| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08353883B2 |
Elastomeric glove containing a foam donning layer
Elastomeric articles, such as gloves are disclosed. The gloves include a primary matrix made from one or more elastomeric materials and a foam donning layer. In one embodiment, for instance, the donning layer can be formed from a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam can be created from the reaction product of a polyurethane prepolymer and a solution containing water. The resulting foam can be hydrophilic and can absorb moisture for preventing moisture from being trapped between the primary matrix and a user's skin. |
| US08353882B1 |
Wound treatment system and method of use
A wound treatment system including a treatment chamber, a source of an aqueous antibiotic, a source of an oxygen-enriched gas, and a control system adapted to alternately surround a human limb with antibiotic mist and the oxygen enriched gas, which can be used to heal lesions such as foot ulcers. A method of treating lesions such as foot ulcers is also disclosed, that includes bathing the lesion in antibiotic mist and contacting it with oxygen gas. |
| US08353881B2 |
Infusion sets for the delivery of a therapeutic substance to a patient
Devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic substance to a patient are provided. Embodiments include infusion sets that include an active agent. Also provided are systems and kits. |
| US08353880B1 |
Method for protecting and using biopsy system instruments while maintaining a sterile or aseptic state
A method for reducing the risk of contamination of a sterile biopsy system, via a sterile sheath with an exterior structure to aid in opening the sheath, and further having a self-sealing target disposed at an opposing closed end of said sheath. |
| US08353876B2 |
Occlusion resistant catheters
A device and method for preventing an occlusion of a catheter including a catheter adapter and a catheter where a flexured portion of the catheter is supported by a bending surface of the catheter adapter. The flexured portion of the catheter may also include a maximum insertion length mark and/or a flexible support member to support and strengthen the flexured portion of the catheter against occlusions. A bending surface is provided over which a flexured portion of the catheter may gently bend to accommodate the transition of the catheter from the catheter adapter to the insertion site without occluding the catheter. |
| US08353875B2 |
Access apparatus with shallow zero closure valve
A surgical access assembly including a housing, an elongate access member and a zero closure valve including a valve periphery having a collar, a tapered segment extending inwardly from the collar and a second segment extending contiguously from the tapered segment. First and second lips depend from the second segment of the zero closure valve and define lip edges which are in approximated closed relation when the zero closure valve is in the closed position to define a slit. The first and second lips each include a proximal lip surface having an outer surface portion and an inner surface portion interconnected by a curved surface. A support rib depends from the proximal lip surface of each of the first and second lips to define a gap therebetween to be in spaced relation when the valve is in the closed position and being positioned to contact the surgical instrument during insertion through the first and second lips. |
| US08353873B2 |
Methods and devices for providing access through tissue to a surgical site
Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. A surgical access port is provided that has an adjustable longitudinal length, such as by being formed from multiple segments configured to move relative to one another. An anchor can be coupled to a distal end of the surgical access port to help secure the surgical access port within a tissue opening by engaging a distal side of the tissue. Optionally, the anchor can be removably coupled to the distal end of the surgical access port, thereby allowing any one of a plurality of anchors to be selectively coupled thereto. |
| US08353862B2 |
Drug delivery systems and methods
A delivery system includes a housing along with a tip connected to one end of the housing. A first cannula extending from the tip is provided for inserting a rod implant into tissue. A second cannula, concentrically disposed within the first cannula, is utilized to force the rod implant from the first cannula and for ejecting a fluid behind the inserted rod implant in the tissue. |
| US08353859B2 |
Injection syringe plunger valve assembly
A syringe system having a syringe with a body and a hollow barrel chamber, and a plunger shaft slidable therein, and a needle body. The syringe system includes a valve housing having a valve guide chamber with an input port fluidly connectable to a fluid pressurizing means, a storage port in fluid communication with the barrel chamber, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the needle body. A valve body is contained in the valve housing with a valve plunger slidable in the valve guide chamber. The valve plunger is slidable to a first position, where the dispensing port and storage empty port is closed and the input port and storage fill port are opened, and a second position where the input port and storage fill port is closed and the storage empty port and discharge port are opened. |
| US08353858B2 |
Rapid exchange fluid jet catheter and method
Catheters including guidewire tubes having a limited length and methods of using the catheters are described. The catheters may be delivered over guidewires in procedures that are commonly referred to as rapid-exchange delivery. In some embodiments, the catheters may be miniature flexible thrombectomy catheters that may be used to remove thrombus or other unwanted material from a body blood vessel or other small regions of body cavities in which the distal portion of the catheter has smaller external dimensions than the larger proximal portion. |
| US08353857B2 |
Implantable medical device having pressure sensors for diagnosing the performance of an implanted medical device
An implantable medical device that includes a housing, a valve disposed within the housing, a first pressure sensor disposed within the housing upstream of the valve, and a second pressure sensor disposed within the housing downstream of the valve. A CPU is disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. To communicate the measured pressure information to an external device, the CPU compares the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor to the pressure measured by the second pressure sensor and wirelessly communicates these compared pressures to an external device. Alternatively, the CPU may wirelessly communicate the absolute value of the pressure measured by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to the external device. Additionally, the CPU and sensors may be non-invasively powered using optical or acoustical methods. |
| US08353854B2 |
Method and devices for moving a body joint
Portable devices and methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by assuring that the ankle is flexed and extended sufficiently to promote blood flow in the lower leg are disclosed. The device includes an actuator with a free movement mode that allows a patient to move freely between activations or to initiate movement to delay a next automatic activation. |
| US08353852B2 |
Ophthalmic sizing devices
An ophthalmic sizing device includes a sizing tube or set of such sizing tubes for use in determining a correct size of a bypass tube required in lacrimal surgery, each sizing tube having a flanged end at one end of a longitudinal length of tubing, the remaining end of the tubing distal to the flanged end having a series of ruled markings longitudinally along and towards the flange end. When used, a set of sizing tubes includes tubes having at least two relatively different absolute longitudinal lengths of tubing; and/or diameter flanges. The device can be in the form of a dilator having a sizing section. The use of such sizing devices allows the length of an ophthalmic bypass tube to be determined that leaves the tip of the bypass tube, when in situ, to protrude an optimally desired distance beyond the outer (lateral) nasal wall and into the nasal cavity of each particular patient, while remaining clear of the midline septum. Such a proud projection of bypass tubing helps prevent the bypass tube from being blocked after its permanent insertion. |
| US08353849B2 |
Guide wire
The guide wire is a guide wire includes a distal portion and a main body portion. This guide wire is provided with a first curve portion; a second curve portion included on the distal side of aforesaid first curve portion and curved to the opposite direction with respect to aforesaid first curve portion; a third curve portion included on the distal side of aforesaid second curve portion and curved to the opposite direction with respect to aforesaid second curve portion, wherein a line contacting with both aforesaid first curve portion and aforesaid third curve portion has an obtuse angle with respect to an axis line of aforesaid main body portion. |
| US08353848B2 |
Test device
A disposable test device consists of a first portion 2 having a fluid application port 5 to which a sample of fluid can be applied, and a handle portion 3 hingedly attached to the first portion 2 at a hinge portion 4 and which normally lies in the plane of the first portion. In use the device is held by the handle portion 3 and the first portion inserted into a measuring instrument. The handle is then deflected downwardly e.g. by the finger of a person to supply a drop of fluid to the port 5. |
| US08353847B2 |
Method for endoluminally or laparoscopically excising a tissue sample from areas in a patient's body, traction means and kit
Traction means (14) for excising a tissue sample comprising a distal portion (14a), comprising at least one clip (20) suitable for being fixed to at least one portion (12) of tissue to be excised and a proximal portion (14b) suitable for being subjected to traction. Said at least one clip (20) is suitable for being connected to a distal end (22a) of a suture (22) to pull the tissue to be excised, said suture (22) extending between said distal end (22a) and a proximal end corresponding to the proximal portion of said traction means (14). Moreover, said at least one clip (20) is connected to a ring (24) formed at a distal end (24a) of said suture (22) to pull the tissue to be excised. |
| US08353845B2 |
Apparatus and method for delivery of an aerosol
An apparatus for measuring lung ventilation, comprising: a pressure device to measure volume of air flow; an aerosol-generating device that provides aerosol particles to be released at a determined point in a breathing cycle; a mouthpiece with a detector that measures the concentration of aerosol particles for a given volume during the breathing cycle; and a computing device configured to provide lung ventilation data as a function of time constants. |
| US08353844B2 |
Spirometry-based method for continuous monitoring of work of breathing and monitoring device thereof
A spirometry-based device for continuous monitoring of work of breathing (WOB) includes a flow sensor and a respiratory mechanics module connected with the flow sensor. The flow sensor may sample an airway gas flow and an airway pressure when a patient is in a state of inspiration. The respiratory mechanics module may calculate an incremental amount of a gas volume that flows to the patient side in a sampling period, calculate a product of the airway pressure and the incremental amount of the gas volume in the sampling period, and accumulate the product into the WOB. |
| US08353843B2 |
Method for providing contents and electronic device having function therefor
A method for providing contents and an electronic device having a function therefore is disclosed. The method comprises receiving information regarding a current heart rate of a user, selecting an audio file having a specific tempo determined in consideration of the current heart rate and a reference heart rate, and reproducing the selected audio file and a heartbeat sound reflecting the current heart rate simultaneously. Therefore, the heartbeat of the user may be effectively controlled. |
| US08353842B2 |
Portable patient monitor
Embodiments of the present disclosure includes a portable pulse oximeter, such as a handheld pulse oximeter, that provides a user with intuitive key navigation for device operation, which reduces an amount of visual concentration needed to handle and operate the oximeter. In various embodiments, the portable pulse oximeter includes one or more of user input keys disposed along curve, an alignment edge providing guidance by feel of a user's digits to the input keys, raised convex keys also providing navigation by feel, a protective boot disposed around various portions of the oximeter housing to protect against impacts, a table-top stand, combinations of the same, or the like. |
| US08353841B2 |
Apparatus and method for sensor deployment and fixation
An implant assembly is implanted in vivo within a vascular system in the implant assembly has a diameter greater than a vessel and compliance characteristics such that, upon release, the implant assembly forms an interference fit is between the anchor structure and the vessel wall, thereby preventing further distal movement. |
| US08353837B2 |
Modulation and analysis of cerebral perfusion in epilepsy and other neurological disorders
A system including an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required. |
| US08353832B2 |
Systems and methods for ultrasound treatment of thyroid and parathyroid
A treatment device and methods for HIFU treatment of thyroid and parathyroid disorders are provided. The treatment method includes steps of identifying a treatment zone and directing high intensity focused ultrasound energy towards the treatment zone. The treatment device has a first sensor for detecting swallowing motion and a second sensor for tracking the motion of the thyroid and parathyroid tissue with ultrasound imaging. |
| US08353829B2 |
Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor. |
| US08353828B2 |
Remote sleep quality detecting system and method thereof
A remote sleep quality detecting system and its method provide a portable detecting device for detecting an examinee's physical activity while the examinee is sleeping, analyzing a detected activity signal by a signal processing module to generate a statistical value, and comparing a result of the computed statistical value with a sleep state index to obtain sleep quality information, and then storing the activity signal and the sleep quality information in a storage unit. The system and method also provide a remote monitoring device including a sleep information reading module for providing a user interface, connecting the portable detecting device via the Internet and receiving the sleep quality information produced by the portable detecting device after a command from the portable detecting device is received, such that the examinee's sleep quality information can be examined from a remote location for a long term without disturbing the examinee's sleep. |
| US08353827B2 |
Networked system for interactive communication and remote monitoring of individuals
A system for remotely monitoring an individual. The system includes a server system for generating a script program from a set of queries. The script program is executable by a remote apparatus that displays information and/or a set of queries to the individual through a user interface. Responses to the queries that are entered through the user interface together with individual identification information are sent from the remote apparatus to the server system across a communication network. The server system also includes an automated answering service for providing a series of questions from a stored set of questions for an individual at the remote apparatus to respond to, storing responses to each provided question in the series of questions and providing a service based on the individual's response to the questions. |
| US08353821B2 |
Capsule-type medical apparatus and method of manufacturing capsule-type medical apparatus
The present invention provides a capsule-type medical apparatus and a method of manufacturing a capsule-type medical apparatus which can prevent a contact between a burr formed on an optical dome which is a part of a capsule-like casing and a living body in a subject. The capsule-type medical apparatus has a capsule-like casing which can be introduced inside the subject. The casing is configured with optically transparent optical domes and a cylindrical trunk member having an outer diameter dimension larger than an outer diameter dimension of the optical domes. The cylindrical trunk member is fitted onto an outer circumferential surface of the optical domes so as to cover each of the optical domes up to a portion near the burr formed thereon. The cylindrical trunk member has a step higher than the burr so as to prevent a contact between the burr and a living body in the subject. |
| US08353820B2 |
Medical apparatus
A medical apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image pickup section including an observation window, the image pickup section being led into a body; a holding section that holds the image pickup section inside the body; a covering section that is connected to the holding section and covers the observation window to set the image pickup section in a non-photographable state; and a field-of-view control section that variably controls the covering of the observation window by the covering section and sets the image pickup section in a photographable state to allow the image pickup section to photograph a subject inside the body. |
| US08353819B2 |
Endoscopic/laparoscopic introducer sleeve
A protective sleeve apparatus for protecting an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument includes an elongated tubular member having an open proximal end and an open distal end. The elongated tubular member is sized and configured to receive a laparoscopic or endoscopic instrument therethrough. The tubular member has a folded section adjacent the distal end in releasable engagement with an intermediate section of the tubular member to define a substantially enclosed sleeve to receive the instrument and substantially prevent entry of contaminants within an interior of the tubular member. The folded section is releasable from the intermediate section upon exertion of a proximal force to the tubular member to facilitate removal of the tubular member along the instrument. |
| US08353817B2 |
Self-propellable apparatus and method
A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid and a motorized or powerable frame. The apparatus may be used to advance a variety of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered and the direction and speed may be controlled. The apparatus may be used to transport a variety of accessory devices to desired locations within tubular spaces and environments where medical and non-medical procedures may be performed. |
| US08353816B2 |
Endoscopy system and method therefor
A capsule endoscope is swallowed by a patient, to capture images from inner wall surfaces of patient's digestive tract, while detecting imaging positions of the capsule endoscope. A doctor observes the images captured by the capsule endoscope, to select an aimed point image that contains a portion suspected of a lesion, and some images that represent pass points on an insertion route of a balloon endoscope. While a probing tip of the balloon endoscope is being inserted into the patient for the sake of thorough examination of the suspected portion, a degree of similarity between an image captured by the balloon endoscope and an image of a destination point, which is one of the pass points and the aimed point, is detected to judge by the similarity whether the probing tip has reached the destination point or not. So the doctor can get the probing tip to the aimed point easily. |
| US08353813B2 |
System and method for assisted partitioning of body conduits
A treatment strategy for treatment of elevated pressure in a body conduit, such as a pulmonary vein, with a prosthetic partitioning device for placement in and/or about pulmonary veins is described, as well as delivery systems, and strategies for use thereof. A control device is configured to transmit signals to the prosthetic device to effectuate the repetitive transition between a first, less restricted flow configuration and a second, restricted flow configuration are described. A sensor device may be provided for monitoring physiological parameters of the patient, and can provide signals to the control device for effectuating the transition between the first and second configuration. |
| US08353812B2 |
Handheld radiation delivery system
A handheld radiation delivery system is disclosed that includes a two-part delivery module comprising a reusable portion that contains a radioactive source wire and a disposable portion that includes a drive assembly for moving the radioactive source wire between storage and treatment positions. A disposable applicator tip is provided that includes a cannula for receiving the radioactive source wire when in the treatment position and a mechanism for limiting the number of uses of the device. A handheld cable actuator is operatively connected to the disposable portion of the handpiece to impart motion to the source wire. |
| US08353811B2 |
Smoking articles enhanced to deliver additives incorporated within electroprocessed microcapsules and nanocapsules, and related methods
A large variety of electroprocessed capsules can be produced to encapsulate a variety of additives within the subcompartments or substructures of the manufactured capsule. Furthermore, the manufactured capsules can be arranged within a filter of a smoking article during the manufacturing process. By modifying the various parameters that control the electrospraying or electrospinning processes, capsules can be manufactured that vary in composition, in substructural organization, and in dimension. A capsule produced by electrospraying comprises at least one polymeric material that encapsulates or supports the retention of at least one flavorant and/or non-flavorant within the capsule. A polymeric material provides a supporting structure for encapsulating at least one flavorant and/or non-flavorant additive. The capsules that can be produced by various electrospraying processes described below include microcapsules in a micro-scaled range, nanocapsules in a nano-scaled range, and various mixtures of microcapsules and nanocapsules. |
| US08353805B2 |
Hydraulic supply system for a hydraulically actuated automatic transmission
A hydraulic supply system for a hydraulically actuated automatic transmission, in particular for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The system includes a primary pump driven by a primary drive system to provide pressure in a supply line connected to a regulating valve. The supply line is connected through a pilot valve to a control line in which a control valve is situated, with which the pressure that determines the setting of a transmission ratio adjusting valve is set. An auxiliary pump driven by an auxiliary drive system that is separate from the primary drive system includes an outlet line connected to the control line through a first valve that opens in the direction of the control line, and is connected to the supply line through a second valve that opens in the direction of the supply line. |
| US08353801B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
The present invention provides a multiple speed automatic transmission having an input member, an output member and four planetary gear assemblies each including a sun gear, a planet gear carrier with a plurality of planet gears and a ring gear. The transmission also includes four friction brakes and two friction clutches. The transmission further includes a plurality of fixed or rigid connections. A first connection couples the ring gear of the first planetary gear assembly to the sun gear of the second planetary gear assembly. A second connection couples the planet gear carrier of the first planetary gear assembly to the planet gear carrier of the second planetary gear assembly. A third connection couples the ring gear of the third planetary gear assembly to the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear assembly. A fourth connection couples the planet gear carrier of the third planetary gear assembly to the planet gear carrier of the fourth planetary gear assembly. A fifth connection couples the ring gear of the second planetary gear assembly to the sun gear of the third planetary gear assembly. |
| US08353799B2 |
Control of and control method for vehicle continuously variable transmission
A control device for a vehicle continuously variable transmission 4 comprises: inertia phase processing completing means for completing an instruction relating to inertia phase processing before an input rotation speed of the subtransmission mechanism 30 actually reaches an input rotation speed of the second gear position; and torque phase processing starting means for starting an instruction relating to torque phase processing, in which reception of an input torque of the subtransmission mechanism 30 is shifted from a disengagement side frictional engagement element to an engagement side frictional engagement element before the input rotation speed of the subtransmission mechanism 30 actually reaches the input rotation speed of the second gear position, after completing the instruction relating to the inertia phase processing. |
| US08353797B2 |
Lubrication system for a planetary gear set
A planetary gear set for a transmission, the planetary gear set having a sun gear, a ring gear and a carrier assembly. The carrier assembly includes an annular first carrier member, at least one pinion pin, and at least one planet gear assembly. The first carrier member has at least one radial groove connecting a step surface to an inner surface of a pinion pin bore. A pinion pin has a bearing surface and a bore. The bore has a first and a second open end, the first open end in communication with the bearing surface the second open end in communication with the radial groove of the carrier member. |
| US08353787B2 |
Golf club head with progressive face stiffness
A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, with a body comprising of a first body portion and a second body portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high density material in the first body portion with a low density material in the second body portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. Thickening the lower area of the front face lowers the center of gravity and upwardly shifts the coefficient of restitution to the geometric center of the face. |
| US08353786B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Some embodiments of the club head have a high moment of inertia and variable thickness face. |
| US08353779B2 |
Support structure for bolting components of drive shaft via mounting member
A support structure for bolting components of a drive shaft via a mounting member that comprises at least are mounting member of the drive shaft having formed through a bolt hole, a female thread portion which is formed in the mounting member, the bolt having a male thread portion can be screwed into the female thread portion by inserting the bolt into the bolt hole, and a heat-shrinkable tube that is adapted to provide elastic contact at an inner surface of the bolt hole. |
| US08353778B2 |
Forging method, closed forging mold and tripod uniform motion universal joint
A forging method and a full-enclosed forging die contribute to the alleviation of an enclosing force applied to dies and in which a relatively small enclosing apparatus can be used even with respect to larger-sized products. A tripod type constant velocity universal joint is formed with a tripod member molded with the full-enclosed forging die. The full-enclosed forging die includes openable/closable dies and punches for pressing a material between the dies. From the forging die, the tripod member including a boss portion and shaft portions protruded radially from the boss portion is molded. |
| US08353775B2 |
Wheel support apparatus
A wheel support apparatus including a hub wheel which includes a hub shaft and is to mount a wheel thereon, a first side surface spline being formed on an end surface of the hub shaft, and a constant velocity joint which includes an outer ring connected to the hub shaft in a torque-transmitting manner, a second side surface spline meshed with the first side surface spline being formed on an end surface of a side wall portion of the outer ring abutting against the end surface of the hub shaft. Each of the first and second side surface splines includes a number of spline teeth and bottom lands defined between the spline teeth. The tooth tops of the spline teeth of one of the two side splines and the bottom lands of the other side spline are formed into a tapering surface inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to a center axis of the hub shaft. The tapering tooth tops contact the corresponding tapering bottom lands so that the hub shaft and the outer ring can be aligned with each other. |
| US08353771B2 |
System of mobile online game and method for communicating between mobile game terminals
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a mobile online game system which includes a first mobile game terminal, a second mobile game terminal and a game platform, and the first mobile game terminal acquires a P2P communication address of the second mobile game terminal from the game platform, creates a P2P connection with the second mobile game terminal, and communicates with the second mobile game terminal via the P2P connection. An embodiment of the present invention discloses as well a method for communicating between mobile game terminals. Because of the adoption of a P2P connection between the mobile game terminals for communicating, the forwarding of data interaction between the mobile game terminals by the game platform in the related art is avoided, so that the rate and efficiency of data interaction between the mobile game terminals are improved, and the data processing burden on the game platform is released. |
| US08353763B2 |
System and method for betting on a participant in a group of events
A method of managing bets includes receiving first types of bets and second types of bets. Each first type of bet comprises a bet that the number of units earned by a participant in a plurality of events will fall within a first range of numbers. Each second type of bet comprises a bet that the number of units earned by the participant over a course of a plurality of events will fall within a second range of numbers. The total number of units earned by the participant is determined based on the positioning of the participant in each event. The method includes determining whether the first or second type of bets are winning bets. A betting pool is determined based on the total amounts associated with the first and second types of bets. A payout is determined based on the betting pool and the total amounts of the winning bets. |
| US08353760B2 |
Embedding of games into third party websites
Systems and methods for embedding and tracking revenue from fully operational games into third party websites are disclosed. |
| US08353757B2 |
Methods and systems for representing outcomes of a casino game in a non-casino game format
In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., a player may access the video presentation online). In one embodiment, each of the individual outcomes may be represented via a video that depicts a continuous event that provides an indication of the outcomes. This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal, yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). The player, in one embodiment, may either view the outcomes via a traditional gaming device interface (e.g., via a representation of slot reels) and as discreet outcomes, or view a video that depicts a continuous event, as determined by the discreet outcomes. In some embodiments, a player may view a video and/or interact with a game that represents one or more previously-generated outcomes using a theme other than that of a traditional wagering game (e.g., outcomes may be communicated to the player using a video game theme, such a sports or adventure game). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith. |
| US08353754B2 |
Gaming system and a method of gaming
A gaming system comprising: a display; a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area on the display; a plural special symbol determiner arranged to determine whether a plural special symbol representing a number (N) of special symbols is to be activated; a symbol modifier arranged to operate in response to a determination that a plural special symbol is to be activated so as to modify display of at least one symbol selected by the symbol selector so that the symbols displayed in the display area after modification include N singular special symbols; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols as modified by the symbol modifier. |
| US08353745B1 |
Polycarbonate support for ducts
An apparatus for the extraction of gases has a flexible duct with an interior therein, a polymeric support extending in the interior of the flexible duct, a first anchor that secures an end of the polymeric support, a second anchor that secures an end of the flexible duct, and a duct connector. The first anchor secures the end of the polymeric support to the duct connector. The second anchor secures the end of the flexible duct to the duct connector. The polymeric support is elongated. The polymeric support has a taper and a thickness suitable for holding the flexible duct in a fixed position. The polymeric support is formed of a polycarbonate material. |
| US08353742B1 |
Automatic sausage rolling machine
A machine utilizing gravity to reduce costs when rolling a food dough casing around a sausage. The machine includes first, second, and third conveyors, a carrier, and a pusher block. The third conveyor is disposed to one side of the carrier, and is rotatably affixed to a horizontal surface. The second conveyor is rotatably affixed above the third conveyor. The pusher block is disposed to the other side of the carrier, is slidably affixed to the horizontal surface, and pushes the sausage towards the carrier, initially. The first conveyor is rotatably affixed above the pusher block, and conveys the food dough casing initially, and thereafter, the food dough casing falls downwardly by the gravity. The carrier is disposed between the pusher block and the third conveyor, is rotatably affixed to the horizontal surface, and relays a partially food dough cased sausage to between the second conveyor and the third conveyor. |
| US08353740B2 |
Conductive hydrocarbon fluid
The disclosure is directed to a processing fluid including at least 50 wt % of an aliphatic hydrocarbon having an average chain length of 8 to 16 carbons, 0.005 wt % to 10.0 wt % of Lewis active components, and not greater than 1.0 wt % water. The Lewis active components includes a Lewis acid and a Lewis base. The processing fluid has a conductivity of at least 10 nS/m and a Cannon viscosity of about 0.5 cp to about 5 cp at 25° C. |
| US08353738B2 |
Advanced finishing control
Methods of using in situ finishing information for finishing workpieces and semiconductor wafers are described. Methods of using yield information at least in part related to cost of manufacture for finishing workpieces and semiconductor wafers are described. Changes or improvements to cost of manufacture of a workpiece using current in-process cost of manufacture information, tracked current in-process cost of manufacture information, or current cost of manufacture parameters are discussed. Appreciable changes to quality or cost of manufacture of a workpiece using tracking, using in-process tracked information, networks including a multiplicity of apparatus, and using in situ finishing information are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve real-time process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve feedforward and feedback control are discussed. The workpieces can be tracked individually or by process group such as a process batch. |
| US08353737B2 |
Distributed system of autonomously controlled toy vehicles
A toy system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A toy vehicle or mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the toy vehicle and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the toy vehicle can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the toy vehicle, whereupon the microcontroller of the toy vehicle controls detailed movement of the toy vehicle on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the toy vehicle to implement the action on the drivable surface. |
| US08353736B2 |
Double point indicating auto/manual gas inflator
An auto/manual gas inflator incorporating a gas cylinder and an auto cap. A first indication mechanism is provided for indicating the status of the gas cylinder which is visible through a first window in the inflator housing and a second indication mechanism is provided for indicating the status of the auto cap through a second window in the inflator housing. The auto cap in one embodiment uses a dissolvable pill for automatic inflation. A manual activator, such as a lanyard assembly can be used for manual inflation. In either activation method, a pierce pin is moved upward to break the cylinder's seal and release the gas contained within the cylinder. |
| US08353735B2 |
Submerged buoy
This invention relates to a submerged buoy (1) consisting of: a housing (2) containing a receiver (4) of a radioacoustic signal; a mooring rope (11) with one end attached to a mooring point; a mechanism for releasing said buoy, allowing it to return to the surface; and a flotation reserve; said buoy being noteworthy in that the release mechanism (7) is of electromechanical type and is enclosed in a hermetically sealed tank (5) which thus forms the flotation reserve; said mechanism (7) controlling a catch (8) which either prevents or allows the free rotation of a winding drum (10) around which the mooring rope (11) is wound. This buoy may be used particularly for marking submerged objects such as fishing equipment, nets, fish pots etc., for controlling mooring sites in pleasure ports or even to mark off a sensitive area (such as around an underwater mine). |
| US08353734B1 |
Self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel
A self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel. The hydraulic thruster incorporates at least one lower unit housing tiltably attached to a base at a base lower unit cutout laterally offset from a helm platform. Tilt actuator(s) disposed entirely above a base upper surface tilt each lower unit up or down relative to the base. Two positive down-tilt means are disclosed: housing arm lower edge(s) resting on the base upper surface, and also down stop tab(s) extending from a base lower unit cutout wall into the base lower unit cutout against which a forward housing wall edge butts when the housing is tilted fully down. In addition, base bores through the base are disclosed, and pins which slidably fit into respective base bores and extend downwards from the base to serve as positioning stops when installing the hydraulic thruster on a vessel. |
| US08353733B2 |
Electric current-generating and/or electric power-plant device on-board a sailing structure
The object of the invention is an electric current-generating and/or electric power-plant device (50) in a sailing structure comprising at least one power plant and at least one battery pool, whereby said power plant comprises at least one heat engine (18), a reducer/inverter assembly, and particularly a shaft line (22) equipped with at least one propeller at its end, with the current-generating device (50) being inserted between the flange (66) of the engine cover (68) of said engine (18) and the flange (70) of the reducer/inverter assembly (20), where said device (50) is characterized in that it takes the form of a closed module (64) that can be inserted directly between the flange (66) of the engine cover (68) and the flange (70) of the reducer/inverter assembly without disassembly, total or partial, of its components. |
| US08353731B1 |
Plug connector
A plug connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of first terminals which are adapted to connect with a mating receptacle connector and include a first ground terminal, a first power terminal for connecting with an external power supply and at least two first signal terminals, a plurality of second terminals which include second power terminals adapted to transmit different voltage values, second ground terminals and a backup terminal, and a support body mounted to a rear side of the insulating housing. The first and second terminals are inserted forward in the insulating housing and each has a soldering arm penetrating rearward through the support body to be exposed outside and supported by the support body. A shielding shell encloses the insulating housing and the support body with the first and second terminals. |
| US08353729B2 |
Low profile connector system
A low profile connector system. In one set of embodiments, a low profile plug receptacle is provided that is thinner than a standard plug receptacle, thereby allowing the plug receptacle to be incorporated in small form factor (e.g., very thin) electronic devices while maintaining compatibility with standard plug connectors. In another set of embodiments, different types of custom plug connectors are provided that can improve the aesthetics of an electronic device housing the low profile plug receptacle when the custom plug connector is attached. In another set of embodiments, features are provided for preventing a plug connector from unintentionally falling out of, or coming loose from, the low profile plug receptacle and/or preventing a plug connector from rotating within the receptacle. |
| US08353728B2 |
Receptacle connector having contact modules and plug connector having a paddle board
A receptacle connector (100) and a plug connector having a paddle board (800) mate with each other along a mating direction. The receptacle connector includes a housing (1) defining a slot (224), and a pair of first groups of terminals secured in the housing and a second group of terminals. The first group of terminals includes a first terminal (221) having a first contact portion (2211) disposed at a first side of the slot (224), a second terminal (222) having a second contact portion (2221) and a third terminal (223) having a third contact portion (2231) disposed at a second side of the slot. The first contact portion is positioned between the second contact portion and the third contact portion along the mating direction. The second group of terminals include a fourth terminal (211) and a fifth terminal (212). |
| US08353727B2 |
Card connector
A connector which makes it less difficult to insert two types of card-type electronic components, even when it is used over a long term. A first recess in which a first memory card is inserted has a bottom surface formed with a second recess in which a second memory card is inserted, whereby guiding surfaces are formed for guiding a second memory card in a card-inserting direction. |
| US08353723B2 |
Communications patching devices having capacitor-based multi-stage near-end alien crosstalk compensation circuits between adjacent connector ports
Communications patching devices include first and second connectors mounted immediately adjacent to each other. The first connector includes a first output terminal and a second output terminal that are connected to respective first and second conductive paths, and the second connector includes a third output terminal and a fourth output terminal that are connected to respective third and fourth conductive paths. The first and second conductive paths form a first differential pair of conductive paths and the first and second output terminals form a first differential pair of output terminals. The third and fourth conductive paths form a second differential pair of conductive paths, and the third and fourth output terminals form a second differential pair of output terminals. The output terminals are arranged such that a first signal coupling level from the first output terminal to the third output terminal in response to a communication signal that is transmitted through the first differential pair of output terminals exceeds a second signal coupling level from the first output terminal to the fourth output terminal in response to the communication signal. A first capacitor is provided between the first conductive path and the fourth conductive path and a second capacitor is provided between at least one of the first conductive path and the third conductive path or between the second conductive path and the fourth conductive path. |
| US08353721B2 |
Cable connection device, line feedthrough provided therewith, and use thereof
The invention relates to a cable connection device for connecting a cable to a housing that is to be electromagnetically shielded, comprising a sheath, which serves to surround the cable in the region of a cable feedthrough opening in the housing and is designed to be electrically conductive at least at its surface. In order to achieve a cable connection device with a simple design which can be used for different cables and has improved shielding, the invention proposes that the sheath completely covers a cable feedthrough opening, which is associated with the housing, when viewed in a direction axial to the cable feedthrough opening, the sheath being provided with shielding structures for damping electromagnetic radiation on an inner surface, which points towards the cable to be accommodated. |
| US08353719B2 |
Joined cord connection protector with top and bottom conforming to top and bottom of two joined cord connectors
A solid molded cord connection protector for robust protection of joined cord connectors is disclosed, which protects cord connections and cord connectors from being crushed by large external forces and/or high pressure. The cord connection protector includes a bottom and top robust solid mold, each mold custom-designed to conform to a substantially bottom or top side of joined portions of two cords joined together by cord connectors. A hinge connects the top and bottom molds via their respective back sides; and a fastener fastens the top and bottom molds together at their front sides. The cord connection protector completely encloses the solid molds firmly around the entire surface of the joined portions of the two cords, thereby providing robust protection of the joined cord connectors and robust protection of the cord connection. In some embodiments, the cord connection protector is capable of preventing separation and/or crushing of the cord connectors. |
| US08353715B1 |
Electronic device having assisting apparatus for unplugging RJ-45 connector
An electronic device includes a chassis and an assisting apparatus for unplugging a Registered Jack-45 (RJ-45) connector. The chassis includes a sidewall defining an opening, and a connector installed in the chassis and exposed through the opening. The assisting apparatus includes a press member fixed to the chassis, and an operation member slidably connected to the press member. The press member includes a resilient arm, a press portion protruding up from the resilient arm, and a block protruding down from the resilient arm. The operation member includes a push wall facing the block. When the operation member is slid, the push wall abuts against the block and pushes the resilient arm upwards, the press portion of the resilient arm is moved upwards, for disengaging the resilient plate of the RJ-45 connector from the connector of the chassis. |
| US08353695B2 |
Die for forming honeycomb structure
A joined article in which a first metal member made of a tungsten carbide base cemented carbide and a second metal member made of a martensitic stainless steel having a carbon equivalent of 2.5 to 3.5 and containing 0.030 mass % or less of sulfur are joined. The martensitic stainless steel having the carbon equivalent of 2.5 to 3.5 is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of SUS431, SUS420J1, SUS420J2, SUS410, SUS410J1, S-STAR, PROVA-400, HPM38, STAVAX ESR, and SUS403 in the joined article. There is disclosed a joined article in which the lowering of the strength of a second metal member around a joining interface thereof is prevented. |
| US08353692B2 |
Scroll type compressor
A scroll type compressor has a housing, a rotary shaft, a fixed scroll member, a movable scroll member and a rotation preventing mechanism. The rotation preventing mechanism has a movable pin that is provided on the surface of movable end plate and extends toward end surface of the housing in parallel with an axis of the rotary shaft, a fixed pin that is provided on the end surface of the housing and extends toward the surface of the movable end plate in parallel with the axis of the movable pin, a rolling element that is disposed between the movable and the fixed pins, being contactable with the movable and the fixed pins and a retainer retaining the rolling element between the movable and the fixed pins. |
| US08353691B2 |
Piston pump
A piston pump for the hydraulic energy supply in a motor vehicle, comprising a piston that is movably arranged in a stepped bore of an accommodating member that is provided with a closure, the piston carries a seat for an elastic sealing element which accommodates the sealing element with axial play, and with radial elastic preload for the purpose of sealing between piston and cylinder. The seat for the sealing element has a structure which generates forces pointing radially towards a piston axis and expanding the sealing element in a radial direction, and that the structure produces an elastic deformation of the sealing element for an increased and dosed sealing contact pressure between piston and cylinder. |
| US08353690B2 |
Quad chamber mixing pump
A pair of dual chamber mixing pumps are combined which allow for a constant dispense rate profile using motor speed modulation. Each pump is divided into two chambers, the proximal chamber and the distal chamber. The chambers are defined in part by a piston having proximal and distal ends and recessed sections. The pump utilizes one common driving mechanism to axially rotate and laterally reciprocate the piston to provide continuous pumping of fluids with reduced pulsations. Each fluid enters through its own pump inlet and outlet. The pumps are operated 90° out of phase with respect to each other. |
| US08353686B2 |
Rotor stability of a rotary pump
A rotary pump including an impeller rotatable within a housing. A load is imposed on the impeller as it rotates, in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and wherein the load stabilizes the motion of the impeller. The load may be achieved by magnetically biasing the impeller. |
| US08353685B2 |
Method for fluid transfer and the micro peristaltic pump
This invention relates generally to the field of peristaltic pump. In particular, the invention provides a peristaltic pump, which peristaltic pump comprises, inter alia, an actuating part, a cartridge part comprising at least three chambers and mechanisms for controlling movement of the actuating part to and from the cartridge part to control opening or closing of the inlet and outlet to the chamber(s). |
| US08353681B2 |
Compressor having a drive mechanism and a lubricant separator
A compressor, such as an air-conditioning compressor for motor vehicles, particularly with a drive which has an adjustable swept volume, for the intake and compression of a refrigerant and a lubricant separator, which separates lubricant from the refrigerant, in particular, in the discharge pressure region of the compressor. The lubricant is introduced to the drive by a partial flow branching off from the high pressure refrigerant flow. |
| US08353679B2 |
Micropump device
To provide a micropump device having good controllability over the amount of gas generated from the gas generating material and thus the amount of liquid fed by the micropump. The micropump device includes a micropump 10 and a controller 50. The micropump 10 includes: a microchannel 22 serving as a channel for liquid; a gas generating material 34 generating a gas upon exposure to light and supplying the gas to the microchannel 22; and a light source 42 for irradiating the gas generating material 34 with light 44. The controller 50 supplies to the light source 42 a control pulse signal CS that causes the light source 42 to blink on and off in a binary manner by repeating a pulse train pattern composed of a fixed number of bits each capable of having two states, one of which is a first level allowing the light source 42 to be turned on and the other of which is a second level allowing the light source 42 to be turned off. |
| US08353676B2 |
Method for determining faults during the operation of a pump unit
A method for determining faults during the operation of a pump unit. At least two electric variables that determine the electric output of the motor and at least one fluctuating hydraulic variable of the pump are detected. The detected values or values formed from the variables by use of algorithms are automatically compared to predefined stored values using electronic data processing and the results of the comparison are used to determine whether or not faults have occurred. |
| US08353675B2 |
Hanging frame assembly for ceiling fan
A hanging frame assembly includes a support seat made of metal and having a bottom wall forming a substantially C-shaped ring, two angularly spaced-apart sidewalls extending upwardly from an outer peripheral end of the bottom wall, two wing plates bending outwardly and respectively from top ends of the sidewalls, and a plurality of angularly spaced-apart positioning ribs extending upwardly from an inner peripheral end of the bottom wall. A buffer piece made of rubber is mounted on the bottom wall, forms a substantially C-shaped ring, and has a plurality of angularly spaced-apart positioning grooves receiving fittingly and respectively the positioning ribs. |
| US08353674B2 |
Method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell member
A method for preparing a wind turbine blade shell member comprising a plurality of elements of cured fiber-reinforced sheet material is provided. A plurality of elements of cured fiber-reinforced sheet material is provided in a mold, a resin is introduced between the elements of cured fiber-reinforced sheet material and the elements are bonded to adjacent elements by curing the resin. The method is particularly suitable for preparing wind turbine blade shell members due to the complex three-dimensional shape of the airfoils, which may be resembled by the relatively flexible cured fiber-reinforced sheet material. |
| US08353671B2 |
Fan with pressurizing structure
A fan with pressurizing structure includes a rotor having a main body, blades spaced on the main body, a magnetic body annularly mounted in the main body, and a shaft axially connected to an inner side of the main body; a frame having a sleeve and at least one bearing rotatably received in the sleeve, and an opposing end of the shaft being inserted into the bearing; a stator assembly fitted around the sleeve and including silicon steel plates and a base plate; and a plurality of first pressurizing sections selectively provided on one of the base plate and an end face of the magnetic body. With the first pressurizing sections, deposition of moisture and salt fog in the sleeve and the rotor can be prevented to avoid corroded and damaged bearing and rotor shaft, and the service life of the whole fan is increased. |
| US08353668B2 |
Airfoil insert having a tab extending away from the body defining a portion of outlet periphery
Disclosed are examples of flow-directing elements, airfoil inserts, and assemblies thereof. A flow-directing element has an inner buttress with an airfoil extending outwardly therefrom. The airfoil includes a cavity that extends within the airfoil to an exit port disposed in the inner buttress. A shelf disposed about the buttress defines the exit port, and the shelf includes a discourager extending into the cavity. An airfoil insert has a tubular body, with an outlet at one end. A plate affixed to the body at the outlet partially blocks the outlet, and includes a tab extending away from the body and defining a portion of an outlet periphery. Upon assembly of the flow directing element and the insert, the tab interacts with the discourager to direct a coolant to the exit port while restricting leakage of the coolant back into the cavity, between the airfoil insert and the flow-directing element. |
| US08353664B2 |
Turbocharger with annular rotary bypass valve for the turbine
A turbocharger includes a turbine wheel mounted within a turbine housing and connected to a compressor wheel by a shaft. The turbine housing defines an exhaust gas inlet connected to a volute that surrounds the turbine wheel, and an axial bore through which exhaust gas that has passed through the turbine wheel is discharged from the turbine housing. The turbine housing further defines an annular bypass passage surrounding the bore and arranged to allow exhaust gas to bypass the turbine wheel. An annular bypass valve is disposed in the bypass passage. The bypass valve comprises a fixed annular valve seat and a rotary annular valve member arranged coaxially with the valve seat. The valve member is disposed against the valve seat and is rotatable about the axis for selectively varying a degree of alignment between respective orifices in the valve seat and valve member. |
| US08353663B2 |
Shroud seal segments arrangement in a gas turbine
A gas turbine is provided that includes a rotor which is rotatable around an axis and equipped with rotor blades, and which is concentrically enclosed at a distance by a casing, which is equipped with stator blades, forming an annular hot gas passage. Rings with stator blades and rotor blades are arranged in a manner alternating in the axial direction. Between adjacent stator blades, heat shield segments are arranged, which delimit the hot gas passage on the outside in a region of the rotor blades and are cooled by impingement cooling where a cooling medium from an outer annular cavity flows into the heat shield segment. |
| US08353662B2 |
Robot for handling rolls
A robot for handling rolls of web material, is disclosed. The robot includes an articulated arm (60), moving according to a plurality of numerically controlled axes and supporting a suction head (61A). |
| US08353659B2 |
Fastening method for a fastening bolt of a sub frame to car body and a sub frame rigid collar for car used for the fastening method
The fastening is performed by using the fastening bolt of the conventional mass-produced car, the fastening method capable of obtaining “Resonance frequency” of the aimed body and the sub frame rigid collar for car used for the fastening method, are provided by the tightening work with the conventional specified torque, and only by simple work of interposing the sub frame rigid collar for car, without need the work of any special processing. |
| US08353656B2 |
Pushpin retaining device and method of retaining without object puncture
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively. |
| US08353653B2 |
Anchor bolt providing for fall protection
An anchor bolt providing for fall protection. The anchor bolt has an anchoring device that may be of any standard type, for making use of an aperture either in or through a structure as an anchoring point, an elongate flexible member connected to the anchoring device at one end of the elongate flexible member, and a handle connected to a second end of the flexible member. The handle member is pivotally attached to the second end, for pivoting about the elongate axis of the flexible member as it extends from the second end. Preferably, the anchoring device is a novel, toggling type in which a toggling member is pivotally attached to the flexible member at a ball joint. |
| US08353651B2 |
Dry-to-the-touch-moisture-curable compositions and products made therefrom
A dry-to-the-touch moisture curing composition useful as a sealant and adhesive which includes a reactive modified methylene diisocyanate polymer component having isocyanate functionality of about 8% to about 18% by weight of the polymer. |
| US08353648B2 |
Load-bearing ring for hydraulic fasteners
Load-bearing ring (120, 220) have segments (121, 122, 221, 222) connected by studs (123) or frangible portions (228), where opposed tapered faces (125, 126, 225, 226) co-operate with complementary faces (114, 115) on hydraulic fasteners (110, 210) on a tapered face (342) on a washer (341), to enable controlled release of the load-bearing rings (110, 210) to enable de-tensioning of a bolt or stud tensioned by the hydraulic fasteners (110, 210, 310). |
| US08353646B2 |
Tool for machining boreholes
A tool for machining borehole surfaces, includes a base body, a cutting device having at least one cutting die with at least one geometrically defined tool edge, and at least one guide surface for guiding the tool (1) inside the machined borehole. The at least one cutting die being tangentially fastened to the end face of the tool, and preferably embedded therein,The at least one cutting die is provided with a rounded cut for producing a support surface adjacent to the tool edge is produced, the support surface being arched with a radius that is smaller than the radius of the borehole to be machined, and the region of the support surface directly adjoining the tool edge resting against the borehole wall to be machined, and the end region of the support surface, as viewed in the peripheral direction of the tool, which is situated at a distance from the tool edge being situated at a distance from the wall of the borehole. |
| US08353644B2 |
Apparatus and method for moving and placing granulate material
A method and system are disclosed for moving and placing in hard to reach locations granular and other particulate material such as sand, gravel, earth and similar materials. The system includes an improved auger for moving the material and an improved rotary airlock mechanism designed to withstand the abrasive action of the particulate material and at the same time move the material several hundred feet through a flexible conduit for placement in a pre-designated location. A system and apparatus is also disclosed for transporting on one vehicle all of the devices needed at a remote site for operation the particulate placement system, including a front loader. |
| US08353641B2 |
Systems and methods for removing finely dispersed particulate matter from a fluid stream
Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution. |
| US08353640B2 |
Load supporting panel having impact absorbing structure
An impact absorption panel is adapted for playground use and comprises a panel section and a plurality of projections. The panel section is defined by a top surface and a bottom surface. The plurality of projections extend from the bottom surface of the panel section. The plurality of projections have a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is configured to collapse initially when subjected to an impact load. The second stage is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first stage. The panel section is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first and second stages. The first stage can also be distinguished from the second stage by virtue of having a comparatively smaller volume. |
| US08353639B2 |
Turnbuckle lock
A lock for an implement turnbuckle includes an apertured plate attached directly to the turnbuckle. The plate receives the pin or linkage connecting structure that attaches to the threaded eyebolt of the turnbuckle. The mounting end of the plate opposite the slot is secured against a flat on the internally threaded member of the turnbuckle by a U-bolt. The plate prevents relative rotation between the eyebolt and an internally threaded member receiving the eyebolt to thereby maintain the desired turnbuckle length adjustment. |
| US08353634B2 |
Mounting a planar light wave circuit in a housing
A planar light circuit may be mounted in the housing a one-point mounting. The one-point mounting may reduce the tendency of thermal deformations in the housing to be transmitted to the planar light circuit. |
| US08353633B2 |
Bearing assembly support and adjustment system
A bearing assembly support and adjustment system includes an annular support device and an annular adjustment sleeve. The annular support device has a support device outer circumferential surface located about a first axis and a support device inner circumferential surface located about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis. The annular adjustment sleeve has an adjustment sleeve outer circumferential surface located about a third axis and an adjustment sleeve inner circumferential surface located about a fourth axis spaced apart from the third axis. The annular adjustment sleeve is coupled to the annular support device with the adjustment sleeve outer circumferential surface located immediately adjacent the support device inner circumferential surface. |
| US08353629B2 |
Sustainable self-attaching bag
Present invention provides for self attachment of a sustainable fabric t-shirt bag to a usually stationary support frame by means of tabs that are secured across the midsection of the continuous integral looped handles that are laterally spaced and extending upward from the base. A hole is thereby created for the threading onto the rode supports of the check out frames.The four sides that project upwards from the base of said bag, form a front and back wall along with two sides created by a gusset, creating an open mouth between the bases of the pair of handles by which articles can be received, retained and carried within. This invention can replace the stacks of plastic grocery bags that are presently found on many store check out frames today and end up as liter all over our planet as garbage. |
| US08353624B2 |
Test device for checking a pre-vacuum steam sterilization apparatus
Test device capable of checking the quality of the sterilizing steam in a pre-vacuum apparatus intended for sterilization, including a receptacle forming an elongate chamber closed at its distal end and open at its proximal end, in which the chamber contains a filling load, and at least one undesirable gas presence indicator arranged toward the distal closed end of the chamber. According to the invention; the undesirable gas presence indicator is an electronic temperature sensor, and the filling load comprises at least, in the operating position, one path enabling a flow by gravity of the water condensed in the chamber from the steam primarily forming the atmosphere of same, to the opening of the proximal end. |
| US08353619B2 |
Methods and apparatus for treating samples with acoustic energy
This invention relates to systems and methods for applying acoustic energy to a sample. According to one aspect of the invention, a system comprises a housing, a chamber for receiving the sample, an acoustic energy source for providing a focused acoustic field to the sample according to a treatment protocol, a processor for determining the treatment protocol, a sensor for detecting information about the sample, and a user interface for communicating with a user. |
| US08353615B2 |
Optically coupled light guide
An optically coupled light guide includes a light source having a surface defined by a channel, a light guide and an optical gel coupling the channel of the light source to the light guide. |
| US08353614B2 |
Backlight unit
A backlight unit includes a light guide plate and a plurality of light sources. A side of the light guide plate is provided with an optical microstructure including a plurality of convex lens members aligned along the side. The height-to-pitch ratios of the convex lens members in the central region of the optical microstructure are different from those of the convex lens members in the side regions of the optical microstructure. For example, the height-to-pitch ratios of the convex lens members in the central region of the optical microstructure are larger than the height-to-pitch ratios of the convex lens members in the side regions of the optical microstructure. The light sources may be light emitting diodes (LED) directed toward the optical microstructure. |
| US08353610B2 |
Vehicle headlamps with flash duration limiting
A vehicle headlamp system including at least one headlamp switchable between at least a high beam mode and a low beam mode by a biased actuator movable by a driver of the vehicle, a headlamp arranged to emit a flash when the biased actuator is moved to a temporary-on position, and means for limiting the maximum duration of the flash to less than 2 seconds. |
| US08353609B2 |
Lamp mounting apparatus and lamp assembly
A lamp mounting apparatus includes a base, an adjusting portion, and an assembling portion. The adjusting portion includes a first end pivotably connected to the base, and a second end. The assembling portion is pivotably connected to the second end. The assembling portion is configured to have a lamp mounted thereon, and the assembling portion is capable of moving relative to the base by adjusting the adjusting portion. |
| US08353608B2 |
Light-emitting device with 2-axis attitude adjustable holder
A holding hole of a holding body has an edge portion and an inner peripheral surface which is a concavely curved surface connected to the edge portion. In a light source unit which supports a light source, projections are formed at three locations, and each of front surfaces thereof has a convexly curved line having a curvature radius longer than that of the inner peripheral surface. When the light source unit is inserted into the holding hole, the front surfaces of the projections at the three locations are brought into point contact with the edge portion at contact portions on the convexly curved lines. |
| US08353607B2 |
Lighting or signaling module with improved three-dimensional appearance
A lighting or signaling device for emitting a lighting or signaling beam according to a main direction, of the type comprising a light source, a flux-recovering mirror comprising a set of reflecting tiles, the reflective surface of each reflecting tile being constituted by a first conical segment with two focal points, a first focal point of which is situated on the light source and a second focal point of which is situated, in relation to reflecting tile in a specific direction in relation to the main direction, each reflecting tile forming an image of the light source. A surface of at least one reflecting tile has at least one second conical segment with two focal points a first focal point of which is situated on the light source and a second focal point of which is situated at a distance from the second focal point of the first conical segment with two focal points. |
| US08353601B2 |
Optical assembly, backlight unit having the same, and display apparatus thereof
The backlight unit may include a plurality of optical assemblies, which each include a light emitting module having a substrate, a plurality of light emitting devices on a top surface of the substrate, and a connector provided on a bottom surface of the substrate and electrically connected to a power supply unit. The optical assembly may also include a light guide plate including a first part to receive the light and a second part to output the light through a top surface. The optical assembly may also include a side cover that may fix the light emitting module and a portion of the first part. The side cover may have a plurality of connector holes. |
| US08353599B2 |
Projection system and projector
A projection system includes: a first image forming unit which releases the first image light; a second image forming unit which releases the second image light; a polarization combining system which combines the first image light and the second image light; a projection unit which projects the first image light and second image light combined; a pixel shift control unit which controls a pixel shift unit; a display timing control unit which controls display timing; and an image display control unit having a function which controls the pixel shift control unit and a function which controls the display timing control unit. The image display control unit performs the pixel shifting control when the image is a still image, and performs at least display timing control out of the pixel shifting control and the display timing control when the image is a dynamic image. |
| US08353596B2 |
Illumination device as well as observation device
Among other items, an illumination device (110) is [provided] for an observation device (100) having one, two or more observation beam paths, each with at least one observation beam bundle, in particular for an operating microscope, having at least one light source (112) for producing at least one illumination beam path with at least one illumination beam bundle (121, 122, 123) for illuminating an object to be observed, in particular, an eye to be observed, in addition having at least one illumination optics unit (11)*, which is constructed according to the Köhler principle of illumination, as well as an objective element (119), wherein the at least one illumination beam path or the at least one illumination beam bundle (121, 122, 123) runs coaxially to an observation beam path or observation beam bundle. In order to produce an optimal solution to the problem of practical requirements relative to homogeneity of the red reflex with a simultaneous good contrasting of the lens pieces or membranes in the lens capsule, it is provided that an intermediate image (125) of the light source (112) lies in the front focal point of the objective element (119), viewed in the direction of the light, or that an intermediate image (125a) of the light source (112) lies at a distance from the front focal point of the objective element (119) corresponding to a maximum of 50% of the focal length of the objective element (119), viewed in the direction of the light. *sic: (111)?—Trans. Note. |
| US08353587B2 |
Method and device for dispensing data from a tachograph
A method and to a device for dispensing data from a tachograph to an endless printing medium. A first division is plotted in the longitudinal direction of the printing medium, and a second division is plotted transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the printing medium. The first division represents a predetermined unit of time, in particular a day in generalized time coordinates, and the second division represents at least one variable recorded by the tachograph during the unit of time, the at least one variable is depicted by at least one graph. |
| US08353584B2 |
Liquid discharging apparatus
A liquid discharging apparatus in which a liquid is flowed in one direction in a circulation flow path at the time of non-discharge, and the flow path is refilled with liquid from both directions at the time of discharge. The liquid discharging apparatus includes a pressure adjustment unit that satisfies a condition “Pu>Pd, Pn>−Pd”, where Pu denotes a fluid pressure at a predetermined position on the upstream side of a discharge port, Pd denotes a fluid pressure at a predetermined position on the downstream side thereof, and Pn denotes a pressure equivalent to a capillary force of the discharge port for absorbing the liquid from the flow path into the discharge port immediately after the liquid has been discharged therefrom. |
| US08353582B2 |
Ultraviolet curable inkjet recording ink and color image forming apparatus
An ultraviolet curable inkjet recording ink of the present invention includes at least a colorant, a light-curable compound, a photopolymerization initiator, and at least one fluorine surfactant represented by the following formulae (1) or (2) as a surface tension regulator: where Rf is selected from CH2CF3 and CH2CF2CF3; n represents a value of 5 to 20; and each R1 represents a functional group capable of initiating an ultraviolet curing reaction and one of the two R1s in (1) may be hydrogen; where Rf is selected from CH2CF3 and CH2CF2CF3; l represents a value of 1 to 20; k and m each represent a value of 1 to 8; each R2 represents a functional group capable of initiating an ultraviolet curing reaction and one of the two R2s in (2) may be hydrogen; and R3 is selected from hydrogen and methyl. |
| US08353581B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: an ink tank that has an ink reservoir; a recording head that has an ink inlet connected to the ink reservoir; a box-shaped head holder on which the ink tank and the recording head are mounted; a discharge passage for discharging air separated from the ink, the discharge passage being opened through a valve element to the outside; and a manipulation member that is provided outside the head holder, wherein the head holder has a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion, wherein the recording head is fixed to the bottom wall portion, wherein the ink tank is fixed to the bottom wall portion, and wherein the inkjet recording apparatus further comprises a discharge case that has at least a part of the discharge passage therein and that is formed integrally with the head holder to constitute a part of the side wall portion. |
| US08353578B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator and liquid-droplet ejection head
A piezoelectric actuator disposed on a surface of a flow-path forming member may comprise a first piezoelectric layer disposed farthest from the surface of the flow-path forming member. The piezoelectric actuator may comprise a surface electrode disposed on one surface of the first piezoelectric layer opposite the surface of the flow-path forming member. The piezoelectric actuator may comprise a land bonded to a terminal of a power supply member. The piezoelectric actuator may comprise a continuous detection electrode including an outer peripheral portion extending along the outline of an area that opposes the land to surround the area and being disposed on one of the other surface of the first piezoelectric layer and a surface of a second piezoelectric layer. |
| US08353577B2 |
Method of controlling drop directionality from inkjet nozzle using multiple independently-actuable roof paddles
A method of controlling a direction of droplet ejection from an inkjet nozzle having a plurality of moveable paddles, the method includes the steps of: (i) actuating a first thermal bend actuator via respective first drive circuitry such that a respective first paddle bends towards a floor of the nozzle chamber; (ii) actuating a second thermal bend actuator via respective second drive circuitry such that a respective second paddle bends towards a floor of the nozzle chamber; and (iii) thereby ejecting a droplet of ink. Actuation of the first and second thermal bend actuators is independently controlled via the first and second drive circuitry so as to control the direction of droplet ejection. |
| US08353574B1 |
Ink jet faceplate coatings comprising structured organic films
A coating for an ink jet printhead front face, wherein the coating comprises a structured organic film (SOF) comprising a plurality of segments, a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework. Methods for preparing a coating for an ink jet printhead front face, wherein the coating comprises a SOF are also disclosed. |
| US08353573B2 |
Waste ink absorbent member, and waste ink container and ink jet recording apparatus equipped with waste ink absorbent member
To provide a waste ink absorbing tank, capable, even in the case of utilizing an ink of a high coagulating property, of causing a waste ink absorbent member to efficiently absorb such ink. A waste ink absorbent member has a hole portion corresponding to an introducing position of the waste ink, and the hole portion is opened on a lateral face of the absorbent member. The waste ink, introduced into the hole portion moves in one direction toward the waste ink absorbent member and absorbed therein. |
| US08353572B2 |
Ink supply devices
An ink supply device includes a cartridge mounting portion to which an ink cartridge is configured to be mounted by being inserted thereinto in an insertion direction, a first determiner configured to determine a first characteristic of the ink cartridge, and a second determiner configured to determine a second characteristic of the ink cartridge. |
| US08353568B2 |
Inkjet head driving apparatus with multi pulse generator
Disclosed herein is an inkjet head driving apparatus. The inkjet head driving apparatus includes a multi pulse generator that receives a trigger signal, and converts and outputs the trigger signal into a multi pulse signal; an amplifier that amplifies the multi pulse signal output from the multi pulse generator; and a controller that controls the number of pulses of the multi pulse signal generated from the multi pulse generator. |
| US08353566B2 |
Print bar lift
In one embodiment, an assembly includes a lift and a print bar mounted to the lift. The lift includes first and second guide rods oriented parallel to one another and perpendicular to an axis of the print bar across the print zone. The first end of the print bar is slidably connected to the first guide rod, the second end of the print bar is slidably connected to the second guide rod, and the lift is configured to simultaneously move both ends of the print bar along the guide rods. In another embodiment, an assembly includes a chassis and a lift supported by the chassis. The lift is configured to loosely hold a print bar and to raise and lower the print bar over a print zone such that both ends of the print bar move simultaneously. |
| US08353564B2 |
Door assembly and refrigerator having the same
The present invention relates to a door assembly and refrigerator having the same. The door assembly according to the present invention includes a door main body, a panel disposed on a front surface of the door main body, a handle having at least one end coupled to an upper end or a lower end of the door main body, and a cover provided with a handle receiving portion allowing an upper end or a lower end of the handle to be received therein and coupled to the upper end or the lower end of the door main body so as to support the panel. Accordingly, it is capable of replacing the cover without disassembling the handle. |
| US08353562B2 |
Axle body
The invention relates to an axle body, particularly for a commercial vehicle, wherein the body is configured substantially as an axle pipe, which comprises a center section and at least one receiving section connected thereto for receiving an axle guide, wherein the axle body in the center section has a substantially constant wall thickness, and wherein the axle body in the receiving section, at least in some regions, has a wall thickness that is greater than the wall thickness of the center section. |
| US08353559B2 |
Inclination adjustment mechanism for a base of safety seat
An inclination adjustment mechanism for a base of safety seat includes a base, a heelpiece and a spring-loaded press button. The base has one end formed with a plurality of positioning indents, and a upper surface for supporting a safety seat. The heelpiece is pivoted to the base and formed with a protruded portion for selectively engaging with one of the positioning indents thereby to keep the base in a selected inclination position. The spring-loaded press button is operatively connected to one end of the heelpiece for releasing the protruded portion from the positioning indents, so as to change the selected inclination position of the base by pressing the spring-loaded press button and moving one end of the base relative to the heelpiece. |
| US08353556B2 |
Seat carrier arrangement and construction for a bus
The invention relates to a seat carrier arrangement for a vehicle seat (48) of a utility vehicle, especially a bus, said arrangement comprising a seat carrier (36) supported towards the rear on an energy-absorbing deformation element (52). The seat carrier (36) is embodied as a carrier part of a vehicle structure (10) on the front end of the utility vehicle. The invention also relates to a construction for a utility vehicle, especially a bus, comprising a vehicle structure (10) on the front end, with an upper and a lower absorber plane (12, 14). The invention also relates to at least one front axial bridge (58) of a base frame or a substructure (18) in the region of a front axle formed as a longitudinal deformation element. |
| US08353555B2 |
Link-type sliding door mechanism
A vehicle sliding door mechanism is arranged to move a door from a door opening provided in a vehicle side body structure from a closed position to an open position. The sliding door mechanism comprises an upper slide rail and a lower slide rail fixed to the vehicle side body structure. An upper slider is associated with the upper rail and is movable along the upper rail, and a lower slider is associated with the lower rail and is movable along the lower rail. An upper link assembly operatively connected to the vehicle door and the upper slider, and a lower link assembly is operatively connected to the vehicle door and the lower slider. At least one link assembly of the upper link assembly and lower link assembly is configured to control a moment of force about a pivot axis while moving the vehicle door between the closed position and the open position. The moment of force is one of an opening moment and a closing moment and is dependent on a position of the vehicle door relative to the vehicle side body structure. The at least one link assembly is configured such that the moment of force is substantially zero between when the vehicle door moves between the closed position and the open position. |
| US08353550B1 |
Seating system with package tray
A passenger vehicle is provided with a seating row oriented in a passenger compartment and adjacent to a storage compartment. The seating row has a seat back that is pivotally connected to a vehicle body. A battery is disposed within the storage compartment. A tray is provided with a forward end that is pivotally connected to the seat back, and a rearward end that is supported slidably on the vehicle body. The tray is movable in a fore-and-aft direction as the seat back pivots on the vehicle body between a collapsed position and an upright position. The tray is disposed over the seat back and the battery when the seat back is in the collapsed position for providing a raised platform that extends into the passenger compartment. |
| US08353548B2 |
Vehicle coupling and method
A coupling between a reinforcing rib component and an underbelly component of a vehicle is provided. The coupling comprises a tooth projecting from a first of the components through a second of the components, an aperture formed in the second component and receiving therethrough the tooth, and one or more coupling elements attached to the tooth and bearing against the second component. The tooth urges the coupling elements toward the second component, thereby increasing the contact pressure between the components. |
| US08353547B2 |
Equipment for the simultaneous manipulation of several components
An equipment (1) for the simultaneous handling of several components having a plurality of gripping heads (2) which are movable between a close position and at least one spaced position in which they are at a preset distance from each other, and vice versa, including a first rod-shaped element (3) to which the gripping heads (2) are slidingly combined, a second rod-shaped element (4) parallel to the first rod-shaped element (3), provided with a longitudinal guide (5), movable between a first position and at least a second position, a plurality of rods (6) hinged in a zigzag forming a broken line (7) having a median fulcrum (8) at which it becomes integral with the second rod-shaped element (4), and a plurality of lateral fulcrums (9) free to slide in the guide (5) of the second rod-shaped element (4). |
| US08353545B1 |
Compact energy absorbing vehicle crash structure
A crash structure is provided that is interposed between a vehicle's bumper and a vehicle side rail, the crash structure providing relatively level loading in a compact structure that is easily removed and replaced during post-collision repairs. The structure includes an actuator member coupled to the bumper, the actuator member passing into, and slidably disposed within, a hollow housing of the crash structure. The hollow housing contains a plurality of deformable members that at least partially surround a first portion of the actuator member. A second portion of the actuator member, which is between the bumper and the first portion of the actuator member, has a larger diameter than that of the first portion of the actuator member and may be coupled to the first portion via a chamfered transition region. |
| US08353544B2 |
Locking magnet closure
A locking magnet closure consists of a first closure module and a second closure module and comprises a magnet-keeper construction with at least one magnet in the first closure module and a keeper or second magnet in the second closure module, wherein on closing the magnet-keeper construction pulls the first closure module and the second closure module together in a closing direction. The closure further comprises a locking device for positively locking the closure modules between the first closure module and the second closure module. The locking device comprises at least one spring locking element, consisting of an engaging protrusion and a spring, wherein the spring locking element is arranged in the first closure module, and a locking piece which is arranged in the second closure module. |
| US08353543B2 |
Locking arrangement for a door
A locking arrangement for a door includes an upright operating bar (1) mounted on the door for angular movement about its axis and a handle (3) which is connected to the operating bar by a pivotal connection for engagement with a closure mechanism (7,8). The handle and the closure mechanism include co-operating apertures (9). A housing (11) is adapted to cover the pivotal connection of the handle and at least a part of the closure mechanism. A releasable securing means (35) passes through apertures formed in both the handle and the closure mechanism and secures the housing relative to the handle and the closure mechanism. |
| US08353542B2 |
Closure latch with inertia member
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door, wherein during a crash event, the closure latch has an inertia member that prevents the vehicle door from opening. The inertia member may only temporarily prevent the vehicle door from opening, or alternatively it may cause a lock lever to move to a locked position, so that the vehicle door remains locked even after the inertia member is no longer actuated. |
| US08353536B2 |
Double-sided book for comprehension of scriptural texts
A flip-book for educating a user is which employs two book components; a first book component and a second book component is described in this invention. An initial portion of the first book component includes a first cover and an initial portion of the second book component includes a second cover. The cover is positioned on the opposite side of the flip-book. The first component and the second component share a book spine. At least one page of ancient religious text is associated with the first book component. At least one page of modern day text is associated with the second book component. |
| US08353531B2 |
Passenger protection apparatus of vehicle
A passenger protection apparatus comprises an airbag having a concaved receiving portion at its specified position which corresponds to a face of a small-sized passenger seated in a passenger's seat when the airbag inflates in a vehicle collision, an inflator supplying gas to the airbag in a collision of a vehicle to inflate the airbag before the passenger's seat, a position sensor detecting a longitudinal sitting position of the passenger seated in the passenger's seat, and a seatbelt device, an airbag unit for pop-up seat, and a knee airbag unit which adjust a restraint position of the passenger in accordance with the longitudinal sitting position of the passenger so that the face f the small-sized passenger is received at said receiving portion of the airbag in the vehicle collision. |
| US08353529B2 |
Airbag apparatus
The airbag apparatus includes a folded airbag, an inflator and an airbag storage that stores therein the airbag and the inflator. The airbag is inflated by the gas introduced from the inflator in a region between the left seat and the right seat to abut both to a vehicle interior ceiling above the airbag storage and to interior parts of a vehicle interior below the airbag storage. The airbag prevents an occupant sitting in a seat at a side opposite to collision from moving to the collision side. |
| US08353528B2 |
Side airbag apparatus
A pressure reducing portion is formed by joining two fabric portions at a position corresponding to an occupant's arm. The pressure reducing portion limits the thickness of the airbag in the widthwise direction of a vehicle and prevents the arm from being pressed inward in the widthwise direction. A support joint portion joins the fabric portions at a position below the lower end of the pressure reducing portion and behind the front end of the pressure reducing portion when the airbag is arranged in such a manner that a linear portion of the airbag extends vertically. The support joint portion projects toward the pressure reducing portion beyond the line including the lower end of the airbag and the lower end of the linear portion. The end of the support joint portion located close to the pressure reducing portion is located below the lower end of the pressure reducing portion. |
| US08353527B2 |
Airbag device
In an airbag device of the present invention, in an inner portion in a car width direction of at least one of adjacent two seats in a vehicle, a central airbag (4) is housed which is connected to a side face (200) of a seat frame (20) of the seat through a predetermined connecting member. On an outer face inside in the car width direction of the central airbag (4), a plurality of tethers (41), . . . are provided. This central airbag (4) counteracts a force from inside in the car width direction with tensions of the tethers (41), . . . and counteracts a force from outside in the car width direction with a force received from the side face (200) of the seat frame in inflation and extension. |
| US08353523B2 |
Telescopic vehicle and method for transporting a long object
A telescopic vehicle for road transport of at least one long object, comprising: a rear vehicle portion being supported by at least one pair of wheels, the rear vehicle portion having a rear support structure for supporting the long object; and a front vehicle portion being telescopically connected to the rear vehicle portion to enable adjustment of a total length of the vehicle, the front vehicle portion having a front support structure for supporting the long object. At least one of the rear support structure and the front support structure is configured to allow relative movement between the long object and the respective vehicle portion, when the total length of the vehicle is adjusted. |
| US08353519B2 |
Sealing device
A sealing device includes a stationary side installation ring fixed to a stationary side member, a rotation side installation ring fixed to a rotation side member, a stationary side lip integrally provided on the stationary side installation ring and slidably contacting the rotation side installation ring, rotation side lips integrally formed on the rotation side installation ring and slidably contacting the stationary side installation ring, and a pulsar ring for a rotary encoder integrally formed on the rotation side installation ring, and magnetized to be multipolar. The rotation side installation ring includes first and second rotation side installation rings which are attached to each other. The rotation side lips are provided on the first rotation side installation ring at a relatively inner side. The pulsar ring is provided on the second rotation side installation ring at a relatively outer side. |
| US08353518B1 |
Game machine
A game machine includes a main frame standing on a supporting surface, a 3D catcher mounted in a top portion of the main frame, an operational unit mounted onto the main frame for controlling the 3D catcher and a gate assembly mounted in a lower portion of the main frame, through the gate assembly, the operator can take the falling prize. |
| US08353514B2 |
Spherical puzzle
A spherical puzzle for learning knowledge about geography is disclosed. The spherical puzzle comprises a plastic sphere and a plurality of plastic puzzle pieces. The plastic puzzle pieces are arranged on the plastic sphere by a user and are held to the sphere by magnetism. The puzzle pieces are formed in the shape of specific land masses. Metal mesh is provided on either the plastic puzzle pieces or the plastic sphere to attract magnets on the puzzle pieces or the plastic sphere. A base is provided for holding the sphere and allows the sphere to be rotated or turned. |
| US08353513B2 |
Card weight for gravity feed input for playing card shuffler
A card-feeding device for feeding cards into a card-handling device is disclosed. Examples of card-handling devices include shufflers, card sorters, card delivery devices and card verification devices. The device includes a card infeed area that supports a stack of cards. The card infeed area has a card support surface. Included in the device is a card-removing system that removes cards individually from the bottom of the stack. A pivoting arm presses against a card at the top of the stack. At least one sensor is provided that detects at least one of a position of the arm and a presence of a card in the card infeed area. A method of shuffling cards is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing cards to be shuffled into a card infeed area as a stack with a top and bottom and removing cards one at a time from the bottom of the stack and moving the removed cards to a shuffling zone. Cards are then shuffled. The stack of cards is stabilized by a pivoting arm capable of pressing against the top of the stack in an engaged position. The pivot arm may be automatically rotated from a first card-engaging position to a second recessed position. |
| US08353512B2 |
Sheet feeder
A switch back path is connected to a sheet feed path through a branch portion. A plurality of pairs of forward and backward rotating rollers are disposed along the switch back path from the branch portion. A driving portion selectively supplies rotation of a forward rotation direction or of a backward rotation direction to a plurality of pairs of forward and backward rotating rollers. A separation mechanism separates a first pair of forward and backward rotating rollers from each other. A control portion controls operation of the driving portion and the separation mechanism so that a sheet to be fed into the switch back path and a sheet to be fed out of the switch back path pass each other in the switch back path. |
| US08353509B2 |
Stacker device
A stacker device includes a conveying belt, a longitudinal receiving guide, a paper sheet discharge detecting part, a first detecting part having a rod body, a second detecting part, and a control part for controlling the guide drive mechanism and the belt drive mechanism. The control part is formed so as to control both the mechanisms so that after the predetermined time T, which is required for the paper sheet to be stacked on the stacking surface after the paper sheet discharge detecting part detects the rear edge of the paper sheet having been conveyed to the discharging roller, passes and until the first detecting part detects the paper sheet, the longitudinal receiving guide and the conveying belt move to the upstream side of the conveyance direction at the same time, and after that, until the first detecting part does not detect the paper sheet, the longitudinal receiving guide and the conveying belt move to the downstream side of the conveyance direction at the same time. Additionally, the control part is formed so as to control the belt drive mechanism so that, when the second detecting part detects the non-standing position of the paper sheet, only the conveying belt moves to the downstream side of the conveyance direction by the predetermined distance. |
| US08353506B2 |
Equipment for making an album core automatically
The present utility model relates to an equipment for making an album core automatically, which comprises automatic feeding mechanisms for feeding an album paper and an interlayer, a creasing mechanism for creasing the middle of the album paper to form a crease, a folding mechanism for folding the album paper along the crease and a pasting mechanism for pasting the album or the interlayer by coating glue, wherein the automatic feeding mechanisms include an album paper feeding mechanism, an interlayer feeding mechanism and a control mechanism connected to the two feeding mechanisms. The equipment in the utility model has higher automaticity and can select the kinds of album papers freely. |
| US08353501B2 |
Foam spring for pillows, cushions, mattresses or the like and a method for manufacturing such a foam spring
A foam spring for use in pillows, cushions, mattresses or the like, the foam spring having a tubular resilient body (2) made of foam and forming an outer wall, with holes (3) extending inwardly from an outside surface (4) to an inside surface (5), those holes (3) being arranged in a staggered symmetry and mainly being diamond shaped, characterized in that the tubular body (2) displays said holes (3) only over a limited part (16) of its surface (4), and that this limited part (16) is regularly alternating with a limited part (18) of the surface (4) that is not provided with said holes (3) and which forms longitudinal reinforcement ribs (7) in the wall of the tubular body (2) of the spring (1). |
| US08353499B2 |
Roadway guardrail system
A roadway guardrail system including a rail, a plurality of support posts, and a plurality of fasteners assembly to redirect an impacting vehicle and dissipate a portion of the impacting vehicle's energy. A plurality of support posts each includes a slot extending along its length aligning with apertures in the rail and engaging with the rail through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots in the posts. Alternatively, the rail has a plurality of laterally extending slots aligning with apertures in support posts and engaging with the support posts through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots. |
| US08353497B2 |
Variable radius annular and ram packing unit and method
A packing unit to seal a wellbore, the packing unit including at least one rotatable cam having a cam axis disposed about an axis of the wellbore, wherein the at least one rotatable cam is rotatable about the cam axis, the at least one rotatable cam comprising a seal recess formed in an outer periphery of the at least one rotatable cam, wherein the packing unit sealingly engages a tool in the wellbore by rotation of the at least one rotatable cam, bringing the seal recess into sealing contact with the tool. |
| US08353493B2 |
Attachment clamp
Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device. |
| US08353491B2 |
Method for attaching a hand held electronic device to a soft object and coupling therefor
A coupling for attaching a hand held electronic device to a soft object includes a first connector for removable attaching the coupling to the hand held electronic device, and an opposite second connector for removably attaching the coupling to the soft object. In an embodiment the first connector is rotatable with respect to the second connector, so that once attached the hand held electronic device can be rotated to a desired angular position. In another embodiment, the hand held electronic device has a removable cover, and the coupling is attached to the removable cover. |
| US08353489B2 |
Mounting kit
An embodiment of a mounting kit has first and second rails connectable to a frame and first and second spacers respectively connectable to the first and second rails. The first and second spacers are configured to engage an object therebetween when the first and second rails are connected to the frame. The first and second rails each comprise a portion configured to extend under the object when the object is between the first and second spacers. A distance from the first spacer to an end of the first rail and a distance from the second spacer to an end of the second rail are based on a length of the object. |
| US08353488B2 |
Bicycle parking structure
A bicycle parking structure that is adapted to be mounted on and affixed to a vertical post wherein the mechanism for affixing the parking structure to the post includes a security rod that is hidden and inaccessible. |
| US08353487B2 |
User interface support devices for endoscopic surgical instruments
An interface system for interfacing between at least one endoscopic surgical instrument and a cable-controlled guide tube system. Various embodiments may include a tool docking assembly that is supportable relative to the cable-controlled guide system. The tool docking assembly may comprise one or more tool docking stations for retainingly supporting at least one endoscopic surgical instrument for selective pivotal travel about transverse axes. The system may further include cable attachment arrangements for coupling steering cables from the guide tube assembly to the various tool docking stations. |
| US08353485B2 |
System for holding cables, hoses, tubes or the like
The invention relates to a system for holding elongated objects, which system comprises holder modules (1), each of which being provided with at least one seat (3) with an arched shape intended to receive an elongated object. The holder modules are provided with mutually co-operating coupling members (5a, 5b) for coupling together two holder modules with each other. A first coupling member comprises an elongated projection, which is tapered in its longitudinal direction and which has a dovetail shaped cross-sectional shape. A second coupling member comprises a groove (7) with a dovetail-shaped cross-sectional shape, which groove fits to the projection and is tapered in its longitudinal direction. The projection is insertable into the groove and displaceable to a locking engagement in the groove under gradual reduction of the play between the two holder modules when the projection is displaced into the groove. |
| US08353483B2 |
Aircraft wing
An aircraft wing comprises a leading-edge slat, the slat including a main body portion and a slat extension arranged at a spanwise end of the main body portion. The cross-sectional area of the slat extension is less than the cross-sectional area of the main body portion. The slat extension may therefore provide some of the aerodynamic benefits of the slat, while enabling the volume of the leading-edge of the wing on which the slat is mounted, to be relatively large. The chord and thickness to chord ratio of the slat extension may be less than the equivalent dimensions on the slat. |
| US08353482B2 |
System for global flow field management using distributed, surface-embedded, nano-scale boundary layer actuation
Systems to provide distributed flow control actuation to manage the behavior of a global flow field, are provided. An example of a system can include an aerodynamic structure having an outer surface, and an array of a plurality of nano-scale effectors connected to the outer surface of the aerodynamic structure to be in fluid contact with a flowing fluid when operationally flowing, to induce controlled, globally distributed disturbances at a viscous wall sublayer of a turbulent boundary layer of the flowing fluid when operationally flowing and to manipulate fluid behavior of the flowing fluid to thereby substantially reduce pressure loss associated with incipient separation of the fluid flow from portions of the aerodynamic structure. |
| US08353479B2 |
Arrangement of two fuselage sections of an aircraft and a connecting structure for connecting fuselage skins
A coupling element for connecting stringers in the process of joining two fuselage sections by means of at least one transverse splicing plate, wherein in each case the fuselage sections on the inside comprise a multitude of stringers arranged on fuselage skins, as well as annular frame elements, wherein the coupling element comprises a base flange and a frame element flange, and by way of the coupling element in each case a connection between the opposing stringers, the annular frame element and the fuselage skins or the transverse splicing plate takes place so that the coupling element beyond a connection of the stringer base also supports the connection of stringers on the flank side. |
| US08353478B1 |
Blended wing aircraft
Apparatus and methods provide for a blended wing passenger or cargo aircraft. Aspects of the disclosure provide an aircraft having wings with spars having a thickness at the wing root corresponding to a height of the payload space within the fuselage to which the wings are attached. The wing spars within the wings on each side of the aircraft may each be spliced into an aircraft frame that is part of the fuselage. The wing thickness provides mounting locations for aircraft engines and other components within the wing and passing through the wing spars. With this mid-wing configuration, the fuselage provides support for the various loads experienced by the wings without the use of a conventional structural wing box. |
| US08353475B2 |
Roll recording material transport device and recording apparatus
A roll recording material transport device includes a driving side roll holder, a driven side roll holder, a driving side spindle, a driven side spindle, a spindle driving source, a driving side support mechanism, a driven side support mechanism, a transport roller, and an assist executing section. The assist executing section executes assist control in which a rotating force in the direction of transporting the roll of recording material is applied by the spindle driving source through the driving side spindle and the driving side roll holder in an engaged state to the roll portion. The frictional force between the driving side spindle and the driving side roll holder is set smaller than the frictional force between the driven side spindle and the driven side support mechanism. |
| US08353472B2 |
Raw silicon crusher
The raw silicon crusher comprises a pair of beds; and a pair of crushing surfaces on the beds crushing the quenched pure raw silicon by applying pressure; wherein each of the beds comprises a case; pure silicon members arranged inside of the case and protruding from the opening; a block of pure ice fixing the pure silicon members to the case, and each of the crushing surfaces comprises surfaces of ends of protrusions; and surface of the block of ice. |
| US08353462B2 |
Thermally actuated hot and cold water mixing valve configured to minimize valve hunting
A hot and cold water mixing valve including a temperature adjusting dial, and a cylindrical casing having formed therein a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet is provided with a control valve member in which one end thereof is subjected to a load from a biasing member and the other end is subjected to a load from an actuator. By balancing between the loads applied by the biasing member and the actuator, a mixture ratio between the hot water which flows in through the hot water inlet and the cold water which flows in through the cold water inlet is adjusted. A temperature adjuster adjusts a position of the control valve member through the biasing member and includes a tapered skirt portion, which spreads in a radial direction, at an end on the control valve member side thereof. |
| US08353461B2 |
Image processing apparatus, identification apparatus, electronic writing instrument, method for determining bit sequence and computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires a repeated image read from a medium having the repeated image printed thereon, the repeated image being formed by repeatedly arranging an image representing a specific bit sequence; an information acquisition unit that acquires plural state information pieces respectively indicating reading states of plural images included in the repeated image acquired by the image acquisition unit; a detection unit that detects plural bit sequences respectively from the plural images included in the repeated image acquired by the image acquisition unit; and a determination unit that determines the specific bit sequence on the basis of the plural bit sequences detected by the detection unit and the plural state information pieces acquired by the information acquisition unit. |
| US08353455B1 |
Electronic device adapted for use as a shooting sight
An electronic device adapted for use as a shooting sight preferably includes an electronic device and an application software program. The electronic device includes a microprocessor, operating system software a and a flat screen display. The application software program is installed in the microprocessor. The application software program communicates with the operating system. The application software program includes sight indicia, a weapon profile input, a laser finder input and operation display tabs. The sight indicia overlays a video image on the flat screen display. The operation display tabs are displayed on the flat screen display in addition to the sight indicia. The type, position, color and size of the sight indicia is set by clicking on operation display tabs. A retention bracket holds the electronic device and is secured to a weapon. The sight indicia is aligned with an image seen on the flat screen display. |
| US08353452B2 |
Virtual retail assistant
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for facilitating communication between a customer at a retail store and a specialized agent at a remote location. The customer uses an in-store smart client kiosk to initiate a communication session with the agent. The agent can instruct the smart client kiosk to display information relevant to the customer's questions. In embodiments, the messages are XML messages transmitted between the agent's device and the smart client kiosk. The XML information contains information to retrieve content, rather than the content itself, which allows the communication to take place over a small bandwidth connection. Communication takes place in an environment that does not require co-browsing, which allows the agent to analyze large amounts of information but send only helpful information to the client. |
| US08353446B2 |
Shock and vibration absorbing device and method
A resilient device for absorbing at least one of shock and vibration includes a first portion, and a second portion which extends outwardly from the first portion and curves in a first direction away from the first portion and then recurves in a second direction towards the first portion. The method includes the step of securing the first portion to one of a first member and a second member disposed in spaced relationship to the first member and the step of abuttingly engaging the second portion to an opposed one of the first member and the second member wherein the second member is capable of withstanding application of at least one of shock and vibration and the resilient member temporarily changes its original shape for absorbing such at least one of shock and vibration. |
| US08353444B2 |
Low temperature diffusion braze repair of single crystal components
The present invention is directed to a process for repairing cracks in a turbine engine component. The process comprises the steps of providing a component, preferably formed from a single crystal nickel based material, with at least one crack, applying a repair alloy composition containing a single crystal nickel based alloy, a first nickel based braze alloy and a second nickel based braze alloy to the crack(s), and subjecting the component with the applied repair alloy composition to a thermal cycle to diffuse the repair alloy composition into the crack(s). |
| US08353439B2 |
Circular stapler introducer with radially-openable distal end portion
Introducers for introducing a surgical circular stapler into a patient. Various embodiments comprise a hollow flexible sheath that has a distal end and an open proximal end that is sized to receive a stapling head portion of the circular stapler therein. A radially-openable barrel member is attached to a distal end of the hollow flexible sheath to define an opening for receiving the stapling head therein. A rigid cap member is hingably attached to the radially-openable barrel member and is movable between a closed position wherein the rigid cap member covers a distal end of the opening in the barrel member and open position wherein the rigid cap member is movable to a position wherein the distal end of the opening is exposed. A releasable latch member is provided to engage and release opposed ends of the radially-openable barrel member. |
| US08353436B2 |
Pin locking mechanism for a surgical instrument
A surgical instrument having a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, an end effector, and a pin. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and includes an engaging section. In operation, the pin moves between a first position and a second position. While in the first position, the engaging portion of the pin is spaced from the second jaw member. In the second position, the engaging portion of the pin engages the second jaw member. The second jaw member includes a locking structure configured to maintain the position of the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member during actuation of the end effector. |
| US08353434B2 |
System for carrying articles at the front torso of a human being
A system for carrying articles at the front torso of a human being is disclosed. A substantially rigid article-carrying frame is connected to the front of a harness or backpack worn by the user. The frame transmits the weight of the front-carried articles to the front of the user's hips. The system accommodates bending movements of the user's torso by providing, for example, a variable-length mechanism, or a bending mechanism, or a folding mechanism, or a sliding connector mechanism, or any other equivalent accommodation mechanism that will allow the system to accommodate bending movements of the torso of the user. |
| US08353429B2 |
Dispensing apparatus
A dispensing apparatus includes a support frame, a receiving tube, a dispenser, a slide rail, a screw rod, a driving assembly, and a push piston. The receiving tube is fixed to the support frame. The receiving tube defines a tube cavity for receiving glue materials, and an output tube communicating with the receiving tube. The dispenser is connected to the receiving tube. A slide rail is fixed on the support frame, and a sliding member is slidably connected to the slide rail. A screw rod engages with the sliding member. A driving assembly drives a screw rod to move. A push piston is fixed on the sliding member, and is partially received in the receiving tube for pushing glue materials to flow to the dispenser. |
| US08353427B2 |
Automatic dispenser for hand-sanitizer lotion
An automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing hand-sanitizer lotion, which is powered using a rechargeable battery pack rechargeable via solar cells, which battery pack is pivotally mounted in the upper interior section of the main frame of the dispenser, above the liquid-storage bag, whereby as the liquid storage bag is depleted after continual use, the weight of the battery pack serves to compress the storage bag to thereby increase the pressure therein, so that the delay of the dispensing of the liquid does not increase over time as the bag becomes depleted. Also provided is a lower, pivotal tray located below the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing apparatus by which drippings and excess dispensed amounts are caught by the tray and do not fall upon the floor therebelow. A front cover is rotatable to an upper position such that it does not rotate back down by itself in order to allow unencumbered access to the interior of the apparatus for changing storage bags and batteries. The apparatus also contains an aerosol spray canister for spraying a sanitizing mist into the ambient surroundings after the apparatus has dispensed sanitizing fluid onto the hands. |
| US08353423B2 |
Cookware system for increased safety
A cookware system is provided having a container, particularly a cooking vessel, at least one downwardly directed receiver, and a non-coupling handle having a contact member at its end sized to the receiver, which combination provides increased safety and utility. By virtue of the downwardly directed receiver and the upwardly directed contact member, the handle of the cookware system contacts and drives the cooking vessel only during and for so long as the operator, the cook, provides upward force to the handle to temporarily engage the cooking vessel. Upon removal of the upward force from the operator, the handle disengages from the receiver, preventing the potential that a person, whether the operator, a child or another, could contact the handle and cause a spill or burn. |
| US08353414B2 |
Snap-shut stopper having a projecting tab for a container neck
A stopper for a container neck having a skirt centered on an axis, and an internal snapping device. The snapping device fastens the stopper to the neck by engaging with an edge of the neck and an external disengagement tab projecting outwards from the skirt and running over a peripheral portion of the skirt. The skirt includes an external collar projecting outwards and running over a peripheral portion of the skirt distinct from the portion associated with the tab, by being separated from the portion associated with the tab at either end around the periphery of the skirt. At least a portion of the collar that runs through greater than 180° about the axis includes, in cross-section relative to the axis, a circular outside profile centered on the axis and having a radius substantially equal to the maximum radial distance between the axis and the outside profile of the tab. |
| US08353413B2 |
Tamper-evident closure and container combination
A tamper-evident closure and container combination identifies a compromised seal when a severable ring has been detached from a closure upon a first opening of the container. Successful detachment of the severable ring is improved whereby a lower neck portion of a container is angled or arced downwardly and outwardly from a point immediately adjacent an annular ring. |
| US08353412B2 |
Insert for a dish basket for an automatic dishwasher
An insert having insert compartments separated from one another by separating walls with at least two insert compartments provided with compartment floors, arranged in different heights, for loading different silverware pieces and/or small dishes. The silverware pieces and/or the small dishes may, depending on their respective length/size/shape, be loaded into the insert compartment having the corresponding compartment floor positioned in a suitable height, so that they stand on the compartment floor and are no longer required to be hung. |
| US08353411B2 |
Hydrocyclone
The present invention relates to a separating cyclone for separating a mixture of liquids into a heavy fraction, the cyclone comprising:—a cyclone tube (2) in which a flow space is defined, wherein the cyclone tube is provided with an inlet for infeed of a mixture of at least two different liquids, a heavy fraction outlet for discharging the heavy fraction separated from the mixture and a light fraction outlet for discharging the light fraction separated from the mixture;—a rotation generating unit (8) for setting into rotation the mixture fed in via the inlet;—a flow body (6) arranged substantially concentrically in the cyclone tube, in which body is provided a light fraction discharge channel (12) connected to the light fraction discharge, wherein the discharge channel has in flow direction a cross-section substantially decreasing along at least a portion of the length thereof. |
| US08353410B2 |
Polymeric films made from polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and a hydrophilic comonomer
A composite membrane includes a filtration membrane and a layer on a surface of the filtration membrane. The layer includes a polymer including a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) derivative with a hydrophilic moiety attached to at least one vertex thereof. A method for making a composite membrane includes applying to a surface of a filtration membrane a photopolymerizable composition including a POSS compound, a hydrophilic comonomer, and a photoinitiator. The composition is cured to form a hydrophilic layer on the filtration membrane. |
| US08353409B2 |
Method of dewatering gas hydrate and apparatus therefor
A gas hydrate slurry dewatering apparatus adapted to feed a raw as into a cylindrical main body of dewatering column so gas to attain pressuriation and so suction any gas from the interior of a drainage chamber disposed around the cylindrical main body so as to attain depressurization. An internal tube (8) as a constituent of a dewatering apparatus (6) in which the gas hydrate slurry (S) is introduced is provided with a separating section (7). A drainage chamber (10) is formed by the internal tube (8) and, disposed with a given spacing therefrom, an external tube (9). An exhaust blower (B2) and a drainage pump (P2) are connected to the drainage chamber (10). A gas feed blower (B3) for a raw gas (G1) is connected to the internal tube (8). A differential pressure detector (x1) is provided for detecting any pressure difference between the interior of the internal tube (8) and the interior of the drainage chamber (10). Control of the exhaust blower (B2) and/or the gas feed blower (B3) is performed by the signal from the differential pressure detector (x1). |
| US08353404B2 |
Pod with guiding-locking piece therein
The present invention discloses a pod which includes a lower cover member, an upper cover member and a guiding locking piece. The guiding locking piece deployed on one side of the upper cover member of pod, the overall structure of which is formed by a flat base linking to a first slope that links to a second slope, two openings deployed on two side areas of the overall structure, and an upper locking piece and a lower locking piece deployed in each of two openings. When the mask is placed into the lower cover member of pod and is covered by the upper cover member, the mask is pushed to certain position and supported and locked by the upper locking piece and the lower locking piece. |
| US08353401B2 |
Fastening system for sheathing board
Disclosed is a fastening system that is adapted for securing a sheathing board to an associated framing member. The system includes a feedband for retaining a series of fasteners and a powered drill for sequentially driving the fasteners. The feedband is made from a membrane of a polymeric compound. As the fastener is driven into the sheathing board, a portion of the membrane tears away from the surrounding feedband and becomes seated beneath the fastener. This acts to seal the penetration point and prevent water intrusion and otherwise prevents deterioration of the sheathing board. |
| US08353400B2 |
Laptop computer case and spring protection system
A lightweight computer carrying case (1) has an undulating leaf spring (17) enclosed between two layers of foam. The foam strips and leaf spring are bonded to one another, and the combined spring protection system (15) is surrounded by an aesthetic layer of fabric and mounted in the interior of a main packing compartment. Once snugly fitted betwixt the spring protection device, the computer (23) is strapped in and enjoys superior safety from impact forces, including impacts felt on the corner of the carrying case. The foam is of EVA construction and the leaf spring comprises polypropylene or ABS. A unique and aesthetically pleasing outer pocket with a curving zippered access (29) holds valuables, and a sleeve pocket on the outer front face of the case provides easy access to computer peripherals and such. |
| US08353397B2 |
Product packaging with releasable fastener
A fastener system includes a toy product, a support platform, and a plug that engages a keyhole formed into the product. The plug includes a base and a pronged key extending from the base. The support platform includes a through-hole that permits the passage of the key into the packaging. One or more integrally-formed biasing members are located on the base of the plug to draw the key toward the product and create a secure connection. The pronged key may be formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and predetermined force is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole. The key may also be formed as two prongs, each of the prongs including a first portion positioned transversely with respect to the shaft and a second, canted, portion extending between the first portion of the prong and the distal end of the shaft, the canted portions of the prongs intersecting at a line proximate the distal end of the shaft, such that the prongs deform or move towards one another along the intersecting line but remain attached to the plug when and force of at least about 20 pounds is applied to the plug to pull the plug and prongs from a misaligned position with respect to the keyhole. |
| US08353396B2 |
Door conveying apparatus
A door conveying apparatus for a work area has a door conveying traveling body with door hanger supporting portions on both left and right sides thereof supporting two door hangers, a space is formed between the two door hangers and the topside thereof is closed by the door conveying traveling body and both left and right sides thereof are closed by the door hangers, and the downside thereof and traveling-direction both front and rear sides of the door conveying traveling body are open, and each door hanger is provided with door supports supporting doors on a side of the door hanger opposite to a side adjoining the space. |
| US08353395B2 |
Helical auger plug systems
A conical-shaped plug member integrally comprising soft, porous foam material and having a helical profile for plugging the gap space in between the flights of an auger when an auger is not in use. Helical auger plug systems may comprise a removably attachable flag to indicate when the plug member is in use (inserted). The plug member of the present invention is designed to reduce the loss of heat (or cooling air) within/from a grain bin during the heating and drying process while preventing rodents and other animals from entering the grain storage bin through the auger flightings and infesting the grain. |
| US08353391B2 |
Floating type brake disc
A floating type brake disc is provided which is capable of limiting the heat escape from a rotor to a hub to the extent possible and which can be made smaller in weight. In a plurality of circumferential positions of the hub, there are formed pin-receiving portions in a manner to enclose a connecting pin from three directions of a radially inward, one of circumferentially both sides and a radially outward of the brake disc. A tongue-shaped pin-receiving portion is formed on each of a plurality of inner circumferential positions of the rotor 1 so as to be elongated radially inward to pinch the connecting pin between the tongue-shaped pin-receiving portion and the pin-receiving portion that is formed in the hub. |
| US08353388B2 |
Forklift scale
A 3-point suspension forklift scale adapted for quick and easy attachment/detachment to/from a forklift—without the need for leveling or other pre-operation setup procedures. Further, due to the single lower reaction point of the forklift scale, there is no concern that the initially installed position of the forklift scale will change during use as a result of a loose adjuster, repositioning due to impact, etc. The forklift scale is designed to accurately determine the weight of a load placed on the forks or other lifting elements of the forklift, regardless of the position of the load thereon. Preferably, a forklift scale of the present invention includes a central viewing window that allows an operator see through the forklift scale when operating an associated forklift. |
| US08353386B2 |
Safety harness
An improved safety harness and method of using same that allows for self-rescue and suspension trauma relief from either a vertical or horizontal anchor, such as a tree or an overhead beam, the safety harness having an adjustable front tie-in assembly whereby the distance between the waist strap and the thigh straps can be adjusted. The wearer is able to change from rear suspension to front suspension after a fall without the necessity of completely detaching from a safety line. |
| US08353380B2 |
Deflector device for partially overlapping frontal collision of motor vehicles
Deflecting device for an offset frontal collision for motor vehicles, the front end of which motor vehicles has a left and a right longitudinal member (2, 3), and the deflecting device being arranged in front of a front wheel (6) and protecting the front wheel in the event of a collision. In order to reliably bring about an engagement embracing the front wheel (6) with minimal structural expenditure, the deflecting device is composed of a jib (12), which is fastened to the front end of the vehicle, and a shield (13) which is moveable on said jib (12) outward transversely with respect to the direction of travel, with the jib (12) extending in front of the wheel (6) substantially transversely with respect to the direction of travel and having a guide (14) for the shield (13) and a force source (15) for moving the shield (13). |
| US08353376B2 |
Power-driven wheel for a military vehicle
There is described a power-driven wheel for a military vehicle, having an axial-flow electric motor, and a hub connected functionally to the motor and rotating about an axis; the motor has an output member housed inside the hub; and the wheel has an epicyclic reducer interposed functionally between the hub and the output member. |
| US08353373B2 |
Mobile robotic vehicle
A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise. |
| US08353371B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond compact including a substrate having a raised interfacial surface bonded to a leached polycrystalline diamond table, and applications therefor
In various embodiments, a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) comprises a substrate including an interfacial surface having a raised region. The PDC comprises a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to the interfacial surface of the substrate. The PCD table defines an upper surface and exhibits a thickness over the raised region. The PCD table includes a plurality of bonded diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A first region of the PCD table adjacent to the substrate includes metal-solvent catalyst disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains thereof, and a leached second region of the PCD table extends inwardly from the upper surface. The interstitial regions of the leached second region are depleted of metal-solvent catalyst. The geometry of the PCD table and raised region may be selected so that residual compressive stresses therein are retained to a sufficient level after leaching to provide a damage tolerant/thermally-stable PCD table. |
| US08353369B2 |
Percussion assisted rotary earth bit and method of operating the same
A method of boring through a formation includes providing a drilling machine and drill string and operatively coupling an earth bit to the drilling machine through the drill string. An air flow is provided through the drill string at an air pressure less than about one-hundred pounds per square inch (100 psi) and an overstrike force is applied to the earth bit, wherein the overstrike force is less than about five foot-pounds per square inch (5 ft-lb/in2). |
| US08353365B2 |
Boring tool control using remote locator
A drilling system performs underground boring using a drill rig and a boring tool which is configured for moving through the ground under control of the drill rig to form an underground bore. A monitoring arrangement, forming part of the system, includes a detection arrangement at the drill rig for monitoring at least one operational parameter to produce a data signal relating to at least one of a utility to be installed in the underground bore, the drill rig and the boring tool. A portable device forms another part of the system for receiving the data signal relating to the operational parameter for use by the portable device. A communication arrangement, for example using telemetry, transfers the data signal from the drill rig to the portable device. The operational parameter may be monitored for the purpose of preventing equipment failure. |
| US08353363B2 |
Handheld power tool device for detecting torque
The invention is based on a device for handheld power tool for detecting a torque, having at least one sensor unit. It is proposed that the sensor unit is intended for detecting a deformation parameter. The sensor unit has at least one sensor element that is embodied as a strain gauge. A gearbox is provided which has a bearing location for receiving a deformation element of the sensor unit. An electronic unit evaluates detected data from the at least one sensor unit. |
| US08353361B2 |
Pneumatic tool
A pneumatic tool which can be easily assembled. This pneumatic tool includes a tool housing and an air supply pipe. The tool housing includes a motor housing having a tubular wall, and a tubular air supply/exhaust portion connected to the side surface of the tubular wall and extending rearwardly of the pneumatic tool. The air supply pipe has a valve unit, and is inserted into and set in the air supply/exhaust portion. The air supply/exhaust portion has an air supply passage extending from the motor housing. When the air supply pipe is inserted into and fixed to the air supply/exhaust portion, the forward end portion of the air supply pipe is communicated with a rear end opening of the air supply passage of the air supply/exhaust portion, whereby a compressed air supply passage to an air motor is formed. |
| US08353360B2 |
Pile driver
A pile driver provided with a housing and at least one body connected with the housing so as to be moved back and forth over a predetermined path, the pile driver being further provided with a drive for moving the body back and forth over the path for the purpose of pile-driving, the pile driver comprising at least two parts movable relative to each other, respectively having at least a first type of sliding surface and at least a second type of sliding surface which during pile-driving slide along each other and between which there is a lubricant, wherein the first type of sliding surface is provided with polyether ether ketone. |
| US08353358B2 |
Arrangement for reducing harmful effects from fire and explosion
Arrangement for reducing harmful effects from fire and/or explosion comprising wall elements that are placed in adjacent relationship to one another to form a continuous wall. The element are adapted, when an explosion occurs, to open the area towards the surroundings until the pressure in the area is balanced in relation to the surroundings. Thereafter the elements return to their closed state to enclose the area in relation to the surroundings, preventing air from the surroundings from entering the enclosed area and prevent fire extinguishing fluids from exiting the enclosed area. Preferably, the elements comprises an elastically deformable material so that when the element is forced open, elastic energy is stored in the element to rapidly return the element to the closed state. |
| US08353354B2 |
Crawler system for an earth boring system
A crawler system for an earth boring system comprises at least two expandable tools along a common axis and spaced apart from each other along the common axis by a piston cylinder device. The at least two expandable tools comprise a mandrel comprising a tubular body and an outer diameter, a plurality of blades, and a slidable sleeve capable of manipulating the plurality of blades into collapsed and expanded positions. The plurality of blades of one of the at least two expandable tools expand to an expanded position and engage a borehole wall. The piston cylinder device anchors against the engagement between the borehole wall and one of the at least two expandable tools to axially translate the other of the at least two expandable tools. |
| US08353343B2 |
Hydrocarbon production process
Methods and apparatus relate to producing hydrocarbons. Injecting a fluid mixture of steam and carbon dioxide into a hydrocarbon bearing formation facilitates recovery of the hydrocarbons. Further, limiting amounts of non-condensable gases in the mixture may promote dissolving of the carbon dioxide into the hydrocarbons upon contact of the mixture with the hydrocarbons. |
| US08353338B2 |
Well bore control valve
The well bore control valve comprises a housing (12) defining a throughbore (14), the throughbore adapted to receive a first tubular. The valve further comprises first (18) and second gates (20) located within the housing, the gates being movable in different directions transverse to the throughbore between the throughbore open position and the throughbore closed position. Movement of the gates from the throughbore open position to the throughbore closed position, in use, shares a tubular located between the gates. The valve also comprises a first seal seat (22) performing a seal of one of the gates in the throughbore closed position to seal the throughbore. In one embodiment, the gates are axially movable with respect to the throughbore. |
| US08353332B2 |
Integrated electronics cooling device
An integrated electronics cooling device including a substrate having a first surface for mounting one or more electronic components and a second surface, a cooling assembly including a cooling chamber bounded on one side by the second surface of the substrate, and a vacuum insulated coolant conduit for providing a coolant to and removing the coolant from the cooling assembly. |
| US08353328B2 |
Sand-forming apparatus
A sand-forming apparatus (10) comprising a box (20), a blow tube assembly (50) and a bonnet (90). The box (20) has a cope (30) and a drag (40) which together define a cavity (21) having a shape corresponding to a desired sand-shape. The blow tube assembly (50) comprises a blowplate (55), and at least one tube (50). The bonnet (90) may be fixed to and movable with the blowplate (55). Relative movement between the cope (30), the blowplate (55) and/or the bonnet (90) converts the apparatus (10) between a sand-blowing state and a catalyst-introducing state. |
| US08353326B2 |
Three-dimensional fabric with three-layered structure
A three-dimensional fabric with three-layered structure is provided. The three-dimensional fabric comprises a surface layer, a backing layer, an intermediate layer, a first interconnection portion for connecting the surface layer and the backing layer, and a second interconnection portion for connecting the intermediate layer and the backing layer. The three-dimensional fabric with three-layered structure can be woven on a single loom in a batch operation and undergo transformation between two-dimensional shape and three-dimensional shape. This fabric is applicable as materials for blinds with high light-shielding rate because intermediate portions have a multi-layered structure. |
| US08353325B2 |
Retractable shielding apparatus
A retractable shielding apparatus includes an adjusting base, a fixing base, two retractable shields, a shuttle, and a cable. The two retractable shields are assembled to two ends of the shuttle respectively with one corresponding end thereof. The adjusting base and the fixing base are respectively fixed to the opposite other end of the corresponding two retractable shields. The cable adjustably connects the adjusting base, the two retractable shields, the shuttle and the fixing base together. The shuttle is slidably located between the adjusting base and the fixing base and is configured to slide along the path formed by the cable, such that the two retractable shields can be extended or retracted together with the shuttle. |
| US08353324B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire that can be manufactured according to the conventional method without requiring special tire manufacturing steps and without needing addition of material members and production steps, and having excellent rolling resistance and wet properties, and having conductivity is to be provided. A pneumatic tire 10 comprises a carcass 14, a rim strip 19, and a wing 24 in which one edge thereof is contacted with the carcass 14 and the other edge thereof is exposed to the surface of a ground contact edge region of a tread part 13, wherein a carcass ply 14 contacting the rim strip 19 and the wing 24 has a conductive ply 14X and a nonconductive ply 14Y on the circumference of the tire, and the conductive ply 14X and the rim strip and the wing form a continuous conductive path comprising a conductive rubber material, only the conductive path is used as a conducting path of the tire, and members other than the conducting path are selected and used from a conductive rubber material or a nonconductive rubber material. |
| US08353323B2 |
Sharpener with autostop feature
An electric pencil sharpener comprising a motor; a cutter assembly operatively connected to the motor, wherein the cutter assembly further includes: a conical housing defining a conical cavity therein for receiving a pencil; and at least one rotary blade mounted in close proximity to the conical cavity, wherein the at least one rotary blade further includes spiral cutting edges for sharpening the pencil; a switch assembly positioned at the narrow end of the conical housing, wherein the switch assembly further includes: a shutoff switch operative to deactivate the motor; mechanical means for actuating the shutoff switch when a desired degree of sharpening has been achieved by the cutter assembly; and an electronic control unit in electrical communication with the switch assembly and the motor, wherein the electronic control unit is operative to provide a delay of a predetermined period of time between when the shutoff switch is activated and when the motor is deactivated. |
| US08353320B2 |
Device for bottling particle-containing beverages
Apparatus for filling containers with liquids and in particular with beverages, includes a reservoir for the liquid to be bottled and a connecting line for transporting the liquid from the reservoir to a filling device. The filling device has a first valve device for controlling a liquid flow into the container. The apparatus has a second valve device arranged in the connecting line in series with the first valve device, wherein the quantity of liquid flowing past the second valve device and the quantity of liquid reaching the filling device are essentially identical. |
| US08353317B2 |
Soft crack arrestors for pipelines
An arrestor for arresting an axial ductile propagating fracture in a pipeline transporting a high-energy fluid is made from a material such that the arrestor deforms sufficiently when encountering a propagating fracture that the propagating fracture continues at least under the arrestor but the arrestor has enough strength that it ceases the crack propagation without ring-off of the pipeline. The material is filled with fiber characterized by having a stress-strain curve that passes thru the ranges between about 25 and 200 ksi in stress, and a deformation ranging from between about 5% strain and 35% strain, and having a diameter ranging between about 0.002 and 0.020 inches. |
| US08353315B2 |
End cap
An end cap for sealing an end of a tubular wall is provided. The end cap includes a circular-shaped body having an inner surface defining an aperture that extends into the circular-shaped body but not completely through the circular-shaped body. The end cap further includes a sealing member disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the circular-shaped body. The end cap further includes first and second finger portions extending in a first direction from the circular-shaped body that are configured to removably engage first and second notches in the tubular wall such that the inner surface contacts an outer surface of the tubular wall and the end cap is removably attached to the tubular wall. |
| US08353312B2 |
Piezoelectric valve
A motorized valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet to be connected to a pipeline, a saddle connected with the housing, a turn plug having a rod, the turn plug cooperating with the saddle, and a drive for turning the valve body and formed as a piezoelectric drive, the piezoelectric drive including a piezoelectric generator of radially directed standing acoustic waves, which is connected with the housing and is connectable with a pulse current source, and a rotor operatively connected with the piezoelectric generator and kinematically connected with the rod of the turn plug so as to turn the turn plug when the rotor is actuated by the piezoelectric generator. |
| US08353311B2 |
Anti-flooding device
An anti-flooding device (10) including a duct (12) for passage of a flow of liquid, and a limiter (14) inserted along the duct (12) for passage of liquid and defining a section for passage of the liquid that decreases progressively as the flowrate of liquid increases, with closing of the duct (12) once a given threshold flowrate has been reached. The limiter (14) has at least one male element (18) and at least one female element (20), which are mobile with respect to one another so that they slide into one another as the flowrate of liquid increases. Progressive insertion into one another of the male element (18) and the female element (20) defines the section of passage. The male element (18) and female element (20) are shaped with respect to one another so as to reduce the section of passage as the flowrate increases, with closing of the duct (12) for passage of liquid as soon as a given threshold flowrate is reached. |
| US08353310B2 |
Valves having removable internal actuation mechanisms
Internal valve apparatus are described. An example internal valve includes a body having a valve seat disposed between an inlet and an outlet. A flow control member operatively coupled to the body moves between a first position in which the flow control member engages the valve seat to restrict the flow of fluid through the valve and a second position in which the flow control member is spaced from the valve seat to allow the flow of fluid through the valve. The example internal valve further includes a removable actuation member disposed within the body and responsive to a fluid pressure to cause the flow control member to move between the first and second positions. |
| US08353309B1 |
Hydrant lock
A hydrant locking device inhibiting unauthorized operation of a fire hydrant and includes a flip-top lid positioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to a base. The flip-top lid is hingedly connected to the base of the locking device. The base may be releasably secured to an operating nut of the fire hydrant or more specifically an operating nut extension that engages the operating nut of the fire hydrant. The flip-top lid may also include a sealed cavity that may include electronics. These electronics may be in electrical communication with a wireless mesh network. |
| US08353306B2 |
Fuel divider system for gas turbine engine
A fuel divider system includes a housing assembly and a flow passage network having an inlet, a primary outlet, and a secondary outlet. A fuel divider piston is slidably disposed within the housing assembly and movable between a flow biasing position and a flow equalizing position. A control chamber is fluidly coupled to the flow passage network and fluidly communicates with the piston. An inlet chamber, at least partially defined by the piston and the housing assembly, is fluidly coupled to the inlet. At least one channel is provided through the piston and configured to cooperate with the flow passage network to port the FD control chamber to: (i) the fuel pressure at the secondary outlet when the FD piston is in the flow biasing position, and (ii) the fuel pressure within the inlet chamber when the FD piston is in the flow equalizing position. |
| US08353298B2 |
Smoking article with impaction filter segment
A smoking article having a cylinder of smoking material and a filter system attached to the cylinder of smoking material. The filter system includes an upstream plug of filtering material, a downstream plug of filtering material, and a cavity between the upstream plug of filtering material and the downstream plug of filtering material. A flow restrictor is positioned within the cavity and has at least one orifice and a series of perforations provide ventilation to the smoking article. |
| US08353297B2 |
Pulse manipulation for controlling a phacoemulsification surgical system
Methods of manipulating pulses of ultrasonic energy for use with an ophthalmic surgical device. |
| US08353289B2 |
Using motor speed in a PAP device to estimate flow
A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining airflow through a PAP device while applying PAP therapy. The actual speed of a blower 6 is measured. The desired motor current IDES required for the actual speed to approach or maintain a desired speed is used, together with the actual speed RPM ACT, in a flow estimation algorithm to determine flow through the PAP device. The estimation algorithm consists of a two-dimensional look-up table, where the inputs are the desired motor current and actual motor speed, and the output is the flow through the PAP device. |
| US08353287B1 |
Disposable drug solution cup for an ultrasonic nebulizer
A nebulizer includes a piezoelectric transducer for aerosolizing a drug solution in a disposable cup module disposed above the transducer. Acoustic waves generated by the transducer propagate sequentially through transmitting medium, a first barrier, coupling medium, and a second barrier that forms part of the cup module, and into the interior of the cup module. The transducer at least partially comprises silver. The silver fluidly contacts the transmitting medium to discourage bacteria growth in the transmitting medium. The device includes electronics components that drive the transducer and measure an electrical characteristic associated with the transducer during operation. The electronics components measure changes in the electrical characteristic to determine when the drug solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, and deactivates the device accordingly. |
| US08353279B2 |
Grill and method of use thereof
A grill comprising a front, a rear, a grill base, a first grill door and a second grill door. The first grill door comprises an opening and is in hinged communication with the grill base. The second grill door is in communication with the first grill door via a hinge, which is disposed at a rear portion of the opening. When the second grill door is in a closed position, the second grill door seals the opening in the first grill door. A method of grilling comprising the steps of opening the first grill door, placing food on the grill base and closing the first grill door to cook food. The method further comprises the steps of opening the first and the second grill door during the cooking process, thereby creating a flue that urges smoke away from the front of the grill and towards the rear of the grill. |
| US08353274B2 |
Exhaust gas recirculation system
An exhaust gas recirculation system having at least one cooler with a housing and at least one valve with a pivotably actuated valve member on an inlet side is characterized in that an actuator for the valve is mounted to the housing of the cooler, which is connected to the valve via at least one lever and at least one connection member such as a coupling rod, a ball-and-socket joint being provided between at least one lever and at least one connection member such as a coupling rod. |
| US08353272B2 |
Fuel injection system with compensation element
The present invention relates to a fuel injection system for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. At least one fuel injection valve is arranged on a cylinder head in a receiving bore in order to inject fuel into the combustion chamber. A fuel distribution line is provided for feeding the fuel to the fuel injection valve. A compensation element for a position compensation and/or tolerance compensation, is arranged in the radial direction between the fuel injection valve and the cylinder head and is arranged in the axial direction of the fuel injection valve between a first sealing element, sealing between the fuel injection valve and the cylinder head on a side facing the combustion chamber of the fuel injection valve, and a second sealing element, sealing between the fuel injection valve and the fuel distribution line. Further provided is a support ring, which is arranged between the fuel injection valve and the cylinder head and which provides support for the fuel injection valve in the axial direction on a step of the receiving bore and which has a clearance in the radial direction. |
| US08353268B2 |
Oiling system for timing chains
An oiling system for providing oil to a timing chain adjacent a cylinder head of an engine is provided. The oiling system includes a redirect feature, a vent window defined by the cylinder head, a rail feature, and a transfer feature. The redirect feature is configured to channel oil toward the vent window, the rail feature is configured to channel oil from the vent window to the transfer feature, and the transfer feature is configured to transfer oil to the timing chain. The oil is transferred from the transfer feature to the timing chain at substantially ambient pressure. The engine may be characterized by the absence of a nozzle configured to transfer oil onto the timing chain. Furthermore, the redirect feature, the rail feature, and the transfer feature may all be formed as integral, one-piece structures with the cylinder head. |
| US08353264B2 |
Valve drive arrangement
In a valve drive device, especially for an internal combustion engine including a camshaft with a cam element which is axially movably supported on the camshaft but in a rotationally fixed manner, the cam element includes a gate structure and an actuation device is provided with at least one shift element for engagement with the gate arrangement for axially displacing the cam element and the shift element has a rotationally asymmetrical basic shape in order to follow the gate structure when placed in engagement therewith. |
| US08353263B2 |
Valve timing adjuster
A valve timing adjuster includes a housing member, a vane rotor, and a seal plate. A first housing segment of the housing member receives the vane rotor therein. A second housing segment of the housing member faces with an opening of the first housing segment. The seal plate includes a base part and a resilient part. The base part is held by the first and second housing segments therebetween. The resilient part is in press-contact with the end surface of the vane rotor within a predetermined angular range. The resilient part, the second housing segment, and a camshaft define therebetween a pressure chamber. The resilient part has a pressurized oil introduction passage that provides communication between the pressure chamber and only one of advance and retard hydraulic chambers. |
| US08353256B2 |
Installation and device for guiding a gas for devices used to treat granular products by drying, film coating and coating
An installation for guiding a gas for devices used to treat granular products by drying, film-coating or coating includes: a central distribution channel that can be connected to a gas supplying device and is connected to outlets for the gas, that are arranged at a distance from the central distribution channel in an axial direction, via connection channels. The installation includes a functional channel which is arranged at a distance from the distribution channel and has a plurality of outlets, and the functional channel includes at least two axially interspaced inlet regions, each being connected to the distribution channel via a connection channel. The outlets are arranged, in the axial direction on the functional channel, between the mouth of two connection channels, which are adjacently arranged in the axial direction, in the functional channel. |
| US08353246B2 |
Quality inspection apparatus for sheet-shaped matter
Provided is a quality inspection apparatus including: gripper units provided to each delivery chain, each gripper unit configured to hold an end portion of a sheet; an arc-shaped track portion provided in a part of a movement track of the gripper units and formed by the movement track; an inspection unit installed at an opposite side of the arc-shaped track portion from an arc center of the arc-shaped track portion; and a vacuum cylinder installed at the same side of the arc-shaped track portion as the arc center. In the apparatus, while running along the arc-shaped track portion, the sheet is inspected by the inspection unit under a guidance of the vacuum cylinder. |
| US08353228B2 |
Lockable or releasable bicycle with bidirectional input and one-way output
The present invention relates to a lockable or releasable transmission with bidirectional input and one-way output, which is forward or reversely driven by human's foot for achieving the output at constant rotation direction to drive the load wheel group, and has the anti-locking function, through releasing the lockable or releasable mechanism, when reverse drive caused by back move occurs at output terminal. |
| US08353222B2 |
Force measuring device and related methods
A testing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus may include a platform, a first plurality of cables, a second plurality of cables and a third plurality of cables, with each of the cables coupled to a respective load cell. The first plurality of cables may suspend the platform and be substantially parallel to each other. The second plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the second plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables. The third plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, and each cable of the third plurality of cables may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the third plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables and the second plurality of cables. |
| US08353219B2 |
Dryer felt tension indicator apparatus
A dryer felt tension indicator apparatus is disclosed for indicating a value which is proportional to a tension applied between a frame and a stretcher roll for guiding a dryer felt. The value is proportional to a tension of the dryer felt. The apparatus includes a carriage for rotatably supporting the stretcher roll. A wheel is rotatably secured to the carriage and a tensioner having a first and a second extremity cooperates with and extends around the wheel such that the wheel is disposed between the first and the second extremity of the tensioner. A tension indicator has a first and a second end. The first end of the tension indicator is anchored to the frame. The second end of the tension indicator is secured to the first extremity of the tensioner such that in use of the apparatus, when the tension is applied to the tensioner between the wheel and the second extremity of the tensioner, the carriage and the stretcher roll rotatably supported thereon is moved relative to the frame for tensioning the dryer felt. The tension indicator indicates the value which is proportional to the tension of the dryer felt. |
| US08353218B2 |
Scanning unit
A magneto-strictive scanning unit is formed through an actuation pushrod disposed and guided on an outside of a tight housing of a position sensor, in which the delicate sensor is tightly encapsulated, and components of an actuation unit can be disassembled and repaired without opening the sensor housing. |
| US08353216B2 |
Fast-fit fluidic connecting device for an electric household appliance pressure sensor, and relative pressure sensor
A fast-fit device for fluidically connecting a pressure sensor to a water collecting tank of an electric household appliance including: a supporting body securable to a housing of the electric household appliance and carrying a first, blind tubular element, having a first open end, opposite to a second blind end; a second tubular element integrally obtained in one piece with a casing of the pressure sensor, which overhangingly extends therefrom for the entire length thereof and which displays external diameter and length smaller than the internal diameter and length of the first tubular element; a closing plug of the first end provided with a through hole which fluid-tightly receives in use the second tubular element; and first and second fastening means which are reciprocally complementary and integrally carried by the supporting body and the casing of the sensor, respectively. |
| US08353215B2 |
Torque output differential pressure sensor
A fluid pressure differential measuring instrument comprises a diaphragm that is displaced by a pressure differential between two environmental pressure zones. Diaphragm displacement induced by the pressure differential between the two zones is converted to a torsional strain upon a cylindrical element in a third environmental zone. The torsional strain is measured by calibrated electrical sensing means positioned physically in the third environmental zone. |
| US08353213B2 |
Sensor element for sensing accelerations in three spatial directions
A sensor element is provided for sensing accelerations in three spatial directions, which furnishes reliable measurement results and moreover can be implemented economically and with a small configuration. The sensor element encompasses at least one seismic mass deflectable in three spatial directions, a diaphragm structure that functions as a suspension mount for the seismic mass, and at least one stationary counterelectrode for capacitive sensing of the deflections of the diaphragm structure. According to the exemplary embodiments and/or exemplary methods of the present invention, the diaphragm structure encompasses at least four electrode regions, electrically separated from one another, that are mechanically coupled via the seismic mass. |
| US08353212B2 |
Micromechanical rate-of-rotation sensor
A micromechanical rate-of-rotation sensor for detecting a rate of rotation about a sense axis includes a substrate, a detection unit, means for generating a rotational oscillation of the detection unit about a drive axis which is orthogonal to the sense axis, and a central suspension means rotatably coupling the detection unit to the substrate in a fulcrum of the detection unit. The central suspension means is configured to permit the detection unit to perform a detection movement about a detection axis orthogonal to the sense axis in the form of a rotational oscillation about the central suspension means. The sensor also includes at least two second suspension means coupling the detection unit and the substrate for providing a response behavior specific to rotation about at least one of the drive axis and the detection axis. |
| US08353211B2 |
Sensor housing
A sensor has a corpus comprising an insert opening through which a sensor element can be inserted in the corpus, and a cable opening for passing through a supply and/or signal line of the sensor element and a cover closing the insert opening. The cover comprises an interlock opening aligned with the cable opening. The supply and/or signal line comprises a bushing element which penetrates the cable opening of the corpus and the interlock opening of the cover. |
| US08353205B2 |
Measuring apparatus with AE sensor, installing method thereof, and set of the measuring apparatus
Provided is a measuring apparatus with AE sensors, which detects the same AE signals with respect to the same events that damage a geotechnical structure, regardless of ground conditions and formations in the geotechnical structure, thereby collecting reliable AE signals. Also, provided is(are) an installing method of the measuring apparatus with the AE sensor, and a set of the measuring apparatus with the AE sensor. |
| US08353204B2 |
Method and system for turbine blade characterization
Methods and systems providing for characterizing turbine blades, including characterizing the dynamics of one or more turbine blades or stages of a stage in terms of natural frequencies, normalized response intensity, and/or stage modal shape or nodal configuration. Such methods and systems comprise fluid (e.g., oil) excitation of bladed disks and quantitative modeling of the fluid excitation. Additionally or alternatively, such methods and systems may provide for analyzing modal shape or nodal configuration of a bladed disk (e.g., a turbine stage) based on a phase analysis of strain signals acquired from a bladed disk subjected to a fluid excitation, wherein the modal shape or nodal configuration corresponds to modes of blades coupled through a disc or shrouding. |
| US08353198B2 |
Diagnostic method and device for diagnosing an intake system of an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has an intake system (1) and an exhaust gas system (4). An exhaust turbocharger of the internal combustion engine has a compressor (42) arranged in the intake system (1) and a turbine (48) arranged in the exhaust gas system (4) of the internal combustion engine for driving the compressor (42). In order to diagnose the intake system (1), a charge pressure (PHS_AIC_DOWN) of the compressor (42) is determined in a predetermined operating state of the internal combustion engine. A leakage of the intake system (1) downstream of the compressor (42) is recognized if the determined charge pressure (PHS_AIC_DOWN) is lower than the predetermined base charge pressure (PUT_BAS) in the predetermined operating state. |
| US08353195B2 |
Miniaturized gas chromatography module with pre-stage miniaturized unit
The invention relates to a miniaturized gas chromatography module, comprising: a gas injector unit having a gas injector sample inlet and outlet, the gas injector inlet being connectable with a source of a substance to be analyzed, a separation column having a separation column inlet and outlet, the separation column inlet being in fluid communication with the gas injector sample outlet, a thermal conductivity sensor having a sensor inlet and outlet, the sensor inlet being in fluid communication with the separation column outlet. The invention addresses the problem to broaden the field of application of such gas chromatography module. This is achieved by providing a pre-stage injector having a pre-stage injector sample inlet and outlet, the pre-stage injector sample inlet being connectable with the source of the substance to be analyzed, a pre-stage module having a module inlet and outlet, the module inlet being in fluid communication with the pre-stage injector sample. outlet and the module outlet being in fluid communication with the gas injector inlet, wherein the pre-stage module is adapted to transfer heat to a substance flowing from the module inlet to the module outlet. |
| US08353193B2 |
Mandrel assembly and method of using the same
A mandrel assembly has a mandrel, a biasing member, and a outer member. The biasing member biasly maintains the outer member in a first position, which corresponds to a contoured portion of the mandrel, when the outer member is either on the access or the blind side of a workpiece. The biasing member is compressible to allow the outer member to move into a second position as the outer member is moved through an opening in the workpiece. In the first position, the outer member includes a maximum outer circumference that is larger than the opening of the structural workpiece. In the second position, the outer member includes a maximum outer circumference that fits within the opening of the structural workpiece. |
| US08353192B2 |
Linear bearing plate for rolling mill
A linear bearing plate, or liner, for use within a rolling mill stand, said liner including lubrication ports in fluid communication with a lubrication source. A centralized lubrication source can provide a predetermined lubrication to a plurality of mill stands in response to a signal, such as from a rolling facility operator. Lubrication ports provide areas of active lubrication which are surrounded by areas of passive lubrication so as to provide adequate lubrication during a rolling campaign. |
| US08353189B2 |
Manual override mechanism for electromechanical locks
An override mechanism is for an electronic door lock assembly that includes a handle, a retractor and an electronic clutch mechanism with a movable coupler and an actuator. The coupler operatively connects the handle with the retractor when the coupler is located in an engaged position and the actuator is operable to displace the coupler between a nonengaged position and the engaged position. The override mechanism includes a movable override member configured to displace the clutch coupler between the nonengaged and engaged positions. The override member also retains the clutch coupler at the engaged position when the override member is disposed at an unlock position and prevents displacement of the coupler during actuator operation when the override member is disposed at a lockout position. Further, a manual drive, preferably including a cylinder lock, is configured to displace the override member between the unlock and lockout positions. |
| US08353184B2 |
Tamper indicating padlock
A travel padlock for securing an article comprises a housing having a shackle, a key lock and a combination lock. An indicator having at least first and second positions is moved from the first position to the second position upon insertion of an object longitudinally into a key hole of the key lock. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the indicator extends beyond the exterior of the housing when in the second position. In addition, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the shackle may be rotated to reset the indicator from the second position back to the first position. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the indicator may be reset from the second position back to the first position without rotating the shackle or unlocking the combination lock. Methods of making and using the padlock are also provided. |
| US08353183B1 |
Triple locking handcuffs
A pivot lock for use in a handcuff of the type having a body containing a primary locking system and having parallel strands extending laterally therefrom terminating at a pivoting end, which supports a pivoting locking arm with a plurality of ratcheted teeth for engaging the primary lock. The pivot lock positioned at the pivoting end includes a pivot gear affixed to the locking arm at a pivoting juncture of the strands and the locking arm. The pivot gear has a plurality of teeth about its periphery. A locking pawl has at least one detent and a projection therefrom and is supported by one of the parallel strands. The locking pawl is selectively rotatable between a locked position wherein the projection is in engagement with the plurality of teeth of the pivot gear and an open position wherein the projection is disengaged from the plurality of teeth. A plunger engages the at least one detent for maintaining the locking pawl in a selected rotated position. |
| US08353179B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided. A water supply passage unit of the refrigerator is installed going around a freezing compartment but via an outer side of the main body. Therefore, the water supply passage unit is not frozen. |
| US08353176B2 |
Liquid cooling system
In some embodiments, a cooling device may be mounted to a portion of a chassis of an electronic system, wherein the cooling device may be releasably and pivotably attached to the chassis in at least an open position to permit access to components within the electronic system and a closed position to permit installation of a cover on the chassis. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08353174B1 |
Control method for vapor compression system
A chiller system is provided with a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator connected in a closed refrigerant loop. A motor is connected to the compressor to power the compressor. A variable speed drive is connected to the motor. The variable speed drive is arranged to receive an input AC power at a fixed input AC voltage and a fixed input frequency and provide an output power at a variable voltage and variable frequency to the motor. The variable voltage has a maximum voltage greater in magnitude than the fixed input AC voltage and the variable frequency has a maximum frequency greater than the fixed input frequency. The variable speed drive includes a converter connected to an AC power source providing the input AC voltage, the converter is arranged to convert the input AC voltage to a DC voltage. A DC link is connected to the converter. The DC link is arranged to filter and store the DC voltage from the converter. An inverter is connected to the DC link. A controller is arranged to reference a first operating map associated with the compressor, a second operating map associated with the motor, and a third operating map associated with the variable speed drive. The controller further is arranged to analyze the first operating map second operating map and third operating map concurrently to select an operating point for the chiller system. |
| US08353168B2 |
Thermodynamic cycle for cooling a working fluid
A supersonic cooling system operates by pumping liquid. Because the supersonic cooling system pumps liquid, the compression system does not require the use of a condenser. The compression system utilizes a compression wave. An evaporator of the compression system operates in the critical flow regime where the pressure in an evaporator tube will remain almost constant and then ‘jump’ or ‘shock up’ to the ambient pressure. |
| US08353166B2 |
Gas turbine combustor and fuel manifold mounting arrangement
A mounting system for locating a combustor and a fuel manifold of a gas turbine engine within a gas generator casing thereof is described. The mounting system comprises at least three support pin assemblies which extend radially inwardly from the gas generator casing. The support pin assemblies support both the fuel manifold and at least an upstream end of the combustor and maintaining engagement between the fuel manifold and the combustor during operation of the gas turbine engine. |
| US08353165B2 |
Combustor assembly for use in a turbine engine and methods of fabricating same
A combustor assembly that includes a casing that includes a plenum, a combustor liner positioned within the plenum and defining a combustion chamber there within, and a transition piece that includes a forward portion that is coupled to the combustion liner and an aft portion that extends from the forward portion. The aft portion includes a transition piece frame. The transition piece frame includes an upstream surface, a downstream surface, and a radially inner surface extending between the upstream and downstream surfaces. The radially inner surface includes a leading edge that extends between the radially inner surface and the upstream surface. A plurality of first cooling passages extend from the upstream surface to the downstream surface. Each of the first cooling passages is oriented obliquely with respect to the leading edge from the upstream surface towards the downstream surface. |
| US08353162B2 |
Recoverable heat exchanger
A modular heat exchanger that can be submerged to great depths and then easily recovered in order to reduce the costs and disadvantages of the prior art. Because the heat exchanger is submergible and recoverable, it can be more easily maintained. This ease of maintenance allows the heat exchangers to be deployed at greater depths. This, in turn, allows for greater differences in temperatures, greater efficiency for the heat engine, and a more effective ocean thermal energy conversion system. |
| US08353161B2 |
High diffusion turbine wheel with hub bulb
A turbocharger including a turbine wheel having a hub-to-tip ratio of no more than 60% and blades with a high turning angle, a turbine housing forming an inwardly spiraling primary-scroll passageway that significantly converges to produce highly accelerated airflow into the turbine at high circumferential angles, and a two-sided parallel compressor. The compressor and turbine each produce substantially no axial force, allowing the use of minimal axial thrust bearings. |
| US08353160B2 |
Thermo-electric engine
A thermo-electric engine with a working fluid operative in a closed Rankine cycle to enable a harvesting energy from an external source of thermodynamic energy comprising an internal combustion engine or solar energy. The thermo-electric engine comprising an evaporator; a turbine fluidically coupled to the evaporator; a heat exchanger comprising a condenser for receiving working fluid from the turbine; a hot liquid input for coupling to a source of heated liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine to the evaporator; a liquid return for returning liquid coolant to the internal combustion engine; a cooling liquid input to the condenser for receiving cooling liquid from a radiator; and a cooling liquid return for returning the cooling liquid to the radiator. Alternatively, a solar energy collector can power a turbine fluidically coupled to the solar energy collector for receiving working fluid. |
| US08353155B2 |
Catalyst and method of manufacture
A catalyst system comprising a first catalytic composition comprising a first catalytic material disposed on a metal inorganic support; wherein the metal inorganic support has pores; and at least one promoting metal. The catalyst system further comprises a second catalytic composition comprising, (i) a zeolite, or (ii) a first catalytic material disposed on a first substrate, the first catalytic material comprising an element selected from the group consisting of tungsten, titanium, and vanadium. The catalyst system may further comprise a third catalytic composition. The catalyst system may further comprise a delivery system configured to deliver a reductant and optionally a co-reductant. A catalyst system comprising a first catalytic composition, the second catalytic composition, and the third catalytic composition is also provided. An exhaust system comprising the catalyst systems described herein is also provided. |
| US08353154B2 |
Thermally efficient exhaust treatment system for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust system for an engine comprises a cylinder head having an integral exhaust manifold to collect exhaust gas exiting the engine combustion chambers. An exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold comprises an inlet end connected to the cylinder head, a portion that extends towards an upper end of the internal combustion engine and an outlet end configured to define an inlet end of a multistage catalytic converter. The catalytic converter comprises a canister having an inlet end located adjacent the top of the engine and includes first and second catalyst substrates and a collector closing an outlet end of the canister. The outlet end of the canister is located adjacent to the bottom of the engine, and the first and the second catalyst substrates receive and convert constituents of exhaust gas passing from the inlet end of the canister to the outlet end. |
| US08353153B2 |
Snapper valve for hot end systems with burners
A system for controlling the temperature of an exhaust stream includes a main exhaust passageway adapted to receive the exhaust stream from an engine. A bypass passage includes an inlet and an outlet in communication with the main exhaust passageway. The outlet is located downstream from the inlet. A burner is positioned within the bypass passage for treating the exhaust passing through the bypass passage. A valve is positioned within the main exhaust passageway downstream from the inlet and upstream from the outlet. The valve is operable to vary the exhaust flow through the burner. A controller selectively operates the burner to maintain a desired exhaust temperature downstream of the outlet. |
| US08353149B2 |
Forage harvester with a conditioning unit movable between an operating position and a non-operating position
A self-propelled forage harvester is provided having a frame, a chopping drum, an accelerator arranged downstream of the chopping drum and a channel between the chopping drum and the accelerator. The channel has a section in which a conditioning unit or a hollow shell can be selectively inserted. The conditioning unit and the hollow shell are jointly supported on a pivot arm pivotable by way of a displacement drive about a pivot axis running horizontally and transverse to the forward direction. The conditioning unit is mounted on the pivot arm rotatably about an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The conditioning unit cooperates with the frame by way of a positive guide, which has the effect that the conditioning unit rotates about the axis in the same direction as the pivot arm. |
| US08353148B2 |
Method of crop pickup floating
A method of responding to obstacles encountered by a harvesting pickup apparatus that moves in the harvesting direction, the method including the steps of driving a pickup reel, pivoting at least one structural member, and positioning a path of continuous loop device. The driving of a pickup reel step includes driving the reel with a continuous loop device about a first axis. The pivoting step includes pivoting the at least one structural member about a second axis, the pickup reel being supported by the structural member. The positioning step includes positioning a path of the continuous loop device so that a tight side of the device is located in the harvesting direction from both the first axis and the second axis. This step also includes configuring the harvesting pickup apparatus so that the structural member is pivoted about the second axis in a generally upward direction when the harvesting pickup apparatus encounters an obstacle. |
| US08353140B2 |
Mechanical locking of floor panels with vertical snap folding
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel. |
| US08353139B2 |
Wall gap fire block device, system and method
Fire block devices for application to a wall component. The fire block device can be a strip that includes a fire-resistant material strip comprised of a material that expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. An optional foam strip comprised of a foam material can be placed side-by-side with the fire-resistant material strip. A cover layer covers the fire-resistant material strip and the optional foam strip, if present. The cover layer includes opposing side portions positioned on opposing sides of the fire-resistant material strip and foam strip, if present. The cover layer is comprised of a tape having an adhesive on an underneath surface thereof such that adhesive on the side portions are capable of securing the fire block strip to a wall component. The fire block strip can be applied to a header track, footer track or wall stud, among other possible components. |
| US08353138B2 |
Window frame with hidden weep
One embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for a window frame. The apparatus includes a window frame having a lower frame portion; a window glazing supported by the lower frame portion; a glazing bead; and at least two connectors operatively connecting the glazing bead to the lower frame. The connectors are spaced apart defining a fluid pathway allowing fluid to escape from the lower frame. |
| US08353136B2 |
Low profile support panel for a dock seal
Dock seal for use with loading docks are described. An example dock seal includes a compressible body having a front compressible body and a rear compressible body, where the rear compressible body is interposed between the wall and the front compressible body when the dock seal is mounted to the wall. A flexible panel pivotally couples the compressible body to the wall. |
| US08353131B2 |
Loq-kit building component system
Loq·kit is a mass-produced system of interchangeable building components for assembling single or multi-family houses. The building components are of three varieties: structural frame, in-fill, or snap-cladding components. Except for bolted structural frame connections, all connections between parts are snap-lock, and may be released. With snap-lock interfaces and a modular dimensional relationship between components, they can be reconfigured in near endless variety. The components all share a common dimensionality that is derived from a regulating grid. The grid utilizes an alternating sequence of two modules—a module A, and a smaller module B. The A,B,A,B rhythm of gridlines is used to regulate component connection locations in three dimensions. The alternating-sequence grid works by establishing a standard connection width, module B, for making connections between components. Each possible connection width is spaced from another by a common module A. This A,B,A,B grid sequence is used to determine connection locations along the length, width, and height of a building. Because the grid establishes a standard connection size and spacing, modular system dimensions result as a function of connection width and spacing. These modular system dimensions inform the size of structural frame members, and dictate directly the length and width, or length and height, of in-fill and snap-cladding components. The modular sizes and snap-lock interfaces result in a system of components that can be interchanged with each other, reconfigured, and reused. |
| US08353123B2 |
Shotgun forearm-stock shot shell carrier with hidden rail
A forearm stock for a shotgun includes a forearm stock main body, an integral shot shell carrier tube, disposed in the main body, an accessory rail, at the forward end of the main body, and a removable cover, adapted to cover the accessory rail. The forearm stock main body has a forward end, a back end, a contour, and an upper cavity for receiving a shotgun's tube magazine. The shot shell carrier tube is disposed below the upper cavity, and is adapted to receive a plurality of shot shells, with an opening toward the back end. A mechanism for urging the shot shells out of the carrier tube through the opening is provided, and a retention mechanism is adapted to selectively retain the shot shells in the carrier tube. The removable cover has a contour that substantially complements a contour of the main body. |
| US08353122B2 |
Firearm emitting whistle sound
A firearm having a barrel and a whistle, wherein when the firearm is discharged a bullet traveling down the barrel forces air through the whistle to cause a whistle sound. The whistle comprises a barrel port, a channel, and a whistle port and wherein when the firearm is discharged a bullet traveling down the barrel forces air through the barrel port, the channel, and the whistle port to cause a whistle sound. The whistle may be associated with a firearm attachment and the firearm attachment is removably couplable to the firearm. The whistle may also be modifiable and modification of the whistle is configurable to eliminate or change the whistle sound. The whistle sound may also be associated with a signal that is transmitted to another device or central location for analysis, wherein the signal comprises a firearm identification or locational information. |
| US08353120B2 |
Retractable and extendable display apparatus
An optionally extending or retracting display panel assembly, comprising a horizontally elongated support bracket configured for support at an upper portion of a relatively large first container, or the like, primary magnetic apparatus carried to magnetically attract the bracket toward the container, for removable bracket attachment to the container, and the display panel assembly and associated connections configured for horizontal displacement guiding by the bracket during panel extension and retraction relative to the container, while the panel remains generally vertically proximate a vertical side of the container. A counter-weight system assists panel leveling as well as extension and retraction. |
| US08353119B2 |
Iron holder
An iron holder is provided allowing for fixation of an iron, such that the iron holder, and thereby also the iron housed therein, may be moved in all directions without the iron falling off the iron holder, while simultaneously keeping the heating surface of the iron in a covered position, such that said heating surface will not pose a threat to the health of the user or pose a risk for setting fire to flammable materials. |
| US08353117B2 |
Decorative boot accessory
A boot accessory for attachment and wear along an upper portion of a boot for altering and enhancing the overall appearance of the boot includes a clip having a main body, a flexible finger extending from the main body, and first and second side body extensions that define first and second slots along two opposing sides of the main body. A space is formed between the finger and an inner surface of the main body for receiving an upper edge of the boot. The boot accessory also includes a decorative boot band having a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is fixedly attached to the first side body extension by passing through the first slot. An inner surface of the boot band includes at least one fastening element to permit the second end of the boot band to be folded onto itself and be attached to the inner surface of the boot band by first passing through the second slot and then being folded and attached to the inner surface so as to form a continuous circumferential member. |
| US08353109B2 |
Knife
A knife has a housing, a blade carrier supported in the housing and adapted to hold a blade, and an actuating element coupled to the blade carrier. A handle can move between a nonactuated position and an actuated position and is coupled to the actuating element such that on movement from the nonactuated position to the actuated position the actuating element displaces the blade carrier from a safety position in which blade mounted on the blade carrier is retracted into a seat of the housing in a first cutting position in which the blade projects out of the housing. A pivot joint connects the actuating element with the blade carrier. A guide supports the blade carrier in a translatory and a rotatable manner on the housing. |
| US08353108B2 |
Utensil and method for retrieving and applying spreadable food
A utensil has first and second arm members of substantially the same size and shape. Each arm member has a head section and a handle section. The head sections are concave or scoop-like in configuration and are connected by a rotatable hinge which permits rotation of the arm members in relation to each other. The head section of the first arm members has elongated openings through which spreadable food can be expelled. The head section of the second arm member is solid. With the first arm member nested within the second arm member, spreadable food is scooped onto the utensil, specifically on the top surface of the first arm member. Rotation of the second arm member around the first arm member such that the second arm member is now nested within the first arm member, causes the food to be expelled from the openings in the first arm member, where the food can be easily spread on bread and or food items. |
| US08353107B2 |
Two-piece cable stripper
A cable stripper is comprised of two components, each component including a main body portion, a coupling device at one end of the main body portion and a T-shaped handle disposed at an opposite end of the main body portion. The coupling device rotatably couples the two components together. A channel runs along an interior length of each of the main body portions, which provides a path into which the cable to be stripped is inserted. A blade housing on at least one of the components of the main body portion securely holds a utility knife blade with a predetermined amount of the tip or edge of the blade protruding into the channel. The exposed portion of the blade pierces the sheath or covering of the cable by a precise, predetermined amount. |
| US08353106B2 |
Wheel/rim fixing device and method of using the same
A device and method for fixing or repairing a wheel or rim of an automobile, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle is provided. The device has an adjustable shaft having a first side and a second side. The first side may act as a brace secured against the interior of a rim of, for example, an automobile. The second side may be the work end of the device which may be formed to fit the interior wall(s) of the rim. When the rim is heated and the shaft is extended, the device may allow a user to fix a dented rim. A bracing bar may be extended perpendicularly from the shaft and may act to secure the device in place while the work is performed. |
| US08353105B2 |
Method and apparatus for machining the blade tips of rotor wheel drums of turbomachines
With rotor wheel drums with integrally formed-on and/or separately attached blading (3, 8) blade tip machining is performed for the completely mounted drum assembly (1, 5) connected to a driven auxiliary turbomachine shaft acting as workpiece carrier (13) in a single apparatus by dry machining the separably assembled blades (8) and by wet machining the integrally formed-on blades (3), with the rotational speed of the workpiece carrier being lower in the wet machining process than in the dry machining process. The area for dry machining is protected by a shield (19) adjustable in the respective separating position against the matter generated in wet machining. Notwithstanding the fact that drums with integrally formed-on blades can be machined without being damaged, optimum gap conditions and correspondingly higher efficiency can be obtained. |
| US08353100B2 |
Disassembly apparatus of rotating electric machine
A disassembly apparatus of a power generator installed in a nacelle has an I-shaped beam, a pressing plate, anchor bolts, a trolley and a chain block. The I-shaped beam extends horizontally above the frame of the power generator. The pressing plate is disposed on the I-shaped beam. The anchor bolts extend along both sides of the I-shaped beam to pierce the pressing plate and are screwed into threaded holes extending downward of the frame. The trolley is provided movably to roll on the upper surface of the lower flange. The chain block is hung from the trolley. The flange removed from the frame is hung and moved vertically by the chain block, and is moved horizontally by the trolley. |
| US08353096B2 |
Method of minimizing inter-element signals for transducers
The present invention provides a method of packaging surface microfabricated transducers such that electrical connections, protection, and relevant environmental exposure are realized prior to their separation into discrete components. The packaging method also isolates elements of array transducers. Post processing of wafers consisting of transducers only on the top few microns of the wafer surface can be used to create a wafer scale packaging solution. By spinning or otherwise depositing polymeric and metallic thin and thick films, and by lithographically defining apertures and patterns on such films, transducers can be fully packaged prior to the final dicing steps that would separate the packaged transducers from each other. In the case of microfabricated ultrasonic transducers, such packaging layers can also enable flexible transducers and eliminate or curtail the acoustic cross-coupling that can occur between array elements. |
| US08353094B2 |
Method of forming sheet metal casket
A method of forming a sheet metal casket comprises providing a sheet metal casket shell having at least a portion of an end wall and at least a portion of a side wall and a round corner between the portion of the end wall and the portion of the side wall, and forming a generally planar corner oriented at about a 45° angle relative to the portion of the end wall and the portion of the side wall. |
| US08353093B2 |
Engine hood exhaust stack mounting method
For turbo-diesel application trucks, it is desirable to enable the quickest exit of the exhaust from the engine because, in most cases, the exhaust gas temperatures of these engines are very high. Thus, a hole is formed in the hood of the trucks and the exhaust stack is slid through the hole to permit the quickest exit of the exhaust into the atmosphere. However although the hood may be non-horizontally oriented, the stack should be kept in a vertical position. Thus, a stack mounting basket is positioned beneath the hole having three widely separated outwardly extending threaded bolt extensions that are positioned within three slotted downwardly extending elongated members affixed to the hood. The relative positions of the elongated members with respect to the threaded bolt extensions are adjusted, and nuts are tightened over the elongated members to permit the stack to maintain a vertical orientation. |
| US08353091B2 |
Stun gun dart active retrieval system
A stun gun dart acquiring, removing and housing device and method of using this device to remove a dart. The device provides a container, such as a tube, and a slider supported at least partially inside the container and is adapted to grasp a stun gun dart. The user places the slider over the dart, thereby engaging the dart into the distal end of slider and then moves the device away from subject, removing the dart. Then, the user moves the slider rearward into the container to store the dart in a safe location. The dart once locked in place inside the container can now be handled and viewed without concern of inadvertent contamination. |
| US08353090B2 |
Seal attach press tool
A press tool and method for attaching a seal to a surface are described. The seal attach press tool comprises a contact member having a curved contact surface, e.g., an arced surface. In a process of attaching a seal over an opening on a surface, the curved contact surface of the contact member is rolled over and in contact with the surface of the seal, thereby facilitating bonding the seal to the surface. According to an embodiment, the curved contact surface of the contact member comprises an elastomer and/or is covered with an elastomer pad. |
| US08353089B2 |
Method for manufacturing paste-type electrode of lead-acid battery and apparatus therefor
According to the present method, a paste-type electrode of lead-acid battery in which a space in the lower surface side of an electrode is favorably filled with a paste-like active material so that inner ribs of a current collector forming a grid shape does not remain exposed. The current collector is filled with a paste-like active material to obtain an electrode when the current collector passes below a filler including a hopper for containing the paste-like active material. An electrode surface is pressed during transfer of the electrode before the fed paste-like active material is hardened. The pressing step includes: a first pressing step of intensively pressing a first area of the electrode surface located on one side in a width direction that is perpendicular to a transfer direction in which the electrode is transferred and a thickness direction of the electrode; a second pressing step of intensively pressing a second area of the electrode surface located on the other side in the width direction; and a third pressing step of pressing the first and second areas of the electrode surface over the entire width of the electrode. The first to third pressing steps are each performed at least once. The pressing step is terminated by the third pressing step. |
| US08353086B2 |
Ring cling
A small pouch for holding/storing jewelry. This pouch is made of a flexible rubber material with a small, linear slit in the top of the device. The pouch is created in order to hold or store different articles of jewelry. The purpose of the linear slit is to allow the jewelry to enter/exit the device. Attached to this, is a small metal clip. The metal clip allows the device to be secured to different articles of clothing. The metal clip contains a small metal bead which can bounce around within the clip, thereby causing a rattling sound. The purpose of this is to alert the user of the device's presence, therefore reminding them of the jewelry that has been stored within the rubber pouch. |
| US08353084B2 |
Connector device on a retainer device for a cover of an openable vehicle roof
The invention relates to a connector device for a retainer device (2) on a cover of an openable vehicle roof on an operating mechanism, in particular, on an operating lever (3) with a bearing pin (4), comprising a mid axis (104), about which the operating lever (3) is mounted to pivot relative to the cover, characterized in that the bearing pin (4) is mounted to rotate relative to the operating lever (3) and has a housing device (10, 13) for the retainer device (2) in a region facing the a vehicle inner side (111), wherein the retainer device (2) is connected with fixing means (22) to the housing device (10, 13) in an axially and rotationally fixed manner relative to the bearing pin (4). |
| US08353082B2 |
Method and apparatus for a hinge
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including a first body, a second body, and a joint member, the joint member having supported therein a first shaft and a second shaft , the first shaft connected to the first body and the second shaft connected to the second body, wherein the joint member is configured to cause or to allow a change in a separation distance between the first shaft and the second shaft upon a rotational movement of the first body relative to the second body. |
| US08353081B2 |
Slide-cover handlebar device
The present invention discloses a slide-cover handlebar device whose handlebar body has a slide cover to conceal the button arranged in a recession of the handlebar body, and whose handlebar body also has a torsion spring. The torsion spring has a fixing ring press-fitted with a fixing protrusion of the slide cover. When the slide cover is pulled or pushed, the torsion spring is also driven to move. When the pulling or pushing force has reached a critical point, the torsion spring generates a rotation torsion force to keep on pulling or pushing the slide cover to reveal or conceal a button. The present invention can protect the button from being imprudently pressed. The torsion spring can assist the user in opening or shutting the slide cover. |
| US08353080B2 |
Umbrella handle
An umbrella handle includes a tubular member having an inclined bottom wall, and a housing having an axle extended from an inclined upper wall for rotatably engaging with the inclined bottom wall of the tubular member and for allowing the housing to be rotated relative to the tubular member to different directions and for allowing the housing to be folded and inclined relative to the tubular member to different folding statuses, a flashlight device is attached to the housing for facing or directing toward various or different directions and for lighting the environment when the housing is pivoted or rotated relative to the tubular member to different or various directions. |
| US08353078B2 |
Anchor and alignment device for carpet tiles
An anchor for a carpet tile includes a cross-shaped base having four arms extending from a vertex. The arms form a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface. A vertical blade centered on the base rises to engage the backing of a carpet tile when a corner of the carpet tile is placed near the vertex. The blade is preferably made of bendable and resilient material. Preferably, the anchor is used with a pedestal head of a raised-flooring system and has a nub extending from the bottom surface of each of the arms of the base to fit within holes in the pedestal head and thereby secure the anchor to the pedestal head. An alternative anchor includes a plate for the base and the blade in the shape of a cross rises from the plate. The plate may have a hole in each quadrant defined by the blade. |
| US08353074B2 |
Steam mop with shuttling steam distributor
A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned. The steam mop further comprises a handle assembly mounted to a foot assembly that has a shuttling plate slidably mounted beneath the foot assembly, wherein the shuttle plate is configured to selectively divert steam through one of a pair of steam distributors positioned at a forward and rearward portion of the foot assembly dependent on the cleaning stroke direction of the steam mop. In one embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a vacuum source mounted thereto and at least one suction nozzle connected to the vacuum source and adapted to contact the surface to be cleaned and to draw moisture and debris from the surface. |
| US08353073B2 |
Brush arrangement for a carwash facility
The invention relates to a brush arrangement for a carwash facility, comprising at least one horizontal cross-beam (1), on which at least one support arm (2) is pivotally supported in the horizontal plane, wherein at one end of the support arm (2) an articulated joint (4) is provided, which is pivotally articulated at the upper end thereof about a horizontal articulated axis (5) on the support arm (2) and at the lower end thereof a washing brush (6) is pivotally supported about a horizontal brush pivot axis (7). It is provided according to the invention that the articulated axis (5) and the brush pivot axis (7) enclose an angle of 30° to 60° in order to configure such a brush arrangement such that the corner regions of the vehicles can thus also be cleaned satisfactorily. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a vehicle in a carwash facility using a brush arrangement according to the invention. |
| US08353071B2 |
Removable integrated board and partial foot section
A patient support apparatus is convertible between a conventional bed position, having a generally horizontal sleeping surface upon which a person lies in a supine position, and a chair egress position, allowing a person to exit the support from a sitting position. The patient support comprises a deck and a foot panel removably coupled to the deck. The foot panel may allow a low seated height while the bed is in the chair egress position. |
| US08353070B1 |
Collapsible rail system
A collapsible rail system for attachment to a variety of surfaces such as a fluoroscopy or radiographic table and easily extended into a raised position or retracted into a lowered position which is flush with the surface. The collapsible rail system generally includes an upper rail, a lower rail and a plurality of post members, wherein each of the post members is pivotally connected to both the upper rail and the lower rail so as to allow the upper rail to collapse onto the lower rail. The lock plate is positioned within a lower channel of the lower rail for locking the rail assembly in an upright position. One or more brackets are provided for removably attaching the rail assembly to a table such as a fluoroscopy or radiographic table. |
| US08353066B2 |
Easily adjusted retention system for helmets
Strap buckles for headgear can be independently adjusted by single-handed operation while the headgear is worn. To tighten the straps, the wearer pulls a strap buckle toward the chin. The adjustment preferably involves a 1:1 length-adjustment ratio, such that the strap is shortened substantially by the amount the wearer pulls on the buckle. |
| US08353063B1 |
Protective garment for bridal gown
A garment worn under a bridal gown in a manner similar to a petticoat having vertical strips of elastic to retract the garment under the gown for photographs. The elasticized hem of the garment can be pulled from under the bottom of the gown to allow the wearer to carry the gown and protect it from being soiled. The garment is provided with a tight fitting waistband that secures around the wearer's waist. A skirt of the garment is somewhat circular with the front somewhat shorter in length than the back. Loops are provided near the hem as a means for holding the hem of the garment when carrying the gown within the garment. An elastic band from the garment's hem can be pulled from the casing as shoulder straps for carrying the gown hands-free. |