pump housing includes a first external surface adjacent to the inlet port and a second external surface adjacent to the first external surface. The first external surface is adapted to be implanted substantially adjacent to an outer surface of an epicardium of the heart. The second external surface at least partially defines an outside perimeter of the pump housing. The mounting cuff is adapted to mechanically couple to the second external surface and to the epicardium of the heart. The mounting cuff can allow for the placement of the pump against the epicardium without a gap, thus minimizing the effective size of the pump. The mounting cuff can also provide a mechanical advantage to the attachment and consequently greater resistance to myocardial trauma.
US08152842B2 Self-expanding stent
A self-expanding stent comprising a series of zig-zag stenting rings (A, B, C, D, E, F, D1, D2) spaced along the axis and with adjacent said rings connected by connecting links (12, 14) spaced around the circumference of the rings, the links (12) between any two axially adjacent rings A, B being circumferentially staggered relative to the links (14) between the rings B and C, each ring being constituted by a succession of alternating struts (18) with points of inflection (16, 16′, 16″) therebetween. The points of inflection at one end of at least one of the rings are staggered in their location along the longitudinal axis whereby, with axial withdrawal of a surrounding sheath at a stenting site, to deploy the self-expanding stent, the individual points of inflection at said one ring end escape from the sheath sequentially, with continued withdrawal of the sheath, rather than simultaneously.
US08152841B2 Medical devices including metallic films
Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. The medical device can include a composite cover formed of a deposited metallic film and one or more polymer layers. The polymer layers contribute to mechanical or biological properties of the endoprosthesis.
US08152837B2 Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine
Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and a mechanical actuation means for delivering and deploying the spacer. The methods involve the implantation of one or more spacers within the interspinous space.
US08152832B2 Apparatus for anchoring an intravascular device along a guidewire
Anchoring mechanisms for releasably securing an intravascular device along an elongated member such as a guidewire or catheter. The anchoring mechanism may include an object that can be actuated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the anchoring mechanism is slidably and rotationally disposed about the elongated member. In the locked position, the anchoring mechanism is releasably secured to the elongated member, preventing movement thereon. A placement mechanism such as a tubular member can be utilized to actuate the anchoring mechanism between the unlocked and locked positions.
US08152831B2 Foam embolic protection device
An embolic protection device includes a foam body attached to a plurality of flexible struts. The foam body has a generally conical geometry and the bottom of the conical geometry having a generally conical recess. The filter portion has pores sized such that blood cells can pass through the foam body, but larger material such as objects would be trapped in the recess. Each strut is attached along the periphery of the foam body and extend from the first end of the foam body to a connection point located proximate the first end.
US08152829B2 Retractable dilator needle
A dilator having a retractable needle is disclosed. The dilator includes an elongated dilator body having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen longitudinally extending therethrough. A handle is mounted at the proximal end of the dilator body, and a control button is moveably connected to the outside of the handle. The needle extends through the lumen and has a distal end comprising a needle tip section. An arm attached the control button to the needle. Distal movement of the control button causes the needle to move from a retracted position, wherein the needle tip is disposed within the lumen of the dilator body, to a protruding position, wherein the needle tip protrudes beyond the distal end of the dilator body. In use, the distal end of the dilator is inserted into the right atrium of a patient, a position on the atrial septum to be punctured is located with the distal end of the dilator body, the needle tip is advanced beyond the distal end of the dilator body, and the atrial septum is punctured with the needle tip.
US08152826B2 Lancet device
A lancet device for obtaining a blood sample from a finger or at an alternate site of a patient. The lancet device includes a body and a lancet, the lancet being movable between a retracted position in which the lancet tip is disposed within the body and an extended position in which the lancet tip extends beyond the body. The device is cocked by compressing a U-shaped spring steel accessible on opposite sides of the body, the U-shaped spring steel being coupled to the lancet. Once cocked, a pawl retains the U-shaped spring steel in a compressed state. The device is fired by contacting the patient where sampling is to occur with one end of an actuator, the opposite end of the actuator serving to release the pawl from the U-shaped spring steel.
US08152818B2 Medical device delivery systems
Medical device delivery systems, and related methods and components, are disclosed. In some embodiments, an implantable medical endoprosthesis delivery system includes a catheter, a sheath at least partially surrounding the catheter, and a tip coupled to a distal end portion of the catheter. The tip can cooperate with a distal end surface of the sheath to form a gap therebetween so that there is fluid communication between an interior region of the sheath and an exterior region of the sheath.
US08152815B2 Constrained acetabular trialing system
A trial head and shell for use in trial reduction of hip implants, and particularly bipolar implants, having locking features that prevent the head from dissociating from the shell during trialing, yet which allow the head and shell to be readily assembled and disassembled in the operating room. A cut-out region is formed in an outer bearing surface of the head. The cut-out region allows the head to pass through a trial shell opening and into the shell, yet is oriented such that when the head is associated with a femoral neck, the head cannot disassociate from the shell. Orientation indicators can be provided for use in assembly and disassembly. The trial head and associated shells can be provided in the form of a surgical kit including hip implants. Methods of use are provided.
US08152810B2 Spinal fixation tool set and method
A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. Intermediate guide tools having pass-through slots are utilized to guide the rod to the bone screws at intermediate locations. For bone screw implantation, the end guide tools and intermediate guide tools are assembled with a driver. The driver is coaxial with the respective guide tool and rotatingly mateable thereto. The driver includes a stem and a nut-type fastener, the stem receivable in the guide tool. The fastener allows for rotation of the bone screw without rotating the attached guide tool. For reducing a rod into the bone screw, a rod pusher is deployed that is coaxial with a respective guide tool and includes an outer sleeve that abuts the rod as the sleeve is translated along the guide tool and toward the bone screw. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the bone screws and the rod in the patient.
US08152808B2 Surgical bone cutting assembly and method of using same
The invention is directed toward a surgical kit having component parts capable of use in excising a cartilage defect site on a patient to prepare the same for receipt of an implant plug, the kit comprising a cylindrical gauge with a central bore used to measure the defect area, a guide rod adapted to be driven through the gauge tube into the center of said defect area and a cartilage cutting assembly adapted to be mounted over the guide rod and used for excising the defect area and cutting a cylindrical bore into the defect area. The method for use of the kit comprises the steps of: marking the defect area to be cut; placing a guide rod into the center defect area and driving the same to a predetermined distance to secure the same in the defect area and placing a drill bit over the guide rod and rotating the drill bit to cut a cylindrical blind bore removing the cartilage defect.
US08152807B2 Intramedullary device assembly and associated method
An intramedullary device assembly is provided for repairing defects of a bone. The intramedullary device assembly includes a device that is configured to be inserted into the medullary canal of the bone. The assembly also includes a guide adapter that attaches to the end of the device and includes a movable and adjustable bone engagement member. Also a compression member may be attached to the guide adapter that pushes the bone engagement member into engagement with the bone. The bone engagement member defines at least two bone engagement points and wherein at least one bone engagement point is movable relative to at least one other bone engagement point in the direction of the bone. The compression member forces the bone engagement member in the direction of the bone along the bone engagement member guide and the at least one bone engagement point is permitted to move relative to the other at least one bone engagement point so that both bone engagement points can engage the end of the bone as compression is applied to the bone. The guide adapter and compression member may then be detached from the intramedullary device. A breakaway stud may also be included to connect the guide adapter to the intramedullary device such that the application of force on the assembly may break the breakaway stud and detach the guide adapter and compression member from the installed intramedullary device.
US08152806B2 Monopolar electrosurgical instrument
A monopolar electrosurgical instrument including a pair of diverging shanks with a pair of uninsulated tips formed respectively on the distal ends thereof, a housing secured to one of the shanks and having a button disposed therein, a metal wire extending adjacent the one shank so that depression of the button bends the metal rod to energize the instrument.
US08152805B2 Ablation probe having a plurality of arrays of electrodes
An ablation device includes a cannula having a lumen, a first array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, and a second array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, wherein the first array of electrodes has a configuration that is different from a configuration of the second array of electrodes.
US08152804B2 Transurethral needle ablation system
A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is used to perform only one ablation procedure on a single patient. The device may further include a simplified needle deployment mechanism and/or an automatic needle retraction mechanism.
US08152803B2 Apparatus to detect and treat aberrant myoelectric activity
An apparatus to treat a sphincter has a support member. A sphincter electropotential mapping device includes a mapping electrode. The sphincter electropotential mapping device is coupled to the support member and configured to detect aberrant myoelectric activity of the sphincter.
US08152802B2 Energy delivery algorithm filter pre-loading
A method for controlling energy applied to tissue in two or more states as a function of a detected tissue property is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining an initial value of the detected tissue property, recursively processing the detected tissue property to obtain an averaged value thereof, updating the recursively processing step with the initial value of the detected tissue property and transitioning between two or more states based on a comparison of averaged values obtained by two or more recursive filters.
US08152796B2 Method and apparatus for performing percutaneous laser disc decompression with vaporization monitoring by fluid displacement
Apparatus and method of performing percutaneous laser spinal disc decompression with the patient retaining consciousness. The clear plastic hub of a discectomy needle has a translucent hub with a chamber which is filled with a saline solution prior to insertion of an optical fiber of a laser apparatus through the needle. Gas production from the vaporization of the nucleus of the disc by the optical fiber of the laser apparatus forms bubbles in the water or saline fluid interface thereby providing the physician with an indication of the rate of vaporization of the disc nucleus. In addition, the detection of gas bubbles in an awake, responsive patent facilitates (a) determining the appropriate amount of laser energy required, (b) confirmation of disc vaporization, (c) following the course of laser surgery, and (d) minimizing the potential for laser associated patient injury.
US08152793B2 Membrane shell of an implantable dosage system
The membrane shell of an implantable dosage system according to the invention is particularly suitable for subcutaneous applications to release an active agent with steady amounts during a longer period of time. The membrane shell (3) according to the invention comprises a first half (1) and a second half (2), which both halves comprise a continuous closure edge (8, 9), and are adapted to be connected to each other through a closable joint. The closure edges (8, 9) of the halves comprise at least one groove (10) and/or at least one protrusion (11) as continuous or discontinuous, and the membrane shell (3) is adapted to be closed so that at least one protrusion (11) and/or at least one groove (10) of the second half becomes opposed to at least one groove (10) and/or at least one protrusion (11) of the first half through a snap-fit joint.
US08152792B1 Subcutaneous drain for a body cavity
A subcutaneous drain, preferably for implantation into the skull of a patient comprises a basically hollow cap and a stem with an inside, central passageway passing from top of the cap through the stem. A lumen is provided through at least a portion of the inside, central passageway with the lumen preferably exiting the cap through a side slit in the cap and stem. The lumen is provided with a supporting ledge to reduce kinkage and promote an unimpeded fluid path. The side slit is resilient to allow for the selective removal of the lumen. The cap and stem are, as mentioned, substantially hollow and defines a chamber in communication with the subdural space, so that with the device in place, a physician can use a hypodermic needle to gain access to fluid in the subdural space by piercing the needle tip of the hypodermic syringe or needle through the thin wall of the cap of the device. A circumferential flange is provided to facilitate location of the device. Also, the stem is slightly inwardly tapered.
US08152790B2 Connector for medical use
A connector for medical use includes an adapter equipped at its center with a needle extending into a chamber and optionally terminating in a part of a terminal end of the chamber. The terminal end has a cross section suitable for receiving, by friction, a luer type male connector. The needle a terminal part including an orifice or orifices, which is encased in a cavity of an elastic seal having, in the thickness of its free end, a slit or equivalent. The elastic seal has a free end at a tangent to that of the chamber and is provided with a ring encircling its terminal part at least as far as the zone opposite the orifice or orifices of the needle. Along part of the length of the terminal end of the chamber, the outer surface of the elastic seal and/or the inner surface or thickness of the ring has at least one recess for promoting the expulsion of the material constituting the seal, at the time of passage of the needle.
US08152786B2 Collection catheter and kit
A catheter for collecting fluid such as blood from a vessel such as a coronary sinus of a patient has an elongated, flexible tubular portion and an annular sealing member spaced from a distal end of the tubular member. A proximal end of the tubular member is adapted to be connected to a source of suction for applying suction to a collection lumen of the tubular member. The distal end is placed in a blood vessel with the sealing member spaced from opposing surface of the vessel in an absence of a suction applied to the collection lumen. Suction is applied to the collection lumen in an amount sufficient to draw blood from the vessel through the fluid inlet and into the collection lumen and further sufficient to urge the opposing surface of the vessel to migrate into sealing engagement with the sealing member.
US08152780B2 Pinch valve mechanism for a medical fluid injection device
In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.
US08152775B2 Access port using shape altering anchor
The present disclosure provides access ports for use in surgery. The access ports possess a distal end which adopts an alternate shape upon the application of energy, thereby securing the access port to tissue. Alternatively, the access port may have barbs on a surface thereof which are formed upon the application of energy, thereby securing the access port to tissue.
US08152772B2 Attachment for a syringe or a cartridge
The invention relates to an attachment or a cartridge comprising a sealing element having an opening for a medium located in the syringe or cartridge or to be introduced into the syringe or cartridge. The attachment is characterized by an actuating device which, in a first functional position, exerts a force on the wall of the opening in such a way that the opening is closed, and leaves the opening open in a second functional position.
US08152770B2 Needle device having retractable needle providing enhanced safety
A medical device includes a base member coupled to a needle assembly and a retractor mechanism enables retraction of the needle into the base member for safe disposal of the device. In one embodiment, a stop mechanism prevents rotation of the needle assembly in a use position.
US08152768B2 Huber needle safety enclosure
A safety enclosure for a Huber needle includes a needle housing and a panel unit. The panel unit includes a series of planar panels assembled in an enclosing arrangement defining an enclosed area and is movable between an installation position where the sharp outer end of the Huber needle projects from the panel unit and a safety position where the sharp outer end is covered by the panels. The Huber needle has an aft end and a fore end connected by a bend with the fore end including a sharp outer end.
US08152767B2 Low profile introducer apparatus
An introducer apparatus includes an outer sleeve and an inner cannula received within the lumen of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a profile such that at least a portion of the distal end of the outer sleeve tapers in the distal direction at an angle not exceeding about 2° relative to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The distal open end of the outer sleeve has a wall thickness not exceeding about 0.003 inch, and is sized such that a first wire guide is receivable therethrough. The inner cannula includes a tapered distal end portion. The inner cannula distal open end is sized such that a second wire guide is receivable therethrough, and the first wire guide is not receivable therethrough. The tapered distal portion of the inner cannula extends distal to the distal open end of the outer sleeve, such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is provided between the outer sleeve tapered portion and the open distal end of the inner cannula.
US08152764B2 Modular external infusion device
A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module.
US08152762B2 Plunger activated vacuum release mechanism for a syringe
A retractable safety syringe may comprise a needle, needle holder, syringe body, and a plunger. A proximal portion of the body and a piston of the plunger may define a variable vacuum compartment. A through hole pneumatically connecting ambient air and the variable vacuum compartment may be formed through a thumb platform and rigid shaft of the plunger for allowing air to escape out of the variable vacuum compartment when a piston of the plunger is traversed toward the retracted position and allow air to be introduced into the variable vacuum compartment when the piston is traversed toward the engaged position. A retraction force may be created by the variable vacuum compartment by covering an entrance of the through hole and traversing the piston to the engaged position. At the engaged position, the piston may engage the needle holder and the retraction force may retract the piston, needle holder and needle into the syringe body to prevent accidental needle pricking and needle reuse.
US08152761B2 Safety needle assembly
A safety needle assembly has a collar or ring that is rotatably mounted to a needle hub, which may be connected to a medical device such as a syringe. The needle assembly may be connected to the syringe by the user grasping the needle hub in first and second embodiments, or turning of the needle sheath in other embodiments. In all of the embodiments, the collar of the needle assembly may be rotated by turning the needle sheath, which is designed to interact with the collar. In some of the embodiments, the needle hub likewise interacts with the collar in such a way that by rotating the needle sheath, the needle hub is likewise rotated for connection to a syringe. When an exposed needle is to be covered, after the needle sheath has been removed, a housing connected to the collar is pivotally moved to cover the needle. Mechanisms are provided at both the collar and the housing so that once the contaminated needle is covered, the needle assembly may be removed from the syringe for disposal by rotating the needle housing. In all of the embodiments disclosed, the needle sheath does not come into contact with the needle hub and the collar is rotatable about the needle hub.
US08152759B2 Internal medical devices for delivery of therapeutic agent in conjunction with a source of electrical power
The invention generally relates to internal (e.g., implantable, insertable, etc.) drug delivery devices which contain the following: (a) one or more sources of one or more therapeutic agents; (b) one or more first electrodes, (c) one or more second electrodes and (d) one or more power sources for applying voltages across the first and second electrodes. The power sources may be adapted, for example, to promote electrically assisted therapeutic agent delivery within a subject, including electroporation and/or iontophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second electrodes are adapted to have tissue of a subject positioned between them upon deployment of the medical device within the subject, such that an electric field may be generated, which is directed into the tissue. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent sources are adapted to introduce the therapeutic agents into the electric field. In another aspect, the therapeutic agent sources are polymeric regions that contain one or more types of ion-conductive polymers and one or more types of charged therapeutic agents. In yet another aspect, the therapeutic agent sources are polymeric regions that contain one or more types of electrically conductive polymers and one or more types of charged therapeutic agents.
US08152757B2 Intra-ventricular substance delivery catheter system
A guide catheter and a needle catheter are disclosed. The guide catheter construction provides for maximum articulation of the deflectable tip and maximum torque response during rotation. The needle catheter may include a release mechanism that imparts a sudden force to the needle in order to facilitate tissue penetration.
US08152755B1 System and method for delivering a therapeutic agent with finesse
A catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a human or animal subject can include a substantially flexible and biocompatible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. An eductor can be located at the distal end of the catheter body, and a first lumen within the catheter body for housing the therapeutic agent can be in fluid communication with the eductor. A second lumen, also in fluid communication with the first lumen, can extend from the proximal end of the catheter body towards the eductor and can have an output port at the distal end of the catheter body. The eductor can be operable to induce the therapeutic agent to flow from the first lumen out of the output port in response to fluid flowing through the second lumen.
US08152754B2 Soft breastshield
A breastshield is constructed of a low Durometer material. The breastshield includes a nipple tunnel that generally accommodates the shape of a nipple and an aperture that conveys fluids through the breastshield.
US08152752B2 Shunt device and method for treating glaucoma
Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.
US08152750B2 Vascular access preservation in hemodialysis patients
The present invention relates generally to the field of hemodialysis, including methods and kits that can be employed to improve hemodialysis therapy. The present invention encompasses methods and kits useful for reducing vascular access complications associated with hemodialysis therapy and prolonging the period of time for which a vascular access site can be used in a patient.
US08152749B2 Stabilization wedge for ulcer prevention and therapeutic/treatment boot
A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a prevention and therapeutic/treatment boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. In one form of the invention, a fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place. In a second form of the invention, the stabilization block is permanently affixed to the boot and may include fastener elements for engaging complementary fastener elements on the boot.
US08152742B2 Crossing guide wire with corrugated shaping ribbon
A medical device with a corrugated shaping ribbon is provided. The corrugated shaping ribbon for the medical device, which may be provided in the form of a guide wire or catheter, specifically a crossing guide wire or catheter, provides a mechanism by which energy can be stored as the distal tip of the medical device engages a lesion or other area of occlusion within a blood vessel. By storing such energy and continuing to apply force, eventually the distal tip extends thereby releasing the stored energy and allowing the distal tip to advance or cross through the lesion.
US08152740B2 Blood withdrawal system
The present invention generally relates to a blood withdrawal system for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes. The blood withdrawal system comprises housing with a lancet, which can be moved within the housing. The housing also includes a lancet drive with a drive spring and a cocking mechanism that includes an actuation element. The blood withdrawal system of the present invention also includes a lancet ejection mechanism that can be moved from an active position to remove the lancet to a passive position where such removal of the lancet is not possible.
US08152739B1 Adjustable dual-brush cervical cytology collection device
A method and cytology device for manually adjusting the depth of endocervical sampling, and simultaneously sampling the endocervical canal and outer cervix using a dual-brush system. The device (38) comprises a primary cone-shaped endocervical sampling brush (40) adjacent to a secondary donut-shaped cervical sampling brush (42). The primary brush handle (52) is joined to the secondary brush handle (54) by means of a slidable rail (78), allowing adjustability of the primary brush length. The desired length and depth are visible by means of aligning incremental markings or measurements on the primary brush handle (80) with the positioning mark on the secondary brush handle (82). The brush handles are fixed in position and stabilized by means of a securing sheath (58), which has a pinch-release option to release or restore the friction existing between the sheath and the brush handles.
US08152738B2 Cytoblock preparation system and methods of use
An apparatus and method that may be used for collecting target cells or tissue and preparing a cell block are disclosed.
US08152733B2 Method for improving recognition rate of respiratory wave
The present invention discloses a method for improving recognition rate of respiratory wave, which is used for a data processing module of a respiratory rate measuring or monitoring device, specifically, said method comprises the steps of: receiving, via a data processing module, respiratory wave data which come from a measuring circuit and have been analog-to-digital converted; according to the feature that each crest or trough signal in the respiratory wave data has rising stairs and falling stairs, sequentially searching for and finding out, based on a predetermined number of stairs, the data corresponding to each crest and trough via said data processing module; and determining each crest and trough in a corresponding respiratory wave. According to the present invention, interferences may be effectively eliminated and recognition rate of respiratory waveform may be effectively improved, so that the computation of respiratory rate will be more accurate and stable, and the measuring or monitoring device will have a higher clinical practicability.
US08152732B2 Microprocessor system for the analysis of physiologic and financial datasets
A system and method for organization and analysis of complex and dynamically interactive time series is disclosed. One example comprises a processor based system for relational analysis of physiologic signals for providing early recognition of catastrophic and pathologic events such as pathophysiologic divergence. The processor is programmed to identify pathophysiologic divergence of at least one of first and second physiologic parameters in relationship to the other and to output an indication of the divergence. An object-based method of iterative relational processing waveform fragments in the time domain is described wherein each more complex waveform object inherits the characteristics of the waveform objects from which it is derived. The first physiologic parameter can be the amplitude and frequency of the variation in chest wall impedance or nasal pressure and the second parameter can be a measure or indication of the arterial oxygen saturation.
US08152731B2 Wavelet transform and pattern recognition method for heart sound analysis
A wavelet transform and pattern recognition method for analyzing a subject's heart sounds including (a) obtaining subject-related heart-sound data utilizing a first sampling rate, (b) obtaining simultaneously existing subject ECG data, including pre-selected ECG fiducial data, and (c) processing such obtained data including, relative to the heart-sound data, (1) computing the maximum-overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) for a preselected number of wavelet scales, (2) locating the peaks in time of the absolute values of the MODWT coefficients respecting each of a such scales, and (3), for each such scale, (i) interpolating between the located peaks, and (ii) subsampling each interpolation result at a second sampling rate which no greater than the mentioned first sampling rate.
US08152730B2 Method for continuous baroreflex sensitivity measurement
A medical device and method for determining baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) based on one or more respiration cycles. The BRS determination may be performed continuously based on measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration cycles.
US08152727B2 Method for assessment of color processing mechanism in the human brain for diagnosis and treatment
The present invention is a method for assessment of color processing mechanism in the human brain using cerebral blood flow velocity monitoring, specifically transcranial Doppler ultrasound. The method including steps of transluminating color discs from a light source of a specific color temperature, which act on the visual pathways and color centers to alter mean blood flow velocity in the cerebral arteries. The mean flow velocity is analyzed and using Fourier computation to calculate spectral density estimates. Opponent mechanism in the cortical and subcortical regions determined as opposing tendency for short wavelength versus medium wavelength or for medium wavelength versus long wavelength colors. The method is applied for diagnosis, and treatment of variety of conditions.
US08152724B2 Ultrasound guided probe device and method of using same
The present invention is directed to devices and methods for use in ultrasound guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The ultrasound devices of the present invention include an ultrasound transducer. The devices can also include means and methods for imaging a virtual probe overlaying the sonogram formed by the ultrasound device such that a real time image of the probe approach to the target may be observed during and after probe placement.
US08152723B2 System and method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging for therapy guidance and monitoring
An ultrasound system is provided which includes a therapy ultrasound transducer and a diagnostic ultrasound transducer and operates in accordance with a method to direct the application of the therapy ultrasound. The method includes operating the diagnostic ultrasound transducer to acquire a first ultrasound image; simultaneously operating the diagnostic ultrasound transducer and therapy ultrasound transducer for a second interval to acquire a second ultrasound image; and determining a difference in the first and second images indicative of the pattern of the therapy ultrasound transducer signal. The difference in the images, which result from enhanced non-linearities and propagation distortions induced by the high intensity therapy ultrasound, can be obtained by subtracting the two images. A method is also provided for monitoring the progress of high intensity therapy ultrasound which evaluates transient changes due to in-situ heating as well as permanent changes which result from cell microstructure alteration.
US08152717B2 Device for white balancing and appying an anti-fog agent to medical videoscopes prior to medical procedures
A device is configured for white balancing a medical videoscopic camera system prior to videoscopic medical procedures, as well as optionally simultaneously or non-simultaneously applying a fog-prohibiting agent to the distal lens of a medical videoscope such as an endoscope or laparoscope. The device combines a white balancing mechanism, protective mechanism, and defogging mechanism in one simple easy to use device.
US08152707B2 Bio cell cleaning centrifuge and bio cell cleaning rotor used in the same
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bio cell cleaning centrifuge including: a motor; a rotor rotated by the motor; holders that are equipped on the rotor and that hold test tubes to be pivotable toward a rotational radial direction of the rotor; a cleaning liquid distributor mounted on the rotor to supply a cleaning liquid to the test tubes; a locking mechanism that locks the holders so that the test tubes are in a vertical state with respect to the rotational radial direction; and a controller that controls the motor and the locking mechanism, wherein the holders are configured to hold the test tubes so that central axes thereof are inclined from a rotational axis direction toward a rotational tangent direction of the rotor.
US08152706B2 Method and mechanism for rolling an opening perforation line
A rolling mechanism for having an opening perforation line on a plastic packaging film is disclosed, including a carriage frame, a pressure bearing unit, an impact cushioning mechanism, and an opening cutter assembly. The pressure bearing unit includes a pressure bearing seat, an anvil roll, and a retention plate, wherein the retention plate comprises a receptacle channel. The retention plate is used to position the anvil roll in the receptacle channel of the pressure bearing seat. The impact cushioning mechanism is coupled between the carriage frame and the pressure bearing seat. The opening cutter assembly is arranged adjacent to the anvil roll, which includes an opening cutter shaft and at least one opening cutter blade attached to the periphery of the opening cutter shaft. The opening cutter assembly is driven to rotate so as to have the opening cutter blade rolling on the anvil roll of the pressure bearing unit and an impact applied to the anvil roll or the pressure bearing unit is absorbed by the impact cushioning mechanism.
US08152703B1 Exercise device providing variable lift assistance during pull-up and push-up exercises
An exemplary exercise device descending from an elevated support (e.g., a bar or door frame) allows a user to insert a body part in a loop (e.g., a foot for pull-ups or a waist for push-ups) descending from an elastic resistance unit, which uses a variable number of stretchable elastic members between top and bottom connectors to reduce the effective weight the user has to pull/push up. Each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors has several elastic member sockets, each socket having a socket passage extending through the connector. Each elastic member has an elongated portion between two member plugs sized to resist passing through the elastic member socket passages. Elastic members can be removably and replaceably installed by inserting a portion of each member plug within an elastic member socket, one member plug in each of the resistance unit top and bottom connectors.
US08152701B2 Counterweight module structure of a weight trainer
An improved counterweight module of a weight trainer having two vertical guide rods as well as top, bottom and intermediate counterweight blocks superimposed along the vertical guide rods. It is mainly characterized in that a liner ring assembly is only assembled onto the bottom and top counterweight blocks. The liner ring assembly has upper liner rings set into the top counterweight block and lower liner rings set into the bottom counterweight block. The annular rings of the upper and lower liner ring are mated slidably with two vertical guide rods. Moreover, a guide rod pulling portion is set onto every intermediate counterweight block for penetration of the vertical guide rod. There is a spacing between the guide rod pulling portion and vertical guide rods. The superimposition surface of the counterweight block is provided with a mating portion to enable limitation of every intermediate counterweight block.
US08152697B2 Exercise tool
An exercise tool is provided to ensure a good degree of freedom in the direction of movement of the wrists and allows the magnitude of the load applied to the wrists during the exercise to be changed easily so as to enable more effective strengthening of the deep muscles. The exercise tool has a first rod body 10 and a second rod body 20 which are rotatable in opposite directions and also movable away from each other against the biasing force of a coil spring 70. Ring-shaped latch portions 71 and 72 provided at respective ends of the coil spring 70 are removably latched by first and second elastic-member latch bodies 50 and 60, respectively, so that the coil spring 70 can readily be replaced with another coil spring 70 having a different elastic force, thereby facilitating changing the magnitude of the load applied during the wrist exercise.
US08152696B2 Exercise apparatus and methods
An exercise apparatus including a video display. In certain embodiments the apparatus includes an integrated platform. Memory within the apparatus contains a library of instructional exercise programs, such as yoga, Pilates, body toning and stretching routines. The apparatus may also connect to a network, such as the Internet to stream and/or download additional exercise programs. A user interface enables the user to select from available programs, which are shown on the video display. Audio for the programs may be provided via speakers or though headphones, which may be rechargeable and/or wireless.
US08152695B2 Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems and methods
Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content.
US08152694B2 Activity monitoring device and method
A physical activity monitoring method and system in one embodiment includes a communications network, a wearable sensor device configured to generate physiologic data associated with a sensed physiologic condition of a wearer, and to generate audio context data associated with a sensed audio context of the wearer, and to form a communication link with the communications network, a memory for storing the physiologic data and the audio context data, a computer and a computer program executed by the computer, wherein the computer program comprises computer instructions for rendering activity data associated with the physiologic data and the audio context data, and a user interface operably connected to the computer for rendering the activity data.
US08152688B2 Compensator for continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission may have a first set of rollers and a second set of rollers that act upon skewed driving and driven surfaces of discs. The input to output ratio of the continuously variable transmission may be changed by pushing either one of the first and second sets of rollers closer to a rotating shaft. To maintain symmetrical loading within the continuously variable transmission, an idler disc assembly may have a strain compensator that deflects to compensate for deflection of outer discs due to elasticity of the main shaft.
US08152687B2 Powdered metal variator components
The use of powder metal components in a variator is disclosed. Traction fluid of various sorts may be used in the variators, not just high performance synthetics or application specific lubricants.
US08152686B2 Drive transmission device and ink jet recording apparatus
In the revolving restricted state, the planetary gear meshes with the drive input gear, and the clutch mechanism is unable to transmit the rotational drive force; in the freely revolvable state, the planetary gear is separated apart from the drive input gear, and the clutch mechanism is able to transmit the rotational drive force, the drive transmission switching mechanism is provided with first and second abutting portions which are configured to come into contact with the planetary arm rotated in the freely revolvable state so as to initialize the revolving position of the planetary gear, and the drive transmission switching mechanism is capable of selecting which one of the first and second abutting portions will come into contact with the planetary arm in accordance with the position of the drive input gear transmitting the rotational drive force among the plurality of drive input gears.
US08152683B2 Eight to thirteen speed automatic transmission
An eight, nine, eleven or thirteen speed automatic transmission has an input and output, four planetary gear assemblies, four connecting members for coupling certain elements of the planetary gear assemblies to other elements, four brakes for selectively connecting certain elements of the planetary gear assemblies to ground and three friction clutches for selectively connecting certain elements of the planetary gear assemblies to other elements. Sequenced operation of the brakes and clutches provides, eight, nine, eleven or thirteen forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse.
US08152682B2 8-Speed hybrid transmission architectures
The hybrid powertrain has a plurality of members that can be utilized to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio in a hybrid transmission architecture. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine, a damper, a pump, an engine disconnect clutch, and a drive motor, all operatively connected with the transmission to provide strong hybrid operating capability.
US08152680B2 Differential assembly with assembly openings
A differential assembly is described, in the form of a crown differential for use in a driveline of a motor vehicle. The differential assembly comprises a one-piece differential carrier which is rotatably drivable around an axis of rotation and, in a casing portion, comprises no more than two identical openings for mounting sideshaft gears rotatably held in the differential carrier on the axis of rotation, as well as differential gears, which rotate jointly with the differential carrier around the axis of rotation and engage the teeth of the sideshaft gears. With reference to a longitudinal central plane, the openings are arranged so as to be mirror-symmetrical and comprise an axial length corresponding at least to the diameter of the differential gears, and a greatest circumferential extension which, in a radial view, corresponds at least to the diameter of the sideshaft gears.
US08152677B2 High ratio eccentric planetary traction drive transmission
A traction drive transmission has an outer ring 40, a sun roller 10, support rollers 30, and one or more loading rollers 20. The outer ring 40 includes a raceway 42 presented inwardly. The sun roller 10 includes a raceway 12 presented outwardly toward the raceway 42 of the outer ring 40. The sun roller 10 is offset eccentrically with respect to the outer ring 40 so that a wedge gap 112 exists between the raceways 42, 12 of the outer ring 40 and sun roller 10. The support rollers 30 are located between the outer ring 40 and sun roller 10. Each support roller 30 has first and second raceways 36, 38 that have different diameters and contacts the raceway 12 of the sun roller 10 along its first raceway 36 and the raceway 42 of the outer ring 40 along its second raceway 38. Each loading roller 20 is located at the wedge gap 112 between the raceway 42 of the outer ring 40 and the raceway 12 of the sun roller 10. Each loading roller 20 has first and second circular raceways 22, 26 that have different diameters and contacts the raceway 12 of the sun roller 10 along its first raceway 22 and the raceway 42 of the outer ring 40 along its second raceway 26.
US08152675B2 Device for optimizing the feed function of the ring gear of a differential with regard to the maximum flow rate
A device for optimizing the oil delivery function of the ring gear of a differential to maximize the volume of oil flow. The device includes an annular disk (6) which, when viewed in an axially direction, is arranged adjacent the ring gear (1) on the side of the ring gear (1) facing the differential cage (5) and is coaxial with the ring gear (1). The annular disk (6) also serves as a scraper ring.
US08152674B2 Auxiliary lubrication pump for carriers
A carrier assembly includes an auxiliary lubrication pump that lubricates gear components positioned within an internal cavity of a carrier housing. A differential gear assembly is positioned within the internal cavity to rotate about an axis. The auxiliary lubrication pump includes a first gear that is driven by the differential gear assembly about the axis and a second gear that is driven by the first gear. The first and second gears of the auxiliary lubrication pump cooperate to direct and control lubrication with the carrier housing.
US08152673B2 Continuously variable transmission-based planetary gear
A continuous variable transmission is provided that is based on gearwheels. The novel gear acts as efficient transmission that can replace conventional manually or automatics gears. The CVT comprises sun gear connected to input shaft and ring gear fixedly connected to output shaft. Planet gear is arranged between and engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear wherein a planet carrier that is vertically enclosing the ring gear and the sun gear is provided with a canal in which an oil pump is provided. A control valve is capable of controlling the flow of lubricant within the canal.
US08152668B2 Electric variable transmission for hybrid electric vehicles with two forward modes and four fixed gears
The present disclosure provides a power split transmission with two Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) modes and four fixed gears for use in hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV). The present disclosure utilizes two electric motors (“E-motors”), an engine, three planetary gear sets, and four selectively engageable clutches. The clutches are engaged in different combinations to engage the different gears and EVT modes. In the four fixed gears, power is transmitted only on the mechanical path for the highest transmission efficiency. In the two EVT modes, a part of the power is transmitted electrically. Alternatively, the E-motors can be located in the middle integrated with the transmission design. Advantageously, the present invention works with lower component speeds than existing two-mode hybrid transmissions. This can be achieved with a front E-motor design enabling modularity and also with a center E-motor design.
US08152663B2 Trackable arrow
An arrow for use with a bow has a shaft, an arrowhead and vanes, wherein at least one of the vanes or the shaft contain substantive phosphorescent dye or substantive phosphorescent pigment in a transparent or translucent carrier.
US08152662B2 Radial baseball bat
A laminated wood bat having may comprise wedges of wood adhered together in such a manner that the entire surface or sections of the surface of the bat barrel, throat, and handle have the tight grain of the normal hitting surface. Adjacent wedges of wood may be cut from the same strip of wood. The bat may be glued together with a low viscosity polyurethane adhesive.
US08152654B2 Three-layer-core golf ball having highly-neutralized polymer outer core layer
A golf ball including an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition and having a first surface hardness; a thermoplastic outer core layer having a second surface hardness, an inner surface hardness, and being formed from a copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, an organic acid or salt thereof, and sufficient cation source to fully-neutralize the acid groups of the copolymer; an inner cover layer; and an outer cover layer; wherein the first surface hardness is substantially the same as the second surface hardness and the inner surface hardness.
US08152652B2 Golf club head with improved performance
A golf club head with an improved sweet spot, defined as a portion of the striking face that has at least 99.7% of the maximum ballspeed is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a significantly circular sweet spot that encompasses at least about 1.5% of the total striking face. A golf club head in accordance with the present invention may generally have a improved face geometry with an elliptical factor of greater than about 0.5, a beveled transition portion around the striking face of the golf club head, a variable face thickness region with decreases thickness, or even a tilted bulge and roll radius all helping improve the performance of the golf club head.
US08152646B2 Damper with two-piece plate configuration
A damper for a torque converter, including: a first plate with at least one first opening; a second plate with at least one second opening; and at least one first spring disposed in the at least one first and second openings and including: a radially inward portion in contact with the at least one first opening; and first and second radially outward ends in contact with first and second sides of the at least one second opening and free of contact with the first plate. In one embodiment, the at least one first opening includes third and fourth sides and the radially inward portion includes first and second radially inward ends in contact the third and fourth sides. In another embodiment, the third and fourth sides are free of contact with the second plate.
US08152644B2 Data stream processing
A method for outputting data streams in a communication system, the method comprising the steps of: executing an electronic game application at a user terminal, the game application being programmed to allow two or more users of the communication system to participate in the game; receiving two or more data streams at the user terminal, each data stream being generated by a user of the communications system participating in the game; applying game logic to determine the current state of the game application; and selecting one or more of the received data streams to be output from an output device of the user terminal, wherein the selection depends on the current state of the game application.
US08152643B2 Solitaire game played over the internet with features to extend play
The present invention provides a method for playing a computer-based solitaire game including the steps of retrieving an input from an internet server to a computer, playing and scoring the game according to the input. The internet server and the computer are intermittently connected during the game and the input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet. The present invention also provides a computer-based solitaire game comprising a network connection to an internet server for retrieving an input and for comparing scores, and a control system for a player having means for operating on the input and means for displaying the input and the comparison results to the player. The input comprises a scoring method and a game pattern which are controlled and predetermined by the internet server, and the game pattern comprises game features and graphic elements. The present invention further provides a method for operating a tournament game over the internet having the steps of establishing communication between a central server and a player's computer, downloading an input onto the player's computer, re-accessing periodically to the player's computer from the central server, transferring information relating to player's identity, the game, and result to the central server, comparing scoring results from multiple players in the central server according to the tournament structure, displaying the comparison results on the player's computer, and continuing playing the game according to results and the tournament structure.
US08152640B2 Information processing apparatus and computer readable storage medium
A player can change the direction of the right hand of a character object, or extend and retract the right arm of the character object, by changing the direction of the core unit 70. The player can change the direction of the left hand of the character object, or extend and retract the left arm of the character object by changing the direction of the subunit 76. The player can retract and extend a leg of the character object, by shifting the center of gravity in the front-back direction when the player is standing on the load controller 36.
US08152638B2 Gaming machine and gaming management system
A gaming machine includes a housing, which is playable by a plurality of players, that has a station provided for each individual player; an operation detection unit that detects an operation of a player present at each of the stations performing a bet operation through a bet image displayed on the image display unit; an image capturing unit, provided at the housing, that can capture images of a player present at each of the stations, and a determination unit that determines tampering or an error of a game by comparing image capturing information obtained by the image capturing unit with predetermined information.
US08152632B2 Gaming machine for use in a system with a common bonus feature
A gaming machine system includes a system controller. A plurality of gaming machines are linked to the system controller. Each gaming machine has a first display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the first display, the game controller being arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the first display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize; a second display; and a feature game where, during play of the feature, feature images associated with the feature game are displayed on the second display. The system further includes a remote display to which each of the gaming machines is connected. The remote display is visible to a player playing any one of the gaming machines connected to the remote display. Images appearing on the displays of any of the gaming machines of the system participating in the feature game are related to images displayed on the remote display and the feature images are used in determining outcomes on those gaming machines participating in the feature game.
US08152628B2 Methods and devices for authentication and licensing in a gaming network
Methods and devices are provided for managing licenses in gaming networks. Some aspects of the invention are provided as a license manager module that operates as part of a server-based system for provisioning and configuring gaming machines. Security and authentication techniques are provided to prevent unauthorized gaming software usage. Such gaming software may be, for example, downloaded to gaming machines in the network under the control of a gaming establishment's game management server that is in communication with a license manager device. In preferred implementations, a gaming machine is prevented from executing software for a game of chance unless the license for that game is valid and has not expired.
US08152625B2 Bonus game awarding and displaying selected values
Various bonus games for being played on a gaming machine are described. The base game may consist of the random selection and display of a 5×3 matrix of symbols. In one bonus game (FIGS. 5-7), upon a certain outcome of the base game including special symbols, all symbols in the matrix except for the special symbols are replaced with values, such as different credit amounts. The player selects a particular special symbol using a touch screen, and the identified special symbol randomly moves to select one of the displayed values in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 11-13), the player applies hidden multipliers to a randomly selected award value in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 14-19), pointers moving across the matrix of values accumulate values for awarding to the player. The multi-stage interactive bonus games add excitement and more player involvement.
US08152621B2 Gaming apparatus and method with full-motion video characters
One embodiment relates to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus includes an electronic display and a circuit configured to control the electronic display and to cause the electronic display to display a graphical scene. The graphical scene includes a first portion having a first video corresponding to a first body portion of one of a number of characters, a second portion having a second video corresponding to a second body portion of one of the number of characters, and a third portion having a third video corresponding to a third body portion of one of the number of characters.
US08152614B2 Gaming machine capable of operating to indicate the number of bets, and game playing method
Baccarat is executed by placing a bet using a bet screen 70 displayed on a liquid crystal display 10. On the bet screen 70 is provided a bet-with-a-bonus button 201 in addition to an ordinary bet button 75. When the amount of bets is indicated using the bet-with-a-bonus button 201, a card game which is separate from Baccarat is executed as a bonus game subsequent to Baccarat, and the player is awarded a bonus payout based on an outcome of the bonus game. The odds when the amount of bets is indicated using the bet-with-a-bonus button 201 is set to be lower than the odds indicated using only the ordinary bet button 75.
US08152612B1 Online gaming system for simulating a football game
An online gaming system for simulating a football game comprising a server with a processor, a network in communication with the server, at least one client device in communication with the network, wherein the at least one client device has an input device, a display device, and a monetary acceptance feature, and a database in communication with the processor. The database comprises an electronic deck of playing cards comprising offensive play cards and defensive play cards and an electronic deck of special teams cards. Computer instructions in the database instruct the processor to permit input of bets, electronically deal cards from the electronic decks, designate offense and defense players, permit selection of cards by players, determine game outcomes based on the selected cards, and award winnings based on bets and game outcomes.
US08152609B2 Support assembly for moveable members of an agricultural combine and devices thereof
A support assembly for supporting a moveable member of an agricultural combine is provided. The support assembly includes a moveable member, such as a foldable chaff pan assembly for spreading chaff and other crop residue from the rear of an agricultural combine, a support member and a resilient member connected to the support member for supporting the moveable member. The resilient member can be configured as an arched shaped or cylindrically shaped member.
US08152596B2 Apparatus for deburring boards
An apparatus for deburring boards includes a platform, on which first and second guiding rail units perpendicular to each other are fixed, a deburring unit mounted on the first guiding rail unit, a carrying unit adapted for carrying the boards and mounted movably on the second guiding rail unit perpendicular to the first guiding rail unit, and a driving unit disposed on the platform and operable to drive the carrying unit to move between a loading/unloading zone, where the carrying unit is spaced apart from the deburring unit, and a processing zone, where the carrying unit is disposed between opposite deburring members of the deburring unit so that opposite deburred edges of each board contact respectively the deburring members. The driving unit further drives the carrying unit to move back and forth within the processing zone a predetermined number of times, thereby deburring the boards.
US08152595B2 System and method for optical endpoint detection during CMP by using an across-substrate signal
In a polishing process, the characteristics of the removal process may be monitored at different lateral positions to identify the clearance of the various device regions with a high degree of reliability. Consequently, upon forming sophisticated metallization structures, undue over-polishing may be avoided while at the same time providing reduced leakage currents due to enhanced material removal.
US08152594B2 Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer to a flat mirror finish. The polishing apparatus includes a polishing table having a polishing surface, a top ring configured to hold and press the substrate against the polishing surface, a top ring shaft configured to lift and lower the top ring, and an elongation detecting device configured to detect an elongation of the top ring shaft. The polishing apparatus further includes a controller configured to set a vertical position of the top ring at the time of polishing, and control a lifting and lowering mechanism to lower the top ring to a preset polishing position as the set vertical position. The controller corrects the preset polishing position based on the elongation of the top ring shaft which has been detected by the elongation detecting device.
US08152593B2 Open front undergarment and method of making the same
An open front undergarment having a form that allows the back of the garment to be closed and the front of the garment to be completely open and free from clasps, fabric or fasteners in the front between the cups. The open front undergarment includes a brassiere having an underwire and an overwire to form a frame, a rear band, a pair of cups extending from opposite ends of the rear band a cover material and a slip-resistant band. The underwire runs through the lower perimeter of a lower portion of the brassiere and the overwire runs through the upper perimeter. The underwire and overwire can be formed of a metal or a metal coated with plastic. The frame can also be formed of a single ductile member. The brassiere also includes a flexure region at the rear band to allow for flexure of the back and torso of the wearer.
US08152592B1 Breast crease comforter
A breast crease comforter decreases pain and promotes healing during and after radiation therapy to the breast. The skin crease between the breast and the torso is typically exposed to daily friction, sheer, and moisture. When the breast is also compromised by radiation therapy, these various insults may combine to cause skin breakdown and excoriation, including resultant pain. The breast crease comforter intervenes between the underside of the breast and the torso to protect and pad this sensitive crease area when compromised by radiation therapy. The breast crease comforter may also be used to treat other conditions besides vulnerable skin resulting from radiation therapy to the breast or torso. The breast crease comforter may also be combined with the bottom of a conventional bra.
US08152590B2 Acoustic sensor for beehive monitoring
A method of and system for using sounds produced by bees flying near a beehive entrance enable a beekeeper to assess the operational productivity of the beehive. In a preferred embodiment, the method entails positioning an acoustic pickup device, such as a microphone, at a location to pick up and provide an audio signal representing sounds produced by bees flying around the beehive entrance. The flying bees produce the sounds either while hovering in the vicinity of the beehive or while launching from locations around the beehive entrance to forage for pollen and nectar. The audio signal is analyzed to distinguish the sound of launching flying bees from the sound of ambient background noise.
US08152589B2 Toy vehicle play set
A play set comprises master and slave toy vehicles and a stationary base unit. The master toy vehicle includes a radio frequency (RF) receiver to be controlled by a manually operated RF remote control unit and an infrared (IR) transmitter configured to broadcast an IR tracking signal. The slave toy vehicle includes a directional receiver to detect the source of the IR tracking signal and an on-board, self-directing control circuit coupled to the at least one directional receiver to control the slave toy vehicle to chase the master toy vehicle. The base unit includes a platform with a game controller and one or more targets mounted so as to move when struck by the master toy vehicle. The game controller and one or both of the toy vehicles are configured for one way or two way wireless communication between the game controller and toy vehicles(s). The game controller is configured to initiate and control one or more modes of game play through the targets or communication with the toy vehicles.
US08152585B2 Method for manufacturing plasma display panel
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a plasma display panel having a front plate provided with a front substrate, a display electrode formed on the front substrate, a dielectric layer covering the display electrode, and a protective layer covering the dielectric layer. In the method above, after the protective layer has been formed, the front plate is processed in a moisture-free atmosphere for only a period where the front plate has a temperature of 400° C. or lower.
US08152584B2 Cold cathode fluorescent lamp and manufacturing method thereof
A method for manufacturing a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is disclosed. The CCFL includes a light transmitting shell and an electrode disposed at one end of the light transmitting shell. The method includes the steps of exhausting a gas existing inside the light transmitting shell via a vent of the light transmitting shell, charging at least one inert gas into the light transmitting shell, and removing an amalgam, which is initially disposed in a gas adjusting instrument, into a temporal region of the light transmitting shell after the step of exhausting.
US08152582B2 Method of manufacturing image displaying apparatus
In a method of manufacturing an image displaying apparatus which has plural spacers for defining a distance between substrates, the present invention enables to effectively perform a process of assembling the spacers in a less number of steps and improves accuracy of a spacer assembling position. In this method, in case of clamping plural spacers respectively by individual hands, positioning the plural spacers on the substrate in a lump, applying an adhesive to the positioned spacers, heat hardening the adhesive, and fixing the spacers to which the adhesive was applied to the substrate, pitches of the hands are adjusted according to heat expansion of the substrate in the pitch direction of the spacers occurred due to the heating of the adhesive.
US08152580B2 Loading system
The present invention relates to a loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, which is normally vertically oriented in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element by a swivel arrangement which is mounted between the first and second transfer element. The swivel arrangement is rotatable at least about a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element. A free end of the second transfer element, in an installed state when the system is not being used, is located freely suspended in the body of water. The invention also relates to a retrieval system and method.
US08152577B1 Electric boat
An electric boat comprising a boat housing with a rechargeable battery bank; two wind turbines disposed in sides of the boat housing, the wind turbines are driven by oncoming wind; a first turbine system operatively connected to the wind turbines via a first drive shaft; a transformer's power inverter/charge controller operatively connected to the rechargeable battery and to the first turbine system; an electric motor operatively connected to the transformer's power inverter/charge controller or rechargeable battery; jet pump for propelling the boat, the jet pump is operatively connected to the electric motor; and a plurality of solar panels disposed on the boat housing operatively connected to the rechargeable battery.
US08152574B2 Connector for use with apparatus
Upon fitting of the first housing 10 and the second housing 50, joints 21, 63 of the two terminals 20, 60 are superposed in the fitting portion 11, the two joints 21, 63 having respective bolt-insertion holes 21A, 63A that allow for insertion of a bolt V thereinto so that the two joints 21, 63 are fixed together. The fitting portion 11 of the two housings 10 has an operation hole 23 that allows for bolting of the two terminals 20, 60. A first shield shell 40 is attached to the first housing 10. The first shield shell 40 is fixable to the case. A second shield shell 70 is attached to the second housing 50. The second shield shell 70 in a fitted state of the two housings 10, 50 is slidable between: a position to expose the operation hole 23 to the outside; and a position to cover the operation hole 23 and to cooperate with the first shield shell 40 to cover the fitting portion 11.
US08152573B2 Electrical connector with a lug rotationally coupled to a base having an aperture for mounting to a base board
An electrical connector with a base and a lug rotationally coupled to the base with a bolt having an integral compression washer. The lug and the base have complementary gear faces. A set screw in the lug has a threaded shaft and a head with a projecting hexagonal configuration. The lug can be rotated so as to receive a relatively large gauge wire.
US08152571B2 ECG electrode connector
Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire, provides enhanced ergonomics to the clinician, and may alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector may be engaged and disengaged with little or no force imparted to the patient or the ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of inadvertent dislodgement of the pad. In one embodiment the disclosed connector provides a thumb cam lever which affirmatively engages the press stud to the connector, and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a pushbutton to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector from the ECG stud. The disclosed connectors may also decrease clinician fatigue, and may provide more reliable ECG results.
US08152569B2 Extension to version 2.0 universal serial bus connector with additional contacts
An extension to USB includes an insulative tongue portion and a number of contacts held in the insulative tongue portion. The contacts have four conductive contacts and a plurality of differential contacts for transferring differential signals located behind/forward the four standard USB contacts along a front-to-rear direction. The four conductive contacts are adapted for USB 2.0 protocol and the plurality of differential contacts are adapted for non-USB 2.0 protocol. The extension to USB is capable of mating with a complementary standard USB 2.0 connector and a non-USB 2.0 connector, alternatively.
US08152566B1 Electrical connector with resilient arm configured in fixed ended beam manner formed on metal shell
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts retained in the insulative housing and a metal shell enclosing the insulative housing. The metal shell includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls connecting the top wall and the bottom wall to jointly form a receiving space to accommodate the insulative housing. The top wall includes a resilient arm having two fixed distal ends and a locking protrusion located between the two fixed distal ends. The locking protrusion extends beyond a top surface of the top wall for deformably locking with a notch of a mateable connector. The resilient arm is configured in a fixed ended beam manner so as to achieve suitable flexibility and rigidity.
US08152564B2 Connector having protection components
A connector having protection components includes an insulation body, a signal transmission module provided in the insulation body, a first protection component set and a second protection component set both electrically connected to the signal transmission module. The signal transmission module includes a circuit board and an input terminal set and an output terminal set electrically connected to the circuit board. The first protection component set is electrically connected between the input terminal set and the output terminal set for protection between the lines. The second protection component set is electrically connected between the first protection component set and a grounding line, thereby providing protection between the lines and a grounding line.
US08152563B1 Electrical connector having a spin ring, a pre-mold and an over-mold
An electrical connector assembly is provided and includes an electrical conductor, an electrical connector having an electrical connector front and rear, wherein the electrical connector rear includes an electrical connector termination connected to the conductor, a pre-mold material having an over-mold groove and being securely associated with the electrical connector assembly to cover the electrical connector rear, the electrical connector termination, and a portion of the electrical conductor and the cable, an over-mold material securely associated with the electrical connector assembly to cover a portion of the pre-mold material and the cable, wherein a portion of the over-mold material is located in the over-mold groove and a spin ring having a spin ring front and rear, wherein the spin ring is movably associated with the electrical connector assembly such that the spin ring rear is located proximate the over-mold material and such that the spin ring covers the electrical.
US08152559B1 Split compression mid-span ground clamp
A grounding clamp positioned on a coaxial cable at a location other than an end of the coaxial cable, wherein the grounding clamp includes an outer shell formed by the unity of a first split shell portion and a second split shell portion, the outer shell having a radial relationship with an elastomeric sleeve, the elastomeric sleeve being radially disposed over a conductive bonding contact, the conductive bonding contact being radially disposed over an outer conductive portion of the coaxial cable, wherein axial compression of a first split driver and a second split driver against the ends of the grounding clamp facilitates electrical contact between the outer shell and the conductive bonding contact and between the conductive bonding contact and the outer conductive portion of the coaxial cable. Furthermore, an associated method for maintaining ground continuity is also provided.
US08152554B2 Locking electrical receptacle
A method and apparatus (“utility”) for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. The utility includes a clamping mechanism whereby the very forces that would otherwise tend to pull the connection apart serve to actuate the clamping mechanism, thereby securing the mated pair. The apparatus may be integrated into a standard receptacle, or retrofitted to work with existing devices. In one embodiment, the clamping mechanism acts solely on the ground prong of a standard plug assembly, so that it is unnecessary to consider electrical potentials applied to the clamped prong in relation to the design of the clamping mechanism. Further, the withdrawing movement of the prongs of a plug may be translated into a rotational movement of a portion of the clamping mechanism into an abutting relationship with the clamped prong.
US08152552B2 Card coupling system
A card coupling system includes a card having an electrical coupler and defining a plurality of extension member coupling holes. An extension member is operable to couple to the card and includes a base. A plurality of card engagement members extend from a first edge of the base, each card engagement member operable to be located in a respective extension member coupling hole in order to couple the extension member to the card. A mounting plate extends from a second edge of the base and defines at least one mounting hole. The card may be a half size form factor card and may be coupled to a full size form factor card connector by engaging the card connector with the electrical coupler, coupling the card engagement members to respective extension member coupling holes, and securing the mounting plate to the card connector through the at least one mounting hole.
US08152550B2 Vehicle charging connector
A vehicle charging connector is configured to be coupled to a vehicle-side connector to charge a vehicle battery via the vehicle-side connector. The vehicle charging connector includes a housing, a coupling portion provided on a housing, and a lever. The lever has a lever bar accommodated in the housing, a lock portion provided on one end of the lever bar and configured to engage with a lock receiving portion of the vehicle-side connector to maintain the coupling portion and the vehicle-side connector in a coupled condition, and an unlock operation portion provided on the other end of the lever bar and operable to release an engagement between the lock portion and the lock receiving portion. An upper surface of the lever bar includes a water guide adjacent to the lock portion. The water guide includes a slope surface having a downward inclination.
US08152549B1 Multiple stem design for high density interconnects
A plurality of connecting elements projects from a body's surface. A plurality of indents is defined in the body's surface. Each stem element includes first and second stalks projecting orthogonally from the surface. The first stub includes a pyramidical cap section and at least one generally planar wall. The second stalk is generally parallel to the first stub and spaced apart from the at least one wall, defining a gap therebetween. The second stalk includes a stem projecting from the surface. A lip section extends from a distal end of the stem and protrudes outwardly relative to the stem. An engagement section extends from the lip section. A free end of the engagement section defines a distal end of the second stalk. An outer surface of the engagement section defines a first gradient tapering from the lip section to the distal end of the second stalk.
US08152547B2 Two-material separable insulated connector band
Stiff and soft materials each provide certain advantages when used in the manufacture of separable insulated connectors, such as elbow and T-body connectors. Utilizing a shell or an insert that includes one section made from a stiff material and one section made from a soft material can provide a separable insulated connector that capitalizes on the advantages associated with both types of materials. The stiff materials and soft materials can be placed strategically on the shell or insert of the separable insulated connector to maximize the advantages of each material. For example, the stiff material can be used to form a section of the separable insulated connector where strength and durability is most desirable, and conversely, the soft material can be used to form a section of the connector where flexibility is desirable. A relatively stiff band can be provided around a relatively soft portion of a connector.
US08152544B1 Energy-saving socket structure
An energy-saving socket includes a housing, at least one control switch, and at least one LED (Light-Emitting Diode) indicator. The housing receives therein an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit includes at least one set of electrical receptacles and one set of external power connection terminal. The housing forms at least one set of through holes corresponding to the electrical receptacles and a slot located close to the through holes. The control switch is associated with at least one set of the electrical receptacles and includes a switching pivot structure and a depression structure. The switching pivot structure is arranged inside the housing in engagement with the electrical circuit. The depression structure straddles the switching pivot and includes a pushbutton exposed through the slot. The LED indicator is received through a wall of the housing to be fixed inside the housing and is electrically connected to the electrical circuit and the control switch.
US08152542B2 Electrical connector enclosure
An electrical connector enclosure which includes a framework having at least one wall, and which at least partly defines an internal cavity; and a moveable panel mounted on the framework, the panel being moveable between an open position and a closed position relative to the internal cavity, and wherein the at least one wall and the moveable panel cooperate to define a conductor aperture when the moveable panel is located in the closed position relative to the internal cavity.
US08152541B2 Card connector
A card connector which effectively prevents erroneous insertion of a card having a width smaller than a specified width has an introducing space formed between a body having contacts and a cover. An insertion preventing wall is formed in the body facing the upstream side in the card inserting direction. The cover includes a restricting plate projecting toward the introducing space, with the restricting plate being under a posture projecting further toward the introducing space on the downstream side in the card inserting direction. The restricting plate forms, at widthwise opposed ends thereof, contacting pieces which are deformed as coming into contact with widthwise opposed ends of a card, thereby lifting up the restricting plate.
US08152538B1 Fluid bonding fitting and assembly and system incorporating the fitting, and method of use
An assembly for bonding a fluid, wherein the assembly comprises a fitting having an electrically conductive body comprising: a base, a first extension member which extends from a first part of the base, and a second extension member which extends from a second part of the base; and an electrically conductive protrusion extending from an exterior surface of the body; a fluid filter having a receiver which is in operable communication with the first extension member of the fitting; and a pump which draws the fluid from a fluid source and into the fluid filter, wherein the fluid further flows from the fluid filter and through the fitting; whereby the fluid, when it flows through the fitting, and when a bond wire is in electrical communication with the electrically conductive protrusion of the fitting, is bonded.
US08152531B1 Team-based fitness challenge system and method
A fitness challenge program designed to encourage physical activity as well as to entertain and engage participants. Individuals are organized into teams and compete individually as well as against other teams. The program incorporates the use of computer technology to record physical activity and track progress for individuals as well as their teams. The individual and team activity information is posted to a web site accessible to the participants. Each participant has an account and can access his or her activity data through the web site. Team progress can also be viewed in the form of activity level data as well as movement to various locations associated with activity levels. The program incorporates educational content that is tied to team progress in the challenge. The program may be organized and administered through the middle schools that student participants attend.
US08152530B2 Rating method and system for early childhood educational programs
The invention describes a method for evaluating educational programs which, firstly, develops criteria which will address the strengths and weaknesses of the educational program. The second step of the method is to observe the criteria, chosen in step one, in the educational program. The third step is to assign a numerical value to each of the criteria observed in step two. The next step is to assign an overall rating to the educational program based on the numerically valued criteria. The personnel involved in the educational program can then decide what steps in addition to the assessment can be done to improve or maintain the educational program.
US08152529B2 Computerized system and method for visually based education
A computer-based educational system provides the user or instructor with a suite of graphic editing tools, allowing the design of graphical objects, such as symbols and text that can be displayed to a viewer, such as a student, using a projector or computer terminal. In order to facilitate the educational process, the invention provides the user with robust ability to control parameters of the graphical objects, allowing the user to create simulations or models of subject matter, such as mathematical principles, in order to facilitate the educational process. In the preferred embodiment, the parameters of these graphical objects can actually be defined in terms of variables and specifically functions or expressions including those variables and then the values of the variables controlled in real-time by the user. This ability allows the user to control the execution of the simulations or models, enabling the user or instructor to dovetail the execution of those simulations with the instructional process.
US08152528B2 Instructional kits, maps, and related methods
Provided are embodiments of instructional maps providing instructions for creating a finished product—such as a finished food product—and kits—such as baking or cooking kits—which include one or more such instructional maps. The instructional maps preferably include a recipe in the form of a series of step-by-step instructions for creating a finished food. The instructional maps may also include one or more activities to be completed while making the food, such as games, quizzes, puzzles, experiments, foreign language activities, social interaction activities, and instructions for doing one or more physical exercises. Some embodiments may also include two sides made up of instructions, activities, facts, etc. which are respectively designed for users of different ages, genders, interests, etc.
US08152526B2 Dental implant
Dental implants for fixed and removable prosthetic devices, and for other devices such as orthodontic devices, which have application to single tooth replacement, e.g., caps and crowns, and multiple tooth replacement using one or more implants, e.g., bridges, and multiple implants for full and partial prosthetic devices. The dental implants include a post or posts inserted into the jawbone and a base that is loaded, in the general area of the gum line, against the jawbone using the post or posts. The base may be loaded against the jawbone by a fastener system.
US08152525B2 Dental prosthesis removal tool
A dental prosthesis removal tool comprising a handle portion and a top portion, the top portion including a head portion and a beak portion. The beak portion is configured to engage both a maxillary dental prosthesis and a mandibular dental prosthesis without the tool needing to be reoriented. The dental prosthesis removal tool makes it possible for a dental prosthesis wearer to remove dental prostheses without the user placing his or her fingers inside of his or her mouth. The dental prosthesis removal tool also allows a denture wearer to remove dental prosthesis without bending, work hardening, or breaking metal clasps contained in some dental prostheses. The dental prosthesis removal tool further allows a denture wearer to more comfortably remove his or her dental prosthesis, promoting better patient compliance with maintenance procedures and oral hygiene.
US08152513B2 Multiple-gate injection molding apparatus
One or more nozzles define separate nozzle channels. The nozzles are coupled to a manifold, so that each of the nozzle channels communicates with a different mold gate. A molding material distribution insert is coupled to the manifold and has a body defining a distribution channel and a plurality of drop channels equal in number to the nozzle channels. The distribution channel is an open distribution channel formed on an outer surface of the body and enclosed by the manifold. The drop channels intersect the distribution channel and exit the body at a different one of the nozzle channels. A valve pin bushing can extend into the drop channels. Valve pins can extend from actuators, through the valve pin bushing and the drop channels, and to the mold gates. A valve pin holder can be coupled to the actuator and coupled to heads of the valve pins.
US08152509B2 Gap adjusting mechanism for rolls on a roll stand used in the extrusion forming of a sheet product
A roll stand for use in the extrusion forming of a sheet product from a flowable material having a main frame supporting first and second rolls between which there is a first gap through which at least one sheet layer passes during sheet product formation. A first adjusting mechanism moves the first roll relative to the second roll so as to vary a dimension of the first gap. The first adjusting mechanism has a first element that is moved by a first actuator that is: a) maintained on the apparatus; b) engageable by a hand of an operator; and c) manually movable through an operator's hand to thereby cause repositioning of the first roll.
US08152508B2 Apparatus for manufacture of single-use dental floss holders
The invention concerns a mold for forming a single-use floss holder containing a length of dental floss having a wax composition applied thereto, the mold including a first part having a first cavity disposed therein, the first cavity defined by a bottom base surface and a peripheral sidewall, and including a base portion, first and second spaced-apart portions having proximal and distal sections and extending from the base portion, and a second part having a second cavity disposed therein, the second cavity defined by a bottom base surface and a peripheral sidewall, and including a base portion, first and second spaced-apart portions having proximal and distal sections and extending from the base portion and terminating in the distal section; and a groove having an aspect ratio of about 10:1 or greater and having first and second terminal sections and a mid-section, the groove extending an entire width of the second part, where the first and second terminal sections of the groove traverse and are coincident with the distal section of the first and second spaced-apart portions of the second cavity, respectively.
US08152506B1 Pressure generating device with food compressing attachment
Described herein is a removable food compressing attachment in combination with a pressure generating device. The food compressing attachment connects to an aperture within the pressure generating device, so the aperture is continuous with the food compressing attachment interior. When a longitudinal cooking tool inserts into the food compressing attachment interior, food flowing from the aperture enters the attachment interior under pressure from the pressure generating device. The compressed food within the attachment interior forms a fixed continuous shaped mass along the longitudinal cooking tool which traverses the attachment interior. There is also a removable template by which the food compressing attachment can produce a narrower continuous food mass along the longitudinal cooking tool.
US08152503B2 Baffle member for scroll compressors
A baffle member for use in scroll compressors. In one exemplary embodiment, the baffle member is attached to a portion of the crankcase and, in use, deflects lubricant that may be thrown from the thrust surface of the crankcase during operation of the compressor away from the flow of working fluid, and also aids in directing the flow of working fluid away from the thrust surface of the crankcase and toward a suction inlet in the compression mechanism.
US08152500B2 Scroll compressor build assembly
A scroll compressor build assembly is provided. An outer housing includes multiple shell sections that interfit to provide internal steps that provide seating surfaces. One or both bearing members can use the internal seats. The outer housing may comprise three shells that telescopically interfit and that can be welded with circumferential welds.
US08152499B2 Eccentric screw pump
An eccentric screw pump with an annular outer part (10; 40; 74) and an inner part (12; 42; 72) arranged therein has an interior of the outer part (10; 40; 74) and an exterior of the inner part (12; 42; 72) tapering in a complementary manner towards an axial end (16; 46; 70). In the axial direction (X, W), the inner part (12; 42; 72) and the outer part (10; 40; 74) are movably received in relation to each other and the inner part (12; 42; 72) and/or the outer part (10; 40; 74) are configured in such a manner that pressure applied to the pressure side of the eccentric screw pump generates a force that acts upon the inner part (12; 42; 72) axially to the direction in which the inner part (12; 42; 72) tapers and/or a force that acts upon the outer part (10; 40; 74) in an opposite axial direction.
US08152497B2 Compressor
In sealed compressors, in one form of the invention, the compressor housing and the compression mechanism are assembled to one another without fasteners. As a result, the time required to install and tighten the fasteners is eliminated, lessen the time required to assemble the compressor. Further, such a fastenerless assembly requires less parts and machining, further reducing the cost of the compressor. Additionally, in one form of the invention, the compression mechanism includes two bearings mounted to the compressor housing and a cylinder block reciprocatingly driven between the bearings by an eccentric member of the crankshaft. Typically, the cylinder block of existing compressors is rigidly mounted to the compressor housing and does not reciprocate.
US08152495B2 Peripheral discharge tube axial fan
A mixed flow fan assembly includes an electric motor, an impeller having a hub enclosing the motor, and a plurality of fan blades spaced circumferentially around the hub. The fan assembly also includes an axis of rotation extending through the hub, an annular venturi radially surrounding the impeller, and a mounting plate with an opening to allow for axial airflow positioned on one open end of the venturi. The venturi has at least one elongated slot to allow for radial airflow from the fan assembly, the slot being oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and having a generally rectangular shape. Rotation of the hub and the fan blades caused by the electric motor generates both axial and radial airflow through the fan assembly.
US08152494B2 Methods and systems for fluid control
A magnetically coupled fluid actuator for microfluidic applications which affords the actuated fluid some degree of separation from the drive mechanism, increasing biocompatibility and making part of the device potentially disposable.
US08152491B2 Pump using unimorph diaphragm
A pump using a piezoelectric diaphragm is designed to allow the diaphragm to be supported appropriately and accurately and to facilitate assembly of housing members. The peripheral edge of a sheet metal of a unimorph diaphragm 40 on the side thereof facing a first housing member 14 is pressed and supported with the ridge of an annular projection 52 annularly provided along the peripheral edge of a vent chamber 38. The first to third housing members 14, 16 and 30 are stacked on one another, and the first and third housing members 14 and 30 are welded together by ultrasonic welding such that the first and second housing members 14 and 16 abut against each other at abutting portions 66 and 68 and the second and third housing members 16 and 30 abut against each other at abutting portions 70 and 72, thereby definitely determining the positional relationship between the housing members.
US08152490B2 Motor driven compressor
A motor-driven compressor has a compression mechanism, a rotary shaft, an electric motor, a motor drive circuit and a housing assembly. The compression mechanism, the electric motor and the motor drive circuit are disposed along the axial direction of the rotary shaft in the housing assembly. The housing assembly has first and second housings. The first housing mounts the electric motor and the compression mechanism. The first housing has first and second mounting lugs formed integrally with the peripheral surface of the first housing. The second housing is joined to the first housing for accommodating the motor drive circuit. The second housing has a third mounting lug formed integrally with the second housing. The first through third mounting lugs are fastened to a mounting object to which the motor-driven compressor is to be mounted by means of fastening members.
US08152485B2 DC brushless motor pump
A DC brushless motor pump comprises a stator unit consisting of a plurality of silicon steel laminations and a coil, a rotor, an excitation circuit connected to the stator unit, a signal controller supplying power to the excitation circuit, and a magnetic induction module connected to the signal controller to control the pump running. Further, in the pump, a cylinder is provided between the stator unit and the rotor. An orientation component that protrudes in a radial direction is provided on an outer circumferential wall of the cylinder so that the magnetic induction module may be mounted onto the orientation component. Thus, the orientation component is used to fix the magnetic induction module for increasing the accuracy of detection.
US08152484B2 Engine cooling fan assembly
A fan assembly that includes a fan having a fan hub and motor having a drive shaft and a drive member coupled to the drive shaft for rotation with the drive shaft. The fan hub includes an inner face and an outer face. The drive member contacts the inner face of the fan hub to define a plurality of discrete drive member contact zones between the drive member and the inner face of the fan hub. A clip engages the drive shaft and the outer face of the fan hub to couple the fan to the drive shaft. The clip contacts the outer face of the fan hub to define a plurality of discrete clip contact zones between the clip and the outer face of the fan hub. The plurality of drive member contact zones are generally aligned with the plurality of clip contact zones.
US08152482B2 Displacement control valve for variable displacement compressor
A displacement control valve for a variable displacement compressor. The displacement control valve includes a drive force transmission body, a pressure sensitive chamber, an internal passage, and a valve body. The valve body includes an annular seal which is contactable with a valve seat surface facing toward the first valve body. The drive force transmission body includes a drive rod and a valve body structure having a shaft passage and forming the first valve body. The drive rod is fitted to the shaft passage and coupled to the valve body structure so as to form a gap passage between an outer surface of the drive rod and a wall surface of the shaft passage. The internal passage includes a recess arranged radially inward from the annular seal, the shaft passage, and the gap passage. The gap passage is in direct communication with the recess.
US08152481B2 Piston-type compressor
This invention is to provide a piston-type compressor that assures optimal lubrication by supplying oil in plentiful quantity to a sliding portion in a cylinder block having cylinders formed therein, through which pistons slide reciprocally. A crankcase is defined by a cylinder block 1 having formed therein a plurality of cylinders 17 through which pistons slide, and a housing mounted at the cylinder block 1, and as a shaft passing through the crankcase rotates, a swashplate disposed inside the crankcase is made to rotate, thereby engaging the pistons to reciprocally slide through the cylinders. At the cylinder block 1, an inbound oil guide passage 35 having one end thereof made to open over an area at the end surface of the cylinder block facing the crankcase between adjacent cylinders 17 and another end thereof connecting to a sliding portion inside the cylinder block.
US08152478B2 Compressor with controlled capacity
A double cylinder compressor with controlled capacity having a capacity switch device, and a reservoir having an inlet and two outlets which are connected with an upper and a lower cylinder of the double cylinder compressor through the capacity switch device. The capacity switch device being switched to realize the connection in series or in parallel for the cylinders of the double cylinder compressor, as a result, the discharge capacity of the compressor is that of the second stage cylinder when the connection in series, or the sum of the two cylinders when the connection is in parallel.
US08152476B2 Positive displacement pump with a working fluid and linear motor control
The present invention relates to positive displacement pumps, and particularly to diaphragm positive displacement pumps. An inventive diaphragm positive displacement pump is provided comprising at least one pumping chamber containing a deformable hose diaphragm, a working fluid cylinder fluidly connected to the deformable hose diaphragm, and at least one linear motor to displace the working fluid within the working fluid cylinder and thereby increase and decrease the volume of the pumping chamber. An inventive method of controlling an inventive diaphragm positive displacement pump comprising at least one pumping chamber and powered by at least one linear motor is also provided.
US08152475B2 Method for controlling operation of a compressor
In a method for controlling operation of a compressor, the compressor is shut off by a control device in order to prevent thermal damages when an estimated temperature value Ts calculated by said control device exceeds an upper threshold value Tmax while the compressor remains on or is allowed to be turned on when there is a need for compression and a lower threshold value Tmin is not reached. In order to be able to more accurately estimate the estimated temperature and increase the thermal availability of the compressor, the estimated temperature value Ts is indirectly and cyclically determined by means of a mathematical-physical model that characterizes the cooling and heating properties of the compressor.
US08152473B2 Airfoil design for rotor and stator blades of a turbomachine
For the rotor and stator blades of turbomachines, more particularly of gas-turbine engines, an airfoil design is provided with a defined area of a skeleton line angle distribution for skeleton lines of airfoil sections near the gap. With the distribution of the dimensionless skeleton line angles (α) over the chord length (l) in a certain area between two limiting curves (7, 8) according to the present invention, and the corresponding course of the skeleton lines in a blade portion extending up to 30 percent of the blade height, a uniformed pressure distribution is ensured, minimizing disturbances and losses due to the influence of the gap.
US08152470B2 Device for the adjustment of the pitch of a motor blade of a wind turbine
A device is provided for the adjustment of the pitch of a rotor blade of a wind turbine. The device includes a pitch actuator and a fixing device. The pitch actuator includes a tube. The fixing device includes a first and a second ring-like element, each of which is arranged at the tube and each of which is supported towards a respective stopper assigned to the tube, and a clamping means which press the first and the second ring-like element in such a way towards the respective stopper that the fixing device and the tube are substantially non-relocatable relatively to each other.
US08152468B2 Divoted airfoil baffle having aimed cooling holes
A baffle insert for an internally cooled airfoil comprises a liner, a divoted segment and a plurality of cooling holes. The liner has a continuous perimeter formed to shape a hollow body having a first end and a second end. The divoted segment of the hollow body is positioned between the first end and the second end. The plurality of cooling holes is positioned on the divoted segment to aim cooling air exiting the baffle insert at a common location.
US08152465B2 Rotor blade for a rotor airplane
A rotor blade comprises an inner rotor blade root area, a rotor blade main area disposed adjacent to the inner rotor blade root area along a length of the rotor blade and having an aerodynamically effective rotor blade profile, the profile including a nose area and a rear edge area, and a rotor blade tip disposed adjacent to the rotor blade main area along the length of the rotor blade. The rotor blade tip is configured to be deformable relative to the rotor blade main area and is operatively connected to a first actuator device. The first actuator device is configured to initiate a vertical movement of the rotor blade tip upwards or downwards relative to the lift direction. The vertical movement starts from a neutral position relative to the rotor blade main area.
US08152463B2 Method for impingement air cooling for gas turbines
In impingement air cooling of gas turbine components, cooling air velocity packs of a certain amplitude and a given frequency are applied to impingement air openings, with intervallic annular swirl structures being formed which penetrate a cross-flow and hit a component to be cooled with high intensity, thus providing for efficient cooling. In order to obtain annular swirl structures with optimum cooling effect, the Strouhal number, which is determined by a ratio of amplitude, frequency of the velocity packs and size of impingement air cooling openings, ranges between 0.2 and 2.0, and preferably between 0.8 and 1.2.
US08152462B1 Card seal with conical flexible seal
A card seal with an annular arrangement of cards that are positioned within an annular groove of a casing, and a conical flexible seal is secured to the casing on the low pressure side of the cards. The cards and the flexible seal both includes slanted surfaces that interact during operation such that the flexible seal gap decreases with the rotor shaft and the cards are secured within the annular groove during assembly and installation of the card seal. The flexible seal blocks leakage through the cards and includes an axial extending inner end that can include an abradable material to allow for rub with the shaft while decreasing the gap to prevent leakage across the cards.
US08152461B2 Integrated inlet design
A nacelle assembly and a method for assembling the same is provided. The nacelle assembly includes an inner barrel and an outer structure comprising a highlight and an outer aft section, wherein the highlight is defined by a forward end of the outer structure, wherein the outer aft section includes a point defined by a maximum diameter of the nacelle assembly, wherein the nacelle assembly extends at least between the highlight and the point.
US08152460B2 Device for bleeding air from a turbomachine compressor
A turbomachine compressor, including an air bleed device including a duct having a suction end opening out into an outer casing of the compressor level with a rotor wheel and a stator stage of the compressor is disclosed. A screen sheet of annular shape is mounted radially inside the casing facing a portion of the suction end of the duct so as to make the bleeding of air uniform over 360° around the axis of the compressor.
US08152456B2 Turbojet compressor
The invention relates to a turbojet compressor comprising a shroud and a plurality of blades, each fixed via its root to the shroud. Level with each blade root, the shroud presents a suction-side ramp and a pressure-side ramp extending from the trailing edge of the blade to beyond its leading edge. The pressure-side and suction-side ramps join together upstream from the leading edge of the blade to form a projection presenting a profile that is twisted about the axis of the shroud so as to force the gas stream flowing in each flow passage to go round the blade root essentially on the suction-side thereof, and the suction-side ramp presents a profile that is inclined relative to the outside surface of the shroud so as to deflect the gas stream flowing in the corresponding flow passage from the suction-side surface of the blade towards the pressure-side surface of the adjacent blade.
US08152450B1 Floating air seal for a turbine
A gas turbine engine with a floating air seal to form a seal between a rotor disk and an adjacent stator vane segment shroud and allow for both axial and radial shifting of the rotor disk with respect to the stator while maintaining the sealing capability. The floating air seal includes an annular piston that slides within an annular groove formed within the stator in an axial direction. The annular piston includes an annular groove on the rotor disk side to form an air cushion against the rotor disk, a pressure buffer surface on the opposite end, and a central passage to supply the air cushion chamber with pressurized fluid from the buffer pressure chamber. A balancing force on the annular piston is formed between the air cushion formed and the pressure force acting to push the annular piston toward the rotor surface.
US08152443B1 Self-priming centrifugal pump free of mechanical seals
A centrifugal pump mounted in an external housing. The pump has a split housing containing an impeller with outwardly extending vanes that is mounted on a drive shaft. The drive shaft at one end is mounted to a sealed bearing within the external housing and at the other end to a drive.
US08152442B2 Centripetal pumping stage and vacuum pump incorporating such pumping stage
A molecular spiral-type vacuum pumping stage comprises a rotor disk having smooth surfaces cooperating with a stator. The stator is provided with a plurality of spiral channels at least on the surface facing the rotor disk, wherein the gas to be pumped flows in centripetal direction. The cross-section area (σ) of the channels is reduced from the center towards the outer periphery of the stator. Due to this arrangement, it is possible to avoid the reduction of the internal gas flow velocity along the pumping stage and the related risk of internal compression or re-expansions, this limiting the power losses. The present invention also refers to a vacuum pump comprising at least one pumping stage as described above.
US08152441B2 Submersible waterwheel with hinged rotor blades and spring-loaded water seals
A reengineered undershot waterwheel adapted to capture unutilized hydrokinetic energy is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the blades, partitions, and shafts of the waterwheel are composed of engineered plastics and composites for improved operation and longevity. In other embodiments, the waterwheel may be fixed, floating, partially or fully submerged, mounted vertically or horizontally, and will operate in deep and shallow flowing water sources.
US08152439B2 Method and apparatus for starting supersonic compressors
A supersonic gas compressor. The compressor includes aerodynamic duct(s) situated on a rotor journaled in a casing. The aerodynamic duct(s) generate a plurality of oblique shock waves for efficiently compressing a gas at supersonic conditions. The convergent inlet is adjacent to a bleed air collector, and during acceleration of the rotor, bypass gas is removed from the convergent inlet via a collector to enable supersonic shock stabilization. Once the oblique shocks are stabilized at a selected inlet relative Mach number and pressure ratio, the bleed of bypass gas from the convergent inlet via the bypass gas collectors is eliminated.
US08152437B2 Interface member for a power plant
A power plant includes a first turbine having a plurality of turbine stages. The first turbine discharges a first fluid flow. A second turbine is operatively coupled to the first turbine. The second turbine receives the first fluid flow from the first turbine and a second fluid flow. An interface member is mounted between the first and second turbines. The interface member includes a main body portion having an inner surface, an inlet portion and an outlet portion that combine to form a fluid flow path that extends between the first and second turbines. The interface member further includes an input member having an input passage that leads the second fluid into the fluid flow path. The interface member also includes a baffle plate that extends toward the fluid flow path. The baffle plate establishes a flow gap between the input passage and the inlet and outlet portions.
US08152436B2 Blade under platform pocket cooling
Inlets are provided at a front end of inter-blade cavities for allowing coolant to flow therein to cool down the undersurface of the blade platforms as well as the rim of the disc of a rotor assembly.
US08152433B2 Loader vehicle having a lift arm
A loader vehicle includes a main frame, a lift arm, and a lift cylinder. The lift arm is connected to the main frame. A working implement is attached to the lift arm at the front end thereof. The lift cylinder is connected to the lift arm and the main frame. The lift cylinder includes a piston, a piston rod fixed to the piston, and a cylinder tube. The piston rod is connected to the main frame. The cylinder tube has a bottom portion and a side wall portion. The cylinder tube is connected to the lift arm by a connecting portion. The connecting portion is provided at the side wall portion of the cylinder tube.
US08152426B2 Rotation indicator device
A rotation indicator device comprises a body having a bore, whereby the body is adapted to be releasably mounted on a polygonal fastener or other multi-angled component in any selected position. At least part of the body which defines the bore is formed of a resilient material of suitable grip and flexibility characteristics, such as silicone rubber material, and the bore has an edge margin which is of a tapered profile in cross-section so that the body can be snugly mounted onto the fastener or other component without any relative rotation occurring between the device and the fastener or other component.
US08152419B1 Tubular member notching system and method
A tubular member notching system includes a system frame, a clamp jaw assembly carried by the system frame, a jaw actuation assembly carried by the system frame and engaging the clamp jaw assembly, a pivoting swing arm assembly positioned generally alongside the system frame adjacent to the clamp jaw assembly and an arbor housing assembly carried by the pivoting swing arm assembly.
US08152418B2 Deploying a chemically-inflatable bag with an unfurling action
Embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for providing a nonlabor-intensive process for preventing backfill entering, or environmental factors eroding, a cavity formed in the ground. Preventing cavity degradation involves constructing a chemically-inflatable bag that separates two or more chemical reactants by creases and cylindrical coils formed in the chemically-inflatable bag. The creases typically act as watertight releasable seals that separate the chemical reactants while the cylindrical coils resist unintentional compromise of the releasable seals. However, the cylindrical coils are designed to give way upon the user applying an unfurling action on the chemically-inflatable bag; thus, furnishing a passageway for the chemical reactants to intermix and initiate a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide as a by-product, which expands the chemically-inflatable bag from a collapsed condition to an inflated condition. In the inflated condition, the chemically-inflatable bag fills and protects the integrity of the formed cavity.
US08152415B2 Method and apparatus for building support piers from one or more successive lifts formed in a soil matrix
A method and apparatus for forming a support aggregate pier having compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, includes an elongate, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end bottom head element that is forced or lowered into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted in predetermined increments. The same hollow tube is then lowered or pushed in predetermined increments to vertically compact the released aggregate in thin aggregate lifts, while forcing a portion of the compacted aggregate transaxially into the soil matrix at the sidewalls of the cavity. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted aggregate lifts comprising an aggregate pier or the process may include forming only a single lift for the aggregate pier while densifying adjacent matrix soils and imparting lateral stress in these soils.
US08152414B2 Device and method for suppressing vortex-induced vibrations
A device and method for the reduction of vortex-induced vibration of a deepwater riser. A device for attachment to a structure, which is subject to movement relative to a fluid surrounding the structure, for reducing vortex-induced vibration effects on the structure, the device comprising: a flexible netting (4) interconnecting a plurality of relatively inflexible members comprising a plurality of elongate members (3) and a plurality of spacer members (6), wherein each elongate member has a first cuter boundary and each spacer member has a second outer boundary wherein the second boundary extends radially outward of the first outer boundary relative to the netting, over at least: a substantial portion of the boundary.
US08152412B2 Pipelayer with cab riser
A pipelayer having an undercarriage with at least two tracks and a main assembly. Each track has a track frame coupled to the undercarriage and a track shoe supported by and movable around the track frame. The main assembly is supported by and rotatable relative to the undercarriage, and has a main frame, a boom pivotally mounted to the main frame, an operator cab, and a cab riser connecting the operator cab to the main frame. The cab riser is operable to selectively raise and lower the operator cab relative to the main frame. Also provided is a movable cab assembly having an operator cab, an adjustment mechanism to connect the cab to a vehicle frame and move to change the operator's view, and a guide to align the cab. A method for laying pipe using a pipelayer having a movable cab is also provided.
US08152410B2 Method and apparatus for compaction, breaking and rubblization
An apparatus for compaction, breaking and rubbilization comprises a first non-circular plate having a first plate flat portion and a first plate thickness, a second non-circular plate having a second plate flat portion and a second plate thickness substantially equivalent to the first plate thickness, and a third plate having a third plate first flat portion and a third plate second flat portion and a third plate thickness less than the first plate thickness and the second plate thickness. The first plate flat portion is coupled to the third plate first flat portion and the second plate is coupled to the third plate second flat portion and each of the first plate, the second plate and the third plate are configured to form a multi-lobed roller assembly.
US08152409B1 Apparatus for screeding concrete
An apparatus for screeding concrete to produce a level finished surface includes a rigid frame assembly; a telescopic boom assembly secured directly to the frame assembly; and a screeder head assembly having a plurality of vertically oriented alignment poles secured to the boom assembly. The telescopic boom assembly may include a plurality of boom sections, each having a leveling mechanism whereby each boom section may be individually leveled with respect to each preceding boom section to provide for a consistently level finished surface.
US08152403B2 Three-way connector for cabinet frame
A three-way connector for a cabinet frame, including a body 1, multiple positioning columns 4, 8, a pair of M6 tapping holes 7, a pair of M6 tapping holes 11, a M12 tapping hole 3, a ten-folded section 6, and a fifteen-folded section 10. A pair of triangular corners 2 is disposed on both sides of the body 1. The M12 tapping hole 3 is disposed at the top of the body 1. The positioning columns 4 are fit with a cavity of the ten-folded section 6. The M6 tapping holes 7 are disposed on the positioning columns 4, and fit with an installation hole of the ten-folded section 6. The positioning columns 8 are fit with a cavity of the fifteen-folded section 10, and are parallel to each other. The M6 tapping holes 11 are disposed on the positioning columns 8.
US08152401B2 Surgical skin marker with disposable sterilized tip
A surgical skin marker has a handle body and a removably attached marking tip that is provided in a protective sterilized bag. After a single use, the marking tip can be removed and discarded. A new marking tip can be attached for a subsequent surgical procedure or treatment. Such a marker can help maintain a sterile surgical environment while minimizing waste and costs.
US08152399B2 Packaging and application device
The invention is a device for packaging and applying a product. The device includes a receptacle for containing the product and an applicator including a rod provided at one end with an application element. The receptacle further has a tubular body with a movable piston guided axially in the tubular body wherein the piston has a passage opening for the application element. The applicator includes an axial stop protruding radially relative to the rod and is capable of being in abutment against the piston. The stop can be retracted radially in order to allow it to pass through the passage opening of the piston and includes at least one orifice for the passage of air when the stop is in abutment against the piston.
US08152389B1 Camera support apparatus
A camera mount supported by a beam. The mount includes an inverted “U” shaped flexible member including first and second fingers that are parallel to one another, a connecting member joins the first and second fingers at one end, the first and second finger free ends have a stiffness of about ten to thirty pounds per inch. Also the mount includes a camera mount interface extending from the connecting member opposite of the first and second fingers. Wherein the first and second fingers and the connecting member have a slip compressive fit over the beam to hold the mount in place, giving the camera an overhead view. The first and second fingers and connecting member deflect outward to facilitate the slip compressive fit.
US08152383B2 Tapered roller bearing
In a tapered roller bearing, the roller coefficient γ is greater than 0.94. At least one member of an inner ring, an outer ring, and the tapered rollers includes a nitrogen-rich layer, and the grain size number of austenite crystal grains in the nitrogen-rich layer is greater than 10. A cage of the tapered roller bearing includes a small annular portion continuous on a small end face side of the tapered rollers, a large annular portion continuous on a large end face side of the tapered rollers, and a plurality of bars that connect the small and large annular portions. The cage has trapezoidal pockets between adjacent ones of the bars. Each of the bars has cut-away portions on the narrow side of the pockets.
US08152381B2 Rolling bearing comprising a device for withdrawing a liquid
A rolling bearing which has a sealing arrangement and a sensor component, particularly an encoder, which is fitted with a mounting flange. The rolling bearing further has an inner ring and an outer ring between which rolling members are arranged. The sealing arrangement is equipped with at least one sealing element between the inner ring and the outer ring. In order to provide a rolling bearing which can easily be retrofitted with a retrofit sensor, particularly a retrofit encoder, and is well protected against environmental influence, the sensor component that is fitted with the mounting flange is designed as a retrofit part, while at least one water discharge port is disposed in the region of the mounting flange.
US08152380B2 Sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction
A sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction therefor includes a woven inner portion bonded to an injection molded elastic outer portion. The inner portion includes a first yarn of lubricious yarn material and a second yarn of material that is different than the first yarn. The first yarn substantially provides an inner bearing surface and the second yarn substantially provides an outer surface that is bonded to the outer portion. The first and second yarns are woven together so that the first yarn is woven in one of a weft direction corresponding to a circumferential direction of the journal bearing surface or a warp direction corresponding to an axial direction of the journal bearing surface to substantially provide the bearing surface and the second yarn is woven in a direction different than the first yarn to substantially provide the outer surface bonded to the outer portion.
US08152375B2 Bag and method for emptying a bag
To empty a bag which has at least one cross bottom (4) which is covered with a bottom cover sheet (18) and which has an essentially rectangular shape and is glued together out of corner tucks (11) angled from narrow sidewalls via folding lines and out of bottom flaps (12) angled from wide sidewalls via folding lines (13, 14), there is provision, according to the invention, whereby the bottom cover sheet (18) is drawn off, starting from a narrow sidewall, from the respective corner tuck (11) and from part of the adjoining bottom flaps (12), whereby the bottom flaps (12) are torn on the far side of the corner tuck, transversely with respect to their free edges, as far as the adjoining wide sidewall, in order to separate a part (12′) of the bottom flaps (12), and whereby the separated parts (12′) of the bottom flaps (12), together with the corner tuck (11), are bent, by being folded up about the folding lines (13, 14, 23), into a pour-out channel (24), via which the emptying of the bag contents takes place.
US08152374B2 Protective cover for backpacks
The invention pertains to a protective cover for a backpack, the cover preventing unauthorized access to the backpack and its contents. Apertures and slots are formed in the protective cover to allow the straps on the backpack to pass through the cover, so that the protective cover and backpack can be retained on the shoulders of the user. A single, elongated zipper on the protective cover provides access to the interior thereof, and the end point of the zipper is hidden from view when resting upon the back of the user.
US08152372B1 Methods for monitoring chip temperature during test
Described herein are methods and apparatuses for testing an integrated circuit chip including a thermal diode. According to various embodiments, a method for testing an integrated circuit chip including a thermal diode may comprise performing a test operation on the integrated circuit chip, and during the test operation, detecting a signal representative of a temperature sensed by a thermal diode embedded in the integrated circuit chip. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08152370B2 Sensor and method for determining temperature along an optical fibre
An optical fiber temperature sensor comprising: an optical pulse generator; an optical fiber into which said optical pulses are fed; an optical receiver to receive said optical pulses reflected by said optical fiber and to convert them into an electrical signal; a processor which receives said electrical signal and determines the temperature along said optical fiber; said optical receiver comprising a first filter and a second filter to filter said optical pulse reflected by said optical fiber, characterized in that said first and said second filters filter two adjacent portions of anti-Stokes optical signals or of Stokes optical signals.
US08152367B2 Insulated container having a temperature monitoring device
The invention provides an insulated container having a temperature monitoring device that can be used to maintain an object stored in the container at a temperature that is below the normal operating temperature of the temperature monitoring device while still permitting the taking of measurements of the interior of the container. The container includes an RF transponder having an RF antenna, a temperature sensor, and a battery that is operatively connected to the transponder and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned in the container so that it is in a temperature monitoring relationship with the interior space of the container. The battery is positioned at least partially in one of the walls of the container at a location that is spaced apart from the temperature sensor and that is selected so that the battery does not experience a temperature that is below an operating temperature of the battery.
US08152365B2 Method and system for determining optical properties of semiconductor wafers
A method and system are disclosed for determining at least one optical characteristic of a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. Once the optical characteristic is determined, at least one parameter in a processing chamber may be controlled for improving the process. For example, in one embodiment, the reflectivity of one surface of the substrate may first be determined at or near ambient temperature. From this information, the reflectance and/or emittance of the wafer during high temperature processing may be accurately estimated. The emittance can be used to correct temperature measurements using a pyrometer during wafer processing. In addition to making more accurate temperature measurements, the optical characteristics of the substrate can also be used to better optimize the heating cycle.
US08152363B2 Temperature detection circuit
A temperature detection circuit includes a first voltage source circuit to generate a first voltage having a temperature dependence by utilizing a work function difference of gate electrodes of a plurality of field effect transistors, a second voltage source circuit to generate a reference voltage having no temperature dependence by utilizing a work function difference of gate electrodes of a plurality of field effect transistors, a correction circuit configured to correct the reference voltage and output a corrected voltage, and a subtraction amplifier configured to subtract the corrected voltage from the first voltage, amplify a resulting subtracted voltage, and output a resulting amplified voltage as a correction voltage signal to adjust a temperature coefficient of the correction voltage signal.
US08152362B2 Mixer and methods of mixing
A mixer (10) includes a coupler (22) receiving an upper end of a shaft (24) rotatably connected to an offset pin (20) of a circulating plate (18) mounted to a rotatable output (14) of a motor (12). The shaft (24) is slideably mounted by a linear bearing (40) to a swivel plate (32) which is mounted to swivel relative to a support rod (106). Due to the non-parallel angle (C) of the offset pin (20) to the rotatable output (14), the shaft (24) and a paddle (30) mounted thereto moves up and down, rotates about the offset pin (20) and swivels at swivel angles (A, B) in first and second planes in a multi-direction which is angular and non true circular.
US08152361B2 Mug with stirring mechanism
A mug body has an open top. A lid is fitted to the open top. The lid has first and second top to bottom holes formed therein. An arm extends down from the bottom of the lid into the mug body. An actuator handle extends out from the top of the lid, through the second hole. The actuator handle is coupled to the arm to move the arm relative to the mug body. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08152360B2 Storage device for laboratory samples having storage racks and a shaker
The invention provides a storage device with storage racks and a shaker where the undesired horizontal oscillations of the upper ends of the storage racks are small. The storage device for laboratory samples includes a shaker drive, a rack carrier being driven by said shaker drive for performing a shaking motion with horizontal component, at least one storage rack arranged on the rack carrier, which storage rack comprises vertical side walls, each side wall having a plurality of ledges arranged vertically above each other and forming storage locations for a plurality of laboratory samples on top of each other, and a counterweight assembly connected to an upper end section of the storage rack and being driven to exert a force opposite to the shaking motion in order to counteract an oscillation of the upper end section of the storage rack.
US08152355B2 Lamp-set structure
The present invention includes a lamp cap and a lamp body. An interior of the lamp cap is provided with an illuminating element which is electrically connected with a circuit board. The circuit board is provided with electric contacts which are exposed at a bottom of the lamp cap and peripheries of the lamp cap are provided with latching parts. The lamp body includes a handheld part and a lamp holder. An interior of the lamp holder is provided with fastening parts which correspond with the latching parts of the lamp cap, allowing the lamp cap to be engaged on and electrically connected with the lamp holder. In addition, the handheld part is provided with a control switch.
US08152353B2 Surface emission apparatus, light guide, and method of manufacturing light guide
A surface emission apparatus includes a first light source for emitting invisible light rays; a second light source for emitting visible light rays; a light guide having a light entrance surface for entering therethrough into the light guide the invisible light rays emitted from the first light source and the visible light rays emitted from the second light source, and a light exit surface for emitting the invisible light rays and the visible light rays therethrough out of the light guide; and a plurality of optical devices disposed on a surface of the light guide which confronts the light exit surface, for scattering more of the invisible light rays than the visible light rays.
US08152349B2 End reflector for a flat panel lens
End reflectors, flat panel lens that may utilize the end reflector, and methods are provided. The end reflector for a flat panel lens may include a first grating having a first set of parallel planes. The first set of parallel planes may be of layers of alternating refractive indexes disposed at a first angle with a central plane of the flat panel lens. The end reflector may also include a second grating having a second set of parallel planes. The second set of parallel planes may be of layers of alternating refractive indexes of alternating refractive indexes disposed at a second angle with the central plane. The second angle may be equivalent to the first angle reflected about the central plane.
US08152346B2 Vehicle lighting unit and vehicle light
A vehicle lighting unit can include a first reflector surface and a second reflector surface disposed vertically with the optical axis of an LED light source interposed therebetween. The first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can form respective light distribution patterns. The first reflecting surface can include an edge near the projection lens formed in a substantially elliptic shape and designed so as to take an aberration of the projection lens into consideration. The edge can be disposed so as to coincide with a focus group of the projection lens. The second reflecting surface can be formed to have a substantially conical curved surface or a curved surface having at least a part of a cross section of a substantially conical curved surface. Direct light emitted from the LED light source and passing through/between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can form a light distribution pattern.
US08152344B2 Double-shaft hinge and lamp using the same
A lamp including a double-shaft hinge, which includes at least one first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, an installation connector and a supporting connector connected with the installation connector, a pair of first shaft brackets and a second shaft bracket. The first shaft bracket is non-rotatably fixed with the first rotating shaft, and the second shaft bracket is non-rotatably fixed with the second rotating shaft. The installation connector defines a pair of symmetrical sleeves, the supporting connector defines a shaft hole, and the central axis of the shaft hole and the central axis of the sleeves are perpendicular to each other. The first rotating shaft are rotatably positioned in the sleeves, the second rotating shaft is rotatably positioned in the shaft hole.
US08152341B2 Expandable liquid volume in an LED bulb
An LED bulb includes a base, a shell, a plurality of LEDs, a thermally conductive liquid, and a liquid-volume compensator mechanism. The shell is connected to the base. The plurality of LEDs is attached to the base and disposed within the shell. The thermally conductive liquid is held within the shell. The liquid-volume compensator mechanism is attached to the base. The liquid-volume compensator mechanism is configured to compensate for expansion of the thermally conductive liquid. The liquid-volume compensator mechanism moves from a first position to a second position. A first volume is provided for the thermally conductive liquid in the first position. A second volume, which is greater than the first volume, is provided for the thermally conductive liquid in the second position.
US08152340B1 Compact loupe light
A loupe light that is compact and lightweight is described. The loupe light includes an adhesive that is electrically insulating and thermally conducting to help secure a wire supplying power to a light source. The loupe light also includes an end piece configured to help secure the wire as well.
US08152337B2 Electronic display panel
A multi-panel electronic display for use on a structure, comprising a frame removably attached to the structure in such a way as to encounter a natural airflow, a plurality of individual panels mounted on the frame, each panel comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side comprising a plurality of light sources, wherein each individual panel works with other individual panels to display an image, and a printed circuit on the second side of more than one of the individual panels of the multi-panel electronic display and in thermally conductive communication with the frame such that heat generated by electronic components on the circuit board is dissipated within the frame and such that the frame is cooled by the natural airflow. The frame may be corrugated to facilitate dissipation of the heat and create space for electrical wiring, and thermally conductive pads may be inserted between the circuit board and the frame to further dissipate heat. A 12 volt, 24 volt, or greater power source can be stepped down to 5 volts on the panel itself, outside the structure, to minimize holes needed in the walls of the structure.
US08152330B2 Lighted reading glasses
Lighted reading glasses are provided to enable clear reading of normal sized text to occur when the reading material is held at usual distances from the reader in poorly lit locations. The lighted glasses have high intensity lights, such as in the form of LEDs that generate narrow light beam cones and which are oriented in light modules to inwardly cant the light beam cones to meet and overlap so high brightness light is generated in a conical overlap area of light which is maximized in size in the range of normal reading distances. In another form, a clip-on light apparatus is provided that includes a spacer frame having opposite end portions each mounting lights, preferably constructed as described above. In one form, retainers at the end portions are adapted to releasably engage outer sides of the eyeglass lenses. The frame preferably incorporates a draw spring assembly to allow adjustments for different size glasses. In another form, the light spacing is fixed and a clipping mechanism is provided for clipping to the eyeglasses in the area generally between the eyeglasses lenses.
US08152329B2 Solar table lamp and solar flashlight combination
A solar table lamp and solar flashlight combination includes a pivotal parallelepiped electricity generation and storage assembly including two solar cell panels mounted thereon, an internal circuit board, and a rechargeable battery. Electricity generated by the solar cell panels is supplied to the rechargeable battery for charging via the circuit board, and the circuit board can control on or off of the charging of the rechargeable battery. A pivotal parallelepiped illumination assembly includes a light source mounted on a front end, and a switch mounted thereon. Two links each include a first pivot pivotably connected to a midpoint of either side of the illumination assembly and a second pivot pivotably connected to a rear end of either side of the electricity generation and storage assembly.
US08152325B2 Reflective surface road flare
A reflective surface electric road flare designed to be positioned on a roadway and to emit light to alert oncoming drivers to a hazard on the roadway. The flare comprises a housing supporting a circuit. The circuit comprises an led light source, a power controller and a power supply. The power controller energizes the led light source with the power supply such that the led light source emits light according to its design specification. The emitted light is concentrated about the horizontal by a lens into a horizontal light beam visible throughout the azimuth. Concentrating the emitted light into a horizontal light beam increases its intensity as perceived by oncoming drivers located within the projected horizontal light beam. A portion of the horizontal light beam intersects a top surface of the road flare where it is reflected towards oncoming vehicles. The light reflected from the top surface enhances the visibility of the road flare by increasing the intensity of the light perceived by oncoming drivers and by increasing the perceived size of the illuminating surface of the road flare. The road flare is configured to withstand being run over by vehicles and to resist being moved or shifted to an undesirable location during vehicle run over.
US08152321B2 Illumination apparatus for a drink holder
An illumination apparatus for a drink holder that includes a base portion having a planar top surface attachable to a bottom surface of the drink holder, a lighting device disposed at an exterior bottom surface of the base portion, to supply light in a downward direction away from the drink holder, and a circuit enclosed by the base portion at a predetermined distance from the planar top surface of the base portion. The circuit includes a power supply unit to supply power for operation of the lighting device, a light driving unit electrically connected with the power supply unit and the lighting device, to regulate power supplied to the lighting device, and a switch device configured to switch the illumination apparatus between an on-state and an off-state.
US08152320B2 Surface light source device
A surface light source device including a light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting sources in a two-dimensional direction, and a lenticular lens sheet having a plurality of unit lenses, each of which is a part of a substantially elliptic cylinder, such that lens surfaces of the unit lenses face a light emergent side. There is a particular relationship between an interval at which the light-emitting sources are arranged in the same direction as an arrangement direction of the unit lenses, an interval between the light emitting sources and a rear surface of the lenticular lens sheet, a unit-lens end-portion angle, and the refractive index of the material of the lens sheet.
US08152317B2 Light source device, lighting device and image display device
A light source device includes an optical element 22 having a first face 1 opposed to a solid light emitting element 21. The optical element 22 includes second and third faces 2, 3 opposing in parallel to each other and both substantially perpendicular to the first face 1, a fourth face 4 substantially perpendicular to the second and third faces 2, 3 and also obliquely-opposed to the first face 1 and a fifth face 5 as an exit face. The fifth face 5 has an area smaller than an area of a light emitting face of the solid light emitting element 21. The light source device further includes a polarization converting element 42 having an incident surface opposing in substantially-parallel to the fifth face 5 through a space, polarization separating elements 43 for separating incident light from the optical element 22 in polarization, a first reflecting surface 45 for reflecting one of polarization-separated fluxes and wave plates 44 for converting either of phases of the polarization-separated fluxes.
US08152315B2 Flat-panel optical projection apparatus with reduced distortion
A light guide of the tapered-waveguide type includes an input slab (30) for expanding a projected image between an input end and an output end (40); and a tapered output slab (10) arranged to receive rays from the said output end of the input slab, and to emit them at a point on its face that corresponds to the angle at which the ray is received. The taper is calculated so that all rays injected into the input end undergo the same number of reflections before leaving the output face. The thickness of the input slab light guide (30) is greater in the transverse direction away from the centre line C, so that light travelling at the critical angle from the input face of the slab waveguide towards the output waveguide (10) bounces the same number of times in the input slab, regardless of its fan-out angle, in order to further reduce image distortion.
US08152314B2 Display device
A display device (100) of the present invention has a first switch (3) and a second switch (4) on an upper surface of its casing, and includes a control circuit (18) for controlling the first switch (3) and the second switch (4) and a light source (19) inside the casing. The control circuit (18) performs control so that the light source (19) is turned on when the second switch (4) is pressed after a predetermined period of time has passed from when the first switch (3) was pressed. Thereby, the display device (100) of the present invention prevents entering of a person into a projection area before projection of video, and controls inadvertent start-up.
US08152311B2 Display apparatus and light control method of the same
Disclosed are a display apparatus and a light control method thereof, in which the display apparatus including a display panel, a light source unit, an illumination unit to illuminate the display panel with light emitted from the light source unit, and a projection unit to project the light from the display panel in a predetermined direction includes: a light sensor which is provided between the light source unit and the illumination unit; and a light controller which corrects brightness of light sensed by the light sensor on the basis of reflective characteristics of the display panel. With this configuration, the quantity of light is prevented from decreasing so as to prevent the brightness of an image from decreasing.
US08152309B2 Image display apparatus, image display system, and image display method
An image display apparatus which displays an image as a transmitted projection image includes: a tread-board of a step which has a first projection surface and transmits a projection image projected on the first projection surface; and a cross-board of the step which has a second projection surface and transmits a projection image projected on the second projection surface.
US08152307B2 Diffractive optical element having periodically repeating phase mask and system for reducing perceived speckle
A optical apparatus (201) for use in an laser imaging system (200) is provided. The optical apparatus (201) includes one or more optical elements (215) that are configured to create an intermediate image plane (217) in the laser imaging system (200). A diffractive optical element (216) is then disposed at the intermediate image plane (217) to reduce speckle. The diffractive optical element (216) includes a periodically repeating phase mask (218) that can be configured in accordance with steps, vortex functions, Hermite-Gaussian functions, and so forth. Smooth grey-level phase transitional surface (337) can be placed between elements (333,334) to improve brightness and image quality. The periodically repeating phase mask (218) makes manufacture simple by reducing alignment sensitivity, and can be used to make applicable safety standards easier to meet as well.
US08152303B2 Signal synthesizer for periodic acceleration and deceleration of rotating optical devices
In a stereographic projector that places a single linear polarizing wheel in the light path of the projector to impart a desired polarization state onto the projected light, a method and apparatus for periodically slowing the wheel down while in optimal states, and accelerating through invalid states. Stereo separation is greatly increased providing a marked improvement in visual quality and perceived depth when this invention is applied to such a polarizing filter wheel.
US08152302B2 System for characterizing a cornea and obtaining an ophthalmic lens
A system for determining the shape of a cornea of an eye illuminates at least one of the interior surface, the posterior surface, and the interior region of the eye with infrared light of a wavelength that can generate fluorescent light from the portion of the cornea illuminated. The generated fluorescent light is then detected. A step of illuminating can comprise focusing the infrared light in a plurality of different planes substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the eye. From the detected light it is possible to create a map of at least a portion of the interior surface, at least a portion of the posterior surface, and/or portion of the interior region of the cornea. Clarity of vision can be determined by generating fluorescence from proteins in the pigment epithelial cells of the retina.
US08152301B2 Vision testing system and method
A method for testing a person's vision is disclosed. The method includes providing, for display to the person, one or more sequences of test images, each test image including one or more test symbols. For each test image, a target symbol is identified to the person. The person then views each test image in the sequence and activates a control in response to recognizing a test symbol that replicates the shape of the target symbol. At the completion of the sequence, a parameter value associated with the activations is processed and correlated with a vision metric. A system for testing a person's vision is also disclosed.
US08152300B2 Premium vision ophthalmic lenses
An ophthalmic lens with premium vision corrections provides significantly improved visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The premium vision corrections include precisely correcting for two aberration mode sets simultaneously, second-order astigmatism and fourth-order spherical aberration, instead of correcting for only second-order astigmatism or simultaneously correcting for all aberrations present. Fourth-order astigmatism, sixth-order spherical aberration, and third-order coma are additionally corrected in other premium vision correction schemes. In addition, methods are provided for prescribing and fabricating the premium vision lenses to permit mass customization.
US08152294B2 Compact front-operable image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a substantially flat top face and a slanted front face, the bottom side of which recedes backward. The image forming apparatus may includes a paper discharge tray disposed at a lower portion of the slanted front face, the paper discharge tray protruding forward. The paper discharge tray may be tiltable upward and downward. Because the bottom side of the slanted front face recedes backward, the flat top face can be provided, and simultaneously, enough space for the feeding and discharging of paper can be secured.
US08152293B2 Oil reservoir with float level sensor
A drum maintenance system for use in an imaging device includes a reservoir for the storage of release agent used by the drum maintenance unit. The reservoir includes a bottle, an end cap, and a float sensor. The float sensor operates to detect the release agent in the bottle reaching a predetermined minimum level.
US08152291B2 Device for printing two-dimensional parts, particularly plastic cards
A device for printing two-dimensional parts, particularly plastic substrates, preferably plastic cards, having a depot comprising the parts to be imprinted, a printing station with a printing device, and a transport device for transporting the parts through the printing station, characterized in that aligning means serving the alignment of the parts on the transport device are provided in front of the printing station.
US08152284B2 Inkjet head and inkjet head assembly having the same
There is provided an inkjet head and an inkjet head assembly having the same. The inkjet head includes an inkjet head plate having a plurality of nozzles ejecting ink provided therein; pressure chambers storing ink drawn in from both outer ends of the inkjet head plate in a width direction thereof and facing each other in a direction inwards of the width direction; piezoelectric elements supplying the pressure champers with driving force allowing ink to be ejected through the nozzles connected to the pressure chambers and disposed on the pressure chambers having membranes interposed therebetween; a pressure adjusting channel connecting the pressure chambers to adjust a pressure of ink ejected through the nozzles.
US08152283B2 Liquid-jet head and liquid-jet apparatus
A liquid-jet head has a passage-forming substrate with an individual path including a pressure-generating chamber communicating with a nozzle orifice which ejects a liquid. The head also has a pressure-generating element, a protection plate, a reservoir, a compliance plate, a through hole, an introducing path, and a flexible portion with flexibility in a region of the compliance plate, the region facing the reservoir, which region covers at least from a part facing the through hole to a part surrounding the introducing path.
US08152282B2 Droplet discharge device and method of manufacturing droplet discharge device
A droplet discharge device including a plurality of vibrators arranged on an upper surface of a substrate. The substrate has a cavity, discharge hole and supply hole, which serve as a liquid flow path, formed inside a plate including flat upper and lower surfaces. A width of the cavity narrows from the upper surface side toward the lower surface side. A depth of the cavity deepens from the supply hole side toward the discharge hole side. The depth of the cavity may become shallower from the supply hole side toward the discharge hole side in a part which is positioned on the supply hole side and occupies a relatively small area, and the depth of the cavity may become deeper from the supply hole side toward the discharge hole side in a part which is positioned on the discharge hole side and occupies a relatively large area.
US08152281B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head including a first base member in which a plurality of pressure generating chambers communicating with nozzle openings and a series of partition walls are arranged in parallel, a second base member disposed on the first base member, a reservoir serving as a common liquid chamber for the pressure generating chambers, and an adhesive agent adhered to a first angular portion formed in an end portion of the partition walls near the reservoir which is adjacent to the second base member.
US08152279B2 Liquid ejection head having substrate with nickel-containing layer
An ink jet printing head substrate has a high adhesion between an electrode layer and a nozzle formation member and the corrosion or electrolysis, for example, of an electrode due to the contact between the electrode and ink can be reduced. The ink jet printing head includes an electrode layer for supplying power to a heat-generating portion that is provided on a substrate and that generates thermal energy for ejecting ink; and a resin layer provided on the electrode layer via a nickel-containing layer. The electrode layer includes precious metal as a main component. The nickel-containing layer consists of a gold-nickel alloy containing nickel.
US08152276B2 Liquid jet head, method for manufacturing liquid jet head, and method for forming structure for liquid jet head
A liquid ejecting head includes a coating resin layer including a plurality of ejection outlets for ejecting liquid and flow paths which are in fluid communication with the ejection outlets, respectively; a substrate having energy generating elements for generating energy for ejecting liquid; and an adhesion improving layer provided between the coating resin layer and the substrate. The coating resin layer further includes a first resin material layer closest to the substrate and at least one second resin material layer, and the first resin material layer provides at least one stepped portion continuing from a periphery of the second resin material layer.
US08152266B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
To provide a method of effectively reducing the amount of ink droplets remaining on a nozzle surface after a cleaning operation, and an inkjet recording apparatus capable of shortening an entire processing time of an initial filling operation and a cleaning operation by shortening an ink discharge operation time. By providing a partition wall so that a suction port and an atmosphere opening port provided on a back side of a porous sheet placed in a cap are not directly communicated with each other, in an ink discharge operation in the cap, air having entered through the atmosphere opening port flows through a space between the porous sheet and the nozzle surface, and thereafter, flows to the suction port via the porous sheet. Therefore, ink droplets remaining adhering to the nozzle surface can be removed using the force of air flow.
US08152264B2 Inkjet printing apparatus
An inkjet printing apparatus that can perform printing with a single printing speed even in a case of being connected with a post-processing apparatus having a different transport speed, and that can suppress increased apparatus costs. A discharge transport portion positioned at a connection side of a post-processing apparatus of the inkjet printing apparatus is constituted by transport roller pairs and discharge roller pairs, and is capable of being driven independently from the inkjet transport portion. When the transport speed of the post-processing apparatus is different from the printing speed, printed papers are temporarily stopped at the discharge transport portion. After this, transport recommences with a predetermined timing matched to the transport speed of the post-processing apparatus, and papers are fed to the post-processing apparatus. In a case of continuous printing, a distance between the papers (paper feeding interval) is adjusted in the inkjet printing apparatus to enable transport jams to be avoided.
US08152263B2 Printer
When the number of sheets that have been printed has reached the number of sheets guaranteed for printing, a number representing a upper limit of the number of sheets that can be printed, an ink jet printer declines to perform printing with an ink cartridge for which the number of sheets guaranteed for printing has been set, but when the number of sheets printed has not reached the number of sheets guaranteed for printing, performs printing of an image onto a recording sheet S by using the ink cartridge, the ink jet printer determining the number of sheets remaining N on the basis of the number of sheets printed that have been printed, and displaying on a display unit 82 the number of sheets remaining information display screen 80 incorporating a number of sheets remaining display unit 80b that causes visual recognition of a relation between the number of sheets guaranteed for printing and the number of sheets remaining.
US08152260B2 Apparatus for application and accurate positioning of graphics on a surface
In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for application and accurate positioning of at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface, comprising a flexible-rail positioning system mounted on a portion of the surface on which the graphic image is to be applied, a graphic image application system, software to operate the positioning system, and software to operate the graphic image application system. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of applying and accurately positioning at least one graphic image on a large contoured surface.
US08152259B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus comprises a body, an engine part provided in the body and including a recording head that ejects droplets of a recording liquid, the engine part recording an image on a recording medium by the recording head while feeding the recording medium in a main scanning direction, a medium discharging part provided in the body at a side of the engine part, the medium discharging part feeding the recording medium to a medium take-up part after recording of the image with the engine, and a cartridge loading part that holds a cartridge of the recording liquid in a detachable manner, the cartridge loading part being provided in the body of the image forming apparatus and feeding the recording liquid to the recording head of the engine part, wherein the cartridge loading part is provided underneath the medium discharging part.
US08152258B2 Elevation adjustment apparatus for shelf in refrigerator
In order to can conveniently operate the elevation of the shelf, move the shelf only by the movement of the shelf without performing the separate work in order to allow the user to move the shelf, and automatically fix the position of the shelf by means of the restoring force of the elastic member after the movement of the shelf is completed, the present invention discloses an elevation adjustment apparatus for a shelf in a refrigerator comprising an engaging guide lengthily formed up and down in the inside of the refrigerator; a shelf movably mounted up and down along the engaging guide; an engaging apparatus rotatably supported on the shelf and re-stricting the downward movement of the shelf by selectively hooking it on any position of the engaging guide by a rotation operation; and a load supporting apparatus supporting the load of the shelf at the position fixing the shelf by the engaging apparatus.
US08152257B2 Door basket for refrigerator
Provided is a door basket for a refrigerator. The door basket includes a case, a cover, and a contact member. The case is mounted on a rear side of a refrigerator door and forms a space for receiving food. The cover is axially coupled between both sides of the case and selectively shielding the case through up/down rotation. The contact member is provided on an inner side of the case contacting one end of the cover when the cover is completely opened, and formed of an electrical material to relieve a contact impact with the cover.
US08152256B2 Accepting device for refrigerator
A storage device for a refrigerator includes a storage box defining a storage chamber storing food therein and installed removably in a storage space, an opening/closing unit for opening/closing partly or fully the storage chamber, and a guide unit for guiding the opening/closing of the storage chamber by the opening/closing unit. An apparatus/method is provided.
US08152253B2 Anti-falling apparatus for cabinets
An anti-falling apparatus for a cabinet includes a receiving member capable of being mounted to the cabinet. An extending arm is slidably received in the receiving member. The extending arm includes a first end a second end, and is capable of moving from a first position to a second position. A supporting sub-assembly is attached to the first end of the extending arm. A first distance from the first end to a top of the receiving member is greater than that a second distance from the second end to the top of the receiving member.
US08152252B2 Slide assembly
A slide assembly includes a bracket, having a first horizontal portion and a first vertical portion; a first rail member slidably disposed on the bracket, having a first horizontal portion, a first vertical portion, a second horizontal portion, and a second vertical portion; a second rail member slidably disposed on the first rail member, having a first vertical portion, a first horizontal portion and a second vertical portion; a first auxiliary sliding member disposed between the bracket and the first rail member; a second auxiliary sliding member disposed between the first rail member and the second rail member; and a plurality of ball bearings including at least one first ball bearing and at least one second roller bearing.
US08152251B2 Slide detent device
A slide detent device includes a second slide member slidably connected to a first slide member, and a stop member secured to the first slide member. A third slide member slidably connected to the second slide member includes a pair of third margins walls defining a pair of sliding raceways. The stop member includes a pair of extension wings corresponding to the pair of sliding raceways of the third slide member. The pair of extension wings has a pair of contacting surfaces. A distance defined between the pair of contacting surfaces is slightly smaller than a distance defined between the pair of the sliding raceways of the third slide member so that the pair of sliding raceways urges the contacting surfaces to form a locating effect of frictional contact when the pair of sliding raceways of the third slide member are in touch with the contact surfaces.
US08152247B2 Method of managing the power supply to a non-reversible actuator for a vehicle wheel brake
A wheel brake for an aircraft, the brake comprising a support (2) that receives at least one electromechanical actuator (1) fitted with a pusher (8) facing friction elements (3) and movable under drive from an electric motor (6) to apply a braking force selectively against the friction elements. The actuator is non-reversible such that a reaction force applied on the pusher cannot cause the electric motor to turn, and the actuator is associated with elements (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) for selectively switching off an electric power supply to the electric motor, which elements allow power to be delivered to the actuator in normal circumstances, and switch off the power if (a) the measured speed of rotation (wmes) of the electric motor drops below a first predetermined threshold (S1); and (b) the commanded speed of rotation ( ω) of the electric motor drops below a second predetermined threshold (S2).
US08152243B2 Electrically controlled brake system
An electrically controlled brake system 10 for a tractor is provided that is equipped with an anti-jackknifing brake that can be actuated by means of a manual operating element and that acts only on the brakes of a trailer coupled to the tractor. The operating element is an electrical element which generates an electrical signal to control a valve device by means of which the braking force of the anti-jackknifing brake can be increased.
US08152240B2 Vehicular seat device
A vehicular seat device has a first linking member (21) that is linked to a front portion of a seat cushion frame (16) and to a base member (24) so as to be respectively pivotable, and a second linking member (22) that is pivotably linked to a rear portion of the seat cushion frame (16) and is also pivotably linked to a position on a seatback frame (18) which is upward of a reclining mechanism (26) when the seatback is in a standing state. The seat arrangements thereof include a retracted state in which the seatback (14) is superimposed on the upper side of the seat cushion (12), and an entry/exit state in which the seat cushion (12) is placed in the standing state producing a space for an occupant's entry or exit behind the seat.
US08152237B2 Stacking chair
A chair is designed to stack generally vertically with a number of like chairs. A chair frame has a pair of front legs and a pair of rear legs and a generally horizontal seat frame element that is supported by the front and rear legs. A generally horizontal stack frame element is interconnected with the front and rear legs of the chair frame and is spaced below the seat ring. A seat is supported by the chair frame. When the chair is stacked on a like chair, the stack frame element of the upper chair is disposed on and supported by the seat frame element of the lower chair.
US08152235B2 Method of upholstering chair element
An elongated edging is provided for use in a method of upholstering a chair element with a perimeter edge. The edging has a pair of sides and a top portion, with a slot defined between the sides for receiving the perimeter edge of the chair element. A flange extends outwardly from the outward face of the side of the edging and defines a recess between an upper side of the flange and the outward face of the side of the edging. A portion of upholstery is attached to the chair element using fasteners which are positioned in the recess.
US08152234B2 Amenity pocket
Embodiments of the present invention include an amenity pocket comprising a rigid structure, a vehicle surface, and a deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism provides a non-zero deployment angle of the rigid structure relative to the vehicle surface. In some embodiments, the amenity pocket is coupled to a passenger seat back. In other embodiments, a mounting structure comprising a base may be pivotally coupled to the base of the rigid structure and coupled to the vehicle surface. An interior surface of the rigid structure may be coupled to a filler. In some embodiments, the filler may be coupled to a protective surface. In other embodiments, an exterior surface of the rigid structure may be coupled to a cover.
US08152231B2 Collapsible seat and system
Collapsible seats may be installed on a track or rail system to allow the collapsible seats to move laterally within a vehicle's interior. The track system also may permit removal of the collapsible seats from the vehicle. The collapsible seats may include a seat back with multiple sections joined by flexible hinges that permit folding of the seat pan and seat back in a lateral direction. In certain embodiments, the seat pan or the headrest also may include multiple sections joined by flexible hinges. The flexible hinges may allow the seats to collapse laterally to reduce the width of the seats. The available space for seating or cargo storage may be adjusted by selectively collapsing, expanding, and removing the collapsible seats.
US08152227B2 Structure of mounting cowl top cover
A structure of mounting a cowl top cover which has a back end portion mounted to a lower end portion of a front windshield panel. The structure includes: a surface portion disposed at the back end portion of cowl top cover, the surface portion covering a surface of lower end portion of front windshield panel and extending in a vehicular widthwise direction; a plurality of clip portions disposed at back end portion of cowl top cover, the lower end portion of front windshield panel being clamped between the clip portions and the surface portion in a plurality of places along the direction in which the surface portion extends; and a thin plate portion disposed at back end portion of cowl top cover, wherein the thin plate portion connecting plurality of clip portions with each other is thinner than surface portion and is spaced apart from front windshield panel.
US08152226B2 Cab for construction machine, and construction machine and motor grader each having the cab mounted thereon
A cab for a construction machine, a construction machine, and a motor grader are described. The construction machine and the motor grader each have the cab mounted thereon. The cab includes a floor and a roof, each having a respective front side having corresponding left and right ends, which are diagonally cut forward. A front window is provided on a front surface of the cab is formed in a trapezoidal shape. Upper and lower window frames are disposed along both the left and right ends of the floor and the roof. Frames are also disposed on front sides of side window frames along both left and right side window frames of the front window. When mounted on a construction machine or motor grader used for road surface and ground operations, the cab increases visibility of the area to be operated upon, specifically, visibility in the forward view.
US08152224B2 Vehicle front-end upper load path assembly
A structure for transferring energy during an automotive front end impact includes an upper load path structure having a first shotgun rail a second shotgun rail and an upper radiator bar extending therebetween, a lower load path structure having a first side rail a second side rail and a lower support member extending therebetween. During an impact, the upper radiator bar is configured to transfer energy to the first and second shotgun rails, and the lower support member is configured to transfer energy to the first and second side rails during an impact.
US08152215B1 Utility vehicle
A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame; a seat frame including a seat bottom support member and a seat backrest support member, at least the seat bottom support member and the seat backrest support member being formed by square pipes with rectangular cross-sections; a seat bottom fastened to the seat bottom support member; and a seat backrest fastened to the seat backrest support member; wherein the seat bottom support member and the seat backrest support member of the seat frame are integral with each other to have a bent portion; and the seat bottom support member of the seat frame is fastened to the vehicle body frame.
US08152214B2 Gripper with self-compensating jaw guides
A gripper assembly which in one form includes a body, at least one jaw, a longitudinally extending wedge, and a spring. The body has a slot disposed therein and opposed longitudinally extending walls. The jaw is laterally slideable within the slot. The longitudinally extending wedge is fitted along the longitudinally extending wall. The jaw comprises a surface that is engageable with the wedge. The surface of the jaw is slideable along the wedge. And a spring biases the wedge toward the jaw to reduce the running clearance between the two structures.
US08152206B2 Securing device for a load system in a cargo compartment of an aircraft, comprising at least one securing catch
A securing device for a loading system in a cargo compartment of an aircraft. The securing device comprises at least one securing catch arranged in the region of a cargo compartment door, a control mechanism and an activation member, in particular a foot pedal.
US08152204B2 Flared brake tube connector
A fluid connector assembly comprising (a) a connector body having an inner concave seat having a portion defining a frustoconical surface; (b) an elongate tube having a flared end; and (c) a nut; wherein the connector body is adapted to receive the elongate tube and the nut to form a substantially rigid connection, and wherein the flared end of the tube and the frustoconical surface of the seat are engaged so as to form a fluid seal between the body and the tube; and wherein the flared end has a portion defining an abutment surface having a borderline region in abutment with the frustoconical surface of the inner seat of the body; and wherein the abutment surface of the flared end is a spherical surface.
US08152202B2 Spine elements for use with albums
Spine elements for use with albums are described. An example album includes a first spine element and a second spine element that is substantially similar to the first spine element. The first spine element is adjacent and removably coupled to the second spine element to form an album spine. Additionally, the first spine element and the second spine element each include a binding gap positioned toward the interior of the album to receive and couple an edge of at least one album sheet to the respective spine element.
US08152200B2 Heavy equipment trailer with deck extension
Heavy equipment trailer and deck extension. The trailer has an elongated main deck with longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides thereof, and ground engaging wheels toward the rear of the main deck. The extension has longitudinally extending frame members aligned with the frame members of the main deck, and coupling pins extend between the frame members of the main deck and the extension in load supporting relationship, with lock pins preventing longitudinal separation of the main deck and the extension. C-shaped channel members extend along the upper, lower, and outer sides of the extension, past the coupling pins, and along upper, lower, and outer side portions of the frame members of the main deck to hold the frame members in alignment and prevent sagging under load conditions.
US08152198B2 Vehicular occupant sensing techniques
Vehicular apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of an object that may be located on a seat of the vehicle includes emitters, each emitting a beam along a path on which the object may be located, each path being in a different direction, receivers, each receiving beams emitted from the array of emitters that are reflected from the object when present in the seat, and a processor coupled to the emitters and the receivers for determining time-of-flight of each reflected and received beam between emission of the beam from the emitters and reception of the beam at the receivers. The processor determines one or more characteristics of the object based on the determined time-of-flight of each reflected and received beam, taken either individually or in combination.
US08152196B2 Airbag apparatus with multi-ply airbag cushion
An airbag apparatus may include a fastening unit mounted to a portion of a vehicle, a multi-ply airbag cushion fastened to the fastening unit, the multi-ply airbag cushion being formed by overlapping airbag cushion sheets on each other to form a multi-ply structure, and an inflator to provide gas to the airbag cushion sheets of the multi-ply airbag cushion.
US08152194B1 Utility trailer security device
An object of this invention is to provide a way for a person to lock and secure the hitch of an unhitched utility trailer. Another object of this invention is to allow a person to keep an unhitched utility trailer from being stolen when the utility trailer is not hooked to a truck hitch.
US08152189B2 Bicycle frame and drive link case therefore
A bicycle frame includes a front section and a rear section. The front section includes a front frame portion having a front coupling configured to receive a front wheel support member and to allow rotation between the front coupling and the front wheel support member, the front frame portion defining a central vertical plane of the frame. The rear section includes a drive link case having an upper tube, a lower tube, a rear hub housing, and a front sprocket housing all integrally arranged with each other to form a rigid drive link case having an opening disposed between the upper and lower tubes, the drive link case being connected to the front frame portion via the front sprocket housing. The drive link case is disposed eccentric to the central vertical plane and is cantilevered rearward from the front sprocket housing. The front frame portion extends forward from the front sprocket housing.
US08152187B1 Method and system for installing a step rail to a vehicle
A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body having two opposing edges which define a longitudinal channel. The channel receives a pinch clamp which is wider than the channel and has a fastening hole and an alignment means. The rail body is lowered onto the mounting surface of a mounting bracket adapted for rigid connection to a vehicle. The mounting surface defines another fastening hole and another portion of the alignment means. A fastener draws the pinch clamp and the mounting surface toward opposite sides of the opposing edges of the rail body. Because the pinch clamp spans the width of the channel and is aligned properly relative to the mounting surface, the rail body is secured between the clamp and the mounting surface by the tightened fastener.
US08152186B2 Suspension arm
A suspension arm may include a metal portion including a hemispherical metal ball housing, a metal bushing housing, and a metal connecting portion, one end of the metal connecting portion being connected to the metal ball housing and the other end of the metal connecting portion being connected to the metal bushing housing, a bearing, made of synthetic resin material, disposed in and coupled to the metal ball housing, a ball stud, one end of which is disposed in and coupled to the bearing, and a reinforcement member, made of synthetic resin material, wrapping the metal portion and connecting the bearing to the metal ball housing.
US08152185B2 Wheel suspension
A wheel is described in which the axle carrier is pivoted to a forked McPherson strut support, which in turn is joined with a McPherson strut on the one hand and a control arm on the other, wherein a dual bearing is present between the control arm and the forked McPherson strut support. The advantage to this is that the two bearings of the dual bearing can vary in stiffness, so that the resultant degree of freedom makes it possible to more exactly influence steering behavior, thereby enabling an improvement in the overall steering behavior of the vehicle. Even given an unchanged bearing bush stiffness by comparison to prior art, the greater distance between the bearing bushes and steering axis reduces the angle by which the forked McPherson strut supports can turn in the event of lateral forces.
US08152182B2 Pushchair
A pushchair for restraining, supporting and transporting a child comprises a ground-engaging frame to support a seat for a child. The frame includes a plurality of ground-engaging wheels to facilitate movement of the frame and one or more handles to allow a carer to control movement of the frame. The seat includes first and second seating components mounted on the frame to define a seat base and a seat back. Each seating component includes a closed frame over which a flexible membrane is stretched to define a support surface.
US08152175B1 Jaw assembly
A jaw and a related jaw assembly, the jaw assembly having a master jaw with a longitudinal axis and top and bottom surfaces, first and second side surfaces, a master jaw bore extending longitudinally therein between the top and bottom surfaces, and a channel extending from the first side surface to the second side surface generally transverse the longitudinal axis, and a top jaw adapted to be coupled to the master jaw and defining a top jaw bore positioned in substantial alignment with the master jaw bore.
US08152172B2 Resilient seal
An annular, axial seal has a central section having a first linear section that has first and second ends. The seal has a curved, first portion that is contiguous with the first end of the first linear section and extends to a first end. The seal includes a second portion that is contiguous with the second end of the first linear section. The second portion includes an arcuate portion and a second linear section contiguous with the arcuate portion wherein the arcuate portion is between the first linear section and the second linear section. The second linear section is located across from the first linear section. A curved end portion is contiguous with the second linear section wherein the second linear section is between the arcuate portion and the curved end portion. The curved end portion extends to a second end that is located across from the first linear section.
US08152168B2 Apparatus and method for forming a stream of overlapping sheets or stacks of sheets
An apparatus for forming a stream of overlapping sheets or stacks of sheets, includes a first transport device to deliver overlap-free sheets or stacks of sheets at a speed v1 along a plane of transport EV. A second transport device carries away the sheets or stacks of sheets at a speed v2 along a plane of transport EH. A decelerating device is arranged to receive the sheets or stacks of sheets at the speed v1 from the first transport device, decelerate the sheets or stacks of sheets to the speed v2 and deliver the decelerated sheets or stacks of sheets to the second transport device to form the stream of overlapping sheets or stacks of sheets. The decelerating device comprises a suction roller unit actuated independently of the transport devices. The suction roller unit comprises a stationary element and an unevenly driven movable element.
US08152167B2 Printing apparatus having optical sensor unit
A printing apparatus has a sensor unit which optically detects, at a measurement position, a surface of a sheet, for measuring a moving state of the sheet. The sensor unit measures the moving state of the sheet when the sheet is located at the measurement position, and measures a moving state of a surface of the rotary member when the sheet is not located at the measurement position. The sensor unit has at least one of an image sensor arranged to perform imaging of one of the surface of the sheet and the surface of the rotary member so as to obtain image data, based on which the moving state is measured and a Doppler velocity sensor.
US08152165B2 Apparatus for transferring paper media and automatic teller machine having the same
Provided are a paper media transfer device and an automatic teller machine having the same. The paper media transfer device may include: a medium guide portion being provided on one side of a transfer direction of the paper media, and including a guide surface having at least one high point and at least one low point along the transfer direction of the paper media; and a medium transfer portion forming a transfer path of the paper media together with the medium guide portion to transfer the paper media, and including a belt member that is curved in correspondence to the guide surface, and a belt roller that drives the belt member and maintains the curved shape of the belt member, or adds a tension to the belt. Through this, it is possible to improve a tightening force.
US08152159B2 Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus including a controlled elevator mechanism
A sheet feeding device has: a sheet accommodating portion that accommodates a sheet stack of a plurality of sheets; a sheet carrying plate that is provided within the sheet accommodating portion and stacks the sheet stack thereon; a pickup roller that contacts an upper face of the sheet stack and dispatches a sheet on an uppermost layer of the sheet stack, an elevator mechanism that displaces the sheet carrying plate between a sheet feeding position in which the upper face of the sheet stack contacts the pickup roller, and a separating position in which the upper face of the sheet stack separates from the pickup roller by a predetermined distance; and a controller that controls an operation of the elevator mechanism such that the sheet carrying plate is lowered to the separating position after a sheet feeding operation for feeding a sheet at the sheet feeding position is completed.
US08152158B2 Automatic document feeder with sheet pick-up module
An automatic document feeder includes a top cover having a fixing structure and first attracting element, a sheet pick-up module and a second attracting element. The fixing structure and the first attracting element are disposed on an inner surface of the top cover. The sheet pick-up module includes a sheet pick-up arm. The sheet pick-up arm is rotated to either a standby position or a sheet feeding position. The second attracting element is disposed on the sheet pick-up arm. When the sheet pick-up arm is rotated to the sheet feeding position, the sheet pick-up module feeds the sheet into an internal portion of the automatic document feeder. When the sheet pick-up arm is rotated to the standby position, the first attracting element and the second attracting element are attracted by each other so that the sheet pick-up arm is fixed on the standby position.
US08152156B2 Rotation-body controlling apparatus, sheet feeding apparatus, and image recording apparatus
A rotation-body controlling apparatus including: a first motor configured to rotate a first rotation body; a second motor configured to rotate a second rotation body; a first rotation amount detecting portion configured to detect a rotation amount of the first rotation body rotated in synchronization with the first motor; a second rotation amount detecting portion configured to detect a rotation amount of a second rotation shaft rotated in synchronization with the second rotation body; a transmitting mechanism configured such that a rotation of the first rotation body is transmittable to the second rotation shaft; and an origin-position detecting portion configured to detect an origin position of a rotation phase of the first rotation body on the basis of a phase of the first rotation body at a time when the second rotation amount detecting portion has detected a rotation of the second rotation shaft, where the rotation of the first rotation body operated by the first motor is transmitted to the second rotation shaft via the transmitting mechanism.
US08152155B1 Envelope feed apparatus
An envelope feed apparatus comprises a main body having a bottom; top (located opposite the bottom); and sides (located between the bottom and the top). The main body top has a flat surface that supports, for example, a stack of envelopes. The envelope feed apparatus also has a slider that includes sides contacting at least two of the main body sides. The slider sides move in a parallel direction to the main body sides as the slider moves relative to the main body. The slider has at least one roller connected to opposing slider sides. The roller(s) are positioned adjacent the main body top. The roller(s) move in a perpendicular direction to the flat surface of the main body top as the slider moves relative to the main body. The roller(s) contact the stack of envelopes when the stack of envelopes is on the flat surface of the main body top and apply pressure to the stack of envelopes in the perpendicular direction toward the flat surface of the main body top. The slider sides align the stack of envelopes positioned on the flat surface of the main body top and the roller keeps the top of the stack of envelopes mostly parallel to the flat surface of the main body to aid in feeding the envelopes into intake feed rollers of a printer.
US08152151B2 Clamping fixture including a chuck and a workpiece pallet releasably located thereon
A clamping fixture comprises a chuck (1) and a workpiece pallet (22) releasably located thereon. The chuck (1) is provided with a clamping mechanism for locating the workpiece pallet (22). The clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of clamping members configured as plungers (10). The workpiece pallet (22) comprises a clamping surface (28a) running essentially along its shell surface (26) for surface contacting the plungers (10) by its front part (12) provided with a compression surface (13) during clamping.
US08152150B2 Fastening device for electronic component
A fastening device includes a base and a fastening member. The base defines a receiving space for receiving an electronic component. The fastening member includes a fastening portion and an elastic abutting portion. The fastening portion is fixed to the base. The elastic abutting portion extends from the fastening portion upwards and through the base and is configured for securing the electronic component in the receiving space.
US08152147B2 Torsion spring assembly and portable electronic device with torsion spring assembly
A torsion spring assembly includes a torsion spring body and a fixed base. The torsion spring body has a first coil part and a second coil part. The first coil part connects to the second coil part. The fixed base has a first fixed arm and a second fixed arm. The first coil part is wound around the first fixed arm and the second coil part is wound around the second fixed arm. The winding direction of the first coil part is perpendicular to the winding direction of the second coil part. A portable electronic device with the torsion spring assembly is also disclosed.
US08152145B2 Isoelastic magneto-rheological elastomer isolator
A conically-shaped, magneto-rheologically responsive shock and vibratory isolator. The isolator includes a conically-shaped magneto-rheological elastomer component attached to opposing faces of a first and second mounting plate. Within the magneto-rheological elastomer component is a magneto-rheologically responsive fluid contained within an elastomer jacket. By its conical shape and magneto-rheological elastomeric composition, the isolator is capable of both adjusting its response to shock and vibratory disturbances of varying frequency, while maintaining an identical response along any axis (isoelasticity).
US08152142B2 Service water pipe faucet direct-connected ozone water producer with self-power generator
An apparatus for producing water having dissolved ozone therein of the type direct-connectable to a pressurized-water supply faucet (26) includes a nozzle (5) for directing a flow of pressurized water from the supply faucet (26) to a turbine (1) to effect rotation thereof, the turbine (1) having magnets (13) attached thereto magnetically coupled to corresponding magnets (13) attached to a disc (14) of a power generator (3). Rotation of the turbine (1) is magnetically coupled to the power generator (3) to generate electrical power for supply to an ozone generator to generate ozone for combination with the so-supplied water to produce ozonated water.
US08152141B2 Decorative fencing system
A customizable decorative fencing system. A plurality of stakes, configured to be driven into the ground at selected positions, have projecting portions projecting above the ground. Posts have cavities in lower distal ends thereof. Any stake projecting portion is configured to slide into any post cavity, and be frictionally, removably, interchangeably retained therein. Fence components, including base units, gate units, and end units, include post collars, and hinge collars, respectively, through which any post can slide. Removability and interchangeability of posts with respect to fence components, and removability and interchangeability of posts with respect to stakes, provides for an infinite number of possible fence configurations.
US08152138B2 Self-sealing bite valve
A bite valve for a hydration system includes a body, a sheath, a seal post, a first seal, and a second seal. The body includes a body channel configured to flow a fluid. The sheath is configured to attach to the body. The sheath includes a sheath channel extending from the body to a sheath opening. The seal post is positioned within the sheath channel and is configured to be movable with respect to the sheath and the body between a sealed position and an unsealed position.
US08152137B2 Relief valve in a turbomachine
A relief valve in a turbomachine is disclosed. The valve includes a gate designed to be mounted so as to pivot about a shaft for the opening and closing of an orifice for the passage of air, a seal, and an attachment device for attaching the seal to the peripheral edge of the gate. The gate and the attachment device are made of a plastic and formed of a single piece or secured to one another by welding or bonding.
US08152136B2 Polymer microvalve with actuators and devices
The present invention relates to a microvalve having a valve plug, connecting legs, anchors and actuators, allowing the valve plug to move vertically to open or close the valve. The valve plug can contain magnetic materials, and be operated by an actuator.
US08152131B2 Wafer-shaped pilot-type valve
In a pilot-type valve, a valve box enclosing a main valve is arranged in a state wherein same is sandwiched between pipe flanges tightened to one another with bolts. In the pilot-type valve, a pilot valve is used to control a driving force required to operate the main valve to open and close same. In addition, the valve box is flangeless at its connection end portions for connection with the pipe flanges and has an inlet and outlet for a pressurized fluid. A cover flange neck extended upward from the valve box is constricted only at sites on its walls corresponding to adjacent bolts extended between the pipe flanges, so that the cover flange neck can be passed through the interval between these bolts.
US08152127B2 Protective apparatus for electronic device
A protective apparatus for an electronic device includes a first supporting bracket, a second supporting bracket mounted to the first supporting bracket, and a number of abutting members disposed on the second supporting bracket. The electronic device is received in the second supporting bracket and sandwiched between the plurality of abutting members. A first spring is disposed between the first supporting bracket and the second supporting bracket. A number of second springs is disposed between the first supporting bracket and the corresponding abutting members. The first resilient member and the second resilient members can absorb shocks, therefore, a shockproof protection is provided for the computer.
US08152125B2 Methods and apparatus for mounting devices
A device mounting apparatus includes a mounting base portion having a plurality of opposing pairs of rails. The mounting base portion is adapted for mounting on a support structure. The apparatus further includes a mounting tab affixed to a device for snap in mounting between a pair of rails, whereby the device is captively retained on the mounting base portion, and can be disengaged therefrom by snapping the mounting tabs out of the associated pairs of rails.
US08152121B2 Bracket for thermal expansion valve bulb
A single bracket serves to both attach a TXV bulb to an outer surface of an outlet header and to place a securely hold the distribution assembly in a fixed position with respect to the TXV bulb. A pair of clam shell clamping members on opposite ends of a central member are put in position and clamped to hold the TXV bulb tightly in place against the outlet header and to clamp around the equalizer of the distributor assembly, thereby resulting in a rigid interconnection which maintains the desired positions for each of the components.
US08152119B2 Luminaire bracket assembly
A bracket assembly comprising at least one mounting base including at least one surface association means, at least one engaging extension extending from the at least one mounting base, the at least one engaging extension rotatingly associating at least one luminaire with the mounting base, and at least one luminaire leveling device adjustably extending from the at least one mounting base, a contact portion of the leveling device removably contacting the at least one luminaire.
US08152117B2 Adjustable bushing
An adjustable bushing according to one embodiment includes a first part having a threaded section that extends outwardly from a base section such that an upper surface of the base section defines a ledge that surrounds the threaded section. The adjustable bushing also includes a second part having a threaded opening that is open along a bottom surface of the second part. The threaded opening has threads that are complementary to threads of the threaded section of the first part to permit the first and second parts to be securely coupled to one another and permit a height of the bushing to be adjusted between a fully retracted position where a height of the bushing is at a minimum and a fully extended position where the height of the bushing is at a maximum.
US08152115B2 Beer brewing stand
An improved brewing stand enables ease of assembly, repeated assembly and disassembly allowing the brewing stand to be transported from one location to another location. The modular assembly enables a plurality of tiers to be positioned in an infinite number of vertical positions between a bottom of a mast and a top of the mast. A plurality of legs are removably attached to the bottom of the mast. Leveling devices are provided to maintain the mast in a vertical position.
US08152111B1 System and apparatus for indicating the position and condition of a switch point in a railroad switch
A railroad switch point indicator comprising a mounting plate mountable to a railroad switch point, a tubular housing mounted to the mounting plate, a piston slidably disposed in the housing and extendable to variably engage an associated railroad rail, a bias spring operatively connected to the piston for biasing the piston in an axial direction with respect to the housing and the railroad switch point, and a signal mechanism operatively connected to the piston for indicating the positional status of the switch point via an attitude of a signal flag. When the switch point is engaged with a rail, the flag is in a first attitude. When the switch point is disengaged from the rail, the flag is in a second attitude. When the switch point is positioned incorrectly, i.e., damaged, the flag may be in a third attitude intermediate between the first and second attitudes, indicating alarm.
US08152110B2 Sensor system for monitoring the synchronism of control surfaces of an aircraft
The present invention relates to a sensor system for monitoring the synchronism of control surfaces of an aircraft with two transmission links for the mechanical transmission of the movements of one or more control surfaces to at least one sensor, wherein the two transmission links are coupled with each other mechanically and/or via the at least one sensor, whereby a difference between the movements transmitted by the transmission links can be monitored.
US08152109B2 Method and system for controlling fluid flow in relation to a foil and harnessing energy therefrom
A method and system 10 for controlling fluid flow 12 in relation to a body or foil 14. The system 10 has one or more channels 16, at least some of which having an inlet port 18 and an outlet port 20 defined in the foil 14 through which at least some of the fluid 12 may flow. The inlet port 18 is defined adjacent to a leading edge region 22 of the foil 14 and the outlet port 20 is located in a another region 24 of the foil. Optionally, a differential vectoring means 24 provides a differential mass flow rate across the foil 14 to provide a resultant force that in one illustrative environment creates, enhances, or stops a rolling action of the foil 14.
US08152108B2 Solar array peak power extraction
Apparatuses and methods for optimizing power generation of a solar array are disclosed. The bus voltage is regulated with a regulator controlled through one or more reference signals. When the power bus is being used by electrical systems that are tolerant of a higher variable voltage range, the bus voltage can be temporarily set higher by a commanded reference signal to allow additional solar array power to supply to the power bus. The peak power point may be identified through an established relationship with the solar array performance as a function of temperature, season and/or the age of the solar array. In addition, a reference signal controlled by one or more temperature sensors on the solar array may also modify the bus voltage set-point. Improved solar array power may be extracted from spacecraft beginning-of-life to end-of-life operations due to low insertion loss of a direct energy transfer scheme.
US08152107B1 Applying sealant to narrow deep gaps in an ablative heat shield surface
A method of applying sealant to a narrow, deep gap in a surface includes covering the gap to form a covered channel, inserting a flared end of a dispensing nozzle into the covered gap at a first location, and applying a vacuum to the covered gap at a second location while using the nozzle to inject the sealant into the gap at the first location. This method may be used to seal gaps between ablative elements of a heat shield.
US08152102B2 Module for accommodation of crew members having a stowage bin usable from inside the module
A module for an aircraft is provided for the accommodation of crew members. The module includes, but is not limited to a trough-shaped floor region having an external contour that corresponds to the contour of further stowage bins installed in the aircraft. The storage space created in this way in the interior of the module is accessible from the interior of the module. In this way the stability of the module may be enhanced and the installation expenditure may be reduced. Furthermore, comfort may be enhanced, in particular as a result of more space being available for the crew.
US08152099B2 Method of landing an aircraft and apparatus therefor
A method of landing an aircraft having wheels includes causing the aircraft to land in a manner that causes the wheels to have a spin-up phase on contact with the landing surface during landing. A braking force is applied immediately after the wheels touch the runway so as to reduce, or delay the start of, the spin-up of the wheels. The braking force is, for example, applied using the same braking system as used conventionally to decelerate the aeroplane on landing. The peaks, over time, of the vertical wheel to ground loads (LV) and the horizontal drag loads (LH) caused by friction between the tires of the wheels of the aircraft and the ground can be decoupled, or separated, such that the maximum total load,owing to the combination of the vertical loads (LV) and the drag loads (LH), sustained by the aircraft during landing is reduced (compared with peak 8).
US08152095B2 Aircraft having a reduced acoustic signature
An aircraft, the propulsive units of which include engines, and which is distinguished by reduced noise emissions, includes a wing structure fixed to an upper region of the fuselage, and a vertical tail system having at least two vertical stabilizers which are generally vertically fixed to the fuselage aftwardly of the wing structure. The engines are disposed side by side in a propulsive package disposed above the fuselage, which propulsive package includes the following: air inlet openings for the propulsive package, which openings are disposed above the fuselage between a point at the leading edge and a point at the trailing edge of an aerodynamic root chord of the wing structure; and exhaust nozzle conduit outlets associated with exhaust nozzle conduits, which outlets are formed by the structure (cowling structure) of the propulsive package, and are disposed above the fuselage forwardly of an aft terminus of the fuselage and between the vertical stabilizers.
US08152094B2 Engine mounting apparatus
An engine mounting apparatus that includes thrust struts, a balance yoke, and primary and secondary mount blocks. The thrust struts are connected to the balance yoke and the primary mount block has at least one thrust load connection connectable to the balance yoke for transferring thrust loads from an engine during normal operation of the engine mounting apparatus. The engine mounting apparatus is characterized in that the secondary mount block is connected to the balance yoke via at least one thrust load catcher connection, the at least one thrust load catcher connection being arranged to be unloaded during normal operation of the engine mounting arrangement and to transfer the thrust loads from the engine in the event of a failure condition of the primary mount block.
US08152092B2 Aerial transporter
This invention relates to an aerial transporter comprising rigid cell structures which are covered with light materials as a skin, composed of modules. The invention aerial transporter represents some type of airship without a tail unit as well as an approximate balloon construction comprising a rigid structure and an independent drive unit. Said aerial transporter can transport loads in the range of about 20 t and more over short to medium distances using lighter-than-air technology while meeting air traffic regulations. Furthermore, the disclosed aerial transporter can be used as an air crane in the tied state.
US08152086B2 Wear lining element and an arrangement for the attachment of such
The invention concerns an arrangement for the joining and attachment of a wear lining element (1) onto a surface that is subject to wear, a supporting surface (5) of a supporting construction (2), comprising attachment means (9) that when anchored in the wear lining element are each one intended to be inserted into attachment holes (10) arranged in the supporting construction whereby the wear lining element is held fastened against the supporting surface by means of supplementary fastening means (16) that are associated with the attachment means positioned to interact with the tensioning surface (11) located on the opposite side of the supporting surface. For rapid and safe fixing, the attachment means (9) comprises a holder (13) fixed attached to the wear lining element (1), a guide (14) designed to guide the wear lining element into place against the supporting surface through interaction with a hole wall in the attachment holes (10) of the supporting construction, a mounting (15) designed to hold the wear lining element fastened against the supporting surface (5) through interaction with the tensioning surface (11) of the supporting construction and fixing and locking means (12) that allow the guide and the mounting to be held in place in a manner that allows exchange, supported by the holder. The invention concerns also a wear lining element intended to be mounted on the inner surface of a rotary grinding drum.
US08152083B2 Apparatus for preparing food
Apparatus for preparing food, for instance baby food, the apparatus (1) comprising a receptacle (3) for receiving food to be prepared, a blending assembly comprising a blender element (10) for blending the food and heating means arranged for heating the food, wherein a first end (4) of the receptacle (3) is adapted to cooperate with the heating means to heat the food and wherein the blender element (10) is provided at an opposite second end (5) of the receptacle (3), such that in use an orientation of the receptacle (3) relative to the apparatus (1) is adaptable for switching between a heating operation and a blending operation.
US08152081B2 Comminuting machine containment system
A comminuting machine including a frame, an infeed conveyor connected to the frame, a hammer mill connected to the frame, the hammer mill including a hammer mill housing substantially surrounding the hammer mill, a containment system substantially surrounding a comminuting portion of the comminuting machine, the containment system includes at least one cage, the at least one cage including a cage frame extending to substantially block projectile travel paths through openings of the comminuting machine, the cage frame being connected to the frame, and a drive unit movably coupled to the frame for effecting movement of the at least one cage relative to the comminuting portion of the comminuting machine without disconnecting the cage frame from the frame.
US08152079B2 Method for dry grinding of one or more mineral materials consisting of at least one calcium carbonate
A first object of the present invention is a process for dry grinding of one or more mineral materials which include at least one calcium carbonate, characterized in that the said process includes the stages of: a) crushing the mineral material or materials in at least one crushing unit until a crushed material is obtained with a d95 of less than 10 cm; b) possibly improving the material crushed according to stage a); c) dry grinding the material crushed according to stage a) and/or b) in at least one grinding unit: (i) in the presence of at least one comb-type hydrophilic polymer containing at least one polyalkylene oxide function grafted on to at least one unsaturated ethylene monomer, (ii) in such a manner that the quantity of liquid in the said grinding unit is less than 15% by dry weight of the said material crushed in the said crushing unit; d) possibly classifying the material dry ground according to stage c) with at least one classification unit; e) possibly repeating stages c) and/or d) on all or part of the dry ground material resulting from stages c) and/or d); and characterized in that the material recovered following stage c) and/or d) and/or e) has a d50 (average diameter) of 0.5 to 500 microns.
US08152077B2 Flat atomizer pump
A flat pump for producing liquid spray or for producing an atomized liquid stream may have a thickness of 6 millimeters or less. The flat pump may include an internal reservoir, a valve, a valve conduit and a vortex chamber wherein fluid from the reservoir may be pumped through the valve, along the valve conduit, and into the vortex chamber. An atomized liquid stream, spray, or mist formed in the vortex chamber may be expelled from the flat pump.
US08152076B2 Device for collecting and dispensing roof rain water
The container is mounted onto the structure and attached to the bottom of the rain gutter. It collects rain gutter water and pumps the water out across the lawn area using a battery/solar powered system, using a sump pump with hoses and nozzles. It also keeps leaves and debris from collecting in the unit and thus expelling them out of the unit using a debris disposal mechanism which is also powered by the battery/solar system. The container is mounted to the structure using a T-channel bracket with shims. The solar panel is mounted onto the unit and is used to charge the battery which is inside the container.It eliminates the need for downspouts making them obsolete using a revolutionary way to properly disperse rain water. It eliminates foundation erosion and dead grass areas.
US08152073B2 Method and apparatus for the detection of counterfeiting
A system is provided for counterfeiting countermeasures, the system comprising: a first authenticity indicator disposed in a print substrate coating; a second authenticity indicator disposed in a print generating matrix; a print pattern comprising the print generating matrix disposed upon the print substrate coating; a detector configured to detect the first and the second authenticity indicators in a portion of the print pattern within the field of the detector.
US08152072B2 Computer system with wireless pen and relay pairing
A computer system includes a printer configured to print visible information and invisible coded data tags on print media. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit associated sensed data. A relay is configured to receive the transmitted data. One or more servers are interfaced to the relay, and are configured to process the received data from the relay and to perform an action based upon the received data.
US08152071B2 Multi-purpose portable computer with integrated devices
A portable computer having multiple modes of connectivity is disclosed. The portable computer may be configured to communicate using several wireless transmission protocols, including WWAN, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The portable computer may also receive input from multiple devices, including a bar code scanner, camera, RFID reader, fingerprint reader, digitizer, and an audio subsystem. The portable computer may also contain an accelerometer, and may be configurable to automatically park its hard drive disk when acceleration of a predetermined magnitude is detected.
US08152068B2 Systems and methods for producing and processing time dependent dynamic barcodes in a mail delivery system
Systems and methods for utilizing time-dependent dynamic barcodes in systems including a mail delivery system for manipulating delivery charges and/or sorting and delivery processing preferences are described.
US08152066B2 Method and system for determining support for a memory card
Embodiments related to methods and systems for determining support for a memory card, where the memory card is accessible to a card reader and the card reader is in communication with an accessing device. One embodiment relates to a method comprising: a) transmitting a session request from the accessing device to the memory card via the card reader; b) receiving a first response to the session request from the memory card, the first response comprising first data related to a type of the memory card; c) determining at the accessing device that the memory card type is not recognized by any of a plurality of card drivers on the accessing device, based on the first data; d) for a selected one of the plurality of card drivers, transmitting a test command to the memory card, the test command being specific to a selected card type; e) receiving at the selected card driver a second response to the test command; and f) determining from the second response whether the selected card type corresponds to the memory card type and is supported by the selected card driver.
US08152061B2 System and method for processing closed loop cards and codes
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for processing closed loop cards/codes. The method includes identifying a closed loop card/code having associated money in an account, receiving a confirmation of an amount of money in the closed loop card/code account, presenting an owner of the closed loop card/code with the amount of money in the closed loop card/code account and an offer to pay an offer amount for the closed loop card/code, receiving an indication that the owner accepts the offer, receiving the amount of money from the closed loop card/code account, and paying the owner the offer amount. Payment can be on an open loop card/code, cash, automated clearing house (ACH) to bank, check, merchant credit, or bill pay. The method can include generating a new closed loop card/code associated with the amount of money. The new closed loop card/code can be sold to another user.
US08152058B2 Transaction product assembly with mechanical product
A transaction product assembly includes a transaction product, a mechanical article, and a coupling member. The transaction product includes an account identifier statically connected thereto. The account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The mechanical article includes a body, an auxiliary member, and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism extends from within the body to a position external to the body. User interaction with the actuating mechanism is configured to induce movement of the auxiliary member relative to the body of the mechanical article. The coupling member is secured to the mechanical article and configured to be secured to the transaction product such that movement of the auxiliary member relative to the body causes corresponding movement of the transaction product. Other cards, combinations and associated methods are also disclosed.
US08152057B2 Method of authorising a transaction between a computer and a remote server and communications system, with improved security
A transaction between a computer, a remote server and a communications system can be authorized securely. A portable card reader is connected to a computer. Then, the portable card reader reads card data. The portable card reader reads an identification code from a separate RFID tag. Sensitive card identification data and the identification code is sent to a management server. The sensitive identification data is searched for a unique code set in an electronic memory of a management server. If the search does not produce a positive result, an instruction denying the transaction is generated.
US08152056B2 Secure cards and methods
The present invention generally relates to credit cards and debit cards. More particularly, the present invention relates to security methods and techniques that can be used with credit and debit cards and the like in order to provide protection against unauthorized use.
US08152055B2 Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records and user input of a phone received security code
A banking system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from data bearing records by a card reader. The system includes at least one automated banking machine comprising a cash dispenser. The system is operative during a cash dispense transaction request to receive through an automated banking machine, user input of data corresponding to a mobile phone number. The system is operative to generate a security code for the requested cash dispense transaction. The system uses the phone number to send the generated security code to the mobile phone. The cash dispense transaction is allowed to proceed only if the system receives machine user input of the sent security code within a predetermined amount of time.
US08152054B2 Money transfer systems and methods
The present invention provides systems and methods of facilitating money transfers. The method includes receiving, at a money transfer system, access to a customer's account, establishing, at the money transfer system, a money transfer record including a recipient and an amount, and receiving, at the money transfer system, an identifier for the money transfer record. The method further includes receiving presentation of the identifier at an input device of the money transfer system and authorizing a money transfer associated with the money transfer record.
US08152050B2 Pocket with secure dividers
A pocket assembly includes a major panel and a pocket panel coupled together to define a pocket between the panels. A divider is placed in the pocket to partition the pocket into two or more compartments. The divider comprises a securing element secured to at least one of the major and pocket panels.
US08152049B2 Electronic component mounting apparatus and electronic component mounting method
The present invention aims at providing an electronic component mounting apparatus and an electronic component mounting method that perform automated setting of a thickness of a paste film.The electronic component mounting apparatus of the present invention has a paste transfer unit 10 that horizontally, relatively moves a squeegee 11b and a transfer surface 13 with respect to each other, thereby spreading, over the transfer surface 13, a paste film 3 whose thickness is equivalent to the height of a squeegee gap “c” formed from clearance between the squeegee 11b and the transfer surface 13; a storage unit 18 that stores a database defining correlation among bump heights, paste types, and squeegee-gap heights; a computing unit 20 that derives, from the database, a squeegee-gap height G21 in correspondence with a height H1 of a bump of an electronic component to be mounted and a type P2 of paste to be transferred; and a vertical movement mechanism 16b that adjusts the height of the squeegee gap “c” formed from clearance between the squeegee 11b and the transfer surface 13 to a derived squeegee-gap height.
US08152048B2 Method and structure for adapting solder column to warped substrate
A multiple substrate system, a method, and structure for adapting solder volume to a warped module. An illustrative embodiment comprises a method for joining a first substrate to a second substrate. A deviation from a nominal gap between the first substrate and the second substrate at a first region of the first substrate is ascertained. A volume of solder paste necessary to compensate for the deviation from a nominal gap is determined. The volume of solder paste necessary to compensate for the deviation at the first region of the first substrate is applied. Further, the second substrate is bonded to the first substrate using, at least in part, the solder paste applied at the first region of the first substrate.
US08152044B2 Solar battery module production method and solar battery module production apparatus
A method of producing a solar battery module. The method uses a producing apparatus having a positioning belt and a heating belt adjacent to each other such that an object can be delivered between the belts, and also having a pressing belt opposite the positioning belt and the heating belt, the pressing belt being provided so as to straddle the positioning belt and the heating belt. In the producing apparatus, the heating belt and the pressing belt are controlled to a predetermined temperature. The method has steps where solar battery cells and inter-connectors required to connect the solar battery cells are transported to the downstream side of the positioning belt after positioned on the upstream side of the positioning belt, the solar battery cells and the inter-connectors transported up to the downstream side of the positioning belt are delivered onto the heating belt while being held by the positioning belt and the pressing belt, and the solar battery cells and the inter-connectors delivered to the heating belt are soldered while being transported, held between the heating belt and the pressing belt.
US08152041B2 Varying tissue compression aided by elastic members
The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus, and the application of variable compression to tissue. More specifically, the presently disclosed surgical fastener applying apparatus including a first jaw having proximal and distal ends and including an anvil member, the anvil member extending along a longitudinal axis and including a tissue contacting surface and a second jaw having proximal and distal ends movably coupled to the first jaw, the second jaw including a cartridge member and a channel. The surgical fastener applying apparatus further includes a pair of elastic members positioned between the cartridge member and the channel of the second jaw, the pair of elastic members configured and dimensioned to apply and maintain constant compressive forces to tissue regardless of tissue thickness.
US08152033B2 Sliding nozzle device and plate used for the device
It is intended to develop a technique of pressing and fixing a plate by a uniform force to suppress the occurrence of a crack around a nozzle hole of the plate during use, and provide a sliding nozzle device capable of improving durability of the plate, and a plate for use in the sliding nozzle device. The sliding nozzle device comprises a plate (2) and a plate-receiving metal frame (1) for fixedly holding the plate (2). The plate-receiving metal frame (1) is equipped with: at least two holding members (3) each having two pressing surfaces (31, 32) consisting of a longitudinally-pressing surface and a laterally-pressing surface which are protrudingly provided thereon in spaced-apart relation to each other and each adapted to be brought into contact with a corresponding one of a plurality of side surfaces of the plate (2), wherein the holding members (3) are symmetrically arranged with respect to a longitudinal axis of the plate-receiving metal frame (1); a movable block (6) rotatably supporting the holding members (3); and pressing means adapted to press the movable block (6) toward the plate. An angle between the longitudinally-pressing surface (31) and the longitudinal axis of the plate-receiving metal frame (1) is set in the range of 60 to 90 degrees, and an angle between the laterally-pressing surface (32) and the longitudinal axis of the plate-receiving metal frame (1) is set in the range of 1 to 30 degrees.
US08152030B2 Valve wrench assembly kit for restoring purposed function to a compromised aerosol container
A valve wrench assembly restores functionality to an aerosol container by being selectively and removably attachable the annular container rim adjacent the container outlet, which has been damaged or otherwise compromised, and by opening the valve of the compromised outlet and subsequently directing the aerosol container's product as purposed. The valve wrench assembly comprises an annular fitting assembly and a plunger assembly. The fitting assembly interfaces the plunger assembly to the container, which plunger assembly comprises a sleeve, a nut, and a plunger structure. The sleeve comprises communicating cavities in which the nut and plunger structure are received. The plunger structure is coupled to the nut, each of which provide certain conduit. The gasket structures axially align the plunger assembly with the container outlet and matter-conducting conduit thus extends from the container outlet to the assembly outlet via the valve wrench assembly.
US08152029B2 Pump dispenser with bypass back flow
A dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The dispensing apparatus has a product container for holding the fluid; a chamber including a dispensing cylinder having an inlet and an outlet; an inlet check valve disposed at the inlet of the chamber, the inlet check valve being openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction through the inlet check valve into the chamber; an outlet check valve disposed at the outlet of the chamber, the outlet check valve being openable to permit flow substantially only in a direction from the chamber out through the outlet check valve; an outlet spout connected with the outlet of the outlet check valve for receiving the fluid from the outlet check valve; a spring-biased piston configured for sliding movement in the dispensing cylinder, the piston being smaller than the dispensing cylinder thus providing a clearance; and a bypass backflow opening disposed in the dispensing cylinder above the spring-biased piston. The clearance is provided between the piston and the dispenser cylinder wall to allow fluid flow to pass therebetween to a region above the piston when the piston is pushed downward and, subsequently, to allow fluid flow to exit the dispenser chamber from the region above the piston through the bypass back flow opening to the product container.
US08152024B2 Apparatus for attaching a drip tray to a beverage dispenser
A drip tray is attached to a beverage dispenser below a splash panel of the dispenser by a releasable latching mechanism that permits the drip tray to be removed from and replaced on the dispenser while the splash panel remains in place on the dispenser.
US08152023B2 System for the preparation and distribution of beverages in a transportation unit
The present invention relates to a modular beverage system incorporable into a transportation unit. The system comprises a power source, at least one user point, at least one vessel, at least one liquid transferring apparatus operatively associated with said power source; and piping. The vessel is adapted to store therein liquid. Activation the liquid transferring apparatus causes the distribution of at least some of the liquid from the vessel to respective user points via said piping.
US08152020B2 Dosage dispensing and tracking container
A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment.
US08152019B1 Reinforced dust pan and refuse container
Snapable narrow width rectangular dust pans that can easily clip about a flat side outer edge of the open end of a refuse containers having curved or flat side open rim edges. The dust pans can be used as adapters, systems, devices, apparatus, and include novel methods of converting refuse containers into dust pans refuse containers. The receptacles and the dust pans can be formed from molded plastic. The receptacles include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacles can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris fully into the D-shaped opening with ease. At least one handle located on the apex of the D-shaped opening allows the container to be easily lifted to a vertical standing position, and curved interior wall surfaces allow debris to easily slide toward the bottom of the container. Embodiments allow for different sizes of container, and extras such as lids, wheels and supports for tools. such as but not limited to rakes, hoes, and shovels to be carried and stored by the receptacles.
US08152016B2 Cover with recloseable aperture
A cover for sealing a container and preferably containers for a well plate. The cover is comprised of at least a top layer and a bottom layer structured in a way to form a recloseable aperture. Preferably, each of the layers comprise a recloseable aperture structured as flap, damper, baffle or butterfly valve respectively, wherein the recloseable apertures are arranged on top of each other. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a third moveable layer is arranged between the top and the bottom layer. By moving the middle layer, the aperture in the cover can be closed.
US08152012B1 Removable ergonomic handle gripping baby bottle
A handle for gripping a container includes a circumferential portion and a plurality of arm portions. The circumferential portion defines an opening configured to receive therethrough, along an axis of the opening, a container such that the circumferential portion surrounds and grips the container in an interference fit therewith. A plurality of arm portions integral with the circumferential portion extend therefrom in a radial direction relative to the axis of the opening of the circumferential portion. Each of the plurality of arm portions defines an opening configured to receive therethrough one or more fingers of hand for gripping engagement of the handle by the hand, whereby the arm portion defines a handle grip for handling the container.
US08152009B2 Bottle cap protector
A device for protecting the cap of a bottle having a neck, said device comprising a cap portion adapted to be placed over the neck of the bottle and a base portion, the base portion being rotatably connected to the cap portion, at least one elongate securing member being provided having a first end attached to the cap portion and a second end attached to the base portion whereby rotation of the base portion with respect to the cap portion in a tightening direction causes the elongate securing member to tighten against the neck of the bottle to resist removal of the device from the neck of the bottle, locking means being provided for selectively preventing rotation of the base portion with respect to the cap portion at least in a second direction opposite to said tightening direction. The device may be provided with an EAS tag.
US08151998B2 Crystalline polymer microporous membrane, method for producing the same, and filter for filtration
To provide a crystalline polymer microporous membrane including: a microstructure on the side of one surface of the membrane, the microstructure being composed of series of nodules interconnected with one another by fibrils, wherein the average pore diameter at the one surface of the membrane is larger than the average pore diameter at another surface of the membrane, and the average pore diameter continuously changes from the one surface toward the other surface, and wherein the nodules have an aspect ratio (length/width) of 25 or greater.
US08151995B2 Methods and apparatus to prevent mold compound feeder jams in systems to package integrated circuits
Methods and apparatus to preventing mold feeder jams in a system to package integrated circuits. An example method includes detecting if a mold compound tablet has a first alignment on a path and removing the mold compound tablet from the path if the mold compound tablet has a second alignment different from the first alignment.
US08151993B2 Material separator systems
A vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream is disclosed. The vehicle may include an elongate vehicle frame; a separating structure mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream; a first conveyor; a second conveyor; and a fluid collection structure configured to receive fluid from at least one of the separating structure, the first conveyor, and the second conveyor, the fluid collection structure including an upper tank, a lower tank, and one or more conduits fluidly connecting the upper and lower tanks, wherein the one or more conduits are free from a valve configured to regulate flow from the upper tank toward the lower tank.
US08151989B2 Trapped blister package with recessed card perimeter
A trapped card package includes a paperboard card having a flat top surface and a flat bottom surface, and a relatively large central rectangular opening. In the top surface and the bottom surface respectively, there is a recessed portion that extends around the opening. A clear plastic blister piece has a groove extending along its perimeter and a flange, and a lower clear plastic piece has a male element extending along its perimeter, and a flange. The lower piece male element engages the card opening and its flange engages the recessed portion of the card bottom and the male element projects upward beyond the top surface of the card where it is received by the perimeter groove of the blister piece as the flange of the blister piece engages the recessed portion of the card top surface, so as to trap the card and seal the package when adhesive on the engaged element is cured. A variant has a plastic lower piece with a major central opening bounded by a flange, and a paper-based print card that engages this flange and covers this major opening.
US08151988B2 Display packaging system
A display packaging system includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a blister cavity. The blister cavity has a product holding chamber configured to receive at least one product and a sealing flange that extends outwardly from the product holding chamber. The sealing flange includes a series of apertures and is sandwiched between the interior surface of the front panel and the interior surface of the rear panel. Respective portions of an interior surface of the front panel and an interior surface of the rear panel are then adhered only to each other with the respective portions including portions of the interior surface of the front panel and portions of the interior surface of the rear panel that are disposed on opposite sides of the series of apertures.
US08151984B2 Dispensing device
A dispensing device (1) for separately storing two substances, adapted to dispense and apply proportional amounts of said substances, said device (1) comprising a longitudinal axis (3) about which two receptacles (4, 4′), composed of a flexible material, are disposed, each receptacle (4, 4′), containing one of said two substances and comprising an outlet (5) through winch said substance can be squeezed, said dispensing device (1) being adapted to be folded about the longitudinal axis (3).
US08151982B2 Protective coverings and methods of making and using the same
Protective coverings suitable for protecting and housing electronic devices such as a KINDLE™ ebook reader or an APPLE™ iPAD™ tablet are disclosed. Methods of making and using protective coverings are also disclosed.
US08151981B2 Retrieval device for use with a compartment or pocket
The present invention is related to an apparatus to facilitate the retrieval of a personal device from a compartment or pocket. The apparatus has a back surface with a support attached to the back surface in a manner that allows the support to move and a tab or loop on one end of the support. An elastic tape is attached to the back surface and to the support. Also attached to the support is a ribbon which is secured to the elastic tape at a connection point. The support can be extended to retrieve the personal device from the compartment or pocket which stretches the elastic tape and the ribbon until the ribbon is fully extended preventing the further extension of the support. The elastic tape may then facilitate the retraction of the apparatus into the compartment or pocket.
US08151977B2 Conveyor for bakery oven
An endless conveyor chain assembly (10) includes two piece enclosed curved track sections (15) having curved sections (15) for the passage therethrough of a series of conveyor chain links (12). Outer race (18) of the curved track sections (15) include an impervious horizontal bottom wall (22) that is U-shaped in cross section for retaining any lubricants or other liquids or debris. Inner race (20) with a wear strip (44) attached thereto is removable from the outer race (18) without having to cut the curved conveyor track sections (15) from the track and without having to remove the conveyor chain from the track when performing maintenance to the conveyor chain assembly.
US08151976B2 Device for transporting and shaking blanks
A device for transporting and shaking blanks supported on pallets has a shaking station with a shaking table, a feeding conveyor upstream of the shaking station in a transport direction of the blanks, and a discharge conveyor downstream of the shaking station in the transport direction of the blanks. The feeding and discharge conveyors each have a liftable and lowerable transport frame and a drive. The transport frames are movable back and forth by the drive for transporting the pallets. The drives are adjustable to an identical intermittent transport distance and an intermittent transport distance in a ratio of 2:1. On the transport frame of the discharge conveyor a support is provided in an area adjacent to the shaking station. The support raises the discharge conveyor's receiving surface for the pallets and has a receiving surface aligned approximately with a table top of the shaking table.
US08151975B1 Rail conveyor system
A rail conveyor system comprises a base member supporting a rail conveyor mechanism that includes a mechanical power transfer assembly mounted within the base member. A plurality of parallel support rods mounted upon the base member is rotatable by the mechanical power transfer assembly. A plurality of parallel square tubes rests perpendicularly to and upon the support rods providing a uniform support surface above the base member. The tubes are operatively connected to the power transfer assembly for sequential, longitudinal reciprocation, perpendicular to the support rods. The support rods each include a series of indented surfaces for sequentially lowering one of the tubes relative to three adjacent tubes. The mechanical power transfer assembly provides sequential, longitudinal movement of three adjacent tubes in one direction and movement of a fourth bracketed tube in an opposite direction, while simultaneously rotating the support rods to first lower, then raise the opposite moving fourth bracketed tube.
US08151971B2 Device for forming a continuous flow of oriented products
An apparatus or device is described for forming a continuous and cadenced flow of groups of rolls of paper or other products, coming from the production line or from pre-packaging lines, and rotated by a carousel with horizontal shaft of rotation. The carousel is provided with the blades of L-shaped stalls which pass cyclically and in the right phase between and underneath pairs of supports, to raise the products positioned thereon and set them on a horizontal conveyor. The stalls are controlled to rotate with respect to the carousel in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the carousel to avoid interference with the products once the products are placed on the horizontal conveyor.
US08151966B2 Arrangement for operating a clutch
Arrangement for operating a clutch, in particular a clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle, comprising a means of transmission that is mounted movably in an operating direction with respect to a support. The support is flexibly mounted in the direction of operation with respect to a housing.
US08151962B2 Synchromesh device for transmission
A synchromesh device for a transmission includes: a shaft; a sleeve; an idler gear; a gear piece; a synchronizer ring; a first spline, a second spline and a third spline, the first spline of the sleeve being engageable with each of the second spline of the gear piece and the third spline of the synchronizer ring; and a first chamfer, a second chamfer and a third chamfer, formed at one end of the first spline, one end of the second spline and one end of the third spline, respectively, for a spline-engagement and for a thrust-through operation. The first chamfer of the sleeve includes a small-diameter side thrusting through the third chamfer at the time of shifting and a large-diameter side thrusting through the second chamfer at the time of shifting. A chamfer angle of the large-diameter side is smaller than a chamfer angle of the small-diameter side.
US08151960B2 Method and device for torque transmission
The present invention relates to a method for moment transmission, preferably torque transmission, between a first object (4) and a second object (5) that are separated by a gap (g), the method comprising the arranging in said gap (g) of a force-transmitting device (1) that comprises at least one flexible element (3A, 3B) and a plurality of force-transmitting elements (2) that are not part of the flexible element (3A, 3B) but are arranged at said flexible element (3A, 3B), which force-transmitting elements (2) are arranged to have a maximum cross-sectional dimension (amax) that is larger than the gap (g) and another cross-sectional dimension (a) that is smaller than the gap (g), in order by friction by wedge-action to transmit moments between said first object (4) and said second object (5), said elements (2) being arranged to have a design and an attachment at said flexible element (3A, 3B) that without external influence of said device (1) enable transmission of force in two opposite directions. The invention also comprises such a device.
US08151949B2 Drum brake apparatus
A drum brake apparatus is provided with a backing plate, a brake shoe, a shoe guide portion formed integrally with a backing plate by cutting and press molding, a guide surface on a rear surface of the shoe guide portion, an engagement projection that is formed on the brake shoe and slidably engages with the guide surface, and end portions that is formed on the shoe guide portion at both ends of the shoe guide portion in a circumferential direction of the drum brake apparatus and is continuous to the backing plate. Uplift of the brake shoe from the backing plate is prevented by engagement between the guide surface and the engagement projection.
US08151944B2 Algorithm to determine wheel and brake cooling
A system and device for estimating an amount of time needed for a vehicle brake assembly to cool to a predetermined temperature includes a first input for receiving data indicative of a temperature of the brake assembly, a second input for receiving data indicative of at least one environmental condition that affects cooling of said brake assembly, a processor and memory, and logic stored in said memory and executable by said processor. The logic stored in memory includes logic that simulates a temperature response of the brake assembly based on the brake assembly temperature and the at least one environmental condition.
US08151942B2 Configurable communication system for a building
The present invention deals with a method and system for producing services in the communication system of a building. In the method of the invention, the communication system includes at least one terminal device applicable for local-area communication, at least one communication unit, at least one server controlling the communication system, at least one base station for implementing a local-area network in the communication system, and a local network for implementing mutual data transfer between the communication unit, the server controlling the communication system and the base station. In the method, a number of service folders are generated in the terminal device and a service folder applicable to the purpose in each case is selected. From the selected service folder, a service request is selected which is transmitted from the terminal device to the communication system, where the service request is executed in one or more sub-stages using one or more communication units.
US08151941B2 Evacuation system for a building including building mounted stabilizing element
An evacuation system for a building including at least one vertical transporter including multiple platforms arranged for selectable communication with multiple floors of the building for loading of persons onto the multiple platforms and at least one building mounted stabilizing element cooperating with the transporter for stabilizing the transporter against lateral forces.
US08151932B2 Muffler device for motorcycle
An exhaust outlet 34 is formed at the center of a rear end wall 46 of a tail cap 21 closing a rear end opening of a muffler body 20, and a tail pipe 30 is connected at its rear end to the exhaust outlet 34. The exhaust outlet 34 is formed through a tail pipe supporting member 35 mounted on the rear end wall 46. The tail pipe supporting member 35 is formed with an annular mud guiding groove 37 opening rearward around the exhaust outlet 34. The mud accumulated on the rear end wall 46 is guided into the mud guiding groove 37 and moved in the mud guiding groove 37 owing to its capillarity. Accordingly, the mud can be moved down along the mud guiding groove 37 and smoothly dropped to the ground, thus preventing the clogging of the exhaust outlet 34 with the mud on the rear end wall 46.
US08151931B2 Acoustic noise control in heating or cooling systems
A heating or cooling system comprising a powered fan held in a duct assembly. The powered fan generates acoustic noise when blowing air. The system also comprises an acoustic wave modulator held in the duct assembly. The acoustic wave modulator has one or more fins and is configured to reduce turbulence of the air traveling through the duct assembly.
US08151930B2 Pneumatic tire with noise damper
A pneumatic tire with a noise damper made of a spongelike multi-cellular material is disclosed. The noise damper is divided into small dampers to improve the high-speed durability of the tire. The noise damper is provided with a water-impermeable outer coating to prevent water from infiltrating into the spongelike multi-cellular material during transporting, store keeping and the like.
US08151929B2 Acoustic waveguide vibration damping
An acoustic waveguide with at least two portions coupled by vibration damping structure. The vibration damping structure may be a conformable material such as closed cell foam. The vibration damping structure may further include structure for inhibiting motion in a direction transverse to the interface between the vibration damping structure and a portion of the waveguide.
US08151927B2 Wheel motor device
There is provided a wheel motor device including a hydraulic motor unit. The hydraulic motor unit includes a hydraulic motor main body, a motor shaft, a motor case and a port block. The port block includes a motor surface to which the motor case is connected, a pump surface to which a pump case surrounding a hydraulic pump main body is detachably connected so as to form a pump space for accommodating the hydraulic pump main body, and a pair of operational fluid passages fluidly connecting between the hydraulic motor main body accommodated in the motor space in a state of being contacted with the motor surface in a sliding manner around its axis line and the hydraulic pump main body accommodated in the pump space in a state of being contacted with the pump surface in a sliding manner around its axis line.
US08151917B2 Cooling system, control method of cooling system, and vehicle equipped with cooling system
A cooling system is equipped with a circulation flow path arranged to flow a coolant into an engine, a motor drive system flow path branched off from the circulation flow path and arranged to flow the coolant into a motor drive system, a flow rate distribution regulator provided at a junction of the circulation flow path and the motor drive system flow path, and an electric pump configured to pressure-feed the coolant through the circulation flow path. In the cooling system, the procedure of flow rate control sets an engine flow rate demand Vwe based on a rotation speed Ne and a torque te of the engine and a coolant temperature Te (step S110), while setting a motor flow rate demand Vwm based on an inverter current Iinv of the motor drive system and the coolant temperature Te (step S120). The flow rate distribution regulator and the electric pump are then controlled to make a flow rate of the coolant flowed into the engine and a flow rate of the coolant flowed into motors and inverters included in the motor drive system respectively equal to the set engine flow rate demand Vwe and the set motor flow rate demand Vwm (steps S130 and S140).
US08151912B2 Wheeled inverted pendulum mobile unit
A wheeled inverted pendulum mobile unit having: a driving wheel; a body that is tiltable about an axle of the driving wheel with respect to a vertical direction; a plurality of support members that extend downward from the body in the vertical direction, wherein the bottom ends of the plurality of support members are in contact with a ground before and behind the axle of the driving wheel, and the bottom ends moves up and down, with respect to the body, as the body tilts with respect to the vertical direction; and a lock mechanism that locks positions of the bottom ends of the support members with respect to the body.
US08151908B2 Jet motor for providing rotation in a downhole tool
An exemplary embodiment of the jet motor includes a control sleeve, and power shaft having at least one opening thereon. The power shaft is rotatable in relation to the control sleeve. The power shaft has a central longitudinal shaft axis and upper and lower ends. The at least one opening in the power shaft generates rotational torque when acting in cooperation with the control sleeve. The jet motor connects to a member that is in fluid communication with the source of drilling or cleaning fluid. Drilling or cleaning fluid pressure is directed to the at least one opening in the power shaft. The power shaft having at least one opening having an opening axis and an interior opening. The at least one opening may be acutely oriented with respect to a plane extending along the power shaft's central longitudinal axis wherein the plane intersects the opening axis at the interior opening. The at least one opening may be oriented toward the upper end of the power shaft to provide downward force. An alternative embodiment with a drill bit functionally connected to the power shaft wherein the drill bit contains drill bit nozzles that provide both rotational and forward force when a fluid is passed therethrough.
US08151905B2 Downhole telemetry system and method
A downhole telemetry system for use in a wellbore including borehole fluid. The system includes a stator including flow channels though the stator and a rotor including flow channels though the rotor. The rotor is rotatable on a drive shaft by the force of the borehole fluid flowing through the rotor. The rotation of the rotor creates pressure variations in the borehole fluid related to the movement of the rotor channels relative to the stator channels, thus forming a carrier wave. A regulating system adjusts the amount of fluid force on the rotor for a given flow rate of borehole fluid to maintain the frequency of the carrier wave within a range of a target frequency. Also, an alternator drivable by the rotation of the drive shaft provides power to the system. The system also includes an encoder capable of adjusting the rotation of the rotor to modulate the carrier wave.
US08151904B2 Method for improved well control with a downhole device
A drilling system includes a downhole well control device that can be used to control out-of-norm wellbore conditions. The downhole well control device can control one or more selected fluid parameters. The well control device in cooperation or independent of surface devices exerts control over one or more drilling or formation parameters to manage an out-of-norm wellbore condition. An exemplary well control device hydraulically isolates one or more sections of a wellbore by selectively blocking fluid flow in a pipe bore and an annulus. The control device also selectively flows fluid from the pipe bore to the annulus. A communication device provides on-way or bidirectional signal and/or data transfer between the controller(s), surface personnel and the well control device. Exemplary application of the well control device include controlling a well kick, controlling drilling fluid being lost to the formation and controlling a simultaneous kick and loss.
US08151903B2 Rotary blasthole drilling rig flexible jaw pipe positioner
A pipe positioner having an arm including a lower jaw and an upper jaw mounted thereon is provided. The pipe positioner includes at least one of the lower jaw and the upper jaw with at least one shear pin disposed in location to provide protection of the pipe positioner from mechanical overload. A method for retrofit of a pipe positioner and a blasthole drilling rig are disclosed.
US08151902B2 Slickline conveyed bottom hole assembly with tractor
A bottom hole assembly is run into the wellbore on slickline with a tractor to assist in movement of the bottom hole assembly through a deviation in either direction. The tractor can have retractable drive components and can be responsive to tension in the slickline to turn it on and to avoid overrunning the slickline if driving out.
US08151899B2 Method and device for rock drilling
A method for producing Shockwave pulses in a tool direction (R) of a pulse machine (1) having a housing (2), wherein an impulse piston (4) is arranged, wherein the impulse piston is influenced by a first force in a direction opposite to said tool direction through a first fluid pressure (Pi) in a first chamber (7), and by a second force in said tool direction, wherein 'a Shockwave pulse is produced through a rapid relief of the first fluid pressure after displacement of the impulse piston (4) relative to the housing in a direction opposite to the tool direction, is distinguished in that the length of the shock wave is controlled by the length (L) of said displacement is regulated. The invention also concerns a device, rock drilling machine and a rock drilling rig.
US08151897B1 Ordinary hazard extended coverage sidewall sprinklers and systems
An extended coverage sidewall automatic fire sprinkler includes a generally tubular body with a central passageway and a central axis. One end of the passageway forms an outlet at one end of the tubular body. A closure at the one end of the tubular body at least essentially generally closes the passageway. A trigger positioned to releasably retain the closure at the outlet closes the passageway. A deflector at a discharge end of the sprinkler is coupled with the tubular body facing and spaced axially away from the outlet and intersects the central axis. The tubular body has a K factor greater than 9. The deflector is shaped and positioned to transform water discharged horizontally from the outlet upon release of the closure by the trigger into a spray pattern of water droplets dispersed over a generally horizontal, generally rectangularly-shaped extended coverage are of more than one hundred square feet located on one side of the sprinkler in an amount and with a distribution effective to control an ordinary hazard fire in the coverage area.
US08151895B1 Eutectic salt inflated wellbore tubular patch
Systems and methods for patching a desired section of wellbore casing or another tubular member. A patch assembly is provided which includes a tubular patch sub which is radially surrounded by an inflatable boot. A setting tool is used to set the patch assembly within the casing. The setting tool includes a heated barrel that contains eutectic material in liquid form. When actuated from the surface, eutectic material is flowed from the setting tool to the boot of the patch assembly. The eutectic material inflates the boot to secure the patch sub at a desired location within the wellbore.
US08151893B2 Sleeve assembly for downhole tools
An example method comprises securing a sleeve around at least a portion of a downhole tool, deploying the sleeve and the downhole tool into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, and retrieving the sleeve and the downhole tool from the wellbore. The step of securing the sleeve around the at least portion of the downhole tool may be performed at the well site.
US08151889B2 System and method for controlling flow in a wellbore
A technique enables control over flow in a wellbore with a flow control system. In some cases, the flow control system may comprise a flapper device, an isolation assembly, and an actuation assembly. The flapper device may be configured to rotate within an approximate angular range from 15° to 75° when shifting between an open and closed state. In some situations, the engaging member may contain a profiled end configured to increase the moment applied to the flapper device during opening and control the rate of closure of the flapper device. The limitation to the angular range of the flapper device may reduce the loading forces that would otherwise act against the flow control system upon closure of the flapper device.
US08151886B2 Open hole stimulation with jet tool
A fracturing method for preferably open hole uses fluid velocity impinging on the wellbore wall to initiate fractures. Telescoping members that extend using nozzles inside them but come out to a distance from the wellbore wall can be used. Fixed nozzles that do not extend are also another option. The nozzles can be eroded or corroded as the fracturing takes place or they can be made of sufficiently durable materials or have coatings to withstand the erosive effects of high velocity slurries pumped to impinge the wellbore wall to initiate fractures.
US08151885B2 Erosion resistant flow connector
A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising an inlet space, a central space adjacent and in fluid communication with the inlet space along a central axis, a dome space adjacent and in fluid communication with the central space along the central axis, and a plurality of channels adjacent to and in fluid communication with the dome space, wherein the plurality of channels are radially spaced about the central axis, and wherein a channel axis of the at least one of the plurality of channels is incident the central axis by less than ninety degrees.
US08151883B2 Stimulation technique for open hole well
A stimulation technique is provided for use in an open hole well. The stimulation technique utilizes a system which comprises one or more isolation devices positioned to isolate desired regions of the open hole well. At least one release mechanism is used to provide controlled release of stimulation material to a desired wellbore region of the open hole well. Additionally, a protection mechanism cooperates with each release mechanism to prevent undesirable contact between stimulation material and the surrounding wellbore wall of the open hole well. In many applications, the entire system is deployed and operated during a single trip downhole into the well.
US08151881B2 Permeability flow balancing within integral screen joints
A SAGD system in a formation including a heated fluid injection well having a tubular including permeability control, one or more open hole anchors restricting thermal growth of the tubular and one or more baffles directing heated fluid application to target areas of the formation; a production well in fluid collecting proximity to the injection well the production well having a tubular with permeability control, one or more open hole anchors and one or more baffles.
US08151879B2 Zone isolation assembly and method for isolating a fluid zone in an existing subsurface well
A zone isolation assembly for a fluid monitoring system in an existing subsurface well includes a fluid receiving pipe, a docking receiver, a docking apparatus and a first sealer. The fluid receiving pipe includes a pipe interior and a fluid inlet structure. The fluid receiving pipe receives a fluid through the fluid inlet structure into the pipe interior. The docking receiver is connected to the fluid receiving pipe. The docking apparatus moves between (i) a docked position wherein the docking apparatus is docked with the docking receiver, and (ii) an undocked position wherein the docking apparatus is undocked with the docking receiver. The first sealer is spaced apart from the docking apparatus. In certain embodiments, the first sealer selectively forms a fluid-tight seal between the fluid receiving pipe and the casing to divide the fluid zone into a first zone and a spaced apart second zone. The first zone and the second zone are not in fluid communication with one another when the docking apparatus is in the docked position.
US08151878B2 Apparatus and methods for collecting a downhole sample
Methods and apparatus for collecting a downhole sample are provided. The method may include conveying a sampling tool in a borehole using a first carrier, conveying a sample container in the borehole using a second carrier, and introducing a downhole sample from the sampling tool to the sample container. An apparatus includes a sampling tool disposed on a first carrier, a sample container disposed on a second carrier, wherein the first carrier and the second carrier are independently conveyable in a borehole, and a coupling connectable to the sampling tool and the sample container.
US08151875B2 Device and system for well completion and control and method for completing and controlling a well
A screen assembly includes a tubular having one or more openings therein. A screen disposed about the tubular. The one or more devices disposed within the one or more openings. The devices each include a beaded matrix and a housing. Also included is a method for completing a wellbore with a sand screen.
US08151873B1 Expandable packer with mandrel undercuts and sealing boost feature
An open hole packer uses mandrel expansion and a surrounding sealing element that can optionally have a swelling feature and further a seal enhancing feature of a ring with an internal taper to match an undercut on the mandrel exterior. As a swage progresses to the taper at the transition between the ring and the extending flat fingers, the fingers get plastically deformed in an outward radial direction to push out the sealing element. Shrinkage of the mandrel axially due to radial expansion brings a ring on the mandrel outer surface under the fingers to act as a support for the fingers against the seal which is pushed against the open hole. Mirror image orientations are envisioned to aid in retaining pressure differentials in opposed directions. Another external mandrel ring extends into the seal to keep its position during differential pressure loading.
US08151869B2 Scraped surface heat exchanger and a method for producing whey protein concentrate
The invention relates to a scraped surface heat exchanger (100) comprising a heat exchanging wall (20) having an cylindrical inner surface (21) with a radius (R+δ), a shaft (10) being rotatable mounted inside of and concentrically to the inner surface (21) of the heat exchanging wall (20) and having at least one gap portion (10A) with an outer surface (11) and a radius (R), and at least one scraping member (40) supported by the shaft (10) and extending to the inner surface (21) of the heat exchanger wall (20), characterized in that the at least one or che gap portions (10A) with an outer surface (11) and a radius (R) extend over at least 60% of the circumference of the shaft (10).
US08151866B2 Method and apparatus for casting NF metal baths, particularly copper or copper alloys
A method and apparatus for casting NF metal baths, particularly copper or copper alloys, to produce flat products at least 20 mm thick, ensure melt introduction into a pool while preventing gas pockets or impurities flushing into the melt of a casting mould. The melt continuously flows along a flow-off element from a tundish to a bath level of the mould, at a casting angle of up to 15° and a constant or decreasing rate, and is conducted below a pool surface of the mould without influencing flow rate. Vortexes generated by melt hitting the bath surface are prevented from extending within the mould by a cover surrounding a top surface of the flow-off element. Gaseous components produced when the melt flows, escape via a free space above the flow. Gravity determines a flow rate of the free melt flowing from tundish to molten bath of a revolving strip-casting mould.
US08151861B2 One-piece core manufacturing method for swing bolster and sideframe of lorry
A one-piece core-making technique used in producing railway truck bolsters and side frames, which includes the following steps: 1. After scraping the top of a core box, applying a shaped top mould (11), which is precisely located, from top to bottom. 2. Press or slightly hit the top mould (11) to make sure the top mould covers/caps the scraping surface. 3. Keep pressing to make sure that the flat scraping surface was pressed to a required curved shape, like the shape of the top mould (11). 4. Last, it will become a one-piece core with a partially integrated inner cavity section. The one-piece core made by this technique has a smooth surface. This technique also can improve the internal quality of the product and ease work intensity.
US08151860B2 Porous metal article and method of producing a porous metallic article
A metal article containing at least 10% interconnected porosity is produced by using a preform.To make the preform, an organic binder, a wetting agent and a granular material are mixed to obtain a mouldable paste that combines 10 vol. pct. or more of the granular material, this material dissolving easily in a liquid solvent. The paste is shaped into an aerated preform, thus creating an open pore space to be infiltrated by the metal or alloy.The wetting agent is evaporated and the preform is baked to a temperature sufficient to degrade the binder and create a network of interconnected open porosity in the preform. Then, the open pore space is filled with the liquid metal or alloy.All or part of the baked preform can be easily leached by a liquid solvent through the network of fine pores.
US08151857B2 Retractable shade with collapsible vanes
A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.
US08151856B2 Surface protection film peeling method and surface protection film peeling device
A film peeling device for peeling a film (11) adhered to a front surface of a wafer (20), on the back surface of which a dicing tape (3) is adhered, the wafer is integrated with a mount frame (36) into one body, comprises: a movable table (31), which can be moved horizontally to support the wafer and the mount frame while the surface protection film is being directed upward; a covering means (80) for covering an adhesive face (3a) of the dicing tape, which is exposed between the mount frame and the wafer at one end (28) of the wafer; and a adhering means (46) for adhering a peeling tape (4) to the film at the end of the wafer. The film is peeled from the front surface of the wafer by moving the movable table from the other end (29) of the wafer to one end after the peeling tape has adhered. Due to the foregoing, while the peeling tape is being prevented from adhering to the dicing tape, the film can be peeled from the front surface of the wafer in a shorter period of time.
US08151846B2 Wheel having inner bead-lock
The present invention provides a vehicle wheel system having an inner wheel half, an outer wheel half, a centering element, and a sleeve which are concentrically aligned with each other, where the centering element has a first bead lock for securing a first bead of a tire and where the sleeve has a second bead lock for securing a second bead of the tire, to enable a vehicle to continue to operate with a flat or deflated tire. For a heavier, military vehicle wheel system, a varied centering element is used in conjunction with segmented inner tire system.
US08151845B2 Tire with reduced rolling noise
A tire with reduced rolling noise includes a tire structure formed of at least one crown extended by two sidewalls and two beads. A base of each of the two beads is configured to be mounted onto a rim seat. The tire also includes a carcass-type reinforcing structure anchored into the two beads and an additional layer bonded to an inner wall of the tire structure. The additional layer is bonded to the tire structure at its edges and the rest of the additional layer is not bonded. The additional layer includes an inflation valve.
US08151843B2 Pneumatic tire with specified outer carcass periphery length and outer ground-contact area
A pneumatic tire 1 according to the invention has bead portions 11, 12 including bead cores 11a, 12a, and at least a carcass layer 13 and a tread portion 16 arranged, wherein in a section in a tire-width direction, assuming as a reference a tire centerline CL making right angles with a bead line BL interconnecting a center of the bead core 11a and a center of the bead core 12a, and passing a center of the bead line BL, an outer ground-contact area 20B is wider by 5 to 15% than an inner ground-contact area 20B, and wherein in the section in the tire-width direction, a carcass periphery length as a distance along a carcass centerline CaL from a crossing point P to an approach point P2 is longer by 0.5 mm to 10 mm than a carcass periphery length Ca as a distance from the crossing point P to an approach point P1.
US08151841B2 Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion on each side of the equatorial plane. At least two circumferential main grooves and three land portions are formed in the tread portion. In a cross section in a meridian direction of the pneumatic tire, profile lines of the land portions form arcs, and an intersection of extension lines of profile lines of adjacent land portions forms an inflection point in a circumferential main groove. Tensile strength of a reinforcing layer in the land portions is larger than that in the circumferential main groove having the inflection points.
US08151839B2 Device of double saw blades
A device of double saw blades includes a first saw blade, a second saw blade, a driving device and security system. The first saw blade and the second saw blade rotate around a rotation axis oppositely, and respectively include a blade body and a cutting element mounting on a periphery of the blade body. The driving device connects with the first saw blade and the second saw blade, and has a driving diameter. The security system has a security distance provided between the blade bodies. The security system includes two rigidity enhancers. The rigidity enhancers respectively include a saw blade adapter mounting on an outer side of the blade bodies. The saw blade adapters respectively have a predetermined diameter to enhance a rigidity of the blade bodies, so as to reduce deformation thereof when working. The diameters are no more than the driving diameter.
US08151838B2 Liquid dispensing system
The invention relates to a liquid dispensing system. The system includes a liquid dispensing apparatus (10, 50) having liquid dispensing nozzles (18) and containers (12, 52) that each have a one-way valve (30, 70) located in a charging opening defined in the base region thereof. A container is positionable on the apparatus with a dispensing nozzle penetrating the container via the charging opening and the one-way valve thereof, providing for bottom filling of the container and sealing of the charging opening by the one-way valve when the dispensing nozzle is retracted from the container.
US08151837B2 Fuel filler closure device for automotive vehicle
A fuel filler closure device for an automotive vehicle includes a valve body adapted for mounting to a fuel filler pipe and having a filler passage. An access door mounted within the valve body has an open position allowing placement of a fuel nozzle within the filler passage and a closed position for blocking insertion of a filler nozzle. The locking mechanism selectively permits the access door to move from the closed position to the open position. The locking mechanism may include either a manual locking device, or an electronic or other type of remote lock which will be responsive to a vehicle condition.
US08151836B2 Closure for a liquid container
A closure for the neck of a container such as a water bottle includes a cap 32 for engagement with the neck, and a valve plug 44. The cap has an inner guide sleeve 38 which sealingly receives the valve plug 44, which is provided with latches 50. When the bottle is placed on a liquid dispensing station such as a water cooler a probe 5 sealably enters the sleeve 38 and an actuator head 70 engages the latches 50 to carry the plug out of the sleeve 38. The probe requires minimum insertion force. One or more water flow ports 72 are provided in the probe 5 to conduct water out of the bottle, while air may enter the bottle via a vent port 73 and vent apertures in the valve plug 44. This allows simultaneous exchange of air and water without risk of air entrainment whilst providing a short penetration distance.
US08151827B2 Method for rehabilitating existing pipe
In an existing pipe rehabilitating method according to an embodiment, a profile strip (2) for lining an existing pipe (10) is shaped using a thermoplastic resin, joint portions (21) are provided at both end portions in a width direction of the profile strip, and the profile strip (2) is inserted into the existing pipe (10) and is helically wound in the existing pipe (10). The joint portions (21) of adjacent windings of the profile strip (2) are interlocked with each other, thereby forming a rehabilitating pipe (20). Also, the profile strip (2) of the rehabilitating pipe (20) is deformed by a heating step in which the profile strip (2) is subjected to a heating process so as to conform a shape of a curved portion (13) of the existing pipe (10), thereby integrating the profile strip (2) with an inner peripheral surface of the curved portion (13) of the existing pipe (10).
US08151825B2 Reverse flow wye connector
A subsea fitting is disclosed. The subsea fitting includes a body. The fitting includes at least two passages through the body. The passages are in fluid communication within the body. A diverter is located in at least one of the passages. The diverter may be movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverter allows open flow between two of the passages. In the closed position, the diverter inhibits flow between the two passages.
US08151822B2 Integral overpressure monitoring device
The present invention provides an integral cantilever monitoring device for a regulator having a positionable vent port that may be disposed proximate the lowest point of the monitoring device to allow drainage of liquids accumulating within the monitoring device due to humidity and precipitation. The monitoring device may also include a connection module allowing the monitoring device to be rotated independently of the actuator and valve body of the regulator to accommodate varying installation environments. The connection module may further include an inlet port for connection to a downstream pressure feedback line when the regulator valve body and connection module portions of a primary downstream pressure feedback passage are out of alignment due to rotation of the monitoring device.
US08151819B2 Fluid supply valve attachment device
A fluid supply valve attachment device that has a tank, a fixing member in which a recessed fitting section is formed, a fluid supply valve that is inserted in and fixed to the recessed fitting section, a first seal member which seals a space between the tank and the fixing member, and a second seal member which seals a space between the fixing member and the fluid supply valve. The maximum inside diameter of the recessed fitting section is defined as D, a distance between a cross-sectional center of the first seal member and a cross-sectional center of the second seal member in a direction that a central axial line of the recessed fitting section extends in an attached state is defined as L1, and L1 is set within 2.5×D.
US08151816B2 Method and device for removing pollution from a confined environment
The subject of the present invention is a method for removing pollution from a confined environment containing an interior space bounded by a wall, involving the following steps: the confined environment which has a leak is placed in a sealed chamber having for example an inlet for introducing a gas and a pump for pumping a gas and the gas contained in the chamber and the gas contained inside the space are simultaneously pumped through the leak so that the pressure difference across the wall is always below a wall damaging threshold. Another subject of the invention is a related device for removing pollution from a confined environment.
US08151811B2 Protective mechanism for automatic umbrella
The present invention pertains to a protective mechanism for automatic umbrella mainly including a drive unit, a pulley tackle, a spring motor, a clutch, and a clutch spring; wherein, a strand has one end fixed to the pulley tackle and the other end secured to an upper notch of the umbrella, and the spring motor and the clutch are separately mounted on the pulley tackle. Further, between the clutch and the pulley tackle are unidirectional rotor members cooperating with each other. Thus, the drive unit and the clutch spring substantially control the separation and contact of the clutch and the pulley tackle for either releasing the strand and tightening the spring motor while stretching the umbrella or winding the strand in a single direction and loosening the spring motor when collapsing. Therefore, the present invention prevents from striking users by taking off the umbrella stick halfway when manually retracting it.
US08151810B2 Basket assembly for a dishwasher, and associated apparatus
A basket assembly for holding items such as silverware and the like in a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance has a rack member movable into and out of a tub portion, wherein the basket assembly is received and supported by the rack member. The basket assembly comprises a plurality of wall members cooperating to form a compartment defining a compartment opening. A lid member is coupled to the compartment about the compartment opening. The lid member defines a lid plane and is configured to be pivotable about a pivot axis, disposed medially across the lid member and extending along the lid plane, between a first position with the lid member extending across the compartment opening, and a second position with the lid member extending substantially perpendicularly to the compartment opening. An associated apparatus is also provided.
US08151809B2 Cleaning apparatus for vehicle lamp
A nozzle portion having jet nozzles for jetting a cleaning liquid, a nozzle cover covering the nozzle portion from a front side, a piston connected to the nozzle portion, and moved integrally with the nozzle portion and the nozzle cover in a movement direction, and a cylinder movably supporting the piston are provided. A bracket which includes arms located in abutment with or in proximity with a rear surface of the nozzle cover and regulates an inclination of the nozzle cover with respect to the movement direction is provided.
US08151807B2 Brush assembly with molded brush sleeve
A brush assembly with an applicator rod, a brush sleeve with a tubular core member and a plurality of bristles, a rod hole in the distal end of the applicator rod, and a rivet for being received into the rod hole to retain the brush sleeve. A peripheral retaining wall can retain and protect a proximal end of the brush sleeve. The brush sleeve can have radially projecting, diamond-shaped bristles and can be slidably received over a body portion of the rivet or over a support stem forming a distal portion of the applicator rod. The body portion of the rivet or the support stem can have a non-circular cross section or an arcuate longitudinal profile to induce the brush sleeve to have the non-circular cross section or acruate longitudinal profile. A method for producing brush assemblies can produce brush assemblies with brush sleeves of varied cross sections.
US08151805B2 Cigarette with the amount of sidestream smoke reduced
A cigarette is provided with a tobacco section including a tobacco filler rod wrapped with an inner wrapper paper sheet containing less than 4% by weight of calcium carbonate and an outer wrapper paper containing calcium carbonate in an amount of 30 g/m2 and a burn adjusting agent in an amount of 3% by weight or more.
US08151801B2 Septum port locator system and method for an implantable therapeutic substance delivery device
An implantable medical device system includes an implantable device and an external locator device for percutaneously locating detecting port opening of the implantable device. The implantable device includes a port chamber forming the port opening, a septum sealing the port chamber relative to an exterior of the device, and a coil positioned at a known location relative to the port opening. The locator device includes a controller, at least one X-loop electrically coupled to the controller and oriented along a first major axis, and at least one Y-loop electrically coupled to the controller and oriented along a second major axis differing from the first major axis. The system is configured such that when the locator is spatially proximate the coil, an induced voltage in at least the Y-loop(s) is read by the controller to indicate a location of the coil relative to the locator device.
US08151800B2 Hygienic oral bib
An oral bib includes a thin sheet protective shield portion having resistance to the passage of a sexually transmitted disease microbe therethrough. The shield portion is configured to overlie a chin and mouth region of a wearer and has opposing sides. A strap is adapted to secure said shield portion to a wearer head.
US08151795B2 Method of demand valve oxygen therapy for rapid abort of cluster headache
Methods for easing the duration of pain experienced by patients during a cluster headache are disclosed including providing a high-pressure source of substantially pure oxygen, applying the oxygen to the patient so that inhalation by the patient is substantially limited to inhalation of the substantially pure oxygen, inhaling the substantially pure oxygen in order to cause hyperventilation by the patient, and continuing hyperventilation at least until the patient achieves respiratory alkalosis, hypocapnia hyperoxia, and until the pain is terminated. The method preferably includes using a demand valve having a predetermined manual purge flow rate and a variable output flow rate to the user based on respiratory demand.
US08151790B2 Volume exchanger valve system and method to increase circulation during CPR
A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs.
US08151789B2 Solar panel mounting structure
A method and apparatus for mounting solar panels is provided. Preferably, the apparatus includes a base, a solar panel receiving structure, and a support structure coupling the base to the solar panel receiving structure such that the solar panel receiving structure is at least one of elevated and angled relative to the base. The solar panel receiving structure preferably includes a base member, a first side member coupled to the base member, and a second side member coupled to the base member. Preferably, the first side member and the second side member are slotted so as to slidably receive at least one solar panel between the first side member, the second side member, and the base member.
US08151787B1 Solar device control apparatus with device interchangeability
An apparatus for supporting and aiming various solar devices. Includes a cradle assembly (70) with two tilt pivots (59) located on opposite sides for vertical adjustment, and a turntable (46) for horizontal adjustment. Both adjustments, required for aiming the device toward the sun, are accomplished simultaneously and instantly by steering a biaxial control arm (74) while sighting an aiming instrument (88). The instrument can be used for aiming the solar device either in a direct line or by using the novel aim-ahead indicia (101). An optional utility cart (140) is used for mobility. The cradle assembly locks in either a direct-fit solar device (226) or an adaptor box (110) that, in turn, latches to a standardizing interchange mount (122). The mount, along with a device mounting kit (FIG. 16D), converts various solar devices (FIGS. 2, 12B, 13, and 16E) from different manufacturers, to be utilized by the apparatus. A second embodiment (FIGS. 17A and 17B) sans tilt capability, also accepts solar devices attached to the interchange mount.
US08151785B2 Adjustable height stove guard
A stove (or range) burner guard attached to the front of a gas or electrical stove (or range) by fastening a guard panel through two vertical slots to a clamping body that is attached to the oven door handle. The height of the guard panel is adjustable by sliding the guard panel through the vertical slots. The guard prevents young children from reaching the burners, control knobs and cookware on the stovetop. The guard can be installed, adjusted or removed quickly and easily.
US08151784B2 Collapsible grill and stand
A portable grill is described. The portable grill has a grill member, a frame, and a support arm. The frame supports the portable grill on a support surface. The support arm extends outwardly from the frame. The support arm has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is joined to the grill member. The proximal end is pivotally joined to the frame forming a fulcrum therewith. The support arm is pivotable about the fulcrum to raise and lower the grill member relative to the support surface while maintaining the grill member substantially level.
US08151782B2 Baseball batting practice equipment
A baseball batting practice equipment includes a base provided with a movable member controlled to operate by the retaining post of a ball pitching speed adjustment device that is disposed with bevel gears and an actuating member for regulating the speed of ball pitching. An elastic member has opposite sides respectively secured with the movable member and the base for assisting the movable member to recover its original position. The base is further provided with a hooking member for holding an elastic plate and, after the movable member touches the hooking member, releasing the elastic plate for pitching balls. A ball pitching apparatus is provided with an elastic member for adjusting and delaying time of ball pitching, a gear unit and an actuating rod for winding tight or unwinding loose the elastic member. A power unit with a pedal is to carry out pitching balls.
US08151780B2 Control method and system for dual-fuel engine
Various systems and methods are described for controlling a dual-fuel engine that has an evaporated gas providing device for providing an evaporated gas into the engine and is operable with hydrocarbon fuel or non-hydrocarbon fuel, alternatively. One example method comprises operating the engine with one of the fuels on the basis of a driver's request, and in response to a determination of a cold engine operation, operating the engine with the non-hydrocarbon fuel for a specified period irrespective of the driver's request. If it is determined that an evaporated fuel is to be provided to the engine while the engine is operating with non-hydrocarbon fuel due the cold engine operation, then switching to operation with hydrocarbon fuel and thereafter providing evaporated fuel into the engine.
US08151779B1 Control device of an internal combustion engine
Liquid ammonia is fed from an ammonia storage tank to a vaporizer where it is vaporized. Gaseous ammonia vaporized inside the vaporizer is on the one hand injected from an ammonia injector and on the other hand reformed by a reformer, then injected from a reformed gas injector. The amount of liquid ammonia fed into the vaporizer is made to become equal to the amount of ammonia fed into the combustion chamber in the form of gaseous fuel by control of the amount of feed of the liquid ammonia to the vaporizer.
US08151777B2 Intake pipe structure of internal combustion engine
An intake pipe structure of an engine comprises: a joint pipe unit constituted by a return pipe portion and an intake pipe portion for introducing air into the engine. The return pipe portion has one end connected with the intake pipe portion to return blow-by gas from the engine to the intake pipe portion. The return pipe portion has first and second surface sections respectively extending in the range of first and second lengths from the one end of the return pipe portion, the first surface section smoothly and continuously extending, and the second surface section being shorter than the first surface section. The return pipe portion has a curved surface portion enlarged and curved at its downstream side toward the one end of the return pipe portion, and an opening opened at the one end to the intake pipe portion in the form of non-circular shape.
US08151774B2 Engine combustion air cyclonic pre-cleaner embodying throttling member adjusted in accordance with engine load
An engine combustion air pre-cleaner includes a body shaped for effecting cyclonic air flow between an inlet and an outlet of the body. Located along a longitudinal axis of the body is a conical throttling member which is coupled to a control device which operates in response to increasing engine load, as represented by increasing boost pressure, torque and/or speed, to shift the throttling member so as to cause an increasing air flow with increasing engine load.
US08151766B2 Combustion engine and vehicle equipped with such engine
A combustion engine includes an cylinder block having a combustion chamber formed therein, a throttle body forming a part of an air intake passage for introducing an air therethrough into the combustion chamber, a throttle valve accommodated in the throttle body for adjusting a cross section of the air intake passage, and an electrically driven throttle device having an actuator for driving the throttle valve. At least a portion of the throttle body is positioned intermediate between the actuator and the cylinder block.
US08151764B2 Engine control system
In an electronic throttle control system, a target intake pipe pressure as well as a presumed value for the intake pipe pressure is calculated, so that a deviation between the target value and the presumed value for the intake pipe pressure is calculated. The deviation is compensated in an advancing side by an amount corresponding to a delay of response in the throttle control system. An intake air amount passing through a throttle valve is calculated based on the above compensated deviation and a presumed intake air amount. A target opening degree of a throttle valve is finally calculated based on the above-calculated intake air amount passing through a throttle valve. Accordingly, a response and stability of the throttle control can be improved.
US08151761B2 Integrated intake valve and fuel injector for vehicle engine
A vehicle engine with integrated intake valve and fuel injector is provided. An intake valve is housed in an intake valve body which is provided with a valve seat face. A fuel passage is positioned at the valve seat face toward a spark plug. Further, a valve stem is disposed at the intake valve at a position above the valve seat. The valve stem can be in fluid communication with an intake valve guide and a high pressure tube. With the integrated intake valve and fuel injector, e.g., high level of charge homogeneity can be achieved in a simple manner.
US08151758B2 Bearing system for automotive engine
The bearing system for an automotive engine includes a first bearing support structure formed in a cylinder block bulkhead and having a first bearing insert. A second bearing support structure is removably mounted to the first bearing support structure and contains a second bearing insert. A lubrication channel formed in an inside diameter of the first bearing insert and an inside diameter of the second bearing insert extends along a portion of the first bearing insert from a smaller bearing clearance position offset from a first bearing parting line and into a smaller bearing clearance portion of the second bearing insert extending past a second bearing parting line. The lubrication channel provides an improved flow of oil to a drilled passage formed in a shaft, such as a crankshaft, to feed oil to various bearings, such as connecting rod bearings, while reducing oil leakage from such a bearing system.
US08151752B2 Deactivating hydraulic lash adjuster for oriented mounting in an engine
A deactivating hydraulic lash adjuster comprising a pin housing slidably disposed in a body and having at least one lock pin disposed in a transverse bore for extending into a receiver feature in the body to lock the two together during periods of engine operation in valve non-deactivation mode. The present improvement consists in providing a first orienting feature for the lash adjuster body that engages a second orienting feature on an engine head to provide a preferred and fixed orientation of the body within a bore in the engine head. In a currently preferred orientation, the axis of the at least one lock pin is parallel to the axis of the engine camshaft. The orientation of the lock pin(s) to the body is made invariant by insertion of a pin through a radial bore in the body into a longitudinal groove in the pin housing.
US08151751B2 Phase varying apparatus for engine
[Object]To keep an air-gap between an electromagnetic clutch and a magnet within a predetermined range even if a camshaft vibrates in a radial direction.[Achieving Means]A bearing 26 and a stopper 51 are attached to a stepped part 20c of an inner cylinder part 20, the bearing 26 is supported by a C ring 28 inserted in a groove 44c of a rotational drum 44, a bearing 52 is attached to a stepped part 51a formed on the side of the outer periphery of the stopper 51, an inner sidewall 122c of an electromagnetic clutch 42 is supported by the bearing 52, the bearing 52 is supported by a clip 128 attached to an annular groove 127 formed in the inner sidewall 122c, the rotational drum 44 is supported by the bearing 26 prevented from moving in an axial direction, the electromagnetic clutch 42 is supported by the bearing 52 prevented from moving in the axial direction, and an air-gap AG between the electromagnetic clutch 42 and the magnet 45 of the rotational drum 44 is easily managed.
US08151750B2 Valve operating device for internal combustion engine
A valve operating device that opens and closes a valve of an internal combustion engine by driving a valve stem in an axial direction includes a rocker cam that rocks in accordance with a rotation of a drive shaft and has a driving cam portion and a lift restricting cam portion; a cam follower that lifts the valve by contacting the driving cam portion slidingly; and a restricting member that prevents the cam follower from separating from the driving cam portion in cooperation with the lift restricting cam portion. A gap is formed between the restricting member and the rocker cam in a state where the cam follower is in contact with the driving cam portion and disappears such that the restricting member and the rocker cam come into contact with each other only when the cam follower separates from the driving cam portion.
US08151749B2 Valve opening arrangement and method
An engine with a valve opening arrangement includes an engine including at least one cylinder and at least one valve for opening and closing an opening in the cylinder. The valve is spring loaded to a closed position. The engine also includes a movable contact surface for urging the valve to an open position, and a control arrangement at least partially connected to the contact surface and operable in a modified mode to at least one of advance opening and delay closing of the valve relative to opening and closing in a normal mode.
US08151745B2 Opposed piston electromagnetic engine
A converter converts mechanical energy of a piston to and from electrical energy during each piston cycle.
US08151738B1 Pet restraint apparatus
An apparatus for restraining a pet. The apparatus includes a sphere having a weighted center and a chain attached to the sphere and a collar worn by the pet. The chain allows the sphere to hang from the pet. Thus, the movement of the pet is restricted by the added weight of the sphere. Preferably, the sphere includes at least two bars affixed to an outer surface of the sphere. In addition, the chain preferably includes at least two chain extensions. Each extension of the chain is attached to each of the bar. In addition, the chain is of a sufficient length to allow the sphere to roll upon the ground. The sphere may be constructed of a rubberized material. In addition, the chain may be covered by a fabric material.
US08151728B2 Gas wiping apparatus
A gas wiping apparatus for use in coating a molten metal onto a steel strip. In the apparatus, a chamber, to which a high pressure gas is supplied, defines a multistage uniform pressure space. A lip support unit is associated with a front of the chamber to allow the high pressure gas to flow therethrough, the lip support unit supporting the apparatus against load. Upper and lower lips are associated with a front of the lip support unit to cooperatively define an outlet. The upper lip adjusts a gap of a gas outlet cooperatively with the lower lip, and can be easily installed in a lip support unit while adjusting the gap of the gas outlet stably. Also, edge over coating (EOC) of the steel strip can be prevented without an additional auxiliary nozzle.
US08151727B2 Perovskite-oxide film, piezoelectric device, and liquid discharge device
A film formed on a substrate different from the monocrystalline perovskite substrate contains a piezoelectric oxide expressed as A(BxC1-x)O3 other than Bi(FeySc1-y)O3 and Bi(Fe, Co)O3, where 0
US08151719B2 Multi configuration distribution system for a drill or the like
A method of distributing at least one product on a ground surface with a drill having two sets of seeding units connected to a distribution system. A desired distribution pattern is selected between a separate pattern, where a first one of the at least one product is distributed through only the first sets of seeding units, and a mixed pattern, where the first product is distributed through both sets of seeding units. A distribution system is provided, defining a communication between the two sets of seeding units and a reservoir of the drill. When the separate pattern is selected, first and second sections of the distribution system are configured such that only the first section is in communication with the first set of seeding units, and the first product is received from the reservoir in the first section for distribution through only the first set of seeding units. When the mixed pattern is selected, the first and second sections are configured such that the first section is in communication with both sets of seeding units, and the first product is received from the reservoir in the first and second sections for simultaneous distribution through both sets of seeding units.
US08151707B1 Electronic pyrotechnic ignitor
A pyrotechnic ignitor. The ignitor includes a break charge and a voltage storage component in communication with the break charge, wherein the voltage stored in the voltage storage component is for firing the break charge when the voltage is communicated to the break charge. The ignitor further includes a processor in communication with the voltage storage component, wherein the processor is configured to delay transmission of the voltage stored in the voltage storage component for a predetermined time.
US08151706B2 Apparatus with electrical crush protector and printing press having the apparatus
An apparatus for safely operating at least two components which are movable relative to one another in a machine for processing printing materials, includes drive motors each driving a respective one of the movable components. At least one control computer detects movement of the movable components. The control computer is set up in such a way that, if a spacing is reduced between the movable components, at least that movable component, which is the cause for the reduction in the spacing between the movable components, is brought to a standstill. A printing press having the apparatus is also provided.
US08151705B2 Method of preparing lithographic printing plate
A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate includes treating a lithographic printing plate precursor including a hydrophilic support and an image-forming layer containing the following (i) to (iii) with an aqueous solution having a buffering ability: (i) a binder polymer comprising a repeating unit having a structure represented by the following formula (1); (ii) an ethylenically unsaturated compound; and (iii) a polymerization initiator, P-L-(CO2H)n  (1) wherein P represents a part constituting a main chain skeleton of the polymer, L represents an (n+1) valent connecting group, and n represents an integer of 1 or more.
US08151703B2 Electrically operated press tool apparatus
A pump receiver housing of a hydraulically operated pressing apparatus designed in a compact and lightweight manner and that connects a drive unit to a piston cylinder unit and to a press unit. A piston pump assembly is connected to a pump flange pressed directly onto a connection cylinder of the piston-cylinder unit. The connection cylinder projects through a pump lead-through in the housing wall into the pump receiver housing, and directly contacts on the pump piston. Thus, the pump receiver housing is designed without conduits, so that an inside of the pump receiver housing is free of or has no high pressure.
US08151702B2 Device for dehumidifying and compacting solids contained in sewage for disposal
The device for dehumidifying and compacting solids contained in sewage for disposal, is designed to be applicable to machinery (1) comprising: a tubular screen (2) having at least an inlet (4) for a product to be separated, at least an outlet (5) for a separated solid part, and at least a filtering wall (3) through which the separated liquid part exits; a transport organ (7) predisposed internally of the screen (2) for transporting the solid part to be compacted towards the outlet (5). The device comprises a contrast element (9), predisposed at the outlet (5) for interacting contactingly with the product, which in a rest position thereof occupies at least a part of a mouth of the outlet (5) and which, under an effect of a pushing action of the product to be compacted, can elastically deform in order to increase a size of a free mouth of the outlet.
US08151701B2 Apparatus and process for producing surface-treated granular product and surface-treated granular product
A feedstock granular substance (7) is fed into a cylindrical retention tube (3) provided with a multiplicity of retention parts (8) for retaining a granular substance (7) moving along the inner circumference thereof. In the state of having the feedstock granular substance (7) retained by the retention parts (8) of the retention tube (3), a grinding device (4) having multiple flexible long grinding materials (6) radially extending from the rotational axis extending along the axial center of the retention tube (3) is rotated to thereby realize rotation with the distal ends of the long grinding materials (6) brought into contact with the surface of the granular substance (7) and surface treats the granular substance (7). Thus, production of a surface-treated granular substance is attained.
US08151693B2 Apparatus for preparing beverages from soluble preparations with improved aroma-preserving device
Apparatus for preparing a beverage using a soluble preparation, comprising a container for a soluble preparation, a mixer provided with a mixing chamber, said chamber having a filling inlet for the soluble preparation, at least one opening for supplying a liquid for solubilizing the preparation and forming the beverage, a duct for evacuating any vapor and/or aerosol which forms during preparation of the beverage, said duct comprising a suction fan, as well as an opening for dispensing the prepared beverage, a centrifuging device housed inside said mixing chamber and rotationally operated by an associated electric motor positioned outside said chamber, means for conveying a predetermined quantity of soluble preparation from the said container to the filling inlet of said mixing chamber, as well as means for conveying the solubilizing liquid from the associated source to the respective opening of the mixing chamber.The apparatus includes means for closing and opening the said duct for evacuating any vapor and/or aerosol which forms during preparation of the beverage.
US08151687B2 Shrapnel and projectile containment systems and equipment and methods for producing same
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a blast-resistant panel may include a layer of a pre-cured elastomeric material having a predetermined thickness, a body portion, and a plurality of flanges, each of the plurality of flanges having a substantially equal width and depending away from a same side and at approximately equivalent right angles to the body portion. The blast-resistant panel may also include a plurality of fastener elements for securing the pre-cured elastomeric material layer to a surface of a structure through the plurality of flanges of pre-cured elastomeric material layer.
US08151685B2 Apparatus for defeating high energy projectiles
An armor system for defeating a solid projectile having a first armor plate, an interior armor plate, and an inner armor plate displaced from one another to form a first dispersion space between the first armor plate and the interior armor plate. The first dispersion space is sufficiently thick to allow significant lateral dispersion of armor passing therethrough. The inner armor plate is disposed approximately parallel to the interior armor plate and displaced therefrom to form a second dispersion space between the interior armor plate and the inner armor plate. The second dispersion space is sufficiently thick to allow significant lateral dispersion of materials passing therethrough.
US08151684B2 Ammunition canister and feed system
An armament system for aircraft includes an ammunition system and a mount system for a machine gun. The ammunition system includes an ammunition canister and feed system, the canister having a pair of brackets releasably coupled to a pair of receivers supported by a vertical mounting surface.
US08151676B2 Structures for supporting splitters of cutting tools
A support structure for a splitter of a cutting tool includes a lock device and a moving device. The lock device can lock and unlock the splitter at a storage position. The moving device can move the splitter from the storage position to an ejected position, in which a part of the splitter extends above an upper surface of a table of the cutting tool, when the lock device unlocks the splitter at the storage position.
US08151674B2 Layer cutting apparatus
A layer cutting apparatus includes a tray having an interior defined by a bottom and sidewall. A sleeve is at least partially disposed in the interior of the tray, and a cutting line is attached to the sleeve. The cutting line is configured to be removed from the sleeve by pulling the line away from the tray at one point of the sidewall.
US08151672B2 Groove cutting assembly
A groove cutting assembly comprising a cutter housing, a cutter assembly with a cutting edge, and the cutter assembly being accommodated by the cutter housing, and a drive mechanism, coupled to the cutter assembly, for indexing the cutter assembly one of radially inward and radially outward relative to the cutter housing upon rotation of the cutter assembly past an indexing member. The drive mechanism comprises a barrel assembly, engaged with the cutter assembly, and a feed member which threadedly engages with the barrel assembly. Rotation of the feed member, in a first rotational direction, indexes the cutter assembly radially outwardly away from the cutter housing, while rotation of the feed member, in an opposite rotational direction, indexes the cutter assembly radially inwardly toward the cutter housing.
US08151671B2 Tool adaptor
The tool adaptor of the present invention includes a first work piece, a second work piece and a block element. The work pieces are pivoted with each other. The block element is sleeved on the first work piece and slidable between a first position and a second position. As the block element locates at the second position, it engages with the first and second work pieces simultaneously to restrict the sway of the first work piece about the second work piece. The tool adaptor is therefore switchable between a swayable mode and a fixation mode by moving the block element between such positions.
US08151669B2 Method of and device for producing band saw blades
A method and device for producing band saw blades, particularly for the timber-processing industry. A blank band saw blade is produced from a metal band, such as a metal band that can be stored on a roll. Several metal bands are combined into a flush metal band packet which can be introduced into a saw band grinding machine. The metal bands are pressed onto a planar guide. The metal band packet is clamped and a grinding machine operates to produce a desired saw tooth profile. A pawl is introduced into a tooth profile which is ground into the metal band packet. The clamped metal band packet is then loosened and advanced with a predetermined tooth spacing.
US08151667B2 Steering column assembly
A steering column assembly comprises a steering column shroud which supports a steering shaft for a steering wheel, a support bracket which is fixed in position relative to a part of vehicle, and a clamp mechanism which is movable between a locked position in which the clamp mechanism fixes the shroud in position relative to the support bracket and an unlocked position in which the clamp mechanism permits movement of the shroud relative to the support bracket. The support bracket comprises a generally U-shaped member with two depending arms of the U extending from its base having a portion of the column shroud located therebetween. A clamp mechanism is also provided which upon locking of the clamp mechanism provides tension between the two arms of the U shaped member together thereby clamping the steering column shroud in position. One arm of the U-shaped member comprises an outer leaf extending from the base to a free end of the arm and an inner leaf connected to the free end of the arm and extending upwards from the free end towards the base, the inner leaf being located between outer leaf and the other arm of the U-shaped member, the clamp mechanism acting to apply tension between the inner leaf and the other arm such tension acting to pull the inner leaf away from the outer leaf.
US08151666B1 Twist throttle with integral hydraulic master cylinder
The present invention is a handle grip comprising a twist throttle with an integrated hydraulic master cylinder directed to vehicle throttle and brake or clutch controls and suitable for mounting and use on motorcycle handle bar wherein the operator selectively twists the handle grip in one direction to retract a throttle cable and in the opposite direction to release the throttle cable and activate a hydraulic master cylinder capable of providing hydraulic fluid to a hydraulically activated mechanism on the vehicle. A helical cam surface within the twist grip mechanism guides centrally positioned throttle and hydraulic cam followers within an inner stem cylinder bore forcing the followers longitudinally within the bore to activate the hydraulics or throttle. The pitch of the helical cam surface defines the distance of grip rotation and the twisting torque required to move the followers predetermined distances within the stem bore to provide sufficient activation force.
US08151665B2 Shift device for a speed change transmission in motor vehicles
A shift device for a speed change transmission in motor vehicles having at least one selector rod which is movably supported in the gear housing in cross walls, by means of which rod the transmission steps in the gear housing can be shifted. The selector rod on one end penetrates a cross wall of the transmission, which wall separates the oil compartment, and by means of a plastic sleeve, which is sprayed onto the selector rod, is guided and sealed in the corresponding through hole of the cross wall of the transmission.
US08151664B2 Transmission unit provided with a control device for a motor vehicle
A transmission unit for a motor vehicle is provided with a fixed supporting structure, a driving transmission shaft and at least one driven transmission shaft that are parallel to one another, and a control device, which has a control member that is movable with respect to the supporting structure; the control member is able to translate along a control axis between a plurality of operating positions, each associated to a corresponding range of gears, and to turn, in each operating position, about the control axis between an idle angular position and at least one engagement angular position, in which it controls engagement of a gear forming part of the range selected; the control member is set at least in part in front of an axial end of the transmission shafts.
US08151663B2 Gear arrangement
A gear arrangement is provided with a built-up for a shaft or pinion to rotate in unison therewith. The gear includes a gear rim and two flanges arranged axially on both sides and fixed them against the gear rim in a positive-locking connection. A hub, over which the respective other parts of the gear are pushed, is formed on at least one of the parts of the gear. The parts of the gear are held together without the use of rivets or screws by a clamped connection including a clamping ring, which is caused to mesh with a groove extending circumferentially on the circumference of the hub or shaft. The clamped connection presses the respective flange outer surface in a spring-mounted manner. Mutually corresponding elevations and depressions on the axial outer surfaces of the gear rim as well as on the axially inner surfaces of the flanges mesh with one another.
US08151662B2 Electric dual input clutch transmission
A dual transmission includes a first input shaft, a second input shaft, a first input clutch adapted to drivingly couple a power source to the first input shaft and a second input clutch adapted to drivingly couple the power source to the second input shaft. First, third and fifth drive gears are driven by the first input shaft. Second, fourth and sixth drive gears are driven by the second input shaft. First, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth driven gears selectively drive a countershaft. The first through sixth drive gears are in meshed engagement with the corresponding first through sixth driven gears. First through sixth synchronizer clutches are individually associated with the respective first through sixth drive or driven gears to provide first through sixth gear drive ratios to the countershaft. Each synchronizer clutch is selectively actuated by an associated first through sixth electric actuator.
US08151657B2 Input device of inspection system for flat panel display
An input device that inputs a failure signal of a flat panel display in which a failure is found in a process of inspecting flat panel displays of a mother substrate state is provided. The input device includes an input unit that is positioned in the front of a mother substrate and spaced apart from the mother substrate and that has a plurality of labels in which a kind of a failure is written and at least one selection button to generate a failure selection signal, a guide unit that includes a first guide rail that guides horizontal movement of the input unit and a second guide rail that guides vertical movement of the input unit, a position detector that detects a position of the input unit to generate a position signal, and a controller that receives a failure selection signal from the input unit and receives a position signal from the position detector to map failure information of the mother substrate.
US08151653B2 Coriolis flowmeter
A Coriolis flowmeter 10 vibrates a measurement tube through which a fluid subject to measurement flows, detects vibrations including Coriolis force developed in the fluid from the vibrations, and measures a mass flow rate of the fluid from a detection signal. The Coriolis flowmeter is characterized by including fluctuation calculation section 50 that calculates fluctuations from a detection signal SA; status value calculation section 60 that calculates a status value showing a state of air bubbles in the fluid from the fluctuations calculated by the fluctuation calculation section 50, and determination section 70 that determines a state of air bubbles from the status value calculated by the status value calculation section 60.
US08151650B2 Tuning of materials testing machine
In a method of operating a material testing machine for testing a specimen, the machine has an electrically controllable actuator arranged to apply a force to the specimen. The method includes inputting a single adjustable parameter value, calculating all necessary feedback control gains therefrom, and subsequently conducting a test of the specimen.
US08151649B2 Physical quantity sensor device and method of manufacturing the same
A physical quantity sensor device (10) having a structure in which a stress-sensitive body (1) of which the electric characteristics vary depending upon the application of stress and an insulator (2) having electric insulation are formed being closely adhered together, wherein the stress-sensitive body (1) comprises a thin glass film containing an electrically conductive element that is solidly dissolved therein as atoms, a method of manufacturing the physical quantity sensor device, a piezo-resistive film comprising a thin glass film containing ruthenium that is solidly dissolved therein as atoms, and a method of manufacturing the piezo-resistive film.
US08151641B2 Mode-matching apparatus and method for micromachined inertial sensors
A mode matching servo for an inertial sensor having a resonator and an accelerometer provides a test signal at a frequency higher than a predetermined inertial sensor response frequency and lower than an accelerometer resonance mode frequency so as to induce acceleration signals from the accelerometer substantially at the test signal frequency when the modes are not matched. A feedback signal is provided in response to such induced signals to substantially nullify the signals.
US08151639B2 Quick test tool and method of aircraft airspeed indicator
Provided is a test tool for an airspeed indicator of an aircraft, including: a cylinder portion including an insertion groove with a predetermined amount of space, and of which one end is sealed by a cover and includes an injection portion on the cover so that the insertion groove passes through a pitot tube, and of which another open end includes a protruded step around its inner circumferential surface; a piston portion being inserted into the insertion groove to reciprocally move within the insertion groove, and including a protrusion portion having a size and a shape corresponding to an aperture of the insertion groove, and a bar-shaped knob portion being extended from the protrusion portion; and a display portion being formed of a transparent material on an outer surface of the cylinder portion to display a location of the protrusion portion reciprocally moving within the cylinder portion.
US08151638B2 Spring force component tester
A spring force component tester for determining a load distribution on each end of a spring of generally cylindrical shape using three, mutually-parallel load cells. One tester includes a lower plate and an upper plate movable with respect to the lower plate. Each plate includes a plurality of recesses and a load cell positioned in each recess. Each plurality of recesses is positioned such that a center of each recess is a point on a circle coaxial to the plate. The tester also includes a data logger that obtains and stores load cell outputs from the load cells and spring tester electronics that obtain height measurements of the upper plate and send a trigger signal to a computer. The computer executes application software when the computer receives the trigger signal that reads the load cell outputs stored in the data logger, and calculates a spring force acting along the spring axis between approximately 0.5 Newton and 100 Newton.
US08151636B2 Device for measuring the axial position of a piston rod relative to a cylinder housing
Device for measuring the axial position of a piston rod (18) relative to the cylinder housing (10) of a cylinder-piston unit that is actuated by fluid pressure, with structures having elevations or indentations formed in the jacket surface of the piston (18), which elevations or indentations form an axially extending material measure; and with a sensor device (28), which is positioned on the cylinder housing and which scans the structure with sensors that are positioned in the axial direction for the purpose of contact-free positional sensing; and with an abrasion-proof cover by means of which the structure is guided within the cylinder housing (10), where the structures are annular structures (22, 24) that concentrically surround the piston rod (18), and where the cover is a tube (26) that is coaxially slid onto the piston rod (18), and where the annular structures (22, 24) form an absolutely coded material measure.
US08151632B2 Method for defining element content and/or mineral content
The invention relates to a method for defining particle and/or mineral content in real time in a mineral separation process from finely divided particle material flowing either in solid or slurry-like form, so that from the particle material, there is extracted a representative sample, which sample is then subjected to grain size analysis, on the basis of which there is calculated the element and/or mineral content of the particle material.
US08151626B2 System and method for sensing high temperature particulate matter
Sensor apparatus includes a housing, a probe mounted to the housing, the probe including an elongate first part and a helical coil second part conductively coupled to each in series with first and second terminals at opposite ends thereof, the probe to be inserted into an exhaust stream in an exhaust corridor; and a circuit coupled to the first and second terminals of the sensor probe, to selectively operate the probe as a temperature sensor in a first mode and as a PM sensor in a second mode.
US08151624B2 Method for measuring surface smoothness of hair
A method for measuring the surface smoothness of hair comprising the steps of: a) providing a means for measuring hair surface smoothness; b) using said means for measuring hair a surface smoothness to obtain a measured surface smoothness value for said hair; and c) correlating said surface smoothness value to a surface smoothness descriptors.
US08151619B2 Guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies
A guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face, a connector portion and a central aperture. A guide pin has a cylindrical center portion closely received in the central aperture of the base for reciprocation, an enlarged first end with an alignment member, and an outwardly opening circumferential groove. A retainer ring is removably mounted in and protrudes radially outwardly of the groove to securely, yet detachably, retain the base on the guide pin between the enlarged head and the retainer ring in an assembled condition to facilitate transport and mounting of the guided keeper assembly.
US08151617B2 Turbulizers and method for forming same
Disclosed is a method of forming a heat exchanger turbulizer apparatus including a member having a longitudinal axis, a lateral width and a plurality of strips including first strips and second strips, each strip extending widthwise and being corrugated longitudinally so as to form a plurality of laterally spaced-apart sections connected to one another by bridges projecting from the sections in a common direction, the bridges of the first and second strips extending in the same direction and the corrugations of the second strips being offset laterally from the corrugations of the first strips. The method comprises: crimping longitudinally-corrugated strip material between first and second forming dies to form said apparatus, said dies being adapted such that substantially all lateral movement of strip material in crimping results from strip material being drawn laterally by material that has been displaced in a direction parallel to the direction of die movement.
US08151611B2 Key-removable lock core
A key-removable lock core that is retained in a core receptacle by a retaining lug, and which can operated by an operating key to align the pins of the pin chambers for shear at the operating shear line, and to allow the key plug to be rotated, and which employs a control tool with the operating key for manipulating the pins into alignment for shear at the control shear line, to allow the sleeve and the key plug together to be rotated, to move the retaining lug on the sleeve between a projected position in which the lug is engaged behind a rearward-facing shoulder in the core receptacle to retain the core in the receptacle, and a retracted position within the profile of the core.
US08151610B2 Door latch device for a motor vehicle
An operation mechanism section has a key lever that follows operation of a key cylinder, a lock lever that can move to an unlock position where operation of an operation handle is enabled and to a lock position where it is disabled, linkage levers that, when the lock lever is at the unlock or lock position, follows operation of the operation handle to make a door openable or not openable, and a motor that can move the lock lever to the unlock or lock position. The lock lever is formed by integrating together a gear section, a key operation input section, and an operation transmission section. The gear section is supported so as to be pivotable about a pivot shaft to the unlock and lock positions and directly meshing with a worm gear installed on the rotating shaft of the motor. The key operation input section is directly connected to the key lever. The operation transmission section is directly connected to the linkage lever.
US08151608B2 Electronic lock box with mechanism immobilizer features
An electronic lock box contains a mechanical structure that allows the lock box to work in several different mechanical states. A first state is a key compartment door unlocking state, while a second state is a shackle release state. A third state is a “soft lock” state, which allows the key compartment door to be closed, or the shackle to be re-installed, and once this has occurred, the door will not fall open, and the shackle will not fall out. A fourth state is a “hard lock” state in which the key compartment door and the shackle are not easily disturbed by vibration or intentional impact by a would-be thief, who is attempting to unlawfully open the door or remove the shackle.
US08151607B2 Method and apparatus for quarantining palletised goods and preventing pallet movement
A pallet arrestor and method for preventing the movement of a pallet, having one or more pallet tunnels for receiving the tines of a forklift is disclosed. The pallet arrestor includes a molded plastic plug which has a first portion which is configured to slot into a pallet tunnel and a front portion whose height prevents its entry into the tunnel. The pallet arrestor prevents ingress of a forklift tine into that pallet tunnel, and hence inhibits movement of the pallet, without having to move the pallet to a caged area, or the like. The plug may include a rotatable latch which in one (retracted) position allows the pallet arrestor to be inserted and removed from the pallet tunnel and which in a second (locked) position prevents or inhibits the removal of the pallet arrestor from the pallet tunnel.
US08151603B2 Door for washing machine
A door for a washing machine is disclosed. A door for a washing machine includes an inner frame having an opening with a predetermined size, an outer frame provided at a front surface of the inner frame, having an opening in communication with the opening of the inner frame, a glass member fitted between the inner and outer frames, covering the openings of the inner and outer frames, a decorative member provided at a front surface of the outer frame, having an opening in communication with the openings, and a front cover fitted between the decorative member and the outer frame, covering the openings of the inner and outer frames and the decorative member, the front cover having a positioning portion determining a position of the front cover coupled to the outer frame.
US08151602B2 Top-loading clothes washing machine with lid enterlock means
Top-loading clothes washing machine, including a wash tub, inside which there is arranged a cylindrical drum adapted to rotate about a horizontal axis thereof. The drum is provided with an access or loading port situated on a portion of the cylindrical side surface thereof, and at least a flap for closing/opening the drum access port. There is also provided a top lid adapted to close the aperture into the wash tub from above, and hinged with an edge portion thereof on the upper rear edge portion of the outer casing of the machine. The machine is provided with interference means applied on to a portion of the machine comprised between the drum and the top lid, and adapted to be rotated upwards when the drum flap is opened, thereby interfering with the top lid. As a result, the interference means will act to make it impossible for the top lid to be closed if the drum flap is not duly closed.
US08151601B2 Method for manufacturing an optical fibre
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical fiber, wherein a preform is placed in a draw tower, which draw tower comprises a furnace in which one end of a preform is heated, after which an optical fiber is drawn from the heated end, wherein the heating and/or cooling of the draw furnace takes place with a maximum temperature gradient of 15° C./minute.
US08151600B2 Self-inflated micro-glass blowing
A method for glass-blowing on a microscopic level includes the steps of defining a plurality of microholes in a wafer, disposing a sheet of thermally formable material onto the wafer covering the microholes, heating the sheet of thermally formable material until a predetermined degree of plasticity is achieved, applying self-induced fluidic pressure by expansion of the heated trapped gas in the microholes to the sheet of thermally formable material, while the sheet is still plastic, and simultaneously forming a plurality of blown micro-objects in the sheet on the wafer by means of continued application of pressure for a predetermined time.
US08151599B2 Transport container for maintaining the temperature of frozen goods
The invention relates to a transport container (1) comprising a superinsulation in the form of an evacuated insulating container (2) comprising a vacuum maintaining material (55). The transport container is provided with a cooling container (16) comprising a heat-conducting metal wool filling (57) and an organic coolant which undergoes a solid/liquid phase change in the temperature range of between −30° C. and −850° C. and has a heat of fusion of at least 50 J/ml. A slim cylindrical sample chamber (24) is used to receive deep-frozen tissue samples (26), said chamber being surrounded by the cooling container (16) and merging into a long neck opening (25) forming a single component therewith, said opening being largely filled by the insulating shaft (30) of a screwable plug (28) and sealed from the sample chamber (24). The air in the ring gap (32) created can be evacuated by means of an evacuating system (48). The plug (28) is provided with a stopper (38) protruding into the sample chamber (24) and a data logger (41) for recording the temperature in the sample chamber (24). Following the freezing of the coolant, the transport container (1) enables distribution times and intermediate storage of up to 14 days without any risk of damage to the tissue samples (26) received therein.
US08151596B2 Sensor system for a refrigerator dispenser
A refrigerator includes a dispenser, a dispenser well, a control for regulating a dispensing operation, and a sensor system for automatically initiating and terminating the dispensing operation. The sensor system includes at least one capacitive-type sensor mounted in the dispenser well. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of a container in the dispenser well, an upper edge portion of the container and a level of liquid filling the container during the dispensing operation. The sensor signals the control to automatically cease the dispensing operation before the level of liquid reaches the upper edge portion of the container. The control is configured to differentiate between animate and inanimate objects, while preventing any release of water or ice when an animate object is detected.
US08151595B2 Refrigerator with a dispenser in a home bar
A refrigerator is provided with a home-bar and a dispenser. The refrigerator includes a body in which storage compartments are formed, a body door selectively opening/closing the storage compartments, a home-bar door provided in the body door, and a dispenser located directly in the home-bar door.
US08151594B2 Refrigerator, ice bank and joint of the ice bank
Provided is an ice bank joint. The ice bank joint swiftly delivers rotational force from a motor to a transferring shaft installed inside an ice bank performing a function of transferring ice received inside the ice bank. The ice bank joint includes a plate portion and a reinforcing member. The plate portion has a driving part bent on at least one position, and the reinforcing member has a support part protruding from a position corresponding to the driving part to contact the driving part, thereby reinforcing the plate portion.
US08151593B2 Embedding method and apparatus for the preparation of frozen section tissue
Various embodiments for an apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens are described. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a sample container for receiving an excised tissue sample and embedding material. The sample container includes a flat base along which the tissue sample is flattened. The apparatus further includes a freezing box with a freezing platform and a freezing agent. The sample container is placed on the freezing platform to begin the freezing process. A chuck with a generally planar surface can be placed on the sample container during the freezing process joining the chuck, tissue specimen, and sample container base in generally parallel planes. In some cases, the sample container can be made from a suitable material, such as plastic, that is at least semi-transparent to allow visual confirmation of tissue flatness and freezing.
US08151588B2 Apparatus and method for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products
An apparatus for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products is provided, comprising a chill cabinet inside which is situated an insulated container equipped with passive cooling means, and which contains one or more frozen edible products. A method for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products from the apparatus is also provided.
US08151586B2 Hot water supply and air conditioning system using CO2 heat pump
To realize a CO2 heat pump system in which reduction in coefficient of performance of heat pump cycle is prevented by maintaining the temperature of the water supplied to the gas cooler of the CO2 heat pump below a certain temperature and raising heat source side temperature in the evaporator, and which has functions to supply a heat source not only to hot water supplying equipment but also to supply a heat source or coolness source to air conditioning equipment or others, the system comprises a low temperature water tank 6, a high temperature water tank 9 for storing high temperature water heated in a gas cooler 3, piping 10, 12 for supplying the high temperature water to hot water supplying equipment and room heating equipment respectively, a first heat exchanger 21 in which brine (water) for supplying latent heat of vaporization of CO2 refrigerant to the refrigerant in the evaporator 5 exchanges heat with heat giving fluid (fluid from which heat is withdrawn), a second heat exchanger located upstream of the first heat exchanger to cool the high temperature water after it is used as a heat source for the room heating equipment (therefore the temperature is already not so high) by heat exchange with the heat receiving fluid, piping for introducing the water cooled in the second heat exchanger to the low temperature water tank 6, and a low temperature water supply means 7.
US08151583B2 Expansion valve control system and method for air conditioning apparatus
A vapor compression air conditioning system includes a motor operated expansion valve and control unit including sensors for determining the amount of superheat of the working fluid at or adjacent to the compressor inlet. Expansion valve position is adjusted to maintain a predetermined amount of superheat. The sensors may sense working fluid evaporator temperature and temperature downstream of the evaporator. Dual motor operated expansion valves may be disposed in the working fluid conduit between the heat exchangers in a reversible system. In operation, the expansion valve position may be set as a function of ambient temperature, a previous position, and predetermined superheat requirements to minimize liquid ingestion by the compressor.
US08151578B1 Multi-mode cooling system with pre-dehumidification
A system for cooling computer systems in a room of a data center includes a dehumidification system and an air channeling sub-system. The air channeling sub-system includes a mechanical cooling section that removes heat from the cooling air and an evaporative cooling section downstream from the mechanical cooling section. The dehumidification system may be upstream from the mechanical cooling section and the evaporative cooling section. A controller for the cooling system selectively operates the mechanical cooling section and the evaporative cooling section in an adiabatic mode if a first set of control conditions is met and in a hybrid mode if a second set of control conditions is met.
US08151573B2 Turbomachine flameout confirmation
Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting a flameout of an operating turbomachine that is configured to receive a controlled flow of bleed air from a bleed air source and a controlled flow of fuel from a fuel source. A value of an operational parameter within the turbomachine is detected and a determination is made as to whether it has varied by a predetermined amount. If the operational parameter has varied by the predetermined amount, a flameout confirmation test is triggered. The flameout confirmation test includes holding the controlled flow of bleed air constant, commanding an increase in turbomachine speed, and confirming that a flameout has occurred by detecting that the controlled fuel flow to the turbomachine is at a maximum fuel flow limit and that actual turbomachine speed differs from the commanded turbomachine speed by a predetermined speed error.
US08151571B2 Systems and methods for closed loop emissions control
Systems and methods for controlling combustion emission parameters associated with a gas turbine combustor. The method can include providing an optical path through a gas turbine exhaust duct, propagating light along the optical path, measuring exhaust species absorption of the light within the gas turbine exhaust duct, and controlling at least one of the combustion parameters based at least in part on the measured exhaust species absorption.
US08151561B2 Multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, wherein exhaust gas outlets of a first portion of the cylinders of the engine communicate with a first exhaust gas manifold section, and the exhaust gas outlets of the remaining cylinders communicate with a second exhaust gas manifold section. An oxidation catalytic converter is disposed in the first exhaust gas manifold section for converting nitric oxide into nitrogen dioxide. A hydrolysis catalytic converter is disposed in the second exhaust gas manifold section, wherein downstream of the catalytic converters the first and second exhaust gas manifold sections discharge into a common main exhaust gas manifold, in which is disposed a further catalytic converter. Upstream of the hydrolysis catalytic converter, a reduction agent can be introduced into the second exhaust gas manifold section; ammonia is adapted to be produced from the reduction agent via the hydrolysis catalytic converter.
US08151555B2 Power source system of internal combustion engine
Provided is a technology enabling a temperature of an exhaust gas purifying device to rise more surely by operating an electric heater for a catalyst attached with the electric heater more steadily without exerting an excessive load on a battery. Included are the battery and the electric heater operating upon being supplied with electric power from the battery and heating an occlusion-reduction type NOx catalyst, wherein it is predicted, from a point that a SOx occluded quantity into the occlusion-reduction type NOx catalyst is equal to or larger than S1, that a SOx poisoning recovery process will be executed in near future (S102), and a charging level of the battery is increased (S106) by raising a voltage of power generation of an alternator (S103).
US08151553B1 Operating internal-combustion engine without discharging gas into environment
An internal-combustion engine receives no air from outside atmosphere and it discharges no gas into outside atmosphere. The engine receives fuel, oxygen and recycled combustion gas and its exhaust consists mostly of carbon dioxide and water vapor. Most of the gas exhausted from the engine is recycled back into the engine intake, and the remaining gas is cooled and condensed into liquid carbon dioxide and water. Discharge of greenhouse gas into environment and emission of other harmful air pollutants are eliminated.
US08151550B2 Control method for actuating a thrust reverser
The invention relates to a control method for opening or closing a turbojet engine thrust reverser (1) by using at least one mobile cowl (2) displaceable by means of at least one electric motor (7) consisting in analyzing at least one parameter representative for a pressure in the turbojet engine jet and in carrying out an operating sequence in which the operating parameters of the electric motor (7) are adjusted to a situation.
US08151547B2 Blade assembly removal from a header of a plant cutting machine
A cutting assembly for a header of a plant-cutting machine includes a blade assembly fastened to a head assembly, which is configured to be drivingly connected to a motor. The cutting assembly is suitable for mounting proximate to the center of the header, in an end-to-end relation with another cutting assembly. Removal of the blade assembly from the head assembly can be efficiently effected by releasing or removing a small number of fasteners, thus allowing an operator to readily remove or replace the blade assembly as needed.
US08151545B1 Horse boot with cupped sole
A horse boot has a sole that includes a dome portion designed to conform to the frog and sole of a horse's hoof when no pressure is exerted on it. The dome provides a support surface for the frog and hoof sole when the boot is off the ground and it resiliently deforms downward, thereby allowing the frog and hoof sole to deform naturally, when the boot presses against the ground. As a result, the hoof's frog and sole are always supported in resilient manner while allowed to move as needed for their natural function. The pressure exerted by the ground against the edges of the sole of the boot and the simultaneous counter-pressure exerted by the hoof cause the dome in the boot's sole to flatten, thereby slightly increasing its size to accommodate the natural deformation of the hoof.
US08151542B2 Box spacer with sidewalls
In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a window assembly and a window spacer. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the window assembly includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a spacer arranged between the first sheet and the second sheet. The spacer includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and continuous sidewalls or a plurality of sidewalls. In some embodiments the sidewalls include a first portion having a first fastening mechanism and a second portion have a second fastening mechanism. The first fastening mechanism is arranged and configured to securely engage with the second fastening mechanism to connect the first portion with the second portion.
US08151541B2 Anchoring in a construction model
A method suitable for anchoring an anchoring element in an object, which anchoring element is compressible in the direction of a compression axis under local enlargement of a distance between a peripheral anchoring element surface and the compression axis. The anchoring element has a coupling-in face which serves for coupling the mechanical vibrations into the anchoring element, which coupling-in face is not parallel to the compression axis. The anchoring element further includes a thermoplastic material which in areas of the peripheral surface enlargement forms at least a part of the surface of the anchoring element, the method includes the steps of: providing a bore in the object; positioning the anchoring element in the bore; and coupling the compressing force and the mechanical vibrations through the coupling-in face into the positioned anchoring element.
US08151534B1 Elevated retainer for roofing tiles
An elevated retainer is disclosed for retaining roofing tile that include tile lugs against a roofing surface. The elevated retainer includes a retainer head, the retainer head having a base and a top. Extending from the retainer head is a reinforcing strip with as nail slot. The reinforcing strip being adapted for extending in generally parallel to the roofing surface when the base of the retainer head is placed against the roofing surface. The device also includes lug retainer that engages lugs of the roofing tile while the tile lies between the reinforcing strip and the lug retainer.
US08151531B2 Thermal barrier
A thermal barrier includes a thermal insulating block, a layer of ultra-high performance fibered concrete integrated with the block, reinforcements embedded in the layer of ultra-high performance fibered concrete, the reinforcements protruding from the ultra-high performance fibered concrete on either side of the block. Embodiments of the invention further provides a building that includes the barrier, a process of manufacturing the barrier and a manufacturing process of the building.
US08151526B2 Head-of-wall fireblock systems and related wall assemblies
A fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire is disclosed. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. The intumescent strip comprises expandable graphite and a fire retardant (C2-C8 alkyl diamine phosphate). When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip expands so to fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap, thereby retarding or preventing the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.
US08151523B2 Electrically conductive swimming pool panel
A swimming pool includes a plurality of non-metal panels arranged in an end-to-end manner around a periphery of the swimming pool. Each panel includes a non-metal base material, an electrically conductive ground plane, and at least one bonding feature. The bonding features of the plurality of panels are electrically coupled together and bonded to ground.
US08151520B2 Vehicle sash door and protector and center channel for the same
A center-channel protector for a vehicle sash door is arranged between a main sash and a center channel. A body of the protector has an H-shaped upper-end surface which is compatible to cover the upper end of the center channel. The body integrally includes a pair of branch covering portions corresponding to a pair of branch portions constituting the center channel and a middle covering portion disposed between the branch covering portions so as to connect the both branch covering portions therewith. An engaging portion is provided with the body and is mechanically engaged, in a direction intersecting a vertical direction, with an engaged portion which is provided with a center channel side. In collaboration with the engaged portion, the engaging portion constitutes a fastening mechanism by which the protector is fastened on the center channel.
US08151519B2 Power sliding window assembly with caps
A power sliding back window assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly can include a window casing with a first window pane and a second window pane fixedly attached thereto. Also included can be a generally U-shaped guide rail that has a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. A third window pane having a portion or edge fixedly attached to a glass carrier can also be included. A first cap can be attached to and located at least partially within the first end of the generally U-shaped guide rail and a second cap can be attached to and located at least partially within the second end of the generally U-shaped guide rail.
US08151518B2 Vertically integrated greenhouse
A vertically-integrated greenhouse for growing plants in suspended trays. The design is particularly well-suited for installation in a double-skin façade of a building, or in an interior atrium, lobby, or similar structure. In addition to producing food, plants can reduce building maintenance costs by providing shade, air treatment, and evaporative cooling to building occupants. The vertically-integrated greenhouse involves the use of a dynamic movable array of plant trays as a mechanical shading device. The spacings and arrangements of the trays in the tray suspension system can be adjusted on both a diurnal basis and a seasonal basis to maximize plant light capture and building shading, thereby maximizing crop yield and building energy savings, or for esthetic considerations.
US08151510B2 Partial optical sighting device
Apparatus, assemblies, and methods for sighting objects disclosed. A sighting device includes a segmented optic and a reticle. The reticle is optically aligned with the segmented object and is magnified by the segmented optic. A body structure supports the segmented optic and the reticle to define an open sight construction. In another aspect, a sighting device includes a segmented object and reticle, where the reticle includes multiple distance indicia and a contrast component. A support structure supports the reticle and the segmented object for magnification of the distance indicia by the segmented optic. A segmented optic in a sighting device is cut above center or otherwise such that a partial optic is defined having a portion above and below center. In another aspect, a sight adjustment mechanism includes a threaded connector that adjusts the sight position based on a difference between coarseness of threads engaged with the threaded connector.
US08151508B1 Rifle scope alignment device
A rifle scope alignment device includes a telescopic sight and a mount to position and align a crosshair reticule in a repeatable manner. The device includes a mounting rail, a pair of clamping brackets, and a scope. The mounting rail is coupled to a barrel of a firearm, preferably a rifle, and provides attachment of the clamping brackets. At least one lower clamping bracket has a spring-loaded ball bearing designed to engage a corresponding slot machined into an exterior of the scope. This interaction establishes an accurate and repeatable alignment of the scope and an internal crosshair reticule.
US08151506B2 Muzzle loader unloading tool
The unloading tool of the present invention includes a tube having a breech end and a distal end. The unloading tool may have threads at the breech end of the tube for releasably engaging a breech of a firearm so as to facilitate the removal and reloading of powder with respect to the breech. The present invention further encompasses a method for unloading powder from the breech of firearm including the steps of securing a breech end of a tubular unloading tool to a breech of the firearm and tilting the firearm to remove powder from the breech and into the unloading tool.
US08151504B1 Ergonomic firearm grip
An ergonomic firearm grip includes a grip body having a front strap, a rear strap, a lower palm grip portion, and an upper firearm interface portion with parallel sides, a front interface end and a rear interface end, a rear strap extension connected to the rear strap adjacent the upper firearm interface portion where the rear strap extension has a rear curved surface portion that extends horizontally away from the rear strap at the junction of the rear strap extension and the rear strap and forming the rear interface end, and a front strap extension connected to the front strap where the front strap extension has a front curved surface portion that extends horizontally away from the front strap at the junction of the front strap extension and the front strap.
US08151501B2 Flexible display supported by hinged frame
A wrap display system (50) employs a stick (70), a flexible display (60) structurally configured to be wrapped around the stick (70), and a hinged frame structurally configured to support the flexible display (60). The flexible display (60) is wrapped around the stick (70) for facilitating a storage of the flexible display (60) and unwrapped from around the stick (70) for facilitating an operation of the flexible display. The hinged frame has a curvilinear configuration for fixing the flexible display (60) in a storage position relative to the stick (70) in response to the flexible display (60) being wrapped around the stick (70), and a planar configuration for fixing the flexible display (60) in an operational position relative to the stick (70) in response to the flexible display (60) being unwrapped from around the stick (70).
US08151500B2 Photo frame with message board function
The photo frame contains a frame body, first and second transparent plates, first and second light generating units. The frame body contains a number of side walls and a back cover. The first transparent plate is jointed to the frame body and attached to the back cover with a photo in between. The second transparent plate is arranged to the frame body's front side, parallel to the first transparent plate and forming a gap therebetween. A first light generating unit contains at least a first light generating element configured along a side wall, projecting illuminating light into the gap to create a stereographic impression. The second light generating unit contains at least a second light generating element arranged an edge of the second transparent plate to project blue light into the second transparent plate to manifest fluorescent traces written by a highlighter.
US08151497B2 Identification device for electrical conductors
An identification device adapted for attachment to an insulated electrical conductor includes a pair of generally-rectangular marking plates having planar first longitudinal horizontal surfaces. A plurality of laterally-spaced resilient tension members connect together corresponding side portions of the marking plates, thereby to bias the marking plates toward a normally closed condition in which the marking plate first surfaces are in contiguous engagement. The marking plates are separable against the biasing force of the tension members toward an open condition for receiving longitudinally between the plates and the tension members the free end of a conductor. Upon release, the marking plates are displaced toward a clamping condition in parallel spaced longitudinally-arranged contiguous engagement with diametrically opposed circumferential surfaces of the conductor. The marking plates are pivoted to the open condition about a pivot axis defined by chamfered end surfaces of the plates.
US08151495B2 Supplemental clothes treating apparatus
A supplemental clothes treating apparatus is disclosed. A supplemental clothes treating apparatus includes a housing which defines an exterior appearance thereof, the housing having an accommodation space where clothes are accommodated; a tensile force supply unit which applies a tensile force to the clothes accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing; and a hot air supply device which supplies hot air to the clothes.
US08151494B2 Coupler
A coupler assembly to interpose between the arm of the vehicle and a parallel pinned implement having two docks, one on each of the two members able to be caused to slide relative to each other, each dock engagable outwardly to its pin with at least one pin being captive in its dock by a pivoted retention member.
US08151482B2 Two-stage static dryer for converting organic waste to solid fuel
An energy-efficient method and apparatus for drying pelletized, moist organic material is described. The method consists of a rapid, high temperature static drying process in a shallow bed, followed by traditional vertical static drying in a deep bed. Hot exhaust gas from the shallow-bed, hot-temperature static dryer is then recirculated to provide thermal energy to the deep-bed, warn-temperature static dryer. This invention can be used to convert wet, organic waste materials such as animal and poultry waste, municipal wastewater sludge, urban post-consumer food waste, or manufactured food byproducts and residuals into solid fuel.
US08151480B2 Contour measuring device for measuring aspects of objects
A contour measuring device includes a guide rail, a slidable assembly, and a measuring probe. The slidable assembly is slidably engaged with the guide rail. The slidable assembly includes a weight adjusting unit connected to the slidable assembly. At least part of the weight adjusting unit is detachable from the slidable assembly. The measuring probe is fixed on the slidable assembly. A weight of the slidable assembly provides a measuring force and a weight of the weight adjusting unit is adjustable to adjust a value of the measuring force.
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