| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08353956B2 |
Actively-engageable movement-restriction mechanism for use with an annuloplasty structure
Apparatus is provided, including a locking mechanism, an implant, and a flexible strip within the implant having a plurality of recesses. A perimeter of the strip shortens and expands when the first end of the strip is advanced bidirectionally with respect to a second end of the strip. The locking mechanism includes a moveable recess-engaging portion, a mechanical support removably coupled to the recess-engaging portion, and a force applicator which maintains the recess-engaging portion in a position in which the recess-engaging portion is not disposed in any of the recesses. Upon decoupling of the mechanical support from the recess-engaging portion, the force applicator restricts motion of the plurality of recesses of the strip with respect to the second end of the strip, by facilitating positioning of the recess-engaging portion in one of the plurality of recesses. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08353947B2 |
Eversible locking mechanism for modular stents
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for locking self-expanding modular stent components together using an eversible extension on the male component. The male component is deployed partially within the female component, and with the eversible extension eversed over the male component. |
| US08353944B2 |
Bifurcation delivery system
A catheter assembly comprises a catheter shaft having a proximal region a distal region and a rotational seal therebetween. The rotational seal comprises a first component fixedly engaged to the proximal region and a second component fixedly engaged to the distal region. The components engaged in an overlapping arrangement. The rotational seal is actuatable between a non-activated and activated states. In the non-activated state the first component and the second component are separated by a gap which provides for the distal region of the catheter shaft to be rotatable relative to the proximal region. In the activated state at least a portion of the first component and the second component being sealingly engaged together such that distal region is made static relative to the proximal region. |
| US08353937B2 |
Spinal stabilization systems and methods
A spinal stabilization system, apparatus, and method are disclosed which include an interconnection mechanism for engaging stabilization members to one another. In one embodiment, the interconnection mechanism comprises a locking member having first and second threaded segments. An anchor member is provided having an upper segment and a lower segment, wherein the lower segment is structurally configured for engagement with a respective bone segment. A first stabilization member is connected to the upper segment of the anchor member. A locking member is engaged with the anchor member such that the first stabilization member is fixedly secured to the anchor member by a lower portion of the locking member having a first threaded segment. A second stabilization member is connected to an upper portion of the locking member by a cap that is threaded onto a second threaded segment of the locking member. |
| US08353930B2 |
Structure for applying sprayable wound treatment material
The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, structures and methods for enhancing the properties of tissue to be repaired or joined. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a wound treatment material dispersion system for delivering wound treatment material to a target surgical site. The dispersion system includes an aperture formed in the anvil assembly oriented to dispense wound treatment material in an outward direction; and a source of wound treatment material in fluid communication with the aperture of the anvil assembly. |
| US08353929B2 |
Vascular wound closing apparatus and method
Wound closure apparatus is provided including a body having an elongated, lowermost force-transmitting surface operable to be placed in a proximal, external, wound-closing position on a patient, together with a force-exerting assembly coupled with the body and operable to exert a downwardly directed force serving to generate wound-closing pressure against the patient's tissue. The force-transmitting surface is preferably three-dimensionally asymmetric so that forces of different magnitude are exerted at different locations along the length of the surface. The apparatus is especially designed for the closure of wounds attendant to endovascular interventions, e.g., a femoral artery puncture wound incident to percutaneous cardiac intervention (PCI), and is capable of quickly effecting wound closure with a time-to-ambulation (TTA) of approximately 60 minutes, and with a very low complication rate. |
| US08353927B2 |
Radial artery compression device
A radial artery compression device configured to be secured to a wrist or other portion of a patient to provide adjustable and consistent compression pressure in the area of a radial artery access site or other physiological portion of a patient to achieve hemostasis either during or after a medical procedure such as a percutaneous coronary procedure. The radial artery compression device includes a rotatable member and a compression pad adapted such that rotation of the rotatable member does not affect the rotational orientation of the compression pad. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a single rotation of the rotatable member results in complete extension or retraction of the radial artery compression device. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the rotation of the rotatable member results in a compounding of the extension or retraction of the compression pad relative to the body of the radial artery compression device. |
| US08353926B2 |
Long-term retrievable medical filter
A medical filter has more than one pair of struts extending along an undulating path between a first and second end, which cooperate to define a first and second filter element having a plurality of cells, connected by a central portion with longitudinal strut sections. The struts extend between the first and second ends, and the struts tend to resiliently expand in radially outward directions from a compressed initial shape to an expanded deployed shape. In the expanded shape, the undulating path is defined by (i) a first portion of each pair of ribs extends substantially adjacent to each other for a distance from the first end, (ii) a second portion of each pair of ribs extends substantially adjacent to each other for a distance from the second end; and (iii) an intermediate portion of each one of a pair of ribs extends to curve away from each other. |
| US08353921B2 |
Tissue connector apparatus and methods
Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener. |
| US08353916B2 |
Quick-release guide assembly for elements of or for an external fixation system
A quick-release guide assembly for an external fixation system has a body with at least one hole and a handle portion with a handle bar. The device body comprises at least one extension having a first coupling portion. The handle comprises a complementary second coupling portion, wherein one coupling portion comprising a spring actuated locking pin, wherein an actuator knob is provided to release the locking pin. Therefore the coupling portion of the handle can be releasably attached to the guide body, enabling a quick change of device bodies having different oriented and arranged holes. |
| US08353913B2 |
Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws and posterior cervical and lumbar interarticulating joint calibrated stapling devices for spinal fusion
A self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatus is disclosed which includes at least first and second sliding boxes. A first screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body is disposed within the first sliding box, and a second screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the second sliding box. An adjuster adjusts the height of the sliding boxes. The screw members are screwed into vertebral bodies in order to fuse the vertebral bodies together. A plurality of the self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatuses may be attached together and/or integrated via a plate or cage. Also disclosed is a cervical facet staple that includes a curved staple base and at least two prongs attached to the bottom surface of the curved staple base. |
| US08353909B2 |
Surgical instrument for distracting a spinal disc space
Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted to restore the normal angular relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. An extended outer sleeve having extended portions capable of maintaining the vertebrae distracted in their normal angular relationship is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. |
| US08353908B2 |
Treatment of tissue in sphincters, sinuses, and orifices
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treatment of a body part. More particularly, a method and apparatus for heat treatment of tissue using a catheter inserted into a body part is described along with means for positioning the catheter and means for positioning a set of electrodes relative to a tissue sample for treatment. Still more particularly, radio frequency energy at about 400 to 500 kilohertz is used to provide heat for the tissue treatment. |
| US08353904B2 |
Electrosurgical radio frequency energy transmission medium
A system and method for transmitting electrosurgical energy from a generator to an electrosurgical instrument are provided. The electrosurgical system includes a generator adapted to generate electro surgical energy for treating tissue. The generator includes one or more active output terminals which supply energy to the tissue. The active output terminals are operatively connected to one or more supply lines. The generator also includes one or more return output terminal which returns energy from the tissue. The return output terminals are operatively connected to at least one return line. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument operatively connected to the one or more supply lines and one or more return electrodes operatively connected to one or more return lines. The system further includes an electrosurgical cable including one or more supply lines and one or more return lines. The one or more supply lines and one or more return lines are wound in a double helix fashion such that the electrical field along the cable is mitigated along the length thereof. |
| US08353901B2 |
Energy delivery conduits for use with electrosurgical devices
A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly. |
| US08353900B2 |
Miniature circular mapping catheter
An ablation device, including a catheter and an ablation element incorporating one or more balloons at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. The ablation device ablates tissue by subjecting it to ultrasound energy, cryogenic energy, chemical, laser beam, microwave, or radiation energy. A probe carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the probe. Pulmonary vein potential is monitored in real time via the electrodes. The probe may have an atraumatic tip with a ball formed at the leading edge. The atraumatic tip prevents any tissue damage such as perforation of heart wall. |
| US08353899B1 |
Multiple-mode device for high-power short-pulse laser ablation and CW cauterization of bodily tissues
An apparatus and process using a high-power, short-pulsed thulium laser to output infrared laser pulses delivered through an optical fiber, for cutting and ablating biological tissue. In some embodiments, the pulse length is shortened sufficiently to keep inside the stress-confined ablation region of operation. In some embodiments, the pulse is shortened to near the stress-confined ablation region of operation, while being slightly in the thermal-constrained region of operation. In some embodiments, the laser is coupled to a small low —OH optical fiber (˜100 μm diameter). In some embodiments, the device has a pulse duration of about 100 ns for efficient ablation; however in some embodiments, this parameter is adjustable. |
| US08353896B2 |
Controllable release nasal system
Embodiments of devices and system for controllable nasal delivery of materials are described. Methods of use of such devices and system and software for controlling the operation of such devices and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08353892B2 |
Devices and methods for controlled-depth injection
Devices and methods for simultaneous injection or delivery of two or more substances from separate syringes. The syringes are loaded into a device that has a handle and a screw driven mechanism for simultaneously depressing the plungers of the syringes. The user grasps the handle and positions the device. Thereafter, the screw mechanism is used to simultaneously advance the plungers of the syringes thereby simultaneously expelling the substances from the syringes. |
| US08353890B2 |
Tampon for feminine hygiene and process and apparatus for manufacturing the same
The invention relates to a tampon for feminine hygiene, with a tapered introductory end, a withdrawal end provided with a withdrawal means and a longitudinal axis, comprising a longitudinally extending absorbent body made from compressed fiber material, the absorbent body being densified more intensely in the region of the longitudinal axis and forming a fiber column, from which longitudinal ribs extend radially outward and flank longitudinal ribs in pairs. The tapered introductory end being formed by the fiber column, the longitudinal grooves and longitudinal ribs is provided with collecting grooves and collecting ribs to collect menstrual secretions, wherein the collecting grooves are open axially to the front and radially outward and wherein the collecting ribs flank the collecting grooves in pairs. The invention provides for an increased absorption capacity of the tampon in relation to the weight of the fiber material per tampon. |
| US08353878B2 |
Injection device comprising a locking nut
The invention relates to an injection device for injecting a dose of drug. The injection device comprises a housing, a dose setting mechanism being operable to set a desired dose, an injection mechanism comprising a piston rod (7) adapted to cooperate with a piston positioned in a cartridge containing a drug to be delivered in order to cause a set dose to be delivered from the cartridge via the injection device, a dosage tube (6), and retaining means arranged to prevent axial movement of the dosage tube in a distal direction relatively to the housing during dose setting. The dose setting mechanism comprises a rotatable dose knob (24), operation of the dose setting mechanism causing energy to be stored in a spring member. The injection mechanism is driven by releasing energy previously stored in the spring member during dose setting. |
| US08353877B2 |
Method for administering two components into the teat canal of a non-human animal
The invention relates to a method and device for treating or preventing or suppressing a disease or condition in a non-human animal. The method comprises the steps of providing a single delivery device containing two components for sequential delivery from the delivery device. A first component is delivered from the single delivery device into a teat canal of a non-human animal and subsequently the second component is delivered from the single delivery device into the teat canal. The components are delivered without substantial mixing of the components. |
| US08353872B2 |
Infusion pump
Infusion pumps according to the present invention maximize fluid throughput while minimizing vaporization of gas by employing specific flow path architecture, flow path dimensional ranges, and voltage and frequency ranges for activation of piezoelectric bodies. |
| US08353871B2 |
Drug delivery device with needles and roller
A delivery device including a roller rotatably mounted on an axle, a reservoir, and at least one hollow needle positioned in the roller are in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein as the roller rotates about the axle, contents of the reservoir pass through the at least one hollow needle. |
| US08353867B2 |
Medical devices
Medical devices and methods of making medical devices are described. In some embodiments, a medical device includes a member having a first portion with a first wall thickness, and a second portion with a second wall thickness, wherein the first portion is circumferentially rotated. |
| US08353863B2 |
Skin penetrating device and method for subcutaneous solid drug delivery
Embodiments described herein provide a skin penetrating device and method for the subcutaneous delivery of therapeutic agents in solid form. One embodiment provides such a device comprising an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends and a skin penetrating element detachably coupled to the shaft. At least a portion of the penetrating element is fabricated from a solid form therapeutic agent composition that dissolves in body tissue and is absorbed into the blood stream so as to produce a therapeutic effect. The penetrating element has shape for penetrating and lodging beneath the skin when inserted through the skin by force applied from the shaft. The penetrating element is configured to detach from the shaft when the shaft is pulled away from the skin so as to leave the element in place beneath the skin where it is absorbed by body tissue and the therapeutic agent is released. |
| US08353856B2 |
Glaucoma drainage shunts and methods of use
Glaucoma treatments utilizing an implanted shunt having an elastomeric plate and a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of the eye with an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube open to an outer surface of the plate. An inflow end of the drainage tube tunnels through tissue to the anterior chamber of the eye. The drainage tube collapses upon insertion within an incision in the sclera and cornea, or at a kink on the outside of the incision, but has sufficient resiliency to restore its patency over time. Delayed fluid communication between the outflow and inflow ends of the drainage tube permits a scar tissue bleb to form around the plate. The plate desirably has a peripheral ridge and fenestrations, and a longer suturing tab extending from one side of the plate to enhance visibility and accessibility when suturing the shunt to the sclera. |
| US08353853B1 |
Encephalic insonication
Apparatus for encephalic insonication, comprising a transducer array configured to safely insonicate a field in a human body of a size comparable to the spatial extent of the array itself. The array comprises a plurality of acoustic transducers arranged in a polygonal configuration and energized in subsets at frequencies between 200 and 400 kHz. A relatively uniform insonication of a field comparable in size to that of significant anatomical regions of the brain is obtained by driving the transducers in each subset in opposed phase relationship during at least part of the interval during which they are active. A pulsed driving scheme enables minimization of heating effects while providing significant therapeutic treatment. The apparatus is useful both with and without additional lytic agents. |
| US08353840B1 |
Method and disposable apparatus for guiding needles with a double button unlocking and locking mechanism
An apparatus and method for guiding a needle in which the apparatus comprises a locking button for coupling the needle guide to a transceiver bracket and an unlocking button for unlatching the locking button from a coupling position, where both buttons are pushed in the same direction to accomplish their respective locking and unlatching. |
| US08353836B2 |
Ultrasonographic device for performing luminance correction
The present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus realizing improved visibility of a contour shape of signal components in an ultrasonic blood flow spectrum display image. The apparatus includes a gray-level correction unit for correcting intensity of an output result of a Doppler processing unit. The Doppler processing unit calculates a Doppler frequency shift in a reception signal output from a receiver and calculates blood flow velocity of a subject on the basis of the Doppler frequency shift. The gray-level correction unit has: a filtering unit for separating a signal and a noise from each other, which are included in a time-varying waveform of the blood flow velocity of the subject obtained by the Doppler processing unit on the basis of continuity on a space defined by the blood flow velocity and time; and a gray-level corrector for performing a gray level correction using, as a parameter, a boundary value between signal intensity and noise intensity obtained by the filtering unit. |
| US08353833B2 |
Low-cost device for C-scan photoacoustic imaging
The prostate gland or other region of interest is stimulated with laser light, resulting in ultrasound waves (photoacoustic effect) which are focused by an acoustic lens and captured by a specific 1- or 2D sensor array and subsequently displayed as a C-scan on a computer screen. The amplitude of the ultrasound waves generated by laser stimulation is proportional to the optical absorption of the tissue element at that spatial location. Variability in tissue absorption results in C-scan image contrast. The photoacoustic imaging is combined with an ultrasound C-scan image produced with a plane ultrasound wave applied to the region of interest. |
| US08353831B2 |
Diagnostic ultrasound system and method of displaying elasticity image
A diagnostic ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transmitting and receiving system for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a object to be examined 10, an elasticity image capturing system for capturing an elasticity image related to body tissue of the object to be examined on the basis of a signal output from the ultrasound transmitting and receiving system, and a controlling and displaying system for capturing the elasticity image. The elasticity image capturing system obtains compression data related to the compression state of the object to be examined 10, determines the compression state of the body tissue on the basis of the compression data, and includes a compression direction and range evaluation unit 115 as a compression state evaluating means for reflecting the determination result to the elasticity image. In this way, more accurate diagnosis by objectively and quantitatively grasping the compression state of the body tissue is possible. |
| US08353826B2 |
Tissue retractor and method of use
Methods and devices for retracting tissue in a surgical procedure to allow access to the surgical site. Retractor systems and methods that comprise a retractor frame comprising rotatable arms and a linearly translatable arm, the rotatable arms and the linearly translatable arm each coupled to blades that can angulate. |
| US08353824B2 |
Access method with insert
Various devices and methods are provided with respect to inserting multiple surgical instruments through a single surgical access device. A medical device including a flexible tissue retractor and a releasable insert having multiple instrument openings is disclosed. The insert can be in the form of an insert assembly including multiple components. A method of using the insert is also described, and includes releasably positioning an insert having multiple instrument openings into the tissue retractor. |
| US08353822B2 |
Molded elastomer for endoscope
A molded elastomer for an endoscope is provided, which includes a fluorine-containing elastomer and a filler. The filler includes thermal black in a content of 1 to 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the fluorine-containing elastomer, and plate alumina in a content of 2 to 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the fluorine-containing elastomer. |
| US08353818B1 |
Endoscope tracking system and method
An endoscope tracking system includes an endoscope, at least one endoscope tracking transmitter carried by the endoscope, a plurality of anatomy mapping transmitters, a receiver communicating with the at least one endoscope tracking transmitter and the anatomy mapping transmitters and a processor communicating with the receiver. The processor is adapted to generate an anatomical map based on input from the anatomy mapping transmitters and an endoscope tracking image based on input from the at least one endoscope tracking transmitter and superimpose the endoscope tracking image on the anatomical map. |
| US08353815B2 |
Instrument for an endoscope
An instrument for an endoscope includes an insertion portion inserted into an instrument insertion channel of the endoscope, and a pair of biopsy cups provided at the distal end of the insertion portion so as to be able to be openable and closable. Also, an operation portion for operating the paired biopsy cups is provided at the proximal end of the insertion portion. The operation portion is provided with a hook, and an engaged member engageable with the hook is attached to a part protruding out from the endoscope, of the insertion portion. |
| US08353814B2 |
Apparatus and method for mounting an external scaffold to a vascular graft
A method for securing a compliant scaffold to an outer surface of a vascular graft includes positioning the scaffold radially about an elongated support tube which includes first and second radially outwardly flared end portions respectively defining first and second open ends of the support tube. The method further includes pulling the vascular graft through a lumen of the support tube, and axially deploying the scaffold over the first end portion of the support tube and into compliant contact with the outer surface of the vascular graft. |
| US08353810B2 |
Method for compiling groups of filter segments when producing multi-segment filter assemblies
A method of making segmented filters including moving substantially identical segments of one type at uniform rate to a transferring element, which places each segment separately on an exit path. Setting of the filter segments in a repeating group on the exit path is accomplished by delay in collecting segments by a transferring element in each module of the apparatus. Uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element which includes uniformly spaced drivers, and non-uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element with non-uniformly spaced drivers. The apparatus includes a guiding element positioned adjacent to a cutting drum and has a wall closing a channel for a set of segments drawn out of a flute on the drum. The filter set is led through the channel with the aid of a dog of a chain and is advanced by a worm surface of a pushing together drum. |
| US08353809B2 |
Method and device for facilitating use of an exercise ball
A method for using an exercise device for facilitating a user to perform a variety of exercises using an exercise ball supported on the device is disclosed. The device comprises a pouch having a mouth end wherein the pouch is configured to form a seat portion to the user. The device further includes a plurality of linking members attached to the mouth end by an attachment means and a plurality of straps. The lower end of the plurality of straps is secured to the linking members and the upper end of the plurality of straps is attached to a securing means. Each of the pair of straps is crisscrossed in preparation for attachment to the exercise ball. The crisscrossed straps are looped around the ball and secured by using the securing means. The crisscross arrangement of the straps securely holds the exercise ball in relation to the seat portion. |
| US08353808B1 |
Multi-directional rolling abdominal exercise device
Exercise devices for exercising the abdominal muscles and other muscle groups are disclosed. Each of the exercise devices has a housing from which opposing interconnected ends of an axle extend and a support ball that is captured within and partially extends from the housing. The housing has a cavity defining a partial sphere for receiving the support ball. Each of the exercise devices also comprises a plurality of strips which are attached to the surface of the cavity. Each of the strips includes a plurality of bearings each of which is captured within a bearing race. The strips are positioned upon the cavity surface so as to engage the support ball surface and to provide free-rolling support of the housing on the support ball in any direction when the exercise device is in use. Methods of using the exercise devices are also disclosed. |
| US08353807B2 |
Drop foot device
A method for compensating functional disabilities of the foot of a wearer including the steps of placing a shoe on a wearer; attaching a first attachment member about a lower leg of the wearer such that the first attachment member has a first connecting member flexibly extending from the first attachment member and directed toward the foot; attaching a second attachment member in engagement with a shoe placed over the wearer's foot such that the second attachment has a second attachment member flexibly extending therefrom and directed toward the lower leg of the wearer. The first and second connecting members are coupled such that the flexible connecting member extends at an acute angle from the lower leg of the wearer at a point above the joint of a leg and foot to a point forward of the leg at the instep of the foot. |
| US08353806B2 |
Independent electric power type speed race apparatus
An independent electric power type speed race apparatus is disclosed. The independent electric power type speed race apparatus comprises a first health cycle comprising a first pedal, a first cycle rotary body rotating by handling of the first pedal, and a first cycle load driving part working as a load checking the rotation of the first cycle rotary body; a first cycle speed sensor sensing a rotation speed of the first cycle rotary body; a second health cycle comprising a second pedal, a second cycle rotary body rotating by handling of the second pedal, and a second cycle load driving part working as a load checking the rotation of the second cycle rotary body; a second cycle speed sensor sensing a rotation speed of the second cycle rotary body; a display plate installed at the front of the first health cycle and the second health cycle. |
| US08353804B2 |
Hybrid transmission and method of use
A hybrid transmission for a vehicle and its method of use are described. The transmission may have an internal combustion engine and an electric device. A torque converter is connected between the internal combustion engine and a set of direction clutches. The direction clutches are also connected to an intermediate gear set. The electric device is also connected to the intermediate gear set for providing rotational energy to the intermediate gear set or absorbing energy from the intermediate gear set. The electric device is connected to at least one super capacitor. |
| US08353798B2 |
Gear transmission
A gear transmission comprises an internal gear member, a carrier, an external gear and a first shaft. An internal gear is formed on an inner circumference of the internal gear member. The carrier is positioned coaxially with an axis of the internal gear and is rotatably supported on the internal gear member. The external gear meshes with the internal gear and is supported on the carrier in an eccentrically rotatable manner. The first shaft extends through the carrier along the axis of the internal gear, is rotatably supported on the carrier and transmits torque inputted at one end to the other end thereof. |
| US08353796B2 |
Sprocket with alternating pitch spacing
The present invention relates to a sprocket (1) with a circular gear ring (3) comprising a plurality of alternating teeth (4) and tooth spaces (5) with different pitch spacings (T) distributed around the periphery of the gear ring (3), a plurality of successive pitch spacings (T) increasing continuously over a first region of the gear ring (3), and a plurality of successive pitch spacings (T) decreasing continuously in a subsequent region. The invention additionally relates to a chain drive (20), in particular a timing chain drive, comprising a driving chain (14) and at least one sprocket (1) of the type in question. |
| US08353793B2 |
Carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene latex seamless bladder and a process for manufacturing thereof
A soft seamless acrylonitrile bladder having excellent air permeability combined with good bounce characteristics for inflatable balls obtained by latex dipping process. The said process involves dipping hot molds in a coagulant bath of calcium nitrate and water and later dipping the dried, coagulant coated formers in a compounded latex bath of carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene latex, the dip being single or multiple depending upon the desired wall thickness. The said latex dipping process allows low manufacturing cost, high productivity and low rejection rate bladders having uniform weight varying from 500 mg/inch.sup.2 to 1.5 g/inch.sup.2, modulus varying from 17 to 20 Kg/Cm.sup.2, tensile strength of 150-180 Kg/Cm2 and elongation at break 650-750%. |
| US08353792B2 |
Teardrop ring tossing game
The present invention is a ring for a game of skill, generally comprising a single strip having first and second ends, wherein said first and second ends are attached to one another to form a single endless ring having a corner on one side of said ring and a teardrop-shaped opposing side opposite said corner. In some embodiments the ring is a single continuous piece. Alternative embodiments of the present invention call for the game piece to be flexible, and for utilizing attachment mechanisms and curvature retention mechanisms to further adjust and retain the curvature of the ring, all for the purpose of affecting the trajectory of the ring when thrown. |
| US08353790B1 |
Golf ball and golf tee placement and retrieval device
A golf ball and golf tee retrieval device for eliminating the need to squat or bend. A shaft has two ends: One for ball retrieval and the other for ball and tee setting. The ball retrieval end includes a cup that is sized and adapted to retrieve or pick-up a ball. The setting end includes a housing unit, a wing portion and a boss connector. The boss connector engages the shaft. The housing unit includes six walls adapted to substantially house a golf ball and golf tee. The wing portion is adapted to provide a pivot point to assist in tee placement and easy disengagement from the golf tee and the golf ball. |
| US08353789B2 |
Golf ball with rotational protrusions within a dimple
A golf ball includes an outer land surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples comprise protrusions on the inner surface of the dimple to energize or agitate the airflow over the dimpled surfaces to increase the aerodynamic performance of the golf ball. These protrusions include rotational elements arranged in various configurations and are fully contained within the dimple perimeter and do not extend beyond a chordal plane of the dimple. By improving the aerodynamic of the airflow over the dimpled surface of the golf ball, the outer land surface of the golf ball may remain robust to prevent premature wear and tear on the golf ball. |
| US08353788B2 |
Golf balls containing interpenetrating polymer networks
The present invention is directed to a golf ball that contains an interpenetrating polymer network, or IPN, including at least two polymeric components. These IPNs may be present in any golf ball layer, although in an intermediate or cover layer in one preferred embodiment. The present invention is also directed to methods of forming a golf ball containing an IPN in one or more of the layers. |
| US08353784B2 |
Golf club with a support bracket
A cavity back golf club and golf club head having one or more support brackets is disclosed. Each support bracket includes a first portion engaged with the rear surface of the striking face, a second portion engaged with the perimeter weighting member, and a third portion that is curved. The one or more of the support brackets are engaged with a rear surface of a striking face and a perimeter weight member of the golf club head. The one or more support brackets are at least partially located in a rear cavity of the golf club head. The support brackets provide structural integrity to a thin striking face on the golf club head. Additionally, a discretionary weight is engaged with the at least one of the support brackets at the toe portion of the golf club head. |
| US08353782B1 |
Golf club head
A golf club head is described, in one embodiment, including a body with an exterior surface defining a first body volume of at least about 400 cm3. The body has a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, and a back portion. A face positioned at the front portion of the body and is configured to receive an impact. A top portion silhouette profile located along a perimeter of the top portion is further described. The top portion silhouette profile defines the outer bounds of the top portion in an X-direction and Y-direction. At least one indentation is located on the bottom portion below the crown silhouette profile. The removal of the at least one indentation from the bottom portion creates a second body volume that is at least 12 cm3 larger than the first body volume. |
| US08353780B2 |
Putter heads and putters having adjustable, multi-sided ball striking face insert
Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as putter heads, may include a putter body and an adjustable ball striking face insert forming at least a portion of the ball striking face and contained within the putter body. The insert may have a plurality of sides, each of the sides having different performance characteristics to permit customization of the putter. In some examples, the adjustable ball striking face insert may be rotatably mounted within the putter head. Additionally or alternatively, the insert may be removably mounted within the putter head. In some arrangements, the insert may be finely adjustable to alter the loft angle of the putter head. |
| US08353777B2 |
Constant velocity joint having over-articulation protection
A tripot universal joint includes a first rotatable shaft member having a longitudinal axis and three longitudinal guide channels, each having two opposing concave side surfaces and a back surface. The joint also includes a rotatable second shaft member having a longitudinal axis and comprising a spider having three radially extending trunnions equally, each of the trunnions having a convex outer surface disposed within an associated longitudinal guide channel. The joint further includes three rotatable ball assemblies, each disposed on a convex outer surface of a trunnion, each ball assembly having an outer ball with a convex outer surface that is disposed within the concave side surfaces of the longitudinal guide channel with which it is associated for moveable engagement within the channel and an inner ball with an inner surface that is rotatably disposed on the convex surface of the trunnion with a detachably reattachable coupling. |
| US08353774B2 |
Sharing resources in wagering game systems
Techniques for sharing resources in wagering game systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes determining that remote resources are needed for processing video content associated with a wagering game, and locating the remote resources by wirelessly communicating with one or more wagering game machines in the wagering game network, wherein the wireless communications include queries about whether the wagering game machines can provide the needed processing resources. The method can also include receiving processed video content via wireless communications with certain of the one or more wagering game machines, and presenting the wagering game using the processed video content. |
| US08353773B2 |
Communication game system, game apparatus, server, storage medium storing a program, and game control method
A communication game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses which are able to wirelessly communicate with each other. Each game apparatus registers identifying information of an opponent obtained by a short-distance wireless communication or by user's manual input in a friend list. Thereafter, the game apparatus connects to the Internet, and inquiries whether it is possible to communicate with an opponent in the friend list over the network. If it is possible to communicate, the game apparatus obtains an address of the opponent to make a network communication. Even if a user makes a short distance wireless communication with a friend to exchange and register the identifying information or registers the friend by hand and then is parted from the friend, the user can safely communicate with the friend across the network without being exposed to unknown players. In a case that an additional opponent is to be added to the multiplayer game session, one of the participants transmits identifying information to introduce the communicating opponents to each other. The game apparatuses introduced to each other make a communication over the network, and add the identifying information of the opponents to the friend list, if necessary. |
| US08353772B2 |
System and method for conducting a fantasy sports competition
The present invention embodiments pertain to conducting fantasy sports or other competitions, where users select or draft an entirely new team of professional players each week (or at other suitable time interval). The competition types (including playoffs) include fee based and free. Each fee based competition has a pre-determined entry fee, and prizes are awarded to the winner of that competition each week. The free competitions similarly include weekly prizes and further provide for a grand prize. Within each of the free and fee based types of competitions, users may compete in a “private” competition or a randomly composed “open” competition. Users within the free and fee based competitions may accumulate points that qualify for redemption to obtain prizes. These points are accumulated based upon the statistical performance of the drafted players for each team. The present invention embodiments further provide mechanisms for information sharing and interaction between users. |
| US08353770B2 |
Mobile social fitness networked game
A mobile fitness device and method of use are presented. The mobile fitness device includes a controller having a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium has instructions encoded thereon to record performance data that is based upon a performance of a physical activity by a user of the mobile fitness device and to transmit a communication, including the performance data, to a social network or to others for fitness, socialization, and potential game playing. |
| US08353769B2 |
Game apparatus and game program
The game apparatus obtains angular velocity data and acceleration data from an input device equipped with at least an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor, and determines whether or not a ball has been thrown in accordance with the angular velocity data. When it is determined that ball-throwing is fulfilled, the game apparatus calculates the intensity of swinging the input device and a curve amount. The game apparatus applies a force and a curve to a ball in accordance with the calculated intensity of swinging and the curve amount, and performs a process of causing the ball to move and curve in a predetermined direction. |
| US08353768B2 |
Card game apparatus and method with dealt card disclosure feature
A method of managing a card game, a computer implementation thereof, and a card game kit are disclosed. In the method, a plurality of cards are dealt in one or more rounds to a plurality of players, each player receiving one or more cards in each round, with each card bearing a designated value and suit. The values and suits of the cards dealt are recorded in each round. Those values and suits are then revealed to the players during one or more of the rounds to enable the players to wager or withdraw from the game. |
| US08353766B2 |
Gaming machine
During a slot machine game, game effects are also displayed on a liquid crystal panel 39d provided in a reel display window unit 39, and thus the liquid crystal panel 39d serves as a new machine component for performing game effects. Therefore, new effects for the game can be performed on the liquid crystal panel 39d, which facilitates maintaining the novelty of game effects. Furthermore, the diffusion sheet 39f and the light guiding plate 39g are formed with openings 5a, 6a and 7a and openings 5b, 6b and 7b respectively for allowing the symbols variably displayed on the reels to be observed. As a result, there are decreased obstacles, interposed, in such a way as to prevent the light from passing through, between the transparent acryl plate 39a and the reels 2-4 on which the light is variably displayed. Therefore, the visibility of the symbols variably displayed on the reels 2-4 is increased. |
| US08353761B2 |
Progressive game and processing system thereof
A progressive game is implemented on a gaming system, wherein the gaming system includes one or more gaming machines connected to a game server, and wherein the progressive game has a progressive prize value that increases according to a progressive prize growth rate. The progressive game includes a selectable targeted progressive prize value, a selectable targeted progressive prize time, and one or more enticement factors. The progressive prize growth rate is calculated using the selectable targeted progressive prize value, the selectable targeted progressive prize time, and the one or more enticement factors. Additionally, a random number generation algorithm tests to determine if there is a progressive prize win at each predetermined time period. The selectable targeted progressive prize time is used to calculate the predetermined time period for testing for a progressive prize win. If a progressive prize win has not been identified, the progressive prize value is incremented by the progressive prize growth rate. If a progressive prize win has been identified, a random number generation algorithm determines one or more winners of the progressive prize. |
| US08353759B2 |
Shape control of magentic fields for table games
A gaming table with an upper surface that includes a gaming chip placement area and a lower surface opposite the upper surface is provided. The gaming table also includes a housing coupled to one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the gaming table, an antenna coupled to the housing, wherein the antenna is configured to form an electromagnetic field that defines a zone of communication in which a gaming chip including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be read. The gaming table also includes a substantially-contiguous highly permeable magnetic material layer coupled to the antenna, the highly permeable magnetic material layer defining an outermost boundary of the zone of communication of the antenna, such that a strength of the electromagnetic field at any region beyond the defined boundary of the zone of communication is below a threshold level for communication with an RFID gaming chip, and a reading device coupled to the housing, wherein the RFID reading device is configured to read data transmitted by an RFID gaming chip when the RFID gaming chip is in the zone of communication. |
| US08353755B2 |
Wagering game with game-play enhancements having known expected values
A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a powerup feature. A wager input receives a wager from a player to play a single play of a wagering game. At least one display displays a plurality of reels with symbols. A controller is coupled to the wager input and the at least one display. The controller is operative randomly generate an outcome of the wagering game from a plurality of wagering game outcomes. The controller displays the randomly generated wagering game outcome on the plurality of reels. The plurality of outcomes includes the award of a powerup to a player. The powerup allows the player to activate a game enhancement feature on a future play of the wagering game. The plurality of wagering game outcomes can also include a credit award. A player may select the credit award or an offered powerup. |
| US08353750B2 |
Response game systems and method
Novel response games provide participants with opportunities to receive response points and subsequent prizes, awards, fortune, and fame. Correct responses are generally determined by a television producer's and sponsor's targeted viewers (e.g. a designated response game point controller). Players receiving a highest response point total for a plurality of response sessions are identified as highly in-sync with a response point controller and qualify to be selected to star on television as viewer/controller representatives. Viewer/controller representatives are presented with various producer's and sponsor's business element options associated with a future television promotion, production, and program provided. The representatives are shown evaluating each business element and selecting a number of most suitable elements to become future response game elements. The producer's and sponsor's elements selected by the viewer/controller representatives are determined by the representatives to be the most suitable elements for viewers to respond to during a future response game. |
| US08353748B2 |
Game device, method of controlling game device, and information recording medium
Provided is a game device capable of allowing a user to designate a position within a region of a game space which is not being displayed on a game screen. If it is judged that a screen coordinate value according to a user's operation is within the game screen showing a state of a first region within the game space, a position-in-first-region acquisition unit (83a) acquires a position within the first region corresponding to the screen coordinate value. If it is judged that the screen coordinate value is not within the game screen, a second display control unit (86b) causes an image showing a state of a second region within the game space to be displayed on a part of the game screen based on a positional relationship between the screen coordinate value and the game screen for at least a predetermined time. If it is judged that the screen coordinate value is within a region in which the image showing the state of the second region is displayed, a position-in-second-region acquisition unit (83b) acquires a position within the second region corresponding to the screen coordinate value in place of the position-in-first-region acquisition unit (83a). |
| US08353746B2 |
Air conducting device
An air conducting device is used for removing heat from at least one component by directing airflow flowing along a first direction. The first direction is parallel to the at least one component. The air conducting device includes an airduct receiving the at least one component therein, and an air guiding member. The air guiding member is attached to an inner side of the airduct. The air guiding member includes a plurality of resilient legs. The legs extend diagonally relative to the first direction in a first state. The legs are able to accommodate the at least one component in a second state. Each leg in the first state is able to serve as a barrier to the airflow. |
| US08353744B2 |
Method and device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry
A method for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry including making two incisions on the back side of the carcass part, and detaching at least a part of the back meat that is naturally present on the carcass part using a scraper, the scraper having a cutting edge with a curved shape in a plane that substantially extends perpendicular to the direction of the spine, the curved shape substantially matching the side of the back of the contour of the bone parts of the carcass part from which the back meat must be detached, as seen in the direction of the spine, wherein detachment of the back meat by the scraper starts from the incisions along the spine, and the carcass part and the scraper move relative to each other while the meat is being detached. |
| US08353743B1 |
Stuffer horn with spray
An embodiment of the invention includes a stuffer horn with spray system for elimination or reduction of pathogen contamination. One embodiment of the invention combines a stuffer horn with spray nozzles for the application of a safety intervention solution while the product is being placed into a bag. The stuffer comprises a horn with pivoting top jaw and fixed bottom jaw that funnels product into a bag that is placed over its nose and a cylinder that forces the product through the horn and into the bag. One implementation can include a cylindrical horn having a flexible overlapping side wall adapted to increase or decrease the inner diameter. |
| US08353725B2 |
Contact and connection unit provided with the contact
A contact which makes it possible to make a connection unit compact in size. A pair of supporting portions opposed to each other in a predetermined direction are provided on opposite side edges of a plate-shaped base portion with which an associated one of electrodes of a photovoltaic unit is brought into contact, such that the supporting portions rise from the opposite side edges, respectively. The pair of supporting portions are each formed with a slit for supporting a terminal portion of a diode. |
| US08353724B2 |
Cable connector assembly having means for limiting cables thereof from swinging
A cable connector assembly includes an insulative housing, a connector section retained in the insulative housing, a cable electrically connecting with a rear side of the connector section, and a cover fastened at a rear end of the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a cavity opening outwardly along a first direction. The connector section is received in the cavity. The cable extends out of the insulative housing. The cover holds the cable to make the cable bend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and preventing the bent cable from swinging. |
| US08353717B2 |
Electrical connector with external grooves and ridges
An electrical connector including a tube having a conductor receiving channel which is substantially closed except at one or more ends of the channel. The tube includes an exterior surface having longitudinal grooves and ridges along a longitudinal length the tube. |
| US08353716B2 |
Terminal structures for wiring devices
Terminal structures for wiring devices, such as receptacle assemblies, are disclosed having first and second spring assemblies constructed of a first metal and each having at least one spring finger with the first and second spring assemblies being connected to respective first and second conductive contacts that are constructed of a second metal, wherein the terminal structures are configured for push-in termination of conductive stripped ends of respective first and second wires between the at least one spring finger of the respective first and second spring assemblies and the respective first and second conductive contacts, and wherein the first and second conductive contacts are configured to be connected to respective first and second separate conductive elements. Such a terminal structure is shown for example within a receptacle assembly in the form of a grounding duplex plug outlet. |
| US08353714B2 |
High density coaxial jack
A coaxial switching jack with a pair of coaxial assemblies mounted within a housing having a pair of front cable connection locations is disclosed. The coaxial assemblies each include a center conductor and an outer shield conductor. The center conductors are connected by a first spring and the shell conductors are connected by a second spring. Insertion of a coaxial cable connector within one of the front cable connection locations deflects the springs from the corresponding coaxial assembly and disconnects the center and shell conductors of the two assemblies. The jack may also be configured to provide an electrical connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly if a coaxial cable connector is inserted within the first coaxial assembly. The connection between the center and shell conductors of the second coaxial assembly may be through a resistor assembly allowing for selection of a desired electrical impedance. |
| US08353713B2 |
Controlled discharge connector lead
When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead. When an improved lead is connected to a mating lead, the connection initially provides a charge dissipation path through the resistive member, but subsequently provides a bypass, current carrying conductive path around the resistive member from one component to another. By making use of an improved connector, electrical components are protected, not only from hot-swap current, but also from electrostatic discharge in general. |
| US08353711B2 |
Electrical connector with improved metallic shutter mechanism
An electrical connector includes a metal shell, an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals retained in the insulative housing and a shutter. The metal shell defines a receiving space with a mating port. The insulative housing defines a mating portion extending forwardly and received in the receiving space. The mating portion defines two rows of passageways exposed on opposite surfaces thereof. The terminals include contact portions retained in the corresponding passageways of the mating portion. The shutter is located in the mating port of metal shell. The shutter is made of metal sheet and pivotally mounted to the shell. The shutter includes a main portion and a pair of shafts extending outwardly form two sides of one end of the main portion. |
| US08353710B2 |
Low-voltage contactor
A low-voltage contactor with an actuating unit, a stationary contact, and a contact carrier operated by the actuating unit and including a movable contact, a spring with a first end and a second end acting on the movable contact to produce a force that reduces the electrical resistance between the contacts, and a connecting means for connecting the contact carrier to the actuating unit. The contact carrier includes a framework part including the connecting means, a holder part including a holding member adapted to receive and hold the movable contact and the spring. The holder part and the framework part are detachably connected to each other and designed so that the first end of the spring is acting on the movable contact held by the holder part and the second end is acting on the framework part when the framework part and the holder part are connected to each other. |
| US08353709B2 |
Retractable memory drive
A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. There are guide rails that allow the middle carrier to remain in an appropriate position. There is also a metal spring clip coupled to the middle carrier for contacting a connector of a device coupled to the drive to provide for improved EMI and ESD protection. |
| US08353708B2 |
Independent loading mechanism facilitating interconnections for both CPU and flexible printed cable
An electrical connector assembly comprises a central processing unit (CPU), a plurality of cable connectors soldered on the CPU and a CPU socket for electrical connecting the CPU to a printed circuit board (PCB). Each cable connector includes a base having a plurality of first terminals received therein, for contacting with conductive points of the cable. The CPU socket includes an insulating housing having a plurality of second terminals received therein and a loading mechanism attached to the insulating housing. The loading mechanism can simultaneously pressing the cables against the cable connectors and the CPU toward the CPU socket for electrically connecting the CPU with the cables and the PCB. |
| US08353700B2 |
Dental device and method of use
A prophy device incorporating a shaft and one or more corrugated members eliminates the need for plastic gears. The corrugated members effectively transfer rotational energy from a shaft to an applicator. In another version, a flexible paste chamber contains polish within a housing of the device. A difference between a rotational speed at a front of the paste chamber and rear of the chamber causes the flexible chamber to contract on itself thereby automatically forcing polish from the chamber and into a polish applicator. A rod extending through a paste chamber includes openings for contents to exit. The rod has one end in contact with a drive disk and a second end in contact with a front disk such that the ends of the rod are maintained substantially in place by the drive disk and front disk, respectively, but remain rotatably independent relative to the drive disk and front disk. |
| US08353696B2 |
Semi-rigid tool having sections that vary from one another in rigidity
The present invention relates to a manufacturing tool (13, 14) and method for use in forming polymer matrix composite products such as carbon fiber composite products. The tool comprising a first and a second portion defining a cavity (15) therebetween in which the product is built before curing. The rigidity of the second portion (13) of the tool is selected based on the required deflection of the second portion of the tool under the curing conditions, in order to maintain pressure on the laminate during the entire cure. The second upper portion (13) is shown haring varying thicknesses (16A, 16B and 16C) which results in different rigidity of these regions. |
| US08353694B1 |
Thermoplastic pultrusion die system and method
A thermoplastic pultrusion die system for pultruding a thermoplastic composite includes a first pultrusion die member; a second pultrusion die member; a die cavity gap formed between the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member; and a die cavity gap adjustment mechanism that imparts movement to at least one of the first pultrusion die member and the second pultrusion die member to vary the die cavity gap within a very tight die cavity gap tolerance. |
| US08353687B2 |
Rotary pump with a fixed shaft
A rotary pump (1), which can be operated by an electronically commutated DC motor (56) with an axial gap, with a dry space (54), in which a wound stator (55) is accommodated, and a fluid-fillable pump space (13), in which a permanent magnetic pump impeller (5) is accommodated to rotate, the pump impeller (5) being separated by a split plate (18) from stator (55), which is connected to a return ring (27), to which several poles (15) are connected, and a circuit board (17), and is in heat-conducting contact with it, and includes a heat conducting element (10) from a good heat conducting light metal. The heat conducting element (10) consists essentially of a disk (40) aligned at right angles to the motor shaft or an annular disk with a coaxial tube (39) extending in the direction of the pump impeller in one piece with it, open or closed toward the motor shaft, and that the circuit board (17) is connected to the heat-conducting element (15) on the side facing away from the pump impeller (5). |
| US08353683B2 |
Micropump, pump module, and drive module
A micropump of peristaltic drive system of pressing a tube having elasticity to transport a fluid is disclosed. The micropump includes: a pump module including the tube, a cam that presses the tube, and a cam shaft on which the cam is pivotally mounted; a drive module including a drive force transmission mechanism that transmits a drive force from a motor to the cam shaft; a coupling member that detachably couples the pump module and the drive module; and a linkage mechanism provided between the motor and the cam shaft to link the drive force. |
| US08353682B2 |
Microfluidic-device systems and methods for manufacturing microfluidic-device systems
A microfluidic device is described. The microfluidic device comprises at least one transport channel and at least one working chamber, wherein the at least one transport channel and the at least one working chamber are separated from each other by a common deformable wall. The at least one transport channel is for containing a transport fluid and the at least one working chamber is for containing a working fluid. The microfluidic device comprises at least one pair of electrodes for changing the pressure on the working fluid such that when the pressure on the working fluid is changed, the deformable wall deforms, resulting in a change of the cross-section of the at least one transport channel. The working chamber comprises a flexible wall different from the common deformable wall and at least one electrode of the at least one pair of electrodes is provided on the flexible wall. |
| US08353680B2 |
Air conditioning compressor
A stroke-adjustable air conditioning compressor, in particular for motor vehicles, including a drive mechanism for pistons that move back and forth, the pistons being driven by an adjusting plate, such as a pivoting plate, pivoting ring or swash plate at an adjustable pivoting angle. The position of the pivoting angle is influenced inter alia by compressive forces, inertial forces and elastic forces that are active in the drive mechanism. |
| US08353678B2 |
Controller for a motor and a method of controlling the motor
A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a fluid-pumping application. The pumping apparatus includes a pump having an inlet to receive a fluid and an outlet to exhaust the fluid, and the motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump. The method includes the acts of controlling the motor to operate the pump and monitoring the operation of the pump. The monitoring act includes monitoring a power of the motor, and determining whether the monitored power indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump. The method further includes the act of controlling the motor to cease operation of the pump when the determination indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump and zero or more other conditions exist. |
| US08353672B2 |
Turbine blade damper arrangement
A turbine blade damper arrangement in which a damper is positioned against the undersides of the platforms of adjacent turbine blades. In operation, the damper is centrifugally urged into engagement with the blade platforms to provide damping of relative movement between the blades. The damper and platform surfaces that it engages are of part-cylindrical configuration in order to minimize gas leakage paths between the damper and blade platforms. |
| US08353669B2 |
Turbine vane platform leading edge cooling holes
A vane for use in a gas turbine engine has a platform connected to an airfoil. There is a cooling passage for supplying cooling air to the platform. A cooling chamber supplies cooling air to a plurality of cooling slots at the platform. The cooling slots have a non-uniform cross section. |
| US08353667B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting a yaw angle of a wind turbine
A method and an apparatus for adjusting a yaw angle of a wind turbine comprising a rotor having a plurality of rotor blades and a hub are provided. The method is adapted for adjusting the yaw angle from an actual yaw angle to a desired yaw angle and comprises the steps of measuring a wind direction at the location of the wind turbine, measuring the yaw angle of the wind turbine and/or determining a wind direction relative to the nacelle orientation, calculating a pitch angle of at least one rotor blade as a function of the measured wind direction and the measured yaw angle and/or the wind direction relative to the nacelle orientation, and adjusting the pitch angle of the rotor blades according to the calculated pitch angle such that a yaw momentum is generated for changing the yaw angle from the actual yaw angle to the desired yaw angle. |
| US08353666B2 |
Turbocharger assembly having heat shield-centering arrangements
A turbocharger for internal combustion engines, having a heat shield disposed between a turbine housing and center housing of the turbocharger for shielding the center housing from exhaust gases passing through the turbine. The heat shield in one embodiment is centered on a generally conical surface of the center housing, by engagement between the conical surface and a centering portion of the heat shield. In another embodiment, the heat shield has a generally conical portion that is non-axisymmetric, having a plurality of radially enlarged lobes that engage a radially inwardly facing surface of the turbine housing for centering the heat shield. |
| US08353661B2 |
Vehicle mounted lift
An apparatus for transporting small vehicles within the bed of a truck which comprises a frame sized to be locatable within the bed of a truck, a platform slidably supported by the frame movable between a first position parallel to and proximate to the bed of the truck and a second position parallel to and vertically spaced above the first position and an actuator operable to move the platform between the first and second positions. The actuator may comprises a winch and the apparatus may include at least one catch for selectively engaging and supporting the platform at the second position. |
| US08353660B2 |
Charging device for distributing bulk material
A charging device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) for distributing bulk material in an enclosure, in particular in a shaft furnace comprises a stationary housing (12) that supports a rotatable structure (14) carrying adjustable distribution means (16). Distribution of bulk material in circumferential direction is achieved by rotation of the distribution means (16) together with the rotatable structure (14). Distribution of bulk material in radial direction is achieved by adjustment of the distribution means (16). For rotating the distribution means, usually about the central axis (A) of the charging device, the device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) includes a first rolling bearing (122) with a first stationary race (124; 324) that bears a first rotary race (128). The first rotary race is coupled to a first gear ring (130; 430; 530; 730) that cooperates with a first drive (50) for rotating the rotatable structure and thereby the distribution means. For adjusting the distribution means, the device includes a second rolling bearing (132) having a second stationary race (134; 334) that bears a second rotary race (138). The second rotary race is coupled to a second gear ring (140) that cooperates with a second drive (60) for adjusting the distribution means. According to the invention, the first rotary race (128) is arranged radially inward with respect to the second rotary race (138), the first stationary race (124; 324) is arranged radially inward with respect to the second stationary race (134; 334) and the second rolling bearing (132) axially overlaps the first rolling bearing (122). |
| US08353650B2 |
Bonding washer
A bonding washer for making electrical connection between two metal pieces that are to be mechanically fastened together. The washer, to be interposed between the two metal pieces, is constructed so as to fasten to one of the pieces before the two pieces are joined. Teeth on the washer, positioned at right angles to the plane of the washer, are forced into each of the two metal pieces when the fastener is tightened, making electrical connection between the two metal pieces. |
| US08353637B2 |
Toggling cosmetic substance dispenser
Disclosed is an improved toggling dispenser for dispensing substances. |
| US08353635B2 |
Blade drive device
A blade drive device includes: a board that has an opening; a blade that opens and closes the opening; and a drive source that drives the blade. The drive source includes a rotor rotatably supported and a stator for applying a rotational force to the rotor. The stator, around which a coil for excitation is wound, has a fitting hole fitted with a projective portion formed on the board and has a rectangular shape. |
| US08353632B2 |
Fluid dynamic bearing system
The fluid dynamic bearing system has at least one stationary part, and at least one rotating part that is supported rotatable about a rotational axis with respect to the stationary part. A bearing gap filled with bearing fluid is formed between mutually opposing surfaces of the stationary and of the rotating part. The bearing system includes at least one fluid dynamic radial bearing and at least one fluid dynamic axial bearing that are disposed along sections of the bearing gap. In one aspect of the invention, an annular sealing gap for sealing open ends of the bearing gap has one end connected to the bearing gap and one end connected to an annular reservoir, the outside radius of the reservoir measured from the rotational axis being larger than the outside radius of the sealing gap. |
| US08353631B2 |
Journal-foil air bearing
A journal foil air bearing 5000 according to the present invention is provided with one top foil 300 along an inner periphery of a hole 18 of a bearing housing 10. Bump foils 20c and 20d are installed at the inner periphery of the hole 18 of the bearing housing 10 where they are distanced from each other. Both ends of the top foil 300 form bent portions 308a and 308b and the bent portions 308a and 308b are mounted in a slot 414 of a slot body 40 mounted in a slot 140 provided in the inner periphery of the hole 18 in the bearing housing 10 and the top foil 300 is elastically movable therein. |
| US08353628B1 |
Method and system for tomographic projection correction
The position of the sample is measured and used to correct for any off-axis motion during tomography using x-ray projection microscope system with a rotation stage system. The position is sensed using a precision-machined, low-CTE gold-coated cylinder or disc and three to five capacitive distance sensors. The correction can then be performed purely as image processing in software, by applying an appropriate shift in X and Y of the captured x-ray projections. A calibration is often necessary for each system (gold disc plus sensors plus sample stage) to account for any machining errors of the gold disc or positioning errors of the capacitive sensors. This calibration should also be repeated whenever any maintenance is performed on the metrology setup. |
| US08353627B2 |
Temperature sensor for burner, and burner
A temperature sensor for a burner comprises two metal wires implementing a thermocouple, a protection sheath receiving the two metal wires, and a head in metal material having a front side intended to be facing the environment, the temperature of which is intended to be measured, and a rear side opposite the front side, in which the two metal wires are connected in a thermal exchange relationship to the head rear side, and the head comprises a front portion connectable to a burner wall of the burner so that the thermocouple is connectable to the burner by means of said metal head. |
| US08353626B2 |
Emissivity independent non-contact high temperature measurement system and method
An apparatus for determining a temperature of an object without contacting the object. An etalon filter may be used to receive spectral radiation of the object over a plurality of wavelengths and to generate a spectral output signal. A linear array detector may be used that is responsive to the spectral output signal from the etalon filter and adapted to generate an output indicative of the spectral radiation at each of one of the plurality of wavelengths. An actuator may be used that controls movement of one element of the etalon filter to assist in generating the output. A processor may be used which is responsive to the output of the linear array detector and which analyzes a known characteristic of a black body at a plurality of test temperatures, against the output of the linear array detector, to determine a specific temperature of the object. |
| US08353625B1 |
Heat detector tester
This invention relates to a device for testing a heat detector. The device has a housing that is shaped to surround a heat detector and includes a heating element. A fan is located near the heating element and is adapted to activate the heat detector by increasing the temperature around the heat detector. The housing also includes a temperature device that measures the temperature near the heat detector. Furthermore, a display is attached to the housing to show the temperature around the heat detector during testing. |
| US08353622B2 |
Cartridge from which bone cement is discharged, the cartridge having a removably coupled nozzle
A cartridge in which bone cement is mixed and from which the cement is discharged. A blade with plural vanes is disposed in the cartridge for mixing the cement. A piston located in one end of the cartridge is actuated to push the mixed cement out of the cartridge. The blade has plural vanes, one for scraping cement off the side of the cartridge, one for scraping cement off the piston and one for scraping cement off the end of the cartridge opposite the end in which the piston is normally located. The blade is collapsible so that when the piston is actuated the blade compresses to allow the cement in the cartridge to be pushed out. |
| US08353620B2 |
Hand-held stick blender comprising housing shells that are connected by a tensioned cover
A hand-held kitchen appliance, in particular a stick blender, comprising a housing with at least one first housing shell, a second housing shell and a fixing element for connecting the two housing shells. According to the invention, the fixing element comprises a tensioning element, which engages with the first housing shell at least at two separate fixing points, pressing the first housing shell against the second housing shell at said two points. The kitchen appliance and the method for producing the same are characterized by a particularly simple construction and produce an excellent seal for the housing despite the use of a reduced number of screw connections. |
| US08353618B1 |
External vibratory grout consolidator for vertically reinforced concrete masonry
A vibratory grout consolidator for eliminating gaps and voids in grout by attaching to reinforcing bars extending within masonry block walls and encapsulated within the grout. The device includes a clamp including a bar sleeve having a first part attached to a first arm and a second part attached to a second arm. The bar sleeve has a pair of open ends that allow a reinforcing bar to extending fully through the bar sleeve. A vibration source is attached to the clamp so that when the bar sleeve is engaged with the reinforcing bar, vibration is transmitted to the reinforcing bar and encapsulating grout. |
| US08353617B2 |
Backlight
A backlight is provided for illuminating an at least partially transmissive display. The backlight includes a light source. A light guide receives the light from an edge surface and guides the light by total internal reflection. The light extracted from the lightguide has an angular emission profile such that when incident on a prism film, collimated light is produced. |
| US08353606B2 |
Streetlight
A streetlight installed on a street or a sidewalk in order to radiate light includes a base plate detachably fixed to a streetlight body using a clamp and a reflector fixed to one side of the base plate. The reflector has a first slope having a plurality of LEDs mounted thereon, and a second slope having a reflective film mounted thereon, the reflective film arranged opposite the LEDs. The reflector provides illumination by reflecting light, emitted from the LEDs, to the outside. A heat dissipation pad is disposed between the base plate and the reflector. The heat dissipation pad insulates the LEDs from external high-voltage EMS. A cover made of a translucent material has a recess in the central portion thereof to house the reflector therein, and fixes both the reflector and the heat dissipation pad to the base plate. Heat dissipation fins are fixed to the base plate. |
| US08353603B2 |
Pet item storage unit
A pet item storage unit including a body having first and second portions. The first portion includes a first storage compartment having a lid adapted to secure items inside the first storage compartment. The second portion includes a second storage compartment adapted to hold a plurality of disposable bags and includes an open slot for removal of at least one of the bags. An aperture extends completely through the pet item storage unit between the first and second portions and is adapted to receive a dog leash. A light source is disposed between the first and second portions. |
| US08353602B2 |
Compartment
The present invention relates to a compartment provided a tufted textile (100) comprising: a backing (10), and yarns (40) forming tufts extending from a first side of the backing, the compartment further comprising a light source (50; 80) and a conductor arrangement (60) for the light source, wherein the light source, the conductor arrangement and the backing are arranged so as to radiate light from the light source at least partly through the backing, the backing being substantially permeable to light. The tufted textile (100) may be a carpet. |
| US08353597B2 |
Device and system which control a projector based on a digital multiplex protocol
A device and system which control a projector based on the DMX protocol includes a DMX signal receiving and processing circuit, an MCU microprocessor circuit, a DSP image processing circuit, a projection module device circuit, a DMX signal input port, a storage equipment port, an analogue video input port and a digital video input port. The DMX signal receiving and processing circuit includes the DMX signal input port, the MCU microprocessor circuit is connected with the DSP image processing circuit and the projection module device circuit, the DSP image processing circuit is connected with the storage equipment port, whereas the projection module device circuit is connected with the analogue video input port and the digital video input port. The device and system which control the projector based on the DMX protocol use standard DMX ports and are compatible with DMX ports of lighting equipment. |
| US08353594B2 |
Digital eyewear
Improved eyewear is disclosed. The eyewear comprises a frame member and a lens. The eyewear also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the eyewear. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the eyewear for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the eyewear to be integrated with devices such as MP3 players, radios, or the like. |
| US08353593B2 |
Hinge mechanism for a fluid filled lens assembly
In an embodiment, a hinge for a fluid-filled lens assembly includes a base having a first end configured to connect to a temple arm of the lens assembly and a second end configured to connect to a frame of the lens assembly, wherein the base includes a gap that is shaped to allow for tubing to pass from the first end to the second end of the base. In an embodiment, the first end of the base includes a cammed surface configured to engage a surface of the temple arm. In an embodiment, the first and second ends of the base are configured to flex around a rotation axis of the hinge. |
| US08353592B2 |
Wide format printer with media encoder in the platen
A wide format printer that has a vacuum platen assembly, a printhead assembly spaced from the vacuum platen assembly, a media path extending between the vacuum platen assembly and the printhead assembly and a media encoder embedded within the vacuum platen assembly wherein, the media path is greater than 432 mm (17 inches) wide. |
| US08353591B2 |
Apparatus and method for printing corrugated cardboard sheets
A printer using ink jet printing technology to print one or more colors on a sheet for use in a box is described. The printer has a feeder, a transport mechanism for moving the sheet the print head, and a stacker to receive the printed sheet. Differential air pressure is applied by a suction box disposed in proximity to a conveyer belt for transporting the sheet. The suction box may sized so that the sheet may be oriented with a long dimension in the direction of feeding. Where multiple print heads are used, the print heads overlap in the direction transverse to the motion of the sheet so that an image larger than a print head may be produced. Two printing mechanisms disposed opposite each other may be used to print two sides of a sheet. |
| US08353589B2 |
Image forming method
Disclosed is a method for forming an image with an ink-jet recoding method which forms the image on a coated printing paper by employing an ink containing water in an amount of 20 to 90% weight based on the total weight of the ink, a pigment and a resin, the method containing the sequential steps of: applying an aqueous processing solution on the coated printing paper; drying the aqueous processing solution applied on the coated printing paper; and ejecting droplets of the ink on the coated printing paper, wherein the aqueous processing solution is capable of aggregating the ink or increasing a viscosity of the ink, and the coated printing paper is heated from 40 to 60° C. during the step of ejecting the droplets of the ink. |
| US08353585B2 |
Waste liquid collector
A waste liquid collector is detachably mounted on a device including a discharge unit discharging a waste liquid and stores the waste liquid discharged from the discharge unit when the waste liquid collector is mounted on the device. The waste liquid collector includes: an opening through which the discharge unit is inserted or extracted at the time of mounting or detaching the waste liquid collector on or from the device; a collector-side connection terminal which comes in contact with a device-side connection terminal included in the device when the discharge unit of the device is inserted into the opening; and a positioning unit which positions the collector-side connection terminal to come in contact with the device-side connection terminal when the waste liquid collector is mounted on the device. |
| US08353583B2 |
Liquid container
A liquid container comprises a liquid container pouch of flexible sheets and a liquid outlet between the pair of flexible sheets to permit extraction of a liquid in the pouch. The pouch includes a pair of side portions and a lower gusseted portion defining a basal gusset and including bilateral edge portions overlapping individual lower border zones on the side constituting the lower borders of the pair of side portions during extraction of liquid. The individual lower border zones and the individual bilateral side edge portions overlap to define sealed portions; the lower gusseted portion has a fold line parallel to the lower border between the bilateral edge portions and is oriented in a folding direction to define a chevron shape pointing inwardly into the pouch; and the two sealed portions having regulators to restrain outward expansion by a greater extent than other faces on the pair of side portions. |
| US08353579B2 |
Droplet ejecting head capable of suppressing worsening of deformation efficiency of actuator
A first piezoelectric layer is formed with independent electrodes separated from one another and arranged at positions corresponding to openings of pressure chambers. The first layer has independent active portions at positions where the independent electrodes are located. The independent active portions can displace selectively. A second piezoelectric layer is formed with individual electrodes connected by connection electrodes and arranged at positions corresponding to the openings. The second layer has individual active portions at positions where the individual electrodes are located. The individual active portions cannot displace selectively. Each opening has a shape that is longer in one direction than in another direction intersecting the one direction. Each individual electrode has a shape that is longer in the one direction than in the another direction. The connection electrodes connect one-direction ends of the individual electrodes with one another, the one-direction ends being ends in the one direction. |
| US08353575B2 |
Nozzle sheet and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a nozzle sheet manufacturing method by which highly fine manufacture and low cost are achieved. The method for manufacturing a nozzle sheet to be used for an inkjet head for an inkjet printer is provided with a step of forming a first resin sheet on a patterned liquid repellent film on a first dummy substrate, a step of forming a first nozzle which penetrates the first resin sheet, and a step of peeling the first dummy substrate. |
| US08353569B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus and printing method
In an inkjet printing method of performing printing on a printing medium by ejecting inks from a printing head configured to eject chromatic inks and an achromatic ink while moving the printing head, high-quality printing with few boundary stripes produced when the amount of inks is large is realized without complicated control being performed. To this end, print data in a boundary and the vicinity thereof is divided into unit regions, and for each unit region, performed are (A) a first reduction processing which determines a hue of the unit region based on amounts of the chromatic inks, and reduces the amount of chromatic inks applied to the unit region according to the determined hue; and (B) a second reduction processing which reduces an amount of achromatic ink based on the amount of achromatic ink applied to the unit region. |
| US08353567B1 |
Drive waveform generation
In one embodiment, a drive waveform generator to control ejection of liquid from a set of ejection elements in single-pass printing. A first waveform source defines a first aspect of a drive waveform for the set of ejection elements and for other ejection elements. A second waveform source defines a second aspect of the drive waveform for the set of ejection elements but not for the other ejection elements. A circuit uses the first waveform source and the second waveform source to generate the drive waveform having the first and second aspects. |
| US08353565B2 |
Method for refilling ink cartridge
An ink refilling method capable of refilling ink into at least two kinds of ink cartridges having different ink capacities and having substantially the same outer configurations, the method includes a step of discriminating the kind of the ink cartridge; a step of determining the capacity of the ink cartridge on the basis of a result of the discriminating step; and a step of filling, into the ink cartridge, an amount of the ink on the basis of the capacity determined in the determining step. |
| US08353560B2 |
No-tools chair assembly
A chair assembly including a seat, a back and at least one arm that are detachably connected together without requiring the use of tools or special skill. The chair assembly can be advantageously shipped disassembled in a compact, space-efficient package to reduce shipping costs. A seat bracket affixed to the arm is slidably and removably received by a seat bracket receiver affixed to the seat, whereby the arm is detachably connected to the seat. A back bracket affixed to the back is slidably and removably received by a back bracket receiver at the arm, whereby the back is detachably connected to the arm. The back bracket includes a locking catch that is adapted to rotate into and out of locking engagement with one of a set of serrated edges from a locking plate of the back bracket receiver after the back bracket slides into removable receipt by the back bracket receiver. |
| US08353558B2 |
Lifter device for vehicle seat
A vehicle seat lifter includes front and rear links with upper ends pivoted to a side frame of the seat and lower ends pivoted to front and rear floor brackets. A front hitting segment is in a front portion of the side frame spaced from a front catch in the front bracket, and a rear hitting segment is in a rear portion of the side frame spaced from a rear catch in the rear bracket. The front hitting segment is stopped by the front catch when the side frame is displaced frontward along with a deformation of the front and rear links due to forces during a frontal collision. The rear hitting segment is stopped by the rear catch when the side frame is displaced rearward along with a deformation of the front and rear links due to forces during a rear collision. |
| US08353554B2 |
Vehicle provided with detachable convertible top
A vehicle provided with a coachwork; an interior compartment surrounded by the coachwork and frontally delimited by a windscreen surrounded by an U-shaped molding; and a detachable convertible top, which can be connected to the coachwork in order to close the interior compartment on the top and comprises, in turn, a covering cloth and a frame which is mechanically connectable to the coachwork and supports the covering cloth; the frame comprises a rear cross member, which can be coupled to a rear portion of the coachwork arranged immediately behind the interior compartment; and an arch, which is hinged to the rear cross member in order to rotate around a first axis, can be frontally coupled to the molding of the windscreen, and determines the locking of the rear cross member to the rear portion of the coachwork due to its rotation around the first axis. |
| US08353551B2 |
Linear latch with spring biased adjustment bar for use with an upper rear pivoting seat back
A linear latch interconnecting a pivotally adjustable seatback with a frame location of a vehicle interior. A bracket supported housing pivotally secures to a surface of the frame. An elongated member is supported in linearly displaceable fashion to the bracket and exhibits a plurality of spaced apart apertures. A forward extending end of the member connects to the seatback. A coil spring influences seats over the elongated member and biases the same in a first lineal direction away from the housing. A pair of pins are anchored to an inner support member within the housing and which is biased in a first lateral direction to cause the pins to seat through aligning apertures in the elongated member. A cable retracting mechanism displaces the inner support member in a second opposite direction, causing the pins to outwardly displace from the elongated member and to permit adjustment relative to the housing in order to define a range of seatback motion between upright design and rear recline positions. |
| US08353549B2 |
Push button mechanism for opening and closing a storage compartment for a vehicle
An opening and closing mechanism for a lid of a storage receptacle provided on a vehicle comprises a push button, a button pin and a lid linkage. The push button includes a first slider having an inclined face at a rear end thereof. The button pin includes a second slider having a first inclined face cooperating with the inclined face of the first slider. The first inclined face is spaced from a rear end of the second slider. The second slider is biased to contact the first slider. The lid linkage has a first end selectively engaged by the rear end of the second slider and a second end for selectively locking the lid in a closed state. The lid linkage is biased toward the second slider. Engagement of the push button with the button pin moves the second slider, which, in turn, allows the lid linkage to move toward the second slider to unlock the storage receptacle lid. |
| US08353541B2 |
Lock mechanism for a casement window
The invention relates to a lock mechanism for a casement window having a keeper adapted to be attached to a sash, a lockbar adapted to be attached to a frame for engaging with the keeper to lock the casement window, and an actuator for actuating the lockbar to engage with the keeper. The actuator includes a fork having a V shaped groove, the V shaped groove includes a first leg and a second leg, and the actuator includes a switch having a channel for placement of a drive pin. The switch is rotatably mounted at a juncture of the first and second legs so that the channel generally aligns with either the first leg or the second leg for facilitating alignment of the drive pin within the V shaped groove. |
| US08353540B2 |
Battery cover latching mechanism for portable electronic device
A battery cover latching mechanism comprises a housing, a cover and a latch. The housing has at least one hook protruding therefrom. The cover has at least one latching hole defined therethrough and releasably latching with the hook. The latch is rotatably mounted to the cover and resisting the hook. When the latch is rotated relative to the cover, the latch pushes the hook to release the latching engagement of the hook and the latching hole. |
| US08353539B2 |
Pipe connector with fastener having sliding blocks for fastening
A pipe connector for connecting to a first pipe includes a second pipe and a fastener. The second pipe has a number of connection sections of difference outer diameters, one of which is fittingly coupled to the first pipe. The fastener sleeves on the first pipe and the second pipe and fastens the first pipe to the second pipe. |
| US08353538B2 |
Connection devices and male-female connection system comprising them
A male-female connection device, wherein the male connection device includes a sleeve and a slide that is adapted to occupy, relative to the sleeve, a position in which the slide is advanced in the sleeve, the device also including a tubular film folded back on itself and pressed between the slide and the sleeve. The female connection device includes a sleeve and a slide that is adapted to occupy, relative to the sleeve, a position in which the slide is set back in the sleeve, the device also including a tubular film folded back on itself and pressed between the slide and the sleeve. The male and female connection devices can be engaged within each other. |
| US08353537B2 |
Connection devices and male-female connection system comprising them
A male-female connection device, wherein the male connection device includes a sleeve and a slide that is adapted to occupy, relative to the sleeve, a position in which the slide is advanced in the sleeve, the device also including a tubular film folded back on itself and pressed between the slide and the sleeve. The female connection device includes a sleeve and a slide that is adapted to occupy, relative to the sleeve, a position in which the slide is set back in the sleeve, the device also including a tubular film folded back on itself and pressed between the slide and the sleeve. The male and female connection devices can be engaged within each other. |
| US08353533B2 |
Steering apparatus
A steering apparatus having a stationary bracket fixed to a vehicle body including a pair of first side plates; a receiving portion provided on the steering column for receiving one end of a conductive member; a pair of second side plates; a conductive cylindrical shaft secured between the pair of first side plates and inserted through the pair of the second side plates; and a plate-shaped conductive member interposed between the receiving portion and an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shaft. The conductive member includes first and second bow springs that fit the cylindrical shaft resiliently. The first bow spring is interposed between the second bow spring and the receiving portion, a first contact portion of the second bow spring is pressed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shaft, and a second contact portion of the first bow spring is pressed to the receiving portion. |
| US08353532B2 |
Airbag and airbag apparatus
[Subject] To provide an airbag and an airbag apparatus which are able to absorb an impact of an occupant even when a gas inflator is downsized and to fulfill demands such as downsizing, cost reduction, weight reduction, and the like of the airbag apparatus.[Solving Means] A airbag apparatus in the present invention includes an inflator (gas generator) 1 configured to generate gas under predetermined conditions, an airbag 2 being connected to the inflator 1 and configured to be inflated and deployed, and a retainer (not shown) configured to store the airbag 2, the airbag 2 includes a vent hole 3 formed on an outer shell of the airbag 2 and opening and closing means 4 configured to open and close the vent hole 3, the opening and closing means 4 is configured to maintain the vent hole 3 in a substantially closed state until inflation and deployment of the airbag 2 are completed and bring the vent hole 3 into a fully-opened state before a flattening amount of the airbag 2 reaches a predetermined reference value. |
| US08353526B2 |
Air bag assembly with air bag guide secured by multiple fasteners
A vehicle seat may include a seat back having a frame, a trim cover disposed on the seat back that includes a deployment seam, and an air bag module having an inflator and an air bag. The air bag may be configured to be inflated by the inflator to sever and deploy through the deployment seam. The air bag module may include a mounting stud that extends through the frame, first and second mounting nuts threaded onto the mounting stud to secure the air bag module to the frame, and an air bag guide. The air bag guide may have a first end located adjacent to the deployment seam and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The second end may engage and be disposed between the first and second mounting nuts. |
| US08353524B2 |
Wheeled cart slidable onto horizontal surface
A wheeled cart capable of rolling along a first environmental surface, which may carry a plurality of storage receptacles in gimballing fashion thereon, and which enables the wheeled cart to be slid onto an elevated second environmental surface. The wheeled cart comprises a base supporting wheels and two upright support posts. A subframe supporting the storage receptacles is pivotally and slidably mounted to the upright support posts. The subframe may be inclined from its usual vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation and slid onto the second environmental surface. The base and support posts may be inclined from their usual vertical orientation to reassume longitudinal alignment with the subframe. Contents of the storage receptacles are thus moved en masse onto the second environmental surface without requiring removal from the wheeled cart, while constantly assuming their orientation relative to a vertical direction because of gimballing action of the storage receptacles. |
| US08353521B1 |
Trailer caddy
A trailer caddy is provided for enabling a user to tow or otherwise maneuver trailers or agricultural equipment with a light-duty pickup truck that would otherwise have too great of a tongue weight for towing behind a pickup truck. The caddy includes a trailer chassis with at least one axle having wheels mounted thereon. A fifth-wheel hitch having a frame is configured so that the frame is affixed to the chassis such that the frame faces opposite the chassis. The caddy also includes a hitch assembly configured to connect to various hitch styles. |
| US08353520B2 |
Infant carrier apparatus with a joint structure having an anti-pinch safety feature
A joint structure having an anti-pinch safety feature comprises a first support element and a second support element, and a joint structure including a coupling socket and an anti-pinch element. The coupling socket is respectively connected with the first and second support element. The anti-pinch element is interposed between the second support element and the coupling socket. The second support element when rotating about a pivot axis relative to the coupling socket forms a pinch region between an edge of the coupling socket and the second support element, and the anti-pinch element can continuously occlude the pinch region when the second support element is rotating. The joint structure can be suitable for use in a support frame of an infant carrier apparatus. |
| US08353516B2 |
Travel game
A toy play set for containing at least one predetermined board game includes a generally elongated body having a hollow interior, first and second opposing longitudinal ends, and a generally curved side wall extending around the hollow interior between the first and second ends. The first and second ends and side wall generally surround the hollow interior in a closed configuration of the body. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow interior is at least partially accessible. A playing surface is operably engaged with the body and is configured to play the predetermined board game. The playing surface is shaped and sized to enable the playing surface to be completely stored within the hollow interior of the body with the body in the closed configuration. The playing surface is accessible at least with the body in the open configuration for playing of the predetermined board game. |
| US08353515B2 |
Pyramid game
A three-dimensional game shaped as a pyramid or prism with four or more faces, in which each face has nine terraced levels that attenuate to the peak of the pyramid. Each level has a plurality of circular depressions for the placement of each player's playing pieces. The corresponding level of each face has the same number of circular depressions, and each consecutive higher level has two fewer depressions than its immediate lower level. The peak of the pyramid is truncated and has a single circular depression. The peak can only be occupied by one playing piece at a time. |
| US08353508B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Provided is an image forming apparatus, which includes: a pressing lever and a pressing arm for pushing up a sheet stacking plate so that sheets stacked on the sheet stacking plate are brought into pressure contact with a sheet feeding portion; a lifter driving mechanism for driving the pressing lever and the pressing arm; and a setting mechanism disposed between the pressing lever and the pressing arm, and the lifter driving mechanism. The setting mechanism is capable of setting a pressure contact force for bringing the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking plate into pressure contact with the sheet feeding portion, to be appropriate for a size of the sheets to be stacked and an amount of the sheets to be stacked. |
| US08353505B2 |
Apparatus for making a booklet-like product
An apparatus for making a booklet-like product comprises a paper feeding part; a superposing part for superposing a plurality of continuous webs of paper fed to travel from the paper feeding part, whereby a layered continuous sheet of paper is prepared; a cutting part for cutting the layered continuous sheet into successive separate layered sheets of paper; a conveyance passage; and a stacking and ejection part for causing the separate layered sheets traveling along the conveyance passage to be piled every predetermined number thereof and to be ejected in the form of piles of sheets, each to form the booklet-like product. The superposing part is provided with a paste nozzle for applying paste to one of two adjacent such continuous webs of paper on its one side and a further paste nozzle for applying paste to the upper surface of the layered continuous sheet. |
| US08353503B2 |
Edge alignment control apparatus for sheet material
An edge alignment control apparatus for correcting vertical alignment of sheet members is disclosed to include two base units each having multiple first power drives controllable to reciprocate a respective horizontal reciprocating member, and adjustment units arranged between the base units, each adjustment unit having two holder blocks connected to the horizontal reciprocating members of the base units at one same elevation and movable by the respective horizontal reciprocating members horizontally, sheet-transfer rollers pivotally connected between the holder blocks, a bearing board connected between the holder blocks for receiving a sheet member from the sheet-transfer rollers and a suction hood suspending above the bearing board and defining with the bearing board a passage for the passing of a sheet member and controllable to suck up a sheet member from the bearing board for allowing adjustment of the position of the sheet member horizontally subject to the operation of the first power drive. |
| US08353502B2 |
Hinged base for positioning heavy components
According to one embodiment, an apparatus for tilting objects includes a lower portion which comprises at least one foot plate and at least three supporting walls. A height of the top of the lower portion is about the height of a supporting structure. The apparatus also includes an upper portion which comprises a substantially flat surface and at least one connector for coupling a node carrier to the upper portion. The upper portion is coupled to the lower portion, and the upper portion tilts relative to the lower portion between an angle about horizontal to an angle about vertical. |
| US08353498B2 |
Manual switching valve
In a manual switching valve, which enables a valve plug to be opened and closed manually, a piston is threadedly engaged with a shaft that is inserted through a housing, wherein a handle having a switching mechanism therein is installed on an upper end of the shaft. After a valve plug is seated on a valve seat, any further turning force applied to the handle is interrupted without being transmitted to the shaft owing to the fact that balls disengage from tooth portions of the shaft. |
| US08353496B2 |
Trophy assembly with twist connector
A trophy assembly having a base with an integral lower clip, a column with interior column ribs, in which the lower clip is adapted to engage the column ribs, thereby joining the base and the column when the column is placed over the clip and rotated. A trophy assembly having a base attached to a lid with an integral clip, and a column with interior column ribs, wherein the clip is adapted to engage the column ribs, thereby joining the base, the lid and the column when the column is placed over the clip and rotated. A trophy column having an exterior column surface and an interior column surface with a plurality of inwardly and longitudinally extending ribs. A plastic base for use in a trophy assembly having a base and a column, wherein the base has in integral clip adapted to engage ribs on the interior surface of the column. A figure for use in a trophy assemble having a column with ribs on the interior column surface wherein the figure has an integral clip adapted to engage the ribs. A lid for a trophy assembly that is attachable to a base, figure or platform, in which the lid has an integral clip adapted to engage the column ribs. |
| US08353495B2 |
Cup holder
In a non-use state where no beverage container is housed in a housing space, holding claws are urged by a ring spring to an advanced reference position where the holding claws are mostly advanced into the housing space and a bottom plate is urged by a coil spring to a highest reference position where the bottom plate is mostly moved upwardly. When a beverage container is housed in the housing space, the holding claws are pushed toward the radial outer direction of the housing space by the side surface of the beverage container, whereby the holding claws move backwardly against the urging force of the ring spring. Simultaneously, since the weight of the beverage container is applied to the bottom plate, the bottom plate moves downwardly against the urging force of the coil spring, whereby a lock member moves downwardly together with the downward movement of the bottom plate. Thus, since a restricted slanted surface abuts against the lock member, the weight of the beverage container is transmitted to a restricted vertical surface from the lock member, so that the backward movement of the holding claw is restricted. |
| US08353481B2 |
Spin-stabilized lander
The invention provides a novel, low-cost, spin-stabilized lander architecture capable (with appropriate system scaling tailored to the attributes of the target) of performing a soft-landing on a solar-system body such as Earth's Moon, Mars, Venus, the moons of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, selected near-Earth and main-belt asteroids, comets and Kuiper belt objects and even large human-made objects, and also moving about on the surface of the target solar-system body after the initial landing in movement akin to hopping. |
| US08353477B2 |
Device for the improvement of individual comfort in an airplane
A device and method for increasing comfort in an aircraft. The device and method utilizes a surface arranged between a ceiling paneling of a cabin of the aircraft and a passenger. The surface is arranged to face the passenger and is positionable so that a distance between the surface and the passenger is changeable. The device is structured and arranged to at least one of affect a thermal comfort of the passenger and supply air to the passenger via the surface. |
| US08353476B2 |
Truss-shaped engine pylon and method of making same
An aircraft engine pylon comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall. The left side wall includes a left truss structure along with a left upper ledge and a left lower ledge. The right side wall includes a right truss structure along with a right upper ledge and a right lower ledge. The top wall is joined with the left upper ledge and the right upper ledge and an upper truss structure is formed in the left upper ledge, the right upper ledge, and the top wall. The bottom wall is joined with the left lower ledge and the right lower ledge and a lower truss structure is formed in the left lower ledge, the right lower ledge, and the bottom wall. |
| US08353473B2 |
Scrap material shredding and compressing apparatus and system
A scrap material recycling apparatus includes a feeder, a shredder and a separator, the feeder and the shredder mutually coupled, and the shredder and separator mutually coupled. The feeder includes a means for compressing a quantity of scrap material and means for advancing the scrap material to the shredder. The shredder includes a grate assembly and a rotor, the rotor having a plurality of cutting means, the rotor mechanically rotated to reduce the scrap material. The separator separates the reduced scrap material by fractional composition. The recycling apparatus may be configured so as to be a transportable system, thereby allowing such system to be relocated at or near scrap material stockpile locations. |
| US08353469B2 |
Spray gun and coating system with filter in spray gun nozzle
A nozzle for a powder spray gun optionally includes an internal filter that allows air to be added to the powder flow within the nozzle shell. The nozzle may optionally include an off-axis outlet slot relative to a main flow axis of the powder into the nozzle shell so that powder encounters an obstruction before exiting through the outlet slot. |
| US08353468B2 |
Device for controlling the flow of anesthetic from a reservoir
The present invention may be embodied as a device for selectively opening or closing an anesthetic reservoir, the device having a first component adaptable to a reservoir and a second component adaptable to a vaporizer. The first component may have a base, a nozzle, and a through-hole. The second component may have a support member with a knob for engaging the through-hole of the first component and preventing liquid from flowing from the through-hole. The first and second components may be threaded to engage with each other such that when the components are twisted relative to each other, the knob may move toward or away from the through-hole to prevent or allow liquid flow. |
| US08353467B2 |
Fluid spraying gun
A fluid spraying gun of the present invention includes: a tube-shape guide, on which a brush extending forward is implanted; a nozzle, which is formed of a flexible pipe member with a front end thereof as a free end, and sprays one portion of gas, which is supplied from the flow separation portion and passes through the nozzle, toward the brush from the front end thereof, while the nozzle undergoes the gyrating motion guided by the tube-shape guide; an inner nozzle, which sprays gas which has passed through a flow rate adjustment portion from a tip portion thereof; and a liquid distribution pipe, which penetrates the tube-shape guide, links an inside of the tube-shape guide with a liquid supply source, has an intermediate portion into which the inner nozzle is inserted in a state where the inner nozzle is directed toward the tube-shape guide, and draws up liquid from the liquid supply source by a negative pressure arising from spraying of gas by the inner nozzle to cause spraying of liquid on the inside of the tube-shape guide. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fluid spraying gun in which a liquid with an adequate flow rate can be mixed with a gas, converted into minute drops and sprayed. |
| US08353466B2 |
Atomization structure and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention discloses an atomization structure comprising a carrier, a cover plate, a piezoelectric driving device and an atomization piece. The carrier includes at least one first support portion, the cover plate comprises at least one second support portion, and the carrier is covered by the plate covers. The piezoelectric driving device is disposed between the carrier and the cover plate, the atomization piece is clamped by one end of the piezoelectric driving device. The actuating effect of the piezoelectric driving device would not be absorbed but kept by point contacting the first support portions and the second support portions to clamp and support the piezoelectric driving device. |
| US08353465B2 |
Dispensers for aerosol systems
A dispenser for an aerosol system for dispensing liquid material includes an outlet member, a collar member, an actuator member, and a selector member. The outlet member defines an outlet opening. The actuator member supports the collar member and the outlet member such that movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member causes the collar member to deform the outlet member. Movement of the selector member relative to the collar member causes movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member. Deformation of the outlet member alters a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. |
| US08353464B2 |
Tunable vibration absorbing device
A Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) for reducing vibration and noise radiation from rails incorporates a series of oscillation mass (8) of different sizes held in position by layers of resilient material (9) and attached to the rail via several steel mounting plates (4). Each mounting plate (4) is fixed to the rail by two magnets (5). A bolt (10) is inserted through the mounting plates (4), resilient layers (9) and oscillation masses (8) alternatively. The bolt (10) is fixed to a middle mounting plate (4) such that different compressive forces can be provided on the two sides by tightening nuts (11) to different pre-set torques. When the resonance frequency of the oscillation masses (8) is tuned to that of rail, most of the rail vibration energy at resonance frequency is transferred to the oscillation masses (8) and eventually dissipated in the resilient layers (9). |
| US08353458B2 |
Network system, cable set, and method and program for controlling network system
A network system is provided with a cable set having a nonvolatile memory module mounted thereon, and a printer connected by the cable set. The printer is provided with a set information read means for reading set information for performing initial setting of itself from a nonvolatile memory module of the connected cable set, and an initial setting means for performing initial setting based on the read set information. |
| US08353457B2 |
Systems and methods for forming a composite image of multiple portions of an object from multiple perspectives
Various improved imager-based optical code readers and associated methods are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an imager-based method reads an optical code (which may be, for example, a linear optical code such as a bar code) on an object in a viewing volume. The method comprises dividing an image plane into a plurality of strip-shaped sections, viewing the object in the viewing volume from a plurality of perspectives, forming a plurality of strip-shaped images corresponding to the plurality of perspectives, respectively, thereby creating a composite image containing data from a plurality of perspectives, and processing at least a portion of the composite image so as to ascertain the information encoded in the optical code on the object in the viewing volume. Certain embodiments can mimic the performance of a laser-based scanner without a laser or moving parts but instead utilizing an electronic imaging device such as an imager. |
| US08353456B2 |
Image-based inventory control system
Inventory control systems for monitoring the removal and replacement of objects are described. An exemplary system includes at least one storage drawer, each storage drawer includes at least one storage location for storing objects, and configured to move in a first direction allowing increasing access to storage locations of the drawer, and a second direction allowing decreasing access to storage locations of the drawer. An image sensing device is provided to form at least one first image of the storage locations when a respective storage drawer moves in the second direction. The system includes a data processor configured to receive information representing images of the storage locations generated by the image sensing device, and determine an inventory condition of the objects stored in the respective storage drawer according to the at least one first image. |
| US08353450B2 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing recordings and user input of a phone received security code
A banking system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to card data read from data bearing records by a card reader. The system includes at least one automated banking machine comprising a cash dispenser. The system is operative during a cash dispense transaction request to receive through an automated banking machine, user input of data corresponding to a mobile phone number. The system is operative to generate a security code for the requested cash dispense transaction. The system uses the phone number to send the generated security code to the mobile phone. The cash dispense transaction is allowed to proceed only if the system receives machine user input of the sent security code within a predetermined amount of time. |
| US08353449B1 |
System controlled responsive to data bearing records and operative to cause financial transfers
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to data card read from user cards. The machine is operative to cause financial transfers responding at least in part to a determination that the read card data corresponds to at least one of an authorized user or an authorized financial account. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transfers carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine includes a housing including a chest. The chest is supported on a safe. The safe includes a depository head that extends upward on the safe and in front of the chest. |
| US08353448B1 |
Method and system for using machine-readable codes to perform automated teller machine transactions through a mobile communications device
The present disclosure provides a number of systems and associated processes for using machine-readable codes to perform a transaction. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for consolidating and replacing various forms of payment (e.g. credit cards, debit cards, and cash) with a single payment system. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for reordering a product provided by a product provider. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for accepting a gift, or gift transaction, associated with a gift card. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and associated processes for performing an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) transaction using a machine-readable code. |
| US08353447B2 |
Device and method for contact information exchange
A method and device exchanging contact information on an electronic device. Contact information is obtained from a contact by scanning a barcode using an electronic device and decoding the barcode to recover the contact information encoded therein. The contact information may be used to reciprocate by sending user contact data in a message addressed to an electronic address obtained from the contact information. The user contact data may be encoded in a second barcode displayed on the electronic device. |
| US08353445B2 |
Storage and transport container
Provided is a stackable storage and transport container for storing and for single-use or multiple-use transport of goods, especially small parts. The container is assembled from a foldable container blank having a bottom, two side walls foldable about a fold, two end walls foldable about a fold, and four corner flaps foldable inward against the side walls or end walls about a fold. Tabs are formed on the side walls and end walls such that they can fold laterally against the intermediate pieces. A stackable profile having a hook edge is placed about the upper edge to provide for the stacking of a number of containers. The container blank preferably is made of a plastic hollow sheet. |
| US08353442B2 |
Support device for resonator
The purpose of this invention is to provide a support device for a resonator that can support the resonator at an optional location, can let the resonator vibrate with a specified vibration consistently, and can apply an ultrasonic vibration to objects efficiently. By inserting first clamping means and second clamping means, which comprise supporting member at least at each contacting portion, into first portion-to-be-supported and second portion-to-be-supported of resonator, the resonator is supported. As substances of the supporting member, substances that have a logarithmic decrement higher than 0.01 and lower than 1.0 and/or a sound propagation speed of more than 5900 m/s are suitable. |
| US08353441B2 |
Surgical instrument with pivotable jaw member
A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, and an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member defines a first axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first jaw member is pivotable about the first axis. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. |
| US08353440B2 |
Surgical device having a rotatable jaw portion
A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion, having a first jaw in opposed correspondence with a second jaw, the second jaw including a surgical member. The surgical device may include a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion and at least one motor configured to rotate the jaw portion relative to the shaft portion, to move the jaw portion relative to the shaft portion, move the first jaw relative to the second jaw and move the surgical member within the second jaw. The surgical member may be prevented from moving within the second jaw unless the first jaw is in a closed position relative to the second jaw. Advantageously, the surgical member may be, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within one of the jaws. |
| US08353437B2 |
Surgical stapling instrument with a geared return mechanism
A surgical instrument including a firing drive configured to selectively advance a firing member and/or cutting member relative to an end effector and, in addition, a reversing drive configured to selectively retract the firing member and/or cutting member relative to the end effector. The firing drive can include a pawl which can be selectively engaged with the firing member in order to advance the firing member, wherein the pawl can be disengaged from the firing member when the reversing drive is engaged with the firing member. The reversing drive can include a gear train having a first gear operably engaged with the firing member and, in addition, a second gear operably engaged with the first gear, wherein the second gear can be selectively operable with the trigger such that an actuation of the trigger can retract the firing member and/or cutting element via the first and second gears. |
| US08353433B2 |
Two-part structural support member for a harness for breathing apparatus
A structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas and one or more components operatively associated with the breathing apparatus, wherein the structural support member comprises first and second parts 20, 30 defining therebetween a housing for retaining one or more of the components. |
| US08353432B2 |
Stroller having a rotary accessory device
An accessory support device for a stroller apparatus comprises a coupling fixture securely mounted on a handle of a stroller and including a plurality of latching openings, a rotary socket pivotally assembled with the coupling fixture and including a detent and a connecting portion, and an accessory support frame detachably fastened with the connecting portion of the rotary socket. The accessory support frame is operable to rotate with the rotary socket relative to the coupling fixture, and the detent is movable to engage with any one of the latching openings for locking the accessory support frame at different angular positions relative to the coupling fixture. |
| US08353430B2 |
Pressurized dispensable container operable in any orientation
An improved container and closure. Some embodiments are directed toward a pressurized container adapted to be utilized in any orientation. In one particular embodiment, a bladder separates a dispensable fluid in the container from a pressurizing fluid. Movement of the bladder via force from the pressuring fluid keeping the dispensable fluid in fluid communication with an outlet of the container regardless of orientation of the container. Some embodiments provide an improved sealing arrangement for a pressurized container and closure, wherein a bladder is utilized as a seal between the container and the closure. |
| US08353422B2 |
Fuel delivery module
Fuel delivery modules are already known having a tank flange and having an accumulator pot which is connected to the tank flange by means of at least one guide rod and which is mounted so as to be axially movable along the guide rod, where the guide rod is pressed with one end into a receptacle of the tank flange. It is disadvantageous that the receptacle is expanded over the entire longitudinal extent as the guide rod is pressed in. As a result of tolerance fluctuations in production, excessively high pressures can occur in the receptacle here, which pressures can cause cracks in the receptacle. This leads to rejects and therefore to high production costs. In the fuel delivery module according to the invention, damage to the receptacle during assembly is prevented. According to the invention, it is provided that that end of the guide rod which faces toward the tank flange has a bead, which interacts in a retentive manner with the receptacle, and a constriction situated behind the bead in a direction facing away from the tank flange. |
| US08353421B2 |
Container with hinge lid
A container includes a body portion having a side wall and a base wall, a first lid, and a second lid. The first lid is removably mounted to the side wall and the body portion and the first lid forms a first compartment. The second lids is connected to the body portion along a hinge and forms at least a part of the base of the container. The body portion and the second lid form a second compartment which is located on the opposite side of the base wall to the first compartment. |
| US08353420B1 |
Threaded closure
A horizontal hinged closure with a large diameter track ring attached directly to the rear of a female threaded head. The threaded female head is designed to removably attach to a male threaded structure. A bearing ring with cam followers that engage the track ring to allow the threaded head to be rotated relative to the male threaded structure to attach and remove the threaded head there from. The bearing ring is attached to a hinge arm that allows the removed threaded head to be moved away from the male threaded structure and then rotated about a vertical axis. Direct attachment of the large diameter track ring to the rear of the threaded head moves the center of gravity forward, resulting in the threaded head remaining essentially vertical when it is removed from the male threaded structure and thereby making it easier to reattach to the male threaded structure. |
| US08353417B1 |
Multi-purpose floatable container having a linkage disc for laterally securing an additional container
A multi-purpose floatable container includes a casing, a cap, at least one linkage disc, and at least one buckling bolt. The casing has four corners and each corner has a linking groove, an upper hole, an upper enlarged hole, and a lower hole. The at least one linkage disc is partially and respectively inserted into at least one of the linking grooves. Each one of the at least one linkage disc has four connecting orifices longitudinally defined through the linkage disc. Each one of the at least one buckling bolt is inserted into the top hole of one of the corners, the upper hole, the connecting orifice, and the lower hole for fixing the cap on the casing. The container can be utilized as a single unit for storing objects in the casing. Multiple containers can also be assembled to form a floating platform for diversified purposes. |
| US08353408B2 |
Centrifugal air classifier
A centrifugal air classifier, in which a relation between an area S1 of a side surface of a cylinder or a truncated cone circumscribed about the rotor blades, an axis of the cylinder or a truncated cone being the rotor rotational shaft, and a calculation average value D of a diameter of a circle orthogonal to the rotor rotational shaft and circumscribed about the rotor blades is S1/D2=0.9 to 1.6, and with the S1, a relation between a cross sectional area S2 of inflow of the air for classification and the D is S2/D2=0.8 to 1.4. |
| US08353406B2 |
System, method, and computer readable medium for creating a video clip
A system, method, and computer readable medium for creating a video clip comprises receiving still image files by a first module, creating a copy of a still image from the still image files with reduced dimensions by the first module, creating a new still image from a selected area of the still image, storing the new still image and the copy of the still image with a unified file name, ordering the stored images, creating an audio file by at least one of a second module and a third module, creating a timeline, by the first module, related to the ordered images and the created audio, and rendering the timeline into the video clip by a fourth module. |
| US08353403B2 |
Cup retaining apparatus and methods
Cup retaining apparatus and methods are described herein. Retaining a cup or glass within or along a plate assembly allows for the user to hold both the plate and cup or glass with a single hand. Generally, a cup or glass retaining plate assembly may comprise a platform defining an opening which is sized to support a cup or glass extending at least partially through the platform. A retaining clip or arm may be pivotably attached to the platform and movable between a retaining position and a releasing position, wherein the opening opens along a portion of a periphery of the platform such that the cup or glass is secured within the opening when the retaining clip or arm is in the retaining position and wherein the cup or glass is removable when the retaining clip or arm is in the releasing position. |
| US08353394B2 |
Continuous constant-rate feeding system
A continuous constant-rate feeding system includes at least one storage unit, a scratching unit and a water-cooled screw feeding unit. The storage unit includes a tank and an agitator. The tank stores material and includes upper and lower chambers. The agitator is rotationally located in the upper chamber for agitating the material. The scratching unit includes upper and lower scratchers and a material divider. The upper scratcher is located in the upper chamber and can spin to convey the material from the upper chamber into the lower chamber. The lower scratcher is located in the lower chamber and can spin to convey the material from the lower chamber into the water-cooled screw feeding unit. The material divider locates between the upper and lower chambers and spin automatically or manually to fall the material from the upper chamber into the lower chamber through a specific aperture alternately. |
| US08353392B2 |
Internally vented brake disk with improved heat dissipation
A vented brake disk has improved heat dissipation by cooling channels that extend from an inner circumference to an outer circumference and the channel walls of which are formed with flow obstructions in the form of a female thread. |
| US08353389B2 |
Braking assembly
A vehicle wheel assembly includes a fixed body member, a rotatably mounted wheel and a braking assembly that is operated by a solenoid or motor powered by a support power supply. The wheel assembly acts as a power generator to recharge the support power supply, one of the body member and the wheel being provided with a stator and the other being provided with a plurality of permanent magnets which are of alternating polarity. |
| US08353387B2 |
Ladder safety apparatus
A safety accessory for use with a ladder to slow the speed of an accidental fall of a worker, who works in an elevated position. The accessory has a C-shaped track member and a slide body that moves inside the track member. The worker's harness is secured to the slide body. Contact surfaces of the track member and the slide member are serrated to slow the speed of an accidental fall. A plurality of locking wedge members is positioned in the channel formed by the track member to further decrease the speed of an accidental fall. |
| US08353381B2 |
Transmission cross-member
A transmission cross-member for supporting a vehicle's transmission includes a center portion, a pair of outer portions extending from the center portion and a pair of mounting flanges extending from the respective outer portions and connecting to the rails of the frame of the vehicle, wherein at least one of the mounting flanges is pivotally connected to one of the outer portions. |
| US08353378B2 |
Frictional drive device and inverted pendulum type vehicle using the same
A frictional drive device comprises a pair of drive disks (48) each rotatably supported by a frame (2, 42) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship, and a pair of actuators (64) supported by the frame for individually rotatively actuating the drive disks and coaxially disposed with respect to the corresponding drive disks, a plurality of drive rollers (56) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk and each having a rotational center line so as to be rotatable along a plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the central axial line, and an annular main wheel (85) disposed approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (86) and a plurality of driven rollers (92) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member. A speed reduction unit (72, 100) may be interposed between each actuator and the corresponding drive disk all in a coaxial relationship. |
| US08353374B2 |
Battery module, battery device, electric motor drive system and vehicle
A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a casing in which the plurality of battery cells are housed; a plurality of conductive members used to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells; a first chamber, formed in the casing, in which the plurality of battery cells are disposed; and a second chamber, formed in the casing and isolated from the first chamber, into which emitted matter from the battery cells is released, wherein: the conductive members and the battery cells are connected together within the second chamber. |
| US08353370B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond cutting element structure
A cutting element includes a substrate having an interface surface; and an ultrahard material layer disposed on the interface surface. An interface surface includes a plurality of surface features, wherein at least one of the plurality of surface features intersects a neighboring surface feature at a height that is intermediate an extremity of the at least one of the plurality of surface features and a base of the at least one of the plurality of surface features. |
| US08353368B2 |
Resonance enhanced drilling: method and apparatus
The present invention relates to drilling apparatus comprising a drill-bit (1) capable of rotary and high frequency oscillatory loading; and control means for controlling applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading of the drill-bit, the control means having adjustment means for varying the applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading, said adjustment means being responsive to conditions of the material through which the drill is passing. The control means is in use provided on the apparatus in a downhole location and includes sensors for taking downhole measurements of material characteristics, whereby the apparatus is operable downhole under closed loop real-time control. The apparatus can determine appropriate loading parameters for the drill-bit in order to achieve and maintain resonance between the drill-bit and the drilled material in contact therewith. |
| US08353366B2 |
Methods of using a particle impact drilling system for removing near-borehole damage, milling objects in a wellbore, under reaming, coring, perforating, assisting annular flow, and associated methods
A particle impact drilling system and method are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, an apparatus or system, methods, to excavate a subterranean formation. The system can including, for example, removing near-borehole damage, casing, window milling, fishing, drilling with casing, under reaming, coring, perforating, effective circulatory density management, assisted annular flow, and directional control. Embodiments of associated systems and methods are also included. |
| US08353364B2 |
Handle portion of hand-held electric tool
Three battery cells can be arranged such that one battery cell is situated on the front side of a handle portion and that the remaining two battery cells are situated on the rear side thereof while being arranged laterally side by side. Also, a handle portion can be generally of a triangular cross-sectional configuration whose apex portion is situated on the front side of the handle portion and whose base portion is situated on the rear side thereof; and the handle portion is grasped by bringing fingertips into contact with the apex portion (11a) on the front side. |
| US08353356B2 |
Residential flat plate concealed sprinkler
A pendant sprinkler preferably includes a body having an inner surface defining a passageway. The passageway includes an inlet and an outlet spaced apart along the longitudinal axis and defines a K-factor of about 5. The sprinkler also includes a closure assembly adjacent the outlet to occlude the outlet and a thermally responsive support means for maintaining the closure assembly adjacent the outlet. Also provided are means for distributing a flow of fluid over a protection area ranging from about 144 square feet to about 400 square feet, the fluid distribution having a density of at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft2) so as to define a range of minimum operating pressures ranging from about seven pounds per square inch to about seventeen pounds per square inch (7-17 psi.) and a range of minimum operating fluid flows ranging from about thirteen gallons per minute to about twenty gallons per minute (13-20 gpm.). The sprinkler preferably includes a thermally responsive plate means for maintaining a minimum spacing between the outlet and the means for distributing. |
| US08353353B2 |
Surface controlled subsurface safety valve assembly with primary and secondary valves
A surface controlled subsurface safety valve assembly includes primary and secondary valves, such as an upper and lower flapper valve. Only one of the valves is in service at a time. In the event that the primary valve is compromised, and therefore leaks, the SCSSV is shifted to position the primary valve out of service and the secondary valve in service. The SCSSV may have more than two flappers, thereby providing multiple secondary valves, with only one valve in operation at any one time. |
| US08353351B2 |
System and method for regulating pressure within a well annulus
Pressure within a subsea well is managed as temperature within the well fluctuate. The management of the pressure mitigates stress to the structure of the well caused by the pressure. To manage the pressure, fluid is received from and/or provided to the well to reduce and/or increase pressure within the well. |
| US08353344B2 |
Fiber aggregate
Fiber aggregate comprising organic polymeric fibers, wherein the organic polymeric fibers have an average length in a range from 2 to 20 millimeters, an average diameter up to 100 micrometer, and comprise at least 75 percent by solid volume of the fiber aggregate, wherein the fiber aggregate has an unrestrained bulk density of at least 0.05 g/cm3, and wherein at least 85% by volume of the fiber aggregate disassociates to provide dispersed fibers. The fiber aggregates are useful, for example, for flowback control in wellbores and reservoirs. |
| US08353342B2 |
Steam generation for steam assisted oil recovery
Methods and apparatus relate to both generating steam for injection into a wellbore and capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) produced when generating the steam. A direct steam generator (DSG) makes the steam by contacting water with a combustion area for hydrogen and oxygen. Quantity of the steam made exceeds quantity of water input into the steam generator since the steam includes vaporized water resulting from combustion of the hydrogen and oxygen mixed with the water inputted and heated. Steam-methane-reforming or autothermal-reforming produces the hydrogen stripped of the CO2 prior to introduction into the steam generator. Further, an air separation unit supplies the oxygen to the steam generator. |
| US08353339B2 |
Apparatus for the measuring of fluid levels and pumping of the same
A device for employing sonic transmissions is utilized to determine fluid level in a well or a container. The device may be utilized while the well is operating. It is known that wells replenish fluid at different rates even in the same formation or well field. Increased well production at minimum pumping cost is achieved for a given well. The device generates a sonic event through the use of a compressed fluid that is obtained from within a well. A fluid level measurement system is obtained in a well in which gas is produced under vacuum. |
| US08353337B2 |
Method for cooling a rotating control head
A system and method for reducing repairs to radial seals used in a rotating control head used while drilling is disclosed. Also, a system and method to detect leaks in the rotating control head and a latching system to latch the rotating control head to a housing is disclosed. |
| US08353336B2 |
Power transmission system for use with downhole equipment
A power transmission system for use with downhole equipment in a borehole includes a power source that is positioned at the surface providing a DC power supply, a downhole DC/DC converter and a two-conductor cable connecting the power source and the downhole DC/DC converter. The power transmission system receives the DC voltage supply as an input and provides an output DC supply at a different voltage to the DC power supply for provision to the downhole equipment. |
| US08353335B2 |
Heat exchanger tube and method of forming the same
Flat heat exchanger tubes having two narrow and two broad sides are shown and described, wherein the flat tubes can be manufactured from two continuous strips having a relatively large curve on one longitudinal edge of the strips and having a relatively small curve on the other longitudinal edge of the strips. The two strips can be arranged laterally transposed with respect to one another to form the wall of the flat tubes, so that the relatively large curve of the longitudinal edge of one strip holds in itself the relatively small curve of the longitudinal edge of the other strip to form the narrow sides of the flat tubes. The strips can be formed with at least one further contoured portion which extends in the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes and which improves cohesion of the flat tube. |
| US08353334B2 |
Nano tube lattice wick system
A lattice wick system that has a plurality of nano tube wicking walls configured to transport liquid through capillary action in a first direction, each set of the plurality of granular wicking walls forming respective vapor vents between them to transport vapor. A plurality of nano tube interconnect wicks embedded between respective pairs of the plurality of nano tube wicking walls transport liquid through capillary action in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The nano tube interconnect wicks have substantially the same height as the nano tube wicking walls so that the plurality of nano tube wicking walls and the plurality of nano tube interconnect wicks enable transport of liquid through capillary action in two directions and the plurality of vapor vents transport vapor in a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions. |
| US08353333B2 |
Board-shaped heat dissipating device and method of manufacturing the same
A board-shaped heat dissipating device includes a board body having a plane face with a recess formed thereon, a heat conducting element fitted in the recess, at least one groove formed on any one of the board body and the heat conducting element, and at least one heat pipe pressed into the groove to flush with an open side of the groove. After the heat pipe is pressed into the groove and the heat conducting element is firmly fitted in the recess, portions of the heat conducting element that are higher than the plane face are removed through a cut operation, so that the heat conducting element is flush with the plane face of the board body to reduce the space occupied by the heat dissipating device. With the above arrangements, the problem of thermal resistance can be avoided and upgraded overall heat dissipation efficiency can be achieved. |
| US08353331B2 |
Heat dissipation apparatus with coarse surface capable of intensifying heat transfer
A heat dissipation apparatus with coarse surface capable of intensifying heat transfer comprises a base plate, a plurality of plate members, a flow passage, and a heat transfer reinforced unit; the plate members each extend upright from the base plate in parallel; the flow passage is formed between any two adjacent plate members; the heat transfer reinforced unit is provided at the first surface and/or the second surface and further comprises at least a raised part being disposed slightly upright from the respective surface and spacing apart a distance from each other, and a plurality of fish-scale-like parts each being disposed on the respective surface next to the respective raised part, providing a recess toward said surface with an inclining angle to the surface and having an edge such that a sharp end is formed by every two adjacent fish-scale-like parts and disposed at an intersection of the respective edge of the two adjacent fish-scale-like parts, wherein the raised part and the fish-scale-like parts allow fluid near the surface creating eddy flows and secondary flows and breaking boundary layers of the fluid. |
| US08353319B2 |
Liquid delivery system for supplying liquid from a portable container to at least one selected remote destination and removing vapour from the at least one selected remote destination
A liquid delivery system for supplying liquid from a portable container to a destination and removing vapor from the destination comprises a portable container, an elongate flexible liquid delivery hose, and an elongate flexible vapor recovery hose. The liquid delivery hose receives liquid from the portable container, and delivers the received liquid to a remote destination. The vapor recovery hose receives vapor from the remote destination, and delivers the received vapor to the substantially hollow interior of the portable container. The liquid delivery hose and the vapor recovery hose permit the movement of the liquid outlet of the liquid delivery hose to more than one selected remote destination while the container remains substantially stationary. Reduced air pressure in the portable container resulting from the removal of the liquid therefrom, causes vapor to be suctioned via the vapor recovery hose into the portable container. |
| US08353316B2 |
Flexible pipe for conveying hydrocarbons in deep water
A subsea flexible pipe, including an internal sealing sheath (18), at least one tensile pressure armor layer (14, 16) wound around the internal sealing sheath, a retaining layer (12) having at least one reinforcing strip (34), the reinforcing strip having filamentary strands (36) directed substantially longitudinally. The filamentary strands (36) having polymer fibers (38). The polymer fibers have, at room temperature, an elastic modulus in excess of 55 GPa so that the reinforcing strip is able to prevent radial expansion of the armor layer, when the armor layer experiences radial force; and the polymer fibers furthermore have an elongation at break in excess of 4% such that the reinforcing strip is able to undergo deformation without breaking. |
| US08353314B2 |
Gas container assemblies and couplings therefor
A modular coupling system allows a combined gas canister and integral regulator to be used with a wide range of different utilizer devices such as flow meter, conservor or delivery apparatus. A first coupling part is secured to the pressurized gas canister permanently, and carries a combined main delivery valve and venting valve to allow connection of the gas utilizer to the canister by means of a second coupling part formed integrally with or attached to the gas utilizer device by a simple push and twist action which, upon fitting, closes the venting valve; and opens the main delivery valve in sequence. |
| US08353305B1 |
Pressure vessel for treating dentures
A denture treating apparatus employs a receptacle base with a chamber closed by a rotatable cover. A denture and an effervescing denture treating composition, such as a denture cleaning tablet is place in water in the chamber. When the chamber is closed, the pressure created by the effervescing tablet causes the active ingredients to penetrate small spaces in the denture. A seal is compressed between relative thick peripheral lips on the cover and receptacle base. Thinner sections of the receptacle base can bow under pressure to show that pressure is building up. A shiftable handle on the cover makes it easier for a user to close the cover and compress the seal. |
| US08353303B2 |
Portable folding type hairstyling tool
Disclosed herein is a portable folding type hairstyling tool. The hairstyling tool includes a casing unit which also serves as a handle, and a hairstyling unit which is inserted into or unfolded from the casing unit to be used by pivoting. The hairstyling unit includes an electric heating part for applying heat to the hair, and the casing unit includes a power source. The hairstyling unit has a rotary switch around a hinge part, thus allowing power to be supplied to the electric heating part by a power source only when the hairstyling unit is unfolded from the casing unit. |
| US08353302B2 |
Smoking articles with restrictor and aerosol former
Provided is a smoking article including a smokeable filler with a high aerosol former content and a filter. Preferably, the smokeable filler includes about 4 wt % glycerin to about 35 wt % glycerin. The filter includes a cylindrical tube attached to the tobacco rod with tipping paper, a first filter segment at a location along said cylindrical tube adjacent and in a downstream relation to said tobacco rod, and a flow restricting filter segment at a location adjacent and in a downstream relation to the first filter segment. In an embodiment, the filter also includes a cavity adjacent and in a downstream relation to the flow restricting filter segment, and a ventilation zone at a location along the cavity including perforations that extend through the tipping paper and the cylindrical tube. Preferably, the ventilation zone is in a downstream relation to the flow restricting filter segment. |
| US08353299B2 |
Tobacco flavor applicator
A system of applying liquid flavor to cut tobacco material includes a first tank of concentrated liquid flavor and a second tank of water. A venturi device is constructed and arranged to receive and meter concentrated liquid flavor and water from the first and second tanks and to discharge mixed flavor and water from an outlet end. A first line is connected between the first tank and a suction port on the venturi device, and a second line is connected between the second tank and an intake port on the venturi device. A spray assembly is in fluid communication with the discharge outlet of the venturi device for applying mixed flavor and water to cut tobacco. |
| US08353295B2 |
Branching unit and arrangement for delivering a respiratory gas of a subject
A branching unit for delivering a respiratory gas of a subject is disclosed herein. The branching unit includes a first limb for delivering an expiratory gas during an expiratory phase and a second limb for delivering an inspiratory gas during an inspiratory phase. The branching unit also includes a third limb for delivering both the expiratory gas and the inspiratory gas and a common branching point for the first limb, the second limb and the third limb. The first limb, the second limb and the third limb include a volume for the respiratory gas and which volume includes both an active volume with the gas exchanging between the inspiratory phase and the expiratory phase and a dead volume for the respiratory gas with insufficient gas exchange from the inspiratory phase to the expiratory phase and the dead volume being less than 1 ml. |
| US08353288B2 |
Patient care unit with a reclining surface
A patient care unit (1) with a reclining surface has one or more docking devices designed as inductive coupling sites (7) for medical technical devices (10, 11, 12), which consume electrical energy and can be connected to the patient care unit. The inductive coupling sites (7) also supply the patient care unit (1) with electrical energy by means of an external line connection, which is likewise coupled inductively with the patient care unit (1). |
| US08353286B2 |
Solar water heater and method
A solar water heater includes a number of elongate water heating units which can be interconnected in series. The solar water heater can be installed vertically or inclined to have maximum solar exposure. Each water heating unit can utilize inner and outer glass tubes, which may or may not be a twin glass tube, to collect and conserve solar thermal energy inside. An inner metal water container extends through an opening in the inner and outer glass tubes. Heat transfer elements can be inserted between the inner tube and the metal water container. The solar water heater can work on natural convection and city water pressure. |
| US08353285B2 |
Solar collector and method
An apparatus and method for collecting solar energy are provided. The apparatus is a trough-type solar collector having one or more mirrors and lenses for directing solar radiation toward a receiver configured to receive a heat transfer fluid therein. The amount of solar radiation directed toward the receiver can be controlled by adjusting one or more of the mirrors and/or lenses or by adjusting a shade. Thus, the collector can direct different amounts or solar radiation toward the receiver, thereby selectively heating the receiver at different rates, e.g., to preheat the receiver, to heat fluid in the receiver for power generation, or to thaw solidified fluid in the receiver. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used to generate steam and/or electricity. |
| US08353281B2 |
Control arrangement for a gas stove
A control arrangement for a gas stove, wherein the control arrangement includes a gas burner; a control element to switch the gas burner on and off; a signal transducer to generate a first signal that depends on a position of the control element; a first control apparatus to control, depending on the first signal of the signal transducer, igniting or extinguishing a flame on the gas burner; and a second control apparatus that is arranged between the signal transducer and the first control apparatus. In at least one position of the control element, a second signal is fed to the first control apparatus that simulates continuous switching on and off of the gas burner. |
| US08353275B2 |
Dual throttle for improved tip-out stability in boosted engine system
A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle includes forming a mixture of fresh air and treated exhaust, and compressing the mixture upstream of a first throttle valve coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. The method further includes, during a higher engine-load condition, admitting the mixture to the intake manifold via the first throttle valve, and, during a lower engine-load condition, admitting fresh air to the intake manifold via a second throttle valve. |
| US08353269B2 |
Spark ignition engine that uses intake port injection of alcohol to extend knock limits
Internal combustion engine system. The system includes a source of gasoline for direct injection into cylinders of a spark ignition engine along with a source of an antiknock fuel for injection into the intake ports of the engine as needed to prevent knock. A preferred antiknock fuel is ethanol or an ethanol/gasoline blend having an ethanol content of 20% by volume or more. Other suitable antiknock fuels are methanol, a combination of ethanol and methanol, and a blend of gasoline with either ethanol, methanol, or an ethanol/methanol mixture. |
| US08353267B2 |
Piston for engine having stable behavior of piston ring
Disclosed is a piston for an engine having a stable behavior of a piston ring. The piston for the engine includes: an upper ring, a middle ring, and an oil ring, provided in an outer circumferential portion; and a ring-shaped groove formed between the upper ring, and the middle ring, wherein the ring-shaped groove has a deep portion which has a concave shape, a straight-line shaped first gap is formed between a liner of a cylinder, and an area from the ring-shaped groove to the middle ring, and the first gap is larger than a gap between the liner of the cylinder, and an area from a portion provided with the upper ring to the ring-shaped groove. In the disclosed piston, a blow-by gas, which is a mixed gas flowed into a crank case from a combustion chamber by passing through a gap between the cylinder and the piston, formed below the ring-shaped groove, is stabilized, thereby stabilizing the behavior of the upper ring and the middle ring. Also, the amount of oil scraped off toward the combustion chamber is reduced, and the oil can be smoothly scraped off toward the crank case, which reduces the consumption of oil remaining and evaporating on an inner wall of the cylinder. |
| US08353266B2 |
Engine throttle control with brake booster
Methods and systems are provided for reducing variability in air-fuel control due to variations in brake booster vacuum levels at an engine start. A throttle position is adjusted during an engine start based on the vacuum availability in the brake booster to control a rate of intake aircharge flow. By allowing aircharge to enter the intake manifold at a more consistent rate, air-fuel control is improved and exhaust emissions are reduced. |
| US08353265B2 |
Efficient vehicle component heating
Methods for achieving efficient vehicle component heating are provided. One example method for controlling the warming of powertrain lubricants during engine warm-up from a cold start, the engine having an output crankshaft, includes selectively driving a lubricant heating device with the crankshaft during the cold start based on lubricant temperature. The method further includes directing the powertrain lubricants to the lubricant heating device. |
| US08353262B2 |
Two-stroke internal combustion engine
A reverse scavenged two-stroke internal combustion engine is capable of effectively suppressing the short-circuiting of fresh charge (unburnt air-fuel mixture), while at the same time being capable of further improving scavenging efficiency, combustion efficiency, etc. The horizontal sectional shape of at least one pair of scavenging passages is closer to a triangle than a parallelogram along substantially the entire lengths of the at least one pair of scavenging passages, where a cylinder outer circumferential side of the horizontal sectional shape is narrowest and a cylinder bore wall surface side of the horizontal sectional shape is wide. Further, horizontal scavenging angles, which are angles of intersection formed between lines extended towards an intake port from guide wall surfaces that define the scavenging passages, are acute. |
| US08353261B2 |
Water heater base
A method of making a circular support base for a water heater in which a sheet of material having two ends is formed with corrugations such that the corrugations are progressively more pronounced towards one longitudinal edge thereby creating a generally circular shape out of the formerly straight sheet material, the two ends are connected to form an unbroken circular shape, the corrugated material is shaped to form a lip at an inner circumferential region, and the circular lip intersects with an outer circumferential region of the support base to form a circular trough for supporting and positioning a water tank of the water heater. |
| US08353259B2 |
Masking fixture for a coating process
A masking fixture for use in a coating process includes a first fixture plate for supporting a first work piece, a second fixture plate spaced from the first fixture plate for supporting a second work piece, and at least one spacer secured between the first fixture plate and the second fixture plate. |
| US08353258B2 |
Roll support and roll coating apparatus
A roll support apparatus suitable for use in a roll coating machine is described. The roll support apparatus includes a roll support frame for rotatably supporting a roll coating head roll associated with the roll support frame, the roll support frame adapted for pivoting movement relative to a roll support frame mounting base. Furthermore, a roll carriage suitable for use in a roll coating machine is described. The roll carriage includes a roll support frame for rotatably supporting a respective roll and further includes a roll support frame mounting for movably mounting the roll support frame so that it moves between a coating position and an idle position, wherein the roll support frame mounting in use is mounted substantially above the respective roll to inhibit contamination of the roll support frame mounting. |
| US08353257B2 |
Deposition apparatus with guide roller for long superconducting tape
Disclosed herein is a deposition apparatus with a guide roller for a long superconducting tape. The deposition apparatus has a supply reel which is provided in a vacuum chamber and rotated to supply the tape, a feed and deposition unit which is spaced apart from the supply reel and vacuum deposits a superconducting layer on the tape while feeding the tape, and a collection reel which is spaced apart from the feed and deposition unit and is rotated to collect the vacuum-deposited tape. The feed and deposition unit includes a drum which is rotated to wind the tape on a predetermined portion of an outer circumference of the drum several times, thus feeding the tape, and a guide roller which is spaced apart from the drum, includes a plurality of rollers each having on an outer circumference thereof grooves and protrusions at regular intervals, and is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a rotating shaft of the drum by a sum of a width of the tape and a thickness of each of the protrusions, with the tape passing over an outer circumference of the guide roller. The invention deposits a superconducting layer while maintaining constant tension when the tape is thermally deposited, thus preventing the tape from being deformed because of the difference in the thermal expansion and contraction of the tape resulting from non-uniform tension. |
| US08353254B2 |
Mounting structure of an indicating needle for an instrument system
An instrument system includes a speedometer as an indicating instrument. The speedometer includes a disk-like dial, a movement element, and an indicating needle. The dial includes an indication element indicative of vehicle's speed. The movement element has an output shaft connected to a measurement device measuring the vehicle's speed and configured to rotate based on measurements obtained by the measurement device. The needle is attached to the output shaft by a mounting structure. The needle includes a skirt attached to the output shaft of the movement element, and a pointer extending radially from the skirt, so as to be rotated by the output shaft and indicate a value of interest of the indication element of the dial. The skirt includes a hole into which the output shaft is press-fit. The hole has an elliptical cross section. |
| US08353253B2 |
Fasteners, cover systems, and related methods
Fasteners, cover systems, and related methods are provided. A fastener for fastening an item in place on an object can include a bottom member having a first cross-sectional shape and a top member having a second cross-sectional shape that is securable to the bottom member. The top member can be rotatable relative to the bottom member once the top member is secured to the bottom member. The fastener can also include a securement device for fastening the bottom member to an object. The fasteners can be part of a cover system that also includes a cover. The cover system can be used in conjunction with a window, such as a boat hatch. |
| US08353248B2 |
Track-guided vehicle wheel track
In a track-guided vehicle wheel truck, a guide frame can be turned relative to a steering axle of a running wheel. A support shaft is adjustably provided on the guide frame. A receiving member is provided projecting toward the vehicle end side. A link lever capable of interlocking the turning of the guide frame and the steering of the running wheel, is provided along the vehicle front and rear direction. A center-side end part of the link lever is rotatably mounted to the receiving member. A vehicle end-side end part of the link lever is rotatably mounted to a connecting rod that enables the steering of the running wheel. A long hole extending in the vehicle front and rear direction, is provided in an intermediate part of the link lever. The long hole and the support shaft are rotatably engaged with each other at a given position. |
| US08353247B2 |
Gas generator
An inflator has an elongate outer housing (110) which has at least one discharge opening (126) and which contains a compressed gas container (112) and an igniting unit (116) provided at a first axial end (114) of the compressed gas container (112). The igniting of said igniting unit generates a shock wave which, in a shock wave direction (S), enters the compressed gas container (112) at the first axial end thereof and which passes at least through some sections of the compressed gas container (112). The discharge opening (126) is arranged away from the first axial end of the compressed gas container (112) and is closed by a bursting membrane (128) which can be destroyed by the shock wave, wherein the bursting membrane (128) is not oriented perpendicularly to the shock wave direction (S). The compressed gas container (112) has a deflecting device (138; 338; 438) which deflects the shock wave running through the compressed gas container (112) from the shock wave direction (S) in the direction of the bursting membrane (128). |
| US08353239B1 |
Apparatus and method for directing the launch of a projectile
An apparatus for directing the launch of a projectile from a canister includes a pusher plate disposed in the canister, the pusher plate having a sliding, sealing engagement with the canister to define a closed volume, the projectile being disposed in the canister and resting on the pusher plate; and means for generating exhaust gas into the closed volume to urge the pusher plate and the projectile toward an opening of the canister. The apparatus further includes means for directing exhaust gas to affect the trajectory of the projectile. |
| US08353235B2 |
Counter-die for the cylinders of rotary die cutting machines
A counter-die includes a tubular body, divided into several parts (1-1′-1″) and joined to each other by tongue and groove joints using twisted edges (2) at the ends, preferentially three parts, these having an inner sector (3) which is the largest, of injected plastic, very resistant and light, over the exterior surface of which there is a coating (4) of polyurethane. The parts are joined to each other by orifices (7) and grooves (8) in their ends, more specifically in the area made of injected plastic, through which respective rods or pins (11) pass. |
| US08353234B2 |
Food dough cutting method and cutting apparatus
A food dough cutting method and cutting device thereof capable of forming conveyed food dough strips that have nearly identical weight per unit time when dividing band shaped food dough into multiple food dough strips in the conveyance direction, and is further capable of performing the same number of cuts for each food dough strip when cutting each food dough strip along the width direction into food dough pieces having a specified weight are provided. The conveyed food dough is aligned to a position that is displaced by just an alignment displacement amount with respect to a reference position that is based on the installation position of cutting members. The alignment displacement amount is calculated based on the ratio of the width dimension of the food dough and the lengths of food dough pieces that are cut from food dough strips on both sides. |
| US08353231B2 |
Bar feeder
A feed rod vibration prevention support of a material feeder includes a guide device for guiding a feed rod moving to feed a material to a working machine, and a vibration attenuation mechanism for preventing the feed rod from being vibrated. The guide device further includes a guide and a bush supported by the guide having a feed rod placed thereon. The vibration attenuation mechanism includes a first elastic material located between the bush and the guide. The bush is provided with a flanged portion. |
| US08353227B2 |
Fastening device
A structure for sufficiently spacing a steering handle from a top bridge, thereby greatly improving design flexibility. A relief portion for allowing the deformation of a washer is formed to overlap a second contact surface and adjacent to a first contact surface as viewed in the axial direction of each bolt member. The first contact surface is located so as not to overlap the second contact surface as viewed in the axial direction of each bolt member. Therefore, a bending force acts on the washer to allow the deformation of the washer. That is, the washer can exhibit a spring function to relax the effect of the bending force. As a result, the steering handle can be sufficiently spaced from the top bridge to thereby greatly improve design flexibility. |
| US08353224B1 |
Electrical substation and animal mitigation system therefor
An electrical substation is shown and described. The electrical substation has a plurality of substation components selected from a group consisting of circuit breakers, transformers, voltage regulators, switchgear, control houses, and structural members. Each of the plurality of substation components is supported above ground-level. An animal mitigation system surrounds each of the plurality of substation components. The animal mitigation system is a shroud constructed around a substation component or a portion of a substation component to provide a barrier to entry to an internal volume of the shroud in which the component or portion of the component is housed. |
| US08353223B2 |
Trace particle collection system
A trace particle collection system accumulates trace particles of those materials that are adhering to target surfaces. The particles are removed from the surface, transported and collected in a particle collection medium, and then provided to a detection instrument. Trace particles are often bound tenaciously to the target surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. The removal of trace particles is described which utilizes an aerosol mixture of frozen carbon dioxide aerosol particles in a gas stream to impact and more efficiently remove the target particles from the surface. |
| US08353221B2 |
Mass flow meter
A mass flow meter comprising a housing including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing defines a chamber and a rotatable member is arranged in the chamber so as to be rotatable about an axis. A momentum device is also arranged in the chamber and connected to the rotatable member via a biasing element so as to be rotatable about the axis and rotatable relative to the rotatable member. A fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is provided. The fluid path passes through both the rotatable member and the momentum device. The fluid path enters the momentum device at a radial distance r1 from the axis and exits the momentum device at a different radial distance r2 from the axis. A torque provider may be coupled to the rotatable member via a shaft or gear member. |
| US08353214B2 |
Pressure sensor for side-impact sensing and method for forming a surface of a protective material for a pressure sensor
A pressure sensor for side-impact sensing and a method for forming a surface of a protective material for a pressure sensor are provided. In this context, at least one integrated circuit is completely surrounded in a protective material, and the protective material has a cavity into which at least one pressure sensor element is installed, a surface of the protective material being formed such that a pressure-entry channel is formed by the interaction of the surface with at least one housing part. The pressure-entry channel allows for a lateral access to the at least one pressure sensor element. |
| US08353210B2 |
System for measuring a physical variable
The invention relates to a system for measuring a physical variable using a plurality of measuring sensors (20). Said system is characterized in that an inverting measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) is connected downstream of every measuring sensor (20), one output of a sensor (20) each being connected to an inverting input of the measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) connected downstream of the measuring sensor (20). |
| US08353208B2 |
Housing made of fiber-reinforced plastic
Plastic housings that are subjected to internal pressure and comprise a housing upper part, a housing lower part and a closure which connects both parts to one another. At the connecting point, the housing upper and lower part have a plurality of comb-like retaining columns shaped in a complementary manner with respect to one another such that the housing parts can be plugged together. The retaining columns are oriented in a direction in which tensile force between the housing upper part and the housing lower part is oriented when the housing is subjected to internal pressure. Retaining grooves which are oriented transversely to the effective direction of the tensile force are formed in two opposite surfaces of the retaining columns in each case. Retaining bodies which at least partially touch the areas formed by the retaining grooves and thus establish the connection can be introduced into the retaining grooves. |
| US08353206B2 |
Resin weathervane system
A resin weathervane having a weathervane tube mounted within a resin weathervane figurine with a stabilizing support structure coupled to an exterior portion of the weathervane tube and a belt of flexible material wrapped at least partially around the tube and the stabilizing support structure wherein a resin mixture poured into a mold forms a resin weathervane of a desired configuration with the resin bonding the tube, the stabilizing support structure and the flexible wrap. |
| US08353203B2 |
Brake position sensor unit
A brake position sensor unit includes a unitary brake shaft that transmits braking torque to a article to be slowed, connects directly to a brake unit, connects to a resolver and has a plurality of planetary gears rotating thereabout to activate a sensor when the brake unit is set. |
| US08353190B2 |
Method and device for winding metal strips onto a coiling mandrel
A method and a device for winding metal strip onto a mandrel to which the metal strip is fed by a driver encompassing a bottom and a top drive roller in a driver frame. In order to regulate the driver in such a way by measuring the strip tension, the longitudinal tensile strength applied to the metal strip by the driver to control the strip run through the driver is determined by means of a strip tension measuring device which is mounted on the driver frame, in a pivot located shortly behind the bottom drive roller, and can be swiveled into the metal strip from below. The strip tension measuring device is composed of a first lever arm and a second lever arm which is hingedly mounted at the front of the first lever arm and the forward end of which is provided with a roller. |
| US08353187B2 |
Padlock device using an electromagnetic switch actuated system with fingerprint identification system
A keyless padlock system includes an electromagnetic switch system and a fingerprint process system. The electromagnetic switch system operates the padlock with a mechanical actuated mechanism. The system also secures the padlock against the force and vibration. The fingerprint process system provides the padlock device an easy operation as the key system. The buttons and LED's manage using both fingerprint and the combination code. A changeable battery system without losing the memory provides the padlock device a reliable and easy application. |
| US08353186B2 |
Hoop lock
The invention relates to a hoop lock having a lock body and a hoop which is movable relative to the lock body between an open position and a closed position. The lock body has a lock housing and a closing mechanism which is fastened in the lock housing and has a driver. The driver is selectively movable into an unlatched position or into a latched position. A latching device is furthermore provided in the lock body and acts between the driver of the locking mechanism, the hoop and the lock housing. The latching device latches the hoop to the lock housing when the hoop is in the closed position and the driver of the locking mechanism is in the latched position. At least a part of the latching device is movable together with the hoop between the open position and the closed position of the hoop. |
| US08353185B2 |
Vehicle handle locking apparatus
In a vehicle handle locking apparatus, a locking member that can operate between a locked position and an unlocked position and a holding member that operates together with the locking member are resiliently urged toward the unlocked position side; and an engaging member that engages with a holding member in the locked position and holds the locking member in the locked position is operated by operation of an electric actuator toward the side to release the engagement with the holding member. Forced unlocking drive device forcibly drives the holding member toward the unlocked position side in response to the operation of the electric actuator in a state in which the locking member is in the locked position. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a vehicle handle locking apparatus that releases, even when a force in a rotating direction is applied to a steering handle, engagement of a locking member with the steering handle or a linkage member so that an unlocked state is reliably achieved. |
| US08353182B2 |
Safety lockout hasp
This invention relates to a safety lockout hasp 1 which includes a body 2 and a moveable member 3. The moveable member 3 includes a plurality of apertures 7 which are each capable of accommodating the shackle 16 of a lock means 8. The apertures 7 are only accessible when the moveable member is in a closed position. The moveable member 3 can only be moved to an open condition when the locking means 8 is detached from the hasp 1. |
| US08353181B2 |
Heart shaped diamond cut having hearts and arrows pattern
A heart shaped diamond possessing a hearts and arrows pattern characteristic comprising: six main crown facets symmetrically aligned relative to one another, with each of the six main crown facets having a straight edge in parallel alignment with a straight edge of another main crown facet disposed opposite thereto; six main pavilion facets aligned at a fixed given angle of approximately 60° to each other and having a symmetrical number of pavilion half facets such that the six main pavilion facets meet at a point corresponding to the symmetrical central of the diamond and a multiple number of crown star facets spaced apart from one another on the surface of the diamond. The pavilion half facets are arranged in pairs polished on the main pavilion facet with a first pavilion half facet in each pair lying at a first angle of preferably 26.25° relative to a second pavilion half facet in the same pair and with the second pavilion half facet in each pair cut at a second angle of preferably 33.75° relative to the first pavilion half facet in an adjacent pair with which it shares a common boundary. |
| US08353178B2 |
Ice making tray for refrigerator
An ice making housing which is mounted in a refrigerator door and forms an ice making chamber including an ice making tray which has a rotational shaft to be rotatably accommodated in the ice making housing, and an ice generating unit to freeze supplied water; an ice separating unit which is mounted in the ice making housing and separates ice cubes from the ice making tray; an overflow preventing member which is rotatably coupled to the ice making housing along a lengthwise direction of the ice making tray and prevents overflow of water accommodated in the ice making tray; and a driving unit which is provided in the ice making tray and the overflow preventing member and allows the overflow preventing member to reciprocate between an ice separating position separating ice cubes from the ice generating unit and a cover position covering the ice generating unit. |
| US08353177B2 |
Apparatus and method for dispensing ice from a bottom mount refrigerator
A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment. |
| US08353175B2 |
Roof top air conditioning units having a centralized refrigeration system
A system comprising a plurality of rooftop HVAC units having a centralized refrigeration unit is described along with a method for retrofitting existing independent HVAC units into the described system. The resulting multi-unit system offers increased efficiency and reliability over independently operating HVAC units. |
| US08353173B2 |
Refrigerating cycle apparatus and operation control method therefor
In a refrigerating cycle apparatus and control method thereof, a controller sets a high-pressure pressure target value from thermal load and temperature conditions based on refrigerant information that has been obtained from detectors, and controls at least one of a rotational frequency of a compressor, a degree of opening of an electronic expansion valve, a rotational frequency of an outdoor fan, or a rotational frequency of an indoor fan to match a high-pressure pressure to the high-pressure pressure target value that has been set. Here, a threshold value is set when the high-pressure pressure target value is set, and a method for setting the high-pressure pressure target value is modified depending on whether the high-pressure pressure is greater than or equal to the threshold value or less than the threshold value when the high-pressure pressure target value is decided. |
| US08353171B2 |
Refrigerating appliance comprising an ice-making machine
A refrigerating appliance is provided that includes an inner compartment for storing refrigerated or frozen goods, a cold generator, a refrigerating appliance control system for operating the cold generator, a mains connection for supplying the cold generator and the refrigerating appliance control system with an electrical voltage, and an ice-making machine arranged in the inner compartment. The ice-making machine includes its own control system for its own operation, which controls all functions of the ice-making machine independently of the refrigerating appliance control system. A connection is also provided from the ice-making machine and the ice-making machine control system to the mains connection of the refrigerating appliance. |
| US08353167B2 |
Solar-powered refrigerated container
A portable, solar assisted, temperature controlled container comprises: a body with a cavity; a lid sealable thereon; a detachable solar panel producing electric power; a thermoelectric cooling unit; an interior heat sink secured in the cavity proximate to an interior side of the thermoelectric cooling unit with an interior fan to direct cavity air thereon; an exterior heat sink secured proximate to an exterior-facing side of the thermoelectric cooling unit with an exterior fan to direct exterior air thereon. The thermoelectric cooling unit transports heat to maintain a thermostat-controlled temperature in the cavity. The interior and exterior fans and the interior and exterior heat sinks increase efficiency of the heat transport. One or more wheels rotatably attached to the body are coupled to a faraday generator to generate electrical power to replace/supplement the solar power. A rechargeable battery may also replace/supplement solar power during periods of inadequate solar power generation. |
| US08353163B2 |
Fuel injector sans support/stem
A fuel nozzle is provided. The fuel nozzle includes a heat shield, a fuel tube and a plurality of support members. The support members are radially interposed between the heat shield and the fuel tube. The support members are preferably cylindrical tubes, thus creating voids or pockets between the heat shield and the fuel tube. The cylindrical tubes are connected to one another at a first end are free at an opposed end. As such, the tubes can move or slide relative to one another. Further, the tubes preferably only contact one another with at most line contacts. The fuel nozzle may also include a tip portion that includes a tip heat shield that extends radially outward from the primary heat shield. The tip heat shield defines a cavity that connects with the central cavity of the heat shield. The fuel tube extends through the tip heat shield. |
| US08353156B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08353152B2 |
Exhaust emission control device
An exhaust emission control device, which can absorb thermal expansion difference between a particulate filter and a selective reduction catalyst without causing urea deposition, has the filter and the catalyst arranged in parallel with each other with their entry ends facing the same direction. An S-shaped communication passage is provided to introduce the exhaust gas from a discharge end of the filter into an entry end of the catalyst through turndown, urea water being added upstream of the communication passage. A mixing pipe providing a straight section of the communication passage at an intermediate portion thereof, with a double-pipe portion constituted by overlapped stretchable/retractable inner and outer pipes, the outer pipe having a terminal end secured to an outer periphery of the inner pipe and being provided with an axially expansible and contractible bellows, a sealing ring fitted over an outer periphery of a terminal end of the inner pipe. |
| US08353151B2 |
Exhaust gas control apparatus for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas control apparatus includes an oxidation catalyst, a compact oxidation catalyst having a smaller cross section than that of an engine exhaust passage, a fuel supply valve, a glow plug, and an electronic control unit. The control modes for the exhaust gas control apparatus include a first control mode where the fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve, heated by the glow plug, and ignited, a second control mode where the fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve, and heated by the glow plug but is not ignited, and a third control mode where the fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve and the glow plug does not provide heating. The electronic control unit selects the first or third control mode in the operation region where ignition is possible, and selects the second or third control mode in the operation region where ignition is not possible. |
| US08353147B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacture of a top opening reclosable bag having a tape formed reclosable seal
A vertical form, fill and seal machine in conjunction with a product supply apparatus provides a continuous, heat sealable plastic film and zipper tape and provides separate, product filled, reclosable, top opening sealed bags. The apparatus includes a means for supplying the continuous plastic film, a means for supplying zipper tape, a means for sealing the zipper tape sections to the film, a vertical fill tube assembly, a feeding means including a film drive roll upstream, film pull belts adjacent the vertical fill tube, a vertical sealing means for sealing the edges of the continuous film to the edges of the continuous zippered cap strip, a horizontal sealing, perforating, and severing means for severing the plastic tube between the first and second horizontal seals, and a tensioning means for horizontally elongating the flexible plastic tube transverse to its length prior to formation of the horizontal seals. |
| US08353146B1 |
Ice bagging assembly
Ice bagging assemblies comprising an ice bag merchandiser, an ice bag diverter positionable between first and second positions to drop ice bags into different first and second regions within the ice bag merchandiser. Methods of stacking ice bags in an ice bag merchandiser comprising receiving an ice bag in an ice bag diverter and dropping the ice bag to a first region of the ice bag merchandiser when the ice bag diverter is in a first position and dropping the ice bag to a second region of the ice bag merchandiser when the ice bag diverter is in a second position. |
| US08353143B2 |
Lateral seismic brace
A sway brace fitting clamp is used for lateral bracing of sprinkler or other types of pipe (designated the service pipe) to a structure, to prevent movement of the service pipe perpendicular to the axis of the pipe relative to the structure to which it is attached. The sway brace fitting clamp includes a U-bolt which fits around the service pipe, and a pair of hooks that are coupled to straight ends of the U-bolt, for hooking the sway brace pipe. A pair of nuts engages threaded portions of the U-bolt ends. The nuts may be tightened to pull the sway brace pipe into contact with the service pipe, firmly clamping the sway brace pipe and the service pipe together. |
| US08353141B2 |
Method and service for assembling a modular structure such as a wind power plant
A method and a device for assembling a structure that is formed from several modules that are disposed on top of each other, e.g. a wind power plant. An auxiliary mast of modular construction is erected parallel to and laterally of the structure to be erected, wherein the length of an auxiliary mast module approximately corresponds to the length of a structural module. A respective auxiliary mast module is previously detachably connected to a respective structural module to form an overall module, such that the auxiliary mast module can accept the weight of the structural module. The overall modules that are each formed from one auxiliary mast module and one structural module are moved by means of the lifting gondola in an upward direction along the auxiliary mast of previously erected structural modules to the level of the assembly position. |
| US08353137B2 |
Compression mounted window assembly
A compression mounted window assembly is disclosed that includes a circular window having opposed front and rear planar surfaces and an outer periphery having forward and rearward chamfered edge surfaces, a compressible gasket circumscribing the outer periphery of the window, a housing with a portal having an annular seat for accommodating the window circumscribed by the gasket, wherein the annular seat has a first chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the forward chamfered edge surface of the window, an annular bezel operatively associated with the housing for compressively retaining the window assembly within the annular seat of the portal, and structure for securing the bezel to the housing, wherein the bezel has a second chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the rearward chamfered edge surface of the window. |
| US08353134B2 |
Grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit
The present invention discloses a grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially inserted into the outer tube defining a gap within a lapping portion of the tubes for receiving expansive cement grout. After solidified, the expansive cement grout forms an expansive ring. A prestress produced by the expansive cement grout increases the friction between the expansive ring and the tubes. In service, the present invention can transfer the axial force via the friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout. In case of earthquake, the sliding friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout can absorb energy. The present invention does not require high precise in manufacturing and constructing, saves steel and has low cost. It is only need to replace the grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit when the present invention is damaged in earthquake, which is very convenient. |
| US08353133B2 |
Anchor for handling construction elements comprising fixed divergent arms
An anchor for construction elements, such as concrete panels, and including at least one flat part, an upper part for hanging on a handling engine and extending along a principal plane and a lower part for anchoring in the construction element. The lower part has two arms diverging in the direction of the lower end of the anchor, extending outside the principal plane, and forming, between them, an angle. |
| US08353130B2 |
Door weather strip
A door weather strip includes an attaching base part that is attached along an outer periphery of a door frame and a hollow seal part that is extended in an outer peripheral direction of a door from the attaching base part. The attaching base part 11 includes a base bottom part, a vehicle inner side wall part and a vehicle outer side wall part and a partition wall. Both the attaching base part and the seal part are made of the same EPDM sponge rubber material by an extrusion process. The door weather strip satisfies conditions that a specific gravity is 0.36 or higher and 0.44 or lower, a low stretch stress is 200 kPa or higher and 230 kPa or lower and an average foaming cell diameter is 180 μm or larger and 220 μm or smaller. |
| US08353129B2 |
Window interlock
In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a window regulator for a vehicle window on a sliding vehicle door. The window regulator includes a ratchet that is positionable in a first position and a second position and a pawl that is positionable in a ratchet release position and a ratchet locking position. The position of the ratchet determines the position of a door interlock member for controlling whether the vehicle door is fully openable or not. The window regulator includes a mechanism for separating the ratchet and pawl from each other prior to movement of at least one of the ratchet and pawl from one of its associated positions to the other of its associated positions. The mechanism preferably separates the ratchet and pawl from each other prior to movement of each of the ratchet and pawl from one of its associated positions to the other of its associated positions. |
| US08353128B2 |
Wrapper with decorative extension and method
A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping is disclosed. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may have one or more additional overlapping extensions. |
| US08353127B2 |
Plant package and methods of forming same using a thermoplastic flower pot
A flower pot in combination with a retaining medium for holding and retaining a floral grouping is disclosed. The flower pot includes a base portion defining a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the retaining medium so as to hold and retain the retaining medium. The base portion is constructed of a thermoformed plastic material, and has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall is substantially devoid of overlapping folds and has decorative ornamentation associated with at least a portion of the sidewall. |
| US08353126B2 |
Bee smoker
An improved bee smoker is provided for producing smoke on demand for use in controlling bees that includes a housing, a power source, a heating element, a fan, and switches. |
| US08353121B2 |
Processes and systems for monitoring usage of projectile weapons
Processes and systems for detecting a shot by a projectile weapon are disclosed. Data is obtained along at least two different axes for use in determining whether a shot has taken place based on an evaluation by a processor. In certain embodiments, multiple detection systems are positioned on a weapons platform mounting multiple projectile weapons, and each is configured to detect only a shot by a respective one of the projectile weapons. |
| US08353115B2 |
Exhaust air dryer with a heat exchanger
An exhaust air dryer includes a process airflow entering from outside as supply air, which removes moisture from laundry introduced in a treatment compartment and which emerges to the outside as exhaust air through an air outlet, a heat exchanger between the treatment compartment and the air outlet, seen in the airflow direction, which removes heat from the process airflow, while forming condensate, a dispersal device arranged downstream of the treatment compartment in the airflow direction and in front of the air outlet, which adds at least part of the formed condensate to the exhaust air, and a hydrophilic body belonging to the dispersal device, which projects into the process airflow and is impinged upon by condensate. |
| US08353114B2 |
Apparatus and method for refrigeration cycle with auxiliary heating
An apparatus includes a mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement in turn including an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, cooperatively interconnected. A drum is provided to receive clothes to be dried. An auxiliary heater is included, as is a duct and fan arrangement configured to pass air over the condenser and the heater, and through the drum. A sensor is located to sense high side temperature and/or high side pressure of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the auxiliary heater, and is operative to: activate the auxiliary heater during a startup transient of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement; monitor the high side temperature and/or high side pressure, during the startup transient; and de-activate the auxiliary heater in response to the high side temperature and/or high side pressure reaching a first predetermined value. |
| US08353112B2 |
Signal emitting or receiving pointer
A signal emitting or receiving pointer and method for its use to enable the determination of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry. The pointer has emitters or receivers installed on the pointer and the signals sent or received as the gantry is rotated allow the calculation of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry. |
| US08353111B2 |
Handle control provided with an angular position sensor
A handle control provided with: a supporting body, which is provided with a central through hole and is adapted to be fitted about a handlebar to be rigidly fixed to the handlebar; a twist grip, which has a tubular shape, is rotationally carried by the supporting body and is centrally perforated to be fitted about the handlebar so as to rotate with respect to the handlebar; and an angular position sensor, which is adapted to read the angular position of the twist grip; the angular position sensor has at least one rotor, which is supported by the twist grip to rotate along with the twist grip and is adapted to influence an electric field; and at least one reader, which is carried in a stationary position by the supporting body, is arranged close to the rotor, and is suitable for a contactless and remote reading of the orientation of the rotor. |
| US08353102B2 |
Wiring board connection method
A wiring board connection method comprising: arranging a continuous conductive joint body on adjacent connection terminals of one of the wiring boards in a space between the adjacent connection terminals on one of the wiring boards; aligning the wiring boards so that the connection terminals face each other with the conductive joint body interposed therebetween; and bonding the connection terminals with each other by heating and then cooling the conductive joint body, wherein: the conductive joint body is a material that generates air bubbles upon being heated; and a recessed portion is formed on a surface of at least one of the connection terminals, the surface being opposite to the connection terminal of another wiring board. When the connection terminals are bonded with each other, the conductive joint body is allowed to move so as to gather on the surfaces of the connection terminals where no recessed portions are formed. |
| US08353098B2 |
Method of manufacturing perpendicular magnetic write head
A method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head capable of easily and accurately forming a main magnetic-pole layer having a shape suitable for concentrating a magnetic flux is provided. A nonmagnetic layer having a recessed section (a first recessed section and a second recessed section) is formed, and then an additional nonmagnetic layer is formed on an inner surface of the recessed section. Then, a magnetic layer is formed in the recessed section formed with the additional nonmagnetic layer, and then the magnetic layer is cut to form an air bearing surface, so as to form the main magnetic-pole layer. |
| US08353097B2 |
Method for fabricating antenna device of mobile communication terminal
A method for fabricating an antenna device of a mobile communication terminal, the method including selecting radiation patterns according to a usable frequency band, selecting and fabricating magneto dielectric modules for adjusting resonance frequencies of the selected radiation patterns, selecting and fabricating dielectric modules for adjusting resonance frequency of the selected radiation patterns, selecting and fabricating a radiation pattern having a number of resonance frequencies required for the terminal from among the radiation patterns selected in the pattern selection step, and selecting at least one of the magneto dielectric modules and the dielectric modules and installing it in the radiation pattern to tune a resonance frequency of the radiation pattern to the resonance frequency required for the terminal. |
| US08353092B2 |
Multiple bias surgical fastener
A surgical fastener comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a biasing member contacting the clip and biasing the dip to its open configuration when the biasing member is actuated. The biasing member and clip both tend to assume the closed configuration when no external forces are applied to them. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. Methods for making the fasteners are also disclosed, in which both the clip and the biasing member are set in the closed position. |
| US08353087B2 |
Closure device
A closure device includes a knob. A ratchet member is mounted on a bottom of the knob. An engaging member is movably received in a cavity of the ratchet member. A spool is mounted on a bottom of the engaging member. A stopper is mounted around the spool. A base is proved for receiving the stopper, the spool, the engaging member, and the ratchet member. |
| US08353085B2 |
Sanitary handle cover
Provided is a sanitary handle cover configured to store and dispense sanitary fluid in response to pressure being applied to the handle cover, such as when an individual grabs the handle cover to open the door. The handle cover may additionally be adapted to be quickly and easily placed over the handle and substantially conform to the shape of the handle to remain on the handle during use. |
| US08353077B2 |
Attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance
A grooming device includes a head and a handle. A first end of the handle is connected to the head, and a second end of the handle is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance. The head includes a bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles, and a bristle cover having a plurality of apertures. The device includes an actuator manually operable by a user to effect relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover from a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover to a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures. The handle includes a conduit for conveying an air flow from the head to the second end of the handle. Resilient members are provided for returning the head to the stowed configuration automatically when the actuator is released by the user. In addition to enabling hair or other matter collected between the bristles of the bristle carrier to be readily dislodged from the device, the automatic retraction of the bristles can ensure that the bristles are not exposed when the device is not in use. |
| US08353076B1 |
Hair brush with slideable brush head
A hair brush with a slideable brush head that allows the brush head to be positioned on either end of the elongated handle to thereby providing ease of use by both right handed or left handed users. The elongated handle has different ways thereon to arrest the brush head in any desired position. The brush head may also be removed from the handle, if so desired, so that a brush head of a different circumference but the same inner diameter may be used. |
| US08353072B2 |
Fire-resistant mattress having combustible material compartmentalized between fire-resistant layers
A mattress is disclosed that includes a sleeping side, a cushioning layer, an inner support compartment, and a fire-containing compartment disposed between the sleeping side and the inner support compartment and including first and second layers of fire-resistant material. The cushioning layer is disposed between the first and second layers of fire-resistant material. |
| US08353068B1 |
Rotatably positionable hand rail
The present invention provides an adjustable hand rail including a wall-mounted base member that includes a circular plate with an inward facing side and an outward facing side. The circular plate includes a circular track. The circular track has a bottom, an inside rail member extending from the bottom and an outside rail member extending from the bottom. The two rail members define a C-shaped channel. The bottom of the track member also includes a plurality of lock apertures. A rotatable insert is rotatably disposed within the circular track. The insert has a first insert opening and a diametrically opposed second insert opening. First and second shoulder members are disposed within the insert openings. The first shoulder member has a first locking pin biased to extend into one of the lock apertures. A bar having a first end and a second end is provided attached to the shoulder members. |
| US08353067B2 |
Umpire chest protector
An umpire chest protector for use in a baseball game is disclosed to include a body member, a sternum plate, first left and right side plates, second left and right side plates, two shoulder plates, a shoulder strap assembly and a rear padding system. The rear padding system has an air channel defined therein, saving material, reducing the weight and enhancing wearing comfort. The left and right paddings, upper padding, outer left padding and outer right padding of the rear padding system are detachable, easy on and off and washable, material-saving and capable of dispersing impact force. The sternum plate is attached to one side of each of the shoulder plates and affixed thereto with rivets, and side flaps and bottom flaps of the sternum plate are respectively affixed to the upper portions and lower portions of the first left and right side plates with rivets, providing warp around feel and making the protector still and strong. |
| US08353064B2 |
Salon cape with adjustable magnetic channel closure
The present invention is an adjustable magnetic channel closure for a salon cape. The channel closure has a reinforced tab located at or near each of the ends of the channel. Each reinforced tab has a pair of magnetic components that grip the channel when the reinforced tab is bent. The channel closure is tightened by pulling a gripping component located at each end of the channel closure. A cord located at the top of the channel prevents the reinforced tabs and magnetic components from sliding off the channel when the gripping components are pulled. |
| US08353062B2 |
Human limb/joint protective pad and method of making
A protective pad includes a pre-tensioned resilient padded membrane resiliently suspended to a semi-rigid shell. A cavity is defined between the pre-tensioned padded membrane and the shell. In use, the pad is attached to the limb or joint to be protected with the tensioned membrane engaging the limb or joint to be protected. The pre-tensioned membrane and air cushion in the cavity absorb the energy of an impact transferred by the shell during a sporting event or other activity. |