| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08162961B2 |
Medical devices and methods for cutting and suturing biological tissue
Medical devices for cutting and suturing biological tissue generally include a shaft and first and second guide members each including a first portion coupled to the shaft at a first location and a second portion coupled to the shaft at a second location. The first portions are movable along the shaft relative to the second portions, and the first and second guide members define an arcuate profile and are configured to flex in response to such movement. When used to cut tissue, the medical device may further include a blade positioned between the first and second guide members. When used to suture tissue, one or more suture guides may be provided on the first guide member for directing a suture needle through tissue proximate the first guide member. Methods of repairing and replacing a meniscus using the medical devices are also provided. |
| US08162960B2 |
Method and apparatus for radical prostatectomy anastomosis including an anchor for engaging a body vessel and deployable sutures
A radical prostatectomy anastomosis device including a cartridge having a plurality of anchors slidably disposed in a plurality of distally angled radial channels formed in the cartridge and a pusher assembly operatively coupled within the cartridge. The pusher assembly being configured and adapted to push each of the plurality of anchors out of the angled radial channels of the radial cartridge. The device further including a fitting removably coupled to a distal end of the cartridge. The fitting including a flange having a plurality of holes formed radially around the flange, wherein each of the plurality of holes includes suture locking means configured and adapted to permit a suture to be drawn distally through each of the plurality of holes and to prevent the sutures from being drawn proximally through each of the plurality of holes. The device further including a plurality of sutures secured to an inner surface of the cartridge. The sutures passing through the fitting, through a respective hole of the plurality of holes formed in the fitting and secured to an outer surface of a respective anchor. |
| US08162958B2 |
Tissue fastening tool and applicator for indwelling the same within body, and tissue fastening method through natural orifice
A tissue fastening apparatus related to the present invention includes; a tissue fastening tool formed of a wire wound into a coil shape provided with a first tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a first biological tissue and a second tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a second biological tissue; a tubular puncturing tool which extends a tissue fastening tool and accommodates the stretched tissue fastening tool inside of the puncturing tool; a fastening tool pusher in which the distal end thereof is inserted into the puncturing tool and dispenses the tissue fastening tool inserted into the puncturing tool from a distal end of the puncturing tool when the fastening tool pusher advances; and a rotating mechanism to rotate the puncturing tool when the fastening tool pusher advances. |
| US08162957B2 |
Tissue processing system
A tissue processing system includes a series of blades arranged in parallel to form a tissue processor. The blades may be adjusted to create a spaced between each blade in the range of 250-1000 microns. A slicer is included to remove a donor tissue to be processed by the processor. The processor is rotatable 90 degrees so as to create uniform micrografts of tissue for transplanting to a recipient site. An extractor is included to remove tissue particles from the processor after they have been cut into an appropriate size. A cutting block may be provided to ensure uniform thickness of cuts of the donor tissue. |
| US08162956B2 |
Device for footcare
The present invention relates to an apparatus for footcare, which comprises an abrasive body (1) and members for supporting the abrasive body (1) relatively a ground, the abrasive body (1) has an external surface, and the external surface is at least partly abrasive, whereby the portion of the external surface of the abrasive body (1) that is abrasive comprises a number of partial surfaces, and these partial surfaces comprises at least a concave surface (9, 12) and a convex surface (10, 15). A main surface (9), which at the position of the abrasive body (1) on the ground is faced upwardly, has two concave partial surfaces (A, B) angled against each other, whereby a first part-surface (A) has an angle in the range 15-45° in relation to the ground and a second partial surface (B) has an angle up to 15° in relation to the ground. |
| US08162950B2 |
Bone plate instrument and method
A drill guide for a bone plate which has holes therethrough for receiving bone screws. The drill guide includes a guide block having drill guide bores alignable with at least two bone screw receiving holes in the bone plate. A first locking element in inserted through a guide block drill guide bore. The locking element has a tip for engaging a bone screw receiving holes in the bone plate, the tip being selectively expandable to engage and disengage from the bone plate hole. A second locking element is mounted on the guide block and is engageable with a bone plate hole. The second locking element also has a tip for resiliently engaging walls of the bone plate hole wherein the tip of the first and second locking elements has a split portion. The first and second locking elements include an axially moveable rod for expanding the split tip portion to engage the plate |
| US08162948B2 |
Orthopedic implant rod reduction tool set and method
A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set 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. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient. |
| US08162946B2 |
Instrument for tensioning a flexible tie
A surgical system for stabilizing at least a portion of a spine is provided. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises a spinal rod, an implant, and an instrument. The instrument comprises a shaft, a moving part, and a holder. The implant comprises a flexible tie and may further comprise a bearing for bearing against the rod. The tie has at least one end that projects out from the implant. The shaft comprises a distal end configured to bear against the implant. The moving part is configured to move in translation with respect to the shaft and comprises an anti-return system. The holder is configured to hold an end of the tie and is connected to the moving part. The anti-return system engages the shaft for temporarily preventing the moving part from moving in translation relative to the shaft. |
| US08162942B2 |
Intramedullary nail comprising elements of shape-memory material
An intramedullary nail (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) suitable for insertion in a fractured elongate bone (12), of the type comprising a stem (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614) extended between a proximal end (16, 116, 216, 416, 516, 616) and a distal end (18, 118, 218, 418, 518, 618). The nail comprises a plurality of elements (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) realized with at least one shape-memory material, a plurality of seats (19, 119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619) formed in the stem (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614) for housing the elements (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620). The elements (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) are suitable to take a first shape wherein they are retractably housed in the respective seats (19, 119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619) and a second shape wherein they project from the respective seats (19, 119, 219, 319, 419, 519, 619). |
| US08162941B2 |
Ablation device with jaws
System, device and method for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient through an incision. An ablation device can include a hinge including a cam assembly, a moving arm, a floating jaw, and a lower jaw. Fingers can engage the floating jaw to hold the floating jaw in a first position with respect to the moving arm. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device including a central support, an upper four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, an upper jaw coupled to the upper linkage, a lower four-bar linkage coupled to the central support, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower linkage. Some embodiments of the invention can provide an ablation device having an upper jaw including a first cannula connection and a lower jaw including a second cannula connection. The system can include a first catheter coupled to the first cannula connection and a second catheter coupled to the second cannula connection. The first and second catheters can be inserted through the incision and can move the upper and lower jaws adjacent the pulmonary veins. |
| US08162939B2 |
Medical treatment device
A medical treatment device inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel of an ultrasonic endoscope inserted into a body cavity for treating an organ in the body cavity comprises a treatment probe having an electrode portion inserted and stuck into the organ in the body cavity through the treatment instrument insertion channel of the ultrasonic endoscope for radio-frequency cautery treatment of a tissue in the organ and an ultrasonic reflection portion formed on the surface of the electrode portion of the treatment probe for reflecting an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic endoscope. |
| US08162937B2 |
High volume fluid seal for electrosurgical handpiece
A fluid resistant seal connector for an electrosurgical handpiece includes a housing adapted to be supported within an electrosurgical handpiece. The housing includes opposing half sections each having an inner peripheral surface. The fluid resistant seal further includes a first seal adapted to engage an activation circuit of the handpiece and at least one second seal adapted to engage an electrosurgical supply wire in a fluid-tight relationship therewith. At least one of the first and second seals is configured to complement the inner peripheral surface of the housing. |
| US08162934B2 |
Medical catheter assembly with deflection pull ring and distal tip interlock
A medical catheter assembly includes a deflectable catheter shaft, a distal tip with tip element and a mounting shaft, and a pull ring assembly, the distal tip defining guide channels through which pull wires of the pull ring assembly pass such that the pull wires will initially extend from the pull ring toward the tip element and then loop back toward and through the catheter shaft and to a handle actuator. Pulling of the pull wires by the handle actuator to tilt the pull ring and deflect the catheter shaft will cause the pull ring to move toward tip element. The pull ring and tip element are thus interlocked. Stress forces on the connection joints between the pull wires and the pull ring will be dissipated, reducing the incidence of failure of the pull ring assembly. The medical catheter can be a non-irrigated ablation catheter wherein the tip element is a tip electrode, or an irrigated ablation catheter wherein the tip element is a tip electrode and a fluid manifold. |
| US08162930B2 |
Method and the device for cryogenic therapy applied on the whole body of a patient
The present invention relates to methods and devices for carrying out cryogenic therapy, particularly on the whole body of a patient, wherein the patient is exposed to gases cooled to cryogenic temperature. The process is performed by introducing the patient into the interior of a treatment cabin and exposing the body to cold air deposited into the cabin space. |
| US08162928B2 |
Eye surgical instrument
An eye surgical instrument, comprising at least one optical fiber for lighting of the interior of the eye, which at least one optical fiber, at a free end thereof, is provided with a light exit and with a stop situated at a distance from the free end, which stop defines an insertion part situated between the end and the stop, and at an other end is connectable to a light source, while the stop forms a separate element which is arranged so as to be slidable along the at least one fiber. |
| US08162927B2 |
Method and apparatus for accommodating intraocular lens
A method of replacing a natural lens in an eye is presented. The method includes removing the natural lens while leaving the capsular bag substantially intact, removing a portion of the capsular bag along the main optical axis, and placing biodendrimer within the capsular bag. Placing biodendrimer within the capsular bag can include placing a mixture of biodendrimer and at least one other material within the capsular bag. Biodendrimer can be approximately fifty percent of the mixture. The method can also include inserting an artificial bag within the capsular bag, injecting a synthetic material into the artificial bag to form an artificial lens, the synthetic material having loose monomers and a polymerization initiator so that the synthetic material changes its volume when exposed to an energy source, and selectively exposing portions of the artificial lens to an energy source to alter the refractive properties of the artificial lens. |
| US08162925B2 |
Robot for minimally invasive interventions
Rather than trying to immobilize a living, moving organ to place the organ in the fixed frame of reference of a table-mounted robotic device, the present disclosure teaches mounting a robot in the moving frame of reference of the organ. That task can be accomplished with a wide variety of robots including a miniature crawling robotic device designed to be introduced, in the case of the heart, into the pericardium through a port, attach itself to the epicardial surface, and then, under the direct control of the surgeon, travel to the desired location for treatment. The problem of beating-heart motion is largely avoided by attaching the device directly to the epicardium. The problem of access is resolved by incorporating the capability for locomotion. The device and technique can be used on other organs and on other living bodies such as pets, farm animals, etc. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used in construing the claims. |
| US08162924B2 |
System, devices, and methods including actively-controllable superoxide water generating systems
Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject. |
| US08162920B2 |
Magnetic navigation of medical devices in magnetic fields
A method of turning a medical device with the assistance of an externally applied magnetic field, in a direction with a component in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the externally applied magnetic field. The method includes applying first torque to the distal end of the medical device by creating magnetic moment at the distal end of the medical device, and applying a second torque to the distal end of the medical device. The second torque may be created by creating a second magnetic moment at the distal end of the device spaced from the first, by using an electrostrictive device, by using a stylette inserted into the device, by using a fluid-driven shaped tube, or otherwise. |
| US08162918B2 |
Gels with predetermined conductivity used in electroporation of tissue
Gel compositions with adjusted conductivity are disclosed which compositions are used for directing reversible electroporation and irreversible electroporation of cells and tissue. The gel compositions are also used in a similar manner in order to carry out thermotherapy on cells and tissues. |
| US08162915B2 |
Connector for packings containing medical liquids, and corresponding packing for medical liquids
A connector for packings containing medical liquids, particularly infusion, transfusion or enteral bags, comprises a connecting part (1) for accommodating a spike for drawing out the liquid and comprises a closure part (3) that closes the passage (2) inside the connecting part (1). The connecting part (1) has an elastically deformable pinching off part (4) provided in the form of a tubular section with a non-circular cross-section. A base part (5), which widens on both sides is adjoined to said pinching off part (4) and can be integrated in the packing. During manufacturing, the packing is filled with liquid via the connecting part. After filling, the pinching off part is pressed together whereby preventing liquid from escaping. Afterwards, the closure part is placed onto the connecting part. The manufacturing of the packing is simplified by virtue of the fact that an additional tube for connecting the connector and packing is rendered unnecessary. |
| US08162911B2 |
Compact folded absorbent article
A personal care article (20) has a longitudinal-direction (22), a relatively shorter, lateral cross-direction (24), a first end-section (72), a second end-section (72a), and an intermediate-section (76) which is contiguous with and interposed between the first end-section (72) and the second end-section (72a). The article includes a liquid permeable topsheet layer (26), and a backsheet layer (28) which is operatively connected to the topsheet layer (26). At least a portion of the first end-section (72) has been folded along or otherwise includes a first end-fold-region (58) which is substantially convex along a topsheet-side of the article (20). Additionally, the first end-fold-region (58) is substantially concave along a backsheet-side of the article. At least a portion of the second end-section (72a) has been folded along or otherwise includes a second end-fold-region (62) which is substantially convex along the topsheet-side of the article (20). |
| US08162910B2 |
Absorbent article having colored regions
An absorbent article having colored regions. The absorbent article has at least three colored regions. The colored regions are spaced apart from one another. Each colored region has a major axis. The major axis of each colored region converges towards a common focal region on the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. |
| US08162903B2 |
System and method for proportional mixing and continuous delivery of fluids
A system and method for mixing and delivering fluids such as contrast media and saline is disclosed including at least two fluid sources, a pump, a joining fluid path connecting the at least two fluid sources to an inlet to the pump, and a valve device in the fluid path upstream of the pump. The valve device includes an actuator adapted to restrict flow in at least one of respective fluid lines connecting the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet. A patient interface device may be associated with an outlet of the pump. The valve device actuator is generally adapted to restrict the flow in at least one of the respective fluid lines such that a positional change in valve device actuator position provides a change in fluid mixture ratio of the fluids from the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet. |
| US08162902B2 |
Systems and methods for providing an automatic occlusion device
An auto-occlusion safety device is provided for use in preventing rupture of infusion components during rapid infusion procedures. An occlusion valve is disclosed having a threshold pressure that is less than a rupture tolerance of the infusion system components. As the fluid pressure of the infusion system increases beyond the threshold pressure of the occlusion valve, the occlusion valve is automatically activated thereby occluding fluid flow upstream from a vulnerable infusion component. An accumulator is further disclosed for use in combination with the safety device to compensate for time delays in full activation of the occlusion valve. |
| US08162897B2 |
Audible and tactile feedback
A rotational locking mechanism for securing a catheter to a surgical implant is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a deflectable extension extending from the surgical implant about the catheter attached to the surgical implant. The shape of the deflectable extension defines a slot therein. A connector having at least one tab extending therefrom is placed about the catheter at the point of attachment to the surgical implant. Rotation of the tubular connector brings at least one tab of the connector into contact with the slot in the deflectable extension and deflects and releases at least a portion of the slot as the connector rotates from an unlocked position to a locked position within the slot. The rotation motion secures the catheter to the surgical implant, and produces a feedback detectable by a surgeon rotating the tubular connector. |
| US08162896B2 |
Flashback blood collection needle
A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end, a flashback chamber and a venting mechanism therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent plug over the outlet of the flashback chamber to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle on withdrawal from the patient. |
| US08162894B2 |
Valve opener
A medical introducer apparatus for use in inserting an interventional device into a body vessel of a patient. The apparatus includes a housing having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a chamber positioned between the openings. A hemostatic valve system is provided in the housing chamber. The valve system includes a plurality of generally elastomeric valve members axially arranged in the chamber. The valve members each have a generally circular hole extending therethrough, which hole is sized for substantially leak-free passage of the interventional device. The valve members are aligned in the chamber to be sequentially penetrable by the interventional device, such that a hole in one valve member is covered by an adjoining valve member. A valve opener having a tubular body with a curved portion penetrates the hemostatic valve system to aid in the positioning of the interventional device. The curved portion maintains the valve opener stationary within the valve system. |
| US08162890B2 |
Catheter insertion apparatus and method of use thereof
The invention relates to a catheter insertion system utilizing a catheter introducer device having an introducer sheath, the catheter insertion system comprise a catheter containment unit in which a catheter tube having a catheter hub is held, said catheter containment unit comprises an opening adapted to sealably and reversibly connect to an inserter head, said inserter head is adapted to sealably and reversibly connect, and provide said catheter tube passage, to said catheter introducer device, wherein said catheter containment unit comprises at least one flexible portion and an elastic/resilient portion located near its opening for advancing portions of said catheter tube through said passage, and wherein said inserter head is adapted to sealably receive a portion of said catheter hub in a socket provided therein. |
| US08162889B2 |
Safety reset key and needle assembly
A needle assembly includes a mounting structure and a needle mounted on the mounting structure and extending outwardly from the mounting structure. The needle has a longitudinal axis, a sharp end and a central axial passageway. A safety shield is associated with the needle and includes a tubular housing having distal and proximal ends. The distal end of the housing has a funnel-shaped surface. A reset key is configured to engage the distal end of the housing. The reset key includes a support. A shaft extending from the support is adapted for inserting into the distal end the housing. The funnel-shaped surface guides the shaft into the housing to register the reset key with the safety shield. |
| US08162888B2 |
Automated catheter length determination for implantable fluid delivery device
Examples disclosed herein include methods and systems for automatically estimating the length of an implantable catheter by measuring the pressure decay response to pumping fluid through the catheter. The decay time for a unit fluid pressure pulse generated within the catheter is proportional to the length of the catheter, i.e. as the length of the catheter increases so does the decay time. The catheter length can therefore be estimated based on, e.g., the decay time of the pressure pulse. The estimated catheter length can also be analyzed to determine if it is representative of the actual length of the catheter, or, e.g., is affected by one or more catheter malfunctions including cuts and occlusions. Systems for automatically estimating catheter length include an implantable catheter, a pumping mechanism, a pressure sensor placed in a location to measure pressure within the catheter, and a processor that calculates the length of the catheter from a pressure pulse measured while fluid is delivered through the catheter. |
| US08162885B2 |
Intradermal syringe and needle assembly
A device and method for making an injection with a short needle, which includes a needle cannula and a limiter surrounding the needle cannula and includes a skin engaging surface on the limiter. The limiter is moveable from a first position in which an elongate portion of the needle cannula is exposed for access to a medication vial, to a locked second position in which the limiter is not movable from the second position to the first position. In the second position, the needle tip extends beyond the skin engaging surface a distance which is ordinarily unable to access the vial. |
| US08162882B2 |
Automatic-locking safety needle covers and methods of use and manufacture
A single-use needle cover configured to obscure, protect, or hide at least a portion of a needle from view before, during, and/or after an injection and/or aspiration procedure is disclosed. In some embodiments, the cover includes a housing at least partially containing the needle and configured to couple to a syringe, wherein the housing includes an axis and a guide member. In some embodiments, a sleeve has a plurality of tracks configured to slidingly receive the guide member, wherein the sleeve is configured to retract, extend, and rotate with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, after the sleeve has been retracted and extended one time, a first locking member inhibits further retraction of the sleeve and a second locking member inhibits rotation of the sleeve. |
| US08162880B2 |
Delivery of therapeutic and marking substance through intra lumen expansion of a delivery device
A balloon catheter is formed with a plurality of depressions. The balloon is coated with a matrix incorporating a therapeutic substance, which additionally fills the depressions. When the balloon is expanded within a body lumen, the therapeutic substance may diffuse into the lumen wall, or all or a portion of the coating transfers to the lumen wall. A lattice frame may surround the balloon, applied prior to coating if the coating is to transfer, operative to maintain a more linear balloon profile during inflation, promoting more even transfer pressure. A contrast dye is incorporated into the transferred coating, enabling ready location and inspection of the treated lumen area. Projections may alternately be formed in the balloon surface, operative to urge the coating and therapeutic substance between cells, or past cell layers of the lumen, to the interior of the lumen wall. Prior to transfer, an extended inflation period, possibly including the use of perfusion ports to maintain blood supply, enables a larger initial quantity of therapeutic substance to diffuse into the body lumen, prior to transfer of the coating and withdrawal of the catheter, balloon, and frame. |
| US08162869B2 |
Hybrid compression garmet
A hybrid compression garment comprises a sleeve adapted for placement on a limb of a person for applying static compression to the limb. A connecting device on the sleeve enables releasable connection of the sleeve to a machine. The machine is independent of the sleeve and operable to transmit, through the connecting device, a force to the sleeve that constricts the sleeve without inflating the sleeve to apply active compression to the limb. The connecting device is adapted for connection of the sleeve to the machine such that the sleeve can be used to apply active compression to the limb and adapted for disconnection of the sleeve from the machine such that the sleeve can be used to apply static compression to the limb. A method of applying compression to a limb of a person is also disclosed. |
| US08162868B2 |
Arch support wrap
An orthopedic device to provide support and cushioning to the foot to alleviate plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, heel pain, bunions, and other conditions. |
| US08162867B2 |
Body support for spanning a hinge joint of the body comprising an elastically stretchable framework
A body support for spanning a hinge joint of the body comprises an elastically stretchable framework. The framework includes an integrally molded network of interconnected elastomeric segments. A first subset of the interconnected, elastomeric segments extends along a perimeter of the framework, and a second subset of the interconnected, elastomeric segments located within the perimeter of the framework bounds and defines an alignment opening. None of the interconnected, elastomeric segments of the first subset are part of the second subset. |
| US08162866B2 |
Neck brace
A neck brace (10) having a collar member (12) to be arranged around a wearer's neck, and a rear member (14) extending from, the collar member (12) and to be abutted on the wearer's back. The brace further comprises releasable fastening means (74, 75, 88a, 88b, 92) for fastening the collar member to the rear member, such that the collar member and the rear member may also be detached. |
| US08162862B2 |
Dressing material
The invention relates to a dressing material comprising a thermoplastic, the thermoplastic being applied to a first textile web and the thermoplastic containing a first microencapsulated dye. Furthermore, the invention comprises a production method and a bandage, an orthopedic support dressing and an application. |
| US08162859B2 |
Shock wave treatment device and method of use
The system for treating an internal organ has a generator source for producing a shock wave connected to a portable shock wave applicator device, wherein the shock wave applicator device has a side-firing shock wave head having a variable angle adjustment relative to a release and lock connected handle or holder means for holding said device. The inclination of the shock wave head can be set to a fixed inclination to reach the organ at various locations or surfaces or can be pivotally inclined continuous to vary the treatment surfaces area. |
| US08162854B2 |
Body fluid sampling device
Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element (10) having a fluid pathway (11) for receiving body fluid, at least a portion of the fluid pathway is open to the environment and further comprising a fluid receiving element (40) being spaced from the fluid pathway so that fluid in the pathway will not contact the fluid receiving element initially. The fluid receiving element may have a test zone (45) for performing an analytical reaction. Fluid from the channel is contacted with the fluid receiving element either by bringing the fluid receiving element and the fluid into mechanical contact or by electrically transporting fluid from the channel onto the fluid receiving element. |
| US08162853B2 |
Tissue penetration device
A method is provided for controlling a lancet velocity profile. A velocity of a moving lancet is measured at a known position. The measured velocity of the lancet is compared with an appropriate velocity for the lancet at the known position. A force is applied to the lancet to adjust the velocity of the lancet. |
| US08162850B2 |
Hand actuated tetherless biopsy device with scissors grip
A biopsy device includes a body having a cannula, a cutter positioned at least partly within the cannula, a tissue collection chamber, and a vacuum source. In one example, the biopsy device includes a cutter loader for rotating the cutter into a loaded position (e.g., open position). A trigger is engaged with a portion of the cutter loader and may be activated to allow the cutter to rotate back to a closed position. During this rotation, the cutter severs a tissue sample, which may thereafter be drawn through the cutter lumen into the tissue collection chamber under the influence of a vacuum created by the vacuum source. The vacuum source includes a piston configured to be operated by squeezing a scissors grip. A user may apply a single stroke or successive strokes to the piston to produce the vacuum. |
| US08162845B2 |
Environment control device, environment control method, environment control program, and environment control system
Comfortable sensation of living bodies is estimated, considering individual differences in biological information on the living bodies staying or residing in a common space, and stimulation contents is properly controlled. A stimulation generator generates a stimulation to be applied to users. Biological information acquirers and acquire time-series data of biological information on the users. Parameter extractors and extract a parameter which is changed with a lapse of time by analyzing the time-series data. Thermal sensation estimators and estimate statuses of the users to the stimulation generated by the stimulation generator, based on the parameter extracted by the parameter extractors and. A multi-user thermal sensation processor integrates estimation results on the users estimated by the thermal sensation estimators and into a single estimation result. A stimulation controller controls the stimulation generator based on the integrated estimation result. |
| US08162844B2 |
Managing preload reserve by tracking the ventricular operating point with heart sounds
A system and method for managing preload reserve and tracking the inotropic state of a patient's heart. The S1 heart sound is measured as a proxy for direct measurement of stroke volume. The S3 heart sound may be measured as a proxy for direct measurement of preload level. The S1-S3 pair yield a point on a Frank Starling type of curve, and reveal information regarding the patient's ventricular operating point and inotropic state. As an alternative, or in addition to, measurement of the S3 heart sound, the S4 heart sound may be measured or a direct pressure measurement may be made for the sake of determining the patient's preload level. The aforementioned measurements may be made by a cardiac rhythm management device, such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator. |
| US08162843B2 |
Method for measuring cardiac output via an extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support circuit
A method for determining cardiac output in conjunction with flow through an extracorporeal circuit, wherein flow through an arterial line of the extracorporeal circuit is temporarily reversed and an indicator is passed through the cardiopulmonary circuit. A dilution curve is measured in the arterial line of the extracorporeal circuit during the reversed flow, and cardiac output is determined corresponding to the measured dilution curve. |
| US08162842B2 |
Detecting ischemia using an implantable cardiac device based on morphology of cardiac pressure signal
Methods and systems are presented for using an ICD to detect myocardial ischemia. One such method includes sensing via an implantable cardiac-rhythm-management device (ICRMD) a signal indicative of cardiac pressure; determining via a processor associated with the ICRMD, a derivative signal that is a first derivative of the sensed signal; measuring via the processor, a maximum positive value of the derivative signal; measuring via the processor, a maximum negative value of the derivative signal; and indicating via the processor, an ischemia based on a comparison of a ratio of the maximum positive value to the maximum negative value with a predetermined value. |
| US08162834B2 |
Hemoglobin contrast in ultrasound and optical coherence tomography for diagnosing diseased tissue, cancers, and the like
A novel contrast mechanism for diagnosing diseased tissue using Ultrasound, Doppler Ultrasonography, Optical Coherence Tomography, or optical Doppler tomography coupled with an externally applied temporally oscillating high-strength magnetic field. |
| US08162832B2 |
Minor axis motion type ultrasonic probe
The invention relates to a minor axis motion type ultrasonic probe with high sensitivity that suppresses propagation loss. The minor axis motion type ultrasonic probe of the invention comprises: a piezoelectric element group in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged in a line in a major axis direction of the piezoelectric element group; an acoustic lens that is provided on an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving surface side of the piezoelectric element group and that has a predetermined curvature in a minor axis direction of the piezoelectric element group; and a sealed container that houses the piezoelectric element group with the acoustic lens provided thereon and that is filled with a liquid serving as an ultrasonic wave medium, and the piezoelectric element group is moved in the minor axis direction and ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received to and from a living body, wherein the configuration is such that the acoustic lens is a concave lens formed from a material that has less propagation loss than a silicone resin and that has a greater acoustic velocity than a living body, and a relationship between acoustic velocity c1 of the concave lens, acoustic velocity c2 of the liquid, and acoustic velocity c3 of the living body is expressed as c1>c3>c2. |
| US08162831B2 |
Hand scanner with moveable platen
A hand scanner according to the invention may obtain an image of the hand and fingers including the bracelet crease/carpel delta area and palm surface regions up to the tips of the fingers using ultrasound measurement techniques. A hand scanner according to the invention may include a movable arcuate platen and an energy transducer. In a method according to the invention, the transducer may be moved back and forth while moving a platen surface in order to advance the hand and thereby produce a raster type scan image. In this manner, the image of the hand print may be collected as a raster image representative of the scanned surface of the friction ridge skin. |
| US08162828B2 |
Blood content detecting capsule
A capsule employing components for detecting blood content or hemoglobin concentration within tissue forming a lumen in vivo advantageously permits screening or diagnosis of certain diseases. In one embodiment, the capsule includes a light source for intermittently illuminating a region of tissue and a light detector for receiving interacted light from the tissue and hemoglobin therein. Methods of validating data of interacted light signal are also disclosed. A power conservation method of detecting the blood content values at different rates is further disclosed. |
| US08162827B2 |
Adjustable polyaxial tissue retractor
An adjustable polyaxial tissue retractor includes a retraction bar including a plurality of etched teeth, a retraction blade coupled to the retraction bar, a connector including a quick release component cavity and an outwardly protruding and expandable round bulbous body, a quick release component engaged with at least one tooth of the retraction bar via a retraction bar cavity, where the quick release component is configured to loosely mate with the quick release component cavity, a saddle pin engaged within the connector via a first channel bored through the connector and contacting the bulbous body causing the bulbous body to outwardly expand, and a base including a plurality of embedded sockets and directly connected to the bulbous body, where the base receives the connector. |
| US08162823B2 |
Endoscope apparatus
An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an apparatus main body having a protector which is provided so as to project from the outer surface of a box-shaped housing, and an endoscope unit including a connector portion detachably attached to the housing, thereby reducing a shock applied to the housing and preventing damage of the housing. |
| US08162820B2 |
Stereovideoscope and method of using the same
A system and method for acquiring measurements of a portion of a patient's anatomy are provided. For example, the system includes a stereovideoscope including a scope coupled to a flexible tubing and configured to be positioned within the patient's body. The scope includes a plurality of stereoscopic lenses configured to capture data indicative of the portion of the patient's anatomy, and the flexible tubing includes a biocompatible material. In addition, the system includes a processing element that is in communication with the stereovideoscope and that is configured to generate an image based on the captured data in order to acquire at least one geometrical measurement indicative of the portion of the patient's upper airway and to determine a probabilty of the patient's response to a tongue-base treatment based on the at least one geometrical meaurement. |
| US08162815B2 |
Method and device for preserving the vitality and function of a harvested blood vessel
A blood vessel preservation device is disclosed comprised of a vessel cannister, cannister cap, vessel alignment insert, pulsatile pump and both inlet and outlet tubing. The vessel canister is advantageously configured as a hollow tube-like structure with a central bore having one open terminus—the proximal terminus—and a closed distal terminus—similar to a large test tube—. Integrated embodiments of the device are disclosed wherein blood is provided from natural circulation and returns thereto. Non-integrated embodiments are also disclosed wherein sufficient blood is provided to the device and thereafter the device functions separate and apart from a patient's circulatory system. |
| US08162806B2 |
Bicycle trainer with variable resistance to pedaling
The invention is a bicycle trainer to which a standard bicycle temporarily attaches for exercise and simulated rides. A lifting mechanism raises and lowers the front tire, and in preferred embodiments, a frame engages the rear tire to hold the rear tire in an elevated position against a resistance cylinder. The resistance cylinder provides a force against rear tire revolution and varies the resistance to pedaling. The resistance cylinder can vary resistance against back tire revolution by pumping a resistance fluid into and out of the cylinder, by changing the position of the resistance cylinder in relation to the back tire, or by translation of the bicycle back and forth. In other embodiments, the trainer is electronically controlled to simulate real-world geographical courses programmed into a readable format for electronically maneuvering front tire and back tire positions as necessary to provide resistance to pedaling. |
| US08162799B2 |
Procedure for controlling a hydraulic or pneumatic transmission control unit
A method of monitoring a hydraulic or pneumatic transmission control system, which comprises a pressure supply unit with a conduit directing a pressure medium under a supply pressure, and an actuating member for a clutch control element of a friction clutch. The actuating member has a pressure space which can be connected by a clutch control valve to the conduit, and in which the supply pressure is determined by a pressure sensor that can be connected to the conduit. The method includes the steps of determining the supply pressure by the pressure sensor, given that briefly opening the clutch control valve produces a pressure increase and/or a pressure gradient of the control pressure in the pressure space, and the currently existing supply pressure can be calculated from the control pressure, the pressure increase and/or the pressure gradient. |
| US08162798B2 |
Method and device for controlling an automatic transmission
The invention relates to a method for controlling an automatic transmission having a torque converter, with the transmission having three gear sets and with the first gear set which has a first brake clutch and a second brake clutch being braked relative to the housing by means of simultaneous actuation of the first and second brake clutches, as a result of which an output shaft which is directly connected to the first gear set is likewise braked. The third gear set is connected in terms of gearing to an input shaft and to the first gear set and can be fixed relative to the housing by means of a third brake clutch. The simultaneous actuation of the first and second brake clutches takes place at least intermittently with the third brake clutch in a slipping state, controlling the speed of the torque converter relative to the engine. |
| US08162796B2 |
Method for operating an automatic gearbox
A method for operating an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular a variable-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission has five shift elements and for transferring torque or force in a forward gear and in a reverse gear at least three of the five shift elements are engaged. In a neutral position of the automatic transmission, to prevent torque or force flow at least one of the shift elements that are engaged in the respective forward or reverse gear is fully disengaged. |
| US08162794B2 |
Mechanism for converting rotational motion into linear motion
A rotation/linear motion conversion mechanism provided with an annular shaft, a sun shaft arranged inside the annular shaft, planetary shafts arranged around the sun shaft, and a first gear mechanism and a second gear mechanism, which transmit force between the annular shaft and the planetary shafts. Each planetary shaft includes a first planetary gear, which configures part of the first gear mechanism, and a second gear, which configures part of the second gear mechanism. The planetary shaft is configured to permit relative rotation between the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear. |
| US08162792B2 |
Transmission having at least eight speeds
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. |
| US08162790B2 |
Rolling ball type two-stage low speed changer device
In a rolling ball type two-stage low speed changer device 1, empirical formulas are obtained as a relationship between number of first, second, third and fourth lobes z1, z2, z3, z4 of a hypo-based groove 6 (8) and an epi-based groove 7 (9). The relationship is represented by z1>z2, z3>z4, z1−z2=2, z3−z4=2 and z3=n×z2×½ (n: integer), and enables to a precise and smooth rotational transmission without inviting differential slippage and incurring an irregular rotation and uneven torque transmission on an output shaft 16 within the practical usage, and reducing a thickness dimension to render a whole structure compact, achieving a high transmission efficiency without inviting a backlash, and attaining a high torque transmission with low noise. |
| US08162788B2 |
System, device and method for wind turbine control based on operating profiles
A method for operating a wind turbine based on operating profiles for the wind turbine corresponding to operating modes. The method includes defining operating modes and acquiring a plurality of parameter values, each based on a reading from a sensor of the wind turbine. Each of the parameter values is associated with one of the operating modes to create a wind turbine operating profile for each mode. The wind turbine is controlled based on the operating profiles. |
| US08162787B2 |
One-way clutched damper for automatic belt tensioner
A new asymmetrically damped tensioner is provided utilizing a roller clutch engaged with a tensioner arm through a frictional contact. During normal operation, the roller clutch enables the tensioner arm to pivot in a first direction to take up belt slack with negligible frictional damping applied to the motion of the tensioner arm. When the tensioner arm pivots in a second direction, away from the belt, however, in a condition commonly known as wind-up, the roller clutch engages and creates a frictional linkage between the tensioner arm and a fixed surface. This frictional linkage provides asymmetric frictional damping to the tensioner to limit movement in the second direction and combat wind-up. |
| US08162785B2 |
Continuously variable conical pulley transmission with traction mechanism belt
A continuously variable conical pulley transmission having pairs of conical pulleys which are rotationally fixedly arranged on drive input and drive output shafts and of which in each case one is fixed to the shaft and one is axially movable, and between which a traction mechanism belt for power transmission circulates. In order that it is not necessary to provide otherwise unutilized regions of the conical pulley surfaces to allow for corresponding wear, it is proposed that a stop for limiting the transmission ratio, which stop acts substantially in the radial direction on the traction mechanism belt, be provided in at least one conical pulley pair. It is intended in particular that the peripheral surface of the drive input shaft serves as a stop. It is also proposed that a chain as a traction mechanism belt be correspondingly matched to a device of said type by virtue of the contour of the links of said chain being matched to the contour of the drive input shaft. |
| US08162784B1 |
Survival tool and system
A survival tool and system for use in hunting or camping may be provided in a compact and easy to carry package. The tool system may include a substantially rigid base with an outer edge and a substantially flat face. A relief may be provided in the substantially rigid base defining one or more edged tools in the substantially flat face. Applying pressure to the edged tool may cause the tool to separate from the substantially rigid base. The edged tools may be in the shape of an arrowhead or other utility element. One or more secondary tools may be incorporated into the outer edge, including a knife blade, a saw blade, an arrow scraper, a flat scraper and a bow rail. An elastic element may be fastened to the base and used to launch a projectile such as an arrow. One or more bases may be sized to fit in a common sized “tin” or similar in size to a dog tag and may be carried around the neck of a user. A sheath may also be provided to cover one or more of the outer edges. |
| US08162783B2 |
Table tennis game with automated serving and scorekeeping
A table tennis game table may include one or more automated ball serving guns and an automated score announcing system. Remote control actuators may be provided for one or more users to operate the features of the table. The system may be adjusted manually or remotely to correct mistakes, and may be used in multiple modes. Alternatively, the automated ball serving guns and automated score announcing system may be adapted to a standard after market table. |
| US08162782B2 |
Palm pad device for basketball training and basketball training system
A palm pad device, for use as a training device and to be fastened to the palm of a user, includes a segregate pad having a size-adjustable elastic pad and a fastening member for fastening the segregate pad onto the palm. The palm pad device further includes a sensing recorder disposed on the fastening member for sensing and recording movement data of the palm. The elastic pad includes a thickness pad and a width pad for allowing adjustments in the thickness and width of the segregate pad. A basketball training system using the palm pad device includes a basket sensor for recording the status of successful shots, a sensing recorder disposed on the palm pad device, and a central management apparatus for receiving data transmitted from the sensing recorder and the basket sensor for conducting analysis to thereby generate a corresponding feedback event. |
| US08162778B1 |
Combination tool for golf
A combination turf repair tool and golf club adjustment tool is disclosed herein. One embodiment of the combination tool comprises a turf repair portion connected to a golf club adjustment portion, and a cover portion or cap that is sized to cover at least part of the golf club adjustment portion. The cap or cover portion may be a separate, removable piece, or may be pivotally attached to another part of the tool. Another embodiment of the combination tool comprises a turf repair portion and a golf club adjustment portion, wherein the golf club adjustment portion is pivotally attached to the turf repair portion. |
| US08162777B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. |
| US08162774B2 |
Golf club, head of golf club and method for adjusting property of golf club
A golf club includes: a head, formed with a hosel insertion hole, including: a female screw, formed in an inner peripheral surface of the entrance portion of the hosel insertion hole; a hosel, formed with a shaft case insertion hole and mounted on a deep portion of the hosel insertion hole; a shaft case, formed with a shaft insertion hole, a leading end portion of the shaft case being mounted into the shaft case insertion hole; a ring holder, fitted with an outer surface of the shaft case; a screw member, fitted with an outer surface of the ring holder in a peripheral direction of the ring holder; and a male screw, formed on an outer peripheral surface of the screw member so that the screw member is engaged with the female screw; and a shaft, inserted into the shaft insertion hole of the head. |
| US08162770B2 |
Reaction component for linear induction motor
A reaction component or plate for a linear induction motor incorporates a flexibility increasing feature and a wear resistant feature. |
| US08162768B2 |
Telescoping-arm round ride for amusement parks
An amusement park ride that provides an interactive flying experience in a round ride setting by allowing vehicle passengers to move their vehicle in and out horizontally through a fly zone. The ride includes a central support assembly with a structure rotatable about a central axis at one or more rotation speeds. The ride also includes passenger vehicles and, for each vehicle, a support arm assembly that extends outward from the rotatable structure. The support arm assembly includes a support arm and a variable radius mechanism. The support arm is mounted to the rotatable structure and supports the passenger vehicle. The variable radius mechanism operates during rotation of the rotatable structure to vary the arm length or support location of the vehicle on the arm to vary the vehicle's rotation radius. The variable radius mechanism may include a telescoping arm that reciprocates the vehicle along a linear displacement path. |
| US08162767B2 |
Boot for a constant velocity joint
A constant velocity joint assembly includes an outer joint member and an inner joint member. A first shaft is coupled to the inner joint member for articulated movement with the inner joint member relative to the outer joint member. A boot is coupled to the first shaft and the outer joint member to seal the constant velocity joint assembly. An insert is secured to and supported within the boot adjacent to and in abutting engagement with an axial end of the outer joint member. The insert limits movement of the first shaft to within a pre-determined range of articulation to prevent disengagement and/or disassembly of the inner joint member relative to the outer joint member. |
| US08162766B2 |
Fixed type constant velocity universal joint
A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having an inner spherical surface in which a plurality of track grooves extending in an axial direction are formed; an inner joint member having an outer spherical surface in which a plurality of track grooves extending in the axial direction while paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member are formed. A plurality of balls are interposed between the track grooves of each of the outer joint member and the inner joint member, for transmitting a torque, and a cage is interposed between the inner spherical surface of the outer joint member and the outer spherical surface of the inner joint member, for holding the balls. The outer joint member and the inner joint member each have a center curvature of the track grooves being offset from each other in a direction opposite to the axial direction by an equal distance with respect to a joint center, in which: a PCD gap (2×m) in a ball track formed between the track grooves of each of the outer joint member and the inner joint member is set to equal to or larger than 25 μm. |
| US08162764B2 |
Constant velocity universal joint
An object of the present invention is to ensure the miniaturization, strength, durability, load-carrying capacity, and an operating angle of a constant velocity universal joint. Six balls 3 are disposed in the constant velocity universal joint. The ratio r1 (=PCDBALL/DBALL) between the pitch circle diameter PCDBALL (PCDBALL=2×PCR) of the ball 3 and the diameter DBALL thereof is set in a range of 1.5≦r1≦4.0. The ratio r2 (=DOUTER/PCDSERR) between the outside diameter DOUTER of an outer member 1 and the pitch circle diameter PCDSERR of serrations (or splines) 2d of an inner joint member 2 is set in a range of 3.0≦r2≦5.0. |
| US08162758B1 |
Implementing video contests
A video hosting site allows a contest owner to specify parameters to be used for a contest. Examples of parameters include contest name, description, how the contest will be judged, who may enter the contest, etc. Once the parameters are set, a contest manager initiates the contest on behalf of the contest owner. Contests have a submission phase, a voting phase, and a results phase. During the submission phase, contestants submit video entries to be judged in the contest. During the voting phase, visitors to the video hosting site cast votes on some or all of the entered videos. During the results phase, the votes are tabulated and a winning video is determined. Alternative embodiments allow variations on each phase. |
| US08162756B2 |
Time and location based gaming
An activating and deactivating of a gaming device may be based at least in part on a duration of time in which the gaming device is permitted to be activated, a period of time during which the gaming device is permitted to be activated, and/or a location of a user of the gaming device. |
| US08162754B2 |
Game device, notification method, non-transitory information recording medium and program for informing displacement of game controller mat
A process control unit (306) controls a music reproduction unit (309) to output a music sound, while controlling a request content creation unit (305) to present content of a motion requested to the player. At the same time, the process control unit (306) compares content of the motion acquired from a motion content acquiring unit (302) with the presented, requested motion (and the timing) to evaluate the stepping motion of the player. Further, during the game, the process control unit (306) sequentially measures the amount of displacement of the game mat in accordance with the position, etc. of the controller, the position being detected by a controller detection unit (303). Then, when the measured amount of displacement exceeds a reference value, an alarm message is synthesized to a game screen and displayed, and the game mat displacement is informed to call attention of the player. |
| US08162751B2 |
Gaming machine with color changing cabinet
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a gaming machine cabinet having one or more colorable or color-changeable exterior sections. The color-changeable exterior sections comprise a translucent material that glows or shines when light is diffused through the material. Sections that are color-changeable include those sections that are visually dominant or affect the overall appearance of the gaming machine. A multi-color lighting assembly having one or more multi-color light sources is present. The multi-color lighting assembly may be operated to direct light having a predetermined color or sequence of colors. The light causes the color-changeable exterior sections to project the predetermined color or sequence of colors, thereby changing the overall appearance of the gaming machine. The predetermined color or sequence of colors may be selected randomly, or they may be based on the outcome of the wagering game. |
| US08162748B2 |
Gaming machine and system having secondary game
A gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming machines (EGMs) and a secondary game control section. The secondary game control section is provided with a plurality of data sets having different target investment amount between two triggerings of the secondary game. The secondary game control section is adapted to receive a bet contribution from each of the EGMs and calculate an average bet amount from the received bet contributions. The secondary game control section selects one of the data sets depending on the calculated average bet amount, and determines whether the secondary game is triggered for each bet contribution from the EGMs using the target investment amount associated with the selected one of the data sets and a random number, and if it is determined that the secondary game is triggered, pays out a secondary game award to an EGM of which bet contribution triggered the secondary game. |
| US08162747B2 |
Game control method and apparatus for controlling resumption of game
A game control program is provided to improve user convenience of a game. A game control unit executes a game program, and records a history into a history holding unit while controlling progress of the game. When an operation instruction to pause the game is accepted from the user, a pause control unit stops the progress of the game with the display screen at that point in time displayed. When a request to resume the game is accepted from the user, a resume control unit resumes the game after display screens and sound are reproduced from a point in time which is a predetermined period before the pausing point up to the pausing point. |
| US08162746B2 |
Gaming system and method configured to change the odds of a player obtaining a winning game outcome or a designated game outcome for a play of a game without changing the paytable of the game
A gaming system and method that enables the odds of obtaining a winning outcome or a designated outcome for a play of a game to change without modifying the paytable of the game. The gaming system makes a first determination using a first processor based on a paytable of a game. The gaming system makes a second determination using a second processor, where the second determination may be based, at least in part, on the wager amount. The gaming system displays a single game outcome to the player and either provides the player with the highest award resulting from the determinations or any awards resulting from the determinations. |
| US08162744B2 |
Gaming machine executing effects using symbols and control method thereof
A gaming machine of the present invention performs an effect of rotating an image displayed in each display block having a second specific symbol rearranged therein in a direction so as to turn a display screen of a display over to the other side after scroll-displaying a specific character image to the display in a direction from one side of a symbol display region toward the opposite side, and also changing the second specific symbol rearranged in the each display block into a first specific symbol, when the first specific symbol and the second specific symbol have been rearranged in the symbol display region and also when it has been determined to display the specific character image; and offers an award in accordance with the number of first specific symbols arranged in the symbol display region as a result thereof. |
| US08162743B2 |
Elimination games for gaming machines
A disclosed gaming machine presents an elimination game to a player playing the gaming machine. The elimination game may be played on a stand-alone gaming machine or may be played on a group of gaming machines linked together. The elimination game is played by plurality of entities where each entity may comprise one or more virtual players or real players. The real players may pay a participation fee to play the elimination game. During the elimination game, the entities play one or more games that are provided as part of the elimination game. For example, video slot games and video poker games may be used for the game play in the elimination game. One or more elimination tests may be applied to the entities using results from the game play. When conditions used in the elimination tests are met for one of the entities, the entity is removed from the elimination game before reaching the finish of the elimination game. The last remaining entity that avoids elimination and reaches the finish of the elimination receives an award. |
| US08162742B2 |
Adjusting payback data based on skill
A gaming device including an interface unit configured to accept game play data from a player and a controller coupled to the interface unit. The controller includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores payback data. The processor is configured to receive, via the interface unit, the game play data for the player playing a game, evaluate the received game play data based on predefined criteria, determine a level of skill of the player based at least on the evaluated game play data, and adjust the payback data based on the determined level of skill of the player. |
| US08162740B2 |
Wagering game with associated outcomes
A gaming machine (10) for conducting a wagering game comprises a value input device (16) for receiving a wager from a player and a display (26) for displaying a first plurality of locations in a first formation and a second plurality of locations in a second formation. The second plurality of locations is associated with the first plurality of locations. A processor is operative to select at least one first location from the first plurality of locations to yield a first outcome, select at least one second location from the second plurality of locations to yield a second outcome, combine the first and second outcomes to yield a combined outcome, and provide an award based on the combined outcome. |
| US08162738B2 |
Lottery/online gaming bet administration system and method
Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a system and method for electronic lottery and or online gaming bet placement and management employing Radio Frequency Identification technology. The system and method both employ use of a plurality of passive RFID tags. Each tag comprises stored data. The data may include a read-only memory area and a writable memory area. The system and method also utilize a data storage medium under the operative control of a lottery/gaming administrator. The data storage medium contains data associated with a plurality of gambling accounts. The data may include personal information and payout information. Each gambling account is associated with at least one RFID tag via the unique read-only tag number stored therein. |
| US08162735B2 |
Method and apparatus for outputting outcomes of a gaming device
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for outputting an outcome for a game of a gaming device is presented, wherein the method comprises first outputting an apparent outcome for the game and then outputting an actual outcome for the game. In one or more embodiments, a benefit corresponding to the apparent outcome may not be provided to the player playing the gaming device. For example, a hopper may be prevented from dispensing a payout associated with the apparent outcome. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a character (e.g., an animated character) may be displayed as changing the apparent outcome into the actual outcome. |
| US08162732B1 |
Display device, system and methods for a craps table
A device, system and method for display for a craps table. In one example, a display may include a display portion operable to display a representation of data relating to a current die pair rolled by a shooter; and a display portion operable to display a representation of data relating to previous die pairs rolled. In one example, the representation of the data relating to the current die pair includes a graphic representation of the face of each die of the current die pair. A display may also include a display portion operable to display an indicator of a current point value of the craps game. Other features and embodiments are disclosed herein. |
| US08162722B2 |
Grindstone contact sensing method and its device, and honing method and honing machine
A grindstone contact sensing technology capable of sensing the contact position of the honing grindstone with the inner circumference of the work at high precision. A servo motor for driving the spindle rotation, and a servo motor for driving the depth of cut are provided and used respectively as spindle rotation drive source for rotating and driving the rotary spindle having the honing tool and depth-of-cut drive source for moving the honing grindstone at a specified depth of cut, and the contact position of the honing grindstone with the inner circumference of the work is sensed from various electrical information (rotating speed, torque, current value, stagnant pulses, etc.) obtained from the operations of both the servo motors. |
| US08162720B2 |
Apparatus and method for polishing via driving abrasive grains mechanically and magnetically
Disclosed is a polishing apparatus including a shell, a magnetic controller, an axle, a pusher, a ring, posts, and a stirring element. The shell includes a roof, a floor and a wall between the roof and the floor. Abrasive solution is filled in the shell. The abrasive solution includes abrasive grains and magnetic material. The magnetic controller is located around the wall. The axle can be engaged with a rotary element of a machine. The pusher is connected to the axle and inserted through the roof. A ring is located between the pusher and the wall. Posts are located between the ring and the floor. The stirring element is located on the floor. |
| US08162719B2 |
Method and device for processing lens
The optical surface of a lens (21) held and rotated by the rotating shaft (12) of a lathe is cut or ground into an aspherical surface from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft (12) and the axial direction of the rotating shaft (12) while a processing locus (t) which is concentric or spiral about the rotating shaft (12) as the center is formed. In processing, the lens (21) is arranged in a grinding region (20) at a position spaced apart from the turning center (Zo) of the processing locus (t). |
| US08162718B2 |
Bra pad
A bra pad includes a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, a silicone gel layer and a cloth layer. The silicone gel layer is formed in a concave shape. On the edge of the silicone gel layers is attached to TPU films and the cloth layers. The silicone gel layers is semi-secured on the edge of the cloth layers to form the bar pad structure. Between the silicone gel layer and the TPU film, there is formed a first space and between the silicone gel layer and the cloth layer, there is formed a second space. The present bra pad employs the silicone gel material layer to enhance the softness and comfort. With the first and second space between the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, the silicone gel layer, and the cloth layer, the bra pad has effective breathing capability and heat-dissipating capability. |
| US08162717B2 |
Toy vehicle having fanciful facial expression
A toy vehicle includes a body supported by a plurality of wheels. The body also includes a roof and rear window supporting a plurality of user inputs. Within the toy vehicle body, a microprocessor controller drive and steering mechanism is operative. The operation of the microprocessor is set by the user inputs. The body further supports a movable bumper mouth and movable eyes and eyebrows behind the windshield. |
| US08162715B2 |
Remote-controlled toy vehicle
A toy vehicle includes a chassis, a front road wheel supported for rotation from the chassis and a rear road wheel supported for rotation from the chassis. A reversible motor is supported from the chassis and is operatively coupled with one of the front and rear road wheels so as to rotate at least one of the front and rear road wheels to propel the toy vehicle in a forward direction. A wheelie mechanism is operatively connected to the motor and has a first end pivotally attached to the central axis of one of the front and rear road wheels. |
| US08162710B2 |
Method for producing plasma display panel with a bright display and a low operating voltage
A method for producing a plasma display panel, the method including preparing a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel being a panel wherein a first electrode, a first dielectric layer and a protective layer are formed on a first substrate, and the rear panel being a panel wherein a second electrode, a second dielectric layer, a partition wall and a phosphor layer are formed on a second substrate; and opposing the front and rear panels with each other, and sealing the front and rear panels along their peripheries by a sealing material wherein the protective layer is heated to a temperature ranging from 1600° C. to 3600° C. before the sealing of the front and rear panels. |
| US08162698B2 |
Vandal proof NMO antenna mount
An antenna mount is provided including a contact pin having first and second distal ends, a barrel encasing the contact pin, a base encasing the barrel, a terminal lug press fit within a cross-section of the base, and a set screw receptacle disposed in a portion of the base for receiving a set screw to secure an antenna to the base. The first and second distal ends of the contact pin extend past first and second distal ends of the barrel, the first distal end of the contact pin extends past a first distal end of the base, and a second distal end of the base surrounds the second distal end of the pin. |
| US08162693B2 |
Snap-in electrical connector with locking cam and method of use
A connector assembly including a connector body with a locking cam defined on an external surface. In a method of use the locking cam cooperates with a perimeter of a knock-out hole into which the connector is to be inserted. During insertion of the connector body the locking cam engages the knock-out hole and deforms a retainer ring so as to permit further insertion. Once the connector body is fully seated, the locking cam cooperates with a locking tang on the retainer ring to hold the connector assembly together. |
| US08162692B2 |
Telecommunication connectors and apparatus for mounting the same
A telecommunications assembly including: a connector housing; a bezel mounted on the connector housing, the bezel have a front face having an opening for receiving a plug, the opening having a recess for receiving a plug latch; a faceplate having a faceplate opening of a standard dimension; wherein the bezel is mountable in the faceplate opening in a flat orientation with the recess positioned downwards and the bezel is mountable in the faceplate opening in an angled orientation with the recess positioned upwards. |
| US08162689B2 |
Clamping device for connecting a conductor without stripping the insulation
Disclosed is a clamping device for connecting a conductor without stripping the insulation. Said clamping device comprises a housing (14) and an actuating part (22 which is movably mounted therein and is provided with a duct (26) accommodating the conductor (50) that is to be clamped. A blade contact (18.1) is provided which encompasses a rear web (32) and two spring legs (36) that are placed at an angle therefrom. The spring legs (36) are fitted with contacting blades (48) on final edges that run into each other. Said contacting blades (48) penetrate the duct (26) and contact the conductor (50) accommodated therein while cutting the insulation thereof when the actuating part (22) is transferred into the contacting position thereof. A second contact piece (18.2) is provided which is electrically connected to the blade contact (18.1). The blade contact (18.1) and the second contact piece (18.2) are configured as a monolithic contact element (18) as a result of the fact that spring arms (34) whose ends are formed into a contact tube or a tulip contact (40) are placed at an angle from the rear web (32) of the blade contact (18.1) in addition to the spring legs (36). |
| US08162688B2 |
Connector receptacle housings having reduced-wear finger contacts and reduced seam visibility
Structures, methods, and apparatus that provide connector receptacles that have a reduced tendency to scratch and otherwise mar connector inserts, have an aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and have an improved tactile response when inserts are inserted. Various examples reduce scratches and wear by utilizing domes, cylinders, balls, or other structures as finger contacts in a connector receptacle. Another example provides aesthetically-pleasing connector receptacle enclosures by forming receptacle enclosures using the same type of material, or material having the same or similar color or texture, as is used for enclosing the electronic device that includes the receptacle. Another example provides an aesthetically-pleasing receptacle enclosure by forming receptacle enclosures that are, in part or in whole, contiguous or formed with the housing. |
| US08162682B1 |
Power adapter combination
The invention provides a power adapter combination including an adapter body and an adapter plug. The adapter body comprises a first casing having an inner space and a receiving recess structure with one side opened through the inner space, a circuit board disposed in the inner space, and a pair of connection terminals electrically connected with the circuit board and partially extending into the receiving recess structure. The adapter plug is detachably engaged into the receiving recess structure and comprises a second casing having a pair of slots thereon and a rear wall having a pair of holes, a bottom plate adapted to be assembled with the second casing, a pair of contact pins of which each has one pivoted end, is placed in one of the slots and is enabled to extend out of said one slot by rotation, and a pair of electrode structures mounted on the bottom plate and electrically connected with the contact pins, respectively. Each electrode structure has a half-pipe portion, wherein the pair of connection terminals are allowed to pass through the pair of holes of the rear wall of the second casing to electrically plug into the pair of half-pipe portions, respectively. |
| US08162677B2 |
Junction box and conductor strip connection device thereof
A conductor strip connection device for a junction box of a solar module is disclosed and comprises a contact member having a contact segment for connecting to a conductor strip, a suppressing member having a suppressing part configured to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member for securing a conductor strip, and a fastening member configured to assemble the suppressing member and the contact member together or disassemble the suppressing member from the contact member for allowing the suppressing member to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member so as to secure or release the conductor strip. |
| US08162676B1 |
Electronic device having external connector
An electronic device includes a shell, a connector, a PCB and a pin header. The connector is mounted on the shell and includes an external connection terminal inside the shell and an internal connection terminal inside the shell and connected to the external connection terminal. The PCB is received in the shell and defines a number of vias. Two ends of the pin header respectively detachably fit into the internal connection terminal and the vias. |
| US08162675B2 |
Connector shield with integrated fastening arrangement
A shield for a connector that can provide a card-receiving slot is disclosed. The shield includes sides that provide an enclosure. The shield includes a fastener that is held in place by a retaining notch in a bottom of the shield. The retaining notch is configured to support the fastener in place and restrain it from unintended translation or rotation. |
| US08162672B2 |
High power receptacle connector
A high power receptacle connector has a first insulating housing, a second insulating housing, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a shell. The second insulating housing is mounted on the first insulating housing and has a cylinder. The first terminal is cylindrical, surrounds the cylinder and has multiple first resilient contacting tabs and a reinforcing ring formed on front ends of the first resilient contacting tabs. The second terminal is cylindrical and mounted around the cylinder and has multiple radially protruding second resilient contacting tabs. The second resilient contacting tabs increase the contacting areas, reduce the resistance of the terminals and further improve the power of the high power receptacle connector and stably hold an external plug connector. |
| US08162671B2 |
Receptacle structure, printed wiring board structure, and electronic device
A receptacle structure includes a housing structure, a terminal insulating board, a first terminal and a second terminal. The housing structure is configured to be mounted on a printed wiring board and to accommodate a plug. The terminal insulating board includes a top face and a bottom face that is opposite to the top face. The terminal insulating board is disposed inside the housing structure with the bottom face facing towards the printed wiring board. The first terminal is connected to the printed wiring board via the first rear connection part and to the terminal insulating board. The second terminal is connected to the printed wiring board via the first front connection part and to the terminal insulating board. The first front connection part has a width narrower than the first rear connection part and is connected to the printed wiring board away from the first rear connection part. |
| US08162669B1 |
Ultrasound training assembly
An ultrasound training assembly includes a tubular member that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. The perimeter wall has an aperture therein. A model representing an ultrasound probe includes a grip and a head attached together. The head has a distal edge with respect to the grip. The distal edge is elongated. An elongated member is attached to the distal edge and has a longitudinal axis orientated perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the model extending through the distal edge and a free end of the grip. The elongated member is spaced from the distal edge a distance between 0.5 inches and 2 inches. The elongated member is placed in the tubular member through the aperture to represent a vein which would be seen by an ultrasound probe represented by the model. |
| US08162658B2 |
Injection molding die
There is provided an injection die characterized in that the injection die is separated into at least two pieces, that a cavity for frame is formed between the separated dies, that the cavity for frame is provided with an additional cavity via a coupling hole, and that the coupling hole communicating with the additional cavity is provided at a confluence point of a resin in melted condition of the cavity for frame, at around a gate, at around a cavity for a fixing component, or at around a cavity for frame of which thickness is deep. |
| US08162654B2 |
Apparatus for feeding resin
Apparatus for feeding molten resin includes a holding unit that moves on a track and at least a pair of holders capable of holding and releasing the molten resin accompanying the opening and closing of the holding unit. A base portion is utilized for supporting the holders so as to be opened and closed and for holding the molten resin together with the holders. The molten resin discharged from an extrusion-forming machine and cut by a cutter is held by the holding unit, and it fed from the holding unit to a female mold of a compression-0molding machine. At the time of cutting the molten resin, a cutter mark is formed by the cutter on a cut surface of the molten resin. |
| US08162653B2 |
Pasta machine for domestic use with improved cover
The item in subject is a pasta machine for domestic use, in which the surfaces of the various parts of the housing are composed of a microporous layer of aluminum oxide and completed with sealing of the micropores for hydration thus obtaining a micro-roughness with nonstick properties enabling the working of moist pasta. |
| US08162645B2 |
Apparatus for forming a polymer based part utilizing an assembleable, rotatable and vibratory inducing mold exhibiting a downwardly facing and pre-heated template surface
An apparatus and related method for forming a three-dimensional polymer based part including a die tool having a specified shape and size and exhibiting an exposed polymer adhering surface corresponding in configuration to a polymeric based part to be created. A volume holding bin supports a three-dimensional article including at least one exposed and pattern defining surface. A volume of a granulated polymer material is deposited into the bin and around the article. A sub-volume of the material adheres to and forms a hardened layer upon the exposed pattern defining surface, a corresponding part created having a specified thickness and matching configuration. |
| US08162639B2 |
Reduction of wear on control cams
An apparatus for treating containers such as, for example, liquid containers, may include at least one treatment unit, which treats the containers in a predetermined manner. The treatment unit may be moved along a specified path of travel. The apparatus may include a guiding cam, which is designed in such a way that it causes at least once along the path of travel a movement of the treatment unit in a direction extending vertically relative to the path of travel. The treatment unit may include a guiding element, which is at least at times in contact with the guiding cam, and wherein a force acting between the guiding element and the guiding cam varies at least at times along a specified area of the path of travel. In various aspects, the apparatus may include a force reduction device, which causes the force acting at a certain point of the area between the guiding cam and the guiding element to be reduced at least on average. |
| US08162636B2 |
Scroll compressor having partition wall in oil reservoir
A scroll type compressor has a fixed scroll member, a movable scroll member, an oil reservoir, a back-pressure chamber, an oil extraction passage, a flow passage, and a partition wall. The back-pressure chamber disposed behind the movable scroll member is in communication with a discharge chamber. The oil extraction passage having a regulating valve or a throttle connects the back-pressure chamber to the oil reservoir. The oil return passage and the flow passage connect the oil reservoir to a suction chamber, respectively. The flow passage introduces excess lubricating oil into the suction chamber when the level of lubricating oil in the oil reservoir becomes higher than a predetermined level. The partition wall disposed between the openings of the oil extraction passage for restricting lubricating oil from the oil extraction passage other than the excess lubricating oil collected in the oil reservoir from flowing to the flow passage. |
| US08162634B2 |
Pulsatile rotary ventricular pump
A roller pump conduit defining a pump chamber is provided. The roller pump conduit includes a roller contact portion having a fill region and a delivery region. The fill region has a first taper configured to determine volume delivery per revolution of a roller head. The delivery region has a pressure region having a second taper and a discharge region having a third taper. The third taper has a lesser degree of taper than the second taper. The delivery region is configured to produce a pulsatile flow out of the conduit. Furthermore, a roller pump having a roller pump conduit is provided. The roller pump conduit of the roller pump has a fill region and a delivery region, the fill region having a first taper, and the delivery region having a second and third taper, wherein the third taper has a lesser degree of taper than the second taper. |
| US08162633B2 |
Volumetric fluidics pump with translating shaft path
A pump for moving a fluid through a fluidics system includes a surface and channel disposed along at least a portion of the surface. The pump also includes a driving mechanism having a rotatable shaft and a plurality of haptics operably coupled to the shaft. A closed portion is formed in the channel as the channel is compressed between the surface and at least one of the haptics, the closed portion having a thickness between the surface the haptic. The pump additionally has a circular path and a shaft path. The haptics are completely disposed inside the circular path and traversing the circular path during operation of the driving mechanism. The shaft path is traversed by shaft during operation of the driving mechanism, such at least one of the haptics is always in contact with the channel. The surface has a radius of curvature in the vicinity of the closed potion that is greater than the sum of a radius of the circular path and the thickness of the closed portion. |
| US08162631B2 |
Floating pinion bearing for a reciprocating pump
A reciprocating pump assembly includes a power frame that houses a crankshaft. The crankshaft is mechanically connected to a large gear or bull gear on each end that is in mechanical engagement with a small gear or pinion bearing. A bearing housing is integrally formed as part of the power frame with an increased width and a constant inner diameter. A pinion bearing assembly, having an inner race, an outer race, and spherical bearings is placed around the shaft of the pinion bearing. The pinion is installed in the reciprocating pump assembly such that the bearing assembly rests on the bearing housing, which is integrally formed as part of the power frame. The bearing assembly is free to float in the bearing housing and provides for some lateral movement of the shaft and bearing assembly during operation of the reciprocating pump assembly. |
| US08162629B2 |
Piezoelectric pump
A piezoelectric pump includes a pump body with a pump chamber, and a piezoelectric element that closes the pump chamber. The central area and the peripheral area of the piezoelectric element are bent in opposite directions by applying voltages to the piezoelectric element so that the volume of the pump chamber is changed. The piezoelectric element is a laminate including a plurality of piezoelectric layers with electrodes interposed therebetween. The central area and the peripheral area of each piezoelectric layer are polarized opposite to each other in the thickness direction, and the electrodes are formed such that voltages in the same direction in the thickness direction are applied to the central area and the peripheral area of each piezoelectric layer. Since voltages at the same potential are applied to the electrodes formed in the same planes of the piezoelectric layers, short-circuits caused by migration can be prevented. |
| US08162628B2 |
Wiring structure for use in micro piezoelectric pump
An electrical connection structure for use in a micro piezoelectric pump is disclosed. The electrical connection structure includes a driving circuit board and a multilayered wiring structure. The electrical connection structure includes the driving circuit board, the wiring structure, and a piezoelectric element arranged from top to bottom. The driving circuit board is provided with a driving circuit for driving the piezoelectric element and at least an electrical contact, wherein the electrical contacts are electrically connected to the driving circuit. A first electrode contact region and a second electrode contact region electrically insulated from each other are defined on the same surface of the piezoelectric element. The wiring structure sends a signal from the electrical contacts to the first electrode contact region and the second electrode contact region. |
| US08162625B1 |
Nested motor, reduction motor reduction gear and pump with selectable mounting options
A pump, reduction gear, motor combination wherein the reduction gear and pump have nesting shafts internal to at least one of the housings of the pump and reduction gears. The housings meet at cooperating front and rear flanges having a plurality of bores therethrough, and selection from a number of orientations is possible whereby a pump outlet can be selectively oriented at a number of predetermined orientations relative to the reduction gears. The reduction gears also preferably provide a base spaced from the front flange which provides for mounting to a support to thereby suspend the motor cantileveredly from the reduction gears. |
| US08162622B2 |
Compressor sound suppression
A compressor apparatus (20) has a housing (22) having first (53) and second (58) ports along a flowpath. One or more working elements (26; 28) cooperate with the housing (22) to define a compression path between suction (60) and discharge (62) locations along the flowpath. A check valve (70; 170; 270) has a valve element (72; 172; 272) mounted for movement between a first condition permitting downstream flow along the flowpath and a second condition blocking a reverse flow. The valve element includes a resonator (112; 174; 274). |
| US08162620B2 |
Method for control of a pressurised air supply system for a motor vehicle
A method for control of a pressurized air supply system for a motor vehicle. In a supply condition, the air compressor is driven by the drive motor and connected to a compressed air system of the motor vehicle such that compressed air is supplied to the compressed air system. In a non-supply condition, the compressor is not driven and/or connected to the compressed air system. The switching of the supply or non-supply condition results from a comparison of at least one switch pressure value with a pressure in the compressed air system and the topography of the stretch of road on which the vehicle is travelling, which includes the profile of the path which the vehicle must cover within a period of time and/or path distance to a given destination. |
| US08162619B2 |
Method for controlling the discharge pressure of an engine-driven pump
A system for controlling the pressure output of an engine-driven centrifugal fire pump includes a discharge pressure sensor mounted in the discharge line of the pump. A governor varies the rpms of the engine in response to pressure changes detected by the discharge pressure sensor. If the pressure in the system is higher than the desired output pressure when the engine is running at its idle speed an electronically controlled hydraulic relief valve responsive to the discharge pressure sensor operates to relieve the excess pressure in over pressure situations. If the pressure in the system is lower than the desired output pressure when the relief valve is fully closed, the engine speed is increased. |
| US08162615B2 |
Split disk assembly for a gas turbine engine
A split disk assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a forward disk section and an aft disk section, the aft disk section engageable with the forward disk section to retain a multitude of rotor blades therebetween. |
| US08162614B2 |
Workpiece, and also a welding method for the manufacture of a workpiece
The invention relates to a workpiece (1), in particular a rotor disc, an impeller or guide wheel for a turbine, for a pump or for a compressor, including a base body (2) with a guide vane (3), wherein the guide vane (3) is welded in notch-free manner to the base body (2) and/or to a cover part (4). Furthermore, the invention relates to a welding method for the manufacture of a workpiece (1). |
| US08162610B1 |
Active directional control of airflows over wind turbine blades using plasma actuating cascade arrays
Methods of utilizing plasma actuating cascade arrays for actively controlling airflow over wind turbine blades are described herein. These methods may include providing plasma actuating cascade arrays that include dielectrics and electrodes. The electrodes and dielectrics are electrically operated to generate plasma clusters, and to induce directional airflows in response to the plasma clusters. The methods may also include configuring the plasma actuating cascade arrays based, at least in part, on characteristics of the wind turbine blades and characteristics of energy generation regimes and scenarios. |
| US08162609B1 |
Turbine airfoil formed as a single piece but with multiple materials
An air cooled turbine airfoil includes a multiple pass serpentine flow cooling circuit formed from a metallic printing process in which the blade can be printed from different materials as a single piece blade. The blade includes a multiple pass serpentine cooling circuit in which the channels include ribs and pin fins that are formed perpendicular to the airfoil wall. The inner chordwise extending rib, the ribs and the f[pin fins and the outer airfoil wall call all be printed as a single piece but all with a different material in order to control the metal temperature of the blade. a seven pass serpentine flow cooling circuit can be formed that flows along the pressure side wall and then the suction side wall and use low flow cooling amount. |
| US08162608B2 |
Wind turbine, yaw system controller and yaw system for a wind turbine and method of reducing the loads acting on such a yaw system
Wind turbine, yaw system controller and yaw system for a wind turbine and method of reducing the loads on such a yaw system.A method for reducing the loads acting on a wind turbine yaw system (19) due to yawing moments which are induced to the yaw system (19) by a rotor which comprises at least one rotor blade with a pitch control system is provided. In the method, the yawing moment which is induced to the yaw system (19) by the rotor is determined and the pitch of the at least one rotor blade is set based on the detected yawing moment such that the determined yawing moment is reduced. |
| US08162607B2 |
Rotor blade for a rotary wing aircraft
A rotor blade including a rotor blade profile including a profile tip region, a profile trailing edge region including a trailing edge and a profile body having a profile core. A covering skin including an upper skin and a lower skin encase the profile core. A reversibly bendable flexural actuator including a first actuator end disposed at the trailing edge region of the rotor blade profile and a second actuator end projecting past the profile body toward the trailing edge. The second actuator end forms part of the trailing edge region and forms a movable rotor blade flap, the movable rotor blade flap being deformable into an arc-shaped rotor blade flap deflection upon a bending of the flexural actuator. |
| US08162605B2 |
Gas turbine engine case
A case for a gas turbine engine includes a single-piece case that includes a combustor case portion and a turbine case portion that is integrally formed with the combustor case portion as one piece. In one example, the single-piece case includes a transition duct/mid-turbine frame case portion is integrally formed with the combustor and turbine case portions. |
| US08162604B2 |
Diffusor
The guide device for the diffusor at the compressor impeller outlet of a radial compressor has guide blades with stepped inlet edges. The step is implemented by setting back the hub-side inlet edge. This meridional stepping divides the guide blades into two component blades, of which the first component blade is made longer than the second component blade. The set-back of the inlet edge of the hub-side component blade and the associated superposition of the noise fields which are produced on the front and rear inlet edge of the diffusor leads to improvement of the acoustic properties of the compressor. |
| US08162603B2 |
Vane frame for a turbomachine and method of minimizing weight thereof
A vane frame for a turbomachine and a method for minimizing the weight of a vane frame. The vane frame includes an inner shroud made up of a plurality of inner shroud segments, an outer shroud circumscribing the inner shroud and made up of a plurality of outer shroud segments, and guide vanes structurally interconnecting the inner and outer shrouds. The guide vanes include a plurality of first guide vanes between and connecting first pairs of the inner and outer shroud segments, and a plurality of second guide vanes between and connecting second pairs of the inner and outer shroud segments. The first and second guide vanes are formed of different first and second materials, respectively, with the first material having lower strength, modulus, and/or density than the second material. The structural interconnection between the inner and outer shrouds is dominated by the second guide vanes. |
| US08162601B2 |
Surface treatment method and repair method
A method for forming a dense coating on a limited region of a subject body is disclosed. The method is composed of the steps of: applying one selected from the group of a compressed body of a powder of a metal and a sintered compressed body of a powder of a metal to a working electrode; executing discharge deposition to deposit a first coating from the working electrode on the subject body by applying the subject body as a workpiece of the discharge deposition; executing discharge deposition to deposit a second coating from the working electrode on the first coating by applying the subject body as a workpiece of the discharge deposition; and heating the subject body in one selected from the group of a vacuum, an air and an oxidizing atmosphere so as to densify the second coating or oxidizing the second coating at least in part to generate a solid lubricant substance. |
| US08162600B2 |
System, method and apparatus for two-phase homogenizing stage for centrifugal pump assembly
A two-phase, homogenizing or mixing stage for a centrifugal pump assembly homogenizes the fluids being circulated therethrough. The mixing stage produces high shut-in head pressure and a very high maximum flow rate. The mixing stage has a diffuser with fixed diffuser vanes that extend radially or tangentially at acute angles. The vanes may be curved in both the axial and radial directions to force fluids impinging thereon to have a radially inward component to create turbulence. The turbulence mixes and homogenizes the gas and liquid fluids to improve the overall performance of centrifugal pump assemblies that operate in two-phase fluids. The mixing stage also has an impeller adjacent the diffuser. The impeller vanes likewise extend radially and tangentially therefrom at acute angles and may be curved. |
| US08162599B2 |
Stepped stator blade
A blade for a stator in a torque converter including a first face, which includes a first step, and a second face located substantially circumferentially opposite the first face. In one embodiment, the first face includes first and second disjointed or misaligned segments, and the first step connects the first and second segments. In another embodiment, the second face includes a second step. In yet another embodiment, the second face includes third and fourth disjointed or misaligned segments, and the second step connects the first and second segments. |
| US08162597B2 |
Stage of variable-pitch vanes for a turbomachine
A stage of variable-pitch vanes for a turbomachine is disclosed. The vanes include internal pivots engaged in corresponding housings of a sectorized internal ring. Each ring sector includes axial orifices for mounting two pins for the radial retention of the ring sector on the internal pivot of a vane. Each pin includes an immobilization device cooperating by shape coupling with a complementary immobilization device of the other pin in order to rotationally immobilize these pins in the orifices in the ring sectors. |
| US08162596B1 |
Support device for high pressure pumps usable in or on the deck of a marine vessel
An improved method and apparatus for supporting and adapting high pressure pumping apparatus for use on or in a marine vessel subject to direct dynamic motions imparted to the marine vessel without damaging the pumping apparatus to thereby extend the useful life of the pumping apparatus. For this purpose the method and apparatus is designed to prevent the deflection of the bearings by providing an axial support and radial damping to vibrations resulting from the motions imparted to the marine vessel. In addition, the pumping shaft is protected when inoperative by preventing the pumping shaft from rotation. Specifically the method and apparatus provide the suction vessel housing the high pressure pumping apparatus to be secured to the marine vessel's deck at all times along with the provision for absorbing the vibrations and stresses due to the marine vessel's movements imparted thereto by being subjected to the direct dynamic motions. The suction vessel for the pumping apparatus is relieved of the stresses at the head plate for the suction vessel by securing the bottom of the pumping apparatus to the suction vessel at all times. The pumping shaft is supported from the bottom of a vertical shaft for axially moving the shaft upwardly to keep the supporting bearing out of deflection so no forces are transmitted to the bearings when the pumping apparatus is non-operational and also prevents the pumping shaft from rotating. |
| US08162594B2 |
Cooled blade for a turbomachine
A cooled blade forming an upstream guide vane element for a turbomachine is disclosed. The airfoil includes a longitudinal cavity with a first opening at one end and a second opening at the other end, a tubular sleeve being housed in the cavity with a first end in the first opening and a second end in the second opening, first spacers on the side of the first end, and second spacers on the side of the second end of the sleeve making a space between the outer face of the sleeve and the wall of the cavity. The blade is arranged so that the sleeve is inserted into the cavity through the first opening. The first spacers are secured to the sleeve and the second spacers are secured to the wall of the cavity of the airfoil. The invention makes it possible to mount the sleeve despite an accentuated curvature of the profile of the airfoil. |
| US08162590B2 |
Wind turbine blade and a pitch controlled wind turbine
The invention relates to a wind turbine blade comprising one or more turbulence generating strips, where the strips are placed on a surface of the blade. The blade is characterized in that at least one joint area of the turbulence generating strips and the surface of the blade are completely or partially covered by sealing means. The invention further relates to a pitch controlled wind turbine comprising at least two pitch controlled wind turbine blades and pitch controlling means for pitching the blades. The pitch controlled wind turbine is characterized in that the blades comprises one or more turbulence generating strips, wherein at least one joint area of the turbulence generating strips and a surface of the blades are completely or partially covered by sealing means. |
| US08162587B2 |
Method and system for supplying portable gas cylinders
A method of supplying a portable medical gas system is provided. The disclosed method includes preparing a portable medical gas system, the portable medical gas system including a cylinder adapted to be filled with medical gas and a gas dispensing valve. The portable medical gas system is place in a specialized container having a configuration adapted to hold the portable medical gas system only when the cylinder of portable medical gas system is unused state or empty state. The portable medical gas system is delivered to the customer, and returned as an empty cylinder via commercial carrier. Upon receipt of the empty or spent portable medical gas system, another portable medical gas system filled with medical gas is sent to the customer. In one embodiment, the portable medical gas system includes a single-use flow control valve which ensures the cylinder is empty after its initial use. |
| US08162581B2 |
Release pin
A releasable locking member, having a handle, a spindle, and a shank connected at a first end to the handle. The shank has an opening extending through along a longitudinal axis thereof. A shaft extends through an opening of the shank. The shaft has a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion extending between the first and second portions. An actuator member is connected to the first portion of the shaft. A spindle is connected to the second portion of the shaft. A biasing member is positioned between the actuator member and a wall of the handle. |
| US08162580B2 |
Anti-theft fastener
The anti-theft fastener has a shearing head, a shaft and a fastening element. The shearing head has at least one shearing tab. The shaft is threaded and connected the shearing head. The fastening element is mounted around the shearing head and has an outer surface having a countersink and at least one shearing recess. The countersink is formed in the outer surface around the connecting hole. The at least one shearing recess is formed in countersink, and corresponds to the at least one shearing tab, and each shearing recess has at least one shearing surface, whereby the at least one shearing tab is broken off by the shearing surface of the fastening element. |
| US08162578B2 |
Adjustable fastener
An adjustable fastener includes a main body and an elastic portion. The elastic portion is connected to an end of the main body. The elastic portion is deformable thus changing a total length of the adjustable fastener. |
| US08162574B2 |
Vehicular cargo retention system with sliding engagement
A system including apparatus and methods for compressively retaining cargo to a vehicular or other surface may, after an initial “rough” adjustment, allow for the operation of a compression force enhancement element to enhance a compression force through relative sliding movement and so that cargo may be retained as intended. Aspects of the inventive technology may relate to the allowance for one-handed manipulation of the compression force enhancement element (e.g., a rotatable lever) through perhaps less than one-quarter of a rotation in order to enhance the compression force. |
| US08162570B2 |
Powder feeding device for spray coating powder
A spraycoating powder feed apparatus includes a powder pump of which the direction of feed is reversible and a conduit switch configured to alternately link either of two powder conduits to a powder hookup of the powder pump as a function of the conveyance direction of the powder pump. |
| US08162567B2 |
Water retention cell structures
An assembly of hollow frustum-shaped bodies arranged and supported on a horizontal support structure is used to form a core structure for water retention cells. The assemblies are arranged in alternately inverted layers with the ends of the frustum-shaped bodies interconnected to form vertical support columns which are horizontally stabilized by horizontal support structure. |
| US08162564B2 |
Surface compactor and method of operating a surface compactor
A method of operating a surface compactor is provided. The method may include supporting a base of the surface compactor on a surface. The method may also include generating a fluctuating vertical force on the base with a vibratory mechanism, which may include moving one or more weights of the vibratory mechanism with a drive system of the vibratory mechanism. Additionally, the method may include sensing a parameter of the operation of the vibratory mechanism that fluctuates in reaction to moving the one or more weights to generate the fluctuating vertical force. The method may also include automatically adjusting the operation of the vibratory mechanism to adjust the fluctuating vertical force based at least in part on the sensed parameter. |
| US08162563B2 |
Aquifer replenishment system with filter
Provided is an aquifer replenishing pavement formed above soil having a sand lens above the aquifer and a clay layer above the sand lens. The pavement includes an aggregate leach field having an aggregate top surface, and an aggregate bottom surface abutting the clay layer. The pavement further includes a pavement layer having an exposed pavement top surface, and a pavement bottom surface abutting the aggregate leach field. A surface drain extends through the pavement layer to drain fluid from the exposed pavement top surface to the aggregate leach field. An aggregate drain extends from the aggregate leach field into the sand lens through the clay layer to drain fluid from the aggregate leach field into the aquifer. A filter is disposed within one of the surface drain and the aggregate drain. The filter is configured to remove foreign particulates from fluid passing therethrough. |
| US08162561B2 |
Integrated joiner improvements
An adjustable joining assembly having a particular application in knock down furniture, the joiner having a channel position on its lower surface that allows the joining to locate itself on to a screw thread and direct the screw thread towards an internal threaded gear section which upon rotation of the gear section provides a tightening of the joiner. |
| US08162555B2 |
Printing pins having selective wettability and method of making same
A method of forming a printing pin includes providing a printing pin having an exterior surface and an interior surface that defines a lumen or capillary tract. The pin is treated to render the exterior and interior surfaces hydrophilic. The lumen or capillary tract is filled with a blocking material. The exterior surface of the pin is coated with a hydrophobic material. The blocking material is then removed. The method produces a pin with selective wetting properties. The modified pins reduce solution or reagents use because no excess liquid is picked up on the exterior surface during loading. As a result, no pre-printing operation is needed to remove this excess liquid. Because no pre-printing operation is needed, the pins produce shorter printing times. In addition, due to improved control of liquid loading volume, it is possible to obtain smaller spots as well as more spots in a given run. |
| US08162547B2 |
Optical subassembly manufacturing method
An optical subassembly manufacturing method includes forming connecting electrodes and a piece of high-melting-point glass on a wiring substrate; positioning on and connecting to the connecting electrodes, an optoelectronic converting element; disposing on the piece of high-melting-point glass, a piece of low-melting-point glass having a melting point lower than the piece of high-melting-point glass; and fixing to the piece of low-melting-point glass, a protruding portion of a lens member further having a lens portion. The protruding portion has a shape matching that of the piece of high-melting-point glass, and relative positions of the protruding portion and the optical axis of the lens portion are determined to correspond to relative positions of the connecting electrodes and the piece of high-melting-point glass. The fixing includes fixing the protruding portion of the lens member to the piece of high-melting-point glass via surface tension generated by melting the piece of low-melting-point glass. |
| US08162546B1 |
Fiber optic cable configured for indoor and outdoor deployment
A connectorized fiber optic communications cable can comprise a section rated for indoor service and a section rated for outdoor service. A continuous optical fiber can extend through the indoor-rated section and the outdoor-rated section, for example from an outdoor-rated connector on the outdoor-rated section to an indoor-rated connector on the indoor-rated section. The cable can be installed via feeding the section rated for indoor service through a hole in a building, such as a home, to a communication or computing device within the building. The section rated for outdoor service can be buried underground and extended to another communication or computing device located outside the building. |
| US08162545B2 |
Hub unit
A hub unit is equipped with an inner member having an inner ring raceway formed on its outer peripheral face, an outer member having an outer ring raceway formed on its inner peripheral face, and a plurality of rolling elements provided between the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway. At least one of the inner ring raceway and the outer ring raceway has a rolling contact zone on which an induction-hardened layer is formed. The hardened layer has a depth of about 1.5 to 1.9 mm at a distance of 1 mm inward from each end of the hardened layer. |
| US08162543B2 |
Method to correct imaging errors of an x-ray image intensifier system and associated x-ray image intensifier system
An image intensifier system has an image converter tube to convert incident x-ray radiation into visible light and a digital camera system optically downstream of the image converter tube. The camera system has an image sensor to convert the incident, visible light into digital images, and an electronic image processing unit is provided for post-processing of the digital images. In such a system and a method for correcting image distortion errors that occur therein, characteristic data of a magnetic field present in the image converter tube are determined with the aid of a magnetic field probe arranged within the image converter tube or in its environment, an imaging error resulting from the presence of the magnetic field is quantitatively defined using the determined characteristic data, one or more parameters of a correction map leading to the correction of the imaging error are determined based on this, and the correction map that is established in this way is applied to the digital images in the electronic image processing unit. |
| US08162542B2 |
Environment controlled cargo container
A cargo container includes a cargo box affixed atop a hollow base, with the base including forklift tunnels extending therethrough with elongate bays disposed parallel thereto. Each bay includes a removable tray for receiving electrical batteries. And, a temperature control system is disposed on a sidewall adjoining the base. |
| US08162541B2 |
Two-terminal temperature sensor with electrically isolated housing
A two-terminal temperature sensor connects a first end of thermistor or other thermometer device to a first electrical terminal via an inner compression coil. A second electrical terminal is connected to a second end of the thermistor via an outer compression coil and a formed conductor. The inner compression coil and thermistor are positioned within the formed conductor. The inner compression coil and thermistor are prevented from contact with the formed conductor by an inner insulating tube. The first and second electrical contacts are mounted in a molded terminal assembly that insulates the electrical contacts from one another. The entire assembly is housed within a housing that is electrically isolated from the formed conductor and outer compression coil via an outer insulating tube and an insulating disk. |
| US08162538B2 |
Temperature-measuring member, temperature-measuring device, and method for measuring temperature
The surface density of projections formed on a thin metal film of a temperature-measuring member having the metal film having been subjected to a temperature profile is calculated with a number-calculating section according to image data fed into an arithmetic processing unit through an optical microscope, CCD camera, and I/O board. The maximum temperature of the object is determined with the temperature-calculating unit according to the surface density and data on the maximum temperature and surface density previously stored in memory. Furthermore, a temperature-measuring member constituted by a thin aluminum film arranged on a substrate is used. A reduction in the reflectivity of the film due to projections formed on the film surface according to a temperature profile to which the member has been subjected is measured. The maximum temperature in the temperature profile is estimated according to the reduction in reflectivity. |
| US08162534B2 |
Element for a vehicle contact with ground, tire and use of a measuring system
A ground-contacting component of a vehicle, consisting partly of polymeric compounds, in which at least one wireless temperature measurement system 7 based on surface acoustic wave or bulk acoustic wave technology is embedded in a region of a polymeric compound liable to reach temperatures above 100° C. and/or to be influenced by a surrounding region of a polymeric compound liable to reach temperatures above 100° C. during use of the vehicle. Also disclosed are a tire 1 and the use of a wireless temperature measurement system based on acoustic surface wave or bulk acoustic wave technology. |
| US08162533B2 |
Mixing method for powder material and liquid material, and mixer
A mixer of the present invention includes an outer cylinder into which powder material is loaded, a rotational axis which is located coaxially with the outer cylinder and discharges liquid material while forming the liquid material to fine particles, and a fin which has a rectangular shape and is disposed along an inner wall of the outer cylinder. The fin is independently revolvable around the rotational axis. The fin has side faces in a direction of revolution of the fin, each of which forms an inclined face such that a width of the fin becomes wider from an inner surface to an outer surface of the fin. |
| US08162531B2 |
Mixing system for increased height tanks
A system for mixing the solid and liquid contents of a tank having an increased height using at least one flow generating device positioned proximate an outer wall of the tank and directed in a direction to discharge a flow having a rotational component and a generally upward component. A plurality of such flow generating devices may be positioned in one or more rings at various elevations within the tank. The flow generating devices are positioned such that resultant fluid flows within the tank contents include a flow in a generally rotational direction and a flow having components generally upward in the outer portion of the tank, inward in the upper portion of the tank, downward in the center portion of the tank, and outward in the lower portion of the tank. |
| US08162529B2 |
Mixing drum
A rotary concrete mixing drum (16) includes an interior surface (74) at least partially provided by a polymer (90) impregnated with a slip agent. |
| US08162527B2 |
Backlight module and the method for manufacturing the same
A backlight module and a manufacture method thereof are provided. The backlight module includes a frame body and an optical plate. The frame body includes a first material frame and a second material frame, and the second material frame is embedded in the first material frame and the strength of the second material frame is higher than that of the first material frame. The first material frame enwraps part of the second material frame to form at least one connection part, and the optical plate is disposed in the frame body and is connected with at least one connection part. |
| US08162523B1 |
Vehicle light with LED running light frame structure
A vehicle light with LED running light frame structure comprises a light cover frame and at least a soft LED light bar; at least a groove having pluralities of through holes at its bottom is provided at an appropriate position at the interior of the light cover frame; by way of provision of the soft LED light bar of a number as that of the grooves at the light cover frame, the luminous chips of the soft LED light bar can aim at the through holes at the groove; the opening of the groove is provided with a two-side adhesive tape for fastening to the vehicle light base after the electric cord extended from the soft LED light bar is connected to the vehicle powder, thereby accomplishing an electric running light. |
| US08162520B2 |
Vehicle console assemblies with cup holder and storage bin lighting assembly
A lighting assembly for illuminating a console assembly of a vehicle includes a cup holder assembly in the console assembly having a cup-receiving volume. A storage bin in the console assembly has a storage volume. A light source assembly is mounted within the console assembly. The light source assembly illuminates the cup-receiving volume directly and illuminates the storage bin indirectly. |
| US08162517B2 |
Lamp
A lamp including a base, a bendable neck and a lamp head, an outer surface of the lamp covered by a pliable sheath. The lamp further including a plurality of switches and a plurality of light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The plurality of switches are visually concealed by the pliable sheath. A first actuation of at least one switch of the plurality of switches activates a white light mode of operation and a second actuation of at least one switch of the plurality of switches activates a color-phasing mode of operation. |
| US08162510B2 |
LED chip package structure with multifunctional integrated chips and a method for making the same
A LED chip package structure with multifunctional integrated chips includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, a chip unit, and a package colloid unit. The light-emitting unit has a plurality of LED chips electrically arranged on the substrate unit. The chip unit is electrically arranged on the substrate unit, and the chip unit is arranged between the light-emitting unit and a power source. The package colloid unit covers the LED chips. The package colloid unit is a strip fluorescent colloid corresponding to the LED chips. |
| US08162508B2 |
LED substrate and LED light source device
An LED substrate comprises holes having an elliptical shape through which fixing screws are inserted. The fixing screw has a head portion, an unthreaded neck portion whose diameter smaller than that of the head portion, and a threaded shaft portion whose diameter smaller than that of the neck portion. A major axis of the hole is larger than the diameter of the head portion, and a minor axis thereof is smaller than the diameter of the head portion and larger than the diameter of the neck portion. The LED substrate further comprises counterbored recesses to which anchoring claws provided in a cabinet are fitted. A width of the counterbored recess in a direction of the major axis of the hole is larger than that of the anchoring claw. The counterbored recesses are formed on both of two sides of the LED substrate facing each other in a first direction. |
| US08162504B2 |
Reflector and system
An illumination system includes a light source and a reflector. The reflector includes a first optical interface adjacent the light source which redirects light emitted from the light source and incident on the first optical interface via Fresnel reflection. In addition, the reflector includes a second optical interface adjacent the first optical interface on a side opposite the light source, which reflects light passing through the first optical interface via total internal reflection back towards the first optical interface. Also, a light collection system includes such a reflector. |
| US08162503B2 |
Portable lighting device
A portable lighting device has at least one LED light source (2). Associated with this light source are a voltage supply (3) which can be switched on and off and a light distribution device (4) for varying a luminous intensity distribution of the light source (2).In order to improve the light distribution device in the case of such a portable lighting device in a simple way in design terms and without a considerable amount of space being required, it has a lens system (5) which can be varied in its distance in relation to the light source (2). |
| US08162502B1 |
Illuminated continuously rotatable dual magnification mirror
A mirror for facilitating appearance related functions includes a circular ring-shaped frame holding therein back-to-back reflective mirror plates having different magnification factors, e.g. 1× and 5×, each plate having a circular central imaging reflective area and an outer concentric light transmissive window area. Continuously rotatable pivot joints support the frame between opposed arms of a yoke protruding upwardly from a stanchion and base for placement on a table, or an arm and wall bracket for mounting on a wall, enabling the frame to be rotated to interchangeably orient 1× and 5× mirror plates in a forward facing use position. A ring-shaped, printed circuit board with circumferentially spaced apart light emitting diodes (LED's) protruding radially outwards of an outer circumferential edge of the board is located between inner facing surfaces of the mirror plates. Illumination of objects in front of the mirror plates is effected by direct LED rays emitted forwardly through the light transmissive windows, and intensified by indirect LED rays reflected from reflective inner facing surfaces of the mirror plates. Electrical power is supplied to the LED's from a battery power supply in the base of the mirror by electrically conductive pins which protrude radially outwards from opposite sides of the frame, the pins being rotatably supported in electrically conductive cups located in opposed arms of the yoke, the cups being connected to the power supply via wires disposed through the yoke arms and stanchion to the power supply. |
| US08162499B2 |
Backlight unit, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
A backlight unit includes: an arrangement surface on which a plurality of light sources are arranged; a plurality of reflection surfaces which are erected from a plurality of edges of the arrangement surface and reflect a light from the plurality of light sources, wherein the light emitted from the light sources and the light reflected from the plurality of reflection surfaces irradiate to an irradiation area surrounded by the plurality of reflection surfaces; the plurality of reflection surfaces are each inclined at an inclination angle smaller than 90 degrees with respect to extension surface of the arrangement surface which extends toward the outside of the reflection surface; at least one reflection surface of the plurality of reflection surfaces includes a large inclination area inclined at a large inclination angle and a small inclination area inclined at a small inclination angle; and the light source arranged close to the large inclination area is disposed closer to the outside frame of the irradiation area than the other light sources arranged close to the small inclination area in plan view from the irradiation area. |
| US08162498B2 |
Solid state lighting using nanophosphor bearing material that is color-neutral when not excited by a solid state source
A solid state lighting device, such as a lamp or light fixture, includes a solid state source and one or more semiconductor nanophosphors dispersed in a light transmissive material in the element. The material is of a type and the nanophosphor(s) are dispersed therein in such a manner that the material bearing the semiconductor nanophosphor(s) is at least substantially color-neutral to the human observer, when the solid state lighting device is off. In some examples, the material appears relatively clear or transparent when the device is off. In other examples, the material appears translucent, e.g. white, when the device is off. |
| US08162495B2 |
System and method of focusing electromagnetic radiation
A tracking system for reflecting electromagnetic radiation from a source to a target area, having at least one reflecting surface or mirror mounted to a support that fixes the reflecting surface orientation to focus electromagnetic radiation on the target area when the reflecting surface is at a first location at a first predefined time. The system has a path with at least the first location and a second location. The reflecting surface is movable along the path to maintain focus on the target area. The reflecting surface may have an orientation with a fixed declination angle and fixed hour angle. The source may include a moving source such as the Sun. |
| US08162492B2 |
Foldable delineator
A foldable delineator comprises: a fixing plate (100) installed at a guardrail or a protective wall and having one or more first hinge coupling portions (110) formed by bending corners thereof; a pivotal plate (200) at which a reflective panel fixing frame (30) to which a reflective panel (10) is coupled by means of a bolt is installed, the pivotal plate (200) having one or more hinge coupling portions (210) coupled to the first hinge coupling portions (110) by means of a hinge (20) and formed by bending corners of the pivotal plate (200), one or more bending preventing bosses (220) protruding along a lengthwise direction of the pivotal plate (200) on one surface of the pivotal plate (200), and one or more bending preventing portions (230) formed by bending lengthwise edges of the pivotal plate (200) toward the protrusion direction of the bending preventing bosses (220); a stopper (120) for limiting the pivoting movement of the pivotal plate (200) to a range of 90 degrees with the pivotal plate (200) being coupled to the fixing plate (100) by means of the hinge (20); a coil spring (300) installed around the hinge (20) to support the fixing plate (100) and the pivotal plate (200) resiliently; and a coupling recess (400) formed in the fixing plate (100) or the pivotal plate (200) such that one end of the coil spring (300) is inserted and fixed thereinto. |
| US08162489B2 |
Video projection system
A roll bar for protecting a projection mirror is attached so as to avoid exerting an external force to the projection mirror portion, direct thereto upon a turnover the projection apparatus. Further, in the case of no attachment of the roll bar for protecting the projection mirror portion, the projector apparatus is prevented from being started. Further, when the projector apparatus is carried away, the roller bar for protecting the projection mirror serves as a handle. |
| US08162486B2 |
Remote set-up and calibration of an interactive system
Techniques for remotely calibrating an interactive system are provided. In one aspect, a three-dimensional model of the target environment is obtained, image and parameter data of the target environment are obtained, the image and parameter data are mapped onto the three-dimensional model, and calibration data of the target environment is developed based on the mapping. In another aspect, image and parameter data of the target environment is obtained, the image and parameter data is configured for transmission to a remote environment, calibration data is obtained from the remote environment, and display and sensor operation of the interactive system are updated based on the calibration data. |
| US08162482B2 |
Dynamic projector refresh rate adjustment via PWM control
An apparatus and method for stereoscopic 3D image projection and viewing using a single projection source, alternating polarization, and passive eyewear. This approach is applicable to frame sequential video created using existing 3D graphics APIs, as well as other video signal formats, and is compatible with existing digital light processor (DLP) technology for both front and rear projection systems. A alternating polarizer filter actuator in the form of a closed feedback loop with pulse width modulated control is used to modulate the projected image. A preferred embodiment enables an existing DLP projection system to be enhanced with 3D capability. |
| US08162481B2 |
Method for static visual field scanning apparatus
A method for static visual field scanning apparatus including: a step of visual field scanning screen generating means; step of scanning region setting means; step of fixation image displaying and controlling means; step of scan line setting means; step of scanning point setting means; step of visual target displaying and controlling means; step of the first detection means; step of the second detection means; step of visual field mapping screen generating means; step of immediate post first detection scan continuation means; step of immediate post second detection scan continuation means; step of visual target display coordinates storing means; step of visual target perception inability symbol mapping means; step of the first completion judgement means; step of the second completion judgement means; step of post first completion judgement the next scanning point calculation means; and step of post second completion judgement the next scanning point calculation means. |
| US08162478B2 |
Pair of progressive power lens and method for designing same
An object is to reduce the inconvenience given to the binocular vision function when wearing and using spectacles making use of a pair of progressive power lenses having different distance dioptric power for right and left. For this reason, the present invention associates, in a pair of progressive power lenses corresponding to the right and left eyes, an average dioptric power distribution and an astigmatism distribution determined from prescribed dioptric power and a wear state of one of the progressive power lenses with an average dioptric power distribution and an astigmatism distribution determined from prescribed dioptric power and a wear state of the other progressive power lens, and thereby average dioptric power distributions and astigmatism distributions of the respective progressive power lenses are changed. |
| US08162476B2 |
Contact lens
A contact lens includes at least two focal lengths, a single lower bearing surface capable of allowing the lens to be translated relative to an eye, and an area placed in the lower portion of the lens, the area having an outer face connected to a remainder of the outer face of the lens via a recess and the area having an inner face indistinguishable from the rest of an inner face of the lens, where the recess defines the lower bearing surface, and where the area is thin with an average thickness of the same order of magnitude as a thickness of an upper edge of said lens. |
| US08162475B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: a feeder which contains a recording medium and feeds the recording medium to a conveyer; the conveyer which conveys in a first direction the recording medium fed by the feeder; an inkjet head having an ejection face on which an ejection region is formed, the ejection region having a plurality of ink ejection openings arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a detection unit which detects one end of the recording medium in the second direction; and a mover which moves the inkjet head in the second direction in accordance with the position of the one end of the recording medium detected by the detection unit. |
| US08162470B2 |
Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer includes a printing head configured to eject solvent ink from nozzles of the printing head on a medium at a printing position. A medium is made of a polyvinyl chloride film. The solvent ink includes an organic pigment of from 3 to 7 weight %, a resin of 15 weight % or less, and solvents. A print heater is configured to heat the medium at the printing position. The print heater is arranged separately from a pre-heater. A temperature controller is configured to control a pre-heater heating temperature of the pre-heater and a print heater heating temperature of the print heater such that a surface temperature of the medium at the printing position becomes within a range of from 30° C. to 70° C. |
| US08162464B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus and liquid processing method
In order to prevent, in an operation for circulating liquid, an ejection port from sucking air or the ejection port from pushing out liquid, the subtank for temporally storing ink to be supplied to the ink jet head includes the air communication passage opened or closed by the air communication valve. The ink jet head is communicated with the subtank by the first passage and the second passage to constitute one circulation passage. In order to circulate the ink in the subtank into the common liquid chamber, the main pump is energized while the air communication valve is being closed. When the circulation operation is stopped, the air communication valve is opened immediately after the stoppage of the main pump, thereby eliminating the differential pressure between the common liquid chamber and the subtank within a short period of time. |
| US08162458B2 |
Inkjet printing system with at least one ink cartridge and an associated ink cartridge receptacle
Inkjet printing system with at least one ink cartridge and an associated ink cartridge receptacle in which a special ink cartridge exchange device can be omitted, wherein the ink cartridge is modified by a guide pin that is fastened on the convexity of the ink cartridge, or between convexity and top of said ink cartridge, and projects only to one side beyond the flat side wall for the purpose of guiding the ink cartridge, and slides along in a wall of the ink cartridge receptacle; wherein, given an inserted ink cartridge, a leaf spring is pre-tensioned in each cavity of the cartridge receptacle of the ink cartridge receptacle that is provided for an ink cartridge; and via elastic force the exchange of the ink cartridge is assisted when the locking nose and the locking element of the ink cartridge receptacle disengage via manual pressure; and the ink cartridge is pivoted on an axis running near and parallel to the guide pin in order to release the ink cartridge; wherein the separation of the lower rear edge of the ink cartridge to the contact panel of the cartridge carrier is precisely defined by the curve of the guide link. |
| US08162457B2 |
Ink supply device
An ink supply device includes a cartridge mounting portion for an ink cartridge. The ink cartridge includes: an ink chamber including a hole; and a cover configured to cover the hole. The cartridge mounting portion includes a cylinder extending in a horizontal direction and is configured to mount thereon the ink cartridge while opening the cover by the cylinder. The cylinder includes a tip surface including: a first contact surface provided in at least an entire first region of the tip surface and configured to contact the cover, the first region being located above an upper end of an inner surface of the cylinder and; a second contact surface provided in a second region of the tip surface other than the first region and configured to contact the cover, and a passage provided in the second region of the tip surface to extend in a radial direction of the cylinder to allow an inner space of the cylinder to communicate with an outside. |
| US08162456B2 |
Fluid container, recycling method of fluid container, method for piercing cover film of fluid container, piercing jig, and method for manufacturing fluid container
A piercing method for forming an opening in a cover film welded to an ink cartridge in such a manner as to cover first and second ink inlet holes is provided. The method includes: forming a cut in the cover film in such a manner as to provide a cut piece supported in a cantilever manner in a covering area of the cover film that covers the first and second ink inlet hole; and forming the opening in the cover film by causing the cut piece to hang down in the first and second ink inlet holes. |
| US08162454B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus and liquid supply apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus supplying ink from a main tank to a head via a sub tank. The sub tank has two flow paths communicating with the main tank, an atmosphere communicating part, and a liquid exit part to the head. The liquid in the sub tank is maintained at a constant liquid level position by selecting, between the two flow paths, the flow path having a lower flow path resistance. Thus, the ink jet recording apparatus can store a predetermined amount of liquid stably in the sub tank. The ink jet recording apparatus and the liquid supply apparatus are capable, even when the main tank is detached or the ink therein is exhausted, of continuing the recording for a predetermined time or number of sheets, utilizing the ink in the sub tank. |
| US08162451B2 |
Pressure buffer, ink-jet head, and ink-jet recording apparatus
A pressure buffer is disposed in an ink supply path that connects an ink supply source to an ink-jet head to suppress pressure fluctuations due to vibrations created by movement of a carriage. The pressure buffer includes a chamber having an ink flow inlet through which ink flows from the ink supply source into the chamber and an ink flow outlet through which the ink flows from the chamber to the ink-jet head. A partition wall disposed within the chamber extends at least partly along a side wall of the chamber to define an ink flow path that communicates at its upper end with the chamber and at its lower end with the ink flow outlet. A through-opening is provided in the partition wall in the vicinity of the ink flow outlet and through which the ink flows between the ink flow path and the chamber to suppress pressure fluctuations in the ink flow path. Alternatively, an air pocket may be provided in the partition wall in the vicinity of the ink flow outlet to reduce presure fluctuations in the ink flow path. |
| US08162449B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes pressure generation elements that apply pressure change to liquid retained in corresponding pressure generation chambers to discharge the liquid from corresponding nozzle openings. Each of the pressure generation elements is fixed to a fixation plate. Nozzle lines include nozzle openings arrayed in a line. An electrical signal is sent through a flexible substrate from the outside to the pressure generation chambers. Pressure generation elements associated with the pressure generation chambers are fixed to the fixation plate, with the fixation plate being positioned between the pressure generation elements of each of two parallel nozzle lines. A wiring portion is formed at one end part of the fixation plate opposite to the other end that is closer to the pressure generation chambers. The flexible substrate is connected to the wiring portion. |
| US08162442B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a head set lever which fixes a head cartridge to a carriage section. The head set lever is movable between a first position at which the head cartridge is fixed to the carriage section and a second position at which mounting and removal of the head cartridge on and from the carriage section is permitted. Attachment of an ink tank to the head cartridge is inhibited when the head cartridge is mounted on the carriage section and the head set lever is arranged at a position other than the first position. |
| US08162440B2 |
Inkjet printhead and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are an inkjet printhead and a method of manufacturing the same. The inkjet printhead includes: a substrate including an ink feed hole; a chamber layer formed on the substrate and including a plurality of ink chambers in which ink supplied from the ink feed hole may be filled; and a nozzle layer formed on the chamber layer and including a plurality of nozzles through which ink may be ejected, wherein the chamber layer and the nozzle layer are respectively formed of cured products of a first negative photoresist composition and a second negative photoresist composition, wherein the first negative photoresist composition and the second negative photoresist composition include a bisphenol-A novolac epoxy resin represented by Formula 1; at least one epoxy resin selected from a first epoxy resin represented by Formula 2, and a second epoxy resin represented by Formula 3; a cationic photoinitiator; and a solvent. |
| US08162439B2 |
Method for manufacturing nozzle plate for liquid ejection head, nozzle plate for liquid ejection head and liquid ejection head
Provided is a method for manufacturing a nozzle plate which has a through hole having an ejection port. In the method, the through hole, which has one opening as an ejection port for ejecting the liquid, is arranged on a Si substrate by an anisotropic etching method wherein etching and side wall protection film formation are alternately repeated to the Si substrate and the following steps are performed in the following order; forming a film to be an etching mask on a surface of the Si substrate whereupon the ejection port is to be formed, forming the etching mask pattern having an opening for forming the thorough hole by performing photolithography and etching to a film to be the etching mask, and performing the etching by the anisotropic etching method by satisfying the conditional expression. |
| US08162437B2 |
Ink jet printer
An ink jet printer for printing on a substrate comprising a first print head outputting ink and defining an ink meniscus; a platen operable to carry the substrate; a support structure; and a print head mechanism coupled to the support structure and carrying the first print head. The print head mechanism moves the first print head relative to the platen. A controller controls the print head mechanism such that at least one of a predetermined acceleration and predetermined deceleration of the print head mechanism is achieved such that the ink meniscus is operably maintained. |
| US08162427B2 |
Image forming apparatus and maintenance method
The image forming apparatus includes: a recording medium conveyance device which includes air flow channels and a recording medium holding region on which a recording medium is held, a surface of the recording medium holding region having openings in connection with the air flow channels, the recording medium conveyance device conveying the recording medium in a prescribed conveyance direction while holding the recording medium on the recording medium holding region by suction; a suction device which performs air suction through the openings to perform holding of the recording medium on the recording medium holding region by suction when the recording medium is disposed on the recording medium holding region; an image forming device which performs image formation onto the recording medium held on the recording medium holding region by the suction device; a discharging device which performs air discharge through the openings when no recording medium is disposed on the recording medium holding region; and an air switching device which performs switching between the air suction and the air discharge. |
| US08162426B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a calculator, a predictor, and a head controller. Assuming that first ejection signals are supplied to a recording head, the calculator calculates variations in total amount of liquid to be ejected, for respective constant periods of time. The predictor predicts, based on one or more calculated variations, whether a pressure difference between the atmosphere and liquid falls below a threshold value, the atmosphere and the liquid sandwiching a meniscus formed in one of the ejection openings. When the predictor predicts that the pressure difference falls below the threshold value, the head controller controls signal supply to the recording head so that second ejection signals are supplied to the recording head, the second ejection signals having a lower frequency than first ejection signals. |
| US08162425B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus improves the operating efficiency while preventing trouble due to the contact of a recording medium with a discharging surface of a recording head. A distance sensor for detecting the distance of the leading edge of a sheet from a conveying surface is provided upstream from the inkjet head in the conveying direction of the sheet. A gap control unit controls a frame moving mechanism to move the inkjet head up so that a gap between the discharging surface and the conveying surface increases when the distance detected by the distance sensor is above a first distance, and the gap distance may be increased by different amounts depending on the distance detected by the distance sensor. A discharging control unit controls the inkjet head to discharge ink droplets after the gap is increased. |
| US08162422B2 |
Refrigerator
Provided is a refrigerator including a plurality of drawers that partitions a space of a storage chamber and can be selectively withdrawn. In this refrigerator, a user can efficiently utilize the storage space of the storage chamber, and a desired drawer can be opened to easily store and dispense foods. |
| US08162417B2 |
Modular UPS
A modular UPS system is provided wherein UPS systems may be constructed using a number of different frame components. In one example, a core UPS frame is provided that can accept different combinations of power and battery modules, and an extension frame is provided that can be combined with the core frame to provide a larger UPS system. According to one example, both the core and extension frame types may be used in either a standalone or rack-mounted configuration. Another aspect relates to packaging of UPS components such that the UPS frame need not include serviceable items. In another aspect, a rail system is provided that allows for easier installation of heavy components into rack-mount systems. |
| US08162413B2 |
Cover for a refrigerated merchandising unit and a merchandising unit with the same
A cover for a merchandising display unit (1) disclosed. The cover of the rectangular top opening of the storage compartment includes displaceable lids (9) arranged in two rows along opposing longer sides (2,4) of the storage unit so that access is provided to the storage compartment from both sides of the storage unit. The cover has a stationary cover plate (6) along a mid section of the storage unit and a rail system (5) with a number of parallel transverse rails between the two longer sides, and the lids (9) mounted between separate tracks in adjacent rails and are displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the longer sides (2,4). |
| US08162408B2 |
Composite rim
A composite rim includes a tire-receiving ring made of metal and a spoke-connecting ring made of plastic. The tire-receiving ring includes at least one dovetail formed on the bottom thereof and two sidewalls formed thereon. The spoke-connecting ring includes two brake-contacting members located tightly outside the sidewalls of the tire-receiving ring, a cross member formed between the brake-contacting members and at least one dovetail groove defined in the cross member for receiving the dovetail. |
| US08162404B2 |
Seat
A seat operation device having improved operability of both a height adjustment mechanism and an angle adjustment mechanism, and a seat. The vehicle seat (10) has a seat lifter (22) that is provided at a seat body for seating and is adjusted by operation force transmitted, a reclining mechanism (20) that is provided at the seat body and is adjusted by operation force transmitted, and an operation lever (30) that adjusts the seat lifter (22) and the reclining mechanism (20). The operation lever (30) can take both a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. At the first predetermined position, operation force by operation of a person seated can be transmitted to an operation load input section (28) of the seat lifter (22). At the second predetermined position, operation force by operation of the person seated can be transmitted to a reclining release plate (38) of the reclining mechanism (20). |
| US08162403B2 |
Seat having a web stacked in a widthwise direction of the seat
A seat which can obtain a favorable sitting feeling using a fibrous structure is provided. A seat 1 is provided with a cushion body 11 comprising fibrous structures 4a to 4d and a seat frame 15 supporting the cushion body 11, in which the fibrous structures 4a to 4d are formed by stacking a web 2 so that the web 2 extends along a thickness direction T of the fibrous structures, the cushion body 11 is formed so that the thickness direction T of the fibrous structure 4a is along a load direction applied on the cushion body 11 at sitting, and a stacking direction of the web 2 constituting the fibrous structure 4a is along a widthwise direction W of the cushion body 11. Since the web 2 easily falls down along the widthwise direction W of the cushion body due to a load of a seat occupant, the cushion body as a whole is in a shape curved along the widthwise direction W around a region where the load is applied, and the body of the seat occupant is supported as if being surrounded from both sides in the widthwise direction W. Thus, the seat occupant can obtain a soft touch feeling. |
| US08162398B2 |
Zone lumbar massage system
A lumbar system for use in a seat includes a frame having a first side and a second side substantially opposite the first side, a pump mounted to the second side of the frame and operable to pressurize air, and a control module mounted to the second side of the frame. The control module is in communication with the pump to receive pressurized air. The lumbar system also includes a plurality of air cells mounted to the first side of the frame. Each of the plurality of air cells individually communicates with the control module to receive variable amounts of pressurized air provided by the pump such that each air cell is independently inflatable. The frame, the pump, the control module, and the plurality of air cells are installable in the seat as a single unit by coupling the frame to the seat. |
| US08162397B2 |
Adjustable seat assembly
An adjustable seat assembly for a vehicle includes a frame and a covering. The covering has a first portion and a second portion. A flexure region, having an arched shape, is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The covering at least partially extends over the frame to the first portion. An adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the covering, at the first portion. The first portion and the second portion define a linear distance therebetween. The adjustment mechanism is configured to move the first portion relative to the second portion such that the flexure region moves to change the linear distance between the first portion and the second portion. |
| US08162395B2 |
Automobile entertainment system
An automobile entertainment system includes a video system having a video monitor and a video source, and a cradle secured within an automobile. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system. |
| US08162394B2 |
Vehicle seat
There is provided a vehicle seat that includes a seat back frame having a pair of side frames disposed in a spaced manner in the right and left direction, a plate-like support body disposed between the pair of side frames to receive a load placed by the rearward movement of a passenger, a transmission section disposed on one side frame side to connect the plate-like support body to the headrest and transmit the load received by the plate-like support body to the headrest side, and an engagement section disposed on the other side frame side, engaging the plate-like support body with the other side frame, and not connected to the headrest. The load received by the plate-like support body is transmitted to the headrest side via the transmission section, thereby moving the headrest. |
| US08162393B2 |
Headrest
A headrest includes a base member assembled to a seat back; a support plate assembled to the base member by a link mechanism; a lock mechanism which operates along with the link mechanism, whereupon the support plate springs out, a return prevention mechanism configured to prevent the support plate from returning to an initial position by a load imposed during the support plate springing out. The return prevention mechanism includes a ratchet including a step at an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a stopper rotatably attached to the base member to be capable of engaging with the step of the ratchet. The stopper is provided to be switchable between a first state in which the stopper is urged in a first rotating direction to engage with the step and a second state in which the stopper is urged in a second rotating direction opposite to the first rotating direction. |
| US08162392B2 |
Vehicle seat having active head restraint system
A vehicle seat assembly having a seatback frame, an upper armature that is movable relative to the seatback frame and a head restraint mounted on the upper armature. A linkage assembly operatively interconnects the upper armature and an impact body such that movement of the impact body relative to the seatback frame acts on the linkage assembly to move the upper armature relative to the seatback frame to cause the head restraint to move toward the occupant. The linkage assembly includes a linkage and a coupler movably connected to the linkage. The coupler includes a first member movably connected to the seatback frame and a second member movably connected to the first member at a location below the upper end of the impact body. |
| US08162390B2 |
Child chair
When a supporting frame is assembled to a seat, the child chair is used as a high chair. When the supporting frame is detached from the seat, the child chair may be served as a booster. The seat includes storages with straps connected. Each storage is covered with a cover selectively configured between a closed position and an opened position. When the supporting frame is detached from the seat, the covers may be moved to the opened position, covering coupling sections of the seat so that the supporting frame is not permitted to assemble to the seat; the straps are reachable outward the storages to secure the seat to an adult chair. When the straps are stored in the storages, the covers may be moved to the closed position, covering the storages and the coupling sections are exposed. The supporting frame is then permitted to assemble to the seat. |
| US08162386B2 |
Cab for construction machine
A cab for a construction machine includes hinges that swingably mount the door to the wall. Each of the hinges includes a first member secured to a first cut-out portion of the wall, a second member secured to a second cut-out portion of the door, an interposed member interposed between the first and second members, and first and second pivot shafts pivotally respectively coupling the first and second members to the interposed member. The cab further includes first and second stoppers that regulate first and second angles of the interposed member with respect to the first and second members, respectively, and a bolt member arranged in the second stopper to move in its axial direction to adjust the second angle. An imaginary surface corresponding to an outermost part of each of the hinges is substantially coplanar with exterior surfaces of the wall and the door, when the door is closed. |
| US08162385B2 |
Load transmission body for vehicle
A load transmission body for a vehicle, which transmits an impact load to a floor of the vehicle body, includes: a pair of side walls fixed to the floor of the vehicle body and extending in a vehicle front-back direction; a front reinforcing wall having a closed cross-sectional structure, extending in a vehicle width direction, and reciprocally coupling with the pair of side walls; a rear reinforcing wall disposed at a vehicle rear side of the front reinforcing wall, having a closed cross-sectional structure, extending in the vehicle width direction, and reciprocally coupling with the pair of side walls; and a side reinforcing member provided at each of the side walls, having reinforcing beads extending in the vehicle front-back direction, and a front end portion and a rear end portion that are coupled to the front wall and the rear wall, respectively. |
| US08162382B2 |
Tractor cabin comprising at least one fairing with an air deflector and air deflector for a tractor cabin
A tractor cabin includes a frame with an upper cabin portion, a front cabin portion, a rear cabin portion and side cabin portions and at least one fairing connected to the frame. The at least one fairing includes at least one air deflector. The deflector is adjustable in its tilt angle with respect to the frame. The deflector includes a deflector body with a variable deflection along a longitudinal elongation of the deflector body. An air deflector is also provided. |
| US08162377B2 |
Rolling tarp system
A tarp bar may be an alignment member, a reinforcement member, and a furling control member, without adding substantial weight or complexity to a rolling tarp system. The tarp bar is fixed to the tarp a significant distance from the drive bar and is not motorized or otherwise powered, and is preferably attached only to the tarp material, parallel to the length of the tarp and the bed/trailer. The tarp bar is recessed or otherwise-concave along its length to allow cradling of, and hence parallel orientation of, an already-rolled portion of the tarp. The tarp bar is preferably broader than said already-rolled portion, so that two opposing edges of the tarp bar extend out beyond the diameter of the already-rolled portion so that the combination of the already-rolled portion received in the tarp bar is a non-cylindrical unit. Subsequent rolling-up of the tarp tends to occur in incremental, partial-rotation steps in a cam-like action that maintains more consistent tension all along the length of the tarp, to form a tighter and more even roll along the entire length of the roll. |
| US08162376B1 |
Automated sun visor for vehicles
An electrically-deployable sun visor system for use on motor vehicles wherein the sun visor retracts upward and deploys downward upon a track system, are located on the front windshield and alternately on the side window. The sun visor is operated by a motor-operated gear system wired into the electrical system of the motor vehicle. The sun visor is operated by a dash-mounted switch. The amount of deployment is controlled by holding the switch in either an up or down position for the necessary period of time similar to an electrically operated window. |
| US08162373B2 |
Mounting foot cover for a motor vehicle seat
A mounting system for a seat of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The mounting system includes a sliding rail, a mounting foot member and a covering member. The covering member includes a covering portion and an attachment portion. The covering portion may cover the mounting foot member. In some cases, the covering portion may cover the mounting foot member mounted in a recessed groove in a floor of a motor vehicle. The attachment portion may engage the sliding rail of the mounting system. |
| US08162370B2 |
Protection device for a vehicle interior
A protection device of this type includes a flexible sheetlike structure which is mounted movably between a compactly stored inoperative position and at least one at least partially extended functional position and is provided at the end thereof which is in front in the extension direction with a planar and dimensionally stable contour part which extends substantially over an entire width of the sheetlike structure.Control kinematics are assigned to a movement end region of the contour part shortly before the extended end position is reached, the control kinematics shifting the contour part forwards in the extension direction by an additional extension distance. |
| US08162366B1 |
Systems and methods for gripping a component
A gripper assembly is provided. The gripper assembly comprises an actuator and a plurality of gripper fingers. The plurality of gripper fingers are slidably mounted on the actuator. The actuator is configured to slide each of the plurality of gripper fingers along a respective radial path perpendicular to a central axis of the gripper assembly. Each of the plurality of gripper fingers comprises a body and a vacuum evacuation path defined within the body. The body is configured to couple the vacuum evacuation path to a vacuum source and to evacuate particles from a grip area of the gripper assembly via the vacuum evacuation path when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source. |
| US08162365B2 |
Emergency rescue device
A device and method for moving a person who is in distress or incapacitated are disclosed. The device comprises a receptacle in which a long rescue strap is contained. A short segment of one end of the strap exits the receptacle through an aperture in the receptacle where it is attached to a spring hook. Blocking members inside and outside the receptacle prevent sliding of the rescue strap inside and outside the receptacle. The other end of the strap is sewn into an adjustable loop that a rescuer may tightly strap onto his/her wrist. The method comprises tossing the receptacle toward the victim as the rescuer grips the adjustable loop, unwinding the strap from the bag, attaching the spring hook to the victim and pulling the victim to safety. |
| US08162358B2 |
Lock device
A lock device includes a casing formed in a housing for rotatably receiving a rotary member which has an actuating finger and which is coupled to a handle with a driving shank, and a spring biasing device attached to the housing and engaged with the actuating finger of the rotary member for biasing the handle back to an original position and for biasing the actuating finger of the rotary member back to an original position when the handle is released, the spring biasing device is locked to the housing with a fastener to disengage the follower from the actuating finger of the rotary member when a spring biasing member is engaged between the handle and the housing to bias the handle back to an original position. |
| US08162357B2 |
Microfluid system connection
A microfluid system includes at least one flow-through volume, and at least one connector connected to the flow-through volume. The microfluid system includes a structured surface having at least one elevation. Each elevation is a tapered elevation. Each connector is formed in a respective elevation and is configured as a tapered recess. |
| US08162355B2 |
Airbag inflator connector
An inflatable safety system for a vehicle, the safety system including an inflator assembly and an airbag assembly. The safety system further includes an airbag inflator connector securely connecting the inflator assembly to the airbag assembly. The inflator assembly and the airbag assembly may be connected to one another at a connection in which a male portion that includes a first exterior projection extends into a tube having a second exterior projection. The airbag inflator connector has, among other elements, a first and second reaction surface, such that the first reaction surface is positioned adjacent a surface of the first projection, and the second reaction surface is positioned adjacent a surface of the second projection. |
| US08162350B1 |
Gas generator
Gas generator devices and related assemblies are provided that include adjacently disposed ignition and gas generant chambers. Within the gas generant chamber, a quantity of gas generant material is contained within one or more containers having a perforated side wall and oppositely disposed first and second end walls. The first end wall is perforated and disposed adjacent the ignition chamber to allow communication of at least a portion of the ignition products therethrough and into contact with gas generant material therein contained to ignite the gas generant material to produce a product gas. The second end wall is perforated to allow gas flow communication of the product gas therethrough for discharge from the gas generator. |
| US08162349B1 |
Collapsible carrier
A collapsible carrier having four corner post members. Framing assemblies extend between adjacent corner post members and form collapsible “X” shaped assemblies. A storage container is suspended within the carrier and a central bracing assembly is disposed above the container. The central assembly includes four rigid members and a centrally located bracket. The carrier can be easily deployed by pressing the centrally located bracing bracket downwardly to lock the carrier into an expanded configuration. The carrier may also include a collapsible shelf. Another collapsible carrier having a hand truck configuration is also disclosed. The hand truck carrier includes a pivotal support structure with hinged cross members. A linkage member extends between the hinges of the cross members to facilitate the collapse of the carrier. |
| US08162347B2 |
Adjustable height fifth wheel hitch
An adjustable height fifth wheel hitch is provided. The fifth wheel hitch comprises a pedestal and a fifth wheel hitch assembly. The fifth wheel hitch assembly includes journal bearings which pivotally connect with risers of the pedestal. The risers of the pedestal include a plurality of openings located at different levels. The height of the fifth wheel assembly in relation to the tractor may be adjusted by aligning openings in the journal bearings with co-level openings in the risers and inserting a mounting pin through such openings. |
| US08162344B2 |
Outboard axle bearing structure for a bicycle or motorcycle
The present disclosure describes an axle and hub structure for attaching a wheel to a bicycle or motorcycle, where the bearings for rotationally supporting the axle and hub are positioned on the frame, and the axle rotates relative to the frame. In one embodiment, a structure for attaching a wheel to one of a motorcycle or bicycle includes an axle having opposing end portions and supporting a wheel, at least one left axle support collar, at least one right axle support collar, a bearing in the left axle support collar and supporting one end portion of the axle, and a bearing in the right axle support collar and supporting an opposing end portion of the axle. The axle rotates relative to the frame. |
| US08162339B2 |
Multi-person tricycle
Various embodiments of a multi-person tricycle are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle includes two front drive wheel assemblies, each having an independent drive train assembly, and includes a rear wheel assembly operably connected to a steering mechanism which may be simultaneously or independently operated by one or more riders. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle may be configured or designed to enable two front riders to sit side-by-side, and further may be configured or designed to enable each rider to independently exert and/or vary his or her own pedaling force and/or pedaling cadence without substantially affecting steering of the vehicle. |
| US08162338B2 |
Self-propelled vehicle propelled by an elliptical drive train with improved stride length
An apparatus including a frame with a pivot axis defined thereupon, a crank arm bearing at the pivot axis; a first and a second crank arm coupled to the crank arm bearing; at least two wheels coupled to the frame, at least one of which is a drive wheel; a first and a second foot link, operably coupled to drive wheel to transfer power to said drive wheel so as to propel the apparatus, each foot link including a foot receiving portion for receiving a user's foot, a first end coupled to the frame, and a second end coupled to a respective one of the first and the second crank arms, wherein the foot receiving portion is movable along a generally elliptical path having a stride length greater than 17 inches. |
| US08162337B2 |
Adjustable crank arms for elliptical bike and method of use
An apparatus including a frame with a pivot axis defined thereupon; a drive wheel coupled to the frame; a first and a second foot link operably coupled to drive wheel to transfer power to the drive wheel so as to propel the apparatus, each including a foot receiving portion for receiving an operator's foot, a front end, and a rear end; and an adjustable stride length mechanism coupling the rear end of the foot link to the pivot axis at a radial length, the adjustable stride length mechanism including a plurality of attachment points for adjusting the radial length. |
| US08162336B1 |
Wind actuated bicycle sail
A wind actuated bicycle sail for automatically unfurling a sail assembly to utilize tail winds to facilitate forward movement of a bicycle includes a sail guide member designed for coupling to a bicycle. A sail assembly is coupled to the sail guide member. A sail pivot bracket arm is fixedly coupled to the bicycle and pivotally coupled to the sail assembly. The sail assembly is also slidably coupled to the sail guide member such that the sail assembly moves between an open position and a collapsed position when the sail assembly pivots on the sail pivot bracket arm. |
| US08162332B2 |
Device for adjusting the camber and/or the toe of wheels of wheel suspensions
The invention relates to a device for adjusting the camber and/or toe of a driven wheel of a wheel suspension, in particular for motor vehicles, with a wheel carrier on which the wheel is pivoted, the wheel carrier being divided into a carrier part which holds the wheel a guide part which is connected to the wheel suspension and into two pivotal parts which are arranged in between, which can be rotated to one another as well as to the carrier part and to the guide part around axes of rotation, and which interact with control surfaces which face one another and which are inclined by a defined angle to the axis of rotation, and a wheel drive shaft which is guided by the carrier part and guide part and by the pivotal parts. According to the invention, the carrier part has a hub section which surrounds the wheel drive shaft and which extends to the guide part, and around which the two pivoted part are situated, and that between the hub section and the guide part an inner sealing element is connected which seals an annular gap between the hub section and the guide part. |
| US08162327B2 |
Metal seals for weld-deformed high temperature pneumatic ducting joints
A single-ply sheet metal seal ring with a convoluted, V/E-shaped cross-section having planar-circumferential flexibility is shown to be more capable of conforming to the sealing face contours of warped, weld-deformed flanges than thin layer, multiple-ply seals developed to replace earlier E-shaped seals for this purpose. The basis of the improved flexibility of the new seal lies mainly in the discovery of geometric relationships that permit a reduction in the thickness of the sheet material employed in the construction of the seal while maintaining its pressure containing capabilities. |
| US08162326B2 |
Flat gasket and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a flat gasket, having at least one metallic layer in which at least one port is formed, the metallic layer or at least one of the metallic layers (1) being formed at least in regions in the form of an undulating and/or serrated profiling (2) around the port(s). |
| US08162324B2 |
Compliant plate seal with an annular ring for turbomachinery and methods of assembling the same
A method of assembling a turbomachine that includes a rotor and a stationary component is provided. The method includes coupling a housing to the stationary component using at least one biasing member, wherein the housing extending circumferentially about the rotor. The method also includes coupling at least one annular ring to the housing, and coupling a plurality of plate members to the housing such that the at least one annular ring extends from the housing towards the rotor and partially through the plurality of plate members. |
| US08162321B1 |
Bullet trap
A bullet trap is provided having a housing, a plurality of downward sloping ramps, and a bullet receptacle. The bullet trap may provide a low cost, easy to maintain and effective bullet trap solution for firing ranges. |
| US08162320B2 |
Adjustable target stand
A target stand providing improved adjustability is provided. The target stand is suitable for use in reality-based training methods and may advantageously position a target holder in realistic settings for an improved training experience. The target stand has at least one target holder for securing at least one of a target and/or target trap, may be height adjustable, may support the target holder on flat and non-flat surfaces, and may allow for adjustment of the target holder in at least two axes of rotation. |
| US08162316B2 |
Game system and device for projecting game information onto a surface
A game system is provided that includes at least one game device and at least one game piece. The game piece includes game information, which is not readily legible to the naked eye, and is projected onto a game surface. A device is also provided for playing a game that is configured to receive a game piece that is at least semi-transparent and contains information thereon not readily legible to the naked eye. Also provided is a game piece that is at least semi-transparent that includes game information that is not readily legible by the human eye that is insertable in a game device for projecting or viewing the game information. A figurine is also provided that includes a plurality of semi-transparent game pieces containing indicia or images thereon. The figurine also includes a rotatable portion and an aperture configured for viewing or projecting the indicia or images. |
| US08162315B2 |
Peeling device, fixing unit, and image forming apparatus
A peeling device is provided and includes: a rotating body that conveys a recording material; a peeling member capable of changing from a first state in which the peeling member is away from the rotating body to a second state in which the peeling member is closer to the rotating body than the peeling member in the first state is, the peeling member in the second state peeling off the recording material from the rotating body; and a gas spraying unit that sprays a gas to the peeling member to bring the peeling member from the first state to the second state. |
| US08162312B2 |
Sheet pick-up device of automatic document feeder
A sheet pick-up device of an automatic document feeder is provided. The sheet pick-up device includes a two-way clutch transmission mechanism, a sheet pick-up arm, a stopper and a linking assembly. When the two-way clutch transmission mechanism is operated to have the sheet pick-up arm move to a standby position, the stopper is moved with the linking assembly to be in a stopping position. Whereas, when the two-way clutch transmission mechanism is operated to have the sheet pick-up arm move to a sheet pick-up position, the stopper is in a non-stopping position. The sheet pick-up device has enhanced operating stability. |
| US08162309B2 |
Sheet conveying device and image recording apparatus comprising sheet conveying device
A first convey roller conveys a sheet in a sheet conveying direction such that a leading edge of the sheet passes through a nip of a second convey roller disposed downstream from the first convey roller. The second convey roller rotates in a reverse direction by a first rotation amount corresponding to a first linear distance to convey the sheet in a direction opposite to the sheet conveying direction, such that the leading edge of the sheet is released from the nip of the second convey roller. In response to the rotation of the second convey roller in the reverse direction, the first convey roller rotates by a second rotation amount corresponding to a second linear distance in the reverse direction to convey the sheet in the direction opposite to the sheet conveying direction, such that the leading edge of the sheet contacts the nip of the second convey roller when the first convey roller has rotated by the second rotation amount and the second convey roller has rotated by the first rotation amount. |
| US08162306B2 |
Sheet aligning apparatus, sheet processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A sheet aligning apparatus includes an alignment surface formed in a planar shape and that presses an end of a sheet to move and align the sheet; and a holding unit that holds the end of the sheet at a position contacting the alignment surface in a state that a curled end of the sheet contacts the alignment surface and the sheet is thus pressed. |
| US08162303B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus includes a folding roller pair, a sheet pushing member, and a detection unit. The folding roller pair folds a sheet or a sheet bundle by a nip portion. The sheet pushing member results in a tip pushing a portion between two ends of the sheet or sheet bundle into the nip portion and then performs a tip returning operation. The detection unit detects whether the tip reaches a predetermined position within a predetermined time. When the tip does not reach the predetermined position within the predetermined time, the sheet pushing member retries the pushing operation after performing the returning operation. When the tip reaches the predetermined position within the predetermined time, the sheet pushing member stops the pushing operation and controls rotation driving of the folding roller pair such that the folding roller pair starts to convey the sheet or sheet bundle. |
| US08162295B2 |
Reaction vessel assembly with gas exchange means
A reaction vessel assembly achieves enhanced aeration or gas exchange in its gas-in-liquid multiphase mixing reaction through the use of its mixing energy and gas-lift venting, and without the traditionally practiced external line gas sparging. It combines the best of both shake flask and stirred tank reactor vessel and possesses some of the key generic features like cost and parallel experiment advantages of the traditional flasks and shaker hybrid but without their shortcomings like limited gas exchange and uncharacteristic mixing. |
| US08162293B2 |
Device for applying cooling mist and dry air to individuals
An apparatus and method are disclosed for cooling one or more exercising or resting individuals by applying a water mist and dry air. The apparatus can be free standing, fixed to the walls or ceiling, or attached to an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. The mist and dry air can be applied together or separately, simultaneously or alternately, with varying timing and intensity. In some embodiments, the mist and dry air are manually controlled or operate according to the passage of time. In other embodiments the need for cooling is determined by one or more physiological parameters measured by sensors directed toward or attached to an individual, or embedded in an object on which an individual is resting or exercising. Still other embodiments estimate the heating of the individual by measuring the amount of work performed or the rate of energy expenditure. |
| US08162291B2 |
Winch
A winch for elevating at a plant, in particular for cranes, cable-operated excavators, and similar construction machinery, has a hoisting drum, an electric motor for the drive of the hoisting drum which is received in the interior of the hoisting drum, and power electronics and/or control electronics for the electric motor including at least one frequency inverter and/or frequency converter. The power electronics and/or control electronics for the electric motor are received at least partly in the interior of the hoisting drum. With the compact construction of the winch, short cabling distances are achieved, interference emissions having negative effects on electromagnetic compatibility are avoided, and voltage overshoots impairing the service life of the inverter and the motor are reduced. |
| US08162286B2 |
Piezoelectric driven control valve
Stable flow control is made possible even under high-temperature environments by relieving tensional force applied to a piezoelectric element when a piezoelectric actuator is retracted. Thus, a piezoelectric driven control valve includes: a body having a valve seat; a metal diaphragm to contact with and separate from the valve seat; an actuator box supported ascendably and descendably on the body; a split base fixed to the body; a disc spring pressing and urging the actuator box downward to bring the metal diaphragm into contact with the valve seat; and a piezoelectric actuator housed inside the actuator box and that extends upward with application of voltage to press the actuator box upward against the elastic force of the disc spring, and a precompression mechanism, for applying a compression force constantly to piezoelectric elements in the piezoelectric actuator, provided between the split base and the piezoelectric actuator. |
| US08162285B2 |
Nozzle safety training device
A safety device includes a first loop arranged around a handle of a nozzle. via a first strip of material. A second strip of material extends across the second A second loop is arranged around a body of the nozzle and adjoins the first loop loop. A first strip of material includes a fastener for creating a third loop that prevents a bale of the nozzle from being opened. The safety device may include a visual indicator arranged at a free end of the first strip of material for indicating that a firefighting crew maintaining the nozzle has passed inspection and the type of agent the fire hose expels. |
| US08162284B1 |
Warning flag deployment system
A warning flag deployment system includes a mount having a closed bracket having a contact wall. A rod positioning member has a stowed retention wall and a deployed retention wall angularly oriented to the stowed retention wall. An open bracket has an open bracket leg and a standoff leg spacing the open bracket leg from a surface of the mount defining plane. A flag support rod is connected to the mount and is rotatable between a stowed condition and a deployed condition. The stowed condition has the flag support rod positioned between the contact wall and the stowed retention wall of the rod positioning member. The deployed condition has the flag support rod positioned between the rod positioning member deployed retention wall and the standoff leg and at least partially in a cavity defined between the plane and the open bracket leg. |
| US08162281B2 |
Presentation pad easel
A folding presentation pad easel, particularly suited for a classroom or teaching environment, utilizes a support spine and a leg element with additional legs to form a rigid triangular base, a supporting column, and a telescopic support, with pivotal supports therebetween. Superior stability is provided as well as a minimum required floor space to the rear of the easel, a feature which is particularly desirable in a classroom. When the easel is folded it has a set of wheels and a handle in which can be used for mobility. |
| US08162277B2 |
Attachment apparatus for studio equipment and the like
Mounting brackets for mounting microphones, lights, video, audio and photographic tools and accessories utilized in the audio/video industry to a variety of support structures or fixtures. This invention provides quick and effective attachment of numerous audio/video devices and other paraphernalia onto a wide variety of fixtures. Convenient clamping and mounting mechanisms are disclosed, as well as a kit of such mechanisms. |
| US08162276B2 |
Rotary joint assembly and combination clip-hook and jewelry piece employing the same
A combination clip and hook (clip) for use generally in suspending articles, which is rotatably movable about a rotary joint between a first position in which two opposing, rotatably joined portions of the overall clip structure are oriented together to form a continuous, enclosed shape that can be secured around another, and a second position in which the two portions of the structure are rotated out of the enclosed shape, and into, for example, a S shaped hook where one portion of the structure supports the item and the other portion can be applied to another supporting member. The joint between the two portions can define a spring-loaded rotating pivot assembly with at least two indexing positions opposed by 180 degrees. The rotary joint can be constructed with a pair of confronting male and female wedge and detent inserts that are biased toward each other by an embedded spring assembly. |
| US08162262B2 |
Reconfigurable aircraft and associated methods
A reconfigurable aircraft and associated methods. In one embodiment the reconfigurable aircraft comprises a plurality of payload retainers. The payload retainers are configured to receive and retain payloads, including fuel, armaments and sensors. The aircraft is configured to cooperate in flight with an airborne supply vehicle to receive the payloads from the supply vehicle. |
| US08162256B2 |
Launch and capture systems for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicles
A launch and capture system for capturing a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle having a thruster and a duct configured to direct airflow generated by the thruster includes a capture plate and an extension. The capture plate is configured to alter the airflow and generate a force attracting the duct to the capture plate. The extension is coupled to the capture plate, and is configured to at least facilitate holding the VTOL vehicle against the capture plate. |
| US08162254B2 |
Aircraft engine assembly comprising a junction aerodynamic fairing mounted on two separate elements
An aircraft engine assembly including an engine, an engine mounting structure, and a nacelle surrounding the engine and including an air intake and fan cowls. The assembly further includes a cradle supporting the fan cowls, fixedly mounted on the mounting structure or else on an entity including a fan case and the air intake attached to the case. The engine assembly further includes a junction aerodynamic fairing including a first mounting mechanism mounted on the cradle, and including a second mounting mechanism mounted on the other of the elements from among the mounting structure and the entity. |
| US08162252B2 |
Automated tissue dispenser
An automated dispenser includes a rotatable carousel including a mounting station for a primary roll of sheet product and a mounting station for a reserve roll of sheet product; mounting brackets configured for mounting the carousel such that it is movable between a locked, rearward position for dispensing and a forward position where the carousel is rotatable for reloading; a drive system including a motor coupled to a drive roller and control circuitry; a transfer mechanism adapted so as to be operable to urge a tail of the reserve roll toward a dispensing nip of the drive system upon depletion of the primary roll; a housing; and an auxiliary access aperture fitted with an access door, the auxiliary aperture and access door being configured and adapted to be manually operable to expose the reserve roll for manual dispensing. |
| US08162250B2 |
Endless belt with slits for belt-type band sheet coiling tension applying apparatus
A number of closely notched slits 35 of a predetermined depth which have fine convex portions of the surface of each band sheet bitten thereinto and which are pulled to the convex portions and deformed to form cavities to generate negative pressure are provided at predetermined intervals over the entire peripheral length of the endless belt, over the entire width of the belt in a width direction to a longitudinal direction of the endless belt, on the outer surface 31a of the endless belt 3, touching each band sheet 4, which is constructed by laminating an outer surface layer 31 and an inner surface layer 33 using at least two-layer different materials. |
| US08162247B2 |
Grinding system
A grinding system includes a mortar container having an open top portion and a bottom portion having a first interior grinding surface and a wall portion interconnecting the top and bottom portions for defining a hollow interior collection chamber, a modular pestle assembly including a universal pestle shaft having at its proximate end an actuator portion extending above the top portion and at its distal end a mounting portion for receiving one of a set of pairs of matching tips and pestle collars, the pestle tip having a second grinding surface for engaging the first grinding surface, and a closure device sealingly engageable with the pestle assembly and the open top portion for sealing the container and the collection chamber between the grinding surfaces and the top portion of the mortar container. |
| US08162245B2 |
Mobile aggregate crushing system and method
A compact modular mobile aggregate processing system configured with no stand-alone inter-plant conveyors for decreasing the footprint of the system and an infinitely adjustable flow diverter(s) for increasing the control of and variation of output characteristics of the system; the system further including specialized folding conveyors. |
| US08162244B2 |
Shredding machine
A shredding machine for domestic or office use having a feed passage 3 leading to a cutting mechanism 10, 11 powered by an electric motor, has a thickness measuring device 15 for measuring the thickness of bundles of paper fed through the feed passage and the machine is controlled by a microprocessor which receives signals from the thickness measuring device and prevents the cutting mechanism from being energised if the thickness measured is above a threshold determined by the microprocessor. The microprocessor varies the threshold in accordance with electrical supply voltage, the electric motor temperature and the electric current drawn by the motor during a previous shredding operation, so that the maximum thickness the shredder will accept can be reduced automatically when motor temperature increases or as the effectiveness of the machine deteriorates throughout its working life. |
| US08162237B2 |
Air:fluid distribution system and method
A valve assembly including a block forming a bore. An air inlet opening is in communication with the bore, and provides a volume of air into the bore. The bore provides communication between the air inlet opening and at least one air outlet passage. A fuel inlet opening is in communication with the bore, and provides a volume of fuel into the bore. The bore provides communication between the fuel inlet opening and at least one fuel outlet passage. A pintle is slidably positionable within the bore to control the volume of air directed out of the bore through the air outlet passage and the volume of fuel directed out of the bore through the fuel outlet passage. |
| US08162236B2 |
Electronic user interface for electronic mixing of water for residential faucets
A water delivery system is disclosed. The water delivery system may have an electronic user interface. The electronic user interface may be a portable device. The electronic user interface may include inputs to select water temperature, water flow rates, water flow patterns, and/or task based presets. A mixing valve for use with either manual faucets or electronic faucets is disclosed. |
| US08162235B2 |
Irrigation device
An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a housing and a riser assembly for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a wiper seal to prevent bypass flow. The sprinkler includes a first flow path that delivers water to a nozzle for irrigation and a second flow path that delivers water to a cavity between the riser assembly and the housing. The water in the cavity is substantially prevented from exiting the cavity because of an annular wiper blade and a secondary sealing blade that substantially contact the riser assembly through the riser assembly's reciprocal movement between retracted and elevated positions. The water in the cavity is additionally prevented from exiting the cavity due to a primary sealing blade that substantially contacts the riser assembly for a limited period of time when the riser assembly is in the elevated position. By limiting the period of time in which the primary sealing blade contacts the riser assembly, the primary sealing blade experiences less friction and seal degradation during reciprocation. |
| US08162234B2 |
Nozzle arrangement for creating a water jet
A nozzle arrangement for generating a water jet has a nozzle plate having a nozzle opening. In order for the nozzle arrangement to be able to generate a water jet that provides improved utilization as a light guide also in bodies of water with wave motion and that is constructively simple and producible in an inexpensive way, it has a nozzle sleeve that surrounds the nozzle opening at least partially and is arranged on the nozzle plate and is provided with an inner sleeve wall surface that surrounds a water jet exiting from the nozzle opening at a safety spacing. The safety spacing prevents unwanted contact with the water jet. |
| US08162233B2 |
Vehicle supplemental heating system including pressure relief diaphragm
Disclosed herein is an exemplary liquid heat generator including a housing and a rotor disposed within the housing. A flexible pressure relief diaphragm is attached to the rotor. The pressure relief diaphragm includes a seal ring that engages a seal seat attached to the housing. |
| US08162229B1 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic, on-demand creation of financial transaction cards having nonuniform data storage formats
A system and technique is disclosed for manufacturing a plurality of financial transaction cards substantially simultaneously even though their respective parameters, including the format of data in a readable/writable medium thereon, may vary from card to card. A surface of the financial transaction card contains terms and conditions and graphics, a writable/readable medium for storing variable data and a two-dimensional data matrix. The writable/readable medium may be implemented with a strip of magnetic material applied to the surface of the card, a smart chip carried on the card substrate, a two dimensional data matrix such as a barcode printed on the surface of the card such or any combination thereof. The variable data may be recorded on the writable/readable medium and may include an identifier which uniquely identifies the gift card from all other gift cards in the production set. The data stored in the two dimensional barcode serves as a reference to a data record, which may include data identifying another item, such as a greeting card or other carrier mechanism this, with which the gift card may be matched. |
| US08162227B2 |
Intelligent controller system and method for smart card memory modules
A storage device contains a smart-card device and a memory device, both of which are accessed though a controller. The storage device may be used in the same manner as a conventional smart-card device, or it may be used to store a relatively large amount of data in various partitions corresponding to the protection level of the data stored therein. The smart-card device stores critical security parameters that are provided to the controller to protect access to some or all of the partitions of the memory device. A host connected to the controller issues commands, and the controller analyzes the commands and responds to them in various ways depending upon the nature of the command. In particular, depending upon the nature of the command, the controller may either pass the command to the smart-card device, or ignore the command either indefinitely or until a predetermined event has occurred. |
| US08162224B2 |
Method of setting amount of exposure for photodetector array in barcode scanner
A method and apparatus for setting the amount of exposure for the photodetector array in a barcode scanner. An image is captured with the photodetector array. The type for each sub-region in the multiple sub-regions in the image captured is determined. Each sub-region in the multiple sub-regions is assigned a weight based on the type of the sub-region. The amount of exposure for the photodetector array in the barcode scanner is set automatically based on the weight for each sub-region in the multiple sub-regions. In some embodiments, the predetermined image area are repartitioned into new multiple sub-regions based on the image captured, and the amount of exposure for the photodetector array in the barcode scanner is set automatically based on the weight for each sub-region in the new multiple sub-regions. |
| US08162223B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating pixel tokens from machine-readable symbols to improve decoding accuracy in low resolution images
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for decoding a bar code. Decoding the bar code includes segmenting the bar code into black tokens, white tokens and gray boundary pixels. Decoding the bar code also includes calculating a boundary position of each token with sub-pixel positional accuracy using intensity values of pixels in a boundary region. |
| US08162219B2 |
System and method for logo identification and verification
A system for automatically identifying a logo or trademark applied to a device and verifying that the logo or trademark is acceptably identifies a compatible device. The system uses an optical imager to capture optical images of the target device and a microcontroller interconnected to the imager for processing the optical image to extract image information and verify that the contents of the image reflect the appropriate manufacturer or supplied indicia required by a host device. The decision reached by the microcontroller may be provided externally to a host device, thereby precluding or allowing use of the device, or provided directly to a user via know means, such as a visual display or audible output. |
| US08162218B2 |
Using a 2D imager for rastering scanning
A method of operating an optical reader having a 2D image sensor array having an array of rows and columns of pixels comprising the steps of: (a) configuring the image sensor array to output a select set of pixels; (b) capturing an image; (c) outputting the pixel data from the select set of pixels to memory; (d) processing the pixel data for information bearing indicia (IBI); (e) reconfiguring the image sensor array to output a different set of pixels; (f) repeating steps (b) through (e). |
| US08162214B1 |
Ballot processing method and apparatus
An automated system and method for processing vote-by-mail ballots. The method comprises electronically evaluating the ballots for validity and sorting them according to sort parameters and sort plan. Included in the invention is an apparatus, computer readable medium, and computer system for carrying out the ballot processing method. |
| US08162213B2 |
Article identification system with faraday screens
The present disclosure includes methods and systems for identifying articles. One method embodiment includes positioning a number of movable Faraday screens in particular locations relative to a number of different stages in a laundering process, and moving a mobile electronic identification device (EID) reader past the locations. |
| US08162207B2 |
Currency dispense and control system with anti-theft features
A cost-effective, currency dispense and control system (CDCS) securely dispenses paper money in one of the following modes: (1) an ATM system and (2) a currency control system that allows a merchant or merchant-approved employee to withdraw cash from the CDCS independent of a standard ATM electronic fund transfer (EFT) network. The CDCS may also include the following functionalities: a duress dispensation system that allows the CDCS to activate an alarm and/or otherwise communicate with local police or security services during a robbery, a time-release system that effects a time-delayed dispensation functionality, and a user identification and authentication system for authenticating a user identity and determining eligibility of the user to access the currency control system. |
| US08162206B2 |
Paperboard carton with two new types of dispensers
A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a plurality of flaps at a first end of said carton, a first side end flap at a second end of said carton, and a second side end flap at said second end of said carton. A panel dispenser flap is defined in said first side panel, said bottom panel, and in said second side panel by a first at least one tear line. A first portion of an end dispenser flap is defined in said first side panel and in said first side end flap by a second at least one tear line. A second portion of said end dispenser flap is defined in said second side panel and in said second side end flap by a third at least one tear line. |
| US08162196B2 |
Device for processing a belt strap for storing screws
A device for processing a belt strap for storing screws, in which the belt strap has a flat, U-shaped cross section that has a periphery that has a ratio of no more than 11:10 relative to the non-flanged belt. A guide device for the belt strap guides and holds the belt strap. The screws can be pressed out from the upper side of the belt strap. The guide device (3) has two guide slits (10) receiving the belt strap (2) in at least the region of the flanges (4), each slit being L-shaped in cross section and each having a contact surface (5) for the underside (6) of the belt (20) and a guide rib (11) extending across the flange (4). A distance (M) of each guide rib (11) from the contact surface (5) has a value greater than the belt thickness (D) and less than a length (Q) of a corner diagonal (12) of the belt strap (2) extending in the U-shaped cross section between the points at which the inner side (7) of the flange (4) intersects the upper side (9) of the belt (20) and one of the outer sides (17) of the belt strap (2) intersects the underside (6) of the belt (2). |
| US08162195B2 |
Trigger valve controlling device for pneumatic nail gun
A trigger valve controlling device for a pneumatic nail gun includes a main air passageway, a valve sleeve and a main air valve opening. The valve sleeve separates the main air passageway into a front passageway, a middle chamber and a rear passageway. After hitting nails, a high pressure air in the trigger valve controlling device is capable of driving a hitting bar of the pneumatic nail gun to move upward to reset. |
| US08162192B1 |
Attachment device for waste receptacles
An attachment device for attaching a waste receptacle to a vehicle hitch. The device comprises of an elongated base that attaches to the hitch of the vehicle such that the base is perpendicular to the ground; an elongated sliding bar that is slidably disposed in the base near the bottom end such that it is parallel to the ground; and an elongated vertical component that is slidably disposed inside the base at the top end. The vertical component can slide up and down within the base. There is a T-shaped wing extending from the top end of the vertical component, and this wing is oriented generally parallel to the ground In addition, there is a gripping component pivotally attached to the wing, which grips the waste receptacle and an arc-shaped stabilizing arm that is pivotally attached to the sliding bar. This latter component helps stabilize the waste receptacle. |
| US08162186B2 |
Valve top
A refillable bottom dispensing package forming a closed space in which fluid material can be stored and from which such material can be dispensed, the package having a rigid wall adjacent a bottom thereof, the wall having a hole, a resilient valve regulating dispensing of the fluid material contained in the package through the hole, the valve being closed to the passage of fluid material through the hole when the contents of the package are substantially at atmospheric pressure and being opened by pressure on the contents when the pressure is above atmospheric pressure, the valve forming a flap seal against a surface of the wall, the sealing action of the flap seal against the wall surface being free of influence from structural elements of the package while being directly responsive in its sealing force against the wall surface to the pressure level of the contents in the package space, the inter-relationship of the flap seal and the wall within the package being arranged to avoid impeding removal of the valve from the wall and the package. |
| US08162182B2 |
Beverage dispensing apparatus with protective cladding
A bar gun handle having a housing assembly including an inlet in fluid communication with a valve bore, an outlet in fluid communication with the valve bore and in further fluid communication with an output nozzle, a valve element operatively mounted in the valve bore to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the output nozzle, with an actuator coupled to the valve element, and a cladding layer disposed on a side of the bar gun handle that substantially covers the side of the bar gun handle. The present invention also includes a kit used to provide a protective cladding to a bar gun handle. |
| US08162180B2 |
Container for transporting and dispensing liquids
A collapsible container for storing, transporting, and dispensing liquids which includes a generally rectangular shaped box, a spout which is fluidly interconnected to the box, a pouring spout member which is attachable to the spout, a handle, and a support member which maintains the position of the spout relative to the box. The pouring spout member may form a non-releasable connection with the spout to allow for single use of the container. The container may be configured such that, when viewed in lateral cross section and when viewed in longitudinal cross section, the container includes a continuous band of material surrounding the interior volume of the container that is maintained during storage, expansion, and use. |
| US08162179B2 |
Package with a bag and a head part
A package (11) has at least one bag (12, 13) and a head part (16) having a bottom part (17, 37) including a recess (19; 39), an outlet opening (20, 40) and an elevation (22, 42) which at least partially encloses a rim area of the recess (19; 39) and which projects over the bottom part (17, 37) axially toward the bag (12, 13), and a piercing device (21, 41) for the bag (12, 13). |
| US08162176B2 |
Method and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage
Methods and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage from a post-mix beverage dispenser are provided. In one embodiment, the method for providing a beverage having a separately selected color from a post-mix beverage dispensing system comprises: (a) providing at least two beverage bases for dispense from the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (b) separately storing at least two colorants in the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (c) receiving a request for a selected beverage base and the separately selected color with a computer processor; and (d) in response to the selection of the selected beverage base and the separately selected color, automatically dispensing through a single faucet of the post-mix beverage dispensing system, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, the selected beverage base and at least one of the colorants to provide the beverage having the separately selected color. |
| US08162175B2 |
Data processing system for managing chemical product usage
A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in association with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier. |
| US08162157B2 |
Collapsible bow and arrow stand
The present invention provides a unique compound bow stand and quiver holder which is quickly collapsible and stored and transported in an easy manner for persons in the archery industry and field. |
| US08162154B2 |
Shelf organizer with glide strip
A gravity feed dispenser (50) for containers, in which the dispenser (50) carrying the containers includes a pair of longitudinally extending stringers (80) engaging with shelf rack (20) in snap-fitting relation to secure the dispenser (50) to the rack (20). In another embodiment, the dispenser (50) has sidewalls (52) of transparent plastic for product visibility and is provided with a glide strip (100) which is attached to the floor (54) of the dispenser (50) by hooks (102) temporarily, and permanently by fusion of the glide strip (100) to the dispenser (50) as by sonic welding. |
| US08162152B2 |
Blood filter device and method of manufacturing the same
A blood filter device includes: a housing that includes a dome 2 provided with a blood inlet, a filter retaining portion 3 that is positioned below the dome, and a bottom portion 4 provided with a blood outlet; and a filter 8 that is mounted in a cavity of the filter retaining portion and partitions a cavity of the housing into a dome side and a bottom portion side. A sheet-like filter member 8a of the filter forms a plurality of pleats, and ridgelines of the respective pleats traverse the filter retaining portion in parallel respectively. The blood filter device further includes an annular holder 9 intervening between the filter retaining portion and the filter, a annular rib substrate 10 that is disposed facing the ridgelines of the pleats in an outer peripheral region of the filter and has a plurality of ribs inserted respectively between the ridgelines of the plurality of pleats; and a bonding resin 11 that is charged into outer peripheral portions of the filter including the annular holder and the annular rib substrate, and bonds the outer peripheral portion of the filter to the filter retaining portion. Gaps are ensured between the plurality of pleats of the filter, and thus air bubbles can be removed easily. |
| US08162151B2 |
Flow-through device and cartridge applied thereby
Flow-through device for fluids, consisting of: a housing (2) which is built of a head (3) with an inlet channel (5) and an outlet channel (8); and a pot (4) which can be provided on the head (3) and in which is provided a cartridge which consists of an active flow-through element (20) and a cap (21) defining a flow-through channel (22) with an inlet opening (23) and an outlet opening (24), whereby the inlet opening (23) of the flow-through channel (22) is eccentric in relation to the axis (B-B′) of the flow-through element (20), whereas the outlet opening (24) is centrally positioned; and whereby the flow-through section of the flow-through channel (22) as of the inlet opening (23) to the outlet opening (24) first decreases and then increases again. |
| US08162150B2 |
Seafood grading apparatus
A grading apparatus for grading objects such as in particular fish or shrimp in respect of their size, comprising a plurality of juxtaposed substantially parallel endless conveyor belts (27), wherein the width (9) separating adjacent conveyor belts is larger at the unloading end (29) than at the loading end (28) of the belts and define sorting channels through which the items fall down when the channel width corresponds to the width of the item, each conveyor belt comprising a plurality of hinged segments with a sloping cross-section such that in between each adjacent pair of belts is formed a V-shaped valley with substantially continuous sloping sides (2), each side being at an angle in the range of about 70-85°. |
| US08162147B1 |
Box for transporting
A box for transporting is suitable for preserving a plurality of substrates. The box for transporting includes a box body and at least one partition plate. The box body has a bottom part and a plurality of first sidewalls. A plurality of first bumps arranged in array is disposed on the bottom part, and the first bumps define a plurality of supporting regions. The first sidewalls are connected to the bottom part, and a plurality of major grooves is disposed in inner surfaces of the first sidewalls, wherein a first preserving space is surrounded by the bottom part and the first sidewalls. The partition plate is leant against the supporting regions and inlayed into the major grooves, so as to divide the first preserving space into a plurality of preserving sub-spaces. |
| US08162146B2 |
Incontinence management system and method employed
A system for incontinence maintenance and method employed, of which the system is useful in incontinent care. A plurality of products suitable for use in an incontinence maintenance event are provided in a configuration stacked in the order of anticipated use of individual ones of the products, the first product anticipated for use being uppermost in the stack. A container is provided having a bottom compartment carrying the stack and a top compartment defining a flap extending from the bottom compartment. The container includes means for defining an opening in the bottom compartment to access the stack of goods and for accepting soiled goods therein, and means for resealing the bottom compartment to contain the soiled goods. |
| US08162145B1 |
Emergency shelter kit
A kit comprising the items needed to build an emergency shelter in the flexible-form rammed earth style, and a method of packing the items for shipment. The kit, designed for easy shipment to persons requiring emergency shelter, also includes the items needed to add a waterproof exterior layer to the outside of the shelter, along with items to construct a canvas awning, a water catchment system, lockable doors and lockable window shutters, and a composting toilet. The kit also includes mosquito netting to cover the doorway and windows of the shelter. |
| US08162144B2 |
Child resistant and senior friendly container
There is provided a child-resistant container having a top and bottom hingedly connected together, first, second and third cooperative locking devices on both the upper and lower members, the locking devices being operative such that a first locking device can be operated to permit a limited unlocking between the two members at which time the second and third locking devices must be operated to fully open the container. A double locking action on two of the locking devices is illustrated as well as an arrangement for dispensing a product from a blister pack within the container. |
| US08162139B2 |
Sharps disposal system
A sharps disposal system for safely collecting and disposing of medical sharps includes a cabinet defining an enclosure for receiving a removable used sharps receptacle therein. The cabinet includes a passageway through which sharps may be deposited in the sharps receptacle. A single lock, double door design facilitates safe removal and disposal of sharps deposited in the sharps receptacle. |
| US08162136B2 |
Package for different tobacco products
A package comprises a first unit for a smokable tobacco product and a second unit for a smokeless tobacco product. In one embodiment of the package, the second unit is of a material suitable as a barrier material for moisture and/or aroma related to the smokeless tobacco product. |
| US08162133B2 |
Support device for conveying heavy loads
A support device for conveying heavy loads includes a support body and a roller body which revolves around the support body, wherein the roller body includes a series of support rollers and distancing rollers, the distancing rollers have a smaller diameter than the support rollers, and the distancing rollers in each case space consecutive support rollers from one another, and the support device is provided for supporting a load which moves along a support region, and the roller body at least in the support region is covered in its whole width by a belt, and thus in the support region, the support rollers roll on the support body and on the belt. |
| US08162128B2 |
Component mounting apparatus, mounting-component producing method, and conveyor apparatus
A component mounting apparatus includes: a load area to load a substrate; an unload area to unload the substrate; a main area interposed between the load and unload areas, including a first area including a first mounting area, a second area including a second mounting area, and a third area interposed therebetween; two mounting units to mount, on the substrate, first and second components in the first and second mounting areas, respectively; a conveyor group to convey the substrate, including first to fourth conveyors, the second and fourth conveyors being capable of receiving the substrate from the first and third conveyors in the first and second areas, respectively; and a driving mechanism capable of moving at least one of the first and second conveyors between the first and third areas and moving at least one of the third and fourth conveyors between the second and third areas. |
| US08162119B2 |
Back torque reducing device of a friction clutch and motorcycle comprising the same
A friction clutch includes a clutch cam which is movable with respect to a clutch hub in a center axis direction of a transmission shaft. The clutch cam has a release rod which penetrates through the clutch hub and is extended toward the pressure plate. An adjustment bolt which is provided at the pressure plate and is configured to restrict a moving range of a clutch cam in the center axis direction is disposed to face an end portion of the release rod which is closer to the pressure plate. |
| US08162118B2 |
Lash control in a transmission coupler
A releasable drive connection includes a ring including teeth angularly spaced about an axis, and grooves, each groove formed in an axial end of the ring and aligned angularly with a space between consecutive ring teeth; and a sleeve supported for axial movement, including first teeth angularly spaced about the axis, engageable with the ring teeth, each first tooth having a first length; and second teeth, each second tooth aligned with one of the first teeth, having an axial length shorter than the first length, and including a pointed end for engaging one of the grooves and permitting the first tooth to extend between and engage consecutive gear teeth. |
| US08162116B2 |
Double clutch system
A twin clutch assembly for a drive train including a twin clutch transmission, and a drive unit coupled to the twin clutch transmission through a wet running twin multi disk clutch. A drive side output hub is non-rotatably connected with a transmission input shaft that is rotatably disposed within a hollow transmission input shaft that includes a free end facing the drive unit and is non-rotatably connected to a transmission side output hub. A clutch cover is axially disposed between the twin clutch and the drive unit, and a drive element is axially supported and is non-rotatably connected to the drive unit. The transmission side output hub is axially supported toward the transmission by an axial support device at the free end of the hollow transmission input shaft. |
| US08162107B2 |
Load suspension means for a lifting apparatus
The invention relates to a load suspension means for a lifting apparatus (11), which can be fitted on a lifting column (16) of the lifting apparatus (11) and has a transverse support (24) and at least one load suspension element (26) which is arranged thereon and is provided in a manner such that it can be displaced along the transverse support (24) for adjustment to a load suspension point on an object to be raised, wherein, for adjustment to the load suspension point, the at least one load suspension element (26) can be transferred by a pivoting movement, which is delimited by a lift-off safeguard (56), from and into a secured load suspension position without a tool. |
| US08162105B1 |
Fire escape device
A fire escape device featuring a housing mountable outside windows, the bottom panel of the housing is pivotally attached to the back panel, the bottom panel can move between an open position and a closed position; a collapsible chain ladder attached to the back panel of the housing, the collapsible chain ladder can move between a rolled position an unrolled position wherein the collapsible chain ladder hangs downwardly from inside the housing; and a securing mechanism that can move between an engaged and disengaged position, when the securing mechanism is in the engaged position the bottom panel is in the closed position and the chain ladder is in the rolled position, when the securing mechanism is moved to the disengaged position the bottom panel is moved to the open position and the chain ladder can move from the rolled position to the unrolled position and fall downwardly from the housing. |
| US08162102B2 |
Vacuum waste-water system sound-absorber
A vacuum waste-water system sound-absorber includes a connection stub for a vacuum waste-water system and an aspiration air duct, wherein the aspiration air duct is radially delimited by a pipe, wherein the pipe is delimited at an interior of the aspiration air duct by an internal wall and is delimited at an exterior of the aspiration air duct by an external wall, wherein the internal wall comprises openings in a radial direction, wherein the external wall comprises openings in radial direction, wherein a sound-absorbent material is arranged between the internal wall and the external wall. |
| US08162101B2 |
Ram intake unit having a sound absorbing structure
A ram intake unit mounted on a front portion of a frame structure of a motorcycle includes an acoustic material disposed along an inner wall of a ram air intake duct for absorbing induction noises, which duct forms an induction system through which an incoming wind can be introduced towards a motorcycle combustion engine, and a holder disposed inwardly of the acoustic material for securing the acoustic material to the ram air intake duct. |
| US08162097B2 |
Sound wave generator and method for producing the same, and method for generating sound waves using the sound wave generator
A sound wave generator that exhibits more excellent output properties than conventional ones, based on the combination of a base layer and a heat-insulating layer that cannot be expected from conventional techniques is provided. The sound wave generator includes a base layer; a heat-insulating layer disposed on the base layer; and a heat pulse source that applies heat pulses to the heat-insulating layer. The base layer is composed of graphite or sapphire, and the heat-insulating layer is composed of crystalline fine particles containing silicon or germanium. The heat pulse source, for example, is a heat pulse-generating layer that is disposed on the surface of the heat-insulating layer opposite to the base layer and applies heat pulses to the heat-insulating layer. |
| US08162095B2 |
Vehicle steering system of the by-wire design type
A vehicle by-wire steering system includes a hydraulic default level. A hydraulic feed unit and a hydraulic actuating unit can be connected together by two hydraulic lines such that when an actuator is non-functional, a steering wheel rotational angle is transformed into a corresponding wheel steering angle by the hydraulic feed unit and the hydraulic actuating unit. The hydraulic lines can be connected together by a switchable steering valve, which is designed as a proportional servo valve, of which the flow cross section can be adjusted in essence continuously between the two extremes of completely closed and completely open. |
| US08162094B2 |
Hydraulic hybrid vehicle with large-ratio shift transmission and method of operation thereof
A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine configured to power a hydraulic pump to pressurize hydraulic fluid, which is used to power the vehicle directly or is stored in an accumulator. A drive module, including a hydraulic pump/motor and a multi-speed mechanical transmission, is operatively coupled to drive wheels of the vehicle to provide motive power to the vehicle. The drive module can also include a second hydraulic motor (or multiple hydraulic motors) configured to provide motive power. The transmission is configured to progress through its gears at ratio shifts of no less than 2:1 between adjacent gear positions. The transmission is configured to place the hydraulic motor in neutral during some portions of vehicle operation, and to engage the motor during other portions of vehicle operation. |
| US08162092B2 |
Friction drive vehicle
In a frictional drive vehicle, a load acting on the vehicle such as the weight of a rider is converted into a force that urges two frictionally engaging parts (3L, 3R, 25) toward each other. Thereby, the contact pressure between the two frictionally engaging parts is maintained at an optimum level under all conditions. A weight of a rider may be transmitted to a drive member that frictionally engages a main wheel via a four-link parallel link mechanism (40, 50). |
| US08162088B2 |
Speed control device and motor vehicle having such a speed control device
A speed control device for motor vehicles, having a controller and a user interface. A plurality of operating modes is implemented in the controller, which differ in their control strategies and include at least one eco mode, whose control strategy is optimized for a fuel-saving manner of driving. The user interface has an input device for selecting the operating mode. Use of the device is made advantageously in a hybrid vehicle. The control strategy may then be adapted to various parameters of the hybrid vehicle (charge state, power of the electric motor, scope of the regenerative braking). |
| US08162087B2 |
Construction machine
A top cover (17) is provided at an upper position of a supporting structure (12) of heat exchange device (11), and an upper opening (20C) is configured to be provided in a detachable type cover (20) for constituting this top cover (17) at a position corresponding to a clearance (16) between a radiator (13) and an intercooler (15) which overlap in the flowing direction (A) of cooling air. Accordingly, when a cooling fan (7B) is rotatively driven, the upper opening (20C) allows cool cooling air to flow into the supporting structure (12) and to be supplied to the radiator (13) through the clearance (16) between the radiator (13) and the intercooler (15). As a result, only the radiator (13) which overlaps with the intercooler (15) can be efficiently cooled by the cool cooling air from the upper opening (20C). |
| US08162082B1 |
Superabrasive compact including multiple superabrasive cutting portions, methods of making same, and applications therefor
Embodiments of the invention relate to superabrasive compacts including multiple superabrasive cutting portions and methods of fabricating such superabrasive compacts. In an embodiment, a superabrasive compact comprises a cemented carbide substrate including a first interfacial surface and a second interfacial surface longitudinally spaced from the first interfacial surface. A first superabrasive cutting portion may be bonded to the first interfacial surface of the cemented carbide substrate. The first superabrasive cutting portion includes a first working surface. A second superabrasive cutting portion may be bonded to the second interfacial surface of the cemented carbide substrate and spaced from the first superabrasive cutting portion. The second superabrasive cutting portion includes a second working surface that generally opposes the first working surface of the first superabrasive cutting portion. |
| US08162078B2 |
Vibrating downhole tool
Disclosed is an apparatus for vibrating a downhole drill string operable to have a drilling fluid pumped therethrough. The apparatus comprises a tubular body securable to the drill string and having a central bore therethrough, a valve in the tubular body for venting the drilling fluid out of the drill string and a valve actuator for cyclically opening and closing the valve. The method comprises pumping a drilling fluid down the drill string and cyclically venting the drilling fluid through the valve so as to cyclically reduce the pressure of the drilling fluid in the drill string. The valve may comprise a tubular body port and a corresponding rotor port selectably alignable with the tubular body port as the rotor rotates within the central bore. The valve actuator may comprise at least one vane on the rotor for rotating the rotor as the drilling fluid flows therepast. |
| US08162077B2 |
Drill bit with weight and torque sensors
A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes a bit body and at least one preloaded sensor in the bit body. In one aspect, the sensor may include a sensor element on a sensor body having a first end and a second end and wherein the sensor is preloaded after placing the sensor body in the bit body. In another aspect, the sensor may be preloaded outside the bit body and then placed in the bit body in a manner that enables the sensor to retain the preloading. |
| US08162074B2 |
Ergonomic hand-held power tool and methods of use
An ergonomically enhanced electric power tool is disclosed that incorporates a new type of user grip and control system. This grip and control system is housed in a substantially rigid control-housing sheath, which provides enhanced leverage and control over the drilling process while reducing stress on the user's hand, wrist, and arm. The tool motor is disposed substantially in parallel with the user's wrist, but on a different plane, and eliminates the traditional “pistol” type of power-tool grip. The control-housing sheath contains a grip-controller assembly that allows the user to control most major drill operations within the gauntlet-like control-housing sheath. The inventive concepts described can be applied to myriad hand-held power tools, and a detailed example for a power drill is provided. |
| US08162067B2 |
System and method to expand tubulars below restrictions
A method and apparatus for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore. An expandable tubular may comprise a first end having a first wall thickness, a second end having a second wall thickness, and a middle section disposed between the first and second ends and having a third wall thickness that is less than the first and second wall thicknesses. The first and second ends may include one or more grooves disposed along a length of the ends. A method for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore may comprise running the tubular past the restriction, wherein the tubular comprises a first end and a second end, each end having a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of a middle section disposed between the ends. The method may include expanding the tubular, wherein the first and second ends of the expanded tubular have outer diameters greater than the outer diameter of the middle section. |
| US08162060B2 |
Gas-lift valve and method of use
A gas-lift valve comprising an elongated vertically orientated tubular body with inlet ports positioned for communication with the inlet ports of a gas-lift valve mandrel, a valve seat and valve port at the upper end of the valve body, a movable gas charged dome positioned within the body below the valve seat, a valve ball assembly attached to the dome, and a collapsible bellows positioned to move the dome and manipulate the valve ball assembly downward onto and off of the valve seat in response to pressure from said inlet ports of the valve body and pressure on the seat and thereby allow injection gas to flow upward through the valve port to exit at the upper end of the valve body. A tubular latch is provided with a removable plug to provide for pressure testing and completion of the well with only one wireline trip. |
| US08162052B2 |
Formation tester with low flowline volume and method of use thereof
A downhole tool for use in a well may comprise a vessel having a piston or a valve disposed therein and defining first and second volumes wherein the first volume is configured to receive formation fluid from an inlet port, and an actuator configured to extract formation fluid, the actuator being fluidly isolated from a fluid flow path extending between the inlet port and the first volume. The downhole tool may also comprise a flow-line configured to deliver formation fluid to the vessel, and an actuator configured to register an end of the flow-line with the inlet of the vessel. |
| US08162050B2 |
Use of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) in well treatments
A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore at a flow rate, determining velocities of the MEMS sensors along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the velocities of the MEMS sensors and the fluid flow rate. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, pumping the wellbore composition into the wellbore, determining positions of the MEMS sensors relative to one or more known positions along a length of the wellbore, and determining an approximate cross-sectional area profile of the wellbore along the length of the wellbore from at least the determined positions of the MEMS sensors. |
| US08162046B2 |
Blowout preventer with shearing blades
The disclosure provides a blowout preventer (BOP) system with a ram having a shear blade with a shear blade profile to shear a tubular member disposed in the BOP. The shear blade profile can include a stress concentrator and centering shaped surface. The stress concentrator and the centering shaped surface can be laterally offset from a centerline of ram travel and on opposite sides of the centerline. An opposing second shear blade can have a mirror image of the shear blade profile with the stress concentrator and centering shaped surface reversed to the orientation of the first shear blade. Further, the ram can include a mandrel with a mandrel profile for the tubular member to deform around during the shearing process and to reduce an overall lateral width of the sheared tubular member in the BOP through-bore to allow retrieval of the deformed sheared tubular member from the BOP. |
| US08162043B2 |
In situ method and system for extraction of oil from shale
A process for retorting and extracting sub-surface hydrocarbons. The process comprises drilling an energy delivery well extending from the surface to a location proximate a bottom of the hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are heated from the bottom to form a retort, the retort extending along a portion of the energy delivery well. A vapor tube is extended to a location proximate the retort, the vapor tube having an entrance corresponding to the region of the retort along the energy delivery well that is nearest the surface exit. |
| US08162038B2 |
Heat sink assembly
A heat sink assembly includes a base, a fin group located at a top of the base, a heat pipe connecting the base with the fin group, a fan mounted on a side of the fin group and a supporting bracket mounted on the base and supporting the fan. The supporting bracket includes a mounting portion secured on the base and a pair of supporting arms extending from the mounting portion and fixed to the fan. Four screws extend through the fan to threadedly engage with the fin group. Lower two of the screws also extend through the supporting arms of the supporting bracket whereby the supporting bracket also connects with the fan. |
| US08162036B2 |
Heat pipe structure and flattened heat pipe structure
A heat pipe structure including a pipe body and a working substance is provided. The pipe body has two closed ends opposite to each other, an inner surface, a compressed portion, and an expanded portion. The inner surface and the two closed ends form a cavity. The compressed portion includes a plurality of first grooves formed at the inner surface. Any one of the first grooves includes a first width. The expanded portion includes a plurality of second grooves formed at the inner surface. Any one of the second grooves includes a second width, and the first width is approximately equal to the second width. The working substance is contained in the cavity. |
| US08162029B2 |
Forging apparatus and forging method for rheocasting
A forging apparatus and a forging method for rheo-casting are disclosed, in which primary rheo-casting using an upper mold and a lower mold, casting of a hub region of a product material using a first roller unit and casting of a rim region of the product material using a second roller unit are accomplished in series, enabling vehicular wheels having relatively complex shapes to be cast via a single casting process. Further, the product material includes wrought 6000 series aluminum alloys, which are easy to process and have relatively high strength and low weight, thus being suitable for the manufacture of vehicular wheels having complex shapes. Furthermore, recycling of the product material is possible. |
| US08162023B2 |
Film transfer apparatus with variable film web guidance
An apparatus for film transfer includes at least one printing press and at least one transfer film supply roller, a transfer film guiding device for guiding the transfer film web from the transfer film supply roller to a transfer nip. In order to ensure a variable film transfer in different printing units of the printing press, up to now the transfer film supply roller is moved with a film module into the region of the desired printing unit. In order to make a variable film transfer possible without complicated moving, the guiding device has web guiding elements at least in the region of the at least one printing press and the web guiding elements are enabled to selectively guide the transfer film web to different positions on the at least one printing press, such as to possible potential transfer nips. |
| US08162021B2 |
Apparatus for sterile connection of tubing
An apparatus for connecting together two sections of tubing using a laser. A pair of fixtures hold the two tubing sections in opposed, end-to-end relation so that axially facing surfaces of the tube sections at the ends are free from exposure to a surrounding environment. A photodiode laser emits an electromagnetic beam at a separate sheet of material positioned between the axial surfaces at the ends of the tubing sections. The sheet absorbs energy of the electromagnetic beam. The pair of fixtures move the two tubing sections to bring the respective axially facing surfaces of the two tubing sections into engagement with the sheet and after the axially facing surfaces of the two sections are brought into engagement with the sheet, the electromagnetic beam is directed onto the sheet for welding the two sections of tubing together. |
| US08162020B2 |
Infra-red thermal imaging of laser welded battery module enclosure components
A thermal imaging system for a battery module enclosure that includes first and second battery module enclosure components between which a weld is formed includes a thermal imaging camera that focuses on the first and second battery module enclosure components within a predetermined amount of time after the weld is formed and that acquires a thermal signature. A control module includes an image processing module that receives the thermal signature and that locates a predetermined reference point in the thermal signature. An image comparison module receives the thermal signature and uses the predetermined reference point to compare the thermal signature to a template signature in order to verify structural integrity of the weld. The image comparison module computes a relative measure of deviation of the thermal signature from the template signature and identifies the weld as defective when the relative measure of deviation is greater than a predetermined value. |
| US08162011B2 |
Automated liquid dispensing system
An automated liquid dispensing system employs a mechanism which moves a container [1230] relative to a fill tube [1240] to fill the container [1230] with the proper amount of liquid [1131] with a designated amount of foam [1137]. The system [1000] also includes a container dispensing unit [1400] which pre-chills containers [1230] then flips them into a drop tube [1510] to be received by a lift [1550]. Lift [1550] raises the container [1230] to a pouring head [1570] and fills the container [1230] as it lowers container [1230] to properly fill the container [1230] and create a desired amount of foam [1137]. |
| US08162003B2 |
Fuel valve apparatus and method
A fuel valve includes a housing defining a ported standpipe portion for extending upwardly into a fuel tank at a bottom opening thereof. The standpipe sealingly receives a ported and relatively rotational valving member, which also carries a respective resilient sealing collar aligned with and sealingly cooperating at each of the ports of the valving member. The valving member is selectively rotational and may be positioned relative to the standpipe portion in order to stop fuel flow through the valve, or to selectively allow fuel flow through the valve from one or more separate levels of fuel in the fuel tank. A handle on the exterior of the fuel valve provides for selective rotation and positioning of the valving member, and the fuel valve itself may be selectively and conveniently rotated relative to a fuel nipple attached to the fuel tank. |
| US08162001B2 |
Shower faucet having a second rotating element for pre-setting water temperature
A mixing valve has a first rotating element connected to a valve stem for use as a valve handle, and a second rotating element for pre-setting the valve handle at a desired water temperature position. After pre-setting, user can turn the valve handle directly to the desired temperature position without trial and error. |
| US08162000B2 |
Adjustable pneumatic system for a surgical machine
A pneumatic system for a surgical machine includes a reservoir, first and second proportional valves, and a controller. The reservoir holds pressurized gas. The first proportional valve is located on an input side of the reservoir and allows a variable amount of pressurized gas to enter the reservoir. The second proportional valve is located on an output side of the reservoir and allows a second variable amount of pressurized gas to exit the reservoir. The controller controls the operation of the first and second proportional valves. The controller adjusts the first and second proportional valves so that a constant gas pressure range is maintained at an output of the reservoir over a first range of input gas pressures and a second range of gas usage. |
| US08161998B2 |
Frozen/chilled fluid for pipelines and for storage facilities
Methods of, and apparatus for, storing and transporting a hazardous fluid, such as a combustible fuel, include methods and means, respectively, for: (a) treating the fluid to reduce its hazardous condition; (b) storing and/or transporting the treated fluid in such a manner that the risk of its hazardous condition remains reduced; (c) thereafter retreating the fluid to restore it to its original hazardous condition so that the fluid may be used in its restored condition. The hazardous fluid may be treated by adding a substance to, or removing a substance from, the fluid, or by changing the state of the fluid. For example, if the fluid is a fuel, it may be treated by cooling it to near or below its freezing temperature to reduce its combustibility, volatility, explosivity and/or ease of ignition. |
| US08161997B2 |
Multipurpose flow module
The present invention relates to a multipurpose flow module comprising flow plates and/or heat exchanger plates stacked together, which flow plate having a flow channel and one or more connection ports. To each flow plate or heat exchanger plate one or more barrier plates may be attached. The present invention further relates to a method for extraction, for reaction, for mixing, or combinations thereof in the multipurpose flow module, and to uses of the multipurpose flow module. |
| US08161993B2 |
Subsea system and method for protecting equipment of a subsea system
A subsea system comprises a wellbore within a reservoir, equipment downstream of the wellbore, and a barrier connected to the equipment. The equipment is rated for a maximum pressure that is less than a maximum reservoir pressure and equal to or greater than the maximum reservoir pressure less external hydrostatic pressure experienced by the equipment. The barrier is rated for a maximum pressure that is equal to or greater than the maximum reservoir pressure. |
| US08161991B2 |
Multipurpose camping hammock
A covered hammock that acts as both a hammock and a ground tent is disclosed which has a plurality of curved support means for keeping the upper fabric off the user and also for supporting the device as a tent when used on the ground. |
| US08161988B2 |
Central shaft control structure of self-opening/closing umbrella
A central shaft control structure is provided for a self-opening/closing umbrella and is arranged in a handle of the umbrella for self-opening/closing of the umbrella, including a safety device composed of a reversal prevention wheel having a toothed surface, an operation bar comprising a pawl, and a barrel fit over the operation bar. The reversal prevention wheel comprises a safety rope wrapped therearound and having an end fixed to a third central shaft segment. When errors occur in the course of compression in closing the umbrella, the central shaft that is being compressed can be held in position, so that instantaneous spring back of the central shaft caused by an umbrella opening spring that is in a compressed condition can be prevented to ensure safety of operation and control of the self-opening/closing umbrella. |
| US08161986B2 |
Dish-washing machine
Dish-washing machine comprising a chamber (2) for washing articles (3), an air inlet line and an air outlet line both communicating with the chamber, air circulating means for forcing an inlet airflow sucked from the atmosphere into the chamber (2) via said air inlet line and exhausting an outlet airflow saturated with moisture after passing over said articles (3) to the atmosphere via said air outlet line; heating means are provided for heating said outlet airflow before exhausting to the atmosphere in order to reduce the relative humidity of the discharged air. |
| US08161985B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning articles used in the production of semiconductors
An apparatus and a method serve for cleaning articles used in the production of semiconductors, such as wafers, containers for transporting wafers (known as FOUPs), LCD substrates and photomasks. The articles are cleaned in a treatment chamber by means of a liquid and subsequently dried. A drying gas, such as air, is circulated within the treatment chamber and a condensation dryer is provided for extracting moisture from the gas. |
| US08161982B2 |
Hair ornament
A hair ornament includes a body having an engagement section to be in contact with hair of a user. The engagement section includes a row of plates arranged along a length direction of the body. Two of the row of plates adjacent to each other are connected by a connecting member having first and second ends. The first end of each connecting member is pivotably connected to one of two adjacent plates. The second end of each connecting member is pivotably connected to the other of the two adjacent plates. A spacing between two adjacent plates is adjustable by pivoting the two adjacent plates to adjust an overall length of the body in the length direction of the body. |
| US08161978B2 |
Methods for treating asthma by damaging nerve tissue
A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed. |
| US08161976B2 |
Systems and methods for applying a selected treatment agent into contact with tissue
Systems and methods that treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract by applying one or more treatment agents to tissue at or near the region where abnormal neurological symptoms or abnormal tissue conditions exist. The treatment agent is selected to either disrupt the abnormal nerve pathways and/or to alleviate the abnormal tissue conditions. The treatment agent can include at least one cytokine and/or at least one vanilloid compound to evoke a desired tissue response. The systems and methods can be used a primary treatment modality, or as a neoadjuvent or adjuvant treatment modality. |
| US08161975B2 |
Dual mode impulse noise protecting earplug (D-182)
A two piece dual mode earplug including an integrally molded elongated member having a nose end and an open rear end and a channel extending through. An integrally molded insert member is formed with a base portion and a rod portion and with the rod portion seated within the open rear end of the elongated member and includes an attenuation filter integrally molded as part of the rod portion and includes first and second openings located on each side of a chamber and with the size and length of the openings together with the chamber providing attenuation of impulse noise. The insert member also includes the base portion integrally molded to have a third opening larger than the first and second openings in the rod portion and with the first, second and third openings together forming a passageway through the insert member to the channel extending through the elongated member. |
| US08161973B2 |
Reversible vasectomy device and method
A reversible vasectomy device includes a first and a second connector piece for attachment to the severed ends of the vas deferens. Each connector piece has an outer vas deferens attaching end, an opposite inner end, and a passage from the outer to the inner end. A midpiece has end portions that are connectable to the inner ends of the connector pieces, a passage in one end portion and a vent from the passage to an exterior surface. When the connector pieces are connected to the end portions, the passage in one of the connector pieces is in fluid communication with the vent, but is not in fluid communication with the passage in the other connector piece. |
| US08161972B2 |
Detecting ventilator system anomalies while in a speaking mode
A method of operating a ventilator assembly having inhalation and exhalation passages communicating with one another, and a respiration assembly that can perform repetitive respiratory cycles. The method includes (a) repetitively cycling the respiration assembly so that during the inhalation phase, gas in the inhalation passage flows to the patient, and during the exhalation phase, an exhalation valve is maintained relatively closed and the exhaled gases flow pass the vocal cords and out of the mouth thereby facilitating the patient's ability to speak, (c) monitoring the pressure within at least one of the passages during the exhalation phase, and (d) determining whether a circuit disconnect or an occlusion exists based on the pressure monitoring. |
| US08161971B2 |
Nasal and oral patient interface
A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed. |
| US08161968B2 |
Medicament dispenser
There is provided a medicament dispenser for containing plural elongate form medicament carriers, each having multiple distinct medicament dose portions carried thereby, the dispenser having a housing of generally non-circular form, and within said housing a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the distinct medicament dose portions carried by each of said plural medicament carriers. The mechanism comprises at least one receiving station for receiving each of the plural medicament carriers; a release for releasing in combination a distinct medicament dose portion from each of the plural medicament carriers on receipt thereof by said receiving station; an outlet, positioned to be in communication with the distinct medicament dose portions releasable by said release; and at least one indexer for individually indexing the distinct medicament dose portions of each of the plural medicament carriers. The dispenser contains plural elongate form medicament carriers, each having multiple distinct dose portions carried thereby. At least one of said medicament carriers has the form of a continuous loop. |
| US08161965B2 |
Vacuum solar thermal panel
Vacuum solar thermal panel comprising a vacuum envelope (30) defining a sealed volume, able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, at least one heat absorber (12) being disposed inside the vacuum envelope (30), a pipe (13) entering and exiting the envelope (30) and being in contact with the heat absorber (12), said vacuum envelope (30) comprising a first plate (1; 101) made of glass, a peripheral frame (3) disposed substantially at the periphery of the first plate (1; 101), a metallic peripheral belt (4, 5; 104) joining the peripheral frame (3) to the first plate (1; 101), said metallic peripheral belt (4; 104) being joined to the first plate (1; 101) by means of a vacuum tight bulk glass-metal seal (8; 108), comprising glass material (14; 114) and obtained by fusion and subsequent solidification of said glass material (14; 114). |
| US08161963B2 |
Thin film solar collector
A solar collector is provided that is formed from relatively thin polymer sheet(s). The sheet(s) are welded together to integrally define a storage tank, a plurality of fluid flow channel (e.g. risers), and other desired features within the collector. The storage tank is located at a first end of the panel and a heat exchanger is provided within the storage tank. The heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the storage tank to a target fluid (such as water) that is to be heated or preheated by the collector. The collector is arranged so that when it is installed, the collector may be positioned with the storage tank located generally above the fluid flow channels. The storage tank and the fluid flow channels are arranged such that when the collector is installed and filled with a working fluid, a thermosiphon effect will cause the collection of hot water within the storage tank. |
| US08161961B2 |
Gas-heated laundry dryer having a heating device
A gas-heated laundry dryer having a heating device. The heating device includes a gas burner, a valve with a gas nozzle configured to supply primary air for formation of a flame and a tubular heating channel configured to enclose the flame. The tubular heating channel includes an inlet opening configured to receive secondary air as combustion air and an outlet opening configured to receive tertiary air mixable with hot gases of the burner. The outlet opening is connected to a process air duct of the laundry dryer. An annular baffle member is disposed in the outlet opening of the heating channel and configured to center, by the secondary and tertiary air, at least one of the flame and a hot air stream in the channel. |
| US08161954B2 |
Fuel supply control apparatus
A fuel supply control apparatus for an engine includes an alcohol concentration detector and an engine temperature detector. The apparatus increases an amount of fuel supplied to the engine as the detected alcohol concentration becomes higher. The apparatus increases the amount of fuel as the engine temperature becomes lower and as the alcohol concentration becomes higher. The apparatus feed-back corrects the amount of fuel by using a correction value such that an actual air-fuel ratio becomes a theoretical air fuel ratio. The apparatus determines that water is mixed with fuel when the correction value during a cold operational state indicates leaner than the lean value of the correction value used during a warm operational state. The apparatus reduces the increased amount of fuel when water is mixed with fuel. |
| US08161953B1 |
Adsorbent structures for removal of water and fuel contaminants in engine oil
Devices and methods for removal of condensed, blow-by contaminants with small molecular dimensions from the circulating lubricating engine oil of internal combustion engines, including automotive engines, with a positive crankcase ventilation system are disclosed. These condensable blow-by contaminants include water, alcohols and hydrocarbons with preponderantly seven or fewer carbon atoms. A macroporous structure comprising alumino-silicate particles with micro-pores is at least partially immersed in the circulating oil. The micro-pores are sized to adsorb the small, condensed, blow-by, contaminant molecules but not the larger oil molecules. The particles may be multi-layered, with an inner layer adapted for adsorption of polar molecules. Adsorption is most extensive at lower oil temperatures and decreases as the oil temperature increases. Thus at low temperatures the contaminant molecules may be adsorbed, removed from the oil and temporarily stored in the micropores. At high temperatures some of the contaminants will desorb and be re-incorporated in the oil. The desorbed contaminants will be carried with the higher temperature oil into the engine crankcase where they may vaporize and be removed by the engine positive crankcase ventilation system. |
| US08161952B2 |
Electronically controlled blow-by gas returning apparatus for internal combustion engine
An electronically controlled blow-by gas returning apparatus for an internal combustion engine which corrects a fuel injection amount is disclosed. This blow-by gas returning apparatus is provided with an electronically controlled ventilation valve and a control unit. The ventilation valve regulates the flow rate of blow-by gas. The control unit controls the ventilation valve. The control unit controls the opening degree of the ventilation valve such that the actual value of the opening degree of the ventilation valve is maintained at a demand value of the opening degree of the ventilation valve. The control unit corrects the demand value based on the degree of enrichment of the actual air-fuel ratio in relation to a target air-fuel ratio and an intake air amount which is the amount of air fed into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08161950B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculating device for internal combustion engines
In an exhaust gas recirculating device for an internal combustion engine, an EGR gas introduction port (32) for feeding EGR gas to an intake passage (20) includes an inlet end and an outlet end, and has a cross sectional area progressively increasing from the inlet end to the outlet end, the outlet end (49) opening out at an upper part of the intake passage. Because the EGR gas introduction port has a cross sectional area progressively increasing from the inlet end to the outlet end thereof, and the outlet end of the EGR gas introduction port opens out at an upper part of the intake passage, even when an intake flow is blown back from the engine main body, carbon and oil that may be contained in the EGR gas can be prevented from being deposited in the EGR gas introduction port, and this prevents the clogging of the EGR gas introduction port. |
| US08161942B2 |
Ignition control device
The invention provides an ignition control device and a killing control device correspond. An ignition control device comprises an ignition circuit module and a killing control device corresponds. The ignition circuit module comprises a killing control device including a killing switch and a timing retard circuit module connected to the ignition circuit module. When the killing control operates, the ignition circuit stops igniting. The invention has following advantages: reasonable structure, low cost, stable control circuit and safe operation and so on. |
| US08161941B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine which, at cold starting, enables an ignition timing retard control for warm-up of a catalyst device and a speed feedback control by means of ignition timing for converging an engine speed to a target speed includes a function for comparing a final ignition timing with a retard lower limit value, and a function for changing the target speed based upon the result of the comparing. When the final ignition timing reaches the retard lower limit value, the target speed is increased by a predetermined speed and when a difference between the final ignition timing and the retard lower limit value exceeds a predetermined angle on an advance side, the target speed is decreased by a predetermined speed. In this way, at cold starting, the engine speed is early converged to the target speed while restricting rotational variations and early warm-up of a catalyst device can be certainly realized. |
| US08161938B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine with variable valve control
In a method for operating an internal combustion engine (10) having a plurality of combustion chambers (12), wherein the combustion chambers (12) make moment contributions during operation of the internal combustion engine (10) to the resulting engine moment of the internal combustion engine (10) and each combustion chamber (12) is assigned at least one inlet valve (14) which is actuated on the basis of a predefined valve lift cam which can be selected from a plurality of valve lift cams, the moment contribution of each combustion chamber (12) is selected, in the case of a valve lift switchover from a first valve lift cam to a second valve lift cam, for a following ignition cycle in such a way that a deviation of a sliding mean value of the moment contributions of all the combustion chambers (12) over a plurality of consecutive ignition cycles from a predefined moment setpoint value is minimized. |
| US08161935B2 |
Multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine and method for its production
A method for producing a multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine and the piston itself, which has an upper piston part and a lower piston part, each having an inner and an outer support element, which elements delimit an outer circumferential cooling channel and an inner cooling chamber. The inner support element of the upper piston part and/or the inner support element of the lower piston part have at least one recess on their surface. The upper piston part and the lower piston part are connected with one another by pressure welding. |
| US08161932B2 |
Moped transmission
A moped transmission includes a crankcase assembled in four sections, namely a first section, a second section, a third section and a fourth section. A crankshaft is formed as an eccentric shaft, and the crankshaft has a crankshaft gear mounted to the crankshaft. The crankshaft passes through the first section, and the crankshaft passes through and is rotably mounted to the first planar vertical mounting face. An engine connected to the first section and the second section. A main shaft has a main shaft gear in mesh with the crankshaft gear. The main shaft passes through and is rotably mounted outside the first planar vertical mounting face. The main shaft gear is mounted to the main shaft outside the first section such that the main shaft gear is encapsulated between the first section and the third section. |
| US08161929B2 |
Switchable tappet
The invention proposes a switchable tappet (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said tappet comprising a hollow cylindrical housing (3) comprising a bottom (2), an inner element (5) being guided for relative axial displacement in a bore (4) of the housing (3), an at least indirect support for a gas exchange valve extending on a cam-distal front end (6) of the inner element (5), two diametrically opposing pistons as coupling elements (8) being arranged in a radial bore (7) of the inner element (5), which coupling elements (8), for effecting coupling [full valve lift], can be displaced partly beyond a parting surface (9) between the housing (3) and the inner element (5) into an entraining surface (12) of the housing (3) by the force of a compression spring (10a) clamped between inner front ends (10) of the coupling elements (8), wherein the entraining surface (12) is an direct constituent of a separate annular member (13) that is fixed in a cam-distal region of the bore (4) of the housing (3), wherein only one compression spring as a lost motion spring means (16) extends in a cylindrical hollow space (15) formed between an underside (14) of the bottom (2) of the housing (3) and a cam-side flat front end (14a) of the inner element (5), and wherein the inner element (5) is substantially disk-shaped and the parting surface (9) between the housing (3) and the inner element (5) does not comprise any vertical stop means. |
| US08161924B1 |
Orbital, non-reciprocating, internal combustion engine
A combustible fluid operated orbital engine has plural sets of cooperating cylinder and piston members with respective parallel axes of rotation, respective cylinder and piston carrier wheels with respective axes of rotation parallel to the members' axes of rotation carrying said members circularly and orbitally and at all times in opposed relation on a common longitudinal axis along intersecting counter paths. Respective gearing structures supported by the cylinder and piston carrier wheels rotate the members counter to their circular motion direction to maintain their opposed relation for their periodic interfittment when their respective paths intersect. A combustible fluid supply is provided to the cylinder member for combustion coincident with the periodic interfittment in engine operating relation. The common longitudinal axes of the cylinder/piston sets are at all times parallel with each other. |
| US08161921B2 |
Method to convert free-piston linear motion to rotary motion
Embodiments described herein include a method for converting free-piston linear motion to rotary motion, comprising: providing a free-piston generator or motor/generator that has at least one piston having two compression heads; and, for each piston, a surface is provided on each compression head defining a helical channel, wherein the piston is rotated in a single direction due to the force imparted to the piston as compressed air in an air box is forced through the helical channel. |
| US08161919B2 |
Variable vent system integrated into a vehicle front end grill
A system for variable engine compartment ventilation in a slim and compact unit with components used in non-related industries. The system can have at least one bank of movable louvers rotatably mounted within a louver frame for guiding a flow of air into a vehicle engine compartment; a motor to rotate the louvers with a motor gear formed on an output shaft rotatably connected in parallel to at least one helix cable by a helix cable drive gear and a louver pinion gear integral with each louver engaging the helix cable along its length; and a control unit for operating the assembly of movable louvers in response to an output signal from a vehicle communication bus. The output signal of the vehicle communication bus can be in response to input from an engine coolant temperature sensor or a vehicle speed sensor. |
| US08161916B2 |
Decubitus ulcer prevention garment for dogs
Decubitus ulcer prevention garments for a dog are provided that include a fluid-filled bladder. The garments can include an inner layer that contacts and interacts with the body of the dog; an intermediate layer that interfaces with the inner layer and includes the fluid-filled bladder; and an outer layer joined to the inner layer and interfacing with the intermediate layer. The garments have a shape that is adapted to fit over and envelop the pelvic region of the dog such that the garments alleviate or reduce pressure on the soft tissues overlying the bony prominences of the pelvic region of a dog when the dog is lying in a recumbent position on a surface. |
| US08161914B2 |
Rawhide based molded chew with hollow core
A edible rawhide-based molded chew with a hollow core is described. The chew is formed by cutting a rawhide sheet into multiple small rawhide pieces. The small rawhide pieces are mixed with a binding agent and water to form a rawhide-based mass. The rawhide-based mass is introduced to mold with a pin to form a molded chew having a hollow core therethrough. The molded chew is removed from the mold. Finally, a flavor basting is applied to the hollow core of the molded chew. The flavor basting provides a smell and flavor to entice a dog to begin and continue chewing on the chew. Thus, the resulting item is a rawhide-based molded chew with a hollow core that is coated with a flavor basting. |
| US08161911B2 |
Method and system for providing preidentified pets selective access to a predetermined location or object
A method and system is provided that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors. |
| US08161907B2 |
Livestock waterer
A device and method designed to provide a continuous supply of liquid to livestock is presented. The one-piece device comprises a storage tank and a drinking bowl. The storage tank can have a filling access hole for filling the tank. The tank can have at least one drinking bowl access hole which allows access from the tank to the bowl. Both the filling access hole and the drinking bowl access holes can be opened and closed. While filling, the drinking bowl access hole can be closed. After filling, the filling access hole can be closed and the drinking bowl access hole can be opened allowing liquid to flow from the tank into the bowl. Gravity and air pressure within the tank maintain a constant liquid level in the bowl while simultaneously preventing liquid from overflowing the bowl. A heating element can be placed into the tank to prevent freezing. |
| US08161897B2 |
Knee lever for sewing machine
A knee lever a lever including a lever detachably attached to an attachment provided on a bed of a sewing machine; a knee rest mounted on the lever and operated by knee contact, with the lever being attached to the attachment; an adjustment mechanism allowing adjustment in position of knee contact of the knee rest; wherein the adjustment mechanism includes an engagement portion provided at the lever, and an engagement subject provided at the knee rest and being disengagably engaged with the engagement portion to switch a mounting position of the knee rest relative to the lever. |
| US08161895B2 |
Machine-assisted free-hand embroidery method
A method and device for free-hand embroidering on a sewing material with a sewing machine which has a memory for stitch data for a sewing pattern and a processor for reading the stitch data and for causing the sewing machine to execute stitches according to stitch data, which sewing machine has a needle and a sewing material feeder for moving the sewing material in a direction, which processor controls movements according to the direction relative to the position of the needle for the execution of stitches according to the sewing pattern, and which method includes during use of the sewing machine in a free-hand mode: storage in the memory of stitch data for at least one stitch type for free-hand embroidering, choice of a stitch type, maneuvering, via first control signals, a movement of the sewing material feeder in any desired the direction by using a hand-operated control, detection of the first control signals in the processor, calculation in the processor, from the first control signals, of the direction and/or speed of the movement, and control of the sewing material feeder by the processor, via second control signals, for the execution of stitches in the direction and/or at the speed in accordance with stitch data for the chosen stitch type. |
| US08161891B2 |
Expandable table
An expandable table that has a frame, at least one leg supporting the frame, first and second top portions movably connected or interconnected to the frame, an intermediate top portion movably connected or interconnected to the frame, and a movement mechanism connected or interconnected to the frame. The movement mechanism is configured to cause the first and second top portions to move along a longitudinal axis of the frame. The movement mechanism is also configured to cause the intermediate top portion to move normal to said longitudinal axis of a plane of movement of said first and second top portions. |
| US08161886B2 |
Short magnum shotshell cartridge and firing assembly
A sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge and firing assembly including a barrel or barrel insert for firing the sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge. The shotshell cartridge includes a cylindrical hull, a sub-caliber projectile, a propellant charge, and a sabot. A central pathway or thin membrane is defined within the base of the sabot between the sub-caliber projectile and propellant charge. The barrel or barrel insert for firing the cartridge includes a transitional area between chamber and sub-caliber rifled bore to retain sabot in the cartridge. Upon cartridge firing, propellant gases flow through central portion of sabot base propelling projectile out of the sabot and into sub-caliber rifled bore. |
| US08161884B1 |
System and method for explosively stamping a selective fragmentation pattern
A selective fragmentation pattern of explosive material is applied to a surface of a munition. None, some, or all of the explosive material in the selective fragmentation pattern may be detonated, selectively stamping the surface of the munition with the detonated explosive material. The portion of the selective fragmentation pattern selected for ignition is determined by lethality requirements of a target of the munition. Upon detonation of the munition, fragments are formed based on the selected portion of the selective fragmentation pattern. Consequently, igniting all, some, or none of the selective fragmentation pattern may vary lethality of a munition and one munition may be used for a wide range of lethality. |
| US08161880B2 |
Deflagration to detonation transition device
A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive. |
| US08161879B1 |
Methods and apparatus for sensing acceleration
Methods and apparatus for sensing acceleration according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a non-rigid membrane and a switching latch electrically coupled to the membrane. The membrane is responsive to acceleration forces and is configured to produce a signal as a result of deflections in the membrane caused by acceleration. The signal is transmitted to the switching latch causing a change in state of the switching latch. This change in state allows a second signal to be sent to an activating device such as a squib. |
| US08161878B2 |
Safety and arming unit for a projectile
A safety and arming unit for a fuze of a projectile has a rotor for interruption of a firing chain. The rotor can rotate from a safe position to an armed position. In order to allow the safety and arming unit to be designed to be physically compact and such that it can be assembled easily, it is proposed that it has a first and a second rotor safety device which each engage in the rotor in order to block rotor rotation to the armed position, wherein the first rotor safety device is designed to carry out a release movement by virtue of its inertia during a launch acceleration of the projectile, and the second rotor safety device has a pyrotechnic charge for producing a release movement. |
| US08161873B2 |
Servo press and operating method thereof
The invention provides a servo press which can obtain a higher speed in a moving section of a slide, and a higher pressure in a pressurizing section near a bottom dead point without enlarging a capacity of a motor. The servo press is provided with a multi-toggle mechanism 10 moving up and down a slide 5 in which an upper die is to be fixed to a lower surface of the slide, and a toggle driving mechanism 20 provided on a crown 6 located to an upper side of the slide and driving the multi-toggle mechanism. The multi-toggle mechanism 20 is structured such as to include three or more toggles generating a force amplifying effect by a plurality of links 11, 12, 13, 14. |
| US08161867B2 |
Automatic dispenser of ground coffee
An automatic dispenser for ground coffee composed of a reservoir for grounds, the reservoir having a bottom provided with an outlet opening, rotatable dosing paddles at the bottom of the reservoir for dispensing a predetermined quantity of ground coffee through the outlet opening; a drive cone having rotatable blades disposed above the dosing paddles and adapted to be rotated about a vertical axis by a motor assembly, and a mixer in the form or a pyramid disposed above, and forming an extension of, the drive cone. An automatic coffee maker equipped with this dispenser. |
| US08161866B2 |
Capsule for preparation of a beverage with a sealing member attached thereto and method of producing the same
A method for producing a capsule containing beverage ingredients designed for insertion in a beverage production device in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule in order to interact with the ingredients in the capsule and to form beverage. The method includes preforming the capsule body and at least a portion of said flange-like rim, placing a premade sealing member on the flange-like rim, crimping a portion of the flange-like rim on a portion of the sealing member so resulting in the sealing member becoming attached to the flange-like rim. |
| US08161863B1 |
Recoil-actuated gun scavenger
A recoil-actuated gun scavenger for a gun having a bore, a breech, a recoiling mass, and a non-recoiling mass. The scavenger may include a pneumatic cylinder and a piston translatable therein. A rod may be fixed to the piston. The cylinder and rod may be fixed to respective recoiling and non-recoiling masses, or vice versa. The cylinder may include intake and exhaust ports with check valves, on both sides of the piston. The exhaust ports may communicate with an accumulator. The accumulator may discharge compressed air to jets located at the open breech end of the gun. |
| US08161862B1 |
Hybrid laminated transparent armor
A transparent armor laminate system is described that utilizes a glass-ceramic material as the strike-face material, one or a plurality of intermediate layers, and a backing material. This laminate system offers improved performance with reduced weight over conventional all-glass or all-glass-ceramic transparent armor systems. The glass-ceramic material consists of a glass phase and a crystalline phase, the crystalline phase being selected from a group consisting of beta-quartz, mullite and combinations thereof. |
| US08161858B2 |
Table cutting machine
One aspect of the invention can include a cutting machine having a table, a cutting machine body supported by the table via a sliding mechanism to allow movement in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, the cutting machine body including a fixed cover positioned around an upper side of a rotary blade mounted to a rotatably driven spindle, the rear edge portion of the fixed cover is recessed upward to enable a large cutting depth. The sliding mechanism includes an intermediate stopper mechanism that can be operated to switch between a state where the cutting machine body can slide within an entire slidable range and a state were the cutting machine body can slide only within a partial slidable range at a midway position. |
| US08161856B2 |
Apparatus for cutting food product
A cutting apparatus having an annular-shaped cutting head and an impeller assembly coaxially mounted for rotation within the cutting head to deliver food products radially outward toward the cutting head. The cutting head has at least one knife extending radially inward toward the impeller assembly. The knife has a cutting edge at a radially innermost extremity and a radially outer face that defines a trajectory plane for slices removed from the products by the cutting edge. The knife is clamped to the cutting head with a clamping feature that provides clearance for slices when traveling the trajectory plane of the knife. |
| US08161853B2 |
Centering bushing for centering material bars
The invention relates to a centering bushing for centering a material bar which is supplied to a chuck of a lathe. An outer construction and an inner construction arranged therein are rotatably arranged about the longitudinal axis of a material bar. The inner construction is arranged to be rotatable with respect to the outer construction. The outer construction has means to fix the inner construction with respect to the chuck. The outer construction has a centrifugal force device which produces a force corresponding to the rotational speed. The inner construction has a centering device which leads to a centering of the material bar due to a force exerted on the centering device. A force transmission unit is arranged between the outer construction and the inner construction and ensures that the inner construction can rotate, with respect to the outer construction, and transfers the force produced by the centrifugal force device to the centering device. |
| US08161852B2 |
Rotary centering device for the guided transfer of bars from a feeder to a lathe
A rotary centering device for the transfer of a bar from the guiding channel of a feeder to a lathe, comprising a supporting element and provided with at least one circular seat in which a grip element for a bar is supported, the grip element being constituted by a bush which has a tubular portion and a plurality of sectors connected to the tubular portion, elastic elements being provided which act on the bush and are designed to control its axial movement between a first stop position, in which the sectors define a circular opening whose diameter is the same as that of the bar, and a second position, in which the sectors are moved until they form an opening to allow the passage of the bar pusher. |
| US08161850B2 |
Indexable cutting inserts and methods for producing the same
A method of making a cutting insert includes: (i) forming a blank having a substrate and superhard material, the substrate having more than 4 pockets, the superhard material disposed within the pockets; (ii) removing cutting tips from the blank by cutting the blank along cutting lines; (iii) providing a cutting insert body having a plurality of cavities for receiving a corresponding number of cutting tips; (iv) inserting a cutting tip into each of the plurality of cavities; and (v) brazing the cutting tips to the cutting insert body. A related cutting insert includes: a cutting insert body having a plurality of cavities formed therein; a plurality of cutting tips, each of the plurality of cutting tips disposed in a respective cavity, the cutting tips having a geometry that provides a mechanical retention or lock when inserted into the cavities of the cutting insert body, the cutting tips further being brazed in the cutting insert body. |
| US08161847B1 |
Socket wrench apparatus
A socket wrench device having multiple adjustable fastener engagement tool ends. A pair of ratchet engagement heads are pivotally secured in respective rotational and supportive orientation with extending handles pivoted together at their free ends to afford multiple socket engagement orientation by compound pivot and socket rotation within a single hand tool configuration. |
| US08161844B2 |
Sliding device composed of combined structure of screw bolt and nut
An object of the present invention is to provide a sliding device that can surely reduce damage caused by mutual sliding behavior. To achieve the object, a sliding device in which a screw bolt having a male thread and a nut having a female thread hole in which a female thread is formed on an inner circumference are screwed together in a state capable of screw rotation and applied with repeating screw rotation so that the male thread and the female thread are subjected to a sliding load, wherein when Vickers hardness of a first metal material constituting the male thread of the screw bolt is H1, and Vickers hardness of a second metal material constituting the female thread on the inner circumference of the female thread hole in the nut is H2, |H1−H2|=300 HV0.1 to 350 HV0.1 is employed. |
| US08161842B2 |
Apparatus for generating hysteresis of electronic accelerator pedal for a vehicle
An apparatus for generating hysteresis of an electronic accelerator pedal for a vehicle is provided, which includes a pedal arm that is pivotably connected to a housing; a friction block that is provided to be in contact with an inner wall of the housing; a friction block hole that is formed through the friction block to fit the fitting protrusion and has an elliptical shape in the longitudinal direction of the pedal arm such that the friction block fitted on the fitting protrusion slides on the bottom of the friction block mounting groove; a spring seat that is provided to be seated on the friction block; and an inner spring and an outer spring each of which one end is supported against the upper inner surface of the housing and the other is supported by the spring seat. |
| US08161840B2 |
Bicycle brake control device with reach adjustment
A bicycle brake control device comprises a mounting bracket for mounting the device to a bicycle, a lever mounted to the mounting bracket for rotation around a pivot axis, and an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit comprises a first adjustment component and a second adjustment component, wherein the first adjustment component adjusts a selected position of the lever relative to the mounting bracket, and the second adjustment component adjusts a position of a brake operating element when the lever is in the selected position. |
| US08161839B2 |
Electrically powered tilt steering device
A jacket unit for a steering shaft is pivotally connected to a vehicle body through a first pivot mechanism and a swing arm is pivotally connected to the vehicle body through a second pivot mechanism. A first free part of the swing arm is pivotally connected to the jacket unit. A first screw rod member is rotatably held by the jacket unit and has a first splined end portion. A nut member is operatively engaged with the first screw rod member and pivotally connected to a second free part of the swing arm. A holding structure is provided for rotatably holding one end of the first screw rod member on the jacket unit. An electric actuator is held by the jacket unit and includes an output shaft that has a second splined end portion. The first splined end portion is operatively engaged with the second splined end portion to achieve a united rotation of the output shaft and the first screw rod member while permitting an axial movement relative to each other. |
| US08161838B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing at least one friction force opposing an axial force exerted through an actuator element
Actuator elements such as cables or push rods in an instrument are used for manipulating an end effector or distal end of the instrument. Each actuator element extends within a tubular housing and either the tubular housing is axially rotated about the actuator element or the actuator element is axially rotated within the tubular housing to reduce at least one force opposing an axial force exerted through or movement of the actuator element. |
| US08161835B2 |
Multi-group transmission and method for changing gear in a multi-group transmission
An automated multi-group standard transmission, for a utility vehicle, and a process for changing gears in the multi-group transmission. The multi-group transmission includes at least two multi-speed transmission groups arranged one after the other, such that a multitude of gears can be shifted. A transmission input shaft that can be connected to an engine, via a startup element, is associated with a first transmission group and a second transmission main shaft is associated with a second transmission group. Load shifting mechanisms produce a temporary direct connection between the transmission input shaft and the transmission main shaft such that an intermediate gear can be shifted during a gear change from an original gear into a target gear. The load shifting mechanism enables gear changes that are virtually free of interruptions in load transfer during a gear change from a lower to a higher gear, thus increasing a high operational comfort. |
| US08161834B2 |
Transmission with power take-off drive
In a motor vehicle transmission with a power take-off drive, an auxiliary drive clutch in the form of a jaw clutch is arranged in the torque flow downstream of the transmission input clutch for coupling the power take-off drive to the transmission input shaft under the control of the drive motor clutch while the transmission is disconnected. |
| US08161833B2 |
Power take-off for an agricultural vehicle
A power take-off device for an agricultural vehicle, in particular a tractor, wherein an input shaft is connected to a first and, selectively, a second output shaft by moving a sleeve-type selector between three selection positions, in the first of which, the input shaft is connected angularly to the first output shaft to rotate the first output shaft at a first speed, and in the second and third of which, the input shaft is connected angularly to the second output shaft to rotate the second output shaft at a second speed and a third speed, different from the second speed. |
| US08161831B2 |
Analyzer, sample transportation method for analyzer, and computer program product
An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit; a second measurement unit; a transportation device for transporting samples to at least one measurement unit selected from the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; and a transportation controller for determining whether or not a sample is transportable to the selected one measurement unit on the basis of at least one of a state notification of the first measurement unit and a state notification of the second measurement unit, wherein the transportation controller controls the transportation device to perform a sample transportation operation of transporting the sample to the selected one measurement unit when the sample is transportable to the selected one measurement unit, and to perform the other transportation operation than the sample transportation operation when the sample is not transportable to the selected one measurement unit, is disclosed. Sample transportation method and a computer program product are also disclosed. |
| US08161830B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for integrated vapor and particulate sampling
A detection system for identifying an unknown substance includes a detector assembly configured to receive a particulate or vapor and determine a substance contained within the collected vapor or particulate sample, and at least one heater element operatively coupled in flow communication with the detector assembly. The heater element is configured to attract an airborne vapor when the detection system is in a vapor mode, and desorb at least a portion of the attracted particulate when the detection system is in a particulate mode. |
| US08161828B1 |
Load cell for monitoring torsion and having over load protection
A load cell structure for receiving strain gages to monitor applied torsional forces wherein the opposing force-receiving ends have a plurality of sensing beams spaced about an axis of rotation. Limit posts located between the ends each have a discontinuity therein that includes a U-shaped gap to limit relative rotation about the axis and thereby providing overload protection. |
| US08161826B1 |
Elastically stretchable fabric force sensor arrays and methods of making
Force or pressure transducer arrays have elastically stretchable electrically conductive polymer threads disposed in parallel rows and columns that contact at intersections thereof a piezoresistive material which has an electrical resistivity which varies inversely with pressure or force exerted thereon to form a matrix array of force or pressure sensor elements. The threads are fixed to a single one or pair of flexible elastically stretchable substrate sheets made of thin sheets of an insulating polymer such as PVC, or for greater elasticity and conformability to irregularly-shaped objects such as human body parts, an elastically stretchable fabric such as LYCRA or SPANDEX. Elastic stretchability of the sensor arrays is optionally enhanced by disposing either or both row and column conductive threads in sinuously curved, serpentine paths rather than straight lines. |
| US08161825B2 |
Orifice fitting with a drainage system
An orifice fitting having a drainage system. In some embodiments, the orifice fitting includes a housing having a chamber therein, a flow path extending through the chamber, an orifice plate moveable between a first position in the flow path and a second position outside of the flow path, and a rotatable shaft extending through the housing into the chamber. The shaft has a flowbore extending between a first fluid inlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a fluid outlet formed adjacent the end of the shaft. |
| US08161813B2 |
Fill level measuring in mobile containers or transport silos
A fill level in a mobile container or in a transport silo is determined using a position sensor that measures the angle of inclination of the container. The fill level data is acquired using a fill level sensor. On the basis of the measured data of the position sensor it is possible to detect whether or not the fill level measuring is valid. In this way incorrect readings may be rejected. |
| US08161812B1 |
High pressure fluid meter
A high pressure rotary gas meter is described herein with an exchangeable cartridge which has a meter body surrounded by an open bracket. The meter body can have a chamber in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet. An impeller can be located in the chamber and can include a plurality of rotors connected to a gear box and a meter index to display flow information. A counter can be coupled to the meter index, for counting revolutions of the rotors and for translating the revolutions into a measurement of fluid volume. A removable first sleeve insert and second sleeve insert can permit fluid to flow into the inlet port and out of the outlet port while simultaneously securing the bracket to the meter body. |
| US08161810B2 |
Syringe imaging systems
A syringe imaging system for a syringe infusion pump is provided. The system comprises an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of a syringe, and a processor, which is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance. A syringe infusion pump is also provided. The pump comprises a housing having a bracket configured to receive a syringe, a syringe driver configured to actuate a plunger of the syringe, an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of the syringe, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance. |
| US08161809B2 |
Brake wear measurement apparatus and method
A brake wear measurement apparatus for use on a brake assembly equipped with a wear pin having a plunger slidably mounted in the plunger sleeve having a first end and second end and wherein when the brake wear measurement apparatus is placed over the wear pin, the wear pin contacts the plunger first end, and moves the plunger within the plunger sleeve to a retracted position corresponding to a retraction distance delta, and wherein the retraction distance delta corresponds to a wear pin exposed height indicating an amount of brake wear. A locking mechanism for locking the plunger in the retracted position may be provided. A brake wear correlation program whereby the input of a brake part number, a plunger retraction distance delta, and a number of performed landings will result in an output of an estimated number of remaining landings may also be provided. |
| US08161805B2 |
Method and apparatus for obtaining quantitative measurements using a probe based instrument
A method includes determining the point at which a tip of a probe based instrument contacts a sample and/or the area of that contact by dynamically oscillating a cantilever of the instrument in flexural and/or torsional modes. The method additionally includes using oscillation characteristics, such as amplitude, phase, and resonant frequency, to determine the status of the contact and to provide quantitative data. Static and quasi-static measurements, including contact stiffness and elastic modulus, can be obtained from the thus obtained data. Quasistatic measurements, such as creep and viscoelastic modulus, can be obtained by repeating the static measurements for a number of force profiles at different force application rates and correlating the resultant data using known theories. |
| US08161804B2 |
Apparatus and methods for maintaining proper test piece orientation during corrosion testing
A support stand for supporting a test piece within a corrosion chamber comprises first and second side members interconnected by first and second support rods. The relative position of the support rods is adjustable so as to modify the orientation of the test piece. In some examples, each side member has a base, a first row of spaced-apart holes generally parallel to the base, and a second row of spaced apart holes generally perpendicular to the base. By selecting the holes with which the support rods engage, the orientation of the test piece can be set to a predetermined value. |
| US08161801B2 |
Method of determining the viscosity of a fluid
A method is used to determine the viscosity of a fluid. The method includes arranging a body (11) in a fluid-leading channel, with which vortices form in the flow direction (10) therebehind, which are detected with regard to measurement technology. Also, the flow speed in the channel, at which vortices arise for the first time or barely just continue to exist, is determined, and this speed is used as a measure for the viscosity of the through-flowing fluid. |
| US08161793B2 |
Mouth alcohol tester
This application discloses a system for detecting mouth alcohol which is integrated with a breath-measuring instrument. In an embodiment, the breath-measuring instrument comprises a single fuel cell system, wherein the single fuel cell measures an individual's alveolar breath as well as detection of any mouth alcohol. In a further embodiment, the breath-measuring instrument comprises a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell, wherein the first fuel cell measures alveolar breath and the second fuel cell detects mouth alcohol. |
| US08161791B2 |
Prover self testing and validation apparatus
A prover includes a piston supporting rod extending longitudinally through a cylinder, which cylinder receives and discharges a fluid to measure the volume and flow rate of the fluid by translation of the piston from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end. Motive means includes at least one element for drawing the rod and piston toward the fluid receiving end of the cylinder. Travel of the piston in the direction from the fluid receiving end to the fluid discharging end of the cylinder is sensed at discrete locations to provide an indication of the quantity of fluid therebetween and the related flow rate. Each of a plurality of switches, linear encoder or laser detector provides position sensing signals reflective of the volume and rate of fluid flowing in the cylinder. These signals, representative of this volume and flow rate, are compared with preset parameters to determine the degree of equivalence. Thereby, self testing and validation occurs. |
| US08161790B2 |
Measurement system for powder based agents
A measurement system for a dry powder agent includes a sensor system which includes at least one sensor head at least partially within a powder calibration column and a control system in communication with the sensor system. |
| US08161779B2 |
Lock for a sliding door
A lock for a sliding door (14), with a lock case (24) for receiving a lock cylinder (30), the lock cylinder (30) being arranged in a recess (36) of the lock case (24) such that, in order to lock the lock (22), a bolt (28) of the lock case (24) is brought into engagement with a striking plate (26) of the lock (22) by a rotationally actuable driver (32) of the lock cylinder (30). The lock (22) has at least one support part (38, 40) which is arranged laterally on the lock case (24) in the region of the recess (36) to support the lock cylinder (30). A further characteristic relates to the securing of the lock against removal and for this purpose, the or each support part (38, 40) is fastened to the lock case (24) by retaining pins (60), a lock cylinder screw (58) for fastening the lock cylinder (30) to the lock case (24) being in engagement with the or each retaining pin (60) to prevent removal of the support parts (38, 40) and of the retaining pins (60). |
| US08161778B1 |
Card lock and key lock assembly
A card lock and key lock assembly includes a housing, a lock latch movably disposed in the housing, a swivel member pivoted to the housing and having a block portion stoppable against the lock latch, a card key lock disposed in the housing and having a lifting plate, a rotating shaft, and a hook plate connected with the lifting plate and engagable with the rotating shaft for driving the rotating shaft to rotate when the lifting plate is moved downwards, such that the rotating shaft is stoppable against the swivel member for driving the block portion of the swivel member to move away from the lock latch, and a pin tumbler lock disposed in the housing and having a plug with an arm portion for driving the block portion of the swivel member to move away from the lock latch when the plug is rotated to an unlocked position. |
| US08161777B2 |
Washing machine with a removable basket
A washing machine with a removable basket that comprises a fixing structure of the tank that has a frame (10) provided with orthogonal projections (11) on the base, including springs (30) on the upper edges and shock-absorbers (40) on the lower edges; a tank (20) that has, in the intermediary region of the surface, a ring (201) that connects the springs (30), said tank (20) having the base provided with a bearing (21) fixed, on the external extremity, onto a moving pulley (22) actuated by a motor (23), the motor and an electric pump being fixed at the base of the tank (20); a structure for supporting the basket (50) is arranged in the inner portion of the tank (20), said supporting structure (50) having a set of arms that follow the shape of the tank (20), with the arms being centrally joined on an axis (51) attachable to the bearing (21) of the tank (20) and attached directly to the mechanical set of the washing machine, and a removable basket (60) arranged in the inner portion of the tank (20) and fixed, on the supporting structure, (50) into the furrows (61) arranged on the external surface of said removable basket (60). |
| US08161775B2 |
Integrated hollow fabric structure
In one aspect of the invention, an integrated hollow fabric structure includes a body having an axis and a thickness along a direction perpendicular to the axis, at least first and second groups of yarns, the yarns of each group space-regularly disposed in layers, where the yarn layers of the at least two groups of yarns are alternately stacked and interlocked together, and embedded in the body, and a third group of yarns through the thickness of the body to interlock the layers together, where the positions and the pattern of interlocking vary according to the need. |
| US08161774B2 |
Floating stitch needle for a crochet galloon machine
A crochet galloon machine needle (26) in accordance with the invention is provided on its hook outside (39) with a guide projection (40) having a tip (43) that is preferably located above the center axis (A) of the needle (26). This needle (26) has an enlarged weft thread capture range and is thus particularly suitable for the manufacture of dense knitted goods. In addition, said needle enables the operation with reduced take-off tension and, optionally, also with reduced weft thread tension. This helps increase the service life of all system components. |
| US08161771B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating air
Method and apparatus of separating a nitrogen from a compressed and purified feed stream in a cryogenic rectification plant that employs a distillation column to produce a nitrogen-rich vapor as a column overhead and an oxygen-rich liquid column bottoms. Reflux is generated for the column by condensing part of the nitrogen-rich vapor within a down-flow heat exchanger. A stream of the oxygen-rich liquid column bottoms is introduced into an ejector which draws a stream of an oxygen-rich liquid phase produced from the outlet of a down-flow heat exchanger. The combined oxygen-rich liquid exiting the ejector is fed to the down-flow heat exchanger to condense the nitrogen-rich vapor. In such manner, part of the oxygen-rich liquid phase is recirculated to prevent dry-out of the down-flow heat exchanger outlet and to maintain effective condensation of the nitrogen-rich vapor. |
| US08161770B2 |
Vehicle air conditioning system
Disclosed is a vehicle air conditioning system including not less than two evaporators 3, 4, in which internal heat exchangers 5, 6 are provided to the respective evaporator 3, 4, a first evaporator 3 is placed in a front part of a compartment 8A whereas a second evaporator 4 is placed in a rear part of the compartment 8B; and the second evaporator 4 is connected to the internal heat exchanger 6 extended from the engine room 7 to the compartment 8. The internal heat exchanger 6 has a triple tube structure in which a heat insulator 15 is provided between a high-pressure medium passage 13 and a low-pressure medium passage 14. |
| US08161766B2 |
Refrigerator ice bin with thermal storage member
The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a structure for allowing ice, which is received in an ice-storing device provided in a refrigerating chamber door, to be in a frozen state without being melted. The refrigerator of the present invention comprises a main body including at least a refrigerating chamber, a door for opening or closing the refrigerating chamber, a container provided in the door to store ice therein, and a cold heat storage member surrounding the container. According to the refrigerator of the present invention constructed as above, even though an ice bank for storing ice is provided in a refrigerating chamber door, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon by which ice is melted and stuck together. |
| US08161763B2 |
Method for controlling a compressor and a control valve of a refrigerator
A refrigerator control method is disclosed which ensures efficient operation of a compressor. To control a refrigerator including a compressor, a first evaporator and a second evaporator connected to the compressor, and a refrigerant control valve that controls introduction of a refrigerant into the first evaporator and the second evaporator, the refrigerator control method includes operating the compressor, and controlling the opening and closing of the refrigerant control valve, to reduce not only consumption of electricity by the compressor, but also a pressure difference between an entrance and an exit of the compressor upon starting of the compressor. |
| US08161760B2 |
Utilities grid for distributed refrigeration system
A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit. The refrigeration system can also have more than one refrigeration machine providing cooling to the secondary refrigeration loop. |
| US08161758B2 |
Automatic defrost evaporator systems
A method of defrosting a eutectic plate of a refrigeration system involves activating a defrost system when a power source is connected to the refrigeration system. The defrost system is operated for all or a portion of a defrost cycle and is then deactivated. The initiation of a subsequent defrost cycle is prevented until the power source has been disconnected from the refrigeration system for at least a selected amount of time. A defrost system may include a controller programmed to carry out the method and automatically initiate a series of defrost cycles. |
| US08161755B2 |
Heat exchanger unit for an aircraft
A propulsion system for an aircraft includes a heat exchange unit through which a hot air stream and a cooling air stream flow. The heat exchange unit includes a hot air inlet pipe situated on a rear face of the heat exchange unit, to carry the hot air stream into the heat exchange unit, and a cooling air discharge pipe situated on the rear face of the heat exchange unit to expel the cooling air stream from the heat exchange unit, the hot air inlet pipe and the cooling air discharge pipe being concentric with each other. The hot air stream flows from the rear face forward to a front of the heat exchange unit, then from the front of the heat exchange unit, to a rear of the heat exchange unit, so as to be expelled via the rear face of the heat exchange unit. |
| US08161753B2 |
Brazed joint between a titanium-based metal part and a ceramic part based on silicon carbide (SIC) and/or carbon
An assembly including a stack structure made up of the following elements assembled together by brazing: the titanium-based metal piece; a first intermediate piece suitable for deforming to accommodate differential expansion between the metal piece and a piece made of ceramic material based on silicon carbide and/or carbon; a second intermediate piece that is rigid, having a coefficient of expansion close to that of said ceramic material piece and made of aluminum nitride (AlN) or of tungsten (W); and the ceramic material piece is disclosed. |
| US08161751B2 |
High volume fuel nozzles for a turbine engine
A fuel nozzle for a turbine engine is configured to deliver a large volume of a fuel which has a relatively low amount of energy per unit volume. The fuel nozzle includes a fuel swirler plate having fuel delivery apertures which are angled with respect to the flat surfaces of the swirler plate. A nozzle cap covers the end of the fuel nozzle to create a swirl chamber at the outlet end. The nozzle cap may include a plurality of air inlet apertures to allow the air to enter the swirl chamber. |
| US08161749B2 |
Cooled exhaust hood plates for reduced exhaust loss
Cooled exhaust hood plates are provided in areas of high velocity steam flow within an exhaust steam flow of a steam turbine. Coolant is directed within double walled exhaust hood plates to cool plate surfaces adjacent to the high velocity exhaust steam flow. The cooled exhaust hood plates cool and condense the exhaust steam in proximity. Condensation will occur in low velocity area near the exhaust hood plate to reduce the boundary layer and improve the flow through the hood, improving overall turbine performance. |
| US08161745B2 |
Turbocharger
The invention relates to a turbocharger (1) having a turbine (2); and having a compressor (3) connected to the turbine (2) by means of a bearing housing (4), the compressor comprising a compressor housing (5), which has a reference surface (BF) perpendicular to a turbocharger axis (AL), and a valve flange (6) equipped with a valve seat (11) for a wastegate valve and a connecting channel (9) to a compressor inlet (7), wherein the valve flange (6) has a flange surface (8) that is disposed at a calculable angle (α) to the reference surface (BF) in a tilted manner, and wherein the connecting channel (9) has a channel axis (AK), which is disposed at a calculable angle (β) in a tilted manner. |
| US08161740B2 |
Force transmission device with a rotational speed adaptive damper and method for improving the damping properties
The invention relates to a force transmission device for power transmission between an input and an output, comprising at least an input and an output, and a vibration damping device disposed in a cavity that can be filled at least partially with an operating medium, in particular oil, the vibration damping device coupled with a rotational speed adaptive absorber, wherein the rotational speed adaptive absorber is tuned as a function of an oil influence to an effective order qeff, which is greater by an order shift value qF than an order q of an exciting vibration of a drive system. |
| US08161735B2 |
Clogging determining device for reducing agent passage and clogging determining method for reducing agent passage
There are provided a clogging determining device for a reducing agent passage and a clogging determining method for a reducing agent passage, which can accurately detect clogging and estimate a clogged place when clogging occurs in any place of a supply line or a return line.The device includes pump driving control element for subjecting the pump to DUTY control so that a pressure value is kept to a predetermined value, driving DUTY determining element for determining whether the driving DUTY of the pump is less than a predetermined threshold value corresponding to the opening degree of the reducing agent injection valve, or not; pressure reduction amount calculating element for calculating a pressure reduction amount by which the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor is reduced within a predetermined time after the pump is stopped and the reducing agent injection valve is fully opened when it is determined that the driving DUTY of the pump is less than the threshold value, and clogging determining element for determining on the basis of the pressure reduction amount calculated by the pressure reduction amount: calculating element whether clogging occurs in the first reducing agent passage or the second reducing agent passage. |
| US08161733B2 |
Hydrocarbon retaining and purging system
Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine having a hydrocarbon retaining system and an emission control device coupled to an engine exhaust, the engine exhaust comprising a venturi. One example method comprises, during a storing condition, routing exhaust gas through the venturi without generating a venturi action, and then to the hydrocarbon retaining system, while bypassing the emission control device, to store hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon retaining system, and during a purging condition, routing exhaust gas through the venturi while generating venturi action, then to the emission control device, and then to the hydrocarbon retaining system, to purge stored hydrocarbons, wherein a flow of purged hydrocarbons is drawn back to the venturi via venturi action. |
| US08161730B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for reducing NOx emissions on an SCR catalyst
Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for reducing NOx emissions on an SCR catalyst. For example, according to one representative embodiment, an apparatus for reducing NOx emissions in an engine exhaust includes a NOx reduction target module that is configured to determine a NOx reduction requirement that includes an amount of NOx in the exhaust gas stream to be reduced on a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. The apparatus also includes an ammonia target module that is configured to determine an ammonia addition requirement that includes an amount of ammonia added to the exhaust gas stream to achieve the NOx reduction requirement. The apparatus also includes a reductant target module that is configured to determine a reductant injection requirement that includes an amount of reductant added to the exhaust gas stream to achieve the ammonia addition requirement. The apparatus further includes a reductant limiting module that is configured to determine whether at least one reductant limiting condition is met and to limit the amount of reductant added in response to the at least one reductant limiting condition if the at least one reductant limiting condition has been met. |
| US08161726B2 |
Cooling exchanger duct
A method for using a heat exchange system in operating equipment in which a working fluid is utilized in providing selected operations thereof, including for use in lubricating systems for aircraft turbofan engine equipment, the heat exchange system for providing air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid at selectively variable rates in the operating equipment developed airstreams. A heat exchanger core is provided in a controlled air flow duct system opening at its entrance to those airstreams and having its outlet end opening downstream in those airstreams. |
| US08161724B2 |
Hybrid biomass process with reheat cycle
Methods and systems for the generation of electrical energy through the combination of steam flows produced from different fuel sources. Steam produced from processing of a biomass fuel source is combined with steam produced from the processing of natural gas or fossil fuel and routed through a steam turbine generator to produce electrical energy. The steam is preferably reheated after partial processing in the steam turbine generator and then recirculated for further processing in the steam turbine generators. Following extraction of all available energy from the steam, the steam is condensed to water, the feedwater is then reheated and pumped to the boilers of both energy sources for conversion into steam. |
| US08161722B2 |
Cable stranding methods employing a hollow-shaft guide member driver
Cable-stranding methods for performing SZ-stranding of strand elements about at least one core member are disclosed. One method includes passing initially spaced apart strand elements through peripheral guide holes and passing at least one core member through a generally central location of at least one guide member. The method also includes actuating a controller that controls the rotation of the at least one guide member and rotating the at least one guide member to form the SZ-stranded assembly. |
| US08161721B2 |
Cable stranding apparatus employing a hollow-shaft guide member driver
A cable-stranding apparatus for performing SZ-stranding of strand elements about at least one core member is disclosed. A first stationary guide member individually guides the strand elements in a spaced apart configuration and centrally passes the at least one core member. At least one hollow-shaft motor is arranged downstream of the stationary guide member. A rotating guide member is disposed in the hollow shaft and rotates with the hollow shaft according to a rotation relationship. The rotation relationship controls the rotational speed and direction of the rotating guide member to SZ-strand the strand elements about the at least one core member to form an SZ-stranded assembly. Embodiments of cable-stranding apparatus having multiple hollow-shaft motors and respective multiple rotating guide members are also disclosed. |
| US08161719B2 |
Rotary disk crop harvesting header with an auger and impellers for converging the crop
A crop header has generally horizontal flail disks mounted for driven rotation about generally upright axes. A pair of conditioner rolls is mounted in a discharge opening. A crop converging system includes two over-shot auger elements defined by a common auger shaft with an auger flight carried thereon arranged generally longitudinal of the cutter bar so as to carry the cut crop longitudinally of the cutter bar to the entrance opening. Each auger element is arranged with a forwardmost tangent to the auger flight located behind the axes of the rotary disks and with an outer end thereof spaced outwardly of the respective end of the entrance mouth. The common auger shaft is driven by a common rotary drive with the bottom roll of the conditioner rolls. The augers terminate inwardly of the outer end of the cutter bar to locate the drive inboard of the end plates. |
| US08161718B2 |
Self-propelled agricultural working machine
In a self-propelled agricultural working machine having working units whose working parameters are adjustable, moving at a ground speed that is regulated automatically as a function of at least one crop-material parameter and/or one working parameter of the working machine using a forward-travel regulator, and having at least one control, operating, and display unit, with which the crop-material parameters and/or the working parameters of the working machine may be adjusted and displayed, the operator of the working machine has access to information regarding the state of the forward-travel regulator when the ground speed is being regulated using a forward-travel regulator. For this purpose, the crop-material parameter and/or working parameter of the working machine that currently limits the ground-speed control via the forward-travel regulator is displayed directly to the operator of the working machine in the control, operating, and display unit. |
| US08161713B2 |
Modular unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products
A modular unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products includes a first conveyor for feeding the opening devices successively along a first path, a second conveyor for feeding the packages successively along a second path, a transfer mechanism for transferring the opening devices along a third path from a pickup station located along the first path, to an application station for applying the opening devices to respective packages and located along the second path, and a processing device for performing specific operations on the opening devices prior to application of the opening devices to the respective packages. The transfer mechanism defines a base module of the unit, and the processing device includes different types of processing devices forming part of different auxiliary modules selectively connectable to the base module to define different units for applying the opening devices to respective packages. |
| US08161711B2 |
Reinforced plastic panels and structures
A partition system may include one or more panels. A panel may be constructed using blow-molded plastic. A panel may include one or more depressions, which may be aligned with one or more depressions on an opposing side of the panel. The depressions may provide additional structural integrity for a panel. The depressions on opposing sides of the panel may extend toward and engage each other. The panels may include patterns with which one or more depressions may intersect. The panels may include symmetric patterns on opposing sides. The partition system may include one or more connectors adapted to receive a portion of one or more panels. The partition system may include one or more feet that may be attached to one or more panels. The panels may include one or more reinforcing members of various shapes disposed proximate one or more edges of a panel. |
| US08161708B2 |
Finishing set for a floor covering and holder, as well as finishing profile, for a finishing set, and method for manufacturing a finishing profile and a skirting board
Finishing set for a floor covering, whereby this finishing set at least consists of, on the one hand, a finishing profile and, on the other hand, a holder with at least an attachment portion for attaching said finishing profile at the holder, characterized in that the holder comprises an underlay portion, which at choice can or cannot be provided underneath the remaining portion of the holder, as well as a stop-forming positioning portion. |
| US08161707B2 |
Building frame structure
A family of beam cross-connections, including column/beam and beam/beam connections, between beams and columns in a building frame. Each connection within a cross-connection features (a) a pair of parallel-spaced, upright, planar plate components operatively associated with either a side of a column or a side of a beam, (b) an elongate, generally horizontal cross-connection beam including a generally upright, planar central web with an end which, with respect to a pair of such plate components, extends into the space that exists between those components, and (c) a structural relationship involving the plate components in a pair which accommodates (1) vertical-motion placement of a web end between the components, with (2) the automatic establishment thereby of correct relative, spatial, three-dimensional relationships and dispositions of the specific, associated column and/or beam elements so connected. |
| US08161704B2 |
Perimeter insulation strips
A perimeter insulation strip for use when laying laminate or parquet floors is described. The perimeter insulation strips comprises a vapor barrier film including a perimeter insulation strip bonded on a front side and at least one adhesive layer arranged behind the perimeter insulation strip on a back side. The vapor barrier film has at least one overlapping section starting from the perimeter insulation strip to connect with a vapor barrier film below a floor covering to be laid. |
| US08161703B2 |
Compressible insulation element with reduced friction
A compressible mineral fiber insulation element (1) having a first major surface (3) opposed to a second major surface (4), and having side surfaces (5) connecting the two major surfaces (3, 4) and defining a thickness of the insulation element (1). The thickness is at least 10 cm. The insulation element comprises a facing (20) provided with at least one extension flange (21) of which the outer end (22) is not secured to the insulation element. The facing (20) is attached to at least a part of the first major surface (3), and the extension flange (21) is prepared for extending over and covering a substantial part of the side surface (5) of the insulation element (1). A method of installing a compressible insulation element is also disclosed. |
| US08161699B2 |
Building construction using structural insulating core
The present invention relates to a structural insulating foam core wall that is versatile to be used as an independent framed wall, combination of an independent wall and Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) wall, in conjunction as part of a precast wall or as part of forming system to form a concrete beams and column structure, and modular units with concrete beams and columns. The structural insulating core wall, can also be used as individual foam spacer blocks, with or without brackets and horizontal bracing channels. Various types of flanges extensions are added to form different support channel flanges. The interlocking foam spacers and support channels which can be glued or screwed together to form structural insulating panels (SIPS), independent walls or as part of a precast wall with columns and beams integrated within the wall panels. |
| US08161696B2 |
Sleeve system and method of using
Herein is disclosed a sleeve system and methods of using the system. The system uses an elongated open-ended sleeve, and mounting plate parts which mate with each other to form a mounting plate and which are securable to each other and to a wall. The mounting plate thus formed comprises a collar which, when the mounting plates parts are secured together, presses against portions of the outer surface of the sleeve to hold the sleeve in place. |
| US08161695B2 |
Shock supressor
A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base and a connecting device. The second base is parallel to the first base. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first base and second base to connect the first and second bases and has a universal connector. The first base abuts against the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in multiple directions. The second base abuts against the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a unidirection. |
| US08161694B1 |
Burial crypt for cremains and method of fabrication
An improved burial crypt for cremains designed to be placed below grade within a standard cemetery burial plot, suitable for containing a plurality of burial urns; the crypt comprised of a container, an access means, and a support means, with the container being sealable, substantially water tight, and fabricated of precast concrete walls, the access means being located within the interior of the container and suitably adapted to allow a human to descend into and ascend out of the container, and the support means being located within the interior of the container and suitably adapted to support a plurality of burial urns; and a method of fabrication of same. |
| US08161691B2 |
Precast composite structural floor system
A precast composite flooring system utilizes girders and floor panels having steel lower structures placed in tension and concrete upper structures places in compression. Openings through a stem wall allow ducts, pipes, and conduits to be run therethrough. The system provides reduced weight over conventional precast or pour in place systems, allowing further reduction in the weight and size of other building components. The floor deck does not use tensioning strands, allowing openings to be formed at nearly any stage of construction and with reduced concern over cutting steel reinforcement. The floor panels and girders bolt together and bolt to a steel column frame, allowing for more efficient assembly. |
| US08161690B1 |
Interlocking portable rollout attic flooring with overlapping planks
An interlocking portable rollout attic flooring having a plurality of planks laid in a mutual abutting relationship of side edges of the planks, to define a common longitudinally extensive top and bottom surfaces, the common bottom surface having longitudinally directed notches oriented orthogonal to the side edges. The longitudinally directed notches engaged with spaced apart beams for support and stability of the flooring. The side edges of the planks configured in a mutually overlapping relationship wherein each plank supports a portion of weight applied to each adjacent plank. At least one longitudinally directed flexible strap fixed to the top surface of the flooring to secure the planks in the abutting relationship while allowing the planks to be rolled into a cylindrical configuration. |
| US08161685B2 |
Door draft excluder
A draft excluder for excluding drafts between a door and the floor. The draft excluder is made up of an elongated angled bracket, at least one clip, a flexible covering, and an elongated weight. The flexible covering can take the form of a cloth covering. The elongated angled bracket defines first and second sidewalls with an interior angle there-between. The first and second sidewalls respectively define first and second elongated terminal edges. During normal use the at least one clip holds the first sidewall of the bracket to the bottom of a door such that the interior angle faces downward and towards the floor beneath the door. The flexible covering defines a cover portion that extends between the first and second elongated terminal edges. The cover portion defines an interior surface and an exterior surface. The elongated weight is affixed to the interior surface of the cover portion. |
| US08161684B2 |
Window securing means and methods
An assembly for securing a hinged building window (11) in closed position relative to an aperature defined by a main frame (12). The assembly includes a compressible gasket disposed between the hinged building window (11) and the main frame (12) defining the aperature. The hinged building window (11) and the main frame (12) each includes a respective portion (20) of a magnetic means for securing the hinged building window said (11) to the frame (12), where the magnetic means for securing includes a two magnetic magnets that are magnetically attracted to one another. |
| US08161677B1 |
Trip-up signal device for a rod and reel
A bite-signaling device comprises a clamp member securing the device to the rod of the rod and reel combination. A linear support member is pivotally connected at a first end to the clamp member. The second end of the linear support member includes a perpendicular section with a linear signal member rotatably attached thereto. The linear signal member includes a weighted first end and a signaling second end. A line attachment member is secured to the signaling second end of the linear signal member and releasably secures a fishing line attached to a reel of the rod and reel combination. The fishing line secured to the line attachment member maintains the weighted first end of the signal member elevated relative to the signaling second end thereof. Releasing the fishing line from the line attachment member causes the weighted first end to rotatably descend and elevate the signaling second end of the signal member. |
| US08161676B1 |
Deep throw casting net
A casting net is provided that allows for easy use. The casting net includes a tail portion and a mouth portion that are connected by a mesh lattice netting. The tail portion is of a smaller diameter than the mouth portion, and the tail portion is substantially closed allowing only a torque line assembly to pass through. The mouth portion is of a substantially larger diameter than the tail portion, so as to provide a larger area for capturing targeted species. A plurality of weights are affixed along the circumference of the mouth portion for providing weight so as to sink the casting net assembly. Along the circumference of the mesh lattice, and in close proximity to the mouth portion, a reinforcing means is affixed so as to provide structural support to the mouth portion and thereby maintaining an open position of the mouth portion as the casting net falls through the water. |
| US08161675B2 |
Aiming device and method for guns
An aiming device for guns, which comprises a transparent plate that shows to the user a critical image when the plate has a predetermined orientation, and shows a deformed image when said plate has any other different orientation. The transparent plate is so mounted in the device and the device is so mounted on the gun, such that the critical image is seen by the user when and only when the axis of the gun barrel is parallel to the line of sight passing through the user's eye and the center of the transparent plate. |
| US08161670B2 |
Ironing roller
An ironing roller includes a first annular chamber in communication with an inlet and an outlet arranged to rotate about a longitudinal axis, where the first annular chamber forms a passage through which a heat carrying fluid heated by heating device located inside the ironing roller circulates, a circuit external to the annular chamber being arranged to lead the heat carrying fluid from the outlet to the inlet of the chamber. A second annular chamber adjacent and coaxial to the first annular chamber is provided, the two annular chambers being intercommunicated for the circulation of the heat carrying fluid from one of the annular chambers to the other, and where one of the annular chambers carries out a heat uptake function and the other one carries out a heat transfer function. |
| US08161668B2 |
Animal limb protective boot
A protective boot for an animal including a generally cylindrical leg portion having a top end and a bottom end and a top closure affixed to and circumscribing the top end of the leg portion that is drawn inward against the leg of the animal to protect against the infiltration of extraneous material into and against the self-removal of the protective boot by the animal. The base portion of the protective boot is sealed to the bottom end of the leg portion and is enhanced with a non-slip material to provide substitute traction for the animal. At least one strap is fixedly connected to the leg portion and is operable to reduce the diameter of the leg portion in the vicinity of the strap. The protective boot is sealed at each seam or point of attachment between elements so that the boot is waterproof. |
| US08161663B2 |
System and method for drying and torrefaction
A method and apparatus for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam. |
| US08161659B2 |
Measurement device
The disclosure provides a measurement device for measuring a work piece defining a first circular hole and a second circular hole. The measurement device includes a base, a location member fixed on the base, a fixing pin fixed on the location member, and a measuring pin slidably positioned on the location member. The fixing pin and the measuring pin are configured for being received in the first circular hole and the second circular hole of the work piece, respectively. A diameter of the measuring pin is substantially equal to a standard diameter of the second circular hole minus doubled tolerance. The distance between axes of the fixing pin and the measuring pin is substantially equal to a standard value of the distance between centers of the first and second circular holes of the work piece. |
| US08161658B1 |
Combined fabric measuring and cutting jig and associated method
A fabric measuring and cutting jig for simultaneously holding, measuring and cutting a piece of fabric preferably includes a cutting matt, a ruler pivotally connected to the cutting matt, and a pin removably positioned through two holes selected from first, second, third, fourth and fifth groups of holes, respectively, such that the ruler is pivotally displaced along the cutting matt while the proximal end of the ruler remains pivotally anchored to the pin. A fabric material is intercalated between the cutting matt and ruler wherein a cutting implement is used to cut the fabric material along a longitudinal edge of the ruler. |
| US08161657B2 |
Measuring force control apparatus
A position controller provided in a controlling module obtains a difference between a detected rotation angle of a stylus and a target rotation angle, and determines an energization amount to a voice coil motor so that the difference becomes zero. A variable limiter circuit limits a driving current, which is supplied from the position controller, to a limitation value so that a rotation force applied to the stylus from the voice coil motor is constant. A target rotation angle issuing portion switches over the target rotation angle based on a relative position of a contact portion of the stylus. |
| US08161652B2 |
Hand-held power tool
A hand-held power tool, in particular a hand-held power tool for sawing, includes a drive unit (12a), which includes a drive shaft (14a; 14b), and a dust-extraction device (16a; 16b) with a suction unit (20a; 20b) and a drive shaft (22a; 22b). A transmission unit (24a; 24b) is installed upstream of the drive shaft (22a; 22b) of the suction unit (20a; 20b). |
| US08161649B1 |
Differential gear assembly housing
The gear housing may be a housing to enclose a gear assembly of a land mobile vehicle. The gear housing may have an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. The lower housing portion may have a wall reference position below a lowest surface structure of a gear assembly wherein a wall of smooth, generally non-planar surfaces may be positioned below a gear assembly centerline with an interior surface at the wall reference position adjacent the lowest surface structure with sufficient separation to avoid contact between the gear housing and the gear assembly. The wall may have at least one concave curved segment to position the wall adjacent to a contour of outer surface structures of the gear assembly, but not contacting the gear assembly. An upper housing portion may be attached to the lower housing portion to enclose the gear assembly. |
| US08161647B2 |
Recording head and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a recording head includes providing a recording element substrate and a circuit board having an inner lead connector, the recording element substrate including an energy generating element configured to generate energy used to discharge ink and an electrical connector to be electrically connected to the element, bonding the electrical connector of the recording element substrate to the inner lead connector of the circuit board, and applying a thixotropic sealant to the inner lead connector to seal the inner lead while exerting shear force on the sealant by ultrasonic vibration. |
| US08161643B2 |
Method for forming a cooling jacket for an electric motor
A cooling jacket for a motor includes an extruded jacket body having an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface, and a plurality of discrete cooling passages located between the inner and outer peripheral surfaces that provide multi-directional fluid flow. A fluid inlet is provided to direct cooling fluid into the jacket body and a fluid outlet to direct heated fluid away from the jacket body. |
| US08161641B2 |
Compound electromachining
A preform includes an airfoil stub and a dovetail hub. The hub first undergoes electrochemical discharge machining to form a rough dovetail. The airfoil stub undergoes electrochemical machining to form an airfoil. The rough dovetail then undergoes electrochemical discharge machining to form a rough tang. The rough tang is finish machined to form a dovetail extending from the airfoil in a unitary rotor blade. |
| US08161635B1 |
Methods for forming a single cap via in pad of substrate
Novel methods are provided that results in the formation of single-cap VIPs in a substrate are described herein. As a result, fine pitch trace patterns may be formed on the substrate. The methods may include initially providing a substrate having a first and a second side, the first side being opposite of the second side. A via may then be constructed in the substrate, the via being formed within a via hole that extends from the first side to the second side of the substrate, the formed via having a first end located at the first side of the substrate, and a second end opposite the first end located at the second side of the substrate. A selective deposition may be performed of a conductive material on the second end of the via to form a conductive pad directly on the via on the second side of the substrate without depositing the conductive material onto the first side of the substrate. |
| US08161633B2 |
Method of fabricating non-planar circuit board
A method for forming a circuit board is provided. The method includes forming a circuit board substrate (112) from a circuit board material. The method also includes positioning the circuit board substrate on a rigid structure (114) having a three dimensional contoured surface (300). The method further includes applying heat and applying pressure to the circuit board substrate to at least partially conform the circuit board substrate to the three dimensional contoured surface. If the circuit board substrate (112) is a clad circuit board substrate, then a circuit pattern is formed on the circuit board substrate prior to the steps of applying heat and applying pressure. However, if the circuit board substrate (112) is an unclad circuit board substrate, then a circuit pattern is disposed on the circuit board substrate after the steps of applying heat and applying pressure. |
| US08161630B2 |
Rotor attachment apparatus and rotor attachment method
A rotor attachment apparatus for attaching a rotor of a motor coaxially to a crankshaft by inserting the rotor into a rotor housing that is attached to an engine, including: a rotor support member; rotor positioning members that engage some of a plurality of bolt insertion holes provided in the rotor, to thereby position the rotor; a temporary fixation bolt that temporarily fixes the rotor on the rotor support member; a drive shaft a tip portion of which is engaged with a shaft end portion of the crankshaft, and which supports the rotor support member movably in an axis direction via a screw mechanism; a base member that moves the rotor support member toward and away from the rotor while rotatably supporting a base end of the drive shaft; base positioning members that engage the rotor housing; and a fastening mechanism which engages a head of a coupling bolt inserted into at least one of the bolt insertion holes, and which is supported by the rotor support member so as to bias the coupling bolt toward the rotor. |
| US08161629B2 |
Backlight module assembling apparatus
A backlight module assembling apparatus for attaching a reflector plate to a driving circuit board is disclosed. The backlight module assembling apparatus includes an assembling portion and a pressing movably connected to the assembling portion. The assembling portion defines a receiving space configured for receiving and positioning a driving circuit board therein. The assembling portion includes a top plate and a first opening defined in the top plate. The first opening communicates with the receiving space. The assembling portion includes a number of blades arranged around the first opening for cutting a reflector plate. The pressing portion includes a pressing plate. The pressing plate is movable toward and away from the blade and configured for pressing the reflector plate against the blades thus allowing the blades cutting the reflector plate to a shape conforming to the first opening and attaching the reflector plate to the driving circuit board. |
| US08161628B2 |
Assembling device with complementary receiving members and manufacturing combination incorporating same
An assembling device for attaching a light guide plate and a reflecting member together is provided. The assembling device includes a first receiving member and a second receiving member. The first receiving member defines a first recess therein for accommodating the light guide plate. The second receiving member defines a second recess therein for accommodating the reflecting member. The assembling device has an open position and a closed position. The light guide plate is capable of being loaded in the first recess and the reflecting member is capable of being loaded in the second recess when the assembling device is in the open position. The first receiving member and the second receiving member are aligned with and parallel to each other when the assembling device is in the closed position. |
| US08161621B2 |
Method for fastening plastic drivers in washing drums
Fastening plastic drivers in a washing machine drum having at least two domes on the inside, which comprise a cavity extending along its center line, and are oriented perpendicular to the sheet casing of the drum and which serve to fasten the driver. A hole pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the domes of a driver is punched into the sheet casing of the drum. The driver is placed with its dome ends, which project beyond the contact surface of the driver with the sheet casing, onto the sheet casing so that the dome ends pass through the holes of the hole pattern. Counter holders are inserted from the opposite side into the cavities of the domes. From the fastening side, hold-down elements are driven against the sheet casing. Heated form punches are driven against the dome ends until the dome ends have mushroom-shape ends. |
| US08161618B2 |
Method of forming barbs on a suture
A method is provided for forming a barbed medical device which includes the steps of providing a blank workpiece and forming at least one barb on the blank workpiece by applying vibrational energy to a tool and bringing the tool and the blank workpiece into contact with each other at an angle such that the tool cuts into the surface of the blank workpiece. A barbed medical device formed by this method is also provided. |
| US08161616B2 |
Method of manufacture for a plastic-capped panel fastener
A captive panel fastener is manufactured by first overmolding a plastic cap around the head of a screw, the cap having a cylindrical plastic skirt extending downwardly beyond the base of the screw head and formed with a circular opening at the bottom. After a compression spring is placed around the shank of the screw, the screw is pressed against a top surface of a ferrule to a point where the capped-skirt extends downwardly below a ferrule flange. At that point, heat and pressure are applied radially inwardly around the periphery of the plastic skirt along its bottom edge until it is permanently deformed to a point where the bottom of the skirt is smaller in diameter than the ferrule flange. The screw is thereby captivated to the ferrule between extended and retracted positions. |
| US08161615B2 |
Apparatus and method for clamping and processing conveyor belt ends and the like
An apparatus and method for clamping and processing conveyor belt ends includes a stationary stand and a clamping member supported on the stand and configured to selectively retain an associated conveyor belt end therein. A belt processing member is configured to process the conveyor belt end retained in the clamping member, and a rail is detachably mounted on one of the stand member and the clamping member, and movably supports thereon the belt processing member for movement of the same along the conveyor belt end retained in the clamping member. |
| US08161611B2 |
Tool for installation of tubing in flooring
A tool for installing tubing in channels of floor panels comprises a handle attached to an upper portion of a front frame and a pair of wheels attached to a bottom portion of the front frame, a pneumatic drive, mounted between a front frame spacer and a bearing block, drives a hammer assembly for pushing the tubing into the channels, and a steering block is secured under the bearing block by a bearing assembly which enables the steering block to rotate about a bearing. An upper portion of a rear strut attaches to the bearing block and a pair of wheels attach to the lower portion of the rear strut. The tool quickly and efficiently installs the tubing into the flooring channels as the tool is rolled along the floor panels when an air source is attached to an air coupling on the pneumatic drive. |
| US08161609B2 |
Methods of fabricating an array capacitor
Methods of fabricating an array capacitor are disclosed, in which via structures of the array capacitor have increased uniformity in their transverse areas. One method involves perforating a capacitor body to form first holes extending from a first surface and partially through the capacitor body. The capacitor body may be further perforated to form second holes extending from a second opposed surface of the capacitor body. The second holes are to connect to the first holes to provide through holes extending across a thickness of the capacitor body. An appropriate conductive material may then be filled in the through holes to form via structures with increased uniformity in their transverse areas. |
| US08161608B2 |
Method of manufacturing quartz-crystal resonator
To provide a method of manufacturing a quartz-crystal resonator, in which without adding new processes, a desired quartz-crystal piece can be obtained from a quartz-crystal wafer by etching and electrodes can be provided without restraint. When a quartz-crystal piece 10 is formed, etching masks 6 having dummy regions 44, 48 that are provided at two positions corresponding to corner portions on a +X side of the quartz-crystal piece 10 and extend toward a +X axis direction of a wafer W are formed, and when the quartz-crystal piece 10 is formed, etching in groove portions 7 at positions corresponding to the dummy regions 44, 48 is delayed. Accordingly, it is possible to form the quartz-crystal piece 10 without chipped portions at the corner portions in a state where the quartz-crystal piece 10 and the wafer W are connected to and supported by a connection support portion 11. |
| US08161603B2 |
Hinge
A hinge according to the present invention includes: a housing; a shaft received in the inside of the housing; a guide member linearly moving along the shaft; and a first elastic member compressed and expanded along the movement of the guide member, wherein any one of the guide member and the housing is formed with a track groove and the other is formed with a guide projection moving the track groove and, the track groove is formed to move the guide projection to different paths according to a forward rotation and a reverse rotation of the shaft. |
| US08161602B2 |
Hinge assembly and portable electronic device using same
A hinge assembly includes a mounting sleeve defining a pivoting hole, a fastening seat, an elastic member, and a right side cover. The pivoting hole is enclosed by an interior peripheral wall. The interior peripheral wall defines a stopping slot. The fastening seat defines a fastening hole. The elastic member is received in the mounting sleeve. The right side cover includes a pole. The pole includes a first resisting bar and a second resisting bar. The pole is received in the pivoting hole and the fastening hole. The first resisting bar is slidably embedded in the stopping slot. The elastic member compresses the first resisting bar to abut against the fastening seat. When the first resisting bar slides out of the fastening hole and abuts against the fastening seat, the second resisting bar is slidably embedded in the stopping slot. |
| US08161601B2 |
Hinge and latch mechanism
The invention relates to a door hinge system which includes an integral exposed vertically oriented pin as a portion of a doorframe bracket, and a central latch bracket as engaged to a door. The pivotal manipulation of the door engages the latch of the central latch bracket to the pin, to secure the door to the doorframe. The central latch bracket includes a channel for receipt of the pin which is securely and releasably retained in the channel by the leading cam edge of the latch and safety slide. Disengagement of the latch from the pin enables a door to be easily separated from doorframe for re-hanging at a future time. |
| US08161595B1 |
Vacuum cleaner with scrubbers
This patent discloses and electrical appliance device to scrub clean a floor using a cleaning solution and to collect resulting dirty water from the floor. The electrical appliance device may include an upright portion attached to a handle assembly and a horizontal portion connected at a bottom of the upright portion, where the upright portion may be configured to pivot relative to the horizontal portion. A dirty water reservoir may be connected to the upright portion. The horizontal portion may include brushes, a brush motor, a suction pipe, a suction bar, and a solution reservoir having a brush motor cavity formed within a lower side of the solution reservoir. The brush motor may reside within and be surrounded by the brush motor cavity. |
| US08161594B2 |
Plural sided cleaning implement
A plural sided duster removably attachable to a handle. The duster may have two construction portions, each with an inwardly facing surface joined to the other to form a laminate construction. The construction portions may be longitudinally offset. The arrangement allows an attachment mechanism associated with the inwardly facing surface to be visible to the user, so the handle may be easily and removably attached to the duster at the attachment mechanism. |
| US08161593B2 |
Mop
A mop comprising a roller and mop pad system and a roll of absorbent mopping material operably coupled to the roller and mop pad system. The mop enables the user to replace the soiled mopping material with clean mopping material by using the roller system to roll the soiled mopping material away from the mop pad and thus replace the soiled mopping material with clean mopping material from a supply roll. |
| US08161591B2 |
Oral care implement with customizable element
An oral care implement with an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue and a body for gripping the implement including a handle with a front and a removable faceplate is described. The removable faceplate may be transparent or translucent and may also include design features. The faceplate may provide protection to a user inscription surface on one of the surfaces of the handle which is may be configured to receive user indicia that may later be removed and further indicia provided. A method for marketing the oral care implement and various features of the oral care implement including one or more thematic faceplates is also contemplated and described. |
| US08161587B2 |
Therapy mat table and table carrier and methods of use
A therapy mat table has an upper surface and removable mat. A portion of the mat and a separate plate is rotatably mounted within the flat top so as to be capable of being selectively raised and lowered to form a seat back for a patient reclining or sitting on the pad on an elongated side edge of the table. The table may also include transfer bars which help to move a patient on and off the table or when moving to a standing position or while simply standing. The table may further include a stowable foot stop, which prevents backward movement of the patient's feet when the patient is standing between the transfer bars. The table may also include a knee blocker, which helps to limit or prevent buckling of the patient's knees when the patient is standing between the transfer bars. |
| US08161584B1 |
Crib bumper and mat assembly system
A bumper system having a fitted crib sheet with a secondary layer which is attached to a top surface of the fitted crib sheet using an attachment means which secures a perimeter of the secondary layer to the fitted crib sheet, a bumper component having a first, second, third and fourth side panel, wherein the bumper component is attached to the top surface of the fitted crib sheet so that when the fitted crib sheet engages a crib mattress, the bumper component extends upwardly with respect to the top surface of the fitted crib sheet, in which a bottom portion of the bumper is constructed from a material having mesh and a top portion of the bumper is constructed from a padded material, and an adjustable strap on the bumper component which has a latch where the adjustable strap is adapted to secure the bumper component to a slat of a crib. |
| US08161580B2 |
Sanitary washing toilet seat device and toilet device
A sanitary washing toilet seat device according to the invention comprises a nozzle head having a water discharge port; a first cylinder capable of housing at least part of the nozzle head; a second cylinder capable of housing at least part of the first cylinder; and a driver configured to advance or retract at least one of the nozzle head and the first and second cylinder. The driver includes a flexible rack with one end connected to the nozzle head; a motor; and a transmission mechanism configured to transmit rotation of the motor to the flexible rack. At least one of the nozzle head and the first and second cylinder is advanced or retracted in accordance with the rotation of the motor. In a sanitary washing toilet seat device and a toilet device equipped therewith, a multistage washing nozzle can be accurately advanced/retracted. |
| US08161574B2 |
Apparel with raised course crease
An article of apparel may include a textile element that defines a crease. The textile element may be knitted to have a first course and a second course that are adjacent to each other in some areas of the textile element and spaced from each other by a raised course in other areas of the textile element. The crease extends along the third course and has a length that is substantially equal to a length of the third course. In manufacturing the textile element, the raised course may be formed between portions of the first course and the second course through a knitting process, such as a flat knitting process. |
| US08161569B2 |
Core assembly for an athletic protective pad
A core assembly for an athletic protective pad is provided. The core assembly comprises a backing member and a deflection shield overlaid on the backing member. The backing member includes a plurality of backing pieces that are assembled together. The deflection shield is located on the backing member using cooperating interlocking members provided on the deflection shield and at least one of the backing pieces. The core assembly may be inserted within an outer envelope to form a protective hockey goaltender leg pad. |