| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08173032B2 |
Measurement of etching
Methods and apparatus for determining the extent of etching in material by locating a detector element adjacent to a portion of the material that is to be etched. The width of the element varies. The resistance of the element is measured upon etching the portion. |
| US08173031B2 |
Photoimageable nozzle members and methods relating thereto
Nozzle members, such as for a micro-fluid ejection head, micro-fluid ejection heads, and a method for making the same. One such nozzle member includes a negative photoresist composition derived from a first di-functional epoxy compound, a relatively high molecular weight polyhydroxy ether, a photoacid generator devoid of aryl sulfonium salts, an adhesion enhancer, and an aliphatic ketone solvent. The nozzle member has a thickness ranging from about 10 microns to about 30 microns. |
| US08173030B2 |
Liquid drop ejector having self-aligned hole
A method for forming a self-aligned hole through a substrate to form a fluid feed passage is provided by initially forming an insulating layer on a first side of a substrate having two opposing sides; and forming a feature on the insulating layer. Next, etch an opening through the insulating layer, such that the opening is physically aligned with the feature on the insulating layer; and coat the feature with a layer of protective material. Patterning the layer of protective material will expose the opening through the insulating layer. Dry etching from the first side of the substrate forms a blind feed hole in the substrate corresponding to the location of the opening in the insulating layer, the blind feed hole including a bottom. Subsequently, grind a second side of the substrate and blanket etch it to form a hole through the entire substrate. |
| US08173029B2 |
Magnetic recording medium manufacturing method
According to one embodiment, a cured first ultraviolet-curing resin material layer having a first three-dimensional pattern is formed on a first principal surface of a magnetic recording medium having a central hole. A cured second ultraviolet-curing resin material layer having a second three-dimensional pattern is formed on a second principal surface opposite to the first principal surface of the magnetic recording. |
| US08173024B2 |
Method and apparatus for conducting supercritical wet oxidation reactions contained within a fluid envelope
A method and apparatus for conducting supercritical wet oxidation reactions wherein any precipitated solids do not contact the solid side walls of the containment vessel so as to prevent any of these precipitated solids from adhering to or corrode the vessel walls is provided. To do this, a controlled, continuous flow of clean fluid, preferably under supercritical conditions, is introduced to the process so as to form a film-like, clean fluid surface between the physical containment vessel walls and the supercritical wet oxidation reactants. |
| US08173021B2 |
Method for the preparation of sulfated cellulose membranes and sulfated cellulose membranes
The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of functionalized sulfated cellulose membranes. In particular, the present invention relates to the preparation of sulfated cellulose membranes under specific reaction conditions allowing to provide a sulfated cellulose membrane useful for pseudo-affinity purification. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the sulfated cellulose membrane itself as well as its use for isolation of proteinaceous compositions. Finally, the present invention provides a method for isolating whole virus, virus proteins or heparin binding molecules comprising the step of affinity purification using the sulfated cellulose membrane according to the present invention. |
| US08173016B2 |
Mechanical flotation device for reduction of oil, alkalinity and undesirable gases
A mechanical vessel may effectively and simultaneously displace a first undesired gas from within water with a second desired gas, and remove at least one alkaline species and oily matter from the water. The vessel raises the pH of the water and reduces the lime requirement for subsequent lime softening. The vessel receives the water containing the first gas and passes the water through a series of gasification chambers. Each gasification chamber may have a mechanism that ingests and mixes a second gas into the water thereby physically displacing at least a portion of the first gas into a vapor space at the top of each gasification chamber from which it is subsequently removed. There is an absence of communication between the vapor spaces of adjacent chambers. An acid is added to remove the alkaline species, where the first gas is an optional by-product that is also removed. |
| US08173014B2 |
Apparatus for hydrolysis of a protein containing raw material and application of the resulting hydrolysis products
Apparatus and methods for hydrolyzing protein-containing raw material into water soluble protein and other products. The apparatuses and methods include an optional collection or processing stage in which protein-containing raw material, such as fish or animal carcasses from food production plants, are collected and optionally processed. The raw material is then reacted with one or more enzymes to hydrolyze the protein present, after which the one or more enzymes are inactivated and the components separated. The processes and apparatuses, which can be run as a batch processes or, advantageously as a continuous processes, can yield water soluble protein, oils, bone meal and other products that have utility as food or food additives. |
| US08173010B2 |
Method of dry reforming a reactant gas with intermetallic catalyst
The invention relates to materials used as electrodes and/or catalysts, as well as methods associated with the same. The materials may comprise an alloy or intermetallic compound of a transition metal (e.g., Ni) and a metal additive (e.g., Sn). The transition metal and additive are selected to provide improved electrode and/or catalytic performance. For example, the materials of the invention may have a high catalytic activity, while being less susceptible to coking than certain conventional electrode/catalytic materials. These performance advantages can simplify the equipment used in certain applications, as well as reducing energy and capital requirements. Furthermore, the materials may be manufactured using traditional ceramic processing methods, without the need for complex, unconventional fabrication techniques. The materials are particularly suitable for use in fuel cells (e.g., SOFCs electrodes) and in reactions that use or produce synthesis gas. |
| US08173003B2 |
Turn-back flow EDI
The present invention discloses a turn-back electrodeionization apparatus in which the central section of cation exchange membrane and anion exchange membrane constituting a dilute chamber is adhered along axial direction, and the dilute chamber is separated into an inner side dilute chamber unit and an outside dilute chamber unit, so that the dilute sequentially flows through the outside dilute chamber unit and inner side dilute chamber unit in a turn-back way. |
| US08173001B2 |
Method and apparatus for analysis and sorting of polynucleotides based on size
The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size. |
| US08172997B2 |
Cerium oxide nanoparticle regenerative free radical sensor
An electrochemical sensor system for sensing free radicals or materials which generate free radicals in solution includes a working electrode coated with a plurality of cerium oxide nanoparticles and a counter electrode. A solution to be analyzed provides electrolytes to electrically couple the working electrode to the counter electrode. Electronics are connected to at least one of the working and counter electrodes for measuring and amplifying an electrical current signal generated by reduction or oxidation occurring at the working electrode, wherein in a presence of free radicals an electrical current signal flows between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The system can be used to sense the presence of hydrogen peroxide. |
| US08172996B2 |
Enzyme electrode and method for producing the same
An enzyme electrode and its producing method are disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a carbon surface; forming a gold surface on the carbon surface and forming an electrode; modifying the gold surface by L-cysteine; modifying the gold surface by N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide; and chemically bonding the modified gold surface with a glucose oxidase. |
| US08172992B2 |
Wafer electroplating apparatus for reducing edge defects
Methods, apparatuses, and various apparatus components, such as base plates, lipseals, and contact ring assemblies are provided for reducing contamination of the contact area in the apparatuses. Contamination may happen during removal of semiconductor wafers from apparatuses after the electroplating process. In certain embodiments, a base plate with a hydrophobic coating, such as polyamide-imide (PAI) and sometimes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are used. Further, contact tips of the contact ring assembly may be positioned further away from the sealing lip of the lipseal. In certain embodiments, a portion of the contact ring assembly and/or the lipseal also include hydrophobic coatings. |
| US08172989B2 |
Prevention of substrate edge plating in a fountain plating process
A plating apparatus and method for plating a surface of a substrate are described. Generally, the apparatus includes a double wall plating vessel having an inner cup and an outer cup peripherally surrounding and spaced apart from the inner cup. The inner cup has an inlet for receiving a plating solution and an outlet from which the plating solution overflows into a plenum defined between the inner and outer cups. |
| US08172988B2 |
Distillation system with vertically oriented rotating plates
The system contains a liquid-tight enclosure. An input source is connected to the liquid-tight enclosure for inputting water into the liquid-tight enclosure. A heating element is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the water within the liquid-tight enclosure. A plurality of substantially vertical plates are aligned along a substantially horizontal axis within the liquid-tight enclosure. Each of the substantially vertical plates has an opening. A groove is formed along each of the substantially vertical plates. A first end of the groove on each of the substantially vertical plates is proximate to the opening. At least one manifold extends through a plurality of the openings of the substantially vertical plates. The manifold is in fluid communication with a plurality of the first ends of the grooves. An output opening is formed in the liquid-tight enclosure. The output opening is arranged in fluid communication with the manifold. |
| US08172985B2 |
Extraction bedplate with laser or water jet cut apertures
The present invention relates to extraction bedplates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 for use in apparatus 5 for defiberizing paper making stock and methods for making such bedplates. Preferred methods for making such bedplates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 include the step of cutting a disc shaped blank from a metal plate and the step of forming holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 either the metal plate or the disc shaped blank. The holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 preferably are formed using a cutting stream, most preferably either a laser or a water jet. Use of a such a cutting stream to form the holes facilitates the cutting of holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 having non-circular, and preferably tesselatory, cross sections as well as holes 45, 145, 245, 345, 445, 545, 645, 646 extending at acute angles with respect to an axis 20 of the bedplate. |
| US08172982B2 |
Conductive webs and process for making same
Conductive nonwoven webs are disclosed. The nonwoven webs contain pulp fibers combined with conductive fibers. In one embodiment, the webs are made in a wetlaid tissue or paper making process. The pulp fibers contained in the webs may comprise softwood fibers, while the conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. Base webs can be produced having a resistance of less than about 100 Ohms/square in one embodiment. Once produced, the conductive material can be cut into slits that are then wound on spools. From the spools, the conductive slits can be fed into a process for making any suitable product. |
| US08172979B2 |
Porous adhesive for corrugated cardboard and method of manufacturing corrugated cardboard using the same
Disclosed is a porous adhesive for corrugated cardboard, including sticky starch and porous zeolite, in which microscopic holes to be joined with the microscopic holes in zeolite are formed in starch, thereby maintaining the freshness of food products stored in a corrugated cardboard box and efficiently eliminating remaining agricultural chemical components. Also, a method of manufacturing corrugated cardboard using the porous adhesive is provided. The porous adhesive for corrugated cardboard is obtained by blending a mixture, including 68.5˜79.5 wt % corn starch, 20˜30 wt % zeolite powder having the same particle size to that of the corn starch, and 0.5˜2 wt % microorganism-containing yellow soil, caustic soda and a hardener, with water. The zeolite powder and the corn starch have a particle size of 300˜350 meshes. The microorganisms contained in yellow soil are selected from the group consisting of Bacillus sp., Acinetobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., and mixtures thereof. |
| US08172976B2 |
Rolled shielding and insulating material
A shielding material includes a non-conductive sheet, an elongated adhesive strip and a conductive sheet. The elongated adhesive strip is disposed on a first side of the non-conductive sheet. The adhesive strip is spaced apart from a first edge of the non-conductive sheet and includes a removable cover film that protects the elongated adhesive strip until it has been removed. The conductive sheet is adhered to a second side of the non-conductive sheet. A first end of the conductive sheet is spaced apart from the first edge of the non-conductive sheet so that a first portion of the conductive sheet extends beyond the first edge of the non-conductive sheet. The conductive sheet is also disposed relative to the non-conductive sheet so that the second end is parallel to a second edge and so that a second portion of the non-conductive sheet extends beyond the second end. |
| US08172973B2 |
Method and apparatus for molding and curing a tyre for a vehicle wheel
A method of molding and curing a tire for a vehicle wheel includes building an unvulcanized tire on a toroidal support; heating the support; pressing an inner surface of the tire against an outer surface of the support; and pressing an outer surface of the tire against walls of a molding cavity defined in a vulcanization mold. The inner surface of the tire is pressed against the outer surface by at least one secondary working fluid. The outer surface of the tire is pressed against the walls by at least one primary working fluid. The at least one primary working fluid is heated, causing vulcanization of the tire. An apparatus for molding and curing a tire for a vehicle wheel includes the vulcanization mold, at least one passage device, a feeding device, and first and second heating devices. It may also include an airtight device arranged to receive the support. |
| US08172969B2 |
Apparatus and method for ultrasonic processing of laminates
A method for ultrasonic debulking a composite laminate includes the steps of defining a path across the laminate, the path having a starting location and an ending location and applying a force to and transmitting ultrasonic vibration into the laminate along the path, beginning at the starting location and ending at the ending location. The method further includes determining a temperature of a surface of the laminate proximate to the path and varying at least one of an amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration, the applied force, a feed rate at which the force and the ultrasonic vibration are applied along the path, an angle at which the ultrasonic vibration is applied to the laminate, and an interval at which plies of the laminate are processed, based upon the determined temperature of the surface of the laminate. |
| US08172963B2 |
Laminated energetic device
A laminated energetic device is disclosed. The laminated energetic device includes a low-gas generating energetic mixture, a first film on which the low-gas generating energetic mixture is located, and a second film for sealing the low-gas generating energetic mixture between the first and second films. |
| US08172961B2 |
Al-Ni-rare earth element alloy sputtering target
An Al-base alloy sputtering target consisting Ni and one or more rare earth elements, wherein there are 5.0×104/mm2 or more compounds whose aspect ratio is 2.5 or higher and whose equivalent diameter is 0.2 μm or larger, when a cross sectional surface perpendicular to the plane of the target is observed at a magnification of 2000 or higher. |
| US08172960B2 |
Tantalum sputtering target and method of manufacturing same
Provided is a tantalum sputtering target manufactured by working a molten and cast tantalum ingot or billet through forging, annealing and rolling, wherein the structure of the tantalum target comprises a non-recrystallized structure. The tantalum sputtering target having a high deposition speed and excellent uniformity of film, producing less arcings and particles and having excellent film forming properties, and the method capable of stably manufacturing the target can be provided by improving and devising plastic working steps such as forging and rolling, and the heat treatment step. |
| US08172955B2 |
Process for decontaminating an organic solid substrate contaminated by solid radioactive particulate inorganic contaminants, using dense pressurized CO2
Process for decontaminating, cleaning a solid organic substrate contaminated by solid radioactive particulate inorganic contaminants, in which: the said solid substrate is brought into contact with an extraction medium, devoid of water, comprising: dense pressurized CO2; at least one nonhalogenated surface-active compound chosen from block copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) PEO and poly(propylene oxide) PPO, such as (EO)x-(PO)y diblock copolymers, (EO)x-(PO)y-(EO)x triblock copolymers and (PO)x-(EO)y-(PO)x, triblock copolymers, where x and y are integers from 2 to 80 with x other than y; and polydi(1 to 6C)alkylsiloxanes, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); and at least one complexing agent chosen from tributyl phosphate (TBP), crown ethers, tributylphosphine oxide, triphenylphosphine oxide and tri(n-octyl)phosphine oxide; the solid substrate and/or the extraction medium is/are subjected, simultaneously with the contacting operation, to a mechanical action. |
| US08172954B2 |
Apparatus for simultaneous two-disk scrubbing and washing
Various methods and apparatus for simultaneously cleaning two single-sided hard memory disks is provided. The two disks are placed in concentric contact merge orientation such that the outwardly facing surface of each disk, which has memory storage capabilities, may be simultaneously cleaned by equipment designed to clean one double-sided disk. Conversely, no effort is expended in cleaning the abutting inactive surfaces of the disks. |
| US08172951B2 |
Method of cleaning with an aqueous composition containing a semiconductor
The use of an aqueous composition comprising a semiconductor as cleaning agent for surfaces in the outdoors field and indoors field is proposed. |
| US08172949B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus, program for performing operation and control method thereof, and computer readable storage medium storing the program
A computer readable storage medium storing a program for performing an operation method of a substrate processing apparatus is provided. The operation method includes the steps of introducing a nonreactive gas into the vacuum preparation chamber before the gate valve is opened while the substrate is transferred between the vacuum preparation chamber of the vacuum processing unit and the transfer unit, stopping introducing the nonreactive gas when an inner pressure of the vacuum preparation chamber becomes same as an atmospheric pressure, starting an evacuation process of the corrosive gas in the vacuum preparation chamber and then opening to atmosphere performed by letting the vacuum preparation chamber communicate with an atmosphere, and opening the gate valve after the step of opening to atmosphere. |
| US08172947B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and attaching/detaching method of reaction vessel
To provide a substrate processing apparatus, comprising: a reaction vessel having a processing chamber inside that processes a substrate; a heating device that heats said substrate from an outer peripheral side of the reaction vessel; a lid member that closes the processing chamber; an attachment/detachment jig placed on the lid member for attaching/detaching the reaction vessel from an inside of the heating device; and a support section provided in an upper side of a lower end of the reaction vessel on an inside wall of the reaction vessel, and abutted on an upper surface of the attachment/detachment jig for attaching/detaching the reaction vessel from the inside of the heating device. |
| US08172945B2 |
High-purity vitreous silica crucible for pulling large-diameter single-crystal silicon ingot
A high-purity vitreous silica crucible used for pulling a large-diameter single-crystal silicon ingot, includes a double layered structure constituted by an outer layer composed of high-purity amorphous vitreous silica with a bubble content of 1 to 10% and a purity of 99.99% or higher, and an inner layer composed of high-purity amorphous vitreous silica s with a bubble content of 0.6% or less and a purity of 99.99% or higher, wherein, at least for an inner surface of the vitreous silica crucible between ingot-pulling start line and ingot-pulling end line of a silicon melt surface, a longitudinal section of the inner surface is shaped into a waveform, and depth and width of the ring grooves constituting the multi ring-groove patterned face are set in the range of 0.5 to 2 mm and 10 to 100 mm, respectively. |
| US08172940B2 |
Treatment of fly ash for use in concrete
A process for treating fly ash to render it highly usable as a concrete additive. A quantity of fly ash is obtained that contains carbon and which is considered unusable fly ash for concrete based upon foam index testing. The fly ash is mixed with an activator solution sufficient to initiate a geopolymerization reaction and for a geopolymerized fly ash. The geopolymerized fly ash is granulated. The geopolymerized fly ash is considered usable fly ash for concrete according to foam index testing. The geopolymerized fly ash may have a foam index less than 35% of the foam index of the untreated fly ash, and in some cases less than 10% of the foam index of the untreated fly ash. The activator solution may contain an alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, aluminate, or mixtures thereof. |
| US08172938B2 |
Heat resistant and fire retardant materials and methods for preparing same
A silica cement blend having an insulating, fire retarding and high temperature characteristic capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from ambient to greater than 40000 F without degradation of the concrete structure. In addition to its high temperature capabilities the blend can be produced as ultra light weight to heavy weight concrete. The silica based mixture when added to cementitious materials such as Portland cement, Class C Fly Ash, silica fume and other cementitious materials. Presented also are methods for reducing fire damage by coating interior/exterior walls, ceiling, and roofs of a building with a water based latex coating containing a fire retardant material and low heat conductivity silicas. Methods for painting internal/external walls, ceilings, and roof are also presented. This coating retains thermal blocking properties comprised of processed, expanded and/or finely milled, pyrogenic silicas and micro spheres in combination of but not limited to, one, two or more component water based polymer/copolymer latex binders and a water born fluoropolymer emulsion. The combined properties of these elements create a coating similar to paint with a high level of thermatic resistance which slows the composition break-down from fire, extreme temperatures, and restricts the thermal conductivity which helps to preserve the integrity of the substructure or underlying materials. The properties of this coating reduce or slow the potential of catastrophic fire by retarding flashover and protecting the under structure; which in turn assist fire fighters and rescue personnel by helping to retard the potential of a catastrophic fire. |
| US08172937B2 |
Lightweight drainable cellular concrete
A lightweight pervious cellular concrete is provided. The concrete has an internal structure comprising interconnected channels, resulting in a permeability K value of less than about 1×10−5, and as low as about 1. The cellular concrete has a density range of between 10 to about 100 pounds per cubic foot, with a compressive strength of between about 10 to about 1000 psi. |
| US08172936B2 |
Hydrophobizing construction elements comprising mineral fibers
Water repellents based on reactive siloxanes with polyfunctional silylalkoxy modification of the siloxane backbone and processes for hydrophobizing mineral fiber components. |
| US08172932B2 |
Connecting tube having dust sensing function for use in vacuum cleaner
A connecting tube having a dust sensing function is provided. The connecting tube includes a tube element having a first air flowing passage; a body having a second air flowing passage to communicate with the first air flowing passage; a detecting sensor disposed on the second air flowing passage to detect whether the dust or dirt passes through the second air flowing passage; a lamp part to operate according to a signal outputted from the detecting sensor; a rotating part rotatably disposed on the body; a rotation driving-passage part disposed on the body to draw in an external air into the second air flowing passage and thus to rotate the rotating part; an electric generator connected to the rotating part to generate an electric power; and a muffler part to reduce noises from the rotating part and the flowing air. |
| US08172931B2 |
Wet-type exhaust desulfurizing apparatus
An absorbing tower is provided in its side wall with a gas entrance for introducing a combustion exhaust gas into the absorbing tower, and an absorbing liquid is sprayed from the nozzles of a spray header into the exhaust gas introduced to rise from the gas entrance. A trough is arranged in the side wall of the absorbing tower and above the gas entrance, and a nose having a horseshoe shape in a top plan view and extending into tower is disposed in the tower side wall portion of the gas entrance other than the portion arranging the trough and at the same or at substantially the same height as the portion of the trough. The absorbing liquid, which is sprayed from the nozzle and drops along the absorbing tower wall portion, is rescattered to the center portion of the absorbing tower excepting the entrance of the absorbing tower, so that the gas-liquid contact efficiency is improved while suppressing an increase in pressure loss, thereby to prevent the drift of the gas at the tower wall portion. |
| US08172930B2 |
Cleanable in situ spark arrestor
A system for reducing the occurrence of fires in a fabric filter dust collection system. The system includes an elongated housing having a first end and a second end distal from the first end. A gas flow inlet is provided in flow communication with an interior portion of the housing for flow of gas and particulates from a source into the housing. A gas flow outlet is provided in flow communication with the housing for flow of gas and particulates out of the housing and into the dust collection system. An elongated spark arrestor is disposed in the housing between the first end and the second end. The spark arrestor has a plurality of spaced-apart, wedge-shaped members having a gap between adjacent members sufficient to interrupt the flow of combustible particles from the source to the dust collection system. |
| US08172929B2 |
Systems and methods allowing for reservoir air bubble management
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in fluidic media in a reservoir. Air passages may allow air to escape from fluidic media in a reservoir. Membranes may allow for trapping air bubbles in fluidic media before fluidic media enters a reservoir. A membrane may allow air to flow from a first reservoir containing fluidic media to a second reservoir while plunger heads within each of the reservoirs are moved within the reservoirs. An inner reservoir with a membrane may be moveable within an outer reservoir to allow air to move from the outer reservoir to the inner reservoir. An inner reservoir containing pressurized gas may allow fluidic media to be transferred to an outer reservoir. |
| US08172924B2 |
Method of separating and storing volatile gases
A method of using a crystallographic framework of sterically bulky calixarene molecules to selectively separate and/or store volatile gas components. Sterically bulky calix[4]arenes or their derivatives form a crystalline lattice that has relatively large lattice voids, is nonporous, and is held together predominately by van der Weals forces. The calix[4]arene lattice can form a guest-host assembly by absorbing a desired volatile gas guest component into the crystalline lattice without any phase shift or other change to the lattice structure. The crystalline calixarene can also be desirably used to purify a gas mixture by removing one or more volatile gas contaminants or by removing and storing the desired volatile gas component. This method can preferably be used to purify a hydrogen gas stream by removing the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide contaminants or to remove and store oxygen from the air or carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from combustion gases. |
| US08172923B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing particle contamination in a vacuum chamber
An apparatus and method for maintaining low gas velocity variation across a diffuser membrane during the vent-up of a vacuum chamber is disclosed. The diffuser membrane permeability and the pressure conditions across the membrane are chosen to minimize variation in gas flow velocity through the membrane during the vent-up cycle. This reduces re-distribution of particles from a vacuum chamber onto sensitive substrates in the vacuum chamber during vent-up from sub-atmospheric pressure to atmospheric pressure. |
| US08172919B1 |
Window filter apparatus
The window filter apparatus provides a framework for holding filters within the frame of windows, thereby offering filtered outside air for a building, without having to run an air conditioner. The apparatus further provides for filtering noise and light by the same filters. Box fans are ideal companions for the apparatus for drawing additional outside air into a building. No additional hardware or tools are needed. There is no invasion of windows or window frames. |
| US08172917B2 |
Apparatus for the purification of gas while bleeding a crank housing
The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for purifying gas while bleeding a crank housing, said apparatus (10) comprising a housing (12) inside which a separator chamber (14) is provided, a rotor arrangement with a rotor shaft (32) that is rotatably mounted in the housing and a centrifugal rotor (39) located in the separator chamber (14), and a fluid driving device (64) for driving the rotor shaft (32) by means of a driving fluid, the driving device (64) being disposed in a driving chamber (60) that is separated from the separator chamber (14) by means of a housing partition (16), and the rotor shaft (32) extending through a breakthrough in the housing partition (16). In the case of this device, it is provided that a labyrinth-type seal (70) is provided in the zone of the breakthrough in order to seal the driving chamber (60) from the separator chamber (14). |
| US08172915B2 |
Method of making a composite diamond body
The present invention relates to a method of producing a composite diamond body from powders of diamond particles and powders forming a binder phase comprising cobalt powder having mainly a fcc-structure and a grain size (FSSS) of from about 0.2 to about 2.9 μm., with a pressing and sintering operation. The present invention also relates to a composite diamond body made according to the method. |
| US08172905B2 |
Spinal implant
A spinal implant for insertion in the intervertebral space is formed as a hollow cage, wedge shaped in profile, with a lesser height leading end for a low profile entry. The cage has two open sides with a plurality of angled teeth along opposite longitudinal edges for engaging the end plates of adjacent vertebrae when the cage is rotated into position. One portion of the angled teeth are angled toward an end of the cage and another portion of the angled teeth are angled away from that end to provide a lock preventing the cage from migrating ventrally or dorsally from the spine. Upon rotation, the leading end has a greater height than the trailing end. |
| US08172904B2 |
Artificial spinal disc
The present invention relates to methods and devices for the treatment of disc disease and spinal deformities with an artificial disc replacement. |
| US08172900B2 |
Microsensor system for application in biomechanics
A sensing system and method to detect and determine magnitude and direction of ciliary body movement within an eye of a patient is disclosed. The invention comprises a permanent magnet (PM) positioned in the ciliary body, and a sensing device (SD) positioned adjacent the ciliary body and configured to detect displacement of the permanent magnet relative to the sensing device via movement of the ciliary body. The invention also comprises a data processing device (DPD) configured to determine magnitude and direction of the ciliary body movement based on the displacement of the permanent magnet detected by the sensing device. |
| US08172898B2 |
Device and method for modifying the shape of a body organ
An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel. |
| US08172897B2 |
Polymer and metal composite implantable medical devices
A device and a method of manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, are described herein. The device includes a metallic region composed of a bioerodable metal and a polymer region composed of a biodegradable polymer contacting the metallic region. The metallic region may erode at a different rate when exposed to bodily fluids than the polymer region when exposed to bodily fluids. In certain embodiments, the polymer region is an outer layer and the metallic region is an inner layer of the device. A further aspect of the invention includes device and a method of manufacturing the device that includes a mixture of a biodegradable polymer and bioerodable metallic particles. The mixture may be used to fabricate an implantable medical device or to coat an implantable medical device. In some embodiments, the metallic particles are metallic nanoparticles. |
| US08172896B2 |
Devices, systems and methods to treat heart failure
Several unique intracardiac pressure vents, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intracardiac pressure vents presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms but also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombus or other embolic material from entering the arterial circulation. Retrievability during deployment is improved, in part, by providing at least one segment or portion of the device that is retained within the placement catheter while all other segments or portions of the device are deployed. |
| US08172895B2 |
Design and assembly of fenestrated stent grafts
A method of sizing of a stent graft (20) including placement of fenestrations (30, 32) to ensure access to side branch vessels (13, 15) through the fenestrations when the stent graft is introduced into a body vessel and an assembly method for a stent graft including temporary diameter reduction arrangements to enable partial release of a stent graft to assist with positioning of fenestrations with respect to side branch vessels. The method includes spacing the fenestrations to be the same circumferential distance as the side branch vessels irrespective of the diameter of the stent graft. |
| US08172894B2 |
Circumferentially nested expandable device
Expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen are disclosed. These implants comprise a circumferentially nested, diametrically expandable, moveable vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The device can be configured to allow for motion such as rotating, translating, and/or slide and lock. One advantage of the circumferentially nested stent is that it maintains the expanded size, without significant recoil. |
| US08172892B2 |
Endovascular graft device and methods for attaching components thereof
The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having various frame-to-main body component attachment mechanisms which provide a secured bond, reduced graft material wear, and reduced delivery profile. |
| US08172890B2 |
Combination underbody and overbody blanket
A combination underbody and overbody blanket has first and second portions sandwiching a middle portion. The first portion may be shorter than the second portion. An opening is provided at the middle portion, or at a location that overlaps the middle and first portions. The opening has a dimension sufficiently large to enable the head of a patient to pass through. At least one air inlet is provided at the middle portion to allow air to be input into the blanket. The blanket is configured in the shape of a poncho, with the first portion covering the front torso of the patient and the second portion covering the back of the patient. A tearable seal is provided at the first portion that allows the first portion to be separated into two halves to expose the front upper torso of the patient and/or to facilitate the placement of the middle portion about the neck and onto the shoulders of the patient. |
| US08172887B2 |
Lock and release mechanism for a sternal clamp
An engagement mechanism for a sternal clamp, the mechanism allowing for an open status where the clamp may be lengthened or shortened, a closing status where the clamp may only be shortened, and a locked status where the clamp cannot be lengthened or shortened, and wherein the device can be disposed in the locked status in differing overall lengths. |
| US08172881B2 |
Dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method with a deflection rod mounted in close proximity to a mounting rod
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient. |
| US08172878B2 |
Conical interspinous apparatus and a method of performing interspinous distraction
A conical interspinous apparatus includes a distractor comprising an insertion portion and a central engagement groove, the insertion portion having a conical shape which tapers to a tip and is adapted to enable passage of the distractor between two spinous processes of vertebrae, and the central engagement groove is adapted to secure the distractor between the two spinous processes such that the two spinous processes rest in the central engagement groove. The conical interspinous apparatus includes a stabilizer which is adapted to be deployed from within the distractor to secure the two spinous processes within the central engagement groove and an insertion driver detachably coupled to a rear portion of the distractor. A guide wire, having a pointed tip, aids in the insertion of the distractor between the two spinous processes and is configured to guide the insertion of the distractor. |
| US08172875B2 |
Variable laminoplasty implant
A vertebral implant comprising a first base configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra, and second base configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra. A connecting member is configured to associate the first and second bases at a preselected spacing from each other, and the implant is preferable adjustable to select the spacing. |
| US08172872B2 |
Device for closing an opening located in a heart septum
A device (1) for closing an opening (2) in a septum (4) of a heart (3) comprises: at least two closure elements (12) with threads (8) for closing the opening (2), a feed catheter (5) for insertion of the closure element (12) into the heart (3), a puncture cannula (6), a stylet (7) for pushing the closure element (12) out of the puncture cannula (6), and a screw catheter (10) having a coil (11) for penetration the edge of the opening (2). The puncture cannula (6) and the elements (12) can be moved through the screw catheter (10) and the coil (11). If the edges of the opening (2) overlap, a lobe (15) away from the feed catheter (5) can be kept in place with a second coil (111), or a suction tube (16) during placement of the anchor (12). |
| US08172871B2 |
Closure medical device
A closure device for closing a puncture wound has a distal section that can be placed against the interior wall of a vessel and a proximal section that bunches in the tissue tract to close the wound. |
| US08172868B2 |
Apparatus for skin stimulation and subcutaneous tissue therapy
A device for providing stimulation to the skin and treatment of subcutaneous tissue and methods for using the same. The skin stimulation device comprises a handle affixed to a U-shaped housing having side walls, a cylindrical member inserted into the housing and being rotatable relative to the side walls, a plurality of pins extending in rows outward and a rotatable cover affixed over the housing having slits for the needles such that the rotation of the cover varies the length of the needles extending through the slits. The skin stimulation device can be used to apply therapeutic agents to or below a human skin surface. The rotating cover allows for therapeutic agents to be delivered at a precise depth specified by the user. |
| US08172866B2 |
Medical aid
The invention relates to a medical aid which comprises a lancet. The lancet is at least partially enclosed by a packaging that comprises a flexible film section. The lancet is arranged displaceably between upper and lower protective sections of the packaging. The flexible film section is detachably connected, along at least one segment of its first and second lateral edges, to an additional flexible film section or one of the protective sections. The flexible film section is connected to an additional flexible film section or one of the protective sections near the lancet tip via a detachable connection to enclose the lancet tip in the packaging. The proximal ends of the lower and upper protective sections can be bent apart to create an opening in the packaging at the detachable connection through which part of the lancet is pushed out from the packaging in the proximal direction. |
| US08172864B2 |
Balloon catheter with improved pushability
Rapid exchange angioplasty catheters and methods of constructing rapid exchange angioplasty catheters including features that provide good pushability and kink resistance. In an illustrative embodiment, a catheter is provided, the illustrative catheter including a proximal hypotube section, which connects to a more distal braided catheter section. The braided catheter section connects to a midshaft portion that includes a guidewire entry port. Distal of the midshaft portion is a distal section having a balloon disposed thereon. An inflation lumen extends the length of the catheter, while a guidewire lumen extends only from the guidewire entry port to the distal end of the catheter. Optionally, a core wire may extend across the joint from the hypotube, to the braided catheter section, and past the guidewire entry port. |
| US08172857B2 |
Endoscopic tissue apposition device and method of use
An endoscopic tissue apposition device that includes a vacuum chamber configured to securely hold a portion of tissue therein, the vacuum chamber being defined by a proximal wall and a distal wall opposite to the proximal wall. Working and vacuum channels are provided in communication with the vacuum chamber. A portion of tissue is held in the vacuum chamber when vacuum is applied in the vacuum chamber through the vacuum channel. A carrier needle is disposed on a proximal side of the vacuum chamber and is longitudinally advanceable into and across the vacuum chamber, while a punch needle is disposed on a distal side of the vacuum chamber and is configured to receive the carrier needle therein. A hold and release mechanism holds and releases the punch needle to facilitate joining portions of tissue together. |
| US08172853B2 |
Instrumentation for creating an intervertebral space for receiving an implant
A surgical instrument set for use in spinal surgery for forming a substantially quadrilateral space in the spine for implanting a spinal implant at least in part into and at least in part across a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies and methods of use are disclosed. The instrument set includes an extended guard for providing protected access to the disc space and the adjacent surfaces of the adjacent vertebral bodies, a guide insertable into the guard, and a bone removal device insertable into said guide. |
| US08172836B2 |
Electrosurgical system having a sensor for monitoring smoke or aerosols
An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to generate electrosurgical energy and a sensor. The sensor is coupled to the electrosurgical generator and senses aerosol and/or smoke generated during application of the electrosurgical energy. The sensor generates data in response to the sensed aerosol and/or smoke and communicates the data to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical generator generates the electrosurgical energy as a function of the data. |
| US08172833B2 |
Remote control of substance delivery system
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled substance delivery device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, a delivery device or related device may be placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. The concentration of a substance in the fluid to be delivered may be modified by a remote control signal. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used. |
| US08172829B2 |
Torqueable and deflectable medical device shaft
A medical device shaft for connection with a handle and for insertion within a body includes an elongated, deflectable shaft having a proximal shaft portion, an intermediate shaft portion, and a distal shaft portion. The elongated, deflectable shaft includes a transition in stiffness from the proximal shaft portion to the distal shaft portion. In a preferred implementation, the shaft includes a plurality of slits that extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. Varying at least one of the number of slits, the location of slits, the frequency of slits, the orientation of the slits, the size of the slits, and the depth of the slits varies the transition of stiffness. |
| US08172826B2 |
Device for actively removing a target cell from blood or lymph of a vertebrate subject
Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling the level of one or more target cell types in the blood fluid and/or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject. Devices and systems are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen; one or more sensor configured to detect one or more target cell types in blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; at least one reactive component disposed in the at least one treatment region, the at least one reactive component configured to modulate a physiological effect of the one or more target cell types in the vertebrate subject; and at least one controller in communication with the one or more sensor and in communication with the at least one controllable flow barrier to the at least one lumen; wherein the at least one controller is configured to open or close the at least one controllable flow barrier in response to the one or more sensor. |
| US08172825B2 |
Methods for disinfecting medical connectors
Caps can be used to cover and sterilize the male luer of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male luer to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen of the male luer. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal. |
| US08172824B2 |
Apparatus for combining components under sterile conditions
An apparatus for combining under sterile conditions a liquid component held in a first container and a solid or liquid component held in a second container is provided. In one embodiment, two hollow bodies for receiving the two containers are provided, the two hollow bodies being arranged one within the other and being slidable relative to one another in a guided manner in the longitudinal direction. A cannula holder forms a pot-shaped structural unit with the first hollow body. Alternatively, the cannula holder is provided with at least one cannula. The cannula holder and the first hollow body may be separate components, in which the cannula holder is pot-shaped. |
| US08172821B2 |
Personal wear absorbent article with waist adjustment tab
An absorbent article includes a front waist region, a back waist region and a crotch region interconnecting the front and back waist regions. An article fastening system attaches the back waist region to the front waist region to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. The waist opening has a size in the wear configuration of the article. A waist adjustment system includes a tab having an attachment region for attaching the tab to one of the front waist region and the back waist region and a tab region extending transversely outward from the attachment region. The tab region has a fastener region releasably attachable to multiple locations on the one of the front waist region and the back waist region to selectively alter the size of the waist opening in the wear configuration of the article. |
| US08172814B2 |
Syringe plunger and syringe incorporating the plunger
A plunger (13) for a syringe (11), comprising a cylindrical hollow body having a closed base and an opening located at the opposite base of said hollow body, wherein a seat accessible through said opening is provided to receive the head of a rod or a pusher (15), said seat being equipped with engagement means for retaining said head inside the seat at the end of an axial translational or an axial translational and rotary coupling movement. The application further concerns the rod intended to be associated with said plunger and a syringe or a phial using the plunger. |
| US08172813B2 |
Syringe with two piece plunger rod
Medical devices comprising a syringe barrel, a stopper and a two piece plunger rod are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the two piece plunger rod includes a first plunger rod piece slidably mounted to a second plunger rod piece. The first and second plunger rod pieces include locking elements which allow the length of the plunger rod to be extended during use or injection or compressed during storage or packaging. In one or more embodiments, the medical device is further packaged in a compressed position. |
| US08172811B2 |
Drug delivery pump drive using a shaped memory alloy wire
A pump drive and a method thereof to dispense a liquid drug from a container having a plunger piston are disclosed. The pump drive provides a unidirectional clutch provided about a rotational axis which supports centrally a wheel. The clutch has an inner race operably connected to the plunger piston, wherein the clutch is configured to rotate both the inner race about the axis in unison with rotation of the wheel in only a first direction to advance the plunger piston, and to let the wheel rotate relative to the inner race about the axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction without advancing the piston plunger. The drive in one embodiment includes at least one shape memory alloy wire which when excited rotates the wheel in the first rotational direction to advance the piston plunger and dispense the liquid drug from the container. |
| US08172810B2 |
Medical needle safety devices
A safety device (10) for a medical needle (11) has a sleeve (28) defining an internally tapering forward portion (30) and a needle carrier (14) located within the sleeve (28) for axial movement relative to the forward portion (30). A locking member (23) is mounted on the needle carrier (14) and has a plurality of resiliently deformable fingers (25) bearing on the internal surface of the sleeve and slidable along the tapering forward portion (30) as the carrier moves relative thereto, so as to impart a force between the carrier (14) and forward portion (30) to restore those components to their initial position. A cam arrangement (33) turns the locking member (23) following initial axial movement between the carrier (14) and forward portion (30) so that the forward ends of the fingers drop behind abutments (35) provided at the rearward end of the forward portion, upon the carrier and forward portion returning to their initial positions. This then blocks further axial movement between those components (14, 30). |
| US08172807B2 |
Intravenous securement device with adhesively interconnected anchoring component and permeable adhesive strip
A catheter anchoring assembly includes a permeable adhesive strip, a platform for securing the catheter, and a flowable adhesive layer. The flowable adhesive layer adhesively secures the platform to the adhesive strip. The flowable adhesive is applied to one side of the strip with a skin-contacting adhesive on the opposite side of the strip. The flowable adhesive layer and strip are configured so that the flowable adhesive is spaced from the skin-contacting adhesive or, at the very least, is prevented from penetrating the skin-contacting adhesive. The flowable adhesive layer and strip also permit the assembly to be very flexible and, thus, comfortable for a patient to wear. |
| US08172806B2 |
Surgical portal with seal system
A surgical seal system is adapted for use with a cannula assembly having a cannula housing and a cannula sleeve extending from the cannula housing. The surgical seal assembly includes a seal assembly and an adapter assembly. The seal assembly is mountable to the cannula housing. The seal assembly includes a seal housing and a seal defining inner portions adapted to form a substantial seal about an instrument with a first cross-sectional dimension. The adapter assembly includes an adapter body adapted for releasably coupling to the seal housing of the seal assembly. The adapter body has an adapter seal and a tether. The adapter seal is adapted to form a substantial seal about an instrument with a second cross-sectional dimension less than the first cross-sectional dimension. The tether is mountable to the cannula sleeve thus securing the adapter assembly to the cannula. |
| US08172804B2 |
Infusion medium delivery system, device and method with needle inserter and needle inserter device and method
An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula. |
| US08172801B2 |
Method for positioning a catheter guide element in a patient and kit for use in said method
A method for positioning a guide element in a patient and a kit for use in the method. In one embodiment, the method involves transorally inserting an endoscope into a patient's stomach. An incision site is externally indicated by transilluminating the stomach and abdominal walls of the patient from within the stomach. Next, a scalpel incision is made at the indicated incision site, and an access needle is inserted into the incision, the proximal end of the access needle remaining external to the patient and the distal end of the access needle extending into the patient's stomach. The stylet of the access needle is then removed from the patient while keeping the cannula in place. Next, the distal end of a grasping tool is inserted through the cannula and into the patient's stomach. The looped leading end of a pullwire is then inserted through the endoscope and into the stomach. The tool is then manipulated until a distal hook on the tool catches the looped leading end. Next, the tool and the looped leading end are withdrawn from the patient through the cannula. The endoscope is then withdrawn from the patient over the trailing end of the pullwire. In this manner, the pullwire is positioned so that the trailing end of the pullwire extends from the patient's mouth and the leading end of the pullwire extends from the incision. |
| US08172798B2 |
System and method for managing infusion therapies
A system for managing an infusion therapy, including: a server in communication with a central server; and an infusion pump in wireless communication with the server and for: uploading respective label data from respective labels for at least one medication, the respective label data including respective label pump programming data for infusion of the at least one medication by the pump; wirelessly transmitting the uploaded label data to the server; and wirelessly transmitting pump data identifying the pump to the server. The server is for transmitting the pump data and the respective label data to the server; and receiving, from the central server and in response to receipt of the pump data and the respective label data by the central server, second pump programming data regarding a second medication. The server is for comparing the first pump programming data with the second pump programming data. |
| US08172796B2 |
Syringe with alignment flange and expansion section with reduced wall thickness
A syringe includes a cylindrical body having a distal end and a proximal end, an injection section at the distal end and an expansion section at the proximal end, the injection section and the expansion section being connected by a cylindrical center section of relatively uniform outer diameter. The injection section includes a conical portion and an injection neck, the conical portion including an alignment flange extending outward from at least a portion of the conical portion. The syringe further includes a plunger movably received in the body and having a coupling end with a pair of flexible coupling members defining a slot therebetween for engaging a drive piston of an injector, the slot being substantially aligned with the alignment flange such that the alignment flange provides an indication of the orientation of the slot, the plunger seated for storage in the expansion section. A syringe has a reduced wall thickness at the expansion section such that an inner diameter of the expansion section is larger than the inner diameter of the center section for allowing the expansion section to expand under radial outward force exerted by the plunger. |
| US08172792B2 |
Embolic protection systems for bifurcated conduits
An apparatus for removing emboli from a vessel during an interventional procedure comprising a catheter. The catheter includes: an elongate member having a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a dilation element disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member, the dilation element having a contracted state and an expanded state; an occlusion element disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member, the occlusion element being disposed proximal of the dilation element, and the occlusion element having a contracted state and an expanded state; and one or more aspiration ports disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member, the one or more aspiration ports being in fluid communication with the lumen, and one or more of the aspiration ports being disposed proximal of the dilation element and distal of the occlusion element. |
| US08172782B2 |
Compression garments
A compression garment includes a plurality of fabric segments having differing elastic properties arranged to provide the garment with regions of differential compression. The fabric segments define an inner surface of the garment. the inner surface includes at least one region of pile or raised fibers for increased thermal insulation. |
| US08172781B2 |
Orthopedic brace having a length-adjusting mechanism and a lockable rotation hinge
An orthopedic brace is provided with an adjustable support assembly having a support arm, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which slidably receives the support arm. The locking mechanism includes a lock lever which selectively applies a sufficient force to the support arm to prevent slidable displacement of the support arm in the travel track. The orthopedic brace is further provided with a hinge having a first rotation plate, a second rotation plate, a pivotal connector connecting the first and second rotation plates, a rotation limiting mechanism, and a rotation locking mechanism. |
| US08172777B2 |
Sensor-based health monitoring system
Implementations for sensor-based health monitoring systems are generally disclosed. |
| US08172771B2 |
Tissue collection system
A tissue sample collection device and method are described and disclosed. The tissue sample collection device has a filter that is removably disposed within a sleeve. The filter has an open proximal end and an internal passageway that is in fluid communication with the open proximal end for the passage of fluids. The filter is substantially impermeable to tissue samples but allows the passage of fluids into the internal passageway at a plurality of spaced apart locations along at least a portion of the filter's length. When used to collect tissue samples, the samples are collected on the exterior surface of the filter. Thus, the filter can be removed from the sleeve, and samples can be removed from the exterior surface of the filter. In certain exemplary versions of the tissue sample collection device, the filter is provided on a filter member, and the sleeve is adjustably attached to the filter to define a tissue collection configuration in which the filter is disposed within the sleeve and a tissue retrieval configuration in which filter projects away from the sleeve. |
| US08172769B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring intra ocular and intra cranial pressure
A method and apparatus for measuring acoustic energy applied to the head to detect increases in intracranial pressure. Acoustic eye patches are applied to a patient's eye or eyelid, and an ultrasonic sweep generator applies an acoustic signal across the patient's skull, the signal being swept across a predetermined range. The eye patches have piezoelectric film sensors for measuring the acoustic signal. In one embodiment the predetermined range is in the ultrasonic band and an analyzer determines from the output of the sensors a resonant frequency and a damping of acoustic amplitude at said resonant frequency, there being a correlation between said damping and intra cranial pressure. In another embodiment the predetermined range includes a range less than 20 kHz and the analyzer determines retinal artery pulsations, with pressure being applied to the eye until the pulsations disappear, such pressure being a measure of intra cranial pressure. |
| US08172767B2 |
Method for monitoring a childbirth process
The method is for monitoring a childbirth process of a pregnant woman. A plurality of cervix dilatation data and fetal positioning data are obtained and fed to a device. A plurality of lactate concentrations is measured at time intervals. The measured lactate concentrations are shown on a display of the device at the time intervals to show a trend of the lactate concentrations. The cervix dilation data and the fetal positioning data are also shown on the display. The lactate concentrations are evaluated to determine whether the lactate concentrations are rising to indicate that an individual lactate threshold value of the pregnant woman has been exceeded. The medical practitioner may also evaluate the cervix dilation data and the fetal positioning data. |
| US08172758B2 |
Transesophageal ultrasound probe with an adaptive bending section
When transesophageal echocardiography is used to obtain a transgastric short axis view of the left ventricle of the heart, the best place to position the transducer is in the fundus of the stomach, aimed up through the left ventricle. The probes disclosed herein facilitate placement of the transducer in the optimum position within the fundus, despite wide variations in the distance between the lower esophageal sphincter and the fundus among different subjects. In one preferred embodiment, the ultrasound probe uses a bending section with a series of vertebrae and stiffening that is more flexible proximally and less flexible distally, which causes the probe to bend relatively sharply at the point where the probe exits the lower esophageal sphincter. The flexibility of the proximal-most portion of the bending section is preferably greater than or equal to the flexibility of the interface between the bending section and the shaft. |
| US08172754B2 |
Ultrasonograph
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes: a transmitting section for driving an ultrasonic probe to transmit an ultrasonic wave toward a measuring region of a subject, including an arterial vascular wall; a receiving section for receiving a reflected wave, produced by getting the ultrasonic wave reflected from the subject, at the probe, thereby generating a received signal; a displacement detecting section for calculating the magnitude of displacement of each measuring point in the measuring region on the wall by analyzing the received signal; a tissue-to-present determining section, which defines at least one boundary between tissues included in the measuring region on the wall and which selects one of at least two areas divided by the boundary defined; and a property value calculating section for calculating a property value of the subject based on the magnitude of displacement of each measuring point. The distribution of property values of the measuring points in the area selected by the tissue-to-present determining section is presented as a two-dimensional image. |
| US08172753B2 |
Systems and methods for visualization of an ultrasound probe relative to an object
Systems and methods for visualization of an ultrasound probe relative to an object are provided. The system includes an ultrasound probe configured to acquire ultrasound data. The system further includes a display configured to display an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data and a graphical representation of the ultrasound probe in combination with the ultrasound image. |
| US08172752B2 |
Automatic wireless PAN/LAN switching
A communication system is used by a portable patient monitoring device for connecting to other devices, including a docking station, via one or more networks. The communications system includes an adaptive communication interface which, when the patient monitoring device is docked, establishes communication with a first network, and receives from a first docking station a first unique identifier that identifies the first docking station, allowing the patient monitoring device to communicate patient parameters to the first destination. While the portable patient monitoring device is undocked, the adaptive communication interface is inhibited from establishing communication with a network providing an identifier to the portable patient monitor that does not match the first unique identifier. Upon docking to a second docking station, the patient monitoring device establishes communication with a second network using a new unique identifier received from the second docking station via a second exclusive communication link. |
| US08172750B2 |
Surgical access system and related methods
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. |
| US08172744B2 |
Devices for minimally invasive pelvic surgery
The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence. |
| US08172739B2 |
Device for combining groups of filter segments for producing multi-segment filters of the tobacco industry, and trough drum
A device for combining groups of at least two different types of filter segments for producing multi-segment filters in the tobacco industry in a continuous process includes a plurality of independent functional units that are each designed as a module. |
| US08172736B2 |
Exercise apparatus and methods of use
The present invention includes an exercise apparatus adapted to exercise a user's gluteus muscles. The exercise apparatus and method of use allow the user to focus on and exercise gluteus muscles with specificity. Embodiments of the exercise apparatus include an upper body support, a foot support, and an exercise space. The exercise space is typically disposed substantially between an upper body support and a foot support, and permits substantial movement of a user's hips in both a forward direction and a rearward direction, substantially in or parallel to a user's sagittal plane. The exercise apparatus is adapted to load a user's gluteus muscles throughout a generally large range of gluteus muscle flexion and extension. |
| US08172733B1 |
Linearly adjustable multi resistance ratio exercise apparatus
A linearly adjustable multi resistance ratio exercise apparatus provides at least two linearly adjustable flexible connector ends which can be pressed or pulled for functional and strength training exercises. The flexible connector ends may be interconnected with resistance wherein the pressing or pulling of one flexible connector end will provide the user a different ratio of resistance than the pressing or pulling of an alternate flexible connector end. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide less resistance and will provide more flexible connector travel for functional training exercises. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide more resistance and will provide less flexible connector travel for strength training exercises. Some flexible connector ends may share the same swivel pulley assembly. One handle assembly may be attached to multiple flexible connector ends to obtain additional ratios of resistance. |
| US08172732B1 |
Exercise machine with two-directional pivoting user support
An exercise machine has a user support movement arm rotatably mounted on a support frame for rotation about a first pivot axis, and a user support assembly pivotally connected to the movement arm for rotation about a second pivot axis so that the user support assembly rotates in two directions about different pivot axes. An exercise arm pivotally mounted on the frame is linked to the user support assembly or user support movement arm so that movement of the exercise arm automatically moves the user support assembly. Movement about one pivot axis may be a free pivoting, non-resisted movement while movement about the other pivot axis may be associated with a resistive load. |
| US08172728B2 |
Elliptical exercise apparatus with flexible unitary force imparting member
An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member. The linkage assembly includes a flexible drawbar interconnected between the crank and frame of the exercise apparatus. |
| US08172727B2 |
Exercise handle and methods of use
An exercise handle for use with a cord and a method for the use thereof, the handle having a channel portion having at least two channel ends that are positioned non-diametrically relative to each other on the channel portion, the channel portion being rounded relative to a center point; a channel being fashioned on the channel portion, the channel being adapted to receive the cord; a grip portion being positioned between the at least two channel portion ends in an off-center relationship to the center point of the channel portion. |
| US08172725B2 |
Jaw exerciser
A jaw exerciser is provided. The jaw exerciser includes an elongated first portion having a first cross-sectional area, wherein the elongated first portion is configured to be inserted into the mouth, and includes an outer surface adapted to be engaged and clenched by the teeth. The jaw exerciser also includes an elongated second portion having a second cross-sectional area and an outer surface, wherein the elongated second portion is configured to remain outside the mouth when the first portion is inserted into the mouth. Furthermore, the jaw exerciser includes an intermediate portion having a third cross-sectional area. The intermediate portion joins the elongated first and second portions, and is configured to be grasped and encircled by the lips to thereby retain saliva inside the mouth. |
| US08172722B2 |
Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods in a team sports environment
Systems and methods for sensing and monitoring various athletic performance metrics, e.g., during the course of a game, a practice, a training session, training drills, and the like, are described. These systems and methods can provide useful metrics for players and coaches relating to athletic performances in various sports, including various team sports. |
| US08172719B2 |
Continuously variable speed-changing transmission mechanism of sheet laminating apparatus
A continuously variable speed-changing transmission mechanism of a sheet laminating apparatus includes a control module, a speed changing module, a speed reducing module and a hot press roller module. The continuously variable speed-changing transmission mechanism can laminate a sheet article at a stepless variable speed. |
| US08172717B2 |
Compliant carrier wall for improved gearbox load sharing
A planetary gear system and a method of fabricating same. The planetary gear system includes at least one planet gear, at least one planet pin receiving the at least one planet gear, and a carrier. The carrier itself includes at least one carrier opening for accommodating the at least planet gear, at least one planet pin opening for receiving the at least one planet pin, and at least one flex portion within a wall of the carrier for providing enhanced compliance to the carrier in response to force directed on the at least one planet gear. |
| US08172714B2 |
Speed changing transmission apparatus
A composite planetary transmission section (P) is provided for synthesizing output from a stepless speed changing section (20) with an engine drive force. In a transmission line from the planetary transmission section (P) to an output rotational body (90), there are provided first clutch mechanism (60), a second clutch mechanism (70), a speed-reducing planetary transmission mechanism (80), an operable coupling clutch mechanism (110) and an output clutch mechanism (120). A ring gear (83) of the speed-reducing planetary transmission mechanism (80) includes a brake mechanism (100). A sun gear (43) of the planetary transmission section (P), an input side rotational member (62) of the first clutch mechanism (60), an input side rotational member (71) of the second clutch mechanism (70), a sun gear (84) of the speed-reducing planetary transmission mechanism (80), and an input side rotational member (122) of the output clutch mechanism (120) are rotatable about a common rotational axis. A rotational shaft (97) operably coupling a carrier (44) of the composite planetary transmission section (P) with the output rotational body (90) is inserted through a planetary transmission mechanism (50) of the composite planetary transmission section (P), the first clutch mechanism (60), the second clutch mechanism (70) and the speed-reducing planetary transmission mechanism (80). |
| US08172713B2 |
Rotation output device
A rotation output device including a lock mechanism for automatically locking an output shaft without inertia or a need to pivot the output shaft by the operator after the input shaft stops rotating. The rotation output device includes an output gear for inputting a rotation driving force; a lock ring restricted from rotating; output rings for rotating integrally with the spindle; a click spring for rotating the output rings with respect to the output gear; float gears which are held by the output ring to be urged radially outward and are fixedly engageable with the lock ring; and central pin insertion through-holes and side pin insertion through-holes provided in the output rings for releasing the float gears radially outward and fixedly engaging the float gears with the lock ring. The click spring relatively rotates the output rings by the stoppage of the rotation driving of the output gear. |
| US08172709B2 |
Tensioning rail or guide rail with securing means for retaining bolts
The present invention relates to a tensioning rail or a guide rail for tensioning and/or guiding a drive chain, comprising an opening for receiving a retaining bolt and a retaining bolt which can be inserted into the opening, wherein a lock device working between the retaining bolt and the opening is provided with a lock projection at the opening and a lock recess at the retaining bolt or vice versa, which lock device secures the retaining bolt in a mounting position relative to the opening and at least temporarily releases the retaining bolt in order to move it to a fixing position. |
| US08172708B2 |
Inflation method for and game ball with noise suppression disk
An inflatable game ball containing a noise suppression device and a method for inflating the game ball are described. More particularly, a free standing, noise suppression disk is fit snuggly within a central area of the hollow internal cavity formed by the bladder of the game ball. The diameter of the noise suppression disk is slightly larger than the diameter of the hollow internal cavity of the ball, while the thickness of the disk is sufficient to provide necessary rigidity to the game ball noise suppressor without adding excess weight to the ball. An exact amount of SF6 is pre-filled in the balls, when combined with subsequent air, is determined to create the ultimate SF6 to air ratio range at various altitude levels. Subsequently, the balls are only partially inflated at the time of manufacture with the SF6 gas, and no air. |
| US08172700B2 |
Golf club head having ribs
Described herein are embodiments of a golf club head having at least one rib with an external portion. For example, according to one embodiment, a wood-type golf club head includes a body that has at least one wall defining an interior cavity. The golf club head further includes at least one rib projecting from the at least one wall. The at least one rib can include an internal portion located within the interior cavity and an external portion located without the interior cavity. |
| US08172695B2 |
Golf club
A golf putter with a novel offset and shaft-attachment design is disclosed and claimed. The club includes a head having a strike surface, a sole, and a top line. A tube is coupled to the head, a coupling member is coupled to the distal end of the tube, and a shaft is also coupled to the coupling member. The coupling member connects the tube and the shaft such that they are relatively offset. The longitudinal axes of the tube and the shaft may be substantially parallel, or the coupling member may be adjustable such that the longitudinal axes are not parallel. An alignment indicia is provided on the club head. The tube is coupled to the head at an angle such that it blocks the indicia from a user's view at address when the head is aligned properly. If the club head is not properly aligned, the golfer will be able to see the indicia and therefore know to adjust the club head before putting. Thus, putter disclosed and claimed herein provides both offset and a putting alignment aide. |
| US08172692B2 |
Method of forming a high performance thread forming screw
A thread forming screw having a minimum surface hardness of HRC 56. The screw can form threads in a workpiece having a surface hardness which exceeds HRC 23. A method of surface hardening a screw includes carbon enriching the screw to at least a 0.48 carbon level, and then quenching the screw. Then, the screw is tempered such that the surface hardness does not exceed the core hardness by more than 3 Rockwell C points, and both the surface and core are at a Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Subsequently, the point is induction hardened, and the screw is quenched again. The screw is again tempered such that the lead threads and the first 3-4 full threads are at a Rockwell C56 minimum hardness, preferably to a depth of at least 0.008 inches, and the core of the fastener is at Rockwell C33-C39 hardness. Finally, a finish is applied. |
| US08172685B2 |
Wagering game with persistent state of game assets affecting other players
A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines. |
| US08172684B2 |
Networks for use in gaming
According to one example embodiment disclosed herein, a connection is established between a network and a plurality of gaming units located in a gaming establishment, wherein each gaming unit includes at least one wagering input unit; wherein the network includes one or more network resources and is connected to at least some of the plurality of gaming units; and a gaming information traffic is transmitted on the network. |
| US08172681B2 |
Storage medium having stored therein game program and game device
When a player selects an object group displayed on a screen, a related selected area display indicating that the object group is in a selected state is displayed. While the display remains, the player performs an input by drawing a track which intersects the related selected area using a stick or the like. When it is determined that the inputted track and the related selected area intersect, the selected state is released. |
| US08172680B2 |
Information processing system for capturing operations, transferring data and performing remote operations
An information processing system includes an input section that inputs movement information of an object on which a user performed an operation in an operation environment, and an output section that holds another object in a remote site remote from the operation environment and reproduces a movement of the object on which the user performed the operation on the basis of the movement information received from the input section. |
| US08172679B2 |
Gaming Machine
In a gaming table (1), image light L1 emitted from a display surface of a liquid crystal module (2) that carries out a dual image display arrives, directly through a window of a frame (4b), at a player in front of the gaming table. Image light L2 emitted from the display surface of the liquid crystal module (2) is reflected by a reflecting surface of a mirror member (3) so as to also arrive at the player through the window of the frame (4b). The player recognizes a first image formed from the image light L1 and a second image formed from the image light L2. Thus, the first and second images are supplied to the player as a background image on the gaming table (1). This makes it possible to realize a gaming machine having a display device that can display a large screen and can reduce the size and cost of the gaming machine. |
| US08172675B2 |
Personalization using a hand-pressure signature
A hand-held device having a body with a pressure-sensitive exterior surface. At least a portion of the pressure-sensitive exterior surface is designed to be grasped by a user's hand. The pressure-sensitive surface contains a plurality of pressure sensors operative to provide an output signal proportional to a pressure applied by the user's hands to the exterior surface of the hand-held device at the area the pressure sensor is located. The device also includes a memory for storing the output signals provided by the plurality of pressure sensors and a processor for comparing the output signals provided by the plurality of pressure sensors against stored pressure profile signatures for positively identifying the user. |
| US08172673B2 |
Game server, game control method, and game machine
A return is reliably executed to a player who has paid a predetermined amount to a game machine. The timing of this return is determined by lottery, and its result is displayed on the game machine. This thrills the player with expectation of the return, thereby keeping the player long on the same game machine. As the result, it is avoidable that the player waiting for a prize for a long time loses enthusiasm for the game and keeps away from the hall (i.e., a reduction in the number of customers). |
| US08172667B2 |
Gaming system and method having a skill factor
A gaming system comprises a game controller arranged to control play of a game having a player skill aspect, and a display arranged to display a representation of the game, the game controller being arranged to control the display to display a set of symbols for selection, the game controller being responsive to the player skill aspect to facilitate selection of at least one of the symbols, a skill level factor of the player skill aspect being variable depending on operation of a game, whereby to vary a skill level required by the player. |
| US08172666B2 |
Slot machine
A slot machine according to the present invention includes: a plurality of reels having thereon plural types of symbols set in array; a display device having a symbol matrix display region having therein the plurality of symbols set in array on the reel, and a symbol image display region for displaying a symbol image of a symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display image; a memory storing symbol image data relating to symbols identical or similar to the plural types of symbols set in array on the reel, and reel image data relating to a reel having a reel shape; and a controller for controlling the reels, the display device, and the memory. The controller is programmed to: rearrange the plural types of symbols in the symbol matrix display region; read out of the memory the reel image data and symbol image data corresponding to the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region; and display in the symbol image display region, the reel image in which the symbol image is filled in the reel image having the reel shape, in a manner to correspond to display on the symbol matrix display region. |
| US08172664B2 |
Slot machine and control method of game
A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols, and a controller programmed to conduct processing of (A) executing a game in which, after game media in number equal to or less than a predetermined maximum number of BETs are bet, the plurality of symbols are rearranged by the symbol display device, and game media in number according to the arranged symbols or combinations are paid out; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; (E) clearing the number of games counted in the processing (C) and also shifting the mode from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, when a game ending condition which enables a player to figure out that the game has ended is established; and (F) upon execution of the processing (E), clearing the number of games counted in the processing (C) and causing the output device to output a sound or an image for notifying the player that the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode. |
| US08172663B2 |
Multi-line gaming machine with single wager option
A gaming machine for playing a multi-line spinning reel game has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. In the game at least one random event, in particular a spin of the reels, is caused to be displayed on the display. If a winning event occurs the machine awards a prize. The player is constrained to wager a single amount on each play of the game and may not vary the amount. This single wager amount provides eligibility to play all available lines of the game and eligibility to bonus features. No choice of other wagering options is provided. |
| US08172655B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner includes an air conditioning module and a wireless access module. The air conditioning module has at least one blade for controlling the wind direction of the air conditioning module. The wireless access module has at least one antenna. The antenna is disposed on the blade. |
| US08172654B2 |
Coin processing machine with pivoting alignment finger
A coin processing machine includes a first stationary finger and a second stationary finger spaced from the first stationary finger and defining a first opening between them to receive a stream of singulated coins. The first opening is larger than the largest diameter coin to be processed by the coin processing machine. A movable third finger is spaced from the first finger and defines a second opening downstream from the first opening. Larger-diameter coins move the third finger to permit the coins to move through the second opening and past the third finger. Smaller-diameter coins that pass through the first opening and engage the third finger are directed towards the first finger before reaching and passing through the second opening. |
| US08172652B2 |
Method and apparatus for harvesting livers and hearts
A method and apparatus for harvesting livers and hearts from a giblet package comprising an infeed pinch roller assembly, a slide assembly, an indexer assembly, an intestine pull down and a liver and heart separator assembly, for harvesting livers and hearts with an increased yield. The steps of the process include loading a load viscera pack into a feed chute that channels the pack to a pair of counter rollers. The viscera pack is captured by infeed pinch rollers thereby forcing the package into and between the rollers with only the gizzard remaining on top of the roller body. The liver and heart is isolated and separated by a pull down stripper assembly and a stripper arm assembly. |
| US08172651B1 |
Fish scaling tool
A fish scaling tool comprises a handle with an angled head formed of two forked tines. A pair of blade assemblies are attached to the tines and extend downwardly from the head. The blade assemblies each have two rows of serrated, triangular-shaped teeth. On each blade assembly, the rows of teeth are angled outwardly with respect to each other. The handle features a contoured cover with recesses to provide a sure grip for the user. The tool provides an easy, reliable means to scale any fish, particularly those fish that are generally difficult to scale, such as the larger saltwater gamefish. |
| US08172646B2 |
Magnetically actuated chuck for edge bevel removal
Provided are magnetically actuated wafer chucks that permit a wafer to be clamped or unclamped at any time during a process and at any rotational speed, as desired. Such wafer chucks may include constraining members that are movable between open and closed positions. In a closed position, a constraining member aligns the wafer after wafer handoff and/or clamps the wafer during rotation to prevent it from flying off the chuck. In an open position, the constraining member moves away from the wafer to allow liquid etchant to flow from the wafer edge without obstruction. The constraining members may be, for example, cams, attached to arms or links of the chuck. The cams or other constraining members move between open and closed positions by self-balancing forces including a first force, such as a spring force, that acts to move a cam in a first direction, and a non-contact actuate-able force, such as a magnetic force, that acts to move the cam in the opposite direction. The resulting cam motion is smooth and continuous. |
| US08172645B2 |
Dosing device
The invention provides a dosing device for a particulate material blasting apparatus comprising a dosing chamber having a base, a rotor carrying a plurality of circumferentially formed pockets ratably mountable with the chamber, a particulate product feed conduit adapted to feed particulate product onto a base of the dosing chamber adjacent a receiving side of the dosing chamber and a particulate product delivery conduit formed in the base of the dosing chamber adjacent a delivery side of the dosing chamber. The base of the dosing chamber is disposed with respect to the particulate product feed conduit such that particulate material will not spill over the base into the delivery conduit. The rotor is disposed with respect to the feed conduit such that particulate product fed onto the base of the dosing chamber will be picked up by the pockets formed in the rotor and lifted up and around the chamber from a receiving side of the dosing chamber to a delivery side of the dosing chamber. |
| US08172641B2 |
CMP by controlling polish temperature
A method for manufacturing integrated circuits on a wafer includes providing a facility-supplied room temperature solution; controlling the temperature of the facility-supplied room temperature solution to a desired temperature set point to generate a rinse solution; and rinsing a polishing pad using the rinse solution. The wafer is then polished by means of a chemical mechanical polishing process. |
| US08172636B1 |
Playground hoop-holding apparatus
A toy-holding apparatus for securely holding at least two playground toys, such as hoops or wands, in a predetermined relationship to one another includes a first hoop grip adapted to releasably grip a first playground hoop and a second hoop grip adapted to releasably grip a second playground hoop. A connecting element is disposed between the first and second hoop grips. A friction-inducing insert is disposed on at least one of the hoop grips to minimize unintended movement between the hoop grips and the hoops. |
| US08172627B2 |
Electrical connector with plated plug and receptacle
An electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical connector has a plug and a receptacle that are connectable in a mated position. At least one of the plug and the receptacle have a body and an electrically conductive layer applied directly to the body. |
| US08172622B1 |
Socket structure stack and socket structure thereof
A socket structure stack and a socket structure thereof are provided. The socket structure stack includes at least two socket structures, and each socket structure includes a main body, a plurality of conductive elements, and a plurality of connecting elements. The main body includes an inner plate and an outer plate, wherein the inner plate has a receiving portion and an embedded portion. The conductive elements are embedded in the embedded portion, and the connecting elements are mounted on the outer plate so as to connect adjacent socket structures together. The socket structures are so configured that ICs, processors, and printed circuit boards connected to the socket structures or the socket structures themselves can be recycled. Moreover, the printed circuit boards can be easily assembled to the socket structures, and the socket structures can be stacked up and securely connected to form a 3D structure which is otherwise difficult to put together by soldering. |
| US08172620B2 |
Electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly (100), comprises: an insulative housing (2) having a plurality of passageways (24) arranged into a first row and a second row; a plurality of terminals (3) received into the corresponding passageways of the insulative housing and divided into a first terminal group (31) and a second terminal group (32), and each terminal having a terminating section (303) at a rear end thereof, the terminating sections of the plurality of terminals located on a common plane; a spacer (4) assembled to a rear end of the insulative housing and having a row of grooves (421) formed on an upper surface thereof, the terminating sections of the terminals passing through the spacer and received into the corresponding grooves of the spacer; and a metallic shell (5) assembled to an outer surface of the insulative housing and the spacer. |
| US08172618B1 |
Semiconductor-type electric connector
A semiconductor-type electric connector against surge and static electricity includes a circuit board in the electric connector. The circuit board is provided with conductive terminals for external connection. The circuit board includes at least one electronic component which is a semiconductor chip. The electronic component is electrically connected to the conductive terminals of the circuit board in a parallel connection. The electronic component is conducted in a specific state, so that the electric connector is capable of being against surge and static electricity and convenient for maintenance. |
| US08172613B1 |
Coaxial cable end connector
The present invention relates to a coaxial cable end connector, which includes an insulating housing, a signal terminal, and a shielding housing. The insulating housing includes a hollow hole, a terminal cavity, and an insulating plate. The signal terminal is disposed in the terminal cavity. The signal terminal includes a flat portion, wherein the flat portion of the signal terminal is electrically connected with an end of an internal conductive wire of the coaxial cable. A through hole is formed on a central region of the flat portion of the signal terminal, and two limiting pillars is disposed around an edge of the through hole of the signal terminal for positioning the internal conductive wire of the coaxial cable. The shielding housing includes a circular portion and a cover, wherein the circular portion of the shielding housing surrounds the insulating housing. |
| US08172611B1 |
Method and assembly for connecting a coaxial cable end to a threaded port
An assembly for connecting a coaxial cable end to a threaded port and having a fitting to which an end of a coaxial cable can be connected. A nut, joined to the fitting, has a first set of threads and is turnable in a tightening direction around a central axis of the connecting assembly to progressively engage the first set of threads with a second set of threads on a port. The nut has an outer surface at which a first edge, facing circumferentially in a first direction, is defined. A sleeve surrounds the nut and has a body with a first reconfigurable finger extending in a circumferential direction and upon which a second edge, facing circumferentially oppositely to the first direction, is defined. The second edge is brought into bearing engagement with the first edge as the sleeve is turned in the tightening direction around the central axis so that the nut follows movement of the sleeve. The sleeve is movable continuously relative to the nut around the central axis in a loosening direction. |
| US08172610B2 |
Electric connector
To make it possible to improve the grounding property of a conductive shell with a simple configuration.Connector-side ground connecting members (ground spring pieces) 24c provided in a conductive ground shell 24 of a receptacle connector 2 and board-side ground connecting members (rear holddowns) 24b are disposed such that they extend approximately in parallel with a fitting direction of a plug connector 1 serving as a fitting mate for the receptacle connector 2, and ground currents flowing between the connector-side ground connecting members 24c and the board-side ground connecting members 24b take the shortest straight courses so that occurrence of electrical loss or an undesired inducing phenomenon is substantially suppressed. |
| US08172607B2 |
Electronic torque wrench with removable battery and system with such a wrench
An electronic torque wrench (10) comprises a hand grip body (11) equipped with a user interface (12), electronics (13) for controlling the wrench, a grasping area (18) and power supply batteries. The hand grip body projects out at the front with a mechanical connecting element (14) which ends at one extreme with a clamping head (16), whereas at the rear end it is equipped with a removable battery element (19) which is connected to the hand grip body through a connector group (20) for electric and mechanical connection. When the battery element (19) is removed, a connector (20a) is uncovered at the rear end of the hand grip body (11) for the connection of the wrench to a matching connector (20c) of an electric cable (21) for connecting to an external unit (22) for supplying power to the wrench and controlling it. |
| US08172602B2 |
Pluggable cable connector
A pair manager for use in securing a twin-axial cable to a printed circuit board is described. The pair manager comprises a generally block-shaped portion containing a pair of channels. The channels extend from the front face to the rear face of the block-shaped portion. An integral flange and a pair of integral fingers extend perpendicularly from the front face of the block-shaped portion. The flange extends generally from the center of the front face and the fingers extend from opposite edges of the front face. The fingers and flange function as a partial shield cavity around each pair of conductors. This design helps to maintain better impedance matching when connecting twin-axial cables to a printed circuit board. |
| US08172596B2 |
Electrical connector with sacrificial appendage
An electrical connector assembly may include a yoke that includes an outer housing and a central conductor provided within the outer housing. The central conductor may include at least three outwardly extending portions. A first outwardly extending portion and a second outwardly extending portion maybe operatively coupled to first and second power cables, respectively. A third outwardly extending portion may include a sacrificial appendage configured to be cut through to confirm that the electrical connector is de-energized. |
| US08172594B2 |
Low insertion force multi-pole connector device
A multi-pole connector has a first movable or plug-in connector member (30) with a plurality of electric contacts (131) supported by a terminal strip (31). The electric contacts are arranged in a pattern. The movable member (30) is designed to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a framework (1) which includes a second stationary, spring-biased connector member (5) which has at least one terminal strip (4, 4′) with a plurality of electric contact terminals (104, 104′) thereon, in the form of islands of material arranged in the same pattern. The movable member (30) is to be inserted into a fixed slide guide (103) and the connector member (5) is urged by springs (7) to bring terminal strips (4, 4′) into an electrical connection position with movable member (30) and a rotatable shaft (106) with cam (306) is used to move the stationary member (5) away from such position, to thereby permit release of the movable member (30). |
| US08172593B2 |
Cable connector expanding contact
A coaxial cable connector includes a pin having a plurality of circumferentially spaced support arms, inward facing surfaces of the support arms defining a cavity. A shoulder is provided on the inward facing surfaces. A guide is axially received in the internal cavity, the guide having tabs at one and a radial flange at the other. An elastomeric cylindrical collar is disposed on the guide between the tabs and the flange. In a first position, the collar is axially uncompressed or axially partially compressed between the flange of the guide and the shoulders of the support arms. In a second position, the flange is positioned closer to the shoulders such that the collar is axially compressed between the flange and the shoulders to a shorter axial distance than in the first position and such that the collar is expanded radially outwardly to a greater amount than in the first position. |
| US08172584B2 |
Electrical connection mechanism for connecting an electrical part to a junction box
Provided is a connection mechanism which connects a switch portion 20 of a generator 1 to an assembling terminal 11 of a junction box 10 having plural female terminals 12 connected to a generator circuit 13 via a relay connector 30, wherein the relay connector 30 forms a defining wall 31 inside a cylindrical body so that a fitting portion 32 is provided at one side of the defining wall 31 so as to be fitted to the switch portion 20, and plural relay terminals are attached to the other side so as to be connected to the plural female terminals 12, and wherein holes 35 are provided in the defining wall so as to respectively face the front ends of the relay terminals 33. Accordingly, the switch portion 20 and the assembling terminal 11 are integrally and directly connected to each other via the relay connector 30. |
| US08172581B2 |
Electrical connector configured by upper and lower housings with contact terminals disposed therebetween
An electrical connector for electrically connecting a circuit processing unit (CPU) with a number of soldering balls to a print circuit board (PCB) comprises a first body having a plurality of bottom holes, a second body mounted on the first body and having a plurality of upper holes, a plurality of terminals located between the first body and the second body, and a number of fusible members holed by the terminals. Each terminal includes a planar horizontal base portion, a plurality of upper hands and lower legs respectively bent upwardly and downwardly from the base portion, and a plurality of holding portions extending from the base portion in a horizontal direction. The upper hands received in the upper holes can hold the soldering balls. The lower legs received in the bottom holes can hold the fusible members and be soldered to the PCB through the fusible members. |
| US08172580B1 |
Power adapter
A power adapter conveniently allows an electric device to be quickly disconnected and taken by a user. The power adapter is to dispose a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion at a main body to respectively and electrically connect a power supply device and an electronic product such that a goal of delivering power from the power supply device to the electronic product can be achieved, wherein at least one magnetic attraction portion is disposed to an end of the main body having the first coupling portion or the second coupling portion such that junction effect between the power adapter and the power supply device or the electronic product can be retained by utilizing a magnet attraction performance from the magnetic attraction portion, and the electronic product can be quickly taken by slightly imposing force. |
| US08172578B2 |
Systems, program products, and methods of organizing and managing curriculum information
Systems, program products, and methods of curriculum planning are provided. An embodiment of a system includes instructional course instructions, responsive to user input commands, to associate one of several instructional courses with one of several teachers, calendar instructions, responsive to user input commands, to create a calendar schedule and assign the instructional course to a date and time for display on the calendar schedule, lesson-plan assignment instructions, responsive to the calendar schedule and user input commands, to assign one of several lesson-plans to the instructional course at the date and time on the calendar schedule, and lesson-plan indicator instructions, responsive to the calendar schedule and lesson-plan data, indicating whether the instructional course for the date and time has been assigned a completed lesson. |
| US08172577B2 |
System and method for knowledge transfer with a game
An educational maze navigated through responses to questions provided at points in the maze enhances factual assimilation and retention for the user. The user selects responses to travel through the maze and is not immediately informed whether the selected responses are correct. Various indications can be provided to inform the user about the correctness of responses or whether they are on a path towards the maze exit. The indications may be dead ends, loops, suggested reference materials or other information that tends to assist the user in assimilating facts or navigating the maze. The user may receive a reward for providing correct responses or successfully completing the maze. The problem-solving and cognitive judgment skills applied to navigate the maze tends to help users assimilate and retain the factual information represented by the queries and responses. |
| US08172574B2 |
Indicating teeth cleaning time
This disclosure relates to toothbrushes and to methods of operating toothbrushes. In some embodiments, a method of operating a toothbrush includes measuring an actual cleaning time of a first teeth cleaning process, comparing the actual cleaning time of the first teeth cleaning process to a standard cleaning time, and determining a target cleaning time of a second, subsequent teeth cleaning process. In certain embodiments, the target cleaning time of the second teeth cleaning process is the standard cleaning time plus additional time when the actual cleaning time of the first cleaning process is less than the standard cleaning time. |
| US08172572B2 |
Dental tool displacement apparatus with slow rotational motion
A dental tool displacement apparatus for use with a motorized power handle to displace a dental tool includes a tool holder having a receptacle for receiving the dental tool, and a drive arrangement. The drive arrangement defines a transmission from the motorized power handle to the tool holder such that the tool holder undergoes reciprocating motion parallel to the tool axis at a first frequency of oscillations per minute and rotates about the tool axis at a second frequency of rotations per minute. In some cases, the two types of motion are generated by an eccentric drive pin engaging an annular slot which has gear teeth along one side, thereby generating an angular rotation step of the tool holder during each reciprocating stroke. In some cases, the first frequency is at least one order of magnitude greater than the second frequency. |
| US08172565B2 |
Gas induction bustle for use with a flare or exhaust stack
A bustle for use on a flare or an exhaust stack of, for example, a landfill gas treatment system, efficiently transfers gas from the stack to a waste heat recovery system associated with the landfill gas treatment system without substantially affecting the operation of the landfill gas treatment process. The bustle enables the heat recovery system to recover at least a portion of the energy within the exhaust produced by the gas treatment system and to provide the recovered energy either indirectly or directly to a secondary process, such as a wastewater treatment process, to thereby reduce the amount of energy needed to be otherwise input into the secondary process. |
| US08172563B2 |
Perfect pie crust crimper
A kitchen tool for use by anyone making a pie. The invention is a hand held tool which is in two pieces with each piece being held in each hand. When pushed together they aid the baker in creating a perfectly crimped pie crust edge. |
| US08172562B2 |
Device and method for producing a three-dimensional object by means of a generative production method
There are provided a device and a method for layer-wise generative manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by selective solidification of a solidifiable building material in liquid or powder form. By a rotational movement of the building region (2), in which the objects are manufactured, with respect to a material application device (7) for applying layers of the building materials and a solidification arrangement (1) the material application device (7) and the solidification arrangement (1) can be used simultaneously at different places in the building region. |
| US08172561B2 |
Metal part and method of manufacturing metal part
A metal part in which a base material of silicon-aluminum alloy having 1 to 25% by mass of silicon as an anode is immersed in an electrolyte together with a cathode, and at least a portion of a surface of the base material is anodized and coated with an anodic oxide film. A current density provided to both the anode and the cathode is increased from an initial current density of 0 A/dm2 at a rate between 0.15 and 0.35 A/dm2 per minute, wherein once the current density reaches a prescribed current density of between 0.8 A/dm2 and 1.2 A/dm2, the current density provided to the anode and the cathode is maintained at the prescribed current density. |
| US08172552B2 |
Variable displacement compressor
A variable displacement compressor that draws refrigerant from a suction pressure zone and discharges the refrigerant to a discharge pressure zone, and controls displacement according to a pressure in a control pressure chamber. The compressor has a cam body, pistons, a supply passage, a release passage, and an on-off valve. The inclination angle of the cam body is changeable based on the pressure in the control pressure chamber. A piston reciprocates in each cylinder bore as the cam body rotates. The supply passage supplies the refrigerant in the discharge pressure zone to the control pressure chamber. The release passage releases the refrigerant in the control pressure chamber to the suction pressure zone. The on-off valve selectively opens and closes the release passage in response to changes of the temperature. The on-off valve shuts off the release passage when the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. |
| US08172550B2 |
Vacuum self priming pump
Provided is a vacuum self priming pump. The pump includes an actuating member that is installed in an outlet by a hinge shaft to be capable of rotating and configured to be quickly opened by water pressure when water is discharged through the outlet, an arm that extends from the actuating member to an external side over the outlet, a clutch unit that is movably formed in a length direction of a rotational shaft of a motor to selectively transfer power to an eccentric wheel to free-rotate the eccentric wheel on the rotational shaft, and a transferring unit that is installed between the arm and the clutch unit to cut off the power from the clutch unit to the eccentric wheel when the arm moves. |
| US08172549B2 |
Self-ventilating centrifugal pump
In order to ventilate a centrifugal pump (1) having a centrifugal pump outlet space (6) and a centrifugal pump suction space (4), as well as having an additional ventilation pump (3), preferably configured as a vacuum pump, having a ventilation pump inlet (14) and a ventilation pump outlet (15), which pump has a particularly simple structure and which can automatically ventilate itself, if necessary, without any complicate switching processes, it is proposed that both the ventilation pump inlet (14) and the ventilation pump outlet (15) are connected with the centrifugal pump outlet space (6) by way of a connection line (16, 17), in each instance, forming a secondary line. |
| US08172538B2 |
Method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell member with a fastening member and a wind turbine blade with a fastening member
A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell member (2) having an incorporated fastening member (4) near the root is provided. According to the method, a fastening member 4 is positioned in a mold (14) with pre-fabricated sticks (8, 10) surrounding a substantial longitudinal part of the fastening member (4) prior to resin infusion. Furthermore, a wind turbine blade comprising a wind turbine blade shell member (2) with a fastening member (4) is provided. Finally, a guiding means for aligning a fastening member (4) relative to a further fastening member and/or relative to the mold during molding and a subassembly comprising a guiding means is provided. |
| US08172537B2 |
Extruded stator blade, stator with extruded blade, and method of forming a stator assembly with extruded blades
The present invention broadly comprises a stator blade assembly for a torque converter stator including an inner ring having first openings; an outer ring having second openings; and extruded blades with first and second ends. The first end is disposed in a respective first opening and arranged to radially fix each blade with respect to the inner ring and the second end is disposed in a respective second opening and arranged to radially fix each blade with respect to the outer ring. In some aspects, the inner ring includes an inner circumferential surface and a portion of the first end extends radially inward past the inner surface and is in contact with the inner surface. In some aspects, the outer ring includes an outer circumferential surface and a portion of the second end extends radially outward past the outer surface and is in contact with the outer surface. |
| US08172536B2 |
Impeller guide wheel for a hydrodynamic speed variator/torque converter and method for manufacturing an impeller
An impeller, for example, a guide wheel for a hydrodynamic speed variator/torque converter, including a plurality of blades. Each blade has a blade base and a blade tip area. Stiffening means are situated in at least one of the blades in at least the blade base area and/or the blade tip area. |
| US08172535B2 |
Wind energy plant with a rotor
A wind energy plant with a rotor, which is coupled to a gear via a rotor shaft, the rotor shaft being double bearing mounted via one rotor side bearing and one gear side bearing, wherein a connection between the rotor shaft and gear is provided at the gear side of the gear side bearing, and the gear side bearing props up on a machine carrier via at least one supporting equipment and the gear is detachably connected with the supporting equipment. |
| US08172534B2 |
Turbine blade or vane with improved cooling
Disclosed is a turbine blade or vane including a blade or vane body including a leading edge and a trailing edge, a plurality of cooling openings disposed along the trailing edge, a first width of the trailing edge, the first width being disposed across the cooling openings, and a second width of the trailing edge the second width being disposed between the cooling openings, wherein the second width is smaller than the first width. |
| US08172533B2 |
Turbine blade internal cooling configuration
A cooled airfoil includes a concave pressure wall extending radially from a base to a tip of the airfoil, a convex suction wall connected to the concave pressure wall at a leading edge and a trailing edge spaced axially from the leading edge, and a plurality of cooling channels formed between the concave pressure wall and the convex suction wall and configured to receive a cooling fluid supply from the base of the airfoil. The cooling channels include a leading edge channel extending radially from the base toward the tip, a trailing edge channel extending radially from the base toward the tip and in flow communication with a plurality of trailing edge apertures adapted to exhaust cooling fluid to the exterior of the airfoil, a serpentine cooling circuit including a plurality of channels, and a dedicated up-pass channel extending radially from the base toward the tip between the leading edge channel and the forward most channel of the plurality of channels in the serpentine cooling circuit. |
| US08172531B2 |
Plain bearing for a wind turbine blade and method of operating a wind turbine having such a plain bearing
A plain bearing assembly for mounting a blade to a hub of a wind turbine includes an outer member mountable to one of the blade or hub, and an inner member mountable to the other of the blade or hub and movable relative to the outer member. The plain bearing further includes fluid cavities associated with one of the outer or inner member and arranged to confront the other of the outer or inner member. The fluid cavities are coupled to a pressure source for establishing a pressurized fluid film between the inner and outer members. A method includes monitoring at least one parameter of the fluid film, comparing the at least one parameter to a threshold criteria, and altering a dynamic state of the wind turbine and/or altering the state of the blade bearing assembly if the threshold criteria is exceeded. |
| US08172530B2 |
Pitch change actuation system for a counter-rotating propeller
A system for adjusting the pitch of a counter-rotating propeller has a propeller shaft, a forward propeller driven by the propeller shaft, and an aft propeller connected with the forward propeller. The forward propeller has a hub, blades mounted within the hub, and an actuator connected with an end of the blades. The aft propeller has a hub, blades mounted within the hub, and a cam assembly connected with an end of the blades. The actuator of the forward propeller has a forward end and an aft end, wherein the aft end is connected with the cam assembly of the aft propeller. Thus, when the actuator moves in an axial direction, the cam assembly moves relative to the actuator and the pitch of the forward propeller blades and the pitch of the aft propeller blades are simultaneously adjusted. |
| US08172524B2 |
Fan including specific stationary vane arrangement
A fan includes an impeller rotatable about a rotation axis and having a plurality of rotating vanes, and a plurality of stationary vanes connecting an outer casing to a supporting body which supports a motor rotating the impeller. At least in a portion of each stationary vane in a radial direction, an axial distance between that stationary vane and one of the rotating vanes closest thereto and a slant angle of that stationary vane with respect to an axial direction increase as that stationary vane moves outwardly in the radial direction. |
| US08172521B2 |
Compressor clearance control system using turbine exhaust
The present application provides a compressor clearance control system for a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine includes a turbine producing exhaust gases and a compressor with a casing and a number of rotor blades. The compressor clearance control system may include a casing heat exchanger positioned about the casing of the compressor and an extraction port for exhaust gases from the turbine. The extraction port is in communication with the casing heat exchanger so as to heat the casing of the compressor with the exhaust gases from the turbine. |
| US08172519B2 |
Abradable seals
In one embodiment, an abradable seal includes a soft material that may be worn away and a hard material that may provide mechanical strength for the abradable seal. The soft material and the hard material may include different compositions of a base material. |
| US08172518B2 |
Methods and apparatus for fabricating a rotor assembly
A method for assembling a rotor assembly and a rotor assembly are provided. The method comprises providing a rotor blade including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, where the first and second sidewalls are connected at a leading edge and a trailing edge and extend in span from a root portion to a tip portion, removing blade material from the tip portion to form a tip portion rake angle that enables the tip portion to extend obliquely between the first and second sidewalls, and coupling the rotor blade to a shaft such that during tip rubs the tip portion rake angle facilitates reducing radial loading induced to the blade during tip rubs. |
| US08172509B2 |
Device for detecting breakage of a turbomachine shaft
A device for detecting breakage of a turbomachine shaft is disclosed. The device includes a shaft having an upstream end and a downstream end; a rod having an upstream end and a downstream end, and placed coaxially inside the shaft, the downstream end of the rod being securely fastened to the downstream end of the shaft and the upstream end of the rod being free to rotate relative to the upstream and of the shaft; and a sensor suitable for detecting a difference in speed of rotation between the upstream end of the rod and the upstream end of the shaft. |
| US08172505B2 |
Cooling structure
In this cooling structure, a cooling flow path, which is meandering around a flow direction of a high temperature combustion gas, is provided in a structural body. The cooling flow path has an inflow path for a cooling air formed inside of the structural body; at least one straight flow path provided with intervals with respect to an axial line; and a turning flow path for communicating the end portions of the inflow path with the straight flow path or communicating with the end portions of the straight flow paths one after another. |
| US08172504B2 |
Hybrid impingement cooled airfoil
A turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes: (a) spaced-apart arcuate inner and outer bands; (b) a hollow, airfoil-shaped turbine vane extending between the inner and outer bands, the interior of the vane defining at least a forward cavity and a mid-cavity positioned aft of the forward cavity; (c) a hollow impingement insert received inside the mid-cavity, the impingement insert having walls which are pierced with at least one impingement cooling hole; (d) a passage in the turbine vane at a radially outer end of the forward cavity adapted to be coupled to a source of cooling air; and (e) a passage in the inner band in fluid communication with a radially inner end of the forward cavity and a radially inner end of the impingement insert. |
| US08172503B2 |
Turbomachine
A turbomachine has a shaft mounted in a shaft housing, and a rotor in a rotor housing at one end of the shaft, for compression, expansion, or transport of a working gas. The shaft is mounted by hydrostatic, gas-lubricated bearings that have a connector to a compressed gas line that is connected with a pressure region of the turbomachine. A portion of the gas that is passed from the pressure region is applied to the bearing. The shaft is mounted so that the bearing effect is at least extensively independent of the rotational speed of the shaft, thereby guaranteeing support of the shaft during startup of the turbomachine, and good rigidity and low sensitivity to pressure surge stresses. The pressure in the connector to the compressed gas line is at least 5 bar greater than the pressure in the region of the ventilation connector. |
| US08172497B2 |
Raise-assist and smart energy system for a pipe handling apparatus
An apparatus for pivoting a boom relative to a frame of a pipe handling system between a first position and a second position has a hydraulic actuator assembly connected to the boom and to the skid, and a pneumatic spring connected to the boom and to the skid. The pneumatic spring has a cylinder with an end pivotally connected to the boom, and a piston with an end pivotally connected to the skid. The hydraulic actuator assembly has a cylinder pivotally connected to the skid, and a piston with an end pivotally connected to the boom. The pneumatic spring urges the boom from the first position toward the second position while resisting movement of the boom from the second position toward the second position. |
| US08172496B2 |
Locknut system
A locknut system having a projecting screw threaded member with a first external thread. A nut is mountable on the projecting screw threaded member by means of a corresponding thread. A second different screw thread is formed on the projecting screw threaded member. The second screw thread is of a different hand or a different pitch from the first screw thread. A locking member has a screw thread for engagement with the second screw thread of the projecting screw threaded member and has an engaging surface which can be brought into abutting contact with a corresponding engaging surface on the nut by mating the thread of the locking member with the second thread of the projecting screw threaded member. A coupling member operates to couple the locking member and the nut to substantially prevent relative rotation there between. One of the locking member and the coupling member carries a snap ring which snaps into engagement with a retaining recess provided on the other when the coupling member is mounted in its use configuration, to prevent accidental displacement of the coupling member from the locking member. |
| US08172494B1 |
Adjustable decking system for supporting freight
A beam assembly is formed from a hollow beam member which has a pair of slidable channel units installed therein and extend from the opposite ends thereof. The ends of the channel units have guide shoes forming latching assemblies pivotally supported thereon, each guide shoe having a spring loaded lock key mounted pivotally mounted thereon. A pair of tracks are spaced from each other in opposing relationship by a distance equal to the longitudinal extent of the beam member. The tracks have a plurality of aligned apertures and C-shaped runners running along their longitudinal extent. The lock keys of the beam member each has a pair of latching fingers extending therefrom which fit into a pair of adjacent track apertures. The latching fingers may be locked in place in the opposing track apertures by the spring action of their associated springs and may be withdrawn from the apertures by way of a hook shaped tab attached thereon. A tool is provided to move the hook shaped tabs away from the track to release the latching fingers from engagement with the apertures in the track and, is desired to move the hook shaped tabs downwardly to move the guide shoes downwardly to a desired location on the track. The guide shoes further have T-shaped portions which engage the C-shaped runners of the tracks to retain the guide shoes on the tracks for vertical movement. A pair of the beam members may thus be raised and lowered on the track and provide support for pallets, planking or the like. |
| US08172488B2 |
Drill guide assembly for a pneumatic tire
A drill guide assembly in accordance with the present invention provide a bore in a tire. The drill guide assembly includes a first slide rail for lying on the tire when the tire lies on a side and a second slide rail for lying on the tire when the tire lies on a side. The second slide rail is disposed parallel to the first slide rail. A first engagement block is slidingly secured to the first slide rail and the second slide rail. The first engagement block engages a first shoulder portion of a tread portion of the tire. A second engagement block is slidingly secured to the first slide rail and the second slide rail. The second engagement block engages a second shoulder portion of the tread portion of the tire. The second shoulder portion is diametrically opposed to the first shoulder portion. A drill mount positions a drill relative to the tire. The drill mount includes a toroidal base, a first upright guide member secured to the toroidal base, a second upright guide member secured to the toroidal base, and a slide member for slidingly engaging the first and second guide members. The slide member has two outer cylindrical tubes for sliding along the first and second guide members and a central cylindrical tube for slidingly engaging a drill. |
| US08172483B2 |
Foundation underpinning
A foundation underpinning is disclosed. In some embodiments, the foundation underpinning includes a pile having one or more pile segments and an elongated reinforcing tubular member. Each of the one or more pile segments includes a throughbore passing axially through the head and the trunk. The throughbores of the one or more pile segments are vertically aligned forming a passage through the pile, and the elongated reinforcing tubular is disposed within the passage. |
| US08172481B2 |
Method of installing a tubular undersea pipeline
An undersea installation for transporting hydrocarbons between a seabed and a surface and to a method for installing same. The installation includes a tubular undersea pipeline, a float and a coupling device. The undersea pipeline has a rising part, a connecting part and an intermediate portion. The coupling device includes a first longitudinal part and a second part connected in a coupling region of the first part. The coupling region of the first longitudinal part and the float being configured to be connected together. The first part is configured to pivot about the coupling region while bending the intermediate portion when the rising part is unwound and tilts towards the seabed. |
| US08172480B2 |
Node storage, deployment and retrieval system
A marine vessel is provided. The marine vessel comprises a cable handling system disposed on the marine vessel between a leading end and a trailing end of the vessel. The cable handling system comprises a cable handler positioned proximate the trailing end and a cable storage device positioned forward of the cable handler, the cable storage device and the cable handler adapted to receive a flexible cable and define a portion of a cable path therebetween. The marine vessel also comprises a seismic device storage structure extending between the leading end and the trailing end and disposed substantially parallel to the cable path, a ramp coupled to a portion of the trailing end of the vessel aft of the cable handler, and a staging section disposed between the seismic device storage structure and the ramp to provide transfer of seismic devices between the seismic device storage structure and the ramp. |
| US08172479B2 |
Composition for sealing joints in road surfaces and subsurfaces
A composition that may be used to seal and strengthen the joints in an asphalt road surface and subsurface to prolong the useful life of the road is disclosed herein. The composition utilizes a polymer modified cationic maltene emulsion containing polymer modified maltene oils and resins, and surfactants/and wetting agents. The emulsion is applied to the longitudinal joints and other joints in the asphalt pavement surface. The emulsion reduces voids in the asphalt pavement and chemically improves the asphalt binder properties, thereby altering the modulus of elasticity of the asphalt binders so that the resistance of the pavement to tension is increased, and the water absorption of the pavement is reduced. |
| US08172476B2 |
Swivel hook tie down
A swivel coupling is provided for connecting a multi-piece restraint having two trapezoidally shaped segments capable of rotating with respect to each other. Each segment includes rectangular and multiple cylindrical portions with one being orthogonal to the segment and having an orifice for receiving a connecting means to join the segments. In another embodiment, one segment is joined to an attachment having a hook that includes a base portion and a hook portion where the base portion includes an orthogonal cylindrical portion having an orifice for receiving a connecting means that extends through the orifice and through the second orifice of the segment. |
| US08172473B2 |
Method for manufacturing a cosmetic applicator, an applicator, a package including the applicator, and a batch of applicators
The applicator is made of a material that is compatible with the cosmetic. In the manufacturing method, a digital model of the applicator is prepared, the material is conditioned in a raw form that is capable of flowing, and the material in raw form is solidified in slices that are defined by the digital model. The material in raw form is capable of being solidified by photo-polymerization, in particular by means of a light source comprising a laser, or else by sintering, in particular by means of a heat source comprising a laser. The applicator is a mascara brush or comb, for example. |
| US08172463B2 |
Rolling bearing with a ceramic coating and method for manufacturing the same
A rolling bearing is provided that includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements provided between a raceway surface of the inner ring and that of the outer ring and has a ceramic film formed on at least one surface selected from among an inner peripheral surface of the inner ring and a peripheral surface of the outer ring. The ceramic film is formed by using an aerosol deposition method in which alumina fine particles or the like is used as a material of aerosol. The ceramic film is formed with an aerosol injection nozzle kept stationary and the inner ring or the outer ring being rotated by using a motor for rotating an object, the inner ring or the outer ring is moved axially by using a positioning XY table. |
| US08172459B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring biologic parameters
Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel. |
| US08172455B2 |
Liquid feeding method and cartridge to be used therein
A liquid feeding method for feeding liquid in a minute flow path is provided. The minute flow path includes flow paths 43a, 43c, 43d connected to each other directly at respective first ends. The liquid feeding direction of blood S in the minute flow path is controlled by creating a high-pressure state at a second end of the flow path 43a located across the blood S, while creating a low-pressure state or a closed state at a second end of the flow paths 43d, 43c. |
| US08172453B2 |
Appliance and method for preparing a froth from a food liquid
A method for preparing a froth from a milk-based liquid from an appliance which includes a tank for receiving liquid that is to be frothed, and in which liquid a rotatable stirrer is positioned, a stand associated with the tank, and a system for driving the stirrer. The stirrer drive system and the stirrer include magnetic elements allowing the stirrer to be rotationally driven magnetically in the tank. At least one disturbance member is also provided to break or prevent symmetric circulation of the liquid about the median vertical axis of the tank. |
| US08172450B2 |
Extruder
In an extruder wherein the slip-on elements (1) have a cross-sectional profile comprising circular arcs corresponding to the maximum slip-on element diameter, the slip-on element core diameter and the center distance of the slip-on elements (1), the slip-on element (1) has no shaft-to-hub connection in the area of the circular arc corresponding to the slip-on element core diameter and/or it is provided at its ends with reinforcement segments (13, 14). |
| US08172449B2 |
Kneading screw, twin screw extruder, and method for assembling kneading screw
To provide a kneading screw which can reduce such a phenomenon that a disproportional load is imposed onto a shaft of the kneading screw without degrading kneading performance of the kneading screw, a twin screw extruder with the kneading screw, and a method for assembling the kneading screw. In the kneading screw, each of the kneading rotor segments has at least one of a spiral kneading blade or a kneading blade extending in parallel with the axial direction, and is incorporated in the kneading screw such that top blade portions of the kneading blades at the adjacent ends of the kneading rotor segments adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the kneading screw are shifted in phase to each other, and such that the top blade portions of the kneading blades at the respective central positions in the axial direction of the adjacent kneading rotor segments are shifted larger in phase than the case where the top blade portions of the adjacent ends of the adjacent kneading rotor segments are equal in phase to each other. |
| US08172448B1 |
Method and apparatus for adapting asphalt dryer/mixer to minimize asphalt build-up
A method and template are provided for modifying an asphalt dryer/mixer that includes an outer drum and an inner drum with a plurality of mixing paddles, the two drums forming an annular mixing chamber in which asphalt cement and aggregate materials are mixed. The template comprises a bracket marking portion that is adapted to locate one or more brackets on the inner drum and a paddle reference portion that is adapted to locate the bracket marking portion with respect to a mixing paddle. A mixing paddle to be referenced for locating a bracket is selected and the template is placed on the inner drum with the paddle reference portion referencing the selected mixing paddle. The template is used to mark the location of the bracket, the bracket is affixed to the outer surface of the inner drum at the bracket location marked; and an agitation strand is attached to the bracket. |
| US08172444B2 |
Light guide display with multiple light guide layers
A light guide display includes a printed overlay layer, a first light guide layer, and a second light guide layer. The printed overlay layer includes an input region with a symbol that is at least partially translucent. The first light guide layer is disposed on a back side of the printed overlay layer to illuminate the symbol of the printed overlay layer in response to illumination of the first light guide layer. The second light guide layer is disposed on a front side of the printed overlay layer, opposite the first light guide layer. The second light guide layer includes a separate symbol that is distinct from the symbol of the printed overlay layer. The second light guide layer illuminates the separate symbol of the second light guide layer in response to illumination of the second light guide layer. |
| US08172443B2 |
Light source unit
A light source unit includes a light source portion including a mounting board, a light emitting element mounted on the mounting board, a rectangular solid sealing material for sealing the light emitting element, the sealing material including a first distance between the light emitting element and a top face thereof and a second distance between the light emitting element and a side face thereof, the first distance being greater than the second distance and a phosphor dispersed in the sealing material for radiating a wavelength conversion light by being excited by light emitted from the light emitting element, wherein a first light emitted through the top face of the sealing material is different in emission color from a second light emitted through the side face of the sealing material. The light source unit further includes an optical connection member including a reflection surface for reflecting light emitted from the side face of the sealing material, and a light guiding member including an end face through which light emitted through the top face of the sealing material and light reflected by the reflection surface of the optical connection member are inputted into the light guiding member. |
| US08172434B1 |
Submersible multi-color LED illumination system
A submersible LED illumination system may include an array of LEDs, with a first portion of the LEDs capable of emitting white light and a second portion of the LEDs capable of emitting light of a single color. The system may further include a plurality of reflectors surrounding a corresponding one of the LEDs, where a first portion of the reflectors may be configured to provide a far field relatively narrow beam of illumination and a second portion of the reflectors may be configured to provide a near field relatively wide beam of illumination. A housing may enclose the array of LEDs and the reflectors. A transparent window may be disposed in the housing, an an optically clear material may be disposed between the LEDs, reflectors, and transparent window. |
| US08172430B2 |
LED lighting device
A lighting device includes a housing, multiple light emitting diodes (LEDS), and multiple magnifier lenses. The multiple LEDS and the multiple magnifier lenses are located in the housing. Each of the magnifier lenses corresponds to a different one of the LEDS, and there are less magnifier lenses than LEDS. Each LED that has a corresponding magnifier lens is arranged with respect to its magnifier lens so that substantially all of the light emitted by the LED only traverses its corresponding magnifier lens. At least one of the LEDS emits light that does not traverse any of the multiple magnifier lenses. |
| US08172429B2 |
Table lamp with rotatable lamp casing
A table lamp with a rotatable lamp casing includes a base and an arm extended from the base. The arm has one end connected to the base and the other end connected to an assembling portion. A luminant portion is mounted on the assembling portion. The luminant portion has a seat mounted on the assembling portion and a lamp mounted on one side of the seat. A transparent casing is rotatably mounted on the assembling portion and covers the luminant portion. The casing has multiple light-guiding sections disposed therein. Each light-guiding section provides a specific illuminant mold. |
| US08172426B2 |
Backlight system including flexible light source support
A flexible sheet includes a plurality of sheaths adapted to receive individual elongated light sources, and forming a collapsible backlight system having expanded and collapsed configurations. In expanded configuration, the flexible sheet is generally planar and the elongated light sources are spatially dispersed, while in the collapsed configuration, the elongated light sources are maintained proximal to each other in generally parallel fashion. The flexible sheet may have front and rear layers, each such layer possessing selected optical qualities such as translucency, reflectivity and diffusivity, depending on the desired application. |
| US08172425B2 |
Low-profile light-emitting diode lamp structure
A low-profile light-emitting diode (LED) lamp includes a base, a cover, a heat dissipation plate, an LED module, a circuit board, and a light guide hood. The base and the cover respectively form a base opening and a cover opening. The base and the cover include a recess-projection mating structure therebetween to form an outer water sealing wall and an inner water sealing wall that surround the base opening and the cover opening. The light guide hood, the circuit board, and the LED module are arranged inside the inner water sealing wall. The base and the cover are fixed together through recess-projection mating formed between posts and holes to also realize water resistance. The heat generated by the LED module is dissipated by the heat dissipation plate, which is set on an outer surface of the base and is provided with a plurality of convection chambers that induce heat convection. |
| US08172421B2 |
Portable light assembly
An apparatus and associated method for operating a portable light assembly. In accordance with some embodiments, a frame providing a bridge and defining a transport region and a deployment region is slidingly connected to a mast. An arm is further connected to the mast by a hinge while a light fixture is connected to the arm. In various embodiments, the light fixture is capable of transitioning from a deployed position where the mast engages the deployment region and a transport position where the mast and light fixture are disposed within the transport region. |
| US08172417B2 |
Shaped frontlight reflector for use with display
In order to minimize the footprint of a display module, a frontlight system positioned over a first surface of a substrate may be used. The frontlight system may include an edgebar positioned over the first surface of a display substrate, and a Z-shaped reflector having a first planar portion overlying the edgebar and a second planar portion adhered to the first surface of the substrate or layers overlying the first surface of the substrate. Such a reflector may be located wholly within the footprint of the display substrate, minimizing the footprint of the display module. |
| US08172416B2 |
Combined radiator and lighting assembly
A combined radiator and lighting assembly is provided. The combined assembly includes at least a first radiation member and a second radiation member each powered by an energy source, and a reflective member including an at least partially ring-shaped concave reflective surface facing at least the first radiation member which includes an at least partial ring shape for distributing energy to an at least partially ring-shaped zone. The second radiation member includes a lamp base assembly, adapted to be received in a lamp socket assembly, to provide illumination or other forms of radiation, with concentration in a focal zone or area, or dispersion over the focal zone or area. |
| US08172414B2 |
Instrument illuminating device with light guide body
An illuminating device, for illuminating display designed parts on a display panel, includes at least one light source arranged at a rear side of the display panel, and a light guide body having a light guide portion for guiding the light toward its outer-circumferential portion to output the light toward the display designed parts through a front surface of the light guide portion. The outer-circumferential portion has an outer-circumferential side wall surface at is outer end. The light guide portion has at least one projecting portion projecting from the outer-circumferential side wall surface. The projecting portion is provided with a reflecting side surface formed along the outer-circumferential side wall surface so that the reflecting side surface can reflect the light traveling in the light guide portion to be outputted through the front surface of the light guide portion. |
| US08172412B2 |
Adjustable optical mount
An adjustable optical mount adapted for use with an optical table defining a reference plane includes a hollow housing with openings in the side walls to allow passage of an optical beam therethrough, a gimbal base fixed on the top of the housing, a gimbal plate adjustably mounted under the gimbal base, and a carrier bracket fixed to the gimbal plate for holding preselected optical elements within the housing along the path of the beam. Adjustment mechanisms are provided to tilt and rotate the gimbal plate so as to align the optical element on a selected axis relative to the reference plane. |
| US08172407B2 |
Camera-projector duality: multi-projector 3D reconstruction
A system and method are disclosed for calibrating a plurality of projectors for three-dimensional scene reconstruction. The system includes a plurality of projectors and at least one camera, a camera-projector calibration module and a projector-projector calibration module. The camera-projector calibration module is configured to calibrate a first projector with the camera and generate a first camera-projector calibration data using camera-projector duality. The camera-projector calibration module is also configured to calibrate a second projector with the camera and generate a second camera-projector calibration data. The projector-projector calibration module is configured to calibrate the first and the second projector using the first and the second camera-projector calibration data. |
| US08172403B2 |
Projection with curved speckle reduction element surface
In a coherent light projection system including an image forming system, a relay system, a speckle reduction element, and a projection subsystem, the relay system can have a first f-number, and the projection subsystem can have a second f-number less than the first f-number. The relay system can have a first working distance, and the projection subsystem can have a second working distance less than the first working distance. The image forming system can project an initial image having a first size, and an intermediate image can have a second size greater than or equal to the first size. The speckle reduction element can have a curved surface through which the intermediate image is transferred. The speckle reduction element can include a lenslet arrangement formed on a surface thereof. The speckle reduction element can be moved in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the speckle reduction element. |
| US08172402B2 |
Projection system for displaying at least one image based on three filtered primary colours
The invention relates to a projection system for displaying at least one visual image based on three primary colors, comprising a signal processing unit for converting said visual image into at least a visual image based on four primary colors, a frequency band being associated to each color primary, first display means for displaying three first primary colors of said visual image on a screen and second display means for displaying at least the fourth primary color of said visual image on said screen. According to the invention, the system further comprises optical filtering means that are adapted to enhance the separation between the frequency spectrum of the first three primary colors of the first display means and the frequency spectrum of the at least fourth primary color of the second display means. Application to anti-camcorder systems. |
| US08172399B2 |
Lumen optimized stereo projector using a plurality of polarizing filters
A stereo 3D projector with the ability to provide the native lumen output of the projector when not in 3D mode. This is accomplished by using two rotating polarizing filters at least partially overlapping, each with at least two or more segments, some of which are fully transparent and at least some of which are polarized linearly or circularly. |
| US08172385B2 |
Ink cartridge and sealing member
A sealing member of an ink cartridge whose casing is formed of a material including an ethylene-propylene random copolymer at least includes a welding layer, an adhesive layer, and a surface layer. The sealing member is also formed of a material including polypropylenes: the welding layer contains an ethylene-propylene random copolymer, and the surface layer contains homopolypropylene oriented by stretching. |
| US08172383B2 |
Ink cartridge assemblies having adapter for easily removing ink cartridge from mounting portion
An ink cartridge includes an ink tank defining an ink chamber therein, in which the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein, and an adapter configured to be coupled to the ink tank. The adapter and the ink tank are separate members, and the adapter includes a main body having a main body opening formed therein. The main body opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the ink tank therein. The ink cartridge also includes at least one resilient member coupled to the adapter. When the adapter is coupled to the ink tank, the ink tank extends from a first face of the main body in a first direction, and the at least one resilient member extends from a second face of the main body in a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US08172380B2 |
Dual chamber, liquid apparatus having liquid permeability
A liquid discharge apparatus is provided. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge head that discharges a first liquid supplied via a liquid supply tube from a liquid tank, wherein the liquid tank has a first liquid reservoir chamber that stores the first liquid and a second liquid reservoir chamber that stores a second liquid whose solvent is the same as that of the first liquid and whose concentration is lower than that of the first liquid, the liquid tank is partitioned by a partition wall that partitions an inside into the first liquid reservoir chamber and the second liquid reservoir chamber, and at least a part of the partition wall has liquid permeability and a solvent for the second liquid stored in the second liquid reservoir chamber is capable of permeating the inside of the first liquid reservoir chamber via the partition wall. |
| US08172376B2 |
Method of ink supply to inkjet print head array
Disclosed is an inkjet print head array with improved ink supply system. The system includes an ink manifold having at least two ink supply channels, a plurality of print head modules disposed along ink supply channels and forming the array, with each of the print head modules having at least two ink inlet ports. The ports are in fluid communication with the ink supply channels. Each of the ink supply channels supplies ink to each of the ports at a different flow rate, although the resulting ink supply flow rate is equal for each print head module. |
| US08172375B2 |
Valve and actuator employing capillary electrowetting phenomenon
A valve includes: a passage having a first passage which communicates an atmosphere-communicating passage and outside of a cartridge body, and a second passage which branches from the first passage; an electrode provided on a wall surface forming the second passage; an electrode provided on a wall surface of a bottom wall lid forming the first passage; a driver IC which applies a predetermined voltage selectively to one of these two kinds of electrodes; an insulating film provided on a surface of the electrode; and an insulating film provided on a surface of the electrode. Accordingly, there is provided a valve which is capable of opening and closing a passage communicating two spaces separated from each other, which has no movable part, and which has a simple construction. |
| US08172367B2 |
Liquid-ejecting method and liquid-ejecting apparatus
In a liquid-ejecting method for ejecting liquid contained in a liquid chamber from a nozzle as a liquid droplet group, the ejection amount of each liquid droplet of the continuously ejected liquid-droplet group can be stabilized corresponding to a wide frequency band of a pulse signal. Also, when one pixel is formed with a plurality of liquid droplets using a head capable of deflecting the ejecting direction of the liquid droplet, the image quality is improved by reducing the landing positional displacement between plural liquid droplets for forming the one pixel. |
| US08172365B2 |
Liquid jetting apparatus and head cartridge
A liquid jetting apparatus includes a first liquid jetting head which has a plurality of first nozzles, a head holder to which a first liquid jetting head is fixed, a liquid cartridge which is detachably mounted on the head holder, and which supplies the first liquid jetting head with a liquid which is to be jetted from the first nozzles, and a head cartridge which has a second liquid jetting head having a plurality of second nozzles, and a liquid tank which supplies the second liquid jetting head with a liquid which is to be jetted from the second nozzles. The second liquid jetting head and the liquid tank are integrated to form the head cartridge, and the head cartridge is detachably mounted on the head holder. |
| US08172361B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and capping method in liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting heads that ejects a liquid onto a target, a transport unit that transports the target, cap units that include caps which are provided opposite to the liquid ejecting heads with a transport path of the target interposed therebetween, and cover units that include cover members. The cap units are movable between a capping position where the caps come into contact with the liquid ejecting heads and a retreated position where the caps are separated from the liquid ejecting heads. The cover units are driven to move the cover members in association with the transport unit such that the cover members are disposed at a closing position where the caps are covered by the cover members when the target is being transported and the cover members are disposed at an opening position that does not cover the caps during a capping operation. |
| US08172359B2 |
System and method for print head maintenance during continuous printing
An ink jet printer system includes a partially redundant page-wide array of moveable ink jet print heads in a print zone, means outside of the print zone for servicing the print heads, and a transfer system, configured to selectively move a redundant portion of the array of print heads out of the print zone for servicing while printing with a remainder of the array. |
| US08172357B2 |
Print position correcting device, method of controlling print position correcting device, and printing apparatus
A print position correcting device includes: a head unit which ejects a liquid onto a print medium being transported on a transport surface; detectors which detect a position of the print medium being transported; a transport information calculator which calculates transport information regarding a transport status of the print medium based on the position of the detected print medium; a movement speed calculator which calculates a movement speed used to move the head unit based on the transport information; and a controller which moves the head unit in a direction parallel to the transport surface based on the transport information and the movement speed. |
| US08172356B2 |
Synchronized speed for nozzle health scanning
A method for nozzle health scanning including repositioning at least one moving platform at a synchronized speed for a drop detection sensor to scan nozzles in a set of nozzles firing, where the synchronized speed is based on a rate of firing from nozzles in the set of nozzles and a distance between the nozzles in the set of nozzles, and storing the health of the nozzles in a computer readable memory accessible by a machine. |
| US08172354B2 |
Printing position adjusting method and printing system
The present invention relates to a printing position adjusting method capable of performing dot adjustment value acquisition processing that can accommodate diversified user needs of recent years, and a printing system capable of achieving the adjusting method. The printing position adjusting method according to the present invention provides a plurality of types of dot adjustment value acquisition processing capable of acquiring an adjustment value for matching printing positions, and enables selection of a single appropriate dot adjustment value acquisition processing type among the plurality of types of dot adjustment value acquisition processing according to the type of the print medium to be used. Consequently, a user will be able to suitably execute dot adjustment value acquisition processing with high accuracy in correspondence with the desired high level of quality. |
| US08172352B2 |
Printing apparatus having line-type ink jet head and method of printing images by line-type ink jet head
A printing apparatus is provided with a line-type ink jet head having a plurality of blocks on each of which a set of ink ejection elements are arranged. A drive signal generating unit is configured to generate a drive voltage signal including a prepulse to be applied to the set of the ink ejection elements for each block, based on data indicating a number of times of ejecting ink to each pixel; and a first storage unit is configured to store a drive signal adjustment value to adjust a set of a voltage value of the drive voltage signal and a width of the prepulse for each block. The drive signal generating unit generates the drive voltage signal for each block, based on the drive signal adjustment value for each block read out from the first storage unit. |
| US08172347B2 |
Variable shelf assembly and refrigerator having the same
A variable shelf assembly includes a mounting member mounted in a storage compartment of a refrigerator, a shelf support member coupled to the mounting member such that the shelf support member is vertically movable, a shelf mounted on the shelf support member, and a lifting unit to lift the shelf support member. The mounting member and/or the shelf support member has a plurality of cool air circulation holes through which cool air circulating in the storage compartment passes. The lifting unit includes a driving gear, a driven gear rotatable by the driving gear, a screw shaft coupled to the driven gear, at least one moving member movable by the rotation of the screw shaft, and at least one rotary link having one end rotatably coupled to the moving member and the other end rotatably coupled to the mounting member. |
| US08172342B2 |
Machine and track assembly for use therewith
A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface. |
| US08172336B2 |
Tuft picking device for a brush making machine
A tuft picker device for a brush making machine has a bristle magazine for holding a supply of loose bristles and a tuft picker having a tuft picking notch being movable past an open side of the bristle magazine in a working stroke. A shield member is adapted to be shifted across the tuft picker notch to change the effective depth thereof. The shield member can be adjusted by an adjusting device in each working stroke in order to vary the effective depth of the tuft picking notch from one working stroke to the next to change the size of a tuft engaged in the notch. |
| US08172333B2 |
Air-conditioned vehicle seat
An air-conditioned vehicle seat is provided having an air impermeable lower upholstered seat or backrest part, an intermediate layer through which air flows, and an upholstery cover through which air flows on the side of the intermediate layer. By way of stitches anchored on the upholstered part, the upholstery cover is divided into mutually delimited upholstery zones, air bridges extending between the individual upholstery zones transversely to the seams provided for connecting the intermediate layer. An unhindered seat ventilation and a durably secure fixing of the stitches is achieved in a simple manner with respect to manufacturing and without impairing the sitting comfort, in that, in the longitudinal direction of the seams, the air bridges have a construction that is narrower than that of the seam-side edge zones of the intermediate layer, and the stitches are anchored without the insertion of air bridges on the wall sections of the upholstered part adjoining the air bridges on both sides. |
| US08172332B2 |
Chair backrest device
A backrest device for a chair, capable of, without a reduction in its strength and rigidity, effectively bending backward so as to follow the shape of the back of a person seated on the chair, providing the person with excellent sitting comfort. In the backrest device, a back board is supported by a backrest frame, and the back board has a flexible back stopper on the inner side of a back frame. The thickness of a vertical intermediate section of the back stopper is gradually increased from both left and right sections of the intermediate section toward the center such that the thickness is less in both left and right sections and is maximum at the center. |
| US08172331B2 |
Bariatric seating furniture
An article of seating furniture that is particularly desirable for use with bariatric patients is disclosed. The seating furniture includes a seat portion that includes a front seating area and a rear seating area. The front seating area is defined by a generally semi-elliptical front perimeter surface while the rear seating area is defined by a different, generally semi-elliptical rear perimeter surface. The surface area of the front seating area is less than the surface area of the rear seating area to provide enhanced ingress and egress for a bariatric patient. The seating furniture includes a back portion and two pair of support legs that further enhance the desirability of the seating furniture for a bariatric patient. |
| US08172329B2 |
Electromotive headrest folding apparatus for vehicles
An electromotive headrest folding apparatus includes a rotating shaft, a rotary member, a vertical moving unit and a locking unit. The rotating shaft is coupled at opposite ends thereof to a seat back frame so as to be rotatable, and is provided with a striker. The rotary member is mounted to the rotating shaft. A headrest pole is fitted into the rotary member. The vertical moving unit is fastened to the rotary member through a mounting bracket. The vertical moving unit moves the headrest pole upwards or downwards. The locking unit is mounted to the seat back frame and has a locking piece, to which a striker is locked. |
| US08172328B2 |
Suspended vertical head restraint for vehicle seats
The invention relates to a removable suspended device which serves as both a head rest and a head restraint for the passenger of a vehicle. The invention is essentially characterized in that the device is suspended in space such that it can move without any direct contact being established between the supporting area and the seat, thereby maintaining the vertical position of both the head and the neck. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a rigid suspension element (6) which is generally secured to the highest part (7) of a seat and from which the main body (MB) of the device is suspended. The lower occipital region of the head is supported by the lower area of the main body of the device (2). The head is further restrained by means of a front area (4) restricting forward movement and two vertical side areas restricting side movements. The aim of the invention is to improve a passenger's quality of rest and sleep, to prevent neck discomfort and injury and to provide increased safety in the event of an accident or a sudden vehicle maneuver. |
| US08172321B2 |
Transport seating
A novel orientation for a plurality of transport seats within a vehicle, generally consisting of a first seat facing in a first direction, and a second seat facing an opposing direction such that the lateral width of the combined seats is substantially less than in prior art examples. Specific seats and reclining orientations are also disclosed including seats having a unitary structure. A visual barrier is also disclosed, substantially disposed between the first and the second seat to provide a visual barrier between a user in a first seat and a user in a second seat. |
| US08172319B2 |
Active headrest apparatus for vehicle and actuator thereof
An actuator of an active headrest apparatus for a vehicle, which is operably connected to a headrest assembly and selectively allows a headrest of the headrest assembly to pop out forwards when a vehicle collision occurs, may include a housing installed on a seatback frame and formed with a guide groove, an operating plate elastically supported over the housing, an operating bracket arranged between the housing and the operating plate and having a guide projection slidably inserted into the guide groove of the housing, and an operating wire unit connecting the operating bracket with the headrest assembly, wherein the operating wire unit includes an operating wire and an operating wire retainer to slidably receive the operating wire therein. |
| US08172316B2 |
Stackable chair
In a stackable chair system, a plurality of chairs are provided, each chair having a back, a seat, and first and second armrests all integral with one another in an injection-molded thermal plastic construction. Each first armrest has an integral molded round cup-holder positioned in a region of an outer end of the first armrest. Each second armrest has an integral molded second round cup-holder positioned in a region of an outer end of the second armrest. Each seat portion is contoured downwardly forming a seat depression. Each chair is dimensioned so that the chairs can be stacked on top of one another in nested fashion. |
| US08172315B2 |
Device for a reclining chair
Device for a reclining chair or functional sofa with an adjustable back support and an adjustable headrest, where the device when the back support is moved is adjusted to influence the headrest angle relative to the back support in such a way that the headrest is rotated from an almost vertical plane to an angle in relation to the back support when the back support is reclined, while at least one rotatable joint in between the headrest and the back support is connected with at least one frictional part by the use of at least one strut in such a way that a user with his/her head or other force can rotate the headrest backwards or forward as so desired when the back support is in desired reclined position. |
| US08172313B2 |
Side outer panel
A side outer panel of a vehicle having an outer surface including an outer surface edge. The outer surface edge has a predetermined curved path that provides a styling shape to add an aesthetic element to the side outer panel. The side outer panel further includes a mounting portion integrally formed thereto. The mounting portion provides a structure for attaching the side outer panel to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion includes a planar surface spaced apart from the outer surface and a step disposed between the outer surface edge and the planar surface. The planar surface at least one flange extending orthogonally therefrom to define a welding surface for welding the side outer panel to the body thereby providing structural reinforcement to the outer surface edge of the side outer panel. |
| US08172310B2 |
Off-road vehicle having a cargo box
An off-road vehicle has a frame, at least four wheels, each including a tire, a seat, a steering assembly, an engine, and a cargo box (28, 50) pivotally mounted to the frame rearwardly of the seat. The cargo box includes a cargo box body (52) having a front wall (54), a pair of side walls (56) extending from the front wall, a first floor (58) connected to a lower end of the front and the pair of side walls, and an at least partially opened rear side. A second floor (72) is supported inside the cargo box body above the first floor. At least one tailgate (68) selectively closes the at least partially opened rear side. |
| US08172307B2 |
Motor vehicle and rear deck lid for a motor vehicle
A motor vehicle (2) has a roof (3) with two laterally spaced longitudinal roof members (4, 5) and side windows (9) under the longitudinal roof members (4, 5). Fins (4, 5) extend rearward from the longitudinal roof members (4, 5) and an outer skin (16) of a rear deck lid (17) is arranged between the fins (12, 13). Air inlet openings (20, 21) are formed on outer sides (14) of the fins (12, 13) adjacent the side windows (9). An air duct (23, 24) extends from the air inlet opening (20, 21) to an air outlet opening (25, 26) on the inner side (15) of the fin (12, 13). The outer skin (16) has at least one supply air inlet (28, 29) for an assembly of the motor vehicle (2) and a rear air deflection device (32) is arranged behind the supply air inlet (28, 29). |
| US08172306B2 |
Wheel-arch protector for vehicle
A wheel-arch protector mounted on the rear edge of a side door for covering a wheel arch for a rear wheel, the wheel-arch protector including a protector body formed from a polymer material and a seal part formed from a polymer material that elastically deforms more readily than the polymer material for forming the protector body. The body includes a mounting baseplate, a extending plate, and a distended part. The extending plate extends from an end of the mounting baseplate to outside in a widthwise direction of the vehicle. The distended part is distended to an inner angle part of a corner between the mounting baseplate and the extending plate and has a hollow part. The seal part is comprised of a basal part formed on a vehicle-interior-facing surface of the mounting baseplate and a seal-lip part formed on the basal part. |
| US08172303B2 |
Link mechanism
A link mechanism capable of setting any desirable speed of opening/closing a lid during a series of the opening/closing operation and capable of exerting a strong driving force is provided. A lid (6) is attached to a lid bracket (31). The lid bracket (31) is pivotally connected to a driving lever (14) and a coupled-driving lever (15) with which the lid (6) is opened or closed. The driving lever (14) is provided with a cam having an elongated hole (34), into which a driving pin (36) provided to a sector gear (13) is fitted. The sector gear (12) is driven by a motor through a pinion (22). According to rotation of the sector gear (13), the driving pin (36) moves in the elongated hole (34) and drives the driving lever (14). Since the distance between the center of the sector gear (13) and the driving pin (36) is larger than the radius of the pinion (22), such mechanism exerts a strong driving force. |
| US08172301B2 |
Trailer cover system
A rail is disclosed for a top of a wall of a trailer. The rail comprises a body adapted to engage the top of the wall. The body has a concave surface adapted to receive a cover reel. |
| US08172300B2 |
Protective laminates
Protective laminate films protect an underlying window surface from scratches or other damage. The laminate films generally include a substrate having a scratch resistant coating adhered to one side and an adhesive layer adhered to an opposite side. Adhesion promoter and primer layers may be provided to enhance adhesion of the scratch-resistant coating to the surface. Each layer is transparent such that, when applied to a surface, the laminate film does not significantly impact or reduce optical clarity. Each layer may also be flexible so that the laminate films can be molded to a curved surface. Generally, the scratch resistant coating protects the laminate film from scratching or other damage, such as from debris or impacts. The substrate provides structural integrity to the laminate film and may provide some impact dispersion. The adhesive layer, in addition to adhering the laminate films to the surface, may also provide significant impact resistance that protects the surface from cracks or damage due to debris or impacts. |
| US08172296B2 |
Parcel shelf structure
An object of the present invention is to provide a parcel shelf structure whose opening can be kept largely when the tailgate is opened. In order to achieve the above object, a parcel shelf comprising: a front shelf having a front end rotatably supported by a vehicle body; a rear shelf fixed to a tailgate; and a strap to connect the tailgate to a position apart from the front end of the front shelf in a rear direction, in which when the tailgate is opened, the front shelf is apart from the rear shelf, and when the tailgate is closed, the front shelf is in touch with the rear shelf is provided. |
| US08172294B1 |
Vehicle storage system
A storage system includes structure having a surface that at least partially defines a storage compartment. The structure also defines an opening through which the storage compartment is accessible. The storage system further includes a plurality of flexible protuberances extending from the surface into the storage compartment. At least some of the protuberances deform as an object is inserted into the storage compartment through the opening. The deformed protuberances conform to the shape of the object, thereby supporting and restraining the object within the storage compartment. |
| US08172289B2 |
Releasable lifting link
A lifting link for anchors embedded in concrete panels is disclosed having a shackle with a recessed cross bridge. A part circular latch rotates within a chamber of a hollow toroidal ring. The chamber has a circular longitudinal axis. The upper portion of the ring is formed into a U-shaped slot through which a handle of the latch rotates. A transverse slot accepts the head of anchor. The shackle bears against the exterior surface of the U-shaped slot. The radius of curvature of the exterior surface has a center which is not coincident with the center of the radius of curvature of the chamber axis. Thus the center of lift of the shackle is worked away from the adjacent surface of the concrete panel, thereby saving the surface from damage during lifting. |
| US08172286B2 |
Motor vehicle front structure
A motor vehicle front structure is provided with at least one front frame having two side members and an impact cross member structure. Two crash boxes are fixed between the respective front end of the side members and the impact cross member structure. Each of the crash boxes includes, but is not limited to a first and a second leg that are jointly fixed to the front end of each side member and in the shape of a V in the direction of the impact cross member structure turn into ends spread from each other The spread ends are fixed on end regions of the impact cross member structure. |
| US08172282B2 |
Computing device latching assembly
A computing device latching assembly comprises a latching member configured to releasably secure an accessory to a computing device, and a release mechanism actuatable to move the latching member from a locking position to an unlocked position and to cause the latching member to urge the accessory away from the computing device. |
| US08172281B2 |
Device and kit for making knotted string accessories
Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making knotted string accessories. One embodiment of a device for making knotted string accessories from a plurality of individual strings comprises a substantially planar member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a securing member carried by the substantially planar member proximate to the first end and configured to secure a first end of the plurality of individual strings; and an elongated holder carried by the substantially planar member proximate the second end, the elongated holder comprising a plurality of individual holders each configured to retain at least one of the plurality of individual strings at a location a spaced distance from the first end, wherein the securing member and elongate holder are configured such that a distance between the securing member and the elongated holder is changeable. |
| US08172279B2 |
Method for manufacturing a flanged element and a flanged element
A flanged member for a pipe system, and a method of manufacturing same. The flanged member has a radially projecting flange part and a pipe part. The flange part has a front end surface connects to another flange part, and a radially planar rear end surface facing the pipe part which delimits the rear end of the flange part against the pipe part, together with a radially inward extension of the rear end surface. The pipe part has a free end, adapted to be welded into the pipe system. Before final machining of the front surface of the flange part, the pipe part has an axial length such that its mass is at least 35% of the mass of the flange part so that upon welding of the free end of the pipe part, there is substantially no distortion of the rear surface of the flange part. |
| US08172266B2 |
Seatbelt system for generating electrical energy
A seatbelt system for generating electrical energy. The seatbelt system includes a rewinding mechanism, an electrical generation mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a charging mechanism. A first rotational engagement unit of the rewinding mechanism is rotated by the movement of a seatbelt and in turn rotates a second rotational engagement unit. The rotation of the second rotational engagement unit causes the electrical generation mechanism to generate electrical energy. The charging mechanism may charge a battery with the generated electrical energy. |
| US08172261B2 |
Air bag module with actuatable vent part
An apparatus (10b) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14b). An inflation fluid source provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14b). A structure (320) for supporting the protection device (14b) includes a vent opening (40b) for venting inflation fluid from the protection device. A vent member (300) is connectable to the structure (320) to block inflation fluid flow through the vent opening (40b). An actuatable device (120b) when actuated breaks the connection between the vent member (80b) and the structure (320) and moves the vent member away from the vent opening (40b) to permit inflation fluid venting. A flexible elongated member (350) has a first end (352) connected to the vent member (300) and a second end (354) connected to the structure (320). The member (350) secures the vent member (300) to the structure (320) after the connection between the vent member and the structure is broken. |
| US08172259B2 |
Airbag cover for receiving an airbag package for an airbag module of a motor vehicle and process for its production
An airbag cover for receiving an airbag compressed into an airbag package for an airbag module of a motor vehicle is provided. The airbag cover comprising one or more precut sections of a flexible material connecting sites, by way of which regions of the at least one precut material section are connected to each other such that the at least one precut section forms a flexible cover that at least partially receives the airbag package. The airbag cover forms an outer cover of the airbag module which is at least in sections visible for a vehicle occupant when installed into a vehicle as intended, wherein the flexible airbag cover forms a most outer casing of the airbag package. At least some of the connecting sites are configured in a disconnectable such that the corresponding connecting sites are disconnected upon the inflation and deployment of the airbag as intended in the event of a crash. |
| US08172258B2 |
Ramp apparatus for curtain airbag for vehicle
A ramp apparatus for a curtain airbag for a vehicle, positioned between a headliner and a vehicular body panel such that the curtain airbag is deployed through a matching part formed between the headliner and a pillar trim, may include a support ramp fastened to the vehicular body panel and receiving a lower portion of the folded curtain airbag, and a deployment ramp extending from a first end of the support ramp to enclose a portion of the curtain airbag therein and deploying towards the interior of the vehicle to seal a gap between the vehicular body panel and the pillar trim by expansive pressure of the curtain airbag in the event of a vehicle collision. |
| US08172257B2 |
Safety device for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a mounting for an airbag module for a vehicle door, with said mounting developed by at least two components arranged at a distance relative to each other, with said components provided to accommodate an airbag module, with at least one of said components designed to develop a locking connection with said airbag module. |
| US08172253B2 |
Assembly of seat unit and child stroller
A seat unit and child stroller assembly includes a stroller having a frame, a seat and a safety device connected to the frame for preventing a child seated on the seat from falling off; a seat unit including a seat frame, a connecting means and an operating means mounted on the seat frame, the connecting means comprising a first locking member for locking the seat frame into the safety device and a second locking member for locking the seat frame into any device except the stroller, the first locking member being shiftable between a locking status during which the seat unit and the safety device are interconnected, and an unlocking status during which the seat unit can be removed from the stroller; wherein, the operating means is set to control the first locking member only, making the first locking member shift from locking status to unlocking status. |
| US08172252B2 |
Snowboard binding
A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding. |
| US08172245B2 |
Leaf spring suspension system
A leaf spring suspension system for supporting a vehicle chassis (104) relative to a vehicle axle (105), the suspension system being arranged to be connected between first and second spaced connection locations of said vehicle chassis. The suspension system comprises a first elongate leaf member (10) arranged to be pivotably connected at a first end (14) thereof to the first connection location, and a second leaf member (12) pivotably connected at a second end (16) of said first member (10). A link member (108) is connected between the second leaf member (12) and the second connection location of said chassis, wherein the link member (108) is pivotably connected to the second leaf member at a first end thereof and is connected to the chassis at a second end thereof such that the angular orientation of the link member relative to the chassis can be altered in order to accommodate raising or lowering of the chassis relative to the vehicle axle. |
| US08172244B2 |
Rear axle for a motor vehicle
A rear axle for a motor vehicle has two longitudinal links, each pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a cross member that connects the links to each other in the transverse vehicle direction and is coupled to each of the links in a rigid manner, and a Panhard rod extending substantially in the transverse direction that is joined on one end to a link or to the cross member, and on the other end to a joining point on the body side. The rear axle further has a longitudinal strut substantially extending in the longitudinal vehicle direction that is connected to the body at a forward end section in a rigid manner and forms the joining point for the Panhard rod on a free rear end section. The rear axle has an installation space requirement corresponding to a four-link rear axle. |
| US08172241B2 |
Handcart
The handcart has various embodiments, each embodiment having a pair of larger wheels at the back of the load-carrying platform and a rear axle located above the plane of at least the forward portion of the platform. Smaller caster wheels are mounted on arms extending forward and outward from the forward corners of the platform. The outward ends of the arms are displaced upwardly to place the platform bottom only very slightly higher than the bottoms of the forward casters, thus increasing stability by lowering the center of gravity of the cart and contents, and facilitating loading and unloading of the cart due to the very low platform. The cart need not be tilted rearward to lift the platform from the floor, but may be pushed over the underlying surface with the load-carrying platform remaining level and with all four wheels rolling over the underlying surface. |
| US08172239B1 |
Collapsible shopping cart system
A shopping cart has upper, lower and intermediate frames. The frames have a front, rear, sides, two front corners and two rear corners. The lower and intermediate frames each have a rigid screen. Four upper posts couple the front corners of the upper and intermediate frames. Two rear posts couple the rear corners of the upper and intermediate frames. Two lower posts couple the rear corners of the intermediate and lower frames. Each of the posts has a midpoint with a hinge dividing each post into an upper segment and a lower segment. Each hinge is adapted to be pivoted between a linear orientation and a non-linear orientation. In the linear orientation the segments of the posts are perpendicular to the frames and the shopping cart is in an expanded orientation. In the non-linear orientation the segments the post are parallel with the frames and the shopping cart is in a contracted orientation. |
| US08172238B2 |
Lightweight plastic sleds for emergency transport and hauling of loads
Lightweight inexpensive sleds, made of tough plastic or similar material, are disclosed for transporting injured people or inert loads. For rescue sleds, a strong strap is passed through slots around the periphery. This distributes forces in ways that avoid tearing, and it provides secure handholds, allowing people to lift and carry an injured person in a manner comparable to a backboard. A rescue sled including straps weighs only about 6 pounds, and can be carried on foot for miles, affixed to a backpack, making these sleds available immediately when needed. |
| US08172237B2 |
Active suspension and adaptive damping configuration
A vehicle suspension utilizes an active air suspension system in combination with an adaptive damping system to provide a desired ride and handling output. The active air suspension and adaptive damping system can operate independently of each other, or can work in conjunction with each other to provide the desired output. |
| US08172234B2 |
Collet tool holder having adjustable axis
A collet assembly for use on a support device comprising a rotatable base section, a support structure secured to the support device, with the support structure supporting the base section on said support device. The base section has a central axis, and the base section is rotatable with respect to the support member and the central axis to a plurality of positions. The collet assembly includes a locking device for locking the base section at one of the plurality of positions. |
| US08172230B2 |
Board game playing system and method of incorporating city landmarks
A novel board game and a method of playing said game is herein described. The invention provides players an opportunity to traverse a town or city represented symbolically on the game board by a plurality of landmark buildings and locales that can be found throughout a typical town. Accordingly, the present invention includes both an apparatus with which the game is played as well as a method for playing the game according to the rules of play. |
| US08172227B2 |
Sheet detecting device and image forming apparatus
A sheet detecting device includes a rotation unit having an abutment surface, a positioning unit configured to position the rotation unit in a standby position where the leading edge of the conveyed sheet abuts the abutment surface, and a detecting unit configured to detect the conveyed sheet on the basis of the rotation of the rotation unit pressed by the conveyed sheet, wherein the rotation unit rotates to a sheet passage posture where the sheet is allowed to pass after being pressed by the leading edge of the conveyed sheet and, when the trailing edge of the conveyed sheet passes the rotation unit, the rotation unit is rotated from the sheet passage posture in the same direction as a sheet conveying direction and is positioned in the standby position. |
| US08172224B2 |
Sheet discharge apparatus, sheet processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A configuration of a sheet discharge apparatus, a sheet processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus has a lower discharge tray which stacks a sheet thereon; a pair of discharge rollers which discharge the sheets onto the lower discharge tray; and a changing unit (abutment member, eccentric cam, and discharge angle moving motor) which changes the discharge angle of the pair of discharge rollers, wherein the changing unit changes the discharge angle of the pair of discharge rollers such that a first discharge direction in a first discharge mode which discharges each sheet is closer to the lower discharge tray than a second discharge direction in a second discharge mode which discharges a plurality of overlapped sheets. |
| US08172223B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image reading apparatus with an abutment member on a movable guide
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a placement surface on which a sheet to be transported is placed; a fixed guide which abuts against one side edge of the sheet; a movable guide which abuts against the other side edge of the sheet; a sheet feeding roller which abuts against a surface of the sheet at a position which is at the side of the fixed guide; an abutment member which is provided on the movable guide. The abutment member has a side surface opposed to the fixed guide in the width direction, and the side surface is formed into a slant shape such that as a portion of the side surface is nearer to the fixed guide in the width direction, a distance between the portion of the side surface and the placement surface is increased. |
| US08172220B2 |
Dual shaft media picking mechanism
A media picking mechanism includes a pair of transmission shafts rotating in opposite directions. A housing is mounted around the pair of transmission shafts such that the first transmission shaft and the second transmission shaft are positioned substantially equidistant from a centerline of the housing. During a media picking operation, the rotation of the first transmission shaft of the pair of transmission shafts provides a first moment to the housing and rotation of a second transmission shaft of the pair of transmission shafts provides a second moment to the housing, which is equal and opposite to the first moment such that a net moment on the housing is near zero minimizing twisting of the housing. The two transmission shafts rotating in opposite directions, also results in substantially equal normal force to be applied by the first and second pick tires on the media. |
| US08172218B2 |
Paper feed system
In a paper feed system where a first paper feed mechanism takes out and transfers one by one a plurality of papers placed on a paper feed table in a stack and a second paper feed mechanism transfers the papers transferred by the first paper feed mechanism to an image forming section at a predetermined timing. A paper edge detector is provided between the first and second paper feed mechanisms to detect an edge of the paper, and the first paper feed mechanism is controlled to transfer the papers at a first speed and then at a second speed not higher than the first speed when the paper edge detector detects the leading edge of the paper, the second speed being determined on the basis of the timing at which the leading edge of the paper is detected. |
| US08172216B2 |
Apparatus and method for gathering documents
An apparatus and method in which documents and enclosures are fed by feeding stations to a supply track and subsequently transported along the supply track to a gathering station. A sensor downstream of the feeding stations is used for scanning markings. A divert station connected to the supply track allows clearing the supply track, when scanned markings indicate that the first sheet of a next set has been scanned in the supply track, by diverting the first sheet to the divert station. This allows enclosures of the set being gathered to be fed along the supply track and gathered at the gathering station. After the completed set has vacated the gathering station, the diverted sheet is transported to the gathering station and gathered with further documents of the next set. |
| US08172215B2 |
Sheet stacking apparatus
In a sheet stacking apparatus, a sheet stacking unit stacks sheets conveyed by a sheet conveyance device. Three sheet extraction portions allow to selectively extract the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit from one of three directions including the downstream side of the sheet conveyance direction and two directions perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. A plurality of first detection sensors are provided in at least two of the three sheet extraction portions to detect an object that enters the sheet stacking unit. A second detection sensor detects the moving direction of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit. A control device stops the operation of the sheet conveyance device when the first detection sensor detects the object, and disables the detection operation of the first detection sensor corresponding to the moving direction of the sheets when the second detection sensor detects the moving direction of the sheets. |
| US08172214B2 |
Sheet collecting apparatus, post processing apparatus and image formation system
A sheet collecting apparatus has a sheet transport path for transporting a sheet, a tray device for bearing and storing sheets, a regulation stopper for regulating the sheet, a holding path to temporarily hold a sheet, an alignment roller to transport the sheet, and a control device for controlling transport of the sheet. The alignment roller adjusts a level of pressing force acting on the sheet transported onto the tray device. The control device has a first operation mode and a second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the alignment roller applies a transport force to the sheet by a predetermined pressing force after a rear end of the sheet is carried into the tray device, while in the second operation mode, changing the pressing force applied to the sheets from the alignment roller from a first pressing force to a second pressing force and applying varied transport force. |
| US08172212B2 |
Web product folding and stacking machine, web product folding and stacking method using same
A web product folding and stacking machine includes two folding line making wheels, two folding fingers, a first carrier unit, a stoppage unit and a holder. The folding line making wheels and the folding fingers are operated to fold up web products on the first carrier unit to form a stack of interfolded web products. When a stack of a predetermined number of interfolded web products is finished, the stoppage unit is extended out to isolate the interfolded web products. Further, a retractable member of the stoppage unit is extended out to hold down the finished stack of interfolded web products when the stoppage unit is lowered to carry the finished stack of interfolded web products with the holder, keeping the finished stack of interfolded web products in integrity. |
| US08172205B2 |
Rotating aerator for aquariums and ponds
In an aerator (10) for aquariums and ponds there is an impeller (60) operated by an electric motor (20) having a first entry (246, 347) for the intake of water, a second entry (44) for the intake of air and an exit (254) where the water and air flow comes out, the impeller (60), when it is operated, sucks water from said first entry (246, 347), creates a lower pressure which sucks air from said second entry (44) and mixes said sucked air with water generating a flow which comes out from the exit (254). |
| US08172202B2 |
Butterfly valve assembly including a bearing assembly for serrated spline constraint
Butterfly valves assemblies are provided that include a flowbody, a butterfly plate, an actuator and an upper chimney and a lower chimney disposed within the flowbody. The flowbody has an inner surface defining a channel. The butterfly plate is disposed in the channel, is rotationally mounted to the flowbody, and has an outer periphery. The actuator has an actuator output shaft that is coupled to the valve shaft via a serrated spline coupling. The upper chimney and the lower chimney are configured to include bearing assemblies that constrain radial loads and thrust loads exerted upon the valve shaft and minimize misalignment of the serrated spline coupling. |
| US08172198B2 |
Valve assembly for aircraft water supply system
A valve assembly (20) for an aircraft water supply system. The valve assembly (20) comprises a valve member (40), an electrical motor (64), and a mechanical returning mechanism (80). When electrical power is provided, the motor (64) can be controlled to move the valve member (40) from a first position and to a second position. The mechanism (80) is operably connected to the valve member (40) and mechanically biases it towards the first position. If a power loss occurs when the valve member (40) is in the second position, the returning mechanism (80) non-electrically (e.g., mechanically) returns the valve member (40) to the first position. |
| US08172197B2 |
Fast-acting pneumatic diaphragm valve
A fast-acting, pneumatic diaphragm valve includes a diaphragm valve closure member, a pneumatic piston that provides a closure force on the closure member, and a solenoid pilot valve that controls pressurized air to the piston to cause the piston to move in a reciprocal manner so that the closure member opens and closes the valve. The valve seat seal can be elastomer for enhancing speed, and the solenoid pilot valve can be positioned and configured with air flow longitudinally through or past the solenoid armature to enhance speed. |
| US08172196B2 |
Supporting device for a mobile colorimeter
A device for supporting a mobile calorimeter on a measuring object, especially a monitor, includes a flexible tube-shaped carrying belt (G) which is at least partially filled with a granular loading material and which is provided with a fixing member (1) for its installation on the calorimeter (MD). The supporting device may further include a pocket (T) provided with measuring and operating apertures for receiving the mobile calorimeter (MD), and the carrying belt (G) may be fastened to the pocket (T). The carrying belt (G) may be formed substantially as a closed loop and may be provided with a Velcro fastener for its lengthwise adjustment. The supporting device permits easy and comfortable positioning of the measuring apparatus on a monitor and at the same time serves as a carrying belt. |
| US08172194B2 |
Apparatus for transport of equipment and method for manufacture thereof
An apparatus for transporting equipment and a method for the manufacture of the apparatus are disclosed. A damping assembly configured to dampen movement of a first item relative to a second item may include an arm and a shock absorber. The arm may be configured to be located between the first item and the second item and may be configured to pivotally couple to the first item and configured to slidably couple to the second item. The shock absorber may be configured to couple between the first item and the arm, such that the shock absorber dampens rotation of the arm to dampen movement of the first item relative to the second item. |
| US08172193B2 |
Apparatus for removably securing seats
The invention provides a seat track fitting and a corresponding method to lock seats on a known hollow track. In one embodiment, the track is longitudinally provided with a plurality of symmetric circular-shaped openings of a diameter greater than the width of the slot opening comprises a main body mechanism and a shear plunger provided with a screw associated with an anti-loosening component, slidably arranged with respect to the main body mechanism. |
| US08172191B1 |
Laptop computer support
A laptop computer support device for conveniently supporting a laptop computer on a horizontal surface, and which device supports the computer in a preferred and optimal position for use of the keyboard. In its broadest aspects, the device is a portable, adjustable laptop computer support that also provides improved heat dissipation from the laptop computer while it is in use. The device is further advantageous in that it is does not need to be separately stowed away or carried because it basically becomes part of the laptop computer case. The device comprises a base and a stand that can be folded and secured relative to one another in a preferred operational configuration. |
| US08172187B2 |
Stand for hanging planter
A stand (20) from which a planter (22) can be suspended includes a hollow center post (28) having one end (48) which opens downwardly when the post is arranged substantially vertically. A plurality of openings (66) are defined about the center post, and a plurality of leg members (72) are arranged about the center post. Each of the leg members includes a foot end (76) and two post-engaging portions (94 and 84) wherein a first (94) of the post-engaging portions is accepted by a corresponding one of the openings defined about the center post and a second (84) of the post-engaging portions is accepted by the downwardly-opening end of the center post. In addition, a retainer assembly (70) cooperates between the center post and the leg members for preventing the withdrawal of the first of the post-engaging portions from the openings defined about the center post and for preventing the withdrawal of the second of the post-engaging portions from the downwardly-opening end of the center post. |
| US08172185B2 |
Establishment of laminar boundary layer flow on an aerofoil body
In order to establish laminar flow on the attachment line (18) of an aerofoil body, a duct entrance (27) is provided on the leading edge of the aerofoil body for receiving spanwise boundary layer flow BLt. The exit (23) of the duct is located spanwise downstream of the duct entrance (27). The boundary layer flow BLt enters the duct (23) and is discharged downstream. The height of the duct entrance (27) above the leading edge of the aerofoil body is greater than the depth of the boundary layer BLt and thus a fresh laminar boundary layer is established on the outer surface (20) of the duct which propagates spanwise along the surface to rejoin the leading edge of the aerofoil body. |
| US08172184B2 |
Aerial transport apparatus
The invention provides a cargo hook apparatus for securing cargo external to an aircraft for transportation, the apparatus comprising, pendent sling means, an attachment for securing the pendent sling means to the aircraft, and a cargo hook assembly, where the cargo hook assembly comprises a high-strength, lightweight alloy, and where the cargo hook assembly weighs less than about 55 pounds. |
| US08172183B2 |
Baggage accommodation device
A baggage accommodation device for an aircraft, which device comprises a plurality of first rollers and a container, wherein the container comprises a base plate. The plurality of first rollers are arranged on the base plate, and the baggage accommodation device is designed such that it is sufficiently stable for said baggage accommodation device to be able to be moved into and out of the aircraft. |
| US08172182B2 |
Aircraft spillover fuel tank
Apparatus and methods described herein provide for a spillover tank to extend the fuel capacity of the main wing tank of an aircraft. The spillover tank is located in the wing of the aircraft adjacent to the main wing tank. At least one aperture exists through the shared barrier between the main wing tank and the spillover tank that allows fuel to flow passively between the tanks. A scavenge pump mechanism driven by motive flow from the main fuel pumps continuously pumps fuel from the spillover tank into the main wing tank. |
| US08172181B2 |
Fuel range for an aircraft
An apparatus and method for improving the fuel range of an aircraft are provided. The aircraft includes a fuselage with a front windshield, and an external skin providing a top cover for a cockpit of the aircraft. The apparatus includes an aerodynamic fairing secured adjacent the windshield and enclosing the external skin covering the cockpit for a reduction in an abrupt change in area encountered by air flowing along the length of the fuselage. An enclosure is formed between the aerodynamic fairing and the external skin in which a fuel bladder, configured with a reticulated polyurethane foam insert, may be disposed for added fuel capacity of the aircraft. The method includes steps of providing an aerodynamic fairing configured to balance the flow of fluid over the aircraft during flight, and securing the aerodynamic fairing atop the aircraft and adjacent the front windshield. |
| US08172180B2 |
Temperature monitoring
A temperature monitoring arrangement for an electro-thermal ice protection system is provided for a slat of an aircraft wing, incorporating heater mats of composite material, wherein, in order to avoid or at least substantially reduce some of the problems associated with use of discrete temperature sensing elements, one or more optical fiber temperature sensors are embedded within the heater mats for sensing an overheating condition of each mat. Advantageously, a control system is used to monitor the temperature of the mats, and adjusts power supplied, or switches off power, in response to detection of an overheating condition. |
| US08172179B2 |
Aircraft wing box and manufacture thereof
An aircraft wing box comprises a pair of half ribs (18, 20) joined to form a rib extending from an upper wing skin (12) to a lower wing skin (10). Each half rib (18) comprises a base (19) and a plurality of projections (4) that extend away from the base (19), the projections (4) defining a series of troughs (2a) and peaks (4a). Respective projections of one half rib (18) overlap with respective projections of the other half rib (20) thereby defining overlapping portions (3), the half ribs (18, 20) being joined in the regions of the overlapping portions (3). There may be projections (4) shaped such that the overlapping portion (3b) defined by the two projections is separated from the neutral axis N of the rib (18, 20). The half ribs may be joined in the regions of the overlapping portions (3) by means of a fixing arrangement (7) that enables the position of joining of the half ribs to be adapted during initial assembly of the half-ribs (18, 20) to accommodate relative movement of the half ribs in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of one of the half ribs. The half ribs (18, 20) may be formed by deforming extruded metal sections. During assembly, in-wing systems (32) may be inserted before joining two wing-box halves. |
| US08172177B2 |
Stabilized UAV recovery system
A stabilized UAV recovery system is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment for UAV recovery over water, the system includes ship-based elements and UAV-based elements. The ship-based elements include a robot arm that holds a capture mechanism over the side of the ship while compensating for wave-induced ship motion. The UAV-based elements include a hook mounted to the top of the UAV fuselage. With the capture mechanism held stable from the perspective of a UAV approaching from behind or in front of the mechanism, the UAV is flown under it, snagging an arresting line with the hook. With continued forward motion of the UAV, the arresting line pulls out of a winch drum that is coupled to a brake, bringing the UAV to rest. |
| US08172176B2 |
Integral composite slider for aircrafts
A slider apparatus integral with a slidable member and a method for integrating the slider apparatus with the slidable member. The slider apparatus integrated with the slidable member may be configured to slidably couple with and be structurally supported by a fixed structure. The slider apparatus may comprise a primary slider component made of composite material and at least one chamfered element bonded to the primary slider component. The slidable member may comprise the slider apparatus, a core assembly, a plurality of composite material plies wrapped around the slider apparatus and core assembly and cured therewith, and at least one low-friction slider shoe removably attached to the primary slider component outward of the plurality of composite material plies. |
| US08172154B1 |
Humidity monitoring and alarm system for unattended detection of building moisture management problems
A detection and monitoring method and system which makes it possible to detect the presence of moisture problems when they manifest as abnormal humidity in one or more discrete ventilation zones within a building envelope. The abnormal humidity can then be investigated and resolved or mitigated to minimize the potential for building damage or adverse occupant health effects occur. The present invention provides an early warning system that will alert personnel of the occurrence of a moisture problem. |
| US08172152B2 |
Method for inkjet printing of E13B magnetic ink character recognition characters and substrate having such characters printed thereon
Electromagnetically recognizable E13B characters can be printed onto conventional paper by an inkjet printer using liquid magnetic ink. The printer receives data representing an E13B character, and prints the E13B character onto a substrate according to a modified E13B character pattern. The modified E13B pattern provides for an interior of the E13B character to be substantially completely filled, and includes one or more void arrangements arranged and positioned relative to a corresponding internal detection edge, and sized and shaped, to amplify the difference between the upstream magnetic signal detected on the upstream side of the internal detection edge and the downstream magnetic signal detected on the downstream side of the internal detection edge when an electromagnetic read head reads the resulting printed E13B character. |
| US08172150B2 |
Integrated circuit card
The invention relates to an integrated circuit card (1) comprising: an input/output block (4) for receiving external command data from an interface device (2); a central processing unit (CPU) (3) in signal communication with the input/output block (4) for performing a task corresponding to the received command data; a judgement block (5) in signal communication with the central processing unit (3) for judging whether a working time of the central processing unit (3) reaches a reference time, after an input of the external command data is completed; and a control block (6) in signal communication with the judgement block (5) for operating responsive to an output of the judgement block, wherein the control block controls such that a S(WTX request) is output via the input/output block (4) without intervention by the central processing unit whenever the interface device (2) connected to the integrated circuit card (1) transmits a command to the integrated circuit card and the integrated circuit card is not able to respond to this command within the defined maximum waiting time. |
| US08172149B2 |
Wireless frequency tag and method for manufacturing wireless frequency tag
A wireless frequency tag includes a loop-shaped antenna pattern that is electrically connected to a chip connecting section, and a conducting member that electrically couples a part of the antenna pattern. |
| US08172146B2 |
Sealed cards and methods of producing the same
Sealed cards and methods for producing the same are described. An example sealed card includes a first layer having a first side and a second side and a perimeter of weakness formed in the first layer forming an inner area and an outer area. The example sealed card also includes first indicia on the second side and in the inner area and second indicia to correspond to the first indicia in the outer area. In addition, the example sealed card includes a release liner releasably coupled to the second side, wherein the release liner covers the first indicia. |
| US08172145B2 |
Enhanced virtual scan line processing
Systems and methods for decoding a barcode or other optical code include identifying one or more sub-regions of image data that contain promising data based on a first set of edge detection parameters, transferring the promising data from a first memory location to a new memory location for further processing, and decoding the promising data based on a different set of edge detection parameters. |
| US08172143B2 |
Code reading device
Provided is a code reading device capable of reducing a time from start of reading of a symbol code until a decoded result is transmitted to an external device. The code reading device includes first and second CPUs that access a shared memory, an imaging element that optically reads the symbol code to generate a read image, and a DMAC that transfers the read image from the imaging element to the shared memory. The first CPU decodes the read image in the shared memory based on a command of the second CPU. The second CPU selectively executes any one of an imaging control task, a decode control task, and a decoded result transmission task, in which the imaging control task is given priority over the decode control task, and the decode control task is given priority over the decoded result transmission task. |
| US08172142B2 |
System, method and apparatus for placing and updating information in a personal digital electronic device for communication to a bar code scanner
A personal digital electronic device is provided with two enhancements, namely (a) an IR receiver and associated circuitry and software/firmware for mimicking a laser scanner operation, so that information existing in physical form with an associated bar code may be entered into the personal digital electronic device at the point of transaction; and (b) a radio receiver and associated circuitry and software/firmware to receive and process RDS feeds, so that offers, coupons and promotions embedded in the RDS feeds may be detected and used to place or update information on the personal digital electronic device. The personal digital electronic device is enabled for communication with a bar code scanner preferably using the “active light” communication technology. |
| US08172139B1 |
Ballistic ranging methods and systems for inclined shooting
A portable system for facilitating inclined shooting of projectile weapons comprises a ranging system, an inclinometer and a processor. The ranging system measures a line-of sight range distance from a vantage point to a target that is elevated or depressed relative to the vantage point, and the inclinometer measures an inclination angle of a line of sight between the vantage point and the target. Based on information from the rangefinder and inclinometer, the processor determines a predicted altitude-compensated inclined shooting (ACIS) trajectory at the line-of sight range distance for a preselected projectile. The ACIS trajectory is based on a bullet path height correction between a bullet path height at a first altitude and a bullet path height at a second altitude, a range distance of the target from the vantage point, and selected meteorological atmospheric information. |
| US08172134B1 |
Automated banking machine and system that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records
An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that reads data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards, and carries out transactions related to the accounts. The machine includes a camera, a microphone, and the card reader at a customer interface located at the front of the machine. A servicer display device is at a servicer interface located at the rear of the machine. The customer interface and servicer interface can be placed in audio/visual communication. Although a front servicer may not be directly visible to a rear servicer, they are still able to communicate with each other through the customer interface and servicer interface during machine servicing. The servicer interface can also be used to allow a lone servicer to be audibly/visually alerted to a potential customer approaching the machine. |
| US08172133B1 |
Automated banking machine system and method
A banking transaction processing system includes customer stations and at least one server provider station. The customer stations include automated banking machines. Each automated banking machine includes a card reader that reads indicia on user cards corresponding to financial accounts. Each automated banking machine also includes a cash dispenser. Service providers at service provider stations are enabled to communicate with customers at automated banking machines to help carry out transactions. Customers at automated banking machines may also carry out banking transactions without the involvement of service providers. Pneumatic tube transport systems may be used for moving items between local service providers and customers. In some embodiments, computers operating facial image transformation software and vocal sound transformation software enable outputs at customer stations which correspond to facial images and vocal sounds that customers may find more acceptable than those produced by the actual service provider. |
| US08172124B2 |
Surgical instrument having recording capabilities
A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium. |
| US08172120B2 |
Maneuverable surgical stapler
Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one delivery mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the delivery mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image. |
| US08172116B1 |
Child carrier having adaptive leg supports
A carrier for transporting a child by a transporting individual. The carrier includes a torso support part configured for supporting the torso of the child, a seat support part coupled to the torso support part, and at least one strap coupled to the torso support part and/or to the seat support part and with the torso support part and the seat support part configured to encircle at least part of the torso of the transporting individual. The seat support part is configured for supporting the posterior of the child in a sitting position in a first configuration, and the seat support part is configured for supporting the posterior of the child in a hanging position in a second configuration. |
| US08172104B2 |
Medical waster disposal apparatus
A medical waste disposal apparatus for receiving and retaining waste articles, such as catheter fittings, and the like, for controlled and facilitated handling and disposal of such waste articles, during and following the performance of treatment procedures on a patient by a practitioner. The waste disposal apparatus includes a first retaining member, mounted on a base panel, for receiving and retaining a waste article placed there by a practitioner during a treatment procedure, and further includes at least one side panel, for covering the waste article, after placement of the waste article on the first retaining member. Alternative configurations of retaining members are provided. |
| US08172102B2 |
Probe actuated bottle cap and liner
A cap for use with bottled water dispensing systems. The cap includes a main cap and a liner. The main cap has an opening which receives and seals against a probe. The liner is gripped between the main cap and the bottle neck and has a outside part and an inner movable part. The inner movable part is linked to the outer part by a large connecting section that serves as a hinge, and breakable or frangible connecting section. When the bottle is lowered onto the dispensing system, the probe enters into the opening in the main cap, breaks the frangible connection, and pushes the inner movable part open like a flap. The liner, at the location of the large connecting section, is resilient such that the inner movable part tends to close when the bottle is removed from the dispensing system. When the breakable connecting section is a cut in the liner that does not extend through the liner, the liner itself acts as an additional barrier to the egress of the contents from the container and acts as a barrier to the ingress of dirt or organisms into the container. |
| US08172098B2 |
Modular rack assembly
An end support unit for supporting the ends of at least one front and one rear cross beam including: a front support post having a column of slots along its length for receiving at least one slot engaging member of the front cross beam; a rear support post having a column of slots along its length for receiving at least one slot engaging member of the rear cross beam; an upper brace fixedly extending from the upper end of the front support post to the upper end of the rear support post; a lower brace fixedly extending from the lower end of the front support post to the lower end of the rear support post; and a diagonal brace extending diagonally between the front support post and the rear support post. |
| US08172092B2 |
Filter having melt-blown and electrospun fibers
A multi-layer filter media including at least one layer of melt-blown fiber filter media and at least one layer of electrospun nanofiber filter media is provided. The multi-layer filter media of the present invention is configured such that the at least one layer of the melt-blown fiber filter media is on the upstream and the at least one electrospun nanofiber filter media is positioned downstream of the at least one melt-blown fiber filter media. |
| US08172090B1 |
Large and small document combination optimization for document sequencing system
A system and method of sorting documents utilizing an algorithm or routine that alternates an order of documents with smallest sheet count documents followed by largest sheet count documents in order to optimizes a document throughput of an inserter based on a maximum speed that documents can be collated and accumulated and an algorithm or routine for optimizing the document throughput of a dual sheet cutter by grouping even sheet count documents together on evenly paired sheet boundaries within a mailing group of printed documents, with or without the use of dynamic motion control of the inserter. |
| US08172085B2 |
Reclosable blister package assembly
The present invention provides a reclosable blister package assembly for accommodating center-filled gum pieces. The package assembly includes a blister tray having an open face and a blister cavity for supporting the gum pieces. The blister tray includes a plurality of ribs within the blister cavity for separating the gum pieces. A cover overlies the blister tray and covers the open face of the tray. |
| US08172084B2 |
Absorbent article packaging
A package containing an article. The article includes a first article texture and a second article texture. The package includes a plastic packaging material having an outer surface. Further the first article texture and the second article texture are non-similar and at least a portion of the outer surface has a packaging texture that is a simulant of the first article texture and at least a portion of the outer surface has a packaging texture that is a simulant of the second article texture. |
| US08172082B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery
An apparatus includes a container defining an internal region configured to contain multiple medicament delivery devices, such as, for example, pen injectors, auto-injectors, inhalers or the like. The container includes an electronic circuit system configured to output a first electronic output associated with a first medicament delivery device contained within the internal region when the first medicament delivery device is removed from the internal region of the container. The electronic circuit system is further configured to output a second electronic output associated with a second medicament delivery device contained within the internal region when the second medicament delivery device is removed from the internal region of the container. The second electronic output is different than the first electronic output. At least one of the first electronic output or the second electronic output is associated with a use instruction. |
| US08172081B2 |
Housing for a disc-shaped information carrier
A housing for storing a disc-shaped information carrier includes a bottom part with a retaining device for the information carrier and a lid part which is connected with hinging possibility to the bottom part via two corner hinges. The corner hinges have two recessed hinge arms of the hinge part and two matching recessed hinge walls. The lid part is provided with protection walls which extend at the outside of the housing substantially parallel to the hinge arms so as to protect the hinge arms from external mechanical influences. The distance between each hinge arm and the facing parallel portion off its opposite protection wall has a value lying in the range between 6.6 mm and 13.1 mm. |
| US08172077B1 |
Portable workstation
A portable container includes a first half-shell pivotally connected to a second half-shell to form at least one releasably sealed compartment, wherein each half-shell includes a substantially flat, rectangular portion having walls extending from each edge of the rectangular portion; an opening substantially centered in the first half-shell sized for a cylindrical rod attached to a tripod, the rod having a base portion larger than its extension portion; and a support assembly within the first half-shell having a substantially flat base portion sized to increase strength and rigidity and including a receptacle to the extension portion of the cylindrical rod, the receptacle and extension including corresponding fastener openings so that a fastener device secures the portable container to the cylindrical rod, whereby the portable container is supported by the base portion, the support assembly provides stability to the portable container, and the portable container is rotatable upon the rod. |
| US08172069B2 |
Diverter ball conveyor
A diverter conveyor system for a modular belt. The modular belt has at least two belt modules disposed in rows. At least two rows of spheres are disposed in the belt modules and extend through the top and bottom surfaces of the modules. The rows of spheres may be supported by a single cylindrical roller. |
| US08172066B2 |
Apparatus for receiving and dispensing documents of value
An apparatus for accepting and for outputting documents of value is provided with a checking device for checking the authenticity of fed documents of value, an entrance transport device for transporting documents of value along a transport path past the checking device or through it, which has a first and a second part, which in operation are located opposite each other and between each other form the transport path, a storage unit, which comprises at least two storages for storing at least two different types of documents of value, so that a document of value of each of the two types, independently of the order of input of the documents of value into the storage unit, can optionally be outputted from the storage unit, as well as a system for transporting documents of value for the transport of checked documents of value to the storage unit or from said storage unit to a device for outputting documents of value, at least the first part of the entrance transport device being held at the apparatus swiveling around a first swivel axis between an operating position, in which a transport of documents of value can be effected, and an open position, in which the transport path is accessible. |
| US08172065B2 |
Bearing assembly
A bearing assembly (1) includes at least one bearing (3) that rotatably supports a cylindrical roller tube (2). A cushioning layer (5) is disposed, directly or indirectly, between a ring (4) of the bearing (3) and the cylindrical roller tube (2). At least one contact surface (6, 7) for the cushioning layer (5) extends over a defined axial distance (L) at an angle (α) to the rotational axis (A) of the bearing assembly (1). |
| US08172064B2 |
Drift conveyor having a bearing element
A drift conveyor (1) has rollers (14) introduced into bearings (13) of a frame (12). An axle (143) of the roller (14) is received in a receptacle (1310) of the bearing (13), and a roller plate (15) presses the bearing (13) so that a first sealing region (1308) of the bearing (13) contacts a sealing region (152) of the roller plate (15). A rotary fastening region of the bearing (13) contacts a fastening region (153a) of the roller plate (15) and a second sealing region of the bearing (13) contacts the frame sealing region. One side of the bearing (13) has the receptacle (1310), the first sealing region (1308) and a rotary fastening region that prevents rotation of the bearing (13) with respect to the roller plate (15). An opposite side of the bearing (13) has a second region for sealing between the bearing (13) and the frame (12). |
| US08172060B2 |
Dynamic pressure control system with solenoid valve command current trimming
A dynamic pressure control system, such as a transmission pressure control system, is provided wherein one or more of electrical current command signals provided to a pressure control solenoid valve, such as a fast response variable force solenoid pressure control valve, are progressively trimmed in a manner to improve overall system pressure control performance by improving the overall commanded current response. The invention permits use of fast response pressure control solenoid valves and obtainment of in a manner to minimize overshoot and improve steady state accuracy, so as to thereby improve precision pressure control. |
| US08172059B2 |
Clutch system
The clutch system relates to an automatic friction clutch with a hydrostatically actuator-controlled clutch withdrawal. In such clutch release systems, a slave cylinder pressurized by a master cylinder in an engaged state is in connection with a reservoir (tank) via a connection opening uncovered by the master cylinder piston. To determine the opening deviations and location of the connection opening, it is proposed that actuation of master cylinder be velocity-dependent and pressure patterns of the hydrostatic clutch release system be evaluated. |
| US08172056B2 |
Disengageable pulley device
Disengageable pulley device comprising a pulley mounted on a shaft by means of a rolling bearing and of a freewheel, the pulley comprising a rim mounted on the periphery of a one-piece outer race of substantially tubular shape comprising, on an inner surface, at least one raceway for rolling elements and at least one contact seat of cylindrical revolution for lock-up elements of the freewheel, a one-piece inner race forming a torque transmission shaft and including, on an outer surface coming opposite the outer race, at least one raceway for the rolling elements and at least one contact seat of cylindrical revolution for the lock-up elements of the freewheel. |
| US08172054B2 |
Clutch arrangement with a clutch drive
A clutch arrangement includes a clutch device for transmitting torque between a clutch housing and a takeoff, wherein a pressure element and an opposing pressure element cooperate to establish and release a working connection between at least one drive-side clutch element and at least one takeoff side clutch element. The opposing pressure element is mounted nonrotatably and without freedom of axial movement on the clutch housing, and is connected to at least one drive-side clutch element by axially acting energy storage devices. A takeoff-side clutch element is located between a drive-side clutch element and the opposing pressure element, and between any adjacent drive-side clutch elements. Alternatively, the axially acting energy storage devices can connect the drive-side clutch elements to the clutch housing. |
| US08172053B2 |
Hydraulic circuit arrangement for operating a hydrodynamic torque converter
A hydraulic circuit arrangement for operating a hydrodynamic torque converter (1, 10) with a converter bridging clutch (11). The circuit arrangement comprises a hydraulic switching unit (3, 14) having at least one valve for controlling an inflow flow and a return flow of oil to the converter (1, 10) and the converter bridging clutch (11), an oil cooler (4, 15), a first line (5, 12) for acting upon the converter bridging clutch (11) with an engagement pressure (PWKzu) and a second line (6, 13) for acting upon the converter bridging clutch (11) with a disengagement pressure (PWKauf). The circuit arrangement comprises a bypass line (8, 17) which is connected directly with the oil cooler (4, 15) so as to bypass the hydraulic switching unit (3, 14). |
| US08172048B2 |
Braking device for a robot drive and method of detecting a braking state
Method of detecting a braking state of a braking device of a robot drive, having a frame device which, if required, applies braking forces to a rotating component of the robot drive by means of a first movable frame element. As a result, the braking device is shifted into at least two operating states, in particular a closed state or an open state. In the process, during the transition of the braking device from one state into the other, at least one measuring signal is recorded and a braking state is determined by comparing the at least one measuring signal with reference values established beforehand. The invention also relates to a braking device on which the above method can be carried out. |
| US08172041B2 |
Machine room-less elevator
A machineroom-less elevator in which a counterweight is vertically moved behind a cage, with the cage and the counterweight being suspended in a jig back manner through a first and second diverting sheaves. In this machineroom-less elevator, a sufficiently large vertical stroke of the counterweight can be secured, while a durability of a hoist rope is improved. In addition, since no tensile difference is generated in respective parts of the hoist rope, vertical vibrations of the cage are prevented when the cage restarts a vertical movement. A traction sheave is disposed on one of right and left sidewalls of an elevator shaft. A first diverting sheave is disposed below and sufficiently apart from the traction sheave, and a second diverting sheave is disposed on a top of a rear wall of the elevator shaft. The traction sheave is disposed to be inclined relative to the sidewall such that a rotational axis thereof extends from the sidewall of the elevator shaft to the rear wall thereof, when viewed vertically from above. |
| US08172039B2 |
Muffler for vehicle
A muffler for a vehicle may include a plurality of baffles to form a plurality of chambers, an exhaust gas inflow pipe having an outlet connected to one of the chambers inside the muffler housing through the baffles, an intermediate pipe disposed in parallel with the exhaust gas inflow pipe in the muffler housing through the baffles to fluid connect at least two chambers and a plurality of exhaust gas outflow pipes having an inlet positioned with an outlet of the intermediate pipe in any one chamber divided by the baffles and an outlet protruding outward through the muffler housing, without passing through the baffles, such that the exhaust gas passing through the intermediated pipe may be discharged outside the muffler housing. |
| US08172036B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing acoustic metamaterial
A method for fabricating an acoustic metamaterial may include providing a planar pattern of springs arranged in columns and rows and separated from each other by interconnection nodes, providing a planar pattern of mass units separated from each other by a distance corresponding to a distance between the interconnection nodes, providing an array of vertically oriented springs separated from each other by the distance between the interconnection nodes, and aligning and joining the planar pattern of springs, the planar pattern of mass units and the array of vertically oriented springs to form a layer of unit cells. |
| US08172032B2 |
Combination drive and suspension system for a vehicle
The invention is a combination drive and suspension system that includes an upper drive assembly and a lower drive assembly pivotally connected. The pivoting drive system provides improved ground clearance for a farm vehicle capable of carrying a large quantity of field application material. |
| US08172031B2 |
Pinch bolt mounting of a shifter assembly
A vehicle has a shifter assembly for shifting a transmission, and a floor pan. The shifter assembly includes a base and an attachment assembly for adjustably attaching the shifter assembly to the floor pan. The attachment assembly includes a bushing that is adjustable in a horizontal direction relative to the floor pan or a vertical direction relative to the base. |
| US08172024B2 |
Airbag control system
An airbag control system may include a sensor unit monitoring status of a vehicle being driven and an object located in front of the vehicle, an interior airbag deployed to an interior of the vehicle being driven, an exterior airbag deployed to an exterior of the vehicle being driven, and a control unit measuring a relative speed between the vehicle being driven and the object located in front of the vehicle from the sensor unit after deploying the exterior airbag, and deploying the interior airbag when it is determined that the measured relative speed exceeds an interior critical speed at which the interior airbag is deployed. |
| US08172022B2 |
Energy recovery systems for vehicles and vehicle wheels comprising the same
A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a rim and an energy recovery system. The energy recovery system includes a flywheel, a continuously variable planetary (CVP), a first planetary gear set, and a second planetary gear set. The flywheel is substantially concentric with the rim and operable to rotate relative to the rim. The CVP is positioned within the flywheel and is operable to transmit rotational motion between the flywheel and the rim. The first planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to the rim and the CVP such that rotational motion transmitted between the CVP and the rim is transmitted through the first planetary gear set. The second planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to the CVP, the rim and the flywheel such that rotational motion transmitted between the CVP, the rim and the flywheel is transmitted through the second planetary gear set. |
| US08172021B2 |
Vehicle air cleaner mounting structure
A vehicle air cleaner mounting structure is disposed in a space between a shelf portion of a fender apron and a hood. The mounting structure has support portions at at least three points. A protruding portion of the air cleaner protrudes farther inward in a vehicle width direction than a vertical wall of the fender apron. The support portions are disposed outside the protruding portion in the vehicle width direction, the first support portion and the second support portion positioned inside in the vehicle width direction out of the support portions are disposed on a phantom axis line extending in a vehicle front-rear direction in a plan view. The air cleaner is supported to be able to turn about the phantom axis line, and the third support portion is disposed outside the phantom axis line in the vehicle width direction. |
| US08172017B2 |
Circumferential movement device
The invention relates to a circumferential movement field, including all circumferential movement devices such as transport vehicle, toy vehicle, space vehicle, blender etc, especially for energy-saving vehicles utilizing force of gravity. The energy-saving vehicle utilizes force of gravity as driving force, the vehicle body connects with the wheel by swing structure method or eccentric swing structure to utilize force of gravity more efficiently. The invention also provides solutions about two-wheel gravitational vehicle and multi-wheel vehicle and train connected by integrated vehicles or two-wheel vehicles. |
| US08172008B2 |
Drilling apparatus with reduced exposure of cutters and methods of drilling
A rotary drilling apparatus and method for drilling subterranean formations, including a body being provided with at least one cutter thereon exhibiting reduced, or limited, exposure to the formation, so as to control the depth-of-cut of the at least one cutter, so as to control the volume of formation material cut per rotation of the drilling apparatus, as well as to control the amount of torque experienced by the drilling apparatus and an optionally associated bottomhole assembly regardless of the effective weight-on-bit are all disclosed. The exterior of the drilling apparatus may include a plurality of blade structures carrying at least one such cutter thereon and including a sufficient amount of bearing surface area to contact the formation so as to generally distribute an additional weight applied to the drilling apparatus against the bottom of the borehole without exceeding the compressive strength of the formation rock. |
| US08172007B2 |
System and method of monitoring flow in a wellbore
A system and method for releasing a marker within a wellbore. The system and method includes a sensor that detects movement or a position of the marker within the wellbore. The marker may be released in drilling fluid, for example, and may travel from the surface to the drill bit and return to the surface with cuttings. As an example, the markers are used to determine the flow of cuttings within the wellbore. |
| US08172005B2 |
Cement silo structure for mining machine
The invention relates to a cement silo structure for a mining machine comprising a mixer, a cement silo for cement and a feed apparatus for feeding cement to the mixer. The cement silo is a separate unit that may be transferred by means of transfer means between a use position on top of the mining machine and a filling position that differs from the use position. |
| US08172004B2 |
Automatic transmission for a power tool
A transmission assembly for a power tool comprises a first transmission path comprising a high speed transmission path and a second transmission path comprising a low speed transmission path. Driven gears of each transmission path are permanently driven during operation of the transmission. A controller is provided for engaging or disengaging the high speed transmission path in response to monitored operating current of an electric motor providing a driving torque to an input of the transmission. When disengaged, a driven gear of the high speed transmission path continues to be driven, but the driven gear is disengaged from an output of the transmission. Consequently, under these circumstances, the low speed transmission path is the ‘active’ transmission path providing a low speed, high torque drive to the transmission output. A clutch enables the low speed transmission path to operate at a lower speed than an output of the transmission assembly when the high speed transmission path is engaged and is providing a high speed, low torque drive to the transmission output. |
| US08172003B2 |
Overload protection device and machine tool having such overload protection device
A portable device having an overload protection device for motor-operated tools has a drive motor, a drive shaft connected to the drive motor and driven in rotation by the drive motor, and an output shaft for driving a cutting tool, wherein the output shaft is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the drive shaft. A drive pinion is connected to the drive shaft. A drum is supported on the output shaft and driven in rotation by the drive pinion. A coupling is arranged between the drum and the output shaft and engages the drum. The coupling is connected to the output shaft. When the output shaft is blocked, the coupling effects an automatic decoupling between the drum and the output shaft in order to prevent overloading of the drive motor. |
| US08172001B2 |
Pendent residential fire protection sprinklers
A pendent residential fire prevention sprinkler has a frame structure extending from the sprinkler body, and a system for blocking an outlet to prevent fluid from passing through the outlet until occurrence of a predetermined condition and for unblocking the outlet in response to occurrence of the condition. A deflector is supported by the frame structure at a predetermined distance from the outlet, at a position to be impinged upon by the fluid leaving the outlet. The deflector has a central portion and a peripheral portion, and slots formed in the periphery, defining tines therebetween. The slots include a first plurality of slots, each of which extends inward from the deflector periphery with a uniform width, a second plurality of slots, each of which has a first portion and a second portion between the deflector periphery and the slot's closed end, where the first portion has a width that varies at different points, while the second portion has a uniform width. |
| US08171999B2 |
Downhole flow control device and method
A downhole flow control device includes, a first member defining a first portion of a flow path, and a second member defining a second portion of the flow path, the flow path has a cross sectional flow area defined at least partially by the first member and the second member, a length of the flow path is greater than a largest dimension of the cross sectional flow area, and the cross sectional flow area is adjustable by movement of at least a portion of the first member relative to the second member. |
| US08171996B2 |
Wellhead system having a tubular hanger securable to wellhead and method of operation
A technique is provided for installing a tubular hanger and tubular hanger seal in a wellhead. The technique comprises installing the tubular hanger with a setting tool. The tubular hanger may comprise a locking ring that is driven outward into engagement with a profile in the wellhead. The setting tool is adapted to rotate a moveable member of the tubular hanger relative to the tubular hanger body so as to drive the moveable member to expand the locking ring outward to engage a profile in the wellhead. The moveable member may be wedged between the locking ring and the tubular hanger body. The setting tool may be adapted to enable the moveable member and the tubular hanger body to be rotated independently. The annulus between the tubular hanger and the wellhead may be sealed by a seal that has a plurality of sealing elements that are coupled together by a series of catches. |
| US08171995B2 |
Pressure relieving transition joint
A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string. |
| US08171989B2 |
Well having a self-contained inter vention system
A system includes a subsea well and a carousel of tools. The carousel of tools is adapted to automatically and selectively deploy the tools in the well to perform an intervention in the well. The flow of fluid in a well is halted, and a tool is deployed from within the well while the fluid is halted. The tool is allowed to free fall while the fluid is halted. The flow is resumed to retrieve the tool. |
| US08171987B2 |
Minichannel heat exchanger header insert for distribution
An inlet header of a microchannel heat exchanger is provided with a first insert disposed within the inlet header and extending substantially the length thereof, and having a plurality of openings for the flow of refrigerant into the internal confines of the inlet header and then to the channels. A second insert, disposed within the first insert, extends substantially the length of the first insert and is of increasing cross sectional area toward its downstream end such that annular cavity is formed between the first and second insert. The annular cavity of decreasing cross sectional area provides for the maintenance of a substantially constant mass flux of the refrigerant along the length of the annulus so as to thereby maintain an annular flow regime of the liquid and thereby promote uniform flow distribution to the channels. |
| US08171984B2 |
Latent heat storage devices
A latent heat storage device including a vessel, a phase change material disposed within the vessel, at least one heat exchange interface in contact with the phase change material, at least one sheet of graphite foil which extends within the bulk of the phase change material. |
| US08171981B2 |
Method of casting metal articles
During casting of metal articles, a mold is moved into a body or bath of molten metal. The mold is moved into a container which contains a portion of the body of molten metal. Heat is transferred at a first rate from the mold to a first portion of the body of molten metal disposed above the container. Heat is transferred at a second rate from the mold to the second portion of the body of molten metal at least part of which is disposed in the container. The container retards movement of molten metal relative to the mold to effect an increase in the temperature of the molten metal in the container and thereby retards transfer of heat from a portion of the mold disposed in the container to the body of molten metal. The mold enters the container through an opening at the upper end portion of the container. One or more additional openings may be provided at the lower end portion of the container. |
| US08171975B2 |
Apparatus for causing planar parts to be bonded onto a seat pad
An apparatus for mounting planar components onto a pad for a seat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lower die for allowing the pad to be carried thereon in a condition where a section of the pad onto which the planar components are to be mounted faces upward, a support frame for supporting the planar components, the support frame having both side portions, the support frame being configured as a handling jig which is separatably combined with the lower die means from an upward direction of the pad carried on the lower die means when the planar components are to be mounted onto the section of the pad, and an upper die means for causing the planar components supported by the support frame to be thermal press-bonded onto the section of the pad, the lower die having spaced apart guide pins for engaging the both side portions of the support frame and causing the support frame to be guided in a condition where the support frame is parallel relative to the section of the pad carried on the lower die, and hook arms for causing the support frame to be hooked with respect to the lower die. |
| US08171974B2 |
Film laminating apparatus
A conveyor conveys glass sheets horizontally, while holding them in an upright orientation. Film feed units are provided on both sides of a conveyance path of the glass sheets. Nip rollers press against both surfaces of the glass sheets via films fed from the film feed units so as to sandwich the glass sheets, while the glass sheets are being conveyed by the conveyor. |
| US08171972B2 |
Strip guide for high-speed continuous application of a strip material to a moving sheet-like substrate material at laterally shifting locations
Disclosed are examples of a strip guide for laterally shifting a longitudinally moving strip material as it enters a joining mechanism that urges the strip material into contact with a moving sheet material, the strip guide comprising a surface over which the strip material passes longitudinally, the surface defining a U-shape. |
| US08171969B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A sipe is formed in a block provided in a tread surface, wide portions extending in a sipe length direction are formed in each of a kick-out side and a step-in side of the sipe, and a total of heights of the wide portions in the kick-out side of the sipe is made larger than a total of heights of the wide portions in the step-in side of the sipe. |
| US08171964B2 |
Apparatus and method for opening/closing lid of closed container, gas replacement apparatus using same, and load port apparatus
The invention provides a purge apparatus that purges the gas in the interior of a FOUP with a high purging efficiency and an apparatus for opening/closing the lid of a FOUP for use in the purge apparatus. The purge apparatus has a cabinet having an opening portion through with the lid of the FOUP can pass, a door that can close the opening portion and hold the lid, and a gas supply nozzle provide in the cabinet. In this apparatus, a seal member is provided in such a way as to surround an element that is provided on the surface of the door and adapted to actuate a latch mechanism of the lid. The seal member spatially separates the element that is adapted to actuate the latch mechanism from the external space in a state in which the door is holding the lid. |
| US08171961B2 |
Plug structure
A plug structure for sealing an opening end portion of a circular fluid passage formed in a housing comprises a plug being equal in resistance against deformation to, or smaller than, the housing and having an annular flange portion formed on an end portion of a circular column portion; a flange pressure-contacting portion of the opening end portion deformed to be pressure-contacted with a lower surface of the annular flange portion by being caulked with a caulking tool; a contracted diameter portion of a shape gradually narrow in the middle to which the circular column portion is deformed as a result that the fluid passage is deformed by the caulking to be contracted in diameter; and a deformed circumferential portion to which the circumferential edge of the annular flange portion of the plug is deformed by the caulking to be pressure-contacted with the flange pressure-contacting portion of the opening end portion. |
| US08171954B2 |
Reclosable vacuum-tight pressure-relief device having a deformable seal member
A pressure-relief valve assembly is improved in that sealing surfaces on both the valve seat and valve head are confrontationally disposed annular planar surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the valve axis. A resilient valve seal is formed of a material which deforms to a predetermined extent into sealing engagement against both sealing surfaces when compressed by the spring biasing force. When a vacuum exists the combination of the spring force and a holding force created by a pressure differential acts to increase the extent of compression between the resilient valve seal and both sealing surfaces sufficient to create a vacuum-tight seal. The magnitude of the spring biasing force in discrete increments may be adjusted by varying the degree of threaded engagement between members forming the valve housing. |
| US08171946B2 |
Probe washing cups and methods
The invention provides probe washing cups and methods. A probe washing cup has a washing well and a waste cup. A drying section is disposed between an open end of the probe washing cup and an inlet plane of the washing well. The drying section has a channel that is aligned with the washing well. The channel has an opening for receiving the probe therethrough. |
| US08171945B2 |
Vehicle wash system comprising a plurality of treatment units
The invention relates to a vehicle wash system comprising a first treatment unit (2) arranged on a frame (1) so as to be height-adjustable and at least one second treatment unit (3) arranged on the frame (1) so as to be height-adjustable. In order to reduce the components required for driving and controlling the treatment units (2, 3) the latter are coupled to a common drive motor (11) via a traction mechanism drive (12, 13, 14, 15) for their mutual adjustment. |
| US08171944B1 |
Hair retainer
A hair retainer includes an annular body having a receiving through-hole through which a section of hair of a user is adapted to be extended. The annular body is flexible, bendable, and twistable so as to so create a variety of hair styles. Two clamping frames extend outwardly from first and second end portions of the annular body respectively. A plurality of teeth projects from an inner end of each clamping frame and extends toward an outer end of each clamping frame. A hair clipping space is defined between the plurality of teeth and one of the two clamping frames for further retaining the variety of hair styles in place. |
| US08171942B2 |
Apparatus for receiving interchangeable grooming units
An apparatus for receiving operationally powering units interchangeable grooming units. The apparatus comprising a casing, a motor, attachment means for allowing the grooming units to be releasably attached to the casing and mounting means for allowing the grooming units to be driven by the motor. The mounting means comprise a shaft with an end portion having a protrusion located eccentrically on the end portion. The mounting means are adapted to enable the grooming units with accordingly adapted receiving means to carry out a rotational movement and/or a linear movement without gear arrangements in the receiving means of the grooming unit. |
| US08171940B2 |
Rotary cutter assembly for a lighter
A rotary cutter assembly for a lighter comprises a lighter body which is defined with a receiving groove in an outer periphery thereof. A rotary plate is pivoted to the receiving groove in such a manner that the rotary plate can be rotated within the receiving groove. In the receiving groove is disposed a push pole, and on the rotary plate is provided an annular cutter. When the rotary plate is closed, the push pole is inserted in the annular cutter. |
| US08171937B2 |
Method and apparatus for precision working of material
A method for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue, comprises the step of providing laser pulses with a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency from 50 kHz to 1 MHz and with a wavelength between 600 and 2000 nm for acting on the material to be worked. Apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue comprising a pulsed laser, wherein the laser has a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency of from 50 kHz to 1 MHz is also described. |
| US08171929B2 |
Delivery device and method
A delivery device for and method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject, the delivery device comprising: at least one nosepiece unit (21) for insertion into one nasal cavity of a subject and comprising a nosepiece (25) for fitting to the respective nostril of the subject; and at least one delivery unit (23) which is operative to deliver a substance through the at least one nosepiece unit into the one nasal cavity of the subject, wherein the at least one delivery unit includes a substance supply unit (27) for delivering a substance and an actuation unit (29) which is operable to actuate the substance supply unit, either automatically or manually, in response to nasal exhalation or at least attempted nasal exhalation by the subject. |
| US08171927B2 |
Burner cap flame stabilization chamber
A gas burner cap for a cooking appliance includes a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side of the cap is configured to face a corresponding burner body. One or more flame-stabilization chambers are located on the bottom side of the cap. |
| US08171925B2 |
Paintball loader
A paintball loader, more specifically a paintball loader which rapidly and forcibly feeds paintballs to a paintball marker, comprises a rotor body having at least one rotor fin, and a drive motor for rotating the rotor body in a first direction. The paintball loader has a central outlet located radially inwards of the tip of the rotor fin and an abutment body arranged to interact with the at least one rotor fin. When the rotor body is rotated, a paintball, located in a space formed between the at least one rotor fin and the abutment body, is pushed out of the paintball loader through the central outlet. |
| US08171922B2 |
Blow-by gas recirculation system for internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a blow-by gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine. An oil separation cover 10 has a surge-tank mounting portion 400 integrally formed therewith in a columnar shape having a cam-shaped cross-section and a height approximately equal to that of an oil separation space OS. The surge-tank mounting portion 400 has a flat upper surface serving as a mounting seat surface 401 capable of coming into surface contact with an attaching seat surface 7a of a surge tank 7. A first opening 403 of a gas passage from a chamber 300 is opened in a vicinity of an opening of a support through-hole 402 on the mounting seat surface 401. Through an operation of joining the seat surface 7a of the surge tank 7 to the mounting seat surface 401 of the surge-tank mounting portion 400 while communicating the first opening 403 with a second opening 7b opened on the attaching seat surface 7a of the surge tank 7, a third gas passage 15 for supplying blow-by gas to an inside of the surge tank 7 is formed in such a manner as to penetrate through the oil separation cover 10 and the surge tank 7. |
| US08171921B2 |
Crankcase venting system
Crankcase venting system comprising an oil separator arranged in a housing that separates the housing into an unfiltered air side and a filtered air side, wherein in the area of the unfiltered air side a valve is arranged that is comprised of a valve plate, a pressure spring resting against the valve plate, as well as a valve seat that is closed or opened by means of the valve plate, and wherein the valve is closed off by a lid that is locked or snapped in place. |
| US08171916B2 |
Fuel supply systems
A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump for supplying fuel in a fuel tank to an engine, a pressure regulator and a three-way valve disposed in a valve chamber. The pressure regulator includes a pressure regulating chamber and a control pressure chamber and adjusts a fuel pressure in the pressure regulating chamber depending on a fuel pressure in the control pressure chamber. A control pressure passage for flowing the fuel to the control pressure chamber and the valve chamber is formed in a unit case. |
| US08171908B2 |
Engine start system for use in idle stop system for automotive vehicle
An engine start system which may be employed in automotive idle stop systems. The engine start system includes a pinion gear to be pushed to a ring gear coupled to an engine for achieving meshing engagement with the ring gear. After the pinion gear engages the ring gear, the engine start system starts to rotate the pinion gear using a starter motor to crank the engine. Specifically, when an engine restart request is made following an engine stop request, the engine start system waits until after the speed of the engine drops below a preselected gear engagable speed and then moves the pinion gear toward the ring gear without rotating the pinion gear. This minimizes the consumption of fuel in the vehicle in supplying electric power to the starter motor and a maximum level of mechanical noise arising from the engagement of the pinion gear with the ring gear. |
| US08171897B2 |
Cooling structure of internal combustion engine
A cooling structure of an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores; a cylinder head disposed on an upper portion of the cylinder block; two camshafts disposed on the cylinder head so as to be juxtaposed to each other in parallel to a crankshaft; camshaft housing chambers formed on the cylinder head to house the respective camshafts; a recessed portion provided between the camshaft housing chambers; a plug seat formed between the camshafts and in the recessed portion; a cooling air passage formed between the cylinder bores; and cooling air introduction passages communicating from the cooling air passage to the recessed portion of the cylinder head. |
| US08171896B2 |
Cooling structure of internal combustion engine
A cooling structure of an internal combustion engine includes: a cooling water introducing port provided on one end side of a cylinder block; and a water jacket provided so as to surround a cylinder bore wall, wherein cooling water is introduced from the cooling water introducing port into the water jacket, the cooling water is branched to flow to a portion on an intake side and a portion on an exhaust side of the water jacket of the cylinder block of the internal combustion engine, and the cooling water is supplied from a cylinder block side to a cylinder head side, the cooling structure of the internal combustion engine, further comprising a first regulation portion that regulates a flow of the cooling water supplied to the cylinder head side. |
| US08171894B2 |
Engine system
An engine system in which hydrogen is employed as a fuel, including a reactor configured to cause a reaction using a catalyst, in which the reactor is constituted by alternately disposing plural exhaust passages and plural fuel passageways of the engine system with a wall interposed therebetween; at least one carrier configured to carry the catalyst and to be formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape is fitted in at least one of fuel passageways; and the carrier is provided with a plate portion which has a surface disposed in a fuel flowing direction and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and at least one slit portion which divides the surface of the plate portion in the fuel flowing direction. |
| US08171892B1 |
Motion control harness for a medium to large dog
A restraint harness for a dog, particularly a dog of medium size and larger, including a conventional adjustable dog harness or collar and an attached control extension member. The control extension member includes a plurality of straps configured to extend to the hind end of the dog and a motion control cord that is interlaced in and between the conventional adjustable dog harness and the control extension member. The motion control cord encircles the dog's hind legs and can be tightened around the thighs with minimal force, where such tightening substantially restrains the dog without causing injury to the dog. |
| US08171891B2 |
Animal support harness and method of supporting and restraining movement of the animal
An animal support harness and method of supporting and restraining movement of an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a sling that can be routed around the abdomen of the animal, and a plurality of primary support straps extend and are joined at a handle. A leash strap is integrated with the handle, and extends to connect to the collar of the animal. The integral leash strap along with the primary support straps enables an owner to control not only an upward supporting force for the animal, but also provides an inherent restraint to prevent an animal from walking too quickly or lunging, which might otherwise harm the animal. |
| US08171888B2 |
Enhanced pet carrier
A detachable pet carrier for housing a pet that allows the pet to rest on one or more of its interior surfaces. The pet carrier may include a roof that provides shelter for the rest area in the pet carrier's deployed configuration. The pet carrier may also include one or more bolsters on one or more of its interior surfaces to better define the boundaries of the rest area in the pet carrier's deployed configuration. The pet carrier may also include one or more pockets on its interior and or exterior surfaces. |
| US08171884B2 |
Method and system for feeding aquatic animals
Method and system for feeding aquatic animals. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including submerging, at least partially, a chamber in a water reservoir, the chamber comprising a bladder comprising food for aquatic animals, periodically pumping water from the water reservoir into the chamber, exterting, by the pumping, a force on the bladder, and thereby dispensing the food into the water reservoir. |
| US08171878B2 |
Coating instrument
The coating instrument is provided with a coating head which has a plurality of head members, and in which a groove-like slot is formed, an adjustment unit accommodated in a recessed groove installed on a leading end face continuing to an outer face opposite to an inner face or to the inner face in the head member to adjust the width of the slot by pressing a side wall face of the recessed groove, and a controller for controlling a pressing force to the side wall face of the recessed groove by the adjustment unit. The adjustment unit is provided with a fluid pressure chamber into which a fluid is sealed, a pressing portion for pressing the side wall face of the recessed groove by the fluid pressure of the fluid pressure chamber, and an operating portion for allowing the fluid pressure of the fluid pressure chamber to change. The controller is provided with a pressure detecting portion for detecting the fluid pressure of the fluid pressure chamber and an instruction portion for comparing the fluid pressure detected by the pressure detecting portion with a previously-set pressure range to give instructions to the operating portion. |
| US08171875B1 |
Owl with intermittent powered movement
An owl replica for deterring pests, having a plastic owl body; a plastic owl head; an unstable mount disposed between the body and head for free movement of the head relative to the body; and a powered assembly supported by the mount and operable to move with the mount relative to the body and enable intermittent powered movement of the head relative to the body without interfering with free movement of the head. |
| US08171870B2 |
Method and apparatus for dampening rudder vibration
An apparatus is provided for dampening rudder vibration of a motorboat. The apparatus may include a tiller assembly rotatable about a pivot point adjacent the stern of the motorboat, the tiller assembly including a tiller arm extending in a first direction from the pivot point and configured to be rotated about the pivot point by a user, and/or a damper mounted on the tiller assembly extending in a second direction from the pivot point. The damper may be configured to rotate integrally with the tiller arm, and the damper may include a mass that is sufficient to dampen vibrations of the tiller. A method of using the apparatus for dampening rudder vibration is also disclosed. |
| US08171866B2 |
Safe construction for swing and slide door
A safe of the swing and slide type has a closing stile which has a landing surface for the safe door and a pocket for housing the closing edge of the door. That edge is outwardly turned to prevent the insertion of a pry bar between the door and the hook of the closing stile. The pocket has a ramp face which guides the closing edge of the door during the slide open and slide closed phases. In different variants, a ramp face is provided on the door also; a second ramp face is provided on the hook of the closing stile; a door seat is incorporated into ramp. |
| US08171864B2 |
Security, monitoring and control system for preventing unauthorized entry into a bank or other building
A series of doors, locks, walls and signage present a vestibule room or safety enclosure for use in controlling access into a secured space. Exterior signage regarding weapon detection equipment and the appearance of a mantrap enclosure is used to dissuade visitors from bringing weapons into the secured area. A person within the safety enclosure may always exit through the exterior door and thus avoid harm in the event of a natural disaster. |
| US08171862B2 |
Folding table
A table for attaching to the wall of an aircraft. The table has a table top comprising at least two table top segments which are moveable relative to each other. At least one table top segment has a screen on one side. Two table top segments are pivotable or rotatable in relation to each other about at least two axes. The first axis runs parallel to an edge of a table top segment. The second axis runs substantially perpendicularly to the first axis in the plane of a table top segment. |
| US08171861B2 |
Railway vehicle power bogie having a semi-suspended motor
A bogie includes two pairs of wheels (2), the wheels (2) of one pair being connected to one another by a shaft to form an axle (4), the axles (4) being connected to one another by a chassis (6) having at least two side members (10) resting on axle boxes (14, 14′) of each axle (4). The boxes (14, 14′) are arranged between the wheels (2) of the axle (4), and a motor (24) fixed to the chassis (6) extends between the wheels (2) of the axle (4) and drives the axle (4) in rotation by way of a coupling (42) and a reducing gear (28). One of the axle boxes (14) accommodates the reducing gear (28) of the motor (24). |
| US08171858B2 |
Transit system vehicle guideway constructed from modular elements and using magnetic levitation for suspension and propulsion vehicles
The networked guideway transit system uses materials and methods of constructing guideway elements. The materials and methods are designed to reduce the static weight, cost and physical size of the guideway structure. Installation cost is also significantly reduced by the modular nature of the guideway components, which can be manufactured in a controlled factory environment using mass production methods. As a result, the supporting structure of the guideway can be quickly erected and the modular blocks inserted with simple equipment. In addition, complex alignment procedures are not required. In particular, the guideway component includes motor coils having the shapes and configurations that facilitate the easy insertion of the guideway component without the need for interleaving coils in adjacent guideway components and without creating dead spots in the magnetic fields between guideway components. |
| US08171855B2 |
Rail plate inserter
A workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a workhead assembly for use with a rail maintenance machine having a rail lifter and configured for movement relative to a railroad track having a pair of rails, the workhead assembly constructed and arranged for positioning a tie plate predisposed on a rail tie, including a workhead body connected to the machine; a centering apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for centering the workhead over the rail tie; a squaring apparatus on the body constructed and arranged for squaring the tie plate on the rail tie; and a pusher assembly on the body for positioning the tie plate under a selected one of the rails being lifted by the rail lifter, and including at least one plate engaging finger constructed and arranged for engaging the tie plate. |
| US08171854B2 |
Cartridge
A cartridge (1) is provided comprising a cartridge case (2) and a projectile arrangement (3; 3′) with an arrow projectile (5; 5′) with a sub-caliber control unit (7), wherein the projectile arrangement (3; 3′) is connected to the cartridge case (2) via a case cover (4), wherein, after firing of the projectile arrangement (3; 3′), a precise guiding of the arrow projectile (5; 5′) in the corresponding weapon barrel is ensured due to a receptacle device (28; 28′) that centers the control unit (7) of the arrow projectile (5; 5′), and that can be separated from the control unit (7) when the projectile arrangement (3; 3′) is fired. The receptacle device is connected to the case cover (4) on the projectile side, wherein the receptacle device grasps a ring-shaped rear flange (29; 29′) whose outer diameter corresponds to the projectile caliber of the respective cartridge (1). |
| US08171852B1 |
Expanding projectile
An improved projectile having a penetrator and a body is disclosed. The penetrator is secured to the body. Upon impacting a target, the pentrator travels into the body and deforms the body. The body optionally has one or more portions, such as slots in the body, to promote deformation of the body upon the penetrator impacting the target. The body optionally has a bore extending at least partially therethrough that permits attachment of the penetrator at a second end of the body opposite the first end. |
| US08171851B2 |
Kinetic energy penetrator
A kinetic energy penetrator is provided comprising a consolidated body of a metal nanoparticles phase comprising metal nanoparticles and a metal carbide nanoparticles phase comprising metal carbide nanoparticles. Methods for making a kinetic energy penetrator as well as material compositions comprising a consolidated body of a metal nanoparticles phase comprising metal nanoparticles and a metal carbide nanoparticles phase comprising metal carbide nanoparticles are also provided. |
| US08171847B2 |
Printing press including fold formers of different widths and at least one fold former that is movable in a direction transverse to web travel
A superstructure of a printing press includes a turning tower with at least one turner bar that is usable to deflect a web section from a transport direction by 90°. A second turner bar, that is shorter than the first turner bar, is also used to deflect a web section from the transport direction by 90° in the same direction as the first web section. These first and second turner bars are offset vertically in relation to one another in the same turning tower. The first turner bar is supported at both ends on at least one first lateral support and at least one second lateral support. The second turner bar is supported only on one end on the lateral support in a floating manner. The second support side of the second turner bar is provided with access from that support side into the interior of the turning tower. |
| US08171844B2 |
Griddle for a cooking appliance
A griddle for a cooking appliance is disclosed. The griddle includes a main body having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a recessed area formed on the second surface, the recessed area having a center, a periphery, and a thickness which diminishes from the periphery toward the center. |
| US08171840B2 |
Firearm silencer and methods for manufacturing and fastening a silencer onto a firearm
A firearm suppressor includes a hollow outer can having an interior-threaded proximal end and a radially closed distal end with a bore, a barrel nut having a barrel bore and an outer-threaded distal threading to the can, and a baffle. The baffle has an intermediate wall with a bore and extends outward to the can interior to prevent fluid passing across other than through the bore. A proximal baffle wall has a bore aligned with the other bores and is shaped to secure to the barrel and extends outward not as far as the outer can interior to permit fluid passage. The baffle is shorter than the can's interior length to have the can, the nut, and the baffle define a plenum extending from the proximal end portion to the nut so that the proximal baffle wall directs fluid from the barrel backwards as a muzzle brake. |
| US08171839B2 |
Reusable explosive bolt
An axial loaded explosive bolt that can repeatedly be used for the purpose of remotely or automatically activating a timely separation of adjoining walls separated by a finite distance by the means of either an explosive charge or activation of a pressurized gas line. The fastener includes two bolts with internal bores that are attached by the means of a two-piece encapsulation connected by an inter-connecting clasp. The fastener assembly employs the use of either a combination of a thermal igniter and a pyrotechnic charge or a pressurized gas line attached to a solenoid valve and pressurized gas storage unit to supply a force sufficient to properly separate the said mechanical fastener assembly. |
| US08171838B2 |
Method for inserting predetermined breaking points in a ring-shaped holding- and sealing band of a sabot cage projectile and a work tool for carrying out the method
A method and work tool for inserting predetermined breaking points in a ring-shaped holding- and sealing band of a sabot cage projectile with an impact sabot cage are provided, wherein the band is arranged on a partial area of a receptacle device segmented through at least two longitudinal slits. The receptacle device connects the propelling element to the guiding cage of the impact sabot cage, and the guiding cage is segmented through at least two longitudinal slits. After mounting the band on the receptacle device, but before installation of the guiding cage in the area of the holding- and sealing band covering the longitudinal slits of the receptacle device, notch-shaped predetermined breaking points are inserted in the holding- and sealing band from inside of the band with the aid of a work tool, wherein longitudinal slits of the receptacle device are used for lateral guiding of the work tool. |
| US08171837B2 |
Pressure container
It is intended to provide a pressure container which can prevent dispersion of a hazardous substance or the like to the exterior and ensure a high level of safety with a simple structure. To achieve this object, a pressure container (10) comprises an outer vessel (30) and an inner vessel (40) which receives an impact load produced at the time of blasting disposal operation. The inner vessel (40) is disposed inside the outer vessel (30). The inner vessel (40) has a pressure relieving part (50) which can discharge part of high-pressure gas produced in the inner vessel (40) at the time of the blasting disposal operation into a gap formed between the inner vessel (40) and the outer vessel (30). |
| US08171833B2 |
Rail system cheese cutter
The present invention is a rail system cheese cutter comprised of an arched cutting surface, rail and cutting arm with a removable cutting wire and tension adjustment component which allows the user to adjust the tension of the wire. The rail has a milled portion where the cutting arm is to be attached to the rail. One end of the cutting arm has a rotational bearing with a slot and opening. The slot is slid around the milled portion of the rail until the rail rests in the opening of the rotational bearing. Once attached, the cutting arm can be pivoted around the rail and moved laterally along the rail allowing the user to uniformly cut or slice a food item without moving it. |
| US08171831B2 |
Manually fed machine for working on materials, objects and the like, and protective means for such a machine
A manually fed working machine including a working tool, a feeding area in front of the tool, a detector covering at least a section of the feeding area for a contactless detection of human skin, the detector comprising at least one radiation unit and at least one receiver unit. The at least one radiation unit emitting radiation towards said section of the feeding area, said radiation being emitted with at least two different wavelengths in the wavelength range between 900 nm and 1500 nm, whereas the at least one receiver unit receives the radiation reflected from the section of the feeding area, and a signal evaluation unit connected with the detector calculating the quotients or differences of the intensities of the reflected radiations received by the receiver unit and the at least two different wavelengths emitted from the radiation unit. |
| US08171830B2 |
Machine tool
According to one embodiment, a machine tool for machining a workpiece includes: a main spindle that holds the workpiece to rotate the workpiece around a axis; a tool that is configured to machine the workpiece by working together with the main spindle; a headstock that rotatably supports the main spindle and includes a leading-edge portion and a base-end portion; and a bed that supports the headstock by a sliding bearing at the leading-edge portion and rolling bearings at two points of the base-end portion so that the headstock is movable along an axial line of the main spindle, wherein the two points of the base-end portion are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the axial line of the main spindle. |
| US08171828B2 |
Electromechanical wrench
An electromechanical wrench has a housing that has a working end and a gripping end, with a driver positioned at the working end, and a handle positioned at the gripping end. The wrench further includes a click wrench emulator mechanism provided at the handle. A method of using an electromechanical wrench to secure a fastener using angular measurement without the need for establishing a zero reference point, and allowing for ratcheting, is also provided. A method of counting the number of fasteners secured by an electromechanical wrench during a wrenching job is further provided. |
| US08171819B2 |
Tilt steering apparatus
A tilt steering apparatus comprises a tilt adjusting mechanism in which a tilt lock release is established only when an oscillation-free end of an operating arm portion of a tilt operating lever is positioned toward a steering wheel side. Even when the tilt operating lever is oscillated to the steering wheel side, the tilt operating lever is prevented from returning under its own weight, thereby preventing it from being difficult to operate. The tilt steering apparatus is configured from an oscillation latch portion formed on the circumference of an oscillation center portion of an oscillation base portion of the tilt operating lever to move reciprocally in the circumferential direction, a hook portion formed in the movable bracket, and a spring that extends between the oscillation latch portion and the hook portion elastically urged in the direction of contraction. The centerline of the spring is able to pass through the oscillation center portion of the tilt operating lever as appropriate. |
| US08171814B2 |
Transmission system and method for performing a gearshift
A transmission system and method for operating the transmission system, where the transmission system includes a selector assembly arranged to select between gear ratios instantaneously without substantial power interruption. The selector assembly includes first and second sets of engagement members and an actuator system. The actuator system may have a first actuator member for moving the first set of engagement members, a second actuator member for moving the second set of engagement members, a first actuator device for actuating the first actuator member and a second actuator device for actuating the second actuator member independently of the first actuator device. |
| US08171811B2 |
Connecting component for a breathing tube with a sensor for measuring the gas flow
A breathing tube for a sensor (9) with a horizontally extending grip element (11) shall be improved such that the sensor (9) assumes a preferred position in relation to the connecting component (1). To accomplish the object, a wall section (7), which extends flush and at the level of grip element (11), is provided at the connecting component. |
| US08171806B2 |
Force detection element
A temperature compensated force detection element is provided with a substrate, an insulation layer disposed above the substrate, and a p-type semiconductor layer disposed above the insulation layer, and a positive electrode and a negative electrode disposed apart from each other above the p-type semiconductor layer. A gauge portion being electrically connected to the positive electrode and having a higher impurity concentration than the p-type semiconductor layer, and an n-type region electrically connected to the negative electrode are formed in the p-type semiconductor layer. |
| US08171804B2 |
Motion conversion system
A motion conversion system is described. The motion conversion system comprises a first torsional member operative for rotating in a first direction. A second torsional member is offset a distance from the first torsional member, wherein the second torsional member is operative for rotating in a direction opposite from the first direction. And, a lateral member has a lower surface connected to the first and second torsional members. Wherein, translational movement of the lateral member results from rotational movement of the first and second torsional members. |
| US08171800B1 |
Differential pressure sensor using dual backside absolute pressure sensing
A MEMS differential pressure sensing element is provided by two separate silicon dies attached to opposite sides of a silicon or glass spacer, the sides of which are recessed and the recesses formed therein at least partially evacuated. The dies are attached to the spacer using silicon-to-silicon bonding provided in part by silicon oxide layers if a silicon spacer is used. The dies can be also attached to the spacer using anodic bonding if a glass spacer is used. Conductive vias extend through the layers and provide electrical connections between Wheatstone bridge circuits formed from piezoresistors in the silicon dies. |
| US08171798B2 |
Acoustic liquid dispensing apparatus
A liquid dispensing apparatus for dispensing droplets of a liquid, and methods for measuring various fluid parameters of the liquid are described. The liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a container having a chamber for holding a liquid. An orifice is positioned at an end of the chamber for dispensing droplets of the liquid, the orifice being configured to retain the liquid in the container if the container is positioned with the orifice facing in a downward direction. An acoustic transducer means is at least partially positioned in the chamber for periodically propagating a focused acoustic beam toward the orifice and through at least some of the liquid while the liquid is contained in the chamber, with the focused acoustic beam being capable of causing a droplet of the liquid to be ejected from the orifice when a free surface of the liquid is within the depth of field of the acoustic transducer means. Fluid parameters that can be measured include the sound velocity in the liquid, liquid level and liquid concentration, liquid acoustic impedance, liquid density ultrasonic attenuation and ultrasonic viscosity. |
| US08171796B2 |
Acoustic emission detector and controller
An AE detector has an AE sensor and a destruction judging section. The destruction judging section judges it as a warning of destruction of a bearing when there are a predetermined number or more of points defined by parameters calculated based on signals from the AE sensor in a predetermined region of a parameter space defined by a plurality of parameters which can be created based on the signals from the AE sensor. |
| US08171792B2 |
Inertia sensor and inertia detector device
A detector device includes a drive circuit for outputting a drive pulse signal for displacing the variable block, a detection pulse signal applying unit by which the variable capacitance elements and the fixed capacitance element whose one end is connected in common are respectively applied, at their other ends, with detection pulse signals with a plurality of phases each having a predetermined phase difference at a timing synchronized with the drive pulse signal, and an inertia detection unit for detecting a difference in capacitance value between the variable capacitance elements to which the detection pulse signal having the phase difference is applied, or between the fixed capacitance element and the variable capacitance element, and detecting the applied inertial force based on the difference. |
| US08171791B2 |
Rotation sensor with onboard power generation
A rotation sensor configured to be mounted on a rim of a wheel. The rotation sensor includes a band sized and shaped to fit around the rim of the wheel, a first element mounted on the band that generates a first time-varying electrical signal in response to a rotational movement, a second element mounted on the band that generates a second time-varying electrical signal in response to the rotational movement, a processor mounted on the band that receives the first and second time-varying electrical signals and processes the first and second time-varying electrical signals to determine a rotational speed, and a rechargeable power source that receives the first and second time-varying electrical signals, consumes at least a portion of the first and second time-varying electrical signals to recharge the rechargeable power source, and generates a power signal. The processor is connected to the rechargeable power source to receive the power signal. |
| US08171788B2 |
Barometric portable electronic device
The invention relates to a device and method for measuring atmospheric pressure and processing atmospheric-pressure information. The invention is based on the idea that the atmospheric pressure is measured at several moments in time, the atmospheric-pressure data is stored in a memory and, and the measured atmospheric-pressure data is displayed on a display unit with the aid of special atmospheric-pressure indicators (12) using a graph, one axis of which corresponds to time and the other axis to atmospheric pressure. In addition, a reference indicator (14), which comprises at least one sloping line, is arranged on the display unit. According to the invention, the atmospheric-pressure indicators are scaled in such a way that a temporal change in atmospheric pressure of the magnitude of a specific predefined constant causes the consecutive atmospheric-pressure indicators (12) to be set in the graph parallel to the said sloping line. |
| US08171784B2 |
Gas cylinder residual gas volume indicator
A gas cylinder residual gas volume indicator includes a carrier having a weight-receiving part and a pressure-applying part, a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder body holding a hydraulic fluid and a cylinder piston stopped against the pressure-applying part of the carrier and movable with the pressure-applying part relative to the cylinder body to force the hydraulic fluid out of the cylinder body according to the weight received from a gas cylinder by the weight-receiving part, a hydraulic mechanical type meter having an index rotatable by a hydraulic fluid, and an oil pipe for guiding the hydraulic fluid out of the hydraulic cylinder into the meter to rotate the index. |
| US08171783B2 |
Tire tread scanner drive-over unit
A tire tread scanner drive-over unit is used to measure the tread depth and tire wear condition of a vehicle with two or four wheels on the axle. The unit includes a surface with two tire position area areas, each between an elevated rearward area and an elevated forward area to define a trough therebetween. Scanners are located behind scanner windows in the rearward area under scanner covers. When a vehicle is driven onto the surface so that the tires of one of its axels are on the tire position areas between the rearward and forward areas, the tires self-center against the scanner windows so that the tire profile may be measured to determine wear and wear characteristics. |
| US08171782B2 |
Test bench
A test bench for simulating oscillations with at least one roller that has a running face on at least part of which a roadway covering is applied. The roller is rotatably mounted and supported by an axle. At least one excitation device is provided, which additionally moves the roller in at least one spatial direction, in particular in the vertical direction of the vehicle. |
| US08171779B2 |
Method and device for monitoring an ozone-oxygen conversion means, especially for vehicles
A method of monitoring a heat exchanger of a vehicle, coated with an ozone-oxygen conversion material, including detecting the heat exchange medium temperature (tka) and heat exchange temperature (tprem) and plotting the values as a function of time, determining the area value (atka) of the heat exchange medium temperature, comparing the value of the heat exchange medium temperature with a setpoint value, repeating the foregoing steps if the sensed value is negative relative to the setpoint value, devising a quotient of the area values of such temperature, comparing the devised quotient with a defined setpoint range (RA) and determining whether such devised quotient falls within or without such defined setpoint range. |
| US08171775B2 |
Material permeance measurement system and method
A system for measuring the permeance of a material. The permeability of the material may also be derived. The system provides a liquid or high concentration fluid bath on one side of a material test sample, and a gas flow across the opposing side of the material test sample. The mass flow rate of permeated fluid as a fraction of the combined mass flow rate of gas and permeated fluid is used to calculate the permeance of the material. The material test sample may be a sheet, a tube, or a solid shape. Operational test conditions may be varied, including concentration of the fluid, temperature of the fluid, strain profile of the material test sample, and differential pressure across the material test sample. |
| US08171774B2 |
Hydrocarbon liquid-seal device and a hydrocarbon vapor testing system having the hydrocarbon liquid-seal device
A hydrocarbon liquid-seal device is provided. The device includes first and second conduits in fluid communication with each other such that the first and second conduits define a flow path therethrough configured to pass a hydrocarbon vapor. The first and second conduits are in a spaced relationship and are not rigidly coupled to one another for isolating a vibration or movement respectively therein. The device further includes a liquid disposed within a space between first and second end portions of the first and second conduits, respectively, such that the liquid blocks the space between the first and second end portions and seals the hydrocarbon vapor in the flow path. |
| US08171769B2 |
Method of forming a flanged tubular member in hydroforming
A method of forming a flanged tubular member includes the steps of: positioning a tubular blank in a die; applying nominal pressure; closing the dies; and increasing pressure within the blank, thereby converting the tubular blank to a hydroformed member having the flange and a hem with a cavity therein. The die halves define: a die tubular cavity portion; a die hem cavity portion; and a die flange cavity portion. Upon closing the die halves with nominal pressure and then increasing pressure, (1) the blank is deformed within the die tubular cavity portion; (2) the flange is defined from a portion of the blank in the die flange cavity portion; and (3) at least an intermediate hem is defined in the die hem cavity portion. |
| US08171767B2 |
Modular rolling mill
A modular rolling mill has a mill pass line along which products are rolled in a rolling direction. The rolling mill comprises first gear units arranged along a first line parallel to the mill pass mill line. Each first gear unit is driven individually by a motor and has a pair of mechanically interconnected output shafts. Second gear units are arranged along a second line between and parallel to both the first line and the mill pass line. Each second gear unit has a pair of mechanically interconnected input shafts driving a pair of output shafts. Rolling units are arranged in succession along the mill pass line. Each rolling unit is driven by an input shaft and has a pair of mechanically interconnected roll shafts carrying work rolls. First couplings connect the output shafts of each first gear unit to input shafts of two successive gear units, and second couplings releasably connect the output shafts of the second gear units to the input shafts of two successive rolling units. |
| US08171762B2 |
Anti-theft device for the security
An anti-theft device for a portable device is disclosed, wherein the portable device includes an aperture. The anti-theft device includes a coupler, an engaging/disengaging device, and a localizer. The localizer couples the engaging/disengaging device with an immovable object. The coupler includes a bridge portion and a leg, wherein the bridge portion and the leg are disposed on two different sides of the portable device. The engaging/disengaging device engages with the aperture of the portable device and also couples with the coupler to clamp the portable device. |
| US08171760B2 |
Padlock with open indication function
A padlock having an open indication function is provided. The padlock includes a first lock, a driving device, and an indication device. A portion of the driving device is movably disposed within a key hole of the first lock. The indication device moves in combination with the driving device. A bottom end of the indication device is connected to a top end of the driving device. In addition, the indication device is selectively disposed between a first position and a second position. When a key is inserted into the key hole of the first lock, the key pushes the driving device to force the indication device moving from the first position to the second position. |
| US08171758B2 |
Drum type washing machine having single rear balancer
A drum type washing machine including a balancer capable of rapidly reducing vibration of a spin tub. The drum type washing machine includes a spin tub which is rotated by receiving rotational force from a driving motor through a rotating shaft, a rear balancer having an annular shape and being coupled to the spin tub, and a shaft flange provided at a center portion thereof with the rotating shaft and coupled to the spin tub so as to uniformly transfer the rotational force to the spin tub. The rear balancer is supported on a rear surface of a rear cover by the shaft flange. Thus, the balls accommodated in the balancer are prevented from moving out of the balancer, even if the balancer is broken due to long-period use. |
| US08171752B2 |
Device for electrically grounding a float glass production apparatus
The float glass apparatus has a glass melt producing unit including a melting tank and a refining tank for the glass melt, a float tank including a metallic basin and metal bath contained in the basin, conducting devices for conducting the glass melt from the glass melt producing unit to the metal bath and auxiliary devices as needed. In order to minimize bubble defects and extend service life of apparatus parts made from platinum or a platinum alloy, the apparatus includes a device for minimizing direct current flowing between the glass melt producing unit and the float tank, which includes an auxiliary electrode connected with ground and located in the glass melt producing unit in electrical contact with the glass melt and a direct electrical connection between the metallic basin of the float tank and ground. |
| US08171751B1 |
Foamed glass composite material and a method of producing same
A method of making a foamed glass composite, including crushing a vitreous precursor material, such as waste glass, frit, metallurgical slag or the like, sizing the crushed vitreous precursor to segregate an amount of crushed particles of a predetermined size and pelletizing the crushed particles. The pellets are preheated and passed through a high-temperature zone to foam the pellets. The foamed pellets are rapidly quenched to a temperature below their dilatometric softening point and then cooled to room temperature. The high temperature zone is at least about 1200° C. and the pellets are preheated to within no more than about 25° C. of their dilatometric softening point. The pellets are quenched to partially or completely avoid annealing and have increased hardness and compressive strength as a consequence, as well as a preferred failure mode under compression and torsional loads of crushing/shattering. |
| US08171749B2 |
Ultra small air chiller for aircraft galley
An aircraft-galley chiller, enclosed in a housing, including an evaporator condensate drying device. The galley chiller may operate on DC power and may be transported from one cart to another to provide chilled air to a particular cart. |
| US08171748B2 |
Indoor unit of air conditioner
It is an object of the present invention to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner including a front opening and closing panel with a structure wherein a sink is difficult to occur in a design surface. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the present invention, the indoor unit of the air conditioner being a wall-hung type indoor unit, including a main body having a front frame of a main body and a back frame of a main body, a front opening and closing panel 1 that is mounted on the front frame of the main body in a freely openable and closable manner, an arm 25 that is provided on a rear surface of the front opening and closing panel 1 and held in a freely rotating manner at the front frame of the main body, a lug 26 that is provided on the rear surface of the front opening and closing panel 1 and latched to the front frame of the main body with the front opening and closing panel 1 being in a closed state, a base, whereon the arm 25 or the lug 26 is disposed upright, that is provided on the rear surface of the front opening and closing panel 1 in a manner spaced apart from the front opening and closing panel, and a thin-walled leg that links the front opening and closing panel 1 with the base. |
| US08171745B2 |
Compartment cooling loss identification for efficient system operation
A galley cooling system comprises a plurality of galley cooling units each to be associated with separate galleys. A sensor senses a condition within each of the galleys. A control determines whether a sensed condition is indicative of efficient operation of a particular galley cooling unit, and the control is operable to decrease cooling capacity delivered to a galley cooling unit which is experiencing inefficient operation. An aircraft galley system incorporating the above cooling unit, and a method of operating a galley cooling unit are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US08171744B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling temperature for forming ice within an icemaker compartment of a refrigerator
A method of controlling temperature for forming ice within an icemaker compartment of a refrigerator is disclosed. The method includes the steps of activating at least one of the compressor and the coolant pump during an icemaking cycle to provide cooling to the icemaker compartment sufficient to make ice at a first rate, and increasing operation of at least one of the compressor and the coolant pump to provide cooling to the icemaker compartment sufficient to make ice at a second rate, which is faster than the first rate. A related refrigerator is also disclosed. |
| US08171743B2 |
Cooling apparatus and method for liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing liquid crystal display device
A cooling apparatus for a liquid crystal display device includes a cooling chamber; a stage in the cooling chamber, a liquid crystal cell placed on the stage; a plurality of cooling coils generating a cooled air; first and second fans blowing the cooled air on opposing plane surfaces of the liquid crystal cell; and a chiller supplying a refrigerant to the plurality of cooling coils. |
| US08171742B2 |
Pressure wave generator
A pressure wave generator (40) for driving one or more cryogenic refrigerator systems. The pressure wave generator (40) comprises a housing with one or more inlet/outlet ports (57,58) through which generated pressure waves of gas may pass through to drive a cryogenic refrigerator system or systems connected to the inlet/outlet ports (57,58). The pressure waves are generated by at least on pair of opposed diaphragms (41,42) located in the housing that are moveable in a reciprocating motion within the housing to create pressure waves in gas spaces (55,56) associated with each diaphragm (41,42). The gas spaces (55,56) each having associated inlet/outlet ports (57,58) through which the pressure waves may pass. An operable drive system is also provided to move the pair of diaphragms (41,42) in a reciprocating motion. |
| US08171739B2 |
Internally mounted fuel manifold with support pins
An apparatus for internally mounting a fuel manifold within a surrounding casing in a gas turbine engine which includes a fuel manifold and support pins which are displaceable relative to mounting portions on the fuel manifold between a retracted position, wherein the fuel manifold is able to be inserted within a casing of the engine, and an extended position, wherein the support pins project outwardly from the fuel manifold for engagement with the casing. |
| US08171737B2 |
Combustor assembly and cap for a turbine engine
A combustor assembly for a turbine engine includes a cap assembly which gradually increases the volume of compressed air provided to the combustor assembly, and which slows the compressed air in a controlled manner before delivering the compressed air into a combustor area. The cap assembly includes inner and outer sleeves which are mounted in a concentric fashion. The annular space formed between the inner and outer sleeves gradually increases from an aft end to a forward end. A stepped portion is formed on the inner sleeve of the cap assembly, and this stepped portion is joined to a corresponding combustor liner. |
| US08171735B2 |
Mixer assembly for gas turbine engine combustor
A mixer for a gas turbine engine combustor includes: (a) a primary fuel injector with upstream and downstream ends, the primary fuel injector including: (1) a hollow central portion configured to pass a first air stream; (2) an annular fuel passage at the downstream end, configured to discharge an annular first fuel stream surrounding the first air stream; (b) an annular splitter surrounding the primary fuel injector, configured to pass a second air stream surrounding the first fuel stream; (c) an annular first housing surrounding the splitter, and having an exit positioned axially downstream of the primary fuel injector and the splitter; and (d) fuel injection ports disposed in an array outside the first housing, and disposed in communication with a fuel supply and positioned to discharge a second fuel stream into a third air stream at a position axially upstream of the exit of the first housing. |
| US08171727B2 |
Device for reducing dibenzodioxin emissions, dibenzofuran emissions and particle emissions
A transition metal-containing catalyzer is arranged on a particle filter installed in the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine and cannot be separated therefrom without being destroyed. To reduce emissions, at least one molecular sieve which retains polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans is arranged between the transition metal-containing catalyzer and the exhaust gas outlet. Further, the input side of the molecular sieve and/or the output side of the catalyzer has an oxidation activity for hydrocarbons, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans upstream of the molecular sieve. |
| US08171725B2 |
Method of controlling exhaust gas purification system, and exhaust gas purification system
In an exhaust gas temperature raising control for recovering purification ability of an exhaust gas purification device of an internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas temperature is efficiently raised to a target level without producing white smoke. In recovery control of the exhaust gas purification device, when the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust gas purification device is lower than a predetermined judgment value, a first exhaust gas temperature raising control that does not include post injection but includes intake air restriction is performed, and when equal to or higher than the predetermined judgment value, a second exhaust gas temperature raising control that includes both the post injection and the intake air restriction is performed to set an intake air restriction amount in the first exhaust gas temperature raising control greater than an intake air restriction amount in the second exhaust gas temperature raising control. |
| US08171724B2 |
Vehicle-based strategy for removing urea deposits from an SCR catalyst
A method is provided for controlling regeneration of an SCR catalyst. The method includes coordinating the regeneration duration and temperature (e.g., longer/shorter regenerations and/or lower/higher temperatures) to the urea deposit loading. In this way, improved regeneration may be achieved due to the particular nature of urea deposits on SCR catalysts. |
| US08171723B2 |
Abnormality detection system and abnormality detection method for internal combustion engine
When the NOx SCR catalyst (15) deteriorates, the NOx removal efficiency increases with an increase in the catalyst temperature as indicated by the curves B1 and B2. When there is an irregularity in the amount or quality of aqueous urea solution that is supplied to the NOx SCR catalyst, the NOx removal efficiency decreases at a constant rate as indicated by the curve C. When the NOx removal efficiency is first within the region X2 and then brought into the region Y1, it is determined that the NOx SCR catalyst deteriorates. When the NOx removal efficiency is first within the region X2 and then brought into the region Y2, it is determined that there is an irregularity in the amount or quality of the aqueous urea solution that is supplied to the NOx SCR catalyst. |
| US08171721B2 |
Closed loop control of exhaust system fluid dosing
An exhaust line fuel injection system and associated methods of operation and control are disclosed. The fuel passes through a regulating valve connected to a pressurized fuel source and an outlet connected to an exhaust system fuel supply line. The exhaust system fuel supply line is connected to a nozzle, which generally comprises a check-valve and is configured to inject the fuel into the exhaust line. Using a pressure measuring device, an indication of the exhaust system fuel supply line pressure is obtained. A controller provides control over the flow regulating valve using feedback from the pressure indication and a predetermined relationship between the flow rate through the nozzle and one of the exhaust system fuel supply line pressure and the pressure drop across the nozzle. The method can be implemented with a single pressure measuring device. The same pressure measurements, especially their frequency spectrum, can be used to detect system faults. |
| US08171718B2 |
Methods and systems involving carbon sequestration and engines
A system for power generation comprises an engine operative to output an exhaust gas, a carbon capture means operative to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the exhaust gas and output the CO2, and a compressor operative to receive the CO2 and output compressed CO2 that cools a component of the engine. |
| US08171717B2 |
Model-based coordinated air-fuel control for a gas turbine
A coordinated air-fuel controller and associated method provide a fuel controller, a combustion air controller and a steady-state air versus fuel model. The fuel controller generates a fuel control output signal and the combustion air controller generates a combustion air control output signal. The fuel controller determines a preliminary fuel control signal based on at least one of first and second loop control signals, and determines the fuel control output signal based on the preliminary fuel control signal. The steady-state air versus fuel model processes the preliminary fuel control signal to determine an expected steady-state combustion air control signal. The combustion air controller determines a preliminary combustion air control signal based on at least one of a third loop control signal and a fourth loop control signal, and determines the combustion air control output signal based on the preliminary combustion air control signal and the expected steady-state combustion air control signal. |
| US08171705B2 |
Method for filling into multilayer bottle
There is provided a method for filling a multilayer bottle including outermost and innermost layers and at least one barrier layer interposed between the outermost and innermost layers, with a material to be stored therein. In the filling method, the material to be stored is filled in the multilayer bottle having the barrier layer satisfying a specific glass transition point (Tg) and a specific water content as measured by a Carl-Fisher method at 230° C. for 30 min. The multilayer bottle obtained by the filling method of the present invention hardly undergoes delamination between the layers owing to dropping or impact, and is applicable to a filling method such as hot filling. |
| US08171704B2 |
Method and device for finishing packets having respective overwrappings of heat-shrink material
A method and device for finishing packets having respective overwrappings of heat-shrink material, whereby the overwrappings are sealed about the respective packets and then heated to shrink and adapt to the configuration of the packets; after being heated, the overwrappings are cooled to set and so reduce the risk of damage to the overwrappings at subsequent processing stages. |
| US08171699B2 |
Anti-fatigue flooring system
An anti-fatigue flooring system includes at least one anti-fatigue area adjacent a work station in a room. The anti-fatigue area includes an anti-fatigue member of a resilient foam material and transition members located about the anti-fatigue member. Flooring extends over the anti-fatigue member and the transition members so that the anti-fatigue member and the transition members are located between the flooring and the subfloor. The transition members transition the flooring from the top of the anti-fatigue member down to the subfloor located about the transition members. The flooring is preferably secured to the top of the anti-fatigue member, the top of the transition members, and the subfloor about the anti-fatigue area. |
| US08171696B2 |
Metal stud
A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like. |
| US08171694B2 |
Building blocks
A cementitious mix for preparing a building block wherein the mix includes the ingredients; sand, cement, sawdust and water; wherein said sawdust comprises the greater proportion of the mix constituents; and wherein the dry density of the mix ranges between 700 kg/m3 and 1500 kg/m3. |
| US08171691B1 |
Floor member with cork substrate
The floor member is a laminated structure of flexible compressible cork sheet material and flexible plastic sheet material in the form of a floor tile or a floor plank. The cork sheet material and plastic sheet material are offset, from each other and have respective predetermined thicknesses to enable the floor member to be bendable to facilitate assembly of a plurality of the floor members into a floor covering. The compressible cork sheet material provides sound and heat insulation and the flexible plastic sheet material is yieldable to surface irregularities of a floor base. The cork sheet material is sandwiched between two layers of clear plastic material to provide a distinct sight of the structural presence and thickness of the cork sheet at an edge of the floor member. |
| US08171689B2 |
Roofing system
A roofing system formed of a plurality of support members secured to a load bearing roof deck. A plurality of roofing panels are positioned on the support members and are oriented to form overlapping joints between the panels. Sealant is positioned within the overlapping joints of the panels. A compression bar is positioned over the overlapping joints and is secured to the overlapping joints and support member by a fastener arrangement. |
| US08171688B2 |
Wooden building element for constructing the walls of a building
A wooden building element for producing planar constructions, especially for constructing the upright walls of a building. Also, a corner building element adapted to the wooden building element and to a building constructed using the elements. The wooden building elements have two approximately rectangular support bases and two wall panels that are approximately equal in area. The support bases are maintained at a distance from each other by a plurality of supports that are aligned vertically in relation to the finished building and that delimit an interior compartment for the insertion of insulating material and building installations. The wall panels are fastened to the outer surfaces of the support bases and are set off therefrom in relation to longitudinal edges that are aligned approximately horizontally to the finished building and high edges that are aligned approximately vertically. |
| US08171687B2 |
Water vapor barrier for a concrete flooring system
A water vapor barrier material for a building structure includes a base entangled net material and a composite nonwoven. The composite nonwoven includes a film layer with a nonwoven layer on each side of the film layer. The film layer has a water vapor transmission rate of less than 10.0 g-MIL/100-in2/day at a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 percent relative humidity. |
| US08171681B2 |
Inflatable shutter
An inflatable shutter is provided. The shutter comprises a protective layer and at least one air bladder, and is attached to the outside of a building structure. The shutter is positioned outside the building structure adjacent a window or other opening in order to protect the window or other opening from high velocity winds and flying debris during storms. The shutter may be removed from the outside of the building and compactly stored during periods of nonuse. |
| US08171675B2 |
Roofing element such as the one used in particular as swimming pool low-shelter component
The invention concerns a roofing element (E) of the type of the one consisting of a material board (100) maintained inside a frame (200), characterized in that it consists of a single-walled solid material board and of at least one tensioning means (300) linked to the frame (200) tending to space apart certain parts constituting the frame (200) so as to stress said board (100), the frame consisting of two transverse profiled sections (210 and 220) fixed to two opposite sides of the board (100), the tensioning means (300) tending to space apart said profiled sections (210 and 220), the edges of the board (100) subjected to a tensile stress and slid into the profiled sections being provided with at least one projection (110) facilitating the transmission of said stress, the profiled section being itself preformed to retain said projection in the direction of the tensile stress. The invention is applicable to swimming pool low shelter, veranda and the like. |
| US08171671B2 |
Security gate
The invention relates to an access lock for cyclically permitting people to pass through. The access lock has at least two locking elements (12, 14), with each of the locking elements (12, 14) being movable, independently of the respective other locking element (14, 12), on a closed path between a locked position which locks the passage at a locking point and an open position which opens the passage. |
| US08171670B2 |
Compressed packaged articles and methods of making, transporting, shipping and using same
The present invention relates, in general, to articles that are packaged in a compressed state relative to an uncompressed fully articulated state and methods of making and using same. In a specific embodiment, but not to be considered as limiting, the articles so packaged in a compressed state are plant covers that are either substantially rigid and/or substantially flexible. |
| US08171662B2 |
Method for processing separation and rupture portion of display label, display label-attached product, and display label attachment structure
A method for processing a separation and rupture portion of a display label is a method for forming, on the display label attached to an attachment target object, the separation and rupture portion for rupturing the display label upon separation of the display label from the attachment target object. This method includes attaching, to the attachment target object, the display label having a back side on which an adhesive layer is formed, and then forming a slit serving as the separation and rupture portion on the display label. |
| US08171661B2 |
Label assembly for applying a label to and around a portion of an object
A label assembly that includes a face sheet with at least one label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a multi-portion removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration structure in one of the portions of the removable panel and aligned with an other portion and the label shape. The registration structure is raised or raisable above the back sheet to allow an object for labeling to be positioned against the registration structure for proper alignment with a first portion of the label. |
| US08171656B2 |
Sole structure of a sports shoe
A sole structure of a sports shoe includes an outsole and an intermediate sole having a number of portions that is flexible and supports the foot during running. The intermediate sole includes a flexible body element extending along the entire length of the shoe, and a flexible heel absorption element extending to the heel area, and a support element fitted between them extending from the heel area to the ball area which is of a less flexible material than the body element or the heel absorption element. The support element includes a substantially plate-like heel portion and a shaped front portion, which are separated from each other by a substantially cross-directional support ridge protruding from the lower surface of the support element. The intermediate sole also includes an hourglass-shaped ball absorption element, a carbon fiber plate increasing the torsional rigidity of the support element and an arch support. |
| US08171647B2 |
Cutting device with actuating mechansim
A device for cutting media is provided. The device includes a cover having a sidewall extending therefrom; a guide disposed substantially beneath the cover and comprising a blade; an actuating mechanism disposed in at least one of the cover and the guide; and an actuating wall disposed between the cover and the guide. Engagement of the actuating mechanism creates a cutting action between the blade and the actuating wall. |
| US08171646B2 |
Scraper
A scraper includes a shell, a first controlling mechanism moveably installed within the shell for carrying a razor. The first controlling mechanism is moveable between a first position that the razor is exposed outside the shell and a second position that the razor is concealed in the shell. The scraper also includes a second controlling mechanism being independent of the first controlling mechanism and being utilized to selectively lock the razor therein. The razor is adapted to be removed from the first controlling mechanism when the second controlling mechanism is in an unlocked position. In addition, the scraper includes a compartment defined in the shell for storing unused razor(s). |
| US08171645B2 |
Knife blade opening mechanism
A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. A pair of torsion springs held axially on the blade axis pin and within a pair of bushings are stationary relative to the knife handle. One leg of each spring is fixed to a bushing. The opposite leg of the spring rides in a pocket formed in the surface on the blade axially around the opening through which the blade axis pin is inserted. As the blade rotates from the closed position toward the open position, the legs of the springs rotate through and cooperate with structures formed on the bushings to transfer the spring pressure instantly to the blade to drive the blade open. |
| US08171644B1 |
Method for making a door with a decorative security panel
A method for making a door with a decorative polymer panel assembly. The method can include forming a polymer grille by cutting a design into a polymer with a low-moisture content. The polymer grille can have a frame portion and a design portion. A seal can be contiguously disposed about a perimeter of the frame portion. A grille assembly can be formed by disposing a translucent panel on each side of the seal, forming an air space with the polymer grille disposed within the air space. The grille assembly can be pressed, heated and cooled, forming the decorative polymer panel assembly. The decorative polymer panel assembly can be disposed within an opening of a door, and the door can be disposed within an opening of a structure. |
| US08171642B2 |
Method for forming a flexible single rail drilling system
A method for manufacturing a mobile platform component that may involve attaching only a single rail to the mobile platform component, and positioning a carriage system having a main carriage and a secondary carriage on the rail. The main carriage may be positioned along a first axis of movement on the rail. The secondary carriage may be positioned along a second axis of movement perpendicular to the first axis of movement on the main carriage. The main carriage may be releasably secured to the secondary carriage, and the carriage system may be releasably secured to the mobile platform component. |
| US08171640B2 |
Apparatus and method for making a window covering having operable vanes
An apparatus and associated method for manufacturing a window covering 50 for an architectural opening. The apparatus includes a support structure handling assembly 92, an operating element handling assembly 94, and a vane handling assembly 96. The handling assemblies process the respective materials to an assembly station 100 to attach one portion of a vane 54 to the operating elements 56, and another portion of the vane 54 to the support structure 52, allowing movement of one portion of the vane 54 relative to other portion of the vane. |
| US08171639B2 |
Decorative bracelet and method of fabrication
A decorative article such as a bracelet is formed from one or more elastomeric cords and one or more braiding cords. Generally, the elastomeric cords provide a structure around which one or more braiding cords may by arranged, and upon which one or more decorative elements may be threaded. The elastomeric cords allow decorative elements, such as buttons, to be secured to the top surface of a decorative bracelet. In addition, the elastomeric cords allow the bracelet to have a more customized fit and increased durability. The braiding cords are woven around the elastomeric cords, such as in knots. A clasp may be formed from the elastomeric cords. The clasp may accept one or more decorative elements to secure the bracelet in a loop configuration. |
| US08171636B2 |
Method of manufacturing a stator of a cage for a continuously variable transmission (CVT)
A continuously variable transmission has a number of tiltable ball-leg assemblies configured angularly about a longitudinal axis. Each ball-leg assembly is in contact with, and guided through a tilting motion by an axially translating shift cam having a convex shape. The convex shape of the shift cam can have a profile defined by a set of parametric equations. The profile of the shift cam can vary according to the location of the contact point between an idler and the ball-leg assembly as well as the amount of relative axial motion between the ball-leg assembly and the idler. The profile of the shift cam can be configured to control the axial translation of the idler relative to the change in tilt angle of the ball-leg assembly. A roll-slide factor can be used to characterize the axial translation of the idler relative to the tilt angle of the ball-leg assembly. |
| US08171635B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid ejecting head
A method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head is disclosed. The head includes first and second supply members forming parts of a liquid supply passage. The liquid ejecting head includes a filter disposed between the first and second supply members so as to cross the liquid supply passage, and an integrally molded member fixing the first and second supply members by a resin in a state where the filter is nipped between the first and second supply members. The method includes: disposing the filter in one of the first and second supply members; nipping the filter by the first and second supply members in a state where the filter is sucked, adsorbed, and positioned via a suction hole of the first or second supply member; and forming the integrally molded member in the state where the filter is nipped between the first and second supply members. |
| US08171633B2 |
Method for assembling a multi-segment wind turbine blade
A multi segment wind turbine blade comprises at least two blade segments. A first blade segment comprises an outer skin, a bulkhead, and first alignment brackets removably coupled to the outer skin of the first blade segment. A first portion of a flange of the bulkhead is bonded to the first blade segment and a second portion of the flange of the bulkhead projects out from the first blade segment. A second blade segment comprises an outer skin and second alignment brackets removably coupled to the outer skin of the first blade segment. The first and second alignment brackets are alignable upon the outer side of the second blade segment being inserted over the second portion of the flange of the bulkhead. |
| US08171632B2 |
Method of manufacturing integrally designed rotor wheels to exhibit an essentially identical natural frequency and mass using chemical etch machining
In the manufacture of integrally designed rotor wheels (BLISKs), the natural frequency of each blade is measured after forming by conventional shaping methods and the respective blade mass and its divergence from the smallest blade mass is calculated therefrom. The mass of each blade exceeding the smallest blade mass is removed by means of an etchant, so that all blades have essentially corresponding thickness, chord length, mass and natural frequency and are evenly loaded in operation. BLISKs manufactured in this way feature a long service life. |
| US08171630B2 |
Method of producing a land grid array interposer
A method of producing a land grid array (LGA) interposer structure includes mounting at least one interposer on a first surface of an electrically insulating carrier plane. The interposer selectively having a hemi-toroidal, conical, dome-shaped conic section, generally cylindrical or hemi-spherical configuration in transverse cross-section and being constituted of a dielectric elastomeric material. The method includes positioning a plurality of electrically-conductive elements about the surface of the hemi-toroidal interposer that extend radially inwardly and downwardly from an uppermost end thereof. The method further includes mounting said at least one component comprising at least one hemi-toroidal interposer mounted on said opposite side of said carrier plane. Additionally the method includes forming at least one through-extending via in said electrically-insulating carrier plane, and forming electrical connections between said first-mentioned at least one hemi-toroidal interposer and said further at least one inverted hemi-toroidal interposer. |
| US08171627B2 |
Method of forming an electronic device
A process of forming an electronic device including forming a first ultraviolet (“UV”) blocking layer over a conductive feature, wherein the first UV blocking layer lies within 90 nm of the conductive structure; forming a first insulating layer over the first UV blocking layer; and patterning the first insulating layer and the first UV blocking layer to form a first opening extending to the conductive feature, wherein during the process, the first UV blocking layer is exposed to UV radiation. |
| US08171623B2 |
Method of manufacturing a printed circuit board
A methodology for connecting device components with circuitry located at different levels and orientations relative to one another is described. First circuitry can be located on a multi-plane rigid circuit board where the multi-plane rigid circuit board can include at least one flexible member sharing a common substrate with the multi-plane rigid circuit board that extends from a body portion of the multi-plane rigid circuit board. The flexible member can include traces used to convey power and/or data and an interface coupled to the power and/or data traces. The flexible member can be deflected or twisted to connect first circuitry on the body portion of the multi-plane rigid circuit board to second circuitry associated with another device component. |
| US08171617B2 |
Method of making a waveguide
A method of making a ceramic waveguide delay line includes the step of providing several slices or slabs of dielectric material, each including a layer of metal material applied to respective opposed side surfaces thereof. The slices are then fired in an oven to fuse the layers of metal material to the slices. The slices are then stacked together to form a core which is then dried and subsequently fired. An area of metal material is applied to the outer surface of the core. The core is subsequently dried and fired in an oven. |
| US08171616B2 |
Method of making an armature
An armature for an electric motor has a lamination stack on a shaft with a commutator mounted on one end of the shaft. Magnet wires wound in slots in the lamination stack, the commutator and armature shaft are at least partially encapsulated in thermoset. The commutator has a commutator ring divided into a plurality of segments with slots between the segments that are filled with a second plastic when the commutator is made by molding a core of the second plastic, such as phenolic, in the commutator ring before the commutator ring is mounted on the armature shaft. Prior to molding the thermoset, the commutator ring is sealed. The seal prevents the thermoset from flowing into the slots between the commutator ring segments or over the commutator ring. |
| US08171614B2 |
Systems and method of assembling a tower section
An assembly system for use in assembling a lattice tower section is provided. The system comprises a platform, a first mounting assembly coupled to the platform, and, a second mounting assembly coupled to the platform, the first and second mounting assemblies are configured to secure opposite ends of a plurality of leg members used in assembling the lattice tower section such that each of the plurality of leg members is suspended a distance from the platform, at least one of the first and second mounting assemblies is configured to selectively rotate a leg member of the plurality of leg members suspended therefrom. |
| US08171611B2 |
Method for implementing a component positioning device
A method for implementing a component positioning device is provided and includes obtaining a component, a component measuring device and a component positioning device, the component including a component head and a component base, the component measuring device including a first arbor and a second arbor and the component positioning device including a first support device, a second support device and an adapter device, connecting the first support device and the adapter device to the component measuring device, wherein the first support device is associated with the first arbor and the adapter device is associated with the second arbor, associating the second support device with the adapter device, wherein the second support device is adjacent to and separated from the first support device by a component cavity and positioning the component within the component cavity. |
| US08171607B2 |
Method of manufacturing ceramic capacitor
In a method of manufacturing ceramic capacitor according to the present invention, a pair of interdigitated internal electrodes are arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the substrate, subsequent to which the respective end faces of this pair of internal electrodes are exposed, and a pair of external electrodes are formed at these exposed end faces. In this method of manufacturing ceramic capacitor, formation of the external electrodes on the end faces of the respective internal electrodes, with these internal electrodes being interdigitately integrally-formed and the end faces thereof being exposed, it possible to reliably and easily form the external electrodes. |
| US08171603B2 |
Hose clamps
A hose clamp has a clamp body, operation pieces, an engaging claw, a receiving portion, an arch shaped opening and a slide guide portion. The clamp body is composed of a plate spring member bent into a ring shape. The operation piece has two legs at one end of the clamp body, and has an operation portion at ends of the legs. The operation piece has a leg at the other end of the clamp body, and has an operation portion at an end portion of the leg. The receiving portion is formed on the operation portion and can engage with the engaging claw. The arch shaped opening is formed on the operation portion, and allows the engaging claw to pass therethrough. The engaging claw and the slide guide portion are disposed on one side of the leg of the operation piece. The slide guide portion contacts with the leg in order to make the engaging claw be opposed to the arch shaped opening. |
| US08171602B1 |
Attachable pipe accessory
A pipe or purse accessory for attachment to and around the barrel of a pipe (or a wrist or ankle) is disclosed having a collar wherein the collar is sized for cooperative engagement with the pipe barrel or wrist/ankle. A strap having a first end is attached to the collar and a pocket is attached to the second end of the strap; a clasp allowing detachable engagement with the strap, in proximity with the collar is also included. The collar may be made of an elastic material for a conformable fit around the pipe. The collar size may be adjustable. The clasp to secure the pocket in proximity to the collar may be magnetic, use hooks and loops, buttons and combinations thereof. A band may be affixed to the strap allowing insertion and engagement with an object, such as a key. A slot may be positioned within the pocket to allow conformable insertion and engagement with an object, such as a key. |
| US08171598B1 |
Dual port cleaning and extraction apparatus
An apparatus for cleaning and extracting water from carpet, comprising a vacuum head including a vacuum chamber configured to be connected to a vacuum source and two downward facing elongate vacuum ports extending downwardly from the vacuum chamber and an elongate solution manifold mounted between the vacuum ports and configured to discharge cleaning liquid in a space between the vacuum ports. The vacuum ports are configured to extract waste liquid from carpet when the vacuum head is moved in both a forward motion and a backward motion of the vacuum head. Further, the vacuum head includes elongate glides sealingly fitted in lower openings of the vacuum ports, the glides having suction openings formed therein through which fluids may be drawing into the vacuum ports, and the glides project below the bottom face of the vacuum head. |
| US08171594B2 |
Paint brush with protective polymer coating
A paint brush includes a plurality of filaments that form a brush head. A handle, having a brush attachment end, can be coupled to the brush head. The handle can have a grip that extends away from the brush head. A coating can cover the brush attachment end and at least a portion of the grip. The coating can form a seal around the handle to resist absorption of chemicals by the handle. |
| US08171587B1 |
Swivel lift grab bar
A swivel lift grab bar includes an angled support member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a support device and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angled support member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled support member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled support member may be braked. |
| US08171586B2 |
Bedside storage system
A storage system stores and easily locates common items, such as reading glasses, remote controls, cell phones, magazines, books, and the like, while a person is in a room or in bed. In an emergency, a person may be able to easily locate these items. The storage system may replace a cluttered nightstand and may provide immediate location of necessary items. The storage system may include a pillow that may span a length of a bed, along the head end of a mattress. The pillow may prevent people, such as children or infants, and items from falling between the head of the mattress and either the wall or headboard. The pillow may also provide an elevated surface to prop up a user's pillow for reading or watching television. |
| US08171579B2 |
Device for mounting a glass or glass-ceramic vessel-style washbasin
The invention relates to a device for mounting a glass or glass-ceramic vessel-style washbasin (1). The inventive device is characterised in that it essentially takes the form of an adapter (3) which is disposed between the lower face of the glass or glass-ceramic vessel-style washbasin and a support (2) at the drain hole (1′), said adapter (3) being connected to the lower face of the washbasin (1) with a layer of glue (6) or an adhesive and fixed to the support (2) by means of a flow element (4). The invention is particularly suitable for household equipment, in particular vessel-style washbasins and vessel-style washbasins that are made from glass or glass-ceramic. |
| US08171578B2 |
Water discharge system
There is provided a water discharge system. A water discharge system includes a water discharge portion; a sensor unit which acquires movement information about an object based on a radiated electric wave, and outputs a detecting signal; and a control unit which controls water discharge of the water discharge portion based on the detecting signal. When it is detected that the object is decelerated to a first threshold velocity or less, the control unit controls the water discharge portion to start the water discharge. |
| US08171574B2 |
Flexible sink strainer
A flexible sink strainer having a cupped body completely comprised of a flexible material including a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to pass therethrough, wherein the body is capable of attaining first and second configurations, the first configuration being suitable for capturing material entrained within fluid as it passes through the apertures and the second configuration being suitable for removing material captured on the body as fluid passes through the apertures, is disclosed. |
| US08171569B2 |
Multiaxial fabric with strain-responsive viscous liquid polymers
The invention concerns multiaxial fabrics comprising a first layer comprising a plurality of first yarns being substantially parallel in a first direction, a second layer comprising a plurality of second yarns being substantially parallel in a second direction and skew or off-set with respect to the first yarns, transverse yarn interlaced transversely within the layers; wherein each layer is coated with a high viscosity polymer that has a Tg in the range of about −40 to about 0° C., and a zero shear viscosity of about 2×106 to about 1013 poise at 20° C. |