| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08382825B2 |
Flexible vascular occluding device
A vascular occluding device for modifying blood flow in a vessel, while maintaining blood flow to the surrounding tissue. The occluding device includes a flexible, easily compressible and bendable occluding device that is particularly suited for treating aneurysms in the brain. The neurovascular occluding device can be deployed using a micro-catheter. The occluding device can be formed by braiding wires in a helical fashion and can have varying lattice densities along the length of the occluding device. The occluding device could also have different lattice densities for surfaces on the same radial plane. |
| US08382824B2 |
Medical implant having NANO-crystal grains with barrier layers of metal nitrides or fluorides
A endoprosthesis includes a body comprising a plurality of interconnected struts. The body includes a bioerodible metal. At least a first strut of the plurality of interconnected struts includes a stripe on the surface of the first strut. The stripe including a nitride of the bioerodible metal, a fluoride of the bioerodible metal, or a combination thereof. The stripe runs along the length of the first strut. The stripe is part of a continuous network of stripes on struts adjacent to the first strut. |
| US08382821B2 |
Helical hybrid stent
An expandable helical stent is provided, wherein the stent may be formed of an amorphous metal alloy or other non-amorphous metal with a securement. The stent is formed from flat or tubular metal in a helical coiled structure which has an undulating pattern. The main stent component may be formed of a single helically coiled component. Alternatively, a plurality of helically coiled ribbons may be used to form a stent heterogeneous in design, material, or other characteristic particular to that stent. The helical tubular structure may be secured with a securement, such as a weld, interlock or a polymer, to maintain the helical coils in a tubular configuration. The helical coils of the main stent component may be spaced apart or nestled to each other. The nestling of the undulation of adjacent helical coils contributes to maintaining the tubular shape of the helically coiled stent. In addition, the nestling of helical coils may prevent the polymer layer from sagging at any point between cycles of the helical coils. |
| US08382818B2 |
Ostium support for treating vascular bifurcations
A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The circumferential link can comprise a catheter securement portion and a frond engagement portion. |
| US08382805B2 |
Bone screw assembly for limited angulation
A limited angulation bone screw assembly adapted to couple a spinal rod with a vertebra including a bone screw, a bushing and a housing. The pedicle screw having a shaft and an upper head portion, the upper head portion comprising a spherical surface with flats disposed on opposite sides of the upper head portion. The bushing comprising a lower rounded surface for mating with the spherical surface and flats of the upper head portion to restrict the angular movement of the bone screw. The coupled bone screw and bushing are inserted into the housing in a first orientation and then rotated to a second orientation to secure the coupled bone screw and bushing to complete the housing. |
| US08382804B2 |
Prevention of re-use of a medical device
A disposable medical device is especially an articulation for the relative positioning of fixation bars or of pins of an external fixator, having at least one clamp to be introduced into the medical device, the clamp has an element that alters its appearance when being heated over a threshold temperature, thus giving optical or mechanical information that the device should not be used a second time. |
| US08382800B2 |
Compressible tissue anchor assemblies
Apparatus and methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is applied to the anchor until it is optimally configured to accommodate a range of deflections while the anchor itself exerts a substantially constant force against the tissue. Various devices, e.g., stops, spring members, fuses, strain gauges, etc., can be used to indicate when the anchor has been deflected to a predetermined level within the optimal range. Moreover, other factors to affect the anchor characteristics include, e.g., varying the number of arms or struts of the anchor, positioning of the arms, configuration of the arms, the length of the collars, etc. |
| US08382799B2 |
Variable tension post fixation
A variable tension post fixation device includes an outer body including a shaft, a tip, and a central core, and an inner body including a suture hole and configured to be advanceable within the central core, wherein the outer body is configured for allowing insertion of the outer body into a pilot hole in a bone, and wherein the outer body and inner body cooperate to secure sutures in the bone. |
| US08382795B2 |
Vascular puncture seal anchor nest
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sealing a subcutaneous tissue puncture. The method and apparatus increases the reliability of device function by creating a multi-level anchor nest in a carrier tube of a tissue puncture closure device. The multi-level nest allows an insertion sheath or other deployment member to slide between the carrier tube and the anchor to rotate and deploy the anchor within an artery or other lumen. |
| US08382794B2 |
Balloon insertion apparatus and method of sealing a tissue puncture
The present invention provides apparatus and methods of closing internal tissue punctures. The apparatus and method provide for an introducer sheath having at least one side port enabling aspiration of an internal tissue puncture site and injection of a sealant. |
| US08382792B2 |
End effector assembly for electrosurgical device
A bipolar forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom which defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The housing including a drive assembly disposed therein and is operable to reciprocate an actuation tube within the shaft. The bipolar forceps includes an end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. The first and second jaw members are pivotable about a living hinge and are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. Each of the jaw members includes a cam slot defined at a proximal end thereof. One or more of the jaw members is operatively connected to a distal end the actuation tube via a cam pin such that distal reciprocation of the actuation tube cams each of the jaw members towards one another about the respective living hinge to grasp tissue. |
| US08382791B2 |
Surgical tool
Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical procedures have created a demand for smaller scale tools with improved performance characteristics. Attempts to scale down modern tools to the meso level (1-5 mm) have caused severe performance losses. Surgical tools of the present invention provide significant improvements in operable range and force application for both grasping and spreading when compared to currently used endoscopic forceps. This is achieved by using two actuators that separately control the spreading and grasping functions of the surgical tool. |
| US08382787B2 |
Medical balloon with enlarged transitional radii
The present invention provides a medical balloon having enlarged radii, which may be disposed on a dilation catheter. The enlarged radii balloon may reduce the trauma experienced by a patient both during the procedure and when the catheter is removed from the patient. The enlarged radii may provide the deflated balloon with smoother transitions and less mechanical rigidity at the balloon transitions. |
| US08382778B2 |
Hernia mesh tacks
There are disclosed various embodiments of surgical tacks for use in surgical procedures. The tacks generally include a head and a barrel portion extending distally from the head. Preferably the head and the barrel portion define a throughbore for receipt of a drive instrument. A thread on the head is provided to engage threads in the installation tool. A tissue thread is provided on the barrel portion to engage tissue. Distal and proximal surfaces of the tissue thread may be oriented at various angles relative to the barrel portion. There is also disclosed an insertion instrument to insert one or more tacks as well as a method of use. There is further disclosed a model device for use in explaining the operation of the instrument. |
| US08382777B1 |
Surgical needle holder
The surgical needle holder has two elongated arms that end in expansions in the form of scissor finger loops for introducing the fingers and correspondingly actuating both arms. The elongated arms are pivotally attached to each other and have pivotally mounted jaws at the ends of the elongated arms. Bevel gear mechanisms interface the elongated arms with the pivotally mounted jaws so that separating the finger loops separates the jaws, and bringing the finger loops together closes the jaws to grip a surgical needle. The needle holder has ratchet lock members extending towards each other between the elongated arms in order to lock the jaws on the surgical needle, similar to the locking of a hemostat. By applying this gear configuration, the motion of needles will be along any plane parallel to the longitudinal axle of the device while the surgeon's hand is in a neutral position. |
| US08382775B1 |
Methods, instruments and devices for extragastric reduction of stomach volume
Methods, instruments and systems are provided for separating opposite walls of the stomach by extragastric application of suction. Plication of the stomach can be performed between the separated walls after which the separate walls are brought back toward one another. In another aspect, methods, instruments, devices and systems are provided for reducing the effective volume of a stomach by performing one or more extragastric plications of the stomach. |
| US08382774B2 |
Endoscopic suture systems
A surgical instrument for applying sutures to tissue includes a needle deployment mechanism and a catch mechanism. In some embodiments, the needle deployment mechanism employs a linear path. Alternatively, it can employ a curved needle. The surgical instrument may include a rotatable head, a bend, and/or a malleable elongated body member formable into various shapes. |
| US08382773B2 |
Endoscopic surgical clip applier
An apparatus for application of surgical clips is provided and includes a lockout system selectively engageable with a pusher bar to prevent the pusher bar from returning to a home position and to prevent a trigger from completing a full stroke when a plurality of clips are substantially exhausted. The apparatus may include a trip mechanism including a trip lever biased into contact with the pusher bar, wherein distal movement of the drive bar moves the trip mechanism until the trip lever engages a lip of the pusher bar and in turn distally moves the pusher bar. The apparatus may include a wedge plate including a distal end placeable between spaced-apart jaw members, wherein the wedge plate is moved proximally to withdraw the distal end thereof from between the jaw members when a drive channel is moved in a distal direction. |
| US08382770B2 |
Method for implanting a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/jejunostomy tube in a patient and access needle for use in said method
Method for implanting a percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube in a patient and access needle for use in the method. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing an access needle wherein the distal end of the stylet extends distally for an appreciable distance beyond the distal end of the cannula; (b) inserting the stylet, but not the cannula, into the jejunum; (c) grabbing the stylet with an endoscopically-positioned snare; (d) anchoring the jejunum against the abdominal wall using the snared stylet; (e) loosening the snare slightly while advancing the cannula into the jejunum and into the loosened snare; (f) tightening the snare around the cannula; (g) removing the stylet from the cannula; (h) inserting a guide wire or suture through the cannula into the jejunum; and (i) proceeding in the conventional fashion to implant a PEJ tube into the patient using the guide wire or suture. |
| US08382765B2 |
Method of and system for planning a surgery
A system for virtually planning a size and position of a prosthetic implant for a bone on a patient includes a database containing pre-defined form factor information for a plurality of different implants and a circuit for obtaining surface shape information of the bone. The system further includes a circuit for defining baseline location parameters for an implant location in relation to a virtual representation of the bone based on the surface shape information and a circuit for assessing a fit calculation of each implant in relation to the virtual representation of the bone based on the form factor in formation and a plurality of fit factors at each of a plurality of incremental positions in relation to the bone. Still further, the system includes a circuit for selecting a best fit implant size and position from all of the fit calculations. |
| US08382758B1 |
Method for aligning upper extremity bones and inserting guide device
An elevator assembly includes a vertical shaft carrying a lower horizontal jaw held in fixed position relative to the shaft. The shaft carries an horizontally extending dorsal plate that can adjust vertically relative to the lower jaw by means of the vertical shaft. A targeting wing couples to the elevator shaft and is selectively adjustable up and down along the shaft by means of an elevator adjustment screw. The targeting wing includes at least one horizontal slot that is adapted to slideably receive a soft tissue protector and needle assembly. The soft tissue protector can lock in the slot of the targeting wing by rotating its oval body about 90-degrees clockwise. |
| US08382757B1 |
Adjustable fixator
A bone fixator for securing a first bone portion in a position relative to second bone portion is disclosed, including at least two clamping assemblies each for receiving at least one bone pin and a main body disposed between the clamping assemblies. The main body includes at least one joint for orienting the clamping assemblies with respect to each other. The at least one joint may permit pivoting or rotation. Some joints permit the articulation of several components to be simultaneously and releasably lockable. |
| US08382755B2 |
External fixation apparatus and method
Apparatuses and methods for externally fixing and precisely adjusting fractures, such as fractures near the ankle, are disclosed. In one embodiment, an external fixation apparatus includes a first member attachable to a first bone segment through pins, a second member coupled to the first member through a lockable ball joint, wherein first and second ends of the second member may be translated transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the second member, and a pin clamp coupled to and rotatable about the second member through a lockable joint and attachable to a second bone segment. The pin clamp and the second member may be releasably coupled. |
| US08382753B2 |
Tissue ablation methods
Tissue is treated using a radiofrequency power supply connected to an applicator having a chamber filled with an electrically non-conductive gas surrounded by a thin dielectric wall. A radiofrequency voltage is applied at a level sufficient to ionize the gas into a plasma and to capacitively couple the ionized plasma with the tissue to deliver radiofrequency current to ablate or otherwise treat the tissue. |
| US08382750B2 |
System and method for monitoring ablation size
A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with a memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including data pertaining to a control curve varying over time and being representative of one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. Points along the control curve correspond to a value of the electrical parameters and the ablation zone control module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold value of the electrical parameter(s) is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone. |
| US08382749B2 |
Temperature monitoring return electrode
An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a first and second flexible conductive material layers and a material layer disposed between the first and second conductive material layers. The material layer is transitionable between a solid state and a non-solid state, the material layer is also configured to melt upon an increase in temperature beyond a predetermined threshold, thereby increasing conductivity between the first and second conductive material layer. |
| US08382745B2 |
Laser system and method for astigmatic corrections in association with cataract treatment
There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for developing laser systems that can create precise predetermined clear corneal incisions that are capable of reducing astigmatism. The systems, apparatus and methods further provide laser systems that can provide these incisions at or below Bowman's membrane and in conjunction a precise predetermined capsulotomy shot pattern. |
| US08382744B2 |
Method and device for cornea reshaping by intrastromal tissue removal
A method and device for flapless, intrastromal keratomileusis for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, i.e., for vision correction by corneal reshaping without creating a flap. Ultra-short laser pulses are used to create a temporary micro-channel extending to an end point located within the cornea. A second series of ultra-short laser pulses are then delivered to photo-ablate material in the vicinity of the micro-channel end-point. The photo-ablated material may exit through the micro-channel used to deliver the laser pulses, or via a separate micro-channel. With the micro-channel oriented substantially normal to the optical axis of the cornea, and by continuing to supply the ultra-short laser pulses in the appropriate number while moving the point of ablation along the micro-channel, the photo-ablation of the intrastromal tissue may continue in a controlled fashion and the cornea reshaped in a predetermined manner without creating a flap. |
| US08382742B2 |
Surgical instrument
A surgical instrument is provided having proximal and distal end sections and a central section extending therebetween. An hollow outer shaft extends from the proximal to the distal end section. A drive element is rotatably mounted in the outer shaft and a tool is coupled to the drive element at the distal end section. The drive element comprises a flexible section arranged between the proximal and distal end sections which consists of a plurality of ring segments each of which has a first and a second end region. The first end region comprises projections which protrude in the axial direction and the second end region comprises recesses for accommodating the projections. The ring segments intermesh in an articulated manner by means of the projections and recesses. The outer shaft comprises an articulation zone which connects the distal end section and the central section together in an articulated manner. |
| US08382738B2 |
Balloon catheter tapered shaft having high strength and flexibility and method of making same
A catheter having an elongated shaft with a tubular member which forms at least a portion of the shaft and which is formed of a biaxially oriented thermoplastic polymeric material, and a method of forming the catheter shaft by radially and longitudinally expanding the tubular member to biaxially orient the polymeric material, and, in one embodiment, tapering the tubular member to form a bending stiffness transition. A catheter of the invention has an improved combination of low bending stiffness, high rupture pressure, and high tensile strength, for improved catheter performance. |
| US08382737B2 |
Multi-chamber mixture dispensing system
Disclosed is a dispensing system a dispenser having a first chamber containing a first material and a second chamber containing a second material. The dispenser is configured to selectively retract one of the chambers at least partially within the other to transition the dispenser between an extended position and a compact position. The first chamber includes an open top end that is, before use, covered with a first breakable membrane. A breaker ring, at least initially covered with a second breakable membrane, is configured to break the breakable membranes when the dispenser is transitioned between an extended position and a compact position. In the compact position, with the membranes broken, the first material and second material are free to form a mixture that can be dispensed via an opening in the dispenser's openable tip. |
| US08382734B1 |
Adult diaper system
A primary component is formed of a flexible sheet with a periphery and a central opening, an exterior recipient surface, and an interior surface with an adhesive for removably coupling to a user with the central opening positionable over the anus of the user. A container has a chamber and an opening for receiving and collecting fecal matter. An intermediate member has a separable fastener removably coupling the container with the primary component. |
| US08382731B2 |
Device for treatment of wound using reduced pressure
Provided is a device for treatment of wounds using reduced pressure, which includes a pump, a gas barrier cover, a first compressible material which expands after compression, and a second material capable of absorbing wound fluids several times its own weight. The first and second materials are arranged inside the cover and form a reservoir connected to the pump. The device also includes an inlet for connecting the reservoir with a wound, a wound pad to be arranged in the wound cavity, and a sealing covering the wound and the wound pad. A third material with high liquid spreading capability is arranged around at least a major part of the first material, and the second material is in the form of at least one layer arranged outside the third material and separated from the first material by the third material. |
| US08382729B2 |
Adhesive patch
Provided is an adhesive patch including a stretchable support and an adhesive layer laminated on at least one side of the support, wherein the stretchable support comprises a woven fabric knitted in stockinette stitch on both sides having two or more rows of crimped polyethylene terephthalate multifilament yarns, the adhesive layer contains 25 to 50% by mass of a liquid organic ingredient and 25 to 50% by mass of a thermoplastic elastomer based on the total mass of the layer and contains 10% by mass or more of methyl salicylate as the liquid organic ingredient based on the total mass of the layer, and the storage elastic modulus (G′) of the adhesive layer is 30000 to 75000 Pa at 10 rad/s and 37° C. |
| US08382727B1 |
Skin topical applicator apparatus
A skin topical applicator apparatus includes an arm that has a first end and a second end. A cavity is positioned in the arm and is adjacent to the first end. A mount is attached to the arm and extends away from the first end of the arm. A roller is rotatably attached to the mount. A canister is removably mounted in the cavity and a nozzle is fluidly coupled to the canister and extends outwardly of the first end. The nozzle is directed toward the roller. The canister is filled with a fluid under pressure. The canister includes a valve that is actuated to release the fluid into the nozzle to coat the roller with the fluid. |
| US08382726B2 |
Eye coloring systems
A method for suspending colorant in a subconjunctival space of a human eye, including steps of accessing the subconjunctival space, injecting colorant into the subconjunctival space, suspending colorant in the subconjunctival space, spreading the colorant into a desired pattern, and closing access to the subconjunctival space. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be suspensions or stains. |
| US08382721B2 |
Spring clip safety IV catheter
A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard. |
| US08382720B2 |
Device for preventing a free catheter flow
A catheter for connecting an administering device to an administering needle, the catheter including a catheter wall, a flow region limited by the catheter wall, and at least one catheter portion at which at least one partial piece of the catheter wall abuts at least one other partial piece of the catheter wall to releaseably block or obstruct the flow of a medium through the catheter, wherein the flow is unblocked or opened when the medium exhibits a pressure above a predetermined blocking pressure. |
| US08382719B2 |
Method of delivery with needle shield rotation and alignment
A device for selectively protecting a needle includes an adapter holding the needle and a guard engaging the adapter for relative movement therebetween. Further, the device includes a means for guiding movement between the adapter and the guard. Structurally, the guiding means includes a “V” shaped slot in the guard and a radially-extending boss on the adapter. The boss is received in the slot to limit relative movement between the guard and the adapter. Specifically, in a first position of the device, the boss is in a first leg of the slot and the needle partially extends beyond the guard. In a second position, the boss is held at the apex of the slot and the needle fully extends beyond the guard. In a third position, the boss is in the second leg of the slot and the needle is retracted into the guard to protect the needle. |
| US08382714B2 |
Rail-guided epidural-spinal needle
A rail-guided epidural-spinal needle, which includes an epidural needle including a base and a needle shaft connected to the base, the needle shaft having a groove that is formed on an outer surface of the needle shaft and extends along an axis of the needle shaft, the base having an elevated spinal needle inlet disposed thereon, the spinal needle inlet having a conduit formed therein, the conduit being of an acute angle with the groove in a side view of the epidural needle, and being in alignment with the groove in a top view of the epidural needle. The rail-guided epidural-spinal needle also includes a spinal needle having a tip with a unilaterally curved conformation down one side, such that, when the spinal needle is inserted into the conduit of the spinal needle inlet, and pushed forward, the tip thereof reaches the groove and slides along the groove. |
| US08382713B2 |
Drug delivery device and methodology
Drug delivery devices adapted to receive liquid medication to fill a reservoir, utilize sliding through valves that are closed except when driven by force of liquid medication pushed by a plunger to an open position to feed the medication via needle to a patient or via a connection to an IV port. The devices have multiple seals and automatically close up when pressure on the plunger is released. The methodology is also included. |
| US08382712B2 |
Filter device and liquid injection apparatus having the same
A filter device of the present invention includes a hydrophilic filter located in a vertical space in a filter housing to filter off solid impurities in an introduced liquid, at least one hydrophobic filter located corresponding to at least one gas discharge hole provided in the filter housing, the hydrophobic filter allowing gas in the introduced liquid to be discharged to the outside before and/or after the liquid passes through the hydrophilic filter, and a blocking member for preventing gas in the liquid passing through the hydrophilic filter from flowing into the outlet tube, the blocking member being installed in the filter housing to block the outlet tube, the blocking member having a longitudinal passage formed in a center portion thereof so that the liquid is introduced into the outlet tube through the passage and discharged therefrom. According to the present invention, there are advantages in that the filter device can effectively remove air and impurities such as solid particles contained in a liquid such as a medicine, prevent the air in the medicine from flowing into an extension tube connected to the filter device, and ensure a maximum surface area of a hydrophilic filter for filtering off solid particles such as glass fragments so that a flow rate of a medicine passing through the filter device does not decrease. |
| US08382710B2 |
Syringe
A syringe (1) comprises a barrel (2) for containing a substance to be injected, a needle carrier (12) for carrying a needle (10), and a plunger (3) which is adapted to be movable in the barrel 2 to expel the substance to be injected from the needle (10). The plunger (3) has a first part (3a), a second part (3b) and a resilient member (6) therebetween, the first (3a) and second (3b) parts being adapted to be releasably locked together to hold the resilient member (6) in a compressed state. In use, the first part 3a of the plunger (3) and the needle carrier (12) are adapted to engage one another following expulsion of the substance, and the second part (3b) of the plunger (3) is adapted to be unlocked from the first part (3a) following said engagement, allowing the resilient member (6) to expand to propel the needle carrier (12) into the barrel (2). |
| US08382701B2 |
Method for ensuring constant speed of a motor in an injection device
The present invention relates to a method for ensuring a constant target speed of a battery driven electrical motor, the battery driven electrical motor being adapted to move a piston rod in an injection device so as to inject a set dose of medicine from the injection device, the method comprising the steps of setting a first target speed to be reached by the motor, determining whether the first target speed can be reached, and, if the first target speed can be reached, maintaining the first target speed until a set dose of medicine has been injected from the injection device, or if the first target speed cannot been reached, setting a second target speed. |
| US08382698B2 |
Systems and methods for improving image-guided tissue ablation
The cryosurgical kit and method of use relates to the combined use of biodegradable, imageable, drug(s) carriers, vectors or microcapsules deposited into a target tissue region inside a body and the controlled cooling of the target tissue region. A minimally invasive method of treatment that applies a cooling device to a selected tissue region, uses a vibrating resonant frequency delivery device to inject drug(s) carriers (microcapsules) containing therapeutic and contrast agents into tissue region(s) submitted to cooling temperatures, successive real-time imaging of the microcapsule deposition and later detection of the progressive degradation of microcapsules with ultrasound imaging which provides estimation of sustained release rates and for planning re-dosing regimens. The thermosensitive microcapsules preferably contain ethiodol, a contrast agent for Ultrasound and/or X-Ray imaging, and cytotoxic drug (s). |
| US08382697B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for peripheral arteriovenous fistula creation
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome. |
| US08382693B1 |
Segmented orthosis with a pulley mechanism for fitting adjustment
A segmented lumbosacral orthosis with mechanical advantage integrates two side members conjoined by cord threaded through an array of seamless tubes that are independently mounted and swivel from an axis point proximal to the end points of each tube. Each tube array is housed in a mounting bracket made from a continuous piece of material folded over to form a gap in between two sides. Each mounting bracket is attached to a side member by sliding a pin along the folded edge of the bracket through knuckles (or loops) attached to the side member—similar to a hinge. A removable posterior member is connected to each posterior end of the side members using an elastic material that expands and contracts in parity with the mechanical advantage closure system. The removable posterior panel is designed to hold a rigid or semi-rigid insert stored in three separate sections. |
| US08382686B2 |
Apparatus and method for recording mandibular movement
An apparatus for use in dentistry to obtain positional data related to movement of a mandible about a maxilla comprises a rigid support frame for supporting a maxilla support member, a positionable mandibular member and sensing assemblies. The support member fixedly attaches to the support frame. The mandibular member is positionable proximate the maxilla member. The sensing assemblies attach to the support frame and connect to the mandibular member to obtain positional data related to the movement of the mandibular member. The positional data is collected by a computing device and stored in a data storage medium as time history files. The files can then be transformed into usable information to replicate the mandibular movement in real time either virtually or mechanically. |
| US08382682B2 |
Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue
A tissue penetration device includes a penetrating member driver, a cartridge, and a plurality of penetrating members integrated with the cartridge. Each of a penetrating member is coupled to the penetrating member driver when advanced along a path into a tissue target. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting. |
| US08382681B2 |
Fully integrated wearable or handheld monitor
An arrangement comprises a housing containing one or more components configured for at least one of body fluid sampling and analysis. The arrangement includes a housing containing one or more components configured for at least one of body fluid sampling and analysis, and a body attachment element. The housing and the body attachment element are connected by a quick-release mechanism configured to facilitate removal of the housing from the body attachment element. |
| US08382680B2 |
Hand-held instrument for the analysis of body fluids
The present invention provides a hand-held analysis instrument for analyzing a body fluid. The instrument comprises a housing with a housing opening to which a body part, in particular, a finger, can be applied to generate a puncture wound, an analysis unit for analyzing a sample of a body fluid obtained at the puncture wound, and a piercing unit including a lancet and lancet drive for generating a puncture movement of the lancet. The piercing unit, including the lancet drive, is movable between an operating position and a rest position, the piercing unit being located at the housing opening in the operating position in such a manner that by means of the lancet a puncture wound can be generated in a body part pressed against the housing opening, and the piercing unit being remote from the housing opening in the rest position in such a manner that the space in front of the housing opening is free for the analysis unit, so that it can be moved into a position for receiving blood. An operating device is used for actuating a functional mechanism of the piercing unit. The piercing unit is decoupled from the operating device in one of its two positions and is coupled to the operating device in the other position. |
| US08382675B2 |
Biologic information detecting apparatus
In measurement requiring application of pressure to a tissue of a living body such as blood pressure measurement, noise due to vibration tends to occur. It is therefore difficult to accurately measure a pulse wave and a blood pressure value, and there is a problem of measuring blood pressure stably. It is also difficult to measure blood pressure in daily life activities or to measure blood pressure at predetermined intervals or continuously in a state where a tonometer is always attached. There is consequently a problem of providing a method of holding a biologic information detecting apparatus. The present invention has been achieved to solve the problems and an object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-wear biologic information detecting apparatus for stably detecting biologic information.In order to achieve the above object, biologic information detecting apparatus according to the invention has a structure in which the apparatus includes a sensor for detecting biologic information in a pair of arms connected via a spindle, and the sensor is tightly attached to a projecting part in a living body, particularly, a tragus of an auricle. |
| US08382673B2 |
Ultrasonic endoscope
An ultrasonic endoscope in which the temperature rise can be suppressed with a reduced diameter. The ultrasonic endoscope includes: an ultrasonic transducer part including plural ultrasonic transducers; an exterior member for accommodating the ultrasonic transducer part; and a heat conducting part provided inside of the exterior member and respectively connected to the ultrasonic transducer part and an inner surface of the exterior member. It is preferable that the heat conducting part has a coefficient of thermal conductivity equal to or more than 10 W/(m·K). Further, it is preferable that one of the heat conducting member and the exterior member has an electric insulation property. |
| US08382672B2 |
Macro/micro duty cycle devices, systems, and methods employing low-frequency ultrasound or other cyclical pressure energies
Improved devices, systems, and methods treatment of patients can be used to help mitigate injury to the kidneys by applying cyclical mechanical pressure energy at low intensities. The energy often be selectively directed from non-invasive transducers disposed outside the patients. The energy will typically comprise low frequency ultrasound energy, shock wave energy, or the like, and may induce the generation and/or release of nitric oxide, thereby enhancing perfusion and ameliorating tissue damage. Superimposed micro and macro duty cycles may help avoid thermal and other injury to tissues of the patient during treatment. Bilateral treatments are facilitated by a support structure that orients at least one transducer toward each kidney. |
| US08382671B2 |
Handheld force-controlled ultrasound probe
A handheld ultrasound probe includes force detection and feedback to permit control and/or characterization of applied forces. The probe may, for example, be operated to maintain a substantially constant applied force over a period of use independent of a user's hand position, or to measure applied forces that might contribute to deformation of an imaging subject. |
| US08382670B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnosis system and distortion distribution display method
An ultrasonic diagnosis system and strain distribution display method utilizing an ultrasonic probe for performing transmission/reception of ultrasonic signals to/from a subject, a storage arrangement for storing the properties of signals detected with the ultrasonic probe, a correlation computer for calculating a correlation coefficient between the properties with and without pressure applied to the subject, and a phase difference between the received signals with and without application of pressure, based upon the properties stored in the storage arrangement with and without pressure applied to the subject, a computer for calculating a displacement of each measurement point, and a strain distribution of tissue of the subject due to application of pressure, based upon the correlation coefficient and phase difference calculated by the correlation computer, and a display for displaying the strain distribution. |
| US08382667B2 |
Detecting, quantifying, and/or classifying seizures using multimodal data
A method, comprising receiving at least one of a signal relating to a first cardiac activity and a signal relating to a first body movement from a patient; triggering at least one of a test of the patient's responsiveness, awareness, a second cardiac activity, a second body movement, a spectral analysis test of the second cardiac activity, and a spectral analysis test of the second body movement, based on at least one of the signal relating to the first cardiac activity and the signal relating to the first body movement; determining an occurrence of an epileptic event based at least in part on said one or more triggered tests; and performing a further action in response to said determination of said occurrence of said epileptic event. Further methods allow classification of epileptic events. Apparatus and systems capable of implementing the method. |
| US08382662B2 |
Catheterscope 3D guidance and interface system
Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account. |
| US08382660B2 |
Endoscope system having an endoscope and a tissue-collecting apparatus
An endoscope system includes: an endoscope having an insertion section extending from an operation section operated by an operator into a human body, and an operation channel having a first end section having an opening at a distal end of the insertion section and a second end section passing through the insertion section and having an opening at the operation section; a tissue-collecting apparatus connected to a connecting pipeway branching from a branch section formed to the second end section in the operation channel, and capable of seizing tissue retracted into the operation channel; an aspirator for producing suction force for suctioning the tissue into the operation channel; and a suction pipeway connecting the tissue-collecting apparatus to the aspirator. The tissue-collecting apparatus has: a tissue-collecting case having a first chamber connected to the connecting pipeway, a second chamber connected to the suction pipeway, and a communication path provided to lateral walls of the first chamber and the second chamber and causing the first chamber to communicate with the second chamber; and a tissue-collecting filter detachably enclosed in the first chamber. |
| US08382657B1 |
Endoscope testing device and method of using same
The invention relates to test equipment for rigid endoscopes, but also for flexible endoscopes and video endoscopes. The equipment includes an enclosure having a cover hingedly coupled to a base, an optical test target coupled to the cover, an endoscope support stand pivotably coupled to the enclosure and a bed contained within the base including a plurality of indentations shaped for receiving individual pieces of endoscope testing equipment. The testing equipment can include magnification loupes, light post adapters, battery powered light sources, cleansing tissues and a ruler. A support bracket is coupled between the cover and the endoscope support stand wherein the endoscope support stand is pivotably coupled to the support bracket. |
| US08382654B2 |
Surgical devices for imposing a negative pressure to stabilize the cardiac tissue during surgery
The invention is devices and techniques which use a negative (suction) pressure or vacuum, applied through a surgical instrument, to fix the position of a portion of the surface of a beating heart so that a surgical procedure can be more easily performed. The devices apply a negative pressure at several points on the outer surface of the heart such that a portion of the heart is fixed in place by the suction imposed through the surgical instrument. Because the instrument fixes the position of the tissue, and because the instruments remain at a constant distance from the particular portion of the heart where the surgery is being performed, the device may also serve as a support or platform so that other surgical instruments or devices can be advantageously used at the site. In certain preferred embodiments, the devices described herein have structures to facilitate the use of additional surgical instruments such that the placement of negative pressure device permit the surgeon to advantageously manipulate the other instruments during surgery. The negative pressure is preferably imposed through a plurality of ports which may be disposed in a substantially planar surface of the instrument which contacts the cardiac tissue. |
| US08382653B2 |
Method and system for improving diastolic function of the heart
The present invention provides a system for improving diastolic function of the heart comprising elastic elements and attachment elements, wherein said elastic elements and said attachment elements are configured such that they are capable of being interconnected to form a chain formed of an alternating series of said elastic elements and said attachment elements, and wherein said attachment elements are adapted to be anchored in the wall of the heart and with option for drug delivery to the wall of the heart. The invention further provides devices, methods and kits, for mounting the ventricular function assisting device of the invention. |
| US08382652B2 |
Body fluid flow control method and device
An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body includes a constricting member for allowing fluid flow within a body canal when in an open position, and for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in an closed position. Remote telemetry can be used to operate the constricting member from a position outside the body. The constricting member can include a piston having at least two protrusions for contacting the vessel surface of the body canal. A fluid-operated member can receive fluid to reduce fluid flow within the body canal and expel fluid to allow fluid flow within the body canal. An actuating member is provided for operating the fluid-operated member between the open and closed positions. The actuating member has structure for flowing fluid into and out of the fluid-operated member. A control device is provided for operating the actuating member. An implantable drive mechanism for a constricting member or other medical device includes a sealed housing for implantation in a patient body, a drive magnet positioned within the housing, an actuator for moving the drive magnet, and a magnetically susceptible drive member positioned outside the housing such that movement of the drive magnet within the housing will move the drive member outside of the housing. |
| US08382646B2 |
Walking aid for a mechanically driven treadmill
The invention relates to a walking aid for a mechanically driven treadmill, comprising at least one tractive element that is guided over two respective deflection rollers and that is driven directly or indirectly by means of the treadmill. The tract of said element that directly faces the treadmill belt is displaced in the same direction as said belt and the tract of the element that faces away from the belt is displaced in the opposite direction to the latter. The aid also comprises at least one fixing element, which is located on the tractive element, for supports for part of the feet and/or legs. |
| US08382639B2 |
Control system for a dual clutch transmission
A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of solenoids and valves in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio. |
| US08382632B2 |
Differential gear
A differential case includes a first boss part into which a first drive shaft is inserted, and a second boss part into which a second drive shaft opposed to the first drive shaft is inserted. The differential case is composed of: a first case body extending from pinion-shaft assembling parts on which a pinion shaft is assembled, to a ring gear; a second case body having the first boss part; and a third case body having the third boss part. The first case body is integrally formed by forging. The second case body is integrally formed by forging. The third case body is integrally formed by forging. The first case body and the second case body are joined to each other by welding. The first case body and the third case body are joined to each other by welding. |
| US08382627B2 |
Multiple drive system for food processor and mixer
A multiple drive system of a food processor/mixer, comprising first, second and third drive outlets, each operable at different speeds. This system is incorporated with a planetary gear system. A motor with shaft, coupled to the first drive outlet, drives it at a selected speed. The shaft coupled with a first sun gear meshed in a ring gear drives a first set of planet gears. The second drive outlet, mounted on the arm of the first set of planet gears, drives at a different speed, and is coupled with a second sun gear meshed in the ring gear and drives a second set of planet gears. The third drive outlet, mounted on the arm of the second set of planet gears, drives at another different speed. The second and third drive outlets are driven at different speeds according to gear-ratio of the planetary gear system, without changing the input voltage. |
| US08382624B2 |
Powertrain for hybrid electrical vehicle
The invention relates to a powertrain for a hybrid electrical vehicle, comprising an engine, a first motor, a second motor and a transmission device, said transmission device having a planet gear set with double planet gear ranks comprising a first planet gear rank and a second planet gear rank, said engine is arranged on one side of said planet gear set, said first motor and said second motor are arranged on the other side of the planet gear set, said first planet gear rank comprises a small sun gear, a planet carrier, a short planet gear and an outer ring gear, said second planet gear rank comprises a big sun gear, a long planet gear and the planet carrier shared with the first planet gear rank, said long planet gear meshes with the short planet gear and the big sun gear respectively. |
| US08382621B2 |
Electrical drive apparatus for valves
An electrical drive apparatus for valves includes: a main body having an internal first receiving space in which a transmission unit is received; a drive unit disposed on one side of the main body for driving the transmission unit to rotate; a hand wheel fixed with a top section of the transmission unit, a lower section of the hand wheel being formed with several sockets; and a switch unit for controlling whether the hand wheel and the first transmission shaft can be rotated so as to switch the electrical drive apparatus between an electrical drive operation mode and a manual drive operation mode. |
| US08382620B2 |
V-belt type continuously variable transmission
A V-belt type continuously variable transmission includes a drive pulley assembly provided on a drive shaft, a driven pulley assembly provided on a driven shaft, a V-belt looped over both the pulley assemblies, and a transmission case assembly housing both the pulley assemblies and the V-belt. One end of the drive shaft in the shaft direction is coupled to an output side rotation member of a centrifugal clutch, and the other end of the drive shaft is rotatably supported on a boss portion formed in the transmission case assembly. |
| US08382619B2 |
Method for producing a ball and ball
The invention relates to a method for producing a ball (1), especially a soccer ball, comprising the steps: a) Producing a flat, level base material (2), constructed in at least two layers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) which comprises a cover layer (3) and at least one material layer (4, 5, 6, 7) below said cover layer; b) Cutting out panels (8) of the desired shape from the base material (2); c) Applying the panels (8) to a carrier body (9), especially to a ball bladder. In order to provide a more uniform hardness to the ball across the extend of the circumference, the invention proposes that before, during or after step b) at least the edge region (10) of the panel (8) is heated and a reforming of the edge area (10) takes place, such that the side of the panel (8) which is covered by the cover layer (3) takes on a convex shape (11) in the edges area (10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a ball. |
| US08382618B2 |
Protective cover for an inflatable ball body, and sports ball having the same
A protective cover for covering an inflatable ball body includes: a flexible surrounding wall capable of forming a receiving space that is substantially ball-shaped and that is adapted to receive a ball, the surrounding wall having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface being adapted to contact intimately an external surface of the ball when the ball is in an inflated operative state, the surrounding wall having at least one first opening extending through the inner and outer surfaces, the first opening having a size sufficient for access of the ball when the ball is deflated. |
| US08382617B2 |
Multi-blade broadhead with manually-sharpenable tip
An arrow hunting broadhead has a main body fabricated from high-strength steel, and multiple laminar carbon steel blades which install within the main body. The main body has a manually sharpenable chisel point tip with multiple razor-sharp apices. The main body is equipped with multiple slots, each of which is continuous with one of the apices of the tip and includes a forward-facing recess at the front end of each slot. A laminar carbon steel blade is inserted into each slot and locked in place by a tab on the front of the blade, which fits into the forward-facing recess, and a notch at the rear of the blade, which engages an annular retainer ring that slips over a rear portion of the main body. Each blade forms an extension of its associated apex, with each apex and its associated blade forming a generally straight line. |
| US08382614B1 |
Golf ball marker with flip up sight
A method of marking the position of a golf ball on a putting green and assisting in aligning an ensuing putt of the golf ball. A marker is obtained. The marker comprises a thin object having a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral edge. A segment of the object is pivotable relative to the balance of the object as between a first position in which the segment rests parallel with and within the same plane as the balance of the object and a second position in which the segment rests perpendicular to the balance of the object. The peripheral edge along the segment is conspicuously colored. The marker is placed proximate a golf ball on a putting green. The segment is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The marker is rotated as necessary to align the conspicuously colored edge of the segment resting in the second position with a predicted putting direction. |
| US08382613B2 |
Low lift golf ball
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.282 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 120,000 to 180,000 and for a range of spin rates from about of about 3,000 rpm to 5,000 rpm. |
| US08382606B2 |
Structure of a golf club head or other ball striking device
Ball striking devices, such as golf club heads (including putter heads), have a high moment of inertia about their center, to help prevent twisting and mis-hits, particularly when the ball striking device hits the ball at a somewhat off-center position. The ball striking head of the ball striking device may be structured and/or weighted (optionally with separately attachable weight elements) to have a moment of inertia about a center of the ball striking surface of at least 10,000 g/cm2, and in some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 11,000 g/cm2, or even at least 12,000 g/cm2. In some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 20,000 g/cm2, or even at least 25,000 g/cm2 or at least 28,000 g/cm2. |
| US08382603B1 |
Golf putter having a training strike plate
A golf putter is provided having a training strike plate for training a user to consistently strike a golf ball at an optimal point on the putter face while putting. The golf putter has a club head. A training strike plate is selectively couplable to the club head. The training strike plate has a protrusion that extends from a face of the club head when the training strike plate is coupled to the club head. The protrusion has an elongated narrow face such that the protrusion is designed for driving a golf ball away from the protrusion at an acute angle relative to the face of the club head when the golf ball is contacted by an edge of the face of the protrusion. |
| US08382602B2 |
Enclosed slide
An enclosed slide including a number of elongate sections, each section extending between first and second ends thereof, the sections being fastened together in abutting end-to-end relations respectively in a predetermined configuration in which selected pairs of the sections are positioned end-to-end in preselected positions. Each section has a body defining at least a part of a slide bed, and one or more flanges extending outwardly from the body. The flanges positioned at each abutting end of the sections in each selected pair are a pair of flanges positionable adjacent to each other. The enclosed slide also includes a number of clamp rings adapted for securing the adjacent flanges to each other respectively, and a number of fasteners at least partially positionable in flange holes and in the clamp ring holes upon alignment thereof, to at least partially fasten the clamp rings to the adjacent flanges at least partially therein. |
| US08382599B2 |
Universal joint arrangement
A universal joint arrangement with a journal cross, supported by bearings in two joint yokes offset to one another by 90°. Each joint yoke comprises a flange and two bearings. Each bearing has an axial bearing pressure disk that is supported by a first connection element on the joint yoke and a second connection element on the journal cross to form a first and second friction pairing. One of the connection elements has at least one elevated support region facing the axial bearing pressure disk. The support region is arranged in the region of low relative movement of the joint yoke with the journal cross, while the regions other than the support region lie in the region of greatest relative motion. |
| US08382594B2 |
Torque limiter and method of limiting torque transfer
A torque limiter comprises a first body, a second body, and a biasing mechanism. The second body is rotationally attached relative to the first body. The biasing mechanism comprises at least first and second compression springs and an adjustment device. The first spring has a maximum compression condition. The first and second springs are configured and adapted to create a torque-threshold below which the second body cannot be rotated relative to the first body and above which it can. The torque-threshold is adjustable via the adjustment device throughout a first torque range and a non-overlapping second torque range. The biasing mechanism is configured and adapted such that the first spring progressively compresses as the torque-threshold increases throughout the first torque range, and such that throughout the second torque range the first spring is in its maximum compression condition and the second spring progressively compresses as the torque-threshold increases. |
| US08382592B1 |
System and method for using a game to interact with television programs
A system, computer-readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method for obtaining votes for participants in a television program are described, in which code for a game is transmitted to a computer system, where the game includes an in-game voting module that allows a player of the game to cast votes for participants in a television program. At least one vote for at least one participant in the television program is received from the in-game voting module. A database including vote counts for the participants in the television program is updated based on the at least one vote for the at least one participant. |
| US08382590B2 |
Entertainment, gaming and interactive spaces based on lifeotypes
The methods and systems described herein may involve determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and delivering content to at least one individual based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing a game, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one player of the game, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and affecting the game play based on the analysis. The methods and systems described herein may involve providing an interactive space, determining at least one lifeotype of at least one individual in the space, analyzing the at least one lifeotype, and modifying at least one attribute of the space based on the analysis. |
| US08382589B2 |
Musical action response system
A framework is disclosed for associating visual elements of a computer game with musical scores of a computer game. In one embodiment, a visual element is moved in a virtual environment of the computer game, in response to user input. Playback of a musical score may be altered based on movement of the visual element. A visual effect in the scene may also be generated, based on the altered playback of the musical score. |
| US08382586B2 |
Power winners processing method
A system and method is disclosed for a multi-site casino or resort wide promotional winners selection. The system selects a winner based on playing with a card at a table game or slot machine, or just being at an active slot machine, opened table game, or other activity within a resort. |
| US08382584B2 |
Networked gaming system with enterprise accounting methods and apparatus
A computerized management system and methods including accounting, auditing, and correcting systems and processes are disclosed for use with game and/or gaming devices, systems, and methods enable users to remotely monitor, control, and modify financial data, reports, and information related to game and/or gaming machines and apparatuses of different classes, for example Class II and Class III gaming machines and table games, and different facilities, such as Class III gaming establishments, bingo establishments, and lottery establishments. |
| US08382583B2 |
Token management system and method of operation thereof
A method and system for managing tokens in an electronic gaming environment includes managing computer-readable tokens that may be issued by an issuer and transferred to an original recipient of the issued tokens, and thereafter, to one or more players of electronic casino games and/or to electronic gaming devices at which the players intend to play the casino games. The issued tokens may not be redeemable by the issuer, but may be redeemable by the original recipient of the issued tokens or an intermediary device of a hierarchy of devices including the original recipient and the electronic gaming devices. The players may play single-player and/or multi-player games. Tokens wagered during a single-player game may be cancelled if the wager is lost. Tokens wagered during a multi-player game may not be cancelled, but instead transferred to the winner of the multi-player game. |
| US08382573B2 |
Gaming system and control method thereof which determines transition to special game
A gaming system of the present invention includes: an input device which starts a base game awarding a payout according to a given winning; a data storage device storing special game condition data which defines, within a given value range, a plurality of sub ranges respectively allotted to special game conditions or “No Special Game” meaning no special game is run, each of the special game conditions being associated with an average payout different from those associated with the other conditions. In the system, a random number is sampled based on an input from the input device. A base game is run using the random number, and a payout according to a resulted winning is awarded. One of the sub ranges each allotted to one of the special game conditions or “No Special Game” is selected, based on a given condition with reference to the random number and the special game condition data. When the selected sub range is allotted to a special game condition, the special game is run under that special game condition and a payout is awarded. |
| US08382570B2 |
Gaming apparatus with special symbols
Systems and methods for determining a plurality of outcomes of a game of chance are provided. In a spinning reel game, for example, a first game event may be provided in which a plurality of symbols are spun up on a plurality of spinning reels to form an array of symbols, each spinning reel spinning up at least three symbols and at least one of the spinning reels being defined so that at least two feature symbols can be simultaneously spun up on that reel. A result of the spin is evaluated to assess whether two or more feature symbols have been spun up on the same reel. If so, a second game event is provided in which the two or more feature symbols and all other symbols spun up on the same reel are converted to special symbols. The special symbols have an enhanced play characteristic in comparison to the other symbols, and the outcome of the game is re-evaluated to establish whether any outcomes exist which define a winning combination. A prize or an award is awarded if one or more winning combinations exist. |
| US08382568B2 |
Blackjack game with additional player flexibility
A variation of casino blackjack. The player can have the option to split any two cards whether they are identical or not. The player can also double down and receive a double down card, and if the player does not like his or her double down card, then the player can discard the double down card and receive a second double down card. |
| US08382567B2 |
Interactive DVD gaming systems
The present disclosure is directed to DVD gaming systems that include DVD game remote systems having card readers, and methods of playing games using those DVD gaming systems. |
| US08382565B2 |
System and method to redirect and/or reduce airflow using actuators
The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A device includes a support element and a plurality of ducts connected to the support element. The device also includes a manifold in fluid communication with each one of the plurality of ducts and a plurality of valves. Each respective one of the plurality of valves is associated with a respective one of the plurality of ducts. Moreover, there is at least one actuator operatively connected to the plurality of valves, which is structured and arranged to individually actuate each one of the plurality of valves. |
| US08382558B2 |
Apparatus for dressing a polishing pad, chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and method
An apparatus dresses a polishing pad. The apparatus includes a dresser drive shaft which is rotatable and vertically movable, a dresser flange coupled to the dresser drive shaft and configured to secure a dressing member thereto, a spherical bearing provided in the dresser flange and configured to allow the dressing member to tilt with respect to the dresser drive shaft, and a spring mechanism configured to generate a force against a tilting motion of the dressing member. |
| US08382545B2 |
Method of manufacturing a display device
A novel display device with higher reliability having a structure of blocking moisture and oxygen, which deteriorate the characteristics of the display device, from penetrating through a sealing region and a method of manufacturing thereof is provided. According to the present invention, a display device and a method of manufacturing the same comprising: a display portion formed by aligning a light-emitting element using an organic light-emitting material between a pair of substrate, wherein the display portion is formed on an insulating layer formed on any one of the substrates, the pair of substrates is bonded to each other with a sealing material formed over the insulating layer while surrounding a periphery of the display portion, at least one layer of the insulating layer is made of an organic resin material, the periphery has a first region and a second region, the insulating layer in the first region has an opening covered with a protective film, the sealing material is formed in contact with the opening and the protective film, an outer edge portion of the insulating layer in the second region is covered with the protective film or the sealing material. |
| US08382544B2 |
Method of repairing a display assembled on a substrate
Various embodiments of methods and systems for designing and constructing displays from multiple light-modulating elements are disclosed. Display elements having different light-modulating and self-assembling characteristics may be used during display assembly and operation. |
| US08382541B1 |
Reversible life raft system
An upper smart arch extends upwardly from an inflatable upper tube and a lower smart arch extends downwardly from a lower inflatable. An orientation sensing transfer valve is located at each interface of the upper smart arch and upper tube and a lower orientation sensing transfer valve is located at each interface between the lower smart arch and the lower tube. Deployment of the upper smart arch along with an upper canopy will be deployed with the opening of the upper orientation sensing transfer valve and the lower smart arch and a lower canopy will not be deployed since the lower orientation sensing transfer valve remains closed. |
| US08382537B2 |
Marine vessel with controlled reverse drive mode
A marine vessel includes a hull and a jet propulsion device arranged to take in water through an intake port and eject the water through an ejection port rearward with respect to the hull. The ejection port is arranged posterior to the intake port. The marine vessel also includes a reversing member arranged to be movable between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position. The reversing member is arranged to, when placed at the reverse drive position, reverse the direction of the water ejected from the jet propulsion device forward with respect to the hull (in a direction capable of generating a propulsive force in the reverse drive direction). The marine vessel further includes an operation unit arranged to be operated by a marine vessel maneuvering operator to locate the reversing member at the forward drive position or the reverse drive position, and an internal combustion engine arranged to drive the jet propulsion device. The marine vessel also includes a control unit arranged and programmed to operate in a reverse drive mode in which when the reversing member is located at the reverse drive position by the operation unit, and such that the control unit controls the internal combustion engine to operate within a predetermined speed range. |
| US08382526B2 |
Power adapter with interchangeable connectors and power supply having the same
There is disclosed a power adapter which comprises an adapter body and a modular connector. The adapter body has a cavity forming a first opening and a second opening respectively disposed on two adjacent lateral walls of the adapter body, a first connecting member disposed on one of the lateral walls and adjacent to the first opening, and a sliding plate member having a sliding plate embedded in a slide and protrusible in said second opening. The connector is interchangeably coupled to the cavity and blocked by the sliding plate to form an electrical connection with the adapter body, and comprises a second connecting member engaged with the first connecting member. |
| US08382524B2 |
Electrical connector having thick film layers
An electrical connector electrically connects a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, where the electrical connector includes: (a) an insulative housing; (b) a plurality of signal conductors, with at least a portion of each of the plurality of signal conductors disposed within the insulative housing; (c) each of the plurality of signal conductors having a first contact end, a second contact end and an intermediate portion therebetween; and (d) a passive circuit element electrically connected to the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of signal conductors, where the passive circuit element is housed in an insulative package and includes at least a capacitor or an inductor. |
| US08382523B1 |
Modular cable clamp with high impedance surface
A cable terminating and grounding apparatus and method comprises a backshell including a cable terminating and grounding adapter shield which comprises a cable receiving and positioning portion comprising a plurality of individual cable passages around the outer rim of the receiving and positioning portion and a gathering portion adjacent the receiving and positioning portion comprising a plurality of individual cable receiving slots around an outer periphery of the gathering portion, each slot having a side wall receiving a cable shield enclosing one or more wires comprising the cable. A gathering mechanism may engage each of the cable shields oppositely from the respective slot side wall and force the respective shield into engagement with the respective slot side wall. There may be a cable passage in a center portion of the receiving and positioning portion and the gathering portion. A locking portion of the adapter shield may engage a connector. |
| US08382520B2 |
Connector assembly
A connector assembly includes contact modules each having a dielectric frame and contacts held by the dielectric frame. The contacts are arranged along a contact plane within the frame. The dielectric frame includes frame members connected by connecting segments. The frame has windows between the frame members located between adjacent contacts. Holders support corresponding contact modules. The holders are electrically grounded. The holders each have a support wall and tabs that extend outward from the support wall. The contact modules are coupled to the holders such that the tabs are received in the windows to provide shielding within the contact modules. The holders are coupled together such that the contact modules are stacked together with the tabs of at least some of the holders that extend into the contact module held by the adjacent holder and across the contact plane defined by the contact module of the adjacent holder. |
| US08382519B2 |
Electrical connector featured USB/eSATA interfaces incorporated with additional power contact
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a mating cavity, a tongue portion extending into the mating cavity and defining thereon first and second faces opposite to each other, and a plurality of contacts retained to the housing. The plurality of contacts defines a first and second set of contacts and expanded contacts. The first set of contacts each defines a first blade contacting section exposed onto the first face, the second set of contacts each defines a deflectable cantilevered beam exposed onto the second face, and the expanded contacts include at least one power contact for power transmission. The at least one power contact defines a second contacting section arranged between two adjacent cantilevered beams and projecting out of the second face. |
| US08382514B1 |
Wall plate/cover housing assembly
A faceplate is configured for covering a wall opening providing access to electrical signal cables. The faceplate itself has an opening leading into the wall opening, and a pair of mounting holes above and below the opening. A cover housing is formed to secure an electrical device within a cavity thereof. The faceplate and cover housing are adapted to provide for the latter being removably secured to the front of the faceplate, after the electrical device is connected to at least one of the signal cables. The cover housing is configured to permit a user to connect a signal cable to the electrical device, and signal cables from the wall opening thereto. |
| US08382504B2 |
Ultra-small connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit
A connector has a base having an opening formed at a front surface, to which a distal end of a flexible printed circuit is inserted, and insertion holes passing from the front surface to a rear surface arranged in a line, a connection terminal inserted into the insertion hole of the base, a support fitting arranged on both side edges of the base in which an elastic temporary holding portion is extended from one end to a first side and a lock long tongue piece is extended to a second side opposite the first side, and an operation lever for supporting a turning shaft portion arranged in a projecting manner from both side end faces on the same axis center at the base so as to be turnable, and including a lock cutout portion so as to communicate to a slit formed along an edge of the side end faces. |
| US08382503B2 |
Quick release retention mechanism for socketed microelectronic devices
The present description relates to the field of microelectronic device retention mechanisms and, more particularly, to a quick release retention mechanism including a base plate, a load plate and a biasing mechanism adapted to apply a desired load and to allow rapid insertion and extraction of microelectronic devices from sockets. |
| US08382501B2 |
Systems and methods of identifying connections in a communications patching system using common-mode channel signal transmissions
Communications patching system and methods utilizing common-mode channel communications are provided for identifying patch panel ports to which a backbone cable is connected in a communications patching system, for identifying a patch panel port to which a horizontal cable terminating at a telecommunications outlet is connected in a communications patching system, and for identifying the physical location of first and second connectors of a patch cord in a communications patching system having multiple patching zones. |
| US08382500B2 |
Rotating connector device
A rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotator rotatable relative to the stator, a base ring arranged between the stator and the rotator, a flexible flat cable (14), and a rotating roller. The flexible flat cable (14) has a conductor part (14a), and is configured to electrically connect the stator side and the rotator side to each other. The rotating roller is rotatably supported on the base ring, and brings an outer circumferential surface thereof into contact with the flexible flat cable (14), thereby guiding it. The rotating roller is molded by using a die. When a plane including a parting line that is formed at the outer circumferential surface of the rotating roller at a time of the molding is defined as an imaginary plane (90), the imaginary plane (90) is perpendicular to an axis of the rotating roller and does not overlap the conductor part (14a) of the flexible flat cable (14). |
| US08382492B2 |
Mains connection of a domestic appliance
A domestic appliance that includes at least one mains connection for the supply of power to the domestic appliance from a building supply mains. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mains connection may include data transfer contacts. |
| US08382491B2 |
Electrical connector with balanced mounting structure
An electrical connector for mounting on a circuit board includes a longitudinal base and a plurality of contacts received therein. The longitudinal base includes a mating face, an assembling face opposite to the mating face for confronting with an edge of the circuit board. Each contact includes a contacting portion exploding to the mating face and a spring tail extending out of the assembling face for elastically pressing against the circuit board in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A retention pad is secured to the housing and comprises a pressing end for elastically pressing against the circuit board to balance prepressure of the spring tails to the circuit board. |
| US08382490B2 |
Electrical junction box
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical junction box having a new structure that can simplify a parts control and can lower a cost in production by enabling already available connecting terminals to be converted. Support projections are provided on an insulation plate. The support projections receive and support connecting terminals and have projecting dimensions corresponding to the connecting terminals. A casing contains the insulation plate. The casing is provided on a surface opposed to the support projections with recess-like or bump-like matching portions that contact with projection end surfaces of the support projections to position the support projections. |
| US08382489B2 |
Compliant off-chip interconnects for use in electronic packages and fabrication methods
Disclosed are apparatus comprising single-path and multiple-path compliant interconnects that are coupled between electrical contacts and that allow for increased electrical performance without compromising mechanical reliability. Exemplary apparatus comprises a conductive vertical anchor coupled at a first end to an electrical contact; and one or more conductive arcuate beams coupled at a first end to a second end of the vertical anchor, and coupled at a second end to a second electrical contact. One electrical contact comprises a die contact pad and the other electrical contact comprises a substrate contact pad. Alternatively, one electrical contact comprises a substrate contact pad and the other electrical contact comprises a printed circuit board contact pad. Also, one electrical contact comprises a die contact pad and the other electrical contact comprises a printed circuit board contact pad. Methods of fabricating the apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US08382487B2 |
Land grid array interconnect
A land grid array interconnect has a substrate that has a first surface and a second surface. The substrate has a plurality of vias extending therethrough. The substrate has first pads on the first surface electrically connected to corresponding vias and has second pads on the second surface electrically connected to corresponding vias and corresponding first pads. A contact array is coupled to the first surface of the substrate. The contact array has a metal plate that defines a carrier and a plurality of contacts formed from the metal plate and held by the carrier. The contacts have contact heels and beams extending from corresponding contact heels. The contact heels are soldered to corresponding first pads. The contacts are singulated from the carrier after the contact heels are soldered to the first pads. The carrier is removed from the substrate after the contacts are singulated leaving the individual contacts soldered to corresponding first pads. |
| US08382486B2 |
Self-orienting electrical connector
An electrical connector and electronic device for connecting to a complementary electrical connector are provided. The electrical connector comprises a main body containing one or more electrically conducting mediums. The electrical connector also comprises an end piece rotatably connected to the main body at one end of the main body. The end piece has a connecting side for engaging the complementary electrical connector. The end piece is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The connecting side comprises one or more electrical contacts for engaging complementary electrical contacts on the complementary electrical connector. Each electrical contact of the electrical connector is electrically connected to one of the electrically conducting mediums of the main body. The connecting side also comprises a magnet disposed on the connecting side of the end piece for engaging a complementary magnet on the complementary electrical connector. |
| US08382485B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing realistic medical training
Method and apparatus to provide simulation of a human casualty. In one embodiment an autonomous casualty simulator includes a processing module having a scenario progression controller and a physiological modeling system to receive sensor input and to control effectors. The autonomous casualty simulator can be contained in a nominal human mannequin form. |
| US08382483B2 |
Service providing system
There is provided a system which is able to realize study assistance or a desired appliance operation for a user, even in the absence of an answer input from the user.A service providing system includes an output section for presenting a question to a user, and further presenting sequentially a plurality of options as candidate answers to the question; a signal detection section for measuring an event-related potential of electroencephalograms of the user; and a determination section for determining whether the user has thought each option to be the correct answer or not, based on the event-related potential in a predetermined period after each option is presented, e.g., in a period from about 350 milliseconds to about 450 milliseconds. |
| US08382481B2 |
Problem shooting process intelligently adapted to fit user's skills
The present disclosure is directed to a method for automatically adapting the problem shooting steps to the user's skill level. |
| US08382480B2 |
Apparatus and method for presenting and controllably scrolling Braille text
Apparatus and methods for converting data into Braille text and permitting scrolling of a Braille display are provided. Embodiments may include a Braille display configured to present Braille text, a control device configured to allow a user to at least partially control scrolling of the Braille text, communication circuitry configured to transmit and receive data, and a processor that is operably coupled to the Braille display and communication circuitry, wherein the processor is configured to convert at least portions of data received by the communication circuitry into Braille text for presentation by the Braille display. Embodiments may further include a memory for storing Braille text. |
| US08382479B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing enamel from a person's tooth
According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel of the tooth. The handle portion is coupled to the blade portion, has a substantially solid cross-section, and is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding opening in a driver mechanism that is adapted to drive reciprocating movement of the blade portion to provide the reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface. |
| US08382476B2 |
Dental retraction composition, production thereof and use of a powder jet device for dental retraction
The invention relates to a dental composition comprising a hardenable powder to be used in a process for retraction of dental tissue. The invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising the dental composition comprising a hardenable powder, a hardening agent, optionally a handpiece of a powder jet device, optionally a powder jet device, and optionally retraction caps. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for retracting dental tissue comprising the steps of applying a dental composition comprising a hardenable powder with a powder jet device into the sulcus between soft and hard dental tissue, applying a composition comprising a hardening agent either before or after the previous step, leaving the dental composition in the sulcus for a time sufficient to effect retraction of the soft dental tissue and removing the dental composition from the sulcus. |
| US08382475B2 |
Method and device for controlling the position of bore bushings
A method and a device for the simplified inspection of the compatibility of the positions of bore bushings in a drilling template with respect to the positions in a predetermined plan in a computer model. The position parameters are detected by a measuring device which is arranged at distance from the bore bushings. The position parameters are transferred to a measurement plane on a reference seat. The drilling template is held to the reference seat at at least one of a predetermined orientation or a predetermined distance from the measurement plane. |
| US08382474B2 |
Dental articulator
A dental articulator is provided in which at least one of the two arms thereof has a base member that is articulated with respect to a bracket element onto which a dental model may be mounted, allowing independent movement of the dental model with respect to the pivot axis hingedly linking the arms. |
| US08382472B2 |
Light curing device
The invention relates to a light curing device, comprising a light source which is accommodated in a housing which has a light exit, through which light leaves the housing. It is provided that the light exiting direction of the light beam is variable, in particular infinitely variable. |
| US08382467B2 |
Multiple part mandrel
A multiple part mandrel on which a hollow body may be formed includes multiple sectors. Each sector has a skin on an outer face and a pair of opposed side returns at longitudinal sides of the sector. The mandrel formed by the sectors is symmetrical about a central axis of the mandrel. When the sectors are assembled as the mandrel, the side returns of adjacent sectors face each other. Each of the side returns includes a recess in an outside surface of the side return, spaced from the skin of the respective sector, and an inflatable O-ring disposed in the recess. The recesses of adjacent side returns in the mandrel are offset with respect to each other in an axial direction of the mandrel. Inflation of the inflatable O-rings urges adjacent sectors together at the skins of the sectors to seal the adjacent sectors at the skins. |
| US08382464B2 |
Extruded cellulose-polymer composition and system for making same
The present invention is directed to a device for the production of a cellular wood plastic composite material comprised of an orifice that conducts the composite material from the adapter of the extruder to the transition die plate in such a manner that a uniform flow of material reaches the transition die plate; a transition die plate that further directs the flow of material to a flow restriction die plate in a manner ensuring that equal amounts of material are delivered to all areas of the flow restriction die plate; a flow restriction die plate that provides sufficient resistance to material flow to increase the melt pressure of the portion of the material that is upstream in relation to the flow restriction die plate and controls the temperature increase caused by this restriction by dividing the flow into numerous suitably sized and shaped streams; a compression die plate that fuses the separate streams issuing from the flow restriction die plate into a single stream of material and maintains the melt pressure at a level which will prevent premature development of cells in the material; a shaping die plate that is designed to shape the material in such a way that the fully expanded material will approximate the shape of the desired profile and to control the rate of cell development and expansion so that large numbers of uniform cells are produced. |
| US08382463B2 |
Device for producing structured optical materials
The invention relates to a method for producing structured optical materials. It also relates to a device for producing structured optical materials, and to use of the method.In order to create a novel, continuous method for the production of structured optical materials, which is more economical than the known production method, it is proposed within the scope of the invention that optical material be applied to a carrier, a carrier or protective film be laminated onto the optical material, the resulting laminate be exposed to light and thereby structured, and subsequently a delamination of at least one of the films be performed. |
| US08382455B2 |
Stator for linear compressor
A stator for a linear compressor is provided that includes a coil winding, in which a coil is wound in a circumferential direction and current flows; a bobbin set, which is wound with the coil winding and which insulates the coil winding; and a plurality of core blocks, which is arranged in a circumferential direction of the bobbin set at predetermined intervals from an axial direction of the bobbin set, and which is advantageously used to simplify the manufacturing process, enhance the clamping force, reduce an overall production cost, and reduce a size of a product incorporating the same. |
| US08382454B2 |
Check valve, infusion device using the same, and method of manufacturing the same
A check valve capable of improving the tightness between a sphere and a valve seat and suppressing the sinking is provided, so as to provide a liquid chromatography infusion pump enabling a high precision infusion even if in a low flow rate region. On a surface, contacted with the sphere, on the valve seat 10 of the check valve, a rim 10r is disposed around a through hole 10h in the center of the valve seat 10. The rim 10r is formed as a boundary between a concave spherical surface of a diameter Φ1 and a concave spherical surface of a diameter Φ2 disposed as concentric circles with the through hole 10h. When the sphere of a diameter ΦB abuts against the valve seat 10, the sphere 15 abuts against the valve seat 10 at the annular rim 10r in a line contact according to a relation of Φ1>ΦB>Φ2. |
| US08382453B2 |
Piezoelectric pump, cooling device, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed is a piezoelectric pump. The piezoelectric pump includes a pump body, a drive unit, a detection section, and a control unit. The pump body includes a hole for introducing a fluid from outside thereinto and jetting the fluid from inside, a wall portion disposed so as to face the hole, and a piezoelectric body provided on the wall portion to vibrate the wall portion. The drive unit drives the piezoelectric body. The detection section detects a signal corresponding to a discharge rate of the fluid from the hole. The control unit controls a drive voltage and a drive frequency of the drive unit on the basis of the signal. |
| US08382451B2 |
Pump apparatus
In a constant rate discharge pump, a rotary drive source is disposed on an end of a housing, and on the other end of the housing, a pump head is provided, having a pump chamber into which a fluid is drawn, and a filling chamber filled with an indirect medium. Further, a displacement mechanism having a displacement nut which is displaced under a driving action of the rotary drive source is disposed in the interior of the housing. A bellows is interposed between a tubular body connected to the displacement nut and a first block of the pump head, wherein the interior of the bellows also is filled with the indirect medium, which is made up from an incompressible fluid. Furthermore, a flexible diaphragm is disposed in the pump head between the fluid and the indirect medium. |
| US08382450B2 |
Centrifugal fan
A centrifugal fan includes a housing including a base, a side wall portion having an air outlet defined therein, and a cover arranged above the side wall portion and having an air inlet defined therein. A circuit board is arranged on an upper surface of the base, and includes a circuit board protruding portion arranged to protrude radially outward of the housing. At least one of electronic components to be mounted on the circuit board is arranged radially outward from an inner circumferential surface of the side wall portion. |
| US08382447B2 |
Shuttle pump with controlled geometry
An infusion pump uses an improved shuttle mechanism to more reliably pump liquids in low volumes for medical and other purposes. The improved shuttle uses linear translation and wider, symmetric jaws to grasp infusate tubing and pump liquid infusate through the tubing. Adjustment of the linear motion allows a user to also adjust a pumping volume of the infusion pump. Other shuttles with wider jaws may also pump infusate using a rotary motion. In addition, more than one shuttle, such as two or three shuttles, may be used to approximate continuous pumping. A series of several smaller linear shuttles with sequential actuation may be used as a linear peristaltic pump for general peristaltic pump applications. |
| US08382440B2 |
Efficient wind turbine blades, wind turbine blade structures, and associated systems and methods of manufacture, assembly and use
Wind turbine systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes a wind turbine blade having an inner region that has an internal load-bearing truss structure, and an outer region that has an internal, non-truss, load-bearing structure. In particular embodiments, the truss structure can include a triangular arrangement of spars, and/or can include truss attachment members that connect components of the truss without the use of holes in the spars. Spars can be produced from a plurality of pultruded composite members laminated together in longitudinally extending portions. The longitudinally extending portions can be connected at joints that interleave projections and recesses of each of the spar portions. The blades can include fan-shaped transitions at a hub attachment portion, formed by laminated layers and/or a combination of laminated layers and transition plates. |
| US08382438B2 |
Blade of a turbomachine with enlarged peripheral profile depth
A blade for an axial-flow turbomachine with a gap-side blade area I which transits into a free blade end and with a hub-side or casing-side blade area II, respectively. Blade 3 forms a flow line profile section with leading edge VK and trailing edge HK which establish forward end point V and rearward end point H, respectively, by a tangent normal to and intersecting with the profile chord, with the distance between these end points being profile depth L. Blade 3 includes an enlargement of profile depth L at a tip of the free blade end which is at least +10 percent and decreases to zero in the blade central section, with the values being non-negative throughout, with the profile enlargement at trailing edge HK being larger than zero at the tip in the gap-side peripheral section. |
| US08382435B2 |
Opposed tilting blade, vertical axis wind turbine power generator
Improvements in A wind generator, that may also be called and relates to, windmill, turbine or aero generator, on a vertical axis. The vertical axis gives the windmill the ability to be turned by air, or liquid if inverted, from any direction parallel to the earth's surface. Multiple blades rotate through a horizontal axis into the wind to lessen air resistance on one side while turning vertically on the other side to gain energy from the wind. The system is counter-weighted as needed, to reduce energy loss, by different methods including but not limited to gears, levers, pneumatics, cables, hydraulics or added counter-weight. The electrical generating machinery is below the blades or at the bottom of the vertical drive shaft. |
| US08382432B2 |
Cooled turbine rim seal
A rim seal assembly includes an annular seal element circumscribing an engine centerline or axis and mounted on an annular platform including a radially inwardly extending annular platform flange disposed between and connected to forward and aft flanges at distal ends of forward and aft annular elements respectively. Annular forward and aft outer rim cavities radially disposed between the forward and aft annular elements and the platform are axially separated by the platform flange. Cooling slots extend radially across axially facing forward and aft surfaces of the forward and aft flanges. The platform flange and the forward and aft flanges are bolted together. The annular seal element may include seal teeth in sealing relationship with an annular seal land such as in a labyrinth seal. The rim seal assembly may be incorporated in a low pressure turbine use a compressor as a source of cooling air. |
| US08382431B1 |
Turbine rotor blade
A turbine rotor blade an open cavity and a series of vortex chambers formed along the pressure and suction side walls to form a cooling air path from the leading edge, along the pressure side wall toward the trailing edge, and then from the trailing edge along the suction side wall to be discharged at the leading edge region on the suction side wall as film cooling air. The vortex chambers and feed slots connected adjacent vortex chambers are enclosed with a thin thermal skin to form a thin airfoil wall. |
| US08382426B2 |
High-speed air spindle
A high-speed air spindle including a spindle 1 supported by a first bearing 3 at the leading end side in the axial direction and a second bearing 2 at the rear end side, a driving air turbine 4 fixed in a spindle portion between the first bearing 3 and the second bearing 2, a speed-increasing air turbine 5 fixed in a spindle portion ahead of the first bearing 3, and an air passage 9 of an exhaust of compressed air supplied in the driving air turbine 4, flowing in the sequence of the first bearing 3 and the speed-increasing air turbine 5. |
| US08382421B2 |
Transport apparatus
A compact transport apparatus that does not cause pollution to its environment is provided. In a transport apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, an installation area of the apparatus is small because first and second rotary shafts are arranged concentrically, and a dead center escaping mechanism has a simple structure with a small thickness. Since a connecting portion of a hand portion can be made thin, an opening of a gate valve through which the hand portion is inserted can be reduced. As a result, it becomes difficult for dust inside a transport chamber to enter a processing chamber. A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a spaced dual shaft-type transport apparatus. Although the lengths of first arms provided at rotating shafts may differ from the lengths of second arms provided between the first arms and a substrate supporting portion, the apparatus is free from malfunction even when the lengths thereof differ because the transmission of a rotative force of a dead center escaping mechanism is released at a position except at a dead center in the present invention. |
| US08382417B2 |
Article transport facility
An article transport facility includes an article transporting mobile body; an article support for storing an article, the article support being configured to be moved between an article transfer position and an article storage position; an operating device provided on the mobile body for shifting the article support between the article storage position and article transfer position; an operated element supported to be movable in a direction of access between a proximate position adjacent the mobile body standing still in an article transfer location and a remote position away from the mobile body standing still in the article transfer location, the operated element being operable, in the proximate position, to place the article support in the article storage position, and in the remote position, to place the article support in the article transfer position; and a guide device for guiding the operating device in a fore and aft direction to a proper operative position relative to the operated element when the operating device executes a projecting operation. |
| US08382416B2 |
Gathering and stitching machine and method for operating the gathering and stitching machine
A method collates multiple-layer brochures containing a plurality of n signatures having a gathering and stitching machine. Here, in a first step, the depositing of a first signature takes place by a first feeder into a first transport segment and, in a second step, the depositing of a second signature takes place by a second feeder into a second transport segment. Correspondingly further depositing of further signatures can take place by further feeders into further transport segments. Finally, depositing of an n-th signature takes place by an n-th feeder into an n-th transport segment. The signatures which are deposited on a gathering element in this way are transported through the stitching station and the trimming station and are delivered in the delivery station. A gathering and stitching machine performs the method and has a control unit which has a machine program for collating multiple-layer brochures having a plurality of n signatures. |
| US08382415B1 |
Rapid-engaging and positive-locking threaded configuration
A rapid-engaging, positive locking machine screw mechanism comprises a screw having a head and a body wherein the body includes male threads formed thereon wherein the threaded body has at least one longitudinal segment devoid of threads. A work piece defines a hole having female threads formed therein for receiving the screw and further defines in a portion of the hole, at least one longitudinally extending segment devoid of female threads. The longitudinal screw segment devoid of male threads and the longitudinal hole segment devoid of female threads are arranged such that the screw body is longitudinally received in the hole without engagement of the male screw threads with the female work piece threads. The rapid-engaging, positive locking thread configuration can be applied to a variety of mechanical interfaces. Additionally, thread locking configurations, such as a boos-depression interface, a notch and ridge, etc. can be incorporated to secure the male and female threads. |
| US08382413B2 |
Conductive sleeved fastener assembly
A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed. |
| US08382408B2 |
Trailer system for inspecting vehicles and inspection system having the same
A trailer system for inspecting a vehicle inspection includes a trailer having a trailer body, the trailer bearing a vehicle to be inspected, a turning member rotatably provided on an upper surface of the trailer for abutting against wheels of the vehicle to be inspected that has halted on the trailer, and a turning plate rotation driving mechanism provided on the trailer for driving the turning plate to turn toward the upper surface of the trailer. The trailer system can trail the trailer with various loads passing through an inspection system such as a scanning passage, while bearing a heavy load, and maintaining the strength and rigidity thereof without damaging the vehicle to be inspected. A radiation imaging inspection system includes the trailer system. |
| US08382407B1 |
Method and apparatus for transporting wind turbine blades
A rail system for transporting wind turbine blades includes both pivoting and pivoting-sliding support structures carried by a plurality of railcars. Each support structure includes a platform system having a bolster for supporting the wind turbine blade and a support plate for supporting the bolster. The pivoting and pivoting-sliding support structures allow for selective rotational and longitudinal movement of the blades relative to the railcars as the rail system negotiates straight and curved sections of railway. |
| US08382402B2 |
Drilling apparatus
A drilling apparatus capable of having a minimal axial length to permit its use within limited confines. The drilling apparatus includes a housing with a housing bore and a first housing end, a spindle rotatably supported within the housing bore, bearing elements within the housing bore and surrounding the spindle to rotatably support the spindle within the housing, and a drive unit for rotating the spindle. The spindle is configured to secure a shank of a drill bit at a first end thereof exposed at the first housing end, and the drive unit is transversely offset from an axis of rotation of the spindle. |
| US08382401B2 |
Variable diameter pneumatic tube brake
A braking device and method is provided that is operative to selectively slow and/or stop a pneumatic carrier within a pneumatic carrier system. Generally, the device includes a pneumatic tube that is sized to permit the passage of pneumatic carriers. The pneumatic tube includes at least one braking element that may be disposed into the bore of the pneumatic tube to at least partially impede the passage of a pneumatic carrier through the bore. In one embodiment, the braking element is formed as a variable diameter section of the pneumatic tube that may be selectively constricted to change the diameter of the bore of the pneumatic tube. Such constriction may slow and/or stop the passage of a pneumatic carrier through the bore of the pneumatic tube. |
| US08382397B2 |
Hydraulically-driven vibrating device for a vibratory compacting machine
The invention relates to a vibrator device for a vibratory compacting machine, said device comprising: a tubular body extending longitudinally and having a bottom end; at least one first hydraulic motor disposed in the tubular body and comprising a rotor and a stator; an eccentric member arranged inside the tubular body between the bottom end and the first hydraulic motor, said eccentric member being adapted to be rotated by the rotor of the first hydraulic motor so as to generate vibration. The invention is characterized in that the stator of the first hydraulic motor is constituted by the tubular body. |
| US08382396B2 |
Paver having dowel bar inserter with automated dowel bar feeder
A slipform paver including a dowel bar inserter unit having a pair of spaced-apart, endless transport chains oriented transversely to the travel direction. Each chain defines upper and lower strands with turn around chain sections at respective ends of the chain strands. A plurality of pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups carried by exterior sides of the chain hold the dowel bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the concrete strip. A dowel bar holding magazine is located above the upwardly facing sides of the chains. Elastic bands having ends fixedly attached to the magazine extend generally about a portion of a convexly curved dowel bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliency bias the dowel bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel. |
| US08382394B1 |
Device for applying reflective paint to roadside barriers
A carriage having a paint nozzle and reflective bead nozzle is provided for rolling along a roadside barrier, such as a guard rail or Jersey wall, to apply a reflective paint stripe on the barrier to improve visibility of the barrier at night. The carriage includes a first set of wheels to support the carriage on an upper edge of the barrier, and one or more additional sets of wheels to maintain proper spacing between the nozzles and the barrier surface being painted. The carriage includes handles with controls for actuating the nozzles. The paint and bead nozzles are connected to the paint system and pressurized bead tank on a paint striper, which may move simultaneously with the carriage along the barrier during the painting process. |
| US08382393B1 |
Temporary roadway for moving heavy equipment on an incline and steep grades including synthetic inter-connectable movable and removable structural mats
A temporary roadway with a static resistant synthetic inter-connectable structural mats which connect without tools or fasteners having a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer. The static resistant synthetic inter-connectable structural mats can have static charge conduction conduit through the mat and the mats can be made from 100 percent recycled rust proof, non-absorbing materials. |
| US08382392B2 |
Multi-purpose adjustable quick expandable installment
A multi-purpose adjustable quick expandable installment which can be quickly and finely adjusted and ascend or descend freely, by a snap design which adjusts ascending or descending with a slope principle, based on a mechanical principle that a force is constant if acting on a same area and an opposite force compensates with the force. Through a structure which follows the law of action and reaction to compensate with a sliding force which occurs naturally, a stable movement without moving accidentally is formed. |
| US08382389B2 |
Tape cassette
A tape cassette that includes a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface and a pair of side surfaces, a tape that is a print medium housed in the housing, a tape exit that discharges, from the housing, the tape guided in the housing along a predetermined feed path, at least a part of the feed path extending parallel to the front surface, and a type indicator portion provided adjacent to the tape exit and in a specified area of the front surface on an upstream side of the tape exit in a feed direction of the tape, the type indicator portion indicating a type of the tape and including vertical information sections and an aperture formed in at least one of the vertical information sections, the vertical information sections being strip-shaped sections extending along a direction orthogonal to the feed direction. |
| US08382387B1 |
Cobra head streetlight fixture surveillance system
A system and method for providing a surveillance camera platform, and house supporting devices in a streetlight housing is disclosed. The device and method uses a cobra head, clamshell style streetlight housings with a lens between the housing sections to increase the volume of the housing. The system uses a lens for capturing image with the camera systems. The camera systems include data transmittal and receiving devices that allow the receipt of data to control the camera systems and the transmission of any necessary image and other data collected with systems contained within the housing. The lens is camouflaged by using a color that matches the rest of the housing. LEDs and reflector are used to provide the lighting function of the streetlight and to further provide space wile reducing heat within the housing. An internal fan is contemplated to further cool the system. |
| US08382386B2 |
Photographic device
A photographic device includes an upper cover component, a lens module, a signal line set, a circuit board, and a lower cover. The upper cover component comprises an upper casing having a through hole and a transparent mask. The transparent mask is fastened under the through hole and exposed by it and does not protrude from an outer surface of the upper casing. The lens module has a photographic lens facing the mask. The signal line set has a fixing end fastened to one end of the upper casing. The circuit board is electrically connected to the lens module and the signal line set. The lower cover and the upper casing are joined and enclose the lens module and the circuit board. As the transparent mask does not protrude from the outer surface of the upper casing, cracks of the transparent mask caused by a foreign object can be prevented. |
| US08382382B2 |
Fiber optic adapter with integrally molded ferrule alignment structure
A fiber optic adapter is disclosed. The fiber optic adapter includes a main body configured to receive a first fiber optic connector through a first end and a second fiber optic connector through a second end for mating with the first fiber optic connector. The adapter includes a ferrule alignment structure located within an axial cavity of the main body, the ferrule alignment structure including a sleeve mount and a ferrule sleeve, the sleeve mount including an axial bore and at least one latching hook extending from a center portion of the sleeve mount toward the first end of the main body and at least one latching hook extending from the center portion toward the second end of the main body, the latching hooks configured to flex for releasably latching the first and second fiber optic connectors to the fiber optic adapter. The sleeve mount and the main body of the fiber optic adapter are unitarily molded as a single piece and the ferrule sleeve is separately placed within the axial bore of the sleeve mount. |
| US08382381B2 |
Blind hole insert fixing device
A blind hole insert fixing device is configured for fixing a number of blind hole inserts. The blind hole insert fixing device includes a hollow housing defining a cavity and an engagement member received in the cavity. The housing includes a first inner surface and an opposing second inner surface in the cavity. The engagement member includes a body portion, a number of spring portions, and a number of engagement portions conforming to the blind hole inserts. The spring portions and the engagement portions are located at opposite sides of the body portion. The spring portions abut against the first inner surface. The engagement portions and the second inner surface cooperatively form a number of receiving spaces for receiving the blind hole inserts. The spring portions are configured for applying a force to the body portion in a direction away from the first inner surface. |
| US08382376B2 |
Split-type sliding bearing for crankshaft in internal combustion engine
A split-type sliding bearing for a crankshaft is formed of a pair of semi-cylindrical bearings halves which are fitted between a pair of housing halves having respectively high and low thermal expansion coefficients, one of the pair of bearing halves being supported on the housing half having a low thermal expansion coefficient, and the other of the pair of bearing halves being supported on the housing half having a high thermal expansion coefficient. The circumferential end zones of the bearing half supported on the housing half having a high thermal expansion coefficient have a thickness which is greater than that of the circumferential end zones of the bearing half supported on the housing half having a low thermal expansion coefficient. |
| US08382375B2 |
Motor shaft vibration isolator for electric submersible pumps
A vibration dampening system for a motor shaft in an electric submersible pump ESP uses axially extending arms in one or opposed directions from a fixed portion of a motor shaft bearing. The weights can have their location adjusted to tune the device to the natural frequencies of the rotating shaft and to add an ability to address vibration in more than one plane. Openings are provided in the support for the arms that hold the weight so that arm vibration can create turbulence and improve heat dissipation in the oil for improved bearing life. Bearing cost can be reduced using more economical materials without sacrificing bearing life. |
| US08382374B2 |
Sealing member for rolling device and rolling device
A sealing member for a rolling device is applied to a rolling device with inner and outer members and a plurality of rolling members between so the rolling members can roll to allow relative rotational or linear movement of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The sealing member includes an inner and outer lip parts that press the inner and outer members, respectively. The outer lip part is less rigid than the inner lip part. The sealing member may have a substantially circular shape and surround the inner member. Alternatively, the sealing member may have a substantially plate-like shape and extend in a direction of relative movement of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The sealing member for a rolling device configured as described above and a rolling device provided with the sealing member can be adequately used even in a hostile environment. |
| US08382373B1 |
Wear-point protection system, apparatus and method
The invention provides a wear protector device, system and method. The device including a first protective layer configured to cover a wear-point of a utility bag, and a reinforcement covering connected over a portion of the first layer. The reinforcement covering including a flat portion and a raised portion. |
| US08382371B2 |
X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus
The X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of this invention includes a slide arm for supporting an X-ray tube, a middle slider for holding the support arm to be movable in directions along an irradiation axis of the X-ray source, and a strut for holding the middle slider to be movable the directions along the irradiation axis. Thus, compared with an amount of stroke of the X-ray tube, an amount of movement of each of the middle slider and the support arm can be small, and each of the strut, middle slider and support arm can be shortened to reduce apparatus height. Therefore, the amount of stroke of the X-ray source can be secured appropriately, while inhibiting an increase in installation space. |
| US08382369B2 |
Pile sensing device and method of using the same
A system for monitoring the forming of a solid object having a sensor string positionable in a forming structure before the curing process and a communication line extending along a string axis between a first and second end. The string further including a plurality of sensors joined to the communication line between the ends and each sensor being mounted at a set position on the line. Each sensor having a sensor body and a sensor housing and the sensor body including an electrical connecter to electrically join an electrical structure to the communication line at the set position. The electrical structure including a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperature near the set position and further including an electronic identification code corresponding to the set position of the sensor along the axis. The system further including a transmitting device for selectively communicating the temperature and identification code. |
| US08382368B2 |
Temperature detection device for the passenger compartment of a vehicle
The invention relates to a temperature detection device (1) for detecting the temperature (Ta) of the air (A) in the passenger compartment (100) of a vehicle, that comprises at least one temperature sensor (2) provided in an air duct (4) having a first portion (5), said air duct (4) being in aeraulic communication with the air of the (A) of the passenger compartment (100) through said first portion (5). The temperature detection device (1) includes means capable of preventing the direct influence of solar rays (RS) on the temperature sensor (2). |
| US08382366B2 |
Programmable and reprogrammable mechanical memory wheel for a timepiece
The invention concerns a programmable and reprogrammable mechanical memory wheel (30) for a timepiece, including a wheel (31) that is mobile about an axis of rotation (33).It is wherein it includes a mobile heart-piece (40) which pivots relative to said wheel (31), between indexing positions (34) of said wheel (31) with which said heart-piece (40) is arranged to cooperate via an indexing finger (41) included therein and towards which said heart-piece is returned radially by resilient return means (43), and which includes at least one support surface (45) arranged for cooperating with a timepiece mechanism.The invention also concerns a timepiece mechanism incorporating at least one memory wheel of this type (30), wherein, in proximity to each wheel (30), it includes support means arranged for cooperating with said support surface (45) of said memory wheel (30) in a disconnectable manner. |
| US08382359B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A backlight unit 12 includes LEDs 15, light guide plates 18, reflection sheets 24, LED boards 17 and reflection parts 47. Each light guide plate 18 has a light entrance surface 34 and a light exit surface 36. The light entrance surface 34 is arranged so as to face the corresponding LED 16 via a gap C. Light from the LED 16 enters the light entrance surface. The light exit surface 36 is arranged parallel to an arrangement direction in which the LED 16 and the light entrance surface 34 are arranged. The light exits from the light exit surface. Each reflection sheet 24 is arranged on an opposite surface of the corresponding light guide plate 18 from the light exit surface and configured to reflect light toward the light exit surface 36. Each LED board 17 is arranged so as to face the corresponding reflection sheet 24. The LEDs 16 and the light guide plates 18 are mounted to the respective LED boards 17. Each reflection part 47 is arranged on the corresponding LED board 17 at least in an area between the LED 16 and the light entrance surface 34 and configured to reflect light toward the light entrance surface 34. |
| US08382357B2 |
User interface with means for light bleed mitigation
A light-transmissive substrate includes an arrangement of penetrations extending from one surface of the substrate toward another surface of the substrate. The penetrations are configured to attenuate or inhibit transmission of light through the substrate from one side of the arrangement of penetrations to the other side of the arrangement of penetrations. |
| US08382351B2 |
Vehicle lamp
In a vehicle lamp (1), a plurality of LED light sources (11) are arranged on a common substrate (12). A light guiding lens (13) elongated in a direction in which the LED light sources (11) are aligned is provided. A plurality of reflecting sections (22) are provided on the light guiding lens (13). The reflecting sections (22) are configured to individually reflect incident lights from the respective LED light sources (11) to a periphery of a vehicle. Respective directions of the reflecting sections (22) are made to differ in accordance with positions of the corresponding LED light sources (11). |
| US08382349B2 |
Signaling assembly
A signaling assembly for use on an overland vehicle is shown and described, and which includes an exterior mirror housing defining an internal cavity, and which is mounted on a side of the overland vehicle; a semitransparent mirror having forward and rearward facing surfaces, and which is mounted on the mirror housing; a focusing optic mounted in the exterior mirror housing and juxtaposed relative to the rearward facing surface of the semitransparent mirror; and an emitter of visible light mounted in the internal cavity of the exterior mirror housing and juxtaposed relative to the focusing optic, and which further, when energized, emits visible light which passes through the semitransparent mirror, and which can be seen at an angle which is about 60 degrees relative to the side of the overland vehicle. |
| US08382344B2 |
Remote ballast assembly
A low profile lighting assembly includes a lighting fixture and a remote ballast housing mounted on a ceiling grid. The ballast housing encloses emergency ballast provides emergency power to the lighting fixture in the event of a power outage. The ballast housing can enclose a fluorescent ballast connected to one or more fluorescent lamps of the lighting fixture. The emergency ballast is recessed with respect to the top end of the ceiling grid to provide a low profile structure. Inclined side walls of the emergency ballast provide easy connection of the wiring harness and power cable to the emergency ballast while maintaining the low profile structure. |
| US08382343B2 |
Electronic device
In an electronic device including a temperature sensor and an electronic component which is a heat generation source, the temperature is measured while the influence of heat from the electronic component is reduced. The electronic device includes: a base formed of a resin material; a board which is disposed at one side of the base, and includes an electronic component and a temperature sensor; and a heat sink which is disposed at the other side of the base for dissipating heat generated by the electronic component. The heat sink includes an extension part extending from the other side of the base toward a position of the board at which the electronic component is provided. |
| US08382339B2 |
Light output device
A light output device comprises at least one light source having a light source output comprising at least a light output, and a switchable member through which the light output is provided, and which is switchable between at least two optical states. These at least two optical states provide different levels of uniformity of the light output. The switching of the switchable member is induced by the light source output. |
| US08382337B2 |
Lighting device, light spreading plate and method for manufacturing the same
A lighting device, a light spreading plate for the lighting device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The lighting device comprises a light source plate and the light spreading plate. The light source plate comprises a plurality of light sources. The light spreading plate comprises a light travelling layer formed with a plurality of light spreading units. Each of the light spreading units is formed with a main body being defined with a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral. The main body has a thickness being tapered towards the peripheral. The main body comprises a top surface having a cone-shaped recess and a bottom surface having a bowl-shaped recess. The cone-shaped recess and the bowl-shaped recess of each of the spreading units are opposite to each other, and one of the cone-shaped recess and bowl-shaped recess is fitted for one of the light sources. |
| US08382335B2 |
Light emitting diode module with three part color matching
A light emitting diode module is produced using at least one LED and at least two selectable components that form a light mixing chamber. First and second selectable components have first and second types of wavelength converting materials with different wavelength converting characteristics. The first and second wavelength converting characteristics alter the spectral power distribution of the light produced by the LED to produce light with a color point that is a predetermined tolerance from a predetermined color point. Moreover, a set of LED modules may be produced such that each LED module has the same color point within a predetermined tolerance. The LED module may be produced by pre-measuring the wavelength converting characteristics of the different components selecting components with wavelength converting characteristics that convert the spectral power distribution of the LED to a color point that is a predetermined tolerance from a predetermined color point. |
| US08382334B2 |
Lighting apparatus with heat dissipation system
A lighting apparatus is shown and described. In one aspect, the lighting apparatus includes a light source, a plate, and frame. The light source can include one or more lighting elements that are in thermal communication with the light source. The plate can have a dissipative portion extending outward from a point of thermal communication between the plate and the light source. The frame can at least partially enclose the light source and may also be in thermal communication therewith. |
| US08382331B2 |
LED lighting lamp
LED lighting lamps provide improved heat dissipation efficiency, wide illumination beam angles, and substantially uniform illumination intensity. Generally, the disclosed LED lamps comprise at least one LED lighting element mounted on at least one stand and a two-level heat dissipation mechanism. |
| US08382330B2 |
Illuminating device and heat-dissipating structure thereof
The present invention provides an illuminating device and heat-dissipating structure thereof. The heat-dissipating structure includes a plurality of heat-dissipating units stacked together. Each heat-dissipating unit includes a cone-like portion with an opening and a plurality of protrusions connected to the cone-like portion, wherein at least one of the protrusions of one heat-dissipating unit is coupled to that of the adjacent heat-dissipating unit to form one or more zonal planes for allowing a light source to be disposed thereon to constitute the illuminating device, and the openings of the heat-dissipating units are liked together to form an airflow passage. |
| US08382329B2 |
Adjustable beam lamp
A lamp device having first and second ends comprising a glass lens positioned on the first end of the lamp and a socket positioned on the second end of the lamp. The lamp is configured with a parabolic reflecting surface lining the interior side walls of a top portion of the lamp and an array of LEDs or other light emitting device positioned within that the top portion of the lamp. The array of LEDs or other light emitting device are operatively connected to the socket in order to receive power. The lamp may also be configured to facilitate movement of the glass lens closer to and further away from the array of LEDs or other light emitting device in order to shorten or lengthen the focal point of the light beam created by the array of LEDs or other light emitting device. Alternatively, the lamp may be configured to facilitate movement of the array of LEDs or other light emitting device closer to and further away from the glass lens in order to shorten or lengthen the focal point of the light beam created by the array of LEDs or other light emitting device. |
| US08382325B2 |
Lamp and lighting equipment using the same
In one embodiment, a lamp with a ferrule includes a substrate to support a light emitting element and a wire insertion portion formed therein. A support portion to arrange the substrate is formed in one end portion of a base body. A through-hole is formed in the support portion corresponding to the wire insertion portion. A concave container portion is provided in the other end portion of the base body to accommodate a circuit board to mount electric parts. An insulating case is arranged between the circuit board and the concave container portion. The insulating case includes a protection element inserted in the through-hole and the wire insertion portion. The protection element is projected at least to inside of the wire insertion portion. A ferrule for supplying electric power to the light emitting element is provided in the other end portion of the base body. |
| US08382317B1 |
Hazard warning light assembly
A hazard warning light assembly includes a panel that has a top side and a bottom side. A receiver mount is attached to and extends upwardly from the top side. A stake has a top end, a bottom end and a perimeter wall extending between the top and bottom ends. The bottom end is pointed to allow the bottom end to be extendable into a ground surface. The receiver mount has a size and shape configured to receive the bottom end and support the stake in a vertical orientation. A plurality of primary light emitters is mounted to the stake. The primary light emitters are selectively turned on to emit light. A primary actuator is electrically coupled to the primary light emitters to turn the primary light emitters on or off. |
| US08382316B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp A1 includes at least one elongated LED unit 1 including a plurality of light emitting diodes 13, and bases 2 and 3 configured to be attached to the ends of the LED unit 1 in the longitudinal direction to receive power from outside. The lamp is configured to allow a plurality of LED units 1 to be serially connected. Such configuration contributes to reducing the manufacturing cost and facilitating the management of the products, with respect to a plurality of types of products of different lengths. |
| US08382309B1 |
Light pod system
The light pod system is an illumination assembly that is placed in a handbag or a purse and when touched illuminates the interior to aid an end user in seeing the contents contained within the purse or handbag. The light pod system consists of a sleek housing that is slim and of which includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, which all illuminate once the housing is touched by an end user. The housing also includes a timer that can adjust the duration of illumination. An optional remote control can turn on the system without the need to actually touch the housing. |
| US08382306B2 |
Lighting device for display device, display device and television receiver
A lighting device for a display device includes a plurality of linear light sources and a light source holding member arranged to hold the linear light sources. The light source holding member includes a first member and a second member. A sliding mechanism is provided between the first member and the second member, so as to allow parallel displacement of the first member and the second member relative to each other. The first member includes a first light source holder arranged to directly hold a first linear light source of the plurality of linear light sources. The second member includes a second light source holder arranged to directly hold a second linear light source other than the first linear light source. |
| US08382303B2 |
Keypad module for portable electronic device
A keypad module includes a light source, a light guide plate and a keypad. The light guide plate includes a plurality of coarse surfaces. The keypad forms a plurality of ribs corresponding to the coarse surfaces. The light source is positioned in the light guide plate, the coarse surfaces and the ribs guiding light of the light source to uniform on the light guide plate. |
| US08382295B1 |
Optical assembly for electronic devices
A electronic device that includes an optical assembly containing a projector, an imager, or both is described. The optical assembly may be disposed in an accessory such as a cover for the electronic device, or the electronic device itself. The optical assembly may be attached by a flexible connector or articulated arm that, when extended, positions the optical assembly generally above a plane of an electronic display of the device. The optical assembly may project images onto the electronic display, portions of the cover, or other surfaces. An imager in the optical assembly detects user gestures or other visual inputs to initiate commands on the electronic device. |
| US08382294B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying an image on a communication device
A method and apparatus for displaying an image on a communication device are provided. The communication device is formed of a housing (305) having a plurality of surfaces and includes an electronically controlled display (310) coupled to one of the surfaces. The housing further includes a reflecting device (345) for reflecting an image from the display (310) onto another, non-electronic, display (320) located on another surface of the housing. The image is thus viewable on both surfaces of the housing. |
| US08382293B2 |
Light source module
A light source module is disclosed. The light source module includes an emitter having a light emitting surface, a solid integrating optic aligned to accept light emitted from the emitter at an entrance face and deliver light to an exit face, and a lens aligned to receive light from the exit face. The lens has a substantially hemispherical portion having a radius of curvature and the exit face of the solid integrating optic has an exit face diagonal. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the exit face diagonal is greater than 0.7. The solid integrating optic and the lens each have an index of refraction, and the ratio of the lens index of refraction to the solid integrating optic index of refraction is greater than unity. |
| US08382291B2 |
Projector and method of controlling projector cancelling keystone distortion correction and modulating guide pattern in response to start movement of the projector
A projector adapted to perform display by projecting an image on a projection surface, includes: a light source; a light modulator adapted to modulate light from the light source into image light representing the image; a projection optical system adapted to project the image light modulated by the light modulator on the projection surface; a keystone distortion correction section adapted to perform a keystone distortion correction process for correcting keystone distortion of the image to be projected on the projection surface; a detection section adapted to detect start of movement of the projector; and a control section adapted to cancel the keystone distortion correction process in the keystone distortion correction section in response to detection of start of movement of the projector in the detection section. |
| US08382289B2 |
Projector apparatus and projection image correcting program product
A projector apparatus includes: a projection unit that projects an image onto a projection surface; a reflectance distribution detection unit that detects a reflectance distribution at the projection surface; a density distribution detection unit that detects a density distribution of a base pattern on the projection surface; a smoothing unit that smooths the reflectance distribution and the density distribution; an input unit that inputs image data; a correction unit that corrects the input image data based upon the smoothed reflectance distribution and the smoothed density distribution; and a control circuit that controls the projection unit so as to project the image based upon the correction image data. |
| US08382288B2 |
Projector with solid state light source
A projector includes: a first solid-state light source device including a first solid-state light source emitting main excitation light, and a fluorescent layer converting the main excitation light to light including a first color light component and a second color light component different from the first color light component, and emitting converted light; a second solid-state light source device including a second solid-state light source emitting a third color light component different from the first and second color light components; a light modulation device modulating the first, second and third color light components in accordance with image information; a projection optical system projecting the modulated light components from the light modulation device as a projection image; and a color light combining optical system combining light emitted from the first solid-state light source device and the third color light component. |
| US08382279B2 |
Eye patch for glasses
The present invention generally relates to an adjustable eye patch for use in connection with eye glasses. The eye patch has a first end and a second end. While in use, the first end may be located near the nose of an individual and the second end may be positioned near the ear of the individual. Near the second end of the eye patch may be a plurality of slits wherein a support bar portion of the frame of the glasses may be inserted. The first end of the eye patch may have an elongated slit for securing around the bridge or nose support of the eye glasses. The elongated slit may be temporarily secured around the bridge of the glasses to provide additional support for the eye patch. |
| US08382276B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
A conveying platen is provided with a plurality of air circulation parts, each of which includes a long groove opened toward the conveying belt and formed in a longitudinal direction following a conveying direction, and a hole that penetrates in a thickness direction from a part of a bottom surface of the long groove. These air circulation parts are arrayed in the conveying direction and a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The conveying platen has an opposed region which faces a nozzle surface. The long groove is provided in the opposed region. The hole is provided in a region other than the opposed region. |
| US08382273B2 |
Ink jet printer and method of ink jet printing
An ink jet printer prints an image by ejecting ink on recording medium. Information of an ink volume of the ink for application to the recording medium, for example, dot number, is specified. A first dryer dries the recording medium before forming the image. A memory stores a data table of a relationship between the ink volume and a drive condition of the dryer. A drive condition determiner determines a drive condition of the dryer from the ink volume according to the data table read from the memory. A CPU controls the dryer in the drive condition determined by the drive condition determiner. Preferably, the drive condition determiner, if the ink volume is lower than a first tolerable amount causing occurrence of cockle on the recording medium, disables the dryer. |
| US08382272B2 |
Recording apparatus and transport method
A recording apparatus includes: a guide that includes a convex portion formed along a transport direction and guides a recording medium in the transport direction by allowing the convex portion to come in contact with a lenticular lens of the recording medium having the lenticular lens; and a pressing member that presses the recording medium against the guide. |
| US08382269B2 |
System and method that enables a solid ink printer to learn a solid ink stick type
A solid ink printer is configured to learn the identity of solid ink sticks for printer operation. The solid ink printer includes a feed channel having an insertion opening configured to receive solid ink sticks, a sensor positioned near the insertion opening of the feed channel and configured to obtain solid ink stick type data from a solid ink stick inserted into the insertion opening of the feed channel, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor to receive the solid ink stick type data, the controller being configured to store the solid ink stick type data in a memory in response to an initialization signal and to operate the solid ink printer with reference to the solid ink stick type data stored in the memory by the controller. |
| US08382268B2 |
Ink cartridge with high flow rate supply to printhead
An ink cartridge supplies an inkjet printhead by forming a sealed engagement with an inlet on the printhead. The ink cartridge has an ink storage volume, an outlet opening in fluid communication with the ink storage volume, an outlet valve for connection to an inlet on the inkjet printhead, the outlet valve having a radially extending flange portion fixed within the outlet opening and, an annular skirt of resilient material extending from the outlet opening to the flange portion. The resilient material elastically biases part of the annular skirt into sealing engagement with the flange portion to close the outlet valve. Engagement with the inlet on the printhead during installation of the ink cartridge, compresses the annular skirt to open the outlet valve such that ink flows from the ink storage volume around the radially extending flange portion to the printhead. |
| US08382263B2 |
Ink filling method
In an ink filling method according to the present invention, a suction arrangement having a pump is air-tightly coupled to a head unit having a plurality of ink supply ports, and sucking is performed by using the pump, thereby supplying an ink stored in an ink supply source to a plurality of the ink supply ports via a flow channel arrangement including one ink flow channel that communicates with the ink supply source and a plurality of branched flow channels that branch out from the ink flow channel and communicate with corresponding ones of the ink supply ports. The sucking is stopped from a time point when one of the branched flow channels is entirely filled with the ink until air in the flow channel arrangement moves in a branching portion, and the sucking is resumed when the air has moved in the branching portion. |
| US08382259B2 |
Ejecting liquid using drop charge and mass
A liquid jet is modulated using a drop formation device to selectively cause portions of the liquid jet to break off into drop pairs and third drops traveling along a path. The third drop is larger than the drops of the drop pair. A charging device and the drop formation device are synchronized to produce a first charge to mass ratio on a first drop of the drop pair, produce a second charge to mass ratio on a second drop of the drop pair, and produce a third charge to mass ratio on the third drop. A deflection device causes the first drop having the first charge to mass ratio to travel along a first path, the second drop having the second charge to mass ratio to travel along a second path, and the third drop having a third charge to mass ratio to travel along a third path. |
| US08382253B1 |
Fluid ejection device and methods of fabrication
In an embodiment, a fluid ejection device includes a die including a fluid feed slot that extends from a back side to a front side of the die, a firing chamber formed on the front side to receive fluid from the feed slot, a fluid distribution manifold adhered to the back side to provide fluid to the feed slot, and a corrosion-resistant layer coating the back side of the die so as not to extend into the feed slot. |
| US08382252B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus with an electric potential control unit
A liquid ejecting apparatus, including an electric potential control unit capable of switching between an identical electric potential state which sets a predetermined region of the liquid ejection unit side and a predetermined region of the ejecting medium support unit side to the identical electric potential and an electric potential difference generating state which generates the electric potential difference between both of them, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus includes a configuration in which, when the ejecting medium passes through a liquid ejecting area to which the liquid is ejected by the liquid ejection unit, the electric potential control unit forms the identical electric potential state, and when the ejecting medium does not pass through the liquid ejecting area, the electric potential control unit forms the electric potential difference generating state for at least a proper period. |
| US08382248B2 |
Liquid discharge method, liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus using discharge port having projections
A liquid discharge head is arranged in a manner that in the cross-section of a discharge port perpendicular to a liquid discharge direction, the discharge port includes at least one projection that is convex inside the discharge port; a first area, for holding a liquid surface connecting a pillar-shaped liquid that is elongated outside the discharge port; and second areas where a fluid resistance is lower than that in the first area so as to pull the liquid in the discharge port in a direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction. The first area is formed in the direction in which the projection is convex, and the second areas are formed on both sides of the projection. |
| US08382245B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a plurality of flow channel units, each of which includes a pressure generating chamber operable to generate pressure therein and a nozzle plate formed with a nozzle from which liquid is ejected by the pressure; a plurality of drive units, each of which includes a piezoelectric vibrator operable to apply a pressure vibration to the pressure generating chamber, and which correspond to the plurality of the flow channel units, respectively; and a head casing, in which the plurality of the drive units are stored, and to which the plurality of the flow channel units are fixed. |
| US08382240B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting unit that ejects liquid onto a medium serving as an ejection target, a medium support unit that is disposed so as to face the liquid ejecting unit and supports the medium, a medium transportation unit that is first located at an upstream side of the liquid ejecting unit in a transportation direction of the medium and transports the medium to a downstream side, a medium contact section that makes contact with the medium between the medium transportation unit and the liquid ejecting unit in the transportation direction of the medium, and a same potential setting unit that sets the medium contact section and a predetermined section of the liquid ejecting unit to have the same potential. |
| US08382239B2 |
Apparatus for removing ink from surfaces of components in a printer
A printhead cleaning device includes a housing having an opening and an ink receptacle positioned within the opening. A member has a first end positioned in the ink receptacle and a second end that extends out of the opening in the housing. The member is configured to contact a drip bib and provide a path for liquid ink to move from the drip bib to the ink receptacle. |
| US08382238B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
During a cleaning operation, the following steps are executed. The steps includes a first step of pressurizing ink in a supply path to overflow the ink from a nozzle, a second step of stopping the pressurization, a third step of executing wiping while the pressurization is stopped and a negative pressure is not applied, and a fourth step of applying a negative pressure to the ink at the nozzle to generate a meniscus. |
| US08382225B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and method of driving liquid ejecting head
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head having a pressure generating chamber which communicates with a nozzle opening for discharging a liquid and a pressure generating unit which generates a pressure variation within the pressure generating chamber; and a driving unit that supplies the pressure generating unit with a driving signal having an inflation element in which the pressure generating chamber is inflated, a contraction element in which the pressure generating chamber is contracted to discharge a liquid from the nozzle opening, and a re-inflation element in which the pressure generating chamber is inflated during the contraction element, wherein the re-inflation element is initiated in a state that two different phases of vibration of the meniscus within the nozzle opening are not opposite to each other. |
| US08382224B2 |
Fluid ejection device and fluid ejection printer with a power amplifier stopping section
A fluid ejection device includes: a modulator adapted to pulse-modulate a drive waveform signal forming a basis of a drive signal of an actuator to obtain a modulated signal; a digital power amplifier circuit adapted to power-amplify the modulated signal to obtain a power-amplified modulated signal; a low pass filter adapted to smooth the power-amplified modulated signal to obtain the drive signal; and a power amplification stopping section operating when holding a voltage of the actuator constant. |
| US08382221B2 |
Fluid level sensing system and method
An ink level sensing system that exhibits good sensitivity is described herein. The system includes a first probe having a first active surface, a second probe having a second active surface facing the first active surface, a memory in which data indicative of a conductivity curve and command instructions are stored, and a processor configured to execute the command instructions to associate a level of fluid in a reservoir with a first signal indicative of the electrical coupling between the first active surface and the second active surface with reference to the data indicative of a conductivity curve. |
| US08382216B2 |
Electric household appliance
An electric household appliance (1) having an outer box casing (2), in turn having, on the front face (2a), an opening (3) for access to the inside of the appliance; and a door (4) fixed to the box casing (2) by a hinge (5) located close to the peripheral edge (3a) of the opening (3) and designed to allow the door (4) to rotate to and from a closed position, in which the body of the door (4) rests on the front face (2a) of the box casing (2), thus closing the opening (3); the hinge (5) of the door (4) is designed to selectively and alternatively fit to the box casing (2) firmly, but in easily removable manner, in two distinct positions on opposite sides of the front opening (3) of said household appliance (1). |
| US08382212B2 |
Tubeless steel wheel
A tubeless wheel for vehicles intended for the transport of loads or large number of passengers, such as trucks or buses, with external valve (8), as well as the products rim (1), disk (2) and valve (8) with the disk (2) mounted on the second ledge (4) of the rim (1). The parts have such geometry that, by a combination of factors distributed between rim (1), disk (2) and valve (8), enable the placement of the valve (8) on the external side of the disk (2) and the valve laying region is defined by two concurrent planes exempt of ribs. |
| US08382210B1 |
Wheel cover with window for over-the-road trucks, trailers and the like
A wheel cover assembly which includes a generally flat, circular wheel cover portion, an attachment assembly, and a manually releasable fastener selectively connecting the wheel cover portion to the attachment assembly, the wheel cover being predominately made from flexible laminar materials, the wheel cover portion comprising a mostly transparent window affixed to the manually releasable fastener, the window having an inwardly facing face which includes a flap for retaining a display card on the inside surface of the window. |
| US08382207B2 |
Three point linkage systems
A three-point linkage system includes a frame, an upper lift arm assembly pivotally mounted to the frame and a lower lift arm assembly pivotally mounted to the frame. The lower lift arm assembly is linked to the upper lift arm assembly for movement therewith. An actuator is connected to the frame and the upper lift arm assembly to move the upper lift arm assembly and the lower lift arm assembly linked to the upper lift arm assembly relative to the frame. A top link arm is pivotally connected to the upper lift arm assembly such that the top link arm moves with the upper lift arm assembly as the upper lift arm assembly is moved by the actuator. The top link arm including connecting structure for connecting the top link arm to an implement. |
| US08382205B2 |
Adjustable device for motor vehicle seat
Disclosed is an adjustment device for a motor vehicle seat having an adjusting element adjustably disposed in its longitudinal direction and in the area of one end, connectable in an articulated manner to a vehicle seat structure, and a drive unit driving the adjusting element. In order to provide an adjustment device of the initially named type, that can be disposed at a vehicle seat component in a simple and reliable manner, it is provided that the drive unit comprises means for the articulated, particularly pivotal, connection to a vehicle seat component, particularly a side member of a seat base frame. |
| US08382200B2 |
Vehicle with transparent roof area
A vehicle is provided with transparent roof area having at least one roof window tailored to fit into the roof structure. An adjustable darkening against exposure to incident light is provided toward the passenger compartment. The roof area has a first optically structured, immovably fixed surface and a second optically structured, movable surface. The first and second surfaces are arranged one over the other. The second surface here abuts the first surface so that it can slide over it. While the first surface takes up the entire roof window, the second surface is arranged at least in partial areas of the roof window. The second surface is arranged so that it can move relative to the first surface in such a way that the optical structures lying one over the other alter the incident light as a function of position. |
| US08382193B2 |
Spoiler
A spoiler includes an upper member and a lower member. The upper and lower members are joined together by vibration welding. One of the upper and lower members includes a main welding rib and an auxiliary welding rib. Each of the main welding rib and the auxiliary welding rib is protruded toward the other of the upper and members so as to be vibration welded to the other of the upper and lower members. The main welding rib is arranged to extend along a vibration direction of the vibration welding, and the auxiliary welding rib is arranged to extend along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. A height of the auxiliary welding rib is less than a height of the main welding rib before the vibration welding. The auxiliary welding rib is spaced apart from the main welding rib. |
| US08382184B2 |
Sound absorption sheet for motor vehicles and engine under cover for motor vehicles using sound absorption sheet
A sound absorption sheet is constructed by both films which are made of a fire-retardant polyethylene resin and layered with each other. The film has a flat film portion and a large number of air bubble portions. The flat film portion is adhered at its rear face to the flat film from the side of the front face. A large number of air bubble portions are dispersed in a staggered arrangement with each other along the planar direction of the film and raised and formed cylindrically along the thickness direction of the flat film portion in a direction separating from the film. |
| US08382181B2 |
Emergency vehicle patient transport systems
Emergency vehicle patient transport systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an emergency vehicle patient transport system includes: a loading passage providing access to an interior of an emergency vehicle; one or more tracks coupled to a floor of the emergency vehicle, a ceiling of the emergency vehicle, a wall of the emergency vehicle or combinations thereof wherein, a travel path is delineated by the one or more tracks; and a chair slidingly engaged with the one or more tracks, and vertically positioned between the floor and the ceiling. The chair locks in one or more set positions. And, the one or more set positions are selected from a group consisting of an airway care position, an extended airway care position, a procedural care position, a responder position, a patient care position, and a patient load position. |
| US08382179B2 |
Enhanced disconnect handle operators
An extendable device engages and operates a handle mounted on an electrical switching apparatus. The extendable device includes a first linear portion and a second linear portion, each of the first and second linear portions having a first end and a second end, a handle adaptor extending away from the second end of one of the first and second linear portions and a retainer mechanism structured to engage the first linear portion and the second linear portion such that the extendable device can be adjusted to a particular length and maintained at the particular length. The handle adaptor is structured to engage the handle such that the handle can be moved from a first position to a different second position. |
| US08382175B2 |
Load spreader bar pipe connection sleeve
The invention provides a spreader bar pipe connection sleeve for use in a spreader bar assembly. The pipe connection sleeve may include a flange having a first side and a second side, the first side may include a groove adapted for receiving an end of a first spreader pipe and the second side may include a groove adapted for receiving an end of a second spreader pipe. A first insertion part may include a distal end extending from the flange first side and may include a shoulder on the distal end, the shoulder being adapted for abutment with an inside diameter of the first spreader pipe. A second insertion part may include a distal end extending from the flange second side and a shoulder on the distal end. The shoulder may be adapted for abutment with an inside diameter of the second spreader pipe. The invention may include a fastener mechanism for securing at least one of the distal ends to one of the spreader pipes. The first and second spreader pipes may include different diameters and may include machined end plates. The grooves may extend outward from and/or recess into the flange. |
| US08382164B2 |
Apparatus and a method of inserting a series of contents into a series of containers
In apparatus for and a method of inserting a series of contents (1) into a series of containers (3), identifying magnetic indicia are printed on each one of the series of contents before insertion in the containers. After insertion and sealing of the containers the contents cannot be visually inspected without breaking the seals. The indicia are magnetically read by a reader (7) through the material of the sealed containers (3) and visible indicia corresponding to the identifying magnetic indicator retrieved from store (6), and applied to the exterior of the containers by a printer (5). The apparatus and method are applicable to automatic mailing systems where it is necessary to ensure that the correct addresses corresponding to a previously inserted series of letters in a series of respective envelopes are printed later on the exteriors of the envelopes. Instead of magnetically based systems, infra-red radio isotope or radio frequency identification based systems may also be used. |
| US08382162B2 |
Fuel tank mounting structure for vehicle
The present invention relates to a fuel tank mounting structure for a vehicle which includes a rear floor panel forming a rear portion floor, a first cross member disposed in front of and under the rear floor panel and extending in a vehicle width direction, and a second cross member disposed rearward of the first cross member and extending in the vehicle width direction. A fuel tank is supported by belts stretched between the first and the second cross members so as to abut on an undersurface of the rear floor panel via a resilient pad. Brackets are joined to the first cross member such that they project rearward of the first cross member, each of the belts is connected to the first cross member by the corresponding bracket, and the fuel tank abuts on a rear surface of each bracket via a second resilient pad. |
| US08382161B2 |
Ice skate blade guard
A blade guard for a runner blade of an ice skate. The blade guard includes a channel extending a distance between first and second ends. The channel has an open top and a bottom surface and first and second opposing side surfaces extending from the bottom surface to the open top. The blade guard also includes at least one recess disposed below the channel and extending a distance transverse to the distance of the channel. The at least one recess includes first and second countersink portions at opposite ends of the distance and a center portion. A first shoulder is defined between the first countersink portion and the center portion and a second shoulder is defined between the second countersink portion and the center portion. |
| US08382160B2 |
Belt latch for a safety belt
A belt latch including a connection plate, for connecting it to a buckle, and a latch main body rigidly connected thereto. The latch main body may have a cut-open hollow cylindrical portion housing a bending and clamping element arranged to rotate in relation thereto from a deflecting position to a clamping position if the force in an associated belt exceeds a defined force. A lid may be arranged to cover the cut-open hollow cylindrical portion. |
| US08382159B2 |
Steering-force transmitting apparatus for vehicle
A steering-force transmitting apparatus including (a) an operating-member-side shaft; (b) a turning-device-side shaft offset from the operating-member-side shaft; and (c) a rotation transmitting mechanism having (c-1) an axially protruding portion provided in one of the two shafts and (c-2) a radially extending groove provided in the other of the two shafts such that the axially protruding portion is engaged in the radially extending groove. The rotation transmitting mechanism is configured to change a rotational phase difference between the two shafts while causing one of the two shafts to be rotated by rotation of the other of the two shafts. An axially end portion of a main body portion of one of the two shafts and an axially end portion of the other of the two shafts overlap with each other in the axial direction. |
| US08382158B2 |
All terrain vehicle
An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft to which a handle is coupled, a pair of right and left frame members extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, at both sides in a width direction of the vehicle body, a steering shaft support member provided over and coupled to the pair of right and left frame members, and a bearing configured to rotatably couple a lower portion of the steering shaft to the steering shaft support member. |
| US08382156B2 |
Impact absorbing steering apparatus
Construction is achieved wherein a steering wheel can displace smoothly in the forward direction during a secondary collision, even when an electric motor 13a of an electric power steering apparatus protrudes to the side.Members are located between a pair of left and right installation plate sections 17c, which are provided on a bracket 10c on the column side that is supported by a steering column 6c, and a portion that is fastened to the vehicle body, and connected and fastened to both of these; and by making the rigidity or friction coefficient of these members different from each other, the load required for the installation plate sections 17c to drop away toward the front from the portion fastened to the vehicle body is made to be large on the side far from the electric motor 13a and less on the side near to the electric motor 13a. Therefore, the tendency for the dropping away toward the front on the side where the electric motor 13, having a large inertial mass, is located, being difficult, is cancelled out by the ease of the dropping away of the installation plate section 17a. |
| US08382155B2 |
Gas generator
A gas generator includes, a housing having a defining a first combustion chamber, an ignition chamber cup, defining an ignition chamber, and a combustion chamber cup, defining a second combustion chamber, being aligned at a distance in a radial direction, a first communication hole communicating the ignition chamber with the first combustion chamber being provided in a circumferential wall portion of the ignition chamber cup, a second communication hole communicating the second combustion chamber with the first combustion chamber being provided in a circumferential wall portion of the combustion chamber cup, a cup-shaped cover member covering the combustion chamber cup and closing the second communication hole, a disk-shaped retainer retaining a gas generating agent, being provided with a first opening for fitting the ignition chamber cup and a second opening for fitting the combustion chamber cup, an annular gap being formed between the second opening and the cover member. |
| US08382150B2 |
Easy lock and release mechanism for a safety seat retaining on a stroller frame and a base
An easy lock and release mechanism for a safety seat retaining on a stroller frame and a base. A front confinement is mounted on the stroller frame, and has a spring-loaded latch retractively protruding from a rear wall of the front confinement for locking the safety seat. The safety seat has two anchoring slots, at least a downward holding slot and two latching elements. The downward holding slot has an orifice formed therein for engaging with the spring-loaded latch. The two anchoring slots may anchor to two transversal bars on the base and be locked by the two latching elements. The release mechanism is mounted on the safety seat, and has a release actuator associated with a pushing element and the two latching elements for pushing the spring-loaded latch away from the orifice and unlock the two latching elements. |
| US08382148B2 |
Skateboard deck
A high-strength skateboard deck includes an elongated body having opposite ends, opposite sides, an upper side and a lower side, the lower side including a plurality of embossments therein that form corresponding bumps extending upwardly from the upper side, improving gripability of the upper side of the skateboard deck, improving the strength in the skateboard deck, reducing fatigue in the skateboard deck, and reducing the coefficient of friction of the lower side of the skateboard deck. |
| US08382147B2 |
Raised rails hitch
A hitch device for a trailer mount. The hitch device includes a mounting portion for being received within a receiver portion attached to a vehicle. The hitch device includes a tongue portion secured to the mounting portion. The tongue portion includes an upper face, a lower face and a through-hole for receiving a lower portion of a hitch ball. At least one of the upper and lower faces includes a pair of raised rails. |
| US08382145B2 |
Automatic brake
A system for braking a trailer being coupled to a pulling vehicle by means of a coupling device, comprising a supply circuit on the pulling vehicle side, and a brake circuit on the trailer side, wherein the brake circuit is removably attached to the supply circuit by means of at least one plug-in coupling. The invention is based on the object of providing a system for braking a trailer, wherein the risk of an uncontrolled vehicle movement, at least of the trailer vehicle, is reduced. The problem is solved according to the invention by means of a system wherein disposed within the brake circuit is a ventilation valve that can be remotely controlled by the pulling vehicle. |
| US08382144B2 |
Corrugation bellows of a transfer between two pivotably interconnected vehicles
The subject of the invention is a corrugation bellows of a transfer between two vehicles which are articulated together, comprising a plurality of corrugations which are U-shaped in cross-section, wherein two adjacent corrugations are connected together by a frame, wherein the corrugation of U-shaped cross-section has two limbs as well as a web connecting the limbs, wherein the material thickness of the web is greater than the material thickness of the limbs, wherein the material of web and limbs is identical and wherein the web is of substantially planar construction so that the limbs and the web extend at right angles to one another in a substantially neutral setting of the bellows. |
| US08382138B2 |
Hitch assembly for converting a wheelbarrow to a towable trailer
A hitch device for converting a conventional wheelbarrow into a towable trailer. The wheelbarrow includes a tub, handles and at least one wheel. The hitch device includes an elongated tow bar, first and second engagement members, and a vehicle coupling assembly. Each of the engagement members has a handle capture, a cross bar, and a base. The handle capture is configured to slidably receive one of the wheelbarrow handles, and is connected to the cross bar. The base also projects from the cross bar. The first engagement member is separate from the tow bar, whereas the second engagement member is affixed to the tow bar. The handle captures are received over the wheelbarrow handles, respectively, and the bases fastened to one another to connect the first engagement member with the tow bar such that the hitch device is mounted to the wheelbarrow handles in a wedge-like fashion. |
| US08382136B2 |
Bicycle rear suspension system linkage
A bicycle rear suspension system includes a main frame and a rear wheel suspension system. The main frame generally comprises a seat tube, a down tube, a top tube, and a head tube. The rear wheel suspension system comprises a first linkage member, a rear wheel swingarm, and a second linkage member. The first linkage member is shorter than 15 mm from its pivotal connection to the main frame and its pivotal connection to the rear wheel swingarm, and changes its direction of rotation as the rear wheel is articulated generally vertically. The rear wheel suspension system allows for a preferential rear wheel axle travel path that provides for increased rates of chainstay lengthening in the first part of the vertical rear wheel travel with a rapid change to reduced chainstay lengthening in the latter part of the vertical rear wheel travel so that the overall change in chainstay length is small relative to the amount of vertical rear wheel travel. |
| US08382132B2 |
Modular running board
A modular running board adaptable for use with various types of vehicles having different wheel bases. In a first embodiment, the running board includes a first long board and a second long board connectable to a pick-up truck having crew cab or quad cab with four full doors. In another embodiment, the first long board is connected to a short board, and both the long board and short board are connected to a pick-up truck having an extended cab, with two full doors and two half-doors. In either of the first two embodiments, a coupling piece is used for connecting the first long board to the second long board, or the first long board to the short board. In yet another embodiment, only the first long board is connected to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck having a regular cab with two full doors only. |
| US08382130B2 |
Vehicular suspension system and vehicle incorporating same
A vehicle suspension system includes a vertically reciprocally movable suspension arm assembly having a minimal number of component parts and configured to be light in weight. The suspension arm assembly includes a lower arm portion including a plurality of arm members which are operatively connected together via a plurality of hinge joints. The arm members are operatively associated with each other in a manner so as to permit vertical reciprocating movement of a wheel, and are interconnected in a manner so as to permit a shock absorber to make a stroke motion, where one end of the shock absorber is attached to a portion of a vehicle body, and another end of the shock absorber is attached to one of the arm members. |
| US08382129B2 |
Vehicle stabilizer
A stabilizer bar is intended for use in a vehicle, and a torsion part of the stabilizer bar is fixed to the vehicle body by a fixing member. A resin sheathing is provided integrally on an outer peripheral surface of the stabilizer bar. The fixing member is composed of the sheathing, a rubber bush disposed on the outer periphery of the sheathing, and a mounting fixture for mounting the rubber bush on the vehicle body side so as to cover the outer periphery of the rubber bush. The sheathing and the rubber bush are immovably assembled to each other. Thus, there may be provided a vehicle stabilizer, highly durable, easily mountable and replaceable, low-cost, and highly operable. |
| US08382128B2 |
Axle arrangement
An axle arrangement includes an axle member and an axle member bracket arranged on the axle member. A wheel suspension having a wheel carrier bracket is constructed in the form of a fork-shaped metal sheet and swingably supported on the axle member bracket for wheel alignment, with a wheel carrier being arranged on the wheel carrier bracket. |
| US08382127B2 |
Reclinable seatback support for stroller
A stroller having an articulated frame with at least one front leg, at least one rear leg, and a reclinable seatback support. An adjustment member is fixed to the frame and defines a plurality of detents that correspond to selectable recline positions for the reclinable seatback support. A locking member is movably attached to the reclinable seatback support and removably engages one of the plurality of detents. An actuator handle is connected to the locking member and is movably mounted on a handle guide that is fixed to the seatback support. The actuator handle is slidable along the handle guide to a first position to move the locking member away from one of the plurality of detents and slidable along the handle guide to a second position to move the locking member into engagement with one of the plurality of detents. |
| US08382124B2 |
Corner seal device
A corner seal device for use in combination with wiper seals used in slide-out rooms in recreational vehicles. The corner seal device has a first generally horizontal surface and a second generally vertical surface meeting to form a corner. A third surface extends obliquely from the first surface and has at least some portion that is above the first surface. An end wall may be used to connect the third surface to the second surface. The corner seal device may also be used with a wiper seal having an inner shelf that extends over the third surface of the corner seal device. The inner shelf may also have a C-channel at the end that covers the upper most portion of the third surface of the corner seal device. |
| US08382123B2 |
Metal cylinder head gasket without a spacing layer
The invention relates to a metal cylinder head gasket provided with at least one opening corresponding to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising a function layer and an annular support arranged thereon. The functional layer comprises one full bead. The cylinder head gasket is characterized in that the annular support comprises one full bead which is defined on the functional layer, and the annular support comprises one bead which is arranged on the side of the full bead which is oriented away from the combustion chamber The invention also relates to a metal cylinder head gasket provided with at least one opening corresponding to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising an upper functional layer, an annular support and a lower functional layer. The annular support is arranged between the upper functional layer and the lower functional layer and is adjacent to the lower functional layer. The upper functional layer comprises one full bead which is adjacent to the annular support. The cylinder head gasket is characterized in that the lower functional layer comprises one bead which is arranged on the side of the full bead which is oriented away from the combustion chamber. |
| US08382121B2 |
Double mechanical seal device
The present invention provides a cartridge type double seal having a size small enough to be mounted on the outer surface of an apparatus without using a space in a stuffing box and without requiring any special design and modification. In a seal device (1), a seal case (44) is fixed and installed by the set screw (18), screwed in radially inside from the far end of the mounting groove (15) of the seal cover (10) through the screw groove (17), at the innermost end of the seal cover (10). The thickness of thickness direction can be reduced because the seal case (44) is not axially supported and fixed. |
| US08382113B2 |
Card game
A card game in which players compete against a dealer to obtain a poker hand and a blackjack hand that beats the dealer without busting by exceeding 21 points. |
| US08382111B2 |
Random value generator for game
Random value generation in a game is provided. A board game may include a random value generator capable of movement on a surface of a board. Such movement may be initiated at one location on the board and arrive at another location on the board before stopping. The random value generator may include a plurality of faces, each indicating a value in the game. When still or at rest, a face is exposed. The value displayed on the face is a first value in the game. In addition, the movement of the random value generator may also contact one or more game pieces standing on the board. The number of game pieces that are contacted by the moving random value generator may represent a second value in the game. |
| US08382108B2 |
Recording medium overturning mechanism and recording medium processing apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a recording medium overturning mechanism, comprising: a bracket (100); an entry (50) and an exit (60), arranged in the bracket (100); a first channel (10), communicating the entry (50) with the exit (60) to convey a recording medium which does not need to be overturned; a second channel (20), communicating with the entry (50) to convey a recording medium which needs to be overturned; a third channel (30), communicating with the exit (60) and the second channel (20) to convey the overturned recording medium, wherein the first channel (10), the second channel (20) and the third channel (30) are basically arranged in an inverted triangle and joined with each other; a channel switching mechanism (40), arranged on the bracket (100) and located at a joining area between the first channel (10) and the second channel (20); and an overturning roller (70), arranged on the bracket (100) and located at a joining area between the second channel (20) and the third channel (30), the overturning roller (70) is driven by a motor (M), and the overturning roller (70) firstly rotates in a first direction to convey the recording medium away from the second channel (20), and then rotates in a direction opposite to the first direction to send the recording medium into the third channel (30). The present invention is simple in structure, small in volume and low in cost. |
| US08382107B2 |
Sheet separating mechanism
A sheet separating mechanism is disclosed, which comprises a frame (380), at least one set of transferring rollers (110), a separating roller (120), a reverse rotating roller (130), an eccentric adjusting means (310), a driving component, and an elastic component (320). The at least one set of transferring rollers and the separating roller are connected to the frame through a first rotating shaft (210,220), respectively. The eccentric adjusting means includes an eccentric plate (311) and an eccentric adjusting plate (312). The eccentric plate has an outer ring (315) and an inner ring (314) adapted to move inside the outer ring. The inner ring is connected with a second rotating shaft (230) that is connected with the reverse rotating roller. The reverse rotating roller is separated from the separating roller to form a separation gap. The driving component drives the first and the second rotating shafts to rotate. One end of the elastic component is fixedly connected with the frame, and the other end is connected with the second rotating shaft. The separation gap of the mechanism can be adjusted on demand, which widens a thickness range of sheets, prevents multiple sheets from entering the separation gap, and thus avoids the jam of the separating roller. |
| US08382106B2 |
Method for separating at least two bridges of a segmented transport system for printing materials, apparatus for implementing the method and machine for processing printing materials
A method and apparatus for separating at least two bridges, especially gripper bars, of a segmented transport system for printing materials, e.g. sheets of paper in a printing press, include a transport system having a segmented electric linear drive with first and second primary parts constructed as segmented long-stator. The drive has a plurality of secondary parts constructed as carriages. Each secondary part assigned to the first primary part and each secondary part assigned to the second primary part are coupled by a crossmember to form a movable bridge. Two bridges in the same segment are moved jointly. A first bridge, reaching into a further segment due to jointly controlled movement, is moved individually under closed-loop control and separated from a second bridge, for locating the two bridges in different segments during further movement. Electrical and mechanical collisions of the bridges or of the carriages can therefore be eliminated. |
| US08382101B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveying apparatus has a guide member disposed in a space on a side of a pair of rotating bodies. The guide member is supported such that the guide member can project outward from an outer periphery of one of the rotating bodies located upstream in a sheet conveying direction. When a front end of a conveyed sheet abuts against the guide member and pushes the guide member, the guide member retracts from a projecting position into the space on the side of the pair of rotating bodies, and in this state, the front end of the sheet is guided to a nip portion of the pair of rotating bodies. |
| US08382100B2 |
Device for concentrically transporting documents through passageway
A device is provided for continuously and concentrically transporting documents of different width through a passageway at a high speed. The device comprises a pair of opposed rollers 131 rotatably mounted on the opposite sides of a passageway 11 to grasp the opposite sides of a bill 70 between rotators 131, 132. At the moment of grasp between rollers 131, a central line C of bill 70 is automatically brought into alignment with a central line G of front passageway 11, and at the same time, bill 70 is grasped by opposed rollers 131 rotating in the adverse directions each other so that rotational force of rollers 131 applied to bill 70 serves to flip bill 70 to the rear of passageway 11. |
| US08382099B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a sheet conveying portion which conveys a sheet to be formed with an image, and an abutment member which is abutted by the tip end of a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveying portion, and movable to a first attitude of being abutted by the tip end of the sheet being conveyed, and to a second attitude of allowing passage of the sheet and being in the state of abutting the surface of the sheet, wherein the abutment member in the second attitude abuts a part which is outside an image forming region and on the sheet surface having the image forming region in a central part in a width direction orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction. |
| US08382098B2 |
Recording medium overturning device and recording medium processing apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a recording medium turnover device and a recording medium processing apparatus using the same. The recording medium turnover device comprises: a passage assembly, configured to form a first passage (3), one end of which is connected with a recording medium inlet (1) and the other end of which is connected with a recording medium outlet (2); a turnover mechanism (4), which is located on one side of the passage assembly and comprises a first plate (41) being located below the outlet and extending away from the outlet and a second plate (42) swingably arranged between the outlet and the inlet and forming a recording medium containing space with the first plate; conveying rollers (411, 424), configured to convey the recording medium; and a guide plate (5), which is controlled to guide the recording medium to enter the first passage or the recording medium containing space of the turnover mechanism. According to the present invention, the first passage and the turnover mechanism can share one power device to convey the recording medium, without switching the position state and the rotating direction of a plurality of mechanisms as in the conventional art, so that the structure of the recording medium turnover device and the control method are simplified, thus the number of power devices is decreased and the cost of devices is reduced. |
| US08382097B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding device may include a tray, a sheet feeder, a pressurizing unit, a height detection unit, a weight detection unit, and a control unit. The tray may be raised and lowered. The sheet feeder sends out a sheet stacked on the tray. The pressurizing unit urges the tray to pressurize the sheet stacked on the tray against the sheet feeder. The control unit adjust pressure force of the pressurizing unit per change in height of sheets stacked on the tray on a basis of weight per unit height of the sheets, calculated on a basis of an initial total weight of the sheets stacked on the tray detected by the weight detection unit before a feeding operation is started and on a basis of the initial height of sheets stacked on the tray detected by the height detection unit before a sheet feeding operation is started. |
| US08382096B2 |
Sheet package
A sheet package for supplying sheets to a printing apparatus has stacked sheets, and a package member that includes a first flat surface portion covering the sheets, a first side face portion extended from the first flat surface portion, a second flat surface portion extended from the first side face portion, a second side face portion extended from the first flat surface portion, a third flat surface portion extended from the second side face portion, a first cut-out portion formed in the first flat surface portion, a second cut-out portion formed in the second flat surface portion, and a third cut-out portion formed in the third flat surface portion, wherein at least one of an end of the second cut-out portion and an end of the third cut-out portion is disposed more toward the opposite side of the transfer direction of sheets than an end of the first cut-out portion. |
| US08382094B2 |
Recording medium feeding device and image forming apparatus
A recording medium feeding device includes a first rotating member picking up a recording medium, a second rotating member transporting the picked-up recording medium, a driving gear unit rotating and transmitting a driving force, a first transmission mechanism having a first gear and transmitting the driving force in a first rotation direction to the first rotating member and the second rotating member, a second transmission mechanism having a second gear and transmitting the driving force in a second rotation direction to the first rotating member, and a transmission adjusting portion transmitting the driving force of either one of the first or second gear to either one of the first or second transmission mechanism, wherein the first gear rotates in the first rotation direction, the second gear rotates in the second rotation direction, and the driving gear unit engages with both the first and second gear within a predetermined range. |
| US08382090B2 |
Post-processing system
To provide a post-processing system for enabling a sheet prepared in a different printing apparatus to be mixed and undergo post-processing when the post-processing apparatus performs bookbinding finish on sheets with images formed thereon, a collecting means is provided in a post-processing section for performing post-processing on image-formed sheets, and is configured to enable a bunch of sheets to be manually set from the outside, a control section is provided with operating means for outputting a set finish signal such that the sheets have been set manually in the collecting means, and it is configured when a mode selecting means selects a mixing post-processing mode, the control section performs the post-processing on a bunch of sheets by post-processing means using the set finish signal from the operating means. |
| US08382089B2 |
Sheet cutting apparatus and sheet post-processing apparatus having the same, and image forming system
A sheet cutting apparatus, including: a conveying member configured to convey a half-folded sheet bunch in a conveyance path in which the conveying member is provided; a registration member which comes into contact with a leading edge portion of the sheet bunch to correct a skew feed of the sheet bunch; a cutting member positioned upstream of the registration member to cut a trailing edge portion of the sheet bunch; and a discharging member provided at an outlet of the conveyance path to discharge the sheet bunch, wherein the leading edge portion of the sheet bunch is positioned outside the discharging member when, after the skew feed is corrected, the sheet bunch is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction by the conveying member and the trailing edge portion of the sheet bunch is conveyed to a cutting position of the cutting member to cut the trailing edge portion. |
| US08382088B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus is disclosed for bringing a substrate from a carrier, by a substrate transfer portion inside a transfer chamber, into a processing module to perform a process therein. The substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate storing chamber coupled to an exterior of the transfer chamber via a transfer opening to be in communications with the transfer chamber; a first storing shelf in the substrate storing chamber to store substrates for a first storing purpose; a second storing shelf in the substrate storing chamber to store substrates for a second storing purpose different from the first storing purpose; and a shifting mechanism that shifts the first and the second storing shelves to position a substrate storing area of one of the first and the second storing shelves so that substrate transferring is enabled between the substrate storing area and the substrate transfer portion via the transfer opening. |
| US08382084B2 |
Centering device for flat workpieces in a press and method for adjusting such a centering device
A centering device (1) for flat workpieces, especially sheet-metal blanks to be processed in a press, comprises a first table, which can be rotated about a first vertical axis, for receiving a workpiece and a second table, which can be rotated about a second vertical axis, for receiving a workpiece. The second table is arranged to the side of the first table, and a support level of the first table coincides substantially with a support level of the second table. The device furthermore comprises a rotation mechanism coupled mechanically to the first table and to the second table allowing the first and the second tables to be rotated jointly about a third vertical axis to form a common supporting surface. In an alternative operating mode, the tables are rotated individually about the spaced vertical axes of rotation and thus move relative to one another. |
| US08382082B2 |
Method and apparatus for horizontal assembly of a high-voltage feed-through bushing
A method for horizontal assembly of a high-voltage feed-through bushing includes vertically-assembling a field shaper assembly of a high-voltage feed-through bushing on a field shaper fixture. The field shaper assembly is then rotated within the field shaper fixture such that the field shaper assembly is oriented on a horizontal axis. Next, an insulator tube fixture supporting an insulator tube assembly is positioned adjacent to the field shaper fixture. The insulator tube assembly, being oriented on the same horizontal axis as the field shaper assembly, is then affixed to field shaper assembly. |
| US08382081B2 |
Method for machining a workpiece as well as such machining device
For machining a workpiece the workpiece is fixed in a first gripping device of a machining device in order to make at least one element. Next the workpiece is transferred to the second gripping device of the machining device, where the workpiece is fixed by means of the element in the second gripping device of the machining device, while the first gripping device remains connected to the machining device. The element comprises a dovetail-shaped mounting element. |
| US08382078B2 |
Bump stopper
To provide a bump stopper (1) having constricted parts (2A, 2B) in the circumferential surface and exhibiting buffering action by deforming resiliently when an annular distal end portion (3) collides against a partner member (61) in a state that a bump stopper central axis (0) is inclined to a collision surface (62), without sliding on the collision surface (62), thereby generation of noise being suppressed, the distal end portion (3) has a outside diameter and an inside diameter which expand toward the end, a diameter d1 at a collision start point (4) at the most distal end of the inner diameter surface is set substantially equal to or larger than the outside diameter d2 of the constricted part (2A) located just above it, and the distal end portion (3) deforms to tilt further to the outer diameter side through action of moment at the time of collision. |
| US08382076B2 |
Object-support column
A support column with a vertical tube has a coaxially installed gas spring including a cylinder divided by a piston into first and second working chambers. A piston rod passes through the second working chamber in a sealed manner to the outside, where it is attached to a bottom support piece of the vertical tube. The cylinder projects out of the vertical tube and is guided with freedom to slide back and forth in a guide sleeve installed in the end of the vertical tube opposite the bottom support piece. A connection between the first and second working chambers can be blocked by a manually actuatable valve. A second valve between the chambers, which is closed when the gas spring is under load, can be switched to the open position after the load on the gas spring has been absent for a certain period of time. |
| US08382075B2 |
Air stripper
An air stripper in the form of an submerged gas evaporator or a submerged gas reactor that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a contaminated liquid inlet that provides a contaminated liquid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of process fluid within the vessel. A weir is disposed within the vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the process fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the process fluid. This turbulent flow develops a significant amount of interfacial surface area between the gas and the process fluid resulting in a reduction of the required residence time of the gas within the process fluid to achieve thermal equilibrium and/or to drive chemical reactions to completion, all of which leads to a more efficient and complete evaporation, chemical reaction, or combined evaporation and chemical reaction process. |
| US08382074B1 |
System and method for saturating a liquid with a gas
A system for saturating a liquid with a gas includes a first screen box, a particulate material provided in the first screen box, a liquid inlet disposed in fluid communication with the first screen box, a second screen box disposed in fluid communication with the first screen box, a gas inlet disposed in fluid communication with the second screen box; and an outlet conduit disposed in fluid communication with the second screen box. |
| US08382073B2 |
Humidifier, filter unit and rotation drive structure
A disc-shaped filter unit including a filter main body having a water absorbability and a holder having a non water absorbability is disposed in a vertical orientation, with a part of a circumferential portion thereof immersed in water reserved in a water tank, and is rotated by a rotation drive mechanism in a circumferential direction. The filter unit has an absorptive region and a non-absorptive region arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in accordance with rotation of the filter unit in the circumferential direction, a state where the absorptive region is immersed and the filter main body of the filter unit absorbs water through a water-conduction hole and a state where the non-absorptive region is immersed and water absorption of the filter main body is prevented by a watertight section having a non water absorbability are continuously alternated. |
| US08382069B2 |
Support jack with supporting load indicator
A support jack with a vertically telescopically displaceable supporting element having an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve is described. For the operator, it is sometimes hard to discern whether the support jacks find an adequate abutment on the ground. In an extreme case, the support jack sinks into the ground under the load of the vehicle. The vehicle is then no longer adequately supported and can tip over. For this reason, the object of the invention is to develop a support jack in such a way that secure standing is already discernible for the operator during extension of the supporting element. According to the invention, the object is achieved with a support jack in which a supporting load indicator with a pressure element is arranged on the supporting element, the pressure element triggering a signal when a predefinable supporting force is reached. |
| US08382064B2 |
Solenoid valve
Provided are a solenoid valve which is configured such that the valve body is not deformed when a retainer is mounted and which can be easily assembled, and a method of manufacturing the solenoid valve. A solenoid valve is provided with a valve body inside which a spool is provided so as to move in an axial direction, a solenoid section which is mounted to one end of the valve body in the axial direction thereof, and a retainer which is mounted to the other end of the valve body in the axial direction thereof. The retainer is fixed by a staking section which is provided to an end of the valve body in the axial direction thereof and staked in the axial direction. |
| US08382063B2 |
Electromagnetic valve
An electromagnetic valve includes a valve body, a valve element, a movable iron core, a guide tube, a coil, a yoke, and a fixed iron core. The valve body includes a fluid flow path. The valve element is movable and seated on a valve seat provided in the fluid flow path of the valve body. The movable iron core moves the valve element with respect to the valve seat. The guide tube is cylindrical and movably supports the movable iron core. The coil is mounted on an outer periphery of the guide tube. The yoke covers an outside of the coil and forms a magnetic circuit. The fixed iron core is provided facing the movable iron core and attracts the movable iron core by energization of the coil. The valve body is coupled to the guide tube on one opening end side of the guide tube, and the fixed iron core is provided on an other end side of the guide tube with a clearance spaced from an inside of the guide tube. One end of the yoke is coupled to the fixed iron core, and the valve body is coupled to an other end of the yoke. |
| US08382062B2 |
Actuator for a valve
The invention provides an electromagnetic actuator for moving a closure member of a valve. The actuator contains a solenoid, a yoke and a wire spring for fixing a guide tube, in which the closure member is movable, to the solenoid. The spring is formed so that it further fixes the yoke to the solenoid. Accordingly, the number of components is reduced, and detaching of the yoke may easily be facilitated. |
| US08382047B1 |
Multi-use clamping device
A multi-use support or clamping device and method for supporting at least one hose is mountable to a fixture, such as a sink, toilet, or other waste receptacle, for facilitating discharge of a liquid waste directly into the waste receptacle. The multi-use clamping device includes a clamp, a hose support, an attachment mechanism, and an anchoring mechanism. The clamp is removably securable to the waste receptacle or other fixture. The hose support is an elongated cylindrical member having a bore therethrough sized for disposition of at least one hose, such as a dialysis hose, a cable, tubing, or any other elongated piece of material. The anchoring mechanism may be a U-shaped bracket, a plurality of castellation or slots, a spring mechanism, Velcro, a bladder, or any other suitable type of anchoring device for securely holding the hose. |
| US08382044B2 |
High-lift system on the wing of an aircraft, and method for its operation
A high-lift system on the wing of an aircraft and a method for its operation are described. High-lift flaps (2) which are arranged on the wing (1) are extended from a retracted position in order to increase the lift, and a slot (3) through which flow passes from the lower face to the upper face of the wing (1) is opened (advanced slat/flap-gap control). According to the invention, the slot (3) through which flow passes is opened independently of the position of the high-lift flap (2). This makes it possible to selectively achieve a better maximum coefficient of lift (CL) or a better lift-to-drag ratio with less noise being produced. |
| US08382043B1 |
Method and apparatus for aerodynamic flow control using compact high-frequency fluidic actuator arrays
The present invention is directed to the manufacture of and the use of an aerodynamic flow control device having a compact array of a plurality of fluidic actuators in planar, curved, circular and annular configurations. The compact array of fluidic actuators of the invention may be designed to produce oscillating or pulsed jets at the exit ports with frequencies in the range of 1-22 kHz. They may be integrally manufactured along with the wing sections, flaps, tail and rudder of airplane, the inlet or exit geometries of a jet engine. When supplied with a source of fluid such as air, these arrays of actuators produce a set of fluid jets of random phase of high velocity and influence the main stream of air over the subject surface. The beneficial effects of modifying flow using the present invention include increased lift, reduced drag, improved performance and noise reduction in jet engines. |
| US08382041B1 |
Rakelet
A rakelet comprises a raked portion and a winglet portion that selectively integrate features of raked wingtips and winglets into a wingtip device that improves aircraft endurance and range over standard wings and over other wingtip devices such as raked wings, winglets, and the like. The features of the rakelet can be configured to improve and maximize the range and endurance for any particular aircraft. |
| US08382040B2 |
Hamilton H.N2 laminar flow diskette wing
A wing assembly has a wing and one or more no-bias laminar flow oval diskettes that are fixed on a support structure along the C/L (center of lift) of an airfoil, of an aircraft wing. The benefit of an oval diskette with laminar flow is that it has no speed limitations and it allows an aircraft to clime at a speed that matches its Ground Effect Lift speed which is a 25% performance increase and a 40% reduction in vortex drag with a increase stability that eliminates inertia coupling of high-speed airfoils. |
| US08382033B2 |
Ballistic resistant and explosive containment systems for aircraft
A ballistic resistant and explosive protective system for an aircraft. The system may include a plurality of composite panels. Each composite panel may include a first layer and second layer formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic material, and a ballistic resistant laminate core layer formed between the first layer and the second layer. The composite panels may be integrally combined and installed at an interior of the aircraft. |
| US08382025B2 |
Method and device for connecting two material webs
A method and a corresponding apparatus for connecting two material webs which are pulled off from an old and a new reel are specified, wherein each reel is driven and wherein the splicing takes place while both reels are in motion. One position of all units participating in the splicing operation is regulated as a function of a position of the new reel, by a position of an adhesive point which is applied to the new reel being detected for this purpose. |
| US08382024B2 |
Device for controlling the drive of a reel
With a device for controlling the drive of a reel, with a wire supply in the form of a coil of said wire supply, from which the wire, through interposition of a tensioning device, which is spring-pretensioned in one deflection direction and effective up to a maximum deflection, for approximated stabilization of the wire tension of a feed installation of the wire infeed of a downstream positioned wire processing machine, the velocity curve of the feed rate of the wire infeed in accordance with a preset velocity-time profile is controlled by a control unit of the wire processing machine, and whereby the curve of the rotation speed of the reel in accordance with a preset rotation speed-time profile is controlled by the drive control of the reel, whereby the drive control of the reel sets the rotation speed-time profile of the reel, with regard to the velocity-time profile of the feed rate, forward by a preset time interval. |
| US08382023B2 |
Device and method for the constant tension feeding of threads or yarns fed in a discontinuous way
Device and method for constant tension feeding, threads or yarns fed to textile or winding machine or metallic wire to similar machine, in discontinuously with phase sequences. The thread motion has at least first and second feeding or absorption states following each other in time. A controller, connected to a tension detector and thread accumulator, intervenes on the accumulator based upon tension value from the detector. A compensator, between the accumulator and tension detector, cooperates with thread to compensate variation of feeding or absorption state of the thread upon passage between each first and second feeding or absorption state. The controller intervenes to modify the accumulator's action on thread and maintain tension value detected by the detector at set value. Interaction between thread and compensator keeping constant tension value during the changing phase of the feeding state. The compensator freely moveable under action of thread relative to a resting position. |
| US08382018B2 |
Food processor and method for operating a food processor
A food processor having a coupling point to attach a processing device to the food processor; a cover part; a detection device disposed at the coupling point, wherein the detection device detects the attached processing device or the cover part; wherein each of the processing device and the cover part has a respective actuating element to actuate the detection device; and wherein the detection device has at least a first actuating region and a second actuating region that is oriented differently from the first actuating region. |
| US08382015B2 |
Hand-held coating dispenser device
A hand-held, electrostatically- and/or compressed gas-aided coating material dispensing device comprises a barrel and a handle extending downward from the barrel. The handle includes a module selected from modules having a number of different characteristics for coupling sources of coating material, compressed gas and/or electrical supply to the coating material dispensing device. |
| US08382013B2 |
Air knife
An air knife system includes a first set of openings and a second set of openings arranged along opposite first and second walls, respectively, of a main body. The first set of openings may be aligned with the second set of openings such that a coupling member may be inserted through each one of the first set of openings and a corresponding one of the second set of openings. The coupling members may be fixedly joined to the first and second sets of openings to maintain a desired width of a discharge slot defined by a first lip extending from the first wall and a second lip extending from the second wall. In one embodiment, the coupling members may be joined to the first and second sets of openings using a welding process. |
| US08382012B2 |
Device for removably coupling disposable nozzle tip for bidet
Disclosed herein is a device for removably coupling a disposable nozzle tip for a bidet. The device includes a nozzle, a nozzle tip, a guide cover, and a removable coupling unit. The nozzle has a nozzle body through which a washing-water guide hole passes, and a coupling hole. The nozzle tip has a coupling protrusion removably inserted into the coupling hole, and a jet hole to spray washing water. The guide cover is secured to a bottom of the nozzle tip in such a way as to be positioned under the jet hole, and guides the washing water to the jet hole. The removable coupling unit includes external threads formed in an outer circumference of the coupling protrusion, and internal threads formed in an inner circumference of the coupling hole. Further, the device includes stoppers comprising a pair of a protrusion and a hole, or a pair of protrusions, provided on the nozzle and the nozzle tip in such a way as to be symmetric with respect to each other, and preventing the nozzle tip from excessively rotating relative to the nozzle. The device provides a clean nozzle tip, thus allowing the genital and anal areas to be hygienically washed using washing water, and simplifies the structure of the nozzle tip, thus facilitating a mounting and detaching operation, and includes stoppers, thus preventing the nozzle and the nozzle tip from being damaged. |
| US08382008B1 |
Optimized and miniaturized aerosol generator
An optimized and miniaturized aerosol generator preferably includes a transducer plate, at least one transducer, a level float, a fluid container, at least one aerosol output member and an air input member. At least one transducer counterbore is formed in the transducer plate to retain the at least one transducer. The fluid container includes a float chamber and an aerosol chamber. The at least one aerosol output and the air input member are retained in a top of the aerosol chamber. A sealing gasket is preferably placed between a top of the transducer plate and a bottom of the fluid. The level float is contained in the float chamber. Air is pumped into the aerosol chamber through the air input member. A transducer driver powers the at least one transducer. The at least one transducer vibrates and produces an aerosol, which exits the at least one aerosol output member. |
| US08382003B2 |
Method and system for controlling a modulating air conditioning system
A method for effecting cooperation between a modulating air conditioning system and a two-stage thermostat for satisfying an air conditioning load demand in a conditioned space includes: (a) operating the thermostat in a plurality of succeeding operating cycles to issue a first call signal or a second call signal indicating a first or second stage operation by the air conditioning system; the first and second stage operation being effected according to a first operating regimen to satisfy the air conditioning load demand; (b) operating the air conditioning system in response to the first and second call signals; the air conditioning system operating at a first power level when receiving the first call signal and operating at a predetermined second power level when receiving the second call signal; the first power level being established by the air conditioning system according a second operating regimen. |
| US08382002B2 |
Moiré pattern generated by angular illumination of surfaces
Improved methods, devices, compositions, and systems are provided for concealing information on articles in commerce, such as pharmaceuticals, to improve detection of counterfeits. Embodiments are provided where Moiré patterns on article surfaces are detectable using a revealing layer only when the surfaces are illuminated at or near particular angles. Embodiments incorporating revealing layers into detection systems, such as microscopes, are also provided. A method comprising: providing at least one pharmaceutical composition which comprises at least one surface which comprises at least one area which is adapted to provide a Moiré base layer; illuminating the area at an angle; imaging the illuminated area with a Moiré revealing layer to generate a Moiré pattern. Such embodiments provide an additional layer of security over previous methods of detecting counterfeit articles. |
| US08382000B2 |
Payment cards and devices with enhanced magnetic emulators
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Such a magnetic emulator may comprise non-magnetostrictive material such that the magnetic emulator may be fabricated in a wide variety of fabrication processes. Additionally, magnets may be added to amplify the signal of a magnetic emulator. In doing so, a magnetic emulator may provide a large amount of signal while consuming a reduced amount of electrical energy when compared to a magnetic emulator that does not include the presence of one or more magnets. |
| US08381998B1 |
Method for manufacturing long-range radio frequency identification product and structure thereof
Method for manufacturing a long-range RFID metallic product and structure thereof are provided so that UHF RFID skills can be smoothly applied on the various metallic products without interference. Electromagnetic waves radiated from a transmitter can be received by a metallic first antenna. With the resonance and induction generated by the resonance chamber located in the metallic first antenna and a second antenna of the electronic tag module patch, the signal generated can be transmitted to the RFID chip to achieve long-range reading and transmitting effects. Due to the breaking cutlines of the first rigid clip located on the second antenna of the electronic tag module patch, the second antenna of the electronic tag module patch is damaged when removing the electronic tag module patch from the metallic first antenna by tearing along the breaking cutlines of the first rigid clip, thereby preventing the RFID from being duplicated. |
| US08381996B1 |
Memory card supporting near field communication through single wire protocol
A memory card supporting near field communication through single wire protocol includes a power management unit, an interface control unit, a data storage unit, a power protection unit and an intelligent unit. The power protection unit is interposed between the power management unit and a near field voltage source of the near field communication unit to prevent short-circuit induced by direct connection there between. Moreover, direct connection between the power management unit and the intelligent unit can also be prevented, which can protect against bursts of excessive voltages or currents that may damage the data in the intelligent unit. Additionally, the power protection unit can prevent power leakage from the power management unit and the near field voltage source, which solves the problem of improperly driving near field communication or insufficient power supply to the interface control unit or intelligent unit. |
| US08381993B2 |
Method for realizing a dual interface IC card
A method for realizing a dual interface IC card includes arranging a plastic support having a hole or a recess for housing a micro module, and housing in the IC card an antenna having at least one first and one second terminal or pad for connection to the micro module arranged in the recess. The method also includes distributing a soldering paste on the at least one first and one second pad, so as to form a first and a second contact conductive bump with electric connection contacts of the micro module, and distributing, along the whole perimeter of the micro module or of the recess, a layer of non conductive glue. The method further includes positioning the micro module in the recess with the contacts axially aligned to the terminal of the antenna, and executing a reflow of the soldering paste to form the first and second conductive bump. |
| US08381989B2 |
Wearable device with a manipulatable object
A wearable device includes pliable material at least partially forming a track and a loop. An object is disposed on the track and is adapted to be manipulated along the track. |
| US08381987B2 |
Insertable storage card containing a portable memory card having a connection interface
Among other things, a portable memory card that conforms to a size, shape, and connection interface of an industry-standard memory card is smaller than and held by a support that conforms to a shape and size of an industry-standard credit card. The support is insertable into a receptacle with the connection interface of the memory card mated with a corresponding connection interface of the receptacle. |
| US08381980B2 |
Evaluating an electromagnetic field strength of an electromagnetic gate apparatus
A device (110) for evaluating an electromagnetic field strength/field geometry of an electromagnetic gate apparatus (120) is provided, the device (110) comprising a measurement unit (112) adapted for receiving a measurement signal from the electromagnetic gate apparatus (120) and determining a value of the field strength of said measurement signal, a communication unit (114) adapted for receiving command data from the electromagnetic gate apparatus (120) and adapted for sending response datato the electromagnetic gate apparatus (120). Optionally, the device (110) comprises an evaluation unit (116,118) adapted for evaluating the electromagnetic field geometry of the electromagnetic gate apparatus (120) based on said values of the field strength received from the measurement unit (112). |
| US08381978B2 |
Bag supporting table and apparatus with bag supporting table
According to one embodiment, a bag supporting table includes a pair of hooking sections configured to support a shopping bag and an auxiliary-bag supporting section. The shopping bag has a pair of grips. The pair of hooking sections are spaced apart from and opposed to each other. The pair of hooking sections respectively hook the grips of the shopping bag and support the shopping bag. The auxiliary-bag supporting section is arranged on the outer side of an arrangement area for the shopping bag supported by the pair of hooking sections. |
| US08381977B2 |
Voting system and ballot paper
A ballot paper and a voting system. The paper ballot is initially a voted ballot paper including: a recorded vote including candidate/party information for an election on a voting day in a jurisdiction, a burnable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a fuse not blown, and a basic RFID tag storing the jurisdiction's signature. The recorded vote is not revealable while the fuse is not blown and is revealable responsive to the fuse being blown. The voting system includes a ballot box and a ballot counting machine. The ballot box is configured to receive and authenticate the voted ballot paper and to generate a verified ballot paper. The ballot counting machine is configured to receive and authenticate the verified ballot paper, to effectuate a blowing of the fuse to reveal the recorded vote and to subsequently count the ballot paper and direct the ballot paper to a candidate box. |
| US08381975B2 |
Dynamic hold decisioning
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, communicating, and/or executing hold decisions for deposit items. For example, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving information associated with a deposit item; (b) determining a deposit amount for the deposit item; (c) determining a payee account to receive the deposit item; (d) determining a hold limit for the payee account; and (e) determining a hold decision for the deposit item based at least partially on a comparison of the deposit amount to the hold limit. In some embodiments, the hold limit is based at least partially on (a) an account balance associated with the payee account, and (b) one or more other characteristics associated with the payee account. |
| US08381972B2 |
Customized transaction card and account reports
A method of customizing communications to a transaction account user is described. The method may include the steps of incorporating a customized image sent by the user on a transaction card that is provided to the user, and displaying the customized image on one or more account message seen by the user. Also, a method to customize messages about a transaction account to an account user is described. The method may include the steps of sending the account user a customized transaction card having a customized image received from a person opening the account, and incorporating the customized image on one or more messages about the account that are sent to the account user. |
| US08381971B2 |
System and method for point of sale cash rebates
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods are provided for providing a consumer with a rebate on purchases, which are made, for example, at a merchant. The rebate may be in a variety of forms. According to one aspect the rebate may be a reduction in the purchase price associated with a transaction. According to another aspect the rebate may be in the form of cash or an item having value being delivered to the consumer. The rebate may be provided at the Point of Sale. The rebate may be determined by a number of different criteria including purchase price, transaction frequency, predetermined time intervals, consumer loyalty, Point of Sale location, or any combination of these and other criteria. |
| US08381966B2 |
Flip chip assembly method employing post-contact differential heating
A first substrate mounted to a bonder head and a second substrate mounted to a base plate are held at different elevated temperatures at the time of bonding that provide a substantially matched thermal expansion between the second substrate and the first substrate relative to room temperature. Further, the temperature of the solder material portions and the second substrate is raised at least up to the melting temperature after contact. The distance between the first substrate and the second substrate can be modulated to enhance the integrity of solder joints. Once the distance is at an optimum, the bonder head is detached, and the bonded structure is allowed to cool to form a bonded flip chip structure. Alternately, the bonder head can control the cooling rate of solder joints by being attached to the chip during cooling step. |
| US08381963B2 |
Compression-bonding apparatus
A compression-bonding apparatus includes a support stage and a pressing tool. The pressing tool includes a pressing stage, an elastic member and a plurality of bonding heads. The elastic member is held by the pressing stage. The plurality of bonding heads includes an upper surface attached to the elastic member and a lower surface facing an upper surface of the support stage. |
| US08381956B2 |
Backpack frame system
The present invention involves the provision of a backpack frame assembly and associated load carrying devices. The backpack frame includes a plurality of stays having flexible joints therebetween. A membrane is secured to certain of the stays and helps resist flexing of joints between adjacent stay end portions. Load carrying devices may be provided and are releasably mounted to the frame assembly. The distance between the assembly's shoulder straps and hip belt can be adjusted to accommodate user's having different torso lengths by using an adjuster sheet to separate hook and look members attaching a shoulder strap assembly to a frame assembly. The adjuster sheet can operate as a support element when not operating as an adjuster. The adjuster sheet can be constructed of a laminated composite material and include reinforcing ribs formed therein. |
| US08381951B2 |
Overcap for a spray device
A dispensing system includes a tilt-activated valve stem operably connected to a valve on a container and a vibe motor in communication with the valve stem. The vibe motor is adapted to impart radial motion to the valve stem upon activation. |
| US08381949B2 |
Magnetically-hanging spice dispenser with a continuously-variable hole-size selector
A magnetically-hanging spice dispenser comprises a plate assembly and a container assembly. The plate assembly comprises a non-magnetic planer plate and permanent magnets. The container assembly comprise a cylindrical spice container, a circular removable cap and a magnetic element. Magnetic attraction force between the magnetic element of the container assembly and the permanent magnet of the plate assembly is exerted when the container assembly is placed in proximity to the plate assembly. The container assembly and the plate assembly form self-seal in order to prevent dust, air, moisture and the like from entering into the spice container. The container assembly further comprises a circular elastic cover for covering the removable cap. The elastic cover is capable of variably overlapping with the removable cap so that spices can be dispensed at continuously-variable flow rate. This invention relates to spice dispensers, and the principal use of the invention is for dispensing spices in a kitchen. |
| US08381948B1 |
Automatic liquid stop bag with bent portion
An automatic liquid stop bag with a bending portion comprises: two outer films, two inner films, a storage area, a discharge channel, a bent portion, an inlet, an outlet and a tear portion. The storage area is formed by coupling the two outer films by hot sealing. The two inner films are disposed between the two outer films and coupled the two inner films by heat sealing to form a discharge channel or the discharge channel is coupled to the two inner films by heat sealing and formed between the two inner films, and the internal sides of the two inner films are not coupled to form the inlet and outlet, and the tear portion is formed at an edge of the two inner films and the two outer films and separated from the two inner films to expose the outlet of the discharge channel. |
| US08381946B2 |
Container having a pre-curved lid
A plastic container having a container body and a permanently attached container lid is provided. The container lid is attached to the container body by a living hinge such that the entire plastic container is a one-piece construction. The container lid is pre-curved such that in an open state the container lid is curved. However, when the container lid mates with the container body in a closed state, at least a portion of the container lid that was previously curved becomes substantially planar such that portions of the lid remain biased into the container body. The container incorporates at least one projection that acts as a detent-catch mechanism to secure the lid to the body. The projection reduces the likelihood that the seal formed between the lid and the container when in a closed position will be inadvertently broken. |
| US08381945B2 |
Lidded container capable of withstanding an internal pressure
A lidded container includes a container having an open top defined by an annular rim; a lid having a central section and an outer rim attachable to the rim of the container; and an annular gasket between the rim and the lid. The annular rim of the lid includes an annular clamping section defined by spaced inner and outer walls for receiving the rim of the container in the space between the walls. The annular clamping section of the lid is integrally joined to the central section of the lid by an annular, elastically deformable juncture section effective to increase (a) the clamping action of the lid clamping section, and (b) the sealing action of the gasket, with an increase in pressure within the container. |
| US08381942B2 |
Lid holder for cooking vessel
A cooking vessel for cooking foodstuff includes a base that has an outer sidewall, a generally hollow interior and a generally open top. A lid is removably mounted to the base and complementarily covers the open top of the base in a first position. The lid includes a handle that extends outwardly from the lid away from the base in the first position. A lid holder is rotatably mounted to the outer sidewall of the base. The lid holder engages with the handle to support the lid in a second position. The open top of the base at least partially exposes the hollow interior when the lid is in the second position. The lid holder is rotatable between a support position and a storage position. The lid holder extends partially above the open top of the base in the support position and is entirely below the open top in the storage position. |
| US08381934B2 |
Sealing plug for blind installation
The present invention provides a sealing plug for blind installation in a suitable hole (50) thereby to plug and seal the hole, which sealing plug comprises a sleeve (2), a nut stem (4) having a shoulder (8), and a head (6) at least part of which is radially enlarged with respect to the remainder of the stem; the nut stem being of a material which is harder than that of the sleeve; the nut stem being internally threaded; whereby, when the sealing plug is inserted in a suitable hole, with the sleeve entirely within the hole, and increasing force is applied to the stem with respect to the sleeve, axial compression is applied by the shoulder to the sleeve material abutting it, thereby causing the sleeve to deform and expand radially outwardly to engage with the wall (52) of the hole. |
| US08381930B2 |
Collapsible hard case for surfboards and other large objects
A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large asymmetrically shaped objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining sections that are selectively configurable between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position. |
| US08381929B2 |
Container with side walls foldable on top of one another
A container for transporting and storing goods with a container base and at least two side walls that can be folded over one another, the two side walls are respectively pivotably supported through at least one hinge bolt in a hinge bolt receiver, wherein the hinge bolt receiver comprises an elongated recess extending perpendicular to the container base. The folded down side wall is movable from a lower end position, in which the folded down side wall contacts the container base, into an upper end position, which is displaced upward from the lower end position in a direction perpendicular to the container base. Hinge bolt is provided with a guided translatoric movement when the side wall is folded up from the lower end position, causing rotation of the hinge bolt in the hinge bolt receiver, so that the side wall moves upward in a direction perpendicular to the container base. |
| US08381928B2 |
Multilayer fuel tank with a seam having an overlay for reducing vapor permeation
A method of reducing fuel vapor permeation through a multi-layer tank includes providing a multi-layer overlay onto at least a portion of a structural layer of the multi-layer tank. The multi-layer overlay preferably comprises at least one structural layer composed of a polymeric material that is compatible with one or more of the polymeric structural layer(s) of the multi-layer tank. The multi-layer overlay further comprises at least one barrier layer composed of a vapor barrier material resistant to hydrocarbon permeation therethrough. The multi-layer overlay may be secured to the multi-layer tank by, for example, applying a suitable amount of heat and pressure thereto or by molding the multi-layer overlay to the tank body during a tank forming process. |
| US08381927B2 |
Container
A container is provided, which includes a container main body having a loading space formed therein to load freight therein; a door opening/closing a freight doorway formed on one side of the container main body and including a first door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the container main body by a first hinge portion, and a second door of which one side is hinge-engaged with the other side of the first door by a second hinge portion; a slide rotation portion including a slide rail provided on the container main body, a movement member connected to the second door to slidably move along the slide rail, a link member connected to the movement member and an inner side surface of the second door to make the door rotate at 0 to 270 degrees around the first hinge portion, and a movement limit member connected between the movement member and one side of the link member to limit the movement of the link member; and a locking portion locking/unlocking the door with respect to the container main body. The capturing of freight can be originally prevented by a finished product itself without any separate locking device, and the merchantability and convenience in use can be improved through limiting of movement of a link member using the movement limit member to prevent the rattling of doors. |
| US08381925B2 |
Container having a tamper evident dispensing closure and label system with improved label
A dispensing closure and label system provides a clear indication of prior opening directly at the point of application of force to open the closure. The dispensing closure includes a closure body, a living hinge and a lid. The lid includes a downwardly depending sidewall that has a thumb tab that extends down beyond the parting line of the lid and the closure body. A label wraps around the skirt and container neck. The label overlaps that portion of the thumb tab that extends below the parting line of the lid and body. When the thumb tub is lifted to open the container, the paper label is ripped in the area of the thumb tab to evidence opening. |
| US08381923B2 |
Knuckle for a railway car coupler
A knuckle for a railway coupler system is made without internal voids or cores. Instead, external pockets are formed on the front face and tail portion surface to reduce weight. The knuckle is formed by investment casting, which permits a pulling face to be provided without a draft angle or parting line typical of a cast part. As a result of these innovations, the knuckle according to the invention has an improved fatigue life. |
| US08381921B2 |
Rolling extension tray bag dispenser rack
A rolling extension tray bag dispenser rack includes a bag pack support tray that has a base, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, a front wall and is sized and shaped to hold a merchandise bag pack. The front wall has an opening sized and shaped to permit extraction of bags from the pack. Rolling extenders are provided that have fixed portions and moving portions. The moving portions are attached to outer surfaces of the first and second side walls or the underside of the support tray and are slidably mounted to the fixed portions. The fixed portions have mounting features for attaching to an underside or back wall of a counter. A spring-loaded check ball or other latching mechanism is mounted to the support tray. A detent panel or other mating latching mechanism is mounted to the underside or back wall of the counter. |
| US08381920B2 |
Collapse structure of tool hanger board
A simple collapse structure of tool hanger board is provided, especially for reducing package volume of the hanger with a tool inserted therein. The hanger board has a hanger board body that functions to hang a tool for exhibition. The hanger board body has a lower portion that forms an insertion slot for receiving insertion and positioning of a tool therein. With a retention plate projecting from the body for securely looping and fixing the tool, secure insertion of the tool can be realized. An upper portion of the body that is located above a central positioning bar is made as a pivotally connected foldable upper board section. The upper board section is folded downward to overlap a rear surface of the board body so as to reduce the overall length of the hanger and thus effectively reduce the package volume, facilitate handling and lower costs of packaging and shipping. |
| US08381918B2 |
Shuffling apparatuses
A card-shuffling device reads a suit and value of individual cards that are moved through a card shuffler. Reading of the cards is effected after the cards have been received into a card holding area and before the cards have been delivered into a card collection area from which cards are removed from the card-shuffling device for use. The read suit and rank are then sent to a processor, wherein the processor identifies whether any playing card is a playing card that should be rejected from the card shuffler and the card shuffler then rejecting that playing card from the playing card shuffler. |
| US08381915B2 |
Process of purification of minerals based on calcium carbonate by flotation in the presence of quaternary imidazolium methosulfate
The invention concerns a process for purification of calcium carbonate-comprising minerals comprising at least one flotation step, characterized in that this step implements at least one quaternary imidazoline methosulfate compound as collector agent. |
| US08381911B2 |
Weekly dispenser for medicaments
Disclosed is a storage device for medicaments, comprising a rectangular bottom part with 7 compartments (1) that are separated by partitions (2) and each have an independent pivotable lid (3) such that each compartment (1) can be individually accessed. Seven compartments (1) have a same-sized rectangular horizontal section within the bottom part (4) of the weekly dispenser, while at least one longitudinal side (4.2) of the bottom part (4), more specifically the access side, has a convex wall (4.3), and the top edge (2.3) of all partitions (2) has a uniform curvature having a radius R in the longitudinal direction thereof. The 7 dimensionally stable and elastic lids (3) have an adapted curvature R′ that matches said uniform curvature of the top edge (2.3) of the partitions (2). The closing parts (6) start detaching from one another when pressure is applied to the central or rear region of an arched elastic lid (3). |
| US08381910B2 |
Stackable unit
A stackable unit having two longitudinal sections and two transverse sections forming a frame with at least one trough having each end fixed to the transverse sections and a fixed cover underneath. Vertical posts are distributed over each longitudinal section for support of a unit stacked above it. |
| US08381907B2 |
Individual package
An individual package of sanitary tampon that can be easily opened and can avoid any unintended seal breakage while being carried. The individual package of tampon comprises a vertically long, flat bag body made of a sheet-shaped member and a tampon with applicator individually enclosed in the bag body. The individual package further comprises a seal breaking part with one or more cut portions provided continuously or intermittently along a given direction of the sheet-shaped member and a buffer structure part provided on one side or both sides of the seal breaking part in the seal breaking direction. The buffer structure part has a slack portion formed by slacking the sheet-shaped member. |
| US08381905B1 |
Burglarproof bit socket bracket assembly
A bit socket bracket assembly has a frame, multiple bit socket mounts and a burglarproof unit. The frame has a track. Each bit socket mount is detachably and slidably connected with the track and has a hollow positioning section. Each positioning section has a round cross section and can be inserted into a bit socket. The cross sections of the positioning sections are round, so the bit sockets can be rotated. Accordingly, a number or a sign on each bit socket can be rotated to face a user and this is greatly practical and convenient. |
| US08381903B2 |
Article and method for reactive mixtures
Articles having a plurality of pouches present in a single article, the pouches separately containing chemical materials which are capable of providing a reactive mixture mixed, that cures over time to provide a polymeric coating in certain embodiments. The chemical materials are maintained in separate pouches that are separated by one or more frangible seals. When a frangible seal is broken, such as by application of pressure to the article, the chemical materials in the separate pouches come into contact with one another and may be mixed together. Subsequent to their mixing, the mixture formed is removed from the article, such as by cutting the article with scissors, and applied to any substrate that is desired to be coated, when the chemical materials are selected to be capable of forming a cured coating subsequent to their mixture. |
| US08381901B2 |
Roller conveyor motorized roller and roller conveyor device using the same
A motorized conveyor roller prevents slip between a power transmission mechanism in a roller tube and the roller tube due to aging. The power transmission mechanism includes a first closed-bottom cylindrical member fit over a second closed-bottom cylindrical member and a bolt for axially pressing the members against one another. The first member receives torque from a motor and a double-sided tape is laid on an outer surface of the first member. Facing surfaces of the first and second members are tapered, and the circumferential wall with the double-sided tape is expandable diametrically. The bolt diametrically expands the circumferential wall pressed by the tapered surface. Thus, an adhesive force of the double-sided tape sandwiched between the circumferential wall and the roller tube is exerted to adhere the outer surface of the first member to an inner surface of a roller tube. |
| US08381899B2 |
Apparatus for storing rolling material in a pile and reclaiming from the pile
The invention relates to an apparatus for stacking rolling material, such as e.g. wood chips, bark or grain into a pile (10) and reclaiming from the pile (10) to a material-discharging conveyor (20) located below the storing point, which apparatus comprises a center column (30) that supports a stacker boom (40) and a reclaimer boom (50), an equalizing hopper (60), at least one conveyor (25) located in the equalizing hopper (60) for transmitting the material being discharged to the discharging conveyor (20). A characteristic feature of the apparatus is that the center column (30) is supported directly through the equalizing hopper (60) onto the bottom of the equalizing hopper's (60) foundation. |
| US08381895B2 |
Device to reduce noise transmission through the gap between escalator steps
A device (40, 50) for reducing noise levels in passenger conveyor systems (10) at least partially obstructs spacing (36) at the interface between two steps (24, 30) to allow for relative movement between one step and the next. A sound transmission reducing member (40, 50) at least partially obstructs a sound pathway that includes the spacing to reduce the transmission of noise through the spacing. The sound transmission reducing member in one example is a barrier that partially blocks the interface, while in another, it extends completely across the interface. Additionally, sound absorbing material (46) may be secured to the underside of the steps in order to further reduce sound transmission toward the passengers and individuals near the conveyer. |
| US08381894B2 |
Power transmission system for people mover
A power transmission system for a people mover includes a transmission housing, a first motor having a motor shaft, an output gear located inside the transmission housing, and a plurality of gears located inside the transmission housing. The plurality of gears includes an output gear located inside the transmission housing, and first and second reduction gears cooperating to drive the output gear. At least one of the first and second reduction gears has an input/output shaft extending outside the transmission housing. The system also includes an external reduction stage located outside the transmission housing and driven by the first motor shaft to rotate the input/output shaft. |
| US08381892B2 |
Motorcycle
In a motorcycle, a cable linked with a clutch release lever is reduced in length and arranged without being bent so much. A release mechanism for a friction type clutch device is provided with a clutch release lever on a lateral surface of a crankcase that is linked with a cable connected to a clutch operational lever disposed on the left side of a steering handlebar that is turned to perform a clutch release operation. The clutch release lever includes an arm portion linked with the cable and a release rod turned together with the arm portion to press the push rod. The release rod is disposed on a left side portion of the crankcase and the arm portion is attached to project outwardly of the crankcase. The clutch release lever is turned clockwise as viewed from above a vehicle body to perform clutch release operation. |
| US08381888B2 |
Power transmission device
A power transmission device for power transmission between an engine and a power output, comprising at least an input and an output, a hydrodynamic component with an impeller and a turbine wheel and a device for partially bypassing at least the hydrodynamic component with a servo unit featuring a piston element that can be pressurized with hydraulic medium and able to influence the circulation rate difference of flow media on both sides of the piston element, wherein the influence comprises rotary synchronism with the piston element of the servo unit, a further rotatable piston element disposed in axial direction with a spacing from the piston element of the servo unit. |
| US08381887B2 |
Hydraulic shock absorber
In a shock absorber of a vehicle, when a moving speed of a piston rod in relation to a cylinder tube is slow and first and second input forces are externally applied to the shock absorber, damping forces of pressure side and extension side first damping force generating devices are larger than that of pressure side and extension side second damping force generating devices. On the other hand, when the moving speed is fast, the damping forces of the pressure side and the extension side second damping force generating devices are larger than that of the pressure side and the extension side first damping force generating devices. A gas enclosure chamber filled with gas is connected to a first chamber through a free piston. |
| US08381886B2 |
Release holding mechanism for railcar hand brake
A release holding mechanism for a railcar hand brake includes a release shaft rotatably mounted in the housing. A quick release handle is rigidly secured to an external end of the release shaft for rotation therewith and manually rotatable into a release position to initiate the quick release of the railcar brake application. A release lever cooperates with a driving mechanism of the hand brake to effect quick release of the railcar brake application. A release ratchet wheel is mounted for rotation with the driving mechanism. A release pawl operably engages the release ratchet wheel when the driving mechanism rotated for releasing the brake application. A gravity weighted member is disposed on and rigidly secured to the release lever for maintaining the release pawl, due to gravity, in a disengaged position relative to the release ratchet wheel when the driving mechanism is manually operable for effecting the brake application. |
| US08381885B2 |
Brake system and lawn mower implementing the same
A brake system and powered implement, such as a lawn mower, incorporating the same. In one aspect the invention is a system for stopping an electrically grounded rotating member of an engine powered by an ignition circuit, the system comprising: a conductive member operably coupled to the ignition circuit that renders the engine inoperative when electrically grounded, the conductive member mounted adjacent the rotating member; and the conductive member normally biased into a brake position in which the conductive member contacts the rotating member and is electrically grounded as a result of the contact with the rotating member. |
| US08381879B2 |
Drive systems and cargo lift systems
A drive system for use with a cable and a carrier for raising and lowering a payload includes a reel, a drive mechanism, a cable slack control mechanism, and a tension adjustment system. The drive member is operatively connected to the reel to rotate the reel in a winding direction when the drive member is rotated in a raising direction, and to controllably rotate the reel and/or permit the reel to rotate in an unwinding direction when the drive member is rotated in a lowering direction. The cable slack control mechanism is operative to automatically selectively decouple the drive member from the reel while the drive motor is rotating the drive member in the lowering direction when a tension on the cable does not exceed a threshold tension and/or the cable is fully unwound from the reel. The tension adjustment system is operable to selectively adjust the threshold tension. |
| US08381878B2 |
Oil capture and bypass system
An assembly for capturing lubricating liquid from a fan drive gear system of a gas turbine engine includes a gutter and an auxiliary reservoir. The gutter is positioned radially outward from a centerline axis of the gear system for capturing lubricating liquid slung from the gear system. The auxiliary reservoir is fluidically connected to the gutter for receiving and storing the lubricating liquid from the gutter. A portion of the auxiliary reservoir and a portion of the gutter have a same radial distance from the centerline axis of the gear system. |
| US08381877B1 |
Modular ladder
Disclosed herein is a ladder assembly consisting of a plurality of ladder segments each comprising a pair of identical rails, a third rail disposed medially between the parallel rails but not in the same plane, a plurality of rungs forming steps perpendicularly positioned and attached to the parallel rails but each diverted medially to attach to the third rail, and a plurality of joints sized to join each segment end-on-end to form the assembly, but with the proviso that in any ladder assembly having at least three segments, one of the third rails in the assembly is shorter than the other rails. |
| US08381873B2 |
Ladder and support stand
A convertible ladder and scaffold assembly includes a plurality of uprights and a plurality of beams each extending from one of the uprights. A plurality of hinges each hingedly connect one of the uprights to one of the beams about a rotational axis (AR) to provide an assembly having ladder, scaffold, push-cart, and storage configurations. Each of the hinges defines catches and present a stop releasably engaging catches for preventing rotation about the rotational axis (AR). At least one lever bar releasably engages a plurality of the stops for simultaneously releasing a plurality of the stops from engaging catches. Each of the lever bars have a plurality of lever sections for providing leverage to disengage the stops from the catches. Each of the lever bars has a grip section interconnecting the lever sections for simultaneously releasing a plurality of the stops from engaging the catches. |
| US08381870B2 |
Fluid flow controller
A fluid pathway is provided with a flow controller in at least a portion of its length wherein the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the fluid pathway, the configuration of the active surface conforming to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section. |
| US08381867B2 |
Transmission ratio variable mechanism and vehicle steering apparatus including the same
A transmission ratio variable mechanism includes an input member and an output member arranged to rotate around a first axis, an intermediate member arranged to connect the input member and the output member so as to be differentially rotatable, and a motor arranged to drive the intermediate member. The motor includes a cylindrical rotor arranged to rotate around the first axis. An inner periphery of the rotor is arranged to support the intermediate member and arranged to rotatably support the input member and the output member via bearings, respectively. |
| US08381866B2 |
Vehicle transmission
A vehicle having a main transmission and a front-axle transmission, the connection of which to the main transmission is effected by a connecting shaft of rigid design, a main axis of the connecting shaft and the center line of the main transmission being positioned in such a way relative to one another that there is a lateral offset angle, a longitudinal offset angle and a rotation angle between the main axis of the connecting shaft and the center line of the main transmission. |
| US08381863B2 |
Connection structure arrangement between a frame member and an engine of a saddle-type vehicle, and vehicle incorporating same
A saddle-type vehicle has an engine-fastening structure which stabilizes a seating face contact between a collar and a vehicle body frame on one side, and between the collar and an engine on the other side. The vehicle includes a vehicle body frame having an engine-supporting portion, and an engine block having a female threaded portion formed therein for alignment with the engine-supporting portion. The collar is interposed between the engine-supporting portion and the engine block. The engine-supporting portion of the frame, the collar and the engine side female threaded portion are fastened together by a bolt. A gap is provided at least at locations between the collar and the bolt which oppose a boundary between the collar and the engine-supporting portion, and another boundary between the collar and the engine side female threaded portion. |
| US08381860B2 |
Truck with at least three steered wheels
A truck includes at least three steered wheels (5, 6, 7) that are mounted on a chassis (1). The arrangement of the wheels relative to the chassis (1) is predetermined to increase the stability of the truck during the pivoting of the steered wheels (5, 6) and to protect the wheels in frontal mode. |
| US08381856B2 |
Working machine
A plurality of supports and a top plate attached to between upper ends of the supports are provided, and a power storage device and a controller are installed on the both upper and lower sides of the top plate respectively. Meanwhile, a hydraulic pump and a control valve are accommodated in space for hydraulic devices on the lower side of the top plate, and a heat insulating member and heat shield plates are provided as heat shield means for protecting the power storage device and the controller against heat from the exterior including heat of the hydraulic pump and the control valve. |
| US08381853B2 |
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle comprising a drive wheel which is driven by a traction electric motor, a brake command device, a brake releasing unit, a brake shaft, a friction plate, and a braking spring. The brake shaft is rotatable in a brake realizing direction which is one direction by an operation of the brake command device, and is rotatable in a brake releasing direction which is the other direction by driving of the brake releasing unit. The friction plate is operatively connected to the traction electric motor, and is frictionally braked when the brake shaft is rotated in the brake realizing direction. The braking spring applies an elastic force to the brake shaft in a direction to rotate the brake shaft in the brake realizing direction. |
| US08381850B2 |
Fuel cell system for vehicle and vehicle
A fuel cell system for a vehicle (1) includes a fuel cell (14) configured to react fuel gas and oxidizing gas with each other and generate electricity; a system frame (20) fixed under a floor of a body of the vehicle and supporting the fuel cell (14); a driving motor (43) configured to drive the vehicle, arranged in a motor compartment (R2); and a high-voltage cable (101, 102) configured to transmit high-voltage power generated by the fuel cell (14) to the driving motor (43), the high-voltage cable (101, 102) having apart extended across the system frame, the part is arranged on an inner side of the system frame (20) and is along a frame member (22) of the system frame (20). |
| US08381849B2 |
Vehicle hybrid energy system
A hybrid energy storage system suitable for use in a vehicle having an electrified drivetrain includes a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module that is different than the first energy storage module. The first energy storage module may have a cell configuration, a cell chemistry, a cell number, a controller or another characteristic different than a like characteristic of the second energy storage module. |
| US08381848B2 |
Children's ride-on vehicles with window mechanisms
Children's ride-on vehicles having window mechanisms, and window mechanisms for such vehicles. In some embodiments, the window mechanism is a manual window mechanism, and in some embodiments the window mechanism is a powered, or motorized, window mechanism. The window mechanism includes a window drive assembly that selectively drives movement of a window member relative to the vehicle body. In some embodiments, the window drive assembly is a powered window drive assembly that includes a window motor assembly and a window linkage to couple the output of the window motor assembly to the window member. In some embodiments, the window drive assembly is a manual window drive assembly. In some embodiments, the window member includes a receiving region coupled to the window linkage. In some embodiments, the window mechanism includes a window support assembly that maintains the window member in a predetermined orientation relative to the vehicle body. |
| US08381845B2 |
Infiltrated carbide matrix bodies using metallic flakes
A matrix powder for forming a matrix bit body, wherein the matrix powder includes: a plurality of carbide particles; and a plurality of first metal binder particles having an aspect ratio of at least about 3. Drill bits formed from metal binder particles having an aspect ratio of at least about 3 and methods of forming such bits. |
| US08381843B1 |
Well bore reamer
A well bore reamer has an elongated body for coupling between members of a well string, a first set of cutting elements on the body at a fixed position, a second set of cutting elements on a sleeve closing around a sleeve carrying portion of the elongated body. The sleeve is slidable along a longitudinal axis of the body and rotatable thereabout. A lower clutch mechanism operates between the sleeve and the elongated body at a bottom end of the body's sleeve carrying portion to block rotation of the sleeve relative to the elongated body in a predetermined direction about the longitudinal axis under sliding of the sleeve into a lowered position adjacent said bottom end of the sleeve carrying portion. |
| US08381836B2 |
Advanced underground homing system, apparatus and method
A boring tool that is moved by a drill string to form an underground bore. A transmitter transmits a time varying dipole field as a homing field from the boring tool. A pitch sensor detects a pitch orientation of the boring tool. A homing receiver is positionable at a target location for detecting the homing field to produce a set of flux measurements. A processing arrangement uses the pitch orientation and flux measurements with a determined length of the drill string to determine a vertical homing command for use in controlling depth in directing the boring tool to the target location such that the vertical homing command is generated with a particular accuracy at a given range between the transmitter and the homing receiver and which would otherwise be generated with the particular accuracy for a standard range, different from the particular range. An associated system and method are described. |
| US08381832B1 |
Combination drywall screw gun and rotary saw device
A combination drywall screw gun and rotary saw device kit featuring a base that has a body, a handle with a trigger, and a drive shaft connected to a motor. The kit has a screw attachment component that functions to install screws that has a screw bit, a shaft lock, a screw drive shaft, a depth guide, and a collet nut. The screw attachment component can be attached to and removed from the base using an attachment means. The kit has a saw attachment component that functions as a rotary saw that has a saw component and a saw drive shaft. The saw attachment component can be attached to and removed from the body portion of the base using the attachment means The kit has a wrench piece for engaging the collet nut to tighten or loosen the screw bit. |
| US08381831B2 |
Rotary impact tool
A rotary impact tool includes a drive power source for producing rotational power, a drive shaft driven by the rotational power supplied from the drive power source, an output shaft operatively connected to the drive shaft for receiving the rotational power, an impact mechanism operatively couplable with the drive shaft. The rotary impact tool further includes a changeover unit for changing over an impact mode in which the impact mechanism is operated and a drill driver mode in which the rotational power produced by the drive power source is transferred to the output shaft without operating the impact mechanism and a multi-stage speed reduction mechanism for transferring the rotational power produced by the drive power source to the output shaft through the drive shaft at variable speeds in at least three speed modes including a low speed mode, a middle speed mode and a high speed mode. |
| US08381829B2 |
Battery pack and cordless tool using the same
A battery device is constituted by connecting such cell assemblies in parallel as each includes: a first cell group having a plurality of cells connected in series; a housing container for housing the first cell group; current detector housed in the container for detecting a current to flow through the first cell group; a switching element connected with the first cell group for turning ON/OFF the current to flow through the first cell group; and a controller for controlling the ON/OFF of the switching element in response to the output signal of the current detector. |
| US08381826B2 |
Fire fighting robot
A fire fighting robot including a frame assembly and a fire extinguishing mechanism disposed on or within the frame assembly for ejecting a fire suppressant onto a fire. The robot also includes a caterpillar type of drive including a left and a right endless metal belt or track with an independent drive unit on each side of the robot. The left and the right motor are provided for rotating the endless belts to move the robot in a forward or rearward direction. Retractable illumination and video means for displaying a remote image of the area around the robot are provided. The robot also includes a mechanism for connecting the fire extinguishing mechanism to a source of water or other fire suppressant and for positioning a stream of suppressant onto a fire. In addition, the robot includes a pair of cooling fans and sprinkler system for maintaining the robot at an acceptable temperature. |
| US08381821B2 |
Gas lift valve
A gas lift valve assembly includes a housing that includes a first passageway that is substantially concentric with the central passageway of a string to communicate well fluid and a second passageway that is eccentrically disposed with respect to the central passageway to communicate a second fluid to lift the well fluid. The gas lift valve assembly includes a valve that is disposed in the second passageway and includes a ball valve to regulate communication of the second fluid. |
| US08381819B2 |
Rotation mechanism
A system for rotating an element inside a pressure containing housing. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a pressure containing housing having an opening through a wall of the housing into an internal chamber in which, in use, the element to be rotated is located, a bushing located within the opening, and a worm gear rotatably mounted in the bushing. The worm gear is offset from the axial center of the bushing such that rotation of the bushing moves the worm gear between an extended position, wherein the thread of the worm gear engages an element in the chamber, and a retracted position, wherein the thread is disengaged from the element in the chamber. |
| US08381817B2 |
Vortex controlled variable flow resistance device and related tools and methods
A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill string and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit. |
| US08381816B2 |
Flushing procedure for rotating control device
A method of flushing a wellbore fluid from a downhole tool containing a bearing package includes pumping hydraulic oil through at least one of a hydraulic inlet line and at least one of a pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and into an annulus formed between the bearing package and a main housing of the downhole tool, wherein the hydraulic oil replaces the wellbore fluid in the annulus, removing the wellbore fluid from the annulus through at least one hydraulic outlet line and at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing, pumping air through the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and removing the hydraulic oil from the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing, and removing the hydraulic oil through at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing. |
| US08381814B2 |
Groundwater isolation barriers for mining and other subsurface operations
To protect an underground aquifer from pollution due to the extraction of subsurface products from a recovery well or other subsurface mining operation, a plurality of barrier injection wells are formed around the recovery well/subsurface operation, each barrier injection well terminating in a groundwater layer to be protected. A polymer matrix material is then into the injection wells such that the material exiting each injection well expands and overlaps with material exiting from adjacent wells prior to solidification, thereby forming an isolation barrier within the groundwater layer. In the preferred embodiment, the polymer matrix material is a cellulose polymer hydrogel matrix material which is injected in gel form. Following recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous products from the recovery well(s), the injected polymer matrix material may be reheated and subsequently liquefied allowing full groundwater flow to occur. |
| US08381809B2 |
Packer with non-extrusion ring
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix. |
| US08381806B2 |
Joint used for coupling long heaters
Systems for coupling ends of elongated heaters and methods of using such systems to treat a subsurface formation are described herein. A system may include two elongated heaters with an end portion of one heater abutted or near to an end portion of the other heater and a core coupling material. The core coupling material may extend between the two elongated heaters. The elongated heaters may include cores and at least one conductor substantially concentrically surrounds the cores. The cores may have a lower melting point than the conductors. At least one end portion of the conductor may have a beveled edge. The gap formed by the beveled edge may be filled with a coupling material for coupling the one or more conductors. One end portion of at least one core may have a recessed opening and the core coupling material may be partially inside the recessed opening. |
| US08381802B2 |
Heat transfer device
This invention provides a heat transfer device which can improve its heat transfer performance in a heat exchanger with a flow rate of heat carrier fluid being set at a relatively low velocity, while restricting increase in pressure loss of the fluid flow. Plural longitudinal vortex generator winglets (10) are arranged in a spanwise direction on each side of the heat transfer object (T). The winglets on each side are oriented substantially in the same direction for deflecting the fluid to the same direction and conducting the fluid to an area behind the object. Each of the winglets has a configuration gradually decreasing in its height toward an upstream side of a flow of the fluid. Longitudinal vortices are produced behind the winglets by the fluid flowing rearward beyond the winglets. |
| US08381796B2 |
Functionally graded metal matrix composite sheet
A method of making a functionally graded metal matrix composite (MMC) sheet having a central layer of particulate matter, the particulate matter having a size of at least about 30 microns. The method includes providing a molten metal containing particulate matter to a pair of advancing casting surfaces. Solidifying the molten metal while advancing the molten metal between the advancing casting surfaces to form a first solid outer layer, a second solid outer layer, and a semi-solid central layer having a higher concentration of particulate matter than either of the outer layers. Solidifying the central layer to form a solid metal product including a central layer sandwiched between the outer layers and withdrawing the metal product from between the casting surfaces. |
| US08381793B2 |
Lift and tilt mechanisms for a venetian blind
The invention relates lift and tilt mechanisms for Venetian blinds typically, although not exclusively, comprising slats of very large dimensions, both relating to the width of the slats and to the longitudinal extension of the slats. Thus the venetian blind comprising these slats can be made to cover very large window openings or other parts of buildings and rooms. Both from a functional and from an aestethical point of view a precise and reliable raising and lowering of the slats of the Venetian blind as well as the tilting of the slats is very important. The present invention provides improved mechanisms for attaining these characteristics. |
| US08381792B2 |
Window shade and method of use thereof
A window shade that reduces the risk of an individual becoming entangled in cords used to operate the shade includes a headrail adapted for horizontal mounting above a window, a shading material attached to the headrail, and at least one cord for raising and lowering the shading material. The cord is attached to a location adjacent a lower end of the material, and extends upward through split ring cord guides toward the headrail. The cord is encased within a collapsible shroud attached to each cord guide. The shroud is adapted to longitudinally extend as the shading material is lowered toward a deployed position, and then longitudinally collapse as the shading material is raised toward a stowed position. |
| US08381789B2 |
Securing device for an automatic taper
An automatic drywall taper is provided. The automatic drywall taper has a securing device for securing drywall tape to the body of the taper during use. The securing device has an elongated bar which runs substantially parallel to the body of the taper. The elongated bar is spring activated to lock a hub on a bar which is attached substantially perpendicular to the body of the taper. The hub rotates thereby allowing the tape to dispense and be used on drywall. The hub has a braking mechanism which allows for the controlled release of the tape. |
| US08381787B2 |
Splicing device and method for splicing a sheet-like flat material
A splicing device (13) and a method for the transport and feeding of plastic film (8) to a processing station. In this processing station the articles are wrapped in the plastic film (8) and the film (8) can subsequently be shrunk. This device includes a supply of film rolls with at least three separate film rolls (1 to 6) that are subsequently fed to a conveyor. The device furthermore includes a fixation device (20, 24, 26) arranged between the conveyor and the film rolls (1 to 6). The fixation device (20, 24, 26) fixes and joins the beginnings of film of new full film rolls (2 to 6) to the sheet of film currently fed into the processing device. |
| US08381785B2 |
Self-inflating tire assembly
A self-inflating tire assembly includes a tire having a tire cavity between first and second sidewalls that extend respectively from first and second tire core beads to a tire tread region. At least one of the sidewalls is provided with an air tube peristaltic pump assembly. An air tube has an internal tube air passageway and is positioned within a sidewall groove in contacting engagement with opposite groove surfaces surrounding the air tube. The sidewall groove operatively bends within a rolling tire footprint to compress the air tube from an expanded diameter to a flat diameter adjacent the rolling tire footprint. A core bead passageway extends within a core bead adjacent the one tire sidewall for operatively storing air evacuated from the air tube passageway. Conduits are provided to route air from the air tube to the core bead passageway and valve mechanisms are positioned within the core bead passageway to control the flow of air from the core bead passageway into the tire cavity. |
| US08381782B2 |
Heavy duty pneumatic tire
It aims to provide a heavy duty pneumatic tire with block patterns and capable of improving deflected wear resisting performances without sacrificing wet grip performances or on-snow performances and that can particularly be favorably used for all seasons. The present invention comprises block patterns employing at least three types of blocks 4 comprised of central blocks 4C delimited by the central longitudinal groove 2M, the intermediate longitudinal grooves 2M, and the central lateral grooves 3C, intermediate blocks 4M delimited by the intermediate longitudinal grooves 2M, the outer longitudinal grooves 2S and the intermediate lateral grooves 3M, and outer blocks 4S that are delimited by outer longitudinal grooves 2S, outer lateral grooves 3S that extend from this outer longitudinal grooves 2S to the tread ends E, and wherein longitudinal length ratios (L4/W4) of blocks 4, groove width ratios of longitudinal grooves and lateral grooves (w2/w3), maximum widths of blocks, minimum widths of blocks and ratios thereof (W4max/W4min), and circumferential edge components and tire axial edge components and ratios thereof (EC/EL) at respective stages of wear are defined to be within specified ranges. |
| US08381771B2 |
Material feed container for a thick-matter pump
The invention relates to a material feed receptacle for a thick matter pump comprising a receptacle lower part and a receptacle top that is detachably connected to the receptacle lower part, a two-part front wall, a rear wall, two two-part lateral walls, an upwardly pointing material feed opening delimited by a peripheral edge, and a pipe junction, which is situated inside the receptacle, can, on the entry side, swivel in an alternating manner in front of the delivery cylinder openings and which, on the output side, leads to a pressure pipe. The invention provides that the receptacle top has an upper lateral wall part and upper lateral wall parts, which have free ends and which extend away from the front wall part. The invention also provides that the peripheral edge has a first edge part, which forms an upper edge of the receptacle top, and ha a second edge part on the receptacle lower part, which is situated on the rear wall and is joined to the first edge part. |
| US08381767B2 |
Reservoir module for a recycler assembly
An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a reservoir module including a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid. The lid including a portion that extends into the interior volume and an access port disposed in the portion. A back edge of a bottom wall of the reservoir is disposed above a front edge of the bottom wall of the reservoir and a front portion of a side wall of the reservoir is disposed non-vertical and substantially normal to the bottom wall of the reservoir adjacent the front edge of the bottom wall. |
| US08381766B2 |
Systems and methods for generating hydrogen gas
Systems and methods are provided for hydrogen generation utilizing two or more liquid fuel components, using a fuel delivery system comprising a single reversible or bi-directional pump co-operable with flow control means comprising passive or active valves to deliver two or more fuel components to a mixing zone, reaction zone, or reaction chamber of a hydrogen generation system. The pump is operable in a forward direction to deliver one fuel component, and in a reverse direction to deliver a second fuel component. Control of the pump speed, direction and duty cycle of the pump in continuous or pulsed modes provides for delivery of first and second fuel components in desired proportions, to control hydrogen generation. The system also allows for dilution, mixing and flush cycles to be provided using a single pump, reducing the number of active elements required for fuel delivery and flow control in systems using two or more liquid fuel components. |
| US08381759B1 |
Faucet handle assembly mechanism
A faucet apparatus has a bolt assembly with a brake shaft lever extending therefrom, a handle lever, and a handle holder lock having one end affixed to the handle lever, a handle holder having an axial hole extending therethrough, and a handle lever assembly positioned in the axial hole. The handle lever is connected to the brake shaft lever. The handle lever assembly is sleeved over the handle holder lock. An elastic locker is positioned in a radial slot of the handle holder lock so as to engage with a notch in the handle lever assembly. |
| US08381757B2 |
Valve device
A valve device for a hydraulic circuit (10) divides the incoming volume flow into at least two pre-determined partial flows for supplying hydraulic consumers (V1, V2) of the circuit (10) and has at least one pressure balance (16) and at least one orifice. Since the orifice is embodied as a variable orifice (32) controllable by a proportional magnet (34), the opening area of the orifice varies. A flow regulator is then realized and can switch the regulated volume flow and/or proportionally adjust the regulated volume flow in a defined manner. |
| US08381756B2 |
Method for supplying gas
[Problem] The present invention provides a gas supply method by which a gas in a gas container can be effectively utilized.[Means for Solving the Problem] On the basis of: the maximum flow rate (a first preset flow rate (Q1)) and the minimum flow rate (a second preset flow rate (Q2)) at the place where the gas is used; a first preset pressure (P1) at which the gas can be supplied at a first preset flow rate (Q1); a second preset pressure (P2) at which the gas can be supplied at a second preset flow rate (Q2); a third preset pressure (P3) which is higher than the first preset pressure (P1); residual pressures (PA, PB) in gas containers (SA, SB); a supplied gas flow rate (Q); and the relationship between the residual pressures (PA, PB) and suppliable gas flow rates (QPA and QPB, respectively), the residual pressures (PA, PB) and the supplied gas flow rate (Q) are monitored and the gas supply is switched between the first gas container (SA) and the second gas container (SB). |
| US08381754B2 |
Low friction butterfly ring
A butterfly valve for controlling the flow of fluid within a bore, including a butterfly and at least one ring extending at least one of substantially and completely around a perimeter of the butterfly and adapted to develop an expansion force in the radial direction when the at least one ring is in a contracted state with respect to the radial direction, wherein the at least one ring is secured to the butterfly in the contracted state and radial expansion due to the developed expansion force of the at least one ring is effectively restrained, wherein the butterfly valve is adapted to operate, when placed in a bore, without friction or substantially without friction between the at least one ring and the bore when the butterfly valve is placed in a closed position within the bore. |
| US08381750B2 |
Hunting blind having a camouflaging sloped profile
A skirt for a lay-down type hunting blind of the type having a shell for enclosing an occupant in a recumbent position. The skirt comprises at least one panel having a proximate edge and a distal edge. The proximate edge of the skirt attaches to the top perimeter edge of the shell. The skirt's distal edge is securable to a ground surface such that the skirt may be extended outwardly from the top perimeter edge of the shell to a ground surface at a slope sufficiently gradual to minimize shadows and blend more naturally into outdoor environments. |
| US08381748B2 |
Walking and pickup stick
A combined walking and pickup stick includes a shaft, pickup mechanism and actuator assembly. The actuator assembly controls configuration of the stick as either a walking stick or a pickup stick and also controls operation of the pickup stick. The stick has an adjustable length, but adjustment of the length does not affect operation of the pickup mechanism. The stick also folds for easy storage or transport. |
| US08381740B2 |
Tobacco smoking apparatus
The invention provides a tobacco smoking apparatus that enables a person to smoke; namely, inhale and exhale smoke and other combustion products from burning tobacco, while isolating and protecting others from a substantial portion of the combustion products, including smoke, smoker's exhale, and odor, that are produced from smoking tobacco. |
| US08381730B2 |
Medical device and technique for using the same
An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. These cuffs may include indicia that facilitate attachment of the cuff relative to the tube to reduce manufacturing variability for such characteristics as rotational and length alignment. Such indicia may include protrusions that are formed in the wall of the cuff collars or may include visual indicators, e.g., colorimetric or shape-wise indicators. Cuffs with improved attachment relative to the tube may have increased sealing performance. |
| US08381729B2 |
Methods and devices for minimally invasive respiratory support
Modes, methods, systems and devices are described for providing assisted ventilation to a patient, including wearable ventilation systems with integral gas supplies, special gas supply features, ventilation catheters and access devices, and breath sensing techniques. |
| US08381728B2 |
Self-cleaning and sterilizing endotracheal and tracheostomy tube
The self-cleaning and sterilizing endotracheal and tracheostomy tube may include a combination of an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube and a suction catheter that decreases the tendency of mucus and bacteria to adhere to the inner surfaces of the thereof. The endotracheal tube and the catheter may have a hydrophobic surface exhibiting the lotus effect, which may be formed either by femtosecond laser etching or by a coating of ploy (ethylene oxide). Alternatively, the endotracheal tube and the catheter may have a lumen coated with a photocatalyst. The endotracheal tube may also have a light source and a fiberoptic bundle mounted thereon, the optical fibers extending into the lumen to illuminate the photocatalyst. |
| US08381724B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling a medical device
A medical device, such as pressure support system, and a method of communicating with such a device using an information storage device. The information storage device, in one embodiment, is adapted to be provided in a slot in the medical device so that information for controlling the operating of the pressure support device can be read from the information storage device, information regarding the usage and/or operation of the pressure support device can be written to the information storage device, or both operations can be performed. |
| US08381719B1 |
Medicament delivery system with dose indicator and oversleeve actuator
A delivery assembly for dispensing a medicament from a container includes a dispenser housing having a longitudinally extending peripheral wall defining an interior surface. A container includes a canister having first and second ends and an exterior surface spaced from the interior surface of the dispenser housing so as to form a gap therebetween. A dose indicator is disposed on the second end of the canister and includes dosage indicia. A sleeve is disposed over the dose indicator and includes a longitudinally extending wall disposed in the gap between the interior surface of the dispenser housing and the exterior surface of the canister. The sleeve is reciprocally moveable relative to the canister and to the dispenser housing. A medicament delivery kit, a method of dispensing medicament from a medicament delivery device and a method of assembling a medicament delivery device also are provided. |
| US08381711B2 |
Universal dust collection shroud for high speed gas powered saws
A universal dust shroud is mountable to many high speed gas powered concrete cutting saws while remaining strong and stable. The dust shroud is adjustable to properly fit the saw and effectively collect dust and debris. |
| US08381707B2 |
Internal combustion engine air-fuel ratio control apparatus and method
Internal combustion engine air-fuel ratio control apparatus and method in which the target air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust-gas purification catalyst unit is controlled through at least proportional-integral control such that the correction amount per unit time of the oxygen amount in said catalyst unit is maintained constant. When the intake air amount is smaller than a predetermined amount and the air-fuel ratio detected by an oxygen sensor provided downstream of the catalyst unit is rich, the target air-fuel ratio is controlled to suppress an increase in the air-fuel ratio in the exhaust-gas purification catalyst unit. Accordingly, even if rapid acceleration operation is performed in a state where the intake air amount is extremely small and the air-fuel ratio detected by the oxygen sensor is rich, NOx in exhaust gas can be sufficiently removed through reduction reactions at the exhaust-gas purification catalyst unit. |
| US08381706B2 |
Head cover of an internal combustion engine
A part of a ceiling wall (14) of a head cover (10) that opposes an intake collection chamber (51) is constituted by a concave ceiling wall (20) that defines a concave surface facing the intake collection chamber (51), and the concave ceiling wall (20) is formed with a recessed groove (21) that further recedes toward an inner side of the head cover. |
| US08381701B2 |
Bio-diesel fuel engine system and bio-diesel fuel engine operating method
A bio-diesel fuel engine system and bio-diesel fuel engine operating method capable of producing a biomass fuel from a liquid state biomass source material of a fat-containing vegetable or animal oil allowing fuel to be combusted in a conventional diesel engine while providing the benefits of low fuel consumption, stable engine operation, and extended engine service life, with compared to use a biomass fuel reformed by methyl-ester method. |
| US08381700B2 |
Systems and methods for exhaust gas recirculation control in homogeneous charge compression ignition engine systems
An engine control system for a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine includes a position determination module, a position correction module, and a valve control module. The position determination module determines an initial position of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve based on a predetermined function of a desired EGR flow, intake manifold pressure, exhaust manifold pressure, and exhaust gas temperature. The position correction module determines a position correction for the EGR valve based on pressure in a cylinder of the HCCI engine. The valve control module commands the EGR valve to the initial position during a transition from spark ignition (SI) combustion to HCCI combustion, and commands the EGR valve to a final position within a predetermined period after the transition, wherein the final position includes a sum of the initial position and the position correction. |
| US08381698B2 |
Vehicle provided with engine and engine
A center line of a cylinder of an engine of the present invention is inclined by an inclination angle of 60° or more relative to a vertical direction. The engine is provided with a first oil communication hole or opening providing communication between a crank chamber and a rotor housing chamber so as to distribute oil, and a second oil communication hole or opening providing communication between the rotor housing chamber and a transmission chamber so as to distribute the oil. The second oil communication hole opening is arranged at a position where the oil remains in an oil pan when the vehicle is inclined. |
| US08381691B2 |
Fuel injection system
An engine includes a first piston with surfaces that define a substantially cylindrical chamber inside the first piston and a passage into the substantially cylindrical chamber. One or more second pistons are arranged to reciprocate inside the substantially cylindrical chamber and to define, in cooperation with the substantially cylindrical chamber, a combustion chamber. A fuel injector extends at least partially through the passage in the first piston to inject fuel into the combustion chamber. The first piston is arranged to move in a reciprocating manner relative to the fuel injector. |
| US08381688B1 |
Animal harness
An animal harness including first strap adapted to generally lie on a back area of an animal when the harness is disposed on the animal and second strap adapted to generally lie on an underside of the animal when the harness is disposed on the animal. Third strap is coupled to a first end of the first strap and a first end of the second strap, the third strap including a male clasp portion and a corresponding female clasp portion wherein the third strap is adapted to lie in front of a leg of the animal when the harness is disposed on the animal and the male and female clasp portions of the third strap are mated. Fourth strap is coupled to a second end of the first strap and a second end of the second strap, the fourth strap including a male clasp portion and a corresponding female clasp portion wherein the fourth strap is adapted to lie behind the leg of the animal when harness is disposed on the animal and the male and female clasp portions of the fourth strap are mated. |
| US08381686B2 |
Method of promoting efficient water drinking by animals
A method of promoting efficient water drinking by animals uses any one of a number of container embodiments. A first embodiment of container contemplates five sub-chambers separated from one another by parallel partitions, with each partition having a small weep hole near its bottom to equalize water level in each sub-chamber. Each sub-chamber has an elongated length dimension and a width that is relatively narrow and designed to approximate the width of an animal's tongue. When an animal is drinking water from one of the sub-chambers of this embodiment, as the tongue is lapping, the sides of the tongue are close to the inner walls of the sub-chamber, thereby precluding some of the water resting on the tongue from falling off the tongue as the water is lifted into the animal's mouth. In this way, the efficiency of drinking using the lapping technique is enhanced. In a further embodiment, a second sub-chamber provides a reservoir for replenishing the first sub-chamber as it drains down through a small weep hole near the bottom of a common wall between the sub-chambers. The second sub-chamber may be designed to receive an inverted bottle filled with water so that continuous replenishment of the drinking sub-chamber through a weep hole connecting the supply sub-chamber may be accomplished. |
| US08381684B2 |
Animal feeding bowl
An animal feeding structure can include one or more openings to drain water that is sprayed into the feeding structure in order to clean it. By draining the incident water, the remaining dirt, food and other particles are drained and removed from the feeding structure, thereby cleaning the structure without direct handling. Also, because the water is drained, water bounce back onto the person cleaning the bowl can be greatly reduced. The feeding structure can include an opening covered by a raised cap whose clearance from the bottom of the bowl can be adjusted. The feeding bowl can also include lateral and/or longitudinal slits of various sizes and shapes. The size and shape of openings can be designed to prevent food from falling out while allowing water, food crumbs, dirt, and debris to drain out. The effective size of the openings can be adjusted. |
| US08381681B2 |
Cleaning concentrate supply device, and milking device and method therewith
A receptacle for receiving cleaning concentrate, the receptacle comprising a concentrate discharge and a container having an opening, wherein a block-shaped cleaning agent is disposed on the opening in a replaceable manner, a liquid supply which is arranged for a washing out action, wherein liquid is sprayed through the opening onto the cleaning agent in order to wash out the cleaning agent and to form a cleaning concentrate, wherein a valve is provided in the concentrate discharge, which valve is controlled by a control device, wherein the control device is arranged to keep the valve closed during the washing out action, and wherein the device further comprises a signal supplier which is arranged to give a first warning signal after a predetermined phase of the washing out action. |
| US08381678B2 |
Wide area atmosphere pressure plasma jet apparatus
A wide area atmospheric pressure plasma jet apparatus including a transmission mechanism, a plasma housing and two plasma-generating devices is provided. The transmission mechanism includes a rotation output end that has a center axis. The plasma housing has an opening. The plasma housing further has a air-attracting hole near the rotation output end and extended from an outer wall of the plasma housing to the interior of the plasma housing, so that the heat of the plasma housing can be dissipated due to the generated gas circulation. The plasma-generating devices are disposed within the plasma housing and connected with the rotation output end. Each of the plasma-generating devices has a plasma nozzle located at the opening and tilts from the center axis. When the rotation output end drives the plasma-generating devices to rotate, two plasma beams are obliquely ejected from the plasma nozzle and the plasma processing area is increased. |
| US08381671B2 |
Shallow water anchor
A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies. |
| US08381670B2 |
Semi-submersible platform body for supporting drilling, storing, treatment or production of hydrocarbons at sea
The present invention relates to a semi-submersible platform body for supporting drilling, storing, treatment or production of hydrocarbons. The platform body have a cross section with a center point in a first plane, and is defined by a side wall formed by at least one side wall section, the side wall is arranged around the periphery of an open recess. Each side wall section comprises a first and a second side, an upper and a lower edge, the first and second side of the side wall section defines at least a first side wall thickness. The first side of the side wall section faces away from the open recess and the second side of the side wall section faces towards the open recess. The mentioned open recess has a cross section with a center point in the first plane. Further is the center point of the cross section of the open recess displaced a distance in the first plane, from the center point of the cross section of the platform body. The present invention provides for a flexible and versatile platform body which is disposed of the need for custom applications of heavy equipment or facilities in order to prevent displacement of the center of buoyancy. |
| US08381669B2 |
System for loading of hydrocarbons from a floating vessel
The invention relates to a system for loading of hydrocarbons from a floating vessel, such as a FPSO or FSO vessel, to an export tanker, where the floating vessel is spread moored to a sea bottom, and where the export tanker during the loading phase is moored in such a way that the export vessel to a greater or less degree can weathervane dependent upon the prevailing weather, wave and/or wind conditions.According to invention the floating vessel at least at one end is provided with a rotatable deck which can be turned when the heading of the export tanker changes. |
| US08381667B2 |
Adjustable, multiple splash plate liquor guns
An adjustable fuel nozzle assembly [1000] for spraying fuel into a recovery boiler [13] includes at least two fuel nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300]. An adjustment section [1500] adapted to adjust the relative orientation between the nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300] and hold them at the desired orientation relative to each other to create a desired spray pattern. The adjustment section [1500] also adapted to simultaneously aim several fuel nozzles at a target location, retaining their relative orientation between the nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300]. This allows the nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300] to spray fuel with a desired spray pattern to a desired location to properly control combustion of the recovery boiler [13], thereby increasing stability of combustion minimizing the creation of pollutants such as NOx gases. |
| US08381665B2 |
Table top constructed from molded plastic
A table includes a table top and a pair of support pedestals. A first pivotal support brace can be attached to the first support pedestal and a second pivotal support can be attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces can be pivotally attached to a retaining assembly, which may include a cross-brace member. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, wherein each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position. |
| US08381663B2 |
Plate-like element for supporting or bearing an object, and method for production of the same
A plate-like element for supporting or bearing an object, with a core of generally rectangular shape and composed of a foamed plastic. The core is covered at least on both surfaces by a plastic film of impact-resistant material. A connection of the plastic films, which cover the core on both surfaces, is formed in the region of a peripheral side edge of the core between a surface of the core and an adjoining, peripheral border of the core. A plate-like element which receives a corresponding load can be reliably produced by simple method steps. |
| US08381662B2 |
Foldable table
A foldable table that is supported by a pole includes a first table portion rotatably coupled to a second table portion. The table can be folded by rotating one or both of the table portions about a joint between the table portions. The table includes a recess for receiving the pole when the table is in an unfolded arrangement. |
| US08381655B2 |
Aluminum cartridge casing for rifles
A cartridge casing for rifles is made from a high strength aluminum alloy. A method for making such cartridge casing includes the steps of (a) forming a cylindrical blank from an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength greater than 80,000 psi, and (b) rotating the blank at a rate greater than 500 rpm and forcing the blank into a die, the die having a bore with progressively reduced interior diameters which are less than the external diameter of the blank. In the method, the forcing of the blank into the die results in the finished cartridge casing having a distal end with an external diameter which is less than the external diameter of its proximal end. |
| US08381654B2 |
Explosive charging
A method of charging explosives in a substantially vertical blast borehole, with a loading density reduced in relation to that corresponding to the complete fill up of the borehole diameter. The method includes the step of introducing a charging hose in fluid connection with a nozzle into an end opening of the vertical blast borehole. The charging hose and nozzle are then moved along the blast borehole along a travel direction at a controlled rate. As the nozzle is being moved, an explosive emulsion is forced though the nozzle at a controlled pumping rate such that the emulsion is sprayed by the nozzle laterally relative to the travel direction, in an arc formation extending around an axis of the nozzle, which axis is parallel to the travel direction, and onto an inner wall of the blast hole. The pumping rate and the controlled moving rate are adjusted so as to form a coherent string of the explosive emulsion exiting from the nozzle, whereby the string only partially fills up the blast borehole diameter. |
| US08381649B2 |
Printing method and display apparatus manufacturing method
A printing method including the steps of, forming a transfer layer on a blanket, forming a groove portion on the transfer layer by pressing a protrusion portion of a mold member including the protrusion portion having a predetermined pattern against the transfer layer, the groove portion having the pattern corresponding to the protrusion portion, forming a print pattern layer on the blanket by causing the transfer layer on the blanket and a relief printing plate including a convex portion having a pattern corresponding to a reverse pattern of the protrusion portion to face each other and pressure-contacting them so that a portion on the transfer layer corresponding to the convex portion is selectively eliminated, and transferring the print pattern layer onto a substrate to be printed by causing the print pattern layer on the blanket and the substrate to be printed to face each other and pressure-contacting them. |
| US08381638B1 |
Grill configuration having a forced air curtain and its associated method of operation
A grill assembly that uses a forced air curtain to limit smoke emissions from the grill. The grill assembly had a housing with an open top. A heat source is provided in the housing. A grilling surface is disposed in the housing between the open top and the heat source. A first fan is provided. The first fan directs air through an air curtain manifold to create an air curtain of forced air. The air curtain of forced air extends horizontally across the open top of the grill housing. Any smoke created by the cooking of food rises up until it contacts the air curtain of forced air. The smoke either remains trapped below the air curtain or passes into the flow of the air curtain. |
| US08381637B2 |
Household electric appliance lid having a filtration subassembly
A lid for a household electric cooking appliance, the lid having: a lower face; an upper face; a flue extending between the upper face and the lower face for evacuating cooking fumes and having an entry and an exit; a seal carried by the lower face and surrounding the entry of the flue, the seal having a periphery; and a removable filtration subassembly extending across the flue, wherein the filtration subassembly is mounted in an opening of the lower face outside the periphery of the seal. A household electric appliance composed of: the lid described above, and a tank having an upper edge, wherein the seal of the lid is provided to cooperate with the upper edge of the tank. |
| US08381630B2 |
Aircraft wing
A wing for an aircraft having at least one weapon, and a feed duct for feeding the weapon with ammunition supplied in the form of a belt; the wing has a compartment for housing a portion of the belt and connectable to a loading opening of the feed duct. |
| US08381629B2 |
Double barrel bolt action rifle
A bolt body for a double barreled bolt action rifle comprises a pair of forwardly extending breach bolts; a central body portion, from which the breach bolts extend; and a rear portion of the bolt body, housing a pair of cocking pieces. The rear portion has intersecting vertical and horizontal slots formed therein, defining a cruciform track in which the cocking pieces can travel. Each cocking piece has a vertical portion accommodated in said vertical slot and a horizontal portion in said horizontal slot. |
| US08381628B1 |
Ambidextrous firearm receiver with rear charging handle
An ambidextrous receiver and bolt operating assembly for use in combination with a standard bolt for a Ruger® 10/22® rim-fire firearm action. A receiver housing is configured to function with the original Ruger® 10/22® firearm bolt and has an ejection port which is smaller than the ejection port of the original Ruger® 10/22® receiver and which does not include a bolt handle reciprocation opening. The receiver housing also includes a longitudinally extending upper guide channel and an opening at an aft end of said channel. A bolt closure mechanism is adapted to bias the original Ruger® 10/22® firearm bolt into battery and to be received in a seat of the original firearm bolt. The engagement member does not include a laterally extending bolt operating handle. An ambidextrous charging handle is positioned in the channel and has a forward portion including a hook portion adapted to retract the original firearm bolt during rearward movement of said handle. The handle has a T-shaped aft portion extending out of said opening in said receiver housing. |
| US08381625B2 |
Circular saw blade with cutting tips mechanically locked against multiple force vectors
A circular saw blade includes a substantially planar main body having an essentially circular periphery in which are formed a plurality of annularly spaced tip support portions, and a plurality of cutting tips affixed by brazing to the tip support portions of the main body. Each cutting tip has a mounting base formed with at least two locking surfaces along which the brazing affixes the mounting base to a respective tip support portion. The locking surfaces are configured and located in relation to one another and to the main body for counteracting forces which act against the cutting tip in differing directions in the plane of the main body during rotational cutting operation of the blade. |
| US08381621B2 |
Hand tool alternately-magnetizing structure
A hand tool alternately-magnetizing structure includes a body, at least one magnetic component, and an adjustment ring. The body defines a central axis and a handle portion; in which defines at least one recess dented along a radical direction thereof. The magnetic component is received in the recess of the handle portion, and includes a resilient member and a magnetic member. The adjustment ring is sleeved onto the handle portion and capable of angular displacement, and defines at least one switchable portion dented at an interior wall face thereof for corresponding to the recess of the handle portion. The switchable portion describes an adjacent section and an outlaying section, wherein a wall thickness defined at the adjacent section is greater than that defined at the outlaying section. The effective magnetic field is adjusted by selectively aligning the adjacent section and the outlaying section with the recess of the handle portion. |
| US08381619B2 |
Fastening device for fastening locknuts
A fastening device used to fasten two locknuts to an object simultaneously includes a pedestal defining a first sliding groove, a pair of fixing blocks, a pair of rotating elements, a pair of first gear wheels and a second gear wheel. The fixing blocks are received and fixed in the first sliding groove. Each of the fixing blocks defines a through hole. Each of the rotating elements includes an operating portion and a shaft portion received in the through hole. Each of the pair of gear wheels includes a gear body attached to corresponding one of the shaft portions respectively and a sleeve protruding from the gear body and snugly receiving one of the locknuts. The second gear wheel is attached to the pedestal and engaging the pair of first gear wheels to achieve synchronous movements of the pair of first gear wheels. |
| US08381618B2 |
Extruder gearing
For driving an extruder (1) having disposed along a circle a plurality of shafts (3) with processing elements (4), the shafts (3) are connected to the output shafts (11) of a gearing (7) which are provided with output pinions (12, 13). The output pinions (12, 13) are disposed axially offset so that adjacent output shafts (11) have a different length (L1, L2) between the end facing the extruder (1) and the output pinion (12, 13). The axially offset output pinions (12, 13) are in engagement each with a sun gear (18, 19). One sun gear (19) is connected to a hollow torque shaft (21) and the other sun gear (18) to an inner torque shaft (22) disposed therewithin. The hollow torque shaft (21) and the inner torque shaft (22) are configured such that the difference in torsional rotation angle caused by the different length (L1, L2) of the output shafts (11) is compensated by a different torsion of the hollow torque shaft (21) and the inner torque shaft (22). |
| US08381615B2 |
Shaft such as a camshaft for internal combustion engines
A shaft, such as a camshaft for use in the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in which the shaft includes a basic shaft body, a plurality of functional bodies, such as cams, mounted in axially spaced positions on the basic shaft body, and at least one balancing element mounted on the basic shaft body, in which the at least one balancing element is produced separately from the basic shaft body and from the functional bodies, and the functional bodies and the at least one balancing element are subsequently mounted on said basic shaft body, for example, by axial press fitting. |
| US08381613B2 |
Parking brake cable and adjust system having no lost cable travel
A self-adjusting parking brake actuator includes a brake lever that is movable between brake-released and brake-applied positions. In addition, the parking brake cable adjust system includes a self-adjustment assembly having a frame; a rack mounted for movement relative to the frame along a longitudinal direction of the rack in a tension direction and an opposite direction; a cable connector for operatively connecting the rack to a brake cable, a first resilient member biasing the rack relative to the frame along its longitudinal direction in the tensioning direction, a primary locking device configured to engage the rack and permit movement of the rack relative to the frame in the tensioning direction only; a secondary locking device moveable between (a) a locking to lock the primary locking device to prevent adjusting movement of the rack relative to the frame in the tensioning direction, and (b) a releasing position to permit the primary locking device to allow adjusting movement of the rack relative to the frame in the tensioning direction by the biasing of the resilient member; and a second resilient member biasing the secondary locking device to the locking position. |
| US08381611B2 |
Adjustable steering assembly
A vehicle, such as an all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicle, includes a telescoping, adjustable, steering assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering device that is coupled to the steering assembly, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the steering device. The steering assembly may include a detent member, a steering post, a yoke, a collar, and a biasing member. The steering post includes axially spaced arcuate grooves where a detent member is seated and held in place with a collar. The collar includes a tapered internal surface for applying lateral pressure to the detent member to lock the yoke in place relative to the steering post. Without the use of tools, the collar may be moved to release the lateral pressure on the detent member, which in turn permits the yoke to be moved relative to the steering post—resulting in adjustment of the steering device. |
| US08381610B2 |
Accelerator device
An accelerator device for performing an acceleration operation includes a rotary body which rotates with rotation of a grip, a magnet which rotates with rotation of the rotary body, a rotation angle detector which detects a rotation angle of the magnet, an urging member which returns the grip to an original point position by urging the rotary body, and a separation member which separates the rotary body and the rotation angle detector, the rotation angle detector is fixed to the separation member and the rotary body is rotatably held thereby while the urging member urges the rotary body toward the separation member as well as in the rotation direction, so that positional variation of the rotation angle detector against the magnet can be prevented. |
| US08381609B2 |
Articulated structure for a multi-axis robot, and a robot including such a structure
An articulated structure for a multi-axis robot includes a base having an arm hinged to the base about a first axis and a forearm hinged to the arm about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and wherein the forearm forms a deformable parallelogram structure which includes two connecting rods that are hinged to two plates about respective axes that are perpendicular to the first and second axes. The structure also includes a first electric actuator controlling pivoting of the arm about the first axis, a second electric actuator controlling pivoting of the forearm about the second axis, and a third electric actuator mounted directly on one of the base and the arm for controlling pivoting of one of the connecting rods relative to the plates about the axes that are perpendicular to the first and second axes. |
| US08381606B2 |
Transmission with reverse idler gear synchronization system
A multi-speed transmission is disclosed having an input and output shafts supported by a housing, two gear sets each having a drive gear and a driven gear, and at least two shift forks coupled with synchronizers. An idler gear is selectively manipulated by a reverse lever to intermesh with a drive gear and a driven gear of one of the gear sets to create a reverse gear ratio. The reverse lever includes a cam portion that is selectively engageable with one of the shift forks. When the reverse lever is manipulated to move the idler gear to intermesh with the reverse gear set, the cam portion of the reverse lever triggers partial engagement of another gear set in order to synchronize the speed between the input and output shaft so that the idler gear is spinning at a similar speed as the driven gear of the reverse gear set. |
| US08381605B2 |
Disc device
A disc device has a sliding member 16 that operates in response to a rotational force of the first partially toothless gear 13 to disconnect a power transmission system from a disc conveying roller, and a protruding portion 16a disposed on this sliding member 16 is brought into contact with a rising portion 17b of a rotary lever 17 at an initial position of the sliding member before the sliding member starts operating, so as to restrict a rotation of the rotary lever 17 in such a way that a pin 17a does not come into contact with a wall surface of a cam groove 13d. |
| US08381600B2 |
Measuring system having a measuring transducer of vibrating-type
A measuring system comprising a measuring transducer generating primary signals influenced by at least one measured variable characterizing the flowing medium; an evaluating circuit processing primary signals delivered by the measuring transducer to measured values. The measuring transducer includes: at least one measuring tube for conveying medium to be measured; an exciter mechanism acting on the measuring tube for causing the at least one measuring tube to vibrate; and a sensor arrangement for registering oscillations of the measuring tube. The sensor arrangement including first, second and third oscillation sensors spaced from each other for generating first, second, and third primary signals of the measuring transducer, respectively, representing vibrations of the measuring tube. Based on said primary signals the evaluating circuit generates a measured value of mass flow representing a mass flow rate of medium flowing through the measuring transducer. |
| US08381598B2 |
Method of measuring the flow rate of a liquid flowing in a fluidic channel and implementation device
The present invention provides a method of measuring the flow rate of an electrically conductive liquid in laminar flow and to an implementation measurement device that are easy to implement, simple to produce and compact. For this purpose, the invention provides a device for measuring the flow rate, comprising: a channel (1); a pair of electrodes (2a-2b); and at least one device (3) for measuring the voltage (V) between the electrodes (2a-2b) of said pair, an electrical double layer forming at the interface of each electrode with the conducting liquid. The device comprises means (4, 5) designed so that, when the conducting liquid is flowing through the channel, the flow velocity fields in the diffuse layers facing each electrode are different and so that the convective/diffusive charge equilibria of the electrical double layer at the interface of each electrode are different. |
| US08381597B2 |
Inferential flow meter for use in fuel dispensing environments
An apparatus and method for measuring fluid flow comprising an inferential flow meter having a housing defining a fluid flow path. A pulser is operative to produce an output signal indicative of flow rate through the meter. The apparatus further includes a controller in electronic communication with the pulser so as to receive the output signal. Based on the output signal, the controller is operative to determine fluid flow in a plurality of dynamic time sub-windows corresponding to respective periods of substantially consistent instantaneous flow. |
| US08381592B2 |
Ultrasonic non-destructive testing
An apparatus and method for ultrasonic non-destructive testing provides an elongate strip of ultrasound transmissive material coupled at a proximal end to an object under test. The elongate strip has a transverse cross-section with a width and thickness giving an aspect ratio greater than unity and matched to the ultrasonic transducer such that excitation induces a substantially non-dispersive ultrasonic signal to propagate along the elongate strip to the proximal end and to enter the object under test. These non-dispersive pulses are particularly suited for time-of-flight measurements, thickness measurements, crack measurements and the like. The elongate strip helps to separate the transducer from a potentially hostile environment associated with the object under test. The elongate strip also has a large area of contact with the object under test allowing efficient transmission of energy into the object under test. |
| US08381587B2 |
Gas sensor, gas measuring system using the gas sensor, and gas detection module for the gas sensor
A gas sensor, which is extremely compact to be arranged for separated gas piping in semiconductor device manufacturing equipment, a gas measuring system using such gas sensor, and a gas detection module for the gas measuring system. The gas sensor has a gas detection device containing a dielectric semiconductor, the electric conductivity of the gas detection device varying in response to the degree of adsorption of gases to the gas detection device, a capacitive element connected in series to the gas detection device, and a pair of electrodes which are connected to electric terminals of an electric element comprising the gas detection device and the capacitive element, wherein the gas sensor is capable of detecting the degree of adsorption of gases to the gas detection device from an electrical response to a voltage which is applied to the electrodes and which periodically varies and reverses in polarity. |
| US08381585B2 |
Nautical instrument
A nautical instrument that can be repetitively mounted and removed from a surface within a ship without the use of tools or other instruments. The nautical instrument incorporates a mounting system that achieves slidable locking engagement of the nautical instrument to a bulkhead plate that is permanently secured to the surface of the ship. In another aspect, the invention is a nautical instrument that is extremely resilient to corrosion and harsh weather environments. In one embodiment, the invention is a nautical instrument comprising: a housing having a front face comprising an opening, the housing constructed of a material coated with zirconium; a transparent lens hermetically enclosing the opening of the housing; and a gauge mechanism for measuring a desired standard, the gauge mechanism positioned within the housing. |
| US08381583B2 |
Method for determining a functioning of a gas bleed valve
A method for determining a functioning of a gas bleed valve in a primary reservoir for a medium for a hydraulic system includes connecting a testing apparatus with a separate reservoir of the medium to the primary reservoir; pumping the medium from the separate reservoir to the primary reservoir; measuring the volume of the medium pumped from the separate reservoir to the primary reservoir; and determining the functioning of the gas bleed valve by comparing the volume of the medium pumped to the primary reservoir with: a change of the medium volume measured in the primary reservoir, or a change of the pressure of the medium pumped to the primary reservoir. |
| US08381582B2 |
Method and system for monitoring soil properties
The present application is directed to a method and apparatus for monitoring soil hydraulic properties, and for collecting soil pore-water samples, in relatively undisturbed soil conditions, by means of a vadose zone probe (10) adapted to be mounted on an inflatable sleeve (18) for installation in a borehole (14) formed in the vadose zone, said vadose zone probe comprises a fluid cell (15) having one or more conduits (13a, 13b, 13c) connected thereto for externally accessing its interior, and a porous medium (11) installed in, or formed on, one of its walls for allowing passage of liquid between the interior of said fluid cell and the borehole soil, wherein said vadose zone probe is made from an elongated body having a front (10f) and rear (10r) sides, and wherein said rear side is substantially flat and said front side is made from a deformable and permeable material, or having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of said borehole. |
| US08381580B2 |
Tire pressure monitoring device with inclinable valve stem
A tire pressure monitoring device with an inclinable valve stem is disclosed. The tire pressure monitoring device includes: a main body having a channel, wherein the channel includes a socket segment near one end thereof; the valve stem being movably fixed to a wheel rim and having a domed end movably received in the socket segment wherein the domed end has a threaded hole axially passing therethrough; and a positioning bolt being positioned in the channel from an opposite end of the channel and coupled with the threaded hole, so that the domed end of the valve stem is movably positioned in the socket segment and when the domed end moves, an angle between the connected valve stem and the main body is changed, thereby allowing the main body to abut against the wheel rim. |
| US08381578B2 |
Subsea pipeline service skid
Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure. |
| US08381577B2 |
Method and device for testing a container for leaks
A leak-testing method for a test container comprises measuring background noise within a chamber at atmospheric pressure with a trace sensor of volatile organic compounds that exhibit a measurement sensitivity less than or on the order of 1 ppb. Pollution is removed from an internal atmosphere of the chamber when the measurement of the background noise is greater than a predetermined threshold. The internal atmosphere of the chamber is mixed to homogenize a composition of the internal atmosphere receiving a container that defines a bounded internal space within which a volatile organic compound is present.A concentration of volatile organic compounds is measured within the atmospheric pressure chamber with the trace sensor of the volatile organic compounds. The measurement of the background noise is compared to the measurement of the concentration of the volatile organic compounds to detect the leak in the test container. |
| US08381570B2 |
Method for adjusting an acceleration sensor
A method for adjusting an acceleration sensor which includes a substrate and a seismic mass, the acceleration sensor having first and further first electrodes attached to the substrate on a first side, counter-electrodes of the seismic mass being situated between the first and further first electrodes, the acceleration sensor having further second electrodes on a second side and further fourth electrodes on a fourth side opposite the second side, an essentially equal first excitation voltage being applied to the first and further first electrodes in a first step for exciting a first deflection of the seismic mass along a first direction, the first deflection being compensated in a second step by applying a first compensation voltage to the further second and further fourth electrodes. |
| US08381563B2 |
Forging die heating apparatuses and methods for use
A forging die heating or preheating apparatus comprises a burner head comprising a plurality of flame ports. The burner head is oriented to compliment an orientation of at least a region of a forging surface of a forging die and is configured to receive and combust a supply of an oxidizing gas and a supply of a fuel and produce flames at the flame ports. The plurality of flame ports are configured to impinge the flames onto the forging surface of the forging die to substantially uniformly heat at least the region of the forging surface of the forging die. |
| US08381562B2 |
Metal forming apparatus characterized by rapid cooling and method of use thereof
A metal forming apparatus characterized by rapid cooling includes a forming tool having a first portion defining a forming surface and a second portion defining a cavity for a working gas. A plurality of fins are in conductive heat transfer relationship with the forming tool. The metal forming apparatus enables a high thermal efficiency mode of operation when the effect of the fins is negated for use during metal forming operation, and a rapid cooling mode for use in preparing for tool maintenance. A corresponding method is also provided. |
| US08381553B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine is provided for washing laundry therein. The washing machine includes a hinge member including a door coupling portion and at least one coupling section having at least one hinge coupling hole corresponding to a cabinet coupling hole. The washing machine further includes a front cabinet cover and a rear cabinet cover, having at least one cabinet coupling hole in which at least one coupling member is tightend. The hinge member is directly couple to the rear cabinet cover. |
| US08381549B2 |
Optical fiber preform fabricating method
The present invention relates to an optical fiber preform fabricating method that makes it possible to implement a reduction in iron impurities at a low cost. The optical fiber preform fabricating method comprises a glass synthesis step for forming a glass region constituting at least a part of the core area of the optical fiber. The glass synthesis step includes a deposition step of depositing glass particles containing the Al-element inside the glass pipe by means of chemical vapor deposition, and a consolidation step of obtaining a transparent glass body from the glass soot body thus obtained. In other words, the deposition step synthesizes glass particles on the inside wall of a glass pipe by feeding raw material gas, in which the content ratio (O/Al) of the O-element and Al-element is 20 or less, into the glass pipe. Furthermore, the consolidation step obtains a transparent glass body from the glass soot body by heating the glass soot body. The transparent glass body that is formed in the consolidation step constitutes part of the core region. |
| US08381548B2 |
Method of manufacturing photonic band gap fiber base material and fiber
A method of manufacturing a photonic band gap fiber base material includes: a forming step of continuously forming a columnar core glass body 10 and a clad glass body 20 which coats the core glass body to obtain an intermediate base material 110; a hole making step of making holes 30 in the clad glass body 20; an insertion step of inserting in the holes 30 a plurality of bilayer glass rods 40 in which an outer layer 42 which has the same refractive index as the clad glass body coats high refractive index portions 41 having a higher refractive index than a refractive index of the clad glass body 20; and a heating step of heating the intermediate base material 110 and integrating the intermediate base material 110 and the bilayer glass rods 40. |
| US08381545B2 |
Triangular star shaped diamond having hearts and arrows pattern
A triangular star shaped diamond adapted to display a hearts and arrows pattern when exposed to light comparable to the hearts and arrows pattern in a round diamond, comprising: six main crown facets, twelve crown half facets, a table facet, six main pavilion facets and an even number of main girdle facets separating the crown facets from the pavilion facets with each main crown facet having a symmetrical main crown facet in an opposing relationship and at least one edge in parallel alignment with an edge of the opposing main crown facet. |
| US08381536B2 |
Conductive webs
Conductive nonwoven webs are disclosed. The nonwoven webs contain pulp fibers combined with conductive fibers. In one embodiment, the webs are made in a wetlaid tissue making process. |
| US08381534B2 |
Ice distribution system and method
An ice distribution system and method according to which ice-filled bags are distributed within a unit such as, for example, an ice merchandiser. |
| US08381530B2 |
System and method for controlling combustion dynamics
A tunable fluid flow control system for controlling combustion dynamics in a combustor is disclosed. The control system includes a fuel supply path having an inlet portion, a first diverted portion, a second diverted portion, and an exit portion. A first diverted portion has a first length and a first diameter. A second diverted portion has a second length and a second diameter and spaced apart from the first diverted portion. The first and second diverted portions converge at a merging location. The exit portion is coupled to the merging location of the first and second diverted portions. At least one flow regulation device is coupled to the inlet portion and configured to divert fuel flow to the first and second diverted portions alternately to generate fuel flow perturbations at the merging location. |
| US08381526B2 |
Systems and methods of providing high pressure air to a head end of a combustor
A combustor includes a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path places a diffuser in indirect fluid communication with a combustor cap assembly by way of an intervening lower combustor annular passageway. The second flow path places the diffuser in direct fluid communication with the combustor cap assembly. |
| US08381518B2 |
Engine exhaust system having filter before turbocharger
An engine system for a combustion engine that has an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold has a turbine having a turbine inlet for receiving exhaust gas and a turbine outlet for discharging exhaust gas, and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) having a DPF inlet in flow-communication with the exhaust manifold and a DPF outlet in flow-communication with the turbine inlet. The exhaust at the exhaust manifold has a sufficiently high temperature to maintain passive regeneration of the DPF during normal operating conditions. If the engine system includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, the EGR inlet is in flow-communication with the DPF outlet, and an EGR outlet is in flow-communication with the intake manifold. High pressure, high temperature, filtered EGR gas is available for EGR recirculation. |
| US08381513B2 |
Internal combustion engine system
A compression-ignition internal combustion engine system having an exhaust passage and an exhaust gas treatment arrangement, wherein the exhaust gas treatment arrangement comprises a three-way catalytic converter. |
| US08381511B2 |
Internal combustion engine control apparatus and method
An ECU performs atmospheric learning to correct an individual difference in an A/F sensor. In this case, when reducing fuel has been added before a fuel cut, the ECU calculates, at fixed intervals, the total amount of reducing fuel added and the total amount of oxygen flowing through an exhaust passage. The ECU then estimates the remaining amount of reducing fuel remaining in the exhaust passage using these total amounts, and performs atmospheric learning when the remaining amount is equal to or less than an allowable value. As a result, atmospheric learning can be accurately performed at the earliest possible timing even if the timing at which the reducing fuel is added or the operating state of an internal combustion engine or the like changes. |
| US08381510B2 |
Method and systems for controlling engine thrust using variable trim
A method and systems for controlling a thrust output of a gas turbine engine are provided. The system includes a first sensor for measuring a first engine operating parameter, a second sensor for measuring a first engine condition parameter, and a processor programmed to determine an expected value of the first engine condition parameter and determine a first variance value using a difference between the expected value of the first engine condition parameter and the measured first engine condition parameter. The processor is further programmed to determine a trim value using the first variance value and a first engine operating parameter demand and to determine a modified operating parameter demand based on the nominal operating parameter demand and the determined trim value. The system also includes a controller coupled to the processor for controlling engine thrust based on the modified demand of the first engine operating parameter. |
| US08381504B2 |
Snood
A snood is used on a line, string, or rope, such as a fishing line. The snood is formed from a stiff snood thread, the snood being twisted with two strands and having a loop for attachment to the line, string, or rope. The loop is formed by threading an end of the snood through the two strands of a main body of the snood. The snood is impregnated with a synthetic oil suitable for impregnation of fishing gear diluted in White Spirit and added color, or with a lacquer which is diluted in thinner and added color. |
| US08381503B2 |
Intermeshed feeding system for round balers
An improved crop pickup apparatus for a round baler in which the pickup apparatus substantially wider than the bale chamber inlet opening. The pickup apparatus includes a transversely aligned, overshot crop feed rotor positioned longitudinally between the forwardly disposed pickup tine reel and the rearwardly disposed floor roll. The feed rotor comprises a plurality of generally radially extending feed fingers that intermesh with a plurality of circumferential grooves on the floor roll and tines on the tine reel thereby enabling the spacing between the rotational axes of the floor roll, tine reel, and feed rotor to be reduced compared to a non-intermeshing arrangement. The intermeshed relationship also strips crop from the feed rotor without the use of a separate crop stripping device. The feed rotor further comprises a pair of tapered feed augers arranged on the feed rotor rotational axis positioned outboard of the inlet opening. The auger taper improves crop movement from the outboard portions of the pickup apparatus to the feed rotor feed fingers. |
| US08381493B2 |
Method of packaging compound semiconductor substrates
Affords a compound semiconductor substrate packaging method for preventing oxidation of the surface of compound semiconductor substrates. The compound semiconductor substrate packaging method provides: a first step of inserting a compound semiconductor substrate (10) into a gas-permeable, rigid container (20), placing the rigid container (20) into an inner-packing pouch (30) having an oxygen transmission rate of 1 to 100 ml·m−2·day−1·atm−1, and a moisture transmission rate of 1 to 15 g·m−2 ·day−1, replacing the air inside the inner-packing pouch (30) with an inert gas, and hermetically sealing the inner-packing pouch; and a second step of placing the sealed inner-packing pouch (30), and a deoxygenating/dehydrating agent (40) that at least either absorbs or adsorbs oxygen gas and moisture, into an outer-packing pouch (60) that has an oxygen transmission rate that is 5 ml·m−2·day−1·atm−1 or less and is lower than that of the inner-packing pouch (30), and a moisture transmission rate that is 3 g·m−2·day−1 or less and is lower than that of the inner-packing pouch (30), and hermetically sealing the outer-packing pouch (60). |
| US08381490B2 |
Dual glazed framing system for encapsulating translucent insulating particulate material and method of making same
A skylight or other like panel comprising a dual glazed framing system is provided. The dual glazed framing system includes opposing glazing panels, a frame with supporting ledges, and translucent insulating particulate material is encapsulated in a insulating cavity defined by the frame and the opposing panes. A movable fill guide is provided and allows for the compression of the translucent insulating particulate material. A method of creating a dual glazed framing system filled with translucent insulating particulate material is also provided. |
| US08381489B2 |
Method for cutting roofing shingles
A system and method for cutting shingles according to which a plurality of cutting blades are mounted on the outer circumference of a cutting cylinder, and the cylinder is rotated with the blades engaging the sheet while effecting relative translational movement between the cylinder and the sheet so that shingles are cut from the sheet upon one rotation of the cylinder. |
| US08381484B2 |
Insulated modular building frame
A building frame resistant to earthquakes, gale-force wind loads, fire, insects and rot includes a peripheral frame wall constructed of square or rectangular steel tubing. Side wall frame modules bolted together along adjacent edges, and end wall modules bolted together along adjacent edges and to the ends of the connected side wall modules form the peripheral frame wall. Diagonal bracing is built into selected side and end wall modules as required for the desired degree of wind resistance. Trusses made of various size tube such as 2×3 inch rectangular steel tubing for supporting a roof on the peripheral wall, are assembled and welded in a welding shop and the prefabricated trusses and wall modules are trucked to the building site. Multiple stones may be erected and fastened together, and the building frame is secured to a foundation or slab by attaching to anchor bolts or plates. |
| US08381478B2 |
Retaining wall block
Blocks for wall constructions described herein are in the form of casted one-piece concrete hollow bodies. The blocks include front and back walls which are generally parallel to a first axis and have top and bottom ends and two inner walls integral to both front and back walls therebetween that are generally parallel to a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. One of the end side faces of the two inner walls includes male connector portions that are offset from a first distance from the front wall. The other end side face includes female connector portions that are registered along the first axis with the male connector portions and are offset from the first distance from the back wall. The male connector portion is for insertion in the female connector portion of another block when the other block is mounted thereon so as to yield a straight or a shifted retaining wall portion. The shifted retaining wall portion results from the first and second blocks having their front walls on a same side relative to the first axis and the straight retaining wall portion results from the first and second blocks having their front walls on opposite sides relative to the first axis. Further embodiments of the blocks include further female receiving portions allowing versatile positioning of the blocks. |
| US08381476B2 |
Panel and floor covering
A panel with a working surface and four edges of which oppositely disposed pairs of edges have corresponding holding profiles so similar panels are connectable. Holding profiles of a first pair of edges are connectable by angular movement into interlocking relationship Holding profiles of a second pair of edges are hook elements, which are connectable to similar adjacent panels by joining movement provided a hook element is a separate vertical locking element projecting toward joining movement of the hook elements. During joining, the vertical locking element is movable out of the path of joining movement and when hooked, the hook elements are movable toward the joining movement by spring action. When dismantling, connected panels are unlockable from hooked and vertically locked condition by pivoting about an axis near the hooked edges and toward an unlocking position. The working surfaces, when unlocked, are less than 180° relative to each other. |
| US08381475B2 |
Fixing system for cladding
A fixing system (20) for securing cladding boards (28) to the framing (26) of a building in a partially overlapping relationship, each board (28) having front and rear faces with a recess (42) being provided in and along the rear face. The fixing system (20) comprises a plurality of fixing devices (30), supported by the framing (26), that are spaced apart relative to one another and arranged in rows, each row of fixing devices (30) being arranged to support a board or row of boards (28) and each fixing device (30) having an engagement portion (40) that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess (42) of a board (28) to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing devices (30) of that row also engaging with a section of the recess (42), support the board (28) in place on the framing (26). Also, the fixing system comprises a plurality of fixing components (44) that are arranged to extend through the front face of each board (28) within the overlapping region of adjacent boards and into the framing (26) to secure each board (28) to the framing (26) in co-operation with the fixing devices (30). |
| US08381474B2 |
Drywall repair kit
A surface repair kit includes an air-permeable breathable membrane coated with a premeasured amount of joint compound in its wet state. The membrane is suspended in a semi-rigid flexible frame and an opposing cover sheet is affixed over the compound around the backside of the frame. This framed composition is encased in an airtight package to prevent the compound from hardening. Included in the packaging may be a wall patch with an adhesive surface that holds a peel-off covering. Sandpaper may also be included in the kits since some repairs may require a final light sanding. The outside of the packaging carries simple printed instructions for the user to carry out the steps of peel, press and roll with accompanying illustrations so that drywall repairs can be carried out even by an unskilled novice. |
| US08381471B2 |
Packaging/construction material to make variable sized structures with intrinsic cushioning
Material engineered with outer flat and inner cushioned layers for fabricating shipping and gift boxes of various sizes to handle items of diverse dimensions. Thin, strong sheet that will remember a right angle bend after scoring or hand-flexing, molded or bonded to inner surface grid of right-angle, equal-sized pyramid shapes covering the entire surface that will serve to cushion fragile items placed inside a variable sized box made from the subject material. The material will be available in different size sheets and pyramid sizes, depending the dimensions and weight of the items to be boxed. The right angle pyramids will allow easy scoring and bending of the material, and each right angle formed for the box under construction will have one right angle pyramid abut another, forming a larger right angle pyramid that along with the bend in the material sheet will afford great rigidity to the finished box. |
| US08381470B2 |
Tapered load plate for transferring loads between cast-in-place slabs
A tapered load plate transfers loads across a joint between adjacent concrete floor slabs. The top and bottom surfaces may taper from approximately 4 inches wide to a narrow substantially pointed end over a length of approximately 12 inches. The tapered load plate accommodates differential shrinkage of cast-in-place concrete slabs. The tapered load plate may comprise a main plate and at least one extension. When adjacent slabs move away from each other, the narrow end of the tapered load plate moves out of the void that it created in the slab thus allowing the slabs to move relative to one another in a direction parallel to the joint. Tapered load plates may be assembled into a load-plate basket with the direction of the taper alternating from one tapered load plate to the next to account for off-center saw cuts. |
| US08381466B2 |
Photovoltaic solar module having a polyurethane frame
The present invention relates to a photovoltaic solar module, a process for the preparation thereof, and a device for generating electric energy employing such a solar module. The photovoltaic solar module has a wholly or partly surrounding frame of polyurethane which is characterized in that said frame has an elongation at break of at least 50%, a modulus of elasticity of at least 30 N/mm2 and a coefficient of thermal expansion of up to α=80×10−6/K, the modulus of elasticity and the coefficient of thermal expansion each being measured parallel to the edges of the module. |
| US08381465B2 |
Building integrated power generating system
A power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade. Electrical power can be more advantageously generated from surface areas of building structures previously untapped for solar energy harvesting. |
| US08381459B2 |
Adjustable roof ventilator base
A roof ventilator mount for mounting a roof ventilator onto a gable-type roof (21), the roof ventilator including a roof ventilator base (10) defining a cupola mounting portion (25) for mounting a cupola (12) thereto, the roof ventilator mount comprising: a first mounting component (26), the first mounting component (26) including a first mounting plate (48) mountable to the roof (21); a second mounting component (26), the second mounting component (26) including a second mounting plate (48) mountable to the roof (21); the first and second mounting components (26) being mountable to the roof ventilator base (10) with proximal edges (47) thereof located substantially adjacent to each other and distal edges (49) thereof located spaced apart from each other; the first and second mounting plates (48) being each provided with a breakable segment (66) extending from the proximal edge (47), the breakable segment (66) being breakable from the remainder of the mounting plate (48) along a predetermined break line located at a predetermined distance from the distal edge (49). |
| US08381457B2 |
Domed steel roof frame
A domed steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers. |
| US08381456B2 |
Domed non-steel roof frame
A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers. |
| US08381449B1 |
Modular roof structural units and use thereof
A building structure has a generally horizontally disposed modular roof made-up of a plurality of side-by-side roof units which are mutually joined. Each roof unit is constructed as a pair of spaced apart rigid skins shaped in such manner as to eliminate additional supporting structure and which are joined along mutual edges of the pair of skins and forming an interior space filled with a thermal insulator. One end of each of the roof units is curved in a downward arc. A skylight frame protrudes above an upper one of the pair of skins, the frame supporting an upwardly facing window. An electrical circuit includes LED lamps mounted in a lower one of the pair of skins with its illumination directed downwardly. The circuit may also include a motorized shade or a liquid crystal shade for limiting natural light transmission through the window. |
| US08381448B2 |
Adjustable door sweep
An adjustable door sweep with an upper frame, a lower carrier, and at least one brush is provided. The adjustable door sweep includes diagonally oriented slots in the walls of the upper frame and the lower carrier with attached rotatable rods to assist in vertical adjustment of the extensions, such as brushes. The method of using such an adjustable door sweep is also provided. |
| US08381447B2 |
Door panel opening and closing device for a casing
A door panel opening and closing device for a casing includes a face panel, a door panel, and a resilient member. The face panel includes a base wall and a first post disposed on the base wall. The door panel includes a pivot arm pivoted to the base wall and having a second post. A pivot juncture between the pivot arm and the base wall is defined as a turning axis. The door panel is turnable about the turning axis between closed and open positions. The resilient member is an extension spring having two ends hooked to the first and second posts, respectively. When the door panel is turned from the closed position past a specific angular position, the door panel will automatically spring to the open position by virtue of a directional change of a component of tension force of the resilient member to an outward direction. |
| US08381440B1 |
Pot cover and method of use
A pot cover has a pair of cover elements that are interlockable to together form a pot cover body. The pot cover body is formed by a plurality of annular cover elements that are concentrically arranged on a horizontal plane to together provide a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, an inner perimeter edge, and an outer perimeter edge. A plurality of concentric spaces are formed between each of the plurality of annular cover elements, and a plurality of radially extending connector strips interconnect the plurality of annular cover elements to hold the annular cover elements in the horizontal plane. The connector strips may be cut between two of the annular cover elements to remove at least one of the annular cover elements. |
| US08381439B2 |
Compressed growing medium including castings
A growing medium includes a bulking agent and an animal by-product, blended together and compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio ranging from about 7:1 to about 8:1, being substantially free of a water-soluble binder material. The bulking agent may also include organic and inorganic nutrients, beneficial for plant growth. Of particular interest is the incorporation of worm castings, a valuable form of organic nutrients. |
| US08381430B1 |
Fishhook disgorger
A fishhook disgorger and method of disgorging employ a pair of opposed, widely-spaced, rotating jaws having surfaces configured to grip and hold a fishhook or lure. The jaws are pivotally connected to each other, and a hand operated mechanism uses links and hingepins to draw the jaws toward each other for clasping an impaled fishhook or portion of a fish lure therebetween. The disgorger clasping force may be increased by extending linked elements at an angle to the surfaces configured to hold a fishhook or lure. |
| US08381422B2 |
Method and means for converting a blade attachment of an off-road vehicle to a quick-attach blade
A quick-attach mechanism is provided for attachment to the forward end of push tubes which are secured to an off-road vehicle to enable a plow blade or other implement to be quickly attached to the forward ends of the push tubes. |
| US08381416B2 |
Footwear structure and method of forming the same
A footwear structure including an outsole, an upper and a midsole, each including a shank interlock portion. The midsole may include multiply layers of differing rigidity. |
| US08381414B2 |
Method and apparatus for inhibiting pitch formation in the wet seal exhaust duct of a veneer dryer
A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of drying sections and a single point exhaust system. A seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential. A heating system is also provided for heating the seal exhaust gases above the pitch condensation temperature for the flow. |
| US08381410B2 |
Breast implant selector systems
A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information. |
| US08381407B1 |
Exchange blade knife
An exchange blade knife includes a replaceable blade, a blade holder and a blade lock. The replaceable blade includes an opening adjacent to its base edge. The blade holder includes a blade recess for receiving the replaceable blade and a boss corresponding to the opening in the blade which projects from the surface of the blade recess. The boss has a low portion that is no thicker than the replaceable blade and a raised portion that extends above the surface of the replaceable blade. The blade lock pivots on the blade holder between an opened position for receiving the replaceable blade and a closed position for retaining the replaceable blade. The blade lock also includes an opening for receiving the boss of the blade holder. |
| US08381403B2 |
Baffle for an automotive vehicle and method of use therefor
There is disclosed a baffle for inhibiting the passage of sound, debris or the like through a cavity of an automotive vehicle. |
| US08381400B2 |
Method of manufacturing a check valve
A check valve includes a housing, a bore, and a liftably movable valve body which is spring-loaded at least after a small axial travel of the valve body and tightly contacts a valve seat. The bore is constructed as a stepped bore, the bore section of smaller diameter having the valve seat, and the bore section of larger diameter receiving the liftably movable valve member. A ball which is held captive by a holding element arranged in the bore is provided as valve body. The valve seat has a contour corresponding to the valve body in the area of the contact surface of the valve body. |
| US08381398B2 |
Component with a damping filler and method
A method of manufacturing an aerofoil for a gas turbine engine (10). The method comprises the steps of providing first and second panels (16, 18), providing a web (30) between the first and second panels, deforming the panels and the web by applying internal pressure between the panels so as to form a series of internal cavities partitioned by the web. The method further includes the step of either cutting the web (30) across its entire width or causing the web to fail across its entire width so as to define an aerofoil having first and second panels with at least one protrusion extending from the first panel partially across the space between the first and second panels. |
| US08381397B2 |
Method for applying a shield tape to insulated conductors
A method for applying a shield tape to conductors that comprises folding a first edge of the shield tape in a first direction from a central portion while folding a second edge in a second direction opposite the first direction; applying a fold to the first edge by folding the first edge back over onto the central portion forming a receiving area while wrapping the shield tape around the conductors; tightening the shield tape around the conductors such that the conductive layer of the shield tape is on the outside of insulating layer and facing away from the conductors while positioning the receiving area to receive a drain wire; installing a drain wire in the receiving area; and closing the shield tape around the conductors and the drain wire to form an enclosure around the conductors with the second edge overlapping the fold at an outside surface of the enclosure. |
| US08381395B2 |
Method for determining pick-up positions of electronic components
A device and appertaining method for picking up devices in a component placement device permits even very small components and even a first component of a new belt to be picked up by scanning the structural features of the belt directly in the proximity of the components. The positional tolerances can be disregarded so that even the first component of a new belt can be reliably detected by the pick-up tool. |
| US08381394B2 |
Circuit board with embedded component and method of manufacturing same
A circuit board has an embedded electronic component such as an integrated circuit chip with a wafer level chip size package. A via hole extends through the electronic component. Another via hole extends through the substrate or prepreg on which the electronic component is mounted inside the circuit board. Conductors in the via holes enable a terminal on the surface of the electronic component to be electrically connected to a wiring pattern or another electronic component on the opposite side of the substrate or prepreg. Routing the connection through the electronic component itself saves space and reduces the length of the connection. |
| US08381392B2 |
Method for manufacturing a self-aligned bevel for a write pole
A method, including depositing a layer of material onto a base portion of a wafer, is disclosed. The layer of material has a first surface adjacent the base portion. The method also includes depositing a pattern of masking material onto a portion of a second surface of the layer. Material from the layer of material that is unprotected by the pattern of masking material is removed from the layer of material. By removing such material a portion of the layer of material is suspended from the base portion. |
| US08381382B2 |
Methods and equipment for assembling triple-pane insulating glass units
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and equipment for automatically assembling three panes of glass and corresponding spacers so that air or other gas can be injected into the two between-pane spaces. The equipment can receive two glass panes that each have spacers coupled to one of their major surfaces, along with a third glass pane having no spacer coupled to its major surfaces, and can assemble the three glass panes into a “teepee” configuration in which the two spacers each contact two of the glass panes along a common edge of the glass panes. Preferred equipment can receive a glass pane in a first orientation and rotate the glass pane 180° to a second orientation in which the glass pane's two major surfaces face opposite directions from the first orientation. Such preferred equipment can then receive a two-pane teepee from a previous piece of equipment and can add the “flipped” single glass pane to the teepee to create a three-pane teepee. |
| US08381378B2 |
Methods of forming micromechanical resonators having high density trench arrays therein that provide passive temperature compensation
A method of forming a micromechanical resonator includes forming a resonator body anchored to a substrate by at least a first anchor. This resonator body may include a semiconductor or other first material having a negative temperature coefficient of elasticity (TCE). A two-dimensional array of spaced-apart trenches are provided in the resonator body. These trenches may be filled with an electrically insulating or other second material having a positive TCE. The array of trenches may extend uniformly across the resonator body, including regions in the body that have relatively high and low mechanical stress during resonance. This two-dimensional array (or network) of trenches can be modeled as a network of mass-spring systems with springs in parallel and/or in series with respect to a direction of a traveling acoustic wave within the resonator body during resonance. |
| US08381376B2 |
Method of manufacturing a fibrous structure and an apparatus therefor
A method of manufacturing a fibrous structure is particularly, though not exclusively, applicable to the manufacture of friction products such as preform discs. The method comprises mounting a former on a shaft. First feeds of fibrous material are spaced along the shaft and applied to the former in a direction tangential to the shaft as the shaft is rotated. A second feed is also applied to the former in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The fibrous materials in the feeds overlie as the shaft rotates and the thickness of the material applied to the former increases to form the fibrous structure. Lengths of the first and/or second feeds are then inserted into the fibrous structure body in a radial direction with respect to the shaft as the shaft is rotated to interconnect the overlying layers and hold the structure together. |
| US08381363B2 |
Securing mechanism for shackle
A securing mechanism for a shackle having a pair of opposed legs with an opening at one end of each of the pair of opposed legs to form a pair of opposed openings. The securing mechanism includes a shackle bolt having a head at one end and a circumferential groove near an opposed end wherein the shackle bolt is received through the pair of opposed openings in the shackle. A two piece hinged clamp assembly is received in the circumferential groove in order to retain the shackle bolt in the shackle. A retainer pin is received in an opening in the two piece clamp assembly to hold the two piece clamp assembly in a closed position. A retainer clip surrounds the retainer pin. A lock pin through the two piece clamp assembly retains the retainer pin in the two piece clamp. |
| US08381360B2 |
Card and currency carrying device and method for using same
A card and currency carrying device is shown. The device includes a first side member assembly and a spaced second side member assembly. Each side member assembly has a flexible member, preferably stainless steel, having an undeflected position and a deflected position which is responsive to a compression deflection force applied concurrently to flexible members. A first pair and a second pair of support members are operatively connected to the flexible members. An elastic fabric material, preferably a woven elastic fabric material, having a thickness which reduces in dimension in response to a longitudinal tension force and which maintains its width dimension in response to a longitudinal tension force is operatively connected to the support members. |
| US08381359B1 |
Hat connecting sunglass retention clip(s)
A hat connecting sunglass retention clip is provided having a curved inner surface, a spring urged clamp for frictionally impinging to the hat inner sidewall, and a pair of retaining spikes that both impinge against the hat outer sidewall as well as form upper and lower retention walls for securing the eyeglass arms thereto. |
| US08381354B2 |
Carriage for a separation element, separation element and device
The carriage provided to hold a displaceable separation element comprises a carriage body provided with at least two running wheels, which carriage body is connected to a carrier profile, which serves to carry the separation element. According to the invention the threaded shank of an adjusting screw is rotationally held in the carriage body, which adjusting screw comprises below the screw head a flange ring, which supports a flange element provided in the carrier profile, which flange element comprises an opening, through which the screw head is guided. By rotating the adjusting screw the carrier profile can thus be optionally adjusted in height. In a preferred embodiment a tool channel is provided in the carrier profile, into which tool channel a conventional tool can be introduced. |
| US08381350B2 |
Wiper blade
The object of the invention is a wiper blade (10) with a wiper strip (12), in the lateral longitudinal grooves (20) of which spring rails (24) are inserted as springy supporting elements. The ends of the spring rails (24) are connected with one another by a bridge (32, 54, 62, 76) in that side parts (36, 66, 80) of the bridge (32, 54, 62, 76) are supported at the upper side of the spring rail (24) and engage recesses (28, 30) of the spring rails (24), whereas a middle part (34, 64, 78) of the bridge (32, 54, 62, 76) bridges a back strip (22) of the wiper strip (12), which forms the upper boundary of the longitudinal grooves (20). It is proposed that the spring rails (24), at their front faces, have short slots (28), which extend in the longitudinal direction of the spring rails (24) and which are engaged by the I-shaped angle pieces (38, 56) of the bridge (52, 54). Lower legs (40, 58) of the angle pieces (38, 56) are directed towards the middle of the spring rails (24), gripping these from below. |
| US08381343B2 |
Washing machine and control method for disentangling clothes in the washing machine
A washing machine and a method of controlling a laundry disentangling process are disclosed, which uses a laundry disentangle pattern capable of stepwise increasing the motor rpm simultaneously while adjusting the acceleration rate of the motor. The method of controlling the laundry disentangling process in the washing machine, which includes a rotation drum containing laundry and a motor rotating the rotation drum to disentangle tangled laundry, includes stepwise-increasing an rpm of the motor, and adjusting a stepwise-acceleration rate of the motor, and performing the laundry disentangling process. |
| US08381337B2 |
Egress assist footboard
An endboard for a person-support apparatus comprises an endboard assembly including a first endboard body rotatably coupled to a frame and a second endboard body rotatably coupled to the first endboard body by a locking mechanism. The second endboard body is configured to be movable between a storage position and a deployed position with respect to the first endboard body. The locking mechanism is configured to selectively maintain the second endboard body in at least one of the storage position and the deployed position with respect to the first endboard body. The second endboard body is configured to assist a person during at least one of ingress and egress to/from the frame when the second endboard body is in the deployed position. |
| US08381336B2 |
Bed apparatus provided with bed-departure prediction and detection system
A load measuring unit detects the load of a bed section and generates a load signal. A body weight computing unit computes the body weight of a user positioned on the bed section on the basis of the load signal. A first determination unit determines whether the body weight is equal to or less than a prescribed threshold. A center-of-gravity position computing unit computes a center-of-gravity position of the user on the basis of the load signal. A second determination unit determines whether the center-of-gravity position is in a monitored area of the bed section. The state of the user is detected to away from the bed when the first determination unit has determined that the body weight is equal to or less than a prescribed threshold, and the second determination unit has determined that the center-of-gravity position is within the monitored area. |
| US08381334B2 |
Travel quilt with retainment means
A combination quilt and article retention means for transporting and storing loose items attached thereon, particularly suited for providing a baby blanket and retention device for baby toys and similar articles. The quilt comprises a plurality of square patches upon which are provided retention straps for securing baby articles thereto. A pocket is provided for larger items or for those items not suitable for strap retention. The quilt is collapsible into a folded state, wherein a transportable structure is provided that is of reduced surface area, while the retained articles are secured within the interior of the blanket. The size of the quilt is suited for fitment into a standard sized baby crib, while the straps and pouch provide a means to secure various items while traveling with a baby outside of the home. |
| US08381332B2 |
Sling system
A rigid sling system is provided to ease the lifting of a disabled person by sliding its constituent sections under the subject as opposed to lifting the disabled person into the sling. This sling system is comprised of two sections, a right section and a left section. A right side main frame and its appropriate straps, a back connector, a right leg support, and a front connector with its appropriate straps are constituent members of the right section of the sling system. A left main frame and its appropriate straps, a left leg support are constituent members of the left section of the sling system. The two sections interlock via the connectors and configure to become engaged to a person lifting the sling system. |
| US08381329B2 |
Capacitive sensing for washroom fixture
A capacitive sensing system and method for a hand washing lavatory system is disclosed. The lavatory system comprises a receptacle defining a hand washing area, a fixture configured to deliver water to the receptacle, and a capacitive sensing system configured to detect the presence of a user and actuate the fixture. The capacitive sensing system comprises a first sense electrode coupled to the receptacle and configured to measure a first capacitive value, a second sense electrode coupled to the receptacle spaced apart from the first sense electrode and configured to measure a second capacitive value, and a circuit configured to control operation of the fixture in response to a change in the first capacitive value relative to the second capacitive value. |
| US08381327B2 |
Shower curtain cornering clip
A shower curtain clip having a curved base member with a first open end, a second closed end opposite the first end, and a curved clamping rail connected to the second closed end of the curved base member. The clamping rail clamps a shower curtain between the clamping rail and the base member in a space created between the clamping rail and the base member at the first open end, causing the curtain to curve inward, eliminating the gap between the curtain and the wall and causing water that strikes the curtain to deflect downward. |
| US08381324B2 |
Vacuum sewage system
The invention relates to a vacuum sewage system, which includes a sanitary unit, such as a toilet unit, vacuum sewer piping (200) connected to the sanitary unit, a discharge valve between the sanitary unit and the vacuum sewer piping, and a vacuum generating device for generating vacuum in the vacuum sewer piping. The system comprises an on-line separator device (1) in the vacuum sewer piping (200, 201) and a first pump means (2) and a second pump means (3) connected in parallel with the on-line separator device (1). The first pump means (2) is a vacuum pump for generating vacuum in the vacuum sewer piping (200, 201) and for evacuating air from the sewage flow flowing into the on-line separator device (1) and the second pump means (3) is arranged for pumping mainly sewage from the sewage flow flowing into the on-line separator device (1). |
| US08381323B2 |
Sanitary washing apparatus
A sanitary washing apparatus having a bidet washing function for jetting water at private parts of a female user, the apparatus includes: a nozzle including a jetting port configured to jet water; a swirling chamber and a communication channel for jetting water as a hollow-conic-shape liquid film flow at the private parts of the female user from the jetting port; and a fluid squiring device for generating an intermittent granular flow of granular water balls so as to fill inside the liquid film before the liquid film flow impinges on the private parts. |
| US08381320B2 |
Hip protection system
An improved an impact force-dissipating device which can be used as part of a hip protection system is provided. The impact force-dissipating devices may be incorporated into a garment, worn comfortably, and significantly reduce the risk of hip or other bone fracture in the event of a fall or other trauma to the hip or trochanteric region. |
| US08381315B1 |
Specialized glove apparatus
The specialized glove apparatus has a plurality of fingers, a thumb, a thumb side, a finger side, a backhand, a forehand, a wristband disposed most downwardly, a reinforced panel disposed on the finger side below the fingers, the reinforced panel beginning proximal to the fingers, an abbreviated, substantially stubby spike disposed upwardly and laterally on the reinforced panel, a cutter disposed on the backhand substantially below the thumb, the cutter comprising, a triangulated clam shape, an opened deep recess, a blade disposed completely within the deep recess, a fat lip guide disposed medially on the cutter, at a beginning of the deep recess, a thin upturn disposed laterally on the cutter, the thin upturn opposite the fat lip guide, across the deep recess, and a wrist pad disposed adjacent to the reinforced panel, the wrist pad extended to the wristband. |
| US08381314B2 |
Athletic wear
An athletic wear 1 of the present invention is formed of first clothing fabric F1 having small elastic modulus and second clothing fabric F2 having larger elastic modulus than first clothing fabric F1. First belt part 10 is formed by second clothing fabric covering circumference of upper part of pelvis Bh in wear 1. First belt part 10 essentially continuously comprises belt front part 11, belt back part 13 and pair belt side parts 12 covering upper part of pelvis Bh. Upper edge line of belt part slopes as extends from center of belt back part to center of belt front part. |
| US08387159B2 |
Scanning type probe microscope
The present invention provides a fast-operating and stable scanning probe microscope configured to detect the interaction between a probe and a sample to avoid generation of a harmonic component. An oscillation circuit (31) generates an excitation phase signal indicative of the phase of an excitation signal. An excitation signal generation circuit (33) generates an excitation signal from the excitation phase signal. A complex signal generation circuit (35) generates a complex signal from a displacement signal. A vector calculation circuit (37) calculates the argument of the complex signal. A subtracting phase comparator (39) compares the argument with the phase of the excitation phase signal by subtraction. The amount of the interaction between a probe device and a sample is obtained using the subtracting phase comparator (39). The result of the comparison carried out by the subtracting phase comparator (39) may be output as a difference in phase between the displacement signal and the excitation signal. Moreover, a loop filter may be provided to form a phase locked loop, and a frequency signal may be provided which is indicative of a variation in the resonant frequency of the probe device. |