最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08216219B2 Device for electrosurgically destroying body tissue
An electrode array is used for the thermal schlerosing of body tissue. The electrode array has at least three active electrodes that, during use, are placed in electrical-conducting connection with body tissue. A high frequency generator is electrically connected for selective application of current to the active electrodes for producing a high frequency voltage. A measuring device measures impedance of the tissue between the active electrodes. In addition, a selector device selects a sub-array including at least two active electrodes from the electrode array, the selecting being effected on the basis of the measured impedance. Further, a control device is configured such that a high frequency voltage is respectively applied between the active electrodes of the selected sub-array in such a way that a high frequency current flows between the selected active electrodes through the body tissue.
US08216214B2 Power modulation of a scanning beam for imaging, therapy, and/or diagnosis
An assembly comprising a radiation source to generate a beam of radiation, a modulator for modulating the power of the beam of radiation as a function of the position of the beam within a field-of-view to maintain the beam's power within a desired exposure level as the beam scans the field-of-view, and a reflector oscillating in a sinusoidal manner to direct the beam of radiation onto a field-of-view.
US08216206B2 Disposable absorbent article
A disposable absorbent article comprising: an absorbent body including a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween; and a flap provided along an edge of opposite sides in a width direction of the absorbent core; wherein the flap has a fixing part joined to the top sheet and a rising part extending upward from the fixing part, and the rising part consists of a nonstretch nonwoven fabric which is water-repellent or liquid impermeable. Further, the flap may have a fold back part extending from the rising part and formed by folding back the rising part at an upper end of the rising part, wherein the fold back part consists of a nonstretch nonwoven fabric which is water-repellent or liquid impermeable, and the rising part and the fold back part are fusion-bonded to each other at a fusion-bond part.
US08216204B2 Side panel for an absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinence guard or similar item
An absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinence guard or similar, has a front region a rear region and a crotch region located between the front and rear regions. The article includes a central portion with two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges and side panels located in the rear region of the article, placed along the longitudinal edges of the central portion. Each side panel includes a rear portion and a front portion which extend in the transverse direction from the central portion, and the front portion is located at the longitudinal edge of the central portion at a first distance from the transverse edge in the rear region. The rear portion is elastic and the front portion is substantially non-elastic.
US08216201B2 Washable diaper and method of assembly
A washable diaper having an outer article with an inner liner system detachably coupled to the outer article. The outer article has front and back ends, with opposing side edges connecting the ends, and inner and outer surfaces, with at least one fastening mechanism on the inner surface proximate to at least one of the ends. The inner liner system has first and second ends and includes at least one washable article, so that when assembled with the outer article, the first and second ends of the inner liner system align with the front and back ends of the outer article to be detachably coupled. The inner liner system may also include a liner member and/or at least one absorbent pad, configured to be placed within the washable article. A method of assembly of the washable diaper having an outer article and inner lining system is also disclosed.
US08216200B2 Disposable absorbent article with disposal tab
An absorbent article is provided for personal wear about a wearer's waist. The article includes a pair of front side panels attached to the front waist region and a pair of back side panels attached to the back waist region, and is configurable from a wear configuration to a disposal configuration in which the article is generally compacted for disposal. The article also includes a disposal tab having an attachment region with an attachment width and a tab region with a gripping width, the attachment region attached to one of the front or back side panels, the tab region being attachable to the article in at least the disposal configuration of the article, wherein the attachment width is substantially equal to the gripping width.
US08216198B2 Canister for receiving wound exudate in a negative pressure therapy system
A system to promote the healing of an exuding wound includes a wound dressing, a subatmospheric pressure mechanism, and a collection canister. The wound dressing is dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a control unit disposed within a housing. The control unit includes a vacuum source associated with a vacuum port. The collection canister has an interior wall which defines an internal chamber. The internal chamber is in fluid communication with the vacuum source of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism through the vacuum port and with the wound dressing for collecting exudates removed for the wound bed under influence of the vacuum source. The canister including a baffle mechanism disposed within the internal chamber for dampening the movement of the collected exudates.
US08216197B2 Medical canister connectors
A medical canister connector is presented for connecting to a medical canister, which has a patient port and a reduced-pressure port. The medical canister connector includes a first connection member that is coupled to a patient-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a patient port on a medical canister and has a patient-port opening with a first longitudinal axis. The medical canister connector also includes a second connection member coupled to a reduced-pressure-port-attachment member, which is for coupling to a reduced-pressure port on the medical canister and has a reduced-pressure-port opening with a second longitudinal axis. A spacing member or pressure transport member may be used to couple the first connection member to the second connection member. The spacing member or transport member flexes and twists during connection. The medical canister connector may also help organize one or more pressure-sensing conduits. Methods are also presented.
US08216194B2 Hot flash treatment system
A composition comprising an alcohol and an aloe vera gel for topically treating hot flashes and methods for the storing, dispensing and application thereof.
US08216187B2 Safety catheter
A device and method for positioning a catheter to establish a fluid access site into the vasculature of a patient includes a luer assembly that incorporates the catheter. Also included is a shuttle assembly that has a stylet for stiffening the catheter. In combination, the stiffened catheter and the shuttle assembly are held on a handle by the interaction of the luer assembly with the handle. Once the stiffened catheter is inserted into the vasculature, the luer assembly is separated from the handle and from the stylet, and is left in place. With this separation, the shuttle assembly is also released to be repositioned and concealed within the handle.
US08216186B2 Catheter device with hooding feature
An intravenous catheter device having features to aid a user in hooding the beveled portion of an introducer needle during the catheterization process. An intravenous catheter device is modified to include a biasing arm capable of advancing a portion of the catheter device to cause a beveled portion of an introducer needle to be hooded within an interior lumen of the catheter tube. The dimensions of the biasing arm and various other interacting surfaces of the catheter device are configured to achieve effective hooding of the needle tip while avoiding overhooding or underhooding inaccuracies.
US08216184B2 Apparatus for support of a membrane filter
A removable clamp, for supporting a membrane filter, includes connected and opposing walls. A locking feature, which may be connected to an end of one of the walls, engages and disengages a terminal end of the other wall. When the filter is inserted between the opposing walls of the clamp, and the locking feature engages the terminal end of the other wall, an inner surface of each of the opposing walls is secured against corresponding major surfaces of the inserted filter, in order to support the filter without extending over vent holes of the filter.
US08216180B2 Administering apparatus with functional drive element
An apparatus for administering a fluid product, including a housing, a product member for accommodating the fluid product and/or a reservoir for the fluid product, which product member can be moved relative to the housing from a start position to an inserted position along a longitudinal axis of the housing, a drive member in the housing and movable relative to the product member for emptying the fluid product from the product member and/or the reservoir, wherein the drive member has at least one holding element which holds the drive member in the start position of the product member and wherein, by the movement of the product member, the holding element is moved from the holding position to a released position in which the drive member is movable relative to the housing.
US08216179B2 Breastpump set
A breastpump set for expressing human breastmilk comprises at least one breastshield (1) to be placed on a mother's breast with a coupling part (12) for connection to a milk collection container (2), and a suction pump unit (4) with an electrically operated suction pump, wherein the breastshield is provided with a signal transmission and/or reception unit (5) for transmitting signals to the suction pump unit (4), and the signal transmission unit comprises, for example, a programming device for manual or automatic programming of the suction pump unit. The breastpump set according to the invention make it easier for the mother to operate the pump and breastshield while expressing milk.
US08216178B2 Breast pump set
A breast pump set for expressing human breastmilk comprises a breastshield (1) to be placed on the female breast with a coupling part (12) for connection to a milk collection container (2), and an electrically driven suction pump (4, 4′). The breastshield (1) is provided with an actuator (5) for actuating the suction pump. The inventive breast pump seat allows easy handling of the suction pump and eliminates the need for the mother to have a hand free for handling.
US08216168B2 Orthotic device spanning elbow
An orthotic for mounting on a user's arm comprises an upper cuff that is removeably attachable to the user's arm at a point above the elbow joint. A lower cuff is removeably attachable to the user's arm at a point below the elbow joint, and is rotationally fixed to the forearm. At least one flexible elongated member having a first end that is releasably coupled to the upper cuff and an opposite second end that is releasably coupled to the lower cuff. The upper cuff and the lower cuff are configured to move in more than one plane with respect to one another.
US08216166B2 Knee brace
A knee brace adapted for placement over at least a posterior side of a leg and comprising a first posterior frame member, a second posterior frame member connected to first frame member, and a posterior resilient hinge device located at or near a first end portion of the first frame member. The hinge device is arranged to urge the first and second frame members into a predetermined alignment. The hinge device can be arranged for selectively locking the second frame member at an angle relative to the first frame member, and permitting rotation of the second frame member relative to first frame member within a range of predetermined angles.
US08216163B2 System and methods for an interchangeable lumbar contrast therapy pad
The present invention relates to a spinal column brace system which includes a rigid support, an interchangeable therapy pad, and a front panel. The rigid support includes patches of hook material and also has straps connected to it. These straps are at least partially elastic and also include hook material pads on their ends. The interchangeable therapy pad, on the other hand, has one side covered in loop material, thereby allowing the therapy pad to be attached to the patches on the rigid support. The front panel is also covered in loop material, which may be used to couple to the hook material found on the straps. The therapy pad includes a thermal exchange bladder and a cushion layer. The thermal exchange bladder may be coupled to a contrast therapy system via an umbilical and fluid coupler. The contrast therapy system includes a hot and cold reservoir. A mixing valve may mix a selected ratio of the hot and cold fluids from the hot and cold reservoirs to make therapy fluid of a particular temperature. A fluid pump then delivers the therapy fluid to the thermal exchange bladder.
US08216152B2 Finger arterial elasticity measuring program, finger arterial elasticity measuring device and finger arterial elasticity mesauring method
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED: A finger arterial elasticity measuring program, a finger arterial elasticity measuring device and a finger arterial elasticity measuring method are provided for making it possible to measure an elasticity index of a finger artery in accordance with a pulse wave of a finger artery without measuring a blood pressure in evaluating the elasticity of the finger artery related to the degree of arterial sclerosis in an easy and least expensive manner.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS: A computer functioning by a finger arterial elasticity measuring program includes a pulse wave data memory unit 42, a cuff pressure data memory unit 43, a normalized pulse volume (NPV) calculating unit 52 for dividing an amplitude (ΔI) of an alternate component of a pulse wave by an average value of direct components (I) to calculate NPV, a relative cuff pressure (Pr) calculating unit 53 for calculating a difference between a cuff pressure at the maximum amplitude of the pulse wave and each cuff pressure as Pr, an FEI calculating unit 54 for calculating a linear regression slope (n) of the following expression (1) as an elasticity index of a finger artery: ln(NPV)=ln(bn)−n·Pr . . . (1) where b is a constant.
US08216148B2 Doppler ultrasound for identifying material properties of a carpal tunnel anatomy
This disclosure describes methods for detecting early stages of disease, in particular carpal tunnel syndrome, by using cooperative ultrasound techniques. In a particular embodiment, a grayscale ultrasonogram may be used to detect local anatomical features within the carpal tunnel by physically moving a tendon and identifying the corresponding feature on the ultrasonogram display device. A high-resolution color Doppler ultrasound device may then be used to interrogate features of anatomy surrounding the tendon for disease. In a particular embodiment, the color Doppler ultrasound device may be used to measure the velocities of the tendon and surrounding anatomy, in particular the sub-synovial connective tissue; the resultant data may be used to quantify certain anatomical anomalies, indicative or non-indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome.
US08216146B2 Ultrasonic signal processor for a hand held ultrasonic diagnostic instrument
A hand held ultrasonic instrument is provided in a portable unit which performs both B mode and Doppler imaging. The instrument includes a transducer array mounted in a hand-held enclosure, with an integrated circuit transceiver connected to the elements of the array for the reception of echo signals. A digital signal processing circuit performs both B mode and Doppler signal processing such as filtering, detection and Doppler estimation, as well as advanced functions such as assembly of multiple zone focused scanlines, synthetic aperture formation, depth dependent filtering, speckle reduction, flash suppression, and frame averaging.
US08216141B2 Ultrasound system and method for forming BC-mode image
A BC-mode image with an improved frame rate in an ultrasound system is formed. A transmit/receive unit forms first and second receive signals responsive to first and second control signals. An image processing unit is configured to form a B-mode image and a C-mode image based the first and second receive signals and to combine them to form a BC-mode image. The control signal generates a third control signal for a B-mode scan along scan lines, which are not within the color box to form third receive signals. The control unit repeatedly generates the second and third control signals. The image processing unit is further operable to form a B-mode image based on the third receive signals and the second signals.
US08216140B2 Tonometer
A self-operated non-contact tonometer for measuring the intra-ocular pressure of an eye, projecting light into the eye and measuring the reflected light as affected by mechanical distortion. The cornea is distorted by delivering a pneumatic pulse. The tonometer consists mainly of an electro-optical unit mountable on the head of a user and a control unit. The control unit of the tonometer includes a display and optionally an audio device for instructing the user. The electro-optical unit employs a tubular wave guide, a light detector, and a reflector for deflecting a light beam to the eye and for eliminating a part of the reflected light reaching the detector. The aligning of the tonometer with the head of the user is optionally assisted by a reticle.
US08216134B2 Implantable optical sensor and method for manufacture
An implantable medical device is manufactured with a hermetically sealed housing and a modular assembly enclosed within the housing. The modular assembly includes a circuit board, an electronic component mounted on a top surface of the circuit board, and a wall formed having an outer surface and an inner surface separated by a top edge and a bottom edge, the wall bottom edge positioned against the circuit board such that the wall encircles the electronic component coupled to the circuit board. The wall top edge is coupled to the housing a ferrule in one embodiment.
US08216130B2 Device, system and method for selective activation of in vivo sensors
A device, system and method for selectively activating or altering the operational mode of an autonomous in vivo device in response to in vivo conditions. They system may include an in vivo sensing device with a condition tester, and a controller. The in vivo sensing device may be in communications with an external receiver. The condition tester may include at least one layer of a dissolvable material coated on at least a portion of the autonomous device. The layer may dissolve when exposed to a specific material of a specified site along the GI tract. A sensor may be exposed when the layer dissolves or a switch autonomously activated with the layer dissolves.
US08216125B2 System and method for positioning a laparoscopic device
A laparoscopic instrument holder for positioning a laparoscopic device includes a central portion having a first member operatively associated with a second member, the members selectively movable with respect to one another along a central axis, with the central portion having a proximal end defined by the first member and a distal end defined by the second member. The holder also includes at least three proximal rotational joints coupled to the first member proximate the proximal end, at least two distal rotational joints coupled to the second member proximate the distal end, a first ball and socket joint coupled to a distal rotational joint, and a second ball and socket joint coupled to the first ball and socket joint. In addition, the holder includes a clamp configured and dimensioned for retaining a laparoscopic device, with the clamp coupled to the second ball and socket joint, and a coupling portion proximate a first of the proximal rotational joints.
US08216124B2 Systems and methods for treating stress urinary incontinence
Systems and methods are delineated for treating urinary incontinence (UI). An exemplary system comprises a strip of mesh having a primary axis and a secondary axis orthogonal to the primary axis; a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end located at opposite ends of the primary axis; and a first surface located on a first side of the strip, the first surface for providing support to the urethra of a patient under treatment for UI. The system also includes a first fastener including at least one barb coupled to the first end of the strip and a second fastener including at least one barb coupled to the second end of the strip. The system also includes a plurality of cords coupled to the strip for extracting the strip when desired.
US08216122B2 Method and apparatus for pumping blood
At least one aspect of the invention is directed to a pump system for pumping blood though a body passageway. The pump system includes a distal section having at least one inlet to receive blood, a pumping section in fluid communication with the distal section to receive blood from the distal section, and a pump constructed and arranged to be positioned within the pumping section to draw blood into the pumping section in a first phase of operation and to pump blood out of the at least one outlet valve in a second phase of operation. The pump system may be configured such that the at least one inlet is in fluid communication with the pumping section in both the first phase of operation and the second phase of operation. At least one other aspect of the invention is directed to a pump system for pumping blood from one of the right atrium and the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
US08216117B2 Cooling of rolls in continuous casting plants
A method for cooling a roller device, which has a right bearing housing, a left bearing housing, and a roller, which is rotatably supported by journals in the bearing housings, especially of strand guide rolls, roller table rollers, pinch rolls, support rolls, or driving rolls in continuous casting plants, in which a cooling medium cools the bearings mounted in the bearing housings and passes through an axial bore in the roller. The cooling medium enters the bearing housing of the roller device on one side, passes around the bearing mounted in this bearing housing, then flows through the axial bore in the roller to the other side, passes around the bearing mounted in the other bearing housing, and is then discharged from the roller device.
US08216108B2 Gear assembly with tapered flex pin
An epicyclic gear assembly has a central toothed sun gear unit mounted on a carrier plate and plurality of planetary gear sets surrounding the central gear in torque-transmitting relationship. Each of the planetary gear sets has a toothed planet gear supported by a planet shaft, the first end of which is cantilevered from the carrier plate. A second end of the planet shaft supports the planet gear. A double-tapered concave middle portion of the planet shaft allows flexing of the shaft so as to facilitate elastic deflection of the planet shaft while distributing load between the planet gear sets. The outer circumference of the middle portion has a pair of spaced outwardly convex protrusions formed between the first end and the second end.
US08216104B2 Gear set and nutation gear set
A first gear set includes an input member that serves as a first gear and an inner ring that serves as a second gear. A first end of the inner ring is inclined with respect to the input member and is in mesh with the input member. The input member has a plurality of retention grooves that are formed in an input member body and a plurality of pins that are retained in the respective retention grooves and that respectively constitute teeth of the input member. The first end has a plurality of tooth grooves that are engageable with the pins. A resultant force of forces applied to each pin from the retention groove and the tooth groove urges the pin toward the retention groove.
US08216095B2 Artificial pitching surface
An artificial pitching mound. The artificial pitching mound includes an artificial pitching rubber and artificial pitching stride component fillable with microbeads or pellets. The artificial pitching mound reduces repetitive movement injuries for baseball and softball pitchers. The artificial pitching mound also allows positive muscle memory development with a surface that duplicates the feel of natural turf during practice session and allows the athlete's muscles to react the same on both the artificial surface and natural turf.
US08216082B2 Putter head
Embodiments of a putter-type golf club head with an increased moment of inertia about the X axis (MOIXX) and an increased moment of inertia about the Z axis (MOIZZ) are disclosed. Generally, the MOIZZ is increased by designing the putter such that the center of gravity (CG) of the putter head is located at or behind the geometric center of the putter head. Additionally, the mass of the putter head is concentrated at the outer edges of the putter head. To accomplish this, the ratio of the width of the front of the putter head to the width of the rear of the putter head is no greater than 0.55:1. The MOIXX is further increased by locating the CG relatively close to the bottom of the putter head.
US08216080B2 Apparatus for correcting golf pose
Disclosed is an apparatus for correcting a golf pose, the apparatus including: a supporting member formed to be adjustable in length and angle; a leg member installed at one end part of the supporting member and supported on a ground; and an interfering member formed retractably in a lengthwise direction and detachably installed to the other end part of the supporting member through a detachable member.
US08216078B1 Billiard ball rack and use thereof
The improved billiard rack is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily rack or position a set of billiard balls without the inconvenience or necessity of actuating an auxiliary ball positioning device. The rack includes NEOPRENE or the like compressible members that cause a compressive load to be placed upon a group of billiard balls when the rack is positioned on a set of balls which further causes the group of balls to be tightly and properly grouped or racked. The rack further includes angled walls that provide for removal of the rack from a group of balls without the walls colliding with the balls. The rack further includes feet upon which the rack may be rotatingly removed from a set of balls by rotating the rack in an upwards rearwards rotation motion away from the group of balls. The feet preferably include alignment marks that may be aligned with corresponding marks on a playing surface so as to properly, accurately, and consistently position the rack.
US08216077B2 Observation wheel type ride
An observation wheel type ride includes a support structure, a wheel which is rotatable mounted in the support structure and/or includes a transportation device movably supported on the wheel, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a rotary drive and a drive cable, wherein a section of the drive cable is detachably fixed to a circumference of the wheel and/or to the transportation device for transmitting the rotary movement of the rotary drive to the wheel and/or to the transportation device. A deflection assembly deflects in a lateral direction with respect to the wheel that section of the drive cable, which is led over the rotary drive.
US08216076B2 Method for coating washers for locking and coated washer for locking
Methods for manufacturing a hardened steel locking washer are disclosed, the washer having a pattern of teeth on one side and a pattern of cams on the other side, the method comprising the steps of providing the washer with an anti-corrosion coating by providing a low-alloy steel washer, hardening the low-alloy steel washing having a carbon content greater than 0.25% by weight, heating to an austenitizing temperature and subsequent quenching, and applying a basic coating comprising zinc flakes non-electrolytically onto the hardened low-alloy steel washer.
US08216074B2 Gaming machine
A gaming machine is provided, which includes a housing with an opening in front thereof and a front door that is pivotally coupled to one side of the housing so as to open and close the opening. The front door includes a display, a decorative device, and an operation device. The display device is disposed in an upper portion of the housing. The decorative device is disposed in a lower portion of the housing. The operation device is disposed in a middle portion of the housing. A front portion of the operation device projects with respect to the display device and the decorative device. A rear portion of the operation device is internally installed in the front door. The operation device is configured to move backward such that a front surface of the front door is maintained substantially flush while the front door is opened.
US08216072B2 Local environment based wagering
A system and method are disclosed for providing location-based wagering. In one embodiment, wagerable data associated with a location of a first user is identified. The wagerable data may be any type of data on which a wager may be based. Then, a wager recommendation is generated based on the wagerable data and returned to the first user. The first user defines a wager, and the wager is published to one or more second users located in proximity to the first user. Each of the one or more second users is enabled to accept the wager if desired. In addition, one or more winners and one or more losers of the wager may be identified and payout may then be effected.
US08216068B2 Gaming machine
A gaming machine according to one embodiment of the invention has a rotating reel display device that variably displays a plurality of kinds of identification information required for a game, and a transmissive liquid crystal display device 30 that enables symbol information of the rotating reel display device to be visually recognized and that is subjected to non-glare treatment on its surface. Then, a covering member 50 to enhance transmittance is attached to the surface portion of the transmissive liquid crystal display device 30.
US08216059B2 Method for securely exchanging promotional ticket related information
The present invention provides gaming machine systems and methods that enable outsourced printing and generation of printed credit devices for use with a gaming machine. The systems verify the print status of an externally printed credit device before redeeming any value on the credit device at a gaming machine. The ability to employ outsourced gaming printing services providers increases the number and sophistication of printed credit devices that may be manufactured and distributed to potential customers.
US08216052B2 Sharing game assets in a wagering game network
Systems and methods for presenting streaming video content in a gaming machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring, in a first gaming machine, access to a set of shared game assets. The method can also include providing a second gaming machine with access to the set of shared game assets. The method can also include conducting, in the first gaming machine, a first wagering game in which one of the set of shared game assets is consumed, and wherein during the first wagering game, the second gaming machine conducts a second wagering game in which another of the set of shared game assets is consumed.
US08216040B2 Wagering game
A method for implementing a casino wagering game to be implemented with physical cards or electronically using an electronic gaming machine. The player can split his or her hand into two smaller hands and a dealer can split his or her hand into two smaller hands. The player can make numerous wagers, such as whether combinations of the player's two hands and the dealer's two hand will form poker ranks.
US08216038B2 Gaming machine accepting side bet and control method thereof
A gaming machine according to the present invention includes: a gaming portion in which a plurality of main dice roll and stop; a timer capable of measuring time; a station having an input device with which a player can place a normal BET and a side BET different from the normal BET, based on a prediction of the outcomes of dice; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (A) starting acceptance of the normal BET and the side BET from the input device provided in the station, (B) measuring the time from when the acceptance was started in the processing (A) by using the timer, (C) terminating the acceptance of the normal BET and the side BET from the input device provided in the station, when the time measured in the processing (B) reaches a predetermined value, (D) determining whether or not the side BET has been placed by using the input device provided in the station, since the acceptance was started in the processing (A), (E) increasing the predetermined value when determining that the side BET has been placed in the processing (D), and (F) rolling and stopping the plurality of the main dice in the gaming portion when the difference between the time measured in the processing (B) and the predetermined value becomes a previously determined specific value.
US08216036B2 Entertainment system and method
An entertainment system comprises a remotely controlled toy having a video camera operable to capture video images of a real environment and an entertainment device operable to communicate using a data communications link with the remotely controlled toy, in which the device comprises transmitting means operable to transmit, via the data communications link, control data to the remotely controlled toy that relates to the control of the remotely controlled toy, receiving means operable to receive, from the data communications link, video images captured by the video camera—of the remotely controlled toy, detecting means operable to detect a real environment feature within the real environment, processing means operable to generate a virtual image feature in dependence upon the detected real environment feature, and displaying means operable to generate a combined display of the captured video images and the virtual image feature such that the virtual image feature is arranged with respect to the video images so as to correspond to the position of the real environment feature within the real environment.
US08216035B2 Cleaning system for a crop flow
A system for cleaning a flow of harvested crop including a suction device between an inlet (1) and an outlet (3), the inlet being equipped with a hood (5) in which is formed a circulation path of the flow of suction air between the inlet and a suction opening (6). The suction device further including a drum (7) rotating relative to the hood, the hood being positioned in the drum to form a suction area (10) on the exterior of the wall, the suction area being delimited circumferentially by respective upstream (10a) and downstream (10b) edges. The system further including a conveyor (11) for the flow of crop, a device (12, 13) to recover the portion of the flow of crop that is not sucked up, and a device (14, 15) to recover the portion of the flow of crop that has been sucked up in the area. The circulation path of the hood (5) forms a deflector for the flow of suction air, the deflector is arranged to balance the speed of the flow of air along the suction opening (6).
US08216030B2 Flexible grinding product and method of producing the same
The present invention relates to a flexible grinding product and a method of producing the same. Such a grinding product comprises a flexible underlay (1) which consists of two layers laminated to each other. These comprise a lower base layer (2) and an upper layer (3), a cavity layer. The underlay includes a top surface (5) having at least one adhesive layer (6) arranged thereto after lamination and a layer of grinding agent (7) applied by means of the adhesive layer. The grinding product is characterized in that the layer that is coated with grinding agent includes holes which form cavities (4), whereby the cavities provide space for grinding dust and grinding residues and facilitate their removal from the surface being ground.
US08216028B2 Installation/uninstallation structure for tooling disk of a grinding tool
An installation/uninstallation structure for tooling disk of a grinding tool includes a rotary shaft mounted in the grinding tool and a securing assembly including a securing seat, a shift plate and a securing member. The securing member is movably mounted in the securing seat. The shift plate is pivotally disposed on the securing seat for driving the securing member. In use, the securing assembly is fitted around a rear end of the rotary shaft, when the shift plate is shifted to a locking position, the securing member is latched with the rotary shaft to secure the securing assembly to the rotary shaft for fixing the tooling disk. When the shift plate is shifted to an unlocking position, the securing member is unlatched from the rotary shaft, permitting a user to detach the securing assembly from the rotary shaft for taking off the tooling disk without using any tool.
US08216027B2 Apparatus for applying a finish to a metal surface and method of apparatus construction
An apparatus for applying a lightly scratched surface to a metal sample comprises a motor, a disk, a frame, a motion guidance unit, and a plurality of springs. The motor may provide a rotational motion to the disk which includes abrasive elements configured to create a plurality of microscopic scratches on the surface of the metal sample. The frame may include a bottom wall with an opening in which the motor is positioned. The motion guidance unit may retain the frame and guide the motion of the motor across the surface of the metal sample. The plurality of springs may couple the motor to the bottom wall of the frame in order to suspend the motor within the opening of the bottom wall and to allow lateral motion of the motor and the disk while the motor is rotating.
US08216026B2 Form transfer grinding method
A method of form transfer grinding a three-dimensional shape utilizes a form transfer tool over which a belt is driven. The form transfer tool includes a shape that is desired in the finished part and guides a belt that grinds an area of a part to a finished or nearly finished condition.
US08216023B2 Suspension-styled brassiere primarily for minimization of intra-breast wrinkling
A brassiere for minimizing the effects of wrinkling having two cups for the wearer's breasts and a central space therebetween, having a pouch wovenly positioned in the central space, the pouch having a suspension-styled stitching assembly for articulating the cups and hence the women's breasts in a structural and weight supported manner such that when the wearer is in a supine position the breasts are disinclined to sag; an aperture for receiving one or more articles; and a rear aperture such that the rear aperture leaves skin in the décolletage open for contact with one or more articles. The articles are selected from the group consisting of wickable stuffing material, foam material, memory-styled foam material, medicant, transdermal patch, and squeezable tubular assembly.
US08216022B2 Connectable wrap bra
This disclosure provides a bra features a band with cups attached at each end. It secures to the user by stretching the band across the user's back and pulling the cups around to the front of the body. At this point, the bra is secured at the center bridge using connectors such that the cups will be connected to one another along their inner sides proximate the center of the wearer's chest. From the user's standpoint, the cups are positioned such that the right hand cup will hold the right breast, and the left hand cup will hold the left breast. In positioning the bra, under-support portions of the band will be positioned beneath each breast (e.g., a right under-support will be positioned under the right breast, and a left under-support will be positioned under the left breast. The bra is further secured by securing tabs (e.g., via any way now known or later developed such as adhesive, tape, hooks and eyes, hook and loop, etc.) located on outer sides of the cup, to the band.
US08216018B2 Display manufacturing method
A method for manufacturing a display, where the display includes a light-transmissive substrate adhering to a display substrate that forms a display surface side of a display body. An edge of at least either an adhesion surface of the display substrate or an adhesion surface of the light-transmissive substrate is coated with an adhesive. The display substrate and the light-transmissive substrate are positioned in an offset manner to provide overlapping and non overlapping regions. For example, an edge of each of two adhesion surfaces overlap with each other, and other regions do not overlap with each other. The display substrate and the light-transmissive substrate are relatively moved to a position where an edge of the display substrate and an edge of the light-transmissive substrate respectively overlap with other edges in a state in which adhesive reservoirs are formed while maintaining a fixed gap between the two adhesion surfaces.
US08216016B2 Method of manufacturing display panel
A cutting step of forming a crack (C) above at least one side of a sealant (15) surrounding each display region (D) in each of outer surfaces of a first mother substrate (20) and a second mother substrate (10) of a bonded body (30), and cutting the bonded body (30) into sections including the display regions (D) includes: a first mother substrate cutting step of forming a crack (C) above the sealant (15) surrounding each display region (D) in the outer surface of the first mother substrate (20), and then causing the crack (C) to develop in a substrate thickness direction to cut the first mother substrate (20) into sections including the display regions (D); a residual stress reducing step of reducing a residual stress of the sealant (15) in the bonded body (30) in which the first mother substrate (20) has been cut; and a second mother substrate cutting step of forming a crack (C) above the sealant (15) surrounding each display region (D) in the outer surface of the second mother substrate (10) of the bonded body (30) in which the residual stress of the sealant (15) has been reduced, and then causing the crack (C) to develop in the substrate thickness direction to cut the second mother substrate (10) into sections including the display regions (D).
US08216014B2 Ambidextrous rescue device
An ambidextrous rescue device having a slip ring rotateable mounted with respect to the rescue device to permit the slip ring to rotate independently of the rescue device as the rescue device is thrown to thereby enhance the distance the rescue device can be thrown by reducing the spin that needs to be imparted to the rescue device during a throwing motion as well as reducing the tendency of the rescue device to spin out of a victims grasp once the rescue device is retrieved by pulling on the rope attached to the rescue device. A further advantage is that the device can be thrown by either a left hand thrower or a right hand thrower. In another embodiment the rescue device includes an arm girth to automatically cinch a person's extremity to the rescue device as the rescue device is pulled toward the rescuer.
US08216013B1 Body surfing enhancement device and associated methods
A device for enhancing body surfing includes fin elements affixable to a person's leg via a guide assembly affixable to a thigh, and each including and upper and a lower fin. The upper fin is rotationally positionable relative to the leg's longitudinal axis. The lower fin is longitudinally movable between a stowed position aligned with the upper fin and a deployed position beneath the upper fin. In use, a person can attach the fin elements to the belt rail, rotate the fin elements outward, and slide the lower fin downward into the deployed position, thereby creating an enhanced surface for body surfing. Another embodiment is provided that includes a unitary fin rotationally affixable to the leg and waist.
US08216008B2 Mixed propulsion system
A mixed propulsion system for a seagoing vessel such as a liquid natural gas carrier including a gas turbine engine is described. The vessel has at least one electric propulsion drive and a plurality of prime movers of different types each coupled directly to drive an electrical generator. The outputs of the several generators are connected to at least two electricity distribution switchboards to supply the power requirements of the vessel, and each electric propulsion drive is cross-coupled to receive power selectively from either switchboard such that in the event of a single failure in a switchboard or prime mover or both power can be maintained to both propulsion drives.
US08216007B2 Methods and arrangements for rapid trim adjustment
Methods and arrangements to rapidly adjust the trim of a watercraft are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a sensor to quickly detect changes in the trim angle of a watercraft and a driver adapted to effect rapid changes in the trim angle. For example, many embodiments include large hydraulic pumps and hydraulic connections to adjust the angle of a trim adjuster such as the angle of trim tabs, an outboard motor, or a stern drive. Some embodiments implement high torque electric motors or high capacity pneumatic systems. The drivers may, for example, effect changes in the angle of the trim adjuster within two seconds. In one embodiment, the driver may effect a change in the trim angle within one second or less.
US08216006B2 Composite assembly for an electrical connector and method of manufacturing the composite assembly
A composite assembly for an electrical connector includes a conductive substrate and an electrodeposited layer. The conductive substrate is configured to form a conductive path of the electrical connector. The electrodeposited layer is disposed on the conductive substrate and includes a dielectric material. A method of manufacturing a composite assembly for an electrical connector includes providing a fluid bath that includes a dielectric material and immersing at least part of a conductive substrate into the fluid bath. The method also includes applying a voltage potential between the fluid bath and the conductive substrate and electrodepositing a dielectric layer that includes the dielectric material on the conductive substrate.
US08215998B1 Electrical connector
An electrical connector for electrically connecting a chip module includes: an insulating body, located below the chip module and opened with at least two rows of receiving holes arranged front and back in a staggered manner; a plurality of solder balls, accommodated in the insulating body; a plurality of conductive terminals, each having a base fixed in the receiving hole, in which an elastic arm is bent and extends upwards from the base, and the elastic arm has a contact portion for conducting the chip module upwards. The bases of the same row are arranged in the same line, the contact portions of the back row do not exceed the line of the front row before the chip module presses the contact portions downwards, and the contact portions of back row exceed the line of the front row after the chip module presses the contact portions downwards.
US08215997B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulation pedestal, an outer cover, an enhanced shell and a plurality of terminals partially embedded in the insulation pedestal. The insulation pedestal includes a main body and a tongue section. The enhanced shell includes a fixed side and a support side. The fixed side is embedded in the main body; and the tongue section is partially covered by the support side such that the support side can support the tongue section. The insulation pedestal is integratedly formed together with the terminals and the enhanced shell to strengthen the structure of the tongue section.
US08215996B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a first insulating body having a base board and a tongue board extending rearward from the base board, and a second insulating body having a base portion and fingers extending forward from the base portion. Two opposite sides of the tongue board protrude upward to form two clipping walls and oppositely protrude outward to form two restraining portions spaced from the clipping walls. A receiving space is formed among the tongue board, the base board and the clipping walls for receiving the second insulating body therein. The base portion is clipped between the clipping walls. Front ends of the fingers prop against the base board. Each side surface of the base portion defines an elastic arm having a top connected with the side surface and a bottom beyond a bottom surface of the base portion to be restrained between the restraining portion and the clipping wall.
US08215995B1 Connector attached to a bracket and mounted in a cutout in a substrate
A board-mount connector assembly (1000) includes a substrate (101) defining a cutout (1012) and two arms disposed at opposite sides of the cutout; a bracket (103) mounted to the substrate and disposed under the cutout; a connector (100) sinking in the cutout and supported by the bracket, and at least one wire (106) connected to the connector.
US08215993B2 Socket
The present invention relates to a socket including a connector insulatedly disposed inside the socket, the connector including contacts electrically connected to a source of input current. The socket further includes a slot for receiving an electronic card in the socket for connecting it to the connector, and a conductor for coupling the connector to at least one blade contact in the socket. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the socket further includes an insulating body defining at least one plug blade receiving slot for disposing the blade contact therein, and a card slot which extends to the connector, and the electronic card is further having contacts complementary to each of the connector contacts.
US08215992B1 Electrical connector having a resistor
An electrical connector includes a body having a terminating end and a mating end. A power contact extends from the mating end of the body. The power contact is configured to be engaged by a power contact of a mating connector connected to a predominantly capacitive load. An auxiliary contact extends from the mating end of the body. The auxiliary contact is coupled in series with a resistor. The auxiliary contact configured to be engaged by an auxiliary contact of the mating connector. The auxiliary contact in series with the resistor is configured to engage the mating connector before the power contact to resist a surge current due to the capacitive load from the mating connector.
US08215991B2 Memory card and host device
A data storage device includes a memory card structure having an edge connector portion. The edge connector portion has a thickness that complies with a memory card specification. The data storage device also includes an electrical connector portion of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) compatible receptacle or of an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 compatible receptacle. The electrical connector portion is attached within the edge connector portion of the memory card structure to remain stationary with respect to the memory card structure.
US08215986B1 Cable connection method priority
The cable connection method is a method of connecting to conductors within a triaxial electrical cable, without completely severing the cable, allowing compact, low cost connections to be made while having the added benefit of strain relief of the cable around the connection point and even within the cable itself.
US08215984B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector with contact locking bodies separate from a housing which are secured from accidentally falling off the housing and prevent foreign matters from entering the connector through a gap between the contact locking bodies or through gaps between the contact locking bodies and the housing. The electrical connector includes a lower housing having a recess that opens in an upper surface, a contact that passes through the recess of the lower housing in the front-rear direction and is received therein, a lance block that is received in the recess of the lower housing from above the upper surface and prevents the contact from falling off, and an upper housing that is positioned on the upper surface side of the lower housing to cover the lance block.
US08215983B2 Electronic device
An electronic device comprises a casing. The casing has a groove formed along the periphery of the casing and designed to receive a connection cable having a flat cross-section therein, in such a manner that no part of the received connection cable protrudes beyond the brims of the groove; and a retainer adapted to retain a first connector attached to one end of the connection cable while the connection cable is being received in the groove. The design affords improved external appearance and ease of handling in relation to the connection cable of the electronic device.
US08215976B2 Power adapter with replaceable plug
A power adapter includes a base with a cord, an internal circuit electrically connected to the cord and first terminals connected to the internal circuit, and a locking member with a connection portion fixed to the base and an elastic portion connected to the connection portion. The elastic portion comprises a protruding latching portion. The power adapter also includes a plug with second terminals exposed at a first side thereof and a chamber defined in an opposite second side. Each of the second terminals includes an end portion received in the chamber, and the chamber includes an internal sidewall defining a recessed portion snappingly engaging with the latching portion, thereby detachably securing the plug to the base.
US08215968B2 Electrical connector with signal conductor pairs having offset contact portions
An electrical connector that includes a dielectric housing and at least one pair of signal conductors adapted to mate with a printed circuit board. The pair of signal conductors include first and second conductors. The first conductor includes a first mating portion, a first contact portion remote from the first mating portion, and a the intermediate portion therebetween. The second conductor includes a second mating portion, a second contact portion remote from the second mating portion, and a second intermediate portion therebetween. Each of the first and second mating portions define a mating portion axis and each of the first and second contact portions define a contact portion axis. The contact portion axes are offset from the mating portion axis.
US08215966B2 Interposer connector assembly
An interposer connector assembly includes a substrate, conductive pads, and contacts. The substrate has opposite first and second sides with a conductive via extending through the substrate. The conductive pads are mounted to the first and second sides of the substrate and electrically coupled with each other by the via. The contacts are electrically joined with the conductive pads on the first and second sides of the substrate. The contacts protrude from the substrate to outer ends that are configured to engage conductive members of electronic packages that mate with the first and second sides of the substrate. A differential electrical impedance characteristic of a conductive pathway extending from the outer end of one of the contacts to the outer end of another one of the contacts is at least 65 Ohms.
US08215964B2 Connectors and assemblies having a plurality of moveable mating arrays
A connector configured to communicatively couple different components. The connector includes a base frame that extends along a longitudinal axis between a pair of frame ends and first and second moveable mating arrays having mating surfaces with terminals arranged thereon. The connector also includes a coupling mechanism that is supported by the base frame. The coupling mechanism holds the first and second mating arrays so that the mating surfaces of the first and second mating arrays extend along the longitudinal axis. The coupling mechanism moves the first and second mating arrays along different mating directions with respect to select components. The coupling mechanism moves the first and second mating arrays between retracted and engaged positions, wherein the corresponding mating array is spaced apart from the select component in the retracted position and engaged to the select component in the engaged position.
US08215963B2 Charging connector, and charging cable unit
A charging connector and a charging cable unit that are capable of driving a load while being maintenance-free and simply constructed is provided. The charging cable unit includes: a charging cable that includes a signal line for sending a control signal, and an electric power line for sending electric power, and that is provided for connecting the vehicle and an electric power source when the vehicle is charged; and a charging connector connected to an end of the charging cable. The charging connector includes: an electric power terminal to which electric power is supplied from the electric power line; a signal terminal to which the control signal is transmitted from the signal line; and a lighting capable of being driven by the control signal from the signal line.
US08215961B2 Cognitive training using visual sweeps
A computer-implemented method for enhancing cognitive ability of an older participant by requiring the participant to differentiate between rapidly presented visual stimuli. First and second visual sweeps are provided for visual presentation to the participant, e.g., spatial frequency or orientation sweeps. At least two visual sweeps are visually presented to the participant utilizing the first visual sweep, the second visual sweep, or a combination. The participant is required to indicate an order in which the at least two visual sweeps were presented. A determination is made regarding whether the participant indicated the order of the visual sweeps correctly. The visually presenting, requiring, and determining are repeated one or more times in an iterative manner to improve the participant's cognition. The duration of the sweeps may be adjusted based on the correctness/incorrectness of the participant's response according to a maximum likelihood procedure. Assessments may be made during the exercise.
US08215959B2 Tongue-mounted cleaning article
The invention is directed to a tongue-mounted cleaning article for caring for the teeth and gums having an elongated body defining an inner cavity having a contour of the tongue and optionally, apertures therethrough; an open end having an annular elastic member for removably attaching the article to the tongue; and a closed end having pyramidal protuberances disposed over a portion or the entirety of its surface to project outwardly for cleaning the teeth and gums.
US08215953B2 Orthodontic bracket
Orthodontic brackets that can accurately be mounted to the surface of teeth to effectively perform orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic bracket according to the present invention is characterized in that, a marker is provided on at least a portion of an outline that is generated by crossing a plane including a longitudinally extending center line, on the archwire slot base of the archwire slot and vertical to the archwire slot base, and an outer surface of the bracket with each other. The marker can be selected from the group consisting of a protrusion, a projection, a slit, a notch and a paint. Another orthodontic bracket according to the present invention has an insert hole drilled from an outer surface of the bracket to a portion just before a base of the body along a line passing through a point that is generated by crossing a line, which is generated by crossing a plane including a longitudinally extending center line, on the archwire slot base of the archwire slot and vertical to the archwire slot base, and the body base, and a plane vertical to the center line of the archwire slot and dividing the body exactly into two parts. This bracket is especially preferably used for indirect method as well as direct method.
US08215951B2 High temperature fiber composite burner surface
A burner surface and creation method are provided. The burner surface includes a frame with a compact layer of unsintered metal and ceramic fibers that have been vacuum cast to a surface of the frame. The layer of unsintered metal and ceramic fibers is not greater than 0.5 inches, and is created without using substantial amounts of polymer pore forming or binding agents. The frame and compact layer additionally include a plurality of apertures that form holes through the burner surface plate. The burner surface plate may be formed by attaching a perforated screen to a fixture, inserting pins through apertures in the screen, introducing a suspension of metal and ceramic fibers into a space above the screen, vacuum casting the metal and ceramic fibers onto the screen to form a layer of metal and ceramic fibers, removing the plurality of pins from the apertures to form a corresponding set of apertures through the layer of metal and ceramic fibers, drying the layer of metal and ceramic fibers to remove moisture, applying colloidal silica to the layer of metal and ceramic fibers, and drying the burner surface.
US08215947B2 Molding die
A molding die includes a fixed die, a movable die movable toward and away from the fixed die, a first slide core slidable in sliding engagement with the fixed die, and a second slide core having a presser for pressing the first slide core when the second slide core is held in pressing contact with the first slide core. The fixed die, the movable die, the first slide core, and the second slide core jointly define a cavity for molding a product. The presser includes a reactive force plate for producing reactive forces against the pressure of a molten material introduced into the cavity.
US08215942B2 Mold with ejection mechanism
A mold comprises a core plate receiving a core insert, a cavity plate receiving a cavity insert and an ejection mechanism configured to eject the core insert. The core insert defines a first molding surface and the cavity insert defines a second molding surface cooperating with the first molding surface. The ejection mechanism includes a top plate; a sleeve fastening to the core plate and an ejection member to eject the core. The ejection member including an ejection rod and an ejection head slidably received in the sleeve. The ejection rod includes a main rod fastened to the top plate, a connecting body, and an engaging body. The ejection head includes an ejection portion and an engaging portion defining an engaging hole, a slot, and an opening, wherein the connecting body extends through the slot causing the engaging body to engage with the engaging hole.
US08215941B2 Interchangeable support system for multi-component injection molds
The present invention refers to an interchangeable system for support and actuation of rotary injection molds, used for the manufacture of plastic multi-component parts. This system is easily installed on conventional injection molding machines. The support system (13) is constituted by a main body that includes a sliding device and a rotary mechanism. The longitudinal sliding device is driven by cylinders (8 and 23) and is supported by the arms of the support (9, 15). A rotary unit, including motorization (20) is coupled to the sliding device with two rotary support platens, upper (7) and lower (17). The central mold (4) is supported between the rotary support platens (7 and 17). The frontal mold (12) is fixed on the interior part of the support which is in-turn fixed to the machine platen. The rear mold (2) is fixed to the moving platen of the injection machine (1) as usual. The invention permits not only a rapid mold mutation but also an easy reinstallation on different injection machines.
US08215940B2 Layer multiplying apparatus
Apparatus for multiplying layers in a composite polymer stream includes an intermediate section having open conduits sandwiched between housing sections that close the conduits. The conduits have respective first stages separated by a first blade extending to a first face, and respective second stages separated by a second blade extending to a second face. The first stages separate the stream into sub-streams and compress and shift the sub-streams in a first dimension, whereas the second stages shift the sub-streams in a second dimension. In order to maintain a constant cross-sectional area of the sub-streams, the housing sections may be provided with complementary open channels. The apparatus can be used to multiply layers which are side-by-side or one-over-another by changing orientation in the direction of flow.
US08215937B2 Fluid machine with divided housing
A housing (2) of a Roots pump (1) supports a drive shaft (3) and a driven shaft (4) with radial bearings (32, 33) so as to be rotatable. The housing (2) is formed by joining an upper housing member (20) to a lower housing member (10). The lower housing member (10) has lower bearing support portions (13), and the upper housing member (20) has upper bearing support portions (23). Opening edges (13a) of each lower bearing support portion (13) are positioned above the centers (P1) of the bearings (32, 33). An opening width (T1) of each lower bearing support portion (13) is smaller than the diameter (D1) of the bearings (32, 33). This structure suppresses the bearings (32, 33) from being separated from the lower housing member (10) during an assembling operation of the fluid machine.
US08215935B2 Multiple rotor fluid transfer engine
A fluid transfer engine employs a case with a cylindrical inner wall having an operating radius extending from a case axis. A main rotor is carried within the case and incorporates a lobe with a major radius equal to and concentric with the operating radius of the case, the main rotor having a minor radius defining a body. Two peripheral rotors are diametrically opposed with respect to the case axis and rotate within rotor chambers extending from the case. Each peripheral rotor has a radius equal to the minor radius and a center of rotation located at twice the minor radius from the case axis. Each of the peripheral rotors rotates in uniform circular motion with the main rotor in sealing contact with the body and incorporates a sculpted recess for receiving the lobe of the main rotor.
US08215932B2 Long life telescoping gear pumps and motors
A telescoping gear pump comprises a bolt, a Bellville washer, a wear plate, a seal housing, a seal spring, a spur gear including a wear lobe, a seal ring and a case drain path, a shaft, a ring gear including a wear lobe, seal ring, and a case drain path, seal, a bolt assembly including a Bellville washer and bolt, and a pressure plate. The assembly provides pressure to a fluid to maintain a seal within a telescoping pump/motor during operation. The wear lobe reduces wear while maintaining fluid pressure.
US08215931B2 Safety switch on a peristaltic pump
A peristaltic pump is provided that is configured to facilitate safe maintenance of the pump. The pump can comprise a pump body having a pump head and a head cover and a safety switch mechanism. The safety switch mechanism can comprise one or more sensors that allow the pump to detect whether the head cover is in an open or closed position. When the pump is powered-on, the pump can be configured to enter a maintenance mode when the safety switch detects that the head cover is in the open position.
US08215929B2 Detachable pump and the negative pressure wound therapy system using the same
The present invention relates to a detachable pump and a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system using the same. The detachable pump comprises: a top module, including a motor set and a top elastic member; and a bottom module, arranged beneath the top module in a manner that it is connected to the top module by a detachable connection mechanism and comprised of: a base configured with an inlet and an outlet; at least an one-way suction valve; at least an one-way drain valve; a diaphragm element; and a bottom elastic member.
US08215928B2 Foil gas bearing supported high temperature centrifugal blower and method for cooling thereof
This invention provides a blower design capable of high temperature operation due to use of a self-sustaining cooling scheme through a sealed motor housing in which a cooling circuit can be created, and the use of a thermal barrier across which a temperature gradient may be formed. The thermal barrier may be formed by a thermal choke plate assembly positioned between a hot side and a cold side of the blower to dissipate heat conducted from the hot side. Alternatively, the thermal barrier may be formed by an internal fan ring provided with the blower's rotating assembly to dissipate heat conducted from the blower's impeller. The thermal choke plate assembly and the fan ring may further be used in combination to block heat transfer by all modes between a hot side and a cold side of the blower.
US08215924B2 Oil separating structure of variable displacement compressor
Provided is an oil separating structure of a variable displacement compressor including: a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores; a front housing disposed in the front of the cylinder block to form a swash plate chamber; a drive shaft rotatably supported at the cylinder block; a lug plate disposed in the swash plate chamber of the front housing and fixedly installed at the drive shaft; a rear housing disposed in the rear of the cylinder block and having a discharge chamber and a suction chamber communicating with the cylinder bores; a swash plate installed to be rotated by the lug plate to vary its inclination angle; pistons connected to the swash plate and reciprocating in the cylinder bores; a suction path for communicating the swash plate chamber and the discharge chamber; an additional exhaust path for communicating the swash plate chamber and the suction chamber; and a control valve installed in the middle of the suction path, characterized in that the drive shaft has a communication aperture formed therein for communicating the swash plate chamber and the suction chamber, and the lug plate has a first communication hole passing therethrough and a second communication hole formed therein for communicating the first communication hole and the communication aperture. Therefore, oil and refrigerant are smoothly separated from each other using only the communication hole formed in the lug plate without an additional oil separator, thereby simplifying an inner constitution of a compressor.
US08215919B2 Curved tooth coupling for a miniature gas turbine engine
A rotor assembly for a miniature gas turbine propulsion system comprises a centrifugal compressor wheel, a turbine wheel, a shaft and a tie bolt. The centrifugal compressor wheel includes a first curved tooth coupling, and the turbine wheel includes a second curved tooth coupling interconnected with the first curved tooth coupling. The shaft extends from the centrifugal compressor wheel, and the tie bolt extends between the shaft and the turbine wheel to bring the first curved tooth coupling into compression with the second curved tooth coupling. As such, the compressor wheel and the turbine wheel are assembled and remain, over the operational envelope of the propulsion system, in a reliably robust aligned configuration.
US08215918B2 Impeller and cooling fan incorporating the same
An impeller (10) of a cooling fan includes a hub (11) and a plurality of blades (12) radially and outwardly extending from the hub. Each of the blades includes a windward surface (127) and a leeward surface (128). A groove (124) is defined in each of the blades for guiding airflow from the windward surface to the leeward surface.
US08215917B2 Airfoil shape for a compressor
An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in TABLE A. X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances can be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08215915B2 Blade closing key system for a turbine engine
A blade closing key system includes a first key piece and a second key piece. The first key piece includes a first finger and an elongated alignment plate. The second key piece includes a second finger and a key slot. The key pieces are installed in a cavity collectively formed by a notch in a blade root and a slot in a rotor disc. The first and second fingers are bent toward each other and engage each other at their ends. Simultaneously, at least a portion of the alignment plate is received in the key slot. During engine operation, the engagement between the alignment plate and the key slot keeps the first and second key pieces aligned. Thus, regardless of the width of either of the two key pieces or the width of the cavity, the fingers remain constantly engaged during engine operation, minimizing the potential for blade liberation.
US08215913B2 Modified darrieus vertical axis turbine
A lift-type turbine comprising at least three blades at circumferentially spaced positions is supported for rotation about a vertical axis. Each blade has an airfoil shape to generate a torque about the axis responsive to wind across the blades. A support comprising cables under tension is connected between adjacent ones of the blades to extend generally circumferentially about the turbine. Accordingly a minimum number of parts form the structure of the blades while minimizing the drag produced during rotation thereof due to the support members lying in a common circumferential path. The tension of the support members can support the blades in a pre-stressed condition to optimize the shape and performance thereof.
US08215908B2 Profile deformation using the example of a rotor blade
An aerodynamic profile includes a main profile body defining a profile depth direction and being shear-flexible in the profile depth direction, a tension-stiff and compression-stiff upper covering skin, a tension-stiff and compression-stiff lower covering skin, wherein the upper and lower covering skins envelope the main profile body, a bearingless and hingeless rear profile deformation region disposed at a rear edge region, and at least one actuator disposed in the main profile body. The at least one actuator is configured to initiate a flexural motion of the main profile body resulting in a curvature of the upper and lower covering skins and to deform the rear profile deformation region and so as to yield a flap deflection directed opposite to a direction of the flexural motion.
US08215905B2 Methods and apparatus for error reduction in rotor loading measurements
A method for correcting offsets in sensors includes mounting, on a rotating machine, a first set of sensors in locations selected to measure vector loads in a first set of coordinates. The method further includes mounting, on the rotating machine, a second set of sensors in locations selected to measure vector loads in a second set of coordinates, wherein the first set of coordinates and the second set of coordinates rotate with respect to one another when the rotating machine is operating. The method also includes utilizing measurements from either or both of the two sets of sensors to correct offset errors in vector loads measured by the other set of sensors.
US08215903B2 Use of a thermal barrier coating for a housing of a steam turbine, and a steam turbine
The invention relates to the use of a thermal insulating layer for a housing of a steam turbine in order to even out the deformation behavior of different components based on different heatings of the components.
US08215902B2 Scalable high pressure compressor variable vane actuation arm
A variable vane arm has a hook portion comprising a radially inner leg connected to a radially outer leg by an arcuate connection, and an actuation lever extending from the hook portion. The hook portion and actuation lever are formed from a singular piece of material.
US08215894B2 Dual configuration seal assembly for a rotational assembly
A seal assembly for a rotational assembly includes a first seal, a second seal and a crossover support. The crossover support includes a first geometry that interacts with the first seal and a second, different geometry that interacts with the second seal.
US08215885B2 Lockable fastener assembly
A method of locking a fastener assembly against rotation relative to a laminar composite workpiece, the method comprising: passing a fastener through the workpiece; fitting a washer to the fastener; locking the washer against rotation relative to the workpiece; screwing a nut onto the fastener so as to clamp the washer against the workpiece; and locking the nut against rotation relative to the washer; aa fastener assembly comprising: two or more fasteners; two or more nuts; a washer with two or more holes each sized to receive a respective one of the fasteners; and a locking mechanism adapted to prevent relative rotation between the nuts and the washer after the nuts have been screwed up to a desired torque.
US08215880B2 Servo motor for actuating a mandrel while extruding helical teeth
An apparatus for extruding helical teeth in a gear blank includes a press including a die plate and a die base, the die plate being movable along an axis relative to the die base, the die base supporting the gear blank. A mandrel, aligned with the axis and moveable with the die plate along the axis, includes a surface that includes helical die teeth. A servo motor drives the mandrel in rotation about the axis to the required helix angle as the mandrel moves axially relative to the gear blank.
US08215879B2 Coated cutting insert
Coated cemented carbide inserts (cutting tools), particularly useful for wet or dry machining of steels and stainless steels, are disclosed. The cutting tool insert is characterized by a cemented carbide substrate and a coating formed from an about 0.5 to 5 μm thick innermost layer of (Ti,Al)N and an about 1 to 5 μm thick layer of (Al,Cr)2O3.
US08215876B2 Shield cap for a shield-type mining support
A shield cap for a shield-type support for underground mining includes a cap plate, with reception devices for the connection of hydraulic cylinder heads to the shield cap, and a supporting structure welded below the cap plate and having a plurality of longitudinal spars. At least two of the longitudinal spars include substantially I-profile struts having an upper profile chord, a lower profile chord and a middle chord running perpendicularly to the two profile chords. The distance between the upper and the lower profile chord decreases at least over a part length of each strut.
US08215875B2 Bolt anchor
A bolt anchor is comprised of a body and sleeve. The body is generally wedge shaped with a threaded bore along its axis and at least one stop near its smaller end. The sleeve has a round collar with leaves extending from the collar parallel to the axis of the collar and each other. The at least one stop maintains the assembly of the body and sleeve. Prongs on the sleeve prevent the retraction or turning of the bolt anchor when a bolt is installed in a hole using the bolt anchor. Reduced material thickness associated with the leaves on the sleeve produces hinges which allow the leaves to be more easily deformed outwardly to engage the sides of a hole. Inserting a bolt and bolt anchor assembly into the hole and then turning the bolt pulls the body into the sleeve and creates a wedging effect in the hole.
US08215871B2 Tideway anchor system
A sea bed anchor of the plug-and-socket type, in which the depth of the socket (2) needed to keep the plug in the socket against tidal force is reduced by downwards force from a hydrofoil (5). The same force is used to lock the plug and socket positively together. The effective area of hydrofoils (5) can be increased when the tide is flowing, and reduced when it is not. Downwards force from hydrofoils is also used to enable submersible vessels to drill sockets in rock or to embed suction anchors in sediment.
US08215868B2 Hydraulic powered boat portage apparatus
A boat lift apparatus is disclosed. The boat lift apparatus includes a base structure having a first frame section erected over a barrier juxtaposed to a first body of water, the base structure having a second frame section that may be cantilevered over the first body of water and a lift frame operatively coupled with the base structure. The boat lift apparatus further includes a cradle assembly including at least one boat support for receiving a boat and carrying the boat across the barrier, the cradle assembly being moveably coupled to the lift frame. The boat lift apparatus further includes at least one hydraulic cylinder secured to the lift frame and operatively connected to the cradle assembly, wherein activation of the at least one hydraulic cylinder moves the cradle assembly up or down in the vertical direction.
US08215861B2 Packaging and applicator device
The present invention relates to a packaging and applicator device, comprising: a reservoir containing at least one composition for application; a support that is secured to the reservoir during application and/or when the device is in a closed configuration; and a non-porous membrane that is carried by the support, that has at least one dispenser orifice passing therethrough for dispensing the composition, and that is externally covered, at least in part, by flocking; the membrane co-operating with the support and/or with the reservoir to define an inside space containing the composition; the membrane being flexible and/or mounted on the support and/or on the reservoir in such a manner as to present the possibility of being deformed and/or of being displaced relative to the support and/or to the reservoir, resulting in a reduction in the volume of the inside space of at least 0.1 mL.
US08215853B2 Device and method for identifying stacking and splitting of stenographic keystrokes
A method, device, and computer program product for analyzing multiple keystrokes in an electronic stenographic recording machine having keys forming stenographic keystrokes when actuated includes sensing a depressed state of a first stenographic key and recording a first depression time, sensing a depressed state of a second stenographic key and recording a second depression time, sensing a depressed state of a third stenographic key and recording a third depression time, sensing a released state of the first key and recording a first release time, sensing a released state of the second key and recording a second release time, sensing a released state of the third key and recording a third release time, sorting the first, second, and third depression times based on a chronological order of occurrence, determining, within the plurality of sorted depression times, a pair of chronologically adjacent depression times with a greatest chronological variation therebetween, determining an elapsed depression-release time for each one of the determined pair of adjacent depression times, determining a percentage of chronological overlap of the elapsed depression-release times, comparing the percentage of chronological overlap to a predefined value, and separating the first, second, and third key depressions into two separate stenographic keystrokes when the percentage of chronological overlap is less than the predefined value.
US08215850B2 Optical module with fiber feedthrough
A molded ceramic or glass ferrule has at least one longitudinal passage, which enables an optical fiber feed through, sealed into a metal housing with glass solder. The metal material in the housing has a slightly higher coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than the ferrule material and the sealing glass so that hermetic seal is maintained by a compression stress applied to the ferrule and sealing glass by the housing at operating conditions. When the housing has to be fabricated from a low CTE material, e.g. metal or ceramic, a metal sleeve and stress relief bracket is used to apply the compression stress.
US08215848B1 Methods and apparatus for making connections between optical fibers and optical components
A method for providing an improved interconnection between an optical fiber and an optical package is described. The method includes inserting an end of the fiber through a feed through tube and into a main body of the optical package, a portion of the fiber proximate the end being metalized, attaching the metalized portion of the fiber within the main body of the optical package, a portion of the metalized fiber remaining within the feed through tube, inserting a stopping device into the feed through tube, melting solder within the feed through tube, in an area between the stopping device and the main body of the optical device, the area containing metalized fiber, compressing the melted solder using the stopping device, removing the stopping device from the feed through tube after the solder has solidified, and attaching a jacket associated with the optical fiber within the feed through tube.
US08215844B1 Debris resistant bearing system and method
A system and method are disclosed for protecting bearings operating in dirty environments. The system may include a reservoir of lubricant, a bearing, and a regulator. The bearing may border on both the dirty environment and the reservoir. Accordingly, the bearing may be exposed to the solid particles carried by the fluid within the environment, as well as the lubricant of the reservoir. The regulator may ensure that the pressure within the reservoir is greater than the pressure of the dirty environment. Due to the higher pressure within the reservoir, the bearing may be preferentially filled with lubricant rather than dirty fluid from the environment.
US08215838B1 Combination shopping bag book cover template apparatus
A shopping bag having walls formed on their inner surfaces with indicia defining templates corresponding with the size of selected books.
US08215837B2 Integrated patient positioning and radiation quality assurance system and method
High intensity x-ray radiation therapy is used in the medical industry to treat tumors. Patients typically receive radiation treatment over a period of time, in which a quality assurance test of the x-ray beam is performed before each treatment. These quality assurance tests are performed by a detection device that receives the x-ray beam and measures the intensity, shape and uniformity of the x-ray beam. The integrated patient positioning and radiation quality assurance system includes recess assemblies into which an x-ray detection device is inserted to fix the location of the x-ray detection device on the board. As a result, the accuracy of the quality assurance test is improved and the set up time is reduced.
US08215836B2 Phantom object for the quality control of a device for radiation therapy treatment and methods for its manufacture and its use
This phantom object is designed for a Winston-Lutz test on a device for radiation therapy treatment comprising a patient support having a rotation axis (V), a stand having a rotation axis (H) and a collimator having a rotation axis (C), locating means being provided for visually representing the theoretical positions (V′, H′, C′) of the three axes (V, H, C). A spherical ball is positioned at the center of a sphere in a material of electron density lower than that of the ball, the ball and the sphere both constituting the phantom object. The sphere has on its outer surface means for a visual alignment with the locating means allowing a positioning of the phantom object at the point of convergence of the three axes (V′, H′, C′).
US08215831B2 Sensor element
A sensor element for detecting electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the infrared range, comprises one or more heat-sensitive portions provided on a substrate and one or more influencing layers for influencing the absorption and/or reflection of the electromagnetic radiation to be detected. The heat-sensitive portion(s) and/or the influencing layers are arranged on the substrate in accordance with the thermal properties of the influencing layers, preferably asymmetrically.
US08215815B2 Illumination apparatus and methods of forming the same
In one aspect, an illumination apparatus includes a waveguide, embedded in which are a light-emitting source and a photoluminescent material. Output light is emitted from at least a portion of a first surface of the waveguide.
US08215813B2 Flasher support structure
A flasher support apparatus is provided which lets an external force applied to a lighting apparatus main body escape effectively in a flasher support structure supporting the lighting apparatus main body via a tubular lighting apparatus stay having elasticity. A flasher support structure includes a bottom wall portion disposed on a first axial end of a flasher stay, the bottom wall portion including a mounting hole (a center insertion hole) of a front flasher and an insertion hole (a rear end insertion hole) of a flasher cable; and a peripheral wall portion extending from an outer edge portion of the bottom wall portion toward a vehicle body side so as to widen an opening.
US08215812B2 LED vehicle cornering lamp
The invention discloses a LED vehicle cornering lamp, including a metal lamp holder, wherein the metal lamp holder is equipped with inward cavity, and in the bottom of the cavity has a sloping bench for the installation of the luminous body, which is to turn the luminous body into the lateral directions during steering maneuvers; a LED luminous body at least, which is installed in the sloping bench inside the cavity of the metal lamp holder, wherein the luminous body connects with a controller while the controller controls the make-and-break of the LED luminous body; a reflector corresponding to the luminous body, wherein the reflector collects the light from the LED luminous body and lightens the lateral direction of the vehicle after reflection; a transparent protection cover, wherein the protection cover is liquid-tight assorted with the metal lamp holder port. The LED vehicle cornering lamp of the invention could be easily installed in the front of the vehicle, and lighten the road of lateral directions by using the auxiliary lamp installed in forward direction by the sloping bench inside the metal lamp holder, so as to decrease the blind area when changing directions during the night and enhance the safety when driving at night; furthermore, the utility mode has merits with simple structure, low cost and is suitable to be universalized in all vehicles.
US08215805B2 Hot aimable lamp assembly with memory for adjustable recessed light
A recessed light fixture has vertical tilt and horizontal rotation adjustments recessed radially outwardly from a trim aperture defining ring for a cleaner aspect of the lamp aperture. A lamp holder is reachable through the trim aperture for manually returning the lamp holder from a tilted position to a vertical position and is releasable downward from the fixture for relamping in response to manual pulling force. A mechanical memory returns the lamp holder to the initial tilted position upon reinsertion of the lamp holder and release of the manual pulling force. The lamp fixture can be miniaturized to a size of about 2.5 inches in diameter and sized to fit in a ceiling cutout of about 3.5 inches in diameter.
US08215804B2 Outdoor lighting device
An outdoor lighting device includes a housing, at least one power supply device and at least one arrayed lighting unit. The housing has a surface forming at least one reflection zone and he reflection zone includes a lens. The power supply device is arranged inside the housing and has a grounding terminal connected to the housing. The power supply device receives and converts an alternate current power into an output of direct current power. The arrayed lighting unit includes plural arrays of lighting elements and a light-transmitting protection layer. The arrayed lighting unit is arranged inside the housing at a location corresponding to the lens and is connected to the power supply device, whereby the power supply device provides the arrayed lighting unit with the direct current power to energize the arrayed lighting unit to give off light that is reflected by the reflection zone. As such, an outdoor lighting device containing therein an arrayed lighting unit and an internal built-in power supply device is formed.
US08215802B2 Multiple-tier omnidirectional solid-state emission source
Multiple-tier omnidirectional solid-state emission source capable of dispersing light in flexible distributions or custom-intensity distributions which throw more light forward, to the side alternatively, or in all directions. This optical light control requires multiple-surface manipulation of the directions of the light energy bundles emerging from solid-state light sources. Producing uniform light up to 325 degrees in the vertical direction through the combined implementation of multi-stage light guiding for remote source elongation and multiple-tiers of TIR, refraction, and scatter for remote source emission and control. Combining the efficient light production of an LED chip with that of a directly coupled optic results in high efficiency custom distribution to direct light where required. The optical light manipulator consists of a dielectric or reflector collector section, spline light-pipe section used to clear the cross-sectional area of a thermal dissipation device and a section which either externally, internally, or combinatorially feeds multiple-tier TIR/refractor elements.
US08215799B2 Lighting apparatus with heat dissipation system
A lighting apparatus is shown and described. In one aspect, the lighting apparatus includes a light source, a plate, and frame. The light source can include one or more lighting elements that are in thermal communication with the light source. The plate can have a dissipative portion extending outward from a point of thermal communication between the plate and the light source. The frame can at least partially enclose the light source and may also be in thermal communication therewith.
US08215796B2 Lighting device
A lighting device comprising: a shell; a first circuit; a light source set in the shell; an axis mounted in the shell; and an effective amount of conducting liquid. A rotation device and a switch device are rotatably connected to the shell via the axis. The switch device comprises a first storing cavity and a second storing cavity, which is configured for accommodating the conducting liquid. The first storing cavity communicates with the second storing cavity. A plurality of pairs of third grooves is formed in the first storing cavity. Each of which is set a pair of positive/negative terminals. Each of the pairs of positive/negative terminals is electronically connected to light source and the first circuit. A slide bar is formed on the rotation device, and is configured for pushing the conducting liquid inside of the first storing cavity.
US08215793B2 Backlight device
A pair of band-shaped window portions (9) having no fluorescent film is formed in the inner circumference of a fluorescent lamp (1). The fluorescent lamp (1) is oriented such that a straight line intersecting the center of the fluorescent lamp (1) and the midpoint between the pair of window portions on the circumference intersects the midpoint between a pair of reflective members (10) on a reflective plate (3), and is arranged such that light emitted from the pair of window portions (9) is reflected off the pair of reflective members (10) and is shone on a diffusion plate (4).
US08215792B2 Lighting device utilizing a light emitting diode disposed within a tubular lens
The present invention provides a lighting device having a plurality of light source assemblies within a light housing. The light source assemblies include a light emitting diode disposed in tubular lens. The light housing is attached to an edge of the body.
US08215790B2 Light-emitting product
A light-emitting product (for example, a flashlight) includes a first housing includes a light source for emitting light and a lens system that is adjustable in position relative to the light source. The second housing can be attached to the first housing and includes a power source for the light source. When the first housing and the second housing are attached, the first housing and the second housing can be moved relative to each other to adjust the position of the lens system relative to the position of the light source to focus the light from the light source.
US08215788B2 Tufted textile
The present invention relates to a tufted textile (100) comprising a primary backing layer (10) which is substantially permeable to light, yarns (40) forming tufts on a first side of the primary backing layer, an adhesive layer (30) provided on a second side of the primary backing layer opposite from the first side, and a light source (50; 80) and a conductor arrangement (60) for the light source arranged in a position facing the second side of the primary backing layer. The adhesive layer, the light source and the conductor arrangement, are arranged so as to allow light from the light source to reach the primary backing layer. The tufted textile (100) may be a carpet.
US08215781B2 Mirror for an automobile
In a mirror for an automobile, the adoption of resin mirror body to a mirror plate can decrease the weight of the mirror body, and the mirror plate is fixed onto a mirror holder through the welding. Therefore, this eliminates the usage of both-sided adhesive tape or adhesive agent, makes assembly processes less complicated, and thus the reduction in production cost is achieved. Furthermore, since the mirror plate can be fixed onto the mirror holder firmly and strongly even when the mirror plate is not pressed strongly to the mirror holder, excessive load on the mirror holder or the mirror plate becomes avoided. In addition, at the time of the production stage, some dimensional variation in the edge part of the mirror holder or the peripheral edge of the mirror plate becomes easily acceptable.
US08215780B2 Hard-coated antiglare film, and polarizing plate and image display including the same
A hard-coated antiglare film, comprising a transparent plastic film substrate and a hard-coating antiglare layer containing fine particles on at least one surface of the transparent plastic film substrate, wherein an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra (μm) that is defined in JIS B 0601 (1994 version) is in the range of 0.05 to 0.15 μm in an uneven shape of a surface of the hard-coating antiglare layer, and the hard-coated antiglare film includes at least 80 convexities that exceed a roughness mean line of a surface roughness profile in a 4-mm long portion at an arbitrary location of the surface of the hard-coating antiglare layer.
US08215777B2 Light guide module and projection apparatus having the same
A projection apparatus and a light guide module for use in the projection apparatus are provided. The projector apparatus comprises an illumination mechanism, at least one digital micromirror device (DMD), and a light guide module, wherein the light guide module includes a plurality of interfaces. The illumination mechanism provides a light beam which travels through the plurality of interfaces of the light guide module along a first axis without any rotation. The light beam orderly performs total internal reflections on each of the interfaces of the light guide module. Accordingly, the light beam travels to the at least one DMD, and then the light beam is reflected along a second axis.
US08215772B2 Method of acquiring of at least a portion of the shape of a section of a spectacle frame circle
The method includes acquiring at least one geometrical characteristic of the section, which includes: a step of reading from a register (201) in which each entry is associated with an eyeglass frame model or category of models and includes at least one geometrical characteristic of at least one section of a rim of frames of the model or the category of models of frame, with a search for an entry corresponding to the model or to the category of eyeglass frame models to which the selected eyeglass frame belongs; and a step of reading the at least one geometrical characteristic from the corresponding entry, if a corresponding entry is found in the register.
US08215767B2 Clip device for holding auxiliary eyeglasses
A clip device for holding auxiliary eyeglasses includes a clip body and a retaining rivet plate. The clip body is made by injection molding and made of plastics material which has high elasticity and strong tenacity. The clip body includes a retaining portion, a resilient piece and two resilient clips. The retaining portion has a plurality of retaining holes thereon. The resilient piece is integrally formed with an upper end of the retaining portion. An upper end of each of the two resilient clips is integrally formed with an upper end of the resilient piece and protrudes outward to form a press portion. A lower end of each of the two resilient clips is a free end. The retaining rivet plate has a plurality of retaining pins. When assembling, the retaining pins of the retaining rivet plate are inserted through holes of the auxiliary eyeglasses and the retaining holes of the clip body. The retaining pins each have a distal portion exposed out of the retaining portions to be extruded and positioned thereon by hot melt. The clip device can be assembled quickly and manufactured with ease to lower the cost.
US08215763B2 Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording medium is provided. The printing apparatus includes a recording head to eject ink onto the recording medium, a recording head controller to control movement of the recording head according to printing data, which represents the image to be formed on the recording medium, a carriage to carry the recording head in a main scanning direction relative to the recording medium, a plurality of platens, each of which has a holding surface to hold the recording medium thereon and is movable respectively in an auxiliary direction, which is perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and a plurality of drive mechanisms, each of which drives one of the platens in the auxiliary direction. The plurality of platens can be moved synchronously with one another.
US08215760B2 Ink set and inkjet recording method
An ink set includes at least a magenta ink composition and a cyan ink composition, wherein the magenta ink composition includes: at least one colorant selected from the group consisting of specific heterylazo dyes; and at least one colorant selected from the group consisting of specific anthrapyridone dyes, and the cyan ink composition includes at least one colorant selected from the group consisting of phthalocyanine compounds meeting requirements 1 and 2: Requirement 1: The ratio of the maximum absorbance within the absorption band of from 660 nm to 680 nm to the maximum absorbance within the absorption band of from 600 nm to 640 nm on the spectral absorption curve of aqueous solution is less than 1; and Requirement 2: The oxidation potential is more positive than 1.0 eV (vsSCE).
US08215759B2 Clear fluid patterning on paper media
Methods and means for imaging on paper media are provided. A data file of an image to be printed is analyzed. A pattern for a clear fluid is determined according to the analysis. The pattern of clear fluid is applied to a paper media traveling in a particular direction, wherein the pattern is generally elongated along the direction of travel. The pattern of clear fluid is defined by a maximum width that is generally equal to the maximum width of the image to be formed. One or more colored inks are applied such that the image is formed and is supported by the paper media. The paper media exhibits reduced cockle as a result of the pattern of clear fluid.
US08215755B2 Liquid supply apparatuses and liquid containers
A liquid supply apparatus includes a container mounting portion and a liquid container. The liquid container includes a case configured to store liquid therein, and a movable member positioned in the case. The movable member and the case comprise a pair of magnetic materials on which a magnetic force acts, such that the pair of magnetic materials attracts each other. When the liquid container is not mounted to the container mounting portion, the movable member is in a fixed state in which the movable member is fixed to the case by the magnetic force acting between the pair of magnetic materials. The container mounting portion includes a release member configured to release the movable member from the fixed state by generating a magnetic force acting between the pair of magnetic materials, such that the pair of magnetic materials separates away from each other.
US08215754B2 Detachable structure for ink cartridge, and control method for attaching/detaching ink cartridge
A detachable structure for an ink cartridge in a printer includes a storing unit, an acquisition unit, a determining unit, and an ink supply control unit. The storing unit is provided on the ink cartridge and stores information on the ink cartridge. The acquisition unit is provided on the printer and acquires the information stored in the storing unit when the ink cartridge is attached onto the printer. The determining unit certifies validity of the information acquired by the acquisition unit. The ink supply control unit allows ink supply from the ink cartridge when the validity of the information is certified by the determining unit. According to the structure, versatility of ink cartridges can be ensured and productivity cost for ink cartridges can be restricted. In addition, prevented can be undesirable ink mixture due to an erroneous installation of the ink cartridge by a user.
US08215752B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a liquid ejecting head including a plurality of substrates that are at least partially bonded to one another with adhesives and form a liquid passage in which a liquid flows. The liquid passage includes a pressure-generating chamber that communicates to a nozzle opening through which the liquid is ejected. The adhesive being exposed to a wall surface of the passage on the upstream side of the pressure-generating chamber is composed of a first adhesive, and the adhesive being exposed to a wall surface of the downstream-side passage including the pressure-generating chamber is composed of a second adhesive. The second adhesive has affinity with the liquid higher than that of the first adhesive.
US08215751B2 Carriage with improved print cartridge mounting reliability
An inkjet carriage that receives a print cartridge, the inkjet carriage includes a holding receptacle having a wall, wherein the holding receptacle is configured to receive the print cartridge; and a spring disposed on the wall of the holding receptacle to provide a biasing force in a direction that pushes the print cartridge away from the wall of the inkjet carriage and which biasing force must be manually overcome in order to properly install the print cartridge in the holding receptacle of the inkjet carriage.
US08215749B2 Liquid droplet discharge apparatus
In a liquid droplet discharge apparatus that prevents deterioration in the precision of ink droplet landing positions resulting from deformation of long members due to changes in the temperature environment, long members to which plural head units are attached are fixed at one end but slidably supported at the other end. The long members no longer bend because the other ends of the long members slide.
US08215747B2 Printhead assembly
A printhead assembly includes an elongate support structure; a series of wall sections extending a length of a first surface of the elongate support structure, the series of wall sections delineating ink supply channels therebetween; a plurality of carriers positioned end-to-end in the gap and supported by said edges of the walls, the carriers defining therethrough ink supply passages in fluid communication with the ink supply channels; a printhead integrated circuit mounted on each carrier to receive ink from respective ink supply channels; and a serrated channel extending a length of a second surface of the elongate support structure, the serrated channel for receiving fastening means therein.
US08215746B2 Devices and methods for print control and bottom edge processing
A printing device includes a printing process section configured so as to be capable of performing a first printing process in which, in synchronization with transporting of a printing medium performed at intervals of a predetermined constant transport amount, respective printing operations are performed on the printing medium, and a second printing process in which, in synchronization with transporting of the printing medium performed at intervals of a smaller constant transport amount than the predetermined constant transport amount, respective printing operations are performed on the printing medium; a searching section configured to search for a final printing line position of printing image data to be printed on the printing medium from an end edge of a printable area on the printing medium; and a selecting section configured to select either of the first printing process or the second printing process in accordance with the final printing line position of the printing image data obtained by the searching section.
US08215741B2 Inkjet printer and printing method
The low and high occupancy rate matrix sets are stored in the inkjet printer which performs printing with dots having different sizes. For the original image where banding unevenness easily appears, used is the low occupancy rate matrix set where the occupancy rate of all dots is lower than 100% in the maximum value of gray level and the proportion of the large dots is high in a high range of gray level. For the original image where reproducibility of details is required, used is the high occupancy rate matrix set where the occupancy rate of all dots becomes 100% in a value of gray level lower than the maximum value of gray level and the proportion of the small dots is high in a middle range of gray level. It is therefore possible to perform appropriate printing in accordance with the classification of the original image.
US08215736B2 Printhead diagnostic plot
Among various embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for diagnosing printhead status are shown. The printhead status can be diagnosed by detecting which of a number of nozzles in a first printhead fire ink; and printing with visible ink a diagnostic plot using a second printhead that maps which nozzles fire ink in the first printhead. The number of nozzles in the first printhead which fire ink is determined by visually identifying the nozzles that fire ink in the second printhead as indicated by the placement of the visible ink on the diagnostic plot.
US08215732B2 Vertically adjustable refrigerator shelf with hidden drive unit
Provided are a refrigerator and a refrigerator shelf apparatus configured with a shelf detachably mounted to a drive unit, and the drive unit capable of driving the shelf upward and downward according to electronic controlling by a controller provided on the shelf.
US08215731B2 Handle assembly for a domestic appliance
A handle assembly for mounting to an appliance door includes a main body member having first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. First and second plastic end-caps are tightly fit to the first and second end portions via fasteners. The handle assembly is mounted to a front face of the door through interengagment of the fasteners with clips attached to the appliance door. Latch and ramp portions of clips cooperate with the respective fasteners to draw the end-caps into a close locking engagement with the appliance door.
US08215730B2 Adjustable and separable joining structure
In one aspect, an assembly includes an enclosure with an opening and a door for closing the opening. A first joining member is secured to the enclosure and a second joining member is secured to the door. The first and second joining members can be mechanically joined to one another in any one of a plurality of attitudes relative to one another and to be separated from one another. A third joining member is joined to at least one of the first and second joining members to establish an alignment position for the first and second joining members relative to one another. Following the separation of the first and second joining members, the alignment position established by the third joining member allows the first and second joining members to be rejoined in the same attitude as the attitude in which they were joined prior to being separated.
US08215729B2 Appliance cabinet and method of assembling same
An appliance cabinet, such as a laundry treating appliance cabinet, having a chassis and a cover removably mounted to the chassis, and a labyrinth coupler connecting the cover and the chassis, wherein the coupler is physically configured to define a path requiring a specific sequence of movements between the cover and the chassis to couple or uncouple the cover from the chassis.
US08215725B2 Brake system and method
An electromechanical parking brake system for a heavy vehicle braked by air-actuated service brakes includes an EPB-ECU and a first electromechanical parking brake actuator controlled by the EPB-ECU. The electromechanical parking brake system further includes a redundant sub-system for applying a second parking brake in an event of a failure in the EPB-ECU or the first electromechanical parking brake actuator.
US08215719B2 Rotatable cutting tool with through coolant
A rotatable cutting tool for use in impinging earth strata such as, for example, asphaltic roadway material, coal deposits, mineral formations and the like. The rotatable cutting tool includes a cutting tool body having a through coolant channel and a two-piece head portion, e.g., the head portion of the cutting tool body having a base portion and a nose portion with a hard tip cutting insert affixed to the nose portion. The through coolant provides for cooling the hard tip cutting insert during operation of the cutting tool. In addition, the through coolant also provides for suppressing dust created by the rotatable cutting tool during operation.
US08215717B2 Dump trailer
A towable dump trailer is provided. The towable dump trailer comprises a first, second and third frame. The first frame comprises one or more sets of wheels. The second frame is attached to the tow vehicle and can be displaced horizontally relative to the first frame by the towing vehicle moving rearward or forward. The third frame provides a support frame for the trailer bed. The dump trailer is operated by immobilizing the first frame and causing the second frame to move horizontally relative to the first frame. This horizontal displacement causes the third frame to pivot as a result of one or more pivoting arms translating the horizontal movement to pivotal movement. The dump trailer can be configured to provide a dumping action by either forward or rearward horizontal displacement of the second frame relative to the first frame.
US08215714B2 Vehicle seat assembly with interlocking layered seating system
A vehicle seat transitional composite with a structural reinforcement member adapted to be mounted within a vehicle seat to provide support to an occupant. The structural reinforcement member has at least two edge regions and an inner region at least partially bound within the at least two edge regions. The at least two edge regions have a plurality of keying apertures. A compliant layer is adjacent to the structural reinforcement member and has a plurality of projections sized to be received within the plurality of keying apertures of the structural reinforcement member for minimizing lateral movement of the compliant layer relative to the structural reinforcement member.
US08215712B2 Seat recliner assembly
A compact and robust seat recliner assembly includes a seat recliner assembly with a guide plate, a pivotable plate, four pawls, a shaft, a cam, a retractor plate and a pre-tensioned spring wherein the pawls engage with the pivotable plate to lock the seat back from moving and the four pawls share the load on the assembly.
US08215711B2 Vehicular seat
A vehicular seat can include a pair of right and left slide devices, right and left lock mechanisms, and a synchronous releasing mechanism releasing the right and left lock mechanisms in synchronism with each other. The synchronous releasing mechanism can include a rod whose both end portions are rotatably mounted between upper portions of right and left side frames of a seat cushion, right and left levers mounted to portions of the rod near both end portions thereof so as to be incapable of rotating with respect to the rod, and right and left connection members connecting the right and left levers and the right and left lock mechanisms to each other. Clearance portions can be included between the right and left levers and the right and left connection members, to prevent the connection members from moving so as to release the lock mechanisms in synch with the levers when the side frames are downwardly crushed, and the rod and the levers move downwards.
US08215710B2 Seat having a seat panel and a backrest
A seat (10) having a seat panel (12) and a backrest (14) is described. The seat panel (12) is connected to a base device (16) by means of a first connecting device (18). The backrest (14) is connected to the seat panel (12) by means of a second correcting device (20). The first connecting device (18) comprises a pair of front and a pair of rear connecting levers (22, 24). The front connecting levers (22) are longer than the rear connecting levers (24). The rear connecting levers (24) are designed with an angled extension (34) so as to form toggle levers. The second connecting device (20) comprises a pair of rod elements (36) which are mounted in a pivotable and linearly movable manner on the seat panel (12) by way of their front end (38) and which are connected in a pivotable manner to the angled extension (34) of the rear connecting levers (24).
US08215707B2 Extruded cornish of a motor bus body
A motor bus body (8) has multiple wall extrusions (18, 48) that join respective sides to the roof (16). Each extrusion has an exterior wall (20) that when viewed lengthwise of the extrusion is concave toward an interior passenger space (10) and convex away from the interior passenger space to form a rounded exterior corner of the body. The extrusion also comprises an interior wall (22) that is concave toward the exterior wall (20) and that cooperates with the exterior wall to enclose a space that contains additional walls (36, 38) of the extrusion joining with the interior and exterior walls (20, 22).
US08215706B2 Vehicle body side structure
A vehicle body side structure in which a load acting from the front of the vehicle body is efficiently transferred to a door beam, whereby the weight of a side sill is reduced. A vehicle body side structure includes a front door provided to a front vehicle body opening via a front hinge, a front door beam provided to the front door and coupled at the front end to the front hinge, and an interaction for transferring a load to a rear part of the vehicle body, the interaction being provided to the side of the front hinge facing the front of the vehicle body. The front hinge includes a front attachment part provided to the vehicle body, and a front coupling part rotatably supported on the front attachment part and coupled with the front door beam. The front attachment part has a front bearing for bearing a load acting from the interaction.
US08215700B2 Vehicle window/garnish assembly and seal design therefor
A vehicle window/garnish structure is described including a window/garnish and a trim structure, as well as a cost effective seal that covers body colored structures in the door cut line to maintain a consistent unbroken styling appearance.
US08215695B2 Removable vehicle seat
A removable vehicle seat includes a base, a removable seat main body, and a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment mechanism configured to removably attach the removable seat main body to the base. The first attachment mechanism includes a pin provided to the removable seat main body; and an attachment member provided to the base, and provided with a groove to which the pin is inserted. A disengagement prevention structure is provided between the pin and the attachment member, the disengagement prevention structure being configured to prevent the pin from disengaging from the groove. The second attachment mechanism includes a striker provided to the removable seat main body; and a lock device provided to the base and configured to releasably engage with the striker.
US08215693B2 Vehicle trunk compartment cargo management system
A vehicle trunk compartment cargo management system is comprised of a trunk floor panel, a seatback and a pair of dividers. The trunk floor panel provides a vehicle trunk compartment floor surface. The seatback has a pair of pockets. Each pocket secures a seatback flange extending from a divider oriented in an upright position. Each divider has a seatback flange which fits within a seatback pocket to secure the divider in an upright position to the seatback. The dividers are pivotally attached to the trunk floor panel such that they may pivot between an upright position and a closed position. When the dividers are locked into an upright position they form three sub compartments within the vehicle trunk compartment. An optional cargo net fits over the dividers to cover the sub compartments.
US08215683B2 Closing device, in particular for a cover of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a closing device, in particular for a cover of a motor vehicle, having a rotary latch which interacts with a cover-side locking clamp (10) and which is held securely in its closed position by means of a pawl, and with a catch hook (20) which can be caused to engage the catch element (42) after transfer of the pawl into the open position and by which the cover is to be kept in the holding position, and the catch hook (20) can be transferred out of the holding position into the open position in which the cover is to be completely opened, the rotary latch and the catch hook (20) being made as separate parts, and the pawl of the rotary latch and the catch hook (20) is to be actuated in a sequence via a common remote actuation element (Bowden cable 24) after one another.
US08215680B2 Threaded joint with high radial loads and differentially treated surfaces
A threaded joint has an interference between thread roots of the pin and thread crests of the box of between 1% and 5% of the average thickness of the connection, and a root to load flank radius R in the range of 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. In other embodiments the interference can be between thread roots of the box and thread crests of the pin. The threaded joint can also have a surface treatment that includes shot peening applied to the beginning and end of the threaded zone of the pin.
US08215670B2 Retainer and inflator
An inflator includes a plate-like retainer that is placed in a pressure container of the inflator for producing gas to be supplied to an airbag. At the center of the inflator is formed a fitting section fitted to a tube placed in the pressure container. The tube separates an ignition source and a gas generation agent. At least one pressure release hole is provided on the outer side of the outer periphery of the fitting section. The retainer has a step formed at a portion where the outer periphery of the retainer is in contact with the filter. The retainer and inflator may have simple structures not affecting productivity and reliably preventing gas leakage between the retainer and a filter.
US08215669B2 Airbag
An airbag has a skin enclosing a gas chamber and the skin has a vent which is closed in the resting state of the airbag and which opens when the pressure in the gas chamber exceeds a pre-determined value is described. The vent includes a vent hole in the skin and a tearable connection closing the vent hole in the resting state of the airbag. The airbag is folded to a package at least along a first direction and the tearable connection connects the skin around the vent hole directly to itself such that the tearable connection extends from a first point to a second point. In order to ensure that the vent remains closed during deployment and that the vent opens after the pressure inside the gas chamber exceeds a predetermined value within a rather small tolerance of the pressure, the line connecting the two points encloses an angle between 30° and 60° with the first direction.
US08215666B2 Knee air bag device for vehicle
An air bag door is developed quickly even if the clearance between the grab door outer and the knee of a crew or passenger is narrow when a tier type air bag door is employed in a knee air bag device for vehicle. A fracture portion (50) consisting of a lateral fracture portion (50A) and longitudinal fracture portions (50B, 50C) is formed in the grab door outer general portion (24A). Thus, an air bag door (52) consisting of total six doors, i.e. an upper central air bag door (52A), an upper left side air bag door (52B), an upper right side air bag door (52C), a lower central air bag door (52D), a lower left side air bag door (52E), and a lower right side air bag door (52F), is formed. Even if both knees of the crewman or passenger of a small-sized build are arranged in proximity to or in contact with the lower left side air bag door (52E) and the lower right side air bag door (52F), the lower central air bag door (52D) opens smoothly between both the knees in addition to the upper side air bag doors in the initial stage of development of the air bag door (52).
US08215655B1 Safety bar device for water crafts and other vehicles
A retractable safety bar device for a rear passenger of a vehicle such as a water vehicle, snow vehicle, or motorcycle featuring two mounting brackets for attaching to sides of the vehicle; an inner bar pivotally attached to each mounting bracket; a generally U-shaped gripping component comprising two side bars and a horizontal bar, the side bars are adapted for telescopically receiving the inner bars; the device is adjustable in height by moving the gripping component upwardly and downwardly with respect to the inner bars, the device can pivot forwardly and backwardly between various pivot positions with respect to the mounting brackets; and locking mechanisms for securing the gripping component at a certain height with respect to the first inner bar and second inner bar and for securing the safety bar device in a particular pivot position.
US08215654B1 Linear to rotary drive system for bicycles and similar vehicles
A drive system for a bicycle includes first and second drive sprockets, with respective one-way clutches. The drive sprockets are mounted on opposite ends of the bike's drive shaft. First and second idler pulleys are mounted on an upper pulley shaft. The upper pulley shaft mounts on the bike's frame above the rotary drive shaft and at a right angle thereto. A chain is mounted on the drive sprockets and the idler pulleys. A first pedal is attached to the chain between the first drive sprocket and the first idler pulley. A second pedal is attached to the chain between the second linear drive sprocket and the first linear driven idler pulley. First and second linear chain guides are mounted on opposite sides of the frame and disposed next to the chain for guiding portions of the chain and the pedals as they are moved up and down on the bicycle.
US08215653B2 Steering knuckle for a vehicle
A steering knuckle for a wheel of a vehicle is provided, particularly a motor vehicle, with a wheel bearing mounting section that serves for mounting the wheel bearing and with a control arm mounting section that serves for mounting control arms. The wheel bearing mounting section can be elastically pivoted relative to the control arm mounting section.
US08215651B2 Stroller part assembly for a reversible handle stroller
A stroller part assembly includes: a seat support frame; an armrest secured to the seat support frame and defining an inner space; a handle pivoted to the seat support frame so as to be rotatable about an axis relative to the seat support frame; and a lock mechanism including first and second interlocking members disposed in the inner space and secured to the armrest, and a third interlocking member mounted movably on the handle and engageable with the first and second interlocking members.
US08215650B2 Medical cart, medication module, height adjustment mechanism, and method of medication transport
A medical cart includes a work platform having a work surface and at least one compartment, a base, and a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the work platform relative to the base. A medication module includes a plurality of compartments. The medical cart can be joined with a medication module. In addition, a plurality of medication modules can be joined to form a train. The medical cart and medication module can be used collectively and individually in a variety of methods for transferring medicine.
US08215649B2 Drill chuck
The invention relates to a drill chuck with a chuck body (1) that can be connected to a drill spindle and in which jaws (3) are arranged that engage into the screwthread of a rotatably guided threaded ring (6), furthermore with a locking mechanism for the threaded ring (6) consisting of a coaxial annular array of locking recesses (9) and of at least one locking member (10) that is engaged in the locking position under the force of a locking spring in the locking recesses (9). The drill chuck furthermore comprises a coaxial tightening ring (15) that can rotate between first abutments (16) in a limited manner opposite the threaded ring (6) and comprises a latch (17) forming two latching positions (18) for the tightening ring (15) in the circumferential direction. A locking ring (21) that can rotate with end stops (19) between second abutments (20, 20′) of the tightening ring (15) in a limited manner is provided for adjusting the locking member (10) between the locking position and the release position corresponding to the position of the locking member (10) disengaged from the locking recesses (9), and the second abutment (20′), that is the front one in the direction of rotation (12) corresponding to the opening of the drill chuck, rests in the locking position on the end stop (19). The latch (17) is formed between the locking ring (21) and the threaded ring (6).
US08215648B2 Collet mounting assembly for a die bonder
A collet mounting assembly for a die bonder comprises a collet mount having a first end attached to the die bonder and a second end opposite the first end with a cavity defined in the second end for receiving a shaft of the collet. The collet mounting assembly further comprises a fastener for securing the collet inside the cavity of the collet mount. A compression force is generated around the shaft of the collet received in the collet mount by the flexing of the fastener when it is attached to the collet mount, for securing the collet within the cavity of the collet mount.
US08215646B2 Seal assembly
A sealing assembly for a shaft includes a sealing component, a first ring, a second ring, and at least one energizer. The first ring is annularly disposed about the shaft, the first ring having at least one first protuberance interfittable with the sealing component. The second ring is annularly disposed about the shaft in facing opposition to the first ring, the second ring having at least one second protuberance interfittable with the sealing component. The at least one energizer energizes the seal component, the at least one energizer being adjacent the at least one first protuberance or the at least one second protuberance.
US08215642B2 Interactive modular tile system
The interactive modular tile system of the invention comprises a plurality of modular interactive tiles (11, 13). The system comprises electronic circuitry which is operative to determine a configuration of the plurality of modular interactive tiles, and determine whether a game can be played, which game can be played and/or which variation of a game can be played with the determined configuration. The computer program product of the invention enables a programmable device to function as the interactive modular tile system of the invention.
US08215639B2 Game apparatus with projectiles
An apparatus for playing a game comprising a playing surface having a first area and a second area, a projectile, and at least two propulsion devices. First and second sets of playing pieces are provided, each playing piece having a lower peg portion, and a substrate overlaying and spaced above the playing surface and extending across both the first and second areas of the playing surface. In a game, the playing pieces are located on the substrate above the first area of the playing surface, with their peg portions extending below the substrate, and each propulsion device is capable of propelling the projectile such that the projectile can impact with a peg portion of a playing piece and thereby dislodge the playing piece.
US08215636B2 Printing medium transferring device and image forming apparatus having the same
A printing medium transferring device and an image forming apparatus having the same, which are capable of stably conveying a printing medium supplied to a printing engine while ensuring a manual feeding path for the printing medium includes a conveyer roller which conveys a printing medium to the printing engine, a plurality of printing medium pressing devices which include pressing rollers installed along an outer circumference of the conveyer roller such that the printing medium is pressed in a normal direction of a surface of the conveyer roller, and a releasing device which allows at least one pressing roller to be moved apart from the conveyer roller in order to provide a manual feeding function.
US08215634B2 Paper sheet processing device
Provided is a paper sheet processing device having a paper currency receiving section which can be attached to and detached from a frame and can receive a paper currency, the pressing plate which is, in the paper currency receiving section, moved between a pressing position for pressing a paper currency and an initial position for permitting conveyance of the paper currency into the paper currency receiving section, a detection member which can move as the pressing plate moves, a sensor which detects movement of the detection member by detecting movement of the pressing plate to the pressing position, and a movement mechanism which, when the paper currency receiving section is detached from the frame, moves the detection member so that the detection member can be detected by the sensor.
US08215630B2 Device preventing punching and stapling at same location
An image forming apparatus, used with a post-processing apparatus performing a punching process and a stapling process allowing setting of position and number of staples, includes: a detecting device detecting a request in the post-processing unit based on request information input from a user; and a control device connected to receive an output of the detecting device and to control the post-processing apparatus, controlling the post-processing apparatus such that if the detecting device detects requests for the punching process and the stapling process on the same recording paper, manner of staple-binding of the recording paper is set to tentative binding.
US08215627B2 Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus that performs bookbinding processing on a folded sheet bundle, includes a holding portion configured to hold a folded sheet bundle, and a pressing member configured to press a folded spinal portion of the sheet bundle held by the holding portion. At least one of the holding portion and the pressing member can move in a direction to approach each other along a surface of the sheet held by the holding portion to press the folded spinal portion of the sheet bundle.
US08215623B2 Panels-off coating process and carrier utilizing panel rotation
A panels-off painting process and system adapted for use with a plurality of workpieces includes a carrier having a main platform, stationary support structures, and at least one rotatable assembly interconnected to the platform, configured so as to be caused to shift at least a portion of the workpieces between first and second orientations, and including a counterbalance that reduces the force necessary to cause the shift, and preferably further includes a retrofitted robotic arm programmably configured to apply a coat to the workpieces and subsequently engage the assembly so as to cause the shift.
US08215621B2 Linear filament compression and torsion spring
A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings.
US08215618B2 Power cable
A winch system with a force cable that transmits electrical current and/or digital data to the load. For example, the force cable, including a power line and/or a signal line and includes at least: (i) a first portion extending from the load to the drum; and (ii) a second portion that is wound around the drum. If there is a power line in the force cable it is electrically connected to an electrical commutator by a rotating current path. If there is a signal line in the force cable it is connected in data communication to a data signal commutator by a rotating communication path. The commutator also has an input for receiving electrical current and/or digital data, as appropriate. The commutator transmits the electrical current and/or digital data from its input to the rotating current path and/or communication path. The drum defines an axial channel extending from at least one end of the drum along its axial direction, and current path(s) and/or communication path(s) are routed through the channel. There is a distribution box at a first axial end of the drum and the commutator is at the second axial end of the drum. The drum includes at least one radial channel that includes: (i) a first portion for receiving a force bearing member of the force cable from outside of the drum; and (ii) a second portion for guiding at least a portion of the current path(s) and/or the communication path(s) from outside of the drum to the axial channel.
US08215617B2 Prying tool
A prying tool includes a shank having an engaging portion and two prongs moveably mounted on the engaging portion of the shank. The prongs define a space therebetween such that an item to be pried is received in the space. The prongs are operably moveable so that the space is variable in size. Further, two positioning devices are utilized for holding the two prongs stationary with respect to the engaging portion of the shank respectively.
US08215616B2 Method for operating a merchandise presentation arrangement, as well as a lifting device for a merchandise presentation arrangement in order to carry out said method
A merchandise presentation arrangement (11) contains a lifting bottom (33) carried by lifting cushions (32) that are arranged on top of one another and can be expanded up to a functional height by supplying compressed fluid. Each lifting cushion (32) is assigned a control valve and a pressure sensor that are connected to a control unit. In an automatic program sequence, compressed fluid is supplied to a lifting cushion (32) until a reference pressure value corresponding to the total weight of the merchandise is reached, wherein a switching pressure value is calculated from said reference pressure value for each lifting cushion (32).
US08215611B2 Solenoid valve having a two piece moving valve element
A system and method for operating a solenoid valve is disclosed. The solenoid valve is operated by moving a first valve element (4) with respect to a second valve element (6, 7) a first distance. And then pulling the second valve element (6, 7) with the first valve element (4) a second distance where the second valve element (6, 7) moves against resistance from a seal (8) and where the movement of the second valve element (6, 7) opens a gap with respect to an orifice (10). The second element (6, 7) then moves a third distance under spring load to open an increased gap with respect to the orifice (10).
US08215609B2 Flow control valve assembly with low noise
A flow control valve assembly with low noise is provided. The flow control valve assembly uses silicone to define a flow passage to reduce the friction with respect to a fluid flowing therethrough while preventing the occurrence of turbulent flow of the fluid, thereby minimizing the generation of noise. The flow control valve assembly comprises a pipe having a through hole therein and formed with a plunger guide on a lateral surface thereof, a plunger installed within the plunger guide of the pipe to move upwardly and downwardly along the plunger guide, a silicone wall installed on the inner surface of the pipe to define a flow passage in the middle thereof, a clamping joint installed at the inlet of the pipe to clamp the silicone wall to the pipe, and a stopping joint installed at the outlet of the pipe to prevent the silicone wall from being thrust out of the pipe.
US08215607B2 Damping device of stay cable
A damping device for a stay cable including a rotating lever, a lever support saddle, a longitudinal connecting member, and a rigid connection rod. When the stay cable vibrates inside or outside the plane thereof, the vibration displacement is transferred to the rotating lever through the rigid connection rod. One end of the rotating lever is connected to the lever support saddle via the longitudinal connecting member, and can rotate up and down with the lever support saddle as the axis and rotate around its central axis. The other end of the rotating lever is connected to a mass block and a damper. The damping device effectively inhibits vibrations inside and outside the stay cable plane, is easy to install and maintain, and does not negatively impact the appearance of a cable-stayed bridge.
US08215606B2 Variable stiffness support
A variable stiffness support has a support housing that is configured to adjust the orientation of an internal elastomer assembly. The support housing includes an adjustment mechanism, and the elastomer assembly includes an outer ring that encircles an elastomeric material, a central bushing embedded in the elastomeric material, and a plurality of shims embedded in the elastomeric material in a parallel planar fashion.
US08215598B1 Hanging display device for cards and the like
A hanging display device for decoratively displaying an item comprising an elongated cable constructed from a material comprising a metal surrounded by a plastic coating; a plurality of first half magnets disposed along the cable, the first half magnets can each engage a second half magnet disposed on the item; a loop disposed on the first end of the cable for allowing the cable to be mounted on an object; and a weighted component disposed on the second end of the cable for helping to keep the cable elongated.
US08215595B2 Cable collecting apparatus
A cable collecting apparatus includes a base plate and a cover plate. The cover plate extends at diagonal relative to the base plate in a first state. A receiving room is enclosed by the base plate and the cover plate in a second state. A first end of the cover plate is rotatably and resiliently connected to the base plate at a joint. A second end of the cover plate is capable of engaging with the base plate.
US08215593B2 Pipe clip with vibration-isolating insert
A pipe clip comprises an annular pipe clip body made from a metal strip for accommodating a pipe in order to attach the latter to a wall, ceiling or other support. Vibration-isolating material is applied to the pipe clip body, at least on that side which, in use, faces the pipe. The viewed in the width direction of the metal strip, outermost regions, are coated with a vibration-isolating material, at least on that side which, in use, faces the pipe. A central region of the metal strip situated between the outermost regions is uncoated on the side facing the pipe and the side facing away from the pipe.
US08215592B2 EGC compliant wire mesh cable tray system
A component for bends and elevation offsets modifications to a wire mesh cable tray system that maintains the cross-sectional area and conductivity of the original wire mesh cable tray before the bends and elevation offsets modifications is presented. By maintaining the cross-section area, equipment-ground conductor compliance is preserved. The component can be easily and quickly modified as needed while maintaining the cross-sectional area of the wire mesh cable tray system. The component can be modified and installed either by the manufacturer or in the field by a technician.
US08215589B2 Reversible space plane
A reversible aerospace plane includes an air intake at a first end of the aerospace plane, at least one heat exchanger disposed in the aerospace plane and an engine at a second end of the aerospace plane, wherein the aerospace plane is configured to accelerate in a first direction and configured to glide and land in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially in a reverse direction from the first direction.
US08215587B2 Parachute with one-way valve device
A multi-celled ram-air parachute possessing one or more internal one-way valved air passages between at least two parachute cells to maintain positive air pressure within the parachute for the purpose of maintaining shape and rigidity when less than optimal airspeed is present thereby increasing a user's control and safety.
US08215583B2 Articulating yoke mount
An articulating yoke mount includes a support plate, a first bracket assembly mounted to the support plate, and a second bracket assembly spaced from the first bracket assembly. A positioning of the support plate is selectively adjustable relative to the first bracket assembly and the second bracket assembly to position the support plate at a desired viewing angle.
US08215582B2 Aircraft fuselage interior
An aircraft fuselage interior comprises a side wall that extends in a direction along the length of the fuselage and includes an upper section that slopes inwardly. In one embodiment, the side wall comprises a multiplicity of visible elongate features, such as sloping lines, arranged along the length of the side wall. Each elongate feature extends from a lower portion to an upper portion and slopes relative to a notional line defined by the intersection of the interior surface of the side wall and a plane whose normal axis is parallel to the length of the fuselage. When viewed by a seated passenger, the sloping elongate features may cause the side wall to appear to have a degree of inward sloping less than the actual degree of inward sloping. The fuselage interior may therefore appear larger than it is.
US08215571B2 Perfume bottle spray head assembly
A perfume bottle spray head assembly is disclosed to include a nozzle head, a lock cap, a receptacle, a plug, a dip tube, an outer cap and a rotary shut-off control plate. The nozzle head has passage means defined therein to facilitate mixing of liquid perfume with compressed air for enabling well-mixed liquid perfume and compressed air mixture to be sprayed out in a mist. The rotary shut-off control plate is operable to rotate the plug in the receptacle between a close position to shut off the liquid perfume passage and an open position to open the liquid perfume passage.
US08215569B2 Laminar flow water jet with illumination enhancer
A laminar flow water jet having a housing with a water channel flowing there through. An at least one water input admits water into the housing and the water channel. An at least one filter member is provided along the water channel. An at least one jetting element in communication with the housing and jets a laminar flow tube or segment from the jet. An at least one lighting element emits light and communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment. An at least one additive supply element communicates with the at least one laminar flow tube or segment, where a laminar water flow is jetted through the at least one jetting element to form the laminar flow tube or segment which is lit by the light emitted by the at least one lighting element and receives an additive stream from the at least one additive supply element to produce wave effects within the laminar flow tube or segment.
US08215563B2 Method and system for facilitating memory and application management on a secured token
A system for facilitating memory and application management on a smartcard the system includes a client having a number of applications and a smartcard having specification logic allowing file structures and security and access conditions to be defined using a set of common commands. Each application has a corresponding group of data on the smartcard. An applet instance is created for each application and corresponding group of application data. At the time of instantiation, the specification logic allows an application to specify the file structure and/or to specify security and access conditions for its group of data. An application can utilize passcode and credential management so that a single passcode is used to access the smartcard regardless of whether the application utilizes the common commands to specify a file structure.
US08215557B1 Low profile color-based counting system
A low profile, color-based counting system. A housing has a light source, such as a matrix of LEDs, preferably disposed in the housing for generating electromagnetic radiation upwardly. A removable, translucent tray is disposed above the light source. A second light source can be added above the tray, directing light downwardly thereto. A color camera is mounted on the housing and above the removable translucent tray.
US08215550B2 Orienting a scanning device with respect to a target location
Disclosed is a method for a scanning device to tell its user how to best orient the scanning device to scan a target location. The user approaches the target location and initiates a scan. The results of the scan are analyzed and compared to information about the target location. Based on the analysis, the user is told how to re-orient the scanning device, if that is necessary to achieve an acceptable re-scan of the target location. In a preferred embodiment, a screen on the scanning device presents a two-dimensional map based on the scan results and on the known relative locations of the target location and of nearby non-target locations. Locations on the map are highlighted to tell the user the results of the scan and to direct him to re-orient the scanning device if necessary.
US08215549B2 Automatic remote acquisition system for determining the configuration of an installation
There is described an automatic remote acquisition system for determining the configuration of an installation having a number of devices, which are divided into standard devices grouped by cabinets, and into non-standard devices, and are each defined by a respective number of elementary units. The remote acquisition system has a number of passive transponders, each associated with a respective elementary unit to memorize respective identification data of the elementary unit; a number of active transponders, each associated with a respective non-standard device to memorize at least the identification data of the respective number of elementary units; and, for the passive transponders, a number of control units, each mounted in a respective cabinet to acquire the identification data, memorized in the respective passive transponders, of the elementary units of the standard devices in the cabinet.
US08215548B2 Method and system for providing contract-free “pay-as-you-go” options for utilization of multi-function devices
A method and system including a plurality of multifunctional devices being operatively associated with at least one controller and each having a preset amount of preloaded consumables at a time of initial use; and a software application for enabling at least one user to access the plurality of multifunctional devices, the software application being configured to receive information from a prepaid card, the information including a financial value relating to usage of some of the preset amount of preloaded consumables in the plurality of multifunctional devices; wherein the financial value of the prepaid card is applied by the at least one user across the plurality of multifunctional devices in any desired uniform or non-uniform financial proportions in accordance with usage determinations; and wherein the at least one user is enabled to pay for access to the plurality of multifunctional devices in time staggered installments without pre-established contractual obligations.
US08215540B2 Automated label verify systems and methods for dispensing pharmaceuticals
Apparatus and methods for filling a customer order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method automatically verify a product barcode on each of the product, print a patient label with a patient barcode for each product, apply the patient labels to at least some of the products, and independently verify that the product barcode matches the proper patient barcode.
US08215538B2 Double postcard pressure seal form construction
An intermediate for a postcard mailer is disclosed. An example intermediate includes a quadrate sheet of paper having parallel top and bottom edges, parallel first and second side edges perpendicular to the top edge and first and second faces. The intermediate also includes at least first, second and third fold lines parallel to said top and bottom edges dividing said sheet into at least first, second, third, and fourth panels, said first and fourth panels being substantially the same size and said second and third panels being substantially the same size. In addition, there are first adhesive areas provided on the second face of at least one of said first and fourth panels, and on the second face of at least one of and second and third panels for substantially permanently adhering mutually facing portions of said first and fourth panels and mutually facing portions of said second and third panels together as respective first and second postcard plies when said sheet is double V-folded about said fold lines, wherein said first through fourth panels are each substantially free from lines of weakness within their respective perimeters.
US08215536B2 Rotational-flow spray nozzle and process of using same
A solder-flux composition is sprayed onto a substrate by rotating the solder-flux composition inside a spray cap, and before the solder-flux liquid exits the spray cap, perturbing the flow thereof with a fluid.
US08215535B2 Jetting device and method at a jetting device
A method and a system for jetting droplets of viscous medium, such as solder paste, onto a substrate, such as an electronic circuit board. The volume of the droplets are adjusted by regulating the amount of viscous medium that is fed into a jetting nozzle for subsequent jetting of the viscous medium droplets therefrom. The exit velocity of the jetted droplets is adjusted or maintained substantially constant by regulating the velocity with which the viscous medium is impacted. Furthermore, the rate at which viscous medium is fed, for instance by a feed screw, into the nozzle is adjusted in order to regulate the feeding time required for feeding the viscous medium into the jetting nozzle, for instance in order to maintain a constant feeding time.
US08215532B2 Tissue stop for surgical instrument
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove.
US08215530B2 Surgical instrument with indicator
A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion and an indicator. A firing trigger is movable between first and second positions. The head portion includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The indicator is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and is movable between a first position and a second position in response to movement of the anvil assembly towards its approximated position. The indicator is movable between the second position and a third position in response to firing of the instrument.
US08215525B2 Lockable holster with multi-directionally adjustable hip mount
A lockable holster includes a shroud having an elongated opening to receive a handgun with the grip of the handgun outside the shroud. A biasing member at the first end of the shroud applies a biasing force on the firing end of the handgun to bias opposite end of the handgun into engagement with the locking arrangement at the opposite second end of the shroud to secure the handgun in the shroud. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the holster is mounted on a plate having fasteners passing through elongated slits into the top of the shroud to angle the shroud relative to the plate, and the plate is mounted for vertical adjustment on a U-shaped securing clamp. The holster further includes mechanical arrangements which prevent unauthorized removal of the handgun from the shroud, prevents firing the handgun when in the shroud, and signals a loaded handgun in the shroud.
US08215519B2 Fluid dispensing valve
A fluid dispensing valve is described which includes a valve housing having a wall which defines an internal cavity, and wherein a passageway is formed through the wall of the valve housing; and a valve control element having a continuous and deformable sidewall is coaxially and rotatably received within the internal cavity of the valve housing, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of the valve control element deforms when a vacuum is created in the internal cavity of the valve housing so as facilitate the controllable delivery of a source of fluid into the valve housing.
US08215518B2 Temperature-stabilized storage containers with directed access
Systems include one or more storage containers. A container may include one or more segments of a first ultra efficient insulation material shaped to define at least one substantially temperature-stabilized storage region, and an access region, including at least one region of the one or more segments of ultra efficient insulation material configured for at least one perforation by a perforation device, wherein one or more of the at least one perforation is configured to provide for a controlled egress of a discrete quantity of material from the at least one storage region.
US08215515B2 Inflatable floating beverage cooler
A floating beverage cooler apparatus comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, a flotation bladder configured for removably receiving a beverage container. A protective cover is adapted to enclose and cover the flotation bladder and provides a bottom panel spanning an underside thereof. A storage flap is configured to be at least partially removably engaged substantially centrally with the bottom panel such that, when the apparatus is in use, a cavity is formed between the storage flap and bottom panel for providing added stability and resistance against lateral forces. When the apparatus is not being used, and the flotation bladder is deflated, the storage flap may be rotated about the protective cover and re-engaged with the bottom panel so that the storage flap lies over a top surface of the protective cover, thereby enclosing substantially all of the flotation bladder and protective cover, and optionally the beverage container, in a storage envelope.
US08215512B2 Cap for a consumable liquid container
A cap for a consumable liquid container, the cap comprising a seal made of a flexible material and having a top section with a depressibJe portion and a flange portion at least partially surrounding the depressible portion for overlspping the spout of the cap and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the top section; wherein the seal is in closed position where the depressible portion is above the flange portion and the flange portion has a portion covering the spout for hampering the outward flow of the consumable liquid through the spout, and wherein, upon pressure of a user on the depressible portion, the depressible portion is moved downwardly such that the flange portion is above the depressible portion and frees the spout for allowing unimpeded passage of the consumable liquid outwards from the interior of the container.
US08215510B2 Photomask storage apparatus
A photomask storage apparatus including a bottom plate and top lid is provided. The photomask storage apparatus includes poly-ether ketone (PEEK). A fastening element is configured to couple the lid to the bottom plate. A retaining element is secured to the lid to prevent vibrations of a photomask. A vent structure is also provided. The vent structure is configured such that airflow through the vent is purged in approximately 360 degrees into a chamber including the photomask. The vent structure may include a particulate filter. A seal liner is disposed on the bottom component.
US08215507B2 Sealing system and method for sealing containers
A capping system in combination with a container having a mouth and a wall segment disposed proximate to the mouth is provided. The capping system includes a cap having a bottom for selectively covering the mouth, a jacket extending from the bottom, and a guarantee ring disposed at a distal edge of the jacket. At least one cam extends from an outer surface of the wall segment, is at least partially overlapped by the guarantee ring, and applies a force on the guarantee ring when the cap is rotated a predetermined distance relative to the container to at least partially sever the guarantee ring. The guarantee ring includes an overlapping region extending over the cam that provides clearance for the cam when the cap is initially installed on the container to prevent deformation of the guarantee ring during the installation.
US08215502B1 Electrically conductive attachment system and rack
An electrically conductive attachment system is disclosed. The attachment system may have a tubular portion of electrically conductive material adapted to be attached to a support beam, and a mounting clip adapted to be attached to a cross-bar and to releaseably engage the tubular portion. The mounting clip may have an attachment portion adapted to be attached to a cross-bar and to releaseably engage the tubular portion having an attachment portion adapted to electrically connect the mounting clip to the cross-bar, and an engagement portion adapted to be inserted through a top opening of the tubular portion engaging an inner surface of the tubular portion and providing an electrical connection between the tubular portion and the mounting clip. The attachment system may be capable of releaseably connecting the cross-bar substantially transverse the support beam and providing an electrical connection therebetween.
US08215501B2 Adjustable curtain rod
An adjustable curtain rod assembly includes a rod member and an adjustment mechanism coupled to an end of the rod member. The adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust a length of the rod assembly and has a clutch mechanism that prevents over-extension of the rod assembly during mounting.
US08215498B2 Modular rack system
The subject invention features, in one example, a modular rack system including a plurality of legs each including an integral cable raceway and arranged to define electronic equipment bays between spaced legs, equipment mounting rails for the bays; and a cable management tray extending across the top of each bay.
US08215494B2 Filter module and method for its manufacture
A filter module is formed of wound filter material having openings wherein the boundary surfaces of the openings constitute flow-through surfaces. The openings of the wound layers of the filter material form channels angled relative to the winding axis, wherein one group thereof opens at the outer peripheral surface of the roll and the other group opens at the inner peripheral surface of the roll and wherein the channels on the other end, respectively, are closed and wherein the channels, angled relative to the winding axis, are separated from one another by filter material, and wherein the inner area of the roll has a central channel arranged around a winding axis.
US08215493B2 Membrane treatment apparatus
A membrane treatment apparatus includes a filtration membrane 10 filtering raw water existing in an external environment 100 by applying pressure thereto and a treated water outlet 11 from which treated water collected after filtration by the filtration membrane 10 is taken, and is provided with a filter cloth 12 placed and fixed outside the filtration membrane 10 with a predetermined space left between the filter cloth and the filtration membrane. Preferably, the filter cloth 12 is provided in such a way as to cover an outer circumferential side and a bottom of the filtration membrane 10, and the filter cloth 12 is provided in such a way as to cover the outer circumferential side of the filtration membrane 10 with the bottom thereof uncovered.
US08215490B2 Device for classifying particles and method for classifying particles
A classification device includes: a classification channel for classifying particles; a particle dispersion delivery channel as defined herein; a conveying fluid feed channel as defined herein; and at least one collection channel as defined herein, and the particle dispersion delivery channel satisfying relationship (1): A
US08215486B2 Package of stacked paper products bearing coordinated images
A package of two or more stacks of paper sheet products, such as paper napkins or paper towels is disclosed. Each of the paper sheet products is printed with at least a first motif image and a second motif image. An uppermost paper sheet product of one of the stacks displays the first motif image and an uppermost paper sheet product of another of the stacks displays the second motif image. The napkins may be folded in each stack such that the exposed image of each napkin in a given stack alternates between the first motif image and the second motif image. The first and second images may be motif images that are thematically related to one another, in that both the motif images are primarily associated with the same event, holiday, season or special occasion.
US08215479B2 Coin storage and display device
A display for display articles such as coins or medallions including a generally planar plastic sheet having one or more retaining structures for capturing one or more display articles. The plastic sheet has opposite first and second generally planar sides. A first paper board sheet is bonded to the first side of the plastic sheet, and a second paper board sheet is bonded to the second side of the plastic sheet. The plastic sheet can have the same dimensions of at least one of the paper board sheets.
US08215470B2 Starting device
A starting device includes a housing; an output side member; a clutch mechanism; a working oil passage that supplies working oil to a hydraulic chamber of the clutch mechanism from an oil pressure source side; and a lubricating oil passage including a supply oil passage that supplies lubricating oil to the housing from the oil pressure source side and a return oil passage for returning the lubricating oil to the oil pressure source side from the housing, wherein the working oil passage and the lubricating oil passage are formed to overlap at least partially in an axial direction.
US08215467B2 Multi-gap magnetorheological fluid clutch
A vehicle has a multi-gap magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutch connecting rotatable input and output members, and includes a drum connected to the output member and a rotor connected to the input member. The drum contains a magnetically-permeable stator and a magnetic core, while the rotor has a magnetically-permeable member extending axially into the drum to define an outer working gap in conjunction with the stator and an inner working gap in conjunction with the magnetic core. MR fluid fills the working gaps, and a magnetic field generator or electromagnet induces a magnetic field when electrical current is passed through a field coil therein to change an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid. The inner and outer working gaps have a predetermined inner to outer gap thickness ratio balancing the slip power dissipation per unit volume in each of the working gaps.
US08215465B2 Thermally insulated sports bag
The invention relates to a bag for protecting sports equipment, particularly golf clubs, from damage due to temperature variations. The bag can be comprised of several individual panels, each comprising an insulated material, which create an inner volume into which a golf bag can be inserted. When the top panel is sealed, the insulated material can protect the contents of the bag from damage due to temperature variations.
US08215462B2 Actuation system for a parking brake
The present invention relates to an actuation system for a parking brake of a motor vehicle, comprising a foot or a hand-actuated manual actuation means (10) for tightening of the parking brake, wherein the parking brake is purely mechanically tightened via the actuation means, a locking mechanism (20) for tightening and releasing of the parking brake, wherein the actuation means (10) and the locking mechanism (20) are arranged at different positions of the motor vehicle, respectively.
US08215454B2 Lubrication system with tolerance for reduced gravity
A lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48, a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 to the auxiliary lubricant tank. A reduced-G bypass line 108 branches from the conduit and enters the auxiliary tank at a first elevation E1. The system also includes an auxiliary tank discharge conduit 116, a portion of which resides within the tank. The resident portion has an opening 122 at least partially at a second elevation E2 higher than the first elevation.
US08215452B2 Extendable ladder for trailer, motor home, or other vehicle
The invention relates to an extendable ladder configured to extend a second ladder segment relative to a first ladder segment. The ladder includes a first ladder segment, a second ladder segment, and at least two slider cups. When the ladder is mounted to a surface, the ladder can be moved from a generally vertical orientation to an angled orientation of between greater than 60 degrees and approximately 90 degrees away from the horizontal reference. The ladder may be mounted to one or more of a vehicle, a building, and a piece of equipment. The vehicle may be one or more of a trailer, recreational vehicle, truck, and bus.
US08215450B2 Exhaust muffler device
An exhaust muffler device for an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing which defines a sealed chamber and which is connected to opposite inlet and outlet pipes, and an initial expansion subchamber and a pre-outlet subchamber disposed in the sealed chamber. The exhaust gas enters the initial expansion subchamber and mainly flows to a tubular passage in the pre-outlet subchamber to be exhausted through the outlet pipe. Portion of the exhaust gas flows into the sealed chamber and re-enters into a rejoining region of the tubular passage to be entrained in the main stream, thereby attenuating noise of the engine with minimal reduction of engine performance.
US08215449B2 Muffler system for noise abatement and ice control
A method of controlling a discharge of an exhaust gas from a pneumatic device includes directing the exhaust gas from an exhaust port of the pneumatic device into proximity with a heated portion of the pneumatic device, expanding the exhaust gas in proximity with the heated portion of the pneumatic device to heat the exhaust gas, and discharging the exhaust gas to atmosphere.
US08215446B2 Sound field controller
A region of air is manipulated to reflect, absorb, or redirect sound energy to prevent the sound energy from reaching a listener separated from the sound source by the region of air. The region of air may be manipulated by directing ultrasonic sound waves with a sound pressure level of at least 140 decibels at the region of air.
US08215445B2 Electroacoustic transducer
Provided is an electroacoustic transducer having a diaphragm (10). The diaphragm (10) has a first and a second region (20, 30), wherein the hardness, stiffness or compliance of the first region (20) differs from the second region (30).
US08215441B2 Steering system for crane
A steering system (10) for a vehicle, such as a gantry crane (12). The gantry crane (12) generally includes a support structure (14) having a first front wheel (32) and a second opposing front wheel (36) connected proximate a front portion of the crane (12), and a first rear wheel (30) and a second opposing rear wheel (34) connected proximate a rear portion of the crane (12). A control system connected to the crane includes a user interface (111) electronically coupled to a command potentiometer (114) and a programmable controller responsive to the command potentiometer for controlling the angular position of each of the first front wheel (32), the second front wheel (36), the first rear wheel (30) and the second rear wheel (34) to effect a steering mode selected through the user interface (111).
US08215439B2 Dry clutch, and motorcycle equipped with the same
In some preferred embodiments, the dry clutch is capable of suppressing transmission of engine rotational fluctuations from the engine to a rider via a vehicle body. In the dry clutch including a driving member (clutch shoe) 66 and a driven member (clutch drum) 62 configured to be engaged with each other and disengaged from each other in a non-lubricating atmosphere to transmit/intercept the motive power of the engine to a drive wheel, a solid lubricant 70 is interposed between the driving member 66 and the driven member 62.
US08215432B2 Battery thermal system for vehicle
A battery thermal system for use in a vehicle having a power plant, an air conditioning system and a battery pack, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The battery thermal system may include a refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger that selectively receives a refrigerant from the vehicle air conditioning system; a battery radiator located adjacent to a cooling fan; a valve that receives a liquid coolant from the battery pack and selectively redirects the liquid coolant to the refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger and the battery radiator; and an electric pump for pumping the liquid coolant through the battery pack, the valve, the refrigerant-to-coolant heat exchanger and the battery radiator. The battery thermal system may also include a battery coolant heater for selectively heating the coolant that flows into the battery pack.
US08215430B2 Wheel end with integrated motor assembly
A wheel end assembly comprises a wheel hub support housing and a wheel hub drive assembly rotatably connected to the wheel hub support housing. The wheel end assembly also includes a hydraulic motor operatively coupled to the wheel hub drive assembly, the hydraulic motor being disposed to deliver a torque to the wheel hub drive assembly. The wheel end assembly further includes a pump, fluidly coupled to the wheel hub drive assembly and the hydraulic motor, the pump being disposed to provide a flow of hydraulic fluid to the wheel hub drive assembly.
US08215428B2 Power configuration system for fuel cell hybrid vehicle and method for controlling the same
The present invention provides a power configuration system for a fuel cell hybrid vehicle and a method for controlling the same, in which a second blocking diode is installed in a main bus terminal at an output terminal of a fuel cell (in front of a first blocking diode) separately from the existing first blocking diode installed in the main bus terminal, the positions of high voltage components for driving the fuel cell are changed from the rear of the first blocking diode to the front of the first blocking diode, and the operations of the high voltage components are appropriately controlled during regenerative braking such that the voltage of the fuel cell may be maintained below that of the supercapacitor.
US08215427B2 Method for controlling a vehicle drive train comprising two cooling circuits
A method for controlling a vehicle drive train, which communicates or maintains in communication via at least one valve two cooling circuits operating normally and respectively associated with a heat engine and with at least one electrical member.
US08215421B2 Wheelchair safety, power and shade device and method of use
The Safety, Power and Shade Device is a system usable with wheelchairs providing an upright and horizontal frame attachable by brackets to a wheelchair seat back. The frame allows for the installation of safety and illumination lights, a solar panel for supplemental recharging of an electric wheelchair battery and a mean of shelter or shade. The frame assembly is constructed to allow the horizontal frame to fold over and behind the wheelchair for a vertical relationship with the frame upright.
US08215419B2 Variable frequency control for down hole drill and method
A variable frequency down hole drill, includes a drill bit, a reciprocating piston operable to deliver an impact load to the drill bit, and means for changing the frequency with which the piston delivers impact loading to the drill bit, also resulting in a change in overall power of the drill. The means for changing frequency and overall power may operate during continuous operation of the drill. The means for changing the frequency and overall power may include a valve for selectively changing the effective volume of a drive or return chamber, an actuator for changing the timing of placing the drive or return chamber in communication with exhaust, or a system for changing the frequency in response to sensing an predetermined operating parameter of the drill, such as pressure or piston position.
US08215416B2 Device for assisting in actuating a tool
The application relates to a device for assisting in actuating a tool comprising two arms that are movable in rotation around an axis between an open position in which the arms are separated from each other, and a closed position in which the arms are close to each other, the device further comprising a cable at one end part of which is associated with one of the arms, the other end part of the cable being disposed in a cable tensioner, the tensioner being associated with the other arm, the device further comprising actuating the tensioner between an open position in which the cable is unwound, the arms being in an open position, and a closed position in which the cable is wound so as to move the arms into their closed position.
US08215414B2 Rock drilling method and rock drilling machine
A pulse drilling machine (1;1′) for the generating of shock wave pulses in a tool direction (R) has an impulse piston (4;4′) with a housing (2), and a device (8) for abruptly changing fluid pressure influencing the impulse piston to achieve a force resultant on the impulse piston in the tool direction to generate a shock wave pulse in a drill string (13; 13′) which is connected to the machine, a first fluid chamber (14;3′) inside the housing which in operation is arranged to exert a pressure in the tool direction on the impulse piston. The machine has a fluid flow channel (11; 18; 19), which includes a device for damping fluid flow flowing from the first fluid chamber through the fluid flow channel obtained when influencing the impulse piston (4; 4′) in a direction opposite to the tool direction (R) by rock reflexes in the drill string during drilling.
US08215411B2 Cluster opening sleeves for wellbore treatment and method of use
A downhole sleeve has a sliding sleeve movable in a bore of the sleeve's housing. The sliding sleeve is movable from a closed condition to an opened condition when a ball is dropped in the sleeve's bore and engages an indexing seat in the sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve in the closed condition prevents communication between the bore and the port, and the sleeve in the opened condition permits communication between the bore and the port. In the closed condition, keys of the seat extend into the bore to engage the ball and to move the sliding sleeve open. In the opened condition, the keys of the seat retract from the bore so the ball can pass through the sleeve to another cluster sleeve or to another isolation sleeve of an assembly.
US08215410B2 Apparatus and method for electrical packer feedthrough
An apparatus for providing electrical power through a downhole packer comprises a riser nipple engagingly insertable in a passage in the packer; a sleeve surrounding a portion of the riser nipple and slidingly moveable between a cable assembly position and an operational position enabling connection of a cable extending through the packer and the sleeve to an electrical connector; and a retaining nut engageable with the riser nipple capturing the sleeve in the operational position when the retaining nut is engaged with the riser nipple.
US08215406B2 Wellbore method and apparatus for completion, production and injection
A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. One apparatus includes a swellable packer element around a primary and a secondary flow path, wherein the packer is configured to block flow in a portion of a wellbore annulus. One method includes disposing sand control devices having shunt tubes and a packer within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore. With the packer set, gravel packing of the sand control devices in different intervals may be performed. Then, hydrocarbons are produced from the wellbore by passing hydrocarbons through the sand control devices with the different intervals providing zonal isolation. In some embodiments, intervals may be alternatively packed and plugged, wherein the plugged intervals are not packed. In addition, the method may also include disposing the sand control devices and packer into the wellbore in conditioned drilling fluid. The conditioned drilling fluid may be displaced adjacent to the sand control devices by a carrier fluid. Again, once the packer is set, the gravel packing the intervals with the carrier fluid having gravel may be performed.
US08215402B2 Tubing pressure insensitive control system
A system isolates a control system for a downhole tool from the internal pressures in the tubing in which the tool is mounted. Opposed seals are used on a moving component in the tool so as to offset pressure induced forces regardless of the internal operating pressure of the tool. In a particular application to a subsurface safety valve the control system can be isolated from tubing pressure by offset seals between the passage and the flow tube or around exposed portions of the operating piston for the flow tube.
US08215395B2 Fracturing and gravel packing tool with shifting ability between squeeze and circulate while supporting an inner string assembly in a single position
A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet.
US08215394B2 Control line patch
A control or other line with a hole downhole can be repaired by pumping a device that is driven by pressure delivered behind a leading seal. The device advances until the leading seal passes the opening in the line where its forward movement is stopped. Upstream of the opening a fluid activated seal is energized so that seals now straddle the opening in the wall. A passage that extends between the seals is opened by blowing a rupture disc with internal pressure to once again give access to the downhole tool through the passage that has external seals to straddle the hole in the tubing wall. Normal operation of the downhole tool can then resume.
US08215392B2 Gas-assisted gravity drainage (GAGD) process for improved oil recovery
A rapid and inexpensive process for increasing the amount of hydrocarbons (e.g., oil) produced and the rate of production from subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs by displacing oil downwards within the oil reservoir and into an oil recovery apparatus is disclosed. The process is referred to as “gas-assisted gravity drainage” and comprises the steps of placing one or more horizontal producer wells near the bottom of a payzone (i.e., rock in which oil and gas are found in exploitable quantities) of a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir and injecting a fluid displacer (e.g., CO2) through one or more vertical wells or horizontal wells. Pre-existing vertical wells may be used to inject the fluid displacer into the reservoir. As the fluid displacer is injected into the top portion of the reservoir, it forms a gas zone, which displaces oil and water downward towards the horizontal producer well(s).
US08215385B2 Application of degradable polymers in sand control
Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.
US08215382B2 Motion transfer from a sealed housing
A source of motion for actuation of a downhole tool is in a sealed housing to protect it from well fluids. The sealed housing is filled with an incompressible fluid and thermal effects can be compensated preferably with a compensation bellows in communication with the fluid. The source of motion is preferable electrically powered and the longitudinal motion that results presses against a bellows within the sealed housing. This master bellows is in sealed contact with a slave bellows through a rigid housing that is seal welded to the housing wall. Movement of the master bellows in the housing results in an equal movement of the slave bellows outside the housing. Feedback loops or calibration for thermal effects are also contemplated.
US08215381B2 Method for controlling heat exchanger fluid flow
In an exemplary embodiment, a method to control excessive temperature changes in a coolant circuit includes providing a coolant circuit including a bypass flow pathway bypassing a heat exchanger, said coolant circuit at an elevated operating temperature; providing an adjustable coolant flow through said bypass flow pathway and said heat exchanger; providing a coolant pump in said coolant circuit; determining a temperature change in said coolant circuit in response to initiating a coolant flow from said heat exchanger into said coolant circuit, said temperature change greater than a predetermined limit; and in response to said determined temperature change, adjusting at least one or more of said coolant pump speed and said coolant flow to maintain said coolant circuit within a predetermined temperature range.
US08215376B2 Continuous cast molten metal mold and casting system
A continuous cast molten metal mold and casting system is disclosed, which may include a heat distribution or temperature management system for billet type molds, a mold assembly expansion system for continuous cast molds and/or an adjustable mold bore length mechanism.
US08215367B1 Self-advancing wheel servicing tool assembly
A wheel servicing machine provides a rotatable shaft having a retractable rod slidably disposed in a center bore of the rotatable shaft, wherein the retractable rod is longitudinally moveable relative to the shaft. A rotatable locking member is disposed on the distal end of the retractable rod. The locking member includes one or more mounting studs protruding radially therefrom for engaging a centering cone or a wheel clamp. A support arm including a travel stage protrudes from the base. A tool adapted for engaging a sidewall of a tire is attached to the support arm. A second stage including a second tool configured for engaging the opposite sidewall of the tire may also extend from the base. A platform assembly having one or more spring-loaded rollers is attached to the base in some embodiments. A longitudinally moveable travel arm includes a jointed auxiliary arm extending therefrom. A wheel clamp includes a plurality of arms, wherein at least one arm is moveable relative to at least one other arm. A method of securing a wheel to a wheel servicing machine is also provided.
US08215366B2 Mounting device, and method for mounting and dismounting a vehicle tire on and from a rim
The invention refers to a mounting device for mounting or dismounting a vehicle tire on a wheel rim, the wheel rim or the wheel being supported on a mounting table and a pressing-down device being provided for sliding the vehicle tire on the wheel rim.The invention is characterized by a movement of the pressing-down device which is essentially parallel to the wheel axis for sliding the vehicle tire on the wheel rim or pulling off the vehicle tire from the wheel rim.
US08215364B2 Ergonomic squeegee with blade for adhesions and detachment
An improved squeegee and method of modifying a conventional squeegee. A novel hand tool for adherence assistance and cutting of tapes with threads incorporated into it. The squeegee is approximately 4 inches by 3 inches and held in one hand. While rubbing over the surface of the tape being adhered with the 4 inch elongated side causing friction heat for the glue of the tape to adhere. Turning the squeegee around to the other elongated 4 inch side where there is a cutting blade to separate the tape from the roll. The squeegee will provide a simplified and more commercially feasible method for a hand held tool for adherence and separation of tapes.
US08215361B2 Tire sidewall stitcher
A hand tool for closing splices and correcting flaws arising during tire fabrication includes an elongated body member having a butt end, a front end, a top, and at least one side at a substantially right angle to the top; and a handle member is disposed at the butt end of the body member. An arm is fixedly attached to the handle or an interior side of the elongated body member and a metal wheel is rotatably attached to a protruding portion of this arm. A gripping knob is disposed atop the front end of the elongated body member for enabling downward pressure on the wheel.
US08215358B2 Steam corrugator system
A system is configured to process steam. The system includes a steam supply line, a corrugator system, a heat sink, and one or more return lines. The corrugator system includes two corrugating rolls. The corrugating rolls each have a plurality of bores formed therethrough. The bores extend substantially longitudinally through the corrugating rolls. The heat sink is configured to draw steam through the corrugator system. The one or more return lines are in fluid communication with one or both of the corrugator system or the heat sink. The one or more return lines are configured to receive condensate communicated from one or both of the corrugator system or the heat sink. A steam trap assembly may also be positioned between the heat sink and a return line. The steam trap assembly may include a steam trap and a bypass line that is operable to selectively bypass the steam trap.
US08215356B2 Tire with composite ply structure and envelope turnup
A tire and method of building a tire is described wherein the tire has a carcass having a pair of sidewall plies and a bridge ply, each ply being reinforced with cords, the sidewall plies each having a first end which is received between the bridge ply and a belt reinforcing structure; wherein each sidewall ply extends axially outward along the sidewall and extending radially inwardly to the bead core and folded from a position axially outside the bead core to a position axially inside and around the bead core to an axially inner turnup end; said bridge ply having ends which overlap with a respective inner turnup end of said sidewall ply.
US08215354B2 Studs for a tire
A tire includes a carcass, a tread band having a radially outer tread surface and a plurality of radially extending recesses, and an anti-slip structure disposed in one of the radially extending recesses. The anti-slip structure includes a first circular inner portion, a second outer portion, and a third core portion. The third core portion comprises an assembly of three pin structures for providing traction over ice. Each pin structure has a wedge-shaped base portion secured within the first circular inner portion and a pin extending through the second outer portion to the tread surface. The three wedge-shaped base portions combine to form a circular base portion for the assembly.
US08215352B2 Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes a wide cross belt having a width not smaller than 92% and not lager than 100% of a width of a tread; and a narrow cross belt having a width smaller than that of the wide cross belt and a tire width direction outer end positioned on a tire width direction outer side with respect to a tire width direction inner edge of an outermost land portion. The tread has open sipes penetrating through the outermost land portion in the tire width direction and formed along the tire circumferential direction, and lug grooves extending along the open sipes on a contact surface of the outermost land portion and having a tire width direction outer end positioned between a tire width direction outer end of the wide cross belt and the tire width direction outer end of the narrow cross belt.
US08215350B2 Truck racing tire
The invention is directed to a pneumatic radial ply truck tire having a tread with a tread depth D, at least two circumferential grooves dividing the tread into at least a first shoulder circumferential rib, an intermediary circumferential rib, and a second shoulder circumferential rib, the tire being characterized by the tread having a base region disposed at depth D and a cap region over the base region, the base region and the cap region adjoining along a boundary, the cap region comprising a cap rubber composition having properties measured at 23° C. of: elongation of 400 to 500%, true tensile of 77 to 83 MPa, 300% modulus of 9 to 11 MPa, tensile strength of 14 to 15 MPa, shore A hardness of 63 to 68, rebound of 20 to 25%; and the base region comprising a base rubber composition having properties measured at 23° C. of: elongation of 470 to 520%, true tensile of 135 to 150 MPa, 300% modulus of 13 to 15.5 MPa, tensile strength of 22 to 25 MPa, shore A hardness of 63 to 67, rebound 50 to 55%.
US08215340B2 Orifice plate carrier
An orifice plate carrier for positioning an orifice plate within an orifice fitting to measure fluid flow rate through a conduit is disclosed. In some embodiments, the plate carrier has an opening therethrough and an inner surface surrounding the opening. A lip extends radially from the inner surface to support an orifice plate assembly with an orifice plate disposed therein. At least one flow port extends through the body. Each flow port is configured to allow fluid therethrough and to reduce a pressure differential between fluid up and downstream of the orifice plate during installation and extraction. At least two notches, each notch extending radially from the inner surface, engage the orifice plate and maintain the concentric position of the orifice plate within the fitting.
US08215336B2 Fluid balancing relief valve with grooved process surface
A valve includes: a body including: a wall defining a process surface, a process void in the process surface adapted to communicate with fluid at process pressure, and at least two vent voids in the wall separate from the process void; an inlet port in fluid communication with the process void; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the vent void; a reference housing adapted to communicate with fluid at reference pressure; and a membrane constrained between the body and the reference housing with its process side substantially coplanar with the process surface. The process surface incorporates at least one groove therein which defines a flow path between the near vicinity of the process void and the near vicinity of the vent voids.
US08215331B2 Leak mitigation for pressurized bi-directional systems
A bi-directional pressurized system with devices for and configured to mitigate issues associated with leak and creep phenomena at various stages throughout the system, including valves and controls to distribute a leaked amount of fluid prior to delivery to a pressure-sensitive destination and a pressure relief valve to bring an initial pressure within an acceptable range for distribution to reach a target pressure. A startup method for mitigating leakage of the system during a rest phase, including selectively reducing the initial pressure upstream of a pressure-sensitive destination.
US08215321B2 Methods and apparatus for wet cleaning electrode assemblies for plasma processing apparatuses
Methods of cleaning backing plates of electrode assemblies, or electrode assemblies including a backing plate and an electrode plate are provided. The methods can be used to clean backing plates and electrode plates made of various materials, such as silicon electrode plates and graphite and aluminum backing plates. The backing plates and electrode assemblies can be new, used or refurbished. A flushing fixture that can be used in the cleaning methods is also provided, the flushing fixture comprising a base plate comprising a recessed inner portion including and an upper surface configured to support the backing plate or the electrode assembly, and a cover plate configured to cover the base plate, the cover plate including at least one liquid passage through which a flushing liquid is introduced into an interior of the flushing fixture defined by the base plate and cover plate.
US08215320B2 Cosmetic compact incorporating an applicator holder
A cosmetic compact includes a base and a cap. The base includes a cosmetic well in which a cosmetic may be disposed. The cap is affixed to the base to form an enclosure, with the cosmetic well disposed therein. The cap includes a cosmetic applicator holder, also disposed within the enclosure, which is adapted to engage and secure a cosmetic applicator opposite the cosmetic well.
US08215317B2 Self-lighting cigarette
The present invention relates to a self striking cigarette comprising: cigarette paper, where said cigarette paper includes a phosphorous dipped edge; a tobacco product, where the tobacco product is rolled within the cigarette paper; and a filter, where said filter is attached to the rolled cigarette paper at the non-phosphorous end. In one exemplary embodiment, the cigarette paper is ribbed along the phosphorous edge to provide a reinforcement means. The self striking cigarettes according the present invention may be packaged as a plurality of phosphorous tipped cigarettes stored within a cigarette box, where said cigarette box includes at least one striking surface in the lower corner of the cigarette box. The present invention also contemplates a method of creating a self striking cigarette.
US08215315B2 Concentric core tobacco rod maker with air transporter
The present invention is directed at various apparatus, systems and methods for forming a sealed concentric or sealed concentric hollow core tobacco rod. The methods of the invention at least comprise passing a trimmed column of metered tobacco and paper between a tongue and garniture to form a concentric shaped tobacco rod or tobacco rod with an inner hollow core; maintaining the concentric shape; and outputting a sealed concentric tobacco rod or a concentric hollow tobacco rod.
US08215313B1 Medical garment systems
A medical garment system for comfortably restraining at least one limb of a gown wearer while permitting the wearer to receive medical treatment. The medical garment system is particularly useful for special needs patients, such as autistic children, who may become frightened when medical personnel are attempting to administer medication. Such patients may react by violently moving their arms, causing themselves or the medical personnel harm. When the arms of such a patient are comfortably subdued during such procedures, the patient is better protected from injury.
US08215306B2 Respiratory access port assembly with push button lock and method of use
A respiratory access assembly inctudes a distal pJate having one port and cuff and an axially aligned proximal plate including a first port and first cuff and a second port and second cuff. The distal plate is configured to move relative to the proximal plate. The respiratory access assembly includes an actuator, which has a plurality of predetermined positions. When the actuator is positioned in a movement-enabling position, it permits movement of the plates while simultaneously blocking the first port of the proximal plate. When the actuator is positioned in a first or second locked (open) position, it locks the plates together and aligns the port of the distal plate with the respective first or second port of the proximal plate and un-blocks the first port of the proximal plale so that an object, such as a suction catheter, may be positioned through the aligned ports. When the actuator is positioned in the third locked (closed) position, it locks the plates together such that the port of the distal plate is positioned between the first port and the second port or the proximal plate and all ports are out of alignment with each other, such that all ports are blocked by a portion of one plate so that no object is moveable through any of the ports. A method of using a respiratory access assembly is provided.
US08215303B2 Breathing apparatus
A face mask (10) mechanically coupled to a lung demand valve (LDV) (12). The face mask (10) comprises a main mask and an inner mask (15) which fits over the wearer's mouth and nose. The interior of the inner mask (15) is in fluidic communication with the interior of the main mask (10) by means of non-return valves (16). The interior of the main mask is in fluidic communication with an inlet port (18) which is mechanically and fluidically coupled to a supply port (20) of an LDV. The LDV (12) includes a diaphragm and a cover (44) which comprises three parts (44a, 44b) and (44c). Exhaled air is used to flush the space around the diaphragm. Thus, any toxic or undesirable gas in the vicinity of the diaphragm is pushed out to atmosphere by the exhaled air flowing past and around the diaphragm.
US08215302B2 Discontinuous positive airway pressure device and method of reducing sleep disordered breathing events
A Discontinuous Positive Airway Pressure (DPAP) device and method of using the same for reducing sleep disordered breathing events, such as sleep apnea and snoring. The DPAP device provides selective excitation to the pharyngeal conduit or another muscle or cartilage along the respiratory path, a predetermined period of time before the end of the expiration stage, in order to prematurely reverse the respiratory cycle before the total collapse of the pharyngeal conduit, thus enabling the inhalation stage to reopen and refill the pharyngeal conduit.
US08215301B2 Nose cannula heated/humidified gas delivery system
A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient.
US08215300B2 Unit dose cartridge and dry powder inhaler
A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing having an air intake, an air flow-control/check-valve, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section.
US08215299B2 Counter for metered dose inhaler
A dose counter is provided for coupling with a metered dose inhaler. The dose counter includes a top cover that has a top forming an observation window. The top cover forms an interior space receiving therein a circuit board and an electrical cell supplying electrical power. The circuit board includes a counting circuit and a display screen that is arranged under the window. As such, in the use of the inhaler, depression of the top cover actuates the inhaler and causes the display screen to display the number of times of actuation so as to allow a user to realize the remaining number of times for use of the inhaler thereby improving safety of medication use.
US08215297B2 Folding side table
A folding table for a grill includes a table portion configured to extend into an operative position and configured to be placed in a protective stowed position to protect the grill. The folding table further includes an upper cross support pivotally connected to the table portion and an attachment portion configured to be connected to the grill. The attachment portion is pivotally connected to the support.
US08215293B2 System and method for controlling a supercharged engine with inlet and port throttle
A method and system for controlling an engine with a supercharger includes a bypass valve control module controlling a bypass valve for the supercharger having a bypass flow area in response to a desired manifold absolute pressure, an inlet valve control module controlling an inlet throttle for a supercharger in response to a bypass flow area and a port throttle control module controlling a port throttle in response to the desired mass airflow.
US08215291B2 Method and system for fuel vapor control
A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.
US08215289B2 Fuel-injection device
A fuel-injection device includes at least one fuel injector, one receiving bore-hole for the fuel injector, and one pipe-shaped pipe connection of a fuel rail. The fuel injector is pushed into the interior of the pipe connection by an upstream inlet connection. A bayonet closure ensures that the fuel injector is fastened in the pipe connection of the fuel rail in a secure and detachable manner.
US08215287B2 Fuel supply apparatus for engine and injector for the same
A fuel supply apparatus for an engine may include a plurality of common rails that stores fuel under relatively different pressures, and at least an injector that is connected to the common rails to be independently supplied with the fuel and selectively inject the fuel in any one of the connected common rails.
US08215286B2 Electronic control system for carburetor
An electronic control system for a carburetor, includes: a transmission device linked to a valve; an electric actuator for driving the valve; and an electronic control unit for controlling operation of the electric actuator, the electric actuator being disposed between the transmission device and the electronic control unit, The transmission device, the electric actuator and the electronic control unit are housed and held in a casing mounted on the carburetor. A ventilation apparatus which places an interior of the casing in communication with an outside atmosphere relative to the carburetor is connected to the casing.
US08215280B2 Power linkage assembly for a high efficiency internal explosion engine
A four-stroke, piston-powered internal explosion (“IE”) engine for providing power output through a rotating crankshaft. The IE engine includes an engine block having power cylinders formed therein for receiving working pistons, bearing means for supporting the crankshaft, and a crankshaft supported within the bearing means having an output end extending outside of the engine block and a plurality of offset power cranks. The IE engine further includes connecting rods operably coupled to the power cranks and configured to transfer power from the working pistons to rotate the crankshaft, and working pistons that are received into the power cylinders and operably coupled to the power cranks. Each working piston has a head end positioned adjacent to a cylinder head to form a compression chamber and is configured to receive power from an explosion of a compressed volume of air/fuel mixture located within the compression chamber, and to transfer the received power to the connecting rods. The IE engine is further configured so that the compressed volume of air/fuel mixture is substantially constant, and a peak compression ratio is maintained, from an angular position of the rotating crankshaft of at least 20 degrees prior to a TDC position of a compression stroke, to an angular position of at least 20 degrees after the TDC position of a power stroke, and prior to detonation.
US08215277B2 Spark plug
A spark plug is provided capable of speedily burn off carbon adhered on an insulator. With this spark plug, in order to improve the temperature rise performance of a front end side of an insulator 10, an amount of protrusion H (mm) of the insulator 10, a front-end side volume Vi (mm3) of the insulator 10, and a front-end side volume Vc (mm3) of a center electrode 20 are respectively defined. In consequence, it is possible to improve the recovery property of carbon fouling while retaining the voltage resistance of the insulator 10 and the durability of the center electrode 20. In addition, since the recovery property of carbon fouling improves, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of side sparks generated from the center electrode 20 to a metal shell 50 along the insulator 10, thereby making it possible to stably ensure proper ignition of an air-fuel mixture.
US08215274B2 Hydraulic control system for engine cam phasing
A hydraulic control system to provide an oil or pressurized fluid supply to a variable cam phasing system in an engine is provided. The hydraulic control system includes a valve housing attachable to a front cover assembly of the engine; a first valve installed in the housing; and an inlet passage defined by the front cover assembly hydraulically communicating with the first valve in the housing to carry pressurized fluid from a fluid source to the first valve. A first and a second outlet passage defined by the housing hydraulically communicates with the first valve to allow the pressurized fluid to flow to the cam phasing system, thereby variably moving a camshaft assembly operatively connected to the cam phasing system.
US08215273B2 Camshaft adjuster for an internal combustion engine with integrated valve slide
A camshaft adjuster (1) for an internal combustion engine, which is attached on the end to a camshaft (2) and which acts as a transmission element to a drive wheel (3) for the rotating drive of the camshaft (2), with an internal wheel (4) locked in rotation with the camshaft (2) and a coaxial external wheel (5) that can rotate relative to the internal wheel. A control valve with a valve slide (6) is provided for controlling a fluid for pressurizing pressure spaces (20) arranged between the internal wheel (4) and the external wheel (5), and is provided coaxial to the internal wheel (4), in order to create angular adjustment between the internal wheel (4) and the external wheel (5). The internal wheel (4) has a central valve slide space (24) extending in the axial direction toward the camshaft (2) in which the valve slide (6) is held so that it can move in the axial direction and the valve slide space (24) of the internal wheel (4) includes at least one control edge (7), with which the valve slide (6) interacts in a sealing manner.
US08215270B2 Reciprocating combustion engine
Methods and apparatus are described for a reciprocating combustion engine. A method includes operating a dual-piston engine including introducing a gas into a pair of combustion chambers; introducing a fuel into the pair of combustion chambers; compressing the gas; combusting the gas and the fuel; and exhausting combusted gases. Each of the pistons drives a reciprocating crankshaft that protrudes through a cylinder wall and cooperatively rotate a pair of rotors by engaging substantially sinusoidal cam tracks on the rotors. An apparatus includes a cam driven, concentric drive rotary-valve dual-piston engine.
US08215267B2 Animal chew formed of interwoven strips of edible resin
A woven chew toy for animals is provided including one or more of edible resins, such as rawhide, meat jerky, starch and combinations thereof in strip form interwoven together to provide a planar article.
US08215266B2 Bathing tub for pets
A bathing tub for pets includes a basin with lateral wings projecting from opposite sides. The wings are useful as handles and work surfaces, and engage the rim of a sink into which the tub is placed to prevent the tub from tipping. One or more interchangeable elements can be snapped into the center of the basin to construct a mound assembly in the center of the basin of the proper height for a particular animal; the mound height can be changed, by adding or removing elements, for other animals. While being bathed, the pet stands in the basin with its feet straddling the mound; this prevents the pet from sitting or lying down in the tub. Restraining straps may be applied through slots in the tub to keep the animal in a correct position.
US08215260B2 Rotary electric machine-manufacturing apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A rotary electric machine-manufacturing apparatus utilized to implement a process of infiltrating varnish into wire-wound coils of a rotary electric machine, and of curing the varnish, an apparatus includes a rotator 2 supporting a work S attached with the wire-wound coils Sc and rotating the work; and a high-frequency power supply device supplying electric power to the wire-wound coils. It is thus possible to support and heat up the work without having devices that surround the work S, thereby positioning a varnish dropping-infiltrating device 6 appropriately. Further, there is no need to change a stage as conventional heat-up processes with an oven or a hot blast-circulating furnace did, and an entire process from pre-drying to curing can be implemented at a single stage.
US08215256B2 Mooring system with active control
A vessel mooring system which includes at least two mooring robots that can be secured to a terminal and/or a vessel, each robot includes an attractive force attachment element and a base structure. The attachment element can be engaged with a vertically extending side surface and to exert an attractive force normal to the surface. Each robot can measure the attractive force between the attachment element and the surface to provide an “attractive force capacity reading”. The force between the attachment element and the fixed structure of the mooring robot can be measured to provide a “normal force reading”. From monitoring of the relationship between the attractive force capacity reading and the normal force a control of the mooring robot can be provided such that if there is a tending to separate the attachment elements from said vessel the attractive force may be increased and/or alarm is sounded.
US08215254B2 Covers and liners for sea chests
In a sea chest defining a hull opening and an interior, a sea chest cover for covering the hull opening and allowing water to flow in and out of the sea chest interior is combined with a sea chest liner for lining the sea chest interior, wherein the sea chest cover and the sea chest liner are made of a non-metallic material. In one aspect of the invention, the sea chest cover has one or more apertures formed therein for allowing water to flow in and out of the sea chest interior, and the one or more apertures are configured to prevent or reduce cavitations. In another aspect of the invention, the sea chest liner is a coating of a non-metallic material applied to the sea chest interior. In yet another aspect of the invention, the sea chest liner being designed to have adjustable lateral dimensions.
US08215251B2 Undergarments having finished edges and methods therefor
An undergarment includes at least one piece of fabric that forms the undergarment. The undergarment has leg openings. The fabric includes edges that surround the leg openings, whereby at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings has a plurality of fibers and at least some of the fibers have free ends terminating at the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. A bead of a cured polymer is disposed over the at least one of the edges surrounding the leg openings. The cured polymer bead forms a finished edge that is stretchable for adjusting to movement of the fabric.
US08215248B2 Double acting cylinder for tufting machine gate apparatus
A gated looper apparatus has an array of individually mounted pressurizable air cylinders with piston rods acting in communication with looper gates. The air cylinders are designed to be responsive to pneumatic pressure to extend and retract the associated piston rods.
US08215247B2 Seed boot for double-shoot disc opener
A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.
US08215246B2 Portable staging and leg bracket therefor
A portable staging system adjustable for quick assembly and disassembly and inherent sturdiness. The portable staging system includes a bracket assembly for detachably coupling a support member to the platform of the portable stage. The bracket assembly includes a bracket sleeve adapted to receive the support member, a brace member shiftable within the bracket sleeve between a support member engaging position and a support member clearing position, and an actuator assembly for simultaneously shift first and second drivers of the brace member.
US08215244B2 Plastic pallet
A pallet has a top deck member and a bottom deck member. The top deck member has an upper surface, and a lower surface defined by a plurality of first cross-rib members. The bottom deck member has an upper portion and runners extending downwardly therefrom in a unitary construction. The upper portion has an upper surface defined by a plurality of second cross-rib members which correspond to the first cross-rib members and securely attached to mount the top and bottom decks to each other. The runners have a lower surface and extend transversely across the pallet in a parallel orientation, and also have a plurality of upright members and support members extending between the upright members and integrally formed therewith in a unitary construction. The plurality of second cross-rib members extend generally vertically from the top deck to the lower surface of the runners.
US08215241B2 Vertical linear actuator mechanism
A vertical linear actuator mechanism for positioning a load at a desired elevation above a support surface is described. The vertical linear actuator mechanism in one aspect thereof comprises an electric motor having a drivable shaft. The drivable shaft is coupled to a linear extendable mechanism having a load connector at a top end thereof. A potentiometer detects the position of the load connector relative to the support surface and provides position signals to a motor controller circuit which monitors the position of the load connector and controls the operation of the electric motor. In another aspect thereof the vertical linear actuator is comprised by a pair of gas spring cylinders interconnected together. The vertical linear actuator mechanism is secured inside a telescopic pedestal and extends and retracts the pedestal.
US08215237B2 Methods and apparatus for projectile data link system
Methods and apparatus for a data link system according to various aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into a cartridge system. The cartridge system may comprise a case and a projectile. The data link system may be connected to the case and the projectile to provide signals. The data link system a first connection point and a second connection point disposed on the case and an electrical connector connected to the first connection point and the second connection point.
US08215236B2 Signal transmission surveillance system
A system and method of detecting, processing, and selectively responding to radio frequency transmissions detected by at least one projectile deployed above a geographic area.
US08215235B2 Breaching apparatus for use with explosive charges
The present invention is a flexible, fillable and/or inflatable breach bag with a planar body and at least one fillable bladder for use in breaching locked or barricaded doors or penetrating surfaces with explosive charges. The breach bag may conform to a variety of shapes, depending on the application. The bag generally includes a panel of flexible material having at least two material layers, including a plurality of seams joining at least two of the material layers to form at least one bladder between the material layers for the selective of fill material, generally in the field. The bladders include fluid inlets providing fluid access to said bladder for filling said bladder with fill material. Additionally, the bags include means to suspend the breach bag against structures to be breached.
US08215229B2 Machine for the preparation of coffee and the like
A machine for preparing coffee or the like. The machine includes a pump supplying water; a unit for preparing and dispensing of coffee, with a dispensing seating, and an upstream electric heater for heating the water passing through the heater; a hydraulic circuit which connects the pump to the inlet of the heater and which includes solenoid valves assuming a rest configuration in which the heater is substantially emptied of water, and a working configuration in which the heater is enabled to receive and be traversed by a flow of water sent by the pumping devices for the preparation of the coffee; and a control unit (ECU) arranged for activating the heater and causing the solenoid valves to change to the working configuration only when a command is issued for the preparation and dispensing of coffee.
US08215228B2 Liquid flow control and beverage preparation for a refrigerator
Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
US08215224B1 Variable recoil brake for munition
A recoil brake includes a control rod disposed in a central opening in a piston and cylinder assembly. A fluid passage leads from the piston to the control rod. A long stroke body is fixed to the piston and defines a long stroke orifice around the control rod. A short stroke body is removably disposed in the long stroke orifice. The short stroke body defines a short stroke orifice around the control rod, the short stroke orifice being smaller than the long stroke orifice. The recoil brake may be used with a 120 mm gun.
US08215223B2 Ceramic components, ceramic component systems, and ceramic armour systems
Several ceramic armor systems are provided herein. One such system is a ceramic armor system for personnel. Such system includes an integral ceramic plate, or a plurality of interconnected ceramic components providing an integral plate. The ceramic has a deflecting front surface or a flat front surface, and a rear surface. A front spall layer is bonded to the front surface of the ceramic plate. A shock-absorbing layer is bonded to the rear surface of the ceramic plate. A backing is bonded to the exposed face of the shock-absorbing layer. A second such system is a ceramic armor system for vehicles. Such system also includes an integral ceramic plate, or a plurality of interconnected ceramic components providing an integral plate. The ceramic plate has a deflecting front surface or a flat front surface, and a rear surface. A front spall layer is bonded to the front surface of the ceramic plate. A shock-absorbing layer is bonded to the rear surface of the ceramic plate. The assembly of the front spall layer, the ceramic plate, and the shock-absorbing layer is bolted to the hull of a vehicle, preferably with an air-gap, or alternatively without an air-gap.
US08215220B2 Programming process for the fuse of a projectile and programming device enabling the implementation of such process
The invention relates to a programming process and device for a fuse of a projectile using a programming coil transmitting by induction a programming signal to reception means integral with the fuse. This process is characterized in that the programming signal is transmitted from at least one second programming coil that is separate from the first one, each coil being linked individually to electronic control means and the two coils being arranged so as to be able to lie in proximity to the fuse of the projectile when the latter passes in the feed means of the weapon, the coils being arranged such that the projectile fuse passes successively in front of each coil, particularly adapted to the programming of medium caliber projectiles.
US08215219B2 Food product slicer with gauge plate based shutdown operation
A food product slicer includes a carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of a knife. An adjustable gauge plate provides variable slice thickness for food product carried by the carriage assembly. During automatic slicing, when the gauge plate is moved from the open position to the closed position, a slicer controller automatically shuts down the carriage drive in a controlled manner that causes the carriage to stop at its most forward position.
US08215218B2 Sandwich holder and knife guide
A sandwich holder and knife guide for cutting a sandwich in half while maintaining the ingredients in place includes a base, a pair of upwardly extending parallel walls with an aligned slit in each of the walls for guiding a knife through a sandwich, a transparent dome with a slit aligned with the slits in the walls, a knife, a support frame, a pair of stainless steel tapes disposed on opposite sides of the slits and each of the tapes extending across the support frame in a parallel relationship with the slits and one end of each of the tapes is coiled upon a retractable coil for maintaining the tapes under tension so that the tapes when extended and placed on top of the sandwich retain the sandwich and its fillings in place when the sandwich is cut in half.
US08215216B2 Integrated blade lubrication controller
A blade lubrication system for a sawmill having a blade, chain or band saw, and a control mechanism for activating said blade, chain or band. The blade lubrication system automatically activates cooling and cleaning of the blade, or band when the control mechanism is activated, and automatically deactivates the cooling and cleaning of the blade, chain or band when the control mechanism is deactivated.
US08215215B2 Protective cover structure of a desk sawing machine
A protective cover structure of a desk sawing machine includes a chopper board, a cover, two first side boards and two second side boards. The cover is disposed at an upper end of the chopper board. The two first side boards respectively disposed at two sides of the cover. One end of each of the first side boards is pivotally connected to the cover. The two second side boards respectively connected to another end of each of the first side boards. The first side boards and the second side boards can be operated independently to enhance shelter. The desk sawing machine can keep off the sawdust when cutting, providing a protective effect to the equipment and the user.
US08215206B2 Damaged bolt and screw removing devices
A bit for removing a broken fastener comprises a tip from which extend two or more notches separated by traction or biting surfaces formed from two-sided frusto-conically-shaped regions. The surfaces are bounded on one side by a nonlinear cutting edge and on the other side by a non-cutting edge and are configured to cut into the fastener when the bit is rotated in a direction opposite to the fastener's direction of engagement. Specific embodiments include configurations where the cutting edges extend at different angles with respect to the bit axis, where the biting surfaces comprise a plurality of serrations, and where the cutting edges are separated by flutes which spiral along a longitudinally extending periphery of the bit.
US08215205B2 Wave gear device
In a cup-type or “silk hat”-type wave gear device (1), the rim thickness t of the flexible externally toothed gear (3) thereof satisfies the relations (0.5237Ln(R)−1.32)d≦t≦(0.8728Ln(R)−2.2)d if the reduction ratio R of the wave gear device is less than 80, and (1.5499Ln(R)−5.8099)d≦t≦(2.5832Ln(R)−9.6832)d if the reduction ratio R is equal to or greater than 80, where d is the radial deflection, measured at the position of the major axis of the neutral circle of the rim, in a state in which the flexible externally toothed gear is bent into an elliptical shape. The effective face width L of the external teeth (35) is a value within the range of 21 to 30% of the pitch circle diameter. Such settings make it possible to increase the bottom fatigue strength of the flexible externally toothed gear and improve the load capacity of the wave gear device (1).
US08215204B2 Customizable modular handle structure for sports equipment
A handle structure for sports equipment bars (B) particularly handlebars of cycles, motor cycles or the like. The structure (1) has a main tubular body (2) which defines a longitudinal axis (X), and has an outer surface (6) susceptible of being grasped by a user and an inner surface (7) designed to be operably mounted to the bar (B). A first device (3) axially locks the main body (2) to the bar (B). The tubular body (2) has a plurality of modular annular elements (10, 10′, 10″) designed for mutual coaxial connection along the longitudinal axis (X) for adjusting the overall length (L) of the body (2) to each user's needs. A sports implement incorporating such structure is also provided.
US08215203B1 Handlebar clamp to accommodate a multiplicity of handlebars for a bicycle having a handlebar post and a transverse clamping plate
A handlebar clamp which can be removably affixed to the transverse clamping plate of any type of bicycle thereby allowing the bicycle to accommodate a multiplicity of handlebars. The handlebar clamp can be fitted to accommodate a multiplicity of different transverse clamping plates. The clamp is held in position by a quick-release attachment to the transverse clamping plate of a bicycle. The clamp has two jaws, the lower of which has at least two different sized partial openings, one each on its upper and lower sides, so that the lower jaw, upon rotation, accommodates different sized handlebars.
US08215202B2 Cable length adjustment mechanism
An automatic cable length adjustment mechanism includes first and second members that slidably engage one another. A spring biases the members apart, and a releasable one-way ratchet-type mechanism interconnects the parts after the parts shift relative to one another to take up slack in a Bowden cable or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the one-way ratchet arrangement includes a plurality of cantilevered levers having teeth or the like that engage rows of teeth.
US08215197B2 Device for actuating a gearwheel, which is designed as a loose wheel, of a transmission device
A device for actuating a gearwheel of a transmission device. The gearwheel rotates on a shaft and can be shifted by way an engagement mechanism that includes at least one actuator that is arranged at least partially inside the shaft. The actuator can be actuated by a pressure medium to fix the gearwheel to the shaft. The actuation force required for engaging or disengaging the gearwheel can come from within the shaft. The actuator is a piston-cylinder unit which is either rotationally fixed to the shaft or rotationally fixed relative the shaft. When the actuator is rotationally fixed relative to the shaft, the active connection between the actuator and the gearwheel, which is to be shifted, includes a drive decoupling unit between the actuator and the shaft.
US08215196B2 Tong gear shift system
A power tong having a ring gear, a gear train, a motor and a gear shift mechanism. The gear shift mechanism further includes a linear actuator and a shift arm connect to the linear actuator. A drive gear is positioned on a drive shaft extending from the motor and this drive gear includes an upper and lower set of drive teeth having beveled top portions. The shift arm engages the drive gear between the upper and lower set of drive teeth and movement of the linear actuator causes the drive gear to engage one of at least two gears in the gear train.
US08215192B2 Sweat collectors and methods of collecting sweat
A sweat collector for application to a body part of a subject in order to collect sweat therefrom for purposes of analysis, includes a receptacle having an open side for application to the skin of the subject's body part from which the sweat is to be collected; and a port for the introduction of a fluid into the receptacle and into contact with the skin of the subject's body part for enhancing the removal and/or production of sweat thereat. The sweat collector further includes a syringe having an open end insertable into the port for introducing the fluid into the receptacle, and for removing the introduced fluid and the sweat collected therein for analysis. Several embodiments are described, illustrating various ways of attaching the sweat collector to various body parts. Also described is a method of collecting and analyzing sweat from a body part in order to provide information useful in determining the medical condition of a subject.
US08215182B2 Apparatus and method for measuring pressure between jaw members
Testing system for measuring closure pressure between jaw members of electrosurgical forceps. The testing system includes a testing platform, a pair of selectively adjustable instrument supports, a testing stand. The platform has an elongated bed that supports an instrument rest, which supports the electrosurgical forceps. The pair of instrument supports are associated with the elongated bed and secure the forceps atop the elongated bed. The testing stand is disposed at a distal end of the elongated bed and supports a piece of testing material. The testing stand includes a layer of visco-elastic material and a pressure sensitive film. The layer of visco-elastic material forms a pocket. The pressure sensitive film is disposed within the pocket of the visco-elastic layer. The pressure sensitive film is adapted to electromechanically communicate with a diagnostic system to measure the closure pressure between jaw members when they are in a clamped configuration.
US08215177B2 Apparatus and methods for applying stress-induced offset compensation in sensor devices
Apparatus and methods for applying stress-induced offset compensation and/or scale factor correction in sensor devices are provided. One sensor device (100, 300, 500, 700) includes an integrated circuit device (110, 310, 510, 710), a transducer (120, 320, 520, 720) coupled to the ASIC device, and a stress sensor (130, 330, 530, 730) coupled to the transducer or the integrated circuit device and configured to measure stress on the sensor device independent of the transducer. Another sensor device (900) includes a transducer, a sensor package (940) enclosing the transducer, and a stress sensor (930) coupled to the sensor device package and configured to measure stress on the sensor device independent of the transducer. A method includes detecting, via a stress sensor, an amount of stress being applied to the sensor device and adjusting, via the stress sensor and independent of the transducer, an output of the sensor device by the detected amount of stress.
US08215176B2 Pressure sensor for harsh media sensing and flexible packaging
MEMS pressure sensing elements, the fabrication methods of the sensing elements, and the packaging methods using the new sensing elements are introduced to provide a way for a harsh media absolute pressure sensing and eliminating the negative effects caused by the gel used in the prior art. The invention uses vertical conductive vias to electrically connect the enclosed circuit to the outside, and uses a fusion bond method to attach a cap with the embedded conductive vias over a device die having a circuit for example a piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge to sense pressure. New packaging methods comprise a) a two-pocket housing structure and using a surface mounting method to attach a new sensing element into one pocket by a ball grid array (BGA), and b) a single pocket structure and using conventional die attach and wire bonding. Both methods can be used for harsh media pressure sensing but without the negative effects caused by the gel in prior art.
US08215172B2 Device and method for determining the dynamic elastic modulus of a material
The invention relates to the determination of the dynamic elastic modulus of a material, such as a material comprising a mineral binder like cement, or gypsum, or the like, or a polymer, or ceramic, preferably mortar or concrete, in particular shotcrete, using sound, preferably ultrasound waves which penetrate the material and are continuously measured and analyzed. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus, to a measuring device, and to a method for determining the dynamic elastic modulus of a material using the apparatus.
US08215169B2 Using pole pieces to guide magnetic flux through a MEMS device and method of making
Two opposing substrate layers each having one or more recesses filled with magnetic material guide the flow of flux through a coil in a MEMS device layer to provide for closed-loop operation. Flux flows from one pole piece through the coil to a second pole piece. A method of making using lithographic etching techniques is also provided.
US08215164B1 Systems and methods for monitoring groundwater, rock, and casing for production flow and leakage of hydrocarbon fluids
One embodiment of the present invention is a system comprising one or more subsystems, which can be practiced alone or in combination, which together allow for monitoring of groundwater, rock, and casing for production flow and leakage of hydrocarbon fluids. A flow measurement subsystem measures flow of hydrocarbons in the horizontal casing string. A well mechanical integrity monitoring subsystem monitors the mechanical integrity of the natural gas production well, including the junctures of a completed well. An aquifer monitoring subsystem directly monitors water aquifer(s) underneath and surrounding a natural gas production well or pad, including monitoring wells or existing water wells. A communication subsystem is used to communicate measurements taken downhole to the surface. The present invention may be used to enhance the production from a gas bearing shale formation, mitigate liability associated with hydrocarbon migration, and monitor for a loss of mechanical integrity of a well.
US08215159B2 Inspection of holes
A method of inspecting a hole defined by a component situated within an engine, the engine including a chamber configured to receive fluid from a fluid supply, wherein the component is in flow communication with the fluid supply via the chamber, the method includes the steps of: (i) delivering a test fluid via the chamber to the component to induce flow of the test fluid through the hole; (ii) deploying a sensor panel adjacent to the component in a path of test fluid issuing from the hole, the sensor panel being sensitive to impingement of the test fluid; and (iii) assessing a condition of the hole depending on a response of the sensor panel at a location corresponding to the hole.
US08215156B2 Method for measuring viscosity and/or elasticity of liquid
Viscosity and elasticity of a liquid are measured by immersing and vibrating a liquid tester in the liquid to be tested and measuring three frequency values that are a resonance frequency value on an amplitude characteristic curve obtained through vibration of the liquid tester in the liquid being tested, a low frequency value lower than the resonance frequency value on the amplitude characteristic curve at a phase angle smaller than a phase angle of 90 degrees at a resonance point on a phase angle characteristic curve obtained through the vibration in the liquid being tested, and a high frequency value higher than the resonance frequency value on the amplitude characteristic curve at a phase angle larger than the phase angle at the resonance point on the phase angle characteristic curve.
US08215155B2 Rheological measurement of filtercake
A rheometer is provided for measuring rheological properties of a filtercake. The rheometer comprises a cell for containing a pressurised fluid supporting a particulate suspension. The cell has two outlets for removing the fluid from the cell. The cell further has a respective foraminous body at each outlet, such that the particulate suspension forms a filtercake on a surface of each foraminous body as pressurised fluid filters through the body when the fluid passes from the cell to the respective outlet. The foraminous bodies are translatable relative to each other, such that the filtercakes formed on said surfaces can be approached to form a unified filtercake. The foraminous bodies are also rotatable relative to each other. The rheometer further comprises a torque sensor for measuring a torque required to rotate the foraminous bodies relative to each other. The measured torque is indicative of one or more rheological properties of the unified filtercake.
US08215152B2 Testing an acoustic property of an ultrasound probe
Embodiments for testing an acoustic property of an ultrasound probe including a plurality of transducer elements are disclosed. A Schlieren image of an ultrasound probe and a visualized acoustic field of an ultrasound signal generated when one of the transducer elements is excited are acquired. A preprocessing including noise removal and position calibration upon the Schlieren image is then carried out. An acoustic property of the ultrasound probe is tested based on the preprocessed Schlieren image.
US08215149B1 Stent crimping system and method
A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The crimping assembly includes a plurality of movable wedges disposed about a rotational axis to form a wedge assembly. Each wedge includes a respective first side and a second side converging to form a tip portion. The tip portions are arranged to collectively form an iris about the rotational axis thereof. The iris defining a crimp aperture about which the movable wedges are disposed. Each wedge is associated with a stationary structure and an rotational actuation unit such that during rotation of the actuation unit about the rotational axis, the iris is caused to rotate about the rotational axis, relative the stationary structure, for inward movement of the wedges to decrease the size of the aperture and outward movement of the wedges to increase the size of the aperture.
US08215145B2 Method and apparatus for producing cut to length bars in a steel mill
A method and apparatus for producing steel bars that are cut to length in response to a customer order. The method includes producing a continuous length of steel bar from a rolling mill, cutting the continuous length of steel bar into successive segments, each representing a multiple of the length of the bar of the customer order, cutting the segments in in-line cold shears first into two times the length of the bar of the customer order and then in half into lengths equal to the length of the bar of the customer order while maintaining the production of the continuous length of steel bar produced by the rolling mill, and bundling the bars of the length of the customer order for discharge from the mill.
US08215139B2 Apparatus for removal of dried furs from a pelting board
An apparatus (2) for removal of dried furs from pelting boards (8) upon which the fur during the drying process has been fixed. The apparatus removes furs from the pelting boards (8) in an upright position that are successively supplied in upright position, and which at a wide end of the pelting boards are fixed in fixing holes in a top plate of a drying cart (6) in such a way that the upright pelting boards (8) with furs are in transverse and longitudinal rows. The apparatus (2) includes a conveying tunnel (4); a guide for guiding a longitudinal side of the drying cart; a transverse upper guide (14); a secondary guide (16, 18); a primary laterally displaceable lift (30) for clamping a pointed end of the furs; and a secondary lift (50).
US08215136B2 Laundry machine having multiple laundry treatment devices
A multiple laundry machine is provided. The multiple laundry machine may include multiple washing spaces capable of separately washing relatively small amounts of laundry in each. The multiple laundry machine may include a casing, and a plurality of individual laundry machines arranged in the casing. Each of the individual laundry machines provided in the casing may conduct washing operations in a different manner so as to provide washing capability of different sizes and types of loads.
US08215128B2 Shearing blade for molten glass gobs
Shearing blade for molten glass gobs comprising a knife (1) made of hard metal having a substantially V-shaped front shearing portion (5) with a shearing edge (7) whose width is in the range between 8 and 11% of the distance between the ends (6) of the V-shaped shearing portion (5). Between the shearing edge (7) and the rear support portion (2) of the knife, the upper surface of the knife (1) has a lowered surface (8).
US08215126B2 Setting for gemstones, particularly diamonds
A novel setting for a gemstone including a girdle, a crown on one side of the girdle, and a pavilion on the opposite side of the girdle, characterized in that the setting mounts the gemstone in an inverted orientation by prongs received in grooves formed in the crown of the gemstone such that the pavilion faces outwardly of the setting and the crown faces inwardly of the setting. Such a mounting is particularly useful when mounting a plurality of gemstones contiguously, in which case the prongs mounting each gemstone are concealed by the girdles of the gemstones. One embodiment is described wherein a plurality of gemstones are all mounted in the inverted orientation with the pavilions facing outwardly, and another embodiment is described wherein alternate gemstones are mounted in the inverted orientation with the pavilions facing outwardly, and with the remaining gemstone being mounted in the normal orientation with the crowns facing outwardly.
US08215125B2 Refreezable ice barrel
Provided is a refreezable barrel for chilling a plurality of items. The refreezable barrel includes a cooler body defining an open end and a closed end portion. The cooler body defines a cavity extending from the open end towards the closed end portion. The cavity is configured to receive the plurality of items. A cooling element is disposed within the cooler body and is refreezable to mitigate temperature rise within the cooler body. The refreezable barrel also includes a cooler stand defining a recess configured to engage with the closed end portion of the cooler body.
US08215124B2 Point of sale method and apparatus for making and dispensing aerated frozen food products
An apparatus for making and dispensing frozen aerated products includes a rotating horizontal freeze plate with an upper surface for receiving a chilled aerated mix. The chilled aerated mix includes, in one embodiment, a base that has been sufficiently aerated, and at least one flavor. The horizontal freeze plate rotates about its central axis. The apparatus also includes a spreader body for distributing the chilled aerated mix on the rotating freeze plate. The spreader body extends radially across at least a portion of the upper surface of the freeze plate. The apparatus further includes a scraper for scraping frozen aerated mix off of the rotating freeze plate.
US08215118B2 Optimizing the angular positioning of a turbine nozzle at the outlet from a turbomachine combustion chamber
A turbomachine including an annular combustion chamber fitted with fuel injectors and nozzle vanes arranged at the outlet from the chamber, the number of nozzle vanes being an integer multiple of the number of fuel injectors, and the head of each injector being situated angularly half-way between the leading edges of two consecutive nozzle vanes, these leading edges being in alignment with primary air holes and/or with dilution air holes.
US08215111B1 Electrical generation from explosives
An electrical generator converts the high blast pressures of explosives into useful electricity by capturing the explosive gases and using the high gas pressures to alternately push water hydraulically between two tanks and through water turbines connected to DC electric generators. Water expelled through a water turbine from one tank is used to fill the other tank. Batteries can be used to store the electrical energy generated, and inverters followed by transformers convert the DC electric from the turbine-generators to 110-VAC, 220-VAC, and 440-VAC. A microcomputer controller connected to various sensors and solenoid valves coordinates the timing and routing of the detonation of explosives, tank pressures, venting, valving, and load control.
US08215108B2 Control apparatus and control method for a piston/cylinder arrangement
A Control apparatus for a piston/cylinder arrangement, having a valve arrangement connected to a first part space, which assumes a closed position preventing a fluid held in the first part space from flowing out if the pressure in the fluid is smaller than a pressure control value set on the valve arrangement and which assumes an opening position if the pressure in the fluid is greater than the set pressure control value, and having a priming device which is coupled to the valve arrangement and the first part space serving to prepare for the damping of a pressure increase in the fluid which is brought about by a movement of the piston caused by a load acting on the piston in the direction of the first part space such that a pressure increase can be generated in the fluid to a predefined pressure priming value independently of the load.
US08215103B2 Snap-action valve for exhaust system
A passive, exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit is pivotally mounted to an off-center axle for rotation between fully closed and fully opened positions. A bias element forces the valve flap toward the fully closed position. The valve flap is shaped in a manner enabling use of the interior surface of the exhaust conduit to define stops at the full closed and full opened positions. The valve flap shape, in conjunction with the bias element arrangement, enables the flap to lie substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit in the fully opened position, which provides for minimum back pressure in the conduit.
US08215102B2 Particulate filter regeneration apparatus and method of operating the same
The particulate filter regeneration apparatus includes a driving function for driving an exhaust pipe injector to inject fuel into an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine by energizing an actuator of the exhaust pipe injector in order to regenerate a particulate filter provided in the exhaust pipe for collecting particulate matter contained in exhaust gas of the engine, a shutoff function for shutting off fuel supply to the exhaust pipe injector, and a diagnosis function of performing a diagnostic process in which the fuel shutoff function is caused to shut off fuel supply to the exhaust pipe injector, and the driving function is caused to energize the actuator in a state of fuel supply to the exhaust pipe injector being shut off by the shutoff function in order to make a determination whether the actuator is energized normally by the driving function.
US08215100B2 Regeneration device having external check valve
An exhaust treatment device for a combustion system is disclosed. The exhaust treatment device may have a housing, and an injector disposed within the housing to deliver an injection fluid into a flow of exhaust. The exhaust treatment device may also have at least one fluid supply passage that is disposed within the housing and being in fluid communication with the injector to supply the injector with injection fluid. The exhaust treatment device may further have at least one purge passage disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the injector to supply the injector with a purge fluid. The exhaust treatment device may additionally have a first valve element that is mounted to the housing and disposed at an entrance of the at least one purge passage The first valve element may be configured to provide a unidirectional flow of purge fluid to the at least one purge passage.
US08215098B2 Method and apparatus for diagnosing exhaust gas aftertreatment component degradation
A system is provided for diagnosing operation of an exhaust gas aftertreatment component for an internal combustion engine. The system includes a NOx sensor producing a NOx signal indicative of NOx content of exhaust gas exiting the aftertreatment component, and a control circuit configured to estimate as a function of a number of engine operating conditions a NOx inlet content corresponding to a NOx content of exhaust gas produced by the engine and entering the aftertreatment component. The control circuit is configured to determine a NOx conversion efficiency of the aftertreatment component as a function of the NOx signal and of the NOx inlet content, and to determine that the aftertreatment component is degraded if the NOx conversion efficiency is below a threshold value for at least a first predefined time period.
US08215095B2 Model-based coordinated air-fuel control for a gas turbine
A fuel controller, and associated method, provides a fuel control output signal to a fuel control actuator to control operations. The fuel controller determines the fuel control output signal based on rotational speed error. A combustion air controller provides a combustion air control output signal to a combustion air control actuator to control operations. A cross channel controller is in communication with the fuel controller and the combustion air controller. The cross channel controller provides a combustion air control modification signal to the combustion air controller. The combustion air control modification signal is determined from the fuel control output signal using an air versus fuel model. The combustion air controller determines a preliminary combustion air control signal based on an exhaust temperature error, and further determines the combustion air control output signal based on both of the preliminary combustion air control signal and the combustion air control modification signal.
US08215092B2 Methods and apparatus for making elastic composite yarns
Methods and apparatus are provided to make composite yarns having a filamentary core with at least one elastic performance filament and at least one inelastic control filament. A fibrous sheath, preferably formed from spun staple fibers, surrounds the filamentary core, preferably substantially along the entire length thereof. The at least one elastic performance filament most preferably includes a spandex and/or a lastol filament. The at least one inelastic control filament is most preferably formed of a textured polymer or copolymer of a polyamide, a polyester, a polyolefin and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fibrous sheath is formed of synthetic and/or natural staple fibers, most preferably staple cotton fibers. The elastic composite fibers find particular utility as a component part of a woven textile fabric, especially as a stretch denim fabric, which exhibits advantageous elastic recovery of at least about 95.0% (ASTM D3107).
US08215090B2 Walk behind work machine having an engine mounting structure
A walk-behind work machine in which vibration produced by the driving of an engine is not readily transmitted to an operating handle. The work machine includes a work-machine body having a plurality of mounting parts to which an engine is joined. The mounting parts include a high-rigidity mounting part positioned at a maximally rigid part on the work-machine body, and other mounting parts exclusive of the high-rigidity mounting part. The engine is joined securely to the other mounting parts and is joined more loosely to the high-rigidity mounting part than to the other mounting parts.
US08215089B2 Waste disposal devices
Waste disposal device including a container defining a waste chamber for receiving waste, a support member arranged in the container for supporting tubing having a closed or closable front end to thereby enable formation of a bag in the container and a twisting assembly arranged in the container and defining an aperture through which the tubing passes while the twisting assembly engages with the tubing. A rotation mechanism is arranged in the container and when actuated, rotates the twisting assembly relative to the stationary support member while the twisting assembly engages with the tubing to thereby form a twist in the tubing.
US08215085B2 Methods of preparing web material for production of receptacles for food or other products
The disclosure relates to a method of preparing a web of flexible material for production of receptacles for packaging. The method comprises the steps of feeding a web of flexible material past a succession of stations in which operations are carried out on the web including defining blanks for receptacles having walls and tabs by creating fold lines in the web, and then laminating a film of heat-sealable plastics materials to a face of the web of the flexible material. The film of heat-sealable plastics provides a heat-sealable surface on the web for bonding tabs of each blank together to form seams between adjacent walls whereby the blanks, when severed from the web, can be erected to form receptacles having openings to receive items to be packaged.
US08215083B2 Insulation board with air/rain barrier covering and water-repellent covering
A previously formed unitary building exterior envelope product is provided, comprising: a mineral fiber insulation board including a binder having a hydrophobic agent and is resistant to liquid water-penetration and has first and second major surfaces, an exterior facing material, which resists air infiltration and liquid water penetration, laminated to the first major surface, the exterior facing material being permeable to water vapor, and a continuous interior facing laminated to the second major surface, so that the second major surface is resistant to liquid water-penetration and is permeable to water vapor. The section of product is mounted to an exterior side of a plurality of framing members of an exterior wall of a building, so that the interior facing faces the framing members. An exterior layer is mounted to the framing members using a connection device that passes through the section of product, with the facing material facing the exterior layer.
US08215082B2 Flat roof that sheds rain
A substantially flat roof has elongated log-shaped members arranged horizontally in adjacent, side-by-side relation. Each log-shaped member has a contoured upper surface, and the contoured upper surfaces of adjacent members define a space between them that tapers from a maximum width at the highest elevation of the contoured surfaces to a minimum width where the contoured surfaces of adjacent log-shaped members are closest together. Elongated inserts are arranged between the contoured upper surfaces. Each insert has a wide portion that abuts an adjacent pair of the contoured upper surfaces at a relatively high elevation, and tapers to a narrow portion that abuts the contoured surfaces at a relatively low elevation substantially at the ends of the adjacent pair of log-shaped members. Rain falling on the roof drains by gravity from the contoured upper surfaces to the inserts and along the inserts towards their narrow portions and falls from the roof.
US08215081B2 Panel tile and top cap retention system
A system and method to attach and retain panel tiles and a top cap to a support frame of a modular wall panel system. The top cap attached to the support frame includes an elongated body having a one or more attachment clips removably attached to the elongated body at desired locations along the length of the elongated body. The attachment clips and elongated body are formed separately and assembled prior to attachment to the modular panel. The elongated body includes a pair of receiving cavities that receive spring arms formed on each of the attachment clips. The attachment clips are rotated into position such that the spring arms engage the elongated body and hold the attachment clips in position. Each panel includes a stiffener bracket having engagement tabs. The engagement tabs are received within notches formed in the vertical posts to secure the tiles to the support frame.
US08215080B2 Gutter assemblies
A gutter assembly for collecting and channelling rainwater run-off from a roof structure, including: one or more elongate gutter members; at lease one mounting bracket for pivotably mounting each gutter member at the roof structure such that each gutter member is movable between an in-use collecting and channelling position and a substantially inverted cleaning position; and, at least one actuator which acts on one or more gutter members to move the gutter member by generating a pushing force to pivot the gutter member about the mounting bracket to the cleaning position and pulling force to cause the gutter member to return to the in-use position.
US08215078B2 Building panel with compressed edges and method of making same
Floorboards comprising a core and a surface layer with curved edge portions, which are formed by a compression of the core.
US08215076B2 Locking system, floorboard comprising such a locking system, as well as method for making floorboards
A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards constructed from a body, a rear balancing layer and an upper surface layer. A strip, which is integrally formed with the body of the floorboard and which projects from a joint plane and under an adjoining board has a locking element which engages a locking groove in the rear side of the adjoining board. The joint edge provided with the strip is modified with respect to the balancing layer, for example by means of machining of the balancing layer under the strip, in order to prevent deflection of the strip caused by changes in relative humidity. Also, a floorboard provided with such a locking system, as well as a method for making floorboards with such a locking system.
US08215075B2 Up-tight surface covering and attachment system
An up-tight surface covering system for attaching a facing of a panel member to a support structure comprises an adjustable hanger bracket for attaching a grid member to the support structure and a clip for attaching the panel member to the grid member. The adjustable hanger bracket comprises an arm rotatably attached to a support. The arm includes a first section extending substantially parallel to the support and a second section extending substantially perpendicular to the support. The second section has at least one slot for receiving a mechanical fixing member. The clip comprises a main body portion having an attachment member extending from a substantial center thereof. The main body portion has engagement members extending from opposing sides of the main body portion and substantially perpendicular thereto. The engaging members have abutment members extending from side surfaces thereof substantially perpendicular to the main body portion and the engaging members.
US08215073B2 Weather protection system
Weather protection systems, for use in protecting structures and structural elements during severe weather events, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assembling and installing weather protection systems. Weather protection systems of this invention provide fabric to cover a structural element; the fabric is connected to the structure via a clip. A clip of is invention may include features such as fastening points, anchor points, and engaging members; a clip may also introduce a desirable point of flexibility into a system of the invention. Other features of weather protection systems of this invention may include resin and straps.
US08215072B2 Weather protection system
Weather protection systems, for use in protecting structures and structural elements during severe weather events, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assembling and installing weather protection systems. Weather protection systems of this invention provide fabric to cover a structural element; the fabric is connected to the structure via a clip. A clip of is invention may include features such as fastening points, anchor points, and engaging members; a clip may also introduce a desirable point of flexibility into a system of this invention. Other features of weather protection systems of this invention may include resin and straps.
US08215069B2 Swimming pool system with reinforced composite structural components
A swimming pool assembly having a plurality of side wall panels certain adjacent ones of which have juxtaposed apertured edge flanges joined together by compression plates each having planar blade and a first plurality of pre-alignment fasteners extending away from the plane of the blade through aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange and engaging a flange plate surface opposite the blade to temporarily align the side wall panels. Each compression plate further includes a second plurality of alignment towers passing through additional aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange terminating in wedge receiving slots. Wedges, upon being forced into respective slots, clamp the flanges tightly together. Adjacent panel flanges may further include FML flat surfaces oriented to compensate for panel flange draft angle whereby adjacent panels when clamped together present generally coplanar pool surfaces.
US08215068B2 Method and apparatus for increasing the energy dissipation of structural elements
According to one embodiment, the energy dissipation of a structural element is increased by inserting one or more resisting elements into the structural element at any time during or after construction of the structural element. The continuous resisting elements are rigidly attached to the structural at one end and connected to the structural element by and through a damping material over at least a portion of its length. When a dynamic force is applied to the structural elements, such as may result from wind or earthquakes, there will be a strain in the structure, in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction of the resisting elements. In this way, the forces and deformations within the structure will result in a relative motion between the structural element and resisting element, a substantial portion of which is ultimately transmitted by and through the damping material layer. In transmitting such a force and movement through the damping material layer, a portion of the energy associated with such force and movement is dissipated.
US08215065B2 Modular wall unit
A modular patient room includes a plurality of modular wall panels or units having various configurations. In some embodiments, the modular wall units have at least one shelf and a flip-down work surface. The modular wall unit optionally may include an integrated computer monitor and a keyboard attached to the flip-down work surface.
US08215062B2 Air-floating-type base isolation device which uses a sliding expanding pipe shielding material
An air-floating-type base isolation system having a plurality of air chambers defined and surrounded by a sliding expanding pipe shielding material. A groove in one plate receives a sliding expanding pipe of shielding material made of airtight material. A plurality of air pressure chambers are defined by placement of the grooves and shielding material at selected locations in the plate, so that the top plate can be allowed to float horizontally by adjustment of the pressure in the air pressure chambers, regardless of the position of the center of gravity of the building.
US08215059B2 Modular gardening system
A modular gardening system includes a first monolithic growing pod forming an interior growing volume and including an opening to the growing volume defined by a frame-accommodating lip, and at least a second monolithic growing pod, the second monolithic growing pod being substantially identical to the first monolithic growing pod. The modular gardening system further includes a frame assembly configured to form a perimeter around the opening of the first monolithic growing pod within the frame-accommodating lip of the first monolithic growing pod and the opening of the second monolithic growing pod within the frame-accommodating lip of the second monolithic growing pod, the frame assembly further configured to support the first monolithic growing pod and the second monolithic growing pod in a side-by-side array, stepped array, or elevated array.
US08215052B2 Pest control system and method
In a system and method for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests, a container having an interior chamber, is located in an area in which pests are to be at least one of monitored and controlled. At least a portion of the container is constructed of an environmentally degradable plastic. At least one of a pest monitoring material and a pest bait material is disposed within the interior chamber of the container for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests. The container is inspected at least once prior to the end of a predetermined time period to determine whether pests are present within the container. The container is replaced, along with the at least one of the monitoring material and the bait material, no later than about six months beyond the predetermined period of time following placement of the container in the area.
US08215047B2 Systems and methods for adapting a vertical fore grip to a user
A system and method for adapting a vertical fore grip to a user. In one embodiment, a system for adapting a vertical fore grip to a user can be provided. The system can include a vertical fore grip configured to adjustably attach to a firearm; a grip extension configured to modify the vertical fore grip, wherein the grip extension is further configured to mount at least one accessory; and a bolt assembly for adjustably attaching the grip extension to the vertical fore grip.
US08215044B2 System and method for the remote measurement of the ammunition level, recording and display of the current level
This invention relates to a method, system and computer program product that monitors usage for man carried weapon systems; specifically a device to monitor ammunition level and weapon discharges through real time data collection, analysis and real time visual feedback to the operator. An ammunition level detecting system mounted on a projectile weapon comprising: A level measurement unit (LMU) and a Reader and Visualization Unit (RVU) and a PC Dongle which configured to facilitate communication between the RVU and a personal computer (PC), enabling management of the RVU configuration and offloading of sensor obtained and system determined data values.
US08215037B2 Footwear with plurality of interlocking midsole and outsole elements
An article of footwear that includes an outsole, including an outsole groove that extends generally in a thickness direction through the outsole to separate the outsole into first and second outsole elements. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes a midsole, including a midsole groove that extends generally in a thickness direction through the midsole to separate the midsole into first and second midsole elements. The first midsole element is operably secured to the first outsole element to define a first element assembly, and the second midsole element is operably secured to the second outsole element to define a second element assembly. Furthermore, the outsole groove and the midsole groove are substantially aligned with each other, and the first and second element assemblies interlock with each other.
US08215030B2 Overshoe
An overshoe that covers a footwear structure for protecting a walking surface. The overshoe includes a base and an upstanding portion, which extends around at least a portion of the base. A protrusion extends inwardly from an inner surface of the upstanding portion. The protrusion engages the footwear structure for releasably retaining the overshoe to the footwear structure.
US08215029B2 Drying apparatus and method of using the same
Exemplary mobile drying containers and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, the mobile drying container includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a first end wall, a second end wall having a gate, an interior bottom, an upper volume and a lower volume separated by a ventilated floor supported by support members, wheels positioned below the lower volume, and one or more support legs positioned below the lower volume to provide support between the mobile drying container and the ground. The upper volume holds the crop to be dried, and the gate of the second end wall is operable to open and provide a path to dump or remove the crop. The lower volume is operable to receive a flow of air from an opening to assist with the drying of the crop. The present invention also encompasses other embodiments and methods.
US08215027B2 Tape measure with self-regulating speed control mechanism
Disclosed herein is a tape measure with a self-regulating speed control mechanism. In the present invention, when a bobbin rotates, a rubber roller rotatably provided on a movable mounting plate alternately comes into contact with an inner surface of a support ring and a rubber acceleration prevention member provided on the inner surface of the support ring, so that the speed of the bobbin can be smoothly and reliably reduced.
US08215020B1 Ramp assembly installation method
Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, an inboard and outboard ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as mounting blocks, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.
US08215019B2 Process for producing an orthodontic bracket
A method for producing an orthodontic bracket is comprised of sintering a molded body of highly-pure alumina fine powder at a temperature of 1,200° C. to 1,300° C. to obtain a sintered body composed of crystals having a relative density of 96% to 99.5% and an average crystal grain size of at most 1 μm, and thereafter subjecting the sintered body to an HIP treatment at a temperature of 1,200° C. to 1,350° C., under a pressure of at least 50 MPa. Such an orthodontic bracket has high strength and high translucency, can be processed into a complicated shape, similar to that of a metal bracket, and maintains excellent translucency.
US08215013B2 Method for making a free standing axially compressed connector stack
Connector assemblies for use with implantable medical devices having easy to assemble contacts are disclosed. The connector assemblies are generally formed by coupling a plurality of ring contacts, sealing rings, and spring contact elements together with at least one holding ring to form a connector having a common bore for receiving a medical lead cable. Contact grooves or spring chambers for positioning the spring contact elements are formed in part by assembling multiple components together. A further aspect is a provision for encasing each connector assembly or stack inside a thermoset layer or a thermoplastic layer before over-molding the same to a sealed housing.
US08215009B2 Method for manufacturing a plug arm
This is directed to a power adapter plug arm manufactured from a single piece of material. The plug arm can include a plug operative to extend into a wall socket, an elongated plate coupled to an end of the plug such that the plug extends from a first surface of one end of the plate, and a pin coupled to the opposite end of the plate and extending from the opposite surface of the plate. The pin can be operative to engage a circuit board of the power adapter to provide power received from the wall socket to an electronic device coupled to the power adapter. To enhance the strength of the plug arm, the plate can be manufactured by creating a co-axial plug and a stem from a single piece of material, bending the stem, and cold heading the bent portion of the stem to form a plate. Because the cold heading process involves cold working the material, the arm and in particular the bridge member at the interface between the plate and the stem can become stronger as a result of the manufacturing process.
US08215004B2 Fabrication line
A fabrication line that utilizes a jig pallet that is commonly used in processing equipment to efficiently finish and assemble semifinished products of plural shapes. The jig pallet includes a holding member D for holding a semifinished product W and an opening/closing device G1 for opening and closing the holding member D, and allows the semifinished product W to be mounted and dismounted by opening and closing the holding member D with the opening/closing device G1. The jig pallet is transported to processing equipment M1, M2, and M3 to allow the semifinished product to be processed in the fabrication line. An opening/closing driving device G2 that engages the opening/closing device G1 to open and close the holding member is provided along the fabrication line.
US08215002B2 Method of making a lamp coil
Traditional methods of making headlamp coils have left a portion of the coils with slightly irregular forms. These irregularities can result in defects in the ultimate beam pattern. Accommodating these defects in robust lamp and headlamp optical systems can reduce the performance that might otherwise be available. The preferred coil is therefore continuously coiled as a straight body, and carefully cut into segments. Subsequently, legs are welded to the coil segment ends. The coil is then left substantially undistorted by the manufacturing process that would otherwise normally leave a portion of the coils distorted. The method particularly enables a functional center leg coil.
US08215000B2 Methods for twisting rotor and stator ends
Methods and apparatus for twisting rectangular rotor and stator conductor ends whereby most if not all conductor ends are bent at once, radially adjacent ends being bent in opposite directions. A lost motion member may be used to bend selected conductors through lesser angles for such purposes as phase interconnection and power leads. The rectangular conductors are retained against twisting so that flat conductors will bend about an axis perpendicular to the larger dimension of the conductor cross section. Various features of the methods and apparatus are disclosed.
US08214999B2 Method of forming a miniature, surface microsurfaced differential microphone
A differential microphone having a perimeter slit formed around the microphone diaphragm that replaces the backside hole previously required in conventional silicon, micromachined microphones. The differential microphone is formed using silicon fabrication techniques applied only to a single, front face of a silicon wafer. The backside holes of prior art microphones typically require that a secondary machining operation be performed on the rear surface of the silicon wafer during fabrication. This secondary operation adds complexity and cost to the micromachined microphones so fabricated. Comb fingers forming a portion of a capacitive arrangement may be fabricated as part of the differential microphone diaphragm.
US08214997B2 Anchor structure with bidirectionally deflectable bore gripping fingers
A bore gripping anchor structure for attaching articles to the outer surfaces of masonry materials and other solids which is actuated by a blind rivet type installation tool. A basic embodiment has an anchor component with bidirectionally deflectable fingers (20) and a concentrically situated and slidably housed actuator device which has a stem (30) and a force applying portion, anvil (40). After insertion into a bore in a first direction, the actuator device is pulled in the opposite direction, so that said anvil (40) interacts with said fingers (20) in a manner which causes said fingers (20) to first be deflected outward and into substantial contact with the wall of the bore, and with continued pulling of said anvil (40) in the opposite direction causes the end portions of said fingers (20) to deflect inward and behind said anvil (40), to couple the anchor structure with the bore.
US08214995B2 Method and tool for manufacturing of build up products
A tool for producing composite objects, including a first and a second material path, along which a first and second sheet material are stepwise feedable. Along the first and second material paths there are disposed a number of processing stations for processing the first and second sheet materials by shearing, punching, pressing, bending etc. The first and second material paths intersect one another and in the zone of intersection an assembly station is disposed for joining together or assembling component parts from the first and second material paths. A method of producing from sheet material a composite object includes the steps of stepwise feeding a first sheet material in a first feeding direction, the sheet material being processed between certain feeding steps, feeding a second sheet material stepwise in a second feeding direction, the second sheet material being processed between certain feeding steps. The first and second component parts are assembled together and caused to leave the tool in the assembled state.
US08214989B1 Pitot tube cover installation tool
A tool for installing a pitot tube cover on an elevated pitot tube of an aircraft includes an adjustable light weight support pole carrying a brace for carrying and guiding the cover during installation over the pitot tube, wherein the brace includes upwardly projecting pliable pins for engaging tabs on the cover and a cross shaft for guiding movement of the cover into alignment and registration with said pitot tube.
US08214988B2 Bearing handling tool
A bearing handling tool is revealed. The bearing handling tool includes a tool body having a fixing member arranged at a middle part thereof. The fixing member is for fixing the tool body to a machine such as engines or transmissions of car models, ship models, airplane models, etc. The tool body further has a connection end on one end and a plurality of locking parts on the other end thereof. The connection end is to handle the bearing near a surface of the machine while the locking part is for handling the bearing in the machine. The handling tool is used depending on the condition and providing convenient assembling and disassembling. Moreover, the attaching and detaching of the bearing have no influence on the machine and with high industrial application value.
US08214987B1 Remote vacuum or pressure sealing device and method for critical isolated systems
A remote vacuum or pressure sealing apparatus and method for making a radiation tolerant, remotely prepared seal that maintains a vacuum or pressure tight seal throughout a wide temperature range. The remote sealing apparatus includes a fixed threaded sealing surface on an isolated system, a gasket, and an insert consisting of a plug with a protruding sample holder. An insert coupling device, provided for inserting samples within the isolated system, includes a threaded fastener for cooperating with the fixed threaded sealing surface on the isolated system. The insert coupling device includes a locating pin for azimuthal orientation, coupling pins, a tooted coaxial socket wrench, and an insert coupling actuator for actuating the coupling pins. The remote aspect of the sealing apparatus maintains the isolation of the system from the user's environment, safely preserving the user and the system from detrimental effect from each respectively.
US08214983B2 Process for producing piezoelectric ceramic devices
An improved process for producing a piezoelectric ceramic device is disclosed, wherein the process includes the following steps: securing a metal plate in a mold cavity body by maintaining a binding area on a top surface of the metal plate, and that the top surface other than the binding area is enveloped, confined and secured; coating a metal paste on the binding area; placing a piezoelectric ceramic powder on the metal paste; pressing a pressing pillar on the piezoelectric ceramic powder; securing the pressing pillar in position; heating the mold cavity body so as to sinter the piezoelectric ceramic powder as a sintered body, and heating the mold cavity body so as to treat the sintered body to become a not-yet polarized piezoelectric ceramic sheet. Therefore, the same mold is employed for the piezoelectric ceramic powder sintering, the heat treatment, and the positioning and binding to the metal plate.
US08214982B2 Method of fabricating piezoelectric vibrating pieces
To carry out frequency adjustment easily, accurately and efficiently without being influenced by a size of a piezoelectric vibrating piece and achieve low cost formation and promotion of maintenance performance, there is provided a method of fabricating a piezoelectric vibrating piece which is a method of fabricating a piezoelectric vibrating piece having a piezoelectric vibrating plate 11, a pair of exciting electrodes 12, 13, and a pair of mount electrodes 15, 16 by utilizing a wafer S, the method including an outer shape forming step of forming a frame portion S1 at a wafer and forming a plurality of piezoelectric plates at the frame portion to be connected thereto by way of a connecting portion 11a, an electrode forming step of forming pairs of exciting electrodes and pairs of mount electrodes respectively at the plurality of piezoelectric plates and forming a common electrode S2 respectively electrically connected to a plurality of the pairs of mount electrodes 15 on one side by way of the connecting portion, a frequency adjusting step of adjusting a frequency of the piezoelectric plate by applying a drive voltage between the common electrode and the mount electrode 16 on other side, and a cutting step of fragmenting the plurality of piezoelectric plates.
US08214980B2 Methods of manufacture of secured aerogel composites
Embodiments of the present invention describe secured fiber-reinforced aerogels and laminate structures formed therefrom. In one embodiment a laminate comprises at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer adjacent to at least one layer of fiber-containing material wherein fibers from said at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of said at least one fiber-containing material. In another embodiment a laminate comprises at least two adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layers wherein fibers from at least one fiber-reinforced aerogel layer are interlaced with fibers of an adjacent fiber-reinforced aerogel layer.
US08214977B2 Centralized scanner database with optimal definition distribution using network queries
A system and method detects malware on client devices based on partially distributed malware definitions from a central server. A server stores malware definitions for known malware. The server generates one or more filters based on the malware definitions and distributes the filter(s) to client devices. The server also distributes full definitions to the clients for a subset of the most commonly detected malware. The client device scans files for malware by first applying the filter to a file. If the filter outputs a positive detection, the client scans the file using the full definition to determine if the file comprises malware. If the full definition is not stored locally by the client, the client queries the server for the definition and then continues the scanning process.
US08214975B2 Adjustable length litter strap assembly
A litter strap that is easily adjustable to any length while simultaneously secure under tension includes an elongate strap extending between first and second parts of a two-piece buckle. The strap may be threaded through one of the buckle parts and manually slidable therethrough for adjusting a length of the litter strap assembly. A flexible pinch guard may be affixed to the strap so that the pinch guard substantially overlaps the first buckle part when the buckle parts are decoupled and may be wider than the strap and sized to substantially overlap the first and second buckle parts when the buckle parts are coupled. A keeper loop may encircle a middle portion of the strap and be slidable therealong and a pull tab may extend from the keeper loop to facilitate adjusting a position of the keeper loop along the middle portion.
US08214974B2 Clip fasteners for attaching gaskets or gasket-like devices to a mounting surface and its installation method as well as the equipments
The present invention provides a kind of clip fastener for attaching gaskets or gasket-like devices to a mounting surface, including a mounting surface engagement head, a neck and a protrusive base perpendicular to the plane of the head and attached to the neck. The present invention also presents a kind of method and equipment for mounting a clip fastener with protrusive base to gasket. Clip fastener base in present invention can be embedded into gasket, or rotated into woven gasket, or embedded into gasket being weaving. The head extend outwards across gasket and clip fasteners in the holes on mounting surface to fasten gasket to mounting surface firmly and effectively.
US08214973B2 Furniture hinge
A furniture hinge has a first and a second equalizers connecting to a box-shaped body and a hinge arm, the first equalizer being pivoted to the box-shaped body through a first pin and to the hinge arm through a second pin, the second equalizer being pivoted to the box-shaped body through a third pin and to the hinge arm through a fourth pin, a flexure spring being wound around a pin fixed to the hinge arm and having a first spring arm abutting against the hinge arm and a second spring arm abutting against a control cam formed on the first equalizer, a contact surface between the control cam and the second spring arm, during the rotation or the hinge the contact surface moving along both the profile of the control cam and the profile of the second spring arm.
US08214970B2 Wheel system with lifter apparatus
A wheel system includes a frame, a wheel rotatably mounted to the frame, and a lifter. The lifter defines a first end and a second end. The first end of the lifter is pivotably mounted to the frame, and the second end of the lifter defines a contact surface. The contact surface of the lifter is adapted to establish initial contact with a vertically disposed obstacle, and thereafter the lifter is configured to pivot about the first end such that the wheel is lifted and translated over the vertical obstacle.
US08214969B2 Layered eraser
A layered eraser, comprising: a plurality of eraser layers, comprising at least an innermost eraser layer and an outermost eraser layer; the outermost eraser layer containing the innermost eraser layer; each eraser layer adjacent at least one other eraser layer; each of the eraser layers having an outermost surface. The layered eraser may be adapted to fit about a writing instrument. Each eraser layer adjacent another eraser layer may have different shaped outermost surfaces. Embodiments include different eraser layers in the shapes of simulated space ships, simulated dinosaur heads, and simulated planets. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of eraser layers comprise an innermost eraser layer, at least one intermediate eraser layer completely surrounding the innermost eraser layer, and an outermost eraser layer completely surrounding the at least one intermediate layer, one or more eraser layers being exposed after at least a portion of the layered eraser is worn away.
US08214966B2 Vacuum cleaner nozzle height indicator
A nozzle height indicator for a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle height indicator has a height display adapted to be viewed by a user, a light source adapted to emit light, and a blocking member. The blocking member is adapted to be positioned in a first position in which it allows the light to illuminate the height display and a second position in which it substantially prevents the light from illuminating at least a portion of the height display. The blocking member may indicate the height of an associated vacuum cleaner inlet nozzle relative to a surface being cleaned. A vacuum cleaner inlet nozzle is also provided.
US08214961B2 Apparatus for cleaning male electrical pins
An apparatus for cleaning male electrical pins comprises a base portion, a first cleaning extension, and a second cleaning extension. The first cleaning extension extends from the base portion and defines a first substantially half-cylindrical shell. Likewise, the second cleaning extension extends from the base portion in a direction substantially parallel to the first cleaning extension, and defines a second substantially half-cylindrical shell. The first cleaning extension and the second cleaning extension define a gap therebetween. In addition, each of the first and second substantially half-cylindrical shells comprises a respective knurled surface region facing the gap.
US08214959B2 Actuator and electric toothbrush using the same
An actuator allows miniaturization by realizing back-and-forth rotating motion of, for example, an electric brush without a drive transmitting mechanism which is a separate entity from a drive source. In a movable body (110) of this actuator (100), an outer yoke (150) is provided with sidewalls (152 and 153) located opposing each other spaced a predetermined interval apart. A magnet (160) is provided in the outer yoke (150) through a non-magnetic body (170) and has different magnetic poles located opposing to the opposing inner wall planes of the outer yoke (150) through the air gaps. The movable body (110) is provided with a shaft (180). The fixed body (120) has a coil (128) which is located in the air gaps and which circles the magnet (160). The fixed body (120) movably supports the movable body (110) through elastic bodies (130). An alternating current supplying section (140) supplies to the coil (128) the alternating current of a frequency virtually equal to the resonance frequency of the movable body (110).
US08214958B2 Sensor responsive electric toothbrushes and methods of use
A sensor-responsive toothbrush that can adjust its output or operation depending upon information received by one or more sensors incorporated in the toothbrush or as selected by a user. The information typically relates to certain conditions or the presence of particular substances or agents within or outside of the oral cavity. The sensor-responsive toothbrush also includes one or more responsive output components that provide a responsive output in response to the sensed information. A method of providing an oral care benefit, comprising steps of: activating a toothbrush comprising a sensor; detecting a sensor input with the sensor; and initiating a responsive output from the toothbrush in response to the sensor input.
US08214953B2 Self-enclosable inflatable mattress
A self-enclosable inflatable mattress has a mattress body, a valve and a bag. The mattress body has a sidewall and a chamber being defined in the mattress body. The valve is mounted through the mattress body. The bag is attached to the mattress body and has a surrounding sheet, at least one holding sheet and at least one fastener. The at least one holding sheet is mounted on a corresponding margin of the surrounding sheet and detachably connected to a corresponding surrounding sheet. The fastener is mounted between the surrounding sheet and the holding sheet. The self-enclosable inflatable mattress is easily stored compactly and prevents dust from contacting the mattress body during storage.
US08214951B1 Soft Surgical arm support
A soft arm support and protection device for use during a medical procedure when a patient is lying supine or prone. The device may be made from a soft neoprene material which is positioned under the patient's body. Enveloping leaves of material wrap from above and below the arm to afford complete and even support. The mating surfaces of the leaves are fitted with wide fastening material to allow secure fixation of the arm without pressure points. The dimensions allow for protected and stable vascular access sites with the option of adding additional foam padding about such sites and to vulnerable nerves and bones. The device also allows for radiologic imaging and can be quickly undone in an emergency for rapid access. The device is made of material which is hypoallergenic and durable. It can be manufactured in either a disposable or reusable version.
US08214948B2 Adjustable bed skirt
An adjustable bed skirt includes a deck with a peripheral edge around its perimeter, and a ruffle attached around the perimeter of the deck at the peripheral edge. The deck includes a releasable longitudinal fold and a releasable lateral fold, reversibly secured by closure members. The ruffle includes a plurality of releasably extendible pleats. Each of the longitudinal and lateral folds extends into an associated one of the pleats. When the longitudinal fold is released, the deck and the ruffle are changed from a first, folded width to a second, unfolded width. When the lateral fold is released, the deck and the ruffle are changed from a first, folded length to a second, unfolded length.
US08214947B1 Bedclothes apparatus
A bedclothes apparatus includes a blanket sized to cover two occupants of a bed, first and second coverlets, a first fastener assembly operable to secure the first coverlet to a central section of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be laid across a first segment of the blanket and to release the first coverlet from the central section of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be moved away from the first segment and the central section of the blanket, and a second fastener assembly operable to secure the second coverlet to the central section of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be laid across a second segment of the blanket and to release the second coverlet from the central section of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be moved away from the second segment and the central section of the blanket.
US08214939B2 Splash guard for washing basin
A splash guard for installation on a washing basin having a faucet assembly mounted proximate an edge of said basin, said splash guard comprising a one piece, generally concave shell having a floor portion with one or more openings for water supply plumbing to said faucet assembly and an upwardly curved rear wall portion integral therewith for directing splashed material impinging thereon into said washing basin.
US08214938B2 Shower bar assembly
A shower bar assembly that includes a pair of mounting brackets configured and arranged to be mounted to a wall of a shower stall is disclosed. Each of the mounting brackets has a base portion with a first shelf and a second shelf projecting from the base portion. The first and second shelves each have a retaining peg projecting from each shelf, respectively. A tubular shower bar is included and has two opposing ends. Each of the ends of the tubular shower bar has a pair of surfaces in which each defines an aperture through the tubular shower bar. Each end of the tubular shower bar is configured and arranged to slide onto the first and second shelves of the mounting brackets, with the apertures interlocking with each of the retaining pegs, respectively, to suspend the shower bar between the mounting brackets and to prevent the shower bar from rotating between the brackets.
US08214936B2 Spa having heat pump system
A spa or hot tub system includes a tub forming a cavity that holds a fluid such as water therein, and a water circulation system provides for circulation of water within the tub. The hot tub includes inner and outer surfaces, and defines an internal space. A heat pump system is operably connected to the water circulation system, and heats the water in the hot tub. The water side heat exchangers of the heat pump may include a polymer housing, and coiled inner elements for refrigerant. The coils may be made of a corrosion-resistant metal tubing or the like. The system may include a conventional electric heating element in addition to the heat pump to provide additional heating capacity.
US08214934B2 Seamless sink drain assembly with disposer/strainer mounting system
The sink drain assembly (3-5) comprises a downwardly extending drain sleeve (3) integrally formed on the sink (1); a resilient, generally cylindrical mounting member (5) formed with an upper annular section (7) adapted to releasably engage the drain sleeve (3) and with a lower annular section (13) adapted to releasably receive an upper portion (12) of a garbage disposer (8,9); a clamp (14) removably attachable to the mounting member (5) in overlying relation to the upper (7) and lower (13) annular sections, and a strainer (64) having a radially outwardly extending gasket (63) adapted to establish a generally water tight seal between the strainer (64) and a splashguard (66) mounted on the upper portion (12) of the garbage disposer (8,9).
US08214933B1 Toilet actuating system
A toilet actuating system includes a flush pedal, at least one seat/lid pedal, a control unit interfacing with the flush pedal and the at least one seat/lid pedal, a toilet flush mechanism engaged by the control unit and at least one of a toilet seat and a toilet lid engaged by the control unit.
US08214932B2 Automatic self-closing toilet seat assembly
A self-closing toilet seat assembly includes a longitudinal hinge tube mounted in a cavity on the underside of a toilet lid in coaxial alignment with the hinge flanges thereof. The hinge tube is secured in hinged engagement with both the toilet lid and seat by means of a pair of slow-close hinge dampeners. A self-closing mechanism, in association with a mounting base attached to the bowl of a conventional toilet and to the underside of the hinge tube, is responsive to manual lifting of either the toilet lid itself or of both the toilet lid and the toilet seat to the open or vertical position for initiating closing rotation of the toilet lid and the toilet seat, if also upright, to the vertical tipping point, past which they continue to gravitationally rotate to the closed position, at a rate limited by the slow-close hinge dampeners. The self-closing mechanism is responsive to the weight of a user seated on the toilet seat for inhibiting closing rotation of the toilet lid until the user rises from the toilet seat.
US08214929B2 Shoulder pads
The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse, that is formed from a consolidated polymer fiber composite material, such as polypropylene tape yarn that reduces the overall weight of the shoulder pad. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. Unlike conventional designs, the single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member. The shoulder pad further includes a pair of interior pad assemblies wherein each interior pad assembly is removably connected to an arch member. The interior pad assembly is an integrated unit formed from a front pad, an intermediate pad, and a rear pad joined together to form distinct air management chambers.
US08214927B1 Protective garment for lower abdomen and upper legs
Garments designed to be worn in conjunction with conventional chaps to protect the lower abdomen of the wearer and upper legs of a wearer are described herein. Also described are garments that replace conventional chaps.
US08214926B2 Posture improving garment
A garment adapted to be worn by a wearer. The garment includes a main body portion that is configured to be worn over at least a portion of the wearer's lumbo-pelvic region, hips and at least a portion of the legs, wherein the main body portion includes first and second leg portions that each define an axis. The garment also includes a strap system that includes a plurality of leg straps releasably affixed to the main body portion. Each of the leg straps includes at least one connector for affixing the leg strap to the main body portion. Each of the leg straps overlies a grip layer that is adapted to contact the wearer's skin when the garment is worn.
US08214922B2 Water shorts incorporating a stretch textile
An article of apparel, which may be a pair of water shorts, includes a first textile and a second textile. The first textile forms a majority of an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of the apparel, and the first textile exhibits at least thirty percent stretch prior to tensile failure. The second textile is located around a waistband portion of the apparel, and the second textile exhibits less than ten percent stretch prior to tensile failure.
US08220063B2 Biometric authentication for remote initiation of actions and services
In one aspect, the invention relates to generating a trusted communication channel with a client. An agent module is provided at the client along with a task set including one or more tasks. One or more client components needed to complete each of the tasks of the task set is determined, and it is further determined whether each of the needed client components is trustworthy. An equivalent component for components determined to be untrustworthy may be provided.
US08220062B1 Double sand-boxing for flash library
A Flash advertisement is provided, and access to sensitive data associated with the Flash advertisement is restricted. First library code is stored at a first security domain, the first library code to control playback of the Flash advertisement; and second library code is stored at a second security domain, the second library code to access the sensitive data. An application at a third security domain is permitted to access the first library code, and only code residing at the first security domain is permitted to access the second library code.
US08220060B1 Method and system for maintaining the security of design information
Approaches for protecting design information are disclosed. In one approach, a request for an IP core from an integrated circuit device is received, and the request includes identification information. An identifier range is determined from the identification information. The identifier range includes a plurality of unique device identifiers identifying a plurality of integrated circuit devices that are allowed to receive the IP core. The identifier range is downloaded to the integrated circuit device, which evaluates whether or not a unique device identifier that is stored on the integrated circuit device is within the downloaded identifier range. The IP core is programmed into the integrated circuit in response to the unique device identifier that is stored on the integrated circuit device being within the downloaded identifier range.
US08220058B2 Rendering and encryption engine for application program obfuscation
Obfuscation of an application program comprises receiving an obfuscated key decryption program comprising an instruction stream configured to perform a decryption algorithm for a first cryptographic key. The obfuscated key decryption program also has an encrypted second cryptographic key scrambled in its instruction stream. The second cryptographic key is encrypted with the first cryptographic key. The obfuscated key decryption program is executed to decrypt the second cryptographic key. The second cryptographic key is used for decrypting digital content.
US08220057B2 Method for the automatic control of fraud in an electronic transaction system
A method of automatically controlling fraud in an electronic transaction system. When a user initiates a session in the electronic transaction system, an element is generated and stored in a database in association with information identifying the user. Each time during the session the user commands the execution of an operation, an equation is determined that is satisfied by the element stored in the database. When a sufficient given number of operations has been effected, the system of equations consisting of the equations determined as above is solved to deduce the element. By consulting the database, the corresponding information identifying the user is deduced from the element obtained in this way.
US08220055B1 Behavior blocking utilizing positive behavior system and method
A method includes decreasing a suspicion of a negative action by an application if the application has previously performed a positive action. The positive action is an action that is never or rarely taken by malicious code. In one example, the positive action is use of a user interface element by the application to have a user interaction with a user of the computer system. By taking into consideration the positive action by the application, the occurrence of false positives is minimized.
US08220052B2 Application based intrusion detection
A method of detecting an intrusion into a computer. At least one communication to an application program is selectively evaluated by the application program accessing an intrusion detection service to evaluate the communication.
US08220049B2 Hardware-based detection and containment of an infected host computing device
Methods and apparatuses enable a traffic analyzer to monitor an internal connection of a computing system for one or more traffic patterns. The traffic analyzer compares traffic on the internal connection to an expected traffic pattern, and performs a policy based action based on the result of comparing the traffic pattern to the expected pattern. The traffic analyzer can exist in a stack of a VMM or a monitoring VM or be implemented in a management engine of the computing system. In one embodiment, the computing system includes traffic analyzer components in both a VMM or monitoring VM and a management engine.
US08220048B2 Network intrusion detector with combined protocol analyses, normalization and matching
A network intrusion detection system combines the normally sequential steps of protocol analysis, normalization, and signature matching through the use of a regular expression to speed the monitoring of network data. The regular expression also allows the creation of a superset matcher, permitting multiple stages of matching of increased accuracy to produce additional throughput gains.
US08220047B1 Anti-phishing system and method
An anti-phishing system and method includes monitoring a user input data stream input to a computing device, identifying, in the user input data stream, one or more characters corresponding to a trigger event related to private information of a user, and taking an action to protect the private information based on identifying the one or more characters corresponding to the trigger event.
US08220042B2 Creating secure interactive connections with remote resources
Implementations of the present invention efficiently establish secure connections between a client and server, at least in part by authenticating the client and server early on in the connection setup phases. A client initiating a connection with a server identifies the secure communication protocols enabled at the client, and identifies these protocols in a connection request it sends to the server. The server processes the message and responds with a communication protocol it deems appropriate for the connection. The client and server then exchange appropriate authentication information, and then establish a connection session that implements the chosen communication protocol, and encrypts messages using the negotiated communication protocol. Additional implementations relate to reestablishing dropped connections behind virtual Internet Protocol addresses, without necessarily having to recommit much connection resource overhead.
US08220040B2 Verifying that group membership requirements are met by users
In an embodiment, a verifier receives requirements for membership in a group from a service and receives proof of attributes from users. The verifier verifies whether the proof of attributes meets the membership requirements and sends acceptance or rejection to the service. If the proof meets the requirements, the service allows the users to become members of the group and allows the members to transfer data to and from other members. If the proof does not meet the requirements, the service prevents the users from becoming members. In this way, the service and group members know that other group members satisfy the group membership requirements without needing to know the identity of the group members or other information unrelated to the group membership requirements.
US08220039B2 Mass storage device with automated credentials loading
A portable mass storage device for use in two factor authentication systems and methods. A secure portable mass storage device protects content from being freely copied with security mechanisms and firmware. The security functionality also protects confidential user credentials and passwords, as well as algorithms and seeds needed for two factor authentication or asymmetric authentication methods. A client application residing in the mass storage device acts as both a password manager and an authentication manager that seamlessly performs the authentication procedures in the background while signing a user into various institutions of his choosing. A very high level of security is integrated into a mass storage device the user has for purposes other than two factor authentication, and the convenience of highly secure password management also comes in a convenient pocket sized package easy for the user to transport. This facilitates the acceptance of two factor authentication, and increases security for a wide variety of online transactions.
US08220038B1 Method for securely routing communications
A method and program product for securely routing communicating data between sources and destinations having various data protocols. Data protocols are converted to internet protocol, if not already in internet protocol, for routing. Cryptographic keys of the source, the message, and the destination are verified. If a source and a destination share the same control system, the communication need not, but may, be encrypted for routing; otherwise, the communication is encrypted for routing on the local area network and then decrypted before transmission to the destination. Some communications require further security processing, such as in a HAIPE for certain SATCOM communications. Also, a method and a program product to initialize the secure routing system by loading cryptographic keys, configuring components of the routing system, and loading preprogrammed communication parameters. The programming dynamically responds and changes routing of a communication depending on what communication parameters change.
US08220036B2 Establishing a secure channel with a human user
A method of establishing a secure channel between a human user and a computer application is described. A secret unique identifier (“PIN”) is shared between a user and an application. When the user makes a request that involves utilizing the PIN for authentication purposes, the application renders a randomly selected identifier. The randomly selected identifier is in a format that is recognizable to a human but is not readily recognizable by an automated agent. The randomly selected identifier is then presented to the human user. The user identifies the relationship between the randomly selected identifier and the PIN. If the user's input reflects the fact that the user knows the PIN, then the user is authenticated.
US08220028B2 Content transmission apparatus, content reception apparatus, and content transmission/reception system
Disclosed herein is a content transmission apparatus connected to a content reception apparatus at a remote place via a network, the content transmission apparatus including: a broadcast signal reception section configured to receive a broadcast content on one or more channels; a recording/reproducing section configured to compress and record data of at least 24 hours of broadcast content on each channel, and reproduce the recorded compressed data; a communication section configured to transmit the compressed data to the content reception apparatus via the network; and a delay control section configured to control the recording/reproducing section to control a delay time between a broadcasting time of the content and a time at which the compressed data is transmitted. The delay time is set in accordance with time difference information indicating a time difference between places where the content transmission apparatus and the content reception apparatus are placed.
US08220026B2 Digital broadcasting system and data processing method
A digital broadcasting system and method of processing data therein are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a baseband processor unit receiving a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data, the mobile service data configuring an RS frame, the RS frame including the mobile service data and at least one signaling information data describing rating information of the mobile service data, a management processor unit obtaining the rating information of the mobile service data by parsing the signaling information data from the RS frame, the management processor unit determining a presence or non-presence of a viewing restriction by comparing the obtained rating information of the mobile service data to viewing restriction rating information set by a user, and a presentation processor unit blocking the mobile service data if the viewing restriction of the mobile service data is determined.
US08220023B2 Method for content presentation
A method and system is presented for personalizing an electronic program guide that enables a viewer easily and quickly to access to the subset of information that is personally most relevant.
US08220021B1 Television viewer interface system
A television viewer interface system provides a viewer interface that allows the viewer to access different functions of a system. A highlight bar is responsive to the user's commands and is used to indicate the current menu item that can be selected by the user. Information is presented in a successive disclosure format where the user navigates through menus by moving the highlight bar to the right to obtain more information or to the left to see less information and return to the previous location. The background colors of each set of menus remains consistent throughout the user's experience such that the user intuitively knows what menu area he is in through the color cues. The invention provides indicators that tell the user that more information is available in a particular direction for a menu item.
US08220019B2 Remote advertising system
A remote advertising system and method are provided. The advertising media (such as video, pictures, audio and text) may be stored on computer servers. The advertising media is downloaded to one or more kiosks at scheduled intervals and displayed on a rotating schedule. Users may interact with the advertisement to request additional information relating to the advertisement to be displayed, purchase the advertised products and services, or print out tickets, coupons or the like for related or unrelated products and services.
US08220016B2 Method for protection of data reproduction according to both medium protection data and apparatus protection data
In a reproduction apparatus, for reproducing an original signal conveyed as main data by a data medium such as a recording disk or broadcasting system, with medium protection data which are specific to the data medium being conveyed together with the main data, the apparatus includes a section for generating apparatus protection data which are specific to the reproduction apparatus, a section for combining the apparatus protection data with the medium protection data to define a protection level, and a section for applying the protection level to restrict reproduction of the original signal, with stepwise variations in restriction occurring in accordance with changes in protection level. The medium protection data may include information for specifying restricted reproduction of portions of the original signal, such as by producing degraded resolution within specified regions of specified frames of a video signal.
US08220013B2 Recording medium drive apparatus and electronic apparatus
Disclosed is a recording medium drive apparatus configured to drive a recording medium, including a case, a drive source used for loading/ejecting the recording medium into/from the case, a motor unit configured to hold the recording medium and rotate the recording medium held, a pickup unit configured to record a signal on the recording medium rotated by the motor unit or reproduce the recorded signal, a first slider driven by the drive source to slide a first distance in a first direction, a second slider that is cam-engaged with the pickup unit and slides in a second direction to move the pickup unit upward and downward, a moving member that is releasably engaged with the first slider, engaged with the pickup unit, and cam-engaged with the motor unit, and moves the motor unit upward and downward, and a link mechanism configured to link the first slider and the second slider.
US08220012B2 Holding member, driving apparatus, pickup apparatus, and disc apparatus
A holding member provided with a coil comprising a proximity facilitating portion capable of bringing the coil closer to a magnetic member facing the coil.
US08220008B2 Disk apparatus with resilient member on cam mechanism connecting a main slider to a sub-slider
A slot-in type disk apparatus configured to prevent fine traverse base vibration at disk playback. A base body and a lid constitute a chassis outer sheath having a front surface formed with a disk insertion slot. The base body has a traverse base with a spindle motor, a pickup and a driving unit moving the pickup. A cam displaces the traverse base between the base body and the lid. The cam is provided on each of a main slider and a sub-slider. The main slider and the sub-slider are located sideways of the spindle motor and are connected to each other through a cam lever which is moved by the main slider, and the traverse base is displaced by moving the sub-slider. The cam lever has a resilient member which abuts against the traverse base at the time of playback of a disk.
US08220005B2 Apparatus, system, and computer program product for processing information
An image processing apparatus includes an input unit that inputs a command, a wireless interface unit that wirelessly exchanges data with an image forming apparatus in a direct manner, a transmission/reception control unit that controls an operation of the wireless interface unit, and a program processing unit that performs an installation process of a program. The transmission/reception control unit causes the wireless interface unit to receive a driver module from the image forming apparatus. The program processing unit performs an installation process of the driver module received by the wireless interface unit.
US08220004B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product for sharing resources via an interprocess communication
An apparatus for sharing resources between interconnected processes via an interprocess communication may include a processor and a memory storing executable instructions that in response to execution by the processor cause the apparatus to at least perform operations including receiving a request from at least one first process that controls one or more resources. The request may include data requesting assignment of one or more rights to share at least one of the resources with at least a second process. The instructions may further cause the apparatus to assign the rights to share the resource with the second process and remove the rights to share the resource from the second process upon receipt of a first message. Corresponding computer program products and methods are also provided.
US08220003B2 System and method for programming point of sale devices
A system for programming point of sale devices is provided. The system includes a terminal programming system that can program point of sale devices provided by different manufacturers and having different proprietary operating systems. A communications interface is connected to the terminal programming system that receives update requests from the plurality of point of sale devices, such as when the point of sale devices call in to the system or when the point of sale devices respond to a poll.
US08220000B2 System and method for executing files stored in logical units based on priority and input/output load of the logical units
A storage system including a plurality of logical units; file management application software for performing file management on a per-file basis for a plurality of files stored in the respective logical units; a load monitoring module for monitoring a load in a resource of the storage system; and a file management control module for controlling the file management application software based on the load monitored by the load monitoring module.
US08219999B2 System and method for determining a number of threads to maximize utilization of a system
A system and associated method for determining a number of threads to maximize system utilization. The method begins with determining a first value which corresponds to the current system utilization. Next the method determines a second value which corresponds the current number of threads in the system. Next the method determines a third value which corresponds to the number of processor cores in the system. Next the method receives a fourth value from an end user which corresponds to the optimal system utilization the end user wishes to achieve. Next the method determines a fifth value which corresponds to the number of threads necessary to achieve the optimal system utilization value received from the end user. Finally, the method sends the fifth value to all running applications.
US08219996B1 Computer processor with fairness monitor
A computer processor includes a fairness monitor for monitoring allocations of a processor resource to requestors. If unfairness is determined, a resource allocator is biased to offset said unfairness.
US08219995B2 Capturing hardware statistics for partitions to enable dispatching and scheduling efficiency
A method, system and computer program product enables the granular collection and utilization of hardware statistical samples for the efficient scheduling and allocation of data processing resources. In particular, a Partition Statistics Capture and Analysis (PSCA) utility utilizes special purpose registers to collect statistical samples, such as: (1) instructions completed; (2) Level2 (L2) cache misses; (3) cycles per instruction (CPI); and/or (4) other statistics selected based on the programming of the PSCA utility. Further, these statistical samples are utilized for the several purposes, including: (1) determining how long (time) the footprint of a partition takes to become established during the “cold start” period, i.e., during system instantiation; (2) detecting movement of the CPI curve in order to determine the (shifted) location of the onset of steady state (i.e., the knee) on the CPI curve; and (3) utilizing the statistical samples to guide dispatch decisions and make tuning recommendations.
US08219992B2 Data processing system having a plurality of processors and operating systems
Management programs for concealing differences in hardware configuration and OS are operated and stayed resident every OS. A database manipulated by the management programs is prepared. The database defines correspondences between tasks for hardware control and software processing, which are processed under the control of the OSs and their attached OSs, over the OSs. When the corresponding management program detects a startup request of a task, the management program extracts an entry corresponding to the task from the database. If an attached OS owned by the extracted entry is its own OS, then the task is processed under the control of the corresponding OS. If the attached OS owned by the extracted entry is other OS, then the startup request is passed to a processor of the other OS, where the task is processed.
US08219990B2 Techniques for managing virtual machine (VM) states
Techniques for managing virtual machine (VM) states are provided. Applications executing within a processing context of a VM communicate outside that processing context with a hypervisor or VM Monitor (VMM) to have the hypervisor perform host operations for the VM.
US08219988B2 Partition adjunct for data processing system
A partition adjunct is provided for a logical partition running above a hypervisor of a data processing system. The partition adjunct, which is a separate dispatchable partition from an instantiating logical partition, provides one or more services to the logical partition. A service request received from the logical partition is processed by the partition adjunct utilizing virtual address space donated to the partition adjunct from the logical partition. The partition adjunct and the logical partition share a common virtual address to real address page table, and context switching the current state machine from the logical partition to the partition adjunct occurs without invalidating or modifying state data of selected memory management and address translation hardware of the data processing system. In a hardware multithreaded system, the partition adjunct is dispatched on a single thread, while another thread continues to run in the logical partition initiating the service request.
US08219985B2 Method and system for version independent software release management
A system for assembling an update for a software release is described, comprising a processor and memory configured to define classes of software components, each class having a plurality of instances, each instance having a unique identifier (UID) and representing a software component having a plurality of versions; for each version of the software component, assign time stamps and indicator identifying release status of the version; introduce a flexible coupling between versions of software components and instances of classes using a pointer between a version of the software component and a UID associated with the version; select versions of software components from which pointers originate; for each instance of the class, to which the pointer points, select one version of the software component based on the assigned indicator; and assemble the selected versions of software components into the update of the software release. A corresponding method is also provided.
US08219984B2 Firmware update network and process employing preprocessing techniques
A network for updating firmware, drivers, or application software facilitates the access to generated update packages by electronic devices and the update of firmware, drivers, content or application software in a fault tolerant mode. A “Bubbles” technique is employed to generate efficient and compact update packages. A “Bubbles” information is generated employing the “Bubbles” technique that is subsequently sent to the electronic devices as part of an update package. The “Bubbles” information and other related information is used in preprocessing activities and in other update related activities. For example, they are used to prepare the electronic device for an update to a different version of its firmware, software and/or content.
US08219983B1 Systems and methods for providing guidance on the potential impact of application and operating-system changes on a computing system
A computer-implemented method for determining the impact of a software change on the health of a computing system or an application installed on the computing system may comprise identifying the software change, performing a first health evaluation, allowing the software change to occur, performing a second health evaluation, and then determining the impact of the new application by comparing the results of the second health evaluation with the results of the first health evaluation. Exemplary methods for providing guidance on the potential impact of a software change and for determining the health impact of a software change based on information obtained from a plurality of computing systems are also disclosed. Corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08219981B2 Processor dedicated code handling in a multi-processor environment
Code handling, such as interpreting language instructions or performing “just-in-time” compilation, is performed using a heterogeneous processing environment that shares a common memory. In a heterogeneous processing environment that includes a plurality of processors, one of the processors is programmed to perform a dedicated code-handling task, such as perform just-in-time compilation or interpretation of interpreted language instructions, such as Java. The other processors request code handling processing that is performed by the dedicated processor. Speed is achieved using a shared memory map so that the dedicated processor can quickly retrieve data provided by one of the other processors.
US08219978B2 Information processing device
Methods and apparatus include: providing a computer having a program execution module for carrying out a process according to a program; providing an execution control module, connected to the program execution module; carrying out mutual authentication, within the execution control module, with respect to the program execution module; carrying out a process for authentication relative to an object program for execution by the program execution module; and preventing the program execution module from executing the object program until the object program is successfully authenticated.
US08219972B1 Platform for processing semi-structured self-describing data with aggregating clauses
An Extensible Markup Language (XML) Application Server for storing, processing, communicating, and displaying dynamic semi-structured information. It comprises a declarative specification language, a transactional indexed XML data store, and an XML application server engine. An integrated architecture (a) provides for optimization, indexing, and backtracking search in a business logic layer, (b) provides for general-purpose programming idioms including recursive function definitions, iteration, and dynamic dispatch in data layer queries and updates, and (c) eliminates processing overhead and maintenance issues caused by transforming between relational, object-oriented, and semi-structured data paradigms.
US08219970B2 XML push and remote execution of a wireless applications
A method is provided for facilitating generation of a server-side application capable of calling a function of a wireless application on a mobile device. A structured data file defining the wireless application is retrieved. The structured data file is parsed for identifying exposed functions. Code stubs are generated for each of the exposed functions. The code stubs are configured to be included as part of the server-side application and to define a message to be transmitted to the wireless application upon execution of the code stub.
US08219966B2 Method and system for integrating an application floorplan and an external service
In one embodiment, data in an application floorplan is exposed in a controlled way for integrating new external services to the application floorplan. Service definitions of the external service for integration with the application floorplan is generated. Further, a semantic type data of a global data type used in the application floorplan is generated. Upon generating the semantic type data, a semantic type mapping of an instance of the semantic type data is generated. Furthermore a map between a service parameter of the external service and the semantic type mapping is presented. Thereby, the application floorplan and the external service are integrated by executing the external service in the application floorplan using the generated map.
US08219965B2 Layout design method of semiconductor integrated circuit including regenerating a cell layout to set first and second distances and generating library data
A layout design method of a semiconductor integrated circuit includes providing a cell layout including a cell that includes a gate or a plurality of gates extending in a first direction, a plurality of diffusion layers, a first boundary of the cell in parallel with the gate or the plurality of gates, a second boundary of the cell being in an opposite side of the first boundary of the cell, a first distance, a second distance, a third distance, and a fourth distance, regenerating the cell layout to set the first distance and the second distance to a first value, or to set the third distance and the fourth distance to a second value, and generating a library data of the cell for a placement and routing tool, based on the cell layout.
US08219964B2 Method for creating electrically testable patterns
The present invention provides a method and computer program product for designing an electrically testable pattern that is based on patterns derived from the desired chip layout to be printed. Such electrical test patterns are based on the features within a region of influence around critical sites. The critical sites may be identified, for example, by processing the chip layout through an OPC verification tool that flags potential failure sites. The electrical test pattern is formed from features within an region of influence (ROI) around the critical site, and also include electrical feed lines at terminal ends of one or more features having an electrical characteristic that is sensitive to changes in the printed environment of the critical site. The feed lines may be locate on the same or a different layer than the critical site, depending on the chip design. The electrical pattern is further defined by retaining features within a second trim region such that the printed features within the ROI are not substantially modified by the absence of features outside the second trim region.
US08219963B2 Method and apparatus for analyzing and designing semiconductor device using calculated surface potential
In a support apparatus for analysis and design of a semiconductor device, a function indicating an impurity concentration distribution in a channel region of a first transistor in a depth direction is set. A structure data indicating a structure of a transistor device and a measurement value of each of electric characteristics of the transistor are related. A Poisson's equation, which is express by using the function, is solved by using a depletion layer width as a variable to calculate a surface potential, and a first calculation value of the electric characteristic of the first transistor is calculated by using the surface potential. A determining section determines the function to indicate the impurity concentration distribution of a first transistor when a measurement value corresponding to a first structure data which indicates a structure of the first transistor, and the first calculation value are substantially coincident with each other.
US08219960B1 Methods of implementing relocatable circuits in a programmable integrated circuit device
A method for configuring programmable logic in an IC to implement instances of a relocatable circuit includes, for each instance, assigning a respective portion of an address space of a processor to the instance, configuring a respective interface circuit for translating the transactions accessing the respective portion of the address space into a fixed address space of the relocatable circuit, and selecting a respective region within an array of programmable logic and interconnect resources of the IC. The processor accesses the address space with read and write transactions issued on an interface bus. The relocatable circuit is independent of the address space assigned to the instances. Each region is configurable to implement an instance. The programmable logic and interconnect resources are configured to implement the instances and to couple each instance to the interface bus of the processor via the respective interface circuit, using a single copy of configuration data for the relocatable circuit.
US08219954B2 Printed circuit board analyzing system, printed circuit board designing assisting system, their methods, and program
A printed circuit board analyzing system for analyzing the whole circuit of a multilayer printed circuit board to perform circuit analysis of noise propagation in the printed circuit board having structure in which the shapes of stacked conductor planes are different or planes are provided side by side in the same layer by quickly providing an adjacent interference part equivalent circuit model representing noise interference parts causing interference between adjacent opposed planes and by coupling the plane pairs to the adjacent interference part equivalent circuit.
US08219949B2 Nonsequential hardware design synthesis verification
Methods and apparatuses for verifying a concurrent logical design and a corresponding non-sequential algorithmic description are provided. In some implementations, verification of a non-sequential algorithmic description for a device design is facilitated by monitoring a simulation of the non-sequential algorithmic description and synchronizing the timing of selected events with timing from an already completed simulation of a corresponding logical design. With various implementations, the hierarchical blocks in the logical design are monitored during the prior simulation to record selected event information. Subsequently, the recorded event information may be used to synchronize the simulation of the non-sequential algorithmic description.
US08219948B2 Layout verification device, layout verification program, and layout verification method of layout pattern of semiconductor device
A layout verification device according to the present invention includes a layout verification unit that outputs a first error graphic corresponding to an area where there is an inconsistency with a design rule in a first layout pattern, and includes a target error graphic setting unit that sets a processing target area including the first error graphic, an error graphic search unit that searches a second error graphic included in a processing target area of a second layout pattern where verification by the layout verification unit has already been performed, and an error graphic equivalence judgment unit that judges that the first error graphic and the second error graphic are non-equivalent when a second target vertex coordinate of the second error graphic does not match any one of a plurality of peripheral vertex coordinates set in grid intersections adjacent to the first target vertex coordinate of the first error graphic.
US08219947B2 Method and apparatus for merging EDA coverage logs of coverage data
An electronic design automation technology merges coverage logs. The coverage logs are generated by verification of a hardware description language circuit design. The coverage logs are merged as the coverage logs are generated, without waiting for all pending coverage logs. Another electronic design automation technology also merges coverage logs. The merged coverage logs include a first coverage log of a first simulation of a hardware description language circuit design and a second coverage log of a second simulation of the hardware description language circuit design. The first simulation is based on a first hardware verification language coverage model of the hardware description language circuit design. The second simulation is based on a second hardware verification language coverage model of the hardware description language circuit design. The second hardware verification language coverage model is newer and different than the first hardware verification language coverage model.
US08219946B1 Method for clock gating circuits
In one embodiment, a method is provided for generating clock gating circuitry for a circuit design model. A Boolean expression of path sensitization is determined for each gate element in the netlist of a circuit design. For each gate element, a conjunction of the Boolean expression of the path sensitization and a Boolean expression of a disjunction of the observability conditions of one or more subsequent gates is determined to produce an intermediate Boolean expression. Intermediate Boolean expressions are backward retimed to produce the respective Boolean expression of the observability conditions of the each gate element. Clock gating circuits that implement the respective Boolean expression of the observability conditions of one or more of the plurality of interconnected gate elements are generated and incorporated into the circuit design model.
US08219940B2 Method and apparatus for removing dummy features from a data structure
A method and apparatus to reduce occurrences of electrically non-functional elements, known as dummy features, from a source data structure is described. The source data structure may be image data, a vector based data structure or some other data format. Dummy features in the source data structure are detected and then deleted. Dummy features may be detected by selecting a representative dummy feature, using it as a reference pattern or polygon and comparing it to features in the source data structure. The step of comparing the selected reference to the comprises selecting a cut-off correlation threshold value, and computing the correlation coefficients between the reference and the feature. Features are selectively removed based on a comparison between their correlation coefficients and the selected cut-off correlation threshold value. This threshold value may require updating to remove all dummy features in the source data structure. When different shaped dummy features in the same data structure are encountered, a further reference feature may be selected and the process repeated.
US08219927B2 Revealing of truncated content on scrollable grid
Various embodiments related to the revealing of truncated content on a scrollable grid are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment provides a computing device comprising a display, a processor, and memory comprising instructions executable by the processor to display a cell of a grid of content at a first, smaller size and display in the cell a content item that is truncated based upon the first, smaller size of the cell. The computing device is further configured to receive a request to scroll the grid, and scroll the grid on the display device. During scrolling, the size of the cell is increased to a second, larger size, and a revealing of a truncated portion of the content item is animated.
US08219924B2 Color and symbol coded visual cues for relating screen items to each other
Described is a method for visually delineating a relationship between diverse, but related graphical objects in a graphical user interface. An icon that has specified color scheme is associated with the diverse, but related but graphical objects. When one of the related graphical objects is displayed, the icon is displayed within the displayed graphical object. The persistence of the icon with the specified color scheme in the displayed graphical objects allows them to be recognized as related.
US08219922B2 Dynamic point and extend user interface
A computer-implemented method of extending a user interface of an executing application can include placing the user interface in a configure mode that allows functionality of the user interface to be extended and visually distinguishing an element of the user interface that is extendable. Responsive to a user input requesting extension of the functionality of the element, an editing window can be displayed within the user interface. The method can include receiving, within the editing window, computer-usable program code specifying extended functionality for the element and storing the computer-usable program code as part of an extension to the element. The extension can be bound to an extension point exposed for the element of the user interface.
US08219921B2 Providing an ad-hoc 3D GUI within a virtual world to a non-virtual world application
A method for receiving input from a user of a virtual world, the method including: interacting with an object displayed in the virtual world; displaying another object in the virtual world in response to the interacting, the another object adapted to interact with the user; displaying at least one of a user specific label and a service specific label in place of a generic label associated with the another object; selecting the another object; and receiving the generic label and the at least one of the user specific label and the service specific label as the input in response to the selecting.
US08219919B2 Method for automating construction of the flow of data driven applications in an entity model
An associated between a data type and a user interface (UI) element such as a Page and/or Panel, and a data type allows dynamic determination of application flow including menu and menu items. This may allow a dynamic determination of all target UI elements to which an end user may navigate from a source UI element, that are capable of displaying the same record of information represented in the source UI element or a related record of information.
US08219917B2 Bubbling up task severity indicators within a hierarchical tree control
A computer automated method for bubbling-up condition severity indicators in a hierarchical tree control can include identifying a node in the hierarchical tree control that has been obscured in a collapsed branch of the hierarchical tree control, bubbling-up a status for the identified node to a visible parent node, rendering a status icon for the status adjacent to the visible parent node, and, responsive to an expansion of the collapsed branch rendering the identified node visible, relocating the status icon adjacent to the identified node. Optionally, a depth can be determined for the identified node, a visual characteristic for the status icon can be selected based upon the depth, and the status icon can be rendered using the selected visual characteristic.
US08219914B2 Systems and methods for generating personalized dynamic presentations from non-personalized presentation structures and contents
Computer system comprising master storage containing master presentation data having a master nodal structure and master contents associated with content structure nodes, structure editor capable of copying master nodal structure into a personalized data structure in a dedicated read/write storage and of selectively changing the copied master nodal structure into a personalized nodal structure in response to user inputs, personalized nodal structure comprising all or part of the nodes of the master nodal structure, contents editor capable of copying a master content into personalized data structure in dedicated read/write storage and of selectively changing the copied master content into a personalized content in response to user inputs, dynamic presentation generator for generating a personalized presentation by accessing personalized data structure, determining which content nodes in structure belong to personalized presentation, for such content nodes selectively accessing master contents or personalized content if the latter is present in personalized data structure.
US08219911B2 System and method for displaying contextual advertisements with media
Systems and methods have been developed for displaying contextually relevant advertisements to users as media objects are being rendered. One or more data sources with contextual information for different portions of each media object are maintained. From this contextual information, keywords may be generated and used to locate contextually-related advertisements. The advertisements are selected based on contextual information about the media object in order to match or otherwise be contextually relevant with the media content being rendered. As the subject matter of the media object changes during rendering, different advertisements related to the new context are provided that replace the prior advertisement. The advertisements are displayed in an area that could be used for other purposes when the rendering device is not rendering media objects.
US08219909B2 Human-machine interface with integrated position sensors and passive haptic feedback devices
A system and method for determining the input force supplied to a user interface by a user is provided. A passive feedback mechanism is coupled to the user interface, and a change in position of the passive feedback mechanism is sensed. The input force supplied by the user to the user interface is then calculated from the sensed change in position.
US08219908B2 Digital ink database searching using handwriting feature synthesis
A system and method for ink database searching using handwriting feature synthesis is disclosed which allows a digital ink database to be searched using a text-based query. Using a writer-specific handwriting model derived from a handwriting recognition system or suitable training procedure, a text query is converted into feature vectors that are similar to the feature vectors that would have been extracted had the author of the digital ink database written the text query by hand. The feature vectors are then used to search the database.
US08219907B2 Resource authoring with re-usability score and suggested re-usable data
A localization development system includes a platform that receives information to be localized to a target market that is distinct from a source market for which the information was originally authored. The platform calculates a recycle rate for the received information. The recycle rate is indicative of a portion of the information that has already been localized to the target market before the information to be localized was received from an authoring component.
US08219905B2 Automatically detecting keyboard layout in order to improve the quality of spelling suggestions
A method, system and computer program product for keyboard layout detection resulting in improving the quality of the spelling suggestions, and in another aspect, recognizing a keyboard mapping mismatch between a computer and a given remote user based on a defined finite dictionary. There is no extra Application Programming Interfaces (API) required to pass information between the text editor and a spellchecking engine in order to perform keyboard layout detection.
US08219903B2 Display information verification program, method and apparatus
A display information verification method, when display data of financial data is generated from the financial data and scripts for the financial data, includes: searching the scripts for an arithmetic instruction to process a numeric value in the financial data or a conversion instruction to convert a character string included in the financial data; and judging whether or not the arithmetic instruction or the conversion instruction detected in the searching is an instruction considered to manipulate the financial data. Thus, it is possible to detect the instruction considered to manipulate data from the scripts, and to avoid display including the manipulation of the data. In addition, for example, by using information of the instruction, which is stored inside in advance and is allowed to be used, it is possible to detect only the arithmetic instruction or the conversion instruction, which is not allowed to be used.
US08219900B2 Programmatically hiding and displaying Wiki page layout sections
Configuring a page to conditionally show specific page components is provided. In response to receiving a request to show a current page from a client browser, page components are identified that may be shown from a set of page components. In response to receiving a request to show a current page from a client browser, a layout page associated with the current page is determined. The current page is combined with the identified page components of the layout page to form a combined page. The combined page is sent to the client browser.
US08219899B2 Verbal description method and system
A verbal description method and system. A computing system broadcasts first audio data and video data associated with the first audio data. The computing system determines that the video data comprises a graphic without a description in the first audio data. The computing system receives audible description data associated with the graphic. The computing system generates second audio data comprising the first audio data and the audible description data. The computing system synchronizes portions of the second audio data with associated portions of the video data. The computing system generates synchronized audio/video data comprising the portions of said second audio data aligned with the associated portions of said video data. The computing system broadcasts the synchronized audio/video data.
US08219892B2 Systems and methods for enhanced media defect detection
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for detecting storage medium defects. As one example, a media defect detection system is disclosed that includes a data detector circuit that applies a detection algorithm to the data input and provides a hard output and a soft output. A first circuit combines a first derivative of the hard output with a derivative of the data input to yield a first combined signal. A second circuit combines a second derivative of the hard output with a derivative of the first combined signal to yield a second combined signal. A third circuit combines a derivative of the soft output with the second combined signal and a threshold value to yield a defect signal.
US08219883B2 Data accessing method, controller and storage system using the same
Data accessing method for a flash memory, and a controller and a storage system using the same are provided. The data accessing method includes reading data from a physical address of a flash memory according to a physical address to be read corresponding to a logical address to be read in a read command, and determining whether or not the read physical address is the physical address to be read. The data accessing method also includes transmitting the data only if the read physical address is the physical address to be read. Accordingly, it is possible to ensure the transmitted data is data to be accessed by the read command.
US08219879B2 Method for arranging memories of low-complexity LDPC decoder and low-complexity LDPC decoder using the same
A method for arranging memories of a low-complexity low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoder and a low-complexity LDPC decoder using the same method are provided. The main idea of the method for arranging memories of a low-complexity LDPC decoder is to merge at least one or two small-capacity memory blocks into one memory group, so that the memory area can be reduced and the power consumption in reading or writing data is lowered. Besides, as the merged memory group shares the same address line in reading or writing data, at least one delay unit is used to adjust the reading or writing order and thereby ensure data validity. A low-complexity LDPC decoder using the disclosed method can meet the demands of high processing rate and low power consumption.
US08219878B1 Post-processing decoder of LDPC codes for improved error floors
Systems and methods are provided for decoding received codewords using an LDPC code. An LDPC post-processor is disclosed for performing post-processing when standard LDPC decoding fails due to a trapping set. The LDPC post-processor may direct the LDPC decoder to decode the received codeword again, but may change some of the inputs to the LDPC decoder so that the LDPC decoder does not fail in the same way. In one embodiment, the LDPC post-processor may modify the symbol positions in the received codeword that correspond to a particular unsatisfied check. In another embodiment, the LDPC post-processor may modify the messages in the decoder's iterative message algorithm that correspond to the symbol positions.
US08219868B1 Quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) encoder
Systems and methods are provided for a quasi-cyclic low-density parity check (QC-LDPC) encoders that have reduced memory requirements. In some embodiments, the LDPC encoder may store a quasi-cyclic parity seed matrix instead of a full code generator matrix. The LDPC encoder may receive a plurality of user symbols and compute a parity seed vector based at least in part on the received user symbols. The LDPC encoder may then use the quasi-cyclic parity seed matrix and the parity seed vector to generate a plurality of parity symbols for the user symbols. In some embodiments, the LDPC encoder may generate a full code generator matrix from a quasi-cyclic parity seed matrix instead of storing the full code generator matrix.
US08219863B2 TAP state count specifying advanced mode command and command data
A method comprises performing at least one zero-bit scan across an interface link. The at least one zero-bit scan defines a command window. The method further comprises an interface adapter counting a number of inert scans in the command window, and the number of inert scans defines a particular command or data. An inert scan results in no data being moved into or out of the interface adapter.
US08219861B2 Semiconductor storage device
As a semiconductor storage device that can efficiently perform a refresh operation, provided is a semiconductor storage device comprising a non-volatile semiconductor memory storing data in blocks, the block being a unit of data erasing, and a controlling unit monitoring an error count of data stored in a monitored block selected from the blocks and refreshing data in the monitored block in which the error count is equal to or larger than a threshold value.
US08219860B2 Microprocessor system for controlling at least partly safety-critical processes
The invention relates to a microprocessor system (60) for controlling and/or regulating at least partly security-critical processes, which system comprises two central processing units (1, 2) integrated into a chip housing, a first and a second bus system, at least one complete memory (7) on the first bus system, and check data in one or more check data memories, said data being related to data of the memory in the first bus system. The check data memory is smaller than the complete memory. The bus systems comprise comparative and/or driver components which facilitate data exchange and/or comparison of data between the two bus systems. The one or more check data memories are arranged on the first bus system. On the second bus system, neither a check data memory nor a memory safeguarding data of the memory on the first bus is used. The invention also relates to the use of the inventive microprocessor system in automotive control devices.
US08219852B2 Java virtual machine having integrated transaction management system
A computing system is configured to deploy a JAVA application for execution in a distributed manner. The computing system includes a plurality of computing nodes including a domain manager node, the plurality of computing nodes forming a computing domain configured as an administrative grouping of the nodes administered by the domain manager node. The domain manager node is configured to provide, to each of the computing nodes, a main portion of the JAVA application. The main portion defines, for each computing node, a portion of the behavior of the JAVA application to be accomplished by that computing node. Furthermore, each computing node is configured to receive at least one class file having classes appropriate for the portion of the behavior of the JAVA application defined, by the main portion, to be accomplished by that computing node.
US08219851B2 System RAS protection for UMA style memory
In some embodiments, the invention involves a system and method relating to system recovery in a fault resilient manner by isolating errors associated with the management engine (ME) UMA memory. BIOS logs errors occurring on memory within the system. The ME UMA is invisible to the host OS, so the OS will not be notified about the errors occurring in the ME UMA range. When an error threshold has been reached for a memory unit in which ME UMA resides, ME UMA data is migrated to a previously reserved backup region of memory and the ME is notified of the new ME UMA location. The faulty memory is flagged for replacement at a next maintenance cycle. Embodiments may be applied to workstations that utilize ECC memory protection which utilize AMT (Active Management Technology) and ME UMA. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08219847B2 Arithmetic unit and arithmetic processing method for operating with higher and lower clock frequencies
There is a need for providing a battery-less integrated circuit (IC) card capable of operating in accordance with a contact usage or a non-contact usage, preventing coprocessor throughput from degrading despite a decreased clock frequency for reduced power consumption under non-contact usage, and ensuring high-speed processing under non-contact usage. A dual interface card is a battery-less IC card capable of operating in accordance with a contact usage or a non-contact usage. The dual interface card operates at a high clock under contact usage and at a low clock under non-contact usage. A targeted operation comprises a plurality of different basic operations. The dual interface card comprises a basic arithmetic circuit group. Under the contact usage, the basic arithmetic circuit group performs one basic operation of the targeted operation at one cycle. Under the non-contact usage, the basic arithmetic circuit group sequentially performs at least two basic operations of the targeted operation at one cycle.
US08219846B2 Circuit for and method of receiving video data
A circuit of an integrated circuit for receiving video data having a plurality of data streams of pixel data and a pixel clock is disclosed. The circuit comprises a plurality of data recovery circuits, each data recovery circuit coupled to receive a corresponding data stream of the plurality of data streams and having a phase shifter generating a clock signal used to receive the data stream; and a channel deskew circuit coupled to receive the output of each data recovery circuit and the pixel clock. A method of receiving video data is also disclosed.
US08219844B1 Methods and systems for emulating a synchronous clear port
A synchronous clear emulation circuit is provided. The synchronous clear emulation circuit includes a register having an asynchronous clear port. Moreover, the synchronous clear emulation circuit is configured to emulate a synchronous clear port by using the asynchronous clear port. The synchronous clear port is emulated by outputting a data output signal that is synchronous with the clock signal and the data output signal is based on an asynchronous clear signal received at the asynchronous clear port. The asynchronous clear port performs a function of the asynchronous clear port without the synchronous clear port implemented within the register.
US08219839B2 Power distribution system and method thereof in which redundant power is collected only when power pool is below or equal to pool threshold
A power distribution system is adapted to a management module connected to a plurality of servers, each of which is varied in power consumption in response to a power mode and performance thereof, via a power allocation request line and a power allocation response line. The management module records the upper-limit power setting, the power allocations, and the power pool with regard to the servers. The server records the power mode, the power allocation, the upper mode request threshold, and the redundant power which is calculated based on the difference between the power allocation and the actual power consumption. The management module recovers the redundant power from the server so as to update the power pool. Upon receiving a power allocation request, the management module distributes at least a part of the power pool to the server, thus allowing the server to shift the power mode to the upper mode.
US08219837B2 Electronic device and power saving method using predetermined command to designate portion of device in power saving mode
In an electronic device with a serial ATA interface, upon detection of the issue or reception of a preset command, a confirmation device, such as a CPU, confirms the completion of execution of the command. Upon confirming the completion of execution of the command, a controller, which may also be the CPU, controls shifting of the serial ATA interface to a power saving mode.
US08219834B2 Predictive power gating with optional guard mechanism
A mechanism is provided for predictively power gating a set of units within the data processing system. A second-level power gating controller monitors a set of events for each unit in a set of units within the data processing system. The second-level power gating controller identifies idle sequences of a predetermined set of cycles within the events from each unit where the unit is idle. The second-level power gating controller determines preceding sequences of a predetermined length that precede the idle sequences. The second-level power gating controller determines an accuracy of the preceding sequences. Responsive to the accuracy being above a threshold, the second-level power gating controller sends a permit command to a first-level power gating mechanism associated with the unit to permit power gating of the unit.
US08219832B2 Methods and systems for managing a voltage regulator
A method for increasing efficiency of a voltage regulator in an information handling system (IHS) is provided. The method may include enabling one or more operating phases associated with the voltage regulator and initializing a switch configuration having at least one high-side switch and at least one low-side switch. In addition, the may method include initializing a dead-time value, sensing a load current, and adjusting the number of operating phases, the switch configuration, or the dead-time value in response to the load current.
US08219827B2 Secure boot with optional components
A method manages optional trusted components that are active within a device, such that the device itself controls the availability of trusted components. The device includes: a storing unit storing a plurality of pieces of software and a plurality of certificates; a receiving unit receiving the certificates; and a selecting unit selecting one of the certificates. The device further includes an executing unit verifying an enabled one of the plurality of pieces of software using the selected and updated one of the certificates.
US08219824B2 Storage apparatus, memory card accessing apparatus and method of reading/writing the same
A storage apparatus having a non-volatile memory and a controller is provided, wherein the non-volatile memory includes a root directory area and a data area, and a password file is stored in the root directory area. The controller identifies a user by using a password in the password file, and the user can access the data area through an encryption/decryption unit of the controller only if the user passes the identification. By using the secured storage apparatus, the risk of the password and encrypted data being cracked is reduced. Accordingly, the protection over the data stored in the storage apparatus is enhanced.
US08219823B2 System for and method of managing access to a system using combinations of user information
The present invention is directed to systems for and methods of controlling access to computer systems. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises performing a test that includes comparing input responses to randomly selected questions with corresponding pre-determined responses to the questions and granting access to the system in the event the test is passed. A first condition of passing the test is that each input response matches a corresponding pre-determined response. Once passing the test, the user is granted permissions to access data based on his position. For example, a corporate director generally has greater permissions than an engineer. Preferably, the user's permissions determine an encryption key and a decryption key that the user is able to use to access protected data.
US08219818B2 Information processing apparatus, information recording medium, information processing method, and information processing program
An information processing apparatus includes: a reproducing unit that reads, from a disc, a content and a content code file storing a content code that includes at least any one of a program or conversion data applied to a content reproducing process, to execute the content reproducing process; and a signature verification unit that verifies a digital signature set for the content code file. The signature verification unit verifies the signature using different pieces of set signature target data between a signature verification process executed in reproducing the content recorded in a ROM disc and a signature verification process executed in reproducing the content recorded in a non-ROM disc other than the ROM disc. The reproducing unit, when signature verification is successfully executed by the signature verification unit, applies the content code stored in the content code file, for which signature verification is successful, to reproduce the content.
US08219817B2 System and method for authentication of transformed documents
A document verification system and method verifies that a content of two documents match based on comparison of an authentication signature generated from each of the documents. The documents may be electronic text documents and may be transformed representations of each other through imaging, printing or image processing. Authentication signatures can be encrypted to enhance security and identify document sources. An authentication signature can be generated for an entirety or portions of the document. Multiple authentication signatures may be generated for each document for selected document regions. The authentication signature can be stored electronically or in hard copy and can be machine-readable to be automatically interpreted by a machine.
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