| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08376692B2 |
Turbo compressor in an axial type of construction
A turbo compressor in an axial type of construction is disclosed. The turbo compressor has a bladed stator and a bladed rotor, and has a longitudinally split compressor casing and a guide blade ring with adjustable guide blades. The guide blades are pivotably mounted about radial axes radially within their aerofoil on an inner ring belonging to the stator. The inner ring is split, i.e., segmented, at at least two points of its circumference. Furthermore, the inner ring has for each guide blade at least one bearing bush which can be inserted radially into an opening from inside. |
| US08376687B2 |
System and method for cooling steam turbine rotors
A steam turbine includes a rotor having a plurality of early stages and a stator portion surrounding a portion of the rotor and arranged such that a leakage region exists between the stator portion and the rotor and having a cooling steam channel that passes cooling steam from one portion of the stator portion to the leakage region. The turbine also includes at least one cooling steam transmission channel axially displaced about the rotor that receives the cooling steam from the leakage region and provides it to at least a portion of the early stages. |
| US08376685B2 |
Dual scara arm
A substrate transport apparatus having a drive section and a scara arm operably connected to the drive section to move the scara arm. The scara arm has an upper arm and at least one forearm. The forearm is movably mounted to the upper arm and capable of holding a substrate thereon. The upper arm is substantially rigid and is adjustable for changing a predetermined dimension of the upper arm. |
| US08376683B2 |
Low center of gravity carrier
A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Using Super Single rear wheels and an airbag suspension, for example, sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle and an increase in payload height. |
| US08376682B2 |
Obstruction clearance mode for silo with reciprocating frame
A method for clearing obstructions in a silo having a reciprocating frame uses an obstruction clearance mode. The method includes driving at least one frame in a reciprocal motion across a silo floor until sensing an indication that at least one frame has encountered an obstruction. Upon sensing the indication of obstruction, an obstruction clearance mode is initiated in an attempt to clear the obstruction. |
| US08376680B2 |
Assembly
An assembly comprises first and second components provided with holes receiving a retaining element in the form of a pin, in order to retain the components together. The pin is made from a shape memory effect material, and is inserted into the holes in a straight configuration, following which a change in temperature causes a retaining portion of the pin to deform into a second configuration, in which withdrawal of the pin is prevented. |
| US08376675B2 |
Moveable tiedown
A system for securing objects in an aircraft can comprise a structure in an aircraft having a plurality of receiving holes and a tie down. The tie down can comprise a housing and a fitting. The housing can have at least one engagement pin for selective positioning wherever the receiving holes are located. The fitting can be capable of receiving and securing a restraint to the housing and configured to rotate about the engagement pin to facilitate securing objects in an aircraft. |
| US08376674B1 |
Cargo strap assembly
A cargo strap assembly constructed and arranged for receipt by a stake pocket of a vehicle wherein the vehicle includes a sidewall which further defines an opening in communication with the stake pocket. The cargo strap assembly includes a cargo strap module which is constructed and arranged to fit within the stake pocket, the cargo strap module including a retractable cargo strap having an extendable end which is constructed and arranged to extend through the sidewall opening of the vehicle. The cargo strap assembly is completed by the addition of a cover plate which is constructed and arranged to be positioned against the sidewall of the vehicle and attach directly to the cargo strap module for securing the cargo strap module within the stake pocket. |
| US08376665B2 |
Cutting tool, cutting tool kit, and method of operating the same
A rotary cutting system for releasable connection to a power tool, the power tool including a housing, a motor supported in the housing and a drive mechanism driven by the motor, the rotary cutting system comprising a universal shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end positioned opposite the first shaft end, the first shaft end being removably securable to the power tool, and a cutting tool having a first tool end, and a second tool end spaced a distance of at least 3.5 inches from the first tool end and operable to cut a workpiece, the first tool end being removably securable to the second shaft end of the universal shaft. |
| US08376664B2 |
Cutting tool and cutting insert therefor
A cutting tool has a cutting insert releasably retained in an insert pocket. The insert pocket includes a supporting portion having support surfaces and a clamping portion including a socket having a socket wall, the socket extending rearwardly from the supporting portion. The cutting insert has a cutting portion with front abutment surfaces and an elongated locating portion extending rearwardly from the cutting portion. The cutting insert is retained in the insert pocket with the front abutment surfaces abutting the support surfaces and with the locating portion located in the socket with abutment surfaces of the locating portion in abutment with the socket wall. |
| US08376663B2 |
Segmented conveyor and air film chute
A package sorting system. The package sorting conveyor system includes a conveying track, at least one unloading station and an air-film lubricated entrance chute upstream of the unloading station to receive the package. In one embodiment, the entrance chute includes a plenum including a plurality of spaced apart apertures and an opening for communicating with an air supply; and a segmented conveying surface in communication with the apertures, wherein the segmented conveying surface includes at least one air-film lubricated bottom surface and at least one air-film lubricated side wall substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a positioner assembly for selectively positioning the outlet of the entrance chute. |
| US08376662B2 |
Dynamic blower system, and methods of constructing and utilizing same
A dynamic blower system to apply shredded aluminum foil on top of existing building insulation, including: a tank into which the foil is loaded; an air input port connected with the tank to generate an air vortex in the tank; an output hose connected with an outlet port of the tank; and an internal output louver connected with the tank and positioned relative to the vortex to direct the spinning foil into and through the outlet port and output hose. |
| US08376661B2 |
System and method for increasing roadway width incorporating a reverse oriented retaining wall and soil nail supports
A system and method are provided for increasing the width of an existing roadway. The system incorporates a reverse-oriented retaining wall and soil nail supports. The retaining wall is formed by a first set of soil nails, wire mesh material, and one or more geotextile material layers. An alternate embodiment forms the retaining wall with a plurality of concrete blocks stacked and spaced to form a block wall. The blocks are mounted over the first set of nails and can be filled with mortar. Backfill material fills a gap between the existing sloping surface and the retaining wall. A second set of soil nails can be provided for additional subsurface support. An upper surface of the backfill material can be paved to form the extended roadway width. |
| US08376657B2 |
Berm and method of construction thereof
A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises a reinforced portion and backfill material. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess having a collective top surface. The reinforced portion has opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprises structural fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The backfill material has an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion. The backfill material comprises contaminated fill material and is at least partially encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill. Portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter. |
| US08376656B2 |
Electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith
A method for selectively generating electrical power uses water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the water flow. |
| US08376655B2 |
Compactor with smooth hose routing
A compactor with a hose routing includes a drum connected to a frame with a support. The frame defines an interior space of the compactor and includes a plate through which an opening extends to the interior space. A hose assembly extends from an end of the drum through the opening to the interior space without the use of bulkheads. |
| US08376653B2 |
Self-propelled road construction machine
In an automotive road construction machine (1), with a working drum (6) for working a ground surface or traffic surface (3) mounted at a machine frame (4), a combustion engine (10) for driving the working drum (6), and a drive train (8) between the combustion engine (10) and the working drum (6), it is provided that at least one vibration damper (5) and/or vibration absorber is arranged at the working drum (6) or in the drive train (8) downstream of the combustion engine (10), with the said vibration damper (5) and/or vibration absorber eliminating or reducing rotary vibrations generated by the combustion engine (10). |
| US08376651B2 |
Water-ballasted protection barriers and methods
A water-ballasted molded plastic barrier system incorporates barrier segments wherein each segment employs a sawtooth reflective design, designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. Wire rope cable assemblies are internally molded into each barrier segment to create an impenetrable cable fence. The wire rope cable assemblies include steel bushings which are molded into the interlocking knuckles to further strengthen the barrier system. |
| US08376650B2 |
Bollard assembly
A bollard assembly is disclosed that includes an elongate hollow bollard having opposed first and second ends, a sidewall extending between the first and second ends, and through hole formed in the side wall. The assembly also includes a sleeve configured to receive and support a lower portion of the bollard, and a hollow cylindrical insert disposed within the lower end of the bollard. A pin protrudes outward from the insert sidewall, extends through the bollard through hole and engages the sleeve, whereby the assembly is retained in an assembled configuration. The bollard includes a prescribed breakaway line along which an upper portion of the bollard can be separated from the lower portion upon sufficient impact. Once the upper portion is broken away, the insert permits the lower portion of the bollard to be removed from the sleeve and replaced with a replacement bollard. |
| US08376649B2 |
Coupling device for transmitting a torque
A coupling device is provided for transmitting a torque between a drive element and a clutch, for example of a motor vehicle. The coupling device includes a first shaft and a second shaft being coupled together in a positive fit. The device is equipped with an elastic element which in the positive-fit connection generates a pre-tension to suppress rattling noises. |
| US08376648B2 |
Rotational bearing assembly
The present invention relates to a rotational bearing assembly including a pivot pin and a rotation member having an aperture within which the pivot pin is located such that the rotation member can rotate relative to the pivot pin. A bearing is at least partially disposed between the pivot pin and rotation member. The bearing has an axial portion which extends axially within the aperture of the rotation member and at least partly over the pin, and first and second flanges which extend at least partly over upper and lower edges of the aperture. |
| US08376643B2 |
Oral care instrument including an oral care agent
An oral care instrument includes at least one oral care agent. In one embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided on one or more surfaces of the oral care instrument or included within cavities within the head or in one or more surfaces of a head. In other embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided in or on a thin slab subsequently bonded onto a surface, or applied as a stable coating. The oral care instrument can also be provided with a wear indicator. The oral care agents can be released during one use, during multiple uses, or throughout the life of the instrument. Water, oral secretions and/or chemicals within the mouth can activate the oral care agents. |
| US08376638B2 |
Keyboard with rotation detection module and pivotable supporting member
A keyboard includes a main body, a rotation detecting module, and a swivel hinge. The main body is disposed with a plurality of keys. The rotation detecting module is used for detecting the rotation of the main body. The swivel hinge is detachably connected to the main body. The swivel hinge includes an extending arm being rotatable with respect to the main body; and a supporting member pivotally engaging with the extending arm for supporting the main body. |
| US08376636B2 |
Focal-plane shutter and optical apparatus
A focal plane shutter includes: an electromagnet; a board including an opening; blades capable of opening and closing the opening; a drive member holding an iron piece adsorbed to the electromagnet and driving the blades, the drive member being movable such that the iron piece moves toward and away from the electromagnet and being biased by a spring such that the iron piece moves away from the electromagnet; and a holding board facing the board and including a pair of sandwiching portions elastically deformable and holding and sandwiching the electromagnet. The electromagnet includes a restriction portion engaging the board and restricting a movement of the electromagnet in a direction where the iron piece moves away from the electromagnet. |
| US08376633B2 |
Optical path changer component, optical connector and optical device
An optical connector is comprised of a main body and a wall formed in the main body and having a wall face which has guiding slots curving at an angle of about 90 degrees or one or more optical fiber holes. Optical fibers inserted into the main body along the lateral direction are made curved by the guiding slots or the optical fiber holes toward photoelectric devices disposed on an upper or lower face thereof. |
| US08376630B2 |
Hybrid 8P8C RJ-45 modular plug configured with both optical and electrical connections for providing both optical and electrical communications capabilities, and a method
A hybrid RJ-45 plug is provided that has both an electrical coupling configuration and an optical coupling configuration. The electrical coupling configuration is an 8P8C electrical wiring configuration that complies with the RJ-45 electrical wiring standard. The optical coupling configuration includes an optics system that provides the plug with optical communications capabilities. The hybrid RJ-45 plug is backwards compatible with an existing RJ-45 jack that implements an RJ-45 electrical wiring standard. However, the hybrid RJ-45 plug is also configured to mate with an optical jack that has only optical communications capabilities and to mate with a hybrid RJ-45 jack that has both optical and electrical communications capabilities. |
| US08376629B2 |
Fiber optic connector assembly employing fiber movement support and method of assembly
A fiber optic connector assembly and method employing one or more fiber movement supports. The one or more fiber movement supports are each disposed around one or more optical fibers and are configured to inhibit kinks or sharp bends from occurring in the one or more optical fibers. The fiber movement support is more rigid than an optical fiber. Thus, when a force is exerted on an optical fiber in a direction angled to the axis of the optical fiber, the force is directed to the fiber movement support. The fiber movement support translates the non-axial force in a direction toward the axis of the optical fiber. This causes the optical fiber to be pushed back towards the fiber optic cable instead of the kinking or bending the optical fiber, thus avoiding or reducing high insertion losses resulting from bending of the optical fiber. |
| US08376628B2 |
Optical connector plug
A stopper 50 is fixed to an optical connector 10, and the optical connector 10 is accommodated in an opening section 21 of a housing 20. The housing 20 is engaged with the stopper 50 so as to be displaceable with respect to the stopper 50 by a predetermined amount in a direction of inserting the optical connector 10 to a receptacle, and the stopper 50 is biased rearward by a coil spring 40 with respect to the housing 20. The free end of a clip piece 15 is placed on the free end of a latch piece 14 of the optical connector 10, and the free end of the clip piece 15 is placed on an inclination surface 23a at the front end of a concave section 23 formed on an inner wall surface of the opening section 21. At the time of detachment from the receptacle, the housing 20 is displaced in a direction to be pulled out against the biasing force of the coil spring 40. Accordingly, the clip piece 15 and the latch piece 14 are pushed down by the inclination surface 23a to release the lock of the latch piece 14. The detachment from the receptacle can be made in one motion. |
| US08376627B2 |
Thrust plate for engaging a bearing of a drive assembly
A thrust plate for use in a drive assembly between an end of an axle shaft and a bearing, the bearing retained within a housing of a rotatable final drive component, the thrust plate having a first end that defines an axle engaging wear surface and a second end that includes an extension configured for fitted engagement with the bearing, the thrust plate further including a central axis of rotation, where the axle engaging wear surface is disposed transverse to the central axis. A thrust plate and bearing assembly for a final drive cover plate includes the thrust plate in combination with a spherical thrust bearing, these components also being provided in a rebuild kit. |
| US08376621B2 |
Washer and motor bearing system comprising the same
A washer, including a central axial hole, a first oil retainer, a second oil retainer, and a transition groove. The central axial hole allows a motor shaft to pass therethrough. The first oil retainer and the second oil retainer are formed on the washer. The transition groove is disposed between the first oil retainer and the second oil retainer. |
| US08376618B2 |
Thrust washer and radial/axial bearing having such a thrust washer
A thrust washer (14) in the form of a semi-circular flanged ring includes at least two radially inward-directed outer connection pieces (22) on the inner edge of the thrust washer (14) for the connection with a radial bearing part (12), which are located in the circumferential direction on both sides of a contrived centerline (M) of the thrust washer (14) and in each case have an inner edge (23) facing the center line (M) and an outer edge (23a) turned away from the centerline (M). The invention also relates to a radio axial bearing with a radial bearing part and a thrust washer of such a type connected with the radial bearing part. The inner edges (23) in each case include an angle (α), which is 45° and 85°, with a tangent on the inner side connected in the center of the connection piece (22) at the semi-circle described by the thrust washer (14), in which the outer edge (23a) runs parallel to the respective inner edge (23). Such a thrust washer (14) can be connected with a radial-axial bearing (10) with a radial bearing part (12). |
| US08376616B2 |
Bearing assembly for a downhole motor
In a downhole motor bearing section having a cylindrical mandrel rotatably disposed within a cylindrical housing, a bi-directional thrust bearing is disposed within a four-shouldered annular containment chamber formed partially into the inner cylindrical wall of the housing and partially into the outer cylindrical wall of the mandrel. Under on-bottom loading conditions, thrust loads are transferred through the thrust bearing by the upper shoulder of the housing and the lower shoulder of the mandrel. The radial widths of these two shoulders are both symmetrical about the centerline of the thrust bearing such that on-bottom thrust loads are transferred non-eccentrically to the thrust bearing, thereby avoiding twisting loads on the thrust bearing races, increasing the effective on-bottom load capacity of the thrust bearing and extending its service life. |
| US08376611B2 |
Circuits and methods for temperature detection
A temperature detection circuit includes a sensor, an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and a resistor. The sensor is operable for sensing a temperature. The IC chip can compare a sense voltage indicative of the temperature with a threshold voltage indicative of a temperature threshold to determine a temperature condition. The IC chip has a substantially constant parameter. The resistor is externally coupled to the IC chip. The IC chip maintains a current ratio, including a ratio of a first current flowing through the sensor to a second current flowing through the resistor, equal to the substantially constant parameter. |
| US08376608B2 |
Energy-saving static stirring apparatus for automatically stirring a fluid
An energy-saving static stirring apparatus for automatically stirring a fluid includes a deflector adapted for stationary placement in a container that holds a fluid for boiling. The deflector may include at least one friction contact point for frictionally engaging the container to prevent movement of the deflector. An inner portion of the deflector may be configured for placement proximate to a center of the container. An outer portion of the deflector may be configured for placement proximate to a side of the container. One or more deflector ramps define one or more vent openings to impart lateral movement to heated fluid currents and/or vapor bubbles moving upwardly away from a heat source below the container and to redirect the fluid currents and/or vapor bubbles into a swirling motion that stirs the fluid without movement of the deflector. |
| US08376606B2 |
Water resistant and replaceable LED lamps for light strings
Disclosed is a waterproof lamp assembly that allows easy replacement of LED elements to be replaced. The electrical wires providing power to the light string are molded together with a lamp holder and covered with a lamp cover to create a watertight seal. The entire lamp assembly is waterproof and the LED elements are replaceable. No soldering is required in the assembly process. |
| US08376604B2 |
Frame structure of backlight module
A frame structure of a backlight module includes a body and a mold frame. A side wall surrounds a bearing surface of the body, and the side wall has at least one stopper and at least one positioning hole. A side edge of the mold frame has at least one positioning post. When the mold frame is disposed on the side wall, the side edge of the mold frame leans against the stopper, and the positioning post of the mold frame is embedded in the positioning hole. |
| US08376602B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp has one or more red LEDs, one or more green LEDs, and one or more white LEDs. The plurality of LEDs produces light that is mixed to produce a combined light output that has color approximating that of a blackbody radiator and having a correlated color temperature of 3,800 to 5,400 Kelvin. |
| US08376600B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device includes a substantially cylindrical tube defining an interior and an exterior, and a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the tube defines a substantially cylindrical opening disposed in a plane at a first angle that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second end of the tube defines a substantially elliptical opening disposed in a plane at a second angle that is substantially non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A reflective surface is provided on the interior of the tube, and a substantially cylindrical flashing is provided about the exterior of the tube. A substantially transparent dome is coupled to the tube proximate the first end, and a diffuser is coupled to the tube proximate the second end. |
| US08376596B2 |
Piece of motor vehicle interior equipment and associated method of manufacture
This piece includes a rigid support frame (12) and an external skin (14) of soft appearance. The skin (14) has an exterior surface (24) intended to be placed opposite an occupant of the motor vehicle. The piece includes a foam layer (16) inserted between the support frame (12) and the exterior skin (14) and an assembly (18) for displaying at least one light signal on the exterior surface (24) of the skin. The display assembly (18) includes a device (30) for illuminating, through the skin, from the interior surface (26) of the skin, a chosen region (48) of the exterior surface (24). The illuminating device (30) is flexible so that it deforms when touched. It is fastened on the interior surface (26) the skin. A region (40) of the foam layer (16) is inserted between the support frame (12) and the illuminating device (30). |
| US08376595B2 |
Automatic headlamp control
An automatic headlamp control system for a vehicle which has an image sensor having a forward field of view that captures image data of a scene forward of the vehicle. The image processor processes the image data and detects objects of interest. A controller is responsive to the image processing to control a beam illumination state of the headlamps of the equipped vehicle. The controller is operable to detect at least a partial blocking condition at the image sensor and is operable to limit switching to a different beam illumination state in response to a signal indicative of an outside temperature at the equipped vehicle being below a threshold temperature level. |
| US08376590B2 |
Method of manufacturing a light emitting unit and light emitting device manufactured using the method
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a light emitting unit including mounting at least one light emitting element on a printed circuit board (PCB), connecting at least one terminal to the PCB, the at least one terminal to provide power to the at least one light emitting element, and molding a housing to enclose a light emitting part including the PCB and the at least one terminal. |
| US08376588B2 |
Gain structure of LED tubular lamp for uniforming light and dissipating heat
A gain structure of an LED tubular lamp for uniforming light and dissipating heat is disclosed. The gain structure allows the LED tubular lamp to give out even illuminance without eye-offending peak illuminance of LED chips. The LED tubular lamp has an illuminator, which includes a substrate equipped with spaced LED chips, wherein the LED chips are arranged in a density equal to or greater than 2 chips/cm2, so that the LED chips illuminate through the frosted housing jointly present pleasing, uniform illuminance. The substrate is provided with metal sheets serving to absorb heat generated by the LED chips that are illuminating, so as to accelerate heat dissipation and thereby prevent the LED chips from premature aging that degrade their brightness. |
| US08376585B2 |
Energy efficient illumination apparatus and method for illuminating surfaces
A system for illuminating an object is provided, the system comprising a coherent or semi-coherent light source and a first diffuser positioned relative to the coherent or semi-coherent light source so as to receive said coherent or semi-coherent light. The first diffuser may diffuse the light to produce diffused light. An actuator having a moveable element, such as a moveable reflective surface, may be positioned to project the diffused light onto an object, and may be moved to project light onto different portions of the object. This movement may be performed with such rapidity that it is not perceived by a person viewing the object. Rather, the entire object would appear to be illuminated. Movement of the element may be controlled by a computer, and may be performed according to a predefined routine. |
| US08376583B2 |
Lighting system with customized intensity and profile
A lighting and energy conservation system for low temperature applications includes LEDs as a light source. The LEDs are provided in a modular LED light fixture. The fixture includes a frame supporting a reflector having a plurality of elongated channels. Mounting strips are removably installed in each of the elongated channels, and LEDs are mounted on each of the mounting strips. Interchangeable lenses are provided over the LEDs and are removably coupled to the mounting strip by a quick-connect device. A separate multi-position power control device is associated with each of the mounting strips, so that a total light output intensity and profile of the fixture can be individually customized by any one or more of: interchanging lenses on the LEDs, interchanging mounting strips within the elongated channels, and selectively adjusting the multi-position power control device for each of the mounting strips. |
| US08376572B2 |
Backlight device for liquid crystal module
A backlight device includes a frame, a linear light source, and a lamp holder. The lamp holder supports the linear light source. The lamp holder includes an arc-shaped arm component, a concave protrusion, and a pair of convex protrusions. The arm component has a middle portion and a pair of end portions. The end portions extend from the middle portion, respectively. The concave protrusion extends from the middle portion in a radial inward direction of the arm component. The concave protrusion has a concave face that contacts an outer peripheral face of the linear light source. The convex protrusions extend from the end portions in the radial inward direction of the arm component, respectively. Each of the convex protrusions has a convex face that contacts the outer peripheral face of the linear light source such that the convex protrusions press the linear light source against the concave protrusion. |
| US08376569B2 |
Clamping flashlight
A flashlight includes a lamp head configured to emit light; a lamp head holder including a lower base, an upper base and a first pivot mount supported by the upper base, the upper base being rotatably connected to the lower base such that the upper base and the lower base are rotatable relative to each other about a first axis of rotation, and the lamp head being rotatably connected to the pivot mount such that the lamp head is rotatable relative to the upper base about a second axis of rotation defined by the pivot mount; and a clamp pivotably connected to the lower base of the lamp head holder. |
| US08376559B2 |
Lens module comprising at least one exchangeable optical element
Disclosed is a lens module, especially a projection lens for semiconductor lithography, comprising at least one replaceable optical element that is disposed in a lens housing. At least one gas exchange device is positioned in an area of the replaceable optical element in such a way that a receiving zone for the replaceable optical element can be flushed when the optical element is replaced. |
| US08376556B2 |
Focus unit fastening device for projector
Provided is a focus unit fastening device for a projector, in which a plurality of fastening portions for coupling a focus unit to the projector by pushing and inserting the focus unit into the projector are formed integrally with a main body housing and the focus unit. The focus unit fastening device includes a projector main body housing, a focus unit engaged to the main body housing, a first fastening portion provided on the main body housing and the focus unit to fasten the focus unit to the main body housing by pushing the focus unit in a first direction and to prevent the focus unit from moving in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second fastening portion provided on the main body housing and the focus unit to fasten the focus unit to the main body housing by pushing the focus unit in the first direction and to prevent the focus unit from moving in the first direction. |
| US08376554B2 |
Projector having a dynamically positioned shutter
A projector includes: a projection optical device; an exterior housing; a shutter; and a support member, the shutter and support member are provided with an engagement structure including an engagement protrusion which being provided on either one of them, protrudes along a vertical axis, and an engagement groove which being provided on the other, and extending in a direction in which the shutter moves, guides a movement of the engagement protrusion by the engagement protrusion being inserted therein, and the engagement groove is provided in such a way that a start end at which the engagement protrusion is positioned in the closed position is positioned to the projection optical device projection side of a finish end at which the engagement protrusion is positioned in the open position. |
| US08376552B2 |
Color wheel module for projector
A color wheel module includes a color disc having a plurality color filter segments, a liquid crystal ring, and a controller. Each border is defined between each two adjacent color filter segments, the borders comprising a reference border. The liquid crystal ring is positioned on the color disc to cover the color filter segments. The controller is connected to the liquid crystal ring. The controller includes a synchronizing module and a shading module. The synchronizing module obtains an central angle of the color disc between a light path perpendicularly radiating on the color disc and the border on the reference border. The shading module obtains the central angle. When the central angle is less than a preset angle, the shading module controls the liquid crystal ring to block light from passing through. Otherwise, the liquid crystal ring is controlled to allow light to pass through the color filter segments. |
| US08376549B2 |
Laser projection display and image distortion correction method for the same
A laser projection display and a method of compensating for image distortion of the same stereoscopic liquid crystal display device having a touch panel and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. Herein, the method includes displaying a picture including a red image, a green image, and a blue image, selecting one of the red image, the green image, and the blue image so as to perform pixel alignment of the picture, calculating pixel coordinate values x+dx and y+dy corresponding to the selected image (herein, x represents the x coordinate value prior to alignment, y represents the y coordinate value prior to alignment, dx represents a varied x coordinate value after alignment, and dy represents a varied y coordinate value after alignment), calculating distortion compensation coordinate values X′ and Y′ corresponding to the pixel coordinate values x+dx and y+dy, and mapping the distortion compensation values X′ and Y′, thereby compensating for an image distortion occurring in the selected image. |
| US08376548B2 |
Near-eye display with on-axis symmetry
A near-eye display projects virtual images from an image generator to an eyebox within which the virtual images can be seen by a viewer. A first optical path conveys image-bearing light from the image generator to a selectively reflective powered optic and a second optical path conveys the image-bearing light along a line of sight from the selectively reflective powered optic to the eyebox. First and second selectively reflective surfaces fold the first optical path with respect to the second optical path to locate the image generator out of the line of sight to the eyebox. The image generator is effectively inclined to the line of sight to the eyebox for reducing a thickness of the near-eye display. The selectively reflective powered optic is oriented normal to local overlapping portions of the first and second optical paths at the selectively reflective powered optic. |
| US08376542B2 |
Pre-heating print media
A system for pre-heating print media includes a carriage: a plurality of printheads disposed on the carriage; and a plurality of heating lamps disposed on the carriage such that each of the printheads is associated with at least one of the heating lamps. Each of the heating lamps heats a corresponding portion of a print medium prior to arrival of a printhead associated with that heating lamp at that portion of the print medium. |
| US08376538B2 |
Liquid jetting apparatus and liquid supply unit of liquid jetting apparatus
A liquid jetting apparatus includes a liquid jetting head; a liquid supply channel which supplies the liquid to the liquid jetting head; an air discharge mechanism which discharges air existing in the liquid, the air discharge mechanism including an air storage portion, an air discharge passage, a valve, and a flexible member. When a negative pressure is generated in the air discharge passage, the flexible member is deformed to open the valve, and to discharge the air inside the air storage portion via the air discharge passage. Accordingly, the size of the apparatus can be made small while making it possible to discharge the air accumulated in the head unit. |
| US08376537B2 |
Composition of rotogravure hotmelt ink containing polypropylene carbonate
Provided is an eco-friendly rotogravure hot melt ink composition. More specifically, the present invention provides the rotogravure hot melt ink composition meeting requirements of a carbon footprint system by using, as a vehicle, poly propylene carbonate prepared using carbon dioxide as a raw material. The rotogravure hot melt ink prepared by the composition of the present invention has a higher printing density and more easily performs printing at low temperature than a poly vinyl acetate based hot melt ink according to the related art. |
| US08376536B2 |
Liquid cartridge urging units
A liquid cartridge urging unit includes a frame including at least one guide bar and two or more sliders. Each of the two or more sliders moves between a release position and a mount position. The liquid cartridge urging unit also includes two or more urging members configured to urge the two or more sliders, respectively, and at least one stopper disposed at the at least one guide bar and configured to contact the two or more sliders to restrict a movement of the two or more sliders. Each of the two or more sliders and the at least one guide bar includes an engagement portion configured to restrict movements of one of the two or more sliders and a corresponding one of the at least one guide bar separating from each other. |
| US08376530B2 |
Ink filling device for office machine
An ink filling device for supplying an ink to an ink container of an office machine includes an ink reservoir having an inlet port and one or more outlet openings, an ink casing having a filling member for engaging with the inlet port and for supplying the ink into the ink reservoir, and a connecting device includes a coupling pipe having one end for coupling to the outlet opening of the ink reservoir, and having the other end for coupling to the ink container of the office machine and for automatically filling the ink container of the office machine and for maintaining the ink container in the full or filled level without being filled or operated by the users themselves. |
| US08376528B2 |
Method for reducing mechanical cross-talk between array structures on a substrate mounted to another substrate by an adhesive
A method of mounting a substrate having an array of actuators to another substrate in a way that reduces mechanical linkage between the actuators has been developed. The method includes cutting a first plurality of channels and a second plurality of channels in a substrate on which a plurality of actuators have been formed, each actuator having two sides that are parallel to one another and longer than two other shorter parallel sides of each actuator. The first plurality of channels is cut between the longer sides of adjacent actuators and the second plurality of channels is cut between the shorter sides of adjacent actuators. The channels in the second plurality of channels have a width that is less than a width of the channels in the first plurality of channels. |
| US08376524B2 |
Thermal inkjet printhead chip structure and manufacturing method for the same
A thermal inkjet printhead chip structure includes a substrate, an oxide layer formed on the substrate, at least one driver circuitry each including a source, a drain and a gate and formed on the substrate and further surrounded by the oxide layer, a dielectric layer, a buffer layer, a resistive layer and a conductive layer. The dielectric layer is formed on the driver circuitry and has openings formed therethrough to expose the source and drain. The buffer layer is formed on the dielectric layer, covering the source and drain and connected to the source and drain. The resistive layer is formed on the buffer layer and has at least one heating area. The resistive layer extends above the source and drain and is connected to the source and drain. The conductive layer is formed on the resistive layer and exposes the heating area. A manufacturing method also is provided. |
| US08376521B2 |
Head attachment member and liquid ejection device
A head attachment member, in which a plurality of liquid ejection heads is attached with respect to a support drum for supporting an ejection-receiving medium, includes a plurality of head attachment parts each having a first attachment surface to which head groups are attached with the head groups each including the liquid ejection heads, and a base part having second attachment surfaces to which the head attachment parts are attached. The second attachment surfaces each having a different tilt angle. Each of the first attachment surfaces is arranged to be parallel to a tangent line which is tangent to a peripheral surface of the support drum at an intersection point of a line segment which connects the center of the support drum and the center on the first attachment surfaces between the head groups attached to the first attachment surfaces. The second attachment surfaces are integrally and continuously formed. |
| US08376516B2 |
System and method for operating a web printing system to compensate for dimensional changes in the web
A method enables changes in the operation of a web printing system in response to web dimensional changes being detected. The method includes identifying a cross-process dimensional change in a web moving through a printing system, comparing the identified cross-process dimensional change to a predetermined threshold, and changing operation of a component in the web printing system in response to the cross-process dimensional change exceeding the predetermined threshold. |
| US08376515B2 |
Pagewidth printhead assembly incorporating laminated support structure
A printhead assembly extending in pagewidth direction includes an elongate support beam; an elongate shell at least partially enclosing and restraining the support beam; and a plurality of printhead integrated circuits mounted to the support beam and substantially aligned with one another in the pagewidth direction. The support beam has formed therein at least one printing fluid reservoir arranged in fluid communication with the plurality of printhead integrated circuits. |
| US08376514B2 |
Flexible printhead module incorporating staggered rows of ink ejection nozzles
A printhead module assembly includes a printhead integrated circuit (IC) assembly having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles arranged to form staggered rows, and defining a plurality of ink channels for supplying ink to the ink ejection nozzles; a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected to supply both power and data to the IC assembly; a support sheet defining a plurality of ink holes and to which the IC assembly is bonded so that the ink channels are aligned with the ink holes; and a channel layer mounted to the support sheet adjacent to the IC assembly, the channel layer defining a plurality of slots aligned with respective air holes defined in the support sheet. |
| US08376512B2 |
Droplet discharge device and method for controlling droplet discharge device
A droplet discharge device is adapted to perform drawing of droplets of functional liquid from a functional droplet discharge head onto a workpiece in a drawing area, and to perform discharge inspection of the functional droplet discharge head in an inspection area, which is separated from the drawing area. The droplet discharge device includes a positioning stage, a flushing unit and an inspection stage disposed in this order along a common movement axis passing through the drawing area and the inspection area so that the inspection stage is disposed at a position closer to the inspection area. An image recognition device is disposed in the inspection area. A movement mechanism is arranged to move the positioning stage, the flushing unit and the inspection stage along the common movement axis. The movement mechanism is arranged to move the inspection stage independently of the positioning stage and the flushing unit. |
| US08376510B2 |
Device for servicing an inkjet print head on a hand held printer
A hand-held printer that includes an inkjet array having a plurality of inkjets is disclosed. The hand-held printer may include an inkjet cap sized to cooperatively engage the inkjet array, wherein the inkjet cap is movable between and open position and a closed position, and a plurality of wipers carried by the inkjet cap, wherein each of the plurality of wipers is configured to engage one of the plurality of inkjets as the inkjet cap moves from the open position to the closed position; and wherein each of the plurality of wipers includes a gasket configured to form a seal adjacent to one of the plurality of inkjets. |
| US08376506B2 |
Drop detection
In one embodiment, a drop detection method includes: moving a light source along a first side of the drop zone to illuminate drops passing through a drop zone; and, without blocking any part of the drop zone, detecting light scattered off the drops as the drops pass through the drop zone. In another embodiment, a drop detector includes: a light source on a first side of the drop zone for illuminating drops passing through a drop zone; a light detector on the first side of the drop zone near the light source and a movable carriage carrying the light source and the light detector. The light detector is exposed to the drop zone for detecting light scattered off drops as the drops pass through the drop zone. The carriage is movable along the first side of the drop zone in a direction transverse to the drop direction. |
| US08376504B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus with humidification member for moisturing ink
A fluid ejecting apparatus, having a fluid ejecting head having a nozzle that ejects a fluid containing a solvent toward a target, includes a solvent holding member, disposed in a position that is opposite to a nozzle formation surface in which the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head is formed between the nozzle formation surface and the target but that is not opposite to the nozzle, that holds the solvent contained in the fluid. |
| US08376502B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating color separation table, and image forming apparatus
The relationship between the applying amounts of colored inks and the thickness of the layer of a color material formed on a recording medium, and the relationship between the applying amount of uncolored ink and the thickness of the layer of the color material formed on the recording medium are acquired. Based on the relationships between the applying amounts and the thickness of the layer of the color material, the applying amounts of colored inks and the applying amount of uncolored ink are determined to substantially uniform the thickness of the layer of the color material when forming an image on a recording medium. A color separation table for color-separating image data is generated based on the applying amounts of colored inks and the applying amount of uncolored ink. |
| US08376497B2 |
Control system to minimize inadvertent ink jetting
A printer includes a web transport that is configured to transport a web of media along a transport path through the printer. Printheads in the printer are associated with web detectors that detect the presence or absence of the web opposite the printheads. A controller in the printer is operatively connected to the web detectors to alter operation of the printer with reference to the presence or absence of the web opposite the printheads. |
| US08376496B2 |
Color consistency for a multi-printhead system
A printing system using multiple printheads maintains color consistency between the printheads by printing a first color patch (102) with a first color with a plurality of printheads (30) at a first pressure and with a first pixel fill coverage. A second color patch (104) is printed with the first color with the plurality of printheads at a second pressure with the first pixel fill coverage. The print density of the first patch and the second patch is measured for each of the plurality of printheads and the print density for each of the plurality of printheads is compared. A pressure for each of the plurality of printheads is adjusted to compensate for differences in density between the first patch and the second patch for each of the printheads. |
| US08376494B2 |
Image forming device and image forming apparatus
An image forming device, including a toner bearer including plural linear electrodes located at a first regular pitch in a crosswise direction thereof, flying a toner on the surface thereof between the plural linear electrodes with a pulse voltage thereto to form a floating toner layer; and a substrate including plural hole-electrode combinations arranged in a longitudinal direction of the linear electrodes, each formed of a through-hole and a hole-adjacent electrode located close to the through-hole, wherein the floating toner layer is formed in an area facing the through-hole, and a toner passes through only the through-holes facing a desired image from the floating toner layer with a record on or off voltage, and the plural hole-electrode combinations are lined at a second regular pitch in a crosswise direction of the toner bearer, and the second regular pitch is an integral multiple of the first regular pitch. |
| US08376492B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and controlling method of the same
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting head which includes a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle opening and a pressure generating element causing variation in a pressure of a liquid in the pressure generating chamber and which ejects the liquid from the nozzle opening by an operation of the pressure generating element; and a driving signal generating unit which generates a series of driving signals containing a driving pulse used to drive the pressure generating element. The driving pulse generated by the driving signal generating unit contains a plurality of expansion components expanding the pressure generating chamber and drawing a meniscus and an ejection component varying a voltage so as to contract the expanded pressure generating chamber and ejecting a liquid droplet. The expansion component includes a first expansion component and a second expansion component drawing the meniscus at a voltage variation ratio different from that of the first expansion component. |
| US08376487B2 |
Air extraction printer
An inkjet printer comprising an ink chamber supplying ink. An air extraction chamber is included that comprises an air chamber, a one-way relief valve for venting of the air chamber to ambient. A compressible member is used for forcing air to be vented from the air chamber through the one-way relief valve and for applying a reduced air pressure to an air permeable membrane while the one-way relief valve is closed. A carriage propels the array of nozzles, the ink chamber, the membrane and the air extraction chamber along a carriage scan path. |
| US08376485B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
A carriage with a recording head mounted therein is movably supported by a first guide member extending in a direction intersecting with a recording medium transport direction “a”. The first guide member elastically deforms accompanying movements of the carriage and is arranged deviated from a gravity center of the carriage in the transport direction “a”. An area of a second guide member that is in contact with the carriage curves in a direction containing a component of a direction parallel to the recording medium transport direction “a” in order to guide rotation of the carriage owing to the carriage's own weight when the carriage moves along the first guide member. |
| US08376483B2 |
Rotatable shelf apparatus and refrigerator having the same
A rotatable shelf apparatus and a refrigerator having the same. The refrigerator having the rotatable shelf apparatus includes a main body in which a storage space is formed, a rotatable shelf provided in the storage space to be rotated in a vertical direction, and a rotation supporting unit fixedly provided in the storage space to rotatably support the rotatable shelf. Therefore, it is possible to control the height of the storage space, to reduce the number of times of attaching and detaching the shelf in accordance with the size of accommodated food items, and to effectively utilize the storage space. |
| US08376478B2 |
Tamper-evident fastener
A container is described. The container includes a receptacle, lid, and fastener. The receptacle includes a latch. The lid is coupled to the receptacle and moves between an open and a closed position. The fastener is coupled to the lid and fastens the lid to the receptacle. The fastener includes first, second, third, and fourth portions. The first portion is coupled to the lid and extends along a first axis that is perpendicular to a plane of the lid when the lid is in the closed position. The second portion is coupled to the first portion and extends along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The third portion is coupled to the second portion and extends along an axis that is parallel to the first axis. The fourth portion is coupled to the third portion and includes a contact member that couples to the latch. |
| US08376476B2 |
Brake system in electric drive dump truck
A brake system in an electric drive dump truck. The electric drive dump truck has a generator 11 driven by an engine 10 and traveling motors 13L, 13R driven with electric power generated by the generator 11. Hydraulic brakes 20L, 20R, 21L, 20R are operated by brake pedal 18. An oil pressure sensor 22 detects hydraulic fluid pressure produced in accordance with the amount of depression of the brake pedal 18 and a control unit 14 controls the traveling motors 13L, 13R so as to operate them as generator-type retarders when the hydraulic fluid pressure P detected by the oil pressure sensor 22 is not smaller than a predetermined value P1. |
| US08376475B2 |
Device for supplying pressure to an actuation unit of a motor vehicle brake system and method for controlling said device
A device for supplying pressure to an actuation unit of a vehicle brake system, in particular to a vehicle brake system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type, including a pneumatic motor-and-pump assembly with a pump and a motor driving the pump, wherein the motor-and-pump assembly is controlled by an electronic control unit depending on a pressure level or pressure difference in a pneumatic brake booster of the actuation unit, with the pressure level in a chamber or a difference in pressure between two chambers of the brake booster being detected by a sensor. In order to maintain the availability of the service brake function as high as possible and to obtain a maximum possible redundancy, the control unit, used to control the motor-and-pump assembly includes a logic module and a power module, which are arranged separately of each other. |
| US08376474B2 |
Vehicle braking apparatus
A vehicle braking apparatus includes: a control piston configured to operate so that a reaction force based on the fluid pressure of the boosted fluid pressure application chamber is balanced with a braking operation input from the brake operation member; an elastic member including: a first face adapted to contact with a simulator piston connected to the brake operation member and slidably accommodated in the control piston; and a second face; a sliding member adapted to contact with the second face, the sliding member being accommodated in the control piston; a spring disposed between the sliding member and the control piston; and an odd-shaped portion disposed on at least one of the first and second faces of the elastic member, the odd-shaped portion configured to increase a contacting area of the elastic member and at least one of the simulator piston and the sliding member. |
| US08376470B2 |
Method for manufacturing a toothbrush and a bristle head thereof, toothbrush obtained by said method and mould for such method
A molding process and a mold for manufacturing a toothbrush of plastic material with a resistant inner core, is disclosed. It is provided to manufacture a resistant inner core, and to introduce it into a mold cavity having opposite footprints belonging to a lower half-mold and an upper half-mold (S2) and to subsequently inject molten plastic material into the mold cavity for manufacturing at least part of the toothbrush handle. A resistant metal core is placed into a respective footprint of the lower half-mold in contact with at least two support platforms, adapted to support the core in the proximity of a central line of the mold cavity, and before the injection of structural plastic material, to couple the lower half-mold with an upper half-mold having at least one ribbing to contact with the metal core at least in a position between the support platforms and in a position opposite thereto. |
| US08376469B2 |
Scraper device, as well as construction machine
A scraper device for a milling drum mounted in a construction machine at a machine frame between lateral walls with a milling drum axis, with a two-part scraper blade arranged in a height-adjustable fashion behind the milling drum when seen in the direction of travel, the lower part of which can glide over the ground surface milled off by the milling drum, where the lower part of the scraper blade is adjustable in height when in operating position, it is provided that the upper part of the scraper blade is attached, at the upper end, to swivel about a swivelling axis parallel to the axis of the milling drum. |
| US08376468B2 |
Apparatus for removal of floor covering
An apparatus is provided for removing at least one surface layer from a floor. The apparatus includes a body frame mountable by a machine operator. A blade tool assembly having a scraping blade is secured to the front of the main body frame by a blade holder. The blade tool may be replaced by a detachable transport wheel for moving the machine when not in use for removing floor covering. The blade holder is manipulated by attaching a hydraulic cylinder ram to the bottom side of the blade holder. The hydraulic cylinder is attached to a rear bracket attached below the body of the machine, whereby the hydraulics system for controlling the blade holder is protected. The angles and pivotal connections of the hydraulic cylinder to the blade holder permit sufficient power to operate the blade holder using an auxiliary hydraulic pump. |
| US08376467B2 |
Method for automatically producing a defined face opening in plow operations in coal mining
A method for automatically producing a defined face opening in a longwall mining operation in underground coal mining, using a face conveyor, at least one plow, as an extraction machine, guided on the face conveyor, and respective hydraulic shield support frames having, as main components, a floor skid arrangement, a gob shield, a top canopy and support connection rods. Inclination sensors are disposed on at least three of the floor skid arrangements, the gob shield, the support connection rods and a gob-side region of the top canopy. From the sensors, an inclination relative to a horizontal is ascertained. From the inclination data, by comparison with base data defining a geometrical orientation of the components and movement thereof during a stepping process, a respective shield height of the shield support frames perpendicular to a bed thereof is calculated and is compared with a machine-dependent fixed cutting height of the plow to establish if deviations exist. By means of a boom controller disposed between the shield support frame and the face conveyor, a height control of the plow is initiated to correct established deviations and is maintained, in the sense of a location-synchronized evaluation, until the shield support frame, which trails the plow with a time delay, has reached the position at which the plow was located at the point in time when the height control of the plow was initiated. |
| US08376463B2 |
User adjustable wheelchair backrest mounting hardware
Angle adjustable backrest made of a lightweight, durable, adjustable, backrest for ultralight manual wheelchairs. Light-weight material can include composites for a rigid backrest for promotion of healthier and functional interface. Angle adjustment can be any desired range such as a range from −5 degree to 55 degrees (i.e. 85 degrees to 145 degree with respect to horizontal with the seat). No tools are necessary for any of the angle adjustments. The backrest has a horizontal adjustment (fore-aft) that can be any desired range such as 1 inch. The height selection depends on the length of the wheelchair frame tubes. The present invention improves the ease and simplicity of adjusting the backrest by or for the user, as well as enhances the aesthetic appearance and adds features necessary for achieving commercial readiness. The present invention can be retro fit onto a wide range for ultralight wheelchairs. |
| US08376457B2 |
Wirelessly controllable electrical functional unit for an aircraft
An aircraft includes interchangeable, wirelessly controllable electrical or electronic functional units provided for use by passengers and associated with a seat or group of seats. The aircraft further includes installation sites for the functional units, each installation site being associated with one seat or a group of seats. The functional units are removable such that they can be installed and uninstalled in the installation sites or replaced during maintenance work without forfeiting the operational approval of the aircraft. Each functional unit includes an RFID reader operating in a contactless manner to identify the installation site of the functional unit and a device for the wireless transmission of the identified installation site to a database of the aircraft. An RFID tag is associated with each installation site and contains information readable by the RFID reader to identify the associated seat or group of seats. |
| US08376456B2 |
Impact absorbing structural body, shell type frame member and seat structure
To achieve further weight reduction and thinning of a seat structure. A laminated body obtained by sandwiching a planar member 4 made of cloth between planar members 2 and 3 made of synthetic resin to join them to one another via adhesive agent is used in a shell type frame member of the seat structure. Upon receipt of an impact, delamination is caused between the respective layers configuring the laminated body. Thereby, both the tensile stress and the Izod impact strength of the laminated body are lowered as compared with those of a homogeneous laminated body obtained by joining planer members made of homogeneous materials. That is, impact energy is converted to a force causing delamination between the planar members in the laminated body to be consumed, thereby absorbing the impact energy. Since the shell type frame member itself can absorb the impact, further weight reduction and thinning of the shell type frame member and a seat structure using the same can be achieved. |
| US08376454B2 |
Rear underbody for a vehicle
A rear underbody is provided for a vehicle with a rear frame structure, a floor structure forming the floor for the footwell of the vehicle and with a termination structure delimiting the footwell to the rear. It is provided that the rear frame structure extends at least partially forward and beyond the termination structure. |
| US08376453B2 |
Hollow double-walled panel and interior panel for vehicle made using same
A double-walled hollow panel (A) has a first wall (21) and a second wall (22) which are made of thermoplastic resin and arranged separated from each other. Longitudinal inner ribs (11) and lateral inner ribs (12) arranged so as to cross the longitudinal inner ribs (11) are formed in a space (V) between the first and second walls (21, 22) so as to extend through the first wall (21) and be fusion bonded to the second wall (22). The longitudinal inner ribs (11) and the lateral inner ribs (12) are integrated together via crossing sections (13). Each crossing section (13) has a hole (H) not fusion bonded to the second wall (22), and the holes (H) interconnects adjacent small spaces. |
| US08376452B2 |
Armor steel structure
A three-dimensional structure for armoring a motor vehicle is made of a steel plate and has a substantial hemispherical shape. The structure is reinforced by bending edges having an X-shaped configuration extending over the entire surface of the structure. Arranged between the legs of the X-shaped portion are sections which have surface areas between the legs of the X-shaped portion. The surface area of the X-shaped portion has a generally concave curvature, whereas the surface areas of the sections 11 have convex configurations in relation to the concave surface area of the X-shaped portion. |
| US08376448B2 |
Tailgate cover
A tailgate cover includes at least one pocket to securely fit over a tailgate. In some embodiments, the tailgate cover includes two or three pockets. The tailgate cover is made of stretchable material such as a stretchable fabric which enables the cover to be stretched securely over the tailgate. To further secure the tailgate cover over the tailgate, any coupling device is able to be used. The tailgate cover is able to include any graphic and/or text. |
| US08376447B2 |
Actuating device for a folding top compartment cover
An actuating device for opening and closing a cover of a folding top compartment of a convertible vehicle. The actuating device includes a drive unit and an interconnected seven-bar linkage system. The linkage system is pivotably connected to a main bearing of the vehicle body and is pivotably connected to the cover. The drive unit actuates the linkage system to move the linkage system between a retracted position corresponding to the cover being in a lowered closed position covering the folding top compartment and an extended position corresponding to the cover being in a raised opened position allowing access to the folding top compartment. |
| US08376446B2 |
Stow-able rigid pickup truck bed cover
A protective cover for a truck bed having a pair of opposite sidewalls includes a main body selectively configurable in a stored position and a protective position, wherein the main body is disposed adjacent the truck bed while in the stored position and shelters at least a portion of the truck bed while in the protective position and a means for securing the main body to at least one of the sidewalls of the truck bed while the main body is in the protective position. |
| US08376433B2 |
Grab apparatus for handling bins or cases
An apparatus for grabbing and lifting a case having side walls each formed with a hole has a plurality of grabs each having a plurality of pivotal lift arms each having a lower end provided with a horizontally projecting finger engageable into one of the holes. The fingers of each grab are vertically offset from one another. |
| US08376430B1 |
Hand tool
A hand tool including a handle and a tool head. The tool head is a V-shaped or modified V-shaped tool head. |
| US08376429B2 |
Jar lifter
A pair of spring-biased pivoting levers is provided with a pair of flexible elastic grips. Each grip is contoured to conform to the surface of a jar and to elastically deform around a jar as a user squeezes the levers together. Each grip can be formed with an arcuate groove for receiving an annular rib commonly formed on canning jars. |
| US08376421B2 |
Magnetic gate latch device
A magnetic gate latch device to secure a gate in a locked position to a fence or other barrier to close or block a portal formed therein comprising a latch assembly including a lower latch pin coupled to an upper latch pin actuator by an intermediate interconnecting element mounted to the fence or other barrier adjacent the portal wherein the lower latch pin is normally biased in upper or unlocked position and a keeper assembly including a keeper base affixed to the gate and a keeper arm extending outwardly therefrom having a latch pin recess formed therein with a latch pin positioner comprising a vertically disposed magnet disposed adjacent the latch pin recess such that when the gate is closed the vertically disposed magnet of the latch pin positioner moves the lower latch pin, intermediate interconnecting element and upper latch pin from the normally biased upper or unlocked position to a lower or locked position drawing the latch pin into the latch pin recess against the force of the bias and when as the upper latch pin actuator is moved upwardly the intermediate interconnecting element and the lower latch pin are moved upwardly withdrawing the lower latch pin from the latch pin recess to permit the gate to be opened as the bias maintains the lower latch pin in upper or unlocked position. |
| US08376418B2 |
Gasket-compensating latch mechanism
A latch for an appliance or the like provides a floating bolt assembly spring biasing a door against a sealing gasket in different positions depending on gasket compliance. A lock provides a stop that may adjustably bridge a distance between the latch frame and the floating bolt assembly as the gasket ages thereby providing positive locking of the door over the life of the appliance. |
| US08376416B2 |
Latch system for a door of an automobile
A system is provided for latching a door of an automobile. The system includes, but is not limited to, a first power source, second power source, a latch for the door coupled to the first power source and the second power source, and an electronic control unit configured to control an operation of the latch. The electronic control unit is further configured to determine a status of the first power source, evaluate the status of the first power source, and control the operation of the latch with the second power source if the evaluation of the status indicates the first power source is unavailable. |
| US08376411B2 |
Split body conduit fitting
A conduit fitting that comprises a first shell, a second shell, and a cover, wherein the first shell comprises top and bottom edges and the second shell comprises top and bottom edges, with the edges mating along a common plane to form a conduit fitting body, the body defining a cavity; the first and second shells further comprising attachment members to facilitate mating along a common plane; the first and second shells together defining at least one proximate opening and at least one distal opening to the cavity; the conduit fitting defining a cover opening for access to the cavity; and a cover that removably seals the cover opening. |
| US08376410B2 |
Portable data storage medium
A portable data carrier (1) includes a carrier (2) which has a first graphical representation (3) and a second graphical representation (4). The second graphical representation (4) is better protected against tampering than the first graphical representation (3). In addition, the second graphical representation (4) is configured as a reference for detecting tampering with the first graphical representation (3). Only a partial area (5) of the first graphical representation (3) laterally overlaps with the second graphical representation (4) and there is no lateral overlap between the first graphical representation (3) and the second graphical representation (4) outside the partial area (5). |
| US08376406B2 |
Pretensioner mechanism
A pretensioner mechanism comprising webbing capable of restraining a vehicle occupant; a cylinder member into which gas is supplied when specific conditions occur; a movement member provided so as to be capable of moving inside the cylinder member, the movement member being formed with a communication hole that communicates a first side and a second side of the movement member; a closure member that is inserted into the communication hole and substantially closes off the communication hole to such an extent that pressure from the gas supplied into the cylinder member causes the movement member to move towards the first side and the restraining force of the webbing on the occupant is increased; and a communication groove formed between the communication hole and the closure member to communicate a first side of the closure member with a second side of the closure member. |
| US08376402B2 |
Lower type motor driven column apparatus
A lower type motor-driven column apparatus includes a tilt unit having a column tube and a tilt link forming a plurality of hinge fixed points in order to tilt up/down a steering wheel by vertical motion generated with rotation due to straight motion of a tilt rod through a tilt motor, a telescopic unit implementing telescopic movement pushing or pulling the column tube by means of straight motion of a tele-rod through a tele-motor, and a shock-absorbing member absorbing and attenuating a shock stroke of the column tube, ahead of the tilt unit and the telescopic unit, in which the operation mechanism of the tilt unit and the operation mechanism of the telescopic unit are individually implemented, such that the MDPS can be easily used for middle-sized and large-sized vehicles which are difficult to use the upper type and it is possible to save fuel of the middle-sized and large-sized vehicles. |
| US08376399B2 |
Control unit and method for controlling occupant protection means for a vehicle
A control unit and a method for triggering an occupant protection arrangement for a vehicle are described, at least two semiconductor modules being provided for actuating the triggering of the occupant protection arrangement. The at least two semiconductor modules are provided for actuating the control of the personal protective arrangement. The at least two semiconductor modules provide the power supply voltage for the control unit. The at least two semiconductor modules also monitor these power supply voltages and monitor each other in at least one direction relative to these power supply voltages. The at least two semiconductor modules jointly execute a reset for the control unit, depending on the monitoring of the power supply voltages. |
| US08376398B2 |
Airbag and horn switch module and method of assembly of the module
An airbag and horn switch module, for use in a vehicle, is provided and includes an inflatable airbag cushion configured to provide restraint to the occupant, an inflator configured to inflate the airbag cushion, and a housing having a base and a plurality of walls extending from the base thereby forming a cavity configured to house the airbag cushion. At least one wall of the housing has at least one tab protruding therefrom. The module also includes a switch assembly including an electronic switch and an actuator, and a cover having a wall with at least one opening configured to receive the tab of the housing to thereby slideably couple the cover to the housing. The cover is configured to slideably couple to the housing prior to installation of the electronic switch by aligning the tab of the housing with the opening in the cover. The cover is configured to slide relative to the housing when the cover is depressed by the occupant, whereby the cover displaces the actuator into engagement with the electronic switch thereby activating the horn assembly of the vehicle. |
| US08376391B2 |
Cargo carrying device
A cargo carrying device is provided that is portable device and capable of transporting a load across the ground. The cargo carrying device has frame and a first section connected to a second section by a hinge. A plurality of side support members are connected to the frame as well as an adjustable support member that permits the cargo carrying device to pivot from a first, or generally horizontal position, to a second raised or angled position. The cargo carrying device also has an adjustable handle, a removable axel and removable pair of wheels. The cargo carrying device is mounted to a saddle for attachment to a hitch of a vehicle. This arrangement provides the user with an adjustable and portable cargo carrying device. |
| US08376390B2 |
Tool-free adjustable binding for sports board
A binding is adapted for coupling footwear, such as a boot, to a sports board. The binding permits easy adjustment of the binding's position on the board, while also allowing for removal of the binding from the board for improved utility of storage or transport. Adjustment, engagement between binding and board, and removal functions may be accomplished without the use of tools or ancillary components. The binding includes a movable coupler element or elements that removably couple to a retaining disc to secure the binding to the retaining disc and the board. |
| US08376389B2 |
Snowmobile ski assembly
A snowmobile ski comprises a body having a pair of rails laterally spaced from one another and interconnected at a tip. A mounting on the body secures the ski to a snowmobile. |
| US08376388B2 |
Gooseneck trailer hitch actuator
An improved hitch actuator for a gooseneck trailer includes a cam assembly mounted on the hitch receiver, a pivotal lever on the trailer, and a cable extending between the cam assembly and the lever. When the lever is pivoted, the cam assembly is moved via the cable so as to control the movement of the hitch latch between latched and unlatched positions and controls movement of the hitch pin between locked and unlocked positions. |
| US08376386B2 |
Towed vehicle having two towing modes
A towed vehicle having two towing modes has a first set of wheels positioned on a first axis defining an operative position supporting a frame. A second set of wheels is positioned on a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis. The second set of wheels has a lowered operative position and a raised inoperative position. When the second set of wheels is in the lowered operative position, they lift the first set of wheels off the ground to an inoperative position. A first towing connection is provided for connecting the frame to a tow vehicle when the first set of wheels are in the operative position. A second towing connection is provided, perpendicular to the first towing connection, for connecting the frame to the tow vehicle when the second set of wheels are in the operative position. |
| US08376384B2 |
Safeguard wheel assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle
A wheel safeguard assembly installed on a bottom of a main body of a two-wheeled vehicle includes: two guide columns attached on respective sides of a rear end of the main body; a base disposed across the rear end of the main body and behind a rear wheel of the vehicle; two rollers pivoted on respective sides of the base; two rotatable linkages, one end of each linkage pivoted to the respective side of the rear end, and another end of each linkage pivoted to the respective side of the base adjacent to the rollers; two guide slots formed in the respective sides of the base and the guide columns disposed in respective guide slots. |
| US08376383B1 |
Bicycle and basket connecting device for connecting basket to bicycle
The bicycle basket connecting device connects a basket to the threaded hole define in the lower end of the bicycle front fork and the two fork blades of the bicycle where two brake arms are connected. The bicycle basket connecting device is adjustable to meet different sizes of front forks. |
| US08376374B2 |
Rear wheel steering hand cart with integrated brake system
A rear wheel steering hand cart with an integrated brake system includes a main body (10), a push handle (20), a wheel unit (30) and a wheel seat (50) which includes an upper wheel seat (53), a lower wheel seat (51) and a rotary shaft (52); a wheel stop device (40) is disposed between a real wheel (32) and the wheel seat (50); a clutch device (60) is arranged between the upper wheel seat (53) and the lower wheel seat (51), a control rod (71) of the clutch device (60) is connected to the wheel stop device (40), and the clutch device (60) includes the first clutch element (61) and the second clutch element (63). |
| US08376372B2 |
Multiple wheel vehicle
A multiple wheel vehicle according to the present invention enables to incline freely the two wheels together with the vehicle body while keeping the ground contacting pressures of the two wheels equal. The multiple wheel vehicle comprises a pair of swinging arms 4 each comprising one-side end portion supported pivotably with right and left support shaft portions 3A and an interlocking device 6 for interlocking them alternately up-and-down. The interlocking device 6 comprises a pair of tilted members 17, a divertible member 19, and a cord-like body 20 connecting them. Each of the tilted members 17 comprises a first circular surface part 21 that has a center of a circular arc as a shaft center 3i of the support shaft portion 3A, and tiltably supported integrally with the swinging arm 4. The above-mentioned divertible member 19 is provided on the right and left and on one-side and another-side with one-side and another-side second circular surface parts 26 which has a center of the circular arc as a second shaft center 18i which is in the direction perpendicular to each of the above-mentioned first shaft centers 3i, respectively. The above-mentioned cord-like body 20 comprises one-side cord-like part 20L connecting the first and second circular surface parts 21 on the one-side and other-side cord-like part 20R connecting the first and second circular surface parts 21 on the other-side. |
| US08376371B2 |
Locking chuck jaws
A jaw for use in a drill chuck having a longitudinal center axis, comprising a chuck body which includes a jaw face formed on an inner surface of the chuck body and a plurality of teeth formed on an outer surface of the chuck body, the jaw face being substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis. A ridge depends inwardly from the jaw face toward the longitudinal center axis. The ridge includes a tool engaging surface that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis and has a width of between 0.020 to 0.060 inches. |
| US08376370B2 |
Gasket
A gasket having a concentrically waved metal sheet, i.e., a core member, which has a sheet of sealing-property layered and bonded on each of its opposite surfaces. The gasket has an enhanced adaptability of the sheet material and enables the thinner sheet to be used and at the same time makes it possible to ensure a stable sealing-property for a long period of time with a low to a high fastening-load applied. The metal sheet has valley portions, which were conventionally vacant gaps, and are filled with powdered sealing member to be embedded from the beginning. Therefore, the sheet at the valley portions of the metal sheet that conventionally could not be compressed with a low fastening-load applied can be compressed and even with the low fastening-load applied can secure a fastening surface-pressure over the entire surface. Further, since it is possible to suppress the deformation of the sheet in quantity, which was conventionally large, a sheet made of not only the high-fluidity material but also the low-fluidity material can be used as well as the thinner sheet. |
| US08376368B2 |
Sealing device for a rotating machine
A sealing device for a rotating machine includes a shaft rotating with respect to a housing containing a fluid. The sealing is provided between the shaft and the housing. The sealing device includes a first labyrinth arranged between the shaft and the housing, fins secured to the shaft and arranged in the first labyrinth, the fins being intended to discharge the fluid entering the first labyrinth toward the inside of the housing. The sealing device makes it possible to prevent any leak of fluid without friction at the junction between the shaft and the housing. |
| US08376367B2 |
Brush seal and method for mounting a brush seal
A brush seal and a method for mounting a brush seal is disclosed. The brush seal includes a sealing element provided with a plurality of filaments or wires that are joined at a filament or wire end to form a filament or wire bundle and a clamp-like sealing housing for receiving and fixing the filament or wire end between a first and a second limb and for fixing the brush seal in a mounting recess of a housing. A free end of the filament or wire bundle of the sealing element is clamped between a partial area of an inner contour of the second limb that is adjacent to a region of an outlet opening of the mounting recess of the housing and an area of the outlet opening that is opposite from the partial area. |
| US08376362B2 |
Self-contained dice shaker system
The disclosure relates generally to different devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for a self-contained dice shaker assembly. The self-contained dice shaker assembly may include a container device defining an opening into an interior configured for receipt of one or more dice and a sensor assembly in communication with the container interior. The sensor assembly may be configured to monitor, in accordance with one or more predetermined parameters, the shake quality of the dice in the container during a shaking event. The self-contained dice shaker assembly may include an identification assembly operable to identify the outcome of a respective outcome face of each die associated with the outcome of a shaking event. |
| US08376361B2 |
Method and apparatus for printed media stack management in an image production device
A method and apparatus for printed media stack management in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include determining if a media stacker device has been removed from a finishing module during a print job, wherein if it is determined that the media stacker device has been removed from the finishing module during a print job, moving one or more media path selection devices to enable the printed media to be stacked onto a media stacking tray, determining if the media stacker device has been returned to the finishing module, wherein if it is determined that the media stacker device has been returned to the finishing module, moving the one or more media path selection devices to enable the printed media to be stacked onto the media stacker device. |
| US08376356B2 |
Infinitely variable format signature collection apparatus and method of collecting signatures
A variable format signature collection apparatus is provided. The variable format signature collection apparatus includes a sprocket and a timing belt traveling about the sprocket. The timing belt includes a plurality of gripper mounts. The gripper mounts include a first set of gripper mounts arranged on the timing belt to support grippers for receiving first signatures of a first cutoff length and a second set of gripper mounts positioned to support grippers for receiving second signatures of a second cutoff length. |
| US08376351B2 |
Recording medium transporting device and image forming apparatus
A recording medium transporting device includes a shaft member that rotates when driving force is transmitted thereto, and that includes a pair of first flat plate portions, a second flat plate portion, and a through hole or a cutaway portion; a sending-out member having a recessed open portion, the shaft member being fitted to the open portion from a direction that crosses an axial direction of the shaft member; and a sandwiching portion capable of being inserted into and removed from the through hole or the cutaway portion from the direction that crosses the axial direction of the shaft member, and sandwiching the flat plate portion of the shaft member between the bottom wall and the sandwiching portion when the sending-out member is moved in the axial direction while the sandwiching portion is inserted in the through hole or the cutaway portion. |
| US08376350B2 |
Paper feeding device and image forming apparatus having the same
An image forming apparatus includes an upper paper feeding frame that is pivotally rotated in linkage with a paper feeding tray pivotally rotatably installed to a body of the apparatus, resulting in a size reduction of the image forming apparatus. |
| US08376349B2 |
Document feeder, image reader, and image forming apparatus
A document feeder includes a document placing portion, a pick-up roller, a pair of feed rollers, a pair of registration rollers, a document sensor, a moving mechanism, and a control portion. The pick-up roller can move between a sheet feeding position where the pick-up roller contacts with the upper surface of the document placed on a placement surface and a standby position where the pick-up roller does not contact with the upper surface of the document placed on the placement surface. The document sensor detects a document between the feed rollers and the registration rollers in a document feed direction. The moving mechanism moves the pick-up roller up and down. The control portion moves the pick-up roller up to the standby position at a timing when the leading edge of the card document reaches the document sensor in a card document mode in which card documents are successively fed. |
| US08376347B2 |
Conveyance mechanism and image forming apparatus incorporating same
An image forming apparatus comprises a sheet feeding cassette, a printing unit, and a sheet ejection tray. A first conveyance unit feeds the recording sheet from a front side of the sheet feeding cassette and inverts and conveys it to the printing unit. A path of a switchback conveyance unit extends from the printing unit to let the recording sheet switch back after the printing in an opposite direction to that the recording sheet is conveyed to the printing unit. A front and back side inversion conveyance unit conveys the printing sheet to the sheet ejection tray with a printed surface of the printing sheet facing down. Both of the sheet feeding position on the conveyance unit and the front and back side inversion conveyance unit are arranged on the front side in the image forming apparatus. |
| US08376344B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus equipped with the same
A folded spine of a booklet held by a pair of opposing holding members is deformed by entering a pressing member into a gap between the pair of holding members and bringing the pressing member into pressure contact with the folded spine. In consequence, the folded spine is prevented from receiving an excessive pressing force, and a smooth surface with a width substantially equal to the thickness of the booklet is thus formed on the folded spine, whereby a booklet with a good appearance can be made. |
| US08376335B2 |
Jig for cutting a brick or bricks
A jig (1) for cutting a brick or bricks, comprises a base (3) and alignment means (7, 9, 11, 13) arranged such that the brick or bricks can be laid out on the base (3) with part of the or each brick in contact with the alignment means (7, 9, 11, 13). The jig (1) further comprises guide means (35) operative to define a line to be cut along the brick or bricks, the brick or bricks being at least partially restrained and aligned by the alignment means (7, 9, 11, 13) in use such that a cutter can be guided by the guide means (35) to cut the brick or bricks along the defined line to be cut. The guide means (35) comprises an elongate guide element (43) mounted on a chassis, the chassis being adjustably mounted on the jig (1), the chassis comprising a plurality of spaced apart slots, the chassis being adjustably mounted on at least one finger (37) upstanding from the base (3) to enable the position of the chassis relative to the base (3) to be adjusted. |
| US08376333B2 |
Mechanical jig
A jig for drilling intersecting holes in a work piece. The jig comprises a base for supporting the work piece and a first template operatively coupled to the base and having a bolt-hole guide located along a first axis of the template, the bolt-hole guide having a diameter sized to receive a first drill bit. The jig also includes a second template operatively coupled to the base and having a barrel-nut hole guide located along a second axis of the template, perpendicular and intersecting the first axis. The barrel-nut hole guide has a diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt-hole guide and is sized to receive a second drill bit. |
| US08376327B2 |
Vehicle suspension
A strut assembly forming an upper part of a cylinder joined to a wheel is joined to a vehicle body via an insulator and joining member, an airtight chamber space is formed by a strut cover joined to a spring body joined to a damper rod drawn from the cylinder, whereby a CDC type damper with the chamber space of which air pressure is controlled in order to vary the movement characteristic depending on movement of a tire and a damper joined to an inner space of the spring body has an urethane made damper guider having dug air channels where air moves even in a state where the damper is in close contact with the damper rod. |
| US08376326B2 |
Rotationally restrained leaf spring clinch clip
A clinch clip for a leaf spring which is rotationally restrained in to mutually orthogonal axes. An upper clip member and a lower clip member are provided. A non-circular rivet connects a leaf of a leaf spring to the lower clip member so as to preclude mutual rotation around a rivet axis. A non-circular bolt connects together the upper and lower clip members so as to preclude rotation around a bolt axis perpendicular to the rivet axis. |
| US08376325B2 |
Diffuser membranes with modified electrical properties
A diffuser membrane for use in a wastewater treatment application comprises an additive or coating operative to substantially reduce the ability of at least a portion of the diffuser membrane to buildup static charge. Aeration efficiency and contamination resistance are thereby improved. |
| US08376324B2 |
Readjustment-preventing carburetor and a method for preventing the carburetor from being readjusted
The present invention discloses a readjustment-preventing carburetor and a method for preventing the carburetor from being readjusted. The carburetor includes an idle adjusting screw having a concave neck, an idle port and a screw hole communicating with the idle port. The idle adjusting screw is joined with the screw hole as a whole after being adjusted to a certain position, and any further adjustment will cause the concave neck to be broken off to prevent the idle adjusting screw of the carburetor from being readjusted. Additionally, the idle adjusting screw is joined with the screw hole by bonding or welding, thereby fundamentally preventing anyone from readjusting the idle adjusting screw of the carburetor and ensuring the discharge of the gasoline engine always in conformity with the requirements of environmental protection. The carburetor and the method of the present invention have the characteristics of simple process and structure, safety use and reliability. |
| US08376320B1 |
Scissor lift assembly with electrified rods for forming a retaining or barrier structure
An electrified retaining structure is provided for protecting at least a portion of a designated area. The retaining structure comprises a series of spaced apart scissor lift assemblies. Each scissor lift assembly being moveable up and down between an extended position and a retracted position. In addition, the scissor lift assembly includes one or more sets of elongated rods secured to the scissor lift assembly and extending outwardly therefrom. In the extended position, the rods project outwardly from the lift assembly and form a barrier or retaining structure. An electrical power unit is operatively connected to the rods for providing an electrical current to the rods. |
| US08376318B2 |
Zirconia powder
A powder including: (a) more than 92% of zircon particles; (b) 1% to 2% of silica particles having a size less than 50 microns; (c) 0.3% to 5% of particles comprising one, two, or three oxides selected from CaO, MgO, and Y2O3; (d) less than 1% of particles comprising other oxides; the powder also being such that it includes: more than 5% of zircon aggregate particles having a size greater than 1 mm; and 8% to 20% of zircon matrix particles having a size less than 15 μm and including, for more than 95% of the weight thereof, a monoclinic phase. |
| US08376315B2 |
Solenoid valve and manufacturing method of the same
Provided is a solenoid valve wherein control characteristics are prevented from deteriorating due to changes of magnetic characteristics of a magnetic circuit when a center post is contaminated, and the desired control characteristics are maintained for a long period of time. In the solenoid valve, a nonmagnetic layer (41) is formed on the surface of a center post (40) by electroless nickel-phosphorous plating or composite electroless nickel-phosphorous plating containing PTFE. Thus, contamination of the center post (40) is remarkably suppressed, the characteristics of the magnetic circuit for moving the plunger (30) by magnetic attraction are prevented from changing due to changes of magnetic permeability between the plunger (30) and the center post (40), the plunger (30) and a valve element (55) integrated with the plunger are suitably moved corresponding to a current applied to a coil (20), and the valve is opened/closed. |
| US08376314B2 |
Methods and apparatus to exclude function fluid or seawater from solenoid armature cavities in subsea or surface solenoid valves
A controllable solenoid valve having a sealed chamber that isolates the armature cavity from the function fluid or external water sources with oil or dielectric fluid and is ported to a reservoir or to a surrounding housing to maintain fluid communication with the armature cavity. The valve may also have a closed internal chamber filled with oil or dielectric fluid to maintain isolation of the armature cavity from the function fluid or other water sources. The closed chamber may also encompass the electrodes or the coil of the solenoid. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber is in fluid communication with transducers that sense fluid pressure. |
| US08376309B2 |
Adjustable form for a concrete stairway
An apparatus for forming steps within a concrete stairway, wherein each step has a rise and a run. The apparatus includes a stringer rail, one or more riser brackets and a plurality of fasteners. The stringer rail has a lengthwise-extending channel. Each riser bracket has a panel leg and a support leg, wherein one end of the support leg is attached to panel leg. The fasteners are selectively slidable within the rail channel. One of the fasteners attaches the panel leg to the rail and another of the fasteners attaches the support leg to the rail. Each fastener is configurable in a first mode where the fastener is slidably attached to the rail. Each fastener is configurable in a second mode where the fastener is fixedly attached to the rail. |
| US08376308B2 |
Adjustable picture hanger
A picture frame hanger is provided with an elongate strip having a base for mounting upon an upright support surface. The base includes at least one cavity extending inward from opposing surfaces to intersect and collectively form an aperture for receiving a fastener at an angle to one of the at least one cavities. The strip includes a series of teeth and a key along a length of the strip. A carriage is mounted for translation along the elongate strip, and includes a keyway that cooperates with the key for orienting the carriage relative to the strip. A flange is provided for receiving a picture frame support member. A latch is pivotally connected to the carriage for engaging the teeth. A user may disengage the latch from the strip for adjusting an upright position of the carriage. A method for forming the aperture of the elongate strip is provided. |
| US08376306B2 |
Anti-rattle track fastener
An anti-rattle track fastener assembly for attaching a fixture to a vehicle that has a track formed therein. The track includes upper walls that form a longitudinally-extending slot. Spaced-apart segments extend from the upper walls into the slot to provide undercut areas in the slot positioned under the segments. Spaced-apart openings are positioned between the segments. The fastener assembly includes a stud that extends from the fixture and is dimensioned to be received within the slot for engaging the spaced-apart segments. The fastener also includes an eccentrically-mounted cam movable between a first position and a second position. When the cam is in the first position, the stud can engage the spaced-apart segments with clearance, and when the cam is in the second position, the stud can tightly engage the spaced-apart segments. |
| US08376304B2 |
Beverage coaster with device for emptying accumulated liquid
A beverage coaster comprises a top surface structured to support a beverage container, the top surface including a plurality of drain holes; an inner chamber including a moisture absorbing layer and a plastic sheet below the moisture absorbing layer to seal the bottom of the inner chamber; and a bottom surface. The beverage coaster includes a device allowing a user to compress the moisture absorbing layer to force removal of accumulated liquid through the drain holes. In various embodiments, the top surface is graded and includes a plurality of substantially parallel grooves formed therein, each of the grooves including a plurality of the drain holes. In various embodiments, the plastic sheet comprises a substantially flat first surface and a second surface having a button thereon; and the bottom surface is structured to include an opening to accommodate the button. |
| US08376301B2 |
Apparatus for holding portable devices
An apparatus for holding portable electronic devices of different sizes is provided, including a receiving base, a first clamp unit and a second clamp unit, wherein the receiving base has a flat shape, with two opposite surfaces for receiving area and positioning area respectively. The positioning area forms a plurality of positioning sliding trenches in parallel layout. The entrances to the positioning sliding trenches are located at the edge of the receiving base. The ends away from the aforementioned edge of the positioning sliding trenches are closed. A part of the positioning sliding trenches has narrower openings than the width of the trenches. The first clamp unit and the second clamp unit include at least a positioning block respectively. The positioning blocks on the first clamp unit and the second clamp unit are inserted into positioning sliding trenches at corresponding locations. The first clamp unit and the second clamp unit extend to the two sides of the receiving area of the receiving base, facing each other. To adjust the holding width of the two clamps, the positioning blocks can be inserted to a different positioning sliding trench. |
| US08376300B2 |
Apparatus with a rotating body
An apparatus includes a supporting body, a rotating body assembled with the supporting body and rotating at least between a standard position and a deployed position through an intermediate position, and a biasing device for applying a biasing force to the rotating device in a direction of returning the rotating body to the standard position. A speed switching device changes a rotational speed of the rotating body from the deployed position to the intermediate position different from that from the intermediate position to the standard position in a return rotational movement of the rotating body. The speed switching device includes at least two damping devices; at least two first gears attached to the damping devices for applying damping forces of the damping devices to the rotating body; and at least two second gears formed integrally on the rotating body. |
| US08376298B2 |
Universal end clamp
A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. A flange of the first component engages a first slot of the rail. The nut has a nut extension extending from the nut and away from the module. The nut extension includes a flange configured to engage a second slot of the rail. The nut also includes a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component. The tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together. |
| US08376293B2 |
Self-supporting cantilevered mounting system and methods of installation thereof
A mounting system, in one embodiment, includes two support ears, each support ear adapted for securing an electronic component to a rack. Each support ear includes a planar portion which includes at least one hole for receiving one or more fasteners for coupling to a side of the electronic component and a portion extending perpendicular to the planar portion having a frontal area. The perpendicular portion includes at least one pin positioned on a side opposite the frontal area for engaging with at least one hole in the rack, the at least one pin extending normal to the perpendicular portion in a direction about parallel to a plane of the planar portion, and a first fastener positioned on the side opposite the frontal area for coupling to the rack, the first fastener extending normal to the perpendicular portion in the direction about parallel to the plane of the planar portion. |
| US08376290B2 |
Interconnecting alignment and support system with latching mechanism
An interconnecting alignment and support system for supporting and maintaining alignment of at least one conduit or pipe is disclosed. The system may be used, for example, during a concrete pour operation or other construction operation. The system comprises a base spacer and, optionally, one or more of an intermediate spacer and/or another base spacer. The base spacer is constructed to be capable of interlocking with another spacer on each side and the top. The intermediate spacer is constructed to be capable of interlocking with another spacer on each side and both the top and bottom. The interlocks on the spacers may be releasably latched when fully interlocked. By interlocking the spacers, a matrix structure for aligning and supporting conduit or pipe may be created. The base spacer is attachable to a surface, so that the alignment and support system may be fixed in place. |
| US08376288B2 |
Lateral storage spool for overhead cable pathway
A system including an overhead cable pathway structure and a cable storage device that mounts overhead to the cable pathway structure. The cable storage device including a storage spool and a cable pathway exit having a curved surface that guides excess cable exiting from the overhead cable pathway structure to the spool. |
| US08376285B1 |
Active systems and methods for controlling an airfoil vortex
Active systems and methods for controlling aircraft vortices are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment is directed to an aircraft system that includes an airfoil having first and second oppositely facing flow surfaces and a tip. The system can further include a vortex dissipation device carried by the airfoil, with the vortex dissipation device including an orifice positioned to direct a flow of fluid outwardly from the tip, an actuator operatively coupled to the fluid flow orifice and positioned to change a manner in which flow is directed outwardly from the tip, and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator to direct the operation of the actuator. The vortex dissipation device can be activated to accelerate the rate at which vortices (e.g., wing tip vortices) dissipate after they are generated, for example, by alternately pulsing flow inwardly and outwardly through the fluid flow orifice. |
| US08376283B2 |
Device for switchable pilot control forces
A device for controlling vehicles having a manual control unit configured to influence the direction of movement of a vehicle. The manual control unit provides, in a neutral position of the manual control unit, a trim point to determine a preferred direction of movement. The device further includes a force generating device, generating at least one force acting in the direction of the neutral position of the manual control unit; a trim coupling operable to reduce the at least one force acting on the manual control unit; and a trim control unit configured to store and retain the trim point existing prior to an operation of the trim coupling. |
| US08376282B2 |
Collapsible structures
Collapsible solar array structures are disclosed that include a collapsible structure and detachable solar array. The solar array can be detached stowed separately from the collapsible structure. The collapsible structure can include a plurality of longerons and/or support structures. Longerons can have a slit along a longitudinal length of the longeron. |
| US08376280B1 |
Aerodynamic deflector shield for protection of optical devices mounted on fixed-wing aircraft
In a method for operating an infrared countermeasure optical device on an aircraft, the improvement comprises the steps of positioning a deflector upstream from the optical device to allow said optical device to operate in high-speed freestream flows. |
| US08376272B2 |
Landing gear
An auxiliary actuator mechanism includes a lever, a spring unit and a control linkage. The lever is pivotally connected to the upper portion of a main shock absorber strut, and pivotable between an upper position for take-off, and a lower position. The spring unit is pivotally connected at an upper end to the lever and at a lower end to the bogie at an auxiliary pivot forward of the main pivot. The control linkage is connected between the lever and the upper portion of the main shock absorber strut to define the upper predetermined position of the lever. The control linkage is connectable to an anchor point that moves relative to the upper portion of the main shock absorber strut during stowing, and is operated by initial stowing movement of the stowing mechanism to lower the lever from the upper position to a stowing position. |
| US08376270B2 |
Structural dynamic stability for an aircraft
An improvement and method for improved structural dynamic stability for 20 and 30 Series Learjets are disclosed. The improvement includes a redistribution of the elevator mass balance to uncouple the elevator rotational motion from the stabilizer translation motion for the higher order horizontal frequencies having node lines in the proximity of the mass outboard counterbalance weights. The original tail section includes a rudder, and a horizontal stabilizer supporting an elevator mounted adjacent the rudder. The elevator includes a proximal end adjacent the rudder and a distal end that includes a counterbalance portion. The improvement includes replacement of an original mass counterbalance weight from within the counterbalance portion with a new mass counterbalance weight of less mass, and the inclusion of additional mass counterbalance weights disposed within the elevator and interposed between the proximal end and the counterbalance portion. |
| US08376264B1 |
Rotor for a dual mode aircraft
A rotor for use on an aircraft has a plurality (N) of rotor blades mounted on a plurality (N) of concentric masts. Each of the rotor blades has a rounded leading edge and a tapered trailing edge. The plurality (N) of concentric masts each operably mount one of the plurality of rotor blades at N different elevations. A locking element selectively locks or unlocks the concentric masts together in a plane of rotation, enabling the angle between any two rotor blades to be variable from 0-360 degrees during flight. A feathering hinge is operably attached to each blade for changing the pitch of each blade with respect to the plane of rotation as controlled by a pitch control mechanism. |
| US08376262B2 |
Aeroplane with improved acoustic comfort
An aircraft includes a cabin in which at least part of the space is demarcated by trim panels and the cabin is provided with a system for the active control of ambient noise. Each trim panel is either an active panel including actuators powered by the active noise control system or a passive panel without such actuators. In addition, the trim panels of the cabin of the one type, either active or passive, are mechanically interchangeable with a panel of the other type, either passive or active, respectively. Power supply wiring for active panels is installed in the aircraft, this wiring being capable of powering all active panels which could be installed, whether said active panels are actually installed or whether interchangeable passive panels are installed. Finally, a power supply system for the active panels is installed in the aircraft and connected to the power supply wiring of the active panels. |
| US08376257B2 |
Vibrating cone crusher
A vibrating cone crusher is capable of crushing rigid raw materials such as rocks and has a base, a bowl assembly, a transmission assembly, an inertial transmission mechanism and a head assembly. The bowl assembly is capable of vibrating and swaying. The head assembly is capable of rotating eccentrically. When operating, the vibrating or swaying bowl assembly cooperates with the eccentrically rotating head assembly to effectively crush raw materials that are installed in the vibrating cone crusher. |
| US08376256B1 |
Pill crushing apparatus
A pill crushing apparatus for crushing tablets into powders is provided. The pill crushing apparatus including a mounting bracket having a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall mounted between the first side wall and the second side wall with the rear wall mountable to a vertical surface. A crushing arm is pivotally mounted between the first side wall and the second side wall of the mounting bracket. A plate mounting arm having a first end and a second end is provided with the first end connected to the crushing arm and the plate mounting arm extending in a generally downward direction from the crushing arm. A top crushing plate is mounted to the second end of the plate mounting arm. A bottom crushing plate is mounted between the first side wall and the second side wall of the mounting bracket. A tablet is positionable upon the bottom crushing plate. The top crushing plate is maneuverable against the bottom crushing plate such that the tablet is crushed between the top crushing plate and the bottom crushing plate. |
| US08376252B1 |
Producing nanometer-range particle dispersions
Apparatus and method are disclosed for producing nanometer-range particle dispersions utilizing an immersion mill having a rotor for processing feedstock within a bed of media contained within a containment wall. An auxiliary chamber provides a chamber wall surrounding the containment wall and feedstock is passed from the bed of media, through the containment wall and into the auxiliary chamber while the media is contained within the bed of media. The feedstock is drawn from the bed of media, through the containment wall, and out of the auxiliary chamber, with an external pumping mechanism arranged for operation independent ofrotation of the rotor, whereby the containment wall is maintained unbroken by any direct connection between the rotor and the external pumping mechanism and remains effective in containing the media within the bed of media. |
| US08376249B2 |
Movable structure of faucet outlet
A movable structure of a faucet outlet including a faucet body, a connecting tube, a switching valve stick, a valve unit, a water outlet head and a cover, wherein the faucet body has a water channel in front of an inner space therein and a water outlet with a downward opening. A converging space at the faucet body has a board and a positioning hole. The water outlet head is an elongated and hollow body where a plurality of separation boards are formed to generate a plurality of water outlet channels, and a connecting point is formed at each lateral side of the water outlet channel. The other side of the cover has a sealing surface next to the water channel to securely cover on the water outlet of the cover, and a water-stopping ring is located between the water outlet and the cover. |
| US08376248B2 |
Faucet having pull-out spray handle
The disclosure provides faucets, faucet assemblies and methods for delivering liquid through a faucet. The faucet includes a faucet body having a first open end configured for connection with a faucet base, a second open end for receiving a faucet handle, and a faucet body portion having an opening therein. The faucet body has an inner wall defining a passage extending therethrough. The faucet also includes a faucet handle and a spray handle having a first end section and a sprayer end section. The first end section is configured to be detachably connected to the faucet body portion, and the spray handle has an inner wall and a passage extending therethrough which is in open communication with the passage through the faucet body. The faucet also has a hose connection that can receive a hose for delivering liquid to the spray handle. The hose connection may be in the sprayer end section of the spray handle. The faucet may also include a mechanism for liquid flow control and/or a pull-down diverter in liquid communication with the hose connection for aerated or spray flow. |
| US08376246B2 |
Novelty drinking straw with flow regulator
A reusable or confectionery drinking straw includes a second end portion mouthpiece having a single aperture or multiple apertures, the sensation of the liquid flowing through the aperture(s) capable of being modified by the user. The mouthpiece of the straw device is integral to the straw or it may be removably attached to the straw. The drinking straw device may be edible, partially edible, or inedible. The drinking straw device may be in the form of a bracelet, which may be edible, partially edible, or inedible. |
| US08376242B1 |
Wireless user interface for an HVAC controller and method of operating the same
A wireless user interface for an HVAC controller, a method of operating a wireless user interface for an HVAC controller and an HVAC system incorporating the wireless user interface or the method. In one embodiment, the wireless user interface includes: (1) a chassis having a display and at least one control button and containing a temperature sensor and wireless communication circuitry and (2) a microcontroller configured to cause the wireless communication circuitry to generate outbound data packets for wireless transmission to the HVAC controller containing temperature readings from the temperature sensor and when the at least one control button is pressed and receive inbound data packets from the HVAC controller that determine a content of the display. |
| US08376240B2 |
Method and system for creating and using barcodes
Methods for efficiently retrieving information from an image of a symbol are described. Symbols are described that contain detection patterns that facilitate the determination of location, alignment, size and orientation of the symbol in an image. Detection patterns are described that possess geometric shapes susceptible to efficient decoding using probabilistic detection algorithms. Detection patterns are described that are provided in colors, shapes and sizes different from the color, shape and sizes of modules carrying information in the symbol. Methods are described for identifying the location and size of detection patterns in images of the symbol and for locating modules in the symbol to facilitate extraction of information carried by the modules. |
| US08376238B2 |
Semiconductor storage device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a memory chip and a controller chip. A circuit board includes a first surface on which an array of external connection terminals are provided and an second surface on which the memory and controller chips are provided. An array of connection pads is provided on the second surface and outside the memory chip at an external connection terminal side. An array of resistor devices is provided on the second surface and along the array of connection pads at the opposite side of the memory chip. Plugs outside near-memory-chip ends of the external connection terminals penetrate the first and surfaces. A first wiring passes outside the array of resistor devices and the array of connection pads on the second surface, and connects one resistor device and one plug. A second wiring on the first surface connects one plug and one external connection terminal. |
| US08376235B2 |
Blur resistant barcode
A blur resistant barcode is disclosed. The blur resistant barcode comprise a plurality of parallel lines and spaces where information is encoded in the barcode by variations in the thicknesses of the plurality of parallel lines and by variations in the spacing between the plurality of parallel lines. The blur resistant barcode has at least one blur resistant feature that has a thickness in an axis of motion greater than a maximum thickness of any one of the plurality of parallel lines. The axis of motion is perpendicular to the plurality of parallel lines. |
| US08376232B2 |
Medical product
The invention relates to a medical product having a carrier layer, wherein one of the two sides of the carrier layer forming the surface forms an outer side of the medical product, wherein a code is permanently applied to the side forming the outer side wherein the code is a two-dimensional matrix code indicating a uniform source indicator of an internet site comprising application-specific and/or technical data about the medical product. The invention further relates to a set comprising at least one medical product, particularly present in a package, and a decoding device for decoding the identification code and for producing the connection to the internet site, and to the use of the code. |
| US08376231B2 |
Infrared and visible imaging of documents
A payment item having a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)-line on its front is handled by generating, using visible light, a front image of the front of the payment item, generating, using infrared light, an infrared image of the front of the payment item or of a portion of the front of the payment item containing its MICR-line, and performing optical character recognition on the infrared image to identify data encoded in the MICR-line. |
| US08376230B2 |
Wireless diagnostic system and method
A diagnostic system for an oven chamber, an oven system, and a method of wirelessly monitoring item temperature in an oven chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor used for sensing the temperature of an item is moved or transported with the item by a conveyor system. Also, in some embodiments, a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor can transmit a temperature signal to a receiver located outside of the oven chamber, and can also be moved or transported with the item. Data representative of item temperature can be stored, displayed, and/or used to modulate operation of the oven in some embodiments. |
| US08376229B2 |
System and method of voting via an interactive television system
A computer implemented method includes determining, at a first computing device associated with a network, a voting status associated with a second computing device that is coupled to the network to receive video content. The voting status is based on whether voting for the video content via the second computing device is prohibited. The method includes, in response to determining that the voting status indicates that voting is not prohibited, sending data related to a voting interface to the second computing device. The method includes receiving voting input (associated with the video content) from the second computing device via the voting interface and updating a voting record of the second computing device based on the voting input to indicate that the voting input has been received. The method includes sending a message to the second computing device indicating that the voting input was received from the second computing device. |
| US08376227B2 |
Smart sign mobile transit fare payment
A system and method for facilitating the payment and collection of transit system fares using a mobile device utilizes a smart sign including near field communication (NFC) devices that communicate with a contactless element embedded within a mobile wireless device. Each NFC device is associated with a different transit location. The NFC devices may be included on the same smart sign located at one transit location or on different smart signs located at different transit locations. Alternatively, one NFC device may be included on a smart sign at a departure location and another NFC device may be activated when or after the user enters the transit system to provide proof of fare purchase. The mobile device is positioned proximate the NFC devices to activate the NFC devices and access fare and/or schedule information or purchase a fare. |
| US08376224B2 |
Self-service stations for utilizing non-negotiable credits earned from a game of chance
Entertainment credits from a game of chance can be identified. The entertainment credits can be associated with an entity with which a user has previously interacted. The previous interactions can earning the entertainment credits, which are non-negotiable credits. Responsive to a user request, a conversion agency can convert a quantity of the entertainment credits to a quantity of negotiable funds, wherein the conversion agency is not directly associated with the entity. The user can be permitted to access the quantity of negotiable funds within a vendor kiosk physically proximate and distinctly independent of the entity, wherein the quantity of negotiable funds are able to be applied to user specified purchases within the kiosk, wherein the vendor does not honor the non-negotiable credits. |
| US08376221B1 |
Automated banking machine with noncontact reading of card data
An automated banking machine is part of a banking system that can operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine can also receive user card data from a cell phone, including an electronic account number. The phone's banking application encrypts the account number along with an inputted random number which was generated by the machine. The phone then displays a bar code image containing the encrypted data. The machine includes a bar code reader. The random number is used to verify the current transaction session. Thereafter, normal transaction flow can follow, including PIN input. The process allows for secure input of card data without physical insertion of a card. Thus, fraudulent activities based on card insertion can be reduced. |
| US08376219B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine may also include a portal device that is operative to cause the display, card reader and other devices in the machine to operate in response to communications through the portal device. |
| US08376217B2 |
Method of barcode sequencing when area imaging
An exemplary method of operating a hand held optical indicia reader includes: capturing in a setup mode a plurality of images of setup symbologies; displaying symbology representations of the symbologies on a graphic user interface (GUI); sorting at least two of the symbology images into a sequencing order utilizing the GUI; storing the sequencing order; capturing in a use mode an image of a target having at least one use symbologies provided thereon, the at least one use symbologies correlating with at least one of the setup symbologies; decoding at least two of the use symbologies; and, outputting the decoded use symbologies in the sequencing order. |
| US08376214B2 |
Carton with insert
A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The carton comprises an insert attached to at least one of the panels for restraining the articles in the carton. |
| US08376207B2 |
Micro-fluidic injection molded solder (IMS)
A portion of compliant material includes four walls defining a slot. The slot has a relatively large cross-section end in fluid communication with a solder reservoir, and also has a relatively small cross-section end opposed to the relatively large cross-section end. The slot has a generally elongate rectangular shape when viewed in plan, with a length perpendicular to a scan direction, a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively large cross section end, and a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively small cross section end. The slot is configured in the portion of compliant material such that the relatively small cross-section end of the slot normally remains substantially closed, but locally opens sufficiently to dispense solder from the reservoir when under fluid pressure and locally unsupported by a workpiece. Methods of operation and fabrication are also disclosed. |
| US08376204B2 |
Side load magazine for a fastener drivers
A magazine for a fastener driver includes an inner magazine including a first magazine wall and opposing sidewalls together defining a magazine chamber, and an outer magazine including a second magazine wall slidably engaged relative to the inner magazine to provide access to the chamber. The inner and outer magazines are configured so that at least one strip of fasteners is loadable into the magazine chamber upon the second magazine wall sliding relative to the inner magazine to provide the access. |
| US08376202B2 |
Apparatus for recovering hose
An apparatus for recovering hose, particularly coupled fire hose, comprises a lifting frame assembly, a lifting arm attached to the lifting frame assembly, a plurality of guide rollers, a motor mounted on the lifting frame assembly, an electric switch, a powered rotational drive roller, a plurality of lower rollers, and a detachable support assembly. A biasing means biases the lifting frame assembly to a plurality of guide roller mounts to allow lifting and lowering of the lifting frame assembly to and from at first and second position to allow passage of hose fitted with hose couplings. When using the relatively simple apparatus, a single operator can efficiently collect infinite quantities of hose fitted with hose couplings. |
| US08376200B2 |
Trash collector for vehicles
A trash collector for vehicles in which trash produced in the vehicles are collected and processed neatly and efficiently. The trash collector includes: a body having a space for containing trash and an opening portion; a fixing clip which is detachably installed on an inner side surface of the body; and a roll of vinyl bags which are hung on the hanging portions of the fixing clip and are successively supplied downwards in the body. Here, shield wings are formed on the inner side surface of the body and are inserted into the roll of vinyl bags to thus prevent trash from being exposed. A plurality of leaf springs extend along the opening portion, to enable the space of the body to be maintained at an opened state and with an elastic force, if flexural strengths of the leaf springs exceed threshold points of the leaf springs. |
| US08376197B2 |
Upgraded ironing machine, particularly for ironing and drying garments, such as shirts, jackets or the like
The upgraded ironing machine, particularly for ironing and drying garments, such as shirts, jackets or the like, comprises a bearing structure, a support element supported by the bearing structure and suitable for supporting a garment to be ironed, a steam or hot air supply circuit, emission means associated to the supply circuit and suitable for emitting a flow of steam or hot air for the ironing and/or drying of the garment, and suction means associated to the supply circuit for the suction and reuse during ironing and/or drying of at least a part of the flow of emitted steam or hot air. |
| US08376196B2 |
Apparatus for the interchangeable connection of a casting tube to a spout of a melt vessel
A device for interchangeable connection of a casting tube to a spout of a melt vessel with a sliding closure fastened on a melt vessel. The closure is formed by at least one stationary closure plate and a closure plate that can be displaced relative thereto, wherein the displaceable closure plate is coupled to a sliding drive system and carries the casting tube. To improve the changeover process of a casting tube and to make it safer, the displaceable closure plate carries a connecting ring for the centered accommodation of the casting tube and the displaceable closure plate carries a changing device for the casting tube. The changing device is synchronously displaceable with the displaceable plate. A tensioning device presses the casting tube onto the displaceable closure plate. |
| US08376194B2 |
Fluid or powdery product dispenser
A powder or liquid dispenser including at least one reservoir that is suitable for containing powder or liquid to be dispensed; a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve; an actuator member that is suitable for actuating the dispenser member; and a dispenser orifice through which powder or liquid is dispensed. The at least one portion of the dispenser that is in contact with the powder or liquid being made of a non-stick material includes at least one inherently electrostatically dissipative polymer (IDP) that can inherently dissipate electrostatic charge. |
| US08376193B2 |
Rodless dispenser
A push chain is used to drive a piston into a canister of extrudable material. The push chain is stored in an elongated chain magazine, withdrawn from the magazine and into the canister by actuation of a trigger connected to a sprocket for the chain. The push chain obviates the need for an elongated piston rod used in conventional extrudable material dispensers. |
| US08376190B2 |
Foam pump dispenser having leakage prevention function against reverse flow
A foam pump dispenser that has a prevention function against any reverse flow is disclosed, which comprises an air guide which is engaged at a lower side of the air and liquid mixing chamber of the piston cover member; a liquid leakage prevention spring which is located between the piston cover member and the piston member; and a liquid leakage prevention valve which is covered on the upper side of the liquid compression piston. The foam pump dispenser with the above construction is able to prevent a leakage of liquid, and is able to obtain a reliable fixed supply of air in a pump dispenser designed to properly mix liquid such as foaming cleanser, foam hand soap, shave foam, and hair mousse, etc. with air and to pump out in a foam shape. |
| US08376184B2 |
Ice dispenser with automated flap opening
A device for removing condensation from an ice duct of an ice dispenser for a refrigerator. The device may include a flap, which is arranged to seal an output opening of the ice dispenser and a controller for the flap, which is designed to move the flap between a closed position, in which the inner side of the flap contacts the edge of the outlet opening and a dispensing position in which the flap is withdrawn from the edge of the outlet opening to permit the dispensing of ice cubes. Further, the controller is designed to open the flap after expiry of a first time period, during which the flap is not moved by the action of a user or by the controller and to close the flap after expiry of a second time period. |
| US08376183B1 |
Fluid dispenser having multiple chambers
A fluid dispenser for containing multiple portions of flowable material in multiple chambers separated by dividers includes a dispensing passageway at one of the chambers, with each divider having an openable region to permit flow of fluid from an adjacent chamber into the chamber having the dispensing passageway so that only a selected portion of flowable material may be expunged from the container at a time, without all of the contents reaching the dispensing passageway until such time as it is desired. The user may select the quantity of material to be dispensed and may squeeze the chamber or chambers to break or open the desired or appropriate number of dividers to dispense the desired or appropriate quantity of flowable material through the dispensing passageway of the container. Optionally, each chamber may have a respective dispensing passageway that is openable to dispense the contents of the respective chamber. |
| US08376182B2 |
Closure with means for retaining the lid in an open position
A closure having a base and a lid is provided. The lid is movable between a closed and an open position. The closure comprises retaining means for stably retaining the lid in the open position. |
| US08376178B2 |
Hinged overflow pan
The operation of certain appliances and machinery includes the flow of water through the appliance or storage of fluid within the appliance, leading to the risk of significant fluid leakage. An overflow pan may be provided beneath the appliance to contain any fluid leakage. The overflow pan may include a movable portion which is configured to permit passage of a horizontally-extending portion of the appliance, such as a drawer. This movable member may be biased to return to a closed position when the horizontally-extending portion of the appliance is retracted, so as to form a fluid-retaining seal with the remainder of the overflow pan. |
| US08376177B2 |
Container having sealable discrete compartments
A container having a bottom section having a plurality of discrete compartments which may be sealed to prevent spilling or intermixing of contents including liquids in the compartments, sealing is accomplished by a lid having ribs, each of which is dimensioned to fit within the top portion of a compartment. A rib of resilient material surrounds each rib and is compressed when the lid is affixed to the bottom section. The lid carries a locking mechanism which when in the close position urges the central part of the lid toward the bottom section. |
| US08376174B2 |
Spill proof snack bowl
The invention is a spill proof snack bowl or container with a box section which may have a beveled bottom. The box section may be square, rectangular, round, oval or spherical. The bowl has a continuous wall to create a depth and an open top and a removable lid. The removable lid has a secondary opening which opening is closed by a secondary opening piece. The secondary opening piece is attached to the removable lid with a regular or living hinge. The secondary opening piece closes the secondary opening with a flat spring. The distance between the front wall and the secondary opening piece edge, and the distance between side perpendicular width of the secondary opening piece and side walls are between about ⅛ and ½ inch. Optionally the secondary opening has an elastomeric seal. The secondary opening piece has rounded edges, and the secondary opening has rounded ridges. The invention likewise comprises a process of providing pea or Cheerio™ sized snacks to children, teenagers or adults including the steps of removing the lid on a snack bowl, placing the snack in the snack bowl; replacing the lid on the snack bowl. The child is provided with the snack bowl. |
| US08376173B2 |
Drinking container with straw
A drinking container including a main body and a removable lid. The lid includes an opening configured to receive a straw. The lid includes a removable cover having an opening configured to receive an upper portion of the straw. The cover includes a slide mechanism adapted to move and bend the straw to close the opening. The straw is bent at an angle to prevent closing or kinking of the straw. |
| US08376172B2 |
Container lid gasket protective strip for double door transfer system
An apparatus and a process for forming a protective barrier seal along a “ring of concern” of a transfer container used with double door systems is provided. A protective substrate is supplied between a “ring of concern” and a safety cover in which an adhesive layer of the substrate engages the “ring of concern”. A compressive foam strip along an opposite side of the substrate engages a safety cover such that a compressive force is maintained between the “ring of concern” and the adhesive layer of the substrate. |
| US08376171B2 |
Method and system of a detachable nose faceplate
Detachable nose faceplate. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including: a faceplate that defines a front side, a back side and a nose aperture, the faceplate configured to removably attach to a surface; a nose portion that defines a top side, a bottom side, a nose edge and a lip that outlines a portion of the bottom side; and a passage defined between the faceplate and the nose edge. The nose portion is both: configured to couple to the faceplate in a first configuration in which the nose portion protrudes through the nose aperture in the direction of the front side of the faceplate and the lip abuts the back side of the faceplate; and configured to couple to the faceplate in a second configuration in which the nose portion protrudes in the direction of the back side of the faceplate and the lip abuts the back side of the faceplate. |
| US08376170B1 |
Recycle bin cover system
The recycle bin cover system includes a top that has legs extending downwardly from beneath the cover and of which each leg has a cap, which screws onto to enclose the hollowed cavity of each leg that is used to fill with a weighty material for use in securing the cover atop a bin. The cover features a lip that secures the cover atop said bin. The bin may include leg receivers that are designed to further secure the legs and cover to the bin. The cover is designed to increase the overall volume of the bin and to prevent both the cover and the contents of the bin from blowing away during windy weather. |
| US08376169B2 |
Anti-siphon installation assembly
An anti-siphon installation assembly includes a spring, a retainer clip mounted on the spring, the retainer clip including a support surface adapted to support an anti-siphon device thereon, and a locator clip mounted on the spring, the locator clip including an outwardly extending arm adapted to contact the upper surface of a fuel filler neck opening. |
| US08376168B2 |
Collapsible container
A container that is convertible between a collapsed configuration and deployed configuration. The container includes a lower base assembly having sides, and an upper base assembly that is removably coupled to the lower base assembly. A plurality of removable supports are removably erected between the lower base assembly and the upper base assembly when the container is in the deployed configuration, and stowed between the lower base assembly and the upper base assembly when the container is in the collapsed configuration. The container may further include a plurality of sidewalls disposed between the supports and the upper and the lower base assemblies. The sidewalls may each be hingedly coupled to a respective side of the base assembly such that the sidewalls are deployable between the collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. |
| US08376167B2 |
Portable reservoir frame
A portable reservoir frame composed of interlocking panels secured by a series of flanges having holes and pegs. An inner liner to hold liquid inside the reservoir frame is presented. |
| US08376166B2 |
Structural member for enclosure
An enclosure includes wall members connected together by structural members forming joints of the enclosure. The structural members may be extruded from aluminum or other generally rigid material and may comprise a series of mounting channels and fastener channels to which the internal components of the enclosure may be mounted. |
| US08376164B2 |
Cap without additional seal
There is described a cap without additional seal for closing an opening of a neck of a container. The cap comprises a closing disc; a peripheral skirt sized to fit around the neck, the peripheral skirt. The cap also comprises a first annular sealing lip projecting downwardly from under the closing disc, near the opening of the neck, the first annular sealing lip being folded against the neck and toward the opening of the neck when the cap is attached onto the neck, thereby allowing neutralization of any backwash effect when the container is moved. The cap also comprise a second annular sealing lip external to the first annular sealing lip and positioned so as to be also folded against the neck, in a direction opposite to that of the first annular sealing lip when the cap is attached onto the neck. |
| US08376163B2 |
Lid and container for carbonated beverage
A beverage container comprises a bottle (2) and is sealed by a lid of resilient material. The bottle includes a neck (8) defining an opening and the lid includes a closure plate (32), integral with which is a depending skirt (18) extending around the outer surface of the neck. The skirt (18) carries an annular flange (20), which is in sealing engagement with the underside of the downwardly directed annular shoulder (14) on the outer surface of the neck. The annular flange (20) is connected to the skirt (18) by an integral hinge. The internal surface of the skirt (18) carries an annular protuberance (52), which is in sealing engagement with one side surface of the annular flange, the other side surface being in sealing engagement with the outer surface of the neck. The said one side surface of the annular flange includes an annular portion which extends downwardly and inwardly and is in contact with a corresponding annular portion on the surface of the annular protuberance (52). |
| US08376162B2 |
Water jar lid structure which opens a water passage to allow easy consumption of water when subjected to depression
A water stop structure is mounted to a water jar. A main body includes a depression bar device, a resiliency device, and a water stop member. The depression bar device includes a movable depression bar that is releasably connectable to a hanger formed on the main body. The resiliency device includes a rod that maintains the depression bar in position with a first resilient element. A second resilient element maintains the rod in position to have the water stop member blocking a water passage of the main body. When the depression bar is depressed to travel through a first stroke, the depression bar disengages from the hanger to form an opening therebetween for easy hanging and use of the water jar. When the depression bar travels through a second stroke, the rod drives the water stop member away from the water passage to allow a user to drink water. |
| US08376156B2 |
Pultruded scalable shelving system
A shelving system includes a plurality of pultruded vertical posts and horizontal traverses. The horizontal traverses are coupled to the vertical posts by means of a bifurcated collar that are placed on each vertical post. Each horizontal traverse includes an end piece which is configured to couple to both halves of the bifurcated collar. Each half of the bifurcated collar comprises a wedge shaped design such that when a load is placed on the traverse, forces are applied to the bifurcated collar that squeezes each half of the collar together more tightly around the vertical post. The traverses may be coupled to one or both sides of the vertical post to allow the shelving system to be extended as far as the user desires in any lateral direction. The shelving system may also be extended in a perpendicular or other angular direction by means of a wedge shaped corner connector. |
| US08376155B1 |
Hingedly adjustable two sided storage device
A hingedly adjustable two-sided storage system and device having a front and back portion that may be secured to a fixed structure through a plurality of adjustable attachment mechanisms to allow a user to access both portions during operation and configure the storage device with a plurality of attachment hangers and components. |
| US08376151B2 |
Merchandising and displaying of towing products
A merchandising display for heavy and cumbersome products includes a rail that is supported by a display wall and arms attached to the rail. The arms are spaced from other arms to create columns and rows of retail product stock. The merchandising display further includes structure for providing indicia that assists a viewer to quickly and easily locate desired retail products and other complementary products. Customer accessible back-up inventory is provided behind the first retail product. |
| US08376146B2 |
Pressure filter with vibrator
The device according to the invention serves for classifying or concentrating liquids laden with fibers or solids by means of screening or filtration. For this purpose, a cylindrical fine screen is arranged in a vertical position in a housing comprising an axially cylindrical vibrator being somewhat smaller than the fine screen so as to produce an annular gap between the screen and the vibrator. In the vibrator, there is a vibration motor with imbalances, which generates circular horizontal oscillations. The liquid to be treated is introduced into the annular gap, primarily from above, and the concentrated liquid is removed at the bottom. The cleaned liquid is discharged between the screen and the wall of the housing. The feature of the invention is that the vibrator is mounted on at least three rubber elements which primarily allow the vibrator to perform a circular horizontal movement. However, by allowing the vibrator to move away vertically, these rubber elements also compensate for occurring vertical forces caused by unsymmetrical loads on the screen. |
| US08376144B2 |
Media separator and method
To provide a media separator including a lumped-media conveyer mechanism which receives lumped media to convey the lumped media in a predetermined direction, and a picker roller which separates the lumped media conveyed by the lumped-media conveyer mechanism, the lumped-media conveyer mechanism including an auxiliary conveyer body for conveying the lumped media to the picker roller. That makes it possible to reliably separate and send out the lumped media, when having shorter media mixed, and to achieve downsizing of the media separator. |
| US08376143B2 |
Screen panel center retainer system
A screen panel center retainer system for a vibrating separatory machine utilizes a center retainer that is provided with a retainer base which is adapted to be secured to screen stringer rails of a vibrating separatory machine. A pair of retainer channel legs form an upper portion of the center retainer and have screen panel edge receiving slots. A locking strip, having a wedging tongue, is used in conjunction with the center retainer. The wedging tongue is insertable into the channel on the center retainer which is defined by the two retainer channel legs. Flow control dams and cross dam retainers are used in conjunction with, and in addition to the center retainers and locking strips. The cross dam retainers are provided with locking strip end receiving pockets, to compensate for changes in the length of the locking strips. The screen panel center retainer system is configured to provide a functional, universal installation of screen panels on vibrating separating machines. |
| US08376141B2 |
Shelf-ready shipper display system
A shelf-ready shipper display system having a tray portion, a hood portion, and one or more zones of weakness that enable the hood portion to be separated from the tray portion so that the shipper display system can be converted from a shipping configuration to a display configuration. In certain embodiments, the shipper display system is made from a single blank. In some embodiments, the shipper display system includes a reinforcement panel that is also capable of being separated from the tray portion as the shipper display system is converted from the shipping configuration and to the display configuration. |
| US08376136B2 |
Packaging container and holder used therein
An article holder for holding a cylindrical article in a packaging container includes an upper face, a lower face, an inner face on a center side in a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical article, and an outer face on an outer side in the longitudinal direction, and at least one first article receiver formed in the upper face of the article holder to support a lower side of the end portion of the cylindrical article. The first article receiver includes a first recess semilunar in vertical cross section, forming, a semilunar opening in the inner face of the article holder as well as a rectangular opening continuous with the semilunar opening in the upper face of the article holder, and a first arc-shaped projection projecting from an inner circumferential surface of the first recess, having a radius smaller than a radius of the first recess. |
| US08376133B2 |
Protection, authentication, identification device for a collectable object
A protection, authentication, identification device for a collectable object is described. The device comprises a holder formed for assembly with at least one collectable object to provide protection and preservation of said collectable object. The holder is further formed to resist disassembly and separation with the collectable object, once it is assembled. The protection, authentication, identification device also comprises a data storage device which comprises data of at least one stored digital image of the collectable object. The data storage device is nondetachably secured to the protection, authentication, identification device. And, the data storage device is compatible with a standard computer system for display and inspection of the digital image of the collectable object by a user to aid the user in the authentication of the collectable object. In some embodiments, for example, the collectable object is a coin. |
| US08376127B2 |
Belt alignment system with rotatable bushing
An alignment system for a conveyor having a conveyor belt trained over rollers on a conveyor frame, is provided and includes pivoting members each mounted on a corresponding support bracket, the pivoting members configured for supporting tracking rollers at corresponding tracking roller shaft ends, each shaft end pivotally and non-rotatably attached to corresponding pivoting members by a rotating bushing mounted in a corresponding pivoting member; and a guide control bar having two ends being pivotally connected at each end to a corresponding torque arm connected to the corresponding pivoting member. The bar includes guide rollers positioned at both edges of the conveyor belt for lateral control of the belt. |
| US08376126B1 |
Equipment attachment adapter
An equipment attachment adapter apparatus may comprise a base frame and a throat structure on the base frame that defines a throat extending through the apparatus with an entry and exit. The throat structure may comprise a floor wall having an upper surface defining a lower boundary of the throat, a first side wall and a second side wall positioned on opposite sides of the throat, and an upper wall positioned above the floor wall. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the floor wall is curved from the entry toward the exit. In some embodiments, the throat is relatively larger toward the entry and relatively smaller toward the exit. In some embodiments, a feed roll is rotatably mounted on the base frame at least partially in the throat with chevron-shaped teeth. |
| US08376123B2 |
Device and method for opening printed products
A device for opening and further transporting of printed products with respectively at least two sheets held together over a fixed edge, including a conveying device with transport grippers driven in conveying direction (F) arranged with a distance between one another, which are designed to hold the printed products suspended on their fixed edge, as well as with an opening device arranged below the transport grippers, which is destined to open the printed products. The opening device includes an opening wedge capable of being inserted into a free edge zone between the sheets of the printed product, and the opening device furthermore includes a device for supplying blast air, by way of which the sheets of the printed product are capable of being fanned open in the edge zone, into which the opening wedge is inserted. |
| US08376116B2 |
Note storage and/or dispensing apparatus
Apparatus for storing/dispensing notes such as bills of monetary value, wherein the notes are stored between opposed webs wound onto drums, and notes having different characteristics may be stored on the same drum. |
| US08376115B2 |
Bidirectional self-locking device
Disclosed is a bidirectional self-locking device including a housing (10) and a gear shaft (20). A first locking device and a second locking device are disposed in the housing (10). When a first locking cam (30) is driven to rotate in a first direction, protuberances on both sides of the first locking cam (30) are respectively in contact with a first locking element (31) and a second locking element (32), such that the first locking element (31) and the second locking element (32) tend to move radially outward and thus tightly press against an inner wall of the housing (10) so as to form a locking engagement. The second locking device has a similar structure to that of the first locking device. When a second locking cam (40) is rotated in a direction opposite to the first direction, a third locking element (41) and a fourth locking element (42) press against the inner wall of the housing (10) so as to form a locking engagement. The first locking cam (30), the second locking cam (40) and the gear shaft (20) are connected through a central shaft (80). A first spring (50) and a second spring (60) cause the first locking device and the second locking device to rotate synchronically. |
| US08376114B2 |
Dunnage discharge safety chute
A dunnage discharge chute includes features designed to prevent injury to an operator of a dunnage producing machine. The dunnage discharge chute includes at least one door with sensors that monitor the position of the door and output position signals. The position signals are received by a controller which outputs a control signal that disables operation of the dunnage producing machine based at least in part on a change in the position signals over a predetermined period of time. Additional sensors may detect whether the door is open beyond an upper open position, and a relay may disable operation of the dunnage producing machine immediately if the door is opened beyond the upper open position. Thus, if the operator reaches in through the door, the dunnage discharge chute will disable operation of the dunnage producing machine. |
| US08376113B2 |
Actuation device for a clutch
An actuation device and a method for actuating a clutch, in particular for a hybrid drive, include a master cylinder having an interior separated by a master piston into master and slave oil chambers. The slave oil chamber is connected, via a valve in a first valve position, to a tank line leading to an oil reservoir and in a second valve position, to a pressure line of the oil reservoir. The master oil chamber is connected via a working line to an oil chamber of a slave cylinder and to a compensating tank via a compensating line as a function of the position of the master piston. The compensating tank has a compensating volume which has, at its highest point, an overflow which is connected to the tank line and in its first position the valve connects the slave oil chamber to the compensating tank via a return line. |
| US08376112B2 |
Drive force transmitting apparatus
A drive force transmitting apparatus comprises a dry clutch, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston arm, an elastic partitioning member, a first seal member and a leakage lubricating fluid recovery path. The elastic partitioning member prevents lubricating fluid that has leaked from a sliding portion of a piston of the hydraulic cylinder from flowing into the dry clutch. The first seal member is disposed between opposing surfaces of a cylinder housing and a clutch cover at a position downstream from the elastic partitioning member in a leakage flow direction of lubricating fluid that has leaked. The leakage lubricating fluid recovery path is at least partially formed by a gap between the cylinder housing and the clutch cover, such that lubricating fluid leaking past the piston is conveyed to an inside of the transmission while maintaining a sealed state established by the elastic partitioning member and the first seal member. |
| US08376109B2 |
Lever applied dry clutch
A dual clutch assembly includes a housing, an actuation member rotationally coupled with the housing, a first member coaxial with the housing, and a second member coaxial with the first member. A first clutch includes a first plate connected with the actuation member and a second plate connected for common rotation with the first member. A second clutch includes a first plate connected with the housing and a second plate connected for common rotation with the second member. At least one first lever is pivotally coupled to the housing. The first lever is pivotable to contact the actuation member thereby translating the actuation member and the first plate towards the second plate in order to engage the first clutch. The second lever is pivotable to contact the first plate of the second clutch and translate the first plate towards the second plate in order to engage the second clutch. |
| US08376106B2 |
Driving force transmitting device
A driving force transmitting device is comprised of a first rotary member, a second rotary member securely fit around the first rotary member, a third rotary member rotatably supported in the first and second rotary members for being engaged with a shaft, an anti-rotated solenoid slidably fit in a solenoid housing hollow defined by the second rotary member, and a friction clutch driven by the solenoid for transmitting torque between the first rotary member and the third rotary member. |
| US08376104B2 |
Clutch plate with slots
A torque converter clutch assembly including a torque converter cover drivingly engaged with a prime mover, a piston plate for engaging the clutch; a drive plate; and a drive ring drivingly engaged with the drive plate. The drive ring has a continuous ring-shaped segment at its outer circumference, and a radial friction wall. The drive plate is disposed axially between the radial friction wall and the ring-shaped segment. In some example embodiments of the invention, the drive plate includes at least one tab with an outer diameter and the ring-shaped segment includes an inner diameter larger than the tab outer diameter. |
| US08376103B1 |
Cable management system
A cable management system for use with electrical devices, such as, for example, a ultrasound imaging system, is provided comprising a rotatable reel coupled to an end of each of an elongated flexible circuit member and an elongated cable. Each of a plurality of wires of the cable is electrically coupled to a respective conductor of the flexible circuit member to create separate conductive paths or signal channels. The cable management system is configured such that, as the cable moves from a generally retracted configuration in which a majority of the cable is wound about the reel to a generally extended configuration, the flexible circuit member simultaneously contracts about the reel. As a corollary, the flexible circuit member relaxes or unwinds as the cable moves from the extended configuration towards the retracted configuration. |
| US08376102B2 |
Garment organizing assembly and method
A garment organizing system, assembly, and method enables users to organize garmentry for travel. The basic assembly comprises a support panel, a restraint panel, a panel attachment mechanism for removably attaching each restraint panel to a first edge of a respective support panel, and a panel linking mechanism for linking each support panel to an adjacent support panel. The support panels support garmentry placed thereupon. Each restraint panel is fixedly attached to a second edge of a respective support panel, and the restraint panels selectively restrain garmentry supported by the support panels via said panel attachment mechanism. The panel linking mechanism enables the user to link and stack a series of interconnectable garment restraint assemblies for organizing the supported and restrained garmentry for travel. |
| US08376101B2 |
Piston roll back device
A brake caliper comprising a piston seat (10) wherein a piston (2) slides with its side surface (11) in contact with a radial surface (13) of an elastic member (12). The member further comprising two axial surfaces (15,16) adapted to be affected by a pressurized fluid and being arranged at the piston coming out side facing the pads respectively. The latter surface facing with a portion (17) thereof, a first chamber (18) arranged in the proximity of the piston side surfaces, with another portion (24) thereof, an abutment surface (19) adapted to support said elastic member when it is urged by the pressurized fluid, said abutment surface being radially retracted so as to be farther from the piston side surface than said first chamber and with a further portion (25) thereof, at least one second chamber (20) arranged radially farther from said piston side surface than said abutment surface. |
| US08376095B2 |
Rolling bearing having a braking device
A rolling bearing which has a braking device, particularly a rotational connection, with an outer hearing race and an inner bearing race between which rolling bodies are in rolling motion on associated tracks. In order to produce a braking effect using frictional engagement, a displaceable braking element connected to one of the bearing races is pressed against a counter surface connected to the associated other bearing race and the frictional engagement may be removed with the aid of an electromagnet. The braking element is disposed as an integral bearing component inside one of the bearing races and is pressed against the counter surface by spring force, and the electromagnet encompasses one of the bearing races as the soft iron core and a coil surrounding the soft iron core. |
| US08376093B2 |
Disc brake
Disclosed is a disc brake capable of constantly maintaining the braking performance by preventing the eccentric abrasion of a pad upon the braking operation. The disc brake includes a disc rotating together with a wheel, inner and outer friction pads installed at both sides of the disc, respectively, a caliper housing supporting the outer friction pad, a wedge member installed at a rear side of the inner friction pad and formed at a rear surface thereof with an inclined surface, a support member fixed to the caliper housing and formed with an inclined surface corresponding to the inclined surface of the wedge member, a driving device operating the wedge member for a braking operation, and a hinge unit for coupling the wedge member to the friction pad. The disc brake further includes an elastic member coupled to the wedge member and the friction pad while interposing the hinge unit therebetween. |
| US08376090B2 |
Apparatus and method for increasing elevator capacity in special situations
In accordance with the present invention concerning operation of an elevator, a traveling mode of the elevator is prevented if it is established that an elevator load exceeds a limit value. During normal operation, the limit value is equal to a first limit value. If it is established that a special situation is present (e.g., an evacuation situation or a peak traffic situation) the system is switched over to a special situation mode. In the special situation mode, the limit value is equal to a second limit value, which is higher than the first limit value. |
| US08376089B2 |
Lift for skids and pallets
A lift has two tines that project forward and are movable up-and-down to raise and lower pallets and skids. Two outriggers are pivotal between a stored position and a deployed position, and the outriggers project forward in the deployed position to stabilize the lift when the tines are elevated. The lift combines the capabilities of pallet trucks, skid lifts and stackers in a highly maneuverable configuration |
| US08376087B2 |
Combination ladder, ladder components and methods of manufacturing same
Ladder configurations and components are provided including an outer rail assembly which is longitudinally adjustable relative to an inner rail assembly. The outer rail assembly may include a pair of spaced apart outer rails each fixedly coupled to an associated sleeve or sliding mechanism. Each sleeve is in turn slidably coupled to an inner rail of the inner rail assembly. The outer rails may be positioned and oriented at an acute angle relative to the inner rails so as to provide an increased base distance between the two outer rails. Support structures are also disclosed which are coupled at multiple locations along a rail member and at least one location of a rung. Additionally, ladder hinges are disclosed including hinge components configured to effectively transmit loads from associated rails. In one embodiment the hinge may include a pinch prevention mechanism. |
| US08376086B1 |
Safety net
A safety net designed to prevent roofers from falling off a roof includes a pair of plates disposed on each side of the roof, a vertical support member attached to each plate, and a horizontal support member perpendicular to each vertical support member. The horizontal support members have one end pivotally attached to the plate and another end attached respective front edges of a net. Respective rear edges of the net are attached to a pair of eye bolts disposed on the soffit proximate left and right sides of the roof. A pair of steel cables, each having one end attached to an S-hook attached to an eye bolt, are attached to the side edges of the roof, and the opposing cable ends are attached to an eye bolt disposed on an outer end of each horizontal support member. The cables work in conjunction with the horizontal and vertical support members to maintain the net in a position extending outwardly across the front side of the roof directly beneath the soffit. |
| US08376083B1 |
Collapsible mobile hunting stand and associated method
A collapsible hunting stand includes an observation platform preferably having a seat rotatably attached thereto. A first auxiliary support structure may be pivotally connected to the observation platform. A second auxiliary support structure may further be pivotally connected to the first auxiliary support structure and adapted to be statically affixed to the vehicle respectively. A first pair of support leg members may be pivotally mated to the observation platform and adapted to be removably attached to the vehicle respectively. A second pair of support leg members may be pivotally mated to the observation platform and removably attached to the first auxiliary support structure respectively. The first and second auxiliary support structures may be vertically aligned along a vertical axis while the first and second pairs of support leg members are obliquely offset relative to the vertical axis when the observation platform is biased to the associated raised erect position respectively. |
| US08376081B2 |
Auto-lock compact rope descent device
A descent control device is disclosed manufactured with a bar having holes for guiding a rope used in descent, and a lever designed to pivot or move relative to the bar and compress the opening of one of the holes. Compressing the opening increases friction and slows or stops descent. Control can be from manually moving the lever or by connecting the lever to the descending weight, thereby automatically moving the lever. Hole and pivot geometry may be altered to provide multiple braking options, accommodate varying ropes, and alter normal operating friction. |
| US08376080B2 |
Pump apparatus, power steering apparatus and assembly method of housing
A pump apparatus includes: a first housing member which includes a first drive shaft insertion hole; a second housing member which includes a second drive shaft insertion hole; a pump drive shaft; a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion formed in the second housing member; the first and second drive shaft insertion holes being previously co-processed in a state in which the first and second housing member are relatively positioned by abutments between the first and second positioning protruding portions and the first and second abutment portions, and a joining member joining the first and second housing members in a state in which the first and second housing members are relatively positioned by the abutments of the first and second positioning protruding portions and the first and second abutment portions so as to re-create a relative position between the first and second housing members at the co-processing. |
| US08376077B2 |
Modular metamorphic vehicle
A vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle body, a suspension system coupled to the vehicle body, and a plurality of wheels (16) coupled to the suspension system comprising at least one pair of wheels, each wheel of the at least one pair of wheels being located on opposite sides of the vehicle. The suspension system comprises a changeable wheel track width for the at least one pair of wheels and the wheel track width is changeable between a narrow wheel track width setting (12) and a wide wheel track width setting (14) by pivoting a suspension link (18) about a vertical axis. |
| US08376074B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle includes a floor panel, a driver's seat and a passenger's seat fixed to the floor panel and arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to a traveling direction, and an electric power storage apparatus provided between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. The vehicle includes a reinforcing member for fixing a supporting frame of the driver's seat and a supporting frame of the passenger's seat to each other. The reinforcing member is formed to extend over the electric power storage apparatus so as to bridge between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. |
| US08376070B2 |
Modular auxiliary power unit assembly for an electric vehicle
A system and method for a propulsion system includes an electric motor and an energy storage unit configured to supply a primary power to the electric motor. The propulsion system also includes a plurality of auxiliary power units (APUs) configured to supply a secondary power to at least one of the electric motor and the energy storage unit. Each of the plurality of APUs includes a free-piston engine configured to generate a mechanical output, a linear generator configured to transform the mechanical output to an electrical power, and a controller. The controller receives a power command from the electric motor and/or the energy storage unit, determines an amount of secondary power needed to meet the power command, and selectively activates a number of the plurality of APUs to generate the needed amount of secondary power. |
| US08376068B2 |
Rechargeable automobile electric power system and simple switching mechanism between gas engine and electric motor
A rechargeable automobile electric power system and method for modifying a front-wheel drive automobile through installation of the system is disclosed. The system includes basic plug-in rechargeable electric drive power units, one that can run simultaneously with the gas motor to improve gas mileage. The second puts a one or two speed gear box between the electric motor and the wheel. This will allow the vehicle to run on rechargeable electric power in town and on the highway. |
| US08376063B2 |
Structure for attaching rear work machine to tractor
A structure for attaching a rear work machine to a tractor is provided. The tractor has a vehicle body which is provided with right and left rear work machine connection bodies, each having upper and lower connection portions. The rear work machine includes a base frame with an operator's seat, which is provided with right and left attaching plates, each having upper and lower engagement portions. The rear work machine can be attached to the tractor by connecting the upper and lower engagement portions to the upper and lower connection portions, respectively. The attaching structure includes: a rear work machine attaching spacer disposed between the rear work machine connection body and the corresponding attaching plate, the rear work machine attaching spacer including: a fixing portion for fixing to the attaching plate; and the upper and lower spacer engagement portions for removably connecting the upper and lower connection portions, respectively. |
| US08376059B2 |
Fire suppression system using emitter with closed end cavity deflector
A fire suppression system is disclosed. The system includes a source of pressurized gas and a source of pressurized liquid. At least one emitter is in fluid communication with the liquid and gas sources. The emitter is used to establish a gas stream, atomize and entrain the liquid into the gas stream and discharge the resulting liquid-gas stream onto the fire. The emitter discharges the liquid-gas stream against a deflector surface having a closed end cavity therein. |
| US08376058B2 |
Well drilling wash down end cap and method
An end cap for a well drilling screen for use in a water producing well. The end cap provides a water jet for use in inserting the screen into a layer of sand, and includes a check valve which prevents sand and particulates from entering the well tube. Also provided is a connection which allows the end cap to disengage from a drill string. |
| US08376055B2 |
Shearing tool and methods of use
A shearing tool for shearing, trimming, or reducing objects being pulled through a drill string and methods for retrieving retrievable tools with fins from the drill string, where the retrievable tools must pass through restrictions in the drill string having interior diameters less than the outer diameters of the fins. The fins, affixed to the retrievable tools, provide stability to the tools, while within the drill string, and can be made of rubber, plastic, other shearable materials, or combinations thereof. The apparatuses and methods include inserting a shearing tool with a flange into a box end of a section of drill string, where the flange keeps the shearing tool in place. The shearing tool further comprising a cutting surface for cutting materials pulled through the shearing tool. |
| US08376053B2 |
Fluid flow conduit, method and use
The invention concerns a section of tubing or other conduit having a flow passage. The flow passage extends through the tubing and incorporates a member extending through the passage and guides which constrain a fluid flowing through the flow passage to flow around the member along a path which is longer than an axial length of the flow passage in a fluid flow direction. The guides may define an annular path. The conduit may comprise an inside wall and the guides may comprise a combination of at least one spiral channel defined along the inside wall and the member may be a sucker rod extending along the flow passage. |
| US08376049B2 |
Running tool for deep water
A running tool for use in handling control modules on a subsea production tree. The running tool is deployable on wire line and includes a column like body and a connector adapted for connection to the production tree. The running tool also includes a hoist system that is selectively positioned by a swiveling jib crane for handling the control modules. A replacement control module can be included with the running tool when the tool is deployed from above the sea surface. After the running tool connects to the production tree, the jib crane can position the hoist for attachment to and removal of an existing control module on the production tree. The hoist can then to attach to and install the replacement control module and can be further manipulated to retrieve the existing control module and stow it onto the body. |
| US08376046B2 |
Fractionation system and methods of using same
A fractionation system having a fractionation manifold with a plurality of connectors in fluid communication with one another and a plurality of valves disposed adjacent the connectors for selectively flowing fluid through the manifold. The connectors define a plurality of exterior ports for communication with wellstrings and fracturing fluid sources. A primary choke in communication with a tubing string and a secondary choke in communication with a casing string can be engaged with exterior ports, the secondary choke useable as a backup choke and for inducing sandouts. The present system can achieve a flow rate of up to 80 barrels per minute, or more, using only a single manifold and single power unit, and can be wirelessly operated. System components can incorporate self-aligning, self-positioning skids, or alternatively, the system can be transported using a single skid to facilitate portability and installation. |
| US08376045B2 |
Fluid loss additive containing a biodegradable grafted copolymer for a cement composition
A fluid loss additive comprises a biodegradable grafted copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises: (i) a first polymer comprising a monomer or monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, N-N dimethyl acrylamide, N-vinyl-N-methylaceamide, N-vinylformamide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, acrylomorpholine, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, and any combination thereof; and (ii) a second polymer, wherein the first polymer is grafted onto the second polymer. A method of cementing in a low-temperature subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; and (iii) the fluid loss additive; and allowing the cement composition to set. According to another embodiment, a method of cementing in a high-temperature subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; (iii) a clay; and (iv) the fluid loss additive; and allowing the cement composition to set. |
| US08376036B2 |
Air to air heat exchanger
A compact heat exchanger efficiently and cost-effectively exchanges heat from one gas stream to another through counter flow channels between parallel plates. Foam strips are incorporated to form the sides of the flow channels that allow channeling and directing the flow of air on each side of a plate heat transfer surface in patterns to maximize the heat exchanger's effectiveness and maintain the gap between heat transfer plates and form the pressure boundary at the edge of the heat exchanger. Clips are incorporated in strategic locations of each plate to locate and mechanically connect the plates to one another and to maintain the location of the foam strips. The heat transfer of the heat exchange surfaces are enhanced using rounded dimples and protrusions arranged such that these occur on the top and bottom of the flow channels. |
| US08376035B2 |
Plate-fin heat exchanger
A plate-fin heat exchanger having a plurality of layers for indirectly exchanging heat between two or more fluids. The heat exchanger is provided with two sections and inlets and outlets to the sections to cause streams of the fluids to flow within the two sections parallel to the length of the heat exchanger between central locations and the ends of the heat exchanger. In such manner, the cross-sectional flow area of such a heat exchanger is greater than the heat exchanger in which the flow is from one end to the other end of the heat exchanger. This increase in cross-sectional flow area reduces the pressure drop within the heat exchanger. |
| US08376034B2 |
Radiant coolers and methods for assembling same
A method of assembling a radiant cooler includes providing a vessel shell that defines a gas flow passage therein that extends generally axially through the vessel shell, forming a tube cage from coupling a plurality of cooling tubes together to form a tube cage defined by a plurality of chevron-shaped projections that extend circumferentially about a center axis of the tube cage, each chevron-shaped projection includes a first side and a second side coupled together a tip, circumferentially-adjacent pairs of projections coupled together such that a valley is defined between each pair of circumferentially-spaced projections, each of the projection tips is positioned radially outward from each of the valleys, and orienting the tube cage within the vessel shell such that the tube cage is in flow communication with the flow passage. |
| US08376025B2 |
Casting machine system and process for producing hybrid metal/plastic articles
A casting machine system includes a first casting machine and a separate second casting machine, wherein the first casting machine is a metal-casting machine and the second casting machine is a plastic-casting machine, or the first casting machine is a plastic-casting machine and the second casting machine is a metal-casting machine. An associated process produces hybrid metal/plastic articles. The casting machine includes a transfer device for transferring a precursor product, produced by a first casting process in the first casting machine, to the second casting machine, in which a hybrid metal/plastic component is formed from the precursor product by a second casting process, and a temperature-regulating device for regulating the temperature of the precursor product in a controllable manner after its removal from the first casting machine, and before starting the second casting process. |
| US08376011B2 |
Aircraft radial tire
A pneumatic radial aircraft tire is described having a B/A ranging between 60-70%, wherein B is the width of the tire between the wheel flange, and A is the inflated tire width under rated pressure. The tire may further optionally include a tire bead portion having a Ra/Fr1 relationship which ranges from about 1 to about 2.1, wherein: Ra is the tire heel radius at uninflated and in an new and unused condition, and Fr1 is the wheel flange elliptical radius at the heel section of the tire. The tire may further optionally include a SW/TS ratio which ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.5, wherein SW is the chafer gauge at area A, TS is the total sidewall rubber gauge at area A, wherein A is defined as the region in the sidewall that has a lower radial endpoint defined by the point of contact between the flange and the tire at inflated, unloaded condition, and an upper radial endpoint Ah defined by the tire wheel flange point of contact when the tire is at inflated, and at 100% rated load. |
| US08376010B2 |
Tire for heavy vehicles
A tire for a heavy vehicle with a radial carcass reinforcement of a width in excess of 25 inches comprising at least a working crown reinforcement made up of at least one layer of reinforcing elements oriented substantially circumferentially, radially surmounted by at least two so-called working layers axially wider than the layer of substantially circumferentially oriented reinforcing elements. Each of the working layers is made up of at least two axially separated parts, the distance between the axially inner end of each of the axially outer parts of at least the radially innermost working layer and the end of the radially outermost layer of substantially circumferentially oriented reinforcing elements being less than 45 mm and the gap, in the axial direction, between two parts of each of the working crown layers being greater than 5 mm. |
| US08376009B2 |
Pneumatic radial tire
Disclosed is a pneumatic radial tire having improved flat spot resistance without sacrificing its high-speed durability, when a belt auxiliary reinforcement layer thereof is constituted of a hybrid fiber cord including a general-purpose nylon as a low-elastic fiber yarn. In the pneumatic radial tire, the belt auxiliary reinforcement layer is formed by winding an organic fiber cord around the outer periphery of belt layers in the tire circumferential direction. The organic fiber cord constituting the belt auxiliary reinforcement layer is obtained by twisting a highly-elastic fiber yarn with an elastic modulus of 10000 MPa or more and a low-elastic fiber yarn made of nylon 46. |
| US08376004B1 |
Spill-stopping device for chemical drums
A spill-stopping device for a chemical drum featuring a boot assembly; a shroud with an aperture disposed on the first end of the boot assembly, the aperture is adapted to accept a shaft of a filling machine; a spout disposed in the second end of the boot assembly, the spout is adapted to snugly fit into chemical drum aperture in a lid of a chemical drum and accept a shaft of a filing machine; a double-door assembly pivotally attached in the spout via hinges, the double-door assembly can move between at least an open position and a closed position respectively allowing and preventing access to the spout from the boot assembly; and counterweights attached to each hinge and extending upwardly into the boot assembly, the counterweights function to bias the double-door assembly in the closed position. |
| US08376001B1 |
Fuel lever actuation retention apparatus
A fuel lever actuation retention apparatus for retaining the fuel actuation lever of a fuel nozzle in an engaged position includes includes a rectangular bracket that is abuttable against the fuel actuation lever and the guard to support the fuel actuation lever in an engaged position. The bracket has a front wall and a rear wall, a first end and a second end disposed opposite of each other, and a pair of lateral sides. The first end is contactable with the fuel actuation lever and the second end is contactable with the guard to retain the fuel actuation lever in a spaced relationship with the guard. A plurality of retaining members are attached to, and extend outwardly from, the bracket. The retaining members are configured to prevent lateral removal of the bracket when the bracket is disposed between the fuel actuation lever and the guard. The bracket has four corners, each of the corners having a retaining member attached thereto. |
| US08376000B2 |
Hydrocarbon vapor emission control
A gasoline vapor treating system includes a single hydrocarbon filter apparatus interconnected to a fuel tank having a range of vapor pressures therein, said filter apparatus receiving hydrocarbon vapors from said tank for one vapor pressure in said fuel tank and said filter apparatus delivering air and hydrocarbon vapor to said tank from said filter responsive to another vapor pressure in said tank lower than said one vapor pressure, said filter operated serially between hydrocarbon loading and hydrocarbon unloading cycles without reference to any other hydrocarbon removal apparatus. A balance nozzle includes a mechanism to mechanically operate a vapor valve therein before the fuel valve is opened. |
| US08375999B2 |
Offboard heat management during compressed gas filling of vehicular hydrogen storage tanks
A method of filling a hydrogen gas storage tank with hydrogen gas includes filling an onboard hydrogen gas storage tank with hydrogen gas at substantially constant temperature and pressure while transferring a liquid from the hydrogen gas storage tank to a reservoir tank, compressing a gas in the reservoir tank by the flow of liquid into the reservoir tank, and managing the heat produced by the compression of gas in the reservoir tank off board the vehicle. A hydrogen gas delivery system includes an onboard hydrogen gas storage tank, a hydrogen gas supply line, a reservoir tank, and a liquid that transfers the heat of filling the hydrogen gas storage tank to the reservoir by effecting a compression of gas in the reservoir. |
| US08375998B2 |
Lid opening/closing system of an airtight container
A curtain nozzle is located above an opening portion (10) in a FIMS. A gas curtain formed of inert gas for closing the opening portion is formed. A cover is so provided as to cover a part of the curtain nozzle so as to prevent peripheral gas around an opening of the curtain nozzle from being involved in the gas curtain of the inert gas emitted from the curtain nozzle. |
| US08375995B2 |
Device for protecting a male end of a threaded tubular connection component, having open and closed positions, and associated methods and mounting machines
A protective device for a male end of a component of a threaded tubular connection for drilling and working hydrocarbon wells is externally provided with at least one threading and includes a free terminal portion. The device includes i) a protector body produced in the form of a first sleeve and arranged to protect at least a portion of the external threading and the free terminal portion, ii) a sealing element for positioning in contact firstly with the component, at least at a portion located downstream of the external threading of the male end, and secondly with the protector body to provide a first seal downstream of the external threading, and iii) a fixing mechanism displacing the sealing element and/or protector body radially towards the component, defining open and closed positions of the device in which the sealing element and/or the protector body are respectively not in contact and in tight contact with the component. Further, the first seal is obtained in the closed position of the device. |
| US08375994B2 |
Valve for electronic enclosure
A one-way fill valve for use in electronic enclosures is disclosed. The one-way fill valve allows an inert gas to be added to an electronic enclosure without contamination and without excessive leakage. Generally the one-way fill valve includes a membrane layer and a valve layer that restricts flow of gas in one direction but provides significantly less restriction in another direction. |
| US08375993B2 |
Corrosion resistant faucets with components made of different metallic materials
A faucet is disclosed which has an outer housing formed of zinc which has a lower entry, an upper outlet, and a side cavity. There is a supply line structure extendible from the lower entry into or adjacent the side cavity, and a valve cartridge positioned in the side cavity. A plastic insulator sleeve is positioned in the side cavity between a wall of the outer housing and the valve cartridge. A brass collar is nested within the insulator sleeve and positioned outside of the valve cartridge. Hence, the advantages of a zinc outer housing are achieved while avoiding galvanic corrosion due to contact between brass and zinc surfaces. The insulator sleeve also facilitates rotational and axial alignment, and sealing. |
| US08375991B2 |
Valve assembly
A valve assembly including a body having a first end, a second end, a passageway extending between the first and the second ends, and four ports defined by the body and connected to the passageway. The assembly also has a first valve member received in the passageway at an intersection of the passageway and the first port, the valve member including a tee shaped passage such that in a first position the valve member opens the passageway and the first port, in a second position closes the passageway and connects the first end to the first port, in a third position closes the passageway and connects the first port to the second end, and in a fourth position opens the passageway and closes the first port. The assembly also includes a second valve member for opening and closing the third port. |
| US08375986B2 |
Pneumatic device control system
A plurality of valve assemblies having a plurality of manifold valves assembled are electrically coupled in a row via lead wire assemblies to transmit a power signal for driving solenoids of the manifold valves in parallel from the valve assembly at a proximal side of the row to the valve assembly at a leading end side via the manifold valves of the valve assemblies and the lead wire assemblies. |
| US08375983B2 |
Multi-stage fluid regulators
Multi-stage fluid regulators are described. An example fluid regulator includes a regulator body having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. A first fluid valve is disposed within the regulator body and coupled to the inlet to regulate a pressure of the pressurized fluid at the inlet. A second fluid valve is disposed within the regulator body and coupled to the inlet and, via a passageway, to the first fluid valve. The second fluid valve is to cause a fluid pressure in the passageway to be regulated to a predetermined portion of the pressure of the pressurized fluid at the inlet. |
| US08375982B2 |
Hydraulic circuit and manifold with multifunction valve
A hydraulic manifold has features adapted to the needs of hybrid vehicle applications. In one embodiment, multifunction valves selectively regulate fluid flow among primary and auxiliary flow paths. A normally closed butterfly valve is biased by a relatively small secondary biasing force against rotation in first and second (opposite) directions, and by a relatively large principal biasing force against rotation in the first direction past a transitional angular position at which the principal biasing force takes effect. An actuator selectively controls the transitional angular position and the magnitude of the principal biasing force. In the first direction, flow must overcome only the secondary biasing force to pass the valve. In the second direction, any flow sufficient to overcome the secondary biasing force but not the principal biasing force will divide into a first flow passing the valve and a second flow induced to enter an auxiliary path upstream. Additional flow causing the principal biasing force to additionally be overcome will substantially pass the valve as part of the first flow. This and other embodiments provide a manifold that is controllable to allocate flow among primary and auxiliary paths while remaining responsive to sudden large changes in flow independently of immediate control response. |
| US08375981B2 |
Pressure control valve
A pressure control valve is provided, which can variably control the set pressure of a relief valve in accordance with pilot signal pressure that is controlled in an operator's seat and so on when the set pressure of the relief valve required in a replaced working device is changed. |
| US08375975B2 |
Load sensing directional control valve with an element having priority under saturation conditions
The invention relates to the field of load sensing, flow sharing directional control valves for controlling an operating machine, such as an excavator. The directional control valve of the present invention is particularly characterized by the addition of at least one element (E4) wherein the provision of a bore (16) and the replacement of components (30), (50), (M1) with a compensator (9), having a spring (14) operating on one side thereof (9a), and a piston/load sensing signal selector (8) impart to this single element (E4) the feature of non participating in flow-rate reduction under saturation conditions, while preserving the feature of maintaining a constant flow-rate to the user, irrespective of the variation of the load. |
| US08375972B2 |
Device and method for repairing pipe
The present invention includes a device and method for reinforcing the portions of an inflation bladder not contained by a liner in pipeline renewal applications. A liner/bladder assembly is provided wherein the liner is positioned relative to the bladder such that a portion of the bladder having a greater wall thickness extends beyond the ends of the liner. The present invention also includes a device and method for repairing the junction of a main pipe and the lateral pipe with bladders reinforced in areas unconstrained by the liners. |
| US08375971B2 |
Use of a zwitterionic surfactant together with an anionic ether-containing surfactant as a drag-reducing agent
The present invention relates to the use of a zwitterionic surfactant in combination with an ether sulphate or ether carboxylate surfactant in a water-based system as a drag-reducing agent. The combination has besides a high drag-reducing effect also a low sensitivity to hard water. |
| US08375961B2 |
Floss pick
A floss pick including a body with a handle and a head. The head has first and second arms defining a cavity between them, and a length of dental floss extending between the arms and across the cavity. Preferably, the handle is oval in shape for easier grasping by the user. The body includes a toothpick member that preferably is disposed on the head and extends outwardly from one of the first and second arms into the cavity. The floss extends between the other of the first and second arms and the toothpick member and during use guides the toothpick member into interproximal spaces between teeth. Alternatively, a toothpick member may be provided in a recessed region of the handle and extend forwardly toward the head. The latter toothpick member is able to be detached from the handle for separate use. |
| US08375960B1 |
Manicure tool
A manicure tool that includes an elongated housing shaped to be grasped by a user thereof to control the application of a nail polish to a finger nail or toe nail of a client; a brush supported at one end of the housing for controlling the application of the nail polish; a docking pad constructed and arranged to be engaged with the finger or toe at a location that is proximate to the finger nail or toe nail; and a pivot member for coupling the docking pad to the elongated housing at the one end of the elongated housing. The pivot member allows the housing to be pivoted relative to the docking pad and, in turn, controls the brush so as to be swept over the surface of the nail. |
| US08375959B2 |
Smoking articles and smokable filler materials therefor
The invention relates to a smoking article incorporating a smoking material comprising three main components, namely a non-combustible inorganic filler, an alginic binder and aerosol generating means. The smoking material is combined with tobacco material, which may be treated with additional humectant, to provide a smoking article that has an aerosol transfer efficiency ratio of greater than 4.0. |
| US08375957B2 |
Electronic cigarette
An emulation aerosol sucker includes a battery assembly, an atomizer assembly and a cigarette bottle assembly. An external thread electrode is located in one end of battery assembly. An internal thread electrode is located in one end of atomizer assembly. Said battery assembly and said atomizer assembly are connected by the screwthread electrode. Said cigarette bottle assembly is inserted into the other end of said atomizer assembly and both form one cigarette type or cigar type body. |
| US08375951B2 |
Buckle and respirator using such buckle, having a deformable cinch bar, and method
Buckle and respirators having such buckles. The buckle has a movable cinch bar allowing a strap to be inserted into and be secured by the buckle by opening the cinch bar and inserting the strap. The cinch bar then returns to a closed position and supports the strap over the cinch bar. The cinch bar may be deformable through the use of a living hinge connecting the cinch bar to the body of the buckle. The cinch bar may be split into two members, each being deformably coupled to the buckle body, perhaps with living hinges. |
| US08375950B2 |
Flat-folded personal respiratory protection devices and processes for preparing same
A personal respiratory protection device that comprises a multilayer body including a stiffening layer, filter media layer(s) and inner or outer cover layer(s). The mask body includes a central portion between first and second portions, the central portion being defined by a fold, bond, weld, seam, or combination thereof and having a width of about 160 to 220 mm and a height of about 30 to 110 mm. The device is capable of being folded flat for storage with the first portion in at least partial face-to-face contact with a surface of the central portion and the second portion contacting a surface of the first portion. When unfolded for use the device is capable of forming a cup-shaped off the face air chamber over the nose and mouth of a wearer. |
| US08375944B2 |
CPAP mask and system
A continuous positive air pressure (“CPAP”) or ventilator system includes a mask and an air flow generator. The air flow generator is mounted or provided to the mask's wearer. In one embodiment, air flow generator is mounted on the mask. |
| US08375943B2 |
Process for transient and steady state delivery of biological agents to the lung via breathable liquids
The present invention includes a transient method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The present invention includes a steady state method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The steps of both the transient delivery method and the steady state delivery method can be controlled by a servo-control unit. A supplementary biological agent delivery step can be performed in both the transient method of delivering a biological agent and the steady state method of delivering a biological agent. |
| US08375942B2 |
Device and process for providing moistened breathing gas
A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7). |
| US08375941B2 |
Methods of operating dry powder inhalers having spiral travel paths with microcartridges of dry powder
Dry powder inhalers include: (a) a first generally planar spiral travel path in an inhaler body, wherein the first spiral travel path has a plurality of adjacent curvilinear channels forming lanes with upstanding sidewalls, including an inner lane and an outer lane; and (b) a plurality of discrete sealed microcartridges with substantially rigid bodies disposed in the first travel path, each comprising a pre-metered (typically dose) amount of dry powder, the microcartridges being configured to slidably advance along the first travel path toward an inhalation chamber that merges into an inhalation output port. In operation, at least one microcartridge is held in the inhalation chamber to release the dry powder therein during inhalation. |
| US08375939B2 |
Secured anesthetic device for high rate medical sampling on small laboratory animals
The invention relates to a dual wall cylindrical container with a gas distribution source in the lower portion thereof. The cylindrical container is positioned at the lower portion of a frame with two suction sources for potentially pollutant gases. The first source has the highest gas charge and extends from the space defined by the dual wall of the cylinder and is connected to an active-carbon dynamic extraction system. The second source extends from the gap between the upper edge of the open cylinder and the frame, and is connected to a global network for discharging and processing the charged air. A third suction source extends from the two horizontal work planes provided with sieves for suction from the top to the bottom. The gas distribution source is provided with a safety device that cuts off the supply of gases when detecting an abnormality in the suction circuits. |
| US08375935B2 |
Water heating apparatus using solar power
A solar power water heating apparatus includes a supporting device for supporting movably a mounting seat provided with a condensing unit on a mounting side thereof for concentrating sunlight onto a heat-conductive tube body in the mounting seat. The tube body absorbs thermal energy from the sunlight concentrated thereonto and transmits the thermal energy to water therein, thereby heating the water. The supporting device includes a disk member mounted rotatably on a hollow base body and driven by a drive unit in the base body to rotate relative to the base body in a central axis of the disk member, and a telescopic rod member and two upright supporting rods interconnecting the mounting seat and the disk member. A control module controls the drive unit and the telescopic rod member based on a solar radiating direction to move the mounting side of the mounting seat to face sunlight. |
| US08375930B2 |
Air gun vibration dampener and method
A vibration dampening system for an air gun charging system includes a rear guide tube and a forward guide tube that are received within opposite ends of an air gun power spring, and a sleeve that fits concentrically over the power spring. The rear guide tube and the sleeve cooperate to reduce the free length of the power spring allowed to vibrate, which reduces vibration and improves firing performance. |
| US08375923B2 |
Fuel injector interface and diagnostics
A method comprising receiving a fuel injection signal from a first driver circuit via a control line, feeding the fuel injection signal to a second fuel injector driver circuit, sending a control signal output from the second fuel injector driver circuit to a fuel injector, monitoring the fuel injector for degradation based on operation according to the control signal, and in response to degradation of the fuel injector, changing a state of the control line. |
| US08375921B2 |
Motor-driven throttle valve device with inductive throttle sensor and inductive throttle sensor for detecting rotation angle of throttle shaft of motor-driven throttle valve device
In a situation where a conventional inductive throttle sensor is used with a motor-driven throttle valve device to detect the rotation angle of a throttle shaft, plural sensor connection conductor sections for connecting a connector terminal to a circuit board terminal section are formed on the cover on one lateral surface side of a circuit board in the long-axis direction. This increases the dimension of the cover in the short-axis direction (the dimension in the direction of air flow in an intake path). Consequently, it is difficult to install the motor-driven throttle valve device and inductive throttle sensor in a narrow engine room. This problem is addressed by using a separate member to achieve electrical conduction between a stator circuit board and a conductor routed inside the cover installed over the stator circuit board in a concentrated manner on one side of the circuit board. The problem is also addressed by disposing plural electrical conduction spots in a decentralized manner and away from a protrusion provided to limit the amount of axial movement of a gear. |
| US08375918B2 |
Lubricant supply device for auxiliary machine of engine
An example lubricant supply device for an auxiliary machine of an engine includes a cam formed at one end of a cam shaft rotatably supported by a cylinder head. The lubricant supply device further includes a housing, for storing the auxiliary machine, attached to an attaching surface formed at an end of the cylinder head. The housing may hold a driven member driven by the cam. The lubricant supply device may further include a lubricant hole formed on the attaching surface through which lubricant is supplied from a lubricant passage formed in the cylinder head to the cam storage space. The lubricant supply device may further include a metal gasket positioned between the attaching surface and the housing to seal the cam storage space and outside. The metal gasket has a hole for communicating with the lubricant hole and a slit communicating between the hole and the cam storage space. |
| US08375917B1 |
Engine oil cooler
An engine oil cooling system having a manifold which replaces the conventional OEM oil cooler. The manifold receives hot oil from the engine and directs the oil to a filter and then to a liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The cooled, filtered oil is returned to the engine via the manifold. Particulate filtration may be achieved in the manifold at a cleanable filter screen. Provision is made for installation of various monitoring sensors, a check valve between the manifold and filter and a bleed valve in the manifold. The system may also include a by-pass which will direct oil around the heat exchanger if the oil is below a prescribed temperature or if the oil pressure differential between the inlet and outlet of the cooler is greater than a setting of a control relief valve. The system may also include provision for heating the oil using engine coolant during initial start-up. |
| US08375911B2 |
Laser spark plug
A laser spark plug device for an internal combustion engine includes a prechamber for receiving an ignitable medium and at least one overflow channel providing a fluid connection between an internal space of the prechamber and an external space surrounding the prechamber. The at least one overflow channel is configured such that when a fluid flows through the overflow channel into the internal space of the prechamber, the result is a fluid flow having at least one eddy which rotates on an eddy axis forming an angle of more than approximately 45° with a longitudinal axis of the laser spark plug device. |
| US08375904B2 |
Early intake valve closing and variable valve timing assembly and method
An early intake valve closing (EIVC) and variable valve timing (VVT) assembly and method are provided for an internal combustion engine. The method includes operating an intake valve to open and close an intake port and allow intake gas to enter a cylinder of the internal combustion engine containing a piston, where the timing of the closing of the intake valve occurs at or before bottom dead center (BDC) of the compression stroke of the piston. The method further includes selectively extending duration of the opening of the intake port by an amount that delays closing timing of the intake valve until after BDC of the piston compression stroke. An assembly for EIVC and VVT includes a cylinder head including an intake valve and intake port and a rotatably mounted camshaft including an intake lobe operatively connected to the intake valve to periodically move the valve into the first and second positions. The intake lobe is shaped such that the timing of the closing position occurs at or before BDC of a compression stroke of the piston. The assembly further includes a selectively activatable VVT assembly having an actuator that operatively engages the intake valve before the intake valve reaches the closed position to extend duration of the intake valve opening until after BDC of the piston compression stroke. |
| US08375903B2 |
Internal combustion engine air spring system arrangement
An internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. A first spring biases the at least one intake valve to a closed position. A second spring biases the at least one exhaust valve to a closed position. At least one of the first and second springs is an air spring. An air compressor is disposed inside the cylinder head and fluidly communicates with the air spring to supply air to the air spring. The air compressor being disposed between a crankshaft and a cylinder head cover in a direction parallel to a cylinder axis is also disclosed. |
| US08375901B2 |
Integral valve plate cover/lead frame of a switchable valve deactivating device oil manifold assembly
A valve plate cover/lead frame unit of a lifter oil manifold assembly used in cylinder deactivation systems to direct engine oil to valve lifters including a body including a pattern of passages that in cooperation with a pattern of passages included in the valve plate form oil galleries for distributing the engine oil, an electrical connector and an electrical lead frame terminating the electrical connector integrated into the body, and a plurality of connector terminals incorporated into the body, wherein the electrical lead frame electrically connects each of the connector terminals with the electrical connector. |
| US08375894B2 |
Teatcup liner series with varying mouthpiece flexibility
A teatcup liner comprises an upper mouthpiece, an intermediate barrel and a lower connecting tube. The upper mouthpiece further comprises a mouthpiece transition, a mouthpiece lip, and a groove on an outer surface of the upper mouthpiece to provide flexibility in the upper mouthpiece. The intermediate barrel extends along an axial direction for receiving a teat inserted axially thereinto through said mouthpiece. |
| US08375889B1 |
System and method for providing an improved shutter for use with a shadow tab mask
A system and method is disclosed for providing an improved shutter for use with a shadow tab mask and heater table during a conditioning process for a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber. A shutter for covering the heater table is provided that has a circumferential flange with a thickness that is less than a thickness of the non-circumferential flange portions of the shutter. A shadow tab mask having a portion that extends over the flange portion is placed on the heater table. When deposition material is subsequently deposited, the reduced thickness of the flange portion prevents a fused seal from being formed between deposition material deposited on the shadow tab mask and deposition material deposited on the circumferential flange of the shutter. |
| US08375887B2 |
Solution treatment apparatus, solution treatment method and resist coating method
The invention includes a lower guide unit which obliquely extends downward to an outside from a position closely opposed to a peripheral edge portion of a rear surface of the substrate held on the substrate holding unit, and is formed in an annular shape in a circumferential direction of the substrate; and an upper guide unit which has an upper end surface located at a substantially same height as a front surface of the substrate held on the substrate holding unit, forms a lower annular flow path between the upper guide unit and the lower guide unit for guiding downward together with a gas flow a treatment solution scattering from the substrate, is formed in an annular shape opposed to the lower guide unit to surround an outside lower region of the substrate, and has an inner peripheral surface having a longitudinal-sectional shape curved to bulge outward and extending downward. |
| US08375886B2 |
Devices and process for the production of sandwich composite elements
The invention relates to an application device for the simultaneous and uniform discharge of a foamable reaction mixture on to a surface, a device for the production of sandwich composite elements and a process for the continuous or discontinuous production of sandwich composite elements, especially foam composite elements with rigid and flexible outer layers. |
| US08375884B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus including: a heating part for heating a wafer; a transport part through which a wafer is transported; a first transfer arm that receives a wafer from the heating part and places the wafer on the transport part; and a second transfer arm including a pair of plate-like tweezers that receives the wafer placed on the transport part from the transport part and transfers the wafer. The transport part includes a cooling plate having a cooling surface on which a wafer is placed. The cooling plate includes a temperature-adjusting channel through which a temperature-adjusting water is circulated for cooling the cooling plate to a temperature lower than a temperature of the heating process of the heating part. The cooling surface is provided with a recess that is similar in shape to and slightly larger than a planar shape of the pair of tweezers. |
| US08375882B1 |
System and method for ascertaining field position
A system and method for ascertaining field position for the game of American football has first and second wheels, each being substantially planar and round. The first wheel is relatively smaller than the second wheel and the two are rotatably mounted coaxially with respect to each other to allow rotation. The wheels are marked with various notches, numbers, and arrows to allow quick and easy calculation of yards gained or lost on a given play in accordance with the described operation. |
| US08375878B1 |
Method for offloading a fluid that forms a hydrocarbon vapor using a soft yoke
A method for use in deep water, for dynamically connecting a fixed for floating vessel to a floating transport vessel using at least one telescoping mooring arm, and for flowing a fluid that forms a hydrocarbon vapor to the moveable floating transport vessel with offload flexible conduits that adjust to accommodate vessel motion, wave motion, current motion, and other weather motion without disengaging is disclosed herein. The method can include using telescoping mooring arms to maintain a nominal distance between the fixed or floating vessel and the transport vessel while forming an enclosed gangway. The method can include monitoring offloading and return of hydrocarbon vapor, providing quick connect/disconnect engagements to the transport vessel, and using an adjustable vapor return flexible conduit. The method can include releasing the transport vessel from the fixed for floating vessel to transport the fluid to another location. |
| US08375872B2 |
Process for reduction of sulfur compounds and nitrogen compounds in the exhaust gases of combustion devices
The present invention is directed to processes and apparatuses for reducing the content of pollutants in a boiler system flue gas resulting from combustion of fuel. The present invention discloses improved slurry injection techniques, re-circulation of flue gas to provide momentum to the injected slurry, a measurement system for obtaining system profile information and a system to optimize the reduction of pollutants in a flue gas by adjusting the injection of slurry suspension based on system profile information. |
| US08375870B2 |
Detachable table device
A detachable table device includes a foldable leg device detachably connected to a table top and operable to support the table top when in an extended state and to separate from the table top when in a folded state. A circumferential portion of the table top has an inner annular surface formed with a radially and outwardly extending annular engaging groove. The leg device includes a pivot unit for interconnecting at least three leg members such that the leg members are pivotable relative to the pivot unit to be angularly equidistant when the leg device is in the extended state, and to be moved toward each other when the leg device is in the folded state. Each leg member includes an engaging end portion disposed movably in and engaging releasably the engaging groove in the circumferential portion of the table top. |
| US08375868B2 |
Hatch cover latching system method and apparatus
A railcar hatch cover latching system including a sliding mechanism attached to a movable portion of the hatch cover and a latching apparatus associated with the hatch cover. The latching apparatus has a biased assembly, a bar and at least one profiled stop. The bar extends through the biased assembly. The biased assembly is configured to allow the bar to pass through the biased assembly with a first force requirement. The at least one profiled stop is positioned on the bar to encounter the biased assembly and having a second force requirement to move the bar past the at least one profiled stop, the second force being greater than the first force. |
| US08375864B1 |
Floating omnimover ride
A floating omnimover ride with high capacity throughput and enhanced control over speeds of passenger boats. The ride includes a water containment structure with spaced apart sidewalls defining an elongated guide channel that defines a loop-shaped ride path or circuit. The ride includes a volume of liquid contained in the guide channel to a desired depth. The ride also includes a chain of passenger boats floating in the liquid contained in the guide channel. Each of the boats is linked to the two adjacent boats with a connecting link such that the chain of boats is a continuous loop. The chain of boats has a length that is approximately equal to a length of the ride path, and during operation of the ride, the boats in the chain are moved along the loop-shaped ride path at a predefined rate by a pump station moving the liquid in the guide channel. |
| US08375859B2 |
Shaped explosive charge
A shaped charge explosive device is provided having a front, a rear and an axis of symmetry with the device comprising an explosive charge, a liner lining a front of the explosive charge, the liner having a recess in the form of a groove encircling the axis of symmetry; and the groove arranged to provide an axis of projection for the liner at an angle A relative to the axis of symmetry. A method of cutting a structure is provided comprising the steps of providing the foregoing device, detonating the explosive charge to create a detonation wave; forming the liner into an formed projectile in the shape of an annular ring with the detonation wave; directing the formed projectile towards the structure; and forming an annular ring cut pattern in the structure with the formed projectile. |
| US08375857B2 |
Method for printing with digital printing press having automated media transport
A digital printer is provided with an automated printing sheet transport system, operating in an intermittent manner of feeding a printing sheet to the digital printer, halting the transport to allow printing onto the printing sheet while the printing sheet is maintained in a fixed position, and removing the printed sheet from the digital printer after printing. The digital printer may be combined with a screen print station, both operating on top of a single printing sheet transport system, to form an integrated multifunctional and hybrid printing press. |
| US08375855B2 |
Device for cleaning the IOWA roll on a duplexing marking system
This is a paper web transporting component that is useful in a duplexing system that uses a paper web to be imaged. The unit has an IOWA roller (backup roll) with an image sensor above it and a cleaning web structure below it. Since excess toner or ink in duplexing systems can adhere to the transport roll, the sensor will pick up these impurities when scanning the surface of the paper web. Therefore, these impurities must be removed from the transport roll or scanning for proper image registration will be adversely affected. The movement of the paper web causes the transport roll to rotate so that the sensor can scan the entire surface of the transport roll. |
| US08375854B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus includes a first cylinder, second cylinder, third cylinder, first driving device, second driving device, third driving device, thickness input device, and controller. The first cylinder receives a sheet from an upstream transport cylinder and holds the sheet. The second cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and prints/coats the sheet held by the first cylinder. The third cylinder is disposed to oppose the first cylinder and supplies ink/varnish to a circumferential surface of the first cylinder. The first driving device adjusts a gap amount between the first cylinder and the upstream transport cylinder. The second driving device adjusts the position of the second cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The third driving device adjusts the position of the third cylinder with respect to the first cylinder. The thickness input device inputs the thickness of the sheet. The controller controls the first driving device, the second driving device, and the third driving device in accordance with the sheet thickness from the thickness input device. |
| US08375851B2 |
Apparatus and methods for loading soft materials
The present invention provides an apparatus for loading soft materials and methods for using the same. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a gearless mechanical loading apparatus which converts a rotational movement of one end of a first element into an arc of a circle movement of the other end of the first element; and converts the arc of a circle movement of the other end of the first element into a precision two-dimensional lateral movement of a second element. |
| US08375850B2 |
Pressure gauge
A pressure gauge where a main wheel (11) is rotated to raise and lower the upper one of two horizontal feed rollers of a laminating machine so that the pressure applied by the rollers is the same in successive operations. A mark on an indexing wheel (14), which rotates with the main wheel (11), is brought into alignment with a mark on the casing (10) of the machine. The outer ring (14) of the indexing wheel is manually rotatable relative to its inner ring (13), but is held in frictional contact with the main wheel (11) by compression springs (17). |
| US08375849B2 |
Method and apparatus for an air inlet in a cooking device
A cooking device includes a housing having an opening, an airflow device that draws air into the housing through the opening, a filter that is removably connected to the housing to cover the opening, and a controller that controls an amount of the air drawn into the housing based upon a presence of the filter covering the opening or an absence of the filter covering the opening. |
| US08375830B1 |
Ratchet wrench
A ratchet wrench includes a main body provided with a driving gear and a driven gear and having a receiving groove disposed with ratchet teeth on the inner wall. The driving gear is ball-shaped and has the outer wall of each gear tooth forming an arc-shaped surface, and a concave surface is formed between every two gear teeth of the driven gear to match the arc-shaped surface of the gear teeth of the driving gear. Each gear tooth of the driven gear is provided with plural ratchet teeth to be engaged with the ratchet teeth of the receiving groove. An interaction member is received inside the driven gear, having one end connected with an orientating member and another end positioned on a cover plate. A pressing piece is fixed on the interactive member and a spring is positioned between the pressing piece and the interactive member. |
| US08375829B2 |
Wrench for providing two operative modes
A wrench includes a handle, a yoke, a shaft, a head, a mandrel, a first transmitting unit and a second transmitting unit. The shaft includes a first section securely connected to the handle and a second section rotationally inserted in the yoke. The head is pivotally connected to the yoke. The mandrel is inserted through the head. The first transmitting unit can be used to transmit a small torque to the mandrel from the handle spun relative to the yoke. The second transmitting unit can be used together with the first transmitting unit to transmit a large torque to the mandrel from the handle pivoted together with the yoke. |
| US08375821B2 |
Actuating device
An actuating device comprising an actuating element that is moved by a ball stud relative to a base comprising a ball socket. The actuating element can move relative to the base, within at least one pivot plane, between at least two shift positions. At least one recess of the ball socket has an elastic surface area which is flexible in the direction along the radius of the ball socket. The flexible elastic surface area has a centrally arranged pressure contact element, which bears against the joint ball. In a neutral position of the elastic surface area, the contact surface of the pressure contact element is at a distance away from the mid-point of the ball socket which is smaller than the radius of the joint ball, such that it possible to produce actuating devices which are robust in operation and free from play. |
| US08375820B2 |
Hollow actuator with built-in reduction gear
A hollow actuator with a built-in reduction gear includes a motor having an output shaft, and a reduction gear having an input shaft, the output shaft and the input shaft being provided separately from one another. The actuator also includes a motor section and a brake section disposed on a non-load side of the motor section. A bearing is attached to an inner periphery of the brake section. Another bearing that is different from the bearing provided on the inner periphery of the brake section rotatably supports the output shaft of the motor section. |
| US08375817B2 |
Dual clutch transmission
A transmission is connectable to an input member and has an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member. |
| US08375810B2 |
Stator assembly and torque measuring device
Disclosed are a stator assembly and a torque assembly device. The stator assembly includes a stator holder, a first stator which includes a first body making contact with an upper end of the stator holder and a plurality of first teeth extending from the first body so as to be disposed inside the stator holder, a second stator which includes a second body making contact with a lower end of the stator holder and a plurality of second teeth extending from the second body so to be alternately aligned with the first teeth inside the stator holder, and a fusion-welded material that is fusion-welded to the stator holder and the first and second bodies. |
| US08375807B2 |
Messgerat
A measuring device for registering at least one measured value of at least one process variable. The measuring device comprises a measuring tube. The measuring tube has at least one T-joint, on which at least one measurement transmitter is arranged, wherein the measuring tube together with the T-joint is monolithic, and wherein the T-joint is producible from the measuring tube at least partially by a plastic deformation method. |
| US08375805B2 |
Method and apparatus for sensing distortion
A work holder capable of measuring the amount of distortion occurring in a part as the part is machined, processed, treated, or otherwise operated upon and methods of using the same for quality control and process monitoring purposes. Indirect measurement of the distortion occurring in the part eliminates the need to individually strain gauge each part. |
| US08375803B2 |
Testing device for stress corrosion cracking
The present disclosure provides a device for stress corrosion testing of materials, e.g., a test specimen, in corrosive materials. It also provides a testing method that is easy to employ in a consistent and controlled manner and also makes efficient use of the potentially corrosive materials. |
| US08375800B2 |
Compression sensor gasket and method of construction
A compression sensor gasket and method of construction thereof is provided. The gasket has a body with opposite sealing surfaces and a through passage configured to align with a chamber to be sealed. A through opening extends between the sealing surfaces to the through passage and has an annular chamfered surface. A pressure sensor assembly having a housing and a pressure sensor extending at least partially through the housing is disposed in the through opening. The pressure sensor has a pressure sensor tip configured to sense pressure within the chamber to be sealed. The housing has an outer annular tapered surface configured to register in radial alignment with the chamfered surface to facilitate forming a hermetic seal between the pressure sensor assembly and the gasket body. |
| US08375799B2 |
Increased sensor die adhesion
Methods and devices for adhesively bonding a sensor die to a substrate are described. In some cases, a sensor assembly may include a pressure sensor die mounted to a substrate with an adhesive. The pressure sensor die may be fabricated to include a back-side having one or more adhesion features (e.g. recesses or indentations), which increase the surface area of the pressure sensor die that is in contact with the adhesive, to thereby increase the adhesion force therebetween. In some cases, the one or more adhesion features may define a non-planar interface between the pressure sensor die and the adhesive which, in some instances, may reduce the formation and/or propagation of cracks in the adhesive, which also may help increase the adhesion force therebetween. |
| US08375797B2 |
Method for operating a pressure measuring unit, apparatus having at least one pressure measuring unit, device having such an apparatus, and use of a measuring chamber
The present invention relates to a method for the operation of a pressure measuring device for the measurement of the pressure in a system through which fluid flows, in particular in an extracorporeal circuit of a medical unit, with the pressure measuring device having a measuring chamber which is bounded by a flexible membrane, through which fluid flows in the operation of the system or which is filled with fluid and also having a pressure sensor connected to the membrane for the purpose of pressure measurement, with the method including the following steps not requiring any intervention of the staff: a. increasing the pressure in the measuring chamber (12) to a pressure value at which the membrane (13) is at least slightly outwardly curved relative to the measuring chamber (12) in the state not connected to the pressure sensor (14) or determining such a pressure value; b: separating the membrane (13) of the measuring chamber (12) from the pressure sensor (14); c. joining together the membrane (13) of the measuring chamber (12) and of the pressure sensor (14) such that the membrane (13) of the measuring chamber (12) contacts the pressure sensor (14); and d. repeating the steps a. to c. at predetermined intervals and/or on the occurrence of an error case. |
| US08375795B2 |
Non-destructive inspection of high-pressure lines
The invention relates to a method for the non-destructive ultrasound inspection of a high-pressure line as a testing piece by means of the pulse-echo method, where the high-pressure line is conveyed to a near-field range of at least one ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic pulse is emitted with a perpendicular sound incidence on the high-pressure line in such a way that the high-pressure line is completely captured in its cross section by the near-field sound emission caused by the ultrasonic transducer, and the reflected ultrasonic pulse(s) is/are received by the ultrasonic transducer and/or, optionally, further ultrasonic transducers, the associated echo delay times are recorded and, optionally, evaluated. |
| US08375794B2 |
Operation-position detector and application thereof
An operation-position detector having a tube that allows an ultrasonic signal to propagate therethrough. The tube has a plurality of holes capable of being selectively closed or opened by an operation and is provided with an ultrasonic transmitter-receiver arranged at a first end thereof. A signal processor drives the ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and causes an ultrasonic signal to propagate through the inside of the tube, receives a reflection signal corresponding to a closed or open state of each of the holes, and detects the state of each hole on the basis of the reflection signal, thereby detecting the operation position of an operation conducted by an operator. |
| US08375787B2 |
Rotation rate sensor and method for operating a rotation rate sensor
A rotation rate sensor includes a substrate having a main extension plane, and a Coriolis element movable relative to the substrate, the Coriolis element being provided to be excitable to perform an oscillation deflection substantially parallel to the main extension plane; and the Coriolis element further being provided to be deflectable, by way of a Coriolis force acting on the Coriolis element, to perform a detectable Coriolis deflection perpendicular to the main extension plane; and the rotation rate sensor further including at least one compensation electrode that is provided for at least partial compensation, as a function of the oscillation deflection, for a levitation force acting on the Coriolis element. |
| US08375782B1 |
Model hull testing method, platform, and system
A model hull testing method, platform, and system are disclosed that acquire model hull performance data about one or more hulls in an open-water environment, preferably testing two hulls simultaneously as they encounter essentially the same sea state. Avoiding tow-tank testing by providing a powered watercraft as an open-water testing platform, the method proceeds by supporting the model hulls on the testing platform, so they float in outboard positions, and then by acquiring data about hull performance as the testing platform and model hulls move together through an open body of water. A complement of data acquisition components acquires digital and analog data about the testing environment and model hull performance, preferably including platform motion, time and location information, wave characteristics, apparent wind speed and direction, and model hull drag and motion, with all data being recorded on an onboard laptop computer for later processing and analysis. A trimaran powered watercraft configuration and preferred data-acquisition components and techniques are also disclosed. |
| US08375781B2 |
Arrangement for determining the pressure in an undercarriage tyre of an aircraft
The subject matter of the invention is an arrangement for determining the pressure in an undercarriage tire of an aircraft, which arrangement has a measurement matrix (1) with a plurality of load sensors which are arranged in an area over which the aircraft tire can roll. The invention provides that the arrangement is designed to measure the pressure difference between two or more undercarriage tires. |
| US08375775B2 |
Method for determining the power of an internal combustion engine
The power of internal combustion engines is conventionally determined on special power-test stands on which all connections, in particular coolant connections, of the engine must be fitted. In particular, if a cold test of the internal combustion engine is carried out beforehand, it is necessary for said internal combustion engine to be dismounted from the cold-test stand and mounted on the power-test stand, which is time-consuming. The invention indirectly predetermines the power of the internal combustion engine during the cold test. In this way, the determination of the power can be carried out on the cold-test stand without the need for a power-test stand or for the internal combustion engine to be mounted thereon. |
| US08375767B2 |
Mounted shock sensor
This application is directed to a shock sensor mounted in an electronic device. The shock sensor includes both active and passive shock detection methods that allow a technician to determine whether the electronic device was subjected to a shock event that exceeded an impact threshold level. The shock sensor may include shock detection contacts that form an electrical circuit that remains open in the absence of a shock event that exceeds an impact threshold level. In response to a significant shock event, a movable component or substance of the shock sensor may move from a first position to a second position, thereby closing the electrical circuit formed by the shock detection contacts. The change in circuit may be detected and used to provide active indication of whether the electronic device has been subjected to a substantial shock event. In addition, the shock sensor may be observed to passively determine whether the electronic device has been subjected to a substantial shock event. |
| US08375765B2 |
Method and device for controlling the synchronization of cylinder/piston units and for reducing pressure peaks during forming and/or fineblanking on a fineblanking or stamping press
The cylinder/piston unit for a counterforce ram or vee ring of a fineblanking or stamping press equipped with at least one tool is continuously maintained at a preadjustable cushion pressure (P1) and is then subjected to a preadjustable displacement pressure (P2) from a connectable high-pressure source, with said pressure being set to a pressure (PU) varying between the cushion pressure (P1) and the pressure for forming or blanking by supplying a separate control oil quantity to a second accumulator via a central control unit, whereby a rise in pressure caused by the impact between the tool and the workpiece is regulated, independently of quantity of the control oil, from the pressure (P3) in the second accumulator to a permissible set pressure by discharging a significant part of the pressure pulse into a separate tank and the available cushion pressure allows ejection of the workpiece to be synchronized with retraction of the press ram. |
| US08375760B2 |
Making and coiling rod and wire
A method of making wire has the steps of rolling out a wire in a mill having a finishing stand from which the wire exits at a predetermined and varying travel speed VD, pulling the wire through a cooling/equalizing stretch downstream in a travel direction from the finishing stand by means of a cooler drive at a downstream end of the finishing stretch such that the wire exits the cooler drive substantially at the travel speed VD, passing the wire through a looping stretch downstream of the cooler drive to a looper drive, operating the looper drive at such a speed that the wire forms a loop between the cooler drive and the looper drive and exits the looper drive at a looper speed VT normally different from the travel speed VD, and forming the wire into turns and depositing the turns as a coil downstream of the looper drive. |
| US08375759B2 |
Bridge turret transfer assembly
An apparatus for joining two fixed bases having a plurality of can necking stages, is provided. The apparatus minimizes space, and reduces the diameter of a can neck as it transfers a can body from a first fixed base to a second fixed base. |
| US08375754B2 |
Methods and apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material
Methods and an apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a plurality of sensors positioned across a width of a strip material, each of the plurality of sensors corresponding to a different one of a plurality of longitudinal zones along the width of the strip material. The example apparatus also includes a material condition monitor to determine a plurality of wave heights of the strip material based on information received from the plurality of sensors. Each of the wave heights corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of longitudinal zones. The material condition monitor is also to determine whether a measured portion of the strip material is substantially flat based on a comparison of each of the wave heights to a threshold value. When the strip material is not substantially flat, the material condition monitor is to perform a plurality of zone-to-zone comparisons by comparing at least some of the wave heights to each other and generating a first signal to condition a first one of the plurality of zones of the strip material based on at least one of the zone-to-zone comparisons. |
| US08375753B2 |
Solenoid-operated electromechanical lock
An electromechanical lock is provided that comprises a locking assembly and a latch solenoid with a plunger axially displaceable, by an electrical command signal, between retracted and extended states and being associated with a first urging arrangement that biases the plunger in a first axial direction from the retracted to the extended states. The locking assembly comprises a lock actuation member movable between first and second states for locking and unlocking the lock, respectively. A second urging arrangement is operative to bias the actuation member to move to the second state. A third urging arrangement is operative to bias the actuation member to move from the second to the first state. The plunger is operatively associated with the locking assembly to cause the lock actuation member to move from the first to the second state for unlocking the lock upon displacement of the plunger in the first direction, and to permit movement of the actuation member, induced by the third urging arrangement, from the second to the first state for locking the lock, upon displacement of the plunger from the extended to the retraced state. |
| US08375743B2 |
Automatic greasing of molds for forming hollow glass products
The invention relates to: a process for manufacturing a hollow glass product (30) employing at least one mold comprising two mold halves (100, 200) closed up at one end on a ring mold (300) and closed off at the other end by a top, which process includes the greasing of at least one of said molds in the closed-up position of said mold halves (100, 200) on said ring mold (300), but said top not closing up said other end, characterized in that the greasing includes a spraying by a spray tube (4) moving in the cavity of the mold and in that the spray tube (4) is carried by a robot (1) that can move alongside the blank mold of an IS machine a device for implementing this process. |
| US08375741B2 |
Refrigerant system with intercooler and liquid/vapor injection
A refrigerant system is provided with at least two sequential stages of compression. An intercooler is positioned intermediate the two stages. The refrigerant flowing through the intercooler is cooled by a secondary fluid such as ambient air. A vapor/liquid injection function is also provided for the refrigerant system. The intercooler function and the vapor/liquid injection function are selectively activated on demand depending on environmental conditions and thermal load in a conditioned space. This invention is particularly important for the CO2 refrigerant systems operating in the transcritical cycle. |
| US08375739B2 |
Ice-making device for refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage chamber, a door provided to the main body, including an outer door and a door liner. The door liner includes support steps, a liner plate, and a seating step that define an installation space. An ice maker is located at least partially in the installation space. A cold air duct is provided in one side of the storage chamber to supply the ice maker with cold air. An ice maker cover is provided having a cold air inlet on a top portion thereof and a viewing window on a lower portion thereof. The viewing window allows the ice maker to be seen from outside of the ice maker cover. An ice bank is removably located below the ice maker to transfer ice received from the ice maker to a dispenser. |
| US08375737B2 |
Ice maker and domestic appliance which is equipped with said ice maker
An ice maker for a domestic appliance comprises an ice tray, a water feed line which can be used to fill the ice tray with water, a water filter which is arranged in the water feed line such that it can be replaced, and a monitoring unit for calculating a value which is representative of the degree of wear of the filter. The monitoring unit has means for changing the representative value by a first fixed step width each time the ice tray is filled. |
| US08375735B2 |
Refrigeration systems with voltage modulated compressor motors and methods of their control
A refrigerant system is provided that includes a compressor, a motor for driving the compressor, a refrigerant system component, and a controller. The refrigerant system component can operate in a pulse width modulated mode having a loaded phase and an unloaded phase. The compressor motor is loaded in the loaded phase but unloaded in the unloaded phase. The controller applies a first voltage to the compressor motor in the loaded phase and a second voltage to the compressor motor in the unloaded phase. Here, the second voltage is less than the first voltage. |
| US08375729B2 |
Optimization of a thermoacoustic apparatus based on operating conditions and selected user input
In a thermoacoustic refrigerator, operating temperatures, ambient temperature, and selected user input are utilized to control frequency and/or input power in order to optimize the efficiency of the thermoacoustic refrigerator operation. In a thermoacoustic heat engine, operating temperatures, ambient temperature, and selected user input are utilized to control impedance of a load to optimize the efficiency of the thermoacoustic heat engine operation. |
| US08375726B2 |
Combustor assembly in a gas turbine engine
A combustor assembly in a gas turbine engine. The combustor assembly includes a combustor device coupled to a main engine casing, a first fuel injection system, a transition duct, and an intermediate duct. The combustor device includes a flow sleeve for receiving pressurized air and a liner disposed radially inwardly from the flow sleeve. The first fuel injection system provides fuel that is ignited with the pressurized air creating first working gases. The intermediate duct is disposed between the liner and the transition duct and defines a path for the first working gases to flow from the liner to the transition duct. An intermediate duct inlet portion is associated with a liner outlet and allows movement between the intermediate duct and the liner. An intermediate duct outlet portion is associated with a transition duct inlet section and allows movement between the intermediate duct and the transition duct. |
| US08375725B2 |
Integrated pressurized steam hydrocarbon reformer and combined cycle process
A process for the co-production of hydrogen and power through the integration of a hydrogen production unit and a power generation unit is provided. The hydrogen production unit comprises a gas heated reformer, a water gas shift reactor, and a hydrogen separator which produces a low-BTU hydrocarbon fuel stream and a purified hydrogen stream. The low-BTU hydrocarbon fuel stream, along with a compressed oxygen-containing stream extracted from the power generation unit, is combusted to provide heat to the reformer. |
| US08375718B2 |
Apparatus for generating energy using a sensible heat during manufacturing of molten iron and method for generating energy using the same
An apparatus for generating energy using sensible heat of an offgas during manufacture of molten iron and a method for generating energy using the same are provided. The method for generating energy includes i) providing an offgas discharged from an apparatus for manufacturing molten iron including a reduction reactor that provides reduced iron that is reduced from iron ore and a melter-gasifier that melts the reduced iron to manufacture molten iron; ii) converting cooling water into high pressure steam by contacting the cooling water with the offgas; and iii) generating energy from at least one steam turbine by supplying the high pressure steam to the steam turbine and rotating the steam turbine. |
| US08375712B2 |
Water explosion engine, method, and device
The invention relates to a method for producing superheated steam in an engine in which highly compressed water is injected into a very hot medium located in the engine, resulting in explosion-like evaporation. Said process is to take place in a specially developed rotational-translational engine in order to utilize a maximum of the thrust of the steam. The engine is to comprise at least two cylinders which have a circular cross-sectional shape (10) and inside which the drive shaft (11) is disposed eccentrically. A rotor (12) that is connected to an element (16) which is inserted through the drive shaft (11) is arranged on the drive shaft. Said element (16) can be moved back and forth in the drive shaft (11) while the ends thereof are fixedly anchored to the rotor (12). The two ends of the rotor (10) are provided with a specially designed triple-roll seal (13) that can lengthen and shorten the rotor (10), which is a requirement when the drive shaft (11) is placed non-axially in a circular cylinder (10). The rotor (10) has an elongate, elliptical shape and separates the cylinder chamber (10) into two expanding and contracting working chambers A and B. |
| US08375708B2 |
Static mixing element and method of producing a static mixing element
A static mixing element, in particular for arrangement in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, has a grid-like component having a flow therethrough. The grid-like component is formed in one piece from an elongated metal strip. In the production of the static mixing element, the metal strip is bent to form the grid-like component. |
| US08375707B2 |
Exhaust gas collector
The present invention relates to an exhaust gas collector for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, having two internal shell bodies which each connect a plurality of inlet openings in a communicating fashion to an outlet opening, having an external shell body which encloses a receptacle space in which the two internal shell bodies are at least partially arranged. In order to improve the response behavior of a turbocharger, which can be connected to the exhaust gas collector, a dividing wall is proposed which divides the receptacle space into two partial spaces, one of the two internal shell bodies being at least partially arranged in each of the partial spaces. |
| US08375705B2 |
Exhaust system implementing low-temperature regeneration strategy
An exhaust control system for use with a combustion engine is disclosed. The exhaust control system may have an exhaust passage configured to receive a flow of exhaust from the combustion engine, a particulate filter located within the exhaust passage, and an oxidation catalyst located upstream of the filter. The oxidation catalyst may be configured to promote regeneration of the particulate filter and may have an activation temperature range. The exhaust control system may also have a heating device located to selectively warm the oxidation catalyst to within the activation temperature range, and a controller in communication with the combustion engine and the heating device. The controller may be configured to detect a loading of the particulate filter exceeding a first loaded threshold amount, and to detect a low temperature condition of the combustion engine. The controller may further be configured to activate the heating device to warm the oxidation catalyst when the loading of the particulate filter exceeds the first loaded threshold amount during the low temperature condition and until the loading of the particulate filter is reduced below a second loaded threshold amount. |
| US08375702B2 |
Exhaust emission control system for engine and control method therefor
An exhaust emission control system, which comprises control means 8 operable, in response to satisfaction of a given stop condition, to automatically stop an engine, and subsequently, in response to satisfaction of a given restart condition, to automatically restart the automatically stopped engine, a flow passage 6 adapted for an aqueous urea solution for reducing nitrogen oxides contained in exhaust gas of the engine, and supply/recovery means 7 adapted to drive a pump 10 to supply an aqueous urea solution to the flow passage and recover an aqueous urea solution from the flow passage. The control means is operable, when the engine is forcibly stopped by turning off an ignition switch, to instruct the supply/recovery means 7 to recover an aqueous urea solution from the flow passage 6, and, when automatically stopping the engine in response to satisfaction of the given stop condition, to prohibit the supply/recovery means 7 from recovering an aqueous urea solution from the flow passage 6. |
| US08375701B2 |
Hydrocarbon retaining and purging system
Method and systems are provided for operating an engine having a hydrocarbon retaining system coupled to an engine exhaust and an engine intake. During an engine cold start, routing exhaust gas to the hydrocarbon retaining system to store hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon retaining system. Then, depending on temperature, the hydrocarbons are purged with varying amounts of exhaust gas and fresh air in order to maintain proper temperature control. |
| US08375698B2 |
Method for reducing the vibration levels of a propfan of contrarotating bladed disks of a turbine engine
A method for reducing the vibration levels likely to occur, in a turbine engine including a first and a second bladed disk forming a propfan of contrarotating disks, when the two disks are traversed by a gaseous fluid, because of the turbulence of aerodynamic origin generated by the second bladed disk on the first bladed disk is disclosed. The method includes defining an initial configuration of the blades, calculating the synchronous forced response on the first bladed disk as a function of the harmonic excitation force generated by the second bladed disk expressed as a linear function of the generalized aerodynamic force for the mode in question; for stacked sections of one of the two disks, determining a tangential geometric offset value θ of the individual aerodynamic profile to reduce the term corresponding to the generalized aerodynamic force; and applying a new configuration to the blades. |
| US08375690B2 |
Pollen harvesting machine
A pollen harvesting machine having a motorized chassis on which there are mounted heads for harvesting pollen by suction, which heads are connected by a suction circuit to a separation cyclone, which is connected to a suction fan. The separation cyclone is associated with a pollen recovery hopper. Each head comprises an assembly of a suction hood which has a generally frustroconical portion, which widens between an upper opening which is connected to the remainder of the suction circuits of the machine, and a polygonal base. |
| US08375687B2 |
Method and apparatus for carrier
An apparatus is provided for transporting a plurality of beverage containers. The apparatus may include first, second, third, and fourth sides, and a floor. The first, second, third, and fourth sides may be attached to the floor so that the first second, third and fourth sides can pivot with respect to the floor, and so that each can be placed in a first state in which each is parallel with respect to the floor and in a second state in which each is at a ninety degree angle with respect to the floor. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth sides may have a bottom protrusion which can be adhered to the floor in the second state, to hold at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth sides in the second state. |
| US08375685B2 |
Method and apparatus for use with a group of bales
An improved method and apparatus is used with a group of bales. The group of bales is gripped with a bale handling apparatus. A flexible strip is positioned around the group of bales. The group of bales is then moved while the group of bales is gripped by the bale handling apparatus and while the flexible strip extends around the group of bales. The flexible strip is positioned relative to the group of bales by a positioning member which is connected with the bale handling apparatus. |
| US08375684B2 |
Closing apparatus for containers
An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier. |
| US08375683B2 |
Apparatus for closing containers with contactless torque generation
An apparatus for treating containers includes a housing, inside which a sterile chamber is formed. A treatment element is arranged inside the housing and is rotatable about a predefined axis. The treatment element is arranged on a carrier inside the housing, and has a drive device for driving the treatment element. The drive device is arranged at least partially outside the sterile chamber and includes at least a first drive element arranged outside the sterile chamber for generating rotational movements, and a second drive element arranged inside the sterile chamber. The first drive element and the second drive element cooperate in a contactless manner to generate rotational movement of the treatment element. The drive elements in each case have at least one magnetisable element and preferably at least the second drive element is displaceable in the direction of its axis of rotation relative to the sterile chamber. |
| US08375680B2 |
Insulated glass unit (IGU) and a point fixing apparatus for an IGU
A device (1) for providing a fixing point for an insulated glass unit (3), the device having clamping blocks (22) to mount the device (1) though opposed panes of glass (5, 6) of the unit (3) and a spacer (10) with opposed faces (13, 14). At least one of the opposed faces (13, 14) having an annular groove (17, 18) for carrying sealant to seal against an associated one of the glass panes (5, 6) when the glass panes (5, 6) are tensioned together by the clamping blocks (22). |
| US08375678B1 |
Methods for construction of pre-fabricated modular reinforcement cages for concrete structures
A pre-fabrication of a modular reinforcement cage for high-rise concrete construction is provided. The primary vertical bars, often referred to as the longitudinal bars, are held in formation by a set of templates that are manufactured to the design of the construction. These templates ensure accurate placement of the vertical bars and provides great rigidity for the module when being placed in the field. The main vertical bars can have thread-like deformations along the length of the bar, and are locked in place by use of compatible hardware against the templates. Multiple modules can then be stacked and coupled by use of mechanical couplings as construction continues. |
| US08375677B1 |
Insulated poured concrete wall structure with integal T-beam supports and method of making same
An insulated concrete wall structure having integral T-beam supports is fabricated onsite by pouring uncured concrete into spaced apart forms that define a wall cavity. Within the wall cavity are a plurality of insulation panels so positioned and arranged in defining an outer wall cavity for forming a concrete outer wall, a support wall cavity for forming a support wall that is integral with the outer wall and together define a T-beam support, and a box beam cavity for forming an elongated box beam that interconnects the upper ends of the T-beam supports together. |
| US08375675B1 |
Truss beam having convex-curved rods, shear web panels, and self-aligning adapters
A truss beam comprised of a plurality of joined convex-curved rods with self-aligning adapters (SAA) adhesively attached at each end of the truss beam is disclosed. Shear web panels are attached to adjacent pairs of rods, providing buckling resistance for the truss beam. The rods are disposed adjacent to each other, centered around a common longitudinal axis, and oriented so that adjacent rod ends converge to at least one virtual convergence point on the common longitudinal axis, with the rods' curvature designed to increase prevent buckling for the truss beam. Each SAA has longitudinal bores that provide self-aligning of the rods in the SAA, the self-aligning feature enabling creation of strong adhesive bonds between each SAA and the rods. In certain embodiments of the present invention, pultruded unidirectional carbon fiber rods are coupled with carbon fiber shear web panels and metal SAA(s), resulting in a lightweight, low-cost but strong truss beam that is highly resistant to buckling. |
| US08375670B2 |
Insulating assembly
The invention relates to an insulating assembly (1) in a mobile object such as a ship or aircraft, the mobile object having carrier parts that are upstanding with respect to a wall and a carrier part being covered over in cross-section by a holding part (5), there also being a sheet-like insulating part (7) that is held between two carriers as a result of clamping formations (6) on the holding part (5). In order to provide an advantageous insulating assembly in a mobile object, it is proposed that the insulating part (7) comprises a foam-like self-supporting element (8) that is optionally covered over on one or both sides by a covering layer. |
| US08375669B2 |
Formwork and method for constructing rammed earth walls
The invention is a formwork system and a method of using the formwork to construct rammed earth walls. The formwork comprises end panels which can be quickly assembled and disassembled to provide end stops to support side panels without the need for through-ties. The end panels comprise integral handholds for access to the full height of the formwork. The end panels are stackable, rotatable and interchangeable, such that one set of formwork may be used to create several different wall configurations. The finished wall contains an internal support structure and insulating core, without through-holes. |
| US08375667B2 |
Rubble stone anchoring system
Anchoring systems for use in cavity wall structures having an inner wythe and an outer wythe constructed of rubble stone are disclosed. The anchoring system employs an anchor fastened to or set within the inner wythe that extends into the cavity and connects to a J-hook. A vertically adjustable veneer tie enwraps the J-hook, limiting lateral movement and front-to-back displacement, and is set within the bed joint of the outer wythe. The anchoring system minimizes cavity size and provides stability for an uncoursed outer wythe equivalent to that of anchoring systems for standards coursed bed joints. |
| US08375666B2 |
Firestopping sealing means for use with gypsum wallboard in head-of-wall construction
A sealing gasket for use attached to the topmost edge of gypsum board used as construction wallboard. The gasket includes a support leg section capable of being mounted in engagement with the uppermost edge of the gypsum board. The gasket includes a sealing leg extending outwardly from said leg section which includes an intumescent component to facilitate sealing between the edge of the gypsum board and the wall structure above. The sealing leg preferably includes an intumescent impregnated paper material covered with a structurally enhancing layer. An adhesive layer can be included to attach the gasket to the gypsum wallboard. The sealing leg is preferably planar and extends upwardly and inwardly over the upper edge of the gypsum board at an obtuse angle with respect to the support leg for sealing the head-of-wall area thereabove. |
| US08375665B2 |
Partition modules and assembly system thereof
A partition module and system of partition modules provides an aesthetically pleasing partition for an interior space of a building. The front and rear exteriors of the module each include three-dimensional surface patterns configured to coextensively align with patterns on adjacent substantially identical modules to form a collective, dual-sided partition having a seamless visual appearance. The partition module may include a recess sized and shaped to receive a beam for supporting the partition structure and a plurality of alignment projections for self-alignment of the partition modules during construction. |
| US08375663B2 |
Integral wall base and flash cove
An integral wall base and flash cove having a wall portion, an elongated toe and a concave cove interconnecting the wall portion and the elongated toe in smooth transition. The integral wall base and flash cove can be wrapped around inside and outside corners without the need for a separate molded corner. The integral wall base and flash cove can be installed without required a cove stick or top cap moulding. |
| US08375660B2 |
Interlocking decorative trim system
An interlocking decorative trim system has a backing strip and a cover strip interlocked together. The backing strip has a top, a bottom, a back face, a front face, a tongue extending from the top, and a projection adjacent the bottom and extending away from the front face. The front face has a recess and the projection has a slot. The cover strip has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, a tab extending from the bottom, and a second projection adjacent the top and extending away from the front face. The back face has a recess and the second projection has a groove. The tongue of the backing strip fits inside the groove of the cover strip and the tab of the cover strip fits into the slot of the backing strip. |
| US08375654B1 |
Apparatus for forming and mounting a photovoltaic array
A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array. |
| US08375651B2 |
Modular guy anchor
A modular guy anchor includes an anchor head and an anchor shaft. The anchor head includes a tubular region for receiving the anchor shaft. The anchor shaft has one end that extends into or through the tubular region and is retained therein. The anchor shaft is preferably galvanized steel coated over at least a portion of its length with a corrosion-resistant material. The corrosion-resistant material is preferably applied over any portion of the anchor shaft that is exposed to soil during normal use. The modularity of the guy anchor facilitates stocking, shipping, and installation, while the corrosion resistance of the anchor shaft promotes longevity. |
| US08375650B2 |
Rapid deployable structure for remote installation
A rapidly deployable structure for remote installation and method of constructing same is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of vertical support columns topped with guiding structures. Each guiding structure has a narrow top and flares toward a comparatively wider bottom end. The structures have horizontal members including apertures that interface with the guiding structures as the horizontal members are lowered into place. |
| US08375639B2 |
Refrigerator door and method of manufacture thereof
A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door includes a front decoration defining a front external appearance of the refrigerator door, a door liner provided at a rear of the front decoration to define a rear external appearance of the refrigerator door, a pair of cap decorations provided on upper and lower portions of the front decoration to define top and bottom external appearances of the refrigerator door, a pair of door decorations coupled to both sides of the front decoration to define both side external appearances of the refrigerator door, a display portion interposed between the front decoration and the door liner, and an insulating layer interposed between the front decoration and the door liner. |
| US08375637B2 |
Grain bin lid assembly
A bin lid assembly includes a lid member arranged to span across an opening in the roof of a grain storage bin. The lid member is supported by a hinge which is biased towards a closed position extending forwardly across the bin opening from an open position extending rearwardly. An operating linkage is pivotally connected to the lid member and includes a opening arm which is folded relative to the lid member from a first position extending upwardly in the closed position of the lid member to a second position extending rearwardly in the open position of the lid member to allow the lid member to be opened 180 degrees. The linkage also allows a mechanical advantage to be maintained when pulling the lid open using an actuator tether alongside the bin which is connected at an upper end to the opening arm. |
| US08375633B2 |
Vehicular sliding door structure
A vehicular sliding door structure includes a sliding door having a closure portion configured to undergo abutting engagement with a mating portion of a vehicle body. The closure portion has an opening for allowing the entry of a striker therethrough into an internal space of the sliding door for locking engagement with a lock device. An anti-pinch sensor disposed on the closure portion has a sensor harness arranged to enter an internal space of the sliding door through the opening. A single cover member is provided on the closure portion so as to close the opening and cover a portion of the sensor harness. The cover member has a through-hole for the passage therethrough of the striker. |
| US08375631B2 |
Modular gardening system
A system for modular gardening including a water module having a reservoir coupled to an aperture such that water in the reservoir flows out the water module via the aperture. The system also including a plant module having a housing having an aperture arranged to transfer water with another module and further having an open region on a top surface of the housing, a first conduit within the housing coupling the aperture and a regulator, a second conduit coupled to the regulator, the second conduit providing water to one or more water absorbent layers arranged atop the second conduit, and plant life at least partially embedded in at least one of the one or more water absorbent layers and receiving light through the open region. |
| US08375630B2 |
Method to improve germination of embryos from manufactured seed
The invention provides methods for improving germination of manufactured seeds. The manufactured seed of the invention comprises a seed coat, nutritive media comprising an adsorbent material in a concentration from about 30 g/L to about 100 g/L, and a shoot restraint comprising a cavity. The manufactured seed further comprises a plant embryo. The adsorbent material may be nutrient-treated or non-nutrient-treated charcoal. The manufactured seed may optionally contain an adsorbent material in the cavity of the shoot restraint. |
| US08375627B2 |
Method and apparatus for all-terrain large-scale production of algae
A modular all-terrain algal production system that includes a plurality of segments. Each segment is made from one or more trays that are adapted to grow algae on their surface. The trays each have a flange end configured to be coupled to non-flanged end of an adjacent tray to form floways. Each floway has a rotatable surge bucket at one end that is able to hold water and spill the water in a wave down the floway into a catchment. The system is supported on uneven terrain by an adjustable structure arranged to provide each floway with a horizontal inclination. |
| US08375626B2 |
Bedbug detection, monitoring and control techniques
One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species. |
| US08375621B1 |
Fishing pole holder with adjustable strike indicator and signal for low visibility conditions
A device for holding a fishing pole. The device employing a hollow elongated pole holder for fishing pole with elongated slots wherein a trigger is positioned. The trigger is adjustable for various weights of poles and tackles. The trigger comprises a swing arm adjustable to weight of the fishing tackle. A signal indicates a strike on the line. Sensitivity of the signal can be adjusted. A frame holds the pole holder and the pole holder is angularly positionable in relation to the frame. Removable pins are used to hold the pole holder pivotably to the frame and to a mounting plate. Another removable pin allows the pole holder to be angularly adjusted. The device can mounted to boats, docks, the ground or to ice. |
| US08375618B1 |
Shoulder-fired grenade launcher
The shoulder-fired grenade launcher includes an electrical firing mechanism powered by a suitable small electrical power source, e.g., a nine-volt dry cell battery. A battery voltage indicator is provided at the side of the action of the weapon. The weapon has a relatively short barrel, capable of firing a single muzzle-loaded round with each firing. The round is only slightly shorter than the barrel. Reliefs are provided at the sides of the muzzle to enable the operator to extract the spent shell from the barrel. An electrical safety switch is provided. LEDs or other suitable lights indicate the status of the safety switch. Closure of the electrical circuit for firing the projectile is accomplished by an electrical toggle switch used for the trigger. |
| US08375615B2 |
Planar sheet mounting device and frame
A planar sheet mounting device comprising: a frame unit; at least one retaining unit connected to the frame unit, wherein the at least one retaining device comprises: a first plurality of formed segment pairs, wherein a formed segment pair comprises a first formed segment disposed on a second formed segment, wherein the second formed segment is substantially identical to the first formed segment, wherein the first formed segment is oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the second formed segment, whereby a planar sheet is retained when interposed between the first formed segment the second formed segment; a holder, wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are coupled to holder at least one point on each formed segment pair of the first plurality of formed segment pairs, and wherein the first plurality of formed segment pairs are oriented adjacent to each other; an affixant coupled to the holder for removably affixing the first plurality of formed segment pairs and the frame unit to a substrate. |
| US08375610B2 |
Handheld telescopic ironing device
A handheld telescopic ironing device for pressing clothing, fabric and the like comprising two handles joined at the distal end with a pivotal hinge, each handle comprised of an elongated hollow outer handle housing and at least one elongated hollow inner handle housing concentrically aligned and telescopically mounted within outer handle housing with a locking means to hold the with inner handle housing and outer handle housing at extended or contracted lengths. Attached to the two handles are heads each having a pressing surface mounted on a hollow head housing so that the two pressing surfaces oppose each other. The telescopic ironing device is further comprised of at least one heating element disposed within one or more of internal cavities of the head housing and has an optional steam feature. |
| US08375608B2 |
Pinnable pressable surface system
Generally, the present invention relates to an ironing surface for use in ironing ironable materials, and in particular relates to a pinnable pressable ironing surface on which ironable materials can be pinned and pressed with a hot iron. |
| US08375601B2 |
Footwear with air cavities
There is provided a sole unit having a midsole section and an outsole section. The midsole incorporates a number of cavities which open at their top ends and which are wider at their bottom ends. The outsole section incorporates a number of diaphragm elements which close off the bottoms of the cavities. In some arrangements there is a footbed which has in its underside a number of recesses disposed above each of the cavities, the recesses being linked by channels and incorporating orifices leading to the inside of an article of footwear. |
| US08375599B2 |
Household appliance, particularly for drying a laundry article
A household appliance for drying a laundry item, the household appliance having a treatment chamber and a closed process air circuit to feed process air through the treatment chamber. The process air circuit includes a blower to move the process air; a condenser to condense out moisture in the process air; a heater to heat the process air; a measurement device to determine a temperature of the process air; and a controller to control the blower and the heater as a function of the measurement signal. An analyzer determines an energy requirement to dry the laundry item prior to initiating a drying process for the laundry item. An integrator determines an energy input to the process air via the heater up to a respective measurement time. A comparator compares the energy input with the energy requirement and ends the drying process when the energy input matches the energy requirement. |
| US08375595B2 |
Tape rule with removable magnet assembly
Disclosed is a rule assembly having a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, an elongated blade arranged to be wound on the reel and to be extendable through an opening in the housing, and an end hook member having a mounting portion attached to the elongated blade and a hook portion. The end hook member is capable of limited movement relative to the blade between an extended position and a retracted position. The rule assembly has a magnet assembly removably attachable to the elongated blade. The magnet assembly has a mounting portion and a magnet. The mounting portion is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly relative to the blade such that a forward surface of the magnet is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with or approximately aligned with a forward surface of the hook portion with the end hook member in its retracted position. |
| US08375590B2 |
Knife blade opening mechanism
A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. A torsion spring is retained axially on the blade axis pin and within a bushing that is stationary relative to the knife handle. One leg of the spring is fixed relative to the handle. The opposite leg of the spring extends through and rides in a partial annular groove in the bushing and acts on the blade as it is moved between the open and closed positions. |
| US08375587B2 |
Helical inner diameter groove journal bearing
A method includes providing a journal bearing blank that includes an axis, an inner surface disposed at an inner diameter, an outer surface disposed at an outer diameter, a first axial surface, a second, opposing axial surface, and a lubricant opening that extends between the inner surface and the outer surface; along the inner surface, milling a well that spans an azimuthal angle about the axis, milling an arm that spans an azimuthal angle about the axis and that extends from the well to the first axial surface of the journal bearing, and milling an opposing arm that spans an azimuthal angle about the axis and that extends from the well to the second axial surface of the journal bearing; and inserting the journal bearing in a bore of a turbocharger center housing. Various other devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08375584B2 |
Method for manufacturing large-area heat sink having heat-dissipating fins
The present invention relates to a heat sink of a large area, in which a heat-dissipating body is further provided in its limited space. The method for manufacturing a fin includes the steps of providing a fin, cutting the fin to form a foldable piece thereon, folding back the foldable piece to be overlapped on the fin and form an accommodating hole, and punching the folded piece and the fin to form two overlapped through-holes. The fin, the heat-dissipating body and heat pipes are assembled together to obtain the heat sink. Since the fins and the heat-dissipating body dissipate the heat of the heat-generating element simultaneously, the heat-dissipating efficiency of the heat sink can be improved. |
| US08375579B2 |
System for injecting a thermoplastic material
The disclosure relates to a system for injecting a thermoplastic material in the fluid state, including: a dispenser adapted to be maintained at an injection temperature higher than the temperature limit at which the material is in a fluid state; an injection nozzle defining at least one portion of a transition passage; a stopper mounted inside the transition passage so as to slide between a blocking position and an opening position thereof; and control means for alternately sliding the stopper, wherein the control means comprises a jack with a rod parallel to the sliding direction of the stopper, and which is secured in an offset manner on the dispenser via a flattened beam, and a lever arranged so as to tilt about an axis so as to transmit the movements of the jack rod to the stopper. |
| US08375574B2 |
Method of making analyte sensor
A sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and may include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. The sensor is calibration-adjusted, eliminating the need for a user to enter a calibration code or for the meter to read a calibration code. |
| US08375570B2 |
Electronic component mounting system and electronic component mounting method
An object of the invention is to provide an electronic component mounting system and an electronic component mounting method which can execute component mounting work on a plurality of boards simultaneously, concurrently and efficiently so that high productivity and responsiveness to production of many items can be achieved consistently. Provided is an electronic component mounting line (1) which is formed so that a screen printing portion having a plurality of individual printing mechanisms capable of executing setup change works individually is connected to an upstream side of a component mounting portion having a plurality of board conveyance mechanisms, and which is configured so that either of a first work mode in which component mounting work is continuously executed on a fixed board type in all individual mounting lanes (L1 and L2) and a second work mode in which component mounting work is intermittently executed in one individual mounting lane while setup change work is repeated in corresponding one of the individual printing mechanisms whenever board types are changed from one to another in the individual mounting lane is selectively designated in multi-board mounting work in which the individual mounting lanes are operated to execute component mounting work on a plurality of boards simultaneously and concurrently. |
| US08375567B2 |
Method for automatically determining the direction installation of an electronic lock
A method for automatically determining the direction installation of an electronic lock is disclosed. The method achieves automatic determination of the electronic lock installed on the left-handed or right-handed door by controlling rotational directions of the rotational actuator and determining the touching sequence of switch units, so as to enable the electronic lock to be adapted to both the left-handed door and right-handed door, thereby significantly broadening the application scope and convenience of the electronic lock. |
| US08375564B1 |
Method for fabricating a pole of a magnetic transducer
A method provides a pole of magnetic recording transducer. A nonmagnetic stop layer having a thickness and a top surface is provided. A depression that forms a bevel is provided in the stop layer. The bevel has a depth less than the thickness and a bevel angle with respect to a remaining portion of the top surface. The bevel angle is greater than zero and less than ninety degrees. An intermediate layer having a substantially flat top surface is provided over the stop layer. A trench is formed in the intermediate layer via a removal process. The trench has a profile corresponding to the pole. The stop layer is a stop for the removal process. The method also includes providing the pole in the trench. The pole has a leading edge bevel corresponding to the bevel in the stop layer. |
| US08375563B2 |
Method for making an assembly of chips by means of radiofrequency transmission-reception means mechanically connected by a ribbon
A method for making an assembly of chips equipped with radiofrequency transmission-reception means, including successively: making a plurality of chips, on a substrate, each chip having at least one reception area, connecting the reception areas of the chips of the assembly in series with an electrically insulating flat ribbon having a plurality of metallic patterns electrically insulated from one another, each pattern forming at least a part of a flat antenna electrically connected at the level of at least one connection area of the antenna to a corresponding reception area, and separating the chips at the level of the substrate, the chips being mechanically connected to one another by the ribbon. |
| US08375561B2 |
Manufacturing method for stator structure and micromotor having the same
A manufacturing method for a stator structure and a micromotor having the same. The method includes: providing a flexible printed circuit (FPC) on which configuration positions of coil windings and a configuration position of at least one position signal generating unit are formed, wherein the FPC is further provided with an interface part; disposing the coil windings and the position signal generating unit on the coil winding configuration positions and the position signal generating unit configuration position, respectively, wherein the interface part is further provided with a connector pattern which is electrically coupled with the coil windings and the position signal generating unit; forming a FPC assembly including the coil windings and the position signal generating unit; and winding the FPC assembly to form the stator. The stator is applied in a micromotor in which a rotor, the stator and a case are disposed outward in a radial direction. |
| US08375559B2 |
Manufacturing method of a quartz crystal unit , a quartz crystal oscillator and an electronic apparatus
A method of manufacturing a quartz crystal unit comprises disposing a metal film on opposite surfaces of a quartz crystal wafer and then etching the wafer to form a two-line tuning fork resonator vibratable in a flexural mode of an inverse phase. A groove is formed in the opposite main surfaces of both tines, and the length of each groove is determined relative to the length of the resonator so that the series resistance of the fundamental mode of vibration of the resonator is less than the series resistance of the second overtone mode of vibration thereof. The resonator is then mounted in case after which the resonant frequency of the resonator is adjusted. |
| US08375558B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus and repairing method thereof
A semiconductor apparatus includes a semiconductor chip through-line for transmitting signals commonly to a plurality of stacked semiconductor chips. The apparatus includes a first test pulse signal transmission unit configured to transmit a first test pulse signal to a first end of the semiconductor chip through-line when a power-up operation is performed; a second test pulse signal transmission unit configured to transmit a second test pulse signal to a second end of the semiconductor chip through-line after the first test pulse signal is transmitted; a first signal reception unit coupled to the first end of the semiconductor chip through-line, and configured to receive signals transmitted from the first and second test pulse signal transmission units; and a second signal reception unit coupled to the second end of the semiconductor chip through-line, and configured to receive the signals transmitted by the first and second test pulse signal transmission units. |
| US08375557B2 |
Systems and methods of beveling bowling ball holes
Disclosed are systems and methods of beveling gripping holes of bowling balls. A method includes creating a bevel at an edge of a hole of the bowling ball by removing material from the bowling ball using a rotary tool equipped with a shaping bit that extends into the hole. |
| US08375556B2 |
Manufacturing method of golf club head
A manufacturing method of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a pre-line forming member having no face line; and cutting the pre-line forming member using a cutter 12 to form the face line on the pre-line forming member. The cutter 8 has a tip part having a cutting surface. The cutting surface has a recessed curved surface c4. An edge of the face line 8 is cut by the recessed curved surface c4. Preferably, the step of cutting is carried out by axial rotation of the cutter 8. Preferably, the cutting surface has a plane part c5 formed on an upper side of the recessed curved surface c4. Preferably, the upper side plane part c5 is perpendicular to a rotation axis rz of the cutter 12. Preferably, the cutting surface has a conical surface Fc formed on a lower side of the recessed curved surface c4. |
| US08375553B2 |
Locking element for vascular closure device
In one illustrative example, a device for sealing an opening in a vessel wall and/or tissue tract may include an anchor, a filament, a plug, and a knot. The anchor may be configured to be disposed adjacent to an interior surface of the vessel wall adjacent the opening in the vessel wall. The filament may have a distal end coupled to the anchor and may be configured to extend proximally through the vessel opening and/or tissue tract. The plug may be disposed about at least a portion of the filament member. The knot may be disposed about the filament proximal of the plug and may be configured to move over the filament and secure the plug relative to the anchor. The knot may be independent of the filament member. |
| US08375552B2 |
Method of manufacturing a crimped assembly, and related apparatuses
A method of crimping a load-bearing member and an end fitting together such that the load-bearing member lies displaced from a center of a cross-section of the end fitting. The method includes the steps of inserting the load-bearing member into an aperture in the end fitting and advancing at least one deformation tool relative to the end fitting to deform the wall of the aperture into gripping engagement with the load-bearing member. The extent of the resulting deformation of the wall over a predetermined length thereof varies in dependence on a distance along the length from the load-bearing member. |
| US08375550B2 |
Quick connect coupling stabilization method
A quick to connect and quick to disconnect fluid coupling includes a clip, a male stem having an annular clip groove adapted to receive the clip, a female port having a step groove adapted to receive the clip upon insertion of the stem into the port, and a sleeve slideably disposed about the stem adapted to abut the clip and minimize shuttling of the stem within the port. The sleeve may be biased toward the clip by a dust seal abutting a shoulder of the sleeve distal from a lead-in end of the sleeve abutting the clip. Also, the sleeve may radially retain the clip, compressed in an annular groove of the stem, and/or the sleeve abutting the clip may stabilize the clip and axially align the clip with the stem, for insertion of the stem into the port. |
| US08375548B2 |
Fuel nozzle and method of repair
A method of repairing a modular gas turbine fuel nozzle tip, having a fuel-conveying body and an annular cap fastened to the body by at least two fasteners, includes removing the fasteners, replacing the annular cap with a replacement annular cap, and interconnecting the replacement annular cap and the body using new fasteners. |
| US08375543B1 |
Method for controlling connect and disconnect forces of a connector
A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore. |
| US08375541B1 |
Tool system
One embodiment of the present invention is a drill motor assembly (100) including a drill motor (102) and a housing guide assembly (104). The housing guide assembly in turn includes a base (106) and a mast (108) pivotally and adjustably attached thereto. A male slide (110) on the mast (108) slidably and precisely engages a female slide (112) on the drill motor (102). To drill a precise hole using the drill motor assembly (100), the operator simply adjusts the mast (108) to the desired angle relative to the base (106), engages the slides (110) and (112), activates the drill motor (102), and moves the drill motor (102) along the mast (108) until the drilling operation is completed. The present invention also includes a wide variety of accessories that can be connected to, and in some cases powered by, the drill motor (102); and a wide variety of storage options as well; and all of the attachments and storage options use the slides on the tool and accessories to facilitate use and/or storage of the various devices and components of the present invention. |
| US08375537B2 |
Process for manufacturing super-high-count ramie fabric and the fabric
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a ramie fabric and the fabric. The process comprising the following steps: blend spinning a high-count ramie fiber such as a ramie fiber of 2500Nm or higher with a water-soluble fiber as carrier to form a yarn; sizing the yarn at a low temperature; weaving the yarn to form a gray fabric; then removing the water-soluble fiber from the gray fabric by deweighting the gray fabric during a printing and dyeing finishing process to obtain a super-high-count ramie fabric with a ramie yarn fineness of 160Nm or higher. |
| US08375532B2 |
Jewelry locking mechanism
A jewelry clasp is provided with a male element and a female element. The female element has a chamber with a frame and an internal stop element that is integral with the frame. The chamber includes a pivot for a pivotally-mounted spring-biased latch element so that the latch element is not placed in the trajectory of the entry path of the male element into the entry port of the chamber, and the latch element is configured to abut the chamber frame such that, in every position, the latch element remains within the chamber frame and does not extend beyond the frame when the male element is engaging, engaged, disengaging or disengaged. |
| US08375531B2 |
Seatbelt buckle with shock-proof device
A shockproof device installed to a seatbelt buckle, which is provided in an automobile, airplane, etc, fastened around a seat to keep a passenger safely secured, is installed behind a release button and lock pin, to prevent the release button from being unexpectedly released when the release button is moved in a non-release direction. Even when the release button and lock pin are moved in a release direction, on the basis of a rotation angular velocity of the inertia lever rather than a rotation torque thereof, surface contact between the lock pin and the inertia lever is accomplished and simultaneously, owing to an anti-rotation configuration thereof, the inertia lever reliably prevents unexpected disengagement between the tongue plate and the buckle under the influence of any magnitude of inertial force. |
| US08375530B2 |
Remotely-actuated seat belt buckle
A buckle assembly for a vehicle includes a seat belt tongue and a seat belt buckle with a blocking mechanism and a manual release button. The blocking mechanism is configured to latch the tongue in the buckle. The buckle assembly further includes a remote buckle release mechanism, including a buckle release cable and a module operably connected to the cable. The module is configured to pull the cable to release the blocking mechanism to thereby release the seat belt tongue from the buckle. The buckle assembly is also configured to be actuated by an occupant via the manual release button on the buckle. The remote buckle release mechanism does not interfere with operation of the manual release button. The remote buckle release mechanism may also be configured to automatically release the buckles a predetermined time after an airbag deployment. |
| US08375525B1 |
Strap-tensioning apparatus
A strap-tensioning apparatus includes a frame, a handle, a reel, two ratcheted wheels, two detents and a strap-damping unit. The handle is connected to the frame. The reel is supported on the frame. The ratcheted wheels are secured to the reel. The strap is inserted through a slit of the reel. The first detent is supported on the handle for engagement with the ratcheted wheels to rotate the reel when the handle is pivoted in a direction. The second detent is supported on the frame for engagement with the ratcheted wheels to stop the reel when the handle is pivoted in an opposite direction. The strap-damping unit includes a crossbar, a pressing element and a spring. The crossbar is supported on the frame. The pressing element is biased toward the crossbar by a spring. The strap is inserted through a gap between the pressing element and the crossbar. |
| US08375521B1 |
Sanitary door handle cover
A sanitary door handle cover which includes a strip having five layers including a first layer formed of absorbent, breathable material, an absorbent second layer, a sanitizing third layer with pockets containing sanitizing solution which is absorbed by the first, second, and fourth layers upon the application of pressure to the strip, an absorbent fourth layer, and an adhesive fifth layer which removably adheres to a door handle or door knob. A rectangular strip is applied to a midsection of a door handle, while a bilaterally symmetrical trapezoid-shaped strip is applied to a grip surface of a door knob. |
| US08375520B2 |
Back closure
A back closure for a multi-use frame includes a base plate and a lever. The base plate has a first and second knuckle. A tab is defined within the base plate between the first and second knuckle. The tab has spring-bias. A lever is connected to the base plate for movement relative to the base plate. The lever and the base plate have a common axis for movement relative to one another. The lever includes a center knuckle which is positioned between the first and second knuckle of the base plate. The center knuckle defining a slot for receipt of the tab to provide snap action. In operation, a user moves the lever relative to the base plate about a common axis. The tab of the base plate engages the slot defined within the lever to prevent further travel of the lever. |
| US08375517B1 |
Hinge incorporating horizontal and vertical adjustments
A hinge comprising door/gate horizontal and vertical displacement portions. The adjustment means is comprised of a threaded post for varying the distance between hinge portions in the vertical therein raising or lowering the attached door/gate and perpendicularly extending horizontal threaded post having re-positional door/gate abutment that can be used to change the tilt of the door/gate by varying the length difference of the abutments on the spaced apart hinges. |
| US08375512B2 |
Tool for a surface treating appliance
A tool for a surface treating appliance includes a main body connected to a conduit. To enable the main body to be widely maneuverable over, for example, a floor surface, the conduit includes a front section and a rear section. The front section is pivotably connected to the main body for movement relative thereto about a first axis to allow the conduit to be raised and lowered relative to the main body. The rear section is pivotably connected to the front section for movement relative thereto about a second axis to allow the rear section to be angled relative to the front section. The front section includes at least one port though which fluid is conveyed into the conduit from the main body, and through which the first axis passes. This can enable a relatively simple seal to be provided between the main body and the conduit to inhibit fluid loss to the external environment from the port as the main body is maneuvered over the floor surface, and can allow the tool to have a low profile along the length thereof. |
| US08375509B2 |
Cyclonic separating apparatus for a cleaning appliance
A cyclonic separating apparatus for a cleaning appliance includes a plurality of cyclonic separators arranged in series for separating particles from a dirt- and dust-laden airflow, at least three collectors for collecting separated dirt and dust, and a closure member movable between a closed position in which the closure member closes an end of each collector and an open position in which separated dirt and dust can be emptied from the collectors. The ends of the collectors are separated by dividing walls. A seal is provided to seal between the closure member and the dividing walls when the closure member is in the closed position. This common seal between the dividing walls and the closure member is able to seal effectively even if the closure member is misaligned or incorrectly fitted. |
| US08375503B2 |
Wiper blade
The invention is based on a wiper blade (10) having a wiping strip (12) and two spring rails (22) which serve as a supporting element and are inserted into lateral longitudinal grooves (20) in the wiping blade (12) and are permanently connected to one another at their ends by a bridge (24), wherein a wiper blade termination (25) is provided at the end of the wiper blade (10), the base element (26) of which wiper blade termination (25) is guided on the spring rails (22), is secured relative to the spring rails (22) and has a pointed-tip holder (40), the tip of which (66) engages in the wiping strip (12) in the mounted state and secures the wiping strip (12) relative to the spring rails (22). It is proposed that the base element (26) have, in its cover wall (34), a detent opening (28) which locks with the bridge (24) during installation and also a lateral opening (30) into which the pointed-tip holder (40) can be inserted and locked in the end position on the base element (26), wherein the tip (66) penetrates the wiping strip (12) laterally. |
| US08375499B1 |
Ergonomically-configured handle for cleaning devices
An ergonomically-configured handle for tools such as cleaning devices and, more particularly, to a handle for a broom or mop (for example) is formed with curved end terminations to reduce back strain and provide ease of use. A first curved end termination is attached to a tool head (such as a brush, rake head or the like) via an elbow joint. A straight section of handle is then attached to the first curved end termination, where a second curved end termination is then attached to the opposite end of the straight section. A handle grip may be disposed over the termination of the second curved end termination. |
| US08375497B1 |
Leaf collection traps for pool vacuums
A multiple planar surface baffle provides enhanced water flow and leaf capture benefits for pool/spa vacuum heads. A first planar surface is a support plate for attachment to a vacuum head at open segment locations between adjacent support wheels along both front and back edges of the vacuum head. The second and third planar surfaces are displaced at angles relative to one-another, and relative to the support plate. The second and third planar surfaces cooperate when attached to the vacuum head to provide a larger capture opening, to minimize displacement flow of water over the vacuum head, and to provide a water profile that induces enhanced downward water currents to better entrain leaves and other low density debris. |
| US08375495B2 |
Control method of laundry machine
A control method of a laundry machine comprising a water supply, washing and rinsing cycle, the control method includes first determination step performed prior to the rinsing cycle and determining a kind of detergent, second determination step performed during a first rinsing course of the rinsing cycle and determining an amount of remained detergent in a rinsing water, and condition determination step of at least one following rinsing course based on the kind and amount of the remained detergent. |
| US08375489B2 |
Hospital chair beds with drop foot section
A hospital bed convertible to a side egress chair bed includes a base having opposite end portions; a lifting mechanism secured to the base between the end portions; a rotating frame mounted on the lifting mechanism and configured to rotate horizontally relative to the base; and a patient support surface pivotally secured to the rotating frame. The patient support surface includes a back panel, a seat panel, and a leg panel that are configured to articulate relative to each other from a co-planar configuration to a chair configuration. The leg panel includes a first section pivotally connected to the seat panel and a second section that is separable from the leg panel first section. |
| US08375484B2 |
Physical assistive robotic devices and systems
A physical assistive robotic device may include a frame including an upright support member, a lateral member slidably engaged with the upright support member, a handle slidably engaged with the lateral member, an elevation actuator coupled to the upright support member and the lateral member, and a lateral actuator coupled to the lateral member and the handle. The elevation actuator translates the lateral member and the lateral actuator translates the handle to transition a user between a standing position and a non-standing position. |
| US08375482B1 |
Foldable mattress with removable pillow top
A foldable mattress and removable pillow top with a means for releasable attachment is not damaged during excessive folding such as when used in a sofa bed. Fastening pairs comprising zippers affixed to the mattress and pillow top in opposing complementary fashion with a wide fold space defined therebetween allow the mattress and attached pillow top to be repeatedly folded and unfolded and avoid crimping and damage to the zipper halves, mattress and attached pillow top. |
| US08375481B1 |
Shower water recycling system for toilet flushing
A shower water recycling system for toilet flushing that includes a storage tank having a water pipe inlet operationally controlled by means of a float valve, the float valve maintaining a reserve volume of water within an interior cavity of the storage tank, and a pump to pump water from an outlet of the storage tank to an extant toilet cistern, the storage tank having a rotatable plug disposed in a centrally draining top surface, said plug moveable between a first drain position and a second drain position whereby a drainage collar alternately sealingly engages and disengages with a drainage pipe disposed bypassing the interior cavity, and a flush arm slidingly activates and deactivates a flush valve to drain the storage tank, as desired, whereby shower water is conserved and recycled for use in an extant toilet, as desired. |
| US08375478B2 |
Walk-in bathtub with water-proof door and sealing mechanism
A walk-in bathtub has an outward swinging door mounted on a door jam. The door is provided with a latching mechanism that includes an extendible latching pin for receipt within a latch receiver in the door jam. The latching pin has a contoured face for guiding the latching pin into the latch receiver, and for drawing the door close to the door jam to compress a gasket provided between the door and the door jam. A push button lock selectively locks the latching mechanism in the latched position. |
| US08375476B2 |
Odor removal system
An odor removal system and device are provided for removing odors from standard gravity fed and water pressure operated toilets. The system includes a fan assembly for directing air from the toilet bowl and overflow tube through a filter containing an appropriate filter material. It operates upon instruction from a mechanism designed to determine when the toilet is in use. |
| US08375475B2 |
Method and device for making a heat exchanging garment
A method is provided for making a fluid-circulating heat exchanging garment, the method including providing a fabric panel for assembly of the heat exchanging garment, defining a tubing layout on the fabric panel with straight portions and bend portions defined in a flexible tubing. The straight portions of the tubing are affixed to the fabric panel and a mold is inserted into the inner radius of each bend portion. The mold has a shape corresponding to each bend portion and a channel having a radius adapted to closely fit over the tubing. The fabric panel and tubing are heated to an annealing temperature of the tubing. After cooling the fabric panel, the molds are removed, leaving the tubing reshaped at the bend portions to a desired radius. |
| US08375474B2 |
Shield locking mechanism for helmet
A locking mechanism for a helmet with a rotatable face shield includes an operating element that, when the shield is in a fully closed position, holds the shield from the outside against the outer wall of the helmet main body, and to open the shield, spreads out the shield and disengages a projection from a fitting portion. |
| US08375471B2 |
Deposition of electronic circuits on fibers and other materials
Fibers, such as textile fibers, having electrical components deposited thereon. More particularly, one or more electrical components are formed directly onto the surface of at least one fiber. The fiber having the electrical component formed thereon may then be interlaced with other fibers to form a larger piece of fabric, which can be employed to produce an article of clothing. A group of transistors and piezoelectric components forming an accelerometer may be woven onto one or more natural or synthetic fibers. The fibers may then be employed as the warp, weft, or both, of a woven piece of fabric, or used to form a knitted piece of fabric. The fabric piece can then be cut and sewn to form a wearable item, such as a shirt, a pair of pants, a hat, or the upper piece of a shoe that includes the accelerometer. |
| US08375468B2 |
Clothing for upper half of body
Clothing for the upper half of a body is provided, which makes it possible to reduce distortions of the body and alleviate fatigue by simply wearing the clothing and leading a usual life.A distortion reducing portion formed with a plurality of strip portions exhibiting a constrictive power stronger than that of a main body cloth is provided. The distortion reducing portion comprises one pair of strip portion sets each having at least three strip portions aligned so as to incline in the same direction. The pair of strip portion sets are arranged symmetrically while intersecting each other. The clothing also has at least two surrounded portions surrounded by a plurality of strip portions. The structure provided with such a distortion reducing portion improves the activity balance between the spinal column and muscles of the wearer. This corrects distortions in the body of the wearer and reduces the difference in hardness of muscles between the right side and left side in the back part of the wearer. |
| US08381311B2 |
Method for examining a test sample using a scanning probe microscope, measurement system and a measuring probe system
The invention relates to a method and to a device for examining a test sample using a scanning probe microscope. According to the method a first and a second measurement using a scanning probe microscope are carried out on the test sample using a measuring probe system in which a measuring probe and another measuring probe are formed on a common measuring probe receptacle. During the first measurement, in relation to the test sample, the measuring probe is held in a first measurement position and the other measuring probe is held in another non-measurement position, and the test sample is examined with the measuring probe using a scanning probe microscope. After the first measurement, by displacing in relation to the test sample, the measuring probe is displaced from the measurement position into a non-measurement position and the other measuring probe from the other non-measurement position into another measurement position. During the second measurement, in relation to the test sample, the measuring probe is held in the non-measurement position and the other measuring probe is held in the other measurement position, and the test sample is examined with the other measuring probe using a scanning probe microscope. The invention also relates to a measuring sensor system of a scanning probe microscope. |
| US08381310B2 |
Systems, methods, and program applications for selectively restricting the placeshifting of copy protected digital media content
Systems, methods, and program products are provided for selectively restricting the transmission of copy protected digital media content from a computer system, over a network, and to a remote display. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of capturing digital media content rendered on the local display by a media player application executed by the computer system; determining whether the media player application is accessing copy protected digital media content; and, if the media player application is not accessing copy protected digital media content, converting the captured digital media content to a media stream and transmitting the media stream over a network for presentation on a remote display. |
| US08381307B2 |
Method for protecting a converted applet (CAP) file including encrypting the CAP file
A method for protecting a CAP file including one or more applets to be installed in an IC Card, includes the applets encoding into the CAP file by a CAP file provider. The method also includes the CAP file downloading into the IC Card by a CAP file issuer, and storing an installation program inside the IC Card. The installation program extracts the applets from the CAP file and installs them in the IC Card, after the downloading. The CAP file provider encrypts the CAP file into a protected CAP file to avoid the applets being extracted before the downloading. The IC Card includes a decryption circuit for decrypting the protected CAP file downloaded into the IC Card. The installation of the applet is enabled by the decryption circuit. |
| US08381306B2 |
Translating role-based access control policy to resource authorization policy
Translation of role-based authoring models for managing RBAC “roles” to resource authorization policy (RAP), such as ACL-based applications, is provided. A generic RBAC system is defined from which mappings to other authorization enforcement mechanism make possible the translation of RBAC “roles” to resource authorization policies applied to resources managed by a resource manager, e.g., a file system resource manager. An implementation is described that uses Windows Authorization Manager as a storage mechanism and object model to manage object types and relationships translated from an RBAC system. |
| US08381305B2 |
Network policy management and effectiveness system
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining policy compliance on a computer network. A system in accordance with some embodiments disclosed herein performs the steps of electronically monitoring network user compliance with a network security policy stored in a database, electronically evaluating network security policy compliance based on network user compliance and electronically undertaking a network policy compliance action in response to network security policy non-compliance. The network policy compliance actions may include automatically implementing a different network security policy selected from network security policies stored in the database, generating policy effectiveness reports and providing a retraining module to network users. |
| US08381304B2 |
Apparatus and method for assuring secure disposal of a hard disk drive unit
A hard disk drive unit includes a microprocessor programmed to erase data stored within the drive unit if it is determined that a process potentially leading to a misuse of the data stored within the drive unit, and if secure disposal configuration data stored in nonvolatile storage within the drive indicates that the data is to be erased. Such a process includes initializing the drive unit for operation without providing a password matching a password stored in the drive unit, initializing the drive unit in a system not having CMOS configuration data matching the drive unit, and determining that a failure rate within the drive unit exceeds a threshold level. |
| US08381301B1 |
Split-flow attack detection
A system, method, and computer-readable media are described for identifying a split-flow communications session occurring over two or more incompatible communications protocols. A data stream governed by a first communications protocol is associated with a device or end device by comparing information in the data packet headers with information in a device database that matches devices with the header characteristics such as an IP address. A second data stream governed by a second incompatible communications protocol is similarly associated with the same target endpoint or device. The two incompatible data streams may then be evaluated as a single split-flow communications session for malicious content, or for other purposes. If malicious content is detected, corrective policies may be implemented on the split-flow communications session to protect the device from the malicious content. |
| US08381300B2 |
Offline extraction of configuration data
A configuration scanning system is described herein that scans a system configuration database for malware-related information with less impact on other operations that access the system configuration database. The system employs techniques to reduce the impact on other operations that access the configuration database, including parsing a file-based stored version of the configuration database, accessing the configuration database using opportunistic locking, and caching configuration information obtained by scanning the configuration database. In this way, the system is able to respond to requests antimalware programs using cached information without impacting other programs using the configuration database. Thus, the configuration scanning system protects a computer system against malware while reducing the burden on the configuration database and on other programs that access the configuration database. |
| US08381297B2 |
System and method for providing network security to mobile devices
A small piece of hardware connects to a mobile device and filters out attacks and malicious code. Using the piece of hardware, a mobile device can be protected by greater security and possibly by the same level of security offered by its associated corporation/enterprise. In one embodiment, a mobile security system includes a connection mechanism for connecting to a data port of a mobile device and for communicating with the mobile device; a network connection module for acting as a gateway to a network; a security policy for determining whether to forward content intended for the mobile device to the mobile device; and a security engine for executing the security policy. |
| US08381290B2 |
Intrusion detection systems and methods
Systems and methods for intrusion and virus detection in computer networks. Data from a file, network byte stream, or other source is segmented and resulting data items are subjected to multiple processing techniques to obtain respective result values, or thumbprints. The multiple thumbprints for respective data items are then aggregated to obtain a single result value, or aggregate thumbprint. The components of the aggregate thumbprint may be “fuzzified” to allow for less preciseness in the single result value. The aggregate thumbprint is compared to other similarly generated aggregate thumbprints stored in a library. Alerts may be generated when the same aggregate thumbprint is detected multiple times. |
| US08381289B1 |
Communication-based host reputation system
A host reputation score indicating whether a host connected to the client by a network is malicious is received. An entity on the client that communicates with the host is identified. Whether the entity is a malware threat is determined based at least in part on the host reputation score. |
| US08381286B2 |
Method and apparatus for the authentication of users of a hybrid terminal
The invention concerns a method for the authentication of users of a hybrid terminal with a first registration step. The first registration step comprises entry of user identification data, request to enter a personal identification number, forwarding of the personal identification number to a registration server of an authentication apparatus, forwarding of the user identification data, validation of the user identification data, generation of a registration code, and in the event that entry of the personal identification number has not taken place, generation of the personal identification number, forwarding of the registration code to the internet-capable terminal and in the event that entry of the personal identification number has not taken place, forwarding of the personal identification number via a separate connection to the user. The method also comprises an authentication step comprising checking whether a profile file is present on the hybrid terminal, carrying out an authentication in order to establish whether the user is authorized to receive user data from the service provider and/or to send user data to the service provider, or otherwise carrying out an initial authentication and, if necessary, generation and transfer of the profile file. Furthermore, the invention concerns a corresponding apparatus for carrying out the method. |
| US08381285B2 |
Systems and methods for generating constraints for use in access control
In one embodiment the present invention includes a computer-implemented method for generating constraints for use in an access control system. In one embodiment, roles, document types, and permissions are stored in a 3-D model, such as a matrix or table. The 3-D model is converted to 2-D models, where users are inserted for roles and documents are inserted for document types. The 3-D model and 2-D models represent access rights. Supplemental information about the access rights is added to the 2-D tables. In one embodiment, attribute exploration is used to generate supplemental information. Constraints are generated from the 2-D tables for use in controlling access rights in a computer system. |
| US08381282B1 |
Portable security device and methods for maintenance of authentication information
Disclosed herein are systems, methods and computer program products for providing secure Internet access to a user device in an unsecure network environment, such as a public wireless network. The system includes a portable security device configured to establishing a first secure direct wireless connection with the user device and a second secure network connection through the public wireless network to a security server, which provides Internet access. The security device provides Internet browser and e-mail application, which can be used instead of unsecure applications of the user device to access Web resources through the first and second secure network connections. In addition, the security device includes a secure keyboard, which can be used by the device user instead of the unsecure keyboard of the user device to enter user authentication data for accessing the desired Web resources. |
| US08381279B2 |
Constraining a login to a subset of access rights
This document describes tools that constrain a login to a subset of access rights. In one embodiment, the tools generate a constrained password by executing a cryptographic algorithm on a user ID, general password, and one or more desired constraints. The constrained password is used in place of the general password to gain access rights that are a subset of the access rights that would be granted if the general password were used instead. |
| US08381278B2 |
Method and apparatus for establishing security inflow contracts
A method and apparatus for establishing a security inflow contract between a work-initiating system and a work-performing system. A portable, generic security inflow contract between an EIS/connector and an application server is provided that enables the connector to establish security information while submitting a work instance for execution to a work manager and while delivering messages to message endpoints of the application server. The security inflow contract enables all activities of a work instance that is submitted by a connector to be performed in the context of an established identity, thus insuring that all interactions between an application server and an EIS/connector are secure, and may prevent unauthorized access to application components deployed in an application server. |
| US08381274B2 |
Security system and method for granting access
A method for granting access to change a security system from a locked state to an unlocked state includes: displaying a security access interface, wherein the security access interface comprises a graphical region, the graphical region is filled with a plurality of colors; selecting at least one color in the graphical region; at least recording at least one color property according to the at least one selected color; generating an input password at least according to the at least one recorded color property; determining whether the input password matches a predetermined password; and granting access if the input password matches with the predetermined password. A related security system is also provided. |
| US08381272B1 |
Systems and methods for strengthening web credentials
The present invention relates to systems and methods for securing web-based transactions. A system for securing web-based transactions includes a credential strengthener coupled to a client browser. The client browser communicates with a web server in a web-transaction. The credential strengthener converts a web credential entered by a user at the client browser to a higher entropy web credential associated with the user. The client browser then returns the higher entropy web credential for further use in the web transaction. A method for securing a web-based transaction includes steps of converting a web credential entered by a user at a client browser to a higher entropy web credential associated with the user, and returning the higher entropy web credential to the web server to continue the web transaction. |
| US08381269B2 |
System architecture and method for secure web browsing using public computers
A secure web browsing method and security system architecture for a mobile device are provided. The architecture establishes a communication link between the mobile device and a computer. A routine transmitted from the mobile device to the computer synchronizes page content of the mobile device to the computer's internet browser. The architecture (i) detects user-supplied inputs to the page content on the computer's internet browser, (ii) generates a verification request at the mobile device when user-supplied inputs are so-detected, and (iii) transmits the user-supplied inputs from the mobile device as an internet communication only when the verification request is confirmed by the user at the mobile device. The architecture also processes each new page loaded at the mobile device to perform removal and/or obfuscation of selected information associated with the new page in order to generate a modified page. The computer's internet browser is updated to the modified page. |
| US08381267B2 |
Method of processing information to be confidentially transmitted
A method of processing information to be confidentially transmitted from a first module to a second module provides that a first scalar multiplication may be carried out in order to obtain a first result [r]P. This first scalar multiplication comprises a plurality of generation steps of ordered factors from which a plurality of first partial sums are required to be built. The method also comprises the carrying out of a second scalar multiplication in order to obtain a second result. This second multiplication provides that a plurality of second partial sums may be built. A piece of encrypted information is obtained by processing the information based on the results of the scalar multiplications. The second partial sums of the second scalar multiplication use the same ordered factors obtained by the generation step of the first scalar multiplication. |
| US08381264B1 |
Managing hardware reboot and reset in shared environments
In an environment such as a cloud computing environment where various guests can be provisioned on a host machine or other hardware device, it can be desirable to prevent those users from rebooting or otherwise restarting the machine or other resources using unauthorized information or images that can be obtained from across the network. A cloud manager can cause one or more network switches or other routing or communication processing components to deny communication access between user-accessible ports on a machine or device and the provisioning systems, or other specific network resources, such that the user cannot cause the host machine to pull information from those resources upon a restart or reboot of the machine. Further, various actions can be taken upon a reboot or attempted reboot, such as to isolate the host machine or even power off the specific machine. |
| US08381263B1 |
System, method, and computer program for allowing a non-chargeable event based on an authorization thereof
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for allowing a non-chargeable event based on an authorization thereof. In use, an instruction to authorize events is received from an event threshold module based on a determination that an event threshold has been met. Additionally, in response to the instruction, a request is sent to an event processor to authorize an event, where the authorization is based on a determination of whether the event is chargeable or non-chargeable. Further, the event is allowed if the event is authorized by the event processor. |
| US08381259B1 |
Authentication and synchronous interaction between a secondary device and a multi-perspective audiovisual data stream broadcast on a primary device
A method of authentication and synchronous interaction between a secondary device and a multi-perspective audiovisual data stream broadcast on a primary device geospatially proximate and/or geospatially disparate to the secondary device is disclosed. In one aspect a method of secondary device includes authenticating the secondary device to a primary device based on a geospatial proximity and/or geospatial disparity of the secondary device and the primary device such that the secondary device is synchronizable with the primary device. The secondary device is synchronized to the primary device such that an audiovisual data stream of the primary device is adjustable through the secondary device. An audiovisual data stream of the primary device may be processed such that the audiovisual data stream is accessible through the secondary device. The audiovisual data stream may be an audiovisual data stream of a live performance of an event. |
| US08381258B2 |
Creating channel sequence segments for fast channel change in IPTV
Embodiments of the present invention are methods for selecting, out of a lineup of IPTV channels, a subset of channels for caching. The methods take into account viewers' tendency to walk through the channels that lie between their current channel and their desired channel if that walking distance is short, and, alternatively, viewers' tendency to jump to a distant channel. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include any channel selection method which selects for caching any number of channels less than the entire lineup, and where at least two of those channels form a segment of adjacent channels. Other embodiments include methods which rely upon specific extrinsic data, e.g., IGMP and EPG information, for selecting a subset of channels to be cached. |
| US08381257B1 |
Prioritized channel scanning
Methods, systems, and apparatus can be used to prioritize channel scanning. In various implementations, a nonvolatile memory on a CPE device can store downstream channels that a CPE device previously identified as being used by a headend. In some implementations, the nonvolatile memory can be organized or arranged such that DOCSIS 3.0 channels receive preference upon initialization. In other implementations, the selection of the channels from nonvolatile memory can be prioritized to select DOCSIS 3.0 channels over other types of channels. |
| US08381251B2 |
Method of receiving information
A method and device for test receiving alternative reception frequencies without interrupting the reception of specific user terminating information by use of only one reception chain. In certain information streams, such as that of a terrestial digital video broadcasting system (DVB-T), there is no provisions for time slots when an alternative reception frequency can be test received without interrupting flow of information. According to the invention the continuous flow of information is classified into specific user terminating information which is desired by the receiver in question, or user of, and into other information. The behavior of the specific user terminating information is used to determine when an interruption of the other information can occur for test receptions of alternative reception frequencies without interrupting the reception of the specific user terminating information. |
| US08381250B2 |
Customer premises equipment architecture for bundled services in a fixed broadband wireless installation
One or more network devices receive, at a location outside a customer premises, a broadband signal from a base station of a wireless network and a satellite television signal from a satellite antenna. The one or more network devices combine, at the location outside the customer premises, the broadband signal with the satellite television signal in a single coaxial cable and send, via the single coaxial cable, the broadband signal and the satellite television signal to one or more devices inside the customer premises. |
| US08381249B2 |
Systems and methods for acquiring, categorizing and delivering media in interactive media guidance applications
Systems and methods are discussed for providing guidance for Internet-delivered media. In some embodiments, information on available media on the Internet is gathered. The information is associated with existing media guidance data. The associations enable a media guidance application to identify relevant online media and to display listings in a user-friendly way. A user interface for an online media guidance application is also provided. The user interface allows a user to narrow down the large amount of Internet-delivered media in a systematic way according to criteria that interests a user. |
| US08381248B2 |
Program guide system with combination category search
An interactive television program guide system is provided in which the program guide may provide the user with a selectable list of combination categories. Combination categories are composed of multiple simple categories such as sports, news, comedy, movies, children, etc. Program listings are supplied to the program guide. At least some of the program listings are associated with combination categories. A combination category build process may be used to assign combination categories to program listings. The user is able to use the selectable categories list to quickly identify programming of interest. |
| US08381244B2 |
Content injection system and methodology
A method, and an associated system, for sending to a first group of recipients only the content portions of a continuity source data-flow which takes the form of ordered, successive, alternating content and non-content segments. From a methodologic point of view, the invention involves, in a manner which utilizes content-segment material buffering, delivering fully, and in correct order, to the first recipient group the material in each content segment, via steps including (a) bridging each gap between next-adjacent content segments at least partially with transmitted injection material that differs from the non-content segment material in the gap, which injection material ends in time no sooner than the end of the gap, and (b) employing, as needed, and as a part of such full delivering of content-segment material, time-progressive, time-length-variable buffering, and subsequent, progressive buffer-delivering, of any content-segment material which overlaps in time with the transmission of injection material. |
| US08381240B2 |
Framework for providing digital home services
The systems and methods of the present invention provide for a number of improvements to the TV consumption process, including personalization, community viewing, shared presence and context, messaging, access to ratings and recommendations (including community reviews), alerts, etc. One method that the present invention provides allows for the indication of a given user's context to be provided to other users, such as users in the given user's social network. The method comprises generating an indication of a change in context for a given user, the context comprising information regarding an action of the given user. The indication of the change in context for the given user is propagated to one or more users in the social network for the given user. The indication of the change in context of the given user is presented to users in the given user's social network in conjunction with TV content. |
| US08381239B2 |
Methods and apparatus for tracking user's remote control handling signatures
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a particular user of an receiver, such as a set-top box or receiver. A user is identified by the manner in which she uses an input device, such a wireless remote. Each individual user of the receiver is assigned a profile that includes values for a number of information points that serve to distinguish the user from other users of the receiver. With a user identified through tracking of her usage of a input device, customized content such as target advertisements or programming suggestions may be provided. |
| US08381233B2 |
Extensibility model for stream-based operators and aggregates
An extensibility framework that allows a user to write user-defined modules that include user-defined operators (UDO) and user-defined aggregators (UDA) in a non-temporal fashion without the need to worry about temporal attributes of events (or event types). The temporal domain is managed on behalf of the user, and allows the user to write operators and aggregates in the temporal data streaming domain as well as to port existing libraries of non-temporal UDOs/UDAs to the temporal data streaming domain. Temporal attributes and event types are managed for non-temporal UDOs/UDAs by the extensibility framework on behalf of the UDO/UDA writer. Windows can be employed to bridge the gap between the non-temporal domains and temporal domains. Support for complex event processing (CEP) is provided in UDOs/UDAs for base classes related to a CEP operator, CEP aggregate, CEP time sensitive operator, and CEP time sensitive aggregate. |
| US08381229B2 |
Processing a received message
Processing a received message includes receiving a message that includes within the message a plurality of values and a plurality of context values. Each of the values is associated with a respective data element. The method includes identifying a first context value and those first data elements that are relevant to the first context value. The method includes selecting first rules that are specific for the first context value and applying the first rules to the values associated with the first data elements. The process includes identifying a second context value and those second data elements that are relevant to the second context value and omitting first data elements that are relevant to the second context value. The method includes selecting second rules that are specific to the second context value and applying the second rules to values associated with the second data elements. |
| US08381223B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic allocation of processing resources
A method and apparatus for dynamic allocation of processing resources and tasks, including multimedia tasks. Tasks are queued, available processing resources are identified, and the available processing resources are allocated among the tasks. The available processing resources are provided with functional programs corresponding to the tasks. The tasks are performed using available processing resources to produce resulting data, and the resulting data is passed to an input/output device. |
| US08381220B2 |
Job scheduling and distribution on a partitioned compute tree based on job priority and network utilization
A method and apparatus optimizes job and data distribution on a multi-node computing system. A job scheduler distributes jobs and data to compute nodes according to priority and other resource attributes to ensure the most critical work is done on the nodes that are quickest to access and with less possibility of node communication failure. In a tree network configuration, the job scheduler distributes critical jobs and data to compute nodes that are located closest to the I/O nodes. Other resource attributes include network utilization, constant data state, and class routing. |
| US08381218B2 |
Managing groups of computing entities
Managing groups of entities is described. In an embodiment an administrator manages operations on a plurality of entities by constructing a management scenario which defines tasks to be applied on a group of entities. In an example the management scenario includes information on dependencies between entities and information on entity attributes, for example operating system version or CPU usage. In an embodiment an entity management engine converts the tasks and dependencies in the scenario to a management plan. In an example the management plan is a list of operations and conditions to be respected in applying an operation to an entity. In an embodiment the plan can be validated to ensure there are no conflicts. In an embodiment the entity management engine also comprises a scheduler which runs tasks contained in the plan and monitors their outcome. |
| US08381216B2 |
Dynamic thread pool management
Dynamically managing a thread pool associated with a plurality of sub-applications. A request for at least one of the sub-applications is received. A quantity of threads currently assigned to the at least one of the sub-applications is determined. The determined quantity of threads is compared to a predefined maximum thread threshold. A thread in the thread pool is assigned to handle the received request if the determined quantity of threads is not greater than the predefined maximum thread threshold. Embodiments enable control of the quantity of threads within the thread pool assigned to each of the sub-applications. Further embodiments manage the threads for the sub-applications based on latency of the sub-applications. |
| US08381215B2 |
Method and system for power-management aware dispatcher
In general the invention relates to a system. The system includes processors each having a processing state. The system further includes a dispatcher operatively connected to the plurality of processors and configured to: receive a first thread to dispatch, select one of the processors to dispatch the thread to based on the processing state the processors and a power management policy, and dispatch the thread to the selected one of the plurality of processors. |
| US08381214B2 |
Extensible job submission
Briefly, aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to job submission. In aspects, a client (which itself may be a scheduler) sends a request to a scheduler to execute a job. The client may indicate which extensions to a base job submission protocol the client supports. The scheduler may implement a base case protocol and may also implement extensions to the base case. The client and scheduler may communicate information and requests about a job based on extensions both support, if any. The scheduler maintains state information about executing jobs that may include substate information without affecting interoperability with clients that do not recognize substates. A job may be in multiple substates at the same time. |
| US08381208B2 |
Tracking application installation among a plurality of client devices
Embodiments of the invention provide the ability to determine whether a particular application may be safely added to a client computing device. Further, embodiments of the invention also allow for performing a rollback operation on clients experiencing a decrease of performance due to an addition of new software. For example, after a client updates to a new piece of software, a server may monitor the performance of the first client by analyzing a plurality of updates received from the first client. Each update may include a performance indicator. Using the updates, the server may detect a decrease in the performance of the first client. Upon detecting the decrease in the performance, the server may initiate a rollback to a previous state on the first client. |
| US08381207B2 |
Script generation engine and mapping semantic models for target platform
The present invention is an installation script generation engine. An application component distribution system can include a repository of semantic models for interdependent ones of application components. A mapping of individual listings in the semantic models to target platform specific installation instructions further can be included. Finally, a script generation engine can be configured to produce a target specific set of instructions for a specified application component based upon a mapping of at least one of the semantic models in the repository. Notably, each of the semantic models can include a listing of component relationships, target platform requirements and platform neutral installation instructions. Moreover, the component relationships can include at least one component relationship selected from the group consisting of a containment relationship, a usage relationship, a contradiction relationship, and an equivalence relationship. Finally, a Web services interface to the repository can be configured to permit remote access to the repository. |
| US08381203B1 |
Insertion of multithreaded execution synchronization points in a software program
A compiler is configured to determine a set of points in a flow graph for a software program where multithreaded execution synchronization points are inserted to synchronize divergent threads for SIMD processing. MIMD execution of divergent threads is allowed and execution of the divergent threads proceeds until a synchronization point is reached. When all of the threads reach the synchronization point, synchronous execution resumes. The synchronization points are needed to ensure proper execution of the certain instructions that require synchronous execution as defined in some graphics APIs and when synchronous execution improves performance based on a SIMD architecture. |
| US08381201B2 |
Processing of expressions
In many messaging systems, message selection filtering involves a significant processing overhead. This includes the parsing and preparing of the message selection filters in readiness for evaluation, as well as the evaluation itself. In systems which involve parsing and prepare processing for expressions that include repeated patterns (such as in many JMS environments), a template-based shortcutting of the conventional processing improves performance. A stored parsing template is used to parse an input sequence such as a received data processing instruction. The parse is used to identify expressions of a first type that can then be implicitly optimized by using a stored evaluation template that is associated with expressions of that type. |
| US08381199B2 |
Modular and/or demand-driven string analysis of a computer program
Modular and/or demand-driven string analysis of a computer program is performed. Each method of the program is encoded into monadic second-order logic (M2L) to yield a set of predicate declarations and a set of constraints. The two sets for each method are composed to yield a union set of predicate declarations and a union set of constraints for the program. The union set of constraints includes a particular set of constraints corresponding to call relationships among the methods. An M2L formula including a free variable corresponding to a program variable is added to the union set of constraints. The two union sets are processed to verify a satisfiability of the constraints in relation to an illegal pattern. Where the constraints are satisfiable, the program can generate a string containing the illegal pattern. Where the constraints are not satisfiable, the program never generates a string containing the illegal pattern. |
| US08381198B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for safety checking executable application programs in a module
An application program for a central processing unit of a computer module is developed. Source code for the application is written and debugged. The source code for the application program is then compiled and assembled, to provide an executable application program. The executable application program is loaded into the computer module. Safety check executable code is inserted into the executable application program that is loaded into the computer module, to prevent the executable application program from reading, writing and jumping outside a designated memory area of the computer module. The executable application program with the safety check code inserted therein is stored in the computer module. |
| US08381197B2 |
Method and system for testing a software development activity
A system and method for testing a software development activity of an enterprise application is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a software structure specification for an enterprise application and automatically generating test plans using the software structure specification. The method also includes automatically determining at least one test path in each test plan using the software structure specification, and automatically deriving a plurality of test cases using each test path. Further, the method includes executing each of the plurality of test cases and recording test results. |
| US08381192B1 |
Software testing using taint analysis and execution path alteration
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that tests a software program. During operation, the system traces a flow of tainted data through the software program during execution of the software program. Next, the system alters the flow by modifying an instruction within the software program. The system then monitors the behavior of the software program after modifying the instruction. Finally, the system analyzes a correctness of the software program based on the monitored behavior. |
| US08381190B2 |
Leveraging the relationship between object IDs and functions in diagnosing software defects during the post-deployment phase
A hashing tool can be used to generate Object UIDs from a software application. The software application can be tested. A change and release management system can receive Object UIDs involved in a defect uncovered during the testing. The change and release management system can receive names of functions involved in the defect uncovered during the testing and defect fixing. A graphical representation of function names versus Object UIDs for which the defect occurred can be created. |
| US08381186B2 |
Software training application using automated discovery of user interface controls
Software applications (“training applications”) that are designed to train users how to use a target software application may be generated by automatic examination of the target application. In one implementation, a device may extract elements of the target application that affect a user interface of the target application. The device may store the elements as user interface elements and generate a training application that uses at least some of the user interface elements to present portions of an interface of the target application. |
| US08381183B2 |
Navigation in computer software applications developed in a procedural language
A system and computer program product for providing a maintenance environment for computer program code Portions of the computer program code are selectively stored and one or more lists of the stored portions are created. Links are created between the lists and the stored portions of the computer program code for navigational purposes. A maintenance environment for the computer program code is provided. |
| US08381177B2 |
Method and system of performing Java language class extensions
A method and system of performing Java language class extensions. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are computer-readable mediums storing a program that, when executed by a processor of a host system, causes the processor to identify a first class having a first name, and create a second class based on the first class (the second class is an abstract view of the first class, and the second class has a second name equal to a third name of a third class). |
| US08381176B1 |
Software build orchestration framework
In one embodiment, a build orchestration framework orchestrates building of one or more individual buildable components of a deliverable software product. At least some buildable components reference respective sub components on which they depend. Building creates a structure associated with each respective buildable component of the one or more buildable components. In this structure, if the respective buildable component references a sub component on which the respective buildable component depends, a symbolic link is created to an output of a build of the sub component to provide access to the output of the sub component for use in building the respective buildable component. Further, in this structure, if the respective buildable component is used by another buildable component, a symbolic link is created to an output of a build of the respective buildable component. |
| US08381174B2 |
Global variable structure in a graphical program
System and method for deterministic modification of global variables in a graphical program. Input including the structure in the graphical program may be received, where the structure is displayed in the graphical program. At least one graphical program node is associated with the structure. The at least one graphical program node may be executable to modify the value of a global variable. During execution of the graphical program the structure ensures deterministic modification of values of the global variable. |
| US08381173B2 |
Platform-independent method and system for deploying control logic programming
A system for generating platform-specific control logic implementation code for execution on a programmable logic controller (PLC) platform includes a plurality of processing layers. A first layer models generic control requirements as a unitary mathematical model (UMM). A second layer translates the UMM into generic control code describing a platform-independent set of generic control functions following an open structured language. A third layer automatically transforms the generic control functions into the platform-specific implementation code executable on different PLC platforms. A method of generating the implementation code includes modeling control requirements as a mathematical model, transforming the model into platform-independent control code describing a predetermined set of generic control functions using Extensible Markup Language (XML) schema, and automatically transforming the generic control functions into the implementation code. |
| US08381159B2 |
Method of semiconductor integrated circuit, and computer readable medium
A design method of a semiconductor integrated circuit sets an area having apices of opposing corners of a position of a start point logic cell and a position of an end point logic cell to a repeater search area, adds free area information to the repeater search area, sets a drive boundary in the repeater search area based on a drive ability of the start point logic cell, searches a repeater candidate that can be arranged in an area of the drive boundary based on the free area information, calculates a delay time from the start point logic cell to the end point logic cell based on delay time information and a coordinate of the repeater candidate that is searched, and determines a repeater arranged between the start point logic cell and the end point logic cell from the repeater candidate based on the delay time that is calculated. |
| US08381158B2 |
Verification computer product, method, and apparatus
A recording medium stores a verification program that causes a computer to execute detecting from a model circuit, a first circuit representing junction of a source region and a substrate region and including a junction resistance and a junction capacitance, a second circuit parallel to the first circuit, representing junction of a drain region and the substrate region, and including a junction resistance and a junction capacitance equivalent to the junction resistance and capacitance of the first circuit, and a connection resistance connecting the circuits and a substrate electrode; calculating, using the junction resistances and connection resistance, a first coefficient indicating impact of the junction resistances and connection resistance on amplitude variation; calculating, using the junction capacitances and connection resistance, a second coefficient indicating impact of the junction capacitances and connection resistance on phase variation; correcting the junction capacitances using a sum of the coefficients; and outputting a correction result. |
| US08381156B1 |
3D inter-stratum connectivity robustness
There is provided a method for verifying inter-stratum connectivity for two or more strata to be combined into a 3D chip stack. Each of the two or more strata has 3D elements including active 3D elements, mechanical 3D elements, and dummy 3D elements. The method includes performing a respective 2D layout versus schematic verification on each of the two or more strata with respect to at least the 3D elements to pre-ensure an absence of shorts between the 3D elements when the two or more strata are subsequently stacked into the 3D chip stack. The method further includes checking inter-stratum interconnectivity between each adjacent pair of strata in the 3D chip stack. |
| US08381155B1 |
Vertical interconnect patterns in multi-layer integrated circuits
A method of generating valid vertical interconnect positions for a multiple layer integrated circuit including multiple layers stacked vertically above one another and having a bonding interface between at least one pair of layers. The interface is formed by the coupling of a pair of conductive bond patterns formed on facing surfaces of the pair of layers. The method includes defining a candidate transformation origin, defining a sub-region which tessellates across the patterns, applying a predetermined transformation to the patterns at the bonding interface, determining the validity of the candidate transformation origin in dependence on coincidence of at least a subset of the patterns with the transformed patterns, selecting a valid transformation origin, and defining a set of valid vertical interconnect positions associated with the valid transformation origin at positions in the bonding interface where the original and transformed patterns coincided with each other. |
| US08381153B2 |
Dissection splitting with optical proximity correction and mask rule check enforcement
The present disclosure provides one embodiment of an integrated circuit (IC) design method. The method includes receiving an IC design layout having a plurality of main features; applying a main feature dissection to the main features of the IC design layout and generating sub-portions of the main features; performing an optical proximity correction (OPC) to the main features; performing a mask rule check (MRC) to a main feature of the IC design layout; and modifying one of the sub-portions of the main feature if the main feature fails the MRC. |
| US08381149B2 |
Timing analysis apparatus, timing analysis method, and timing analysis program
A timing analysis apparatus includes a circuit data acquisition section for acquiring circuit data; a path setup section for setting up two paths extending from a clock source to a clock supply destination as a first path and a second path in accordance with the circuit data; a distance calculation section for calculating a coupling point-to-point distance between a first output terminal of the mesh section on the first path and a second output terminal of the mesh section on the second path; a global coefficient decision section for determining, in accordance with the coupling point-to-point distance, a global coefficient that indicates the degree of variation in time period from the moment when a clock signal is issued from the clock source until the moment when the clock signal reaches each output terminal of the mesh section; and a timing verification section for verifying clock supply timing on each of the first path and the second path in accordance with the global coefficient. |
| US08381147B2 |
Method, a system and a program storage device for modeling the resistance of a multi-contacted diffusion region
Disclosed are embodiments of a method and program storage device for modeling the resistance of a multi-contacted diffusion region of a semiconductor device, such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a metal oxide semiconductor capacitor (MOS capacitor), a bipolar transistor, etc. The embodiments provide a formula for determining the total parasitic resistance (Rtot) of the diffusion region based on a sum of contributions of wire resistance, contact resistance, diffusion resistance and electric current flow from each of multiple partitions of the diffusion region. This formula allows the position of each dividing line separating adjacent partitions (i.e., between adjacent contacts) to be arbitrary. The embodiments adjust the position of each dividing line to minimize the total parasitic resistance (Rtot). This minimized total parasitic resistance (Rtot) value can then be used to more accurately model semiconductor device performance. |
| US08381145B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing fault behavior of a software design model
An apparatus for analyzing a fault behavior, includes a satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) conversion block for performing SMT conversion with respect to a protocol state machine diagram and a sequence diagram of a software design model. Further, the apparatus for analyzing the fault behavior includes an SMT processing block for performing a SMT processing using respective logic formulas corresponding to the protocol state machine diagram and the sequence diagram and outputted from the SMT conversion block, and determining whether the result of the SMT processing is satisfied to output an occurrable behavior scenario when the result of the SMT processing is satisfied. |
| US08381141B2 |
Method and system for comparing lithographic processing conditions and or data preparation processes
A set of optical rule checker (ORC) markers are identified in a simulated lithographic pattern generated for a set of data preparation parameters and lithographic processing conditions. Each ORC marker identifies a feature in the simulated lithographic pattern that violates rules of the ORC. A centerline is defined in each ORC marker, and a minimum dimension region is generated around each centerline with a minimum width that complies with the rules of the ORC. A failure region is defined around each ORC marker by removing regions that overlap with the ORC marker from the minimum dimension region. The areas of all failure regions are added to define a figure of demerit, which characterizes the simulated lithographic pattern. The figure of demerit can be evaluated for multiple simulated lithographic patterns or iteratively decreased by modifying the set of data preparation parameters and lithographic processing conditions. |
| US08381139B2 |
Method for metal correlated via split for double patterning
The embodiments of via mask splitting methods for double patterning technology described enable via patterning to align to a metal layer underneath or overlying to reduce overlay error and to increase via landing. If adjacent vias violate the G0-mask-split-rule for space or pitch (or both) between vias, the mask assignment of end vias are given higher priority to ensure good landing of end vias, since they are at higher risk of mislanding. The metal correlated via mask splitting methods enable better via performance, such as lower via resistance, and higher via yield. |
| US08381134B2 |
Interface and method for exploring a collection of data
An interface is provided for permitting a user to explore a collection of data. The data collection provides nodes as structural elements, and references which are assigned to nodes and hold identifiers of other nodes. Multiple references can be assigned to each node, thus guiding a user of the system to multiple other nodes, and multiple references can hold the same address, so that multiple nodes can have references pointing to the same node. Embodiments of the interface allow visualizing the network created by the interconnection of the nodes on a display region. Embodiments of the interface also allow the user to intuitively navigate along the references in both directions of the references, so that the user can explore which nodes are referenced by a certain node, and also by which nodes a certain node is referenced. Electronic documents can be assigned to each node, and embodiments of the interface allow these documents to be displayed either directly in a reserved display region of the interface, or by launching a matching application on the user's computer. |
| US08381133B2 |
Enhanced on-object context menus
Aspects of the present invention provide context menus useful in, e.g., a computing device receiving user input via a stylus. Icons representing actions performable on an object are displayed in a context menu for the object. Additional aspects of the invention include cascading menus that also minimize hand and/or wrist motion, as well as placement of menus based on user handedness and/or stylus orientation. |
| US08381124B2 |
Single select clinical informatics
Some embodiments of the invention provide a single-select method and system for launching clinical information in multiple dashboards based on a selection of a single piece of clinical information (e.g., based on a cursor-click selection of a patient name in a patient list). In some embodiments, each launched dashboard is a single “flat” dashboard that cannot be “drilled down” to another dashboard. In other embodiments, each launched dashboard can be a drilldown dashboard, i.e., a dashboard that is several dashboards that are linked together so that a user can navigate between them by selecting items displayed in the dashboards (e.g., by traversing from a first dashboard to a second dashboard through a selection of an item in a window pane of the first dashboard). Accordingly, some embodiments use the single-select method of some embodiments in lieu of drill-down dashboards, while other embodiments use the single-select method in conjunction with drill-down dashboards. |
| US08381120B2 |
Visualization tools for reviewing credibility and stateful hierarchical access to credibility
Some embodiments provide a credibility system including an interface portal for presenting a holistic view of entity credibility. To provide the holistic view, the credibility system aggregates credibility data from multiple data sources. The aggregated credibility data is processed and ordered to present different dimensions of entity credibility, with each dimension graphically presented in the interface portal through an interactive credibility module. In some embodiments, the credibility data associated with each credibility module is processed to produce at least one value that quantifiably represents the credibility data. In some embodiments, the credibility data associated with each credibility module is hierarchically ordered to present the credibility data in a drill-down fashion with each hierarchical layer presenting more detailed credibility data for better understanding the credibility data presented in the preceding layer. |
| US08381119B2 |
Input device for pictographic languages
In some embodiments, input devices and related systems and methods for electronically inputting characters of a pictographic language are disclosed. In one embodiment, an input device for a pictographic language includes a touchscreen display, and a display controller programmed to display a first arrangement including a first set of characters of a pictographic language on the touchscreen display. The first arrangement includes a plurality of regions, each of which contains a plurality of characters of the first set of characters of the pictographic language. The touchscreen display may be programmed to receive selection of one of the regions, and to receive selection of one of the characters in the selected region after receiving the selection of the region. Advantageously, the input device can be effectively used by both non-speakers and language learners as well as native speakers. |
| US08381117B2 |
On a graphical user interface providing guidance of operations in an industrial plant
In a large-scale plant such as a power plant, a graphical user interface device displays a target data display screen without increasing a load of searching a screen or a load of grasping a screen transition link. An operation model-creating device reads operation manual data for operation estimation and operation history data from an operation manual managing device and an operation history managing device to create a number of pieces of manual procedure template data for each accident type. An operation predicting device selects the operation procedure template data having same conditions of immediately preceding operation history data obtained from the plant monitoring and control device to predict the next operation estimated to be performed by an operator from the selected operation procedure template data. The plant monitoring and control device displays a system recommended operation button on a monitoring screen thereof based on data of the predicted results. |
| US08381116B2 |
Display systems and methods for dynamically updating a graphical user interface
A display system provides a graphical user interface having a dynamic display field, which is contained within a useable display area. The dynamic display field can have an expanded state and collapsed state, and the current state of the dynamic display field can depend on properties of the useable display area. When collapsed, the dynamic display area has a shared content area and two or more content tags. Each content tag can be active or inactive, and the shared content area shows displayable contents corresponding to active content tags. Tags are activated and deactivated based on user selections. When expanded, the dynamic display field includes dedicated content areas, where each dedicated content area shows a displayable content. Accordingly, when the useable display space allows, the dynamic display field can automatically transition to the expanded state, thereby enabling a greater amount of content to be displayed at a time. |
| US08381114B2 |
Method of managing character fonts within multimedia scenes, and the corresponding computer program and terminal
A method is provided for managing fonts in a radio communication terminal, which can receive fonts in order to render contents on a screen. One such method involves the use of the following elements in the terminal, namely: a font database that lists all of the fonts or font portions stored by the terminal and matches at least one management parameter with each of the fonts; and a set of font management commands, which is transmitted in a multimedia data flow. |
| US08381113B2 |
Metadata-driven automatic UI code generation
A framework for using metadata to describe user interface elements and for interactions of the user interface elements with an end user and/or with data source(s) that store configuration data. The metadata can be used to generate a settings UI and code that manages the UI such as gathering user input, handling UI events, validating collected data, handling errors and warnings, managing interactions between different UI controls, and the like. A computer-implemented system that facilitates a settings user interface can include a code generation component that employs the stored metadata to automatically generate the settings UI and code that manages the UI. The code generation component provides the generated code to a data source component that interacts with the data source(s). The settings UI is displayed to an end user via a user interface component. |
| US08381112B2 |
Data management tool
Embodiments of the disclosure set forth a computing device configured to support a data management tool. An example computing device includes a wireless communication module and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to identify a wireless flash card having a first data of a first data type and a second data of a second data type as content and in a format specified by a template. The first data and the second data are displayed in a first display area and a second display area, respectively, based on the template and features of the computing device. Prior to operating on one or more of the first data and the second data, the processing unit is configured to establish whether such operations are permissible based on one or more of a first attribute and a second attribute set forth in the template. |
| US08381101B2 |
Supporting platform-independent typesetting for documents
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that typesets and renders a document in a platform-independent manner. During operation, the system first obtains the document, wherein the document includes text content and associated style information including one or more fonts. The system also obtains platform-independent font metrics for the one or more fonts, wherein the platform-independent font metrics include information that can be used to determine the positions of individual characters in a rendering of the document. Next, the system uses the platform-independent font metrics to determine how the document is divided into line fragments and pages. Finally, the system uses the determined division while rendering the document, so that the division of the document into line fragments and pages is the same across different computing platforms. |
| US08381100B1 |
Spelling suggestions based on an input sequence including accidental “delete”
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for providing spelling suggestions in response to user input. One example method comprises receiving user input via a keyboard associated with a computing device, the input specifying a sequence of characters of a word the user wishes to enter into a text-based application of the computing device. The method further comprises generating suggestion words based on the sequence of characters and on an alternate sequence of characters, where the alternate sequence of characters is generated by replacing characters in the sequence of characters with alternate characters corresponding to keys proximately located on the keyboard to keys corresponding to characters in the sequence of characters. In one example, the sequence of characters includes non-letter characters such as a DELETE character, the method further including replacing the DELETE character with a letter corresponding to a key adjacent to the DELETE key on the keyboard. |