| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08192696B2 |
System and process of biodiesel production
A system and process for continuous production of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from the fatty acid triglycerides of waste oil via transesterification in the presence of a reusable sugar-based catalyst. The system and process incorporates re-cycling and re-use of waste by-product streams to result in a near-zero emissions, with a 97% product yield mix consisting of almost pure biodiesel and a very small percentage of impurities including glycerol. |
| US08192690B2 |
Methods and devices for polymerization
A method of treating a gas phase fluidized bed reactor and a method of polymerizing olefins in a gas phase fluidized bed reactor in the presence of a catalyst prone to cause sheeting by introducing a chromium-containing compound into the reactor and forming a high molecular weight polymer coating on the walls of the reactor. Furthermore, a device for and method of introducing the chromium-containing compound into the fluidized bed reactor at a plurality of locations in proximity to a lower section of a bed section wall of the fluidized bed reactor, and forming a high molecular weight polymer coating on the bed section wall. |
| US08192688B2 |
Trifluid reactor
A thermally diluted exothermic reactor system is comprised of numerous orifices distributed within a combustor by distributed perforated contactor tubes or ducts. The perforated contactors deliver and mix diluent fluid and one or more reactant fluids with an oxidant fluid. Numerous micro-jets about the perforated tubes deliver, mix and control the composition of reactant fluid, oxidant fluid and diluent fluid. The reactor controls one or more of composition profiles, composition ratio profiles and temperature profiles in one or more of the axial direction and one or two transverse directions, reduces temperature gradients and improves power, efficiency and emissions. |
| US08192687B2 |
Method and system for measuring water hardness
Prior to adding detergent or chelant, the conductivity of water in a washing chamber is measured. The maximum concentration of hard water ions that could correspond to the measured conductivity is determined, i.e., it is assumed that all of the conductivity is from calcium and/or magnesium ions in the water even though other ions may in fact be contributing to the measured conductivity. Enough chelating agent is added to the chamber to sequester this maximum concentration of hard water ions and the conductivity is measured again. Using the two conductivity measurements, the actual concentration of hard water ions is determined. A chelant factor based on the actual concentration of hard water ions is then used to determine the amount of chelant to be added for subsequent wash cycles to sequester all of the hard water ions. |
| US08192686B2 |
Apparatus for and method of measuring bio-chips using uniform total internal reflection illumination
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for and method of measuring bio-chips, which can implement an illumination method of a novel type that illuminates a bio sample (which may be also referred to as a “bio specimen”) through a side face of a substrate using a diffusion plate to form an evanescent field by the illumination light over the entire surface of a substrate so as to uniformly secure brightness of the illuminated light over a wide area of a substrate, thereby more efficiently measuring fluorescence information of a bio-chip over a wide field of view. |
| US08192682B2 |
High strength alloys
High strength metal alloys are described herein. At least one composition of a metal alloy includes chromium, nickel, copper, manganese, silicon, niobium, tungsten and iron. System, methods, and heaters that include the high strength metal alloys are described herein. At least one heater system may include a canister at least partially made from material containing at least one of the metal alloys. At least one system for heating a subterranean formation may include a tublar that is at least partially made from a material containing at least one of the metal alloys. |
| US08192681B2 |
Apparatus and method for clean, rapidly solidified alloys
One non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus for forming an alloy powder or preform includes a melting assembly, an atomizing assembly, and a collector. The melting assembly produces at least one of a stream of a molten alloy and a series of droplets of a molten alloy, and may be substantially free from ceramic in regions contacted by the molten alloy. The atomizing assembly generates electrons and impinges the electrons on molten alloy from the melting assembly, thereby producing molten alloy particles. |
| US08192680B2 |
Method for firing ceramic honeycomb bodies in a kiln
A method for fabricating ceramic honeycomb structural bodies that includes conveying at least one green honeycomb structural body of a first type and at least one green honeycomb structural body of a second type through a kiln in a manner which reduces cracking or fissures in the fired objects. |
| US08192677B2 |
Core/shell polymer and fluoropolymer blending blow molding and blown film process
A process is provided for extruding a partially crystalline melt-fabricable perfluoropolymers. The process comprises blow molding from a perfluoropolymer having polytetrafluoroethylene sub-micrometer particles dispersed therein. The perfluoropolymer composition is a core/shell polymer, with pelletized blend, a dispersion blend or a melt-mixed polymer. |
| US08192674B2 |
Process and apparatus for the production of a structure, in particular an aircraft structure, from a fiber composite material
The invention concerns an apparatus and a process for the production of a structure from fiber composite material, comprising a mold tool for receiving material which can be joined to provide a structure, and a vacuum system for molding and fixing the structure, wherein the vacuum system has a flexible layer, in particular a separation film or separation layer and/or a tear-off film, and a vacuum film for covering the structure. In accordance with the invention the vacuum system is free from ventilation material and/or tear-off material at least at a portion which corresponds to a portion of the structure to be covered, in which a step extends. |
| US08192672B2 |
Method for producing a retention matrix comprising a functional liquid
A method for fabricating a device provided with one or more cavities filled with at least one liquid, comprising the steps of: (a) forming one or more microcavities on a support separated from each other by one or more walls, and filled with at least one given porous material; (b) filling, in at least one cavity filled with said porous material, by means of at least one given functional liquid; and (c) forming a sealing layer enabling said cavities to be sealed. |
| US08192671B2 |
Method for manufacturing a door upper module for a window panel of a vehicle
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an opening leaf upper module intended to be mounted at the periphery of a glass panel of a vehicle, and to an opening leaf upper module of this type particularly comprising a rigid frame and a flexible weather strip.The method of manufacturing an opening leaf upper module (1) according to the invention, comprising a molded frame (3) based on at least one thermoplastic polymer and a molded weather strip (4) secured to the frame and based on at least one elastomer, comprises a step whereby a moving-platen mold or alternatively transfer molding is used to perform multiple-shot injection molding of materials that are intended to form the frame and the strip which are injected in succession, the elastomer being a thermoplastic elastomer compatible with this thermoplastic polymer, so as to obtain the module formed as a single piece.For preference, the strip comprises a continuous wiping lip (8) for wiping the glass panel and an interface lip (9) for interfacing with the bodywork (10) of the vehicle, and the frame has a longitudinal hollow (3b). |
| US08192670B2 |
Tire forming mold and tire manufacturing method
A tire forming mold has a side mold portion and an annular mold portion fitted to an outer side in a tire diametrical direction of the side mold portion at a time of clamping the mold, wherein the annular mold portion is constructed by a combination of sectors which are divided in a tire circumferential direction, and each of the sectors is capable of displacing in the tire diametrical direction, wherein a fitting diameter of the annular mold portion is set to be equal to or more than a fitting diameter of the pair of side mold portions, an annular rubber introduction groove extending along the tire circumferential direction is provided at least in one of a fitting surface of the annular mold portion and a fitting surface of the pair of side mold portions, and a shallow groove portion is formed in an introduction port of the rubber introduction groove. |
| US08192660B2 |
Cold-water soluble extruded starch product
Disclosed is a cold-water soluble starch and a process for preparing same. Generally, the process comprises providing a hydroxyalkyl starch and applying a shearing force to the starch in an extruder in the presence of moisture, the force and the moisture each being sufficient to gelatinize at least substantially all of the granules of the starch to thereby form a sheared starch. The starch is heated to its gelatinization temperature after the starch has passed partially through the barrel of the extruder, with the moisture being maintained at a level sufficiently high to allow gelatinization but sufficiency low to protect the starch from becoming too sticky to extrude. The extruded starch product thus formed may be used in connection with a number of film-forming, coating, and other applications. |
| US08192659B1 |
Methods of making microtablets for drug delivery
Methods and systems are provided for making a drug microtablet. The method includes loading a lyophilization capillary channel with a liquid drug solution; lyophilizing the liquid drug solution in the lyophilization capillary channel to produce a lyophilized drug formulation; compressing the lyophilized drug formulation in the lyophilization capillary channel, or in a compression capillary channel, to form a microtablet; and ejecting the microtablet from the lyophilization capillary channel or compression capillary channel. The methods and systems may provide drug microtablets having improved content uniformity and reduced weight variability. |
| US08192654B1 |
Method for producing an equal pitch extruded lenticular sheet
Disclosed herein is a method for producing a lenticular sheet comprising the steps of providing a substrate of transparent material having a first side and a second side; and engraving a cylinder with an inverse lens pattern, the inverse lens pattern being comprised of a plurality if inverse lenticule shapes, each inverse lenticule shape having an incremental pitch relative to the others; and using the engraved cylinder in an extrusion embossment process such that the substrate can be embossed with the inverse lens pattern, wherein the lenticular sheet produced comprises a lens pattern having a plurality of lenticules each of a uniform pitch relative to one another. |
| US08192652B2 |
Tin-doped indium oxide thin films and method for making same
The tin-doped indium oxide thin film in accordance with the present invention has a tin-doped indium oxide, yttrium ions and europium ions, wherein the yttrium ions are proportional to 0.1-10 mol % of the tin-doped indium oxide while the europium ions proportional to 0.05-5 mol % of the tin-doped indium oxide. The method in accordance with the present invention comprises preparing a tin-doped indium oxide; and doping yttrium ions proportional to 0.1-10 mol % of the tin-doped indium and europium ions proportional to 0.05-5 mol % of the tin-doped indium oxide in the tin-doped indium oxide using a film-manufacturing method. |
| US08192649B2 |
Capped poly(arylene ether) composition and method
A method of preparing a capped poly(arylene ether) resin includes reacting a capping agent with a blend of two or more poly(arylene ether) resins having different intrinsic viscosities. Cured compositions prepared from these capped poly(arylene ether) resins exhibit improved balances of stiffness, toughness, and dielectric properties compared to compositions with two or more separately capped and isolated poly(arylene ether) resins. |
| US08192648B2 |
Method for forming a sintered semiconductor material
A method of forming a material from a source material including the following steps of grinding the source material to get powders if the source material is not already in the form of powders; sintering the powders with at least one compression step and one thermal processing step; and purifying the material with a gas flow, the gas flow passing through the porosity channels of the material. |
| US08192645B2 |
Liquid crystal polyester resin composition for camera module
A resin composition for surface-mountable (SMT) camera modules which is excellent in the balance between heat resistance, rigidity, strength or moldability and surface exfoliation characteristics is provided by using a liquid-crystal polyester resin composition which comprises 100 parts by mass of a liquid-crystal polyester, 15 to 60 parts by mass of talc having a number-mean particle diameter of 10 to 50 μm, 25 to 50 parts by mass of glass fiber having a number-mean fiber length of 100 to 200 μm, 6 to 20 parts by mass of titanium oxide, and 2 to 10 parts by mass of carbon black and which exhibits a melt viscosity of 10 to 100 Pa S as determined at a shear rate of 100 sec−1 and 370° C. and a deflection temperature under load of 220° C. or above. |
| US08192638B2 |
Method for manufacturing multiple layers of waveguides
A method for manufacturing multiple layers of waveguides is disclosed. Initially, a first cladding layer is deposited on a substrate, a first inner cladding layer is then deposited on the first cladding layer, and a first waveguide material is deposited on the first inner cladding layer. The first inner cladding layer and the first waveguide material are then selectively etched to form a first waveguide layer. Next, a second inner cladding layer followed by a second cladding layer are deposited on the first waveguide layer. The second inner cladding layer and the second cladding layer are removed by using a chemical-mechanical polishing process selective to the first waveguide material. A third inner cladding layer followed by a second waveguide material are deposited on the first waveguide material. The third inner cladding layer and the second waveguide material are then selectively etched to form a second waveguide layer. Finally, a fourth inner cladding layer followed by a third cladding layer are deposited on the second waveguide layer. |
| US08192631B1 |
Fluid treatment device and method
An apparatus and method for treating raw water. The apparatus includes a vessel having an inlet for the raw water, an outlet for the skimmed water, a rotor mechanism for creating a plurality of gas bubbles within the raw water, and a disperser device operatively associated with the rotor mechanism for dispersing the plurality of gas bubbles from the rotor mechanism within the vessel. The vessel contains raw water. The gas bubbles create an oily froth on top of the raw water. The apparatus further includes a skim tray positioned about the rotor mechanism for removing the oily froth from the top of the raw water and a secondary skimmer positioned within the skim tray. An external skim tank may be configured to deliver a gas to the rotor mechanism and to receive the oily froth from the secondary skimmer. |
| US08192626B2 |
Wastewater chemical/biological treatment method for open water discharge
A wastewater treatment method employing chemicals for disinfection, and precipitation of suspended solids, heavy metals and phosphates before subsequent aerobic bacterial biological treatment using Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter bacteria to remove ammonia and nitrates/nitrites and BOD compounds to produce recovered treated wastewater suitable for open water discharge. |
| US08192618B1 |
Ultrasonic dialyzer
In the present invention, dialysis tubing is placed in a chamber, where an ultrasonic or a other mist producer is present. The ultrasonic mist producer will produce mist and small water droplets will be attached to the surface of dialysis membrane (sheet or tubing) and will condense and the water drops will fall back in the solution tank, where the ultrasonic probe produces the mist. When the droplet is attached to the membrane surface, the dialysis will take place. |
| US08192613B2 |
Method for reducing fouling in furnaces
Heat exchanger fouling in organic chemical production processes may be reduced using an antifoulant additive. The antifoulant additive may have one component selected from the group consisting of an alkylphosphate ester, and an alpha olefin maleic anhydride copolymer; or it may have two components selected from the group consisting of a metallic overbase, an alkylphosphate ester, and an alpha olefin maleic anhydride copolymer, wherein at least one of the two components in not an overbase. An additive having three components: a metallic overbase, an alkylphosphate ester, and an alpha olefin maleic anhydride copolymer; is also within the scope of the disclosure. |
| US08192611B2 |
Small volume in vitro analyte sensor and methods of making
A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent. |
| US08192610B2 |
Error detection in analyte measurements based on measurement of system resistance
Measurement of the series track resistance of a working and counter electrode pair in an electrochemical test strip provide error detection for multiple variations in the quality of the test strip, as well as the operation of strip in the test meter. In particular, a single measurement of series resistance can be used to detect and generate an error message when an incorrect reading is likely to result due to (1) damaged electrode tracks, (2) fouled electrode surfaces, (3) dirty strip contacts, or (4) short circuit between the electrodes. |
| US08192606B2 |
Device and a method for metal plating
A device and a method for metallic electrolytic coating of an object of electrically conductive material, wherein the object has at least two surface portions that are desired to be coated with layers of different thicknesses. The device includes an anode. The device is designed to receive the object in such a way that the object constitutes a cathode and that, upon receipt of the object, a space is formed for receiving a liquid-absorbing material and an electrolyte for coating the object. The body of the anode includes at least two surface portions) that have different electrical conductivity and that are arranged opposite to the surface portions of the received object. |
| US08192605B2 |
Metrology methods and apparatus for nanomaterial characterization of energy storage electrode structures
Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for forming an electrode structure used in an energy storage device. More particularly, embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for characterizing nanomaterials used in forming high capacity electrode structures for energy storage devices. In one embodiment a process for forming an electrode structure for an energy storage device is provided. The process comprises depositing a columnar metal structure over a substrate at a first current density by a diffusion limited deposition process, measuring a capacitance of the columnar metal structure to determine a surface area of the columnar metal structure, and depositing three dimensional porous metal structures over the columnar metal structure at a second current density greater than the first current density. |
| US08192601B2 |
Electroblotting cassette with manually releasable electrodes of adjustable spacing
An electroblotting cassette is formed in three separable parts—an upper plate, a lower plate, and a base that receives both plates, with electrodes mounted on both the upper and lower plates. The cassette accommodates transfer stacks of different thicknesses by its inclusion of a set of raised areas, known as “lands,” on the floor of the base and a set of inverse lands on the underside of the lower electrode plate, the two sets being spatially arranged to either abut each other or be offset from each other, depending on the orientation of the lower plate, thereby allowing the user a choice between two heights of the lower plate within the base and hence two thicknesses of transfer stacks. Other arrangements include those with more than one set of lands on one or both parts to allow for three or more thickness selections, or depressions in place of lands. Finger-operated latches secure the upper plate to the base. |
| US08192600B2 |
Solid state device
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a solid-state selector having a vessel for carrying a liquid medium with one or more molecules surrounded by ions, a solid state conductive structure doped with impurities having one or more through-holes extending between two surfaces of the solid state conductive structure positioned within the liquid medium of the vessel, a voltage source coupled to the solid state conductive structure to selectively stimulate the ions surrounding the one or more molecules to pass through the one or more through-holes. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08192598B2 |
End-block for a magnetron device with a rotatable target, and vacuum coating apparatus
An end block for a magnetron device having a rotatable target comprises an end block housing having a pivot bearing. The end block housing is adapted on its outer side for attachment on a support unit, and the pivot bearing is adapted on an end that is accessible from outside the end block housing, for connection to the rotatable target. The end block housing is movably attached on the support unit. A vacuum coating apparatus has a vacuum chamber, a magnetron device situated in the vacuum chamber, and a rotatable target rotatably mounted on at least one such end block. |
| US08192597B2 |
Coating apparatus
A coating apparatus (100) for batch coating of substrates is presented. In the batch coater layers of a stack can be deposited by means of physical vapor deposition, by means of chemical vapor deposition or by a mixture of both processes. When compared to previous apparatus, the mixed mode process is particularly stable. This is achieved by using a rotatable magnetron (112) rather than the prior-art planar magnetrons. The apparatus is further equipped with a rotatable shutter that allows for concurrent or alternating process steps. |
| US08192592B2 |
Methods of forming a phase-change material layer including tellurium and methods of manufacturing a phase-change memory device using the same
The present invention provides methods of forming a phase-change material layer including providing a substrate and a chalcogenide target including germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb) and tellurium (Te) at a temperature wherein tellurium is volatilized and antimony is not volatilized, and performing a sputtering process to form the phase-change material layer including a chalcogenide material on the substrate. Methods of manufacturing a phase-change memory device using the same are also provided. |
| US08192589B2 |
Purification of aqueous solutions of organic acids
The invention relates to a method and a device for the purification of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C., which further has approximately 275 g carboxylate ions/l or less, preferably 250 g carboxylate ions/l or less, and preferably less than 1% by weight ionic impurities, calculated on the basis of the total solution. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous purification and concentration, on an industrial scale, of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C. According to the method, this solution is subjected to two or more distillation steps, the first distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 150° C. and a pressure of from 50 to 250 mbar, and the second distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 200° C. and a pressure of from 0.01 to 50 mbar. |
| US08192585B2 |
Shoe press belt
A press belt 20 includes a multiplicity of drain grooves 21 extending along a belt travel direction, lands 22 located between adjacent drain grooves 21, and auxiliary grooves 23 located on the lands 22 and extending along the belt travel direction. A transverse sectional area of each auxiliary groove 23 is smaller than that of each drain groove 21. |
| US08192582B2 |
Apparatus and method for stabilizing a moving web
Devices and methods related to a web stabilizer for stabilizing a moving web with a surface adjacent the moving web and with a supply of moving fluid in a direction parallel to the moving web and a supply of moving fluid in a direction perpendicular to the moving web. |
| US08192579B2 |
Method for forming color filter, method for forming light emitting element layer, method for manufacturing color display device comprising them, or color display device
After a gate line (11), a TFT (1), and a data line (30) are formed, a riblike protective insulation layer (32) which coats the data line is formed on a substrate (10) serving as the element substrate of an active matrix type color liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. A color filter layer (42) on a transfer film (40) is press-bonded on this substrate (10) with a roller (46) moving in the extensional direction (columnar direction) of the protecting insulation layer (32). The advancement of the transfer of a color filter in the columnar direction makes it possible to bring the substrate and the color filter in contact without gaps while expelling the gas out of a pixel space in the advancement direction. During the step of forming a color filter, the protecting insulation layer (32) protects the data line (30) from the treatment liquid etc. An organic light emitting element layer is arranged in the pixel space to form an organic EL display device. |
| US08192577B2 |
Focus ring, plasma etching apparatus and plasma etching method
In a plasma etching apparatus for performing a plasma etching on a surface of a substrate mounted on a susceptor in a processing vessel, a focus ring is installed to surround the substrate and has a first region at an inner side on a surface thereof, in which an average surface roughness is small such that a reaction product produced during an etching processing is not captured to be deposited, and a second region at an outer side from the first region, in which an average surface roughness is large such that a reaction product produced during the etching process is captured to be deposited. A boundary between the first and the second region is a part where an etching amount is relatively significantly changed compared to other parts while the focus ring is equipped in the plasma etching apparatus and the plasma etching is performed on the substrate. |
| US08192576B2 |
Methods of and apparatus for measuring and controlling wafer potential in pulsed RF bias processing
Apparatus and methods are provided to detect and control a voltage potential applied in a plasma chamber for processing a semiconductor wafer. The plasma chamber includes circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a pulsed RF bias voltage signal to be applied to a chuck in the plasma chamber, where the chuck is configured to mount the wafer for processing. The circuitry includes an RF bias voltage detector for detecting individual pulses of the pulsed RF bias voltage signal applied to the chuck. A timing circuit is provided for determining a time for sampling each of the individual detected pulses and a sample and hold circuit. The sample and hold circuit is triggered at the sampling time for sampling each of the individual detected pulses to determine and hold a voltage value representing a peak peak-to-peak voltage value of each individual detected pulse, and the sample and hold circuit is configured to provide a feedback signal representing the peak peak-to-peak voltage value of at least one of the detected pulses. Further included is a feedback circuit for adjusting the voltage of the pulsed RF bias voltage signal applied to the chuck according to a difference between the feedback signal and a desired voltage value of the RF bias voltage signal. |
| US08192573B2 |
Apparatus and method for applying labels supplied from a roll to containers
An apparatus and a method for applying labels (100) supplied from a roll for the labeling of containers (10) are disclosed. The containers (10) are fed to a labeling station (12). A cutting device (1) provides the required length (103) of the labels (100). The cutting device (1) can be variably controlled according to the circumference of the container (10). |
| US08192572B2 |
Composite wind turbine tower and a method for fabricating same
A method for fabricating a tower or component thereof for use with a wind turbine is disclosed. The method comprises weaving a fibrous tow in a shape corresponding to the shape of the tower or component to form a flexible textile preform; and laminating the flexible textile preform to form a composite shell. Also disclosed is a wind turbine assembly comprising a composite wind turbine tower and a wind turbine coupled to the tower. |
| US08192568B2 |
Non-toxic percussion primers and methods of preparing the same
A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least fuel particle having a particle size of about 1500 nm or less, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same. |
| US08192567B2 |
Composite solid rocket propellant with DCPD binder
A composite solid rocket propellant comprising a fuel, an oxidizer and a dicyclopentadiene binder is provided. The dicyclopentadiene binder may be mixed with the fuel and oxidizer as a monomer and then polymerized after mixing to form the composite solid propellant. The composite solid propellant may also comprise plasticizers, triphenylphosphine, lecithin or combinations thereof. Methods for making the composite solid rocket propellant of the present invention are also provided. |
| US08192563B2 |
Actuator
An actuator (12) is disclosed for example controlling gas flow in a gas turbine engine. The actuator (12) comprises a first portion (14) having shape memory properties, and a second portion (16) formed of substantially the same material as the first portion and having reduced shape memory properties relative to the first portion. The first portion (14) is movable from a first position to a second position at a temperature above the phase transition temperature of the shape memory material of the first portion (14). The second portion (16) is arranged to urge the first portion (14) from the second position to the first position at a temperature below the phase transition temperature of the shape memory material. |
| US08192559B2 |
High pressure tube cleaning apparatus
An assembly for rotating and axially directing a high pressure spray hose and spray head to clean residue from tubing bores. Modular, remotely controlled subassemblies are concentrically aligned and mounted to a hose drive framework to rotate in synchrony and direct a high-pressure water hose and spray head. A hose drive assembly controls hose rotation and axial hose movement via biased pinch wheels. A resilient, eccentric linkage controls pinch wheel pressure. A layering arm uniformly layers the hose at a hose reel. Rotational sensors and/or a pneumatic booster and a disk brake assembly facilitate non-kinking hose collection and release without spillage. A re-configurable hose support framework contains a driven walking beam having drive assemblies that laterally and vertically index a hose support and control the inclination of the walking beam. |
| US08192558B2 |
Drain system for a warewasher
A conveyor warewasher for washing wares includes a first tank including a drain system having a drain outlet and a drain stop movable between a drain outlet closed position and a drain outlet open position. A second tank includes a drain system having a drain outlet, an associated drain path that leads to the first tank and an associated drain path stop moveable between a drain path open position and a drain path closed position. A drain control assembly includes a common drain actuator operatively connected to cause both (i) movement of the drain stop from the drain outlet closed position to the drain outlet open position and (ii) movement of the drain path stop from the drain path closed position to the drain path open position. |
| US08192556B2 |
Pickling or brightening/passivating solution and process for steel and stainless steel
The use of complex fluoride ions of elements of groups 4, 13, or 14 of the periodic table of the chemical elements (preferably selected from complex fluoride ions of the elements B, Si, Ti, and Zr) in concentrations from 30 t 500 millimoles per liter in process solutions for pickling steel or for bleaching and/or passivating pickled surfaces of stainless steel; a process solution for pickling steel or bleaching and/or passivating pickled surfaces of stainless steel comprising: a) one or more strong acids, b) one or more oxidizing agents in the bleaching/passisvating process, c) complex fluoride ions of elements of groups 4, 13 or 14 of the periodic table of the chemical elements in concentrations from 50 to 500 mmoles per liter; replenisher or concentrate containing a combination of active substances thereof; a process for pickling steel or for brightening and/or passivating of pickled surfaces of stainless steel, wherein the surfaces are brought into contact with such a process solution. |
| US08192555B2 |
Non-chemical, non-optical edge bead removal process
A method for removing the edge bead from a substrate by applying an impinging stream of a medium that is not a solvent for the material to be removed. The medium is applied to the periphery of the substrate with sufficient force to remove the material. Also an apparatus to perform the inventive method. |
| US08192552B2 |
Detergent composition comprising a block copolymer
The invention relates to a detergent composition, suitable for use in dish washing or laundry, comprising at least 15% of a detersive surfactant(s), and a block copolymer, selected from the group consisting of (block A)-(block B) diblock copolymers, (block A)-(block B)-(block A) triblock copolymers, and (block B)-(block A)-(block B) triblock copolymers, wherein block A and block B derive from alpha ethylenically unsaturated monomers, at least one block being water-soluble. The detergent compositions provide an increased cleaning, and/or a decreased redeposition of the fatty substances once they are removed from a substrate. |
| US08192551B2 |
Obstacle sensing spray arm for a dishwashing machine
A dishwashing machine includes a washing chamber, a spray arm, and a sensor. The sensor provides data regarding the rotation of the spray arm. The direction of rotation of the spray arm is reversed in response to a control signal generated when a load on the spray arm exceeds a predetermined limit. |
| US08192550B2 |
Use of an aqueous neutral cleaning solution and method for removing rouging from stainless steel surfaces
The invention relates to a method for removing films and deposits from stainless surfaces, especially from stainless metallic surfaces such as they are used in process stations and production units in the pharmaceutical, food and biotechnological industries, and to an aqueous cleaning solution comprising a reducing agent, in particular dithionite and/or disulfite, and at least two different complexing agents, wherein one of these complexing agents is a compound comprising diacetic acid groups or a salt thereof, for removing rouging on surfaces of stainless steels that come into contact with media selected from the group of chromium/nickel and chromium/nickel/molybdenum steels in the neutral pH range. |
| US08192547B2 |
Thermally isolated cryopanel for vacuum deposition systems
The present invention relates to vacuum depositions systems and related deposition methods. Vacuum deposition systems that use one or more cyropanels for localized pumping of a deposition region where a substrate is positioned are provided. The present invention is particularly applicable to pumping and minimizing reevaporation of high vapor pressure deposition materials during molecular beam epitaxy. |
| US08192546B2 |
Deposition apparatus
A deposition apparatus including: a chamber; a mask assembly including a mask arranged to deposit a material on a substrate included in the chamber and a mask frame for supporting the mask; and a magnet unit including a first magnet unit which contacts (or adheres or chucks or secures) the mask assembly to the substrate by magnetic force; and a second magnet unit corresponding to the mask frame, in order to ensure that the mask more closely contacts the substrate. |
| US08192545B2 |
Film formation apparatus, method for forming film, and method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion device
The present invention relates to a film formation apparatus including a first transfer chamber having a roller for sending a substrate, a film formation chamber having a discharging electrode, a buffer chamber provided between the transfer chamber and the film formation chamber or between the film formation chambers, a slit provided in a portion where the substrate comes in and out in the buffer chamber, and a second transfer chamber having a roller for rewinding the substrate. The slit is provided with at least one touch roller, and the touch roller is in contact with a film formation surface of the substrate. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for forming a film and a method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device that are performed by using such a film formation apparatus. |
| US08192544B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing poly crystaline silicon ingot for solar battery having door open/close device using hinge
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for manufacturing a polycrystalline silicon ingot for solar batteries having a door control device using a hinge. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a crucible, a susceptor which surrounds the crucible, a heater which heats the crucible, and an insulation plate which is disposed below the susceptor and has an opening therein. The apparatus further includes a cooling plate which moves upwards through the opening of the insulation plate and comes into close contact with or approaches the lower end of the susceptor, a cooling plate moving unit which actuates the cooling plate, a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the crucible, and a control unit which controls the temperature in the crucible and the cooling plate moving unit. Furthermore, a door is provided on the insulation plate to open or close the opening of the insulation plate. The hinge is provided between the door and the insulation plate. Thus, after the raw silicon material is melted, when the cooling plate moves upwards to cool the crucible and thus pushes the lower surface of the door upwards, the door is opened by the hinge in a swinging manner, and when the cooling plate approaches or comes into contact with the lower end of the susceptor, one end of the opened door is leaned on a corresponding surface of the cooling plate. |
| US08192542B2 |
Aqueous suspension based on hydraulic binder and a process for the production thereof
Method for producing an aqueous suspension, which is based on a hydraulic binder, and a hardened binder product. According to the invention, a composition of blending agents is added in the aqueous phase into the binder, which composition comprises calcium carbonate particles having an average particle size of 2-200 nm, in order to generate an aqueous suspension and, if needed, mineral fillers are added into this suspension, in order to produce a hardening plaster or concrete mixture. Besides calcium carbonate, the composition of blending agents can comprise calcium hydrogen carbonate and meta-kaolin sinter, too. By using the present invention, it is possible to improve the properties of products which are bound by hydraulic binders; with the described combination of blending agents it is possible to affect for instance the early strength, the frost resistance, the phenomenon of bleading, the plasticizing, the size of the transition zone and the durability of concrete or plaster, and to reduce the quantity of the hydraulic binder. |
| US08192540B2 |
Color powder for coating
A method for producing a bonded color powder concentrate, the method comprising dry mixing a base powder, a pigment powder and a bonding agent; and during the dry mixing, applying heat so as to bring the bonding agent to an adhesive state while the base powder and the pigment powder remain in a stable state, thereby forming agglomerates essentially each comprising a component of the base powder and a component of the pigment powder, bonded together using a component of the bonding agent. |
| US08192534B2 |
Open lumen air filtration for liquid lines
Devices and systems for capturing and removing accumulated gas bubbles in a liquid-carrying line wherein the device is an expanded double-layered chamber designed and adapted to be integrally placed within the flow pathway of a liquid-carrying line. The device allows insertion of tubes and wires through the device while in use without occlusion of the fluid flow path and without interruption of the bubble-removing function. The efficiency of the air venting and bubble-removing process is not dependent on the fluid flow rate under stable flow conditions, and the device works to remove air bubbles under a range of orientations. |
| US08192529B2 |
Integrated dry scrubber system
An air quality control system (AQCS) (4) useful for processing a gas stream (DG), such as a flue gas stream emitted from a fossil fuel fired boiler (2), combustion process or the like, for at least partial removal of acidic and like contaminants. The air quality control system (4) includes a plurality of integrated components (12) equipped with both a dry scrubber system (8) and a fabric filter (10). The air quality control system (4) such as described possesses increased “turn down” capabilities thus increasing the efficiency thereof. |
| US08192527B2 |
Purification method by hydrogen adsorbtion with cogeneration of CO2 stream pressure
The present invention relates to a method of producing hydrogen of very high purity from a feed predominantly containing said hydrogen and a minor part of impurities mainly consisting of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and heavier hydrocarbons. The purification method by hydrogen adsorption using a desorption stage at a lower pressure than the pressure of the feed, such as a PSA method for example, allows to produce the desorption stream and notably to recover the carbon dioxide under pressure and high-purity hydrogen, with a high yield. These performances are obtained by combining the successive stages of the method according to the invention with the use of a new family of adsorbent whose dynamic capacity at a high desorption pressure is greater than that of conventional adsorbents. |
| US08192519B2 |
Beneficiated, heat-dried biosolid pellets
This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for modifying the process of producing dried biosolids pellets or granules into beneficiated inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The present invention describes a method to beneficiate heat-dried biosolids or sludge pellets or granules as presently manufactured by municipalities or companies from a) dewatered municipal wastewater biosolids or sludges within the municipal wastewater treatment plant heat-dried biosolids production facility or from b) finished dry heat dried biosolids pellets or granules in a separate manufacturing facility from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to produce a fertilizer containing sufficient organic and inorganic plant nutrients to be valuable and saleable into the commercial agricultural industry. The present invention describes beneficiation methods to increase the plant nutrient content to a level which permits the finished beneficiated dried biosolids pellet or granule product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace and also to reduce the odors associated with traditionally-produced heat dried biosolids. |
| US08192517B2 |
Ceramic honeycomb structural body
The ceramic honeycomb structural body comprises a pillar-shaped honeycomb structural porous ceramic member formed by arranging a plurality of through holes as a gas path side by side through partition walls or a combination thereof, in which the ceramic honeycomb structural body is a sintered body having a pore structure in which one or more peaks (the maximum value) exist in each region of a first pore group of pores having a pore size of about 0.05 μm to about 150 μm and of a second pore group of pores having a pore size of about 0.006 μm to about 0.01 μm. |
| US08192508B2 |
High dielectric constant ceramic-polymer composites, embedded capacitors using the same, and fabrication method thereof
Disclosed are ceramic-polymer composite consisting of aggregates of dielectric ceramic particles and polymer resin, and a fabrication method thereof, the method including aggregating dielectric ceramic particles to create aggregates, melting polymer resin in a solvent to prepare a polymer solution, dispersing the aggregates in the polymer solution to prepare a mixed solution, and hardening the mixed solution to obtain ceramic-polymer composites. |
| US08192507B1 |
Supercritical noble gases and coloring methods
Coloring compositions including, for example, a supercritical fluid comprising a noble gas in a supercritical state and a colorant within the supercritical fluid are disclosed. For example, the noble gas may be at least one of helium, argon, krypton, neon, xenon and radon. Methods of producing such compositions and methods of coloring an article with such composition are also disclosed. |
| US08192506B2 |
Compositions for dyeing keratin-containing fibers
Disclosed herein are compositions suitable for use in dyeing keratin-containing fibers. Further disclosed herein are colorant systems and compositions comprising the colorant systems. Also disclosed are kits comprising one or more colorant systems and an activator composition. |
| US08192501B2 |
Prosthetic knee with gravity-activated lock
Disclosed is a prosthetic knee appliance having upper and lower leg elements with a single-axis, articulating joint therebetween controllable with an electric knee-lock mechanism. A tilt-switch located within the prosthetic knee can facilitate activation of the electric knee-lock to lock or unlock the joint when the lower leg element is in a pre-determined position. A remote control can provide external locking control of the articulating joint. A pressure switch can ensure that the free-knee is locked only when the lower leg element is sufficiently extended relative to the upper leg element. The mobility of a free-knee system combined with the stability of a straight-leg prosthesis can be advantageous for pre-ambulatory pediatric patients. |
| US08192498B2 |
Posterior cructiate-retaining orthopaedic knee prosthesis having controlled condylar curvature
An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The femoral component includes a condyle surface curved in the sagittal plane. The radius of curvature of the condyle surface decreases gradually between early-flexion and mid-flexion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the radius of curvature may be increased during mid-flexion. |
| US08192495B2 |
Lockable spinal implant
A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can also be corrected, and natural curvatures restored. Preferably, the implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system preferably having a plurality of locking elements to lock the implant in an extended configuration. |
| US08192494B2 |
Posterior metal-on-metal disc replacement device and method
Provided is a device and method for replacing a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc in the spine of a patient. The device provided having at least two units, each of the units having an articulation surface and a bone contacting surface, the articulation surfaces of each of the at least two being in articulating opposition one to the other, one of which having a convex articulation surface and the other having a complementary concave articulation surface. The bone contacting surfaces being provided with bone implantation securing elements such as keel type or spike type protrusions. Also provided is a method of implanting the device into an intervertebral space from a posterior approach. |
| US08192493B2 |
Prosthesis for bridging a vertebral body
A prosthesis for the partial replacement of a vertebral body includes an upper contact plate for connection to an upper vertebral body, a lower contact plate for connection to a lower vertebral body and a bridging part which connects the upper and lower contact plates to one another and bridges at least one intermediate vertebral body which is located between the upper and lower vertebral bodies and is to be partially replaced. The bridging part is accommodated in a recess in the vertebral body and is secured in the recess with lateral anchoring projections which penetrate into the bone substance located on both sides of the bridging part. The cross section of the bridging part may narrow toward the rear, preferably in a trapezoid shape. |
| US08192492B2 |
Spinal implant
A spinal implant as provided having a porous body that includes a leading end, a convex trailing end and first and second sides extending between the leading and trailing ends. At least a portion of the leading end is generally straight. The body further includes a generally dome-shaped superior surface and a generally planar inferior surface. The superior surface is convex between the leading and trailing ends and is convex between the first and second sides. |
| US08192483B2 |
Stent to be placed in the living body
It is intended to provide a stent to be placed in the living body which exhibits excellent extension properties even in a flexion site of a lumen in the body and shows a low restenosis rate after being placed in the living body. A stent to be placed in the living body characterized in that, as one of the characteristics thereof, the stent is in a long and thin tubular shape having both termini, the long and thin tubular body can be extended in the radial direction from the first diameter in the compressed state to the second diameter in the extended state, the stent has a first terminal section, a second terminal section, a third central section, a fourth section located between the first terminal section and the third central section and a fifth section located between the second terminal section and the third central section, the rigidity of the fourth section is lower than the rigidity of the first terminal section and lower than the rigidity of the third central section, and the rigidity of the fifth section is lower than the rigidity of the second terminal section and lower than the rigidity of the third central section. |
| US08192480B2 |
System and method of detecting implant detachment
A system and method of detecting implant detachment within the body of a patient. The activation of the heater coil causes the degradation, melting or reduction of a component that brings the heater coil into or out of electrical contact with another component, or causes the individual loops of the coil to contact each other, thereby resulting in a notable change in resistance in the circuit supplying the heater coil with electricity. |
| US08192479B2 |
Method and device for vascular therapy
Medical devices, as well as methods of treatment and manufacturing such devices, are provided for applying vascular therapy locally within the body vessel. The medical devices include an expandable tubular frame and a sleeve. The medical devices can be used for local delivery of a therapeutic agent within a body vessel or a tamponade for a lacerated body vessel, while simultaneously allowing perfusion of fluid or blood flow distal of the implanted medical device. The tubular frame of the medical device can have a middle region with a plurality of members. The members can expand radially outward away from a longitudinal axis of the tubular frame, which can urge the sleeve to contact the wall of the body vessel. In the expanded configuration, a portion of the device allows fluid flow to continue while the sleeve is against the body vessel wall. |
| US08192473B2 |
Phototherapy apparatus for hair, scalp and skin treatment
A wearable hands-free apparatus for providing phototherapy treatment to a number of hair, scalp and skin related conditions includes a head unit (e.g., a headset, headphones, headband, or helmet unit) with earphones to allow the user to listen to an audio program during a treatment. The head unit supports a light emitting canopy band that is fitted with an array of light generating sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, or infrared lights, that emit light within a particular wavelength range correlating with the treatment of one or more specific hair, scalp and/or skin-related conditions. The light emitting canopy band is specifically designed to conform to the shape of the human scalp for providing complete, uniform and consistent light coverage to the areas of the scalp that are most commonly affected by hair loss in men and women. A handheld control device allows the user to select the desired treatment program and is adapted for connection to a digital audio player device, such as an MP3 player, for delivering audio signals to the earphones. |
| US08192461B2 |
Methods for facilitating closure of a bodily opening using one or more tacking devices
The present embodiments provide methods for facilitating closure of a bodily opening. In one exemplary method, at least a portion of a first tacking device is disposed through at least a portion of tissue at a first location in a vicinity of an opening in the tissue. Then, at least a portion of a second tacking device is disposed through at least a portion of tissue at a second location in the vicinity of an opening in the tissue. A closure member having at least one loop portion is advanced towards the first and second tacking devices, and the loop portion is positioned around at least a portion of the first tacking device and at least a portion of the second tacking device. The closure member then is actuated to urge the first tacking device towards the second tacking device to provide a compressive force upon the opening. |
| US08192460B2 |
Annular support structures
Reinforcing lumen rings are configured and adapted for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The reinforcing lumen rings maintain anastomotic lumen, e.g. as formed by the circular endoscopic stapling apparatus, in an open condition. The reinforcing lumen rings can include an annular ring having an outer terminal edge and an inner terminal edge, the outer terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the staple cartridge assembly and the inner terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the staple cartridge assembly. |
| US08192459B2 |
Blood vessel closure clip and delivery device
A clip for closing a puncture hole in a blood vessel comprises a ring having a resiliently expandable circumference and a plurality of barbed prongs extending at least approximately in the same direction from one edge of the ring. A device for deploying such a clip is also described. |
| US08192458B2 |
Surgical fastening system and method for using the same
A surgical fastening system for attaching one piece of tissue to another piece of tissue. The system comprises a surgical fastener, an installation tool for deploying the surgical fastener in tissue, and a method for using the same. |
| US08192457B2 |
Wound closure methods
Methods and devices are provided for closing a puncture wound. In one exemplary embodiment, a puncture closure device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a puncture in tissue and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion can be adapted to expand to form proximal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a first direction. The distal portion can be adapted to expand to form distal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a second, opposite direction. The proximal and distal portions can also be adapted to be moved toward one another as they expand upon rotation. As a result, the proximal and distal wings can engage tissue therebetween. |
| US08192453B2 |
Surgical cutting tool and system
A surgical cutting tool, instrument, kit and system are disclosed, which are adapted for use during in total hip (or shoulder) replacement surgery. The invention optimally and efficiently removes excess bone (osteophytes) and soft tissue from the rim of a hemispherical component such as an implanted acetabular shell, prior to insertion of a liner. The surgical instrument includes an elongated obturator adapted to be removably attached to the acetabular component. An elongated reamer tool has a cannulated central boss for receiving the obturator. The tool has an upper end adapted to be coupled to a powered tool driver, and a lower end provided with a pair of spaced apart blades adapted to engage the rim of the acetabular component and be driven to remove the excess bone fragments from the rim of the implanted shell component. |
| US08192452B2 |
Easily cleaned atherectomy catheters and methods of use
An atherectomy catheter is provided having a tissue collection chamber capable of being cleaned out in a simple, fast and effective way, and also provides methods of using said catheter to remove material from a blood vessel lumen. In one embodiment the tissue collection chamber has an expandable tip having a first closed position capable of retaining material in the chamber and having a second open position that may allow expulsion of material from the chamber. In a second embodiment the tissue collection chamber has a displaceable tip having a first closed position to retain material in the chamber and having a second open position to allow expulsion of material from the chamber. |
| US08192443B2 |
Pedicle access device
A pedicle access device that has particular application for positioning a pedicle screw during a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgical procedure. The pedicle access device includes a positioning needle having a hollow tube and a specially designed tip that conforms with a facet complex of a vertebra proximate a pedicle. A targeting needle having a pointed end is inserted through the hollow tube of the positioning needle, and is secured thereto so the tip of the targeting needle extends out of the end of the positioning needle. The tip of the targeting needle allows the positioning needle to be accurately positioned on the pedicle, and the specially configured tip of the positioning needle allows it to be secured thereto without slipping. |
| US08192439B2 |
Minimally invasive surgical system
A minimally invasive surgical system for implanting pedicle screw assemblies to be connected by a spinal rod is disclosed. In one form, the system includes a plurality of holding mechanisms for the pedicle screw assemblies, each holding mechanism for being inserted through an incision and configured to receive tools along an axis thereof for driving a screw anchor of the pedicle screw assembly into a vertebra and securing the spinal rod thereto and a rod inserter that is configured to adjustably hold the rod and insert the rod through a common incision with one of the holding mechanism for being fed into position in an initial direction that is transverse to the axes of the holding mechanisms. |
| US08192435B2 |
Devices and methods for tissue modification
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. In one variation, a tissue abrasion device is provided including a thin belt or ribbon with an abrasive cutting surface. The device optionally may be placed within a protective sheath that exposes the abrasive surface of the ribbon only in the area where tissue removal is desired. |
| US08192434B2 |
External fixation and foot-supporting device
In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, an external fixation device for the foot and ankle of the human anatomical skeleton includes a yoke, three adjusters, and a base (or foot plate). The foot plate selectively couples to the yoke without the need of any tools, thereby enabling the patient to self attach and remove the foot plate from an existing circular fixation structure. |
| US08192430B2 |
Device for extracting an elongated structure implanted in biological tissue
A device for extracting an implanted elongated structure from biological tissue comprises a sheath having a plurality of lumens therein opening to the sheath distal end. First and second lumens are disposed along a wall of the sheath, and a third lumen is dimensioned to receive the elongated structure. The sheath wall having the first and second lumens disposed therein is alternately compressible and expandable responsive to a bend along a bending zone of the sheath. A first wire segment is positioned in the first lumen, and a second wire segment is positioned in the second lumen, wherein the respective proximal ends of the segments are affixed proximal to the bending zone. The respective wire segments extend distally in the respective first or second lumen a first distance beyond the distal end of the sheath when the bend compresses the wall surface generally adjacent the first and second lumens, and extend distally a second distance, less than the first distance, when the bend expands the wall surface. |
| US08192425B2 |
Radiofrequency perforation apparatus
A radiofrequency perforation apparatus for creating a channel at a target location in a body of a patient, the radiofrequency perforation apparatus being usable by an intended user having a hand, the radiofrequency perforation apparatus comprising: a handle graspable by the hand; a distal portion, the distal portion defining a distal portion length, the distal portion including an electrode and an electrical insulator extending from the electrode; and a force transmitting portion extending between the distal portion and the handle, the force transmitting portion defining a force transmitting portion length, the force transmitting portion length being larger than the distal portion length, the force transmitting portion having a force transmitting portion flexural rigidity of at least about 0.016 Nm2; whereby the force transmitting portion has a force transmitting portion flexural rigidity allowing the transmission to the handle of contact forces exerted on the distal portion when the distal portion contacts the target location to provide tactile feedback to the intended user. |
| US08192424B2 |
Electrosurgical system with suction control apparatus, system and method
System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. |
| US08192419B2 |
Catheter assembly including internal bolster
A catheter assembly including an internal bolster. According to one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a medical catheter preferably made of extruded silicone rubber. The catheter is shaped to include a cylindrical wall defining a primary longitudinal bore. A plurality of secondary longitudinal bores is provided in the cylindrical wall, the secondary bores being evenly spaced around the primary bore. The assembly also includes a plurality of identical resilient members collectively forming an anchor at a first end of the catheter. Each resilient member comprises a resilient wire and a protective jacket. Each wire is made of a shape-memory material and is reversibly transformable between a spiral shape, when at rest, and a straightened shape, when forcibly unfurled. One end of each wire is disposed within a secondary bore of the catheter, with the remainder of each wire extending out from the catheter. Each jacket is preferably made of silicone rubber and encapsulates all of the length of its wire, except for the small portion of the wire inserted into the bore. |
| US08192418B2 |
Releasing a material within a medical device via an optical feedthrough
In general, the disclosure is directed toward releasing material within a medical device via an optical feedthrough. A system for releasing material with a medical device comprises a cup that holds a material, wherein the cup includes a discharge port, a seal disc that seals the material within the cup, an optical feedthrough assembly coupled to the cup, a shell that defines a chamber within a medical device, wherein the optical feedthrough assembly is coupled to the shell, and a radiant energy source that shines a beam through the optical feedthrough assembly to puncture the seal disc to allow the material to enter the chamber via the discharge port. |
| US08192413B2 |
External urinary catheter
The external urinary catheter comprises a sheath portion (1) and a tip portion (3). A layer of adhesive (7) is provided on the inner side of the sheath portion (1) and extends between a first limit (7a) and a second limit (7b). At least one indication (8) indicating at least the first limit (7a) of the layer of adhesive (7) is provided. The indication may be a visual indication, e.g. in the form of a colored line (8). |
| US08192410B2 |
Control device for surgical stoma
A control device for controlling drainage of waste from a surgical stoma of a human body. The control device comprises a first cylindrical hollow body member, a drain tube extending from the first cylindrical hollow body member, a second cylindrical hollow body member rotatably coupled to the first cylindrical hollow body member and a knob configured on the second cylindrical hollow body member. The first cylindrical hollow body member comprises a skirt portion extending radially outward for being removably attached to a surface surrounding the surgical stoma of the human body. The second cylindrical hollow body member comprises an aperture configured on the second sidewall. A rotation of the knob is capable of aligning the aperture of the second cylindrical hollow body member with the drain tube of the first cylindrical hollow body member thereby forming a passage for draining the waste. |
| US08192407B2 |
Syringe needle protective device and injecting device provided therewith
The inventive needle protective device (2) comprises a protective support (20), a movable needle protector (22), a compression spring (24) applied between the protective support (20) and the needle protector (22) and means (38, 40, 54) for initially holding the needle protector (22) oppositely to the compression spring (24) action, wherein said means (38, 40, 54) are releasable by the needle protector (22) displacement in a releasing direction with respect to the protective support (20). Said device also comprises mechanical means (45, 62) for locking the needle protector (22) actuatable by the action of a needle protective cap engaged into the end opening (60) of the needle protector (22) and deactivatable by the cap releasing. |
| US08192405B2 |
Trocar seal system
A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process. |
| US08192400B2 |
Pneumatic injection device
The invention relates to a pneumatic injection device adapted to be connected with an air outlet of a dental chair for providing a compressed air flow, comprising: an injection unit comprising a unit body having a proximal end, a distal end and a cavity between the proximal and distal ends for receiving a dental cartridge, wherein the distal end has an injection needle connector for connecting a needle, and the proximal end is connected to an air seal adaptor in an airtight relationship; an output pressure selector having an output end connected air-tightly to the other end of the air seal adaptor; an air releasing means having an output end connected air-tightly to an input end of the output pressure selector; and an input pressure adjustor having an output end connected air-tightly to an input end of the air releasing means, an input end for connection to the air outlet of the dental chair. |
| US08192398B2 |
Medical device and medical instrument alignment
Systems and methods for orienting a medical instrument relative to at least a portion of a medical device include a first tilt detector associated with the medical instrument and a second tilt detector associated with the medical device. The first tilt detector may be within an orientation device that is coupled to or separate from the medical instrument. The tilt detectors generate signals that may be used to determine the relative orientation between at least a portion of the medical device and medical instrument. For example, in some embodiments, the signals may be used to determine whether the orientations of the portion of the medical device and the medical instrument substantially match. |
| US08192397B2 |
Medical fluid injection and inflation system
A combined fluid injection and inflation system is disclosed and includes a fluid delivery system including at least one pressurizing device, a fluid path, and a control unit. The fluid path is adapted to connect the pressurizing device to a patient via a catheter including a balloon and inserted in the patient. The control unit is operable to control the fluid delivery system. In operation, the control unit selectively actuates the fluid delivery system to operate in a fluid injection mode or in a balloon inflation mode. In the fluid injection mode the pressurizing device delivers fluid to the fluid path for a fluid injection procedure. In the balloon inflation mode, the pressurizing device delivers fluid to the fluid path for inflating the balloon associated with the catheter. An operator control may be connected to the control unit for controlling the fluid delivery system and may be a handheld device. |
| US08192395B2 |
System for providing blood glucose measurements to an infusion device
An infusion system includes a characteristic determining device and an infusion device. The characteristic determining device includes a receptacle for receiving and testing an analyte from the user to determine a concentration of the analyte in the user. The characteristic determining device also includes a communication system for transmitting a communication including data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user, and the infusion device includes a communication system for receiving the communication from the characteristic determining device. The infusion device further includes a bolus estimator for calculating an estimated amount of fluid to be infused into the body of the user based upon the received data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user and a target concentration of the analyte in the user, and an indicator to indicate when the estimated amount of fluid to be infused has been calculated. |
| US08192394B2 |
Method and system for manual and autonomous control of an infusion pump
A method and system for both autonomous and manual control of an infusion pump for delivering medication to a patient is provided. |
| US08192393B2 |
Method and apparatus for inserting a rectal suppository
Rectal suppositories are used to administer a predetermined drug dosage to treat a variety of diseases and symptoms in a variety of patient populations. Certain medical conditions, such as digestive disorders, may be more effectively treated when the suppository is placed in a particular location of the patient's anal canal or rectum. A method and apparatus for inserting a suppository into an animal or human may include an applicator having a barrel and plunger. The barrel maintains a first gas flow path during insertion of a suppository and the plunger maintains a second gas flow path during withdrawal of the plunger. By maintaining a first and second gas flow path, trapped air and suction effects on the suppository are minimized or eliminated. Furthermore, patients may immediately resume day-to-day activities. These benefits may encourage patients to maintain a course of treatment thereby potentially avoiding additional complications, hospitalization, and costs. |
| US08192390B2 |
Method and system for control of osmotic pump device
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled osmotic pump device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, an osmotic pump device is placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the osmotic pump device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used. |
| US08192386B2 |
System and method for controlling hematocrit during a therapeutic red blood cell exchange procedure
Systems and methods for controlling hematocrit during a blood processing procedure. In one aspect, a system includes a first flow path for flowing whole blood from a patient. A separator communicates with the first flow path for separating at least red blood cells from plasma. Second and third flow paths communicate with the separator for respectively flowing the separated plasma and red blood cells from the separator. A flow controller is associated with the second and third flow paths to control fluid communication between the second and third flow paths and addition of separated plasma to the separated red blood cells. The resulting red blood cells and plasma has a resulting hematocrit. Hematocrit is calculated or sensed in operative association with the third flow path and communicated to the flow controller for controlling the amount of plasma added to the third flow path and the resulting hematocrit. |
| US08192379B2 |
Single-motor massager
A single-motor massager has a base, a carriage, a gear shaft assembly, a massager assembly and a motor. The base has two gear racks. The carriage is mounted movably on the base. The gear shaft assembly is mounted on the carriage and is mounted movably on the gear racks of the base. The massaging assembly is mounted on the carriage and connects to the gear shaft assembly. The motor drives the massaging assembly of the massager assembly to provide massaging function and to move the carriage and the gear shaft assembly and the massaging assembly along the base. With the two gear racks, the massaging assembly moves stably. With only one motor and the simplified gear shaft assembly and massager assembly, the manufacturing process of the massager is simplified and the cost of the massager is reduced. |
| US08192377B2 |
Physical therapy device
Disclosed herein is a device for supporting a human limb during the application of physical therapy to the limb, the device comprising a base, the base defining a base plane; a support member comprising an attachment end separated from a limb support end by a support distance, wherein the attachment end is movably engaged with the base such that the support member is moveable in a plane of motion essentially perpendicular to the base plane; and wherein the limb support end is conformable to a human limb and capable of supporting the human limb when physical therapy is being applied to the human limb. A method of stretching a human knee using the instant device is also disclosed. |
| US08192375B2 |
Apparatus and method for dynamically fitting insoles to a patient
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for dynamically fitting an insole to a patient, the apparatus comprising: a first fitting panel, comprising: a virtual model of desired strains on the plantar surface of a foot; a plurality of fitting units deployed on the first panel, each fitting unit comprising: (a) a strain sensor, for measuring the strain of the foot on the fitting unit; and (b) an elevating unit, for elevating the top point of the fitting unit to a desired point; a processing unit, for instructing the elevating unit to adjust the elevation of the top point of the fitting unit towards a position wherein the strain of the foot, as measured by the strain sensor, corresponds to the strain of the virtual model. |
| US08192373B2 |
Medical guide wire and process for production thereof
A medical guide wire (1) is made in which at least a fluororesin coating layer (13) is formed on the surface of a metal wire (11), wherein particulate matter is present in the fluororesin coating layer (13), and the fluororesin coating layer covers the particulate matter and at least some of the particulate matter is formed in surface protrusion-shaped projections (14). It is thus possible to provide a medical guide wire that is inexpensive to manufacture and whose strength is unaffected and frictional resistance is low, and manufacturing method for the same. |
| US08192372B2 |
Test media cassette for bodily fluid testing device
A bodily fluid sampling device includes a piercing device and a sensor enclosed in a housing. A cassette, which contains test media, is positioned proximal to the sensor so that the sensor is able to analyze a bodily fluid sample collected on the test media. The cassette includes a supply portion from which unused test media is supplied and a storage portion in which contaminated test media is stored after exposure to the bodily fluid. The cassette is adapted to collect a series of bodily fluid samples without requiring disposal of the test media. |
| US08192368B2 |
Pressure sensing catheter
This invention provides a pressure sensing catheter, and method for using the same, which eliminates the practitioners' need to fill the catheter with fluid manually prior to insertion, and thereby increases the accuracy and ease of the overall pressure-sensing procedure. The illustrative catheter includes, in its proximal end, a transducer base or housing that is permanently attached to the catheter shaft. The base includes, inserted thereinto, one or more miniaturized pressure transducer assemblies, which are in fluid communication with corresponding pressure lumens that extend down the shaft and are in communication with one or more predetermined balloons by discrete channels or ports, which provide a fluid passage between the interior space of the balloon and the corresponding pressure lumen. The integral assembly includes a predetermined, previously installed charge of fluid that extends from the transducer, through the corresponding pressure lumen and into the interior volume of the sensing balloon. The charge of fluid has been made free of any air bubbles at the point of manufacture, and is delivered fully charged, so that maximum sensing accuracy and minimum setup time are achieved. In alternate embodiments the catheter can include a fluid infusion/flushing lumen and port interconnected to a proximal fluid connection. |
| US08192367B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring respiration
A device for monitoring respiration comprises a duct, a flow restricting element in the duct, and a pressure sensor arranged in the duct. The pressure sensor measures a pressure drop across the flow restricting element as a pressure difference between a pressure at a location in the duct on a first side of the flow restricting element and a substantially constant pressure on a second side of the flow restricting element opposite the first side. |
| US08192362B2 |
Methods of monitoring cellular death using low frequency ultrasound
A method of detecting cellular damage within a subject comprises transmitting low frequency ultrasound (20 MHz or below) into a selected site within the subject wherein the selected site has been exposed to a stress capable of causing cellular death at the selected site. At least a portion of ultrasound backscattered from the ultrasound transmitted into the selected site is received. The received backscattered ultrasound is compared to a control backscatter measurement. An increase or a decrease in intensity or spectral slope of the received backscattered ultrasound when compared to the control backscatter measurement indicates cellular death or damage at the selected site within the subject. |
| US08192358B2 |
Device and method for use in surgery
The present invention is concerned with a device and method for use in surgery, in particular hand assisted laparascopic surgery, the device comprising a flexible sleeve about one end of which is located a plurality of inflatable balloons, such that the sleeve may be located about a surgeon's forearm, with the balloons thus circumscribing the surgeon's wrist, the balloons being inflated once the surgeon's hand and wrist have been inserted into a surgical cavity, in order to distend the surgical cavity, thereby creating a space within which the surgical procedure may be performed. |
| US08192357B2 |
Surgical access system and related methods
A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, 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. |
| US08192354B2 |
Endoscope inserted-shape detecting apparatus
An endoscope inserted-shape detecting apparatus 8 includes a sense coil unit 23 in which multiple sense coil groups of sense coil groups 23A to 23I for detecting magnetic fields generated by multiple source coils 21 in an inserted-shape detecting probe 6 are placed as a part of the endoscope inserted-shape detecting apparatus 8, a signal detecting section 33, a source coil position analyzing section 35 and a signal control section 37 that selects a magnetic-field detecting element to be used for detection of a magnetic field signal based on the magnetic field generated by each of the source coils 21 from the sense coil groups 23A to 23I in a control section based on positional information signals outputted from the source coil position analyzing section 35. |
| US08192350B2 |
Methods and devices for measuring impedance in a gastric restriction system
Methods and devices are provided for gathering impedance data related to implantable restriction devices. In general, the methods and devices can enable patients, health care providers, and others to use gathered data as a feedback mechanism to non-invasively monitor efficacy of an implantable restriction device in a patient and to identify, modify, and/or prescribe a treatment plan for the patient considering the gathered data. Impedance data can be gathered and analyzed for tissue proximate to the restriction device, e.g., a fat pad between a gastric band and the patient's stomach. Electrodes in contact with the tissue can measure an impedance of the tissue, with the impedance between the electrodes changing as the tissue reduces in size (e.g., as fat cells shrink) and/or changes configuration. |
| US08192348B2 |
Engineered blood vessels
The present invention relates to engineered blood vessels and methods of making such vessels using matrices comprising endothelial and smooth muscle cells, or cells capable of differentiating into endothelial and smooth muscle cell lineages (e.g., stem cells, or the progenitors thereof). |
| US08192343B2 |
Continuous flow ultra-centrifugation systems
A continuous flow centrifuge system is provided. The system includes a rotor, a stator, a stator housing, upper and lower bearing plates, upper and lower bearings, first and second snap rings, and lip seal. The upper bearing rotatably secures a shaft of the rotor in the upper bearing plate. The first snap ring secures the upper bearing to the rotor shaft. The lip seal is over the upper bearing and forms a rotatable seal with the upper bearing plate. The second snap ring secures the lip seal to an inner diameter of the upper bearing plate. The upper and lower bearing plates are secured to the stator housing so that the rotor is operatively aligned with the stator. |
| US08192342B2 |
Separator having a liquid outlet including a throttling device
A separator having a conical separator drum mounted rotatably at only one of its axial ends and having a vertical axis of rotation. The drum includes a rotary spindle for driving the separator drum. The separator includes an inflow pipe for a product to be processed and at least two liquid outlets. The first liquid outlet is for a lighter phase and the second liquid outlet is for a heavier phase. The first liquid outlet includes a stripping disk. Further included is a solids discharge port and a separation plate stack in the separator drum. The second liquid outlet is followed outside the drum by a settable throttle device having an annular disk for displacing a liquid radius of the heavier phase by a throttling in an outflow cross section for the heavier phase. |
| US08192341B2 |
Pallet and three-dimensional support structure
A three-dimensional support structure is provided and includes a single sheet of material that is folded into a repeating pattern of cells. Each of the cells is formed by first and second spaced-apart endwalls and first and second sloped sidewalls spanning between the endwalls. Each endwall comprises two plies of material while each sidewall comprises a single ply of material. The first and second sidewalls are adjoined at a folded edge. The cells are aligned such that the first endwall of one cell from the repeating pattern abuts the second endwall of an adjacent cell of the repeating pattern to form a four-ply wall of the material. A first liner may be attached to a first side of the folded material and a second liner may be attached to a second side of the folded material. |
| US08192339B2 |
Developing roller, manufacturing method thereof, developing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A developing roller on a circumferential surface of which toner is held is provided. In the developing roller, intersecting first and second grooves are formed. Protrusion portions are disposed in areas surrounded by the first and second grooves. The protrusion portions have minute projections. |
| US08192336B2 |
Compressive device and carrying compartment for use during exercise
A compressive device and carrying compartment for focusing a compressive force at the general lateral areas of a human waist, and securing at least one object in a generally fixed position relative to the waist, includes a longitudinally elastic belt having lateral area engaging pads, and further including a bag defining an interior space and laterally apposite slot openings, wherein the bag and belt are cooperatively configured such that the belt passes within the space and the compressive force also works to biasly retain the objects in the fixed position. |
| US08192335B2 |
Strength and conditioning device and method of conditioning
A strength and conditioning device and method of conditioning. A conditioning device for a sport using a hand held implement having a grip portion comprises a handle shaped like the grip portion, the handle having a first end and a second end. A weight is positioned on the second end such that a center of mass for the conditioning device is less than about 13 inches from the first end of the handle. A bias assembly is removably attached to the weight such that the bias assembly resists movement of the weight during at least some motion of the handle. |
| US08192329B2 |
Exercise aiding apparatus
Exercise aiding apparatus includes a step 2 that a user puts a user's foot on, and a step drive means 5 that causes the step to perform movement including turning motion so that exercise is performed with respect to the foot put on the step. The apparatus includes a lock means 6 that fixes the step by engagement with the step except when the step drive means 5 drives the step. When the step is not driven, the step is fixed. The step is prevented from moving inadvertently at getting on and off, thereby ensuring safe getting on and off. |
| US08192327B2 |
Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle. |
| US08192320B2 |
Multi-speed transaxle
A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing. |
| US08192319B2 |
Gear unit and use of the same
The gear unit for use with a manually adjustable electric component has a manually operable adjusting shaft and a reduction gear including a rotatable ball cage and a plurality of balls as well as a race ring element having a spring and retaining portion that encircles the race ring externally. Such a gear unit allows greatly reduced dimensions and furthermore offers a considerable dielectric strength. |
| US08192311B2 |
Sport ball with a textile restriction structure
A sport ball may include a casing, a restriction structure, and a bladder. The casing forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of the ball. The restriction structure is located within the casing and includes a textile element having a seamless portion with a non-planar configuration. The bladder is also located within the casing. The textile element may be a knitted fabric. Although the restriction structure may be seamless, the restriction structure may also include at most one seam or multiple seams that joins edges of the textile element. In addition, the seamless portion of the textile element may cover at least thirty percent or more of the surface of the bladder. |
| US08192310B2 |
Expandable blunt arrow point apparatus and methods
An arrow point includes a base portion, a tip portion, and a plurality of extension members. The plurality of extension members each have a distal end, a proximal end, and a blunt surface. The proximal end of the extension members is pivotally mounted to the base portion. The extension members are movable upon proximal movement of the tip portion between a retracted position wherein the blunt surface is unexposed, and an extended position wherein the blunt surface is exposed and facing in a generally distal direction. |
| US08192304B2 |
Golf club head
An exemplary golf club head having additional discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing light-weight materials, an favorable average crown height, and/or articulation points. By using a preferred break length, the additional discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head. |
| US08192303B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head of this invention includes a head body, a weight member attached to the head body, and a fixing unit to fix the weight member at any one of a plurality of attachment positions of the head body. The plurality of attachment positions are located on a straight line included in a plane. The plane includes the center-of-gravity position of the head body without the weight member attached thereto and is perpendicular to the toe-and-heel direction of the head body. |
| US08192297B1 |
Variable interface putter golf club with attachable device for analyzing golf course conditions and selecting putter face
A variable interface putter golf club includes a golf club having a shaft with a club head affixed to a first end of the shaft that is distil from a second end of the shaft to be gripped by a golfer. A multi-sided rotatable carousel is contained substantially within the club head of the golf club, the multi-sided rotatable carousel having a putter face on a plurality of sides of the multi-sided rotating carousel. The multi-side rotating carousel preferably is shaped as a pentagon with a different putter face on each of the five sides of the pentagon. A device is included for permitting rotation of the multi-sided rotatable carousel for exposing one putter face of the plurality of putter faces at a given time for allowing the golfer to putt with the one putter face so exposed. A securing device, such as a securing screw, is used for preventing unwanted rotation of the multi-sided rotatable carousel so that only one putter face is exposed at a given time and that the selected putter face is secured in place during play. An optional analyzer device is included which aids the golfer in selecting the appropriate putter face for the conditions of a putter green at a given time. The optional analyzer device may also be used for other types of golf clubs and attached to portion of a golf club other than the shaft. |
| US08192296B2 |
Gripping system, apparatus, and methods
A gripping system, apparatus, and methods for users with weakened hand strength, or able-bodied users desiring a better grip, involving a mating glove and a grip, handle, or graspable surface of an object. The mating glove covers a person's hand and interfaces and mates with the grip, handle, or graspable surface. The mating glove has a palm side, a dorsal side, and finger compartments. The mating glove includes hook-and-loop fastener material for mating with complementary hook-and-loop fastener material integrated into the grip, handle, or graspable surface. The grip, handle, or graspable surface further includes recesses integrated within the grip or handle for accommodating the hook-and-loop fastener material. The invention also involves a retrofit tape kit for facilitating gripping of any graspable surface. |
| US08192293B2 |
Method and system for shot tracking
A method for predicting a golfer's swing speed, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a golf club, monitoring a backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring a downswing, determining an impact time, transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis and generating a golfer's swing speed using a length of a shaft of the golf club. |
| US08192291B2 |
Waterslide bowl with troughs
A waterslide bowl has a fixed rider path from entrance to exit. The bowl comprises a trough which is made of a plurality of sets of trough sections, attached together, in which the trough sections of a given set are the same and nest together side-by-side, permitting the rider surface of the bowl to be made from trough sections having a small number of different shapes. This reduces the number of molds that would otherwise be required to make the trough sections. The waterslide bowl may also have two or more separate troughs, nested together, whereby the bowl may be ridden in by multiple riders at the same time, each in his or her own trough. |
| US08192290B2 |
Shrink-fit tool unit as well as tool holder and rotary tool to be used for the shrink-fit tool unit
A shrink-fit tool unit increases the transmission force of rotary power and also improves workability when inserting the rotary tool into the tool holder. A tool holder and a rotary tool to be used for the shrink-fit tool unit are also disclosed. Since a first engaging part and a second engaging part are configured to engage with each other simply by inserting a cylindrical terminal area of a rotary tool, typically, a thread forming tap, into a chuck of the tool holder, even when the machining load receiving from a work piece act both in forward and reverse directions relative to the circumferential direction, it is possible to increase the transmission of rotary power. |
| US08192289B2 |
System and method for collecting and using player information
A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player. |
| US08192288B2 |
Remote management of a gaming machine through retrieval of an inventory of assets
Systems, apparatus and methods for remote management of a gaming machine are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a host platform having a host processor controlled by a host operating system. The host platform has a host storage and a host power state, wherein the host processor is to execute instructions that includes a wagering game. The apparatus also includes a subsystem that is operable independent of the host operating system and the host power state. The subsystem includes a processor that is separate from the host processor. The subsystem also includes a nonvolatile data store that is separate from the storage of the host platform. |
| US08192285B2 |
Method and apparatus for simulating games involving a ball
A sports video game having a new and improved user interface that substantially increases the potential realism of the game uses a handheld controller that is able to sense its own position, orientation and/or motion and is affixed to a ball. The ball can be a model of a football that is provided with a depression that snugly accepts and retains the handheld controller. The handheld controller may sense motion, position and/or orientation of the ball and provide wireless inputs to a video game system. The video game system may process such inputs to provide a simulated sports action game play on a video display. |
| US08192284B2 |
Method, storage medium, and apparatus for generating image of virtual space
A method for executing a game having a motif of rolling an object combined with another object with which the object is contacted, on a surface of the object, and growing large like a snowball. The method has: controlling a rotation and a movement of a first object as an operated object, in a virtual space; combining one of a plurality of second objects, with which the operated object is contacted, around a contact position of the operated object, at which the operated object is contacted with the one of the second objects, when the operated object is contacted with the one of the second objects; and determining the operated object with which the one of the second objects is combined, and the one of the second objects, when the one of the second objects is combined with the operated object, as an operated object, newly. |
| US08192283B2 |
Networked gaming system including a live floor view module
A networked gaming system includes one or more gaming machines connected to a network, a network-connected user station having a user interface and a display. The networked gaming system further includes a host computer system having an environment module enabled to capture, analyze, and present both historical data stored in at least one data storage device and real-time gaming data from the gaming machines in accordance with one or more requests from the user station. |
| US08192281B2 |
Simulated reel imperfections
Described herein is a gaming machine configured to output video data that simulates mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical slot machine. Embodiments described herein contribute to the emulation of a mechanical machine by simulating one or more visible mechanical imperfections commonly found in a mechanical reel machine. |
| US08192277B2 |
Systems, methods and articles to enhance play at gaming tables with bonuses
Table games are enhanced by awarding chances at a bonus. The changes may be awarded based on one or more factors, for example amount wagered, time spent wagering, average wager, and/or skill level. Bonus related information may be provided to the players as a group, or individually, for example via one or more displays. A bonus pool may be formed from all or part of a separate bonus wager and/or part of a conventional wager on the outcome of a game being played at the gaming table. |
| US08192270B2 |
Bingo game, method, and elimination tournament
A Bingo game, method, and elimination tournament is provided. In one embodiment, the present invention may take the form of a Bingo elimination tournament played by players wagering on respective networked gaming machines in a casino environment. The Bingo elimination tournament may include a plurality of successive Bingo games (rounds) carried out according to standard Bingo methodology, including randomly-drawn numbers being called out, and players' respective Bingo cards being updated (e.g. marked) accordingly, perhaps along with one or more computer-player cards. After each tournament round, among the cards that have not achieved a Bingo during that round, the card or cards having the fewest number of matched numbers are preferably eliminated. Successive rounds are played, often resulting in a single winner of the tournament. Various wagering options are provided for added excitement and enjoyment. |
| US08192269B2 |
System and method for operating on-line governmental lottery games
A method for facilitating governmental lottery play over an electronic network includes receiving a request for mobile player terminal location information from an agent server, acquiring location information based upon distances between the mobile player terminal and a plurality of transmitters with known locations, transmitting the acquired location information to the agent server, determining whether the mobile player terminal is located within a lottery jurisdiction based on the transmitted location information, and processing the purchase of a lottery ticket when the location of the mobile player terminal is determined to be located within the lottery jurisdiction. |
| US08192267B2 |
Shared game play on gaming device
Embodiments of the present concept provide an electronic gaming device that facilitates wagering by multiple players on a single gaming device. Also provided is a method of sharing game play on such a gaming device, where the method includes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming station, receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming station, initiating a gaming event that is displayed at the first and second gaming stations, and awarding prizes associated with gaming outcomes displayed at the first and second gaming stations. |
| US08192265B2 |
Game system
The game system comprises a code reading means for reading a code recorded in a card, a computer program executing means for executing a game in which characters compute, and a display screen for displaying an image generated by the computer program. The game system further comprises a character generating means which, corresponding to a first code read by the reading means, generates a character indicated on the first card with the first code recorded in, a move generating means which, corresponding to a second code, sets a move indicated on the second card with the second cord recorded in, and a display means for displays on the display screen an image in which the character generated by the character generating means executes the move set by the move setting means to fight. When a first special code recorded in a first special card without a character indicated on is read by the code reading means, the character generating means generates a preset character, and the move setting means sets a move which is different from a move indicated on the second cord with the second code recorded in. The game system can amusingly make full use of the characteristics of the game cards. |
| US08192257B2 |
Method of manufacture of constant groove depth pads
Processing pads for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization or polishing of substrates in the fabrication of microelectronic devices, methods for making the pads, and methods, apparatus, and systems that utilize and incorporate the processing pads are provided. The processing pads include grooves or other openings in the abrading surface containing a solid or partially solid fill material that can be selectively removed as desired to maintain the fill at an about constant or set distance from the abrading surface of the pad and an about constant depth of the pad openings for multiple processing and conditioning applications over the life of the pad. |
| US08192254B2 |
Sander with a balance means
A sander according to the present invention comprising a housing, a motor and a transmission mounted within the housing, a sanding plate mounted below the housing, a battery pack mounted at the rear end of the housing and a balancer mounted on either the housing or the sanding plate. The balancer includes a balance element disposed in the front part of the sander. The balance element is balanced with the battery pack, which solves the balance problem of the DC sanders known in the prior art while still providing a battery pack that can satisfy the power requirements of the sander. |
| US08192251B2 |
Pressure control system of wafer polishing apparatus
A pressure control system of a wafer polishing apparatus includes a main input air pressure regulator, an air branch conduit, a plurality of first pipes, a plurality of auxiliary air pressure regulators, a plurality of second pipes, and a plurality of air pressure controlling devices. The air branch conduit is connected with the main input air pressure regulator. The first pipes are connected between the air branch conduit and the auxiliary air pressure regulators. The second pipes are connected between the auxiliary air pressure regulators and the air pressure controlling devices. Accordingly, the air pressure controlling devices can control the pressure outputted from a polishing head of the wafer polishing apparatus to a surface of a wafer. |
| US08192250B2 |
Abrasive article
An abrasive article is disclosed that is suitable for cleaning, sanding, scraping, or other such process of removing an outer layer or adherent matter. The abrasive article includes a plurality of abrasive particles at least partially embedded in a frozen liquid. |
| US08192245B2 |
Vent seal for inflatable devices
A seal for vent openings of inflatable structures is provided that includes an interior and an exterior component that can be affixed to each other and to the inflatable structure and allows for higher pressures to be maintained within the inflatable structure. |
| US08192243B2 |
Container for storing an inflatable liferaft
The present invention relates to a container for storing an inflatable liferaft, the container including a bag adapted to contain a deflated liferaft and means for inflating the liferaft using an inflating gas, preferably CO2 or a mixture of gasses, wherein the substantial part is CO2. The inflating means being connected to the liferaft, preferably being substantially contained inside the bag. The bag furthermore has means for measuring and/or monitoring at least the relative humidity (R.H.) and the CO2-content of the gas inside the bag. |
| US08192241B2 |
Fuel supply system for outboard motor and outboard motor
A fuel supply system includes a fuel supply channel and a joint unit. The joint unit includes first and second joint members and a sealing member. The first and second joint members are arranged to be connectable to and separable from each other. The sealing member is arranged to seal a gap between the first and second joint members in a state in which the first and second joint members are connected. The first joint member includes a first flow channel, a first valve, and a first fitting portion. The second joint member includes a second flow channel, a second valve, and a second fitting portion. The first valve has a first pressing end and a first valve body. The second valve has a second pressing end and a second valve body. The first and second fitting portions are arranged to fit each other. |
| US08192238B2 |
Service switching device with a connection terminal arrangement
The disclosure relates to a service switching device with an insulating housing and a connection terminal arrangement for the terminal connection of a connecting conductor with an annular terminal lug on a connecting plate mounted in the device interior, with a clamping screw, which has a screw head and a screw shaft, the screw shaft passing through the annular terminal lug and being in threaded engagement with a thread element during the terminal connection of the connecting conductor. A terminal accommodating area has an insertion opening for the connecting conductor and an access opening for the screw head for actuation thereof. The connecting plate has a holding section for locking the thread element. |
| US08192234B2 |
Audio connector control system
An electronic device such as a portable music player, cellular telephone, or computer may be provided with an audio jack system that allows audio plug position measurements to be made. Sensors such as optical sensors, magnetic sensors, mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, resistive sensors, and capacitive sensors may be used in monitoring the position and movement of the audio plug relative to the audio jack. A user may rotate the audio plug to control operations such as media playback operations, menu selection operations, and other activities in the electronic device. The audio jack may include flexible structures that allow the audio plug to be tilted relative to the audio jack. Capacitive sensors or other sensors may be used to monitor audio plug tilt and axial audio plug movement. This allows the audio plug to serve as a joystick for the electronic device. |
| US08192229B2 |
L-shaped connector housing and terminal
A connector comprising: a connector housing including an upper wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall which define an opening having an U-shape when viewed from in a direction parallel to each of the upper wall, the bottom wall, and the side wall, wherein the opening opens in the direction; a terminal accommodated in the connector housing and including an end to which a wire is fastened, the end contacting both the upper wall and the bottom wall at the opening; and a cover which covers and uncovers the opening. The cover may be pivotally mounted to the connector housing. |
| US08192227B2 |
Jumper connector
A method and apparatus for jumping a pin connections in an electrical device are provided. The electrical device can be a vehicle having a data link connector that once mated with the apparatus, such a jumping connector that will jump at least two pin connections in the data link connector. The jumping connector can also have dip switches that be in the active or inactive state. In the active state, the dip switch will cause a connection to one of the pin connectors on the electrical device while the inactive state, the dip switch will not cause a connection to one of the pin connectors on the electrical device. |
| US08192225B2 |
Press-contact connection apparatus and illumination apparatus
There is provided a press-contact connection apparatus, including: a base part; press-contact terminals which are fixed to the base part; and an electric wire holder which holds a plurality of electric wires to be press-contacted with the press-contact terminals. The base part includes a support which supports the electric wire holder rotatably and serves as a fulcrum of a rotation of the electric wire, and a first engagement portion. The electric wire holder includes a rotational shaft which is provided in one end portion of the electric wire holder and supported by the support of the base part, and a second engagement portion to be engaged with the first engagement portion. The electric wire holder is pulled between the support and the first engagement portion when the electric wire holder is rotated about the rotational shaft and the plurality of electric wires are being press-contacted to the respective press-contact terminals. |
| US08192224B2 |
Electrical plug connector with strand guide
The invention relates to an electrical plug connector (1) for an electrical cable (2), with a strand guide (10) which is provided on the electrical plug connector (1) so as to be able to move, wherein the strand guide (10) or the electrical plug connector (1) has a release means (112, 212) which can be used to separate the strand guide (10) from the electrical plug connector (1). The invention further relates to a manufactured electrical cable with an electrical plug connector (1) according to the invention; and also to an electrical or electronic apparatus or component, with an electrical plug connector (1) according to the invention or a manufactured electrical cable according to the invention. |
| US08192222B2 |
Electrical connector with an electrical wire holding member
A connector includes plurality of terminal fittings, a terminal holding member for holding the plurality of terminal fittings, and an electric wire holding member which is attached to the terminal holding member and holds plural electric wires. The electric wire holding member has a plurality of electric wire holding parts which hold ends of the plurality of electric wires at the same spacing as intervals between the plurality of terminal fittings and also are arranged in parallel with space in a longitudinal direction of the plurality of terminal fittings, and an exposure part for exposing exposed portions of core wires of the plurality of electric wires to the outside in order to connecting the exposed portions to the plurality of terminal fittings. |
| US08192221B2 |
Printed board connector with locking device
In order to simplify the assembly of a shielded connector, it is proposed that an electrically insulating base body provided as a carrier for electric contacts features a mounting surface with two openings, wherein a recess that respectively features an integral collar on its inner side is respectively arranged around these openings.In addition, the base body is provided with lateral fastening elements that respectively feature a window formed by a frame. The frame can be positively fitted into the appropriate recess by bending the fastening elements such that the fastening element is positively and non-positively fixed on the base body.An electrically conductive shielding element that largely surrounds the base body contacts the fastening elements that, in turn, contact ground strips on the circuit board such that the connector is shielded from external voltages. |
| US08192214B2 |
Lamp socket
The invention provides a lamp socket of a backlight module. The lamp socket comprises a lamp holder and an insulation sheet. The lamp holder comprises a lamp clamp, a holder connector and an inverter connector. Specially, the lamp clamp and the holder connector define a first groove where the insulation sheet can lodge in. |
| US08192211B1 |
Retractable USB memory stick with a safety hook
A retractable USB memory stick includes a metal casing having a longitudinal sliding slot, first and second locating holes located on opposing ends of the longitudinal sliding slot and a hook located on the rear side and defining an access gap, a PC board having a USB plug and a memory IC board, and an insulation PC board holder holding the PC board and slidably mounted in the metal casing. The insulation PC board holder has a sliding block supported on a spring strip and inserted into the longitudinal sliding slot of the metal casing, retaining blocks protruded from the sliding block for selectively engaging the first locating hole or second locating hole to lock the insulation PC board holder to the metal casing in extended or received positions, and a latch located on the rear side and movable with the insulation PC board holder to close/open the access gap. |
| US08192208B2 |
Electronic part and lead
A lead configured to join to a signal line of an electronic part through solder is disposed in an opposing relationship to the signal line and extends for sliding movement. A first opposing face section including a pair of faces having wettability to the solder is formed on surfaces of the signal line and the lead. Further, a second opposing face section including a pair of faces having wettability lower than the wettability of the first opposing face section is formed on the surfaces of the signal line and the lead along an extending direction of the lead. |
| US08192207B2 |
Female circuit board having non-circular conduction portions and conformal to insertion portions
A female circuit board for use with a male circuit board has electrically conductive projections. The female circuit board includes a flexible insulating film. The flexible insulating film includes insertion portions into which the conductive projections of the male circuit board are allowed to be inserted. Each of the insertion portions includes a plurality of slits communicating with each other at the center of each of the insertion portions. The flexible insulating film further includes electrically conduction portions for making contact with the conductive projections to come into conduction with the male circuit board. The conduction portions are disposed around the insertion portions on the surface of the female circuit board facing the male circuit board when the female circuit board is in contact with the male circuit board. The conduction portions conform in shape to the insertion portions. |
| US08192206B1 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector for electrically connecting to a circuit board. In one embodiment, the electrical connector includes: an insulating body, having at least one grounding terminal slot and a plurality of signal terminal slots, at least one grounding terminal, made of a flexible conductive material and accommodated in the grounding terminal slot, and including a first base and a first soldering portion accommodated in the grounding terminal slot in a suspended manner, a plurality of signal terminals, and a plurality of solder balls, at least one of which is disposed on the first soldering portion. |
| US08192203B2 |
Device for checking anesthesia and ventilation units
Apparatus for processes of checking anesthesia and ventilation devices, in the form of a test lung, comprising a lung sac (5), elastically deformable lobes (6, 7), an inlet nozzle (1) and adjustment means (8, 9, 10) for adjusting the simulation parameters. The test lung is in the form of a compact unit and permits the simulation of different lung types by adjustment of the lung parameters. |
| US08192199B2 |
Dental implant for implanting an artificial tooth on the anterior portion of the mandible of a patient
Device for coupling an artificial tooth to a jawbone of a patient, the device including a dental implant, and a deformably removable nut, the dental implant including a threaded bone engaging portion, for engaging the dental implant with the jawbone, and a threaded assembly stage portion, for enabling screwing of the dental implant into the jawbone, and for coupling the artificial tooth with the jawbone, the deformably removable nut including a plurality of engagement features, and a nut disintegration feature, the engagement features enabling engagement of the nut with a tool, for screwing the nut on the dental implant, and for further screwing the dental implant in the jawbone, with the aid of the nut, the nut disintegration feature enabling removal of the nut from the dental implant, without unscrewing the nut from the threaded assembly stage portion. |
| US08192196B2 |
Osteogenetic-pneumopedic appliance, system, and method
One embodiment of the present invention consists of a non-rigid, epigenetic-pneumopedic appliance comprising a wire-type framework supporting bow, bands, brackets or a clasp. The appliance includes active elements adapted to provide brief doses of cyclic forces to induce sutural osteogenesis. The active elements are vibrational, ultrasonic or oscillatory components. The epigenetic-pneumopedic appliance cooperates with an actuator or other expansion mechanism, such as suture spring, that straddles the midline of the appliance. The appliance further includes tooth-contacting material having high-elasticity, such as pre-formed alloys that form 3-D axial springs, which adapt to the long axis of the palatal/lingual surfaces of the teeth. The appliance also includes a plurality of micro-screws 2 along with driving means preferably consisting of either an electrical, ultrasonic (vibrational) meso-motor, or, alternatively, a micro-motor. The epigenetic-pneumopedic appliance may be used with directional bite props. |
| US08192187B2 |
Compressor with screw rotor and gate rotor
A compressor includes a screw rotor and a gate rotor. The screw rotor has a plurality of spirally extending groove portions disposed radially outwardly from the center axis of the screw rotor. The gate rotor has a plurality of tooth portions circumferentially arranged on an outer circumference to engage the groove portions. Preferably, an inclination angle of a groove portion side face contacting the tooth portions is inclined relative to a circumferential direction of the gate rotor varies. Alternatively a first plane contains the screw rotor center axis, a second plane orthogonally intersects the screw rotor center axis, a third plane orthogonally intersects the first and second planes, the gate rotor center axis is on the third plane, and the tooth portions do not overlap the first plane as viewed orthogonally relative to the third plane. |
| US08192182B2 |
Manual evacuation system
A gastight interface for an evacuation device includes a flexible suction cup adapted to form a gastight seal with a surface surrounding a valve disposed on a container and extending from an evacuation end of an evacuation chamber. The flexible suction cup has an aperture disposed therethrough for fluid communication with the evacuation chamber. A plurality of support members extends from the evacuation end of the evacuation chamber to restrict movement of the flexible suction cup between the surface and the evacuation end of the evacuation chamber, to allow fluid communication between an interior of the container and the evacuation chamber through the valve when the valve is in an open position, while the piston is being reciprocated between the closed end and the evacuation end. Each support member has a distal surface disposed outside of an outer perimeter of the flexible suction cup. |
| US08192179B2 |
Method and apparatus for isolating a motor of a box fan
A fan having a housing and a motor connected to the housing via a nonconductive support member. In one form, the nonconductive support member takes the form of a grill. The motor may be connected to the grill such that separate brackets to support the motor are not needed and the motor is electrically isolated from the fan housing. Insulating members may be used to connect the motor to the nonconductive support member. Additional fasteners may be used to connect the motor to the support member. A generally rectangular box fan assembly includes a metal fan housing having a peripheral shroud portion, a nonconductive grill connected to the shroud portion, and a motor assembly connected to the nonconductive grill such that the motor assembly is electrically isolated from the metal fan housing. A method for insulating a box fan from a motor including providing a motor, a metal box fan housing and a nonconductive support member connected to the fan housing and electrically isolating the fan housing from the motor by attaching the motor to the nonconductive support member with a fastening member. |
| US08192178B2 |
Inverter-device built-in type electric compressor and vehicle equipped with the same compressor
An inverter-device built-in type electric compressor includes a compressor terminal and a direct-mounting connector, which connects the inverter-device to an external circuit, at an electric compressor side. The direct-mounting connector faces toward the electric compressor and is placed in parallel with a center axis of the electric compressor. A harness connector wired from a motor of the electric compressor is detachably and electrically connected to the compressor terminal, and the electric compressor is detachably and mechanically connected to the inverter-device. |
| US08192174B2 |
Refrigerant compressor having a connecting rod with a force application point at crank pin which is displaced in a direction of the bearing in relation to the axial center of the crank pin
The invention concerns a refrigerant compressor (1), in particular a semi-hermetic refrigerant compressor, with a compressor block (5) comprising several cylinders arranged in a star shape, a motor, whose rotor is unrotatably connected to a crankshaft (11) that comprises a crank pin (22) and is supported in a bearing (13) in the compressor block (5), and a piston in each cylinder, each piston being connected via a connecting rod (23) to the crank pin (22), the connecting rod (23) comprising a bearing pad (24) that rests on the crank pin (22), the bearing pads (24) of all connecting rods (23) being held on the crank pin (22) by means of a ring arrangement (25). It is endeavored to keep the load on the crankshaft small. For this purpose, each connecting rod (23) has a power application point (49) at the crank pin (22), which is displaced in the direction of the bearing (13) in relation to the axial center of the crank pin (22). |
| US08192173B2 |
Pressure compensated and constant horsepower pump
A pump that includes a piston moveable along a first axis and an eccentric cam positioned about a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The pump also includes an actuator positioned adjacent to the cam and configured to move the cam along the second axis. In addition, the pump further includes a cam-adjacent bearing positioned between the piston and the cam, wherein the cam-adjacent bearing remains positioned substantially along the first axis upon movement of the cam along the second axis. |
| US08192172B2 |
Flow sensing shutoff valve
A flow sensing valve includes a valve housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a plurality of flow sensing ports. A valve member, located within the valve housing, is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The valve member allows fuel flow between the inlet port and outlet port in the open position, and blocks fuel flow between the inlet port and the outlet port in the closed position. A position sensor, operably coupled to the valve member, is configured to determine a valve position of the flow sensing valve. The valve position is indicative of a valve open port area. A metered flow rate of pressurized fuel through the flow sensing valve in a upstream manifold is proportional to the valve open port area because the flow sensing valve maintains a nearly constant differential pressure across the inlet and outlet ports. |
| US08192170B2 |
Rotor blade for a wind energy installation
A rotor blade for a wind power installation, has at least a first component and a second component. The first component has a rotor blade tip and the second component has a rotor blade root. The first and second components are in the form of separate parts for jointly forming the rotor blade. The first component is of at least a first material and the second component is of at least a second material. |
| US08192167B2 |
Blade fastening means of a turbine
A turbine-blade locking device having a wedge movable in an axial direction is disclosed. The wedge is movable in the axial direction by a tensioning device, as a result of which a force is produced in the axial direction. The force in the axial direction causes the turbine blade to be pressed against the blade holder. |
| US08192165B2 |
Impeller of multiblade fan and multiblade fan having the same
An impeller of a multiblade fan includes a discoid main plate that rotates about a rotational axis, blades, and a side plate. The blades are disposed annularly about the rotational axis on one side of the main plate, with one end of each of the blades being fixed to an outer peripheral portion of the main plate. The side plate includes an annular side plate body portion that joins outer peripheral edges of the other ends of the blades to each other, an axially extending portion that extends from an opposite-main plate side end of the side plate body portion in the rotational axis direction further than the opposite-main plate side ends of the blades, and a radially extending portion that extends from an outer peripheral end of the side plate body portion further than a radial-direction outer peripheral end of the axially extending portion. |
| US08192163B2 |
Wiper for wind turbine blades
The present patent application concerns an apparatus for cleaning an outer surface of a rotor blade of a wind turbine, the apparatus comprising a first frame and a cleaning device, the cleaning device being adapted to conform to the outer surface and connected to the first frame, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be slidably positioned on the outer surface of the rotor blade, to slide along, and to be pressed onto the outer surface. Further, it concerns an apparatus for cleaning a leading edge of a rotor blade of a wind turbine, the apparatus comprising a first frame and a cleaning device, the cleaning device being adapted to conform to the leading edge and being connected to the first frame, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be slidably positioned on the leading edge of the rotor blade, to slide along and to be pressed onto the leading edge during standstill of a wind rotor comprising the rotor blade. Finally, it concerns a rotor blade of a wind turbine comprising an apparatus for cleaning a leading edge of the rotor blade, wherein the apparatus is mounted on said rotor blade, the apparatus comprising a first frame and a cleaning device, the cleaning device being adapted to conform to the leading edge and being attached to the first frame, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be slidably positioned on the leading edge of the rotor blade, to slide along and to be pressed onto the leading edge during rotation of a wind rotor comprising the rotor blade. |
| US08192156B2 |
Pneumatic turbine motor air chamber
A pneumatic turbine motor air chamber drives a pneumatic turbine to rotate through compressed air. The pneumatic turbine has a ring extended from inside thereof that has a plurality of barriers and forms a housing space to hold a speed regulator. The pneumatic turbine also has an air intake coupling hole leading to the housing space and at least one air discharge vent communicating with an air passage to discharge the compressed air. The ring is integrally formed with the pneumatic turbine to enhance operation steadiness of the pneumatic turbine. |
| US08192153B2 |
Aerofoil members for a turbomachine
A circumferential row of aerofoil members span an annular duct for carrying a flow of compressible fluid. The duct is centered on the axis of a turbomachine. Pressure and suction surfaces of neighboring aerofoil members bound respective sectoral passages which receive the flow of compressible fluid. The row of aerofoil members includes at least one radial endwall to which the tangent to the trailing edge of each aerofoil member at midspan is substantially orthogonal. Each aerofoil member has reverse compound lean. Each aerofoil member further has a leading edge which has a position at the endwall which is upstream of its position at midspan. The endwall at each sectoral passage has a non-axisymmetrical cross-section formed by a region that, in meridional section, is convexly profiled immediately adjacent the pressure surface and a region that, in meridional section, is concavely profiled immediately adjacent the suction surface. |
| US08192148B2 |
Fluid return in the splitter of turbomachines with bypass-flow configuration
A turbomachine, includes an annular flow duct, which downstream of at least one stage, is divided into an outer annular bypass duct and an inner annular core-flow duct via a concentrically arranged splitter, wherein the splitter is designed as an intermediate casing with at least one inner volume, through which fluid may be returned between core-flow stages. |
| US08192147B2 |
Nacelle assembly having inlet bleed
A nacelle assembly for a turbine engine has a cowl. The cowl extends along an axis and has an exterior surface spaced from an interior surface. The interior surface forms an air inlet for directing airflow to the turbine engine. An opening is disposed on the cowl. A device for creating suction through the opening is in fluid communication with the opening. The opening removes a portion of a boundary layer flow through the cowl, thereby providing higher energy flow along the interior surface. |
| US08192133B2 |
Climate controlled cabinet with movable carrier
A climate-controlled cabinet that includes a climate-controlled chamber for receiving a storage system, a carrier arranged in said chamber, and at least one storage tower arranged in said chamber and mounted to the carrier. The storage tower includes a plurality of locations for objects to be stored. A transport device is included for automatically transporting objects between the storage tower and an external system, and a shaker for automatically shaking the carrier. |
| US08192130B2 |
Square bale loader and feeder
Apparatus for loading and feeding hay bales including a transport vehicle having a flatbed and a tiltable support frame mounted to the flatbed for carrying a stack of bales. A hoist is used to tilt the support frame from a horizontal hay bale transport position to a vertical position against a bale stack for picking up a bale stack. Squeeze arms are used to secure the bale stack to the support frame. An endless chain on the support frame is used to selectively move the bales forwardly. A flaker is mounted at a forward end of the flatbed for receiving a bale advanced thereon and selectively flaking off portions of the bale. A tipping apparatus is provided for selectively tipping a bale advanced by the endless chain from the support frame onto the flaker. |
| US08192128B2 |
Alignment apparatus and method for a boom of a pipe handling system
A pipe handling apparatus has a frame, a boom pivotally connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position and a second position, an arm extending outwardly of the boom when the boom is in the second position, a gripper affixed to the end of the arm opposite the boom, a first line having a first end affixed to the boom, a second line interconnected to an opposite end of the first line and connected to the frame, and an actuator interconnected to the first and second lines. The actuator changes an angular relationship of the first and second lines so as to selectively tension the lines. The second line includes a first cable offset from linear alignment with the first line and a second cable extending in angular relationship with the first cable. |
| US08192127B2 |
Tubular handling system for drilling rigs
A cableway transport system for moving tubulars between a supply of tubulars and a rig mast implements a gondola suspended and movable along load cables. The gondola is fit with grippers for carrying tubulars between the rack and mast. The gondola has a first landing coupler which is received and releasably couples to a second landing coupler on the mast for forming a landing connection. The landing connection enables rotation of the gondola to align the carried tubular with the wellhead. The grippers can be individually actuable to allow finer alignment of the tubular above the wellhead. |
| US08192121B1 |
Cargo restraint device
A device for engaging an elongated support for restraining cargo selectively in containers having different widths. The device comprising a strip, a sleeve including four walls extending generally perpendicularly from the top strip surface defining a first cavity. The sleeve having a rigid platform within the first cavity extending substantially parallel to and spaced from the top strip surface. A compressible insert receivable in the sleeve. The compressible insert including a separable portion to be removed for reducing the size of the compressible insert. The compressible insert may be comprised of foam, may have a block configuration and may be scored for facilitating removal of the separable portion of the compressible insert. The device may also include gussets. The device is configures to transfer to shear stress at least some of the tensile force applied by the elongated support. A method of restraining cargo with an elongated support selectively in containers having different internal widths using the device. |
| US08192115B2 |
Machine tool with at least one sliding door
A machine tool is provided. The machine tool can comprise a machine frame, at least one tool holder device which is held for movement on the machine frame, a work space in which workpieces are machinable, a work space cladding, at least one workpiece carriage which is displaceable on a path guiding device relative to the machine frame, the path guiding device being arranged alongside the work space, and at least one sliding door for access to the work space. The sliding door particularly can be arranged on the path guiding device of the at least one workpiece carriage. |
| US08192109B2 |
Subsurface irrigation system
A subsurface irrigation system includes an athletic field or the like with a length and width equal to the length and width of the official rules for a sporting event or covering an entire agricultural field and with an excavation depth of about 25 to 50 centimeters. The system also includes a generally impervious plastic sheet or the like that covers the excavation and extends upwardly above the sides thereof. A source of water is disposed outside of the field and a plurality of distribution pipes and water distributors are disposed in the excavated area and extend substantially over the length and width of the excavation. In addition, a main channel connects the distribution pipe to the source of water and a plurality of water distributors are operatively connected to the distribution pipes for receiving water therefrom. Each of the water distributors includes an upwardly extending short pipe having a plurality of small holes around its periphery and a plurality of generally hemispherical covers that extend downwardly in the form of a right circular cylinder over the openings to protect the small holes from being clogged by a mass of soil added to the excavation to cover the subsurface irrigation system and support the growth of ground cover thereon. |
| US08192107B2 |
Telescoping member locking release device
A locking and release mechanism device for use with collapsible telescoping members, such as a tow bar that can be collapsed for ease of storage when not in use, and provide for attachment, locking and detachment regardless of load, e.g. to towed and towing vehicle devices regardless of vehicle static load relative to each other. Exemplary In embodiments of the invention include a locking mechanism using roller release members which are lever actuated, the roller release member according to the present invention cooperate with the telescopic members and related elements such that to release the locking mechanism members, a minimum lever force is required. |
| US08192105B2 |
Set of components able to be coupled together
A set (10), including a first component (12) having one or more stub portions (16) extending from the first component (12), the one or more stub portions (16) being formed with at least one set of radially extending teeth (22) separated circumferentially by troughs (24), and a second component (14) having a socket portion shaped to receive one of the stub portions (16), wherein peripherally spaced formations (30) are provided on an interior surface of the socket portion. The stub portion (16) is able to be received within the socket of the second component (14) by aligning the teeth (22) of the stub portion (16) between the formations (30) of the socket, and wherein the stub portion and socket are thereafter connected by relatively rotating the first (12) or second components (14) such that the teeth (22) of the stub portion engage the formations (30) of the socket to couple the first and second components together. |
| US08192102B2 |
Load absorption system
An apparatus has a tubular body with a channel and a number of stiffeners. The number of stiffeners allows the tubular body to absorb additional mechanical energy through axial compression. Additionally, the number of stiffeners is located on a number of locations for the tubular body. The apparatus also has a plurality of hinges located in part between the number of locations of the number of stiffeners for the tubular body, and also located between end flanges at the end of the tubular body and a stiffener. The number of hinges further define deformable regions. At least one deformable region of the plurality of deformable regions is configured to expand away from the channel in response to the tubular body being compressed in the axial direction. |
| US08192099B2 |
Print tape and a print cassette
An object of the disclosure is to provide a print cassette for producing a print tape comprising a structure which can avoid a bad effect on a feeding performance of a film tape in the print cassette and handling of a print tape when stuck to an adherend even when an adopted to-be-printed medium is a thin-film. A print tape 5 produced in a print cassette is composed of a first tape 11 and a second tape 13. In the first tape 11, a first base material 31 and a to-be-printed medium 33 are stacked via a first adhesive layer 32. In the second tape 13, a second adhesive layer 51 is stacked to a second base material 52. Then, a printing surface 11A of the first tape 11 on which ink 41 is put and the second adhesive layer 51 are overlapped with each other, so that the second tape 13 adhered to the first tape 11 to compose the print tape 5. |
| US08192097B2 |
Printer apparatus
A printer apparatus includes a first device and a second device. The first device includes a first carriage movable in a scanning direction along a guide rail and a first working device to perform a first predetermined work on an object medium. The second device includes a second carriage movable in the scanning direction along the guide rail and a second working device to perform a second predetermined work on the object medium. A first device holding mechanism is capable of holding the first device. A second device holding mechanism is capable of holding the second device. A vertically retreat mechanism is configured to move the second device holding mechanism and the second device along a vertical direction to be located below a medium supporter to support the object medium when the first working device is moved in the scanning direction to perform the first predetermined work. |
| US08192096B1 |
Panorama head for optical equipment
A panorama head for optical equipment is provided. In one implementation, the panorama head secures a camera or other optical device and enables the camera or device to pan at a parallax-free pivot point near the lens of the camera or device. An example panorama head includes multiple features for attaching in different ways to different types of external tripods, clamps, balls, and mounts to enable panoramic panning in the portrait mode and in the landscape mode. The attachments include quick release features to switch quickly between portrait and landscape modes. In one implementation, the panorama head is constructed of two plates for low-cost, lightweight, and easy-to-use construction. |
| US08192095B2 |
Sensor assembly for a vehicle windshield
A sensor assembly for a vehicle windshield includes a retaining frame, a sensor housing, clamping hooks, a spring, and an actuating lever. The retaining frame is attachable to the windshield. The clamping hooks are connected to the housing. The clamping hooks are attachable to the retaining frame to attach the housing to the retaining frame. The spring is connected to the housing and associated with one of the clamping hooks. The actuating lever is pivotably mounted to the clamping hooks. Pivoting of the actuating lever causes the spring to compress and press the housing against the windshield when both the retaining frame is attached to the windshield and the housing is attached by the clamping hooks to the retaining frame. |
| US08192094B2 |
Optical module
An optical module includes a housing including a groove part formed inside the housing; and a receptacle received in the housing, the receptacle to which an optical connector having an optical fiber is connected, the receptacle including a brim part and a stub part where the brim part is formed in a body. An elastic body is provided in the groove part, the groove part where the brim part is provided. The elastic body is configured to adhere to and hold the stub part. |
| US08192092B2 |
Modified pre-ferrulized communication cable assembly and installation method
Disclosed is a modified pre-ferrulized cable assembly that facilitates installation of an optical fiber communication cable through narrow cable guides having sharp bends. The pre-ferrulized cable assembly includes a communication cable having a free, front end, a semi-finished communication connector, and a suction plug. The invention further relates to efficient methods for installing the modified pre-ferrulized cable assembly through a cable guide. |
| US08192088B2 |
Wheel support bearing assembly and method of making the same
There is provided a wheel support bearing assembly in which at least one of the outer member (5) and inner member, which includes a wheel mounting flange (10), is, after having been forged, air cooled or thermally refined. The respective rolling surfaces of the outer member (5) and the inner member are hardened to have a predetermined surface hardness. The root radial dimension of the section of a groove bottom arc in the serrations (9) of the hub unit (1) is regulated to a value within the range of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. |
| US08192080B2 |
Microwire-controlled autoclave and method
Improved treatment apparatus (120, 152) is provided for the treatment (e.g., molding, heating and/or curing) of objects such as parts or part precursors (148, 170) including wireless detection of a temperature parameter related to the objects during treatment thereof. The objects include associated microwire-type sensors (150, 174) which have characteristic re-magnetization responses under the influence of applied, alternating magnetic fields. The apparatus (120, 152) have treatment chambers (122, 153) sized to hold the objects to be treated, with one or more antennas (132, 124, 166) proximal to such objects and operable to generate interrogating alternating magnetic fields and to detect the responses of the sensors (150, 174). The detected temperature parameter information is used by an apparatus controller (146) to maintain desired ambient conditions within the treatment chamber (122, 153). |
| US08192079B2 |
Disposable thermometer probe sheath and fabrication method thereof
A disposable thermometer probe sheath includes a bottom piece and a plastic cover film sealed onto the bottom piece. The plastic cover film comprising an upper plastic sheet film and a lower plastic sheet film, each of which has a front edge provided with an opening, a rear edge provided with a tip, and a sealed peripheral edge except for the opening, so as to receive a thermometer probe. The plastic cover film is made of a flexible and deformable material, while the plastic cover film is provided with two notches respectively formed on two side edges adjacent to the tip. The upper plastic sheet film is provided with a first flap attached to the opening thereof, while the lower plastic sheet film is provided with a second flap attached to the opening. When the thermometer probe is inserted into the plastic cover film, the notches are tightly engaged with the thermometer probe. When separating the thermometer probe from the plastic cover film, one of the upper plastic sheet film and the lower plastic sheet film of the plastic cover film is torn from the opening thereof along a longitudinal direction of the plastic cover film under the assistance of the engagement between the two notches and the thermometer probe, and then the one of the upper plastic sheet film and the lower plastic sheet film will be overturned from the opening toward the tip of the plastic cover film, so that the thermometer probe is separated from the plastic cover film. |
| US08192078B2 |
Device for recording the pressure and the temperature in an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine
A device for recording the pressure and the temperature in an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor being situated in a common housing, and an evaluation of a signal of the temperature sensor being provided outside the housing. An EMC protective circuit is provided in this context, which is integrated into the housing and/or is situated on the housing, and is electrically connected to the temperature sensor. |
| US08192076B2 |
Thermal sensor, non-contact thermometer device, and non-contact temperature measurement method
A thermal sensor that includes a ceramic body formed of NTC thermister ceramic, heat sensing part electrodes, temperature compensation part electrodes, external electrodes, and a cavity. A heat sensing part, which is the surface layer of the ceramic body, is heated by, for example, radiant heat transfer, reducing the resistance value of a thermister ceramic layer between the heat sensing part electrodes. Since the heat of the heat sensing part of the ceramic body is insulated by the cavity and thus prevented from diffusing, the heat capacity of the heat sensing unit is reduced, obtaining high sensitivity and high responsiveness. |
| US08192075B2 |
Method for performing ultrasonic testing
Methods of performing ultrasonic testing are disclosed, comprising the step of determining a temperature gradient of an ultrasonic wedge. In one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the steps of determining a sound velocity gradient of the ultrasonic wedge to determine the time it takes for sound waves emanating from a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements attached to the ultrasonic wedge to reach a point of interest within a test object, and firing each of the ultrasonic transducer elements in a timed sequence based on the times such that sound waves from each of the ultrasonic transducer elements reach the point of interest at the same time. In other embodiments of the invention, the total attenuation and acoustic impedance of a sound wave traveling through the ultrasonic wedge is determined to adjust the amplitude of the sound wave such that the sound wave has sufficient amplitude to perform the ultrasonic testing. |
| US08192073B1 |
Mixing apparatus and method for manufacturing an emulsified fuel
A mixing apparatus is disclosed. The mixing apparatus comprises a mixing device having a constant flow area. The mixing device is configured to create a shearing environment. Several types of mixing apparatus are disclosed. Methods for producing aqueous fuel emulsions with consistently uniform dispersed phase particle sizes using a mixing apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US08192071B2 |
Agitator apparatus with collapsible impeller
An agitator apparatus for a mixing vessel having a rotating member and one or more impellers coupled to the rotating member, at least one of the impellers being collapsible so that the collapsible impeller is movable from a collapsed orientation to a deployed orientation relative to the rotating member. A limiting member may be used to prevent the collapsible impeller from opening beyond its fully deployed orientation. |
| US08192069B2 |
Water supply mixing process
A process and system mixes drinking water stored in large water tower type storage tanks, preventing stratification of the water, by generating large mixing bubbles in the tank's standpipe, causing mixing of layers of water in the tank through turbulence created as the bubbles rise through the tank. Embodiments of the present invention, adapted for use in storage tanks in which the standpipe serves as both water inlet and outlet, detect flow in the standpipe and provide mixing only when the standpipe is not serving as a water outlet. |
| US08192067B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display apparatus having light guiding member, prism sheet and reflection section
A backlight unit (110) according to the present invention includes: a light source (102) for emitting light; a light guiding member (103) for receiving light emitted from the light source (102) at an end face (103c), and propagating the received light in a first direction (P); a prism sheet (104) disposed at the front face (103a) of the light guiding member (103); and a reflection section (105) disposed at the rear face (103b) side of the light guiding member (103), and the reflection section (105) has a reflection surface (105a) for light being emitted from the rear face (103b) of the light guiding member (103) and having a component in the first direction, the light being reflected toward the rear face (103b) of the light guiding member (103) as light having a component in a second direction which is the opposite direction to the first direction. |
| US08192066B2 |
Tiled lighting device
The present invention relates to a lighting device (10) comprising a tiled light guide (16) comprising a central tile (12b) and at least one end tile (12a, 12c), the end tile(s) (12a, 12c) being arranged at an edge (24, 26) of the light guide (16); at least one solid state light source (18) arranged for coupling light into the light guide (16) in a general direction towards or away from the end tile(s) (12a, 12c); and a plurality of out-coupling structures (20) arranged for coupling light out of the light guide (16); wherein the end tile(s) (12a, 12c) has inherent in-coupling and/or inherent out-coupling of light different from the central tile (12b). |
| US08192065B2 |
Multi-colored illuminator
An apparatus for providing a multicolored illuminator is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first sheet comprising a plurality of columnar illuminators stacked side by side, and a plurality of colored light sources placed along an edge of the first sheet. The plurality of columnar illuminators diffuse light generated by the plurality of colored light sources. The light emanates in a predetermined pattern. |
| US08192063B2 |
Rear deck warning light bar
An interior light bar adapted to be installed on the rear deck of a vehicle for projecting light out of the rear window. The light bar has a pair of projection units each having a housing and each slidably mounted on a rail which extends through the housings from an end thereof and along a rear, closed side. The units each contain light emitters which project the light out of the open side of the units. The units are assembled with a selected separation distance so that the ends through which the rail extends are essentially in contact or sufficiently spread apart to clear a brake light assembly on the rear deck or even further apart so as to provide a wide width of illumination out of the rear window from the light bar. The rail may be channel which provides a conduit for wiring from the light emitter units. Fasteners which connect the housings and the rail into an integrated assembly extend through the closed side of the housing. These fasteners may also connect to a slotted L bracket for providing height and lateral adjustability of the light bar toward and away from the window upon installation of the deck. |
| US08192058B2 |
LED recessed light with transparent board
An LED recessed light with transparent board includes a heat sink base, an LED illumination module, a sleeve, a transparent board and a positioning element. The heat sink base has a first surface and a second surface. The LED illumination module is mounted on the first surface of the heat sink base thereof. The sleeve is mounted on the first surface of the heat sink, so as to the LED illumination module is located within the sleeve, and the sleeve is formed with an open end, which has an internal flange. The transparent board is arranged at internal flange of the sleeve for covering the sleeve. And the positioning element is mounted at the sleeve for positioning the transparent board. |
| US08192055B2 |
Backlight device and display device using the same
A backlight device is provided with a substrate whereupon a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged, and a lower side chassis (heat dissipating unit) where heat generated by the light emitting diodes is transferred from the substrate and dissipated to the outside. An amount of heat generated by each light emitting diode is measured in advance, and in accordance with the measurement results of the amounts of generated heat, an arrangement position on the substrate is determined and corresponding light emitting diodes are arranged. |
| US08192053B2 |
High efficiency solid-state light source and methods of use and manufacture
A high-intensity light source is formed by a micro array of a semiconductor light source such as a LEDs, laser diodes, or VCSEL placed densely on a liquid or gas cooled thermally conductive substrate. The semiconductor devices are typically attached by a joining process to electrically conductive patterns on the substrate, and driven by a microprocessor controlled power supply. An optic element is placed over the micro array to achieve improved directionality, intensity, and/or spectral purity of the output beam. The light module may be used for such processes as, for example, fluorescence, inspection and measurement, photopolymerzation, ionization, sterilization, debris removal, and other photochemical processes. |
| US08192052B2 |
Lamp and method for supporting a light source
A lamp is provided. Generally, the lamp comprises light source means for providing illumination in a frontward direction, retainer means for applying a frontward-directed load to the light source, and housing means for mechanically supporting the light source means and the retainer means. |
| US08192048B2 |
Lighting assemblies and systems
The present disclosure relates to illumination or lighting assemblies and systems that provide illumination using LEDs. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a lighting assembly, comprising: multiple light emitting diodes that emit light; an optical system that directs the light emitted by the light emitting diodes, the optical system positioned adjacent to light emitting diodes; and a cooling fin including a two-phase cooling system, the cooling fin positioned adjacent to the light emitting diodes such that the two-phase cooling system removes heat from the light emitting diodes. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a lighting system including multiple lighting assemblies. The lighting assemblies and systems of the present disclosure can be used in, for example, a street light, a backlight (including, for example, a sun-coupled backlight), a wall wash light, a billboard light, a parking ramp light, a high bay light, a parking lot light, a signage lit sign (also referred to as an electric sign), static signage (including, for example, sun-coupled static signage), illuminated signage, and other lighting applications. |
| US08192047B2 |
High color rendering index white LED light system using multi-wavelength pump sources and mixed phosphors
The present invention relates to an LED lighting system producing light having improved Color Rendering Index (CRI). The system includes a plurality of LEDs wherein the LEDs have at least a first and second characteristic wavelength, and a mixed phosphor layer overlying at least one of a portion of the plurality of LEDs, the phosphor layer absorbing at least a portion of the LED-emitted light and producing phosphor-emitted light, wherein the phosphors includes a third characteristic wavelength and a fourth characteristic wavelength, wherein the third characteristic wavelength and fourth characteristic wavelength are not the same. |
| US08192045B2 |
Portable fluorescent lighting system with long-life hinge mechanism
A hinge retaining mechanism for a fluorescent lighting system. A portable fluorescent lighting system which utilizes an extremely lightweight corrugated plastic panel made into 5 subpanels. At each end of the panel a U shaped channel is attached that forms the center panel and the opposing adjacent two panels into a trough or recessed pan. On each of the two remaining panels is attached another U shaped channel. Each of the U shaped channels includes a mechanism for supporting a high-tension mechanical hinge. The mechanical hinge is designed to float freely within the adjacent channel brackets. One part of the hinge is mechanically retained to the channel to prevent inadvertent removal of the hinge. |
| US08192042B2 |
Light-emitting decorative accessory
The invention discloses a light-emitting decorative accessory which includes a shaft, a first shoulder, a second shoulder, and a light-emitting module. The first shoulder and the second shoulder connect two opposite ends of the shaft respectively. The shaft has hollow space therein, and the outer diameter of the shaft is shorter than each outer diameter of the first shoulder and the second shoulder. The second shoulder has an upper surface with an aperture forming through the second shoulder and protruding to the hollow space inside the shaft. The light-emitting module includes a light-emitting unit, a circuit board, and a vibration switch for triggering the light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit is electrically connected to the circuit board disposed on the upper surface of the second shoulder. The vibration switch is contained inside the hollow space inside the shaft and electrically connected to the circuit board. |
| US08192039B1 |
Light emitting diode backup systems and methods
Systems and methods for backing up LEDs are provided. In one embodiment, an LED backup system includes an LED backup controller operable to select from a plurality of power sources to supply electrical energy to a set of LEDs. The plurality of power sources includes a primary power source and a battery. The LED backup controller is adapted to be in selective electrical communication with the primary power source via a first electrical path. The LED backup controller is also adapted to be in electrical communication with the primary power source via a second electrical path. The LED backup controller is operable to select the battery to supply electrical energy to the set of LEDs in response to a failure of the LED backup controller to electrically communicate with the primary power source via the second electrical path. |
| US08192038B2 |
Photographic reflector
A photographic reflector includes an engagement unit, a support frame, a fabric canopy, and a lamp holder. The engagement unit includes an engagement seat and an engagement member moveably mounted in the engagement seat. The support frame includes a plurality of ribs and a plurality of stretchers corresponding to each respective rib. One end of each rib is pivotally connected to the engagement seat. One end of each stretcher is pivotally connected to a preset location of the corresponding rib, and the other end of each stretcher is pivotally connected to the engagement member. The fabric canopy is mounted on the ribs of the support frame and has a reflective layer at an inside thereof and a mounting hole defined at a location close to the engagement unit. The lamp holder is mounted in the mounting hole of the fabric canopy. The photographic reflector can be folded as compactly as desired, easily stored, and convenient in transportation and use. |
| US08192037B2 |
Correction and focusing device for a beam
A correction and focusing device for a beam, through the deformation of a mirror, wherein it incorporates a frame supporting the mirror, at least one curve generator applying at least one torque to at least one extremity of the mirror, and correction actuators spaced along the mirror so as to apply stresses to the different zones of the mirror. |
| US08192036B2 |
Rearview mirror adjustment system for trailer attached vehicle
A system and method for automatically correcting the viewing angle of a rear-view mirror on a vehicle towing a trailer when the vehicle is traveling around a curve. If the dimensions of the trailer are unknown, then the corrected viewing angle is the same as the hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. If the dimensions of the trailer are known, then trigonometry is used to determine the corrected viewing angle. Depending on whether the road is curving to the right or to the left will determine whether the left side rear-view mirror or the right side rear-view mirror is adjusted. |
| US08192034B2 |
Image viewing system for passengers of an aircraft and aircraft comprising such a system
The invention relates to an image viewing system for aircraft passengers, characterized in that it is embodied in the form of a module (10) which comprises a unit (20) for displaying images originating from at least one image source (12, 14, 16), the display unit being tied to an internal wall of the aircraft, in a position parallel to a floor of the aircraft. |
| US08192032B2 |
Aspheric mirror, projection-type image displaying apparatus and method of producing projection-type image displaying apparatus
An aspheric mirror has an aspheric reflective surface symmetrical with respect to an optical axis that goes through the reflective surface and a reference plane provided in the reflective surface. The optical axis may go through the reflective surface at a non-center position on the reflective surface. The reference plane may be perpendicular to the optical axis. The reference plane may be flat enough for a beam to be reflected from the reference plane in almost specular reflection when emitted to the reference plane. |
| US08192029B2 |
Image display device
An image display device includes: a laser light source having a plurality of emitting sections arrayed in a predetermined direction; and a light modulation device that includes an illumination region extending in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and that modulates the laser lights emitted from the laser light source in accordance with an image signal. In the image display device, the predetermined direction in which the emitting sections are arrayed coincides with the longitudinal direction of the illumination region of the light modulation device. |
| US08192028B2 |
Projector of an information display system in vehicles, in particular in aircraft
A projector of an information display system in vehicles, in particular in aircraft, for projecting images comprising information for passengers and/or crew onto a projection area which is arranged in the vehicle, with the use of a projection lens that images the image contents onto the projection area, which images are generated by a light source and a projection means. An LED array comprising LEDs that can be switched on and off independently of each other is provided as a light source and as a projection means. To generate composite variable image contents the LEDs can be individually selected. Between the LED array and the projection lens a separation box comprising several chambers is arranged. The chambers of the separation box are associated with an LED such that the chambers associated with the switched-on LEDs are imaged on the projection area by the projection lens as parts of the compound image determined by the switched-on LEDs. |
| US08192027B2 |
Calibration and tracking control of heliostats in a central tower receiver solar power plant
A suntracking system for a central receiver solar power plant includes a heliostat field for reflecting sunlight to a receiver, cameras directed toward at least a subset of the heliostats, and a controller. The cameras are configured to produce images of sunlight reflected from multiple heliostats. The heliostats include a mirrored surface having a settable orientation and have a geometry modeled by a set of parameters. A method of estimating heliostat parameters for open-loop suntracking includes acquiring pointing samples by setting the direction of reflection of the heliostats and detecting concurrent sunlight reflections into the cameras. The method uses the acquired pointing samples and surveyed locations of the cameras to estimate the heliostat parameters. The method accurately maintains the sun's reflection directed toward the receiver open-loop utilizing the estimated tracking parameters. |
| US08192025B2 |
Non-contact optical coherence tomography imaging of the central and peripheral retina
A system includes a mirror having an axis extending through a central portion thereof, and a portion of the mirror being configured to repeatedly oscillate between a first position and a second position around the axis, so as to record a field of up to 200 degrees of a portion of the central and peripheral retina, a first scanner configured to use a spectral domain optical coherence tomography system to obtain a non-contact wide angle optical coherence tomography-image of the portion of the central and peripheral retina, and a second scanner configured to obtain an image of the retina, wherein the mirror is configured to oscillate so as to move the focal point of the mirror from one side of a pupil to another side, thereby permitting scanning light inside the eye to cover a predetermined peripheral field, thus creating a two dimensional or three dimensional image of the field. |
| US08192022B2 |
Optical method and system for extended depth of focus
An imaging arrangement and method for extended the depth of focus are provided. The imaging arrangement comprises an imaging lens having a certain affective aperture, and an optical element associated with said imaging lens. The optical element is configured as a phase-affecting, non-diffractive optical element defining a spatially low frequency phase transition. The optical element and the imaging lens define a predetermined pattern formed by spaced-apart substantially optically transparent features of different optical properties. Position of at least one phase transition region of the optical element within the imaging lens plane is determined by at least a dimension of said affective aperture. |
| US08192021B2 |
Multi-tint ophthalmic lenses for night vision
The present invention relates to an ophthalmic lens comprising, on its surface, a first central yellow zone preferentially absorbing the blue light of the visible spectrum, a second peripheral zone preferentially absorbing light having wavelengths of less than 600 nm, and preferentially a third zone which is colorless, grey, or brown in the lower part of the lens. |
| US08192018B2 |
Method and apparatus for universal improvement of vision
“Universal improvement” of vision is achieved by effectively changing the shape of the anterior refracting surface of the cornea to an ideal “turtleback” shape, on which is imposed the necessary curvature adjustment to achieve correction of distance vision. In accordance with one embodiment, the cornea is actually formed to the turtleback shape through corneal surgery, preferably laser ablation surgery. In accordance with a second embodiment, a contact lens with the desired distance corrected ideal turtleback shape on its anterior surface is positioned over the cornea. |
| US08192015B2 |
Eyeglass with enhanced ballistic resistance
An eyeglass is provided that can comprise a frame, a lens, and at least one retention component that can secure the lens relative to the frame. The frame can be configured to support at least one lens in a field of view of a wearer. The frame can include a first ear stem and a second ear stem that allows the frame to be worn on the wearer's head. The at least one retention component can be supported by the frame and/or the lens and can be movable or fixed relative to the frame and/or the lens. The retention component can engage an engagement portion of the frame and/or the lens for preventing the lens from separating from the frame in response to a ballistic event. |
| US08192014B1 |
Optical device
An optical device is disclosed having a supporting bar with a twisted configuration. At least one lens is slidably connected to the supporting bar such that the lens rotates when slid longitudinally along the supporting bar. The optical device further comprises a nose piece connected to the supporting bar, which may be stationary or adjustable with respect to the supporting bar. As the lens or lenses are slid along the supporting bar, they achieve a continuously changing angle relative to the nosepiece. |
| US08192011B2 |
System and method for discharging static in a printer
A method of preventing electrostatic charge build up on a print media from adversely affecting quality of inkjet printing, comprising: (a) coupling a static discharging wand to print head carriage at a set distance ahead of inkjet print heads and altitude over print media, and (b) coupling the static discharge wand to a power unit to provide a potential difference between said static discharge wand and said print media. |
| US08192009B2 |
Ink set and ink cartridge for ink-jet recording, ink-jet recording method, and ink-jet recording apparatus
An ink set for ink-jet recording which includes multiple inks having different colors. Each of the multiple inks includes a colorant, a water-soluble organic solvent, a fluorine-based surfactant, and water. The viscosity difference among the multiple inks is 2.0 mPa·s or less at a temperature of 25° C. and a shearing speed of 230 1/s, and the viscosity difference among the multiple inks is 0.5 mPa·s or less at a temperature of 25° C. and a shearing speed of 100,000 1/s. |
| US08192001B2 |
Cartridge ejection apparatus for inkjet printing
A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus comprises a liquid cartridge including a first unit having a liquid storing chamber and a liquid outlet, a second unit movable relative to the first unit between a close position where the second unit is close to the first unit and a distant position where the second unit is distant from the first unit; and a biasing member which applies a force to cause the second unit in the close position to move toward the distant position. The locking device is configured to lock the second unit in the close position in a state where the liquid cartridge is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion. When the second unit moves from the close position to the distant position under the force applied from the biasing member, in an unlocking state, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are maintained to be coupled to each other. |
| US08191998B2 |
Liquid ejecting head
A compact print head enabling high-quality, high-speed printing is provided. A liquid ejecting head includes: a substrate, having elements that generate energy used to eject liquid from ejection openings, and provided with a liquid supply port that communicates with a surface of the substrate having the elements and an opposite surface thereof; a member, provided above the surface of the substrate, and having walls of a liquid flow path that communicates with ejection openings and the supply port; an insulating layer, provided so as to cover the supply port, and provided with a plurality of through-holes; and a conducting layer electrically coupled to the elements, and provided within the insulating layer so as to be insulated with respect to the liquid. |
| US08191997B2 |
Liquid droplet jetting apparatus and liquid droplet jetting head
A piezoelectric actuator includes piezoelectric material layers, individual electrodes corresponding to pressure chambers, a first common constant electric potential electrode corresponding to outer peripheral portions of the pressure chambers, and a second common constant electric potential electrode corresponding to central portions of the individual electrodes. A plurality of first active portions is formed in areas of the piezoelectric material layers sandwiched between the individual electrodes and the second common constant electric potential electrode, and a plurality of second active portions is formed in areas of the piezoelectric material layers sandwiched between the individual electrodes and the first common constant electric potential electrode. Since the second common constant electric potential electrode has a mesh-shaped form, it is possible to reduce an impedance thereof. |
| US08191995B2 |
Printhead for thermal inkjet printing and the printing method thereof
The present invention relates to a printhead for thermal inkjet printing and the printing method thereof. The printhead includes: a substrate having a plurality of orifices with a firing element in each of said plurality of orifices, wherein said plurality of orifices are arranged in a single column, and said printhead is disposed at an angle to a horizontal direction along which said printhead scans; and firing circuits for energizing said plurality of firing elements to eject ink on a printing medium by respectively transmitting a plurality of firing signals to said plurality of firing elements. According to the present invention, the print speed and resolution can be improved. |
| US08191993B2 |
Nozzle plate for liquid ejector head, liquid ejector head, liquid ejector, liquid ejection method, inkjet recording apparatus, and inkjet recording method
The present invention provides a nozzle plate for liquid ejector head and a liquid ejector head. The nozzle plate for liquid ejector head includes at least a nozzle hole for ejecting droplets composed of an ejection liquid, wherein the surface energy of an inner wall of the nozzle hole at 25° C. is lower than the surface tension of the ejection liquid at 25° C. and is substantially same as the surface energy of the ejection side surface of the nozzle plate at 25° C. |
| US08191992B2 |
Protective coatings for solid inkjet applications
An aperture plate coated with a composition including a first monomer, a second monomer, a fluorinated compound, such as fluorosilane, fluoroalkyl amide, fluorinated ether and the like, and a photoinitiator, where the first and second monomer are different. A process of coating an aperture plate includes applying the compositions to a base film, such as a polyimide film, and curing the compositions on the base film. |
| US08191988B2 |
Liquid ejection head, liquid-ejection head substrate, liquid ejecting apparatus including liquid ejection head, and method of cleaning liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes a liquid-ejection head substrate including an element, which generates thermal energy used for ejecting a liquid from an ejection port, and a protective layer, which covers at least the element, and in which first layers and second layers are alternately stacked; a flow passage member which defines a wall of a flow passage communicating with the ejection port; and a flow-passage electrode disposed in the flow passage. |
| US08191987B2 |
UV-curable coatings and methods for applying UV-curable coatings using thermal micro-fluid ejection heads
An aqueous-based UV-curable fluid composition for use in a micro-fluid ejection device. The fluid composition includes a mixture of poly-functional compounds, a colorant compound, a photo-initiator and less than about 50 weight percent water based on a total weight of the fluid composition, wherein the fluid composition is substantially devoid of volatile organic carrier fluids. |
| US08191985B2 |
Ink jet printer
An ink jet printer printing an image using a plurality of types of color ink. The heat exchanger cools and heats the ink to adjust the temperature of the ink. The heat exchanger has a contact and separate mechanism which, for ink cooling, tightly contacts a radiation section with a heat exchange section and which, for ink heating, separates the radiation section from the heat exchange section. |
| US08191982B2 |
Liquid projection apparatus
A method of projecting liquid as jets or droplets from a nozzle provided on a transducer formed by a region of a material layer, the method comprising the steps of: supplying liquid to an inner end of the nozzle; exciting the nozzle to cause movement of the nozzle in a direction substantially aligned with the nozzle axis in order to project liquid as a droplet from an outer face of the nozzle; wherein the step of exciting the nozzle comprises sequentially driving the transducer with a first rising voltage change, a first falling voltage change, a second rising voltage change and a second falling voltage change; and wherein the first rising voltage change and the first falling voltage change are timed so that they enhance the movement of the material layer, and the second rising voltage change and the second falling voltage change are timed so that they substantially cancel the movement of the material layer. |
| US08191980B2 |
Processing image data
A method of processing image data is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method, which obtains image data for printing the edge of a circular pad having a radius of R by forming ink blots having a radius of r in an overlapping manner, includes: setting a permissible pitch range as a distance between adjacent ink blots; arranging first image data to the edge of the pad, in an x-y coordinate system; generating second image data with a smaller radius than the first image data, the second image data sharing the center with the first image data; arranging a first base point on the second image data; selecting the first determination point on the second image data separated from the first base point; determining if a distance between the first base point and the first determination point is within the permissible pitch range; and storing a coordinate, located at a shortest distance from the first determination point, as print data. |
| US08191968B2 |
Release strap for a recliner mechanism of an automotive vehicle seat assembly
A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle having a release mechanism and a release strap for actuating the release mechanism is provided. The release mechanism is capable of moving a seat back from a seated position to a stowed position. The release strap includes an attachment portion having an attachment end which is fixedly secured to the release mechanism. A gripping portion allows an occupant to quickly and easily grasp and actuate the release strap. The release strap also includes an overlapping portion formed by overlapping a portion of the attachment portion and a portion of the gripping portion so as to present the gripping portion in an upward direction. |
| US08191966B1 |
Golf cart seat and back cover system
An upper section and a seat peripheral section are positioned adjacent to the top and seat periphery of the seat component. The peripheral section has a lowermost edge positioned adjacent to the bottom and periphery of the seat component. The seat cover has a lower section with short peripheral side edges. The side edges are coupled for a minority of their extents to the lowermost edge of the peripheral section. The lower section also has long peripheral rear and front edges. The front edge is coupled for a majority of their extents to the lowermost edge of the peripheral section. The lower section of the seat cover has a zipper parallel with the front and rear edges. The zipper divides the lower section into two similarly sized and shaped pieces. In this manner the seat cover is allowed to be secured to and removed from the seat component. |
| US08191964B2 |
Adjustment device for bicycle seat
An adjustment device for bicycle seat includes a connection portion located close to a top of the seat post and at least one through hole is defined through a wall of the connection portion. An adjustment device is located between the seat connector and the seat post so as to adjust the seat post relative to the seat tube. The adjustment device includes an adjustment path which can communicate with the at least one through hole or be sealed from the at least one through hole. A balance unit is connected to the connection portion and includes a cylinder and a piston ring is movably received in the cylinder to define an inner space of the cylinder into a liquid space and an air space. The cylinder includes a supply path which communicates with the liquid space and the at least one through hole. |
| US08191960B2 |
Vehicle body panels
A vehicle body part (60) has a perforated grid portion (61) secured in an aperture in a non-perforated portion (601,602), an edge portion of the grid portion defining part of the edge of the body part. A support member (8) extends along the edge portion of the grid portion (60) and supported from the non-perforated portion (601,602), and a seal (9) for contact with an adjacent body part extends around at least said part of the edge of the body part. The seal has a cross-section which includes a first lobe (9c) which covers the edge portion of the grid (61) to protect a vehicle operator from injury by this edge portion and improving styling. The seal cross-section also has a second lobe (9d) which extends between the grid (61) and the support member (8) to prevent vibration of the grid and damage of the paint finish of these components. The seal cross-section also includes a U-shaped channel portion (9a) which encloses the edge of the support member (8). |
| US08191955B2 |
Base drag reduction for road vehicles and ‘airdrop’ cargo aircraft
Methods of and devices for providing naturally driven routing of air bleed derived from the external air pressure field typically developed about a moving vehicle were conceived. By design, internal duct ways to be used for providing an open flow path from relatively higher air pressure sources (such as that in the undercarriage region of a driven car) into lower base pressure regions (typically developed aft of blunt trailing body regions) as are generally found on road and ‘airdrop” cargo delivery air vehicles having open rear doors. Low energy air bleed flow injected into the vehicle's separated afterbody region acts to replenish entrained base flow and its base drag reduction is thereby, achieved. |
| US08191953B2 |
Integrated inertial lock and latch for console lid
A vehicular console storage system has a pivotable lid and a striker movable with the lid. A pawl is mounted in a fixed location for selectably receiving the striker, wherein the pawl is movable between a latching position and a release position. The pawl holds the striker so that the lid is held closed when in the latching position, and the pawl has a cam surface. A spring-loaded cam follower is at least in partial contact with the cam surface and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to provide a first resistance to motion of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. The first resistance is easily overcome by manual manipulation by a user. A movable lever has an activated position and a deactivated position, wherein the activated position interferes with movement of the pawl from the latching position to the release position. An inertial sensor is provided for moving the movable lever to the activated position in response to a predetermined acceleration. Thus, an integrated mechanism provides both hard locking during a crash event and soft latching for easy user access without requiring a manually operated button or latch. |
| US08191951B2 |
Highly-efficient barrel placement device
A barrel placement device for a skid steer loader is comprised of an attachment plate which attaches to the front of a skid steer loader; tubular support members; and a plurality of barrel pincers with gears that allow the barrel pincers to move in unison with the use of a single hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder has hydraulic lines which connect to the auxiliary controls of a skid steer loader allowing the barrel pincers to be controlled to grasp and release traffic barrels from the interior of the skid steer loader. |
| US08191950B2 |
Work tool for a machine
According to one exemplary aspect there is provided a work tool for attachment to a machine, comprising a supporting tool portion. The actuatable tool portion is pivotally connected to the supporting tool portion via a hinge construction. The hinge construction includes a hinge drive having an outgoing, rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft has a single outgoing end that is configured to carry the actuatable tool portion. By providing the work tool with a hinge construction that includes a hinge drive with an rotatable shaft that carries the actuatable tool portion on a single outgoing end a directly driven hinge construction is obtained that is both compact and reliable. A hinge drive and method of operating a work tool for a machine are also disclosed. |
| US08191949B2 |
Food utensil
The food utensil is a scissor-like eating utensil that permits a user to retrieve snack foods from a container. The utensil comprises a pair of blades pivoted to each other. The blades have respective handles at one end and terminate with respective planar-configured forks at the other end. The dimensions of the blades, handles and forks are designed to enhance retrieval of snack foods from containers in a sanitary manner. |
| US08191944B2 |
Bumper attachment, bumper arrangement and motor vehicle
A bumper attachment (1) for a motor vehicle (3) has: a base attachment part (4) with a front side (5) for installation of a license plate (8) and a rear side (6) for installation of the bumper attachment (1) in a license plate trough (2) of the motor vehicle (3). At least one impact protection element (9, 10) extends from the front (5) of the base attachment part (4) and has a reinforcing insert (11, 12) and a receiving section (13, 14) for receiving the reinforcing insert (11, 12). |
| US08191937B2 |
Automatic hidden latch structure
An automatic hidden latch structure includes: a base secured in position to a close side of a door, the base having a positioning plate for positioning and a receiving portion and a block portion disposed at one side of the positioning plate; a transmission mechanism including a lock tongue disposed in and protruding from the receiving portion, a transmission member abutting against the lock tongue, a rotating member driven by the transmission member, and an engaging member engaging with the rotating member and protruding from the receiving portion, a first elastic element insertably engaing the engaging member, and a second elastic element mounted on a joining member of the engaging member and insertably engaging the joining member. Given actuation of the mechanism, a latch post of the automatic hidden latch structure protrudes from the door whenever the lock tongue is pressed upon, thereby locking the door. |
| US08191934B1 |
Connection structure between thin wall stainless steel pipe and joint
A connection structure includes a thin wall stainless steel pipe with a swelling portion, a sandwiching portion forming an inclined pressing surface capable of pressing an inclined surface of the swelling portion, a joint spacer forming a first retention portion pinching a first gasket with respect to the swelling portion as well as having a fitting portion fitted to an outer periphery of an end portion of the thin wall stainless steel pipe, and forming a gasket receiving portion in an outer peripheral side thereof, and a joint having a second retention portion sandwiching and pressing a second gasket to an inner peripheral side facing the gasket receiving portion. |
| US08191933B2 |
Extrusion resistant gasket face seal
A seal assembly for a fluid coupling includes: (a) a generally planar, substantially rigid seal retainer with opposed first and second faces, having an annular first groove formed in the first face; (b) a first resilient seal disposed in the first groove; and (c) an annular first backup ring positioned radially outboard of the first resilient seal and secured to the first resilient seal, wherein the first backup ring is substantially harder than the first resilient seal. |
| US08191931B1 |
Wooden push or balance bicycle
An apparatus for training children to learn to balance and ride a bicycle is provided. A wooden bicycle includes a two-piece frame secured at one end, thereof. The frame may be painted with a special type of paint or it may include a natural wood finish. The paint allows for a customization of the frame with chalk. The frame includes a downward curvature that allows a smaller and/or younger child to use the bicycle. An adjustable seat is provided with a removable seat cushion. A pair of foot pegs are included on the frame which helps the child to improve their balance. A wooden handlebar with a pair of foam grips bar is used to steer and maneuver the bicycle. A pair of wooden wheels are provided that each include a pneumatic air or solid tire. An instruction manual for assembly and required tools and parts are also included. |
| US08191930B2 |
Frame design for reduced-size vehicle
Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles. |
| US08191928B2 |
Stabilizing assembly for a forwarder headboard and method
A machine includes a frame having a payload portion, an operator cab, and a crane disposed on a base connected to the frame between the payload portion and the operator cab. The machine further includes a headboard assembly connected to the frame and disposed between the base and the payload portion. A stabilizing pin arrangement includes a floating connection arrangement connecting the headboard assembly to the frame. The floating connection arrangement includes at least two resilient elements, each of the two resilient elements being disposed on either side of a member connected to the headboard assembly. |
| US08191925B2 |
Dynamic safety vent
An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with a release device, at least one vehicle sensor, at least one vent strap, and at lest one dynamic vent. The vent strap, release device, and dynamic vent operate together such that the vent can adopt at least two configurations, with one of the configurations venting less inflation gas than the other. |
| US08191924B2 |
Dashboard
The invention relates to a dashboard (1) for an automobile, of the type that comprises a lower-resistance line defining a flap (4) to be opened under the pressure generated by the expansion of an airbag (10) upon an impact to the automobile, said flap including a wall (18) having an inner surface (24) on the side of a housing (8) containing the airbag, and an outer surface (26) opposite the inner surface, characterized in that it comprises a pattern (6) with which the flap is brought into contact upon the opening thereof, and in that the wall of the flap includes at least one breaking primer (40) located in the vicinity of a contact point (P) between the flap and the pattern, for breaking the wall into several parts. |
| US08191921B2 |
Folding, re-configurable, expandable, multi purpose, portable, utility trailer
A utility trailer, as for example may be towed behind a vehicle, is disclosed. A description of the assembly, reconfiguration, expandability and folding of the trailer is described. The trailer is easy to store, manufacture, reconfigure and disassemble in large measure due to the unique repeated nature of the main frame components. The frame components can also be removed from the trailer assembly and reconfiguring into different useful devices. The reconfiguration requires minimal additional hardware and is further simplified by the locking mechanisms, located at the connection locations of is each frame panel. The trailer/accessory system also offers advantages over other trailers in that it may be maintained by replacement of common panel components. The wheel assemblies are also collapsible to further reduce necessary storage space and shipping requirements. |
| US08191920B2 |
Single action collapsing/expanding three-wheeled golf cart
A three-wheeled golf cart having collapsible mechanism to fold the cart down for storage and transport where the folding actions for the handle assembly and the lower assembly (containing front wheel) are connected, resulting in a single action collapsing when a user pushes a button release to allow the handle assembly to be detached away from the main upper assembly and a back push rod simultaneously fold up the front wheel. A swivel joint near the front wheel support arm allows the front wheel to be locked in two positions, at 90 degrees to each other, so that the collapsed golf cart has a smaller compact volume when the front wheel is turned 90 degree from its normal usage orientation. |
| US08191914B2 |
Roll coupling trailer hitch assembly
A roll coupling assembly includes a roll torque transfer structure and an alignment mechanism. The torque transfer structure includes a first load bearing structure mountable to the rear of the tow vehicle, and a second load bearing structure mountable to the front of the trailer drawbar. Corresponding first and second load bearing surfaces cooperate so as to releasably mate with one another for towing of the trailer behind the tow vehicle. The bearing surfaces are distributed across a substantially planar interface between the rear of the tow vehicle and the front of the trailer drawbar so as to distribute to the tow vehicle torque imparted to the drawbar by relative rolling motion between the trailer and tow vehicle. The coupling alignment mechanism adjusts the relative orientation of the first and second load bearing surfaces so as to align them for mating to one another. |
| US08191912B2 |
Motorcycle fender extension for drilless assembly
A motorcycle fender extension component for drilless assembly to the leading or trailing end of a motorcycle fender includes a main body structure and a plurality of clamping elements. The main body structure has a top, bottom, front, back and first and second sides with downwardly extending flanges. The main body has a central axis that is arcuate with a radius, width and taper approximately equal to those of the motorcycle fender. At least three orifices are located on the first and second flange and main body. The at least three clamping elements are positioned at the at least three orifices on the first and second flange and on the main body away from the sides. The main body structure of the motorcycle fender extension component may be placed on a motorcycle fender and attached by fastening the clamps to sandwich the motorcycle fender between clamping elements and the main body structure. In other embodiments of the present invention motorcycle fender extension component the motorcycle fender is also included. |
| US08191910B2 |
Containers and container system
A container assembly, comprises a container, at least one compartment constructed and arranged to be carried by the container, a plurality of extendable legs operatively connected with the container, and a lock assembly. The at least one compartment is configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The plurality of extendable legs support the container at a selected height. The lock assembly locks the legs and hence the container at the selected height. |
| US08191904B2 |
Hybrid leveling system
A large vehicle with air bags and a leveling system that controls air flow into and out of an air spring (also known as an “air bag”) to maintain the air spring height close to the optimum level. The system is altered at minimum cost to further minimize the repeated flow of air into and out of the air spring, to thereby save fuel. A mechanical-to-electrical converter (50) is mounted on the air spring height sensor to generate an electrical signal indicating vehicle ride height, and the electrical output is connected to a computer (62) on the vehicle. The computer is programmed to control the flow of pressured air through a blocking valve (60) to a leveling valve (22) that flows air into and out of the air spring, according to the outputs of a plurality of sensors on the vehicle. |
| US08191898B2 |
Brush seal assembly
A brush seal assembly including a pair of annular plates defining an annular slot between them and a radially outer chamber opening into the slot; and an annular brush seal having bristles and an enlarged portion at its outer periphery formed by welding the bristles together, the brush seal extending through the slot with its enlarged portion retained in the chamber wherein at least a portion of one of the plates has an extension thereof which is deformed over the other plate to hold the plates together to form the assembly characterized in that one of the plates has a flat face in the region of the slot. |
| US08191897B2 |
Card game and method of playing the same
A card game based on the well-known game of Pai Gow Poker is played with five cards which players arrange into a three-card hand and a two-card hand. The three-card hand includes slightly modified poker rankings. In order to win a primary wager, the player's three-card hand and two-card hand must beat the dealer's corresponding three-card hand and two-card hand. Additionally, players may place an independent secondary wager that is related to the poker ranking of the five cards received by the player or the relationship between the two-card hand and three-card hand. A preestablished pay table defines the secondary wager winning combinations and corresponding payouts. A bad beat jackpot is also an option. With only five cards to deal and arrange, the embodiments of the disclosed game are played faster than Pai Gow Poker thereby increasing the casino's revenue generating ability and player interest. |
| US08191896B2 |
Card game device, card data reader, card game control method, recording medium, program, and card
A card game apparatus includes a large-size panel display, a main control unit that controls screens on the large-size panel display, and a plurality of terminal apparatuses that are communicably connected to the main control unit. A game player purchases an integrated circuit card and, for example, eleven player cards on each of which, a soccer player's photograph is printed. When the game player arranges the player cards on a player card arrangement panel of one of the terminal apparatuses, card data recorded on the back of the player card will be read by an internal image sensor. Then, a team is organized by the player cards, and a game starts. The game player can direct a player's position and formation by changing placement of the player card. |
| US08191893B2 |
Gaming apparatus
A gaming apparatus comprising a rotor control means adapted to apply an external force to a rotor of the gaming apparatus so as to alter a rotation speed of the rotor in a controlled manner. |
| US08191890B2 |
Singulator device for standard and extended postal objects
A singulator device for standard postal objects and extended postal objects, configured for receiving at input groups of standard/extended plane rectangular postal objects grouped in packs and supplying at output singulated standard/extended postal objects, i.e., each one is physically separated from the others. The device comprises: a singulator system; a resting surface for the packs of postal objects; and a drawing system that displaces the packs towards the singulator system, designed to withdraw individually the postal objects that form a front end face of the pack. Also provided is a supporting device, configured for providing abut surfaces on opposite end portions of the packs formed by extended postal objects to keep the extended postal objects with planes of lie substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance, thus preventing the extended postal objects from possibly bending towards the adjacent packs formed by standard postal objects. |
| US08191874B2 |
Vehicle suspension system
A vehicle suspension system including: (a) a suspension spring interconnecting a vehicle body and a wheel; (b) an actuator having an electric motor, such that the actuator is capable of generating, based on a force of the electric motor, an actuator force forcing the body and the wheel toward and away from each other, and causing the generated actuator force to act as a damping force against displacement of the body and the wheel; and (c) a control device for controlling the actuator force generated by the actuator, by controlling operation of the electric motor. The control device is capable of establishing a constant-force generating state in which the actuator force is constantly generated as a constant actuator force by the actuator with supply of an electric power thereto from a battery as an electric power source of the electric motor such that the generated constant actuator force acts in a rebound direction or a bound direction. The control device controls the constant-force generating state, based on a charge state of the battery. |
| US08191865B2 |
Device and system for lifting a motor vehicle
A preferred embodiment of a system includes a lifting device for lifting a motor vehicle, a support structure for mounting the lifting device in a pit, and a carriage for supporting the lifting device from the support structure and being movable within the support structure. The system also includes a cover coupled to opposite sides of the carriage so that the cover extends away from the carriage and continuously between the opposite sides of the carriage. |
| US08191860B2 |
Low profile valve actuator having high torque output
A valve actuator is provided for use in conjunction with a drive motor and a valve. In one embodiment, the valve actuator includes a housing assembly, a first power screw rotatably mounted in the housing assembly and configured to be rotated by the drive motor, a first rack translatably mounted in the housing assembly, and a pinion rotatably mounted in the housing assembly and mechanically linked to the valve. The first rack is threadably coupled to the first power screw and is configured to move linearly as the first power screw rotates. The pinion engages the first rack and is configured to rotate as the first rack moves linearly to move the valve to a desired position. |
| US08191854B2 |
Device, arrangement and method for manufacturing a component
A device for manufacturing a component comprises a trough, into which starting material for manufacturing the component can be introduced, a cover that can be attached to the trough in such a way that starting material for manufacturing the component is enclosed between the trough and the cover, a heating device for manufacturing the component by heating starting material that can be enclosed between the trough and the cover, wherein the trough is manufactured from a material with a coefficient of expansion that is essentially identical to the coefficient of expansion of the starting material for manufacturing the component. |
| US08191849B1 |
Adjustable hook
The present invention relates to an adjustable hook with a rotating hook secured to a locking plate within a housing. The rotating hook is adapted to move within the housing allowing the orientation of the hook to be modified into a desired position. Once the desired position is achieved, the hook then locks in place. |
| US08191848B2 |
Air tank bracket with strap-supporting arms
A bracket assembly for detachably retaining a body-carried device such as a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is provided with strap-supporting arms for holding the shoulder straps of the device in a ready-to-wear position. At least a portion of each arm is movable from a generally horizontal, load-bearing or “working” position to a generally vertical, out-of-the-way or “rest” position. A spring or other resilient member urges the movable portion of each arm to the rest position, so the arms do not present a safety hazard to personnel in the area after the body-carried device has been removed from the bracket assembly. |
| US08191847B2 |
Container holder
A container holder includes a cylindrical opening, having a side wall with a movable section which extends between a raised position, completing a cylindrical support for a container, and a lowered position providing a notch for receiving a handle of a cup. In one embodiment, a pair of adjacent cup holders are provided with a movable section extending between them. In a preferred embodiment, the movable section includes a push-push latch such that it can be pressed downwardly and remain in a retracted position for use with a handle-including container and, upon pushing a second time, is raised to accommodate a cylindrical container. In another embodiment, a damper mechanism is provided to control the motion of the movable section. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a peripheral seal near the movable section is provided to reduce or eliminate the effect of any fluid spilled on the control mechanism. |
| US08191844B2 |
Container holder for use on a bicycle
Embodiments of the present invention include a container holder for a bicycle that has a mounting member and a mating member. The mounting member facilitates mounting the container holder to a portion of the bicycle. The mating member is operatively coupled to the mounting member and is interdependently configured to inter-engage a corresponding reciprocal mating member of a container upon receipt of the container by the container holder to facilitate retention of the container by the container holder. |
| US08191841B2 |
Data storage apparatus
Apparatus for storing data and supplying stored data comprising a main housing containing control circuitry for controlling signals to a plurality of disk drives. The main housing has a plurality of mounting mechanisms each configured to support a unit of a first type. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of cables each having a first connector for connecting to a unit of the first type for providing signals from the control circuitry. The apparatus has a first unit, of a first type, having a plurality of second connectors each connected to a disk drive and a fan providing a flow of air for cooling the disk drives and the control circuitry. The first unit is connected to a first one of the cables and mounted in a first one of the mounting mechanisms such that the first unit is mounted to slide into the main housing. The apparatus also has a second unit, of a second type, supported by a second one of the mounting mechanisms and mounted to slide into the main housing. The second unit is connected to a second one of the cables and has a fan providing a flow of air for cooling the control circuitry. The second unit is removable from the main housing and replaceable by a unit of the first type. |
| US08191840B2 |
T-channel fixture-mounting pole clamp
A pole clamp is disclosed that can firmly attach heavy fixtures to a pole, such as a center or side pole of a special-events tent, with quick and easy fixture mounting and dismounting. The head of a fixture-mounting bolt is downwardly slidable into a T-channel of the clamp, where it rests against a stop pin and rigidly supports the fixture until it is lifted out of the T-channel. A plurality of T-channels can provide for a plurality of fixture attachments at a plurality of orientations. In some embodiments, the clamp includes a pair of identical, hingedly joined, rigid aluminum segments that can be placed on opposite sides of the pole and compressed against the pole by pressing of the unhinged, flanged ends toward each other using a bolt, cam lever, or similar means. The rigid segments can be shaped to accommodate a pole of any cross-sectional size and shape. |
| US08191839B2 |
Enhanced structure for suction apparatus
A suction apparatus is provided, including a suction disc unit, a shell base unit, a push obstruct unit and a flip unit. The top surface of the suction disc unit includes an upward extending traction element, with vertical surfaces forming a first teeth surface and a second teeth surface. The shell base unit is located on top of the suction disc unit. The push obstruct unit and the flip unit are located inside the shell base unit, where the flip unit is meshed with the first teeth surface and the push obstruct unit is meshed with the second teeth surface. When the flip unit is flipped downwards, the central area of the suction disc unit is dragged up so that the suction disc unit can attach to a surface via suction force. When the flip element is flipped upwards, the obstructing condition of the push obstruct unit is released so that the suction disc unit restores to a normal position. |
| US08191834B2 |
Cooling system on the basis of suction of a boundary layer
A cooling system on board an aircraft includes a device for removing by suction a boundary layer, and a heat exchanger through which flows the boundary layer air that has been removed by suction. Cooling by way of a ram air channel can be reduced or entirely stopped, depending on the flight phase, such that the air drag of the aircraft and thus the fuel consumption can be reduced. |
| US08191833B1 |
Aircraft and missile afterbody flow control device and method of controlling flow
The present invention relates to an afterbody flow control system and more particularly to aircraft or missile flow control system for enhanced maneuverability and stabilization. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the flow control system.In one embodiment, the present invention includes a missile or aircraft comprising an afterbody and a forebody; at least one activatable flow effector on the missile or aircraft afterbody; at least one sensor each having a signal, the at least one sensor being positioned to detect forces or flow conditions on the missile or aircraft afterbody; and a closed loop control system; wherein the closed loop control system is used for activating and deactivating the at least one activatable flow effector based on at least in part the signal of the at least one sensor. |
| US08191828B2 |
Methods and apparatus for aerial recovery of flying apparatus
Methods and systems are provided which may allow a first vehicle to recover a second air vehicle while both are moving. The first vehicle and the second air vehicle may be traveling at different velocities. An attachment member of the second air vehicle may attach to a recovery member of the first vehicle while the first vehicle and the second air vehicle are traveling at different velocities. The recovery member attached to the second air vehicle may move relative to and along an exterior surface of the first vehicle in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the first vehicle. |
| US08191826B2 |
Device which is subject to fluid flow
A device such as an aerofoil which in use is subject to fluid flow, includes an outer surface part the geometry of which is variable to affect the fluid flow, the device including a support structure which supports the outer surface part, the support structure being internal of the device and including a plurality of support members of composite material the geometry of the support structure being changeable by an actuating apparatus, between a first stable geometry and a second stable geometry to effect variation in the geometry of the outer surface part, the support members providing structure stiffness to the outer surface part. |
| US08191821B2 |
Actuator
An actuator comprising: two motors; an output member; and a harmonic gear comprising: an elliptical wave generator component; a flexible spline component which is coupled to the wave generator by a bearing and flexes to conform to the elliptical shape of the wave generator; and a circular spline component which surrounds and meshes with the flexible spline component. One of the harmonic gear components is coupled to the output member, and each of the other harmonic gear components is coupled to a respective one of the motors. |
| US08191820B1 |
Flying wing aircraft
The invention is an aircraft that includes a flying wing having a plurality of extendable flaps mounted on the trailing edge of the flying wing. A canard is mounted on the nose of said flying wing. A system is mounted in the flying wing for providing high pressure air over the canard and the flaps. A second system is provided for controlling the flow of air over the canard to provide pitch control of the aircraft. |
| US08191816B2 |
Roll-sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A roll-sheet feeding device stores therein a roll sheet, rotates the roll sheet in an unwinding direction, and feeds the roll sheet. The roll-sheet feeding device includes a jumping preventing unit that suppresses a jumping of the roll sheet when feeding the roll sheet in the unwinding direction by applying a predetermined load to the roll sheet from both sides of the roll sheet. |
| US08191812B2 |
Polyester film roll
The polyester film roll, which is free from wrinkles and slacks generated with the passage of time and is having a good roll appearance, is provided without changing the characteristics of the film.The polyester film roll is a polyester film roll in which a polyester film is rolled on a core, characterized in that the difference R (m) between the maximum value and the minimum value is not more than 2 W×10−3 and not more than L×10−7, when the diameters of said roll are measured in the width direction of the roll, (therein, W is the width (m) of the film roll, and L is the rolled length (m) of the film roll), or a polyester film roll in which a polyester film is rolled on a core, characterized in that, among the lengths of lines which are obtained by measuring the diameters of said roll in the width direction of the roll, drawing a straight line between both the ends of the curved line of the obtained roll diameters, and then vertically drawing the lines from said curved line to said straight line, the maximum length (maximum convex portion) on the convex portion side from said straight line is not more than 500 μm, and the maximum length (maximum concave portion) on the concave portion side from said straight line is not more than 300 μm. |
| US08191809B2 |
Entrance chute for blowing wool machine
A machine for distributing insulation from a bag of insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end. The chute is configured to receive the bag of insulation. The inlet end of the chute has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially vertical and the outlet end of the chute has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially horizontal. A plurality of shredders is mounted at the outlet end of the chute and is configured to shred and pick apart the insulation. The machine further includes a discharge mechanism for distributing the insulation into an airstream. The plurality of shredders and the discharge mechanism are positioned beneath the outlet end of the chute, such that the insulation feeds in a substantially vertical direction into the plurality of shredders. |
| US08191803B2 |
Automatic washing device with fluidic oscillator
An automatic washing device includes a plurality of fluidic oscillators arranged on the periphery of a rotating drum. The fluidic oscillators emit a pulsatile stream of fluid at a predetermined angle through a slit that is perpendicular or at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the oscillator. The automatic washing device can remove microorganisms from the pliant epidermal surface of a human hand that comprises brushlessly scrubbing the pliant epidermal surface of the human hand with a plurality of cleansing fluids. |
| US08191801B2 |
Aerosol spray
A spray head for attachment to an aerosol spray unit containing pressurized product is provided, the spray head having at least two separate spray outlets, wherein at least one of the spray outlets has a non-circular cross-section. |
| US08191797B2 |
Fuel injector
A fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines includes a solenoid coil and an armature excitable by the solenoid coil, the armature being in operative connection with a valve-closure member, which forms a sealing seat together with a valve-seat body arranged in a valve sleeve. The valve-seat body is held in place in the valve sleeve by a clamping sleeve. |
| US08191796B2 |
Fragrance dispenser
The invention proposes a fragrance dispenser, comprising a first and a second carrier, each carrier comprising one or more fragrance substances, wherein the fragrance substances comprise one or more fragrance substances a) with a vapor pressure of at least 0.1 mmHg at 25° C. (“HVA”) and one or more fragrance substances b) with a vapor pressure of less than 0.1 mmHg at 25° C. (“LVA”), and wherein the fragrance substances are distributed to the first and second carrier such that at least 80 wt.-% of all HVA fragrance substances are carried by the first carrier. |
| US08191795B2 |
Method and system to control flow from individual nozzles while controlling overall system flow and pressure
A method and system has been developed to individually control the flow of liquid products from any nozzle within a plurality of nozzles using pulse width modulated solenoid actuated valves residing on a CAN communication network. The CAN communication network has been further developed to manage the high current requirements of the solenoid actuated valves, the large physical length and high number of nozzles used on modern agricultural application equipment and integration and retrofit requirements when used in conjunction with commercially available application rate control devices. The method and system simultaneously controls multiple flow and shutoff related inputs including but not limited to turn radius, nozzle overlap, swath reduction, nozzle spacing, fence row rates, wheel track rates, etc. The method and system will also simultaneously accept one or more external inputs from commercially available application rate control devices where other rate and shutoff inputs may be used, for example, variable rates per boom section based on GIS maps or multiple in-field sensors along the boom. The method and system further incorporates the artificial manipulation of commercial rate controller inputs and outputs to facilitate these individual nozzle control features and benefits without compromising the overall system flow control performed by the commercial rate controller. |
| US08191778B1 |
System and method for immediate issuance of transaction cards
A system and method for substantially immediate issuance of transaction cards includes at least one unassigned transaction card including a storage medium having a card number encoded thereupon. The system also includes a computing system configured to receive application information from an applicant that has been provided said unassigned transaction card, and to activate the unassigned transaction card so that access to monetary funds is extended to the applicant through said unassigned transaction card, upon an evaluation of said application information indicating that the applicant has been approved for access to the monetary funds. The unassigned transaction card bears no visible marking presenting information concerning the applicant and encodes no information concerning said applicant upon the storage medium of said unassigned transaction card. |
| US08191771B2 |
Banking system controlled by data bearing records
A banking system is controlled responsive to data included on data bearing records. The system includes a deposit accepting machine for accepting deposit items, such as deposit bags, currency, and checks. The deposit accepting machine is in connection with a card reader operative to read data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards. The machine further includes an RFID reading device that is operative to read signals from RFID tags to obtain deposit information therefrom. The information can include data associated with the deposit, such as an account number and a deposit amount. The information can also include cash value. A computer is operative to credit a financial account for value associated with deposited items responsive to data read by the card reader and/or RFID reading device. |
| US08191768B1 |
Banking apparatus controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine system includes an automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that is operative to read user identifying data from user cards. The system authorizes machine operation responsive to the user identifying data corresponding to an authorized user data. The machine includes a deposit accepting device. The system allows input operation data, which corresponds to inputs sensed by a plurality of sensors as a sheet is processed in the deposit accepting device, to be used to operate another deposit accepting device. |
| US08191765B2 |
Device and method for controlling copying operation of document with use of barcode
The present invention provides an image processor capable of preventing illegal copying of a document. The image processor first extracts information from a barcode in a first region of document image data. Then, the image processor extracts information from a barcode in a second region of the document image data if the information is extracted from the barcode in the first region. On the other hand, if the information is not extracted from the barcode in the first region, the image processor does not extract the information from the barcode in the second region of the document image data. This enables a copying operation for a document consisting of a plurality of pages to be efficiently controlled. |
| US08191764B2 |
System and method for detecting security features on paper ballots
The present invention is directed to a system and method for detecting security features on paper ballots. The security features allow a ballot tabulator to distinguish between an authentic ballot and a counterfeit ballot that does not include the required security feature. One or more security sensors in the ballot tabulator are operable to detect the security feature on the ballot, and provide an output indicating the presence or absence of the security feature. The ballot tabulator preferably generates a visual alert and/or audio alert if the security sensor does not detect the security feature on the paper ballot. |
| US08191763B2 |
Reusable envelopes
The present invention provides reusable envelope structures and methods of use thereof. In preferred aspects, the present invention provides envelope structures in which a single envelope structure can provide multiple uses. |
| US08191762B2 |
Interleaved spine container
The present invention is directed to a container having a bottom wall, first and second opposite sidewalls, opposite end walls, a top wall. An integral interior partition is dividing the container into two side-by-side compartments each adapted for holding a respective article. The container and partition are made from a single unitary blank cut and folded to form the container and partition. The partition comprises the first and second panels of the first and second sets of panels that are interleaved with one another at inner end edges thereof and the partition is three panels thick over a center portion thereof and two panels thick over the remainder thereof. |
| US08191758B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
In one embodiment, a first substrate having first solder bumps and a second substrate having second solder bumps are stacked while temporarily tacking the solder bumps to each other, and then a stack is disposed inside a furnace. The gas in the furnace is exhausted to be in a reduced pressure atmosphere, and then a carboxylic acid gas is introduced into the furnace. While increasing a temperature inside the furnace where the carboxylic acid gas is introduced, the gas in the furnace is exhausted to be in a reduced pressure atmosphere at a temperature in a range from a reduction temperature of oxide films by the carboxylic acid gas to lower than a melting temperature of the solder bumps. By increasing the temperature inside the furnace up to a temperature in a range of the melting temperature of the solder bumps and higher, the first solder bumps and the second solder bumps are melted and joined. |
| US08191757B2 |
Reducing joint embrittlement in lead-free soldering processes
In the manufacture of products such as printed wiring boards or chip scale packaging and ball grid arrays, incorporating one or more elements selected from among Ni, Co, Cr, Mn, Zr, Fe and Si into a lead-free soldering process to reduce joint embrittlement. In varied embodiments this is accomplished by spraying onto a solder sphere or preform surface, by spraying onto a device substrate surface, or by incorporating into the device substrate alloy. |
| US08191754B2 |
Magnetic plug weld tool
A magnetic plug weld tool includes an arm, a copper alloy plate that is rotatably connected to one end of the arm, and a magnetic base that is connected to the arm. The arm is configured to apply a force to the copper alloy plate using the magnetic base. |
| US08191753B2 |
Lateral position detection and control for friction stir systems
An apparatus and computer program are disclosed for processing at least one workpiece using a rotary tool with rotating member for contacting and processing the workpiece. The methods include oscillating the rotary tool laterally with respect to a selected propagation path for the rotating member with respect to the workpiece to define an oscillation path for the rotating member. The methods further include obtaining force signals or parameters related to the force experienced by the rotary tool at least while the rotating member is disposed at the extremes of the oscillation. The force signals or parameters associated with the extremes can then be analyzed to determine a lateral position of the selected path with respect to a target path and a lateral offset value can be determined based on the lateral position. The lateral distance between the selected path and the target path can be decreased based on the lateral offset value. |
| US08191752B2 |
Surgical instrument having a plastic surface
A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. |
| US08191751B2 |
Combustion chamber distance control for combustion-powered fastener-driving tool
A combustion-powered fastener-driving tool includes a combustion-powered power source including a cylinder head and a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder head, a valve sleeve and an upper surface of a reciprocating piston, the valve sleeve reciprocable relative to the cylinder head between a rest position and a pre-firing position. The valve sleeve has a range of positions between a first sealing position in which the combustion chamber is closed, and said pre-firing position in which the valve sleeve is prevented from further movement. A lockout device is associated with the power source and has an actuated position configured for preventing the reciprocation of the valve sleeve beyond the first sealed position to open the combustion chamber, but permitting movement of the valve sleeve from the first sealed position to the pre-firing position until the piston returns to a piston pre-firing position post combustion. |
| US08191748B2 |
Identification apparatus and method of use
An identification apparatus and methods of use are presented. Embodiments include a loop of flexible material, having and exterior surface. Indicia, identifying an organization, is displayed on at least a portion of the exterior surface. A container is provided to store the loop of flexible material. Some embodiments couple the container with a belt or other article of clothing or clothing accessory. The loop of flexible material may be coupled with the container. The container may serve as an anchoring point for one or more methods of displaying the loop of flexible material. Some methods of use position the loop of flexible material over portions of a user's body. Some methods of use permit one hand operation of the apparatus. |
| US08191747B2 |
Insulated container with asymmetric lifting arrangement
A soft-sided insulated container assembly includes a collapsible cooler body made of insulated panels. The body is to be carried by an arrangement of lifting apparatus that includes asymmetrically arranged fittings. One lifting fitting may be an inboard shoulder strap. Another fitting may an handle located on an outboard portion of face of the container body, and may be at a height for engagement by the hand of the user. The soft-sided insulated container assembly may have a liner to contain liquids. The soft-sided insulated container assembly may have an easy access lid. The insulated container may be collapsed to a flat position, and secured in place. In one embodiment the asymmetric lifting arrangement includes a shoulder strap attached to the sides of the container in a manner that distributes the load into the sides of the container, and a grip, such as a handle, located on the lower portion of the front side of the container. The grip may be attached to the container so as to pull up on the bottom of the container when used by a person. |
| US08191746B2 |
Carrying device mountable on a tow-ball
This is a device where one component is a member which, without recourse to any tools, can be attached to or removed from a tow-ball that is anchored to or integral with a tow-bar. The member is rigidly located and unable to move in any plane or about any axis when it is engaged with the tow-ball and the remainder of the device. The member has an integral platform that can be used to support and or tow any desired object e.g. bicycles on a rack attached to the platform. |
| US08191743B1 |
Removable recreational vehicle carry apparatus
A removable recreational vehicle carry apparatus provides for removable adjustable mount to an existing host vehicle such as a car or truck. The apparatus comprises a framework that substantially surrounds the host vehicle and provides for carry of recreational vehicles, mowers, and other equipment. Stabilizing jacks are provided for added rigidity during loading and unloading. Multiple ramps with hooks and wheels provide for loading as desired. Trunks and beds of trucks remain substantially free for loading of other equipment and items. |
| US08191742B1 |
Ball cap shaper
A ball cap shaper for restoring and maintaining an original pre-washed shape of a ball cap. The ball cap shaper generally includes a support apparatus having a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface being substantially planar, the upper surface having a curved-hemispherical shape. The support apparatus is comprised of a compressible and resilient material. An absorbent member having a lower surface and an upper surface covers at least a portion of the support apparatus, wherein the lower surface of the absorbent member is in contact with the upper surface of the support apparatus to substantially cover an entire the upper surface of the support apparatus. The upper surface of the absorbent member faces outwardly from the support apparatus and adapted to receive an inside surface of a crown of a cap for retaining a curved-hemispherical shape of the cap and absorbing moisture from the crown. |
| US08191737B2 |
Apparatus for storing, dispensing, and measuring dry granular or powdered materials
An apparatus for storing, dispensing, and measuring dry granular and powdered materials with an adjustable measuring cup device to which the apparatus may be removably attached for separate use, the measuring cup device capable of accurately measuring a desired volume of the materials dispensed from the apparatus, a main housing having a container reservoir for storing the materials to be dispensed, a housing compartment for housing the measuring cup device therein; a dispensing hole in between the container reservoir and the housing compartment, and a dispensing disc with an outwardly extending lever for opening and closing the dispensing hole for filling the measuring cup device. A preferred embodiment includes the filling hole of the top wall includes a removably attached air-tight lid for covering the container reservoir and to help preserve the freshness of the materials stored in the container cavity. |
| US08191735B2 |
Dispensing system including an improved throat plug assembly
A dispensing system for use on a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing the liquid contents from the bottle. The outlet opening of the container is closed by the improved throat plug assembly of this invention having a valve positioned therein which is open when the container is mounted in a dispensing fixture which is closed when the container is not mounted on the dispensing system. A plastic spring yieldably urges the valve to its closed position. In the preferred embodiment, a retainer and plastic spring are of one-piece molded construction. The throat plug assembly also includes a specifically shaped valve which is opened slightly when the container is being stored or transported to vent vapor pressure from within the container should the same be necessary. |
| US08191732B2 |
Ultrasonic waveguide pump and method of pumping liquid
In a waveguide pump and method of pumping liquid, at least a portion of an elongate ultrasonic waveguide is immersed in a liquid reservoir. The waveguide has first and second ends, a nodal region located longitudinally therebetween, and an internal passage extending longitudinally within the waveguide from the first end to a location beyond the nodal region toward the second end of the waveguide. The waveguide also has an inlet at the first end in fluid communication with the internal passage and an outlet in fluid communication with the internal passage and spaced longitudinally from the inlet beyond the nodal region of the waveguide. The immersed portion of the waveguide extends from the inlet to a location that is one of generally longitudinally adjacent, at and beyond the nodal region of the waveguide. The waveguide is ultrasonically excited to cause the waveguide to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency. |
| US08191731B2 |
Apparatus for feeding screws
The present invention provides an apparatus for feeding screws. In the apparatus, screws are scooped up from the storage container by a scooping unit and put onto a carrying unit. The screws are arranged in line and carried by the carrying unit and discharged through a discharge unit. The scooping unit includes a rotating arm which rotates on the outer wall of the storage container, and a magnet which is fastened to the front end of the rotating arm. The carrying unit includes a screw receiving part. The rotating arm rotates on the outer wall of the storage container to scoop up the screws using magnetic force of the magnet and load the screws onto the screw receiving part. The scooping unit further includes a magnet spacing part which is provided on the outer wall of the storage container. The magnet spacing part moves the magnet of the rotating arm away from the outer wall of the storage container, so that when the magnet is moved away from the outer wall of the storage container at the upper portion of the storage container, the attractive force of the magnet to the screws is reduced, thus dropping the screws onto the screw receiving part of the carrying unit. |
| US08191730B2 |
Stamped bucket for vending machine and method of forming same
A stamped bucket for a vending machine having an elongated body with opposing first and second ends, a first end wall integrally formed on the body along the first end and a second end wall integrally formed on the body along the second end. The first and second end walls extending in generally transverse relation to the body. The first end wall has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the first end. The second end wall also has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the second end. An axis of rotation extends between the first and second end walls substantially longitudinally along the body. |
| US08191728B2 |
Easily removable multi-paneled locking cover with mess-preventing ring
A container cover for use with a container having a neck. The cover includes a lid, a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid, and a concentric plug seal extending from the lid inside the skirt. The cover also includes an annular recessed channel circumscribing the center of the lid, with the channel including at least one hole in a side wall of the channel, the hole allowing air to pass through the lid. The skirt preferably includes six lock panels. The sides of the lock panels are defined by vertical slots in the skirt, and each lock panel features at least one inwardly-projecting lock. When the cover is locked on the container, the locks engage a lip on the container neck. When a user wishes to remove the cover, the user pulls up on the edge of a lock panel, disengaging the locks from the container lip and removing the cover. |
| US08191724B2 |
Speedy bag—bag dispensing system
A bag dispensing apparatus is described that comprises a container that includes a box and a series of bags. The box includes a plurality of walls that define an approximately rectangular enclosure. One of the walls defines a restricted opening. The box includes opposing walls and two of said opposing walls include connectors. A core is attached to the connectors of the container. The connectors provide for the rotational movement of the core relative to the box. The core comprises a number hingedly connected plates that are biased to a first position. The series of bags are connected in sequence and sequentially removable through the opening in the box. The core receives and connects to the terminal end portion of a last bag of the series of bags. A line of weakness is constructed between each pair of adjacent bags to permit ease of separation between adjacent bags. A first position of the last bag includes that the attachment of the last bag and core removes the container with the last bag when the last bag is removed from the trashcan. The last bag is optionally movable to a second position that includes separating the last bag from the container. Once the container is separated from the last bag, the container is suitable for refilling with the series of bags. |
| US08191722B1 |
Containment bag system for use in a commercial disposal container
The invention consists of a non-self supporting containment bag used in conjunction with a dumpster container. The bag has a zipper or other sealable means, and a series of pick-up or attachment loops or handles may also be attached to the outer bag material. The bag is constructed of at least two layers, a first layer constructed of woven materials and a second layer constructed of non-woven materials. |
| US08191720B2 |
Method of assembling fixture accessories
Assembling a merchandising system includes placing a display fixture on a floor in a retail environment, where the display fixture includes a first end assembly supported on the floor, a second end assembly supported on the floor, a first cross-piece, and a second cross-piece, each of the first and second cross-pieces extending between the first and second end assemblies and substantially parallel to one another. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture and an accessory sheath is slid over the display fixture accessory by sliding an open bottom of the accessory sheath over the display fixture accessory until a top of the accessory sheath abuts a top of the display fixture accessory and the accessory sheath covers a substantial portion of the display fixture accessory. The accessory sheath includes a plurality of substantially horizontal bracket slots. A slot mountable bracket of a retail device is releasably secured into one of the bracket slots and a plurality of products are supported with the retail device. |
| US08191714B2 |
Conveying and separating device for root crop and a method for operating the device
A conveying and separating device for root crop has a separating stretch with at least two rotatingly driven separating rollers, wherein the separating stretch receives a harvested material of root crop and admixed parts and wherein the at least two separating rollers transport on a topside of the separating stretch primarily the root crop while the admixed parts are removed in a screening phase through a screening gap between the at least two separating rollers. By a direct forced cleaning action, the at least two separating rollers are kept free at least of admixed parts that can adhere to the at least two separating rollers. |
| US08191710B2 |
Packaging
A container (12) suitable for use in packaging pharmaceutical products such as tablets and capsules. The container (12) can be withdrawn from a box or sleeve (14) in a first direction X to a fully extended position whereby a user can remove any item stored by the container (12). The container (12) has a base (32) which includes an end portion (40) that remains substantially within the box or sleeve (14) when in the fully extended position. The base (32) carries at least one chamber formation (42) for containing an item to be removed by the user. The base (32) also has at least one stabilizing formation (44) on the end portion (40) that interacts with the box or sleeve (14) when in the fully extended position to resist pivoting of the container (12) relative to the box or sleeve (14). The or each stabilizing formation (44) differs in size and/or shape to the or each chamber formation (42), and has a length in the first direction X that is greater than or equal to its width in a second direction Y. The second direction Y is substantially orthogonal to the first direction X across the base (32). |
| US08191708B2 |
Package
The present invention refers to a multi-layered package, and particularly to a container including a container opening and a container bottom. Preferably, at least one outer wall includes a predetermined removable wall section, revealing an information. The feature of the package according to the present invention is that the package is formed with at least one inner wall and one outer wall. Thereby, the wall section is as part of the outer wall a removable card. |
| US08191707B2 |
Curtain rod package
A package and a method of assembling a package are provided. The package includes: a front wall connected to the rear wall by a first side wall and a second side wall; a first end portion and a second end portion disposed at opposite ends of the rear wall, front wall, first side wall, and second side wall; an elongated member; and at least one bracket for holding the elongated member by a clamping effect. A blank is also provided. The blank includes a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another and a bracket connected to one of the panels. |
| US08191706B1 |
Protective casing adapted for different electronic devices
A protective casing is adapted for a first electronic device with a first button and a second electronic device with a second button. The protective casing includes a lower casing and an upper casing. The lower casing includes a partition member disposed therein. The partition member has a first resilient arm extended from a periphery of the partition member. The upper casing cooperates with the lower casing to form a first accommodating space, wherein the first accommodating space is above the partition member. When the first electronic device is accommodated in the first accommodating space, the first button is at a first distance from a bottom of the partition member. When the second electronic device is accommodated in the first accommodating space, the second button is at a second distance from the bottom of the partition member. A length of the first resilient arm covers the first and second distances. |
| US08191702B2 |
Article lifting device
An article lifting device 1 for lifting up and down articles includes a plurality of basic unit conveyors 11, the conveyors 11 each having an upper and a lower rotary bodies 13, and an elongated carrier 12 looped around the upper and lower rotary bodies 13. The carrier 12 is provided with a supporting body 14 for supporting an article. The basic unit conveyors 11 are arranged vertically and horizontally in a plane, so that the carriers 12 overlap in a vertical direction. |
| US08191700B2 |
Bill box having a wireless memory function for use in a bill acceptor
A bill box for use in a bill acceptor having a RFID read/write module and adapted for receiving bills from the bill acceptor is disclosed to include a housing having a bracket provided with locating grooves, bottom plates, stop plates, finger slot and stop grooves and suspending therein and dividing the internal space of the housing into a bill storage chamber and a partition chamber, and a memory carrier provided with stop blocks, retaining lugs, springy retainer and stop strips for quick mounting in the bracket in a detachable manner and carrying a wireless memory device for recording bill storage data by the wireless read/write module of the bill acceptor wirelessly for quick data check. |
| US08191699B2 |
Friction clutch
A pull-type friction clutch having an annular part that is axially clamped to a disk spring and is axially fixedly connectable to an actuation sleeve of an actuation system. The annular part has axially raised lugs on its face bearing against the disk spring, and the lugs engage in slots that are provided between the disk spring tongues where the tongues are appropriately widened, to provide a form locking connection in the peripheral direction. As a result of the peripherally fixed attachment of the annular part to the disk spring, wear caused by a relative twist between the annular part and the disk spring is prevented. |
| US08191697B2 |
Spring clutch mechanism in screw driver
A spring clutch mechanism for transmitting a driving force of a driving part to a driven part, including a first part, a second part, and a spring disposed between the first part and the second part. The first part is connected to the driven part. The second part is connected to the driving part and is rotatable relative to the first part coaxially therewith. The first part has a first end provided with a frusto-conical portion having a first tapered surface, and the second part has a second end formed with a recess provided with a second tapered surface in contact with the first tapered surface. the first part and the second part are aligned linearly and coaxially in a state that the first end is inserted into the second end maintaining contact of the first tapered surface with the second tapered surface. |
| US08191688B2 |
Industrial truck with exchangeable battery block
Industrial truck, in particular fork lift, having an exchangeable battery block (13) and a battery case (3) which accommodates the battery block (13), with the battery case (3) having a lateral access opening (7) to slide the battery block (13) with a first end first into the battery case (3) and pull the battery block (13) with its first end last out of the battery case (3), with the battery block (13) accommodated in the battery case (3) being supported near its first end with at least one independent roller (25) on the battery case bottom (5), characterized in that that on the battery block (13) accommodated in the battery case (3), a projection (21) at the first end opposite the second end of said battery block, which projects over a front edge section (29) of the battery case bottom (5) near the access opening (7) and over the underside of the battery case bottom (5) downward, is provided as lifting abutment for a battery transport device (33), in particular a fork lift device to lift the battery block (13) and pull said battery block out of the battery case (3). |
| US08191687B2 |
Zipper lubricating device
The instant invention describes a zipper lubricating applicator device for dispensing a lubricant to one or more components of a zipper. The applicator device is designed to fit various lubricant reservoirs and is capable of dispensing lubricant in the form of liquids, gels, or aerosols. The zipper lubricating applicator device contains a lubricant receiving cavity constructed and arranged to receive a lubricant reservoir. A lubricant dispensed from the lubricant reservoir is received by the lubricant receiving cavity and is directed to at least one inner lumen. The inner lumen provides a pathway for dispersal of a lubricant from the lubricant reservoir receiving cavity to a zipper receiving channel. The lubricant is dispersed at a controlled rate and to a desired portion of a zipper through the zipper receiving channel. The zipper receiving channel is constructed and arranged to provide dispensing of the lubricant to a portion of the zipper as the applicator device slidably moves upon the zipper track. The instant invention further describes systems for applying a lubricant to a zipper track. |
| US08191677B2 |
Exhaust and cooling systems for implementation in reduced-size vehicle
Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles. |
| US08191676B2 |
Resonator for a dual-flow exhaust system
A resonator for a dual-flow exhaust system of an engine is provided. The resonator includes a housing defining an enclosure and a baffle spanning the housing and separating a first and second expansion chamber of the enclosure, the baffle including at least one opening. The resonator further includes a first and a second exhaust conduit extending through the baffle and housing, each conduit in fluidic communication with a separate cylinder bank and including a perforated portion fluidly coupled to the enclosure, each perforated portion positioned in separate expansion chambers. |
| US08191671B2 |
Axle carrier assemblies and vehicles comprising axle carrier assemblies
An axle carrier assembly is provided for a vehicle. The axle carrier assembly includes an axle carrier, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and an actuator. The axle carrier is configured to rotatably support an axle. The first cylinder is rotatably supported by the axle carrier such that the first cylinder is rotatable about a first axis. The first cylinder is configured to support a vehicular swing member. The second cylinder is rotatably supported by the axle carrier such that the second cylinder is rotatable about a second axis. The second cylinder is configured to support a vehicular swing member. The actuator is associated with each of the first and second cylinders. The actuator is configured to substantially simultaneously rotate the first cylinder and the second cylinder with respect to the axle carrier. |
| US08191669B2 |
Vibration power generation for a vehicle
A power generating engine mount is provided for coupling an engine and a body of a vehicle. The engine mount includes, but is not limited to a mounting stud configured for coupling to the engine and a permanent magnet coupled to the mounting stud. A coil is also provided that at least partially surrounds the permanent magnet and another mounting stud is configured to couple to the coil and the body. |
| US08191667B2 |
Method for adjusting a braking system in a vehicle in the event of a collision
In a method for adjusting a braking system in a vehicle, a collision of the vehicle is detected and a driver-independent brake intervention is performed. In a first step, after the collision a check is performed to see whether the wheel speed of a wheel is reduced, for example, through a jamming in the wheel housing, in which case in a second step at least one second wheel in the vehicle is decelerated in order to prevent a uncontrolled swerving of the vehicle. |
| US08191666B2 |
Vehicle safety device
A safety device for a vehicle, capable of relaxing a collision load acting on a colliding body. The safety device (10) for a vehicle has colliding body receiving sections (24), and opposite longitudinal ends of each colliding body receiving section (24) are bent to form legs (26) having ends (26A). The ends (26A) are fixed to side frames (16) on the vehicle body side to form impact absorption members (22). The safety device (10) is adapted so that, while supporting a collision load, the impact absorption members (22) are displaced to absorb collision energy of the colliding body. The impact absorption members (22) can produce displacement regions that acts against an increase in the displacement in the direction of collision to suppress an increase in supporting load. |
| US08191665B1 |
Snowmobile
A snowmobile includes a frame having a steering hoop structure and a tunnel. The steering hoop structure is coupled to first and second side panels of the tunnel and extends above the tunnel. The first and second side panels of the tunnel each include a running board supported by the steering hoop structure. The steering hoop structure includes a toe clip positioned adjacent to each of the running boards. |
| US08191664B2 |
Front section for a motor vehicle
A front section for a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a bumper and a radiator module arranged behind the bumper. The radiator module is held by means of first and separable second holding means. The first holding means allow a movement of the radiator module with one degree of freedom in a direction facing away from the bumper when the second holding means are separated, and wherein the second holding means can be separated by a rearward yielding motion of the bumper. |
| US08191663B2 |
Radioisotope powered engineless vehicle
A radioisotope powered thermoelectric vehicle lacking an internal combustion engine. The vehicle may include a commercially available, federally-approved encased radioisotope, sensors, an encased metal heat conductor, a heating element embedded within a heat sink, a plurality of thermoelectric chips mounted around the outer surface of the heat sink, a hollow body surrounding the heat sink with a space present between the heat sink and the hollow body, a power converter, an electric power regulation and distribution system, a magnetic reed relay unit, operational and directional controls, radioisotope thermoelectric power generator, and at least one DC motor mounted to a wheel of the vehicle. A portable lead-lined metal, climate-controlled, and airtight lockbox may house the entire power generating unit providing for more than redundant systems protection. The vehicle is capable of running indefinitely under all weather conditions, without “refueling” for decades and without introducing toxic emissions into the environment. |
| US08191662B2 |
Device and method for heating a crankcase ventilation system in a hybrid vehicle
A device and method for heating a positive crankcase ventilation system in a hybrid vehicle includes a ventilation device, provided on a crankcase, and a supercooling cycle for cooling power electronics for an electric motor of the hybrid vehicle. The ventilation device is heatable by way of the supercooling cycle in order to prevent icing of the ventilation device. |
| US08191660B1 |
Vehicle hybrid apparatus
The vehicle hybrid apparatus provides a combined electrical unit that provides three functions that are starter motor, generator, and auxiliary drive motor. The apparatus attaches to a vehicle in typical starter motor location, with starter motor mounts being used. The pinion gear of the combined electrical unit is continuously engaged with the existing flywheel of the existing fuel engine. Electrical components of the apparatus are connected to existing automobile components and, together, these decide which function, whether starter motor, generator, or drive motor is employed. |
| US08191656B2 |
Auto adaptable cutting structure
A cutter is configured with a diamond table made from a thin hard facing material layer of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a backing layer made from cemented tungsten carbide. The face of the diamond table includes a concavity formed with a curved shape wherein at least a portion of the face in a center of the cutter is recessed with respect to at least some portion of the face about the perimeter of the cutter. This concave curved shape is formed in the diamond table itself such that the diamond table has a varying thickness depending on the implemented concavity. |
| US08191655B2 |
Apparatus and method for reaming a wellbore during the installation of a tubular string
An apparatus for reaming a wellbore without rotating a tubular string that is extendable to a surface. A mandrel (102) is coupled to a downhole end of the tubular string. The mandrel (102) has at least one groove (110) in a sidewall portion thereof. A sleeve (112) is operably associated with the mandrel (102) such that longitudinal travel of the mandrel (102) relative to the sleeve (112) shifts the sleeve (112) between extended and contracted positions relative to the mandrel (102). A reamer shoe (122) is coupled to a downhole end of the sleeve (112). At least one coupling device (116) is operably associated with the sleeve (112) and extendable into the at least one groove (110) such that longitudinal travel of the mandrel (102) relative to the sleeve (112) caused the sleeve (112) to rotate relative to the mandrel (102), thereby rotating the reamer shoe (122). |
| US08191646B2 |
Method for protecting hydrocarbon conduits
A method of protecting a hydrocarbon conduit during a period of reduced hydrocarbon flow is disclosed, where nitrogen is introduced into the conduit at a pressure of 1 to 350 bar g and at a rate of (1.5 to 35)A kg/sec (where A is the internal cross sectional area of the conduit in square meters) for a period of t hours where t=(p×d)/n where d is the length in km of the conduit from the nitrogen introduction location and n is 10 to 400. |
| US08191644B2 |
Temperature-activated swellable wellbore completion device and method
Disclosed herein is a completion device that includes an interior layer that swells when exposed to a wellbore fluid; and an exterior layer encasing the interior layer and configured to be impermeable to the wellbore fluid at temperatures below an activation depth temperature, and configured to be permeable to the wellbore fluid at temperatures above the activation depth temperature. Also disclosed herein is a method of deploying a completion device that includes encasing an interior layer of the device in a temperature-sensitive exterior layer that is impermeable to a fluid in the wellbore at temperatures below an activation depth temperature; attaching the device on a tube string; inserting the tube string into the wellbore; creating a leak path in the temperature-sensitive exterior layer in response to the device being exposed to the activation depth temperature in the wellbore; and swelling the interior layer with the wellbore fluid. |
| US08191643B2 |
Downhole apparatus with a swellable seal
A downhole apparatus for location on a tubular, an assembly, and a method of use are described. The apparatus comprises a body with a throughbore configured to receive a tubular, and at least one swellable member that comprises a material selected to expand upon exposure to at least one predetermined fluid. The swellable member is arranged to provide a seal between the body and a tubular on which it is located during use, for example in a micro-annulus between the body and the tubular. Advantageously, the apparatus may be configured such that the body is moveable on the tubular before expansion, which may permit the apparatus to be slipped or slid onto the tubular into its desired location. The apparatus may be configured to rotate or slide on the tubular. |
| US08191640B2 |
Universal pump holddown system
A pump seating nipple is provided for engagement with a downhole pump in order to seal and anchor the downhole pump relative to the pump seating nipple. The pump seating nipple includes a nipple sealing component for coupling with the downhole pump to provide a seal device, a nipple axial force anchoring component for coupling with the downhole pump to provide an axial force anchor device, and a nipple rotational force anchoring component for coupling with the downhole pump to provide a rotational force anchor device. |
| US08191638B2 |
Drill stem connection and method
A drill stem connection system and method is shown that provides a secure hold on drill stem surfaces while unscrewing a threaded connection. Two lever arm components are adjustable to a number of possible orientations to allow for fitting the drill stem wrench in tight spaces. Concentric rotation of lever arm components facilitates connection of the lever arm components together. Configurations and methods shown provide a stable and powerful tool to loosen threaded drill stem effectively. |
| US08191637B2 |
Method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations
A method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT system comprising a first carrier with a reel of CT and a CT injector, a second carrier comprising a top drive rig having a mast, and a lifter operative to move the CT injector from the first carrier to an operative or near operative position with respect to the mast on the second carrier. |
| US08191636B2 |
Method and apparatus for motion compensation during active intervention operations
This patent application applies to an Active Motion Compensation system for use during intervention or other work on subsea wells, pipelines or other structures. It could be used on existing floating production platforms such as Tension Leg Platforms (TLP) and Spar structures where intervention work including Coiled Tubing, Slickline, Electric Line, Wireline, as well as snubbing or Hydraulic Workover activities are being utilized. It could also be deployed over the side of or through the moon pool of a vessel without the need of any other compensation device. |
| US08191635B2 |
Hole opener with hybrid reaming section
A hole opener having a hybrid reaming section for downhole earth boring operations may include a reamer body having an axis of rotation, an outer periphery, and upper and lower ends, a plurality of rolling cutters coupled to the outer periphery and depending downwardly, the rolling cutters defining a rolling cutter cutting profile having a cutting diameter, a plurality of fixed blade cutters coupled to the outer periphery and defining a fixed blade cutter cutting profile having a cutting diameter, each fixed blade cutter being coupled between adjacent rolling cutters. At least one of the rolling cutters may be asymmetrically coupled about the axis. The cutting diameter of the rolling cutter cutting profile may be larger than the cutting diameter of the fixed blade cutter cutting profile. At least a portion of the rolling cutter cutting profile may be deeper than the fixed blade cutter cutting profile. |
| US08191629B2 |
Pressure equalising devices
An electronic actuation system for a pressure equalizing device in a downhole apparatus such as a wellbore plug is described. The system includes a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the wellbore, and means for setting a reference pressure value using a measurement from the pressure sensor. In a method of use, an applied pressure value is determined using a measurement from the pressure sensor and the reference pressure value, and the device is actuated, or opened, when the applied pressure meets a pre-determined condition, such as falling within a pressure window for certain time period. The invention allows natural changes in wellbore pressure to be accounted for when detecting a pressure actuation event. |
| US08191628B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting sensor response data and power through a mud motor
Apparatus and methods for establishing electrical communication between an instrument subsection disposed below a mud motor and an electronics sonde disposed above the mud motor in a drill string conveyed borehole logging system. Electrical communication is established via at least one conductor disposed within the mud motor and connecting the instrument sub section to a link disposed between the mud motor and the electronics sonde. The link can be embodied as a current coupling link, a magnetic coupling ling, an electromagnetic telemetry ling and a direct electrical contact link. Two way data transfer is established in all link embodiments. Power transfer is also established in all but the electromagnetic telemetry link. |
| US08191625B2 |
Multiple layer extrusion limiter
A downhole tool has a mandrel with a sealing element disposed thereabout. The sealing element is movable from an unset position to a set position in which the sealing element engages the well. Extrusion limiters are positioned at the ends of the sealing element. The extrusion limiters have first and second layers and the first and second layers are different materials. The second layer may be made up of a plurality of discs. At least one of the discs may be a disc with an irregularly shaped outer peripheral edge and a generally circular inner peripheral edge. A plurality of the discs with the irregularly shaped outer edge may be stacked and may be stacked with a generally circular or ring-shaped segmented disc. The first and second layers are stacked and then molded into a final shape for placement at the ends of the sealing element. |
| US08191621B2 |
Casing stabbing guide and method of use thereof
A system for running a string of casing into a well utilizes a casing gripping assembly. The casing gripping assembly connects to a top drive and has radially movable gripping elements. A pair of links have upper ends pivotally connected to the casing gripping assembly. A casing elevator is mounted below the casing gripping assembly to lower ends of the links. A guide is mounted to the links between the elevator and the casing gripping assembly. The guide has a vertically extending central opening that has a lower portion that defines a flared entrance to the opening. |
| US08191618B2 |
Methods of forming thermal management systems and thermal management methods
A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a heat exchanger having a thermal energy storage material provided therein, a first coolant loop thermally coupled to an electrochemical storage device located within the first coolant loop and to the heat exchanger, and a second coolant loop thermally coupled to the heat exchanger. The first and second coolant loops are configured to carry distinct thermal energy transfer media. The thermal management system also includes an interface configured to facilitate transfer of heat generated by an internal combustion engine to the heat exchanger via the second coolant loop in order to selectively deliver the heat to the electrochemical storage device. Thermal management methods are also provided. |
| US08191616B2 |
Combined thermal protection and surface temperature control system
The invention relates to a combined thermal protection and surface temperature control apparatus. In one embodiment, a combined thermal protection and surface temperature control apparatus comprises a porous member having an entrance side, a separate exit side, and a plurality of thermally conductive plugs disposed in the porous member. One or more coolant entrance channels extend through the entrance side, extend part-way through the porous member, and end within the porous member before reaching the exit side. Conversely, one or more coolant exit channels begin within the porous member, extend through a portion of the porous member, and extend through the exit side. The coolant entrance and exit channels may be parallel and may alternate. The channels may only extend across a portion of the thickness of the porous member. |
| US08191614B2 |
Heat radiating unit structure and heat sink thereof
A heat radiating unit is provided on a front face with at least one raised strip having a curved head portion and a neck portion, the neck portion being located at a joint of the raised strip and the heat radiating unit and having a width smaller than that of the curved head portion; and on a reverse face with at least one receiving groove opposite to the raised strip, the receiving groove having a curved recess portion and an engaging shoulder portion, and the engaging shoulder portion being located at a joint of the receiving groove and the heat radiating unit. A plurality of the heat radiating units can be assembled to provide a heat sink by engaging the curved head portion and the neck portion of one heat radiating unit with the curved recess portion and the engaging shoulder portion, respectively, of another heat radiating unit. |
| US08191613B2 |
Thermal module with quick assembling structure
A thermal module includes a heat sink and a cooling fan. The heat sink has a main body, from an outer periphery thereof a plurality of radiating fins and at least one fixing section are outward extended. The fixing section is provided on one lateral side with at least one first mating part. The cooling fan has a housing having a blade hub arranged therein. The housing is provided on one side facing toward the heat sink with at least one second mating part and an axially raised wall portion. The raised wall portion is pressed against the heat sink to thereby define a space between the cooling fan and the heat sink. The cooling fan and the heat sink can be quickly assembled together through engagement of the first and the second mating part with one another to reduce the material and labor costs of the thermal module. |
| US08191611B2 |
Method for continuous casting of steel and electromagnetic stirrer to be used therefor
An electromagnetic stirrer for stirring molten steel of the liquid core in a width-wise direction of the slab includes an iron core disposed with its length-wise axis along a width-wise direction of slab, and a plurality of exciting coils wound around the outer circumference of and about a length-wise axis of the iron core, wherein two-phase or three-phase alternating current is passed through the coils. The phases of the current in the exciting coils are distributed to impart a stirring flow to the molten that includes flow from the minor sides to the center of the slab or from one minor side to the other minor side with a reversing flow at predetermined time intervals. |
| US08191610B2 |
Strip casting apparatus with improved side dam
Apparatus for continuously casting metal strip includes a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls laterally positioned to form a nip there between through which thin strip can be cast, a pair of confining side dams adjacent the ends of the casting rolls capable of confining a casting pool of molten metal supported on the casting rolls above the nip, each side dam having a surface capable of contacting the molten metal of the casting pool, with unraised portions and raised portions to form troughs with the unraised portions as base between the raised portion of the side dam and the casting surfaces of the casting rolls to guide the flow of molten metal, and a metal delivery system disposed above the nip and capable of discharging molten metal to form the casting pool supported on the casting rolls. |
| US08191608B2 |
Device for low-pressure casting, a method for filling inert gas in the device, and method for producing a cast
A device for low-pressure casting wherein the stalk or the guiding tube is filled with inert gas by causing the space formed over the molten metal in the pressurizing room to communicate with the stalk or the guiding tube. The device for low-pressure casting (100) wherein molten metal is supplied into a mold through a stalk (8) suspended from a gate for pouring of the mold (7) or through a guiding tube (21) connected to the gate for pouring at one end by pressurizing the molten metal by inert gas, the device including: a room for holding molten metal (1); a pressurizing room (2) to be in communication with the room for holding molten metal through a hole for communication (4), wherein a bottom end of the stalk (8) enters the pressurizing room or an opposite end of the guiding hole is connected to the pressurizing room, and wherein the molten metal is pressurized by inert gas; an on-off valve (5) for opening and shutting the hole for communication; a sensing device (15) for sensing that the space over the molten metal in the pressurizing room communicates with the stalk or the guiding tube; and a device (30) for supplying inert gas to an upper part of the pressurizing room. |
| US08191602B1 |
Shutter slat assembly for roll down storm shutters
A shutter slat assembly for a storm shutter, each slat assembly including an elongated horizontally extending hollow shutter slat having longitudinally extending formed outer edges configured to slidably, interlockingly connect with the next adjacent slat for limited pivotal movement between adjacent connected slats sufficient for rolled-up storage of the storm shutter. Each slat has a central port formed therethrough for viewing and light transmission through the port. An elongated transparent panel is also provided having a cross section slidably fitted into the slat and enlarged edge portions configured and spaced for dependent slidable engagement between and within inwardly facing grooves formed inwardly adjacent to the outer edges. The transparent panel covers the port while allowing a person to obtain a view and permit light transmission therethrough. Sliding opaque covers positioned within the slat and over the transparent panel allow for selective closure of light transmission. |
| US08191597B2 |
Tape dispenser
A tape dispenser is adapted to dispense lengths of adhesive tape from a roll of adhesive tape wound upon a cylindrical tape core. The tape dispenser comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall generally parallel to the first sidewall. Each sidewall has a hub structure, a tape retaining tab, and a foot portion located between the hub structure and the tab. The tape core is rotatably supported on the hub structures of the first and second sidewalls. A tape guide portion interconnects the first and second sidewalls. A cutter is located at a forward end of the tape guide portion. A roller is rotatably supported between the sidewall front portions. The roller is beneath the tape guide portion and adjacent the cutter. The tape dispenser is configured to allow a user to only use one hand to hold the tape dispenser and dispense a length of tape on an associated substrate. |
| US08191595B2 |
Tire for two-wheeled motorcycles including intermediate carcass layer
A tire for two-wheeled motorcycles of the present invention includes a first carcass layer folded back along circumferential surfaces of bead cores, a second carcass layer folded back along circumferential surfaces of turnbacks of the first carcass layer 5, a belt layer wound spirally along a tire circumferential direction and an intermediate carcass layer provided between the first and second carcass layers 7 and in an inner circumferential side of the belt layer and extending close to a tire maximum width. |
| US08191591B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire maintaining excellent traction performance for the entire life of the tire. The tire (10) has blocks (18) each demarcated by both a circumferential groove formed in the tread and lateral grooves crossing the circumferential groove, and also has recessed parts (20). Each recessed part (20) is formed in at least one of those both wall surfaces of each block (18) that are oriented to the lateral direction of the tire, and the circumferential width (C) of each recessed part (20) is increased from the tread side of the block (18) toward the radially inside of the tire. Because the edge effect of the blocks (18) at the portions between the lateral grooves and the recessed parts (20) can be maintained in an excellent state even if the wear of the tire (10) progresses, the edge effect of the entire blocks can be maintained in an excellent state, and excellent traction performance can be maintained for the entire life of the tire. |
| US08191590B2 |
Studless tire
A studless tire capable of suppressing a vehicle from staggering at the time of braking on icy and snow-covered roads, including a tread portion 2 provided with at least six block rows R1 to R4, wherein each block B is provided with sipes having a depth of at least 3.0 mm, and the block rows comprises at least two crown block rows CR disposed in a crown region Ac extending from the tire equator C as its center to have a width of 50% of the tread width TW, and at least two shoulder block rows Sh disposed on each axially outer side of the crown block rows CR, and wherein lateral grooves 4 provided in a block row are inclined in the opposite direction, with respect to the axial direction, to lateral grooves provided in an axially adjacent block row. |
| US08191585B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring for a restriction in a stage II fuel vapor recovery system
Systems and methods for detecting a failure in a Stage II fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. An exemplary failure is a restriction in the vapor recovery system. In one detection system dispensing points may be flagged if it is determined that there has been a series of detected A/L ratios at the respective dispensing point below a first threshold. Further, an estimated ORVR penetration percentage may be determined for each dispensing point. In a second detection system an average A/L ratio for each dispensing point may be determined. The average A/L ratio may be an approximation of the average A/L ratio for non-ORVR transactions. |
| US08191583B2 |
Hydroformed product
A hydroformed product obtained by integrally working a metal pipe material by cold plastic working, which product (x) has a bent part at least at one location, (y1) has, at least at one location of the bent part, an expanded part of dimensions of a direction toward the outer side (or inner side) of the bend in a cross-section vertical to a pipe axis and a direction vertical to that direction of at least 1.35× of a circle equivalent diameter of an end of the metal pipe, and (z1) has an inner side (outer side) of the bent part of substantially the same radius of curvature. |
| US08191582B2 |
Hose
The invention relates to a hose with a tubular casing formed with a resin, preferably vinyl ester or polyester, as well as a method for using same. Cut-to-length glass fiber tubes are embedded in the resin forming the hose, and the length of the glass fiber tubes on both surfaces of the hose have values which are preset and different from one another. |
| US08191581B2 |
Wire tube structure for exhaust component
A vehicle exhaust component includes an outer shell defining an internal cavity and at least one internal pipe located within the internal cavity. A wire tube surrounds the internal pipe and is spaced apart from the pipe by a radial gap. This radial gap is filled with a fiber material. |
| US08191577B2 |
Flow adjustment valve
The invention relates to a flow adjustment valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) having a flow channel (3) in which a throttle unit (4, 11) having an adjustable throttle element (11) and a shut-off unit having a shut-off element (4) which blocks the flow channel (3) in a closed position are arranged, the shut-off element (4) being actuatable from the outside by means of a handle (16). The aim of the invention is to simplify the handling of a flow adjustment valve of the aforementioned type. For this purpose, the throttle element (11) can also be actuated by means of the handle (16). |
| US08191574B1 |
Visual indicator for air tank valve handle
A visual indicator assembly displays the state of an isolated stem control valve contained in a housing of an air tank. The visual indicator assembly comprises a rotatable handle member adapted for operative connection to the isolated stem control valve contained in the housing of the air tank. The rotatable handle member opens and closes the control valve without axial movement of the rotatable handle member. An “OFF” indicator is visible with the control valve in a closed condition, and an “ON” indicator is non-visible with the control valve in a closed condition. The “ON” indicator is movable to become visible and obscure the “OFF” indicator upon rotation of the handle member to adjust the control valve to an open condition. |
| US08191573B2 |
Pressure regulating valve with a direct damping action
The aim of the invention is to protect hydraulic assemblies, in particular those used for hydraulic longwall working in coal mining. To achieve this, pressure regulating valves (1) are used, the damping chambers of which (20) are located, configured and connected to the inlet side (5) in such a way that a system pressure constantly prevails in said chamber (20) and only drains in a restricted manner when the pressure in the regulating valve (1) is released, thus preventing the occurrence of detrimental vibrations. |
| US08191571B2 |
Fluid circuit breaker quick disconnect coupling
A fluid circuit breaker includes a plurality of petals and a bias system attached to the plurality of petals to maintain the plurality of petals at a closed unobstructed flow condition below a predetermined flow velocity. |
| US08191568B2 |
Fuel tank for motor vehicle
A fuel tank capable of attaching functional parts and tubes in an interior thereof. In a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, which is formed by blow molding for attachment of a built-in part in an interior thereof, and of which an outer wall composed of a synthetic resin has an opening, a functional part adapted to discharge fluid from the interior of the fuel tank or feed fluid therein is attached to the built-in part, a tube adapted to discharge fluid from the interior of the fuel tank or feed fluid therein is connected to the functional part, and a tube connector is attached to an end of the tube. A temporal holding connector is formed integrally with the built-in part, the tube connector is attached to the temporal holding connector, and after blow molding, the tube connector is detached from the temporal holding connector and is attached to a tank cap adapted to close the opening of the fuel tank. |
| US08191566B2 |
Valve for controlling the flow of steam and other fluids
Systems (e.g., bioprocessing systems), including methods and apparatus, for controlling the flow of a sterilizing agent (e.g., steam) and/or at least one fluid reagent by utilizing a pressure-responsive valve, such as a rupture valve and/or a swing valve. |
| US08191564B1 |
Portable ice fishing shelter
A portable ice fishing shelter for providing an enclosed and expandable structure for ice fishing within. The ice fishing shelter generally includes a rigid primary enclosure having sidewalls, a roof, and a base to form a first interior space, wherein the base forms an inverted U-shaped raised center portion to accommodate a seat within and allow for smoother pulling below. The primary enclosure also has a side opening extending through at least one of the sidewalls for a rigid extendable enclosure. The extendable enclosure includes an open bottom and extends from a perimeter of the side opening and is movably connected thereto. The extendable enclosure is adapted to move between a retracted position during storage or transport and an extended position during use, wherein a second interior space is formed to accommodate one or more angling holes. A tow hitch and glide members may also extend from the primary enclosure. |
| US08191562B1 |
Telescopic umbrella with integral anchor
A telescopic umbrella with integral anchor which has parallel dual spikes integrated into the support shaft and a parallelepiped foot pad member disposed in a position perpendicular to the dual spikes upon which a user steps to insert and anchor the spikes into the ground thereby securing the umbrella canopy in place. An alignment tab on an upper attachment end of the support shaft and an alignment groove on an opposite securement end of the support shaft assist in the insertion of the upper attachment end into the securement end while aligning and engaging a locking protrusion on the upper attachment end with one of the holes on the securement end to adjust the height of the support shaft. A protective cover is also provided to removably contain and secure the spikes and the foot pad member during period of non-use to prevent personal injury due to accidental contact therewith. |
| US08191561B2 |
Umbrella with integral anchoring structure
An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along the post. |
| US08191557B2 |
Universal hair tapering razor and universal hair tapering method
A universal hair tapering razor for tapering hair includes a cutting blade portion, a shank portion and a handle portion, the cutting blade portion including blade means having a cutting blade with a cutting edge for tapering hair, tapering regulating means, and blade holding means having a flat portion which comes into close contact with the panel of hair to be tapered, with the cutting edge and the outer surface of the flat portion both being on an identical reference plane, and the cutting blade is disposed at an angle θ1 in the range of 0°<θ1≦40° with respect to the reference plane, and the handle portion is disposed at an angle θ2 in the range of 10°≦θ2≦40° with respect to the cutting blade portion. There is also provided a universal hair tapering method of tapering hair that can create two or more different types of hairstyles as desired from one type of hair tapering, which method can be performed with this hair tapering razor. |
| US08191552B2 |
Negative pressure, bi-directional nasal aerosol delivery
A method and apparatus for nasal drug delivery comprises a first tube in fluid communication with a means for generating a negative pressure and a second tube in fluid communication with an aerosol. The first tube is contacted with one nostril, the said second tube is contacted with the other nostril, and a negative pressure is applied to the first tube, producing a negative pressure within a nasal cavity and causing the aerosol to be drawn into the nasal passages and to deposit on an internal nasal surface. |
| US08191545B2 |
Electroformed thin-wall core drills impregnated with abrasives
The present invention describes electroformed thin-wall nickel core drills that are impregnated with diamond abrasives. The thin-wall core drills are formed with a plurality of raised portions and an equal plurality of recessed portions, with each raised portion alternating with a recessed portion, the raised and recessed portions are substantially parallel and are connected by transition portions. In another embodiment, some of the transition regions are formed with intermediate steps or partially raised and recessed portions. These intermediate steps or partially raised or recessed portions allow more uniform distribution of matrix material across a kerf width D1 as the core drill is spun, thereby, giving the cut edge a substantially square profile. |
| US08191542B2 |
Rapid fire blow gun toy
A blow gun includes a hollow ammunition chamber having an internal volume that is large enough to hold at least 30 spherical projectiles, for example plastic BBs. The ammunition chamber has a breath receiving orifice, and a firing port. A barrel obtrudes from the hollow ammunition chamber through the firing port. The barrel has a cylindrical bore therethrough, that defines an internal diameter that is greater than the spherical projectile diameter but no greater than 1.7 times the spherical projectile diameter. The barrel has an outer surface that is in sliding contact with the firing port. The barrel may have a storage position in which most of the barrel is disposed within the internal volume of the hollow ammunition chamber, and a firing position in which most of the barrel is disposed outside of the hollow ammunition chamber. |
| US08191541B2 |
Narrow crossbow with large power stroke
A crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0. |
| US08191536B2 |
Multi-path evaporative purge system for fuel combusting engine
A method of operating the evaporative purge system for an engine of a vehicle propulsion system is provided. In one example, the method provides for charging and purging two fuel vapor canisters independently or at the same time. The method may provide for improved fuel vapor processing under some conditions. |
| US08191518B2 |
Valvetrain control arrangement
A valvetrain control arrangement for an internal combustion engine. A fluid-working machine (1) has working chambers (3) of cyclically varying volume, each connected to a piston actuator (4) which is capable of moving an intake or exhaust valve in the internal combustion engine. The engine crankshaft (2) drives a crankshaft of the fluid-working machine at the same speed as the engine. Each working chamber (3) is linked to a low-pressure manifold (7) by a venting valve (6), the venting valve being normally open but electromagnetically closable by a signal from an electronic sequencing means (8) which operates in timed relationship to the engine crankshaft phase. |
| US08191517B2 |
Internal combustion engine with dual-chamber cylinder
Improvements in a gas powered engine. Said improvements include use of a piston with a fixed piston arm that extends through a seal in the lower portion of the cylinder. In this proposal of four-stroke engine, the down chamber is used as supercharger for the upper chamber cylinder engine. In this proposed two-stroke engine the down chamber is used as a compressor chamber and the compressed air passes to the upper chamber. The piston arm operates on an elliptical crank that drives the output shaft. Valves that move air and exhaust into and out of the pistons are lifted by a cam located on the crank. A unique oil injector passes oil between the rings when the piston is in at the bottom of the stroke. |
| US08191516B2 |
Delayed exhaust engine cycle
A method of operating an engine in a delayed exhaust engine cycle may include opening an intake valve of the engine during a first stroke to form an intake stroke. The method may further include closing the intake valve and determining an engine operating temperature. The engine operating temperature may be compared to a predetermined temperature limit. A first fuel mass may be provided to the combustion chamber between an end portion of a second stroke and a beginning portion of a third stroke. The third stroke may form a first power stroke and the intake valve and an exhaust valve in communication with the combustion chamber may be closed during the second and third strokes. The exhaust valve may be maintained in a closed position during a fourth stroke when the engine operating temperature is less than the predetermined temperature limit. |
| US08191515B2 |
V-type internal combustion engine including throttle valve device, and vehicle incorporating same
A V-type internal combustion engine includes a crankcase, a crankshaft disposed in the crankcase, and first and second banks operatively attached to the crankcase. The engine also includes a throttle body, an electric motor and a force-transmitting device arranged between the first and second banks. The force-transmitting device is disposed adjacent the front bank with respect to the throttle body. The force-transmitting device is disposed on a non-transmitting portion side opposite to a side where a timing mechanism is located with respect to a branch pipe of an intake air routing pipe, which supplies intake air into a cylinder adjacent to the timing mechanism of the first bank. An electric motor for operating the throttle valve is provided in the throttle body, and fuel injection valves are arranged between the banks. |
| US08191514B2 |
Ignition control for reformate engine
During operation of a spark ignition engine, an ignition system produces an output (e.g., breakdown voltage, peak secondary coil current, and spark duration) used to combust a charge (e.g., mixture of air and fuel) in an engine cylinder. Ignition output is important to consider in engines including a second fuel with high ignitability, for example in engines with a fuel reformer system. Example methods, devices and systems are included for adjusting ignition output. |
| US08191510B2 |
Bird cage assembly with cleaning sinks
A bird cage assembly with cleaning sinks that allows a user to clean a bird cage (1) without having to move the bird cage or dirtying the area around the bird cage. The bird cage rests in a lower cleaning sink (2) having a perimeter wall (4) extending upward from a floor (5) that angles downward towards a drain (6) having a drain pipe (7) extending from the drain. A flange (8) extends outward at an upward angle from an upper edge (9) of the perimeter wall and acts as a gutter to catch debris and water used to clean the bird cage. An upper cleaning sink (17) may be attached to the top of the bird cage to collect debris and water from a perch (18) located above the upper cleaning sink. The upper cleaning sink comprises a perimeter wall extending upward from a floor that angles downward towards a drain having a drain pipe extending downward from the drain. The drain pipe empties into the lower cleaning sink. A removable curtain (26) may be closed around the bird cage, thereby enclosing the entire birdcage to prevent any water from getting on surrounding areas while cleaning the bird cage. |
| US08191509B2 |
Litter box with removable shield
A litter box assembly is provided that includes a tray for containing litter and a shield that can be removably mounted to the tray for reducing or preventing the scattering of litter material outside the tray. The shield effectively extends the height of the tray along three sides and can be removed for cleaning between litter changes. A self supporting shield for a litter box tray is further provided as well as a method for reducing the scattering of litter material by a cat or other animal. |
| US08191505B2 |
Process gas introducing mechanism and plasma processing device
A processing gas introducing mechanism for introducing a processing gas into a processing space is provided between a plasma generation unit and a chamber of a plasma processing apparatus. The processing gas introducing mechanism includes a gas introducing base having therein a gas introducing path for introducing the processing gas into the processing space, and a near ring-shaped gas introducing plate equipped in the hole part of the gas introducing base such that it can be detached therefrom. Herein, the gas introducing base has a hole part forming one portion of the processing space in a central portion thereof, and the gas introducing plate has plural gas discharge holes communicating with the processing space to discharge thereinto the processing gas from the gas introducing path. |
| US08191495B2 |
Transom reinforcement grid
A reinforcement grid for a vessel includes a plurality of spaced-apart, generally vertically extending walls coupled by lateral floor sections and lateral walls which are coupled to stringers, the transom, and the bottom of the vessel hull to strengthen the transom, thereby allowing a greater number of higher horsepower engines to be mounted to the vessel. |
| US08191494B2 |
Underwater dive plane
An underwater dive plane includes a central rotating hub, rotating wing holders on either side of the central rotating hub, and wings attached to the wing holders. The attachment is accomplished by a threaded bolt inserted through the center of the central rotating hub and through the center of the wing holders in a way that permits the wing holders to rotate around the threaded bolt. A rope threaded through a hole in the central rotating hub leads to a watercraft and allows towing a person holding onto the dive plane. The rotating wings allow the diver to control the angle and direction of the dive. |
| US08191491B2 |
Sewing machine and computer-readable medium storing control program executable on sewing machine
A sewing machine that is capable of sewing an embroidery pattern on a work cloth held by an embroidery frame includes a display device that is capable of displaying at least one of an image and embroidery information, a detection device that detects an occurrence of a thread break, an image capture device that is capable of capturing an image of at least an area including a needle drop point, a display control device that displays an image captured by the image capture device and an operation key on the display device in a case where the detection device has detected the occurrence of the thread break, the operation key being to be used to transfer the embroidery frame by at least one stitch, and a sewing control device that causes the embroidery frame to be transferred based on a number of stitches specified by operation of the operation key. |
| US08191484B2 |
Rotation impeding device for a vehicle
A rotation impeding device for a vehicle having a first vehicle component comprising a running gear and a second vehicle component comprising a wagon body supported thereon the rotation impeding device comprising a friction element carrier for a first friction element, wherein the friction element carrier is connectable to the running gear or the wagon body in such a manner torsionally rigid about a height axis of the vehicle that the wagon body is supported on the running gear by means of the friction element, wherein the wagon body is rotatable relative to the running gear under a friction-laden relative movement between the first friction element and a second friction element impeding a rotation about the height axis. There is provided a force generating device with a contact element, wherein the force generating device is connectable to the vehicle component carrying the friction element carrier in such a way that it acts, via the contact element, on the friction element carrier in order to generate a contact force between the first friction element and the second friction element. |
| US08191482B2 |
Load-minimizing, trolley arrester apparatus and method
A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt. |
| US08191476B2 |
Multi-stage mechanical delay mechanisms for inertial igniters for thermal batteries and the like having a rotatable movable member
An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance. |
| US08191475B2 |
Energy harvesting power sources for generating a time-out signal for unexploded munitions
A method is provided for detecting a target impact of a munition. The method including: providing the munition with a power supply having a piezoelectric material for generating power from a vibration induced by the munition; monitoring an output from the power supply; and determining whether the output of power from the power supply has dropped below a predetermined threshold. |
| US08191474B2 |
Device and methods for identifying modules in a graphics machine
A method for detecting a type of one of plurality of devices attached to a graphics machine, each device being one of at least a first type and a second type. The method includes detecting at a controller the type of device attached to or to be attached to the machine. The controller is capable of preadjusting the device or machine as a function of the detection. A graphics machine includes a controller, a first device connected to the controller, the first device being categorizable as one of at least a first type and a second type, the controller detecting the type of the first device, and a memory accessible by the controller, the memory storing information regarding the first type and the second type. |
| US08191469B2 |
Device and method for evacuating a storage bag
In one aspect, a bracket for evacuating a storage bag having a one-way valve element is provided that has parallel first and second flat panels that delineate a gap. A bag can be placed into the gap such that the valve element on the bag aligns with an aperture disposed through the first panel. To evacuate the bag, a nozzle of an evacuation device can be inserted through the aperture and pressed against the bag sidewall about the valve element. When the evacuation device is activated, the sidewall of the bag is pulled against the rim of the nozzle and air is drawn through the valve element. In another embodiment, the nozzle can be pressed against the first panel around the aperture. In another aspect, the bracket can be included as part of a handheld evacuation device. |
| US08191468B2 |
Smart anti burn cooking pot
A cooking utensil having five layer members which includes a first diaphragm member and a second diaphragm member, at least one thermostat set wherein said at least one thermostat set is situated within first layer, at least one heat sensor, wherein said at least one sensor comprises of a liquid which is sensitive to heat, a thermal induction actuator (81), which selectively closes said first diaphragm member and second diaphragm member according to temperature of the outer member of bottom of intermediate member. A hot air passage formed vertically in a part of the circumference between the sidewalls of the outer member and outer member of third layer, which causes the passage of hot air, a cool air passage formed vertically in a part of circumference between the sidewalls of outer member and inner member of second outer member which causes entering of cool air. Heat energy transmitted from the bottom of outer member will be diverted from the intermediate member and guided to outside of the cooking utensil by being spread out throughout the sidewalls of the cooking utensil. Therefore, the food in inner member which is closely contacted with the intermediate member is not scorched or burned. |
| US08191467B2 |
Puffing apparatus for producing cereal crackers and methods thereof
An apparatus for making puffed food products from starch-containing raw materials. The apparatus has a baking and molding chamber defined by several heatable mold elements. The mold elements are individually actuated by direct hydraulic drive systems. The hydraulic power for these drive systems is selectively derived from a common oil pressure supply system which provides continuously high oil pressure to the direct hydraulic drive system for each mold element. The apparatus also has an improved feed system enabling the supply of raw material into the mold cavity such that no material gets spilled and each mold receives an accurate predetermined quantity of raw material. |
| US08191465B2 |
Cooking oven control system and related methods
An oven includes a scanning mechanism that facilitates cooking food items according to cooking recipes/programs associated with the food items. The oven may include a Bluetooth link to facilitate receipt of cooking programs and other information, as well as export of data. |
| US08191464B2 |
Detector for electric cooking appliance detecting presence of a bowl and its temperature
An electric cooking appliance includes heater for heating a bowl and a sensor for sensing the temperature of the bowl. The sensor includes a movable thermal contact member to contact the wall of the bowl. The cooking appliance is provided with a detector for detecting the presence of the bowl, whereby displacement of the movable thermal contact member operates the detection. |
| US08191462B2 |
Method for controlling a quantity of water to be used for the purpose of obtaining a quantity of hot liquid
A beverage maker includes a boiler for containing and heating water and a normally opened thermostat having a sensing member for sensing a temperature of the water, wherein the sensing member is located at a certain distance with respect to a water inlet of the boiler. When the water is heated, and the temperature of the water exceeds a set point of the thermostat, the thermostat closes. As a result, a pumping action is started, where hot water is forced to flow out of the boiler, and where cold water is forced to flow into the boiler. When a front of the cold water reaches the sensing member of the thermostat, the thermostat is triggered to open again, and the pumping action is terminated. By means of the thermostat, the quantity of hot water that is used for the purpose of making a beverage is accurately controlled. |
| US08191461B2 |
Hydraulic cylinder piston
The invention relates to a hydraulic cylinder piston comprising a piston rod and a piston connected thereto. In accordance with the invention, the piston can be tensioned with respect to the piston rod via a screw system comprising two threaded rings, with the inner threaded ring of the two threaded rings comprising a removable tensioning element for the application of the pre-tension and with the outer threaded ring being movable relative to the inner threaded ring. |
| US08191460B2 |
Zero emissions reciprocating pump
A sealing system for a pump having a plunger includes a housing having an internal chamber adapted to receive a portion of the plunger. Primary and secondary seals are located within the internal chamber and adapted to sealingly engage the plunger. The primary seal communicates with the fluid being pumped. A barrier fluid chamber contains a barrier fluid in contact with the primary seal and the secondary seal. A pressure referencing device has an inlet port in communication with the pumped fluid and an outlet port providing fluid at a pressure magnitude equal to a peak pressure of the pumped fluid. A pressurizing device is in communication with the fluid at the peak pressure and the barrier fluid to maintain the barrier fluid pressure at a magnitude greater than the peak pressure of the pumped fluid such that the pumped fluid is restricted from leaking past the primary seal. |
| US08191459B2 |
High pressure pump, in particular for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine
The high pressure pump includes a drive shaft with at least one cam or eccentric and at least one pump element with a pump piston driven in the reciprocating direction by the cam or eccentric on the driveshaft in a reciprocating motion. A support element is arranged between the pump piston and the cam or eccentric on the driveshaft and also a roller running on the cam or eccentric is mounted to rotate therein. A support for the roller in the direction of rotation is arranged adjacent to the same in the direction of the rotational axis of the roller. The roller and/or the support include a surface with high wear resistance at least in the contact region between the roller and the support. |
| US08191455B2 |
Pneumatic actuating drive having integrated electropneumatic position control
An electropneumatic actuator system for operating assemblies of an internal combustion engine includes a housing, in which an actuator is movably accommodated, which in turn is configured to be hollow and includes an aeration channel and a deaeration channel. A control slide valve is assigned to the actuator which is operated by a magnetic coil and which aerates, deaerates or closes a pressure chamber of the housing as a function of the relative position of the actuator. |
| US08191448B2 |
Cutting device for an endless tube system
The invention relates to a cutting device for a film of an endless web, which includes at least one blade for severing the film. A blade holder which receives and fixes the blade thereto is disposed on a base ring. The base ring in turn, is rotatably supported on a flange element. The blade is disposed in the blade holder in such a way that upon a rotation of the base ring, severing of the film by the blade is effected. |
| US08191446B1 |
Adjustable set wrench
An adjustable set wrench includes a wrench handle; an adjustable wrench head provided on the wrench handle and having a stationary jaw, an adjustable jaw and a wrench gap between the stationary jaw and the adjustable jaw; at least one of a metric jaw adjustment scale having metric marking units and a standard jaw adjustment scale having standard marking units provided on the adjustable wrench head; and at least one of a metric jaw mark and a standard jaw mark provided on the adjustable jaw and registering with at least one of the metric marking units and the standard marking units. |
| US08191445B2 |
Methods of forming fiber-containing diamond-impregnated cutting tools
Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. A matrix is formed that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The matrix is then sintered to form a cutting portion of a drill bit. The type and concentration of the fibers can be modified to control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may be added to the cutting section to weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion. |
| US08191442B2 |
Window lift system and actuator including an internal drive train disconnect
An electro-mechanical actuator is provided resisting back driving of a gear train in at least one direction. The actuator includes an internal gear train. A clutch is coupled to an output of the gear train and transmits a driving force from the gear train to a clutch output. When a back driving force is applied to the clutch output in at least one direction, the clutch assumes a locked configuration. When the clutch is in a locked configuration the clutch resists rotational movement of the output and back driving of the gear train. |
| US08191439B2 |
Wave-gear-type linear-actuation mechanism
A wave-gear-type linear-actuation mechanism comprises a flat-type wave gear; a lead screw that is a structural component of the wave gear and is formed on an outer peripheral surface of a first circular spline; and a linear-actuation cylinder threaded onto the lead screw, a linear-actuation cylinder 4 having a screw groove that is formed in an inner peripheral surface thereof. It is possible to obtain a linear-actuation mechanism whose holding force during reverse input mode (speed increasing mode) is higher than cases where a cup-type flexible screw is used. |
| US08191438B2 |
Camera device and drive mechanism
A drive mechanism (1) of a camera apparatus includes a worm gear (4) to which a rotational driving force of a drive motor (2) is transmitted, a worm wheel (6) around which a helical gear (5) is formed to engage with the worm gear (4), and a support frame (7) which supports the worm wheel (6) rotatably and movably along a rotation axis. A rotational driving force of the worm gear (4) is transmitted to the worm wheel (6) with reduced gear ratio. An externally threaded portion (10) of a shaft portion (8) of the worm wheel (6) is engaged with an internally threaded portion in a supporting hole (14) of the support frame (7), so that the shaft portion (8) moves along the rotation axis when the worm wheel (6) rotates. Consequently, the rotational driving force transmitted to the worm wheel (6) is converted into a linear thrust force along the rotation axis. This makes it possible to provide a camera apparatus which can develop a larger thrust force and adjust an amount of travel more finely. |
| US08191435B2 |
Method and apparatus for concentrating vapors for analysis
A pre-concentration device and a method are disclosed for concentrating gaseous vapors for analysis. Vapors sorbed and concentrated within the bed of the pre-concentration device are thermally desorbed, achieving at least partial separation of the vapor mixtures. The pre-concentration device is suitable, e.g., for pre-concentration and sample injection, and provides greater resolution of peaks for vapors within vapor mixtures, yielding detection levels that are 10-10,000 times better than direct sampling and analysis systems. Features are particularly useful for continuous unattended monitoring applications. The invention finds application in conjunction with, e.g., analytical instruments where low detection limits for gaseous vapors are desirable. |
| US08191433B2 |
Method for manufacturing fabric strain sensors
A fabric strain sensor (10) for measuring in-plane unidirectional strain, the sensor (10) comprising a mixture (20) of electrically conductive particles or fibers and an elastomer matrix, applied onto an elastic fabric substrate (30). |
| US08191432B2 |
Load detecting device including a load detecting element between a substrate and a load receiver and method of producing the same
A load detecting device includes a substrate, a load receiver arranged on a first face of the substrate, a load detecting element arranged between the substrate and the load receiver, and a supporting portion to support the substrate. The supporting portion is made of metal. The supporting portion is located to overlap with the load receiver in a direction approximately perpendicular to the substrate. The supporting portion has a plurality of projections contacting with a second face of the substrate opposite from the first face. The projections located adjacent to each other are distanced from each other through a trench. |
| US08191431B2 |
Sensor system including a magnetized shaft
A sensor includes a shaft and a magnetic sensor and an anti-aging magnetic sensor. The shaft may have at least one magnetized active region. The magnetic sensor may be configured to sense a magnetic field about the shaft, and may provide an output representative of torque applied to the shaft, shaft rotational speed and/or shaft rotational position. The anti-aging magnetic sensor may be positioned adjacent the active region to provide a reference signal output that is substantially independent of torque applied to said shaft. |
| US08191420B2 |
Proof mass for maximized, bi-directional and symmetric damping in high g-range acceleration sensors
A new high G-range damped acceleration sensor is proposed with a proof mass optimized for maximized, bi-directional and symmetrical damping to accommodate acceleration ranges above and beyond several thousand G's. In order to achieve the maximum, bi-directional and symmetrical damping, the high G-range acceleration sensor is designed to have minimum amount of mass in the proof mass while maximizing its surface areas. Such high G-range damped acceleration sensor can be applied to any application in which damping (or suppression of ringing) is desired at quite high frequencies. |
| US08191416B2 |
Instrumented formation tester for injecting and monitoring of fluids
An example instrumented formation tester for injecting fluids and monitoring of fluids described herein includes a downhole tool which can be deployed in a wellbore via a wireline or a drill string. The downhole tool may facilitate the injection of fluids into an underground formation, and the monitoring of the directions in which the injected fluids flow in the formation in an open hole environment. In particular, the downhole tool may be configured for removing the mud cake from a portion of the wellbore wall for facilitating a fluid communication with the formation to be tested. |
| US08191414B2 |
Sensor
A sensor including a sensor element including a plurality of electrode terminals, terminal metal fittings, a terminal surrounding member, and lead wires connected to respective terminal metal fittings. The terminal surrounding member is divided into a front side surrounding member and a rear side surrounding member in the front-rear direction, and a rear end face of the front side surrounding member abuts a front end face of the rear side surrounding member. At least one of the terminal metal fittings includes a protruding piece portion protruding in a lateral direction and held between the rear end face of the front side surrounding member and the front end face of the rear side surrounding member. |
| US08191412B2 |
Determination of fuel characteristics and their influence on exhaust gas emissions during operation of an internal combustion engine
A method for determining a deviation of a fuel quality from a reference quality and for determining a change in exhaust gas emissions caused by this deviation by evaluating pressure waves in a fuel system of an internal combustion engine outfitted with one of a discontinuous fuel delivery and a fuel take-off. The method includes detecting pressure oscillations in the fuel system during operation by at least one sensor; determining at least one of a fuel type and the deviation from a reference fuel quality by analyzing the detected pressure oscillations in an electronic monitoring unit; and at least one of changing behavior of an exhaust gas aftertreatment system downstream of the internal combustion engine based at least in part on deviations of the untreated emissions of the internal combustion engine from the untreated emissions occurring when using the reference fuel, changing service intervals when a deviation from the reference fuel quality is determined, changing engine oil change intervals are changed when a deviation from the reference fuel quality is determined displaying information about use of a fuel deviating from the reference fuel is, displaying the changed service interval, changing operating parameters of the internal combustion engine, and changing operating parameters of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system downstream of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08191409B2 |
Valve failure detection
A method and arrangement for detecting failure of an actuated component, particularly a valve. The method comprises determining a calibration step response and an in-use step response for the actuated component, determining any difference between the responses and comparing the difference to a pre-determined threshold indicating failure. |
| US08191408B2 |
Measuring instrument
A surface texture measuring instrument includes a contact piece to be in contact with an object, a sensor driving mechanism that moves the contact piece along the surface of the object, a controller that controls the sensor mechanism, and a force sensor that detects a measuring force exerted on the contact piece when the contact piece is brought into contact with the object. The controller includes a target value output that outputs a target value of the measuring force, a feedback controller that performs feedback control of the sensor driving mechanism based on a deviation between the measuring force and the target value, and a feedback compensator provided on the feedback controller. The feedback compensator performs feedback compensation in accordance with the measuring force. |
| US08191407B2 |
Folded beam suspension for probe
Probe structures that utilize a folded beam structure to support the probe tip. The folded beam or supported-beam structure provides a linear spring force over a large displacement range while resisting probe tip tilting and lateral motion of the probe tip. In one embodiment, the probe structure has a supported-beam structure comprising an inner beam structure surrounded by an outer support, the inner beam structure pivotally connected to the outer support. The inner beam structure has a central region and the outer support having outer corner regions. The outer corner regions provide an attachment region to a supporting mechanism for the probe structure. A probe tip is located at the central region of the inner beam structure. The probe structure may have at least three arms, for example, four arms. |
| US08191403B2 |
Petroleum viscosity measurement and communication system and method
The disclosure presents an apparatus and method for measuring viscosity of a lubricating oil. The apparatus has a piezo-resistive cantilever sensor for sensing a first oil viscosity parameter. The sensor has a cantilever having a pressure receiving portion for receiving pressure exerted by the lubricating oil as the lubricating oil comes into contact with the pressure receiving portion. The cantilever also has first and second resistive portions in electrical communication with a first lead and a second lead, respectively, which are in electrical communication with an electrical circuit amplification element, for creating an output signal indicative of a change in the resistive characteristics of the first and second resistive portions of the cantilever as the lubricating oil comes into contact with the pressure receiving portion. The output signal can be used for determining oil viscosity. A processor and memory compare the output signal value with a stored resistance value to provide information relating to the quality of the lubricating oil. |
| US08191402B2 |
Monitoring device of gas introducing device for analyzer
Gas is supplied from positive pressure (105 Pa or more) to an analyzer of high vacuum (10−2 Pa or less) precisely and stably, while keeping conditions constant and replicating the conditions, and performing switching to a desired gas within a short time. According to a gas introducing device and a method, a plurality of types of gases are synthesized in a mixing chamber, the synthesized gas is introduced and is decompressed by a decompression pump to a pressure ranging from 0.1 Pa to 0.1 MPa, and the decompressed gas is introduced to a gas analyzer through a switching operation using a gas switching valve. |
| US08191399B2 |
Monitoring device and monitoring method for a drive device
There is described a method for monitoring a drive device for a defective sensor signal from a first sensor of the drive device and to a monitoring device which is suitable for this purpose. Although sensors operate reliably, sensor errors which may give rise to significant damage if they are not detected may arise. Monitoring the sensor makes it possible to increase the reliability of the drive device. The sensor signal from the first sensor is compared with a sensor signal from a second sensor in such a manner that the first sensor is monitored. In this case, the monitoring device is intended, in particular, for a sensor having a sensor disc. |
| US08191397B2 |
Methods for checking and calibrating concentration sensors in a semiconductor processing chamber
The present invention provides methods for checking and calibrating one or more concentration sensors in an open or closed system. More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the disclosed method allows for the checking and calibration of one or more concentration sensors in which removal of the liquid from the system is required. In two additional embodiments, the disclosed methods allow for the checking and calibration of one or more concentration sensors without having to remove the liquid from the closed system thereby minimizing contamination of the system while at the same time greatly reducing or eliminating contact of the user with the liquid. |
| US08191395B2 |
Alignment device and methods of using the same
An alignment device is located on a mandrel of an installation tool and is used to align a structural member in an opening of a workpiece while seating a radial flange of the structural member against a first surface of the workpiece. The alignment device comprises a disk-shaped device having an outer surface, an inner surface forming an opening through the alignment device, and where the opening is sized to be at least slightly smaller than a major diameter of an expansion portion of the mandrel. In one embodiment, the alignment is nylon to allow the inner surface of the alignment device to be repeatedly, radially expanded and yet the opening formed by the inner surface returns to its original size. |
| US08191392B2 |
Roll, rolling mill and rolling method
[PROBLEMS]To provide a roll, a rolling mill and rolling method capable of not only effectively correcting the plate crown of a material to be rolled but also reducing the edge drop and preventing a roll from damage caused by the increase of the local line pressure between the rolls.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS]A roll crown is formed by a continuous curve having a local maximum point and a local minimum value point where the central region held between the local maximum point and the local minimum point represents one function and the end region from the local maximum point to the nearer roll end represents another function having an inclination of steeper gradient (or having a radius decreasing more sharply toward the roll end) than that of the extension of the function in the central region. |
| US08191390B2 |
Radial roller head
Radial roller head with rollers distributively arranged in a holder under the same angular separations and in axial separations around a roller axis, the roller surfaces of which have an increasing progression in a spiral manner around the circumference in the counter clockwise direction. A gear wheel drive couples the rollers together. A locking device automatically locks into place after each full roller rotation and is released before each roller procedure via a moveable locking element. A drive device turns the rollers after release of the locking device up to the contact of the roller surfaces with a tool, in order to then be further turned through friction therewith. An electromagnet connected with the locking element, is arranged in the radial roller head with an electrical energy source and a switch connecting the energy source with the electromagnets when the switch is actuated via the work piece or another actuating device. |
| US08191388B2 |
Drying duct assembly and washing machine having the same
There are provided a drying duct assembly and a washing machine having the drying duct assembly. The drying duct assembly includes a duct lower, a duct upper coupled to an upper portion of the duct lower, a reflector seating on one of inner circumferences of the duct lower and the duct upper, a heater provided in the duct lower to generate heat, and a fan assembly provided on a side of the duct lower to suck air. |
| US08191386B2 |
Distillation method and apparatus
A distillation apparatus and method in which first and second compressed streams are formed from a compressed feed stream, for example, compressed air. The first compressed stream is fully cooled within a main heat exchanger so that it is substantially condensed. The second compressed stream is partly cooled within the main heat exchanger and then introduced into a turboexpander at a temperature such that the turboexpander exhaust stream is superheated. Part of the first compressed stream is mixed with the exhaust stream to produce a combined stream that is no more than 10° C. above saturation temperature at the pressure of the exhaust stream. The combined stream is introduced into a distillation column unit to produce one or more products that are enriched in components of the feed to be separated. In such manner the turboexpansion can occur at a higher temperature and with increased refrigerating effect. |
| US08191385B2 |
Two-stage expansion cooling system and evaporator thereof
An evaporator, applicable to a two-stage expansion cooling system, is used for receiving a high-pressure liquid working fluid. The evaporator includes a thermal-conductive block having a channel system. The channel system includes a high-pressure channel, a low-pressure channel, and a second stage expansion channel. The second stage expansion channel has an input end and an output end. The input end is communicated with the high-pressure channel. The output end is communicated with the low-pressure channel, and has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the low-pressure channel. The high-pressure liquid working fluid flows into the thermal-conductive block from the high-pressure channel, and then enters the second stage expansion channel through the input end. A part of the high-pressure liquid working fluid flowing out of the output end expands into a saturated low-pressure liquid working fluid and enters the low-pressure channel. |
| US08191376B2 |
Valve and subcooler for storing refrigerant
A reversible HVAC heating/cooling refrigerant system includes a novel valve system that allows an outdoor heat exchanger to function as a subcooler during a cooling or defrost mode and function as a receiver tank for storing excess liquid refrigerant during a heating mode. In the heating mode, a cooling expansion valve is kept slightly open to flood the subcooler with liquid refrigerant while a heating expansion valve is regulated to maintain a desired level of superheat at the suction side of the refrigerant system's compressor. The novel valve system also serves as a pressure relief valve to protect the subcooler from excess pressure caused by thermal expansion of liquid refrigerant trapped within the subcooler. |
| US08191372B2 |
System and method to generate environment-friendly power by tapping atmospheric cold
The system to generate power by freeze expansion pressure powered generator and method for tapping the energy of cold weather from the environment, comprising of flexible water chambers that enable motion for the rotor shaft, gears enabling transformation of linear motion to shaft rotation, and power generator coupling achieving the generation of electricity. The inner part of flexible water chamber is fitted with an immersed heating coil to de-freeze water, so that it can be subjected to freezing and exertion of pressure to rotate the shaft continuously. Freezing of water in flexible chamber is achieved by exposing portion of chamber to atmospheric cold. The turbine rotor speed, temperature, water chamber pressure, and atmospheric pressure are monitored by sensors to ensure overall system safety and performance. |
| US08191369B2 |
Turbo-charger surge detection
A method of turbo-charger surge detection may include the steps of measuring a rate of air flow through a turbo-charger compressor, measuring a temperature of the air flow, calculating a standard mass flow rate of the air flow at the rate and the temperature, measuring a pressure ratio across the turbo-charger compressor, calculating a surge mass flow rate at a surge line of the compressor at the pressure ratio, comparing the standard mass flow rate to the surge mass flow rate, and reducing an EGR flow or reducing the pressure ratio by opening a vane of the compressor if the standard mass flow rate is lower than the surge mass flow rate. |
| US08191365B2 |
Intercooler system for engine air charger
An intercooler system and method of operation for use with an air charging system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The intercooler system may comprise an intercooler pump for pumping a coolant through the intercooler system, a first heat exchanger that transfers heat from charged intake air to the coolant, a second heat exchanger that transfers heat from the coolant to outside air, and an intercooler coolant reservoir that contains the coolant therein. Coolant lines direct a flow of the coolant through the intercooler pump, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger and the intercooler coolant reservoir. |
| US08191362B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing dead volume in compressed-gas energy storage systems
In various embodiments, dead space and associated coupling losses are reduced in energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air via use of a compressed-gas reservoir for maintaining a connector between cylinder assemblies at an intermediate pressure, thereby reducing the volume of dead space in the connector and increasing efficiency of the energy storage and recovery. |
| US08191361B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08191359B2 |
Motion estimation using hidden markov model processing in MRI and other applications
Systems, apparatus and methods that use a hidden Markov model to estimate motion of a sample under measurement and to reduce a motion-induced effect in the measurement. MRI systems and other sample measurement systems can be implemented based on motion sensing using the hidden Markov model. Recursive and non-recursive estimation processes are described. |
| US08191356B2 |
Liquid injector assembly with a flanged connector connection
A system for injecting from an injector into a duct of an engine system is provided. The system may include a first flange on a duct connection side, a second flange on an injector connection side, a stand-off separating the first flange from the second flange to form an air gap therebetween, and a seal offset from at least one of the first and the second flanges and located within the airgap and between the first flange and the second flange. |
| US08191352B2 |
Geared differential speed counter-rotatable low pressure turbine
A counter-rotatable low pressure turbine includes counter-rotatable outer and inner drum rotors. The outer drum rotor is connected to a sole shaft for transmitting torque and power out of the low pressure turbine. Low pressure outer drum turbine blade rows extend radially inwardly from an outer shell of the outer drum rotor. Low pressure inner drum turbine blade rows extend radially outwardly from the low pressure inner drum rotor. The outer drum turbine blade rows are interdigitated with the inner drum turbine blade rows. The drum rotors are geared together through an epicyclic gearbox for transmitting all the torque and power produced by the drum rotors to the shaft. The gearbox may be located aft of the drum rotors. A differential thrust bearing is disposed between the drum rotors. A single stage fan section of an engine is connected to the turbine by the shaft. |
| US08191345B2 |
Spring flotation for center deck of draper header
A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine. The center draper includes a draper frame swingably supported on the header frame at a pivot to project forwardly therefrom and a draper belt supported on the draper frame to present a rearwardly moving run for conveying the crop rearwardly. The center draper includes a counterbalance mechanism coupled between the header and draper frames to counteract the weight of the center draper about the pivot. |
| US08191344B2 |
Crop deflector for ends of draper belt of flexible draper header
The otherwise open end of the outboardmost belt guard over the interface between the flexible cutterbar assembly and flexible draper assembly of a harvesting header is closed by a deflector to prevent the ingress of crop residue into the void region defined beneath the overhanging belt guards. In this manner residue is prevented from migrating into the interior of the draper belt of the draper assembly. |
| US08191340B1 |
Mandrel brake arrangement for a web supply in a packaging machine
A mandrel for supporting a roll of flexible web material has a brake mounted thereto that can be selectively activated to apply a braking force to rotation of the roll of flexible material about the mandrel. The brake includes an inflatable bladder and a shoe, such that when the bladder is inflated the shoe is pushed into engagement with the core of the roll of flexible material. The mandrel is particularly well suited for use with a packaging machine in which a sheet of flexible material is indexed form the supply roll. Before the completion of an indexing cycle, the bladder may be inflated such that further advancement of the sheet of flexible material or rotation of the supply roll is countered and inhibited. This braking of the supply roll advantageously introduces tension to the sheet of flexible material without the use of a dancer roll arrangement. |
| US08191339B2 |
Automated drug preparation apparatus including automated drug reconstitution
An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time. |
| US08191337B2 |
Blower type stretch wrapper module for coils
A stretch wrap device for delivering stretch wrap film to a coil of cable or other filament type product being wound on a rotating mandrel and a traversing assembly for delivering stretch wrap film to the coil of cable or other filament type product; the traversing assembly including a stretch wrap module for traversing parallel to the rotating mandrel; the stretch wrap module including a motor and roller assembly for contacting and transporting the stretch wrap film toward the rotating mandrel so that an end of the stretch wrap film engages the coil of cable or other filament type product, and the continued rotation of the mandrel causing the end of the stretch wrap film to cover the surface of the wound coil of cable or other filament type material; the stretch wrap module also includes a compressed air generator and air jets for supporting the end of the stretch wrap film with compressed air, the end of the stretch wrap film engaging the coil of cable or other filament type with the completion of the winding of the coil of cable or other filament type product. |
| US08191333B2 |
Panel, in particular a floor panel
A method of forming a panel having a core of a wood material or wood material/plastic mixture and a top side and an underside is provided. The method includes forming a profile corresponding to one another on at least a first side edge and a second side edge lying opposite one another. The method further includes forming a hook connection with an upper locking section having a hook element and a lower locking section having a hook element which effects the locking in the horizontal direction, and forming at least one spring element movable in the horizontal direction which effects the locking in the vertical direction (V). The at least one spring element is free in the direction of the first side edge lying opposite by an essentially vertical slot. In the method of manufacturing, the panel is moved at a constant speed when the essentially vertical slot is formed. |
| US08191332B1 |
Reinforcement system for poles
A reinforcement system made of steel members, (e.g., steel reinforcing rods, threaded rods or functionally equivalent steel members), closely positioned with respect to, or positioned in contact with, the exterior of straight, tapered, and/or pipe/stepped poles, such as wireless telecommunication poles. The method of use results in providing additional strength to the poles to enhance resistance against deflection caused by, for instance, wind forces and/or added weight resulting from mounting antennas thereto, enabling the placement of, for instance, more antenna arrays and other communication antennas thereon than is otherwise possible. |
| US08191326B2 |
Decorative room panel
A decorative panel is manufactured for installation on a surface of a room. The decorative panel is formed from a material that can be shaped having a decorative portion, two female mounting portions and two male portions. The female portions have punched holes for fastening the panels directly to a surface, and the male portions of an adjacent panel are positioned into the female portions to partially hold the adjacent panel and to obscure from view the punched holes and fastening hardware. The panel design and installation method allows the decorative panels to be attached directly to a building material such as sheet rock without any intervening supporting structure. |
| US08191323B2 |
Cable protection sleeve for building framing
A sleeve for protecting a utility conduit or conduits passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A provided body portion forms a longitudinally extending hollow trough. The trough includes a circular side section, with a diameter defining a body width. This circular side section is changeable by compression with either the human hand or a conventional hand-tool to adapt the body width, and thus the sleeve, to coincide with a potential range of stud hole sizes. Engagement of the sleeve in the hole can be achieved by placing an inserted end into the hole and pressing a worked end. A provided stop portion at the worked end then stops insertion of the sleeve beyond the stud face, and a provided retention portion in the sleeve affirmatively retains the sleeve within the hole once it is thus inserted. |
| US08191320B2 |
Photovoltaic panel clamp
A photovoltaic panel clamp includes an upper and lower section. The interface between the assembled clamp halves and the module edge is filled by a flexible gasket material, such as EPDM rubber. The gasket preferably has small, finger like protrusions that allow for easy insertion onto the module edge while being reversed makes it more difficult to remove them from the module once installed. The clamp includes mounting posts or an integral axle to engage a bracket. The clamp also may include a locking tongue to secure the clamp to a bracket. |
| US08191316B2 |
Off-shore wind turbine and method of erecting a wind turbine tower
An off-shore wind turbine includes a tower, a pile forming at least part of a foundation carrying the tower, a radial distance element extending outward from the tower and the pile, and a plurality of connecting elements extending from the radial distance element to at least one of the tower and pile, the plurality of connecting elements being configured to vertically align the tower on the pile. A method of erecting the wind turbine tower is also disclosed. |
| US08191308B2 |
Chemical shell for insertion into a tree
A chemical shell for insertion into a tree comprising an elongated hollow tubular member having a closed first end and an open second end with a rim portion extending outwardly from the closed end. A non-aqueous chemical is contained within the tubular member and a water-soluble tubular sleeve extends over the open second end of the tubular member and at least a portion of the tubular member to maintain the chemical in the tubular member until the shell has been inserted into a tree so that the sap in the tree dissolves the sleeve to permit the chemical in the tubular member to be released into the tree when dissolved by the sap in the tree. |
| US08191306B2 |
Earthen vase, method for use and forming tool
A water percolating earthen vase with smooth, compacted walls is formed in the earth. Water is applied and stems of cut flowers inserted for flower display. Water percolates from the vase, eliminating undesirable standing and stagnant water. Methods and forming tool are disclosed. |
| US08191303B2 |
Unitary configured bird repellent apparatus
A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface. |
| US08191300B2 |
Handguard assembly and STANAG mount adapter assembly
A handguard assembly for a firearm includes a stationary handguard portion, a movable handguard portion, a catch, and a latch mechanism. The catch is positioned on an interior of the handguard assembly, and the latch mechanism is position on an exterior of the handguard assembly. Both the catch and the latch mechanism maintain the movable handguard portion in a closed position. A STANAG mount adapter assembly includes a body portion, two flange portions, and an alignment mechanism. The flange portions are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the body portion and are configured to engage a STANAG mount, while the alignment adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the lateral alignment of the body portion with reference to the STANAG mount. The STANAG mount adapter assembly can be used together with the handguard assembly to create an elongated rail platform on an SA80 rifle. |
| US08191297B2 |
Device for indicating low ammunition in a firearm magazine
A device for indicating a limited amount of remaining ammunition in a firearm magazine is disclosed. A switch is mounted within the magazine, to a plate at a bottom end of the magazine. The plate may be a magazine insert, a floor plate, a base plate or a base pad. The switch cooperates with or responds to a segment or portion of a magazine spring. An indicating terminal is coupled with the switch. A change in state of the switch activates and deactivates the indicating terminal. The indicating terminal may be electrically connected to an indicating device. The indicating device may be an LED, an incandescent bulb or a light. The “on” and “off” states of the switch correspond to differing positions of the segment of the spring relative to the switch or to the plate and attendant differing amounts of ammunition in the magazine. |
| US08191296B2 |
Elevating billboard and control method thereof
An elevating billboard and control method thereof, which includes a hollow column, a billboard stent, and a windlass controlling a motor, forward relay and back relay, wherein a hollow cylinder is fixed with the billboard stent and rings the column so as to slide along the column up and down, a fixed pulley disposed on the top of the column, a free end of a guy cable of the windlass connecting with the hollow cylinder by the fixed pulley. By using the motor of the windlass and the fixed pulleys, the elevating billboard is easy to assemble, disassemble or maintain, and is capable of completing the up and down movement easily and quickly. And using the real-time monitor of the anemoscope, the elevating billboard completes the up and down movement easily and quickly by wind scale. |
| US08191294B2 |
Fixing device for a notice board
A fixing device (11) for use with a notice board (33) having at least two spaced fixing holes (33) formed in the board, and comprising two pieces (12,13) for placement one either side of the board (33) each with a respective front face (15 or 17) which sits against the board (33), one piece (12) having spaced apart studs (18) thereon which in use pass through the fixing holes (33) to engage in retention holes (28) in the other piece (13), one of said two pieces (13) having a rear face (14) with attachment means (16) for attaching the device (11) to a support (31) and a resiliently flexible projection (27) which is engagable with surfaces on the support (31). |
| US08191283B2 |
Insole
An insole or footbed for footwear includes a flat support element from which mushroom-shaped formations extend. Air circulation channels are formed between said formations. The insole ensures good foot ventilation. |
| US08191278B2 |
Hinged tape measure
A combination of a retractable tape measure assembly with folding front section (s) includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing assembly to extend from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. A coil spring formed of a ribbon of metal and pivoting front section (s) made of same metal has a construction and arrangement between the housing assembly and the reel and at the pivot points to rotate the reel in the housing assembly smoothly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade when extending outwardly of the housing assembly opening in a normal concavo-convex cross-section configuration onto the reel. A blade holding assembly is constructed and arranged to be manually actuated to hold the blade in any position of extension. The blade with, thickness, height of concavo-convex curvature sufficient to enable the blade to stand out. The pivot points of these sections comprises a holding system to lock a desired angle between sections with addition of a wedge pinch pressure adding a greater hold on the pivot point. |
| US08191274B2 |
Portable coordinate measuring device
A coordinate measuring device (10) comprises a housing (12) rotatively supported on a base (11) and mounting a vertical pillar (13) along which rides a carriage (14) engaged by a horizontally translating arm (15). A turret (18, 19) at each end of the aim houses a rotating body (20, 21) connected to a probe (22, 23). The rotation of the base, the vertical movement of the carriage, the horizontal movement of the arm and the rotation of the probes are driven by motors (27, 28, 29, 30) in the housing. The rotation of the motors are transmitted by a cable and pulley assembly to the arm and carriage. The cable (43) controlling the transversal movement of the arm has its opposite ends attached to the opposite extremity (16, 17) of the arm, and is run respectively up and down the portion of the pillar above and below the carriage in order to maintain constant lengths and tension of the cables as the carriage moves up and down the pillar. The rotation of the probes and that of the base are coordinated to keep the probes at a constant angle in relation to the measured surface. |
| US08191273B2 |
Positioning apparatus
With regard to accurate determination of component size and dimension it is important to utilize positioning apparatus which can be readily and smoothly manipulated in order to determine dimension {acute over (ω)}. Generally a stylus is presented upon a carriage associated with a column is utilized for displacement between positions on a component surface. By displacement of the stylus and associated electronic devices it is possible to determine accurately the dimensions of a component. Displacement must be smooth and accurate as well as repeatable. |
| US08191271B2 |
Geodetic apparatus
A geodetic apparatus, in particular tacheometer or theodolite, comprises an optical device for sighting objects, a first support on which the optical device is supported such that the optical device may turn around a first axis, and a first gear unit for transmitting a drive torque on the optical device so as to turn the optical device around the first axis. In thegeodetic apparatus, the first gear unit comprises a worm and a worm gear meshing with each other, wherein the worm has a plate-like body and a spirally extending worm thread is formed on a first side face of the body, and the worm gear has a plurality of teeth evenly distributed along a circle. |
| US08191270B2 |
Bow sight
An optical sighting system for use with a targeting device. The optical sighting system includes a structural member, a first sighting member, and a second sighting member. The first sighting member is connected to the structural member. The second sighting member is configured for optical alignment with the first sighting member to thereby orient the targeting device. The second sighting member has a weighted element that orients the second sighting member substantially independently of the structural member. |
| US08191264B2 |
Shaving apparatus
Shaving apparatus having at least one cutting unit with an external cutting member and a movable internal cutting member. An energy-dissipating system is provided between mutually movable parts of the internal or an external cutting member to reduce the bouncing effect between the internal and external cutting member after cutting a hair. Such an energy-dissipating system may for example be an element with visco-elastic properties. |
| US08191257B2 |
Method for assembling a steam generator
A method for assembling a steam generator includes parallel assembly of the boiler framework and preassembly of assembly modules, and hoisting of the assembly modules into the boiler framework. The outer roof section of the boiler framework roof is then assembled. The inner roof section and the internal components are assembled simultaneously with assembly of the boiler wall in the upper section of the steam generator. The segments of the external support pipes are mounted into the assembly modules and subsequently connected at their module joints the external support pipes are mounted in the final position in the outer roof section. The buckstays and the header tie bars are mounted headers to the boiler wall or to the external support pipes. The auxiliary steel structure of the assembly modules the suspension equipment of the curtain walls are dismantled. |
| US08191255B2 |
Method for manufacturing wind turbine blade with an integrated lightning conductor
A method is provided for manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade in which the blade is formed as a laminated structure by laying a composite material of fiber reinforcement material and/or core material in a mold defining the shape of the blade; evacuating the mold after laying the composite material; introducing a liquid polymer into the evacuated mold and wetting the composite material; curing the liquid polymer after the composite material has been wetted; and removing the mold after curing the liquid. At least one lightning conductor is integrated into the composite material before wetting it with the liquid polymer. Moreover, a wind turbine rotor blade made from a single laminated structure is provided with at least one lightning conductor is integrated into the laminated structure. |
| US08191252B2 |
Method for producing cylinder head and cylinder head
A core portion (47) that is used to hold an upper water jacket-forming core (45) and a lower water jacket-forming core (46) with a predetermined distance maintained therebetween includes holding core portions (48) and distance maintaining core portions (50). The upper water jacket-forming core (45) and the lower water jacket-forming core (46) are split from each other at the holding core portions (48). Communication passages that provide communication between an upper water jacket and a lower water jacket are formed by the distance maintaining core portions (50). |
| US08191249B2 |
Method of manufacturing a printed circuit board
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having a buried pattern, including: forming a second insulation layer on a first insulation layer, the second insulation layer having openings for forming a circuit layer; and filling the openings with a conductive metal to form a circuit layer. |
| US08191248B2 |
Method for making an embedded structure
An embedded structure of circuit board is provided. The embedded structure of the present invention includes a dielectric layer, a pad opening disposed in the dielectric layer, and a via disposed in the pad opening and in the dielectric layer, wherein the outer surface of the dielectric layer has a substantially even surface. |
| US08191244B2 |
Fabricating method of circuit board
A fabricating method of a circuit board including the following steps. First, a liquid material is adhered between a first substrate and a second substrate by using an atmospheric pressure difference. Then, a plurality of conductive columns are formed in the first substrate and the second substrate. Next, a patterning process is performed, so as to form two circuit layers. Next, two lamination structures are formed respectively on the circuit layers. Then, the first substrate and the second substrate are separated. Finally, another patterning process is performed, so as to finish the fabrication of the circuit board. |
| US08191242B1 |
Punch-down device
A punch-down device includes a housing, a driving mechanism, and at least one punch-down member. The housing forms therein hollow channels. The driving mechanism includes a rotation shaft and at least one rotary wheel, which is connected and supported by the rotation shaft at a top portion of the housing. The rotation shaft has an end extending outside the housing to form a coupling section. Each of the rotary wheels has a surface forming two tracks and two pegs. The two pegs of one rotary wheel are received in the two tracks of an adjacent one of the rotary wheels. The punch-down member is received in the hollow channels to correspond to the rotary wheels and be driven to move by the rotary wheels. The punch-down member has lower ends forming conductor depression sections. As such, the punch-down device carries out an operation of punching down and depressing conductors, whereby the efficiency of punch-down operation is increased and the operation is easy and reliable positioning is achieved. |
| US08191241B2 |
Method of producing a multi-turn coil from folded flexible circuitry
A multi-turn coil device comprising a flexible circuit board and a plurality of serially electrically coupled coils coupled to both sides of the flexible circuit board. The coils are formed such that when the circuit board is folded in an accordion manner, the coils are substantially aligned and have the same direction of current flow. The coils are serially coupled sequentially from front to back and back to front wherein the coupling of the coils is through a plated through hole in the flexible circuit board. |
| US08191239B2 |
Method for fabrication conductive winding structure
A conductive winding structure, the fabricating method thereof, and the magnetic device having the same. The method for fabricating the conductive winding structure includes: (a) providing a mold with a plurality of extension portions and a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of extension portions are connected to each other as a continuous spiral structure, and the plurality of protrusions extend from the plurality of extension portions; (b) performing an electroforming procedure to form a conductive layer on partial surface of the mold; and (c) stripping the conductive layer from the mold, so as to obtain the conductive winding structure. |
| US08191237B1 |
Method for providing a structure in a magnetic transducer
A method for providing a structure in a magnetic transducer is described. The method includes performing a first planarization that exposes a top surface of the magnetic transducer. This first planarization also terminates before a portion of a first planarization buffer layer is removed. The method also includes providing a second planarization buffer layer after the first planarization is performed. The second planarization buffer layer is above the first planarization buffer layer. The method also includes performing a second planarization. This second planarization does not completely remove the second planarization buffer layer. The method also includes performing a third planarization terminating after the first planarization buffer layer is exposed and before the first planarization buffer layer is completely removed. |
| US08191230B2 |
Method for making radio frequency (RF) antenna containing element
Methods of making an radio frequency (RF) antenna containing element are provided. The methods comprise providing a metal foil laminate bonded to a carrier layer. The metal foil laminate can have a metal foil layer bonded to a reinforcement layer. The methods further comprise cutting an antenna pattern through the metal foil laminate to the carrier layer, and removing an undesired matrix portion of the reinforced metal foil laminate to provide a metal foil laminate antenna disposed on the carrier layer. |
| US08191228B2 |
Package structure for surface acoustic wave device, and surface acoustic wave device
A method of manufacturing a surface acoustic wave device including a surface acoustic wave element and an electronic component on a package, the method including a component mounting step including mounting the electronic component on the package; an element mounting step including mounting the surface acoustic wave element on the package; an annealing step; a wire bonding step including wire bonding at least one of the electronic component and surface wave element to the package, the wire bonding step being performed after the annealing step. |
| US08191227B2 |
Methods of processing a substrate using a flat surface air bearing assembly
A method of processing a substrate, including supporting a substrate using an air bearing produced via an air bearing assembly, the air bearing assembly having: an upper portion having a plurality of air supply and vacuum holes therethrough; a lower portion; and a plurality of spacers disposed between and maintaining the upper and lower portions in spaced relation, wherein a density of the air supply and vacuum holes is high enough to provide an air bearing for a substrate, but low enough such that at least one of: (i) a sufficient number of the spacers are employed, and (ii) the spacers are located in close enough proximity, to maintain a substantially uniform flatness of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. |
| US08191226B2 |
Device and method for coupling a pipe fitting to a pipe
A device and method for coupling a pipe and a fitting. The device includes a pipe holder for releasably gripping a pipe, a fitting retainer for releasably retaining a pipe fitting substantially coaxially with a pipe in the pipe holder, and a drive mechanism for driving together the pipe holder and the fitting retainer along a longitudinal axis in a relative motion between them. The device may optionally slide a reinforcing sleeve along the pipe to cover the end of the pipe on the fitting. |
| US08191225B2 |
Subterranean screen manufacturing method
A screen that conforms to the borehole shape after expansion is disclosed. The screen comprises a compliant outer layer that takes the borehole shape on expansion. The outer layer is formed having holes to permit production flow. The material that is selected preferably swells with prolonged contact to well fluids to further close off annular gaps after expansion. In an alternative embodiment, the screen is not expanded and the swelling of the material alone closes off annular gaps. The outer sleeve is placed over the screen and the screen is placed on a base pipe and initially expanded from within the base pipe to secure the components of the screen assembly for running downhole, while minimizing or eliminating any welding among the layers. A variety of expansion tools can be used to expand the screen or screens downhole. |