| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08393757B2 |
Light-bulb type LED lamp and illumination apparatus
Provided is a light-bulb type LED lamp 10 including a plurality of LEDs 67-78, a base 12, a lighting circuit unit that converts commercial power provided through the base 12 into power for lighting the LEDs 67-78, and a heat radiation member 16 that includes a bowl-shaped portion 42. Two stages 46 and 48, extending inwards from an inner circumferential surface 44 of the bowl-shaped portion 42, are provided in a direction of a central axis X of the bowl-shaped portion 42. The LEDs 67-78 are mounted on the stages 46 and 48 in a circumferential direction around the central axis X. |
| US08393754B2 |
Laser navigation module
Disclosed herein is a laser navigation module, including: a light source radiating laser beam; a housing having a window mounted thereon and having a transparent or semi-transparent part formed therein in order to radiate light radiated from an inner portion of the housing to an outer portion thereof, the window transmitting the laser beam radiated from the light source therethough and reflecting the laser beam therefrom and blocking inflow of a visible ray; a lighting device mounted in an inner portion of the housing; a light diffusion member transferring light radiated from the lighting device to the housing; and a printed circuit board including a first printed circuit board having the light source mounted thereon and a second printed circuit board having the lighting device mounted thereon, the first and second printed circuit boards being formed in a stacked structure. |
| US08393752B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device (100, 200, 300, 400) is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of light sources (111, 119, 120, 211, 219, 220) providing light in different wavelengths, a collimating means (104, 204) having a receiving end (103, 203, 407) and an output end (114, 214, 409), wherein said light sources are arranged at said receiving end. The collimating means comprises a set of wavelength selective filters (109, 110, 115, 116, 117, 118, 215, 217) arranged as sub-collimators (106, 107, 108, 206, 207, 208) to each of said plurality of light sources such that, for each light source, said sub-collimator collimates the light from its light source, and said wavelength selective filter of said each light source is translucent for light from adjacent light sources of different wavelength, wherein said wavelength selective filters are high pass or low pass filters. |
| US08393750B2 |
Extendable strobe light device
The extendable strobe light device (1) comprises a telescoping light mount (10) bearing a strobe light (11). By manual operation or by power to an antenna drive motor (23) the telescoping light mount (10) is extended or retracted. An insulated electrical conductor (28) provides power to the strobe light (11). The insulated electrical conductor (28) is wound on a negator reel (46). A negator spring reel assembly (32) contains a negator spring (400) retracts the insulated electrical conductor (28) when the telescoping light mount (10) is retracted. An electrical brush assembly (43) comprises a brush assembly insulated housing (52) composed of a rigid material including metals and plastics. The brush assembly insulated housing (52) is affixed to the case by screws or bolts (34). |
| US08393749B1 |
Foldable mirror and associated method
A free-standing and adjustable tri-fold mirror preferably includes a tri-fold mirror having first, second and third reflective surfaces, a mounting bracket statically attached to a rear side of the tri-fold mirror, a swivel device pivotally mated to the mounting bracket, a stand attached to the swivel device and extending away from the tri-fold mirror, and a base member attached to a bottom end of the stand. Advantageously, the tri-fold mirror is freely pivotal along an x-axis and a y-axis while the stand remains stationary and further while the tri-fold mirror is freely adjusted between folded and unfolded positions respectively. |
| US08393741B2 |
Light source system and projector
There are provided a light source system which can suppress the deterioration of a luminescent material and a projector which can project a clear image. The light source system comprises a luminescent wheel, a driving unit for rotating the luminescent wheel, a light source for shining excitation light on to a luminescent material layer of the luminescent wheel, a light shining control unit for controlling an illumination timing of the light source, a light shining time integrating unit for integrating individual excitation light shining times to a plurality of predetermined divided areas of the luminescent wheel, an integrated light shining time storage unit for storing the individual light shining times to the predetermined divided areas, and a light shining range control unit for equalizing times over which excitation light is shone on to the plurality of predetermined divided areas of the luminescent wheel based on the individual excitation light shining times to the predetermined divided areas. |
| US08393739B2 |
Heat-dissipating device with shape memory alloy module within a projection display apparatus
A heat-dissipating device used in a projection display apparatus with an air outlet includes a fence module, at least one resilient member, and a shape memory alloy module. The fence module is disposed at the air outlet and includes at least one guiding plate with a pivot. The resilient member exerts a first force on the guiding plate to enable the guiding plate to rotate on the pivot, and the shape memory alloy module deforms when heated to exert a second force on the guiding plate to enable the guiding plate to rotate on the pivot. |
| US08393734B2 |
Pupilary screening method and system
A method of screening a pupil of a subject to determine whether the pupil reflex resembles a canonical pupil reflex is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of stimulating the pupil with a stimulus source. The method further includes the steps of using a pupilometer to track the pupil's constriction response over a duration of time, wherein the step of tracking the pupil constriction response begins substantially simultaneously with or immediately subsequent to time 0 and lasts for a period of time y, and using the pupilometer to collect a plurality of data points in which each data point corresponds with a diameter of the pupil at a specific time within the time duration y. The method further includes the step of generating a pupil data profile by compiling the data points and determining whether one or more conditions arc met. wherein the one or more conditions comprises the following: (a) more than two data points exist representing the same pupil diameter at three or more separate times during duration y; (b) a first phase of the pupilary reflex response exists, wherein said first phase is characterized by a period of non-constriction immediately subsequent to time 0, said first phase having a duration of less than about 100 msec or greater than about 1000 msec; (c) if two data points exist representing the same pupil diameter at two separate times y1 and y2 during duration y, then the duration of time between y1 and y2 is less than about 100 msec; or during the first phase of the pupilary reflex, the diameter of the pupil increases before it decreases. Existence of one of said conditions indicates that the pupil reflex does not resemble a canonical reflex. |
| US08393731B2 |
Fixing structure of side shield for glasses
Disclosed therein is a structure for fixing a side shield of glasses, which is installed at a temple, wherein the side shield that surrounds a connection portion between the temple and a glasses frame is fixed at the temple by a fixture, and wherein the side shield located at the temple includes through holes respectively formed at upper and lower portions thereof; and guide portions respectively formed on the inner face of the side shield, and the fixture includes hook portions respectively formed at upper and lower ends thereof and inserted and caught to the through holes of the side shield, and the side shield further includes support pieces respectively formed at upper and lower portions of the inner or outer faces of the side shield for supporting the inside or outside of the hook portions of the fixture. |
| US08393725B2 |
Ink set and image forming method
The present invention provides an ink set including: an ink composition including a pigment, polymer particles having an ethylene oxide chain in a side chain of the polymer, and a water-soluble polymerizable compound that has an ethylene oxide chain and that is polymerized by active energy rays; and a treating liquid including an aggregating agent that aggregates ingredients in the ink composition. |
| US08393724B2 |
Maintenance liquid for inkjet recording, ink set and image forming method
The present invention provides a maintenance liquid for inkjet recording including at least water, an organic solvent, a basic compound and an acidic compound, and having pH of from 6.0 to 8.5. |
| US08393723B2 |
Bubble purging system for a fluid ejection head
A method and system for purging bubbles from a fluid ejection head comprising a plurality of fluid flow channels including a first plurality of fluid flow channels flowing a first ink to a first actuator device and a second plurality of fluid flow channels for flowing a second ink to a second actuator device. During a bubble purging operation the first and second actuator devices are pulsed with different energies that depend on the viscosity of the first ink and the second ink. Heating the inks with different energies, results in the viscosity of the first ink to be same as the viscosity of the second ink. In one embodiment, a test pattern that includes a plurality of dots is printed to determine a clogged fluid ejection nozzle. Based on the determination, an actuator device corresponding to the clogged fluid ejection nozzle is pulsed. |
| US08393717B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and method of inspecting liquid ejecting head
A liquid ejecting head ejects a liquid from pressure generating chambers through nozzles by varying pressure of the pressure generating chambers. The liquid ejecting head includes a nozzle plate in which the nozzles are formed. A first passage forming board is joined to the nozzle plate. A first liquid passage, including the pressure generating chambers, is formed in the first passage forming board. A second passage forming board is joined to the surface of the first liquid passage forming board and has a second liquid passage communicating with the first liquid passage. A first electrode layer electrically connected to the liquid in the first liquid passage and a second, independent, electrode layer are disposed on a vibration plate. Each of the first and second electrode layers includes a terminal drawn to the outside of a junction portion joining the first and second passage forming boards to each other. |
| US08393716B2 |
Liquid ejection head including flow channel plate formed with pressure generating chamber, method of manufacturing such liquid ejection head, and image forming apparatus including such liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head is disclosed. The liquid ejection includes a flow channel plate, the flow channel plate being formed from one thin plate, the flow channel plate being formed with one or more pressure generating chambers, a fluid resistance section which supplies liquid to the pressure generating chamber, and a nozzle hole which opposes the pressure generating chamber. The flow channel plate is made of a metal material, and wherein the flow plate includes the pressure generating chamber which is formed of a groove-shaped indentation; the nozzle hole which is formed at one end in a longitudinal direction of the groove-shaped indentation; and the fluid resistance section which is formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the groove-shaped indentation. The pressure generating chamber, the nozzle head, and the fluid resistance section are formed such that they deform the thin plate in a thickness direction. |
| US08393715B2 |
Inkjet nozzle assembly having displaceable roof defining ejection port
An inkjet nozzle assembly includes: a nozzle chamber having a floor and a roof spaced apart from the floor, the roof having a displaceable portion defining an ejection port; and an actuator for displacing the displaceable portion of the roof towards the floor. Displacement of the displaceable portion of the roof alters a volume of the nozzle chamber such that when the volume is altered, fluid is ejected from the ejection port. |
| US08393713B2 |
Ink jet printing systems and methods with pre-fill and dimple design
Systems and methods of ejecting ink drops from an inkjet printer are disclosed. The systems and methods can include a printhead with one or more actuators with associated nozzles and membranes. A voltage waveform can be applied to the actuators to fill the actuators with a volume of ink and eject the ink through the nozzles as ink drops. The voltage waveform can have associated pre-fill voltage to fill the actuator with ink and a firing voltage to eject the ink. The actuator membranes can have multi-height dimples to protect the membranes from contacting electrodes and reduce the electric field. |
| US08393710B2 |
Parallel ink jet printing device and relative manufacturing
The printing device is ink jet, parallel or serial-parallel type and comprises a plurality of ejection modules each of which with ejection chambers suitable for containing ink and with associated relative heating elements for ink ejection control. The device includes a support and a nozzle plate common to the modules, and in which the support includes a base plate of rigid material that defines through its thickness a feeding duct for the ink which, in use, is substantially parallel to the line of printing (X axis) and the ejection modules are fixed side by side on the base plate and with the ejection chambers arranged in a line in the same direction (X axis), is a hydraulic, tight connection with the feeding duct. The nozzle plate is fixed on the ejection modules constituting an upper, hydraulically tight, closing surface, for the chambers and comprises a plurality of ejection nozzles in a line, in turn in hydraulic connection with corresponding cells of the modules. |
| US08393707B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for removal of ink buildup
A substrate patterning method including the steps of spraying ink on a surface of a substrate, the spraying of the ink resulting in an overspray of excess ink past an edge of the substrate; changing a temperature of the excess ink to cause a change in a viscosity of the excess ink; and removing the excess ink having the changed viscosity. |
| US08393706B2 |
Conveying apparatus, recording apparatus, and conveying method
A conveying apparatus includes a holding part that holds a recording medium in the form of a roll and rotates, a clamping unit that clamps the recording medium downstream from the holding part along a conveying route, a regulating member that regulates a position of a side end of the recording medium in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction between the holding part and the clamping unit in the conveying route, a drive unit that rotatably drives the holding part in a forward direction to unwind the recording medium and a reverse direction to rewind the recording medium, and a controller that controls a drive state of the drive unit. The controller controls the drive unit so that, after the holding part is driven forward, the holding part is driven in reverse. |
| US08393705B2 |
Recording apparatus with a line recording head
An apparatus includes a line-type recording head including a plurality of recording elements formed thereon, a holding unit configured to hold a sheet, a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the sheet held by the holding unit to a position of recording by the recording head, a shift mechanism capable of relatively shifting a position of the sheet in a sheet width direction with respect to the recording head while the sheet is fed from the holding unit to the recording position, and a control unit configured to control the conveyance mechanism and the shift mechanism. |
| US08393701B2 |
Using light-scattering drop detector to determine turn-on-energy for fluid-ejection nozzle
For each energy value of a number of energy values, the energy value is applied to cause a fluid-ejection nozzle to eject a fluid drop. After the energy value has been applied to the fluid-ejection nozzle, a velocity of the fluid drop is determined using a light-scattering drop detector of the fluid-ejection device. A turn-on-energy (TOE) for the fluid-ejection nozzle is determined based on at least the velocities of the fluid drops determined after applying the energy values to the fluid-ejection nozzle. |
| US08393700B2 |
Inkjet recording device with independently controllable light emitting devices
An inkjet recording apparatus is presented. The inkjet recording apparatus includes an ink head configured to move in left and right directions, comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged in a front-rear direction for discharging ink on a recording medium, wherein the ink is curable when irradiated with light from a first light emitting device or a second light emitting device, and a conveyor device configured to feed the recording medium in a direction, wherein the first light emitting device is configured to move integrally with the ink head and to apply light to the recording medium, and wherein the second light emitting device, disposed offset from the plurality of nozzles in the front-rear direction, is configured to turn on independent of the first light emitting device and to apply light to the recording medium. |
| US08393698B2 |
Image forming apparatus and foam application device
A disclosed image forming apparatus comprises an image forming unit configured to form an image on a to-be-recorded medium, and a foam application unit configured to apply foam of at least one of a liquid and a gel to the to-be-recorded medium or an intermediate member. The intermediate member is configured to apply the foam to the to-be-recorded medium. The foam application unit includes a storage unit configured to store the foam and spread the foam in a width direction of the to-be-recorded medium or the intermediate member, an applicator configured to apply the foam to the to-be-recorded medium or the intermediate member, and a transport unit configured to transport the foam from the storage unit to the applicator. |
| US08393694B2 |
Refrigerator with vertically moving member attached to home bar door
Provided is a refrigerator including a main body provided with a chilly storage, a refrigerator door rotatably coupled to the main body, a home bar at the refrigerator door, the home bar being provided with an opening, and a basket on an inside of the home bar, the basket being configured to store an object, wherein the home bar includes a home bar door rotatably provided on a side of the opening, and a driving device providing a driving force to vertically move the basket according to rotation of the home bar door. A gear assembly is operated while the home bar door is opened or closed, so that the home bar basket can easily move upward or downward. |
| US08393691B2 |
Hinge pulley for domestic household appliance
A hinge pulley for a household appliance having a housing, a washing container in the housing, a door pivotable about a horizontal axis at the lower part of the door between an open and a closed position for accessing an interior of the washing container, and a transmission element coupled between the door and the housing. The hinge pulley includes a unitary molded body having an integral first channel having a first curved portion for guiding the transmission element, and an integral second channel having a second curved portion for guiding the transmission element, wherein a portion of one of the integral first channel and the integral second channel includes a sliding surface formed from an ultra high molecular weight material. |
| US08393690B2 |
Enclosure for a portable hemodialysis system
An enclosure for containing a portable hemodialysis unit includes a housing suitable to support components for performing hemodialysis including a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer. The housing may have a front panel at which blood circuit connections and dialysate fluidic connections are located, e.g., blood line connections for patient blood access, connections for a reagent supply, dialyzer connections for both blood flow and dialysate, etc. The enclosure may also include a pair of vertical, side-by-side doors hingedly mounted to the housing. With the doors in the closed position, access to the patient access and dialysate fluidic connections may be blocked, and the doors may allow for the retention of heat in the housing suitable for disinfection during a disinfection cycle. |
| US08393686B2 |
Hoist employing a multiple piston cylinder
A vehicle includes a vehicle chassis, a load support body connected to the chassis and movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and a hoist operable to forcibly move the load support body from the lowered position to the raised position. The hoist includes a cylinder and a pressurized drive fluid supply system. The cylinder includes a housing assembly and a shaft assembly. The housing assembly defines first and second cylinder chambers separated by a center cap. The shaft assembly is slidably mounted in the housing assembly and includes a shaft and first and second pistons affixed to the shaft at axially spaced apart locations along the shaft. The first piston is disposed in the first cylinder chamber and the second piston is disposed in the second cylinder chamber. The pressurized drive fluid supply system is operable to supply a pressurized fluid into each of the first and second cylinder chambers to forcibly extend the shaft assembly relative to the housing assembly in an extension direction to forcibly move the load support body from the lowered position to the raised position. The cylinder is configured such that, when the shaft assembly is fully extended, a volume of the pressurized drive fluid in the second cylinder chamber exerts an offset force on the center cap in a direction opposite the extension direction to offset axially expansive counter-forces on the cylinder housing. |
| US08393683B2 |
Automotive seat headrest supporting apparatus
An automotive seat headrest supporting apparatus includes headrest supporting members and stay locking units 20 which are incorporated into the headrest supporting members 10 to lock stays 4. The headrest supporting member 10 has a stay guiding hole 13 into which the stay 4 is inserted and an incorporating recess 14 which is opened to an outer surface and which communicates with the stay guiding hole 13 within the headrest supporting member 10 from a direction intersecting the stay guiding hole 13. The stay locking unit 20 includes a stay lock body 30 which is slidably fitted in the incorporating recess 14, a locking bar 21 which is incorporated into the stay lock body 30 and a coil spring 22 which biases the stay lock body 30 in a direction in which the locking bar 21 is brought into engagement with a locking portion 4a of the stay 4. The stay lock body 30 is configured so that, after the locking bar 21 is accommodated and disposed in accommodation grooves 36, a locking bar holding member 41 is set to hold the locking bar 21 within the accommodation grooves 36. |
| US08393682B2 |
Seat back locking device for automobile
A seat back locking device for an automobile for a seat back 5 configured so as to be capable of being changed from an upright position to a folded-down position and vice versa, including a locking mechanism 10 for locking the seat back 5 in the upright position, a locking knob 20 for unlocking the locking mechanism 10, and a key cylinder 30 capable of locking and unlocking the locking knob 20. In the locking device, a contact part 33 that comes into contact with a contacted part 26 provided on the locking knob 20 is connectingly provided integrally with a cylinder body 31 of the key cylinder 30 so that the key cylinder 30 can be changed over between a locked state in which the contact part 33 comes into contact with the contacted part 26 to inhibit the rotation of the locking knob 20 and an unlocked state in which the contact part 33 does not come into contact with the contacted part 26 to allow the rotation of the locking knob 20. |
| US08393681B2 |
Vehicle seat having an anti-submarining device and method
The invention relates to vehicle seat comprising a seat part and to a restraint device and a corresponding method of manufacture. The vehicle seat comprises an anti-submarining restraint device for preventing an occupant from slipping through on the vehicle seat when decelerated due to a crash, said restraint device being settable to a retracted inactive position and said restraint device being settable to an extended active position. The seat part, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, has lateral seat parts on both sides of the seat, a padding defining a seat area and a padding support below said padding. The restraint device is arranged between the padding support and the padding and spaced apart from the lateral parts by means of a locking element provided for locking the restraint device in the active position. |
| US08393679B2 |
System for engaging multi-component carseat
A system for locking together the base and passenger seat of a multi-part carseat. The system includes a base and a passenger seat. The base has an upper surface that receives a passenger seat, front and rear ends, opposed sides extending between the ends, and two spaced apart locking points positioned toward the rear end of the base and two spaced apart locking points positioned toward the front end of the base. The passenger seat is dimensioned to be received by the upper surface of the base and includes four locking elements that are respectively positioned and configured for releasable engagement with a respective one of the four locking points of the base. An actuator releases the locking engagement between the locking elements of the seat and the locking points of the base. |
| US08393678B2 |
Infant child restraint system
A novel infant child restraint system that includes a base having a height adjustment to allow the base to assume one of a plurality of positions and inclinations when mounted to the vehicle seat. Additionally, in certain embodiments the base is formed to have a recessed knee-receiving area, into which the user can place their knee when tightening the vehicle's restraint system around the base. The base and car seat are removably attached in interlocking relation using a novel connection mechanism that is not susceptible to premature or improper release due to forces, regardless of the direction of such forces. This mechanism is independent of the car seat handle. Furthermore, this connection mechanism includes a simple manual disconnect or release system, to allow quick removal of the seat from the base. |
| US08393676B2 |
Decorative bench or seat assembly having a photoluminescent work bonded thereto
A bench or seat assembly including a decorative work bonded thereto in an essentially permanent fashion is provided wherein the work includes a photoluminescent material. The assembly includes a masonry seat member having an upper surface, a masonry back member having front and back surfaces and a support having exterior surfaces for supporting the seat member at a desired height. The work may include advertising or an image of which the photoluminescent material is a part of. The photoluminescent material may be photoluminescent particulate pigment or at least one photoluminescent stone which gives off light sufficient to allow at least a portion of the work to be viewed under limited ambient light conditions. In this way, the assembly is decorative not only in the daytime but also at night. The assembly may be an interlocking precast slab bench or seat assembly. |
| US08393670B2 |
Cab stopper device for work machine, method for fixing the cab stopper and cab of work machine
A cab stopper device 32 is provided between a bracket 23 on a machine frame of a work machine and a cab 25. The cab stopper device 32 restricts relative movement of the cab 25 with respect to the machine frame in the vertical direction. Two through holes 43, 44 are formed in a floor plate 27 of the cab 25. A stopper 48 of the cab stopper device 32 is inserted in the through holes 43, 44 from above. An engaging portion 48a is formed at the lower end of the stopper 48 that projects from the through holes 43, 44 downward of the floor plate 27. The engaging portion 48a is arranged to be engageable with a restricting groove 42 formed in the bracket 23. In this state, a securing portion 48b at the upper end of the stopper 48 is secured to the floor plate 27. |
| US08393669B2 |
Vehicle frame structure
A vehicle frame structure includes a tunnel portion provided in a floor and left and right side members. Each of the side members includes a front side member, an inner member, and an outer member. The inner and outer members branch off from the front side member in a direction toward the rear of the vehicle. The inner member extends toward the rear of the vehicle along the tunnel portion. The inner members of the left and right side members are connected together by a plurality of connecting portions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at least at a location corresponding to a front portion side of the tunnel portion. These connecting portions break when a front impact load is input to at least one of the side members. |
| US08393667B2 |
Occupant protection device
An occupant protection device includes: a seat cushion; a seat back; a base portion provided in a vehicle body; a support portion that is provided in the seat back and that overlaps a backrest of the seat back as viewed from front of a vehicle; a reclining angle adjustment portion that changes a reclining angle of the seat back by moving the support portion with respect to the base portion; and a contact portion that is provided in the vehicle body. If the support portion is displaced rearward in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to a rearward load that exceeds a prescribed magnitude being applied to the seat back, the contact portion comes into contact with the support portion on both the right and left sides of the seat back with respect to a center portion of the seat back. |
| US08393664B2 |
Rear baggage-compartment structure of vehicle
A winding device is provided behind a rearmost-row seat and extends in a vehicle width direction to wind up a tonneau cover member. The tonneau cover member comprises a cover body portion and a board portion connected to a rear end of the cover body portion and has its rear end portion capable of engaging with an engaged portion of a lift gate. The lift gate further includes a pair of restraint portions at a specified position of both end portions of the inner face thereof which is located above the engaged portion, which is operative to restrain the cover body portion from moving upward when the lift gate is fully open and the tonneau cover member engages with the lift gate through a contact thereof with the board portion to stop further upward moving of the board portion. |
| US08393663B2 |
Automobile glove compartment
An automobile glove compartment includes: a storage space (1) built into a dashboard and accessible through a main opening (2); a movable door (3); a tray (4) placed inside the storage space, the tray being slidable between a first position a), wherein the tray is stored in the storage space, and a second position b), wherein the tray is partially outside the storage space; and first tray-guiding elements (5), the first tray-guiding elements (5) each including a guiding element (10) projecting out from one of the respective side wall (7a, 7b) of the drawer (4), the guiding element (10) being insertable into a groove (11) built into one of the side walls (8a, 8b) of the glove compartment and slidable along the groove. The groove has a curved or angular shape enabling the sloping of the tray (4) towards the user when the tray (4) is partially outside the storage space. |
| US08393662B2 |
Robot hand for substrate transfer
There is provided a robot hand for substrate transfer in which the robot hand is so arranged that, even in case a substrate (S) gives rise to warping, the substrate (S) can be stably supported. On an upper surface of the robot hand there is formed a first seating surface on which is seated a lower-surface peripheral portion of the substrate (S) and, on a periphery thereof, there is formed an upwardly extended step. The step is provided with a plurality of stair-shaped stages. On an upper surface of the robot hand inwardly away from the first seating surface there is provided a second seating surface which is inclined downward toward the center of the substrate (S) such that a lower surface of the substrate (S) is seated on the second seating surface when the substrate (S) is warped downward into a concave shape. |
| US08393661B2 |
Single joint elevator having deployable jaws
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for lifting a single joint of pipe. The single joint elevator of the present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a pair of deployable jaws cooperating with a pair of static jaws to secure a pipe within the slot of a generally horseshoe-shaped body. The deployable jaws of the single joint elevator of the present invention may be rotatably deployable or translatably deployable, or both. In one embodiment, each jaw, including the static jaws and the deployable jaws, comprises a pipe slip movably disposed within the jaw to secure a pipe segment within the slot and to self-tighten as the weight of the pipe segment secured within the single joint elevator is transferred to the slips and the jaws. |
| US08393651B2 |
Safety device, and opening and closing mechanism
A safety device with a push-push type latch device latching and releasing a movable body to a main body by a push operation, has a circulation cam groove provided in the movable body; a responding member provided in the main body, and having a pin for tracing the circulation cam groove and a balancer; and an urging member for urging the responding member. When the responding member receives a load, the responding member turns and the circulation cam groove allows the pin to irreversibly move from a reciprocation groove portion to a latch groove portion through a latching guide groove portion. When the movable body retained in the fixed position receives the push operation, the circulation cam groove allows the pin to move from the latch groove portion to the reciprocation groove portion through the returning guide groove portion, thereby releasing the movable body from the fixed position. |
| US08393647B2 |
Bolt-on transition coupling for piping system
A transition coupling system for use with a dual containment pipe which includes an inner primary pipe and an outer secondary pipe with an interstitial space therebetween, the transition coupling comprising. The transition coupling includes an inner body configured to engage an inner surface of the primary pipe and an outer body configured to engage an outer surface of the secondary pipe. The outer body includes at least two releasably attachable portions, at least one of which is movable relative to the other in a radial direction thereof. The inner body and the outer body are configured to define a gap therebetween when coupled to the piping system such that the gap is generally sealed and in communication with the interstitial space. |
| US08393645B2 |
Devices for adjusting tension in seat belts and other restraint system webs, and associated methods
Devices that can be releasably attached to seat belts and other restraint system webs to adjust the operational tension in the webs are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat belt web passes through a clamping device that includes a button movably coupled to a housing. In this embodiment, manual operation of the button in a first direction causes the device to clamp onto the adjacent portion of the seat belt web, thereby preventing the portion of web from being pulled through a web guide by a retractor. Manual operation of the button in a second direction causes the device to release the web. |
| US08393644B2 |
Seat belt pretensioner
A seat belt pretensioner for a belt retractor includes a member that rotates relative to a frame of the belt retractor in response to a vehicle condition to rotate a spool of the belt retractor relative to the frame. A drive device rotates the member in response to the vehicle condition. The drive device applies a first torque to the member during a first stage of rotation of the member and the spool and applies a second torque greater than the first torque during a second stage of rotation of the member and the spool. A flexible drive member rotates the member relative to the frame. The flexible drive member extends around an axis of the member more than 360° after activation of the pretensioner. |
| US08393642B2 |
Rear structure of vehicle
A seat is arranged in front of a back door. An airbag is configured to inflate into a space between the seat and the back door in a rear collision of a vehicle. Herein, when a lower frame portion of a headrest support structure body receives a rearward load in the rear collision of the vehicle, an upper frame portion of the headrest support structure body is moved forwardly around a rotational point of connecting members which pivotally connect an upper portion of the headrest support structure body to the vehicle-body side wall. Accordingly, a headrest attached to the upper frame portion is moved forwardly so that the space between the headrest and the back door can be expanded longitudinally and the passenger's head portion can be supported securely. |
| US08393633B2 |
Golf bag cart foldable device
A golf bag cart foldable device includes a bottom cart stand having a rear wheel frame at each side to link a rear wheel. The bottom cart stand has a bag base to link a front wheel. An upper cart stand is in pinned connection with the bottom cart stand. A linkage set, including plural linkages, forms links between the upper cart stand and the bottom cart stand and between the upper cart stand and the rear wheel frame. A folding joint enables release of the folding joint first. By the link between the linkage set and the rear wheel frame, simultaneous unfolding or folding of the upper cart stand, the bottom cart stand and the rear wheels can thus be accomplished. The folding joint is secured to have the upper cart stand and the bottom cart stand locked to each other, to achieve handiness in use. |
| US08393632B2 |
Towing device for a towing vehicle
A towing device, for a towing vehicle, with a coupling shaft attached to the towing vehicle, a ball head mounted on the coupling shaft so that the ball head can rotate about a vertical axis, which can be coupled to a coupling counterpart of a trailer vehicle, and with an angle-measuring device by which rotation of the ball head about the vertical axis, relative to the coupling shaft, can be determined, and a force-measuring device by which force exerted by the ball head on the coupling shaft in the direction of the vertical axis can be determined. |
| US08393631B1 |
Automatic engaging and disengaging hitch assembly
A hitch assembly is provided that includes a body and a latch member that is movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position for securing a hitch pin to the body. A locking pin is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position for retaining the latch member in the closed position. An unlocking member is mounted to the latch member for movement between a retracted position and an extending position for preventing the locking pin from moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position. |
| US08393628B2 |
Axle assembly and suspension arm
An axle assembly for a vehicle is described, in which the axle assembly has a suspension arm for accommodating an axle of the vehicle and a damper. The damper is coupled to a first engagement point of the suspension arm. The first engagement point is situated on the suspension arm so that the damper may be situated outside an installation space for axle components located between the suspension arm and a chassis of the vehicle. |
| US08393627B2 |
Longitudinal link for an auxiliary frame, particularly for motor vehicles
The invention relates to an auxiliary frame (1) for multi-link rear axles of motor vehicles, comprising two lateral auxiliary frame parts (B) which are embodied at least approximately in a V-shaped manner in such an arrangement that the vertexes (6, 7) thereof face each other and are joined to each other via a central auxiliary frame part (C) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The lateral auxiliary frame parts and the central auxiliary frame part are configured as hollow profiled members while the lateral auxiliary frame parts are provided with at least three of the following receptacles or recesses: the top transverse link; the bottom transverse link; the stabilizer; the longitudinal links; the fixture of the auxiliary frame to the vehicle body. |
| US08393623B2 |
Mechanical puzzle with hinge elements, rope elements, and knot elements
In one embodiment of the present invention, cubes with beveled edges that are joined by hinge elements can be folded into a larger cube. In another embodiment, a puzzle object with a plurality of holes may have a rope element threaded through it so as to conceal knot elements. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of puzzle objects with holes that are joined by hinge elements may have a rope element threaded through tunnels formed by the holes so as to conceal the knot elements. Different aspects and further embodiments of this invention provide for puzzles and amusements of varying design. |
| US08393619B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a body frame, an image forming unit and a transporting unit. The transporting unit includes a transporting tray, a side guide, a plate, a skew roller and an urging member. The transporting tray is configured to support the recording medium which is being transported. The side guide is configured to abut with an end of the recording medium in a width direction. The plate is facing the transporting tray. The skew roller is rotatably supported by the plate and is configured to skew the recording medium toward the side guide. The urging member is configured to urge a portion of the plate toward the transporting tray. |
| US08393613B2 |
Media level indicator and printer having same
A media level indicator and a printer having some are disclosed. The printer has the media level indicator, a housing and a media container slidably contained in the housing. The media level indicator includes a media detecting assembly and a level indicating assembly, wherein the media detecting assembly includes a shaft for rotatably engaged with the housing, a detecting arm fixed to the shaft and abutting the top of the paper stack, and a driving arm. The driving arm is articulated with a lever of the level indicating assembly. When the paper amount changes, the detecting arm is moved and drives the media detecting assembly to rotate, which provides motion in an indicating end of the level indicating assembly, which extends outwardly from the media container. Therefore, a change in the paper amount is indicated. |
| US08393610B2 |
Sheet feeding device and original sheet conveying device with feed-out roller protruded from the sheet tray and friction member applying friction to uppermost sheet
A sheet feeding device, which is configured to feed stacked sheets one by one in a sheet feed direction, is provided with a sheet tray configured to accommodate the stacked sheets, a feed-out roller protruded from the sheet tray and configured to feed the stacked sheets from the sheet tray, a feed-out nip member arranged above and opposite to the feed-out roller, the feed-out nip member being configured to contact an uppermost sheet of the stacked sheets and bias the sheets toward the feed-out roller, a separation unit located on a downstream side, in the sheet feed direction, of the feed-out roller, the separation unit separating a lowermost sheet from the stacked sheets fed by the feed-out roller, and a friction member configured to contact the uppermost sheet of the stacked sheets at a position different from a position where the feed-out nip member contacts the uppermost sheet. |
| US08393609B2 |
Document handler
A document handler is provided that comprises a validator 2 having a main conveyor 4, a stacker 3 having a storage 50 detachably attached to validator 2, a storage conveyor 5 in storage 50 for stowing a document fed from validator 2 into storage 50 and picking out the document stored in storage 50 to validator 2 through main conveyor 4 to issue picked document from validator 2, a reversible motor 70 in main conveyor 4 drivingly and detachably connected to storage conveyor 5 of storage 50. |
| US08393602B2 |
Coil spring with irregular cross section
A coil spring with irregular cross section according to the present invention is made by subjecting a coil wire having an irregular cross section to a fatigue-strength improving treatment including a shot peening treatment after coiling the coil wire into a spring configuration, and the coil spring with irregular cross section has a vertical cross sectional profile whose coil inner-peripheral-side section is expressed by following Equation (1) and Equation (2) in a polar coordinate system and orthogonal coordinate system: x=(LR−Δb)cosnxr θ+Δb (1) y=SR sinnyr θ (2) wherein θ is a deflection angle in said polar coordinate system; and 0°≦θ<90°, 270°≦θ<360°, 0.7≦nxr≦0.9, 0.8≦nyr≦1.0, and 0.1SR≦Δb≦0.3SR; in said Equation (1) and Equation (2). In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a coil spring with irregular cross section that exhibits more uniform and higher fatigue strength along a cross-sectional peripheral direction of the coil wire. |
| US08393601B2 |
Vibration isolation fastener insert
A vibration isolation fastener insert comprising: a rigid cylindrical hub having an externally extending flange and a through longitudinal opening to receive a fastener. An elastomeric bushing around the hub has a slot therein receiving the external flange. An upper housing is disposed around the side of the bushing and has a flange over the top of the bushing. A lower housing is disposed around the external side of the upper housing and has a flange extending below a lower surface of the bushing. |
| US08393599B2 |
Apparatus for liquid precursor atomization
An apparatus for atomizing a precursor liquid for vapor generation and thin film deposition on a substrate. The precursor liquid is atomized by a carrier gas to form a droplet aerosol composed of small precursor liquid droplets suspended in the carrier gas. The droplet aerosol is then heated to form vapor, producing a gas/vapor mixture that can be introduced into a deposition chamber to form thin films on a substrate. The liquid is introduced into the atomizing apparatus in such a manner as to avoid excessive heating that can occur or lead to the formation of undesirable by-products due to material degradation as result of thermal decomposition. The apparatus is particularly suited for vaporizing high molecular weight substances with a low vapor pressure that requires a high vaporization temperature for the liquid to vaporize. The apparatus can also be used to vaporize solid precursors dissolved in a solvent for vaporization. |
| US08393593B2 |
Portable molding apparatus for constructing pre-cast structures
Disclosed is a portable molding apparatus for constructing pre-cast structure. The portable molding apparatus comprises a container, a plurality of partition members, at least one retainer, and a plurality of spacing members. The container comprises a floor, and a pair of longitudinal walls vertically extending from the floor for configuring an interior space therebetween. The plurality of partition members is supported on the floor in a spaced apart manner. The at least one retainer is positioned between at least one pair of partition members of the plurality of partition members for configuring at least two sets of partition members. The plurality of spacing members is positioned between partition members of each of the at least two sets of partition members for configuring a plurality of mold cavities therebetween. The plurality of mold cavities is adapted to receive a building material for constructing the pre-cast structures. |
| US08393592B1 |
Oil and gas well pad foundation form system
The oil and gas well pad foundation form system isolates a concrete pour from the well head and provides blockouts for piping installation. The system can be removed after concrete pour and set up and reused countless times. The system is provided in different sizes with blockouts in varying locations as desired. Multiple well heads can be prepared for within a given cellar, simultaneously. |
| US08393591B2 |
Seat slide apparatus for vehicle
A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a first rail, a second rail, a lock member, a plurality of engagement bores including a rear end engagement bore, a front end portion of the rear end engagement bore being further positioned in a forward direction than a rear end of the second rail in a state where the second rail is positioned at a foremost position, a rear end portion of the rear end engagement bore being exposed to a rear of the rear end of the second rail, a memory member, a holding member holding the memory member to move integrally with the second rail or holding the memory member to engage with one of the engagement bores, and an auxiliary bracket restricting a movement of the memory member that engages with the front end portion of the rear end engagement bore towards the rear end portion thereof. |
| US08393589B2 |
Container support device
A blood cleansing system includes: a weight scale; a container support device for supporting a container of a blood treating fluid, wherein the container support device includes: an attachment member for coupling the container support device to the weight scale; a joint body attached to the attachment member and configured to rotate about an axis of the attachment member; a support body secured to the joint body; and at least one container support extending from the support body, wherein the container support is configured to stably support the fluid container. |
| US08393588B2 |
Adaptor for fixing a medical apparatus
An adaptor for fixing a medical apparatus to one or two support structures, wherein the adaptor is constructed in three parts from a bearing part and two support parts, wherein the bearing part can be connected to the medical apparatus, the first support part can be connected to a first support structure and the second support part can be connected to a second support structure, and the adaptor can assume at least three states, wherein: in the first state, the bearing part is connected free of clearance to the first support part only; in the second state, the bearing part is connected free of clearance to the second support part only; and in the third state, the bearing part is connected free of clearance to the first support part and the second support part. |
| US08393585B2 |
Variable position workstation
The present invention relates to a framework for supporting pieces of equipment or other objects, and in particular to a variable position workstation for supporting work surfaces and/or electronic equipment such as computers, video displays, keyboards and the like. The workstation structure in one embodiment generally comprises a stand having a pair of spaced apart upright supports, a lateral support extending between the upright supports and having mounting means for mounting equipment from the stand. The mounting means typically allow for the positioning of a work platform or other piece of equipment at one of a plurality of different horizontal and vertical positions on the stand, thereby providing flexibility for the user. In addition, stand can comprise at least two foldable feet for maintaining the workstation in an upright position. The feet may be folded when the workstation is not in use to reduce the overall footprint of the workstation. |
| US08393579B2 |
System for disconnecting a fuel transfer boom
System (10) for disconnecting the nozzle (1) of a boom from a receptacle (2) to which the nozzle (1) is connected for fuel transfer, comprising latches (3) which are situated in the nozzle (1) and engage with latch-pins (5) arranged in the said receptacle (2), characterized in that the system (10) comprises a receptacle disconnection system (20) which operates the latch-pins (5) of the receptacle (2) and a nozzle disconnection system (30) which operates the latches (3) of the nozzle (1) such that, when an operator performs normal disconnection of the nozzle (1), the system (10) sends a first signal (21) to the receptacle (2) so that its latch-pins (5) are retracted in order to release the latches (3) of the nozzle (1) and, in parallel, sends a second signal (31) to the nozzle (1) so that the latches (3) of the nozzle (1) are retracted and release the said nozzle (1). |
| US08393574B2 |
Composite leg structure for a lightweight aircraft seat assembly
A lightweight leg assembly for an aircraft seat assembly includes a leg frame comprising at least one leg attachment bracket and a main frame member carried by the at least one leg attachment bracket and comprising a thermoplastic material. At least one track fitting may be carried by the leg frame. A method of fabricating a leg assembly for an aircraft seat assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08393571B2 |
Hydraulic fluid control apparatus
Upgrading existing aircraft braking systems to accommodate replacement of existing brake units employing sintered friction materials with brake units employing carbon-carbon composite friction materials is often desirable. However, when upgrading the braking systems it is necessary to ensure that the integrity of the existing airframe is not compromised by the use of the new brake assemblies employing the carbon-carbon composite friction materials. Consequently, the present invention replaces existing pressure control valves of existing braking systems with an electronic control unit (126) coupled to a pressure control servovalve (128), thereby ensuring proper application of hydraulic pressure to brake assemblies (122). An advantage of this invention is that the pressure profile of the hydraulic fluid is controllable and hence the integrity of the airframe is maintained. |
| US08393568B2 |
Enhanced lubrication skewed roller clutch assembly and actuator including same
A roller clutch assembly for use in an actuator is provided that includes a roller cage and at least one roller. A lubricating medium at least partially surrounds the roller cage and the roller. The roller cage includes at least one wiper configured to move the lubricating medium toward its functional location adjacent the rollers. An aircraft actuator for controlling movement of an aircraft flight control surface is also provided that includes a ball nut and a ball screw operatively connected to the flight control surface. A one-way roller clutch is operatively connected to the ball nut and substantially prevents rotation of the ball nut in a first direction in response to a compressive force on the ball screw. A roller clutch assembly according to the present invention is positioned between the ball nut and the one-way roller clutch. |
| US08393564B2 |
Personal aircraft
A safe, quiet, easy to control, efficient, and compact aircraft configuration is enabled through the combination of multiple vertical lift rotors, tandem wings, and forward thrust propellers. The vertical lift rotors, in combination with a front and rear wing, permits a balancing of the center of lift with the center of gravity for both vertical and horizontal flight. This wing and multiple rotor system has the ability to tolerate a relatively large variation of the payload weight for hover, transition, or cruise flight while also providing vertical thrust redundancy. The propulsion system uses multiple lift rotors and forward thrust propellers of a small enough size to be shielded from potential blade strike and provide increased perceived and real safety to the passengers. Using multiple independent rotors provides redundancy and the elimination of single point failure modes that can make the vehicle non-operable in flight. |
| US08393558B2 |
Mechanized separation and recovery system for solid waste
Methods and systems for separating a mixed waste into a wet organic fraction, a dry organic fraction, and an inorganic fraction are achieved by (i) comminuting the mixed solid waste, (ii) fractionating the comminuted stream by size to produce two or more particle-sized waste streams, and (iii) processing one or more of the particle-sized waste streams using density separation to produce an intermediate wastes stream, and (iv) recovering a homogenous product (e.g., a recyclable material or an organic fuel) from the intermediate waste stream. |
| US08393556B2 |
Preparation of nanoscalar UV absorbers
Disclosed is a method of preparing a composition, comprising a micronized insoluble organic UV absorber, which method comprises grinding the insoluble organic UV absorber, in coarse particle form, in a grinding apparatus comprising yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide grinding beads, in the presence of alkyl polyglucoside having the formula CnH2n+1O(C6H10O5)xH, in which n is an integer ranging from 8 to 16 and x is the mean polymerisation level of the glucoside moiety (C6H10O5) and ranges from 1.4 to 1.6, or an ester thereof and in the presence of an antifoam agent as dispersingagent auxiliary. |
| US08393554B2 |
Pest control aerosol sprayer
A pest control aerosol sprayer is provided that is free from giving rise to a fire or a burn in its storage or use.The pest control aerosol sprayer comprises a pressure-tight container (1) receiving therein a noxious insect behavioral inhibitor (A) of which an active ingredient is HFC-152a acting also as both a propellant and refrigerant, the pressure-tight container having at its top a valve (3) provided with a stem (5) and in the stem (5) with an injection hole (4) that can be opened with the stem (5) forced down; and a head cap (2) attached to a top of the pressure-tight container (1) and provided with a spray nozzle (10) and an inflow port (11) in which the stem (5) of the valve (3) in the pressure-tight container (1) is fitted, the head cap (2) being formed therein with an injection passage (12) leading from the inflow port (11) to the spray nozzle (10). |
| US08393548B2 |
Removable component for a consumable with identifying graphic
A removable component for dispensing a physical resource from a dispensing system may include a body defining a reservoir in which a physical resource may be stored, a graphic provided on the removable component having information. |
| US08393546B1 |
Games, prizes, and entertainment for powered cards and devices
Advanced payment applications are provided to improve the functionality of cards and devices. For example, a user interface may be placed on a card (e.g., a physical button) or a telephonic device (e.g., a virtual button on a capacitive touch screen). Manual input provided to this user interface may, for example, cause a purchase to be paid by credit and points may be earned for the purchase. A different manual input may, for example, cause a purchase to be paid by credit and points not be earned for the purchase in exchange for one or more chances to win a prize in a random lottery. An instant winner functionality may be provided on a card. For example, a card may randomly become an instant winner based on, for example, time and/or use. |
| US08393544B2 |
Intelligent identification of multimedia content for synchronization
An intelligent synchronization tool ensures access to desired content in a manner that automatically keeps the content current on the portable media device. A variation threshold or user-specified degree of content variation may be introduced among content downloaded to a user's mobile device to prevent the user from becoming bored. Furthermore, intelligent synchronization may automatically populate the portable media device with popular content to save a user time and/or use passive monitoring techniques to ascertain a user's preferences for subsequent population. |
| US08393543B2 |
Method and apparatus for scanning optical code
An optical aberration is intentionally introduced into the optical system which produces the scanning beam of an optical code scanner, in order to produce a scanning beam which has plural focal points or waists at different distances from the scanner. The operating range of the scanner can thereby be increased by taking advantage of different beam waist locations when the optical code is at different distances from the scanner. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, coma is intentionally introduced to an optical system providing a light beam for an optical code scanner. This provides a scanning beam with plural beam waists at different distances from the scanner. This may be accomplished by orienting the light source and focusing optical system so that their optical axes intersect or by introducing an optical member, such as a prism, between the original light source and the focusing optical system. |
| US08393540B2 |
XML printer system with RFID capability
An XML system is configured to print bar code labels, tags, tickets, cards, or other media, and/or encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The XML system includes a computer system operatively coupled to a network. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label. Alternatively, the system includes an XML processor configured to receive and process the XML input data stream, a ZPL processor configured to receive and process a format template, a variable data integrator configured to develop an association between the XML data contained in the XML input data stream and the format template, a formatting engine configured to format the associated XML data according to a format governed by the format template, and a barcode rendering engine configured to generate a printable representation of the bar code label, tag, ticket, card, other media, and/or generate encoding information for an RFID device. |
| US08393539B2 |
In-flight programming of trigger time of a projectile
The present invention describes methods for programming trigger time of a projectile (60) based on remaining flight time to a target (P) after the projectile (60) is airborne. The actual muzzle (Vo) and flight speeds (V1, V2, etc.) are independently determined and compared to those used by the ballistic computer (30), and a better estimate of trigger time is accordingly used to activate detonation of the projectile (60). In one embodiment, a Kalman algorithm is used to provide a better estimate of the projectile's flight speeds obtained by independent methods to provide the better estimate of the trigger time. |
| US08393538B2 |
Self checkout terminal and control method of the same
According to one embodiment, a self checkout terminal includes a reading section, a main display, a ticker display and a controller. The reading section reads identification information of a commodity from the commodity. The main display displays information relating to the commodity whose identification information is read by the reading section to an operator. The ticker display displays information in the same direction as the main display and is provided at a position closer to the reading section than the main display. The controller controls the ticker display and causes arbitrary information to be selectively displayed. |
| US08393536B2 |
Payment system and methods
Disclosed are payment system and methods. |
| US08393532B2 |
Use of peer maintained file to improve beacon position tracking utilizing spatial probabilities
A method for improving position beacon tracking using spatial probabilities is provided. A beacon identity recognition device receives a central probability file from a remote data processing system to form a local probability file. The device receives a current position beacon identity. The device compares current position beacon identity to a previous beacon identity stored in the local probability file to form a comparison. The device determines if the current position beacon identity is valid based on the comparison. The device transmits a valid position beacon identity to the remote data processing system. The device updates the local probability file and then combines a weighted version of the local probability file with a new copy of the probability file from the remote data processing system to form a combined probability file. The combined probability file is then sent to the remote data processing system and replaces the existing probability file. |
| US08393531B2 |
Application control based on flexible electronic device conformation sequence status
A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining and coordinating the one or more sequences of two or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the flexible electronic device with one or more commands. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US08393528B2 |
Method for coating a turbine blade
A method for hardfacing a metal component surface (14, 16), especially a shroud surface of a turbine blade made of a TiAl alloy, with at least one metal material (18, 20), in particular a Co—Cr alloy. The hardfacing coating is produced separately from the component surface and is then joined to the component surface in a high-temperature soldering process. A turbine blade including such a hardfacing coating, primarily in a shroud region (2). |
| US08393527B2 |
Solder apparatus
A solder apparatus includes a platform, an operating mechanism, a solder member, a heater, and a control box module. The control box module includes a temperature controller and a temperature sensor. The temperature controller defines a predetermined temperature. The temperature sensor is capable of measuring the temperature of the solder member. The temperature controller has the heater heat the solder member when the measured temperature of the solder member is lower than or equal to the predetermined temperature, and has the heater stop heating the solder member, when the measured temperature of the solder member is higher than the predetermined temperature. |
| US08393526B2 |
System and method for packaging electronic devices
In accordance with particular embodiments, a method for packaging electronic devices includes melting solder for a solder jet. The method additionally includes depositing the melted solder from the solder jet in a pattern on a first substrate of a first component of an electronic device. The pattern comprises a plurality of individual dots of melted solder. The method also includes aligning a second substrate of a second component of the electronic device with the pattern deposited on the first substrate of the electronic device. The method further includes re-melting the solder deposited in the pattern on the first substrate. The method additionally includes, while the solder is re-melting, compressing the first and second substrates. |
| US08393524B1 |
Counter-rotating spindle for friction stir welding
A counter-rotating spindle includes a shoulder tool, a pin tool inserted in the shoulder tool, a first motor that is connected with the pin tool and rotates the pin tool, and a second motor that is connected with the shoulder tool and rotates the shoulder tool. The direction and the speed of the rotation for the pin tool may be selected independently from the speed and direction of rotation of the shoulder tool enabling optimization of the friction stir welding process. Counter-rotating the pin tool and the shoulder tool may improve the mixing abilities and efficiency of the pin tool and may prevent the galling effect between the pin tool and the shoulder tool. The counter-rotating spindle may be used, for example, for continuous path friction stir welding and spot welding of aluminum and its alloys, including cast alloys, as well as joining similar and dissimilar alloys. |
| US08393521B1 |
Flash ring separator
A method of producing a welded assembly from a first metal part and a second metal part includes bringing the first metal part and the second metal part into contact with one another at a joint region while providing a flash ring separator adjacent the joint region configured to intercept and separate flash. After heating the joint region, the first and second metal parts are forced together to join the first metal part to the second metal part, extruding metal flash from the joint region. The extruded flash impinges on the flash ring separator, forming a flash ring having at least one indentation. During subsequent machining of the welded assembly to remove the flash ring, the flash ring may fragment at the indentation, so that it does not cause damage by becoming hung around the assembly. |
| US08393520B1 |
Pulsed ultrasonic stir welding system
An ultrasonic stir welding system includes a welding head assembly having a plate and a rod passing through the plate. The rod is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof. During a welding operation, ultrasonic pulses are applied to the rod as it rotates about its longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic pulses are applied in such a way that they propagate parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod. |
| US08393513B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus including an anvil and cartridge each having cooperating mating surfaces
Surgical stapling apparatus are disclosed including an anvil having a working surface with a shaped topography, and a staple cartridge, in juxtaposition with the anvil. The staple cartridge includes a working surface with shaped topography which is complementary to the shaped topography of the working surface of the shaped anvil. When the anvil and the staple cartridge are approximated with or toward one another, at least a portion of the working surface of the anvil cooperates with at least a portion of the working surface of the staple cartridge to enhance alignment of the staple cartridge and the anvil in at least one of a transverse and longitudinal direction. |
| US08393508B2 |
Rack tower for securing crossbars on top of a vehicle
A rack for carrying cargo on top of a vehicle includes a pair of crossbars. Each crossbar spans a pair of rails. The crossbars are connected to the rails by towers. Each tower has a claw assembly which is adjustable along two axes. |
| US08393506B2 |
Bicycle support assembly for use with a load carrier for vehicles
The present invention relates to a support assembly (1) for securing a bicycle to a load carrier for vehicles, comprising a bar (2), which is provided at both ends with a gripping means (3, 4) for mounting the support assembly between a substantially fixed frame of the load carrier and the bicycle, a common tensioning means (5), when tightened forcing together said gripping means (3, 4). The main feature of the invention is that a first gripping means (3) for attachment to the frame of the load carrier comprises an openable annular clamp (8), which extends substantially completely around the frame, and an attachment fitting (9) which is fixedly attached to the clamp for attachment to the tensioning means (5), the opening of the clamp (8) being arranged adjacent said attachment fitting (9) and the clamp (8) has two mutually adapted clamping jaws (10, 11), which are arranged on either side of the opening and which upon tightening of the tensioning means (5) are pressed against one another to tighten the clamp (8) together around the frame. |
| US08393502B2 |
Seed metering gate assembly
A seed metering gate assembly (12) is provided for use with an upright seed bin (10) having a shiftable primary gate (24), wherein the gate assembly (12) provides an additional seed flow control function allowing more accurate dispensing of seed from the bin (10). The gate assembly (12) includes a seed hopper (13) equipped with a fore and aft-shiftable metering gate (42) movable between a closed position and an open position presenting a seed output passageway (40). Apparatus (62) is operably coupled with the gate member (42) in order to determine the travel of metering gate member between the fully closed position and a plurality of open positions presenting respective, differently sized passageways (40). The apparatus (62) preferably includes a rod (64) having a series of through openings (70) and coupled with the gate member (42), with a shiftable, motion-limiting collar (72) mounted on the rod (64) and securable at any of the openings (70) by a clip (76). The opening movement of the rod (64) is limited by engagement between the collar (72) and a bracket (68) affixed to hopper (13). |
| US08393499B1 |
Multipurpose dispenser organizer
A multipurpose dispenser having a container body adapted to removably retain a plurality of product containers within the container body is disclosed. The dispenser includes a plurality of dispensing devices coupled to the container body. The dispensing devices are adapted for dispensing products from the product containers removably retained within the container body. The dispensing devices include dispensing actuators and nozzles. The dispensing actuators activate dispensing of products through the nozzles for use of the products. |
| US08393497B2 |
Powder-metering apparatus with an impact device
A powder-metering apparatus (1) for dispensing measured doses of a powder into a receiving container has a handling and positioning device (2) with a handling arm (3) designed to handle a metering device (4, 4a, 4b, 4c). The metering device has a reservoir container (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) with a metering head (32, 32a, 32b, 32c) which has a discharge orifice (5, 6) and a flow-control element (34, 35, 36). The flow-control element controls the rate at which powder leaves the discharge orifice. The powder-metering apparatus is equipped with an impact device (11, 111) adapted to shock the metering device with upward-directed force pulses of high intensity and short duration. |
| US08393496B2 |
Stack of sheets and sheet container
A representative stack of sheets including sheet bodies each of which is formed by folding a sheet and has a plurality of pieces between both ends of the sheet body. The sheet bodies are stacked one on another in such a manner that one of the plurality of pieces of each of the sheet bodies on one side in a stacking direction and another piece on the other side are inserted between pieces of an adjacent sheet body on one side in the stacking direction with respect to the sheet body and between pieces of an adjacent sheet body on the other side in the stacking direction, respectively, wherein an auxiliary piece is formed by folding an end of the piece of the sheet body. |
| US08393493B1 |
Drink cooler with cold storage
A drink cooler with cold storage that includes an inner wall disposed circumferentially around a central cavity, the central cavity configured to releasably receive a cylindrical storage shaft slidingly insertable to, and retracable from, the central cavity, wherein items stored inside the storage shaft are kept cool by means of a chilled solution (such as ice water) stored within, and dispensible from, an interior cavity disposed between the inner wall and an insulated outer wall. |
| US08393491B2 |
Neck closure comprising a hermetically sealed neck and associated cover cap for initial opening
The neck closure has a wedge-shaped hollow neck with lips formed on the front wedge edge by converging wedge surfaces, the lips being connected to form a one-piece closed lip by a thin section, and having a cover cap that can be placed over the neck. When the cover cap is in place, the front region of the wedge-shaped neck is held in a position that has been rotated through at least 5 DEG in a clockwise direction, viewed from above, in relation to its normal unstressed position, as a result of the inner moulding of the cover cap. When the cover cap is rotated anti-clockwise, from this closed position, force is only applied to the front wedge edge region of the neck by pressure surfaces projecting from the inner face of the cover cap at diametrically opposed points on said front wedge edge region. |
| US08393489B1 |
Medical waste disposal device with self-closing lid
Waste disposal device includes a container, a lid, and a rotation mechanism that rotates a waste-containing member when present in the container. A slide mechanism enables opening movement of the lid to cause the rotation mechanism to rotate the waste-containing member or prevent the rotation mechanism from rotating the waste-containing member depending on its setting. A foot pedal assembly includes a foot pedal and a spring, and causes both opening of the lid when the foot pedal is depressed and closure of the lid when the pressing force is removed. The spring is moved against its bias upon depression of the foot pedal and returns to its original state when the pressing force is removed to cause closure of the lid and rotation of the waste-containing member. The device may be used for medical waste from hospitals, doctors' offices, home health care personnel and facilities, nursing homes, and biohazard laboratories. |
| US08393485B2 |
Food container for use in freezer storage of a food portion
There is provided a food container for use in freeze storage of a food portion. The food container comprises a body defining a compartment for receipt of the food portion; a sealing lid for reversible sealing of the compartment; and provided to the body, one or more connectors, each connector arranged for reversible mating connection to a mating connector provided to a second body of a second similar food container. |
| US08393481B2 |
Clothing display fixture
A clothing display fixture includes a sleeve having an inner surface, an outer surface, a pair of opposing edges defining a top and a bottom, a joint, a first cross member and a second cross member. The first and second cross members have first lengthwise edges and opposing second lengthwise edges and first widthwise edges and opposing second widthwise edges. The first and second opposing widthwise edges are located adjacent to the inner surface of the sleeve such that the second widthwise edges span across the joint and wherein the first and second support members extend through a center of the sleeve. |
| US08393480B2 |
Processing apparatus and method of operation thereof
A manufacturing facility includes a storage facility and a production facility. Workpieces are located in the storage facility in temporary storage accommodations, and are moved between the storage facility and stations in the production facility by mobile carrier units. The temporary storage accommodations may be units having a generally circular lading envelope, and an hexagonal optimal packing density. The mobile carrier units may be automated guided vehicles and may include self-navigating software, and interactive communication with other guided vehicles to permit suitable routes to be chosen, or to permit obstacles to be avoided. The facility may include a workpiece retrieval apparatus used for transferring workpieces between the storage accommodations and the automated guided vehicles, or to other locations. The workpiece retrieval apparatus may be mounted on a bridge, and may include a multi-element raising and lowering array that is biased to oppose torsional deflection of the lifting member. |
| US08393478B2 |
Inorganic membranes and method of making
An inorganic membrane having an improved pore structure. The membrane has a mean pore size of up to about 100 nm and a mean particle size in a range from about 10 nm to about 100 nm. In one embodiment, the membrane comprises α-alumina and is formed by providing a coating slip comprising δ-alumina; applying the coating slip to a support surface to form a coating layer; drying the coating layer; and firing the dried coating layer at a temperature of at least about 1000° C. to convert at least a portion of the δ-alumina to α-alumina and form the inorganic membrane. |
| US08393477B2 |
Filter medium
A filter medium includes at least one filter membrane (10) having a fabric ply (12) as a supporting and protective layer. At least one additional filter membrane (14) with another fabric ply (16) as a supporting and protective layer is also provided. A third fabric ply (18) extends between both adjacent filter membranes (10, 14). Both adjacent filter membranes (10, 14) are connected together by the threads (26) of the other two plies (12, 16) which reach through to the third ply (18). |
| US08393475B2 |
Postal sorting machine with a carriage for handling mailpieces
A sorting machine for sorting mailpieces such as letters and flats, said machine having at least one row of sorting outlets (3) and a trolley for handling the mailpieces as a stack outside the sorting outlets. The trolley is mounted to slide on the machine along said row of sorting outlets and carries a deck that is substantially horizontal and that is mounted to move in rotation relative to the trolley (8) about a vertical axis so as to take up at least two angular positions that are offset from each other by 90 degrees. |
| US08393472B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated mail processing
An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail in a continuous and automatic procedure includes an operative combination of processing stations including an input station for receiving incoming mail in bulk fashion and for separating the pieces of mail for individual delivery to the remainder of the apparatus; a station for detecting irregularities in the contents of the envelopes, such as metal items, folded contents, or oversized items; a station for out-sorting envelopes rejected in accordance with determinations made at the detection station; a station for opening the envelopes, preferably along multiple edges; a station for removing the contents from the opened envelopes, for subsequent processing of the contents; and a series of stations for handling, imaging and orienting the contents for subsequent delivery to a plurality of output stackers. |
| US08393468B2 |
System for packaging flowers purchased on the internet
A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough. |
| US08393465B2 |
Pocket-size hybrid container for consumer items
A three-piece pocket-size hybrid container for holding a consumer product such as smokeless tobacco product in an interior volume of an inner ring mechanically secured to an interior of an outer base housing including a cover to fit over and snugly around the inner ring. When closed, a cover sidewall may engage a sidewall of the outer base housing to form a flush exterior sidewall of the closed container or the cover sidewall may be spaced apart from the outer base housing to form a gap in the exterior sidewall of the closed container. The outer base housing and cover can be metal and the inner ring can be plastic to provide a strong and robust package that maintains product freshness and is easily opened and closed. |
| US08393456B2 |
Mobile machine in main conveyor and method of using such machine
A storage platform is incorporated into the main conveyor. The machine is movable, and incorporates space for the storage of main conveyor structure. The machine also includes a mechanism for raising the top of the endless belt, and for permitting the lower or return portion of the endless belt to pass through the mobile machine. |
| US08393455B2 |
Coin processing device having a moveable coin receptacle station
A coin processing machine comprises a housing for containing the coin processing device, a coin processing unit disposed within the housing for processing received coins of a plurality of denominations and discharging processed coins into a plurality of coin receptacles, and a coin receptacle station disposed within the housing for holding a plurality of coin receptacles. The coin receptacle station includes a plurality of individually moveable platforms each having at least one coin receptacle disposed thereon. Each moveable platform is moveable between a first position and a second position. Each moveable platform is disposed entirely within the housing for receiving coins in the at least one coin receptacle disposed thereon when in the first position, and each moveable platform extends out of the housing when in the second position. |
| US08393454B2 |
Drive mechanism and method
A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations. |
| US08393452B2 |
One way clutch
In a one way clutch shipped and transported in a sub-assembly state in which one of inner ring and outer ring is assembled in a later stage. The retainer has pockets radially passing therethrough at predetermined intervals and columns between the adjacent pockets. The circumferential length of each column is so designed as to cause the biasing members, each having a spring force that allows reduction of drug, to exert a biasing force that is so strong that the torque transmission members are prevented by biasing by the biasing members from being dislocated in the sub-assembly state. The circumferential width of an engagement projection of a block bearing is smaller than that of a groove in one of the rings. When a torque greater than a predetermined level is input, the retainer shifts by a distance equal to a gap between the engagement projection and an end of the groove. |
| US08393447B2 |
Vibration damper with amplitude-selective damping force
A vibration damper includes a damping medium filled cylinder in which a piston rod carrying a working piston is guided with freedom of axial movement, the working piston dividing the cylinder into two working spaces. The piston rod forms a housing having an inside wall, the housing having first and second working chambers separated by a separating piston, the first working chamber being connected to one of the working spaces to provide amplitude selective damping as the working piston moves in the cylinder. The separating piston is spaced from the inside wall to form an annular gap in which a pressure gradient develops when the piston rod moves, thereby causing the separating piston to move in the housing, the separating piston being radially expandable to close the gap when sufficient pressure develops in one of the working chambers. |
| US08393446B2 |
Methods and apparatus for suspension lock out and signal generation
Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond. |
| US08393441B2 |
Spreader spring
A brake assembly comprising: at least one brake spring that includes: a first arm; a second arm, the first arm and the second arm forming a first arm plane; and a body portion between and connecting to the first arm and the second arm, the body portion forming a body plane, the body plane being at an angle relative to the first arm plane; wherein the at least one brake spring is between and in communication with a pressure plate of at least two brake pads. |
| US08393436B2 |
Flexible muffler for use in aircraft environmental control systems and method of manufacture
A flexible muffler for use in an aircraft environmental system includes a flexible body having a porous inner layer and an air impervious outer layer both supported by a helically wound adhesively attached reinforcing cord. The flexible body includes a pair of connecting end caps at opposed ends thereof which are joined to the flexible body in an air tight attachment. The resulting muffler provides acoustic energy absorptive and is readily flexed and bent to accommodate space restrictions within the environmental control system of the aircraft. |
| US08393431B2 |
Omnidirectional drive and steering unit
A compact, low profile omnidirectional drive and steering unit that, in one embodiment, utilizes a single, centrally located wheel, mounted on a drive shaft, upon which is also mounted a tapered pinion gear. The pinion gear on the drive shaft meshes with a ring shaped beveled worm gear contained within the outer housing of the gear unit that surrounds the centrally located wheel. At one side of the outer housing is a worm drive that meshes with the ring shaped and beveled worm gear. Rotation of the worm drive causes rotation of the ring shaped worm gear, which causes the drive shaft mounted pinion gear to turn, which turns the drive wheel to provide driving power for whatever vehicle or system of which the unit is a part. A steering and timing gear is mounted on the lower surface of the unit to provide steering capability. |
| US08393429B2 |
Variable wheelbase motor grader
A motor grader with an adjustable wheelbase. The motor grader may include front and rear wheels supporting a chassis and a main frame. A working blade may downwardly depend from the main frame between the front wheels and rear wheels to perform work on the ground below. The motor grader may also provide an adjustable wheel base to allow the center of gravity of the motor grader to better match the work load being addressed. The adjustable wheel base may also provide more swing clearance for the blade relative to the rear wheels, allow for an adjustable articulation angle, and minimize structural loads on the motor grader, particularly during ripping operation. The wheel base may be adjustable by providing structure through which the relative positions of the rear wheels can be altered automatically, manually, and dynamically. |
| US08393421B2 |
Hull robot drive system
A hull robot includes a robot body, at least one drive module for maneuvering the robot about the hull, an on-board power source, and a motive subsystem for the drive module powered by the on-board power source. A plurality of permanent magnet elements are associated with the drive module and each are switchable between a non-shunted state when adjacent the hull and a shunted state when not adjacent the hull. |
| US08393419B1 |
Superabrasive elements having indicia and related apparatus and methods
A cutting element for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation may comprise a body and laser-generated indicia on at least a portion of the body of the cutting element. The laser-generated indicia may be provided on at least a portion of a substrate of the cutting element and/or at least a portion of a layer of superabrasive material of the cutting element. The laser-generated indicia may be used to indicate a product name of the cutting element, the name of a manufacturer of the cutting element, a preferred alignment for the cutting element relative to a drill bit, or any other useful information. Cutting elements and superabrasive inserts having laser-generated indicia may be employed in rotary drill bits. In addition, laser-generated indicia may be used in a method to distinguish between cutting elements having substantially identical external geometric features. |
| US08393418B2 |
Rock bit having a seal gland with a conical sealing surface
A drill bit includes a bit head and a rotating bit cone. A sealing system for the drill bit includes a seal gland and a seal retained within the seal gland. The seal gland is defined by a radial cone surface, a head sealing surface and an opposed cone sealing surface. At least one of the head sealing surface and opposed cone sealing surface is not cylindrical (i.e., the surface is conical and not parallel to an axis of rotation for the cone). Additionally, the radial cone surface may be conical (i.e., the surface does not extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cone). The seal is radially compressed between the head sealing surface and the opposed cone sealing surface. The use of one or more conical surfaces in the gland is provided to bias the compressed seal into a preferred dynamic sealing zone. |
| US08393416B2 |
Drilling rig and mounting method therefor
There is provided a drilling rig for use on a drilling platform, comprising a drilling mast having at least two segments and a feed carriage, said drilling mast being adapted to be constructed in such a manner that at least one segment is displaced upwardly by means of the feed carriage. A mounting method in accordance with the invention for a drilling mast having at least two segments comprises the following steps: fixing of a feed carriage, providing of a mast segment below the feed carriage, and displacing the mast segment upwardly by means of the feed carriage. Due to this, additional auxiliary devices for constructing the drilling mast are not required, and space may be saved. |
| US08393414B2 |
Establishing positions of locating field detectors and path mapping in underground boring tool applications
Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and a sonde. Two detectors can be located at positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive an electromagnetic locating signal from the sonde in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the sonde and the detectors within the region. |
| US08393413B2 |
Closed loop control bore hole drilling system
A steerable bore hole drilling tool and method of drilling bore holes. The steerable bore hole drilling tool comprise means for mechanically decoupling the sensor unit from the tool body. The method comprises a step of mechanically decoupling the sensor unit form the tool body. |
| US08393412B2 |
System and method for accurate wellbore placement
A system and method of closed loop control whereby groupings of surface sonic transmitters disposed along the planned path of a well send sonic wave energy to a downhole sonic receiver (or alternatively a downhole sonic transmitter signalling to grouping of surface sonic receivers) in a manner that facilitates the downhole positioning of the well. Subsequent offset well positioning, relative to the first well, may be achieved in a similar manner. |
| US08393411B2 |
Method for controlling loss of drilling fluid
Methods for drilling and treating for lost returns continuously while drilling are provided. High fluid loss drilling fluid is used, along with particulate material that forms an immobile mass in hydraulic fractures to prevent their growth. The particulate material may be selected based on the predicted size of a hydraulic fracture, based on particle size to minimize fines, based on specific gravity to attain high solids content for a selected fluid density, and/or based on permeability of the particles to attain a high spurt loss. |
| US08393410B2 |
Millimeter-wave drilling system
System for drilling boreholes into subsurface formations. A gyrotron injects millimeter-wave radiation energy into the borehole and pressurization apparatus is provided for pressurizing the borehole whereby a thermal melt front at the end of the borehole propagates into the subsurface formations. In another aspect, a system for fracturing a subsurface formation is disclosed. |
| US08393403B2 |
Drill string flow control valves and methods
Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a piston axially movable within said valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, a static pressure port for actuating said piston utilizing internal fluid pressure within said valve and a plurality of dynamic pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve during dynamic flow conditions. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure during fluid flow through said valve. By allowing a differential pressure resulting from a fluid flow to act on the valve sleeve, u-tubing in a drill string can be prevented or substantially reduced. Methods of use are also provided. |
| US08393402B2 |
Redundant position reference system for multilateral exit construction and method for use of same
A position reference system (100) for multilateral exit construction in a wellbore (32). The system (100) includes a casing string (34) having a window joint (106) and a pair of latch couplings (102, 104) interconnected therein and positioned in the wellbore (32). The first latch coupling (102) has a first inner profile operably engagable with a mating profile of a first latch assembly (114) to anchor and orient the first latch assembly (114) relative to the window joint (106). The second latch coupling (104) has a second inner profile that is different from the first inner profile of the first latch coupling (102). The second inner profile is operably engagable with a mating profile of a second latch assembly (124) to anchor and orient the second latch assembly (124) relative to the window joint (106). |
| US08393400B2 |
Metal-to-metal seal with wiper element and wellhead system incorporating same
A wellhead or Christmas tree seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead or Christmas tree members. U-shaped metal seals having legs that face in opposite directions, are bonded to a wiping element. During installation of the seal assembly, the ends of the seal legs seal against the wellhead members and the wiping element compensates for defects on the surfaces of the wellhead members. The wiping element can be of an elastomer, metallic, or intercalated graphite material. |
| US08393398B2 |
Device for controlling slugging
A device for inhibiting severe slug flow in a multiphase fluid stream flowing through a pipeline and into a riser, wherein, the device is positioned immediately upstream of the riser and comprises at least one unit comprising (i) an upwardly inclined section of pipe having a lower end and an upper end and (ii) either a substantially horizontal section of pipe having a first end and a second end or a downwardly inclined section of pipe having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end of the upwardly inclined section of pipe is connected either directly or indirectly with the pipeline, the upper end of the upwardly inclined section of pipe is connected either directly or indirectly with the first end of the horizontal section of pipe or with the upper end of the downwardly inclined section of pipe, and the second end of the horizontal section of pipe or the lower end of the downwardly inclined section of pipe is connected either directly or indirectly with the riser, and wherein the angle of inclination of the upwardly inclined section of pipe is in the range 5 to 90° to the horizontal, and the length of the upwardly inclined section of pipe is in the range 1 to 30 feet. |
| US08393395B2 |
Use of encapsulated chemical during fracturing
A process for hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean reservoir formation penetrated by a wellbore includes pumping a fracturing fluid or other aqueous fluid from the surface via the wellbore and into the reservoir. This fluid is an aqueous suspension of particles which each comprise an oilfield chemical distributed within an encapsulating matrix of water-insoluble carrier material. The encapsulating matrix is chosen so as to provide a delayed release of the oilfield chemical from the particles into surrounding fluid, such that oilfield chemical is liberated from the particles after they have entered the fracture. The encapsulating matrix may be a polymer which is at least partially amorphous, with a glass transition temperature below the reservoir temperature. |
| US08393391B2 |
Dry cement formulation for cementing holes in the earth
The present invention pertains to a dry cement formulation for cementing earth boreholes, in particular oil, gas and/or terrestrial heat boreholes, containing a) about 20 to 99.9 wt. % cement, b) about 0 to 65 wt. % powdered quartz/or quartz dust, c) about 0.1 to 30 wt. % water-redispersible dispersion powder, and d) about 0 to 20 wt. % further additives. Furthermore, the invention pertains to the use of the dry cement formulation for preparing a cement slurry as well as to the use of water-redispersible dispersion powders in a cement slurry for cementing earth boreholes, wherein the cement slurries can be used for reducing the water loss of the cement slurry, for reducing the gas and/or water penetration and/or for sealing off the gas and/or water channels by means of the cement slurry which has been introduced into the borehole and has set. |
| US08393385B2 |
Heat exchanging apparatus and method of making same
A heat exchanging device includes first and second disk members coupled together to form a disk unit having a chamber. The first disk member has an inlet and the second disk member has an outlet. At least one of the disk members has first and second connecting members coupled to the other disk member. The connecting members are arranged on opposite sides of a line extending axially through the inlet and outlet to define therebetween an inlet flow path above the line and outlet flow path below the line. A medium directing member is disposed within the disk unit. The medium directing member, the first and second connecting members and the chamber are arranged such that heat exchange media is directed to flow from the inlet, through the inlet flow path, through the chamber, through the outlet flow path, and into the outlet. |
| US08393384B2 |
Stacked-plate heat exchanger, in particular charge-air cooler
The invention relates to a stacked-plate heat exchanger, in particular a charge-air cooler, having a plurality of elongate plates (1-3;21-23;51-53) which are stacked on top of one another and are connected, in particular soldered, to one another, which plates (1-3;21-23;51-53) delimit a cavity (55-57) for conducting a medium to be cooled, for example charge air, in the longitudinal direction of the plates, and a further cavity (63-65) for conducting a coolant, wherein the plates (1-3;21-23;51-53) have in each case one inlet port and one outlet port for the medium which is to be cooled. In order to provide a stacked-plate heat exchanger which can be produced cost-effectively and has a long service life even at high temperatures, according to the invention, at least one coolant port (14-16) extends partially around a port (12) for the medium to be cooled. |
| US08393379B2 |
Shutter with gear drive for louvres
A shutter of the type having a frame, and louvres extending from side to side within the frame, the louvres being rotatable about parallel axes, the side frames having a hollow interior, and defining longitudinal slots, and having a louvre control member within the frame for operating all louvres, drive connector members connected to the louvre control member for engaging respective louvres, and each drive connector member in turn having a first gear operated by the louvre control member, a second gear supporting and driving an end of a louvre, a drive housing supporting the first and second gears in meshing engagement, and, drive surfaces on the first gear for interengaging with the louvre control member. |
| US08393378B2 |
Group control method for controlling motor-driven screens as a group, automatic motor control for implementing the method, and home automation installations including such automatic motor control
According to the method of the invention, the movement of movable screen ends for a group of motor-driven screens to a common position is controlled in a grouped manner. The method includes a step (E150) consisting of moving the end of a screen when said end becomes the farthest from the common position after moving the end of at least one other screen to said common position. |
| US08393372B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system
The sheet processing apparatus includes a buffer roller to form a sheet bundle by overlapping a plurality of sheets while respectively displacing an end part of each sheet at one end of the conveying direction toward the conveying direction, a fold conveying path to fold the displaced and overlapped sheet bundle twice into three layers so that the end part at one end covers an end part at the other end and the end parts at the one end are respectively exposed, and a sealer to seal the sheet bundle by adhering the end part at the one end of the twice-folded sheet bundle to a surface of the sheet bundle with a seal. The sealer adheres all of the end parts at the one end and the surface of the sheet bundle with a seal having length longer than exposed length of the end parts at the one end. |
| US08393369B2 |
Labeling machine for labels printed on continuous film
A labeling machine for labels printed on continuous film, comprising, in an intermediate position between a motorized reel and a feed roller, a tunnel provided with suction elements adapted to determine on the film in transit inside it an attraction that gives it a bent configuration, elements being provided which are adapted to control the depth of the bend, the tunnel being provided with a bottom and a lid that are adapted to align the film at a constant height. |
| US08393368B2 |
Numerically controlled composite compaction device
A method of manufacturing a composite structure by compacting layers of laminate material within a mold and then curing the layers of laminate material within the mold. |
| US08393364B2 |
Refuelling container for fuelcell, method for refuelling, and holder for refulling container
In, for example, a direct methanol type fuelcell, fuel is allowed to be injected little by little when the fuel is injected and supplied from the outside to a fuel receiving part reduced in the amount of remaining fuel on the fuelcell body side and an electromotive part can be prevented from being damaged by keeping the pressure in the fuel receiving part at a fixed level or less when the fuel is injected. Specifically, when a fuel CL filled in a refuelling container C is injected into a fuel receiving part T in several lots, a fuel injecting operation is repeated in which the volume of the refuelling container C is shrunk and reduced to supply the fuel into the fuel receiving part T in a proper amount and then the original volume of the refuelling container is restored to thereby absorb the atmospheric gas in the fuel receiving part T, which makes it possible to inject fuel continuously without any hindrance to the injection of the fuel. |
| US08393362B1 |
Automated vehicle fueling apparatus and method
A multi axis robot is mounted in a fuel transfer housing. A programmable controller is connected to the robot. A control console receives instructions, from a vehicle operator who remains in an operator's station, and transmits instructions to the controller. Cameras locate the vehicle fueling port. A tube is extended from the transfer housing toward the fueling port. The port is opened by robot arm and tools extending through the tube. The cap is stored. A fuel discharge is connected to the port. A fuel pump is activated and then deactivated. The fuel discharge is removed from the port. The robot retrieves the fuel cap, closes the port and closes other port covers. The tube is retracted into the transfer housing. During fueling air and fuel vapors are sucked into the housing. Filters separate air. Captured fuel is returned to storage. The operator and vehicle separate from the fuel housing. |
| US08393361B2 |
Receptacle for weighing prescribed target quantities of substances
A receptacle for the weighing-in of free-flowing substances has a fill opening, a tubular-shaped circumference wall, and a bottom part. The bottom part is connected to the tubular-shaped circumference wall, which it tightly closes off in the direction of gravity when the weighing receptacle is in its operating position. The weighing receptacle can be set on the weighing pan of a balance and can be filled like a beaker with free-flowing substances without allowing the latter to escape therefrom. The bottom part can be opened either by an outside force acting on the weighing receptacle and/or through the influence of a solvent acting on the weighing receptacle, forming an outlet orifice in the bottom part. The weighing receptacle, otherwise tightly sealed in the direction of gravity, can be flushed out with a fluid when the outlet orifice is opened. |
| US08393359B2 |
Dual purpose bitumen/diluent railroad tank car
A dual-purpose railcar is provided, designed for hauling of bitumen or diluent, optimized to provide transport of bitumen to a destination and transport of diluent in the return trip of the car. |
| US08393358B2 |
Method for manual dispensing using standardized packaging
In one embodiment there is provided a system for recalculating a formula previously used in preparing a mixture made from adding at least two components. The system includes a control apparatus and scale. The control apparatus has a memory for storing the mixture formula. The scale, in communication with the control apparatus, allows the control apparatus to monitor a weight on the scale, such that a final weight of the mixture is stored on the memory. When an end weight of the mixture, defined to be the final weight of the mixture previously prepared minus an amount used by a user, is positioned back on the scale and when the control apparatus receives a recalculation signal, the control apparatus calculates the amount used, recalculates the mixture based on the amount used, and stores a new mixture for subsequent use. |
| US08393356B2 |
Device for controlling fluid motion into micro/nanochannels by means of surface acoustic waves
A device for controlling fluid motion in a micro/nanofluidic structure of channels by means of surface acoustic waves is described. The device comprises a structured volume of material bearing a predetermined configuration of micro/nanofluidic channels for holding and transferring amounts of fluids adapted to define at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet and presenting a hydrophobic behaviour for the fluids to be handled and a substrate made of material with piezoelectric properties coupled to the micro/nanofluidic channels. |
| US08393354B2 |
Self-sealing hydraulic control line coupling
There is provided a hydraulic fluid control line connector including first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. There is further provided a method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of hydraulic fluid control lines by securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a hydraulic line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged. |
| US08393350B2 |
Methods and apparatus for introducing additives into a fluid flow
Disclosed are an apparatus and methods for introducing additives into a fluid flow. An additive vessel, with chambers for one or more additives, is attached to a primary flow fixture in a configuration that permits a diversion of part of the primary flow through the additive vessel then back to the outlet of the primary flow fixture. When the apparatus is engaged, a part of the primary flow is diverted to the additive vessel, combines with the additive, and then is re-introduced to the fluid stream, exiting the primary flow fixture. |
| US08393346B2 |
Solenoid valve and method of assembly thereof
A valve assembly includes a housing having a valve bore, a valve seat, and at least one port communicating with the bore. A moveable plunger resides in the valve bore and selectively seals against the valve seat. A bobbin integral with the housing has a solenoid bore adjacent to and coaxial with the valve bore. A moveable armature resides in the solenoid bore and has an operating rod connected to the plunger. A pole piece resides in the solenoid bore adjacent the armature. A solenoid coil is wound about the bobbin. A flux conductor partially surrounding the bobbin, pole piece, and armature. An assembly method includes flowing air through the port, inserting the plunger or another sealing element into the bore while monitoring the fluid flow; and stopping the plunger or sealing element when the flow is at a preselected condition. |
| US08393345B2 |
Oil pressure control device
An oil pressure control device includes a plurality of solenoid valves, and a foreign matter discharge unit which carries out foreign matter discharge treatment for a treatment period composed of a first period T1 in which a current smaller than a predetermined value is supplied to one of the solenoid valves and a second period T2 in which a current equal to or larger than the predetermined value is supplied to the one of the solenoid valves, and makes timings for varying the current values different from one another so as to start supplying a current equal to or larger than the predetermined current value to another one of the solenoid valves at the beginning of the first period T1, and to start supplying a current smaller than the predetermined value to the another one of the solenoid valves at the beginning of the second period T2. |
| US08393342B2 |
Walking cane
The present invention includes a walking cane having a handle assembly, a support assembly and foot member. The handle assembly includes first and second generally upright rigid posts. A shaft adaptable for grasping by a user's hand connects to each end of the posts. Pliable mounts dispose between the terminal ends of the shaft and each post. The mounts, biased against the shaft, permit omni-directional movement of the shaft relative to each post. The support assembly connects to the handle assembly and includes three parallel elongated rods spaced apart from one another in a triangular formation. The handle assembly can be adjusted relative to the support assembly by means of two cooperating shims. The foot member connects to the support assembly and contacts the ground. The cane provides a light-weight shaft and a shock absorbing handle assembly to assist in relieving hand, wrist and arm strains. |
| US08393341B2 |
Audio system for outdoor umbrella
An outdoor umbrella includes an umbrella frame and an audio system. The umbrella includes a supporting frame and an awning frame supported by the supporting frame to define a shadowing area under the awning frame. The audio system includes at least a speaker unit supported by the umbrella frame and an audio input operatively linked to the speaker unit such that when the audio input sends an audio signal to the speaker unit, the speaker unit is adapted for producing audio effect within the shadowing area as an additional function for the outdoor umbrella. |
| US08393338B2 |
Cosmetic applicator with torque limiter
A cosmetic applicator includes a handle, a drive coupled to the handle, an applicator head coupled to the drive, and a torque limiter coupled to or within at least one of the drive and the applicator head such that the torque applied via the applicator head does not exceed a predetermined allowable torque. |
| US08393337B2 |
Nail cleaning apparatus
Aspects of the invention relate to apparatuses and methods for improving sanitary conditions. Certain aspects relate to an apparatus having at least one protrusion for removing visible debris from a nail and at least one nail cleaning region comprising an impregnable material for containing a liquid. In one exemplary embodiment, several nail cleaning elements may be configured to each clean a different nail without cross contaminating any other nail cleaning element on the apparatus. In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid comprises an agent selected from the group consisting of: a biocide agent, moisturizing agent, a cleaning agent, and combinations thereof. Multiple nail cleaning elements may be positioned to permit the simultaneous cleaning of multiple nails without cross-contamination. |
| US08393336B2 |
Packaging and applicator devices and kits, and methods of application
A packaging and applicator kit may comprise a receptacle containing a substance for application to nails that has a viscosity of at least approximately 0.3 Pa·s. The kit may also comprise at least one applicator configured to be loaded with the substance contained in the receptacle and to apply the substance to nails. The at least one applicator may comprise at least one flexible blade defining an application face. |
| US08393331B2 |
Electronic atomization cigarette
An electronic cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An atomizer and a liquid-supply are in contact with each other. The air inlet, atomizer, an aerosol passage, and a mouthpiece are sequentially interconnected. |
| US08393323B2 |
Supplemental gas safety system for a breathing assistance system
A system for managing a supplemental gas supply in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient includes a temperature sensor and a control system. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature associated with a breathing assistance system configured to deliver a first gas and a supplemental gas toward a patient. The control system is configured to automatically control the flow of the supplemental gas based at least on the monitored temperature. |
| US08393318B2 |
Heat exchanger
A furnace or other heat exchanger application for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems having condensate control. Specifically, the disclosure includes condensate control for secondary heat exchangers for use with high efficiency furnaces, particularly for small tonnage systems, such as residential or unitary systems. The application provides condensate management to permit a plurality of furnace orientations while providing resistance to corrosion due to liquid condensate, while providing a furnace system that utilizes less expensive materials and is easily fabricated. |
| US08393317B2 |
Inclusive single-use heating device
The invention comprises a fuel package comprising a vessel, a fuel, a combustion-restricting choke plate and a sealed lidding. |
| US08393316B2 |
Internal-combustion-engine control apparatus
In an internal-combustion-engine control apparatus provided with an exhaust gas sensor control device that outputs a detection signal detected by an exhaust-gas sensor, while switching amplification factors of an amplification circuit or offset voltages of an offset circuit, it is determined whether the exhaust-gas sensor is in an activation state or not, and an electric current flowing into the exhaust-gas sensor is stopped, in the case where it is determined that the exhaust-gas sensor is in a non-activation state; the amplification factors of the amplification circuit are switched so that there is detected an air-fuel ratio signal at the time when an electric current flowing into the exhaust-gas sensor is stopped, and it is determined whether or not the offset circuit is abnormal, based on whether the respective air-fuel ratio signals at the amplification factors are within a predetermined range. |
| US08393315B2 |
Crank case ventilator
The present invention relates to a ventilation device (5) for ventilating a crankcase (6) of an internal combustion engine (1), particularly in a motor vehicle, comprising a ventilation line (26), which is connected at the input side to the crankcase (6) of the internal combustion engine (1) in the mounted state, and which is connected at the output side to a fresh gas line (3) feeding fresh gas to the internal combustion engine (1), a ventilation line (27), which in the mounted state is connected to the fresh gas line (3) at the input side and to the crankcase (6) at the output side. A separator (28) is arranged in the ventilation line (26) to remove pollution from the gas that is discharged from the crankcase (6) and a pressure valve (3) is arranged in the ventilation line (26) to control the gas volume discharged from the crankcase (6). In order to increase the smoothness of running of the internal combustion engine (1) in idle, the ventilation device (5) comprises a locking device (37) for locking the ventilation line (27). |
| US08393311B2 |
Internal combustion engine with dry sump lubrication
An internal combustion engine with a dry sump lubrication system is disclosed. The dry sump lubrication system has an oil pan coupled to the engine, an oil reservoir, an oil discharge tube coupling between the oil pan to the oil reservoir, an oil supply tube coupling the oil reservoir to the engine, and a vent tube coupling the oil reservoir to the intake manifold. The dry sump lubrication system may have a fresh air tube coupled to the oil reservoir. A control element coupled to an upstream side of the fresh air tube controls fresh air supplied to the oil reservoir. The oil reservoir may be insulated to retain energy in the oil during short shutdown periods. The oil reservoir may have a heat exchanger which allows engine coolant to flow through the heat exchanger. |
| US08393308B2 |
Switchable cam follower of a valve train of an internal combustion engine
A switchable cam follower of a valve train of a combustion engine, which has an external lever that encompasses an internal lever. The levers are pivotably moveable relative to one another at a valve-side end. The cam follower has a stop for a gas exchange valve on an underside on the valve-side end and a complementary face on the other end for a support element. The cam follower has a start face on an upper side for at least one high-lift cam. In one receptacle of the internal lever a coupling element is seated, which is displaceable longitudinally and can be brought into engagement in sections in case of coupling with a driving surface of the external lever. Also, at least one torsion is clamped between the two levers. |
| US08393300B2 |
Pet toy with flexible body and rope support configurations
A pet toy includes a flexible body with rope support configurations. In one embodiment, the rope configurations include one or more loops that are exposed and one or more knots that are covered by an exterior plush component of the pet toy. In another embodiment, two or more strands of rope material are tied in a series of knots, and an additional strand of rope material may be tied to the other strands in a transverse fashion. Preferably, the exterior plush component includes fabric. One or more of the free ends of the strands of rope material may also protrude beyond the plush component. The fabric material is sewn over the exposed portions of the rope material. Enough fabric material is used such that twisting, extending and retracting the rope material does not transfer force directly to the exterior fabric, thereby preserving the exterior plush component. The knots provide internal bulk to the body of the toy eliminating the need for stuffing. The knots also provide a robust structure for biting and tugging that can aid in dental cleaning. The exposed loops or free ends of the rope material act as handles for grasping by the pet owner or animal. |
| US08393299B1 |
Toy gun
A toy gun is described. The toy gun includes a firing ram configured in a toy gun barrel to be capable of shifting from a first, pre-firing configuration to a second, resting configuration. The barrel comprises a tapered portion capable of holding balls of variable size substantially within the barrel, and a portion of the firing ram is capable of contacting a ball held within the tapered portion when the firing ram is in the resting configuration. |
| US08393297B2 |
Aquaculture net with steel wires coated with metal strip
The invention relates to an aquaculture net (10) comprising steel wires (12) having a steel core (14) and a tuneable metal coating (16) in the form of a strip to improve anti-corrosion and anti-fouling properties. In comparison with the prior art, the metal coating can be thicker and can have a composition that is homogeneous over its thickness. |
| US08393295B2 |
Ergonomic entrance lane for a milking platform
A system includes a first wall positioned substantially parallel to a second wall, a first end of the first wall and a first end of the second wall defining an entrance to a milking platform entrance lane having a width in the range of thirty inches to thirty-six inches. The system further includes a flare wall having a first end coupled to a second end of the second wall, the flare wall extending outwardly from the second wall at an angle in the range of thirty-five degrees to forty-five degrees with respect to the second wall. A second end of the flare wall and a second end of the first wall define an exit from the milking platform entrance lane having a width in the range of forty inches to fifty-four inches. |
| US08393291B2 |
Liquid application apparatus and application method
A liquid application apparatus includes a guide roll for guiding a sheet for application, and a slit die for applying a liquid to a surface of the sheet for application from an opening. The slit die has an upper layer flow path and a lower layer flow path spaced in the rotational direction of the guide roll and joining at the opening. In a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the guide roll, an angle α formed by the center line of the upper layer flow path and the center line of the lower layer flow path is 0.5 to 25°, an angle β formed by a line connecting the intersection point of the center line of the upper layer flow path and the center line of the lower layer flow path with the axis of the guide roll and by the center line of the upper layer flow path is 0 to 70° as measured from this connecting line toward the center line of the upper layer flow path in the direction opposite to the rotational direction of the guide roll, and the distance γ between a point where the two flow paths and join and the opening is 0.05 to 2.8 mm. |
| US08393290B2 |
Automated surface treatment system and method
This disclosure relates to systems and associated methods for applying a surface treatment to a part and curing the surface treatment without reorienting the part in the process. The systems include a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a system for applying a surface treatment, such as a powder coating application system, and a system for curing the surface treatment. |
| US08393289B2 |
Laser assisted nano deposition
An apparatus and method is disclosed for forming a nano structure on a substrate with nano particles. The nano particles are deposited through a nano size pore onto the substrate. A laser beam is directed through a concentrator to focus a nano size laser beam onto the deposited nano particles on the substrate. The apparatus and method is suitable for fabricating patterned conductors, semiconductors and insulators on semiconductor wafers of a nano scale line width by direct nanoscale deposition of materials. |
| US08393285B2 |
Boat cleat assembly
A movable cleat assembly is provided. The movable cleat includes a support base, a face plate positioned adjacent the support base and a retractable cleat. The retractable cleat includes a handle portion and at least one leg extending through the support base and the face plate. The face plate further includes an edge that is adapted to deform or otherwise embed a portion of itself into a boat when installed. At least one of the support base and face plate includes at least one tube to receive the leg therein. The at least one tube is composed of a corrosion-proof material. |
| US08393282B2 |
Sewn product and clothes
A sewn product comprises fabrics having conductive yarns inserted each in a warp direction and a weft direction and disposed in a lattice at intervals, wherein at least two stitches in at least one place of seam are provided with a stitch interval of not more than 5 mm, and a surface resistance (R) between two points separated by 30 cm across at least one seam is according to the formula: R≦1.0×1012Ω. A sewn product comprises fabrics having conductive yarns inserted each in a warp direction and a weft direction and disposed in a lattice at intervals, wherein in at least one place of seam a number of piles of clothing fabrics of seam allowance is 5 or more, and a surface resistance (R) between two points separated by 30 cm across at least one seam is R≦1.0×1012Ω. |
| US08393281B1 |
Particle feeder
A particle feeder is provided for feeding small particles at a uniform low feed rate. In some embodiments, the particle feeder includes a primary reservoir, a secondary reservoir, and a valve. The primary reservoir encloses an internal volume for holding particles and defining a hole through a bottom surface thereof. The valve includes a rod enclosed within and extending through the volume defined by the primary reservoir. The rod is movable between an open position, wherein particles can flow through the hole, and a closed position, wherein the rod blocks the hole. The actuator controls the movement of the rod between the open position and the closed position. The secondary reservoir has an internal volume, and a conduit for connecting the internal volume of the secondary reservoir with the internal volume of primary reservoir, such that particles can flow from the secondary reservoir into the primary reservoir. |
| US08393280B2 |
Lockable enclosure
A safe having a support assembly disposed in the interior of the safe. The door of the safe is coupled to the support assembly and is easily shiftable between a closed position wherein the door is received in an opening of the safe and an open position wherein the door is removed from the opening in the safe and disposed in the interior of the safe. |
| US08393277B2 |
Automatic carriage return for exhaust removal system
An automatic carriage return for an exhaust removal system having a carriage that is configured to translate along a track tube, the carriage being coupled at a first end to an exhaust extraction hose, the second end of the exhaust extraction hose being coupled to a vehicle exhaust for directing exhaust from the vehicle out the track tube. The automatic carriage return includes a drive cable spanning along the track tube, and an engagement assembly coupled to the carriage. The engagement assembly has an engaged configuration and a non-engaged configuration with respect to the drive cable. A drive motor is coupled to the engagement assembly, and drives motion of the carriage along the drive cable when the engagement assembly is in the engaged configuration. In the disengaged configuration, the engagement assembly is configured to be disengaged from the drive cable while the exhaust extraction hose is attached to the exhaust of a vehicle to allow the carriage to freely follow the path of the vehicle. Upon release of the extraction hose from the vehicle, the engagement assembly is configured to automatically activate to the engaged configuration to engage the drive cable. |
| US08393270B2 |
Printing blanket with convex carrier layer
An offset printing press is provided. The offset printing press includes an image cylinder, a blanket cylinder having an axially convex outer surface, and a printing blanket disposed over the axially convex outer surface, the printing blanket including a carrier sleeve layer having at least one axially convex surface. An axially profiled shim is also provided. |
| US08393267B2 |
Disposable cup insert for pad printing and decorating
A liquid supply assembly for use with a printing system of a type in which a liquid is deposited from the liquid supply assembly in a receiving region on a plate and any excess of the liquid in the receiving region is scraped from the plate by the liquid supply assembly. To this end, the liquid supply assembly employs a reusable cup, a disposable cup insert and a scraping element. As assembled, the reusable cup includes a reusable liquid reservoir, the disposable cup insert includes a temporary liquid reservoir holding the liquid within the reusable liquid reservoir, and the scraping element includes a conduit facilitating a flow of the liquid held by the temporary liquid reservoir through the conduit to the plate. |
| US08393263B2 |
Food dough extending apparatus
An object is to provide a food dough extending apparatus capable of adjusting a vertical position of an extending roller unit in an obliquely vertical direction in accordance with a thickness of food dough. A food dough apparatus includes an inclined transporting unit 7 inclined and configured to transport to-be-extended food dough 9 upward, a horizontal direction transporting unit 11 configured to transport the food dough 9 transported from the inclined transporting unit 7 in a horizontal direction, and an extending roller unit 13 provided above over an area from an upper end of the inclined transporting unit 7 to the horizontal direction transporting unit 11 and configured to extend the food dough 9. The extending roller unit 13 is vertically adjustable in a direction intersecting an inclination direction of the inclined transporting unit 7 and being upwardly inclined toward the inclined transporting unit 7. The extending roller unit 13 includes dust sealing mechanisms provided between ends of the extending rollers 79 and a pair of endless members 75, the dust sealing mechanism inhibiting circulation of air between rotation regions of extending rollers 79 and traveling regions of the pair of endless members 75. |
| US08393261B2 |
Capsule with integrated piercing member
The present invention proposes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients. The capsule includes a sealed ingredients compartment, an inlet face, an outlet face, and an opening member which is positioned at the inlet face outside the compartment and which is provided with piercing members directed towards the ingredients compartment. |
| US08393259B2 |
Firearm barrel having multiple ports and port selector
A cartridge gas port selector mechanism for a firearm barrel having a plurality of gas ports extending from the barrel bore and having a gas block with gas passages in communication with a gas tube. A selector valve member is movable within the gas block between an open condition permitting flow of cartridge gas from one or more ports of the firearm barrel to the cartridge gas passage and a closed condition blocking flow of cartridge gas from the barrel bore to the cartridge gas passage. A valve selector or actuator is connected with the valve member and is selectively moveable to position the valve member at the open condition or the closed condition to select the volume and timing of cartridge gas communication from the barrel bore to the gas energized autoloading mechanism of the firearm. |
| US08393256B2 |
Glass plate cutting method and glass plate cutting machine
A glass plate cutting machine 1 includes a cutter wheel 4 for forming a cut line 3 on a glass plate 2; a moving means 5 for moving the cutter wheel 4 along a cut line 3a which has been preset and is to be formed on the glass plate 2; a resiliently pressing device 6 for resiliently pressing the cutter wheel 4 against the glass plate 2; and a control unit 7 for controlling the resiliently pressing device 6 so as to alternately change over the intensity of a resiliently pressing force of that cutter wheel 4 with respect to the glass plate 2 in the movement of the cutter wheel 4 by the moving means 5. |
| US08393253B2 |
Cabinet anchor bolt assembly
An anchor bolt assembly for securing a cabinet and other structures to a sub-floor. A bolt with coaxial upper and lower threaded bores receives a threaded member from above and secures it to a threaded member from below. The upper threaded bore allows the cabinet to be secured to the upper floor. The lower threaded bore provides a securing means for the anchor bolt and its attachments through coupling the threaded bolt from the upper threaded bore to a threaded member protruding from the sub-floor. This threaded member engages the lower threaded bore. The threaded bores of the bolt provide two areas of stabilization against shear and torsional stresses along the axis of the anchor bolt assembly. |
| US08393252B2 |
Wrench
A wrench includes a body, a first driving head, a second driving head, a first ratcheting mechanism and a second ratcheting mechanism. The first ratcheting mechanism connects the first driving head to the body. The second ratcheting mechanism connects the second driving head to the body. |
| US08393250B2 |
Tool for stripping off a jacket from tubes or cables
A tool for stripping off a jacket from tubes or cables is characterized by a bend adapted to an outer diameter of the duct or cable to be stripped, and a blade protruding from the bend to the interior of the bend. The invention provides a cost-effective, accurate and easily producible tool for stripping off a jacket from tubes or cables. |
| US08393248B2 |
Baffle plate support structure for transmission
A baffle plate support structure supports a baffle plate inside a casing of a transmission. The baffle plate support structure includes a fixing portion and a supporting portion. The fixing portion secures a fixed end of the baffle plate to the casing by tightening bolts. The fixed end is one end of the baffle plate. The supporting portion supports a supported end of the baffle plate with respect to the casing. The supported end is another end of the baffle plate. The supporting portion has protruding ribs formed on an inner surface of the casing. The supporting portion is positioned such that the protruding ribs have a clearance of predetermined distance with respect to the supported end of the baffle plate in a vibrating direction of the supported end. |
| US08393246B2 |
Aerobar assembly
An aerobar assembly for a bicycle that generally includes an aerobar, an adaptor and a control cable guide. The aerobar includes proximal and distal portions and proximal and distal ends. The aerobar has a generally hollow interior. The adaptor mounts an actuator assembly to the aerobar. The adaptor includes an interiorly-disposed portion and an exteriorly-disposed portion. The interiorly-disposed portion is disposed in the hollow interior of the aerobar and is bonded to the distal portion of the aerobar. The exteriorly-disposed portion is configured to receive the actuator assembly. The control cable guide is configured to slidably receive a control cable therethrough. The control cable guide is coupled to the adaptor such that the control cable enters the distal end, extends through the interior of the aerobar, and exits the proximal end of the aerobar. |
| US08393245B2 |
Vehicle operation pedal
A vehicle operation pedal includes: a pedal arm disposed on a pedal support so as to be pivotable about a support axis, the pedal support being fixed to a vehicle; and a pedal sheet to be depressed by a driver, the pedal sheet being integrally fixed to a lower end portion of the pedal arm so as to extend from the pedal arm on both sides in a vehicle width direction, a pair of sheet attachment portions being integrally provided at the lower end portion of the pedal arm by bending the pedal arm so as to be enlarged apart from each other on both sides in the vehicle width direction, the pair of sheet attachment portions extending along the pedal sheet, and the pedal sheet being integrally fixed to the sheet attachment portions at two positions that are laterally spaced apart from each other in such a manner that a center of the pedal in the vehicle width direction sheet is located between the two positions. |
| US08393244B2 |
Bicycle operating device
A bicycle operating device is provided with a base member, a brake operating lever and a shift operating member. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The brake operating lever is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis to perform a braking operation when the brake operating lever is moved in a first direction. The shift operating member is movably arranged to move from a rest position in a second direction to perform a gear shift operation. The shift operating member is further movably arranged to move from the rest position to a full stroke position in a third direction different from the first and second directions without causing the gear shifting operation. |
| US08393239B2 |
Double clutch transmission
A double clutch transmission with two clutches (K1, K2) having input sides connected to a drive shaft (w_an) and output side connected to one of two coaxially arranged transmission input shafts (w_k1, w_k2). At least two countershafts (w_v1, w_v2) are provided on which toothed idler gearwheels (7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15) are situated in a rotatable manner. Toothed idler gearwheels (1, 2, 3, 4) are provided in a rotationally fixed manner on the two transmission input shafts (w_k1, w_k2). At least a plurality of forward gears which are power shiftable (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and at least one reverse gear (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8) are shiftable. A maximum of five gear planes (7-13, 8-14, 9-15, 10-4) are provided so that at least one power shiftable winding path gear (G1, G8, R4) is shiftable by at least one shift element (P). |
| US08393236B1 |
Modular power distribution and drive system
A modular drive system for a zero turn radius vehicle having a central gear box with a vertical input shaft, a central drive train that powers a variety of left and right side drive mechanisms, and a power take off mechanism having a clutch and brake assembly. The vertical input shaft is a through-shaft design that allows the central gear box to be mounted with either end of the through-shaft oriented in an upward direction. A screw-on filter acts in conjunction with a charge pump to remove debris from the central gear box's hydraulic fluid. |
| US08393235B2 |
Particulate dispersion device for vehicle hardware testing
A testing device for a vehicle part having an interior space is disclosed. The testing device includes a conduit, a test material source, and a controller. The conduit includes a first end and a second end, the first end operable to be disposed within the interior space of the vehicle part and the second end operable to be disposed outside the vehicle part. The test material source is in fluid communication with the conduit to provide a test material to the conduit. The controller is configured to direct the test material from the test material source through the conduit to the interior space in a predetermined manner. |
| US08393231B2 |
Multifunctional torque tool detection device
A multifunctional torque tool detection device includes at least one connection body, at least one tool joint bar, at least one signal ring assembly, a toque detection device, an angle sensor, a plurality of signal pick-up elements, and a displaying and processing unit. The connection body has an end coupled to the tool joint bar, and the tool joint bar is connected to at least one tool bit. The connection body is encased in a tool casing. The signal ring assembly is coupled between the connection body and the tool joint bar. The toque detection device and the angle sensor are attached to the connection body so that the toque detection device and the angle sensor respectively detect a torque value and an angle value applied by the tool bit in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation operation, and generate a torque detection signal and an angle detection signal that are supplied through the signal ring assembly. The signal pick-up elements are set in contact with the signal ring assembly to pick up the torque detection signal and the angle detection signal during the rotation of the connection body. The displaying and processing unit is connected to the signal pick-up elements to receive the torque detection signal and the angle detection signal and display an actual torque and angle that the tool bit applies in an operation thereof. |
| US08393221B2 |
Ball pressure gauge
A ball pressure gauge for measuring magnitude of an air pressure in an inflatable ball includes: a probe being configured to pierce into the ball; an air-pressure indicator being configured to move according to the magnitude of the air pressure; a gauge body being provided with a set of air-pressure scale for the air-pressure indicator to point and indicate the magnitude of the air pressure as a numeral value; and at least one ball-specific recommended pressure dial being set alongside the air-pressure scale and including segments representing ranges of applicable air pressures for different types of balls. Thereby, the ball pressure gauge informs a user rapidly and directly of ball-specific appropriateness of the measured air pressure, so that the user can instantly adjust the air pressure to optimization. |
| US08393218B2 |
Ultrasonic testing method and apparatus
An ultrasonic testing apparatus 100 comprises an ultrasonic probe 1 including n (n≧2) number of transducers arranged along a predetermined direction, disposed so as to face a test object P, and a transmission/reception control device 2 for selecting m (n>m≧1) number of transducers from among the n number of transducers, transmitting ultrasonic waves from the selected m number of transducers toward the test object, receiving the ultrasonic waves therefrom, and switched m number of transducers to b selected successively. If an angle that the arrangement direction of the transducers makes with the surface of the test object which ultrasonic waves enter is θ, and the effective beam width of each selected m number of transducers with respect to a target flaw is W1, the transmission/reception control device switches m number of transducers to be selected successively by a switching pitch length P satisfying the formula: P≦W1·cos θ. |
| US08393217B2 |
Ultrasonic flaw detection apparatus and ultrasonic flaw detection method for pipe
The present invention has a structure capable of detecting the scattered-type penetrator having oxides each with the size of several μm sparsely and widely dispersed. Specifically, the structure includes a wave transmission unit 6 for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the welded surface of the welded portion 2 in a pipe axial direction of the pipe 1 such that the beam width of a transmission beam 8 is brought into a range from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and a wave reception unit 7 for receiving at least a portion of the reflection wave (reception beam 9) at the welded surface. The wave transmission unit 6 and the wave reception unit 7 include transmission/reception units formed of different groups of transducer elements on at least one or more array probes 5 arranged in the circumferential direction of the pipe. |
| US08393215B2 |
Micromechanical acceleration sensor having an open seismic mass
A micromechanical acceleration sensor having a substrate, a suspension, a seismic mass, and stationary capacitive electrodes, in which the seismic mass is suspended over the substrate with the help of the suspension, the seismic mass has a mass center of gravity, the suspension has at least two anchors on the substrate, the two anchors are situated on opposite sides of the mass center of gravity, the distance between the two anchors being small compared to a horizontal extension of the seismic mass, the two anchors determine a central axis, the seismic mass have recesses which are situated on opposite sides of the central axis and are laterally open outward on the sides facing away from the central axis, and the stationary electrodes at least engage in the recesses of the seismic mass. |
| US08393211B2 |
Sensor
A sensor includes a detecting oscillator supported in such a manner that the detecting oscillator is allowed to oscillate; first and second electrodes; a detecting electrode facing the first and second electrodes; and signal supplying units configured to supply first and second AC signals respectively to the first and second electrodes. Either the first and second electrodes or the detecting electrode is provided on the detecting oscillator. The first and second AC signals respectively supplied to the first and second electrodes by the signal supplying units cause the detecting oscillator to be maintained at a neutral position for detection without being displaced when no physical quantity is input. When the detecting oscillator is displaced, an input physical quantity is detected on the basis of a signal corresponding to charges induced at the detecting electrode by the first and second AC signals supplied respectively to the first and second electrodes. |
| US08393207B2 |
Methods and apparatus to use multiple sensors to measure downhole fluid properties
Methods and apparatus to use multiple sensors to measure downhole fluid properties are described. An example method of measuring a property of a downhole fluid involves obtaining a plurality of measurements for each of a plurality of sensors. Each of the measurements corresponds to a same property of the downhole fluid, and each of the sensors is differently configured to measure the property. Additionally, the example method involves obtaining a plurality of weighting values, each of which corresponds to one of the sensors. The example method also involves applying the weighting values to the respective measurements obtained by each of the corresponding sensors to generate a weight-corrected measurement for each of the sensors. Further still, the example method involves generating a value representative of a measurement of the property of the downhole fluid based on the weight-corrected measurements and outputting the value representative of the measurement of the property. |
| US08393205B2 |
Inflation valve and pressure gauge with over pressure protection
An inflation and pressure measurement system having over pressure protection for an attached pressure gauge. A plunger is placed within an internal cavity of a valve body where the plunger can move axially into a first and a second position. In the first position there is gaseous communication between an inflation valve and an operating port. While in the first position, a gauge port may release gas through a wiper seal. In the second position there is gaseous communication between the operating port and the gauge port. The plunger may be biased in the second position. The first and second positions may be located by a locating groove in the plunger and a locating structure passing through the valve body and contacting the locating groove. While the inflatable device can be inflated using high pressures, the pressure gauge is protected from over pressure damage. Some embodiments can inflate and monitor the pressure of multiple inflatable devices from a single position. |
| US08393199B2 |
Apparatus for measuring diffusion of transdermal absorption preparation
This invention is to provide a diffusion testing device to facilitate determination of diffusivity of prolonged release of drugs from transdermal therapeutic preparation.The diffusion testing device is characterized by a receptor liquid reservoir; a diffusion testing cell having a receptor chamber functioning to be full of receptor liquid and within which a stirrer be placed, a receptor liquid supply unit, a thermostat bath to hold the diffusion testing cell, a stirring apparatus located beneath the thermostat bath to cause the rotation action of the stirrer set in the receptor chamber, a sampling unit permitting sampling and storage of receptor liquid dissolving permeated drugs. Said receptor liquid reservoir, said receptor chamber, said receptor liquid supply unit and said sampling unit are connected with each other via infusion tube. Said thermostat bath comprises aperturees or through-holes functioning to hold the diffusion testing cells, and metal block which has temperature regulation unit to be installed. |
| US08393197B2 |
Method and apparatus for the measurement of atmospheric leaks in the presence of chamber outgassing
Embodiments of the present invention employ measurement of argon as the means to detect the presence of an atmospheric leak in a processing chamber. Argon detected inside the process chamber is conclusive evidence of a leak. Furthermore, the amount of detected argon provides information on the rate of air entering through the leak. In one embodiment, leak detection takes place in the main plasma inside the processing chamber. In another embodiment, leak detection takes place in the self-contained plasma generated in a remote plasma sensor. Additional measurements can be performed, such as measuring the amount of oxygen, and/or the presence of moisture to help in detecting and quantifying outgassing from the processing chamber. |
| US08393192B2 |
Can end scoring method, and tooling assembly and conversion press therefor
A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline. |
| US08393190B2 |
Tube forming apparatus and tube forming method
A tube forming apparatus performs a forwardly rotating step in which a main roll is rotated forwardly with a pair of subsidiary rolls in a forming position during a move of a contact position between the main roll and a work from a first end of the work to a central portion of the work, a feeding step in which the main roll is rotated forwardly with the pair of subsidiary rolls in a retracted position during a move of the contact position between the main roll and the work from the central portion of the work to a second end of the work, and a reversely rotating step in which the main roll is rotated reversely during a move of the contact position between the main roll and the work from the second end of the work to the central portion of the work. |
| US08393186B2 |
Combination discus lock assembly and methods of using the same
The present disclosure describes combination discus locks and methods for using and making the combination discus lock assembly. The locks include a lock body at least partially containing a locking mechanism coupled to a plurality of engagement members with indicia disposed thereon, capable of displaying a combination. An actuator is coupled to the locking mechanism and to a locking member. The locking member is in a closed position, connected to the body, when the combination is not displayed and in an open position, at least partially disengaged from the lock body, when the combination is displayed. The actuator is manipulated to move the locking member from the closed position to the open position. The lock may also be resettable. |
| US08393182B2 |
Drum type washing machine
Drum type washing machine including a tub having a wall for mounting a driving unit, a drum installed within the tub, a shaft passed through the tub and coupled to the drum, for transmission of driving force from a motor to the drum, at least one bearing for supporting the shaft, a bearing housing secured to a wall of the tub, a stator; and a rotor around the stator which forms the motor, wherein the stator includes an annular helical type core having multiple layers, an insulator enclosing the helical type core, and fastening portions formed integrally with the insulator which has a fastening hole at a center for fastening the stator to the wall of the tub, thereby providing a drum type washing machine of a direct coupling type of a new structure having employed a motor for reducing factors of noise, faults, energy waste, and improving washing performance. |
| US08393178B2 |
Thermal control of the bead portion of a glass ribbon
Methods and apparatus for controlling the stress in, and the shape of, the glass ribbon (15) formed in a downdraw glass manufacturing process (e.g., the fusion downdraw process) are provided. In certain embodiments, the control is achieved by cooling the bead portions (21a, 21b) of the ribbon (15) at a rate which provides a heat flux Q″b at the thickest part of the bead (23a, 23b) which is given by Q″b=Q″q+ΔQ″, where (i) Q″q is the heat flux at a transverse position adjacent to the bead portion (21a, 21b) at which the ribbon's thickness equals 1.05*tcenter, where tcenter is the final thickness at the ribbon's center line (17), and (ii) ΔQ″≧(tb/tq−1)Q″q+10 kilowatts/meter2, where tb is the thickness of the thickest part of the bead portion. The cooling can take place along the entire length of the ribbon (15) or at selected locations, e.g., in the portion (50) of the draw which includes the glass transition temperature region (31) or the portion (60) of the draw where individual glass sheets (13) are cut from the ribbon (15). |
| US08393177B2 |
Glass flow management by thermal conditioning
Methods and apparatus for controlling glass flow in, for example, a downdraw glass manufacturing process (e.g., the fusion downdraw process) are provided. In certain aspects, the mass, thickness, and/or the temperature distribution of molten glass (40) on the surface of forming apparatus (60) is managed by: (A) constructing a stream-tube mapping between (i) regions (510; FIG. 5A) of a cross-section of a conduit (400) that supplies molten glass (40) to the forming apparatus (60) and (ii) regions (510; FIG. 5B) on the exterior surface of the forming apparatus (60); (B) using the stream-tube mapping to select a temperature distribution for the cross-section that results in a desired mass, thickness, and/or temperature distribution of molten glass (40) on the surface of the forming apparatus (60); and (C) heating and/or insulating the conduit (400) so as to produce a temperature distribution for the cross-section which equals or at least approximates the distribution selected in step (B). |
| US08393176B2 |
Downdraw method for producing glass sheet
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass sheet, the method including: running down molten glass along both side surfaces of a molded body; joining and integrating the molten glass just under a lower edge part of the molded body; and drawing downward and molding an integrated sheet-shaped glass ribbon, in which a guide member which contacts to an end in a width direction of a joined molten glass is provided, and a relative position and/or a relative angle between the guide member and a lower edge of the molded body is/are adjusted. |
| US08393167B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying a filter assembly
A water dispensing system for a refrigerator comprising a refrigeration compartment includes a manifold assembly, a monitoring device coupled to the manifold assembly and including at least one sensor, and a filter assembly including a filter housing removably mounted to the manifold assembly. The filter assembly is configured to be compatible with a plurality of suitable filter media. At least two indicators are in signal communication with the at least one sensor when the filter housing is mounted onto the manifold assembly. A controller is operatively coupled to the monitoring device. The controller is configured to identify the filter assembly and the filter medium based on a signal received from the at least one sensor and operate the water dispensing system based on the identification of the filter assembly and the filter medium. |
| US08393161B2 |
Combustion chamber and gas turbine installation
A combustion chamber having a burner and a burner insert surrounding the burner while leaving a gap open towards the combustion chamber interior is provided. The burner insert comprises a carrier and a burner insert wall located in front of the carrier towards the combustion chamber interior, wherein a flow passage connected to a cooling-fluid source is formed between the carrier and the burner insert wall. The flow passage opens out into the gap between the burner and the burner insert and is otherwise sealed off from the combustion chamber interior. |
| US08393159B2 |
Gas turbine combustor and fuel supply method for same
A gas turbine combustor for mixing fuel into combustion air introduced from a compressor, burning an air-fuel mixture, and supplying produced combustion gas to a gas turbine. The combustor has a liquid fuel nozzle for jetting out liquid fuel and a pre-mixture chamber wall having a hollow conical shape gradually spreading in the direction in which the fuel is jetted out from the liquid fuel nozzle, and defining a pre-mixture chamber therein. A plurality of gaseous fuel nozzles are disposed around the pre-mixture chamber wall in an opposing relation respectively to a plurality of air inlet holes bored through the pre-mixture chamber wall and jet out gaseous fuel substantially coaxially with the axes of the air inlet holes. |
| US08393158B2 |
Low shock strength inlet
A supersonic inlet with a cowl lip may be configured to capture the conic shock and exhibit a zero or substantially zero cowl angle. The inlet may be configured to employ a relaxed isentropic compression surface and an internal bypass. The nacelle bypass may prevent flow distortions, introduced by the capture of the conic shock, from reaching the turbomachinery, thereby allowing the cowl angle to be reduced to zero or substantially zero. Such a cowl angle may reduce the inlet's contribution to the overall sonic boom signature for a supersonic aircraft while allowing for an increase in engine pressure recovery and a subsequent improvement in generated thrust by the engine. |
| US08393155B2 |
Gas turbine fuel injector with insulating air shroud
A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes an injector housing extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis. The second end of the housing is fluidly coupled to a combustor of the turbine engine and the housing includes a liquid fuel gallery annularly disposed about the longitudinal axis. The fuel injector also includes a stem extending longitudinally from the first end of the housing to a third end. The stem includes a liquid tube configured to deliver liquid fuel to the fuel injector. The fuel injector also includes an annular shell extending along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the third end and circumferentially disposed about the stem. The fuel injector further includes an insulating air shroud formed inside the shell. The air shroud includes a layer of air between the shell and the stem. |
| US08393153B2 |
Method, device, and system for converting energy
To convert energy, firstly a non-gaseous carrier medium is converted into a gaseous carrier medium by the introduction of thermal energy, so that the gaseous carrier medium rises and gains potential energy. Then the gaseous carrier medium is converted back at a specified height into a non-gaseous carrier medium. The potential energy of the recovered non-gaseous carrier medium can then be converted into another desired energy form. |
| US08393152B2 |
Electric supercharger
An lubricating oil from an oil pump that is driven by rotation of an engine is supplied as a refrigerant to a rotor of an assist motor via a pressure valve. The pressure valve is configured to be closed when the pressure of the lubricating oil is less than a predetermined value, and to open when the pressure of the lubricating oil is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. As a result, when the rotor is in low need for cooling down because the temperature rise of the rotor is small although the rotation speed of the rotor rises, that is, when the engine is operating at a low rotation speed with a high load, the supply of lubricating oil to the rotor is reduced or stopped. |
| US08393149B2 |
Wind powered energy amplification system and method
The present invention is comprised of a wind powered energy amplification method and systems for capturing wind power and harvesting tangentially amplified energy. The harvested tangentially amplified energy is converted, processed and stored for use for generating continuous, on demand and stand by electricity to supply electricity. The present invention is further comprised of methods and systems for extracting, processing and storing water and carbon dioxide to supply water and supply carbon dioxide. |
| US08393148B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08393146B2 |
Exhaust emission control device
An exhaust emission control device is provided which is compact in size and has favorable dispersibility of exhaust gas from a muffling structure 2 to an oxidation catalyst 3. The muffling structure 2 arranged upstream of the oxidation catalyst in a direction D of gas flow has a dispersion plate 6 for dividing the interior of the casing 5 into dispersion chambers 7a and 7b upstream and downstream in the direction D of gas flow, respectively, and an inner pipe 8 inserted from outside of and into the chamber 7a and with a tip end fixed to the dispersion plate 6 and circumferentially formed with pores 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d having diameters gradually reduced in the order in the direction D of gas flow from upstream to downstream. The dispersion plate 6 facing the dispersion chambers 7a and 7b is formed with a plurality of radially-outward-larger-diametered and radially-inward-smaller-diametered pores 14, 15 and 16. |
| US08393145B2 |
Exhaust gas post processing method and system
An exhaust gas post processing method may include regenerating a diesel particulate filter, reducing a part remaining in the diesel particulate filter by raising the concentration of a reducing agent included in the exhaust gas after the regeneration, oxidizing a part remaining in the diesel particulate filter by raising the concentration of oxygen included in the exhaust gas after the regeneration, and calculating a real ash amount trapped in the diesel particulate filter by detecting a front/rear pressure difference of the diesel particulate filter after the reducing and the oxidation. Accordingly, after regenerating the diesel particulate filter, impurities are sequentially eliminated in the reducing condition and the oxidation condition, and ultimately the real ash amount can be accurately estimated. Further, based on the accurate ash amount, the particulate matter amount can be accurately predicted. |
| US08393141B2 |
Method and arrangement for monitoring of injector
A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system. |
| US08393137B1 |
Biomass harvesting system
A biomass harvesting system for harvesting agricultural plant growth from agricultural fields comprises a power source for providing mechanical and electric power to the system, a biomass accumulator for producing discrete units of accumulated biomass, a windrower for feeding biomass to the accumulator, a biomass quality analyzer for sensing and transmitting a set of quality characteristics of the biomass, a ground cover residue monitor for sensing and transmitting an optimal quantity of biomass residue to remain on the field, an active tracking system for identifying individual ones of the discrete units of accumulated biomass, and a central processing unit including a memory module storing an executable instruction set therein. The central processing unit executes the instruction set and integrates the sensed biomass quality characteristics and the sensed optimal quantity of biomass residue to remain on the field to determine a biomass quality index of the discrete units of accumulated biomass. |
| US08393136B1 |
Concave deck flexible hitch cutter
A rotary mower has a concave cutting deck. The deck comprises three curved plates welded to two longitudinal supports. Concavity is provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The lift frame assembly comprises swiveling linkages that allow rotation of the deck with respect to a three point hitch. The lift frame assembly further comprises a pivot brace on the top of the frame for further rotation of the deck. |
| US08393135B2 |
Flexible draper header having center draper
A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a conveyor assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The conveyor assembly includes a fore-and-aft draper with a draper frame swingably supported on the header frame at a pivot where the draper frame projects forwardly from the pivot, such that the draper frame is operable to swing relative to the header frame. The fore-and-aft draper includes a draper belt supported on the draper frame to present a rearwardly moving run for conveying the crop rearwardly. |
| US08393131B2 |
Device for the assembly of pocket spring strings
The device for the assembly of pocket spring strings includes a rack, on which a drum having receptacles for pocket spring strings is rotatably supported. An operator manually places the pocket spring strings into the receptacles and rotates, or initiates the rotation of, the drum about a predetermined angle, for example 60°. Now, the operator places a further pocket spring string into the subsequent receptacle , and at the same time an adhesive is applied to the advanced pocket spring string. Following a further rotational movement of the drum, the next pocket spring string is inserted, an adhesive is applied to the previously inserted pocket spring string, and at the same time the pocket spring string to which the adhesive was applied and which is now located in front of the assembly device is ejected. |
| US08393129B2 |
Metal composite panel and method of manufacture
The invention relates to a metal composite panel intended for construction, including at least two substantially parallel sheets (21) and (22) with at least three profiles (3) substantially parallel to each other arranged between and fastened to the sheets. The three profiles serve as separators, making it possible to separate the sheets and are arranged so that the average distance between two adjacent profiles is not necessarily uniform but suited to the local conditions of use of said panel. In order to obtain a panel having an optimal compromise between weight and performance, light alloys and, in particular, aluminum are advantageous. The composite panels are particularly useful as a floor of a rolling vehicle, as the floor, deck or ramp of a floating vehicle or as the floor of a flying vehicle. |
| US08393128B2 |
Process of combining two modular units with one another, and a thus combined house body
The present invention encompasses a process for initially combining and thereafter uniting two or more modular units to one another in order thus combined to be able to form a house body, for instance a cellar-adapted house body. A liquid-resistant layer is advantageously wholly or partly to be able to cover a base slab and in any event lower wall sections allocated to the wall portion, proximal the base slab, in order principally to prevent damp permeation. A first modular unit, with in any event a first open wall portion, is placed on a substrate prepared within a building site, a second modular unit, with in any event a second open wall portion, is placed on the substrate prepared within the building site, so that an open wall portion allocated to the first modular unit will connect to an open wall portion allocated to the second modular unit. The base slab of the one modular unit and the base slab of the second module form a free space defined by the mutually facing edges of the base slabs. The base slab of the one modular unit is connected, with the aid of a tractive force absorbing reinforcement, to the base slab of the second module over the free space and that the free space is filled with concrete or the like. The present invention also encompasses a house body thud produced. |
| US08393127B1 |
Relocatable restaurant and associated methods
A relocatable restaurant, method of assembly, and method of use are provided herein. The relocatable restaurant includes a slab positioned at a desired site, a plurality of modules, including in an exemplary embodiment one module for each of a kitchen, a dishwashing and bar, and bathroom facilities. The modules are positionable atop the slab adjacent exterior edges thereof. In an embodiment, a slab can be provided by an existing structure, such as a parking lot. The relocatable restaurant further includes a plurality of partitions sufficient for bridging the modules, at least one partition having a door structure, to create a substantially continuous exterior wall therearound. A roof is provided for the relocatable restaurant with the use of a substantially planar flexible element affixable about the exterior wall. A blower can be used to retain the roof in an upwardly extended state. |
| US08393126B1 |
Torsional braces
A method and apparatus for preventing twisting of at least one purlin. A roof construction has purlins extending between support beams to provide extra stability for the roof. To prevent purlins from twisting, a torsional brace is provided. A beam of the torsional brace extends between two of the purlins. A static clip is connected to a purlin, and a pin is used to secure one end of the beam to the clip. The other end of the beam can be similarly clipped to another purlin, or alternatively, the other beam can be bolted to the purlin. |
| US08393121B2 |
Fire-stop system for placement in a conduit through which a thermally weakenable pipe extends, method for placing the system and conduit provided with such a system
A thermally expandable fire-stop system for placement in a thermally stable conduit having an inner wall defining an inner space through which a single pipe, being a, relatively, thermally weakenable pipe having an outer wall, extends, or will extend, the system comprising at least a device which includes at least one component having a non-linear thermal expansion characteristic. |
| US08393119B2 |
Smart isolation base for sensitive structures such as nuclear power plants against earthquake disturbances
An isolation base system for sensitive structures such as nuclear power plant modules is suggested. The proposed isolation system considers a base supported on specially designed hollow spherical balls and equipped with 3 linear hydraulic actuators to restrict the lateral motion of the base and provide a stable base under normal conditions. The actuators are released when an earthquake signal is detected to allow the base to oscillate freely during the earthquake attack. The hydraulic actuators are reactivated after shock wave ends to compress the springs and restore the base to its original position. |
| US08393116B2 |
Elevated platform systems including fiber reinforced composite panels
An elevated platform system includes a base support structure and a plurality of fiber reinforced polymer composite panels. The base support structure includes pilings secured to a ground surface and attachment cradles coupled to the pilings. The attachment cradles are in electrical continuity with the ground surface. The fiber reinforced polymer composite panels include a panel body portion, fibrous material surrounding the panel body portion, a non-conductive matrix forming at least a portion of an outer-most layer of the fiber reinforced polymer composite panel, and an electrically-conductive layer at least partially embedded in the non-conductive matrix. The fiber reinforced polymer composite panels are coupled to the attachment cradles, such that the electrically-conductive layer of the fiber reinforced polymer composite panel is in electrical continuity with the ground surface. |
| US08393114B2 |
Device with a carriage for holding panels, carriage, rail and separation element
The device used to hold a separation element includes a carriage with a carriage body and at least one wheel which rolls on a running surface of a rail. The carriage is releasably connected to a mounting element which is connected to the separation element. The mounting element which is mounted laterally on an upper edge of the separation element includes a guide profile provided with a first guide surface which holds a lower and an upper flange element of the carriage body inserted therein which can be displaced along the first guide surface extending inclined by a first angle relative to the upper edge of the separation element and can be locked in an appropriate position by means of locking elements. |
| US08393112B1 |
Removable trigger mechanism for spring-biased fish hook assembly
A removable trigger mechanism for a spring-biased hook assembly includes a generally U-shaped swivel attachment portion having first and second spaced apart resilient surfaces cooperating to frictionally engage a first biasing element of the hook assembly. A hook-setting finger is formed adjacent the first resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for temporarily holding a second biasing element of the hook assembly when in a loaded condition. An actuation lever is formed adjacent the second resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for pivoting the attachment portion relative to the first biasing element of the hook assembly. When pivoted, the actuation lever simultaneously moves the hook-setting finger away from the second biasing element of the hook assembly in the loaded condition, such that the hook assembly is released for sudden movement from the loaded condition to an outwardly-flared deployed condition. |
| US08393110B2 |
Live sport fish protection system
A storage and transfer bag system are disclosed for use in tournament fishing competitions. A living fish can be stored in the storage bag, which is kept in a live well until the storage bag with living fish therein is placed in a transfer bag that is partially filled with water. The storage bag is made from a mesh fabric, enabling water to be drained from the storage bag. After draining the water from the storage bag, the storage bag and living fish are weighed, and the weight of the fish computed. The storage bag and living fish are then placed back into the transfer bag and transported to the lake or river or other body of water. The storage bag and living fish are removed from the transfer bag and the fish released without human contact. |
| US08393109B2 |
Combination red dot sight and range indicator apparatus
A combination red dot sight (reflex sight) and electronic range indicator displayed in a sighting element. The sighting element is housed in a body which includes lens elements and a light source for the red dot sight as well as an optical display for the range indicator. A processor for the red dot sight and the range indicator are housed in a frame. A user interface includes indicia for varying the intensity of the light source for the red dot sight as well as activate the range indicator. Alternately, the range indicator may be activated by a button positioned remotely, such as on the firearm or bow and may be wired to the range indicator circuit or communicate via wireless transmission. An emitting lens and a receiving lens are optically connected via a range finding circuit to the processor. |
| US08393104B1 |
Folding stack improvements
Adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of allowing a firearm to be supported by a foldable fore grip/gun handle. The fore grip gun handle can have bipod type legs that can be extendable from the handle. The fore grip handle can be just a vertical extension. The adapter can allow for the fore grip/gun handle to move from a fold back position along the bottom of the firearm so that the firearm can be easily carried, and the adapter to can allow for the handle to move down to a vertical support position beneath the firearm when the firearm is to be used. The adapter can also support a light in both a folded position and in a downwardly extended position, where light can be aimed forward, rearward to the side and/or pointed down from the firearm. The adapter can allow for a dual functioning component that can be either or both a fore grip and/or a light source. Other versions of the adapter can include a slidable thumb switch for locking a swinging plate with picatinny side rails to a main plate, and spring loaded detents for locking the swinging plate in substantially vertical orientations. Additionally, a folding rail system can be substituted for the existing picatinny rail system on firearms. The folding rail can have mounting holes for allowing the entire folding rail to be directly attached to the firearm, and have a hinge for allowing portions of the picatinny rails to pivot relative to the rest of the picatinny rails. |
| US08393101B2 |
Advertising display and method
A poster clamp (1) comprising first and second members (3, 5), the members (3, 5) comprising first and second gripping surfaces (7), respectively, for gripping opposing sides of a poster or a like, and a poster mounting system comprising a hoarding (208) and a plurality of such clamps (1), and a wire (210) on which the clamps (1) are to be mounted for tightening a poster within the frame of the hoarding (208). |
| US08393099B2 |
Device for creating and displaying liquid-medium movement within a vessel containing a dioramic scene
A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position. |
| US08393085B2 |
Device and method for controlling deflection of lamp
Controlling a deflection of an irradiation direction of a vehicle lamp based on a detected steering angle includes calculating a target angle of the irradiation direction of the vehicle lamp based on the steering angle and calculating a difference angle between the target angle and a current deflection angle of the irradiation direction of the vehicle lamp. A new deflection angle is calculated and includes setting the new deflection angle to the target angle if the difference angle is equal to or smaller than a given limit angle, and setting the new deflection angle to an angle obtained by adding or subtracting the limit angle to or from the current deflection angle if the difference angle is larger than the given limit angle. Deflection of the irradiation direction of the lamp is controlled based on the deflection angle. |
| US08393083B2 |
Adjustable thinning scissors
A thinning scissors of the present invention includes a first blade unit, a second blade unit, an adjusting button, a nut and a screw. The first blade unit has a first pivoting bore, and the second blade unit has a second pivoting bore. The adjusting button has an axle rotatably inserted in the first pivoting bore. The axle has an offset bore whose axis is offset from that of the axle. The nut is rotatably disposed in the offset bore, and the screw is inserted in the second pivoting bore and threaded with the nut. Thereby, the rotational axis of the first blade unit and that of the second blade relatively move as the adjusting button rotates in the first pivoting bore. |
| US08393082B2 |
Rotary electric shaver
A rotary electric shaver including cutter units, each having an outer cutter and an inner cutter rotating in resilient contact with the inner surface of the outer cutter, further including a shaver head which is pivotably provided on the shaver main body; an outer cutter frame attached to the shaver head to support the outer cutters in a depressible fashion; a main drive shaft for transmitting, via a first universal joint, the rotation of a motor housed in the shaver main body to a driving mechanism provided inside the shaver head; inner cutter drive shafts provided in the shaver head and rotationally driven by the driving mechanism; and second universal joints for transmitting the rotation of the inner cutter drive shafts to the inner cutters; and in this shaver the first universal joint being disposed near the pivotal center of the shaver head. |
| US08393079B2 |
Handling spine fin coils, winders, reels, shapers and/or processing spine fin and transition tube splicing and rework
A method of salvaging a scrap partially completed spine fin coil by initially placing the partially completed coil on a reel. Connecting an end of a straight tube that is helically wrapped with a spine fin strip to an end of the partially completed coil while said partially completed coil is on the reel, rotate the reel after completing the connection until the partially completed spine fin coil is complete. |
| US08393077B2 |
Fabrication of passive electronic components
A method for fabrication of passive electronic components includes disposing a sacrificial layer on a carrier and forming a curable resin layer on top of the sacrificial layer and patterning the curable resin to form a cured resin template having multiple pattern levels. A metal material is deposited into the first pattern level to form a first structure. A dielectric material is then formed on exposed portions of the first structure. A nonselective subtractive process is used to expose the sacrificial layer in a bottom of the second pattern level and metal material is deposited into the second pattern level and built up to include a portion which crosses over the dielectric material. |
| US08393076B2 |
Electrical connection of components
A component is electrically connected to an electrical circuit by a method that comprises forming an intermediate product in which the component (3) is disposed on one side of an electrically conducting sheet (1) so that at least one pair of contacts (4) of the component are electrically connected by the sheet and in which a patterned etch resist layer (2) is disposed on the other side of the sheet in registration with the component on said one side of the sheet, and then exposing the other side of the sheet to an etching agent and thereby removing areas of the sheet to leave the electrical circuit and also to remove the electrical interconnection between the contacts. |
| US08393075B2 |
Installation/removal device, display change device, and dosing system
A display change device is formed by connecting and thereby integrating an installation/removal device and a card display change device together. The card installation/removal device is configured to have at a back side thereof a pressure reception wall, at a further back side of which a position adjustment mechanism part is provided. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to include a seat member, a moving part, and a drive part. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to strike and move the card installation/removal device by an eccentric cam. The position adjustment mechanism part moves the eccentric cam far from the pressure reception wall under the condition that a reaction force Fr received by the eccentric cam becomes larger than a force Fa for pulling the moving part toward the pressure reception wall side. |
| US08393072B2 |
Method for producing a rotary electric machine stator
A method of producing a stator for a rotary electrical machine comprising a body in which axial recesses are produced and comprising a plurality of conductors arranged in the recesses, which comprises a step of depositing conductors on a linear support that comprises transverse recesses, comprising a first phase of depositing conductors in the recesses in the support in order to form a first layer of conductors, and a second phase of depositing conductors in the recesses, in order to form a second layer of conductors that is arranged vertically above the first layer; the first deposition phase and the second deposition phase consists of depositing one and the same conductor on the linear support.The invention also proposes an arrangement of a set of conductors on a linear support obtained at the end of the deposition step. |
| US08393070B2 |
Method and production line for laminate assembly
The production line according to the present invention is provided with a pressurization measurement apparatus adjacent to a press-working apparatus, a temporary laminate assembly worked and laminated by a press in the press-working apparatus is sent to the pressurization measurement apparatus, and a laminate assembly is produced by being pressurized and being subjected to regular caulking by a hydraulic servo press of the pressurization measurement apparatus. At this time, the lamination height of a regularly caulked laminate assembly is measured by a linear scale secured at the pressurization measurement apparatus. The main controller of a control apparatus inputs data of the measured lamination height, and adds and subtracts the set number of thin plates to be laminated of a laminate assembly by controlling the laminating means of the press-working apparatus so that the measurement lamination height is matched to the set lamination height using the measured lamination height, the preset lamination height, the height dimension tolerance, and the tolerance for judging the number of thin plates. |
| US08393068B2 |
Method and apparatus for assembling composite structures
Method and apparatus for mechanically-joining components to assemble a composite structure. A first component and a second component may be provided. At least one of the first and second components may comprise a composite component. A hole may be formed in each of the first and second components. A metallic sleeve may be placed in the holes in the first and second components such that the metallic sleeve is in contact with the first and second components, and a composite rivet may be placed in the metallic sleeve. Heat and a deforming force may be applied to the composite rivet to join the first and second components to form an assembled composite structure. |
| US08393067B2 |
Connection device for connection between pipe and connection member
A connecting device 30 is provided with a die 1 divided into a plurality of die segments 2 centering around a wedge hole portion 11 in a circumferential direction, and a mandrel 20. Each die segment 2 of the die 1 is moved radially outward of the pipe 40 by a mandrel 20 to expand an expansion target portion 41 of the pipe 40. The die segment 2 is equipped with apiece 3 having a first pressing protruded portion 4 for pressing one of two predetermined portions 41b and 41b of the pipe 40, a die segment main body 6 having a second pressing protruded portion 7 for pressing the other portion 41b, and connection means 15 for connecting the piece 3 and the die segment main body 6 in a detachable manner. |
| US08393063B2 |
Brake pad spreader tool for disc brake assemblies
A tool for spreading disc brake pads and compressing pistons of a disc brake caliper assembly includes a manually operated handle to drive a rod attached to a pusher plate. An arm assembly also connects the back end of the drive rod to the pusher plate. The plates thus extend in cantilever fashion from the drive rod and may be maintained in alignment by the arm assembly which also serves to reinforce the cantilever arrangement of the plates. |
| US08393062B2 |
Systems and methods for positioning fairing sheaths of gas turbine engines
Systems and methods for positioning fairing sheaths are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes using vacuum pressure to assist in moving opposing portions of a fairing sheath away from each other. |
| US08393061B2 |
Seat belt safety device
A seat belt safety device is configured to prevent access to a release button located on a side of a seat belt housing opposite a housing side at which a first seat belt segment is affixed and proximate a housing slot for receiving a tongue latch affixed to a second seat belt segment, which tongue latch is inserted in the housing slot to securely latch the first seat belt segment to the second seat belt segment. The seat belt safety device includes a first substantially planar member including a slot opening for receiving the tongue latch of the second seat belt segment and a limited access opening, substantially centered and proximate the slot opening so that when a tongue latch is inserted through the slot opening into the housing slot to latch and secure the first seat belt segment with the second seat belt segment, the limited access opening is located proximate the release button. A second substantially planar member attached to at least one edge of the first substantially planar member to extend at about 90° from a point of attachment so that when the tongue latch is inserted through the slot opening into the housing slot to latch, the second substantially planar member contacts to lay substantially flat against a portion of an outer horizontal surface of the seat belt housing such that the seat belt safety device is substantially immobilized. |
| US08393060B2 |
Quick release buckle with volatile substance diffusion means
The present invention relates to a quick release buckle of those commonly used for temporarily attaching two belt or band sections, for example of a backpack, sports bag, waist packs, harnesses or leashes for dogs, etc. The object of the invention is to provide said buckle with an additional function such that it can be used for diffusing an insecticide and/or air-freshener substance in the atmosphere, for which a buckle component integrates a diffusion element for diffusing a volatile substance. |
| US08393058B2 |
Clip
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clip including: a flange and a leg. The leg includes: a pillar portion that vertically extends from the flange; a tip portion provided at a distal end in an axial direction; a rib that outwardly extends from the pillar portion to be connected to the flange and the tip portion; and an elastic engagement piece that extends from a distal end of the rib in a circumferential direction. The elastic engagement piece includes: a rigid portion that is connected to the rib and that is connected to the flange and the tip portion; and a deformable portion that is extended from the rigid portion and that is disconnected from the flange and the tip portion. |
| US08393057B2 |
Method for mixing short staple and down cluster by a dry processing
A method for mixing short staple and down cluster by a dry processing utilizes an air tool to blow the short staple over, so that the scattered short staple is mixed in the down cluster. Stirring blades are further applied for stirring. Chemical agents are needless, no pollution is generated, and processing time is preferably reduced since the mixture does not have to be soaked in the chemical agent. Both the processing time and the manufacturing cost are decreased. Preferably, a proportion of the short staple to the down cluster is adjustable for different needs and divergent warmth retaining effects. |
| US08393054B2 |
Door operator
A door operator includes a first component having a right-hand thread, a second component having a left-hand thread, and a plug-in or rotatable coupling having two complementary threads. The first and second compartments are interconnected to each other by the coupling when the right-hand thread of the first compartment and the left-hand thread of the second compartment engage the respective complementary threads of the coupling. |
| US08393053B2 |
Self-orienting caster for furniture
A self-orienting caster for pieces of furniture and the like, comprising at least one wheel which is supported so that it can rotate about a horizontal axis by a supporting structure which has a vertical cylindrical recess which is open upward and is axially offset with respect to said horizontal axis and constitutes said seat in which a pivot for the pivoting of the caster can rotate, the pivot being insertable in a receptacle of the piece of furniture onto which the caster is to be fitted, the supporting structure comprising two mutually opposite annular flanges, which form respective circular and coaxial holes, a tubular body whose opposite ends are rigidly coupled to the inner edges of the holes and form externally, between the flanges, a rolling track for a supporting bearing for the wheel, respective extensions being monolithically rigidly coupled to the flanges and being mutually associable so as to form the seat which is designed to receive the pivot for the pivoting of the wheel. |
| US08393051B2 |
Method and device for cleaning the water trickling surfaces in an air/water heat exchanger
A method of in situ scale removal from a heat exchange body suspended in a wet cooling tower. At least one air blast is generated by a generator implementing controlled expansion via a nozzle of a mass of compressed gas in a nozzle towards a zone of the body. The generator is opened at a distance from the zone, and the method repeats the operation after moving the generator under the body outside the zone. |
| US08393050B2 |
Portable cyclonic dust collector/vacuum cleaner
A cyclonic portable vacuum cleaner/dust collector for workshop or other use has a conic body that is supported on a hand cart or dolly. A funnel shaped divider plate within the conic body divides it into a cyclonic chamber between the divider plate and the lower nose, and a filter chamber between the divider plate and a motor plate that closes the upper mouth of the conic body. The filter chamber contains a filter cartridge. A vacuum air pump is mounted on the motor plate, and is covered by a shroud or housing. Clean, filtered air is exhausted into the ambient. Process dust settled into a dust collection drum supported beneath the nose of the conic body. A pulse cleaning arrangement serves for periodic filter cleaning. The supporting cart can be wheeled or can use a wall bracket for wall mounting. |
| US08393048B2 |
Method for cleaning two filters of a suction device for cleaning purposes and suction device for performing the method
A method for cleaning first and second filters of a suction device for cleaning purposes is provided. The suction device has a dirt collection container with a suction inlet. The dirt collection container is subjected to negative pressure via first and second suction lines, respectively, following the first and second filters. First and second closing valves close first and second external air inlets, respectively, into the first and second suction lines. For cleaning the filters, the closing valves are opened, subjecting the filters to external air on the clean space side. The dirt collection container is subjected to negative pressure via the first suction line and first filter by a first suction unit and via the second suction line and second filter by a second suction unit. The suction lines are sealed off relative to each other on the clean space side at least during the cleaning of the filters. |
| US08393039B2 |
Lawn sweeper assembly with tilt-able hopper and latch assembly and method of use thereof
The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with a tilt-able hopper frame and hopper bag that includes a handle such that an operator may tilt the hopper frame and hopper bag, using the handle, to empty the hopper bag contents. The hopper bag and hopper frame are connected to a lawn sweeper unit using a hopper rod which is inserted into two slots at the ends of two hopper support bars and secured within the slots by two corresponding latch plates, one latch plate at each end of the two hopper support bars. The latching mechanism allows the hopper frame and hopper bag to be easily removed from the lawn sweeper unit for storage. |
| US08393036B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface with gyration by means of a nosing-up action
Detailed is an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid including a body, guiding members defining at least one axle, a filtration chamber, at least one electric drive motor, a control unit which is configured to control each drive motor in at least one direction at a speed selected from: at least a first speed at which the apparatus is in a first movement position in accordance with a first predetermined trajectory, at least a second more rapid speed at which the apparatus is in a second nosed-up movement position in accordance with a second predetermined trajectory which is different from the first trajectory. |
| US08393034B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface with easy drainage
Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving this body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, a handle for operating the body which allows a user to carry it in order to immerse it in the liquid or remove it from the liquid, wherein the liquid outlet is arranged at a longitudinal end of the body, and wherein the operating handle is connected to the body at an opposing end so that, when the body is suspended by the operating handle, it tilts spontaneously under the effect of gravity into an emptying position in which the liquid outlet is located below the liquid inlet. |
| US08393032B2 |
Submerged surface cleaning apparatus with angled pumping impeller
Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which is provided in the body and which has: a liquid inlet located at the base of the body; a liquid outlet arranged opposite the base of the body; a hydraulic circuit for flow of liquid between this liquid inlet and this liquid outlet through a filtering device; a liquid pumping device including a pumping motor which has a rotating drive shaft which is coupled to a pumping propeller which is interposed in the hydraulic circuit, wherein the liquid outlet is longitudinally offset from the liquid inlet and the pumping propeller has an inclined rotation axis which forms, with the longitudinal direction, an angle which is not equal to zero and which is different from 90°. |
| US08393029B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface including a brushing device driven by members for driving the apparatus on the submerged surface
Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body, members for driving this body over the immersed surface in a longitudinal direction, including a wheel, a device for brushing the immersed surface, a mechanism for rotating the brushing device about a brushing axis, wherein the driving mechanism of the brushing device includes: an internally toothed ring which is fixedly joined to a wheel, a brush pinion which is fixedly joined to the brushing device and which is engaged in the ring of this drive wheel in such a manner that a rotation of this drive wheel brings about a rotation of the brushing device about the brushing axis thereof in the same rotation direction. |
| US08393026B2 |
Hospital bed
A patient support apparatus includes a deck, a plurality of side rails, a control panel, and a plurality of subsystems, such as a bed exit system that detects when a patient may exit from the support apparatus, or a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the deck. A controller is in communication with the control panel and is adapted to monitor conditions regarding the side rails and/or the other subsystems. At least one lamp is also provided on the patient support apparatus that is adapted to be illuminated in a first manner when a plurality of monitored conditions remain in a desired state, and in a second manner when at least one of the plurality of monitored conditions changes to an undesired state. |
| US08393024B2 |
Adjustable bed skirt
An adjustable bed skirt for use between a mattress and a box spring that is comprised of a top strip portion having a vertically extended, downwardly draped side skirt portion connected to the top strip portion outer perimeter edges. Alternatively, the adjustable bed skirt can be attached to an existing bed skirt. The top strip portion is formed by one or more strips, therefore creating a bed skirt simple to install, adjust, and remove. The top strip portion has a left strip, right strip and a foot strip. An outer edge extends along an outside of the left strip, right strip and foot strip and an inner edge extends along an inside of the left strip, right strip and foot strip. The width of the top strip portion and a height of the side skirt portion is adjustable when the elastic portions are expanded or retracted. |
| US08393021B2 |
Adaptor for a non-flexible floor covering
A non-flexible floor covering adaptor is provided for use with a shower tray (10) having a peripheral trough (18) and means for engaging flexible floor covering material in the trough (18). The adaptor (30) comprises a first profiled portion (32) locatable in the trough (18) of the shower tray (10); a second profiled portion (34) which matches or substantially matches a peripheral edge of the shower tray (10), and a floor flange (36) for engagement with non-flexible floor covering material, such as tiles or boards. |
| US08393019B1 |
Spa system with separate hot and cold reservoirs
A spa system featuring an immersion tank for holding a therapeutic liquid, the immersion tank may feature multiple sectors, a hot reservoir, a cold reservoir, and a mixer reservoir. The mixer reservoir is fluidly connected to each the hot reservoir, the cold reservoir, and the immersion tank via pipes. The hot reservoir has a heating element, and the cold reservoir has a cooling element. Pipes and pumps connect the immersion tank to the mixer reservoir and to the hot and cold reservoirs and the hot and cold reservoirs to the mixer reservoir. Temperature sensors are disposed in the immersion tank and the mixer reservoir. A control unit having a microprocessor functions to change temperature of the therapeutic liquid in the immersion tank by activating various pumps such that the temperature of the immersion tank matches a pre-programmed temperature. |
| US08393016B2 |
Discreet elastic belt
The invention relates to clothing support devices, and more particularly, discreet belts that support clothing, such as trousers, skirts, or the like, around a waist of a user. Provided is a discreet belt that includes a belt body formed from a flexible, elongated elastic strap adapted to be used in at least one fastening element and at least one adjusting element. Various embodiments, variants and method aspect are also provided. |
| US08393013B2 |
Systems and methods for providing inflatable apparel
This application relates to inflatable apparel. In particular, this application discusses systems and methods for providing apparel that is both selectively inflatable and adapted for use as a pillow. The inflatable apparel may include any clothing or object that is adapted to be worn by a person and is selectively inflatable so as to act a cushion for the person wearing the apparel or of another. The inflatable apparel comprises an apparel item, such as a necktie, and an inflatable bladder. In some cases, the necktie is made to receive and retain the bladder in an inflated position or a deflated position. The bladder extends through at least a portion of the necktie. Additionally, when inflated, the bladder provides a pillow or cushion for use by the individual wearing the inflated necktie, or for use by an individual other than the person wearing the necktie. |