| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08398534B2 |
Expandable brachytherapy device
A brachytherapy device including an elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion. The device also includes a movable surface portion surrounding at least the distal portion of the elongate member and a plurality of source lumen tubes defining respective source lumens, the source lumen tubes being located around the elongate member, distal ends of the source lumen tubes coupled to the distal portion of the elongate member, the source lumen tubes extending a sufficient distance in a proximal direction such that the source lumen tubes extend outside a body when distal portions of the source lumen tubes are positioned in a body cavity for brachytherapy. The device also has structure coupled to the distal ends of the source lumen tubes for positioning the distal portions of the source lumen tubes at different distances from the elongate member for brachytherapy by exerting a force in a proximal direction on the distal ends of the source lumen tubes, the structure including an actuator for actuating the structure, at least a portion of the actuator being located outside the body when the distal portions of the source lumen tubes are positioned in a body cavity for brachytherapy. The device also includes a ring, tube or manifold securing a portion of the source lumen tubes proximal to the distal portion around the elongate member and a source of radiation suitable for insertion into the source lumens. |
| US08398532B2 |
Developer rolls having a tuned resistivity
Developer roll having a conductive or semi-conductive soft rubber core and a coating deposited in the soft rubber core wherein the coating has a conductive agent. The outer surface of the soft rubber core is modified before the coating is deposited onto the outer surface of the soft rubber core. Methods for making the same. |
| US08398524B2 |
Multi-speed transmission with eight torque-transmitting mechanisms
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, an intermediate shaft, and a simple planetary gear set, all of which are coaxial. A first and a second layshaft are arranged to define a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, respectively. The transmission has five sets of intermeshing gears, some of which are arranged to transfer torque from the input member to the layshafts, and others of which are arranged to transfer torque from the layshafts to the intermediate member or the simple planetary gear set. The transmission has eight torque-transmitting mechanisms, including one torque-transmitting mechanism that is selectively engagable to connect the input member for common rotation with the intermediate member. The other seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are each selectively engagable to connect a different respective gear of the sets of intermeshing gears to a respective one of the layshafts or to a stationary member. |
| US08398518B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle (112) is adapted to receive a carrier assembly (101, 400, 600, 800) to facilitate the support of components in a CVT (100). In another embodiment, a carrier includes a stator support member (206, 304, 402, 502, 602, 802) and a stator interfacial member (208, 504). In some embodiments, the stator interfacial member is configured to interact with planet subassemblies of a CVT. Various inventive planet subassemblies (108, 406, 806) and idler assemblies (109, 700) can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs (244, 2444, 424, 810) configured to have a sliding interface with a carrier assembly. Embodiments of a hub shell (102), a hub cover (104) are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed. |
| US08398517B2 |
Journal bearing with single unit jumper tube and filter
A journal bearing includes a central body having first passageway and a filter module. The central body extends axially and is adapted to be supported at each outer end. The first passageway extends generally axially through a portion of the central body. The filter module is disposed in the first passageway and is configured to trap debris from a lubricant fluid flowing therethrough. In one embodiment, the filter module is adapted to be inserted and removed from the first passageway as a single unit, thereby allowing the filter module to be connected and disconnected from fluid communication with a lubricant manifold positioned adjacent the journal bearing. |
| US08398511B2 |
Inflatable latex neoprene bladders
The present invention relates to inflatable neoprene bladders and method of manufacturing inflatable neoprene bladders. The invention also relates to inflatable articles having an inflatable neoprene bladder wherein the article has an idealized shape and superior resiliency and air retention. Finally, the invention relates to sportsballs and gameballs having an inflatable neoprene bladder. |
| US08398507B2 |
Golf ball with single layer core having specific regions of varying hardness
A golf ball comprising a single layer core formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising a geometric center and an outer surface, and a cover layer disposed thereabout. The single layer core has an inner core region disposed about the geometric center and an outer core region that is disposed about the inner core region and is adjacent the outer surface, the outer core region having a thickness of about 15 mm or less. The inner core region has a hardness that increases radially from the geometric center toward the outer core region in a plurality of increments of about 5 Shore C. The inner core region has a first hardness (IC1h) and the outer core region has a second hardness (OC2h) such that (OC2h)>(IC1h) and a hardness of the outer surface (OSh) is greater than a hardness of the geometric center (GCh), represented by the relationship (OSh)>(GCh). |
| US08398503B2 |
Golf club
A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, the connection assembly includes a removable hosel sleeve that allows a shaft to be supported a desired predetermined orientation relative to the club head. In this manner, the shaft loft and/or lie angle of the club can be adjusted without resorting to traditional bending of the shaft. In another embodiment, the club head has an adjustable sole that can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly relative to the strike face of the club head, which is effective to adjust the face angle of the club head. |
| US08398502B2 |
Hitting position detecting device, hitting position detecting method, and method of manufacturing hitting position detecting device
A hitting position detecting device includes: a golf club which includes a shaft having a grip portion and a head portion having a face portion with a hitting surface and a rear surface and attached to the front end of the shaft; vibration wave sensors which is arranged on the side of the rear surface of the face portion and is fixed to the head portion so as to output electrical signals in accordance with a vibration wave generated upon hitting of the face portion; a calculation unit which detects arrival times in the vibration wave sensors of the vibration wave generated in the face portion upon hitting of a ball on the basis of the electrical signals, calculates a hitting position of the ball in the face portion on the basis of a difference in the plurality of arrival times, and then outputs the result as a hitting position signal; a display unit which displays the hitting position in the face portion on the basis of the hitting position signal output from the calculation unit; and a power source which supplies power to the vibration wave sensors, the calculation unit, and the display unit. |
| US08398494B2 |
Constant velocity universal joint
A constant velocity universal joint has a boot with enhanced durability and compactness, which are achieved by suppressing abrasion of the boot. The constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member, an inner joint member, a torque transmitting member, a shaft, and a boot. The surface roughness of an outer peripheral surface of the shaft satisfies Rsk<0, Rpk<2 μm, and Ra<4 μm. |
| US08398493B2 |
Torque transmission device
A torque transmission device includes a shaft, particularly a drive shaft for a drive train of a vehicle, and at least one coupling element which is connected with an end of the shaft. The shaft and the at least one coupling element each consists completely or at least partly of a fiber-reinforced plastic material. |
| US08398491B2 |
Torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus
A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus includes a first plate member, a second plate member rotatable relative to the first plate member, and a first friction member disposed between the first plate member and the second plate member and pressed against the first plate member in a slidable manner. The second plate member includes a first retaining surface that makes contact with the first friction member. The first friction member includes a plurality of grooves at a surface facing the first retaining surface of the second plate member, the grooves extending in a radial direction of the first friction member. |
| US08398490B1 |
Career management system
A career management system facilitates career management an online environment. The career management system introduces gaming elements to career management in order to make career-related tasks more enjoyable to participants. In one embodiment, a computer-based career management system generates a virtual career path customized based on a particular player's current career position and career goals. The virtual career path includes one or more challenges for the player to complete. The career management system tracks completion of the one or more challenges in the online environment and provides rewards and incentives as the player progresses. |
| US08398489B2 |
Sorting games of chance
In various embodiments a display may allow a secondary player to select a game of an appropriate primary player. |
| US08398488B2 |
Virtual input system
For a user having a user input actuator, a virtual interface device, such as for a gaming machine, for determining actuation of a virtual input by the input actuator is disclosed. The device comprises a position sensing device for determining a location of the user input actuator and a controller coupled to the position sensing device, the controller determining whether a portion of the user input actuator is within a virtual input location in space defining the virtual input. |
| US08398485B2 |
Game ticket selection apparatus and method
A method and system for a player to select numbers for a game ticket for play of a random draw game by displaying available game tokens on a display screen of a mobile computer device, selecting a pre-determined number of the available game tokens, and communicating the selected game ticket to a controller for the random draw game. |
| US08398480B2 |
Gaming system and method of gaming
A gaming system is provided including a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display a representation of play of the game. The game controller is arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, and to control the display to display a plurality of the selected symbols. The game controller is arranged to control the appearance of at least one of the symbols of the set of symbols so that the appearance of the at least one of the symbols is indicative of a probability of winning a prize based on the at least one of the symbols. |
| US08398479B2 |
System and method for conducting a game of chance
Provided are systems and methods configured to retain game state information during the course of game play of multiple individual games to deliver a gaming experience in addition to the game play and/or any outcome associated with the individual games and/or game sessions. Player interest can be enhanced through the requirement that multiple games be played to get to a final outcome of the game experience. Each ticket/entry can represent one step along the way (or some other ratio) of the game experience. Combining online experiences with a progression through the gaming experience with stored state information across sessions allows a game management system to track and manage the player until the game experience is complete and can include, for example, requiring a predetermined number of plays. Further the game management system can permit dynamically establishing criteria for players during any game experience. |
| US08398477B1 |
Method and apparatus for a wagering game with indicia developed paylines
In contrast to slot-type gaming machines with their preset paylines designating predetermined array positions, the paylines of this novel wagering game are unknown until the indicia in the array have been selected. The indicia are selected from a variety of indicium types, each having a different number of members for identifying adjacent indicia. The randomly selected indicia determine the paylines, if any, in the array. Conditions may be imposed that limit the size and geometry of the paylines in this wagering game. |
| US08398475B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method providing a first game and a plurality second wagering games each associated with a separate activatable component of the first game
A gaming system having a first skill, partial skill, or pseudo skill based game having a plurality of individually activatable designated components and a plurality of second chance based games each respectively associated with a different one of the individually activatable components of the skill based game. When each designated component of the first game is activated through one or player inputs, a corresponding chance based game associated with that designated component is activated. Each chance based game randomly determines whether the player wins an award. In one embodiment, the likelihood of activating each designated component is different and the chance based game associated with each different designated component is different. |
| US08398474B2 |
Method and apparatus for selectively indicating win probability
Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game. |
| US08398473B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a card game with payouts based on odds of achieving certain events
A gaming device includes a poker game where two cards are dealt face-up to at least one player and to a dealer. The gaming device enables the player to place an optional wager based on the initially dealt two card hand. A pay out for the optional wager is determined based on the probability that the final player hand will outrank the final dealer hand. The pay out is inversely proportional to the probability that the player will win. Therefore, if the player has a high probability of winning, the associated pay out will be relatively small. Also, if the player has a low probability of winning, the associated pay out will be relatively small. The gaming device enables the player to place multiple wager after each of a plurality of community cards are dealt, where the associated pay out changes according to a revised probability of winning. |
| US08398469B2 |
Agricultural work machine having an unloading system for unloading an agricultural product
An agricultural work machine for performing harvesting operations. The agricultural work machine includes a support structure. An unloading system is coupled to the support structure and is configured to transport an agricultural product received from a hopper to an off-machine location. The unloading system includes a transfer assembly having a discharge chute. A positioning system is configured to adjust at least one of an elevation, a length and a rotational position of the transfer assembly to position the discharge chute. A control system is configured to automatically locate the discharge chute from a stowed position to a desired unload position of a plurality of preset unload positions upon receiving an operator input via an operator input device. |
| US08398466B2 |
CMP pad conditioners with mosaic abrasive segments and associated methods
A CMP pad conditioner comprises a plurality of abrasive segments. Each abrasive segment includes a segment blank and an abrasive layer attached to the segment blank, the abrasive layer including a superhard abrasive material. A pad conditioner substrate is also provided. Each of the plurality of abrasive segments is permanently affixed to the pad conditioner substrate in an orientation that enables removal of material from a CMP pad by the abrasive layer as the pad conditioner and the CMP pad are moved relative to one another. |
| US08398464B2 |
Grinding wheel truing tool and manufacturing method thereof, and truing apparatus, method for manufacturing grinding wheel and wafer edge grinding apparatus using the same
The present invention relates to a grinding wheel truing tool, its manufacturing method, and a truing apparatus, a method for manufacturing a grinding wheel and a wafer edge grinding apparatus using the same. The grinding wheel truing tool of the present invention compensates a groove of a fine-grinding wheel for fine-grinding a wafer edge, and includes a truer having an edge of the same angle as a slanted surface of the groove of the fine-grinding wheel and a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the groove. The present invention uses the truing tool to easily process the groove of the grinding wheel for fine-grinding the wafer edge. |
| US08398458B2 |
Modular base-plate semiconductor polisher architecture
The present invention generally relates to a polishing system. Particularly, the present invention relates a polishing apparatus having one or more modular polishing stations, and a plurality of polishing heads movably connected to a transferring system. |
| US08398457B2 |
Multi-sander
A tool for moving an abrasive media can include a tool body and a drive system housed in the tool body. The drive system can include an output member. A retaining member can be disposed on the tool body. A first platen having a first attachment hub can be selectively coupled with the retaining member in an installed position. The first platen can have a first rotatable member that selectively attaches to the output member in a first mode of operation. A second platen having a second attachment hub can selectively couple with the retaining member in an installed position. The second platen can have a second rotatable member that selectively attaches to the output member in a second mode of operation. |
| US08398456B2 |
Polishing method, polishing apparatus and method of monitoring a substrate
A method of polishing a substrate includes rotating a polishing table having a polishing surface, holding the substrate by a top ring, bringing the substrate into contact with the polishing surface while swinging and rotating the top ring to polish the substrate, and monitoring a surface condition of the substrate by a monitoring sensor. A rotational speed of the polishing table and conditions of swing motion of the top ring are determined such that a position of the monitoring sensor, a position of a center of rotation of the top ring, and a direction of the swing motion of the top ring at a point of time when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after polishing of the substrate is started approximately coincide with their previous values at a point of time before the predetermined period of time has elapsed. |
| US08398452B2 |
Single reed turkey gobble call
A single reed turkey gobble call includes a barrel through which a user blows air. A reed assembly is positioned in the barrel. The reed assembly includes a tone board and a reed positioned against the tone board. A wedge engages the reed, and the reed is partially clamped between the wedge and the tone board such that a distal end of the reed is free to vibrate against the tone board. A vertex is defined on the tone board at the location where the reed separates from the tone board. The wedge is axially offset from the vertex in the axial direction away from the distal reed end by a wedge offset distance to produce a gobble sound. |
| US08398450B2 |
Connection means for construction elements, and associated set of building blocks
A connecting means for construction elements, e.g. (toy) building blocks, comprises a strip-shaped member having a thickened portion and a component of a detachable connecting mechanism. The strip-shaped member is insertable into a groove in the side faces of the construction elements. To that component of the detachable connection, e.g. to a nut, further construction elements can be attached in a simple but stable manner. The detachable mechanism is preferably the one that is provided in the construction element for connections without using the connecting means. The connecting means thus allows an extension of the assembly possibilities in a stable manner in other directions than those provided by the construction elements themselves. |
| US08398449B2 |
Method and apparatus for body-worn entertainment devices
A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience. |
| US08398446B2 |
Motorized watercraft system with interchangeable motor module
A personal watercraft body comprises a recess configured to receive similarly shaped cassettes. A first cassette may be motorized to propel the body relative to a body of water. A second cassette may be non-motorized and may include a storage space therein for storing personal items. An insert may be disposed between the cassettes and the recess to orient and fit the cassettes within the body. |
| US08398444B2 |
Nautical engine for boats with jet propulsion by combustion gases
A nautical engine comprising at least one combustion chamber provided with a first opening for feeding an air and fuel mixture, at least one spark plug for igniting the mixture, at least one second opening for exhausting the exhaust gas derived from the ignition of the mixture, a device adapted to feed at least one combustion chamber by the at least one first opening, a control device adapted to control the feeding device for feeding the mixture into the combustion chamber and for igniting the spark plug for igniting the mixture. The feeding device comprises a nozzle adapted to spray the mixture at a pressure to open the first valve of the chamber, and, after having closed the first opening of the first valve, the second valve, for exhausting the gas, can be opened by the gas produced by the ignition of the mixture in the combustion chamber. |
| US08398443B2 |
Biological testing system and connector therefor
A connector for establishing electrical connection between a testing device and a test strip with a biological fluid thereon includes a contact pad on the test strip, and one or more contact wires in the testing device. When the strip is inserted into the testing device, part of the strip's end engages a contact portion of a contact wire and deflects it in a direction normal to the direction of insertion. In certain embodiments the radius of curvature (in the direction of insertion) of the contact portion is controlled to reduce abrasion of the strip by the wire. In other embodiments the radius of curvature (perpendicular to the direction of insertion) is controlled to reduce the abrasion of the strip by the wire. Sometimes the contact portion and/or contact pad is plated with a sacrificial material to reduce the coefficient of friction. In other embodiments various numbers of contacts receive the end of the strip substantially simultaneously, or are staggered in rows to distribute the resistance presented. |
| US08398442B2 |
Terminal fitting and a method for assembling the same
A male terminal comprises an electrical contact portion and an insulating member made of insulating material. The electrical contact portion is inserted into and connected to a female terminal. The insulating member includes a to-be-received portion accommodated in the electrical contact portion and a to-be-exposed portion. The electrical contact portion includes a bottom wall upon which the to-be-received portion is disposed, and a top wall. The to-be-received portion is positioned between the bottom wall and the top wall having a securing engagement portion brought into engagement with the to-be-received portion. The male terminal is made by placing the to-be-received portion upon the bottom wall while the bottom wall, the top wall, and the securing engagement portion are flush with each other, bending them such that the to-be-received portion resides between the top wall and the bottom wall, and bringing the securing engagement portion into engagement with the to-be-received portion. |
| US08398438B2 |
Electrical connector
The present invention discloses an electrical connector having an insulator body, a shield, and an upper and a lower rows of terminals. The shield is constructed to enclose the insulator body. The upper and a lower rows of terminals are held in the insulator body, wherein one of the two rows of terminals is a row of low speed circuit terminals and the other is a row of high speed circuit terminals having two pairs of high speed differential signal terminals and a first ground terminal. At least a portion of the first ground terminal has a width larger than a corresponding portion of each of high speed differential signal terminals. The ground terminal of the high speed circuit is widened compared with high speed differential signal terminals, and it can effectively reduce the inductive coupling crosstalk between the high speed differential signal terminals. |
| US08398435B2 |
Receptacle connector between controller and lighting fixture
An electrical receptacle comprises a body comprising an opening and main terminal channels that are spaced apart from each other and from the opening. Electrically conductive main connectors are disposed in the body and spaced apart from each other. The main connectors are disposed in or in alignment with the main terminal channels. A connector is disposed in the body and includes an arcuate shape in or near the opening. |
| US08398430B1 |
Multi-orientation plug
An electrical adapter assembly includes a housing defining a cutout, the housing including first electrical contacts and second electrical contacts disposed within the cutout. The electrical adapter assembly includes (i) a plug including a body having a first portion extending from an edge of a second portion, the first portion extending generally orthogonal to the second portion, (ii) electrical prongs extending from the first portion, and (iii) electrical contacts coupled to the electrical prongs. The body of the plug is receivable in the cutout in at least two orientations, and in each of the at least two orientations, one or more of the electrical contacts of the plug engage at least one of the first electrical contacts or at least one of the second electrical contacts. |
| US08398424B1 |
Power cord retainer
A device includes an elongated strap, a latch structure connected to the strap and configured to receive and secure a portion of the strap within the latch structure when an end of the strap is inserted through an opening of the latch, and a clamping structure secured to the strap. The clamping structure includes a flexible ring member with two free ends that are separable from each other to define a gap between the two free ends and are further configured to be drawn toward each other such that one free end overlaps the other free end, and a locking mechanism that is operable by a user to selectively compress the ring member so as to secure a portion of at least one power cord within the ring member. |
| US08398422B2 |
Card edge connector
A card edge connector includes an elongated housing having an upper face, a lower face and a mating groove defined therebetween and extending along a longitudinal direction. A plurality of terminal grooves are respectively defined between the upper face and lower face and in communication with the mating groove. A plurality of contacts are respectively received in the terminal grooves. Each contact includes a body portion, at least one retaining portion, a contacting portion and a soldering portion. The at least one retaining portion forms at least one barb thereon and is inserted into the terminal groove with the at least one barb interfering with an inner wall of the terminal groove until the at least one barb falls into a through hole defined on the inner wall of the terminal groove. |
| US08398421B2 |
Connector having a dielectric seal and method of use thereof
A coaxial cable connector having a connector body attached to a post, the post having a first end, a second end, and a flange proximate the first end, wherein the post is configured to receive a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric of a coaxial cable, a port coupling element attached to the post, and a seal member disposed proximate the dielectric to create a seal around the dielectric to prevent entry of environmental elements is provided. Additionally, a connector having a post with an internally tapered surface proximate a first end, the internally tapered surface tapering radially inward toward the first end to compress the dielectric to form a seal around the dielectric is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided. |
| US08398415B1 |
Connector assembly for assembling/disassembling four connectors using a staged-release member
An assembly may include a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, a fourth connector, and a staged-release member. The second connector may be configured to matingly engage the first connector. The fourth connector may be configured to matingly engage the third connector. The staged-release member may include first and second portions. The first portion may be secured relative to the first and third connectors. The second portion may be movable relative to the first portion between a first position restricting axial separation of the second connector from the first connector and a second position allowing axial separation of the second connector from the first connector. The fourth connector may restrict movement of the second portion from the first position to the second position while the fourth connector is matingly engaged with the third connector. |
| US08398414B2 |
Locking mechanisms and locking caps for connectors
According to various embodiments, an exemplary locking mechanism for a connector comprises a hook, a bracket at least partially inserted within the hook to form a first assembly, a holder enclosing at least a portion of the first assembly to form a second assembly, and a button enclosing at least a portion of the second assembly to form the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a cap enclosing at least a portion of the button to form a locking cap. |
| US08398412B2 |
Housing, electrical coupling including said housing, and vehicle including such a coupling
The invention relates to a housing, including: electronic components (42); walls (44) mechanically insulating said electronic components from the outside; at least one electric connection pad (18, 20, 22, 24) arranged on an outer surface of one of said walls so as to be electrically coupled to a cable outside the housing, said connection pad being electrically coupled to the electronic components (42) inside the housing, characterized in that the connection pad includes: a printed circuit board (50) defining a portion of the housing wall (44) and having a surface exposed to the outside of the housing; and an electric connection outer plane (60, 62) engraved on said surface for directly contacting the outer cable, said plane being electrically coupled to the electronic components. |
| US08398408B1 |
Charging station for cordless ultrasound cart
The present invention is directed to a system and method which establishes physically fixed charger stations that work in conjunction with a medical cart, such as an ultrasound cart. The medial cart contains a power supply, such as a large battery, with the capacity to keep the system going for a full day's use. Each docking station provides a fixed location for one or more carts and allows each cart to plug directly into a source of premises power. The docking stations allow the plugged-in cart to recharge while the cart is not in use. In one embodiment, a large Class C battery capable of powering not only the medical device but its associated peripherals as well. Thus, when the cart is removed from the docking station and taken to a patient's location, the equipment on the cart can be operated without the need for plugging the cart into a wall outlet thereby eliminating the need for a long power cord. The fixed locations of the docking station also eliminates the need for hunting “misplaced” carts. |
| US08398405B2 |
System, method, and computer software code for instructing an operator to control a powered system having an autonomous controller
A method for training an operator to control a powered system is disclosed including operating the powered system with an autonomous controller, and informing an operator of a change in operation of the powered system as the change in operation occurs. A system and a computer software code are also disclosed for training the operator to control the powered system. |
| US08398402B2 |
Method for maufacturing dental implant and dental implant
A dental implant capable of reliably preventing elution of metal when the dental implant is applied within an oral cavity and capable of reliably preventing occurrence of mismatching (bumpy occlusion or the like) when the dental implant is fixed in place. The abutment is manufactured by molding a ceramic molded body composition to obtain a ceramic molded body, assembling a titanium member and the ceramic molded body together to obtain an assembled body, degreasing the assembled body so that the ceramic molded body is transformed into a ceramic degreased body, and sintering the assembled body to transform the ceramic degreased body into a ceramic member so that the ceramic member is firmly fixed to the titanium member. |
| US08398398B1 |
Foam pad used with tubular member to vacuum fluids from an oral cavity
A dental suction apparatus 2 includes a tubular vacuum member 10, such as a tubular vacuum tip or aspirator, and a protective foam pad 20. The pad is mounted on a distal end 12 of the tubular vacuum member through a first opening 32 and partially through a second opening 34. In a folded operative position, the foam member 20 not only protects the patient's mouth, but creates a larger surface through which fluids and debris particles can be drawn though the influence of a vacuum. |
| US08398397B2 |
Dental intraligamentary injection needles and related methods of manufacture
Injection needle devices for administering a local anesthetic into tough, dense ligamentary tissue surrounding a tooth. The injection needle is a two-part needle that includes a proximal needle portion formed of metal, ceramic or rigid plastic and a distal needle portion formed of ceramic or hardened metal. The distal penetrating needle portion has an exposed length not more than about 8 mm, and an maximum outside diameter of about 25 gauge. At the transition between the proximal needle portion and the distal needle portion there can be an abrupt stop surface for limiting penetration through tissue. Alternatively, the proximal needle portion can have a tapered surface that permits penetration of the tapered surface into tissue. The injection needle device is designed to minimize pain and prevent buckling of the distal needle portion. |
| US08398395B2 |
Accessory for a dental model articulator
An accessory for use with a dental articulator, the accessory including a dental model holder, adapted and configured to hold a dental model, and a mounting assembly for removably affixing said dental model holder to a conventional dental model articulator. In some embodiments, the dental model holder includes a model support, a rear stop member perpendicular to the model support, and a model engaging member mounted in the model support and arranged to engage a dental model and urge it towards the stop member. |
| US08398393B2 |
Gas fired catalytic heater
A gas fired catalytic heater is provided that foregoes the need for an electrical heating element to provide the activation energy for the hydrocarbon catalyst pad. An alcohol self-igniting catalyst pad is used to provide the activation energy to the hydrocarbon catalyst pad thereby removing dependence of the heater on an outside electrical energy source to initiate start-up of the heater. The catalyst pad includes a flexible wash coat; a noble metal dispersed on the wash coat; an anti-sintering element saturating the wash coat; and a catalyst promoter saturating the wash coat. |
| US08398391B2 |
Dry-cast concrete block molding machine
A dry-cast concrete block molding machine for molding concrete blocks. The machine includes a weigh hopper system which senses when the proper amount of concrete, as determined by the weight thereof, has been placed in the weigh hopper to dump the weigh hopper. The machine also includes end plates in the mold box thereof which may be interchanged so that the configuration of the concrete block may be easily changed. The machine also includes a conveyor system which not only conveys mold trays into the mold box of the machine but which also is used to push the molded block outwardly from the compaction chamber of the mold box when the block has been molded. |
| US08398387B2 |
Fluid machine and refrigeration cycle apparatus
A fluid machine (101) includes a first compressor (107) and a second compressor (108). The first compressor (107) has a first closed casing (111), a first compression mechanism (102a), an expansion mechanism (104), and a shaft (113). A first oil reservoir (112) is formed in the first closed casing (111). The second compressor (108) has a second closed casing (125) and a second compression mechanism (102b). A second oil reservoir (126) is formed at a bottom portion in the second closed casing (125). The first closed casing (111) and the second closed casing (125) are connected to each other by an oil passage (109) so that a lubricating oil can flow between the first oil reservoir (112) and the second oil reservoir (126). An opening (109a) of the oil passage (109) on a side of the first closed casing (111) is located above the expansion mechanism (104) with respect to the vertical direction. This configuration prevents the low temperature lubricating oil in a surrounding space of the expansion mechanism (104) and the high temperature lubricating oil in the second compressor (108) from flowing. Thereby, the heat transfer between the first compressor (107) and the second compressor (108) is suppressed. |
| US08398386B2 |
2 stage rotary compressor
A 2 stage rotary compressor is provided that includes a hermetic container that defines an outward appearance of the compressor; a 2 stage compression assembly provided in the hermetic container, wherein a low pressure cylinder, a middle plate, and a high pressure cylinder are successively stacked from any one of upper and lower portions; and first discharge port that discharges refrigerant compressed in the low pressure cylinder, and having an inner volume equivalent to 0.5% to 2.5% of an inner volume of the low pressure cylinder. A valve is installed on or under the discharge port. When the valve is opened, compressed refrigerant is discharged through the discharge port. When the valve is closed, refrigerant remains in the discharge port as much as the volume of the discharge port. Accordingly, refrigerant remaining in the discharge port is re-expanded in the cylinder, to thereby cause a compression loss. Moreover, in a case in which the volume of the discharge port is excessively small, a resistance occurs in a refrigerant passage. As a result, the volume of the discharge port should he appropriately restricted. |
| US08398384B2 |
Low-noise rotary pump having a press-fit stator using split-core ribs and housing ribs
A rotary pump with a plastic pump housing, that can be processed by injection molding, with a first housing part defining a pump space, which is connected to a second intermediate housing part accommodating an electric motor with a wound core stator. The rotary pump includes a plastic split core, the wound claw pole stator being mounted on the split core and a permanent magnetic rotor being mounted to rotate within the split core. A plastic motor housing part defines a motor space, wherein at least three axial and parallel split core ribs are provided between the split core and the claw pole stator, the ribs being distributed about the periphery of the split core at predetermined angles relative to each other. A return ring has first and second end sections, the return ring being connected to the wound claw pole stator, so that the first and second end sections are welded to each other. The stator is press-fit onto the split core via the ribs. At least three axial-parallel housing ribs protrude radially inward and are formed with the motor housing part, the axial-parallel housing ribs being distributed on the inside periphery of the motor housing part. Finally, the stator is press-fit into the motor housing part via the housing ribs. |
| US08398382B2 |
Turbo type blood pump
An impeller 22 includes a rotating shaft 7 supported rotatably by an upper bearing 9 and a lower bearing 20 at upper and lower ends, a plurality of vanes 6, an arm 18 coupling an inner circumferential side of the vanes to the rotating shaft, an annular coupling portion 8 coupled to an outer circumferential side of each vane, and a driven magnet portion 12 placed in a lower portion of the annular coupling portion. A drive magnet portion 16 provided at a rotor 13 and a driven magnet portion 12 are opposed to each other with a bottom wall of the housing interposed therebetween, and rotation of the rotor is transmitted to the impeller through magnetic coupling. A blockade member 23 is placed below the vanes and blocks a space in a region spreading between the rotating shaft and the annular coupling portion while leaving an opening 14 at least around the rotating shaft. In a configuration in which the rotating shaft of the impeller is supported by the upper and lower bearings and a lower portion of each outer circumferential edge of the vanes is coupled to the annular coupling portion, the formation of a blood clot in the vicinity of the lower bearing can be suppressed. |
| US08398374B2 |
Method and apparatus for a segmented turbine bucket assembly
A turbine bucket that includes a platform and an airfoil extending radially outward from the platform. The airfoil includes a root segment and a tip segment. The root segment includes a first end and a second end. The root first end extends from a radially outer surface of the platform. The root segment extends from the root first end to the root second end. The tip segment includes a tip first end and a tip second end. The tip first end is removably coupled to the root second end. The tip segment extends outward from the root second end to the tip second end. |
| US08398372B2 |
Method for reducing the vibration levels of a propeller of a turbine engine
A method for reducing the vibration levels capable of occurring, in a turbine engine including at least one propeller and one coupling structure of the turbine engine, because of the turbulence of aerodynamic origin generated by the coupling structure on the propeller. The method includes: defining an initial configuration of the aerodynamic profiles, calculating the synchronous forced response on the propeller as a function of the force of harmonic excitation generated by the coupling structure expressed in the form of a linear function of the generalized aerodynamic force for the mode in question, and determining a tangential geometric offset value θ of the individual aerodynamic profiles for stacked sections of one of the propeller or of the coupling structure in order to reduce the term corresponding to the generalized aerodynamic force. The combination of the sections with the tangential offsets therefore defines a new configuration of the aerodynamic profiles. |
| US08398369B2 |
Method and system for operating a wind turbine
The present invention relates to a method and a system for operating a Wind Turbine (WTG), which WTG comprises a rotor comprising at least two blades, which blades are pitch regulated, where the rotor is connected to a shaft, which shaft is supported by bearings, and which shaft drives at least one generator, where the WTG uses a load regulation system for regulating the individual pitch of at least two blades. The object of the invention is to compensate for asymmetric load on the rotor in a wind turbine, a second object is to reduce wearing at shaft bearings in the wind turbine, and a third object is to increase the power production of a wind turbine. This can be achieved if the load regulation system measures the actual rotor load by at least one displacement sensor, which displacement sensor is measuring the bending of the main shaft, where the load regulation system based on the shaft bending regulates the individual pitch of the blades for compensating asymmetric load at the rotor. |
| US08398363B2 |
Device for sealing a bearing housing of an exhaust gas turbocharger
A device for sealing a bearing housing, which holds lubricating oil, from which a rotor supported inside the housing of an exhaust gas turbocharger is guided into a compressor housing, loadable by a mass flow of a charger. The device includes a fixed partition with a wall extension, a sealing disk fastened on a shaft of the rotor, a separating gap arranged between the sealing disk and the wall extension, and a drip device connected to an oil-collecting channel and directs lubricating oil collected in the oil-collecting channel into an oil drain by gravity. The drip device includes a drain-off surface for lubricating oil, which has a large axial distance from a rotating sealing disk which delimits the separating gap. Lubricating oil which can penetrate into the separating gap is guided into an oil drain of the bearing housing without interacting with the sealing disk. |
| US08398360B2 |
Method and device for resisting wear from particle containing water on an impeller
A method and a device for counteracting wear from particle bearing drive water in a runner (4) in a water turbine (1), the runner (4) comprising a runner hub (16) and a vane (18), or a runner hub (16), a vane (18) and a runner band (20), the vane (18) being attached to the runner hub (16) in a first attachment area (22) and to the runner band (20) in a second attachment area (24), and where the method comprises: —routing a supply channel (40) for water cleaner than the drive water to at least the first attachment area (22) or the second attachment area (24) and—leading water cleaner than the drive water to flow over at least a portion of the vane (18) surface. |
| US08398359B2 |
Exhaust diffuser
An exhaust diffuser including an outer flow guide surface and an inner flow guide surface defining an inlet, a first collection chute having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, the first collection chute operative to diffuse a flow of a fluid, a second collection chute having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, the second collection chute operative to diffuse the flow of the fluid, and the outer flow guide surface and the inner flow guide surface are operative to guide and direct the flow of the fluid to the first collection chute and the second collection chute. |
| US08398357B2 |
Parcel delivery truck with lift or hoist unit
A method of and system for delivering parcels or packages utilizing a parcel delivery truck. The method allows both lighter and heavier packages to be delivered by a single driver or operator. The method includes positioning a specially designed lift or hoist unit within a rear compartment of a parcel delivery truck. The left and right portions of the lift unit are mounted to left and right side walls of the rear compartment to provide maximum lifting efficiency and maximum space for heavier parcels carried in the rear compartment. |
| US08398356B2 |
Automotive wheelchair mobility system
A wheelchair lift and restraining device for an automotive vehicle includes a base pivotally mounted beneath the main floor of a vehicle. First and second support arm portions extend outwardly from the base and are configured for engagement with a wheelchair frame, preferably a wheel axle. A rotating assembly selectively moves the support arm through approximately 90° of rotation and the system is raised and lowered relative to the vehicle to transport the wheelchair from outside the vehicle to the interior of the vehicle, and also position the wheelchair at a desired height in the vehicle interior. Translation movement of the support arms also positions the wheelchair occupant at a desired location. A headrest extends from the system to provide desired neck and head support. |
| US08398350B2 |
Bolt
A bolt has a bolt body including a screw part, a head part formed at an upper end of the screw part, and a flange part formed at a lower end of the head part; and an unconductive ring-shaped resinous member covering a peripheral portion of the flange part. The flange part has a disk-shaped flange body portion; and a seat surface-forming portion having a seat surface which is pressed against a portion where the bolt is to be mounted. The ring-shaped member has an edge part which is located at a position nearer to a lower end of the screw part than the seat surface and outward from the flange body portion and an annular skirt part whose diameter gradually increases to the edge part. The annular skirt part is so formed that it deforms when the bolt is mounted on the portion where the bolt is to be mounted and forms an annular liquid-tight sealing portion for the portion where the bolt is to be mounted. |
| US08398346B2 |
Drop-in anchor
A drop-in anchor includes a tubular sleeve having a first end and an expandable second end, the sleeve having one or more raised surfaces at the first end. A plug is insertable in the sleeve such that when the plug is driven into an installed position in the sleeve the second end expands and an installation tool interacts with the one or more raised surfaces to provide a visual indication of engagement of the drop-in anchor to a workpiece. |
| US08398343B1 |
Rail cargo restraint system
The present invention is a cargo restraint system for protecting a barrel-contained cargo in a cargo vehicle space during transportation. In one example, the cargo vehicle may contain two sets of stacked barrels with each set having three vertical levels of barrels. In a first embodiment of the invention, the cargo restraint system includes at least one crush cushion placed at either a front end or a back end of the barrel-contained cargo. The crush cushion provides at least five contact points against each barrel and the contact points are arranged along three levels of crush zones. An end-wall system is placed adjacent to the crush cushion. At least one angle member with a plurality of strap separation slots is coupled to the end-wall system. Each strap is threaded through the strap separation slots and is anchored to the cargo vehicle to securely hold the barrel-contained cargo to the crush cushion and the end wall system. |
| US08398340B2 |
Method of extracting contents from the inside of a reactor kept at high temperature and high pressure, and synthesis reaction system of hydrocarbon compound
A method of extracting the contents from the inside of a reactor kept at high temperature and high pressure includes the steps of introducing the contents of the reactor into a pipe having an internal space which communicates with the reactor, closing the pipe to enclose the contents in the internal space, removing unnecessary gas from the internal space, and supplying an inert gas to the internal space, thereby replacing the contents enclosed in the internal space with the inert gas. The contents are discharged from the internal space by replacing the contents enclosed in the internal space with the inert gas. |
| US08398339B2 |
Self-tensioning tendon for tension leg platform application
A self-tensioning tendon for pulling a tension leg platform (TLP) down to a desired draft position. The self-tensioning tendon can be utilized with either a co-installation process or a pre-installation process and connects to an assembled tendon joint. The self-tensioning tendon comprises a hydraulically controlled Length Adjustment Joint (LAJ) that further comprises an integral cylinder with external threads and a piston rod. The self-tensioning apparatus has features that advantageously reduce the time required to ballast the hull of the TLP. A hydraulic source actuates the integral cylinder to pull the TLP down to the target draft position, significantly reducing the time needed to ballast the hull of the TLP with millions of gallons of water. A Top Tendon Connector (TTC) ratchets down along the cylinder to lock the TLP at the final draft position. |
| US08398338B2 |
Method for installing a topside module on an offshore support structure
Method for installing a topside module on an offshore support structure that in use comprises at least one support leg that extends a height above the water level. The method comprises the steps of supporting said topside module on a barge in a position adjacent to said at least one support leg and de-ballasting the barge to lift the topside module a height above water level. |
| US08398337B2 |
Continuous weave quick harness backplate system
A system to permit a diver to quickly adjust a one-piece continuous piece of webbing by simply pushing or pulling the webbing in the desired direction. The system includes accessory plate which is fixed to an existing diving backplate, which allows the webbing to slide on through the attached accessories without affecting the location of the accessories with respect to the diver's body. An improved adjustable crotch strap is also secured to the backplate. An ergonomic backplate frame is also disclosed. |
| US08398336B2 |
Pipe structure and methods of laying and use of a pipeline including such a pipe structure
A pipe structure suitable for being laid in the sea comprises an inner pipe (2) for conveying fluid to be transported along the pipe structure and an outer pipe (3) around the inner pipe and supporting the inner pipe with space between the inner and outer pipes, the outer pipe having openings to allow water first to flow into the space between the inner pipe and the outer pipe and then to flow out of the space. |
| US08398335B2 |
Method for extracting landfill gas
An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any polymeric pie, plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing landfill gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. By creating additional apertures in landfill gas recovery well risers, landfill gas derived from the decomposition of waste is allowed to enter the existing riser and extraction/recovery system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to capture landfill gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing landfill gas and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere. |
| US08398325B2 |
Oral care implement with liquid delivery system
An oral care implement (1) includes a head (12), a handle (10), a neck portion (11) connecting the head and the handle, and a reservoir (15) which contains at least one active agent. The implement has an activator (22) for activating a delivery device which delivers the active agent to one or more outlets (50). A powered delivery device (18) disposed in the head to deliver a liquid from the reservoir via the outlet. A wide variety of types of active agents may be administered at appropriate and accurate doses for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefit. |
| US08398321B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating a printer
A system and apparatus for printing configured to estimate a value of a required feed length for an intended printing operation. The printing operation is performed as a function of a comparison between the sum of an actual value of a previously consumed feed length of the print media unit and the estimated value of the required feed length for the intended printing operation at a predefined maximum feed length of the print media unit. In the event the printing operation is executed, the previously consumed feed length us updated as a function of the estimated value of the required feed length. |
| US08398312B2 |
Roller bearing with crowning
A roller bearing includes: an inner ring having an inner ring raceway; an outer ring having an outer ring raceway; and a plurality of rollers interposed between the inner ring raceway and an outer ring raceway, wherein a crowning is formed on at least one of the inner ring raceway, the outer ring raceway, and a roller rolling contact surface, wherein an optimal value of a drop amount of the crowning at an end of an effective length is determined, from a diameter of a roller and an effective length of the roller, and wherein drop amounts of the crowning at a plurality of positions in a bus-line direction of the crowning are within an allowable range set forth in a specific table. |
| US08398311B2 |
Bearing arrangement
A bearing assembly comprises at least two adjacently-disposed bearings. Each bearing includes a bearing outer ring having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. A bearing support retains the at least two bearings such that respective rotational axes of the at least two bearings extend in parallel. A spacer has at least two cylindrical openings configured to receive the respective cylindrical outer circumferential surfaces of the bearing outer rings such that a circumferential inner surface of each opening covers at least a portion of a width of the bearing outer ring received therein and surrounds an entire circumference of the bearing outer ring received therein. The bearing support is not fixedly connected to the spacer. |
| US08398309B2 |
Flanged bushing
A flanged bushing comprising a slide bearing (1), which has at least one half-ring-shaped or ring-shaped axial bearing (2) affixed to the side (6) of the bearing, this side being formed by its thickness, where recesses are provided with geometry cooperating with those of the locking elements, resilient fixation protrusions (3), arranged on the axial bearing (2), angularly distributed along its perimeter, like protrusions (3), which are radially of the inner diameter of the axial bearing (2). |
| US08398304B2 |
Multiple sensor thermal management for electronic devices
A device includes a current source circuit to separately provide a first current and a second current and a thermal detection device coupleable to the output of the current source circuit. The device further includes a voltage detection circuit to provide a first indicator of a first voltage representative of a voltage at the thermal detection device in response to the second current and a second indicator of a second voltage representative of a voltage difference between the voltage at the thermal detection device in response to the second current and a voltage at the voltage detection device in response to the first current. The device further includes a temperature detection circuit to provide an over-temperature indicator based on the first indicator and the second indicator, wherein an operation of a circuit component of the device can be adjusted based on the over-temperature indicator. |
| US08398302B2 |
Temperature sensor for exhaust systems
A protruding length L1 that is a distance between an inner circumference of a flow path through which fluid flows on an axis of a temperature sensor disposed in the flow path and the center of said temperature sensitive device is 50 mm or more. A protruding location that is a distance between an inner circumferential surface of the flow path and the center of said temperature sensitive device on a cross section extending perpendicular to the axis of said flow path through the center of said temperature sensitive device is defined as L1′. A flow path width that is a distance between intersections of the axis of the temperature sensor with the inner circumferential surface of said flow path when the temperature sensor is projected onto said cross section is defined as D1. A relation of L1′/D1 is specified as a function of the value of D1, thereby reducing heat transfer in an exhaust temperature sensor and enabling the temperature to be measured accurately. |
| US08398301B2 |
Apparatus for determining downhole fluid temperatures
Apparatus for determining downhole fluid temperatures are described. An example apparatus for measuring a temperature of a downhole fluid includes a sensing element for measuring a physical or chemical property of the downhole fluid, and a plurality of electrical connections to enable the sensing element to measure the chemical or physical property and provide an output signal representative of the chemical or physical property, wherein at least one of the electrical connections is configured to function as a thermocouple to sense a temperature of the downhole fluid. |
| US08398299B2 |
Display mechanism for a timepiece enabling the current time to be displayed or not displayed
A display mechanism for a clock movement for controlling the movements of a member for displaying at least one indication related to the time or to the operation of a timepiece, includes a cam having a periphery with a predetermined shape and driven by a base wheel, a lever pivotally mounted relative to a frame member of the movement, between an abutment position associated with an indication position of the display member, and a standby position associated with a predetermined alternative position of the display member. The lever bears a feeler intended for interaction with the periphery of the cam so as to define the abutment position, and the lever further bears a rake engaged with a pinion for driving the display member. An elastic element applies a force onto the lever for positioning it in the abutment position. The mechanism includes a mobile control member having at least a stable standby and a stable indication position. |
| US08398298B2 |
Automatic pot stirrer
An automatic pot stirrer is provided that has a mount assembly. The mount assembly is mounted on a pot plate having slider clamps. The slider clamps engage the rim of the pot and are designed to accommodate differently dimensioned pots. The mount assembly supports a shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor at one end and threaded to a block at the other end. The block has opposed first and second block end walls and opposed first and second block paddle walls to which are connected paddles. The first and second block paddle walls may be disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to a second block end wall. The paddles are disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to the second block end wall such that the paddles lift food product from the bottom of the pot during operation of the automatic pot stirrer. |
| US08398297B2 |
Electromagnetic stirring apparatus
The stirring apparatus is an electronic design that generates rotating magnetic fields to drive magnetic stir bars within vials placed above the cover of the stirring apparatus. Below the cover is a magnetics board containing multiple vial groups of four air core coils arranged in rectangular patterns. Each vial group has with two pairs of diagonal coils. The coils in each pair are wired in series and have opposite winding directions. Each pair is driven by a different phase of a stepper motor driver. The vial groups are spaced appropriately for placing one vial above each group. The adjacent coils of adjacent vial groups are driven by the same phase and have the same magnetic direction. The cover contains an array of pole standoffs that matches the coil pattern. The hollow center of each air core coil contains at least a portion of one pole standoff. |
| US08398295B2 |
Magnetic fluid manipulators and methods for their use
Device and methods for use of these devices to manipulate substantially non-magnetic particles dispersed inside a magnetic fluid by employing a changeable pattern of local magnetic field maxima and minima are provided. |
| US08398294B2 |
Device for dispersing a solid, liquid or gaseous substance in a liquid
The disclosed device disperses a substance in a liquid. The device has at least one dispersing chamber, which has at least one liquid inlet, at least one substance inlet, and at least one outlet. At least one driving means is placed inside the dispersing chamber while serving to set the liquid inside the dispersing chamber in motion so that at least one cavity with varying volume forms in the liquid for drawing in the substance through the substance inlet and forcing the substance made wet with liquid through the outlet. |
| US08398292B2 |
Optical unit and light guide plate and ink thereof
The present invention relates to an optical unit and light guide plate and ink thereof. The ink includes a base resin and a plurality of fine particles. The base resin has a first refractive index. The fine particles have a second refractive index and are dispersed in the base resin. The fine particles are made of organic polymer. The difference between the first refractive index and second refractive index is less than 0.15. The use of the ink will lower the color difference and the variation of color temperature of the light guide plate or the optical unit. |
| US08398290B2 |
Light guide module of scanning apparatus
A light guide module of a scanning apparatus includes plural side-emitting light emitting diodes and a light-guiding post, which are disposed on a circuit board. The light-guiding post has plural reflective structures corresponding to respective side-emitting light emitting diodes for receiving light beams from respective side-emitting light emitting diodes. A spacing interval between two of the side-emitting light emitting diodes at a middle portion of the circuit board is greater than a spacing interval between two of the side-emitting light emitting diodes at a side of the circuit board. |
| US08398289B2 |
Structure for eliminating bright line of tiled backlight module
A structure for eliminating bright lines of a tiled backlight module is provided. The structure includes a light guide plate, and a plurality of light sources. The light guide plate includes a plurality of rows of optical elements. The rows of optical elements extend in parallel. The light sources are provided at least one side of the light guide plate for projecting a light into the light guide plate and generating a regular but non-uniform light outputting performance of the light guide plate. Therefore, a brightness of areas where the optical elements are located is higher than the rest areas, so that the light guide plate achieves a regular but non-uniform light emitting performance. Accordingly, the bright lines occurred at joints between two light guide plates are enshrouded by the high brightness areas, and become hard to identify or even undistinguishable, thus “eliminated”. |
| US08398282B2 |
Vehicle front lighting assembly and systems having a variable tint electrowetting element
A vehicle front lighting assembly, or headlight assembly, that includes one or more variable tint electrowetting elements overlying a portion of the assembly lens surface. The variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to a transparent state whereby the hue of light passing therethrough is not changed, and a tinted state where the hue of light passing therethrough is changed. Alternatively, the variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to the tinted state and an opaque state where light is blocked from passing through the electrowetting element. The assembly may use light emitting diodes (LED) as an alternative to more conventional light sources. |
| US08398279B2 |
Headlamp apparatus for vehicle
The present disclosure relates to a headlamp apparatus for vehicles. The headlamp apparatus includes a light emitting diode (LED) light source located at a first focal point and emitting light, a reflecting member surrounding the LED light source and reflecting light emitted from the LED light source, a lens unit disposed in front of the LED light source and allowing light to pass therethrough, a cooler disposed under the LED light source to cool the LED light source and having a leading end located behind a second focal point, a shielding part rotatably disposed at the second focal point between the LED light source and the lens unit within a lamp housing, and a drive unit connected to the shielding part to rotate the shielding part. |
| US08398275B2 |
Lamp head assembly and lighting lamp tube
A lamp head assembly includes an outer head unit, an inner head unit, and an elastic pressing unit. The outer head unit includes at least two conductive pins. The inner head unit is disposed rotatably in the outer head unit. The elastic pressing unit is disposed movably in the outer head unit for selectively positioning the position of the inner head unit relative to the outer head unit or the position of the outer head unit relative to the inner head unit, wherein the elastic pressing unit includes a pressing element selectively exposed from the outer head unit. |
| US08398272B2 |
Lamp having outer shell to radiate heat of light source
A lamp includes an outer shell having heat conductivity, a base provided in the outer shell, and a cover provided in the outer shell. The outer shell has a light source support, and a heat radiating surface exposed to the outside of the outer shell. The light source support is formed integral with the heat radiating surface. A light source is supported on the light source support. The light source is heated during lighting, and thermally connected to the light source support. The light source is covered with the cover. |
| US08398271B2 |
Heat dissipating light reflecting device
A LED lamp with adjustable beam direction includes a housing, a lamp base attached to one end of the housing for insertion into a lamp socket, a heatsink shaft mounted within the housing, a LED attached to one end of the heatsink shaft, a parabolic or elliptical or multi-facet reflector having a light output front opening and an asymmetric elliptical shaped rear opening, a first actuator for rotating the reflector about the LED, and a second actuator for tilting the reflector about the LED. |
| US08398267B2 |
Illumination device with semiconductor light-emitting elements
An illumination device includes a base board, an insulator, a conductor, a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements and a light-transmissive sealing member. The base board includes a surface and projection portions. The projection portion is formed to become gradually thicker from its end toward the surface of the base board. The insulator is formed on the surface. The conductor is formed on the insulator. The semiconductor light-emitting elements are mounted on the projection portions. The semiconductor light-emitting elements are electrically connected to the conductor via connection members. The sealing member covers the insulator, the projection portions, the semiconductor light-emitting elements and the connection members. |
| US08398266B2 |
Laminated heat-dissipating and non-disposable LED lamp
A laminated heat-dissipating and non-disposable LED lamp includes a lamp holder, an LED luminous module, a lampshade and a heat dissipation unit. The lamp holder is provided with a hollow shell, the LED luminous module is assembled on the lamp holder and the lampshade is mounted on the LED luminous module. The heat dissipation unit is covered around the circumferential side of the lamp holder, instituted of a multi-ply heat-dissipating layer. By so designing, heat energy produced by the LED lamp can be transmitted to the heat dissipation unit, and the heat-dissipating layer can function to increase a heat dissipation area and a heat dissipation distance of contact of the LED lamp with open air, able to prolong service life and enhance luminous efficiency of the LED lamp and also reduce electronic waste. |
| US08398263B2 |
Filter wheel
An improved filter wheel is disclosed, through embodiments, that comprises a plurality of reflector support structures formed as a unitized structure with a circular base member. In some embodiments, the filter wheel further comprises a plurality of light sources mounted on the filter wheel. |
| US08398261B2 |
Lighting strips with improved manufacturability
In a lighting strip (8, 80, 380), a flexible electrically insulated cable (10, 110, 410) includes spaced apart parallel electrical conductors (12, 14, 112, 114, 118, 412, 414, 4181, 4182, 4183, 4184) bound together by electrical insulation (16, 116, 416) as a cable. The electrical conductors include power conductors (12, 14, 112, 114, 412, 414). A plurality of lighting units (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) secured to and spaced apart along the flexible electrically insulated cable each include: (i) one or more light emitting devices (24, 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 224b1, 224b2, 224b3, 224c1, 224c2, 224c3, 224d1, 224d2, 224d3, 4241, 4242, 4243, 4244); (ii) power regulating electrical circuitry (40, 140, 240, 340, 440); and (iii) insulation displacing conductors (28, 30, 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 391, 392, 393, 500, 550, 600) connecting the lighting unit with at least the power conductors. The insulation displacing conductors (500, 550, 600) may be interchangeable. |
| US08398260B2 |
Heat-dissipation structure of LED lamp
A heat-dissipation structure of an LED lamp is disclosed. The LED lamp includes a metal profile, a lampshade attached to the metal profile from bottom, a lamp head mounted around the combined lampshade and metal profile, a printed circuit board set in receiving recesses bilaterally formed below the metal profile, and LEDs provided on a surface of the printed circuit board facing the lampshade. The heat-dissipation structure is characterized in a downward-bending accurate profile of the metal profile being formed between the receiving recesses, and two pads being each positioned between the flanges and the printed circuit board, the two pads serving to prop two lateral sides of the printed circuit board upward such that the printed circuit board fits the accurate profile and closely contacts the metal profile with increased contacting area. Thereby, the printed circuit board can have heat accumulated in operation rapidly dissipated from the metal profile. |
| US08398259B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device comprises a housing; a coupling member coupled to the housing; a reflector coupled between the housing and the coupling member; and a light source unit coupled to the coupling member to emit light toward the reflector, wherein the light source unit includes a first body, a second body and a spring provided between the first body and the second body, and wherein the spring provides an elastic force between the first body and the second body. |
| US08398258B1 |
Cylindrical light fixture
A light fixture built around a cylindrical, light-weight core. Mounted within the core are a battery, an LED driver, a DMX512 receiver, and an antenna. An LED ribbon is wound spirally around the core and is electrically connected to the LED driver. Circular bottom and top caps are mounted to the bottom and top of the core. A seamless, cylindrical lens coaxially aligned with the core is positioned between the caps. The top cap has several controls including a power switch, a battery charger port, and an LCD display that indicates various settings and conditions. Optionally, the top cap includes a mechanism for hanging the fixture. |
| US08398255B2 |
Wrist flex flashlight
The present invention relates to a wrist flashlight. The flashlight of the present invention sits partly on the wrist and partly on the hand and flexes at the wrist joint such that the beam of light is always pointing in the same direction as the hand. |
| US08398252B2 |
Flexible self-supporting reflector for a parabolic trough
The invention relates to a self-supporting reflector for a parabolic trough, the parabolic trough itself, a process for preparing the reflector, a process for preparing the parabolic trough, and the use of the reflector. |
| US08398251B2 |
Method and apparatus for fabricating a precision optical surface
A method involves forming a first surface on a substrate, applying to the first surface a layer of a material having a thickness less than approximately 10 microns, and precision polishing the layer of material to form a precision optical second surface on a side of the layer opposite from the substrate. A different aspect involves an apparatus that includes a substrate having a first surface, and a layer provided on the surface and having a thickness less than approximately 10 microns, the layer having on a side thereof opposite from the substrate a polished second surface with an RMS surface roughness less than approximately 10 Angstroms. |
| US08398250B2 |
Projection display device
A projection display device includes a light source; an optical system which modulates light from the light source, and emits the modulated light; a projecting portion which enlarges and projects the light emitted from the optical system; a cabinet which houses the light source, the optical system, and the projecting portion; an opening which is formed in one surface of the cabinet to allow mounting or dismounting of an optical component constituting the optical system, or the light source; a cover which covers the opening; and a holding portion which holds the cover in such a manner that the cover is allowed to slide in a direction along the one surface. |
| US08398249B2 |
Projector for projecting an image and corresponding method
A projector for projecting an image includes: a light source for generating a light bundle; a pivotable deflection unit for deflecting the light bundle generated by the light source onto a projection surface; and an imaging device for imaging an aperture of the deflection unit onto the projection surface. The imaging device includes a mirror objective having at least two mirror elements. A method for projecting an image is also provided. |
| US08398247B2 |
Light source device having first light source, second light source, and control section to control drive timing of first light source and second light source such that drive pattern of second light source is inversion of drive pattern of second light source, and projection apparatus and projection method which utilize said light source device
A light source device includes a first light source configured to emit light within a first wavelength band, a light-source light production section configured to sequentially produce light-source light of a plurality of colors at predetermined frequency by using light emitted by the first light source, a second light source configured to emit light within a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and a light source control section configured to control drive timing for each of the first and second light sources such that a light emission period for light-source light using light emitted by the second light source is positioned between light emission periods for the light-source light of the plurality of colors produced by the light-source light production section and that the light-source light using light emitted by the second light source has a frequency higher than that of the light-source light production section. |
| US08398236B2 |
Image-guided docking for ophthalmic surgical systems
A docking method for an ophthalmic system may include the steps of aligning a docking unit of the ophthalmic system and an eye; generating an image of an internal structure of the eye by an imaging system; improving an alignment of the docking unit with the internal structure of the eye in relation to the generated image; and docking the docking unit to the eye. The generating the image step may include computing scanning data by a processor corresponding to a scanning pattern; storing the scanning data in a data buffer; transferring the scanning data by the data buffer to an output module; outputting scanning signals by the output module to one or more scanners based on the scanning data; and scanning an imaging beam with the one or more scanners according to the scanning signals. |
| US08398229B2 |
Curing
A method of curing radiation-curable fluid is described. In one example, the method includes emitting radiation from an array of light-emitting diodes towards ink to be cured. LEDs are cheap, light weight, highly efficient in their conversion of electrical power, and give effectively instant switching to full power. Another advantage is that the emission spectrum of an LED is sharply peaked around the nominal frequency. Thus LEDs give several advantages over conventional radiation sources such as mercury lamps. A low oxygen environment is preferably provided at the radiation source to accelerate the curing reaction. Also described are inks which are specially formulated to respond to the radiation emission spectrum of an LED. |
| US08398227B2 |
Pattern drawing method and pattern drawing apparatus
Disclosed herein is a fine and thick wiring drawn at high speed in such a manner that a region on the substrate, on which region the liquid droplet is scheduled to impact, is heated beforehand, and that immediately after the impact of the liquid droplet on the substrate, the liquid droplet is promptly solidified so as thereby to suppress the spread of the liquid droplet due to the wettability of the liquid droplet to the substrate, and also to suppress the clogging of the nozzle due to the heating of the substrate. Thereby, even in the case where a liquid droplet having a larger volume than before is used, high-speed drawing of a thick and fine wiring having a line width approximately equal to the liquid droplet size is realized independently of the substrate material. |
| US08398226B2 |
Inkjet printing system
An inkjet printing system comprising a plurality of static inkjet printing units each comprising at least one inkjet printing head; an ink-receiving element comprising a poorly-absorbing or impermeable substrate; an aqueous inkjet composition which comprises a polymeric compound comprising discrete particles responsive to an external stimulus, and a functional material, which may be incorporated as part of the polymeric particles, the composition having a first rheological state and a different second rheological state in response to a stimulated change in conditions, the first state being associated with a first lower viscosity of the composition, wherein the particles have a first lower volume, and the second state being associated with a second higher viscosity of the composition, wherein the particles have a second higher volume, and of drying the aqueous ink composition only positioned downstream of the plurality of the printing units. |
| US08398225B2 |
Image forming apparatus, and apparatus and method for applying foamed liquid
A foamed liquid coating apparatus prevents curling or warping of a sheet caused by coating irregularities when coated with a preprocessing solution using a coating roller or a liquid discharge head. The foamed liquid coating apparatus includes a container holding a liquid that can be foamed. A first foamed liquid producing/transporting unit produces a foamed liquid having a foam size greater than a required foam size from the liquid supplied from the container. A second foamed liquid producing/transporting unit produces a foamed liquid having the required foam size from the foamed liquid produced by the first foamed liquid producing/transporting unit. The foamed liquid produced by the second foamed liquid producing/transporting unit is applied onto a first coating roller. The foamed liquid is further supplied from the first coating roller to a second coating roller that coats a sheet with the foamed liquid. |
| US08398222B2 |
Printing using liquid film solid catcher surface
A method of printing includes providing liquid drops travelling along a first path using a jetting module. A catcher including a liquid outlet, a stationary surface, and a liquid source is also provided. A liquid film provided by the liquid source is caused to exit the liquid outlet of the catcher and flow over the stationary surface of the catcher. Selected liquid drops are caused to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path using a deflection mechanism such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film. |
| US08398221B2 |
Printing using liquid film porous catcher surface
A method of printing provides liquid drops travelling along a first path using a jetting module. A catcher including a stationary porous surface is also provided. A liquid film is caused to flow over the stationary porous surface of the catcher using a liquid source. Selected liquid drops are caused to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path using a deflection mechanism. The liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid film. |
| US08398214B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and actuator device
There is provided a liquid ejecting head including a channel forming member in which a pressure generating chamber is provided, a piezoelectric element that is provided at one surface side of the channel forming member, a terminal portion electrically connected to the piezoelectric element; the terminal portion being provided at the one surface side of the channel forming member, a wiring substrate which has a wiring layer, and an adhesive layer for electrically connecting the wiring layer and the terminal portion and for combing the wiring substrate and the channel forming member, the adhesive layer being formed by an anisotropic conductive material. A gap layer that is electrically discontinuous with the terminal portion and the wiring layer is provided on at least one surface of the channel forming member and the wiring substrate in an area in which the adhesive layer is provided. |
| US08398210B2 |
Continuous ejection system including compliant membrane transducer
A continuous liquid ejection system includes a substrate defining a liquid chamber. An orifice plate, affixed to the substrate, includes a MEMS transducing member. The MEMS transducing member includes a first portion anchored to the substrate and a second portion extending over and free to move relative to the liquid chamber. A compliant membrane, positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member, includes an orifice and a first portion covering the MEMS transducing member and a second portion anchored to the substrate. A liquid supply provides a liquid to the liquid chamber under a pressure sufficient to eject a continuous jet of the liquid through the orifice located in the compliant membrane. The MEMS transducing member is selectively actuated to cause a portion of the compliant membrane to be displaced relative to the liquid chamber to cause a drop of liquid to break off from the liquid jet. |
| US08398208B2 |
Ceramic printed circuit board (PCB) and inkjet printhead assembly using the same
A ceramic printed circuit board (PCB) and an inkjet printhead assembly using the ceramic PCB. A ceramic PCB in which a plurality of layers are stacked includes a plurality of terminals to receive an electric signal from an external source, a plurality of circuit patterns connected to the plurality of terminals to transmit the electric signal, and a termination resistor having a predetermined thickness disposed between the plurality of circuit patterns, wherein the termination resistor is mounted between the plurality of stacked layers. |
| US08398206B2 |
Recovery processing method for print head, and inkjet printing apparatus using the same
Wet wiping processing is performed on an ink ejection opening forming surface of a print head by use of a wiper. Then, as bubble removal processing, the print head is heated by use of either an electrothermal conversion element or a heat generating element located inside the print head, and then a control unit causes the print head to perform preliminary ejection K1 and preliminary ejection K2. |
| US08398205B2 |
Wiping device for inkjet printers
A wiping device for an inkjet printer includes a wiper mount moveable between a wiping position and a non-wiping position. A slider coupled to the wiper mount, translates between a retracted position and a deployed position. A first translation of the slider to the deployed position causes the wiper mount to move into the wiping position. A trigger, operable between a cocked position and an un-cocked position is coupled to the slider. In the cocked position, the trigger locks the wiper mount in the wiping position. When actuated, the trigger moves to the un-cocked position and the wiper mount moves to the non-wiping position. The wiping device includes logic to control the actuation and non-actuation of trigger. |
| US08398203B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and maintenance method of fluid ejecting apparatus
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a fluid ejecting head in which nozzles are formed on a nozzle forming surface and corresponding maintenance devices. A supporting member supports each of the maintenance devices in a disposition state that corresponds to the fluid ejecting head. A simultaneous transfer mechanism moves the supporting member between a maintenance position, which is a position state where each of the maintenance devices approaches the corresponding fluid ejecting head, and a retracted position, which is a position state where each of the maintenance devices is separated from the corresponding fluid ejecting head. An individual transfer mechanism individually moves each of the maintenance devices on the supporting member, for each of a plurality of maintenance device groups including at least one maintenance device, along approaching and separating directions with respect to the fluid ejecting head that corresponds to the maintenance device included in the maintenance device group. |
| US08398201B2 |
Recording apparatus and humidification device
A humidification unit has a structure in which a first humidification chamber and a second humidification chamber are connected in series. Humidified gas produced in the humidification unit and having a high humidity is supplied to a space where nozzles of a recording head are exposed and produces a flow current. |
| US08398192B2 |
Ink-saving ink supply of printing machines
An ink delivery device (30) for the ink supply of an inking system (20) of a printing machine (10) with ink, includes an ink reservoir (31), a drive that is connected to the ink reservoir (31) and configured such that the ink reservoir (31) can be pressurized by the drive, and a control device for controlling the drive of the ink delivery device (30), in which the drive and the control device are configured and connected with each other such that the ink delivery device (30) can be operated based on a method, in which the method includes the following steps: initiating an ink delivery process, increasing the pressure in the ink reservoir to a target operating pressure, adjusting the pressure in the ink reservoir to an adjusted operating pressure, and terminating the ink delivery process. |
| US08398189B2 |
Liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus is provided, including a cartridge attaching section to which a first liquid cartridge and a second liquid cartridge smaller than the first liquid cartridge are selectively attached, a liquid discharge head having a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of driving sections individually corresponding to the nozzles, a purge mechanism which performs a purge operation, and a purge control unit which allows the purge mechanism to perform the purge operation so that a forcible ink discharge amount in a period of time in a case in which the first liquid cartridge is attached to the cartridge attaching section is smaller than a forcible ink discharge amount in a period of time in a case in which the second liquid cartridge is attached. |
| US08398188B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes an electrolytic capacitor for stabilizing the head power source voltage, a transistor for charging the electrolytic capacitor, a transistor for discharging the electrolytic capacitor, a push-pull circuit, a resistor for controlling the charging/discharging current to the electrolytic capacitor, and a resistor for dividing the head power source voltage. The power supply to the head is turned on with the head power source voltage increased by the capacitor. |
| US08398185B2 |
Opening device for refrigerator
A side-by-side refrigerator having a door opening device which includes a cabinet and a door to open and close a front surface of the cabinet, the door opening device comprising: a handle which is mounted on a front surface of the door to perform a seesaw motion; and a push kit which is mounted on a side surface of the door to interwork with the handle, wherein a portion on which the handle and the push kit are mounted is formed to be recessed in the door. |
| US08398184B1 |
Thermal barrier and constraining apparatus to retain cold air and constrain containers on a shelf fixture within a compartment
A thermal barrier and retaining apparatus including a flexible sheet for deployment in blocking relationship over the front edge of a horizontal shelf fixture in a compartment, in which said sheet with downward opening and resealable panels for access into compartment while in place is attached to mounting devices mounted to the inside wall surfaces of a refrigerator, cabinet or shelving fixture to retain cold air and containers from escaping therefrom. |
| US08398183B2 |
Hanging hook and modular storage furniture system
A hanging hook for attaching a generally vertical object to a vertical side wall of a piece of storage furniture, comprises: a central portion extending laterally for at least the distance of the width of said object; a first attachment portion at one end of said central portion, the first attachment portion including a leg section extending downward for securing said leg portion through an aperture in a top surface of said piece of storage furniture; and a second attachment portions at the opposite end of said central portion, the second attachment portion including a leg section extending downward and an arm section extending inward from a distal end of the first section toward the center of said hanging hook for securing said arm section through an aperture in an outer side surface of said object. |
| US08398181B2 |
Endless elastomeric track
This invention generally relates to the configuration of the inner surface of a traction band which increases the protection of the embedded reinforcing elements without reducing the flexibility of the band or increasing the generation of heat. The outer surface of the band generally comprises a plurality traction lugs while the inner surface generally comprises a plurality of drive and/or guide lugs. According to the present invention, each group of traction lugs, drive lugs and guide lugs, which are generally laterally aligned, defines generally non-flexible lug areas and each of these lug areas are separated by flexible and generally lug-less hinge areas. The lug areas, on the inner surface thereof, further comprise projections located between the drive lugs and the guide lugs and along the wheel paths defined therebetween. |
| US08398180B2 |
Method of braking a vehicle
A method of braking a vehicle which includes ground engaging wheels, and a braking system with ABS capability and including an operator actuated brake control, the ABS becoming operative in response to the operator actuating the brake control, and upon the braking system sensing the slippage or impending slippage of at least one of the ground wheels relative to the ground, to vary the braking force applied to the at least one of the wheels between, in alternative periods, an applied state in which the braking force is applied, and a released state in which the braking force is released, and characterised in that the method includes applying torque to assist acceleration of the wheel at least during periods in which the braking force is released by the ABS. |
| US08398179B2 |
Extendible axle member for the rear of an agricultural harvester
An extendible axle member (146, 148) is provided for an agricultural harvester (100), the axle (142, 144) having an elongate telescopic portion (400) with bearing surfaces (254, 256, 334, 336) for being slidably received in an outer axle member (142, 144). |
| US08398176B2 |
Asphalt milling attachment with depth control and bit access
A milling attachment device has a rotating hood and provides both cutting depth control and bit access by rotating the rotating hood. The rotating hood is rotated by an actuating mechanism such as an extending cylinder, a slew drive, or drive rings. The rotating hood may also have a skid foot and/or a wheel to assist in the depth control. The milling attachment device may be connected to a host vehicle so that it can be maneuvered into position for milling or maintenance. |
| US08398175B2 |
Use of post-blast markers in the mining of mineral deposits
A method of mining a mineral deposit includes setting a plurality of explosive charges at spaced pre-blast locations in the deposit, wherein at least selected pre-blast locations also carry respective markers that are such that the post-blast location of at least a useful proportion will be detectable after explosion of the charges. After the charges are exploded to fragment the deposit, the post-blast locations of certain of the markers are detected to obtain an indication of the relative positions of selected components of the mineral deposit after the fragmentation of the deposit by the exploding of the charges. Also disclosed is a method utilizing a plurality of markers arranged to emit a detectable signal after blast fragmentation, and detecting the post-blast locations by triangulation techniques employing a plurality of receiver detectors. A further aspect proposes the use of secondary explosive charges as post-blast markers. |
| US08398174B2 |
Seat cushion with foamed-in fastening element
A seat cushion has a plurality of foamed-in fastening elements, in particular for utilization in vehicle seats, wherein the fastening element is formed by a flat retainer element having a fastening web connected thereto and serving as a counter-retainer. The retainer element is foamed into the foam body of the seat cushion, wherein the counter-retainer is not covered by the foam body of the seat cushion. A stitching wire fastened at the cushion cover can thus be connected to the counter-retainer in a load-transmitting manner. |
| US08398173B2 |
Vehicular seat headrest and method
The invention relates to a headrest for a vehicle, a method for producing a headrest, and a vehicle seat comprising a headrest. The headrest is provided with a body (2) and a holding element (3). A filling material (23) is provided between a connection part (22), used to connect the holding element (3) to the headrest body (2), and a cover (21). The connection part (22) and the cover (21) define an essentially tight space in relation to the filling material (23) when the filling material (23) is in the essentially liquid processing state thereof. |
| US08398172B2 |
Spiral jaw locking mechanism for adjustment system in chairs
A locking chair adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of a chair component. The mechanism comprises a central shaft, a spiral jaw clutch comprising two interconnecting spiral jaw interfaces and a slotted element wherein the slot is sized to slideably receive the central shaft for displacement of the slotted element when the mechanism is in an unlocked position. A locking pad locks the mechanism against the slotted element. A rotatable adjustment handle allows the mechanism to toggle from a locked position, to an unlocked position, by displacement of the spring mechanism caused by the rotation of the spiral jaw interface fixedly mounted on the adjustment handle, therefore releasing pressure on the locking pad. A spring mechanism is activated when the claimed mechanism goes from a locked position to an unlocked position, pulling the claimed mechanism back to a locked position. The claimed mechanism provides a low cost solution offering better locking capabilities than traditional braking mechanisms. |
| US08398171B2 |
Lift chair
A lift chair includes a seat portion formed therein with an accommodating room that is closed atop by a plane; a cushion deposited on the plane; a lifter mechanism deposited in the accommodating room and having an upper end connected to a bottom of the cushion; and a power source serving to drive the lifter mechanism to operate, thereby lifting or lowering the cushion, horizontally moving the cushion, or tilting the cushion, and in turn assisting a user to stand up or sit down. |
| US08398169B2 |
Furniture member having powered gliding motion
A furniture member having a powered gliding motion includes a frame having a plurality of upright posts. Individual ones of a plurality of links are individually rotatably connected to individual ones of the upright posts. An actuation mechanism is suspended from the upright posts at rotatably connected free ends of each of the links to permit forward and rearward gliding motions of the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a leg rest assembly movable between a fully retracted and a fully extended position. A powered glider drive assembly selectively connected to both the frame and the actuation mechanism successively moves the actuation mechanism in the forward gliding motion and the rearward gliding motion independent of the position of the leg rest assembly. |
| US08398168B2 |
Powered glider recliner linkage mechanism
A glider-recliner-style seating unit (glider recliner) that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the glider recliner between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The glider recliner is powered by a linear actuator that facilitates automated adjustment of the linkage mechanism. This adjustment of the linear actuator is sequenced into a first phase and a second phase. A stroke of the linear actuator in the first phase acts to adjust the linkage mechanism between the closed and extended positions by extending or retracting ottoman(s) attached to a footrest assembly. A stroke in the second phase acts to adjust the linkage mechanism between the extended and reclined positions by translating a seat-mounting plate forward or rearward at a consistent inclination angle while, concurrently, tilting a back-mounting link. Accordingly, the phase sequencing ensures that the linkage mechanism commences adjustment within the second phase only once the first-phase adjustment is substantially complete. |
| US08398167B2 |
Reactive head restraint having attachment points forward of seat back frame
A reactive head restraint system for an occupant of an automotive vehicle seat includes a seat back frame and a reactive head restraint mechanism attached to the seat back frame. A head restraint is attached to the reactive head restraint mechanism. The seat back frame includes a left side member, a right side member, and an upper cross member. The cross member connects the left and right side members of the frame. The reactive head restraint mechanism includes a hinge for attachment to the upper cross member, a pair of spaced apart steel tubes attached to the front leaf of a hinge, a pair of plastic guide sleeves, and a push plate. The guide sleeves are inserted into the upper ends of the steel tubes. The posts of the head restraint are inserted into the guide sleeves. The rear leaf of the hinge is attached to either the underside of the cross member or is attached to the front of the cross member. The push plate is attached to the lower ends of the spaced apart steel tubes. Because of the hinged attachment of the steel tubes to the cross member, the push plate moves toward the rear of the vehicle and the head restraint simultaneously moves toward a front of the vehicle in response to occupant movement toward the rear of the seat back during vehicle impact. |
| US08398159B1 |
Frame members with tab and slot connections
In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle frame comprises a plurality of frame members including at least two side plate members interlocked with a bottom plate member and a vertically loaded plate member. The bottom plate member and the vertically loaded plate member are non-parallel. The side plate members support the bottom plate member and the vertically loaded plate member through a plurality of tab and slot connections. |
| US08398158B2 |
Floor structure of a motor vehicle body
A floor structure of a motor vehicle body is provided that has two side member arrangements substantially extending in vehicle longitudinal direction, which are interconnected by way of at least one front cross member and one rear cross member, and with a floor panel arranged above the cross members, which is provided with a reinforcing element substantially extending in vehicle longitudinal direction and arranged above the floor panel, which is structurally connected to at least one front cross member and to one rear cross member. |
| US08398157B2 |
Pillar reduction by outer panel cut
A vehicle body construction, namely a front or A-pillar, extends between a windshield and a door opening. The construction includes an inner body panel with first and second flanges along opposite edges of a central portion, an outer body panel with first and second flanges along opposite edges of a central portion, and a stiffener received between the inner and outer body panels. The stiffener has first and second flanges disposed along opposite edges of a central portion. Each of the inner body panel, outer body panel, and stiffener second-edges are joined together while the first edges of the inner body panel and stiffener are joined together adjacent the windshield and the first edge of the outer body panel is joined to the central portion of the stiffener. This structural arrangement improves visibility from the interior, provides greater visible body color from the exterior, improves both the aerodynamic and styling flexibility, and improves the sectional inertia or overall stiffness of the A-pillar with lighter weight materials. |
| US08398150B2 |
Side skirt system for a trailer
A side skirt system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a side skirt wall configured to be coupled to one side of the trailer to extend below a side wall of the trailer along a length of the trailer. A mounting bracket assembly of the system is coupled to the side skirt wall and is configured to be coupled to a floor assembly of the trailer. The mounting bracket assembly is configured to tilt laterally outwardly and laterally inwardly with respect to a generally vertical axis parallel to the side wall of the trailer. |
| US08398149B2 |
Door of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a door of a motor vehicle having an outer panel (1), an inner panel (2), a plate-shaped member (6), which is arranged on the door inside, for various add-on and mounting units, and reinforcement regions (14 to 17) for door functional elements and an installed stiffening member (3, 4) as a side-impact protector. In order to optimize the ratio of stiffness to side-impact protection of the door and to optimize the production expenditure of the door, the inner panel (2) and the stiffening member (3, 4) are formed as an integral frame-shaped component (5) which includes the reinforcement regions (14 to 17) from high-strength to superhigh strength steel sheet, and that are hot-worked. In order to be able to install the add-on and mounting units with sufficient mounting length, the plate-shaped member (6) is fastened to the inner panel (2) by means of a holding frame (7) which provides the desired mounting depth. |
| US08398146B2 |
Method of joining a backlight cover and headliner clip for a convertible top
A convertible top has a convertible top cover, a backlight, and a headliner. A connector system includes a molded ring of material affixed to the backlight and the top cover. The connector system includes a clip attached to the headliner. The molded ring may have a slot formed on an interior surface between the backlight and the cover. The clip may be inserted into the slot to secure the headliner insider the top cover. A method of securing a headliner to a convertible top is also provided. |
| US08398142B2 |
Vehicle seat
Provided is a vehicle seat which is positionable between a use and not-it-use position convenient for increased storage space and access to rearward areas of the vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a seat part and a backrest. The seat part is pivotably coupled to the vehicle floor at one end so that that the seat part may be moved frontward with respect to the vehicle. A transmission link is provided, coupled to the backrest and the seat part so that the backrest pivots into the not-in-use position as the seat part is moved into its not-in-use position. |
| US08398141B2 |
Vehicle seating arrangement for a vehicle seat including a cantilevered section
A vehicle seating arrangement includes a first slide rail mounted to a vehicle floor, a second slide rail mounted to the floor, a multi-passenger seat mounted to the first slide rail and to the second slide rail, a restraining device on the multi-passenger seat, and a restraining rail connected with the floor. The multi-passenger seat moves in a fore and aft longitudinal direction and includes a cantilevered section extending from the second slide rail away from the first slide rail. The restraining device is located adjacent a lateral edge of the cantilevered section. The restraining rail connects with the floor spaced laterally from the second slide rail on an opposite side of the second slide rail as the first slide rail and cooperates with the restraining rail to limit at least one of lateral movement and upward vertical movement of the lateral edge of the cantilevered section. |
| US08398136B2 |
Apparatus for storage and retrieval
This invention provides for an apparatus for storing one or more items. The apparatus comprises a first part adapted to be mounted to a surface or a wall and a second part mounted by a linkage arrangement to a sliding mechanism that can slidably move relative to the first part. The second part is adapted to store or hold one or more items. The second part is movable relative to the first part such that the second part can be moved from a storage position to a first access position at which the second part is at one level. The linkage arrangement is operative to move the second part from the first access position to a second access position, the second access position being located at a level spaced from that of the first access position. |
| US08398135B2 |
Pole safety assembly
A safety assembly that provides a lifeline for utility poles and other tall structures is provided. The safety assembly includes a tubular member and a positioning member. The tubular member has first and second openings to a passage. The passage is configured to receive a rope. The positioning member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the positioning member is configured to be received in at least one of the first and second openings of the tubular member. The second end of the positioning member is configured to be coupled to a reaching member. With the use of the positioning member and the reaching member, the tubular member is positioned to engage the tall structure and the rope passing through the internal passage is used as a lifeline. |
| US08398131B2 |
Radiator grill arrangement
A radiator grill arrangement for a motor vehicle front end of a motor vehicle with a number of air passage openings, which can be closed at least substantially by at least one flap element is provided. The at least one flap element is supported so as to be able to swivel about an associated flap axis. In driving states of the motor vehicle in which little cooling air is needed for the engine or engine compartment, the entire flap arrangement or a part of the flaps can thus be closed in order to improve the drag coefficient cw of the motor vehicle and to save fuel. Also in the parked state of the motor vehicle with the engine switched off, it is possible to close the flap arrangement in order to ensure a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the motor vehicle. |
| US08398130B2 |
Tray anti-opening apparatus
An anti-opening apparatus locks a tray so as to prevent the tray from opening when impact such as head impact is applied to a crash pad. In the tray anti-opening apparatus, the tray is mounted so as to be pulled into or out of a housing fixedly coupled to a crash pad. A rotary bar is hinged to the housing at an intermediate portion thereof, extends toward the tray on one side thereof, extends in a direction which crosses the extension direction of one side thereof on the other side thereof, and is rotated such that one side thereof approaches one surface of the tray when impact is applied to the crash pad. A pin is coupled on one side of the rotary bar, and a free end of the pin is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the tray when the rotary bar is rotated. |
| US08398125B2 |
Vehicle pop-up hood apparatus
A vehicle pop-up hood apparatus is provided that includes: an arm member, whose proximal end portion is connected to a body of a vehicle so as to be pivotable about an axis extending in the vehicle width direction; a first connection section by which a hood of the vehicle is connected to a tip portion of the arm member, and that allows the hood to pivot relative to the arm member about an axis extending in the vehicle width direction; a second connection section that connects the hood to the arm member to prevent the hood from pivoting relative to the arm member about the first connection section; and an actuator that generates a lifting force that lifts the hood relative to the body and acts in a direction such that the connection between the hood and the arm member by means of the second connection section is broken. |
| US08398119B2 |
Electrofusion fitting
An electrofusion fitting includes a tubular length of thermoplastic material, of an outer diameter commensurate with the inner diameter of the ends of a compatible thermoplastic material lining of adjacent lengths of metal pipe, there being at each end of the fitting at least two heater coils on or in close proximity to the outer surface of the fitting, electrical leads from the heater coils extending through the fitting to emerge at the inner surface of the tubular length, for connection to a source of electrical power. |
| US08398116B2 |
Vehicle airbag and method of manufacturing the same
An airbag for a vehicle, the airbag formed as a bag body by sewing together a base cloth, wherein the bag body is configured so that a direction in which the bag body unfolds expands from a base end side of the bag body to a tip end side, and, the bag body includes a tensional force providing mechanism generating a tensional force pulling an upper rim of the bag body toward an outer side by forming a tension line extending so as to cross with the direction in which the bag body unfolds, along a side surface of the bag body. |
| US08398105B2 |
Methods and apparatus for suspension damping with reduced cavitation and effects
A method and apparatus for reducing cavitation and its effects in a damper. The damper includes a flow dividing structure. In one embodiment, the structure is disposed in a valve including an annular flow path constructed and arranged to separate fluid into substantially separate streams as the fluid passes through the annular path. |
| US08398103B2 |
Auxiliary frame
An auxiliary frame is adapted to be mounted on a rear end of a bicycle. The auxiliary frame includes two horizontally spaced apart lateral propping members, a plank member, and a supporting frame. The plank member extends between the lateral propping members and is disposed at an end of each of the lateral propping members. The supporting frame is connected to and disposed behind the plank member. |
| US08398101B2 |
Axle tubes including protrusion and vehicle including same
A vehicle includes a frame, a swing member, an axle tube, a cushion bracket, a protrusion, an axle, and a cushion member. The swing member is pivotable about a first axis. The axle tube is coupled with the swing member, the cushion bracket, and the protrusion. The axle is rotatable about a second axis. The cushion member includes lower and upper ends. The lower end is pivotally coupled with the cushion bracket and is pivotable about a third axis. The second and third axes reside in a first plane. The protrusion is located above the first plane and is spaced from the cushion member by a first distance having a minimum value. The lower end of the cushion member is spaced from the axle tube by a second distance having a minimum value. The minimum value of the first distance is less than the minimum value of the second distance. |
| US08398099B2 |
Wheeled sport apparatus, as for training and recreation
A wheeled sport apparatus may comprise a platform and first and second sets of wheels disposed on the platform. Each set of wheels may include a center wheel between two outboard wheels and the outboard wheels may be toed outward for defining a turning radius. One or more carrier wheels may be provided between the first and second sets of wheels. |
| US08398098B2 |
Stroller connectable with a car seat
A stroller is connectable with a car seat, and includes a frame, and a stroller seat disposed on the frame. The stroller further includes a pair of opposing connecting rods mounted on the frame for supporting the stroller seat. The stroller seat is convertible between an upright position whereat the stroller seat is substantially vertical and connectable with the car seat, and a horizontal position whereat the stroller seat is substantially horizontal and adapted to be seated. The stroller seat includes a support frame operable to extend beyond and rise above the stroller seat to engage the car seat in the upright position, and operable to be moved to be lower than the stroller seat in the horizontal position. |
| US08398093B2 |
Frame for an in-line roller skate having a movable wheel-receiving element
An in-line roller skate having a shoe and a wheel supporting frame extending therefrom for supporting aligned wheels. The frame includes a main frame body mounted to the shoe and at least one auxiliary frame body for supporting a wheel and being pivotally mounted to the main frame body. A resilient and deformable member is interposed between the auxiliary frame body and the shoe. The auxiliary frame body is so pivotable as to provide for moving the wheel towards and away the shoe for a distance determined by the extension and compression of the resilient and deformable member. |
| US08398088B2 |
Sealing ring
A sealing ring has a sealing element with at least one fastening part and at least one sealing part provided with a sealing edge. The sealing element is essentially of rotational symmetry. The sealing edge, at least over a portion of a circumference thereof, is positioned in a slanted position relative to a sealing ring axis at an angle different from a 90 degree angle, viewed in a projection onto an axial plane of the sealing ring. A support part is provided and the sealing edge is arranged on an inner side of the support part. |
| US08398080B2 |
Apparatus useful as a toy, puzzle or as an educational device
An apparatus useful as an educational device, puzzle or toy of a kind having magnetic interactions between an elongate support and pieces held, or to be held, with or without contact, about said support, wherein a plurality of said pieces collectively form, or can form, a first band of pieces about said support, and another plurality of said pieces form, or can form, a second band of pieces about the support, and wherein at least one piece of each said band has an indicia, said indicia of a piece in one band being able to be indexed to an indicia of a piece of the other band, and wherein at least one of the bands of pieces is able, or will be able, to be rotated about the elongate axis of the support. |
| US08398076B2 |
Low-noise mailpiece storage device
A storage device for a mail-handling machine, said storage device comprising a mailpiece-receiving deck along a longitudinal edge of which a referencing wall extends, and through which a conveyor belt passes for the purpose of conveying mailpieces along said referencing wall, and a shock-absorber ramp that is mounted against the referencing wall and that is hit by the mailpieces after they are ejected from said mail-handling machine, and before they fall back down onto the conveyor belt so as to be conveyed towards the sloping surface. |
| US08398074B2 |
Sheet guide and image recording apparatus
A sheet guide includes a base on which a sheet is placed; a pinion which is rotatably provided on the base; a pair of racks which are extended in a sliding direction, which sandwich the pinion therebetween, which are engaged with the pinion to move opposite to each other in the sliding direction; a pair of positioning members which are provided at one end portions of the pair of racks respectively, and which come closer and move away from each other by movement of the pair of racks to position the sheet in the sliding direction; a sliding guide which is formed in the base and which guides the pair of racks in the sliding direction; and a pressing member which is provided on the base and which presses a portion of at least one rack of the racks to urge the at least one rack against the pinion. |
| US08398072B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus in that a leading edge regulation member, which is provided on an end on a downstream in a sheet feeding direction of a manual feed tray tilted in such a manner that a portion of the manual feed tray on the downstream in the sheet feeding direction is lowered, regulates a position of an edge on the downstream in the sheet feeding direction of a sheet bundle supported by the manual feed tray. Further, an upper end portion of the leading edge regulation member is provided with a stepped portion, to thereby cause sheets in a surface layer portion of the sheet bundle, which are supported by the manual feed tray, to deviate downstream in the sheet feeding direction when the sheet bundle is placed in the manual feed tray. |
| US08398066B2 |
Image forming apparatus with stapling function
An image forming apparatus with a stapling function is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a printing device and a stapling device. The printing device is used for printing images on plural papers. The printed papers are transmitted to the stapling device and stapled by the stapling device. The printing device has a printing device casing. The stapling device includes a minor casing and a main casing, which are respectively connected with a first surface and a second surface of the printing device casing. Since the stapling device is connected with two difference surfaces of the printing device casing, the overall height of the image forming apparatus is reduced. |
| US08398065B2 |
Sheet punching device and image forming apparatus having sheet punching device
A sheet punching device includes a first blade, a first die into which the first blade is fitted from a first surface of a sheet to form a punch hole in the sheet, a second blade, and a second die into which the second blade is fitted. The second blade is inserted into the punch hole formed by the first blade from a second surface of the sheet and fitted into the second die. |
| US08398064B2 |
Apparatus for, and method of, inserting flat objects into a folded printed product
A device and a method for inserting flat objects into a folded printed product, wherein the products are held by grippers of a gripper conveyor which opens only briefly for inserting the flat object. In order to also stabilize the product in the open state of the gripper, a support element is provided, which moves between the two product parts before the gripper opens and rests on one of the product parts. If the orientations of the support elements and the grippers are selected in a suitable fashion, this will suffice in order to position the product and keep it open such that the flat object can be inserted and the gripper can then be closed again, while clamping the product with the flat object into position. Optionally, further support elements are present, which additionally support the product from the outside, such as the folded edge. |
| US08398063B2 |
Ribbon transport apparatus and method
A ribbon transport apparatus for a printing press is provided. The ribbon transport apparatus includes a vacuum conveyor belt transporting a ribbon and a manifold supporting the vacuum conveyor belt. The vacuum conveyor belt and the manifold are arranged to draw the ribbon towards the vacuum conveyor belt via a suction. A method of transporting a ribbon in a printing press is also provided. |
| US08398060B2 |
Vibration absorber for a vehicle suspension spring
A dynamic vibration absorber for a vehicle suspension system includes a spring elastically supporting a vehicle body on a vehicle frame, the spring including multiple coils, an isolator secured to at least one of the coils, at least a portion of the isolator being elastically displaceable in response to movement of one of the coils, and a mass formed as unit with the isolator portion, and supported on the isolator for elastic movement. |
| US08398059B2 |
Gas liquid contactor and method thereof
The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to individually fed nozzle banks including an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a gas liquid contactor having a plurality of modules including a liquid inlet and outlet and a gas inlet and outlet. An array of nozzles is in communication with the liquid inlet and the gas inlet. The array of nozzles is configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas flow and maximize gas flow and liquid flow interactions while rapidly replenishing the liquid. |
| US08398054B2 |
Device for throttling the free cross-section of a steam pipe
A device for manually regulating the flow quantity of steam pipes, with a throttle housing having an inlet and an outlet. In order to create a particularly compact device with simple construction and low maintenance, which furthermore has a modular structure, the device has a piston arranged eccentrically inside the throttle housing and rotatable about its longitudinal axis, which piston can be activated by at least one carrier element from outside the throttle housing and is provided with an eccentric longitudinal bore, and wherein the pipe cross-section, after rotation through a specified angle, is reduced to a desired cross-section. |
| US08398049B2 |
Multi-functional infant care and organizer system and associated methods
A multi-functional infant care and organizer system includes a base member and an elongate main body member detachably connected to and extending upwardly from the base member. The system also includes unit carrying member that is moveably connected to the main body member and unit member slidably and rotatably connected to the main body member and supported by the unit carrying member when slidably connected to the main body member. The unit member can be a storage unit, a changing station, a table, a light, a hanger, a bath pod, entertainment unit, an infant hammock, an infant mobile, a music box, or a drawing surface. Any combination of unit members may be connected to the main body member. |
| US08398042B2 |
Ceiling-mounted docking device
The present invention provides a docking device for connecting to equipment. The docking device includes a first housing section having a plurality of leg sections extending from a surface thereof. A second housing section is attachable to the leg sections of the first housing section. The first housing section and the second housing section define an internal cavity of the docking device. The internal cavity is dimensioned to receive an electrical cable. The leg sections and the second housing section define an opening therebetween. The opening communicates with the internal cavity of the docking device. A panel is dimensioned to be received into the opening defined by the leg sections and the second housing section. The panel has a connector extending therethrough. |
| US08398041B2 |
Mounting bracket and wall mountable material dispensing system
Generally, a mounting bracket for mounting a mountable object is disclosed. The mounting bracket includes a baseplate has a substantially flat mounting surface and an opposite outward-facing surface. A ledge extends a first distance from the outward-facing surface to support the mountable object. A mounting bracket locking component adapted to frictionally engage a mountable object locks the mountable object in place. Additionally, a stabilizing member extending a second distance from the outward-facing surface contacts the mountable object to help limit movement of the object during use. The mounting bracket may be used with a material dispenser in a wall mountable material dispensing system. The wall mountable material dispensing system may be packaged as a kit wherein the mounting bracket is packaged within the material dispenser. |
| US08398040B2 |
Fastening apparatus for a pressurized-gas vessel
A fastening apparatus for pressurized-gas vessels is provided on a carrier. The fastening apparatus makes it possible to fasten a pressurized-gas vessel as well as to adapt the fastening apparatus to differently sized pressurized-gas vessels with one manipulative step. The fastening apparatus includes a carrier, a belt, a locking device, fastening points and redirection points for the belt. |
| US08398038B2 |
Wheel support
A wheel support assembly is mounted to a pivotable system spanning an opening, with the pivotable system mounted to one side of the opening at a pivotable connection and to another side of the opening at a removable connection. The support assembly is disposed proximate the removable connection and spaced apart from the pivotable connection, and has a wheel positioned and oriented to support the pivotable system weight that would otherwise be cantilevered as the pivotable system rotates about the pivotable support. The wheel support assembly may include a vertically adjustable wheel that may be adjusted to remain just out of contact with the support surface when the pivotable assembly is connected to both the pivotable and the removable connections. |
| US08398033B2 |
Cable clamp
A cable clamp for an electrical cable, comprising a first member and a second member that can cooperatively retain a cable between them; wherein the first member has been formed by extrusion in the general axial direction of a cable as it is to be retained in the clamp, at least a portion of the axial cross-section of the first member comprising a receiving part having a curved shape within which a portion of the cable is to be located, and a flange extending from either side of the receiving part; and the second member is attachable at either end to a flange of the first member so as to retain the cable within the receiving part of the first member. |
| US08398032B2 |
Gutter and mounting device for buildings
A mounting bracket for a gutter for buildings, the gutter including a generally channel or trough shaped body for collecting water with an internal wall having mounting means thereon, the mounting bracket including an elongated bracket body which includes an attachment section which is attachable to the building and a gutter mounting section, the gutter mounting section including a plurality of gutter support elements arranged along the gutter mounting section and aligned so as to correspond to a fall required when the gutter is in an installed position. |
| US08398031B2 |
Rail system, particularly for an electric pallet track
A rail system for an electric pallet track has, in known manner, a main line which can be optionally connected to at least two branch lines by way of points. The points have as many movable rail portions for each rail of the main line as there are branch lines. These movable rail portions can each be pivoted about a stationary pivot axis which is located outside the longitudinal extent of the corresponding movable rail portion. |
| US08398030B2 |
Control bar with outer steering line trim and sheeting system for sport kite
A kite control system having a control bar adapted with an internal sheeting system that provides trim/sheeting control by adjustment of outer steering lines which are attached at or near the rear corners of the kite. A tubular control bar is adapted such that the outer steering lines are routed through the interior of the control bar through openings at each opposing end. The outer steering lines are each joined to a sheeting control line which extends back out one of the opposing ends in either a left hand actuated or right hand actuated embodiment. A fixed pin located approximately mid-length within the control bar provides a fixed structure about which one of the outer lines and/or sheeting control line is routed in U-turn fashion. By pulling the sheeting control line from the end of the control bar, the rider can shorten the effective length of the outer steering lines thereby increasing the angle of attack so as to power up the kite. By releasing the sheeting control line such that it is drawn into the control bar, the ride can allow the outer steering lines to fully deploy thereby reducing the angle of attack so as to depower the kite. The control bar is equipped with means for selectively fixing the sheeting control line so as to achieve a desired angle of attack. |
| US08398028B1 |
Drogue with power generator
In one embodiment an aerial refueling drogue comprises a coupling having a channel formed therethrough, a shroud, and a piezoelectric energy collection system. Other embodiments may be described. |
| US08398025B2 |
Avionic door lock system
A security system adapted for use on an aircraft to prevent unauthorized access into a cockpit area of the aircraft via a cockpit door. The system includes a keypad accessible by individuals in a cabin area of the aircraft. A logic system is in communication with the keypad and also with a switch disposed inside the cockpit. Occupants of the cockpit, via the switch, have the ability to manually unlock the cockpit door, to deny the request for entry, or to do nothing, in which case the door will be automatically unlocked after the expiration of a predetermined time interval. A pressure sensor in communication with the controller allows the electronic door locking member to be automatically overridden, and the door immediately opened, in the event of a decompression condition occurring in the cockpit. |
| US08398023B2 |
Control station
Control station which comprises: a seat (10) for the operator of the said control station, the seat (10) comprising at least one arm rest (30), and a control and command assembly, said assembly comprising a control stick (1) with controls, mechanical components for transmitting and generating forces and movement to and from the control stick (1), components (17) for measuring the position of the control stick (1), and electronic components which are connected to the control stick (1) and via which the control and command assembly is operated, the control stick (1) of the said control station being incorporated in the seat (10), the control stick (1) being situated moreover on the armrest (30). |
| US08398021B2 |
Compliant crown panel for an aircraft
An aircraft forward pressure bulkhead and an aircraft crown panel are described herein. The forward pressure bulkhead includes a malleable and deformable dome that is configured to “catch” foreign objects, such as birds. The dome is intentionally designed to deform in response to a foreign object strike that imparts at least a threshold amount of impact energy to the bulkhead. The dome is free of rigid stiffeners and non-deformable reinforcement members that would otherwise hinder the flexible characteristic of the dome. Practical embodiments of the bulkhead utilize fewer parts, are less heavy, and are less expensive than traditional bulkheads that utilize rigid stiffeners. The crown panel has similar compliant characteristics. The crown panel is designed to simultaneously deform and deflect in response to foreign object impacts such as birds and hail. The crown panel is formed from a monolithic one-piece material, such as aluminum, and various reinforcing features are integrally formed in the material. |
| US08398020B2 |
Landing gear
An auxiliary mechanism includes a lever unit, a spring unit and a positioning unit. One of the units pivotally connects to the upper portion of a main shock absorber strut so as to pivot between a predetermined lower position for take-off and landing and an upper position. Another unit pivotally connects at an upper end to the upper portion of the main shock absorber strut and pivotally connects at a lower end to the first unit. A third unit pivotally connects at a lower end to the bogie beam at an auxiliary pivot and connects at an upper end to the lever. The positioning unit assumes either a contracted state or extended state for taxiing, take-off and landing, and assumes the other state for stowing the landing gear after take-off. The spring unit provides spring resistance to pivotal movements of the bogie beam about the main pivot during taxiing. |
| US08398019B2 |
Adjusting device for adjusting a high-lift flap and airfoil wing comprising such an adjusting device
An adjusting device for adjusting a flap at an wing of an aircraft includes at least one flap drive for operating the flap and a plurality of drive stations comprising drive struts structured and arranged to movably connect the flap to the wing. The plurality of drive stations includes at least two first drive stations that guide the flap in a defined position in a wing chord direction. The plurality of drive stations includes at least one second drive station at which the flap is moveable in the wing chord direction. The at least one second drive station includes at least one compensation element structured and arranged to compensate constraining forces occurring in the plurality of drive stations due to relative movements between the flap and the wing in the wing chord direction. |
| US08398012B2 |
Reversible seat belt tensioner
A reversible seat belt tensioner includes an electric motor (2), a belt shaft (1) drivable in the belt winding direction by the electric motor (2) via a drive wheel (10), and a drive shaft (9) transmitting the rotational movement of the electric motor (2) to the drive wheel (10). The drive shaft (9) is connected to at least one of the drive wheel (10) and the electric motor (2) via a helical gear unit. The use of a helical gear unit provides the advantage that the rotational axes of the meshing components can be arranged at angles other than 90 degrees with respect to each other because the components in the helical gear units only come into punctiform contact. |
| US08398009B2 |
Blade made of steel alloy
A refiner or disperser blade is made of a steel alloy by casting. The alloy comprises, in weight percent: 0.6 to 4 wt-% carbon (C), 0.5 to 1.5 wt-% silicon (Si), 0.4 to 1.5 wt-% manganese (Mn), 12 to 28 wt-% chromium (Cr), 4 to 12 wt-% niobium (Nb), as well as iron (Fe). |
| US08398003B2 |
Multiple function dispenser
A dispenser for mixing and dispensing a liquid chemical concentrate with a dilutent from a container. The dispenser includes two slideable eductors one of which is also rotatable. Both a high and low flow rate can be obtained with simultaneous adjustment of concentration of the chemical concentrate. The dispenser has a high degree of accuracy of the amount of dilution of the chemical concentrate as well as positive positioning of the high and low flow rate. |
| US08397996B2 |
Portable data carrier and method for the production of the data carrier
A portable data carrier with a card body (5) in which there are incorporated a chip module (7) and an antenna (7) for near-field communication, and a method for producing the data carrier. The data carrier has an improved mechanical stability. |
| US08397987B2 |
Card which can be authenticated by hologram chip
A card authentication is performed. An authentication chip for performing authentication by a copy-disabled hologram chip is attached to a card and when or after the card is introduced into a handling device, the authentication chip information is read to perform authentication. Read may be performed in a planar shape but a linear shape can reduce the processing load. An arbitrary straight line or a curved line may be used as a read line shape by modifying the read position in association with the card movement when the card is placed to be read. When the card introduced to a terminal device is an unauthorized one, the card is ejected or an alarm is issued when the card is introduced inside. |
| US08397986B1 |
Automatically loading medical data card
According to one aspect of the present invention, the medical data card automatically runs when inserted into a communication port of a computer. One type of communication port can be a USB port. The card prompts the service provider to enter a password that is verified by the server. The patient ID can then be entered and the patient's records can be retrieved. The server can be remotely accessed by the healthcare provider via the internet. A log is generated and stored on the server containing information such as who, when, what records were accessed. A family card can be provided permitting a minor's records to be obtained via the parent's or guardian's card. The card and the server automatically synchronize each time the card is used. |
| US08397984B1 |
System for on-site management of an event
A system includes a first portable, ruggedized, and waterproof case. The first portable, ruggedized, and waterproof case includes a router and a switch. The system further includes a computing system connectable to the switch. The computing system includes a first memory for storing first ticket information and a first set of instructions. The computing system further includes a first processor that, upon execution of the first set of instructions, receives a ticket identifier scanned from a ticket. The first processor also compares the ticket identifier to the stored first ticket information. Based on the comparison, the first processor further generates an indication of validity of the ticket. The first processor further transmits the indication of validity of the ticket. |
| US08397982B2 |
Method and device for recognition of docking stations
A method for controlling an electronic device for use with a docking station is disclosed. The method includes detecting a coupling of the electronic device with the docking station, obtaining an image of an identifier associated with the docking station in response to detecting the coupling, and performing a predefined operation by the electronic device based on the image of the identifier in response to obtaining the image. |
| US08397980B2 |
Card identifying apparatus
A card identifying apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention has a light-receiving portion that reads a card on a pixel basis of a predetermined area as a unit including color information having brightness, RAM that stores image data comprised of a plurality of pixels read by the light-receiving portion, an image data thinning processing section that makes the number of read pixels lower in another direction than in one direction to vary the number of pixels of the image data when the reading means reads the card, and an judgment processing section that identifies authentication of the card based on the image data varied by the image data thinning processing section. |
| US08397978B2 |
Collapsible triangular storage container-based combination storage container
A collapsible triangular storage container-based combination storage container includes multiple collapsible triangular storage containers attached together to form a rectangular configuration, each triangular storage container including a triangular container body having three upright side panels hinged to one another and a folding line on one upright side panel on the middle, a soft and collapsible bottom panel horizontally connected to the three upright side panels at the bottom side, a hard triangular plate member insertable into the inside of the triangular container body to support the triangular container body in shape, and magnetic members fixedly mounted in one upright side panels at two opposite sides relative to the folding line in reversed directions for creating a magnetic attractive force to secure the upright side panels of the triangular container body in a stack when the triangular container body is collapsed after removal of the hard triangular plate member. |
| US08397976B2 |
Method for cohesively bonding metal to a non-metallic substrate using capacitors
A process for cohesive bonding between a metal surface and a nonmetallic substrate is provided. The non-metallic substrate may comprise a plurality of microfilaments and/or nanofilaments dispersed into and below the surface of the substrate. The application of pressure and laterally-oriented high frequency and low amplitude vibration may allow for diffusion bonding between the metal surface and material of the nanofilaments. Another method includes discharging energy from a bank of capacitors to melt adjoining surfaces of the metal surface and nonmetallic substrate. Additionally, a cohesive bonding method may further comprise converting electrical oscillations of ultrasonic frequency into ultrasonic vibrations which are transmitted to the metal body and/or substrate for fusing the two materials together. |
| US08397972B2 |
Shipping wedge with lockout
A loading unit having a shipping safety device is provided for use with a surgical instrument. The loading unit includes a body portion, a movable operative device disposed in the body portion and an actuator associated with the body portion and operable to move the movable operative device. A locking member movably mounted in the body portion and movable in response to movement of the actuator. The locking member is movable between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. The removable safety device generally includes a base, a blocking member projecting from the base and engageable with the movable operative device and a lockout member projecting from the base and engageable with the locking member. Flexible arms extend from the base and engage the body portion of the loading unit. The removable safety device is locked to the body portion when the locking member is in the first locked position and is unlocked for removal from the body portion when the locking member it is in the second unlocked position. |
| US08397962B1 |
Hydration method employing replenishable drinking vessel
A handheld drinking vessel with a compressible bladder, inlet and outlet members, an inlet valve to allow liquid to flow into the bladder, and an outlet valve to allow liquid to flow from the bladder whereby liquid can be exhausted by a compression of the bladder and liquid can be drawn into the bladder by a decompression of the bladder. The drinking vessel can be employed to provide hydration to athletes during athletic endeavors by providing athletes with drinking vessels and providing at least one water stop with beverage containers. Water can be drawn from a beverage container through the inlet member and consumed through the outlet member. When provided by a sponsor or race organizer, the drinking vessels can be distributed on a complimentary basis filled with a beverage of a purveyor of beverages. |
| US08397960B1 |
Dispensing and sealing assembly for container
A dispensing and sealing assembly for containers includes a mounting assembly comprising an assembly frame having an opening and a plurality of assembly mount flanges carried by the assembly frame. A dispensing assembly is carried by the mounting assembly and includes a tube skirt carried by the assembly frame generally over the opening and a dispensing assembly tube extending from the tube skirt. |
| US08397959B2 |
Packaging container
A packaging container formed by a container body has a connector with a thread. The connector has a predetermined breaking point where a tear-off part may be torn off. The tear-off part has a handle and may be torn off without a tool. The container body is fitted with an application nozzle which, when not in use, is positioned on the handle. |
| US08397953B2 |
Personal protection device
A pocket-sized self-defense spray device is capable of dispensing a chemical irritant to cause temporary breathing difficulty and a burning sensation in the eyes of the target without any permanent damage. The device comprises a casing, a nozzle, and a multi-position trigger. The trigger is slidably mounted in the casing to be moveable from a safe position to an active position. The casing may contain a battery-powered light that is switched on to illuminate the target when the trigger is in the active position. The trigger button in the second position may then be depressed into an engaged position that causes chemical irritant to be discharged from a removable canister with a poppet valve into a nozzle chamber, and out the nozzle exit at a target. The casing includes an ergonomic finger grip that serves to prevent inadvertent discharge at the user, and ease of aiming at the target. |
| US08397952B2 |
Refrigerator related technology
A refrigerator includes a body having a cooling chamber and a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a water source positioned at the cooling chamber or the door and configured to accommodate water. The refrigerator further includes a hot water supply unit positioned at the body or the door and configured to receive water from the water source, heat the water, and supply the heated water to outside of the body in response to a start signal. In addition, the refrigerator includes a hot water transferring unit that is connected to the hot water supply unit and configured to transfer the water remaining in the hot water supply unit after supplying the heated water to outside of the body is completed. |
| US08397947B2 |
Apparatus and a method and a system for dispensing goods
The invention relates to a dispenser apparatus for goods, said apparatus comprising a storage unit (1) for storing goods in a number of storage passages (7), a unit (8) for conveying one or more goods from the storage unit (1) to a conveyor unit (2, 20), said conveyor unit (2, 20) conveying, via an air pressure, goods to a dispensing station, wherein the storage passages (7) of the storage unit (1) forms an angle to the horizontal which is larger than or smaller than 90°, and wherein the unit (8) in the form of a fetcher mechanism comprises one or more ejectors for pushing one or more goods conveyed into one or more transfer chambers (19) into a conveyor pipe (2). The invention also comprises a method of dispensing goods, wherein the method comprises receipt of data representing selection of at least one item (202); and dispensing from a dispenser apparatus of said at least one item, if said at least one item is in stock in said apparatus for dispensing, and if said dispenser apparatus has received data representing a recording of said at least one item and/or recording of a payment made in respect of said at least one item (203). |
| US08397946B2 |
Cartridge based dispenser system
A cartridge based dispensing system includes a cartridge having a rotatable compartmentalized receptacle for supporting a plurality of items in separate compartments along with a housing for removably supporting the cartridge. The housing includes an opening for enabling dispensing of an item from an aligned separate compartment and a mechanism is provided for rotating the receptacle within the cartridge in order to align compartments with the housing opening. The mechanism may be configured for causing different discrete angular rotations of the receptacle corresponding to compartment size. |
| US08397944B1 |
Storage/mailing tube
A storage mailing tube having an elongated housing and a hand removable end cap with a rib positioned so as to facilitate hand alignment of the cap while at the same time forming limited frictional engagement sufficient to retain the end cap on the storage mailing tube during handling or transporting the storage mailing tube while allowing a user to access a document or item therein by hand removal of the end cap. |
| US08397938B2 |
Clamped liner-boss connection
A pressure vessel for storing a fluid, the pressure vessel including an annular inner boss having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface forming a passage adapted to receive a utility device therein, wherein the inner boss includes a liner channel formed intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface, a vessel liner having a portion thereof disposed in the liner channel of the inner boss, and an outer boss secured to the outer surface of the inner boss. |
| US08397934B2 |
Padlock container assembly having a locking closure with sliding cover
A padlock container assembly for packing and maintaining small articles is assembled primarily from a box container and a closure for closing the open top of the container. Buckle holes are disposed in the upper sidewall of the container that cooperate with elastic closure pieces disposed on a skirt of the closure to lock the closure the container. The closure has a sliding cover capable of being moved according to a predetermined path disposed on an external cover of the closure. A series of holes in the closure allows for various connection arrangements between closure parts. A hangtag extends upwardly from the external cover to allow the container assembly to be hanging and exhibiting. |
| US08397930B2 |
Safety fuel transportation, storage, and delivery system
The present invention is an assembly for transporting, storing, and delivering a fuel such that a compromise to the containment of the fuel is readily recognized. |
| US08397926B2 |
Nursing bottle assembly and a reusable liner therefor
A nursing bottle assembly includes a rigid outer casing, a flexible inner liner and a teat arrangement. The teat arrangement attaches to the outer casing and secures the inner liner in position within the outer casing. The flexible inner liner includes a container in the form of a bellows such that it expands and collapses in a predictable linear manner along its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the inner liner is moulded from a food-grade silicone or thermoplastic elastomer and includes a substantially cylindrical container formed with at least one projecting rib or groove about which the liner folds to enable it to expand and collapse in a predictable linear manner along its longitudinal axis. |
| US08397925B2 |
Holding device for coupler adapter used in railcar
A holding device holds a coupler adapter which is connectable to a coupler of a railcar. The holding device includes: a holding frame configured to detachably hold the coupler adapter; a holding frame supporting portion provided at a carbody end portion of the railcar to support the holding frame; a fixing member configured to fix the coupler adapter and the holding frame to the holding frame supporting portion; and a lifting and lowering portion connected to the holding frame to lift and lower the holding frame and the coupler adapter. |
| US08397924B2 |
Drum frame system for cranes
A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on the rotating bed; a first hoist drum mounted in a first frame connected to the rotating bed; a second hoist drum mounted in a second frame connected to the rotating bed; and a third hoist drum mounted in a third frame indirectly connected to the rotating bed by being connected to at least one of the first and second hoist drum frames. Preferably load hoist drum frames are connected to the rotating bed by removable pins, the hoist drum and frame thus being detachable from the rotating bed as a combined unit. Further a major crane component, such as a mast, a mast stop, a backhitch or a boom stop, is connected indirectly to the rotating bed such that forces directed along a line of action of the major crane component are transferred to the rotating bed through at least one of the drum frames. |
| US08397923B2 |
Tilting tray bag dispenser rack
A tilting tray bag dispenser rack includes a support tray that has a base, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall and a front wall that holds a merchandise bag pack and has an opening for extraction of bags. The tray is hingedly attached adjacent an upper edge of the back wall to an underside of a counter. First and second side support linkage has a first and second upper and lower arms The upper arms are pivotally attached to first and second side brackets attached to the underside of the counter. The lower arms are pivotally attached to the upper arms and pivotally attached to outer surfaces of the first and second side walls. A position retention device retains the tray in an upper, bag delivery position when engaged and permits the bag pack support tray to move to a lower, loading position when disengaged. |
| US08397921B2 |
Scum removing apparatus
A spraying means is arranged on the scum-flowing wall surface side of wall surfaces forming a scum inlet of a scum discharging mechanism. The spraying means sprays pressured water upward along the wall surface on the scum-flowing side from when a part of the scum inlet is submerged in water until the scum begins to flow into the scum inlet. As a result, even large lumps of scum exceeding 10 cm in thickness (diameter) may be lead smoothly into a pipe by the pressured water, and the amount of discharged water accompanying scum discharge may be reduced to 1/20 to 1/30 than by a conventional scum removing apparatus. |
| US08397920B2 |
Pleated filter element with tapering bend lines
A pleated filter element extends axially between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet along a plurality of axially extending bend lines forming axial flow channels. The bend lines taper in a transverse direction and define a plurality of axially elongated tetrahedron channels facing oppositely to each other. |
| US08397919B2 |
Continuous gravity assisted ultrasonic coal cleaner
An improved system and method for separating combustible organic particles from noncombustible inorganic particles in coal, in preparation for combustion. The coal is size-reduced and size-graded to small pieces which are then supplied to input ends of water-immersed descending slides having ultrasonic transducers for vibratory separation of inorganic and organic particles. The slides have different longitudinal lengths with angles of declination configured to achieve time-differential exposure to the ultrasonic vibratory energy, with smaller coal pieces being subjected to shorter time ultrasonic vibratory exposure. In one preferred form, longitudinally spaced turbidity sensors along the slide provide signals used to control selected ultrasonic transducers upon substantially complete cleaning of the coal pieces. |
| US08397909B2 |
Chisel case
A chisel case (50) includes a hollow unitary body portion (52) and a removable cap portion (54). The body portion (52) has a substantially cylindrical section (56) for receiving a chisel handle (70). A substantially elongate box section (58) adjoins and is integrally formed with the body portion (52) and in use receives a chisel blade (66). A chisel (62) is contained within the chisel case (50) and is supported by a deformable blade supporting means (64) disposed at the end of the elongate box section (58) and a deformable handle supporting means (68) disposed within the cap portion (54). |
| US08397908B2 |
Storage device for storing multiple recorded media
A storage device for multiple optical discs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a front cover, a back cover, and a spine rotatably connecting the front cover and the back to allow for rotation between a closed position and an open position. A tray is rotatable coupled to the spine between the front and back covers and includes a first hub on a first surface operable to retain a first disc, and a second hub on a second surface operable to hold a second disc. The second hub is offset from the first hub such that the first disc does not overlap the second hub and the second disc does not overlap the first hub. A second tray may be rotatably coupled to the spine between the front and back covers, adjacent to the first tray. The second tray preferably includes a third hub on a first surface operable to retain a third disc and a fourth hub on a second surface operable to retain a fourth disc. The fourth hub is offset from the third hub such that the third disc does not overlap the fourth hub and the fourth disc does not overlap the third hub. |
| US08397907B1 |
Toilet paper holding device
A toilet paper holding device for holding a spare roll of toilet paper or tissue is provided. The toilet paper holding device comprises a base plate and a top plate. A plurality of panels and a plurality of rods are mounted between the base plate and the top plate. The spare roll of toilet paper is visible between the panels and the rods. The lid sits on top of the toilet paper roll when inserted. When the holder is empty, the lid rests on the bottom of the device to serve as a reminder that the receptacle needs to be refilled. |
| US08397905B1 |
Multi-channel automated conveyor system and method for aligining and transfering of small objects
An automated multi-channel conveyor system comprises a plurality of channels for alignment, non-destructive transfer, and an accurate delivery of each of the plurality of small objects to a precise target destination. Each channel comprises alternate-profiled fins, pulleys, and belts. The pulleys within the set are connected to one another by two belts nestled in between and running parallel to the two fins. The belts are automated, travel continuously at predetermined speeds, accept a plurality of small objects, and facilitate uniform distribution by way of indentations. The fins and belts keep the objects aligned and uniformly distributed as the belts carry the accepted objects to a destination. A single-filed, uniform distribution of small objects within each channel and within a plurality of channels is a key to an efficient, automated, accurate, and precise delivery of the objects to a target destination. |
| US08397904B2 |
Belt conveyors and methods for conveyed products undergoing a thermal treatment
An environmentally controlled conveyor system including a sensor-instrumented conveyor belt conveying products continuously through a thermal-treatment process and a method for determining the instantaneous position of the sensors. Temperature or other sensors are embedded in the conveyor belt across its width and along its length to advance with the product through the thermal-treatment process, such as through a pasteurizer tunnel. The sensor measurements are transmitted wirelessly from the belt to a remote system controller for monitoring or controlling the system. Data from sensors measuring environmental or belt conditions are used to determine the instantaneous positions of the sensors to coordinate the sensor data with sensor position. |
| US08397903B2 |
Modular belt conveyor, in particular a curving or helical conveyor
A modular belt conveyor (12), in particular curving or helical conveyor, including a number of mutually interconnected modular belt conveyor links (14) that together form a common curving or helical conveyor with an inner and outer belt edge, respectively, of which at least one belt edge, preferably the inner belt edge, interacts by inter-spaced, preferably vertical curve guides, wherein at the belt edge or edges interacting with the curve guide, each of the belt conveyor links (14) are either provided with an edge reinforcement or are fitted with an edge element (20), the edge reinforcement or edge element (20), respectively, together with the corresponding adjacent belt conveyor link (14) forming a substantially closed guide surface (34) at the belt edge in question. In a simple way and by means of simple technical means are hereby achieved the possibility of counteracting the said problems of lateral incisions or apertures at the inner or outer belt edge. |
| US08397899B2 |
Mail feeder with improved stripper mechanism
A stripper of the invention uses flat metal springs (leaf springs) preferably made of spring steel and a flexible polymer based friction material covering the springs on one side so that the friction material contacts an incoming mail piece passing by the stripper along the friction surface presented by the outside of the friction material. A stripper according to the invention has variable stiffness, is quick responding, and is critically damped, meaning that incoming mail pieces will not bounce off it with excessive force likely to cause a misfeed or loss of control of the mail piece. |
| US08397896B2 |
Multi-mode and multi-pitch conveyor system
A conveyor system comprising: a track section comprising a control system; a drive system that is controlled by the control system; a plurality of moving elements that are driven by the drive system; a pallet support apparatus; a plurality of pallets that are configured to engage with the moving elements and move on the pallet support apparatus; and a plurality of workstations provided along the track section, each workstation at a predetermined pitch from each other workstation, wherein at least some of the pitches are different among workstations, wherein the control system, drive system and moving elements are configured such that each pallet of the plurality of pallets is independently advanced through the workstations based on the pitches of the workstations. |
| US08397894B2 |
Apparatus for locking shift lever of automatic transmission in vehicle
An apparatus for locking a shift lever of an automatic transmission in a vehicle may include a shift lock cam including a position converting member and being connected with a brake pedal wherein the shift lock cam is pivotally coupled to a shift lever housing and elastically supported by a first elastic member, and a shift lock release lever that is pivotally coupled to the shift lever housing and elastically supported by a second elastic member, wherein one end of the shift lock release lever is selectively coupled to a shift lever body and the other end of the shift lock release lever is eccentrically coupled to the position converting member of the shift lock cam. |
| US08397891B2 |
Brazed support ring
A support ring for a torque converter including first and second laminations, wherein each of the first and second laminations includes first and second opposite surfaces, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second laminations are matingly engaged and affixed together, and the second surfaces of the first and second laminations form a pair of external, opposite surfaces of the support ring, wherein the first surfaces of the first and second laminations each further comprise at least one hole, at least one protrusion, and wherein the at least one protrusion of the first lamination is engaged in the at least one hole of the second lamination, and wherein the at least one protrusion of the second lamination is engaged in the at least one hole of the first lamination. |
| US08397889B2 |
Frictional device comprising at least one friction plate
The present invention relates to a frictional device (6) comprising at least one friction plate (2), which has a plate-side toothing system (14), and a plate carrier (4), which has a carrier-side toothing system (70) and a predefined fitting end (66) for fitting the friction plate (2), the contours (62, 72) of the toothing systems (14, 70) corresponding to one another in such a way that the friction plate (2) can be brought into engagement with the plate carrier (4), forming a rotational drive connection. The friction plate (2) here has a first axial direction (16) and an opposing second axial direction (18). According to the invention the contours (62, 72) of the toothing systems (14, 70) are formed in such a way that only in the first axial direction (16) can the friction plate (2) be brought into engagement with the plate carrier (4) via the predefined fitting end (66) of the plate carrier (4). |
| US08397887B2 |
Actuating arrangement for shift elements of a transmission
An actuating system for at least first and second coaxially arranged shifting elements of a transmission, in particular, a dual-clutch transmission (1) with at least two coaxially arranged control devices for actuating the associated shifting elements. The control devices comprise at least one rotary drive (4, 5) and at least one control element (6, 7) which are coupled to one another by corresponding gearteeth such that rotational movement, of each rotary drive (4, 5), can be converted into an axial control movement of the associated control element (6, 7). The axial position of the teeth of the geartooth array, of each control element (6, 7), varies in the circumferential direction, at least over a certain range. |
| US08397880B2 |
Pad retraction device
A clip comprising: a body portion; one or more arms connected to the body portion and projecting away from the body portion; a deformable portion of the one or more arms that is distal from the body portion; and a lip on the one or more arms that is proximate to the body portion. |
| US08397876B2 |
Cable-operated device and parking brake containing the same
A cable-operated device (50) suitable for use with a parking brake (10) includes a cable (54) having first end coupled to a lever (52) of a brake mechanism. A supporting member (58) supports at least one longitudinal portion of the cable (54). One end of a coil spring (56) is affixed to the lever (52) and the other end may be affixed to the supporting member (58) or a bracket (81). The cable (54) extends through at least a portion of the coil spring (56). One end of a liner (61) is affixed to the supporting member (58) and the liner (61) surrounds at least a bent portion of the coil spring (56) that is supported on a guide surface (58b). |
| US08397873B2 |
Zoned elevator system
An elevator system includes at least two independently operable elevator cars in an elevator shaft. The elevator system controls loading of one of the car at ground floor level by moving the other car to a level below the ground floor level. |
| US08397871B2 |
Bearing lubrication device
A device comprises a rotor element which is connected to a stator element by at least one roller bearing, and a grease storage recipient for lubricating the roller bearing. The supply of grease from the grease storage recipient is controlled by a temperature-dependent expansion element. |
| US08397866B2 |
Enclosed track system for a fall protection system
Embodiments of the invention provide a fall protection system having first and second truss members, at a first distance from each other; first and second slotted housings at a second distance from each other, each housing defining a first track therein; a first plurality of connecting members connecting the first truss member to the first housing; a second plurality of connecting members connecting the second truss member to the second housing; and a first plurality of cross members connecting the first housing to the second housing. Some fall protection systems include at least two spaced apart support members and may have a length ranging from about 10 feet to about 2,000 feet in length. |
| US08397861B1 |
Diaphragm surround
A surround for supporting a diaphragm used to create acoustic waves includes a plurality of first rib sections extending away from the diaphragm and a second rib section having a zigzag pattern and being secured to an end of each of the first rib sections. As the diaphragm starts moving away from a home position in an intended direction of travel which is substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the diaphragm lies when the diaphragm is in the home position, the zigzag pattern of the second rib section starts to straighten out. |
| US08397859B2 |
Electric power steering system
In an electric power steering system, multiple cutouts (45) are formed in a flange portion (36) formed on an axial end portion (23a) of a ball screw nut (23) of a ball screw device that drives a rack shaft. In addition, a motor shaft (6) has a thin-plate portion (44) that extends on the radially outer side of the ball screw nut (23). When the thin-plate portion (44) that extends from the motor shaft (6) is swaged into the cutouts (45) that serve as engagement recesses that have side walls in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the ball screw nut (23) relative to the motor shaft (6) is restricted. |
| US08397852B1 |
Multiple-mode vehicle power system
A vehicle power system includes a constant speed internal combustion engine coupled with an electrical generator for powering an electric motor coupled to the vehicle drive train. An air assist system also coupled to the drive train supplements the electric motor. The air assist system includes an air fan powered by diverted air flow during vehicle travel and by an engine driven air compressor during low vehicle speeds. |
| US08397851B2 |
Swiveling work machine
A swiveling work machine includes: a swivel deck; an engine disposed rearward of the swivel deck; a suction type radiator disposed rearward of the swivel deck; a bonnet covering the engine and the radiator and forming an engine room; a cabin disposed frontward of the engine room; a partition wall standing on the swivel deck between the cabin and the engine room and forming a front portion of the bonnet; an air conditioner main body disposed frontward of the partition wall and in a lower portion of the cabin; an ambient air inlet for supplying ambient air to the air conditioner main body, the ambient air inlet being formed in a portion of the partition wall facing a radiator suction space; and a filter provided in the ambient air inlet. |
| US08397850B2 |
System and method for driving hybrid electric vehicle
Disclosed are a driving system and method of a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle driving system includes a generator to generate electric energy from rotating power input thereto, and an electric motor to generate rotating power from electric energy supplied thereto. An auxiliary drive wheel is movably provided to be raised or lowered. When being lowered, the auxiliary drive wheel is rotated in contact with the ground surface, to provide the generator with rotating power generated upon rotation thereof. A power distributor is provided to distribute the rotating power generated from the electric motor or auxiliary drive wheel, so as to provide the generator with regenerative energy, or to provide a drive wheel with rotating power. A control unit controls distribution of the rotating power by controlling the supply of electric current to the power distributor. |
| US08397849B2 |
Hybrid propulsion road vehicle
A hybrid propulsion road vehicle having: a couple of rear driving wheels; a thermal internal combustion engine; a gearbox, which is arranged in rear position, receives motion from the thermal internal combustion engine and transmits motion to the rear driving wheels, and comprises a gear case housing all the moving parts; a reversible electric machine mechanically connectable to the rear driving wheels; an electric drive controlling the electric machine; and an accumulating system, which is able to store electric energy, is connected to the electric drive and is placed beside the gear case and on the opposite sides of the gear case so as not to longitudinally exceed the extension of the gear case itself. |
| US08397846B2 |
Patient support apparatus with powered wheel
A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame, and a wheel supported with respect to the frame and movable between a lowered position engaging a floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. The patient support apparatus also has a drive assembly with a first mode of operation coupled to the wheel and operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor and a second mode of operation decoupled from the wheel so that the wheel is free to rotate when the wheel is in the lowered position and the patient support apparatus is moved along the floor. A first user input is provided to move the wheel between the raised and lowered positions and a second user input is provided to signal the drive assembly to drive the wheel. |
| US08397843B2 |
Output control unit of a vehicle
An output control unit of a vehicle, having a front riding space and a rear riding space, includes a riding detection device for detecting the presence of a passenger in the rear riding space. When the riding detection device detects the passenger, the output control unit regulates the output of the engine as compared with the output when the riding detection device does not detect a passenger in the rear riding space. |
| US08397840B2 |
Replaceable wear band for well drill pipe
A wear band for a well drill pipe which is made up of a coil spring sized to fit at the joint of the well drill pipe or casing. The inner surface of the coil spring includes a textured coating such as a carbide. The outer surface includes a plurality of hydrodynamic dimples defined therein, and preferably both the outer surface and the inner surface are adapted to resist corrosion. The abrasive coating preferably consists essentially of 95% tungsten carbide and a binder of 5% cobalt and coats an amount of the inner surface in the range of 50% to 100%. The hydrodynamic dimples are generally tear drop in shape to act as miniature fluid pumps. As a result, the wear band can be mechanically attached to the drill pipe while eliminating the need for metallurgically-welded hardbands and therefore unaffecting the drill pipe properties and dimensions. |
| US08397831B2 |
Rotary tool having a manual ratchet mechanism
A rotary power tool according to the invention includes a manual ratchet mechanism having a driveshaft driven by a motor, an output shaft, a disengageable shaft coupling element for mechanically coupling the driveshaft to the output shaft, and a disengageable ratchet element for blocking rotation of the output shaft unidirectionally. The invention provides that one of the coupling element and the ratchet element is engaged, the other one is disengaged. |
| US08397828B2 |
Spoolable downhole control system and method
A spoolable downhole control system includes a length of one or more lines suitable for the downhole environment. The spoolable downhole control system also includes one or more components disposed in signal bearing communication with the one or more lines and along a length of the one or more lines, prior to the system being connected with a string. The components are capable of actuating an operation. A method for creating a downhole system includes spooling out the spoolable downhole control system and joining the one or more components with one or more subs of the tubing string. |
| US08397827B2 |
Reducing trips in well operations
A well system can include a tubular string in a blowout preventer stack, a releasable hanger of the tubular string supported by a support surface, and the released hanger permitting the tubular string to displace further through the blowout preventer stack. A tubular string can comprise a releasable hanger including at least one inwardly retractable support, an indicator sub interconnected a distance from the hanger, and wherein the support retracts in response to a stimulus, whereby the tubular string is released for displacement. A method of measuring a distance between a support surface and a location in a blowout preventer stack can include displacing a tubular string into the blowout preventer stack, contacting a releasable hanger with the surface, indicating the distance from the surface to the location along the tubular string, and then releasing the hanger, thereby permitting the tubular string to displace further through the blowout preventer stack. |
| US08397826B2 |
Pump down liner expansion method
A string to be expanded is run in with a running string that supports a swage assembly. The running string is secured to the existing tubular and the top of the string to be expanded is sealed around the supported running string. The pressure applied to the annular space above the seal drives the liner over the swage. A cement shoe is affixed to the lower end of the string that is expanded after becoming detached from the running string assembly. When the expanded liner bottoms on a support, generally the hole bottom, the cement is delivered through the shoe and the expansion of the top of the string into a recess of the string above continues. The swage assembly with the seal and the anchor are then recovered as the running string is removed during the process of expanding the top of the expanded string into the lower end recess of the existing string already in the wellbore. |
| US08397825B1 |
Hydraulic lubricating system and method of use thereof
A hydraulic lubricator assembly includes a spool for enclosing a downhole tool, wherein the spool comprises an upper end and a lower end. The hydraulic lubricator assembly further includes a pressure isolation connector attached to the upper end of the spool, wherein the pressure isolation connector includes a lower packing gland and an upper packing gland. A hydraulic assembly is positioned above the pressure isolation connector, wherein the hydraulic assembly comprises a rod connected to the downhole tool, and wherein the hydraulic assembly lowers the downhole tool into the wellbore. |
| US08397824B2 |
Hydraulic control system for actuating downhole tools
A hydraulic control system (100) for actuating a downhole tool. The hydraulic control system (100) includes a plurality of valve members (124) operable to selectively allow and prevent fluid communication between high and low pressure sources (54, 56) and first and second sides (58, 60) of an actuator (64) operably associated with the downhole tool. In the hydraulic control system (100), a first valve member (124) is ported between the high pressure source (54) and the first side (58) of the actuator (64), a second valve member (124) is ported between the low pressure source (56) and the first side (58) of the actuator (64), a third valve member (124) is ported between the high pressure source (54) and the second side (60) of the actuator (64) and a fourth valve member (124) is ported between the low pressure source (56) and the second side of the actuator (60). |
| US08397821B2 |
Caisson two-phase emulsion reducer
A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. A separating device is connected to an upper end portion of the discharge pipe within the caisson. The separating device causes separation of gas from the flow containing gas and liquid to be enhanced prior to the flow reaching the operating liquid level in the caisson. |
| US08397820B2 |
Method and apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment
A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition. |
| US08397818B2 |
Method and device for cleaning a cavity in a petroleum well
A method and a device for removing sediment or other undesired material (28) from a cavity (24) in a petroleum well (2) in which a tool (30) is moved down into the petroleum well (2). The method including placing a detonable charge (34) in the tool (30) and detonating the charge (34) after the tool (30) has been positioned in the petroleum well (2). |
| US08397817B2 |
Methods for downhole sampling of tight formations
There is provided a method of sampling a subterranean formation. The method includes the steps of creating a side bore into the wall of a well traversing the formation, sealing the wall around the side bore to provide a pressure seal between the side bore and the well, pressurizing the side bore beyond a pressure inducing formation fracture while maintaining the seal, pumping a fracturing fluid adapted to prevent a complete closure of the fracture through the side bore into the fracture, and reversing the pumping to sample formation fluid through the fracture and the side bore. |
| US08397814B2 |
Perforating string with bending shock de-coupler
A bending shock de-coupler for use with a perforating string can include perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the de-coupler. A bending compliance of the de-coupler may substantially increase between the connectors. A well system can include a perforating string including at least one perforating gun and multiple bending shock de-couplers, each of the de-couplers having a bending compliance, and at least two of the bending compliances being different from each other. A perforating string can include a bending shock de-coupler interconnected longitudinally between two components of the perforating string. A bending compliance of the bending shock de-coupler may substantially decrease in response to angular displacement of one of the components a predetermined amount relative to the other component. |
| US08397810B2 |
Wireless tag tracer method
A fluid can be tracked in a wellbore utilizing at least one WID tag, such as an LW tag or an RFID tag, entrained in the fluid. A WID tag reader can be disposed and/or displaced in the wellbore, for example, on a drill string or a casing string. A reader can be utilized to locate the at least one WID tag in the wellbore. A reader can be housed in a drill string sub. A fluid entrained with at least one WID tag can be utilized as a tracer fluid. A WID tag can be entrained in cement or a drilling or fracture fluid. |
| US08397809B2 |
Technique and apparatus to perform a leak off test in a well
A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying at least one sensing device in the well and during a leak off test, communicating a signal that is indicative of a measurement that is acquired by the sensing device(s) over a wired infrastructure of a drill string. The technique includes controlling the leak off test based at least in part on the communication. |
| US08397807B2 |
Processing hydrocarbon materials
Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions. |
| US08397799B2 |
Automatic switching two pipe hydronic system
A system for simultaneously heating and cooling a first portion and a second portion of a space utilizes a plurality of boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, condenser pumps and closed loop pumps by using a plurality of sensors indicating the temperatures inside and outside the space and a controlling module controlling the operation of the system. The present disclosure can be easily achieved by making minor configurational modifications to existing systems, thereby increasing system versatility. |
| US08397796B2 |
Porous media cold plate
A heat exchanger for cooling a heat generating device including a base having a recess with a base coolant inlet opening and a base coolant outlet opening. A porous core is positioned within the recess of the base, and has a core coolant inlet opening and a core coolant outlet opening that are arranged in corresponding relation with base coolant inlet opening and a base coolant outlet opening so as to be in fluid communication. A porous gasket is pinched between the porous core and the base. |
| US08397795B2 |
Heat exchanger for vehicular air conditioning apparatus
In a heater core that constitutes part of a vehicular air conditioning apparatus, first and second fins having louvers therein are arranged between a plurality of tubes. The first fins are disposed on a first heating section, which faces toward a first front passage through which air from a first blower unit flows, whereas the second fins are disposed on a second heating section, which faces toward a first rear passage through which air from a second blower unit flows. Further, as a boundary portion between the first heating section and the second heating section, partitioning fins, which do not contain any louvers therein, are disposed separately from the first and second fins. |
| US08397794B2 |
Twin roll caster and method of control thereof
Described herein is a twin roll caster including a pair of casting rolls arranged parallel to one another with a gap between the casting rolls and side dams parallel to one another forming a pool between the casting rolls and side dams. A side dam support is provided that applies a compression force on at least one of the side dams at a compression angle relative to the axis of the casting rolls. |
| US08397788B2 |
Rear window roller blind with angled support rail
A rear window roller blind is provided that has a winding shaft that is rotatably seated between winding shaft bearing pieces. The two winding shaft bearing pieces are fixed to one another by a connecting strut. The connecting strut consists of an angled profile rail. |
| US08397781B2 |
Device for turning up body ply
In a body ply turn-up device, a plurality of arm components are circumferentially arranged to be movable in the axial direction of an operating shaft and to be pivotable radially of the operating shaft, guide members are respectively supported at both sides on an end portion of each arm component to be rotatable about an axis parallel to a pivot axis of each arm component, coil springs are interposed in respective spaces each between two guide members respectively supported on the arm components adjoining to be rotatable about respective arc axes around the operating shaft, and pressing members, which supplementarily cover respective spaces between the coil springs are rotatably supported on the arm components ahead of or behind the coil springs. Thus, the turn-up device can turn up both width-end portions of the body ply by an even pressing force without leaving any spaces in the circumference even in the case of being high in turn-up height. |
| US08397779B2 |
Rod wrappers
This invention relates to a material application system for applying material to a wrapper. The material application system comprises a material applicator means and an electronic application control means. Also provided is a rod making machine comprising a rod making section and the material application system. The invention also provides a method of applying material to a wrapper used in the tobacco industry comprising supplying a wrapper and applying a material to the wrapper using a material applicator and an electronic applicator control means therefore, which electronic applicator control means ensures accurate location of material application in an electronically adjustable variable manner. |
| US08397778B2 |
Flat-running device for a motor vehicle and mounted assembly incorporating it
The present invention relates to a flat-running device intended for equipping a mounted assembly without an air chamber for a motor vehicle, and to such a mounted assembly incorporating this device.This device (30) comprises a wheel rim (10) with a plurality of blocks (10a and 10b) and a tire (20) comprising beads (21 and 22) mounted against flanges (12 and 13) of the rim, the device comprising: a structure (31) for supporting the tire, which structure is to be mounted around the rim and is divided into ring sectors (32) in the form of an arc of a circle, surmounted by a casing (34) which is intended for supporting the tire when the latter is running flat and which has two projecting lateral portions (34b) partially covering lateral faces (32b) of the structure, and means (33) for locking the beads against said flanges, which connect the annular supporting structure to the beads. According to the invention, these lateral portions incorporate means (34c) for holding the sectors, opposing the axial displacement of the latter under lateral forces in the event of a shock during running in the inflated state or in the event of running flat, so that these sectors remain surmounted by the casing. |
| US08397776B2 |
Tire with innerliner containing talc and epichlorohydrin rubber
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising a carcass and an innerliner in direct contact with the carcass, the innerliner comprising a rubber composition comprising: at least one elastomer selected from the group consisting of butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene, copolymer of isobutylene and paramethylstyrene, and brominated copolymer of isobutylene and paramethylstyrene; epichlorohydrin rubber; and at least one delaminated talc having a BET surface area according to DIN 66131 of 10-40 m2/g, an average particle size (D50) of 4-8 microns, determined by laser diffraction measurement, and a lamellarity index of 3-15. |
| US08397775B2 |
Cushioning rubber composition and pneumatic tire employing the same
A cushioning rubber composition contains 5 to 20 parts by mass of first carbon black having an iodine adsorption number of 50 to 70 mg/g and a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption of 130 to 150 ml/100 g and 15 to 30 parts by mass of second carbon black having an iodine adsorption number of 110 to 130 mg/g and a dibutyl phthalate oil absorption of 105 to 120 ml/100 g as well as sulfur and a vulcanization accelerator with respect to 100 parts by mass of a rubber component, while the mass ratio of sulfur to the vulcanization accelerator is 1.0 to 2.3. |
| US08397773B2 |
Tire with tread having circumferential grooves, first resonators and second resonators
A pneumatic tire (10) provided with a rib-like land portion (110) having first resonators formed therein, and also with a rib-like land portion (210) located, when the tire is mounted on a vehicle, on the side of the tire closer to the vehicle than the rib-like land portion (110) and having second resonators formed therein. Each of the first and second resonators includes an air chamber recessed inward in the radial direction of the tire, and also includes a narrow groove communicating with the air chamber and a circumferential groove. The volume of the air chamber of the first resonator is greater than the volume of the air chamber of the second resonator. |
| US08397772B1 |
Emergency tire support device for low air pressure tire
The emergency tire support device for a low air pressure tire includes an elongate belt formed by three layers of material that protects and supports a deflated tire. The belt wraps around the tire and is secured thereto by fasteners. The three layers include an outer layer of cloth, an inner layer of plastic, and an intermediate layer of cloth. A plurality of tacks extends through the inner layer, and the intermediate layer sandwiches the head of the tacks between the inner and intermediate layers. The tacks pierce the tread area of the tire as the tire rolls over the belt during installation, causing the belt to automatically wrap around the tire. The tacks also prevent slip. The inner and intermediate layers are stitched onto the first layer to form a plurality of longitudinal pockets. The pockets are filled with scrap rubber. |
| US08397769B2 |
Apparatus for transferring incoherent or liquid material
Apparatus (1) for transferring incoherent or liquid material from a discharge station (S1) to a collection station (S2) is provided with a tubular conduit (6) located between said stations (S1, S2), and a tubular bag (9) for transferring the material from the discharge station (S1) to the collection station (S2); the tubular bag (9) develops longitudinally inside the conduit (6) between the discharge station (S1) and the collection station (S2), and is kept adherent to the conduit (6) likewise an interior coating of same conduit (6) by a pneumatic device (24, 31) which exhibits a suction region distributed along the conduit (6) between two longitudinal ends (7) of same conduit (6). |
| US08397768B2 |
Static sensing fuel pump lever brace
A removable brace wedges between a fuel nozzle activating lever and the nozzle handle finger guard. A static electricity sensing circuit has antennas on both protruding sides of the brace. Visual and audible warning signals activate when a user approaches the nozzle with an electrostatic charge in the user's body. Light emitting diodes in upwardly extending protruding side portions are highly visible. A piezo-electric sounding device gives a loud warning. A magnet enables the brace to be attached to a metal part of the vehicle, such as inside the fuel cover door, when not in use. |
| US08397763B2 |
Low pressure valve assembly
A valve assembly controls the flow of fluid at very low pressures of about 5 psi or less to and from inflatable chambers. Each valve assembly has a plurality of valves that operate between a closed and an open position. A first conduit or channel directs the fluid to each of the valves; and a plurality of second conduits each associated with one of the plurality of valves communicates with an inflatable chamber. Each of the valves has a valve seat and a valve stem with a head that seats on or with the valve seat to effect a seal in the closed position. The valve stem has a portion positioned to be moved by the solenoid when activated. The separate valves also act as relief valves. A vent valve is also provided and configured to operate between open and closed positions. |
| US08397762B2 |
Fluidic system with improved flow characteristics
The invention relates to a fluidic system that includes a body structure having a chamber disposed therein. The fluidic system includes at least one fluid input at a first end of the chamber and at least one fluid output at a second end of the chamber. The fluidic system also includes a sensor device (e.g., an acoustic device) having a surface defining a portion of a surface of the chamber. The fluidic system also includes a first surface at the first end of the chamber oriented at an oblique or arcuate (e.g., curved) angle relative to the surface of the sensor device to direct fluid through the chamber. |
| US08397758B2 |
Valve
A valve, particularly a proportional pressure control valve for controlling fluid flows, includes a valve housing (10) having at least three fluid-conducting connections in the form of a pump connection (P), a use connection (A) and of a tank (T) connection. To connect the pump connection (T) to the use connection (A) and the use connection (A) to the tank connection (T), a control piston (18) can be guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner inside the valve housing (10). This control piston is provided for establishing a fluid-conducting connection between at least one of the connections (P) and a pilot chamber (20) of a pilot valve (22) having a connecting channel (24). A valve part (40) of the pilot valve (22) is guided in the pilot chamber (20) in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The connecting channel (24) has a throttle in the direction of the pilot chamber (20) of the pilot valve (22) with its valve part. A guiding device (38) oriented toward the pilot chamber (20) and provided for guiding the fluid flow is provided next to the throttle to divert the fluid flow, conveyed inside the connecting channel (24) and flowing toward the valve part (40), at least partially away from this valve part. |
| US08397755B2 |
Coupler with stop valve
A coupler having a stop valve, in which one of the connectors comprises a cylindrical wall, and a fixed shaft arranged along an axis of the cylindrical wall. A valve seat is arranged around the fixed shaft, and the valve seat is tapered to widen a diameter thereof. A cylindrical valve element is fitted onto the fixed shaft to slide in its axial direction while being pushed by an elastic member, and an inner circumferential face of the valve element is tapered to be congruent with the taper of the valve seat. An engagement portion which is diametrically larger than the leading end portion of the valve element is formed on the outer circumferential face of the valve element at an intermediate portion. Another connector comprises a cylindrical portion. A pushing portion is formed at an end of the cylindrical portion for pushing the valve element at the engagement portion. |
| US08397753B2 |
Systems and methods providing hands free water faucet control
A hands free water system and method for use with an existing or new wash basin. |
| US08397751B1 |
Vortex reducer
A vortex reducing apparatus and method for drainage of a process tank are described. The vortex reducer including a keel having a longitudinal axis, a top flow foil coupled to the keel and a bottom flow foil coupled to the keel. The top flow foil and the bottom flow foil are each coupled to the keel at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08397750B2 |
Oil suction device for automatic transmission
An oil suction device for an automatic transmission includes: an oil pan that receives oil supplied to various portions of the automatic transmission and returned to the oil pan and reserves the received oil therein; an oil strainer located over the oil pan; a suction port drawing in the oil reserved in the oil pan; and an elastic wall provided selectively between a portion of the oil pan that receives a relatively small amount of the oil returned to the oil pan and the suction port, the elastic wall extending from a bottom surface of the oil pan and reaching a lower surface of the oil strainer to interrupt a flow of oil. |
| US08397748B2 |
Check valve having two seats
A valve includes a body, a cavity in the body, and a check valve formed in the cavity. The check valve includes a poppet having a first end and a second end, and a first seat and a second seat, wherein the first seat is formed at the first end, the second seat is formed at the second end, and a diameter of the second seat is greater than a diameter of the first seat. |
| US08397746B1 |
System for harvesting rainwater
A system for rainwater harvesting includes a rain barrel adapted for collecting and storing rainwater runoff gravity-fed from a rooftop through a downspout. A substantially rigid downspout diverter comprises an inlet section, an overflow section, and an elongated connector section interconnecting the inlet section and the overflow section. The inlet section has a first end adapted for communicating with an end of the downspout and a second end communicating with an inlet opening formed with the rain barrel. The overflow section has a first end communicating with an overflow opening formed with the rain barrel and a second end extending away from the rain barrel. |
| US08397745B2 |
Fluid activated flow control apparatus
Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power. |
| US08397744B2 |
Distribution valve monitor and distribution valve incorporating same
A distribution valve monitor to monitor the operation of a distribution valve of the type having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, which couples the outlets to the inlet according to a desired fluid distribution pattern comprises a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed at spaced locations about the distribution valve to sense activation of the valve to different operating conditions. A controller communicates with the sensors and records data representing the operation of the valve. The recorded data is examined to detect improper operation of the distribution valve. |
| US08397743B2 |
Internal relief valve apparatus for use with fluid regulators
An example internal relief valve disclosed herein includes a relief valve seat coupled to a first end of the relief valve stem and to engage a first side of a sensing apparatus to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and a second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in a closed position. A bleed hole within a surface of the sensing apparatus and separate from the opening of the sensing apparatus is dimensioned to provide a controlled flow rate between the first side and the second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in an open position. A seal is disposed along a body of the relief valve stem upstream from the bleed hole and the valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and the second side of the sensing apparatus via the opening of the sensing apparatus when the relief valve is in the open position. |
| US08397735B2 |
Dirt separator device with level control
An apparatus for level control in a fluid tank is provided, wherein the fluid tank is designed to accommodate a supply of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one conveying line through which the fluid can flow and which has at least one control opening which is hydraulically connected to the fluid tank. The control opening is designed to at least largely prevent fluid flowing out of the conveying line and into the fluid tank when at least one minimum level in the fluid tank is exceeded, and the control opening is further designed to allow fluid to flow out of the conveying line and into the fluid tank when the at least one minimum level in the fluid tank is undershot. |
| US08397730B2 |
Tracheal tube adaptor and flaring jig
The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a tracheal tube adaptor system. The tracheal tube adaptor system includes a tracheal tube adaptor and/or a flaring jig. A proximal end of a tracheal tube may be flared and the tracheal tube adaptor may be coupled to the proximal end of the tracheal tube. The tracheal tube adaptor may be configured to easily attach and detach an end connector. The end connector may be used to couple a variety of medical devices such as a ventilator, a manual respirator, a nebulizer, a vaporizer, suctioning equipment, and so forth, to the tracheal tube. The use of the tracheal tube adaptor system and methods enables the rapid detachment and attachment of various end connectors, thus allowing the coupling of the tracheal tube to a variety of medical devices. |
| US08397728B2 |
Cushion to frame assembly mechanism
A full-face mask assembly includes a frame and a cushion provided to the frame. The cushion is adapted to form a seal around the patient's nose and mouth. A flexible lip is provided to an interior wall of the cushion. The flexible lip is adapted to engage the frame to provide a seal in use. |
| US08397726B2 |
Small size breathing protective device arranged to be held in the users mouth
A breathing protective device comprising a tubular elongated filter housing defining at least one wall between a first end and a second end, said wall having at least one opening, a filter in the filter house and a mouthpiece having an air canal with an opening arranged to be introduced into and held in the user's mouth whereby said filter house extends parallel to a line between the corners of the user's mouth, said air canal being in communication with at least one space within said housing for filtered inhalation air and exhalation air respectively, and wherein either the filter or the filter with the housing is disposable, wherein said filter is arranged to separate a first space from a second space and in that said air canal is arranged to enable supply of inhalation air from said first space via said filter and to enable exhalation air to escape via said opening from said second space. |
| US08397723B2 |
Emergency oxygen supply device
An emergency oxygen supply device for an aircraft comprises an oxygen pressure tank, and at least one oxygen mask which is conductively connected thereto. At least two electrically actuatable and activatable shut-off valves which are arranged parallel to one another are arranged in the conduit from the oxygen pressure tank to the at least one oxygen mask. Of these shut-off valves, at least one shut-off valve has an NO-function and at least one shut-off valve an NC-function. |
| US08397717B2 |
Inhaler with mouthpiece having a microbiological protective function
The present invention relates to an inhaler with a novel mouthpiece having a microbiological protective function. The inhalers are used for administration of a pharmaceutical substance, substance formulation or substance mixture. |
| US08397714B2 |
Dispensing device
An inhaler is provided with a restricting member to prevent unintentional actuation of the inhaler. Also provided is an inhaler with an extensible strap joining a dust cap to the housing of an inhaler, the strap being particularly suited for use with inhalers that comprise a restricting member. The inhaler is useful, for example, in the treatment of asthma. |
| US08397713B2 |
Mouthpiece and flow rate controller for intrapulmonary delivery devices
This invention relates to a therapeutic device and method of administering precisely measured doses of a therapeutic substance via inhalation to pediatric and adult patients. More specifically, the invention relates to a therapeutic device and method of administering inhaled medication which delivers a controlled flow rate to a mouthpiece for administration of medicament to young children and adults with a diminished capacity, at a rate of about 25.8 L/minute to 30.2 L/minute. |
| US08397711B2 |
Solar collector
A solar collector has a polygonal top panel forming a top face and having at least three edges, a similarly polygonal bottom panel forming a bottom face directed away from the top face and fitted congruently to the top panel to form a flow passage extending between the faces, and at least four connectors projecting from at least three of the edges. |
| US08397708B2 |
Compositions and processes for assembling appliances
A method of assembling an appliance using a curable silicone composition optionally containing spacer beads of an appropriate size to permit adhesively joining the appliance parts in a desirably spaced-apart arrangement. |
| US08397707B2 |
Portable and compact grill apparatus
A portable and compact grill apparatus can be implemented in the form of free standing portable propane fueled cooking device, which utilizes one or more legs (e.g., four legs) to support the cooking surface. The device permits a standard propane tank to fit between the legs and directly under the cooking surface. The design permits one of the legs to be removed (by rotating it away from the center) to accommodate the exchange of the propane unit (required for refill of fuel). This design creates a very compact unit due to the fact that the fuel tank, burner and cooking surface all fit in a vertical column thus requiring minimal space. |
| US08397703B2 |
High voltage resonator-amplifier with an optimized structure for radiofrequency ignition system
A high voltage resonator-amplifier for a radiofrequency ignition system that can be used in an internal combustion engine, the resonator-amplifier including at least two electrodes, a coil arranged in alignment with the electrodes along a longitudinal axis, and a linking mechanism retaining the coil and the electrodes in a relatively fixed position. The coil is wound around a closed bend which in turn wraps around the longitudinal axis. |
| US08397702B2 |
Control circuit for capacitor discharge ignition system
A control circuit for use with an ignition system of a light-duty combustion engine. In one embodiment, the control circuit includes a charging circuit, a timing circuit and a shut down circuit that includes a manual stop switch. Activation of the manual stop switch causes the control circuit to shut down the engine, and can do so even if the manual stop switch is only momentarily engaged by the operator. |
| US08397701B2 |
Fuel system for multi-fuel engine
A fuel system and a method of operation of the fuel system are described in the context of a multi-fuel internal combustion engine. In one example, the method includes varying a proportion of fuel supplied by a fuel pump to an engine and a fuel separator. The method may be particularly useful for a dual fuel engine. |
| US08397700B2 |
Abnormality diagnosis device for exhaust gas recirculation device
An abnormality diagnosis device for an exhaust gas recirculation device in an internal combustion engine is provided. The exhaust gas recirculation device has an exhaust gas recirculation valve that adjusts the amount of recirculation exhausts gas returned from an exhaust passage to an intake passage of the engine. The abnormality diagnosis device includes a control section that changes the exhaust gas recirculation valve to diagnose an abnormality in the exhaust gas recirculation device. When the abnormality diagnosis execution condition is met, the control section, prior to the execution of the valve closing operation, inhibits the opening degree adjustment and executes a valve opening process to increase the opening degree of the valve from the opening degree at the time to a second target opening degree greater than the first target opening degree. |
| US08397699B2 |
Fuel pretreater
A fuel pretreater apparatus for pretreating fuel for combustion is provided. A conversion tube is provided for vaporized fuel to flow therethrough. The conversion tube includes an intake end for receiving the vaporized fuel and an outlet end for dispersing the vaporized fuel. The conversion tube includes a hollow tapered interior wall having a narrower diameter near the intake end and a wider diameter near the outlet end. A tapered conversion rod is removably placed inside the conversion tube. The tapered conversion rod is conically tapered along at least one half of a length of the tapered conversion rod. The tapered conversion rod includes a narrow end corresponding to the narrower diameter of the conversion tube near the intake end and a wide end corresponding to the wider diameter of the conversion tube near the outlet end. |
| US08397697B2 |
Method and device for operating an injection valve
In a method and a device for operating an injection valve, a relevant time (t_ACT) is determined during a catch phase (PH_CATCH) when the electromagnetic actuator reaches a predetermined fraction value of the electric current, which value is smaller than a maximum current value, and a fraction of interval (T_FRAC) since the start of the respective catch phase (PH_CATCH) is determined depending thereon and the injection valve is diagnosed depending on the fraction of interval (T_FRAC) and the predetermined minimum and maximum threshold interval values (THD_T_MIN, THD_T_MAX). |
| US08397696B2 |
Comprehensive fuel pressure damper
A fuel pressure damper (10) includes a housing (14) defining an inlet (40) for receiving fuel from a fuel rail. A cover (12) is coupled to the housing to define an interior space (15). A flexible diaphragm (30) has a periphery (32) secured to at least the housing or the cover and has a freely movable central portion (28) that divides the interior space into first and second isolated chambers (42, 44). The diaphragm has a shaped feature (48) such that the central portion can be displaced over a distance. The inlet communicates with the second chamber (44). A spring cup (26) is in the first chamber (42) and is engaged with the central portion of the diaphragm. A variable rate compression spring (18) is in the first chamber and is disposed between the spring cup and the cover. The central portion of the diaphragm and spring are constructed and arranged to dampen low to high magnitude fuel pressure pulsations in the second chamber. |
| US08397695B2 |
Ignition energy management with ion current feedback to correct spark plug fouling
A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator. The control strategies may be applied to individual cylinders, cylinder banks, or all cylinders. |
| US08397694B2 |
Airflow-based crank throttle control in a torque-based system
A method of torque-based control for an internal combustion engine may include determining a desired airflow rate into an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine during an engine start condition, determining a torque limit for a torque-based engine control module based on the desired airflow rate, and regulating engine torque based on the determined torque limit. |
| US08397692B2 |
Method for synchronizing injection with the engine phase in an electric injector controlled engine
In a method relating to an engine with n cylinders, fuel is injected in a predetermined order into the cylinders in a manner which is synchronized with the position of the pistons of the engine. The method includes the following steps after start-up: injection into m cylinders in a predetermined order of injection; measurement of engine speed and/or acceleration; continuation of injection in a predetermined order of injection if engine speed and/or acceleration exceed(s) a predetermined threshold; continuation of injection with a delay in the event of the contrary. The method can be used with respect to the start-up of a direct injection engine. |
| US08397691B2 |
Work apparatus with internal combustion engine
A work apparatus having an internal combustion engine includes a body case (100) that houses the engine and other components of the apparatus and a hood (102) that removably covers a top opening of body case (100). The hood (102) has an inclined pin (104) extending aslant downward toward one end of the hood (102) from a portion near the one end. The body case has an inclined bore (106) for receiving the inclined pin (104). A rear end portion of the hood (102) is locked to the body case (100) by a known lock means. The inclined pin (104) wears an elastic tube (112) on its outer circumference. |
| US08397686B2 |
Engine intake port arrangement for camshaft with differential valve lift
An engine assembly may include an engine structure, first and second intake valves, and a camshaft assembly. The engine structure may define a combustion chamber, a first intake port in communication with the combustion chamber and directing intake air flow toward a central region of the combustion chamber, and a second intake port in communication with the combustion chamber. The first intake valve may open and close the first intake port and the second intake valve may open and close the second intake port. The camshaft assembly may include a first intake lobe that opens the first intake valve and a second intake lobe that opens the second intake valve. The first intake lobe may be rotationally offset from the second intake lobe in a rotational direction of the camshaft assembly. |
| US08397685B2 |
Fuel injection system
An engine includes a fuel injector support element to support a fuel injector and define a first opening through which the fuel injector can inject fuel. A first piston defines a substantially cylindrical inner chamber and a portal into the substantially cylindrical inner chamber. One or more second pistons are arranged to reciprocate inside the substantially cylindrical inner chamber and to define, in cooperation with the substantially cylindrical inner chamber, a combustion chamber. The first fuel injector support element and the first piston are arranged such that, during engine operation, the first piston reciprocates relative to the first fuel injector support element to thereby cause the first opening and the first portal to move in and out of alignment with one another. |
| US08397680B2 |
Engine system
An engine system includes a medium which chemically repeats storage and release of hydrogen to provide an engine system where CO2 emissions can be suppressed and system efficiency is excellent. The engine system includes a hydrogen supply device for producing hydrogen rich gas from a medium which chemically repeats the storage and release of hydrogen, and drives an engine using the hydrogen rich gas produced in the hydrogen supply device as one of the fuels. This engine system is characterized by comprising a waste heat supply device for supplying waste heat of the engine to hydrogen supply device, a generator which generates electricity by power of the engine, an energy storage device for storing electric power produced by the generator, and a motor for converting electric power discharged from the energy storage device into power. |
| US08397675B2 |
Apparatus and method for loading an animal feeder
A vacuum-based filling device allows a user to transfer quantities of heavy or difficult to manage materials from a dependent position into a delivery system or storage container at a higher elevation or less accessible position. This allows the person filling the delivery system or storage container to remain at a safe and convenient location while operating the vacuum-based filling system. For example, in the case of a feeder for animals, the user is able to fill the storage portion of the feeder from ground level without having to climb a ladder or other unsafe device in order to elevate the feed and place it into the feeder. The vacuum-based filling device uses a motor to create a vacuum within the storage container via a hose connected between the vacuum motor and storage container. Another hose is coupled between the storage container and a container holding the feed. The vacuum created within the storage container draws the feed from its container into the storage container. |
| US08397673B2 |
Method of and system for supplying feed
Method of supplying feed to animals with the aid of a group of feed stations which are accessible to those animals, wherein the feed stations, following the identification of an animal, supply feed to that animal according to a feed program for that animal adjusted to that individual animal and taking into account data relating to earlier feed supplies to that animal, wherein data relating to a feed supply to an animal are made available to each feed station via data connections, and wherein, in the event of failure of the data connection for at least one of the feed stations, at least one of the feed stations is operated to switch over to a safety feed program to reduce the feed supply to an animal identified at that feed station. |
| US08397672B2 |
Pet bed tunnel device
A pet bed having a base and a plush pad within the base which is sized to support a pet thereon. A tubular member is provided having one end affixed to the base and a non-rigid side wall, the non-rigid side wall being extendable from the base in a first orientation forming a tunnel from the plush pad and collapsible in a second orientation creating a side wall to the base. |
| US08397670B2 |
Unmanned vehicle for supplying feed to an animal
An unmanned vehicle for supplying feed to an animal, which is provided with a frame, with propulsion mechanism disposed thereon, feed supplier for supplying feed and navigator connected to the propulsion mechanism with a sensor for forming an image of an observation area, wherein the sensor comprises: a source of radiation for emitting modulated electromagnetic radiation, a receiver device for radiation reflected by an object, comprising a matrix with rows and columns of receivers, an optical device and sensor image processor configured to determine for the receivers a phase difference between the emitted electromagnetic radiation and the reflected electromagnetic radiation in order to calculate a distance from the receiver to the object. Through use of the unmanned vehicle device an excellent and reliable navigation is possible, so that, for example, milk can be conveyed efficiently from a milking implement to a calf. |
| US08397666B2 |
Mandrel coating assembly
Mandrel coating assemblies are provided, as well as methods for coating endoluminal medical devices with a therapeutic agent using the mandrel coating assembly. The endoluminal medical device may be a stent, valve or other medical device, and may include a plurality of interconnected members defining a lumen and plurality of openings positioned along the abluminal surface in communication with the lumen. The mandrel coating assembly may be configured to minimize the coating penetration on the luminal surface of the medical device and/or incidence of webbing or agglomerations of the coating within the openings between the struts. |
| US08397665B2 |
Device for imparting gradations of tint density on a plastic ophthalmic lens
A device for imparting a curved gradation of tint density on an ophthalmic or optical lens is described. This gradient-tinting device utilizes both vertical movement and rotation about the vertical axis of the lens as it moves into a tinting solution. |
| US08397661B2 |
Tire treatment device with shock absorption and vehicle misalignment tolerance
A tire dressing applicator station for use in car wash installations wherein the applicators are tolerant of large degrees of vehicle misalignment, misorientation and entry contact shock. In each applicator structure, an additional pivot or “knuckle” is placed in one of two support arms which are pivotally connected between floor anchors and an elongate mounting carriage to which the dressing applicator elements are attached. Flared tire guides are located on the entry ends of the applicator structures to make contact with the tires of approaching vehicles whereby one or both of the two applicator structures is/are reoriented as necessary to accommodate the actual location of the vehicle, whether it be on the intended path of travel or off to one side and/or angularly misoriented relative to die intended path of vehicle travel. |
| US08397659B1 |
Boat lift canopy entrance
A boat lift canopy entrance for easily entering and exiting a boat upon a boat lift with a canopy without having to stoop and trip while getting into out of the boat. The boat lift canopy entrance includes an entrance closure assembly being fastenable over an entranceway of a canopy and having a piece of material capable of being removably disposed over and closing the entranceway. |
| US08397658B1 |
Buoyancy control systems and methods for submersible objects
A buoyancy control system comprises a housing, first and second pistons, and a source of pressurized air. The pistons are coaxially aligned and are supported by the housing such that movement of the pistons changes a volume of a control chamber. In a shallow mode, fluid flows from the source of pressurized fluid to the first piston such that the pressurized fluid displaces the first piston to alter the volume of the control chamber and thus a buoyancy of the buoyancy control system. In a deep mode, fluid flows from the source of pressurized fluid to the first and second pistons such that the pressurized fluid displaces both of the first and second pistons to alter the volume of the control chamber and thus the buoyancy of the buoyancy control system. |
| US08397657B2 |
Vertical glider robot
A subsea vertical glider robot which supports deployment in subsea oilfield activities is disclosed. This vertical glider robot can also be used in oceanographic research exploration. One application of this vertical glider robot is the autonomous delivery of equipment and sensor systems to a precise predetermined location on the sea floor. The vertical glider robot is deployed from a surface ship or any other suitable sea surface platform and allowed to free fall to the bottom of the ocean. The traversal through the body of water is performed primarily by converting initial potential energy of the apparatus into kinetic energy, it does not use propellers. The traversing of the seafloor is controlled with a steering module that refines orientation while processing information about the vertical glider robot's current position and the target where it has to land. |
| US08397655B2 |
Disconnectable turret mooring system with a rotatable turn table
A vessel includes a hull, a shaft extending from an upper part of the hull to a bottom of the hull, a turret being rotatably supported in the shaft via a turret bearing, a manifold support structure carrying one or more conduits being rotatably supported on the turret via a manifold bearing. The turret includes a cavity for receiving a mooring buoy carrying one or more risers and one or more vertically displaceable actuation members near the manifold bearing for vertically displacing the manifold support structure relative to the turret between a rotational position in which the manifold support structure can rotate relative to the turret via the manifold bearing and a locked position in which the bearing support structure is rotationally locked relative to the turret. |
| US08397654B2 |
Grate plate arrangement
A grate plate arrangement for stepped reciprocating grates includes a grate plate with a front plate fastened to a front wall in the direction of conveyance. The grate plate includes an adjustment plate being clamped between the front plate and the front wall of the grate plate for adjusting a motion gap between the front end of the grate plate and the following grate plate in the direction of conveyance which forms the next grate step. The adjustment plate is calibrated with the front plate still only loosely assembled, in its vertical position that forms the motion gap, and is held in this position by clamping the front plate. |
| US08397653B2 |
Folding table with locking member
A table may include a table top and a leg assembly. The leg assembly may be moved between use and storage positions, and the movement of the leg assembly may move a cross member between a first position in which the cross member resists folding of the table top and a second position in which the cross member facilitates folding and unfolding of the table top. The table top may include first and second sections with portions that overlap and/or interlock when the table top is unfolded. When the table top is in the unfolded position, movement of the leg assembly towards the use position may move the cross member towards the overlapping and/or interlocking portions, which may move the overlapping and/or interlocking portions towards each other. When moved towards each other, the overlapping and/or interlocking portions may be securely connected. |
| US08397648B1 |
Portable table system
A portable table system detachably secured upon various supporting members, such as vertical or angled columns or trees and horizontal rails. The system includes a tabletop having a first and second section each with a cutout for receiving the vertical or angled support member, first and second hook members extending from the underside of the tabletop, and a clamping assembly for being attached to the support member and being coupled to the tabletop via the hook members. Latching assemblies are used to attach the first and second sections together. Fillers may be used to partially fill the cutouts such as when the support member is relatively small or to completely fill the cutouts such as when attached to a horizontal support member. The clamping assembly may include a structure suitable for receiving flat-sided, rounded, or irregular-shaped support members. An optional legged-base assembly may also be used as the support member. |
| US08397647B1 |
Medical device stand and system
A system for an adjustable, portable stand for supporting a portable, non-surgical medical device such as a CPAP or BiPAP machine. The system includes an adjustable and portable stand and a carrying case. The stand includes a platform with a recess along the periphery of the top surface, and a central portion to support the medical device. The recess includes at least one hole for fluid released from the medical device to flow from the central portion of the platform to the recess, through the hole, to a tray beneath the platform. The tray is slidably engaged to and beneath the platform. The platform is supported by a plurality of members releasably attached to one another, and is adjustable in height. |
| US08397638B2 |
Shaped feed-through element with contact rod soldered in
A feed-through element of an ignition device for igniters of airbags or seatbelt tighteners is provided. The feed-through element has a metal support body, at least one first access opening in which a metal rod is arranged in an electrically insulating fixing material, and at least one second access opening in which a further metal rod is electrically conductively fixed to the support body by a soldered connection in this access opening. The support body and the access openings are configured as a shaped part. The feed-through element further includes a solder gap between the metal rod and the wall of the second access opening, where the solder gap has a small width. |
| US08397637B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling printing plates and printing plate exposer
A method and an apparatus for handling printing plates which are fed to at least two process stations, include at least one receiving deck on which the printing plates are provided and fed to the different process stations by pivoting the receiving deck. The receiving decks are pivoted first of all about a first rotational axis and likewise about a second rotational axis which is different than the first, in order to ensure favorable receiving angles between the receiving deck and the individual process stations in each case for the printing plate transfer. A printing plate exposer having an apparatus for handling printing plates, is also provided. |
| US08397636B2 |
Method and apparatus for tensioning a printing form
A method and apparatus of securing and tensioning a printing form in an apparatus having a rotatable drum includes securing a first portion of the printing form to a first means for receiving that is coupled to a surface of the drum, and securing a second portion of the printing form to a second means for receiving that is disposed on a rotatable member that extends over a portion of the drum. The rotatable member is rotated so that the circumferential distance between the first receiving means and the second receiving means is about the same as a length of the printing form. A rotary torque means is coupled to the rotatable member to apply a substantially constant torque on the member and tension the printing form about the surface of the drum. The rotary torque means adjusts torque on the member which adjusts tension on the printing form. |
| US08397635B2 |
Image transfer mechanism
A mechanism includes an impression member having an impression surface and impression media covering a portion of the impression surface. In one embodiment, the impression media includes one or more apertures. In one embodiment, the impression media is held by an impression media holding mechanism. |
| US08397634B2 |
Anti-marking jackets comprised of fluoropolymer and methods of using in offset printing
In a printing press having a transfer cylinder for transferring a freshly printed substrate, an anti-marking device is provided. The anti-marking device comprises a flexible jacket comprised of fluoropolymer to engage the freshly printed substrate as it is transferred over the transfer cylinder, the anti-marking device removably attached with free play to the transfer cylinder. In an embodiment, a base cover is installed on the transfer cylinder between the anti-marking device and the transfer cylinder. |
| US08397632B2 |
Knotter assembly
The subject invention relates to a knotter assembly for use in a wire-tieing system. The knotter assembly includes a slidably removable twist module assembly, a ratcheted cover arm assembly, and a torque tube assembly having two operating arms that carry all of the operating components for actuating various elements of the knotter assembly. |
| US08397627B2 |
Brewing device for coffee and method for producing a coffee beverage with a brewing device
The brewing device for coffee comprises a brewing unit for the brewing of coffee, a crema valve and a coffee outlet. The brewing unit, the crema valve and the coffee outlet are connected with one another so that in the brewing unit brewed coffee can be directed through the crema valve to the coffee outlet and the crema valve is designed so that the brewed coffee can be swirled through in a crema chamber of the crema valve and a crema is created. The brewing device comprises an injection device for injecting a gas into the crema chamber and a dosing device for dosing the quantity of the gas injected into the crema chamber. With each injection of the gas, a preset quantity of the gas is injected, the preset quantity of the gas being a parameter that can be changed. |
| US08397622B2 |
Bi-directional ammunition lifter
An ammunition elevator device is provided for raising and lowering ammunition. The device includes a housing, a crank assembly, a pawl mechanism, and a transfer linkage. The housing has a chamber flanked by first and second flanges. The assembly includes a crank axle, first and second sprockets mounted to the axle for elevating the ammunition, and a ratchet gear mounted to the axle adjacent to the first flange. The pawl mechanism includes a pawl, a toggle and a pin spreader. The transfer linkage has a rotatable bar pivotably connected to the second flange, a rod that radially shifts relative to the crank axle in response to the sprockets, and a pair of rotatable joints. The ratchet gear connects to the axle adjacent the first flange, wherein the gear cyclically pivots the pawl for raising the toggle. |
| US08397617B2 |
Adapter for converting a magazine-fed firearm to use linked ammunition
An ammunition feed adapter and method of use is provided that converts a semi-automatic or fully automatic firearm from a magazine-fed firearm into a belt-fed firearm enabling the firearm to be used as a sustainable source of firepower. Modification of a soldier's standard issue automatic or semi-automatic rifle into a belt-fed firearm increases the options for strategic maneuvering of a combat unit on the field of battle by overcoming the limitations of traditional sources of sustained firepower, such as a Squad Automatic Firearm. |
| US08397616B2 |
Tube weapon
A tube weapon comprises a weapon tube arranged in an exchangeable fashion using screw thread at a breech block of the tube weapon, and a cradle tube in which the weapon tube is axially and displaceably positioned. Despite using screw thread for connecting the weapon tube with the breech end, prevention of axial, and preferably also radial play, are assured, whereby the weapon tube is removable via a cradle tube in front of the breech block. The weapon tube is pre-loaded in the stress direction, which occurs with firing stress, by a screw thread ring arranged in front at the breech block. The screw thread ring encircles the weapon tube and is preferably partially screwed in detachable fashion into the anterior end of the breech block, and efficiently supports itself, axially, with its anterior end located against a collar of the weapon tube. |
| US08397613B2 |
Adaptable launching system
A launch system for use as a standalone munition launcher or as a guest launcher within a main battery host launcher. |
| US08397612B2 |
Modular roller system
In an implementation, a roller system is provided. The roller system includes a modular frame. The frame includes a plurality of weight component attachment points. Each weight component attachment point is adapted to receive one or more weight components such that a weight of the frame and location of a center of gravity of the frame is adjusted by the addition of one or more weight components to each of the plurality of weight component attachment points. The frame further includes at least one arm assembly adapted to connect to the frame, and to apply force to a surface, wherein the force applied to the surface is proportional to the weight of the frame and the location of the center of gravity of the frame. |
| US08397606B2 |
Ratchet wrench with a reduced head
A ratchet wrench includes a connecting section between a head and a handle. The connecting section includes a vertical connecting portion integrally connected to a first side of the head. An extension extends outward from a section of an outer periphery of the head. A first compartment extends from the first side of the head through a second side of the head and rotatably receives a drive member. A second compartment is formed in a portion of the inner periphery of the first compartment aligned with the extension and receives two pawls releasably engaged with the drive member. The second compartment extends towards the extension. A first radius from the outer periphery of the head to a rotating axis defined by the head is smaller than a second radius from the extension to the rotating axis. |
| US08397605B1 |
Ratchet wrench
A ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a driving ratchet, a change-gear set, a retaining lid and a positioning rod. The driving ratchet is configured to removably engage with a tool part. In virtue of the cooperation between the change-gear set and the positioning rod, when the wrench body is turned toward a predetermined direction of the tool part, the driving ratchet can rotate in an increased speed, thereby improving the efficiency of operating the tool part. |
| US08397603B2 |
Split-torque gear box
A split torque gearbox system provides a multiple path, three stage power gear train that transmits torque from a high-speed engine to a low speed output shaft, while providing equal gear load distribution with a floating pinion in the second stage of reduction. The number of the split modules in the gearbox depends on gearbox configuration, number of high speed input shafts, and transmitted power. The split modules are located around a last stage output gear that combines power from each module and transmits the power to an output such as a main rotor system. |
| US08397600B2 |
Multi-functional feed-screw-type dovetail stage
A multi-functional feed-screw-type dovetail stage may include a male threaded rod having, on each of its ends, a coupling portion for coupling to a control knob; a first support and a second support provided on respective sides of a fixed member for rotatably supporting the male-threaded rod; and the control knob that detachably couples via its coupling portion to the male-threaded rod and serves to rotate the male-threaded rod. A slide member travels until a female-threaded cylinder engaging the fixed member abuts the first support and the second support upon moving. |
| US08397591B2 |
Method and device for controlling the quality, in particular the stiffness and the phase, of a hydro-elastic joint
A process for testing the quality, in particular the stiffness and the phase, of an elastic joint for connecting two other parts while filtering vibrations transmitted between these two other parts, said elastic joint being meant to work in axial, radial or torsional direction, disposing or not disposing of one or more hydro-elastic chambers and of two cylindrical concentric support elements, the inner support element being located to a large extend inside the volume defined by the outer support element, the two support elements being connected by a set of components made of rubber or elastomer or, if applicable, of plastic and metallic parts, wherein said support elements are themselves respectively attached to the two other parts which the elastic joint connects, wherein a technique of testing by impact is applied within the timing of the production line of the elastic joint, i.e. less than 10 seconds per cycle, for identifying good joints from bad ones through a frequential analysis of the oscillation of the impacted area of the elastic joint, characterized in that the values of the phase shift of the frequential analysis are compared with a bandwidth of permissible phase shift. |
| US08397588B2 |
Torque angle sensor and electronic power steering apparatus having the same
Disclosed is a torque angle sensor and an electronic power steering apparatus having the torque angle sensor, which includes an upper case, an upper side of which is assembled with a sensor housing, a rotor assembled with an inside of the upper case, the rotor fitted around an outer surface of the output shaft extending through the rotor and assembled with an inside of the upper case, a lower case, a lower side of which is assembled with a spacer cover, and a middle case assembled between the upper case and the lower case. The upper case includes holding parts opposed to each other and formed on an upper surface of the upper case, which is assembled with the sensor housing, and a seating spring protruding downward with inclination from an end of one of the holding parts and elastically bent when the upper case is assembled with the sensor housing. Therefore, it is possible to remove a circumferential clearance and an axial circumferential clearance during assembling of the torque angle sensor with peripheral elements and can absorb movement created by an impact, so as to effectively prevent breakage and mis-operation of the elements included in the torque angle sensor and facilitate the assembling of the electronic power steering apparatus. |
| US08397587B2 |
Paddle-type flowmeter with magnetic coupling
The invention relates to a flow monitor for monitoring the flow of flowing media, wherein a paddle projecting into the flow transfers the rotating movement of the paddle onto a display device by means of a magnetic gear comprising a plurality of individual magnets corresponding with each other. |
| US08397586B2 |
Flow sensor assembly with porous insert
The present disclosure relates generally to flow sensors, and more particularly, to methods and devices for reducing variations in fluid flow across the flow sensor for increased accuracy and/or reliability. In one illustrative embodiment, a flow sensor assembly includes a housing with an inlet flow port and an outlet flow port. The housing defines a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port, with a flow sensor positioned in the housing and exposed to the fluid channel. The flow sensor is configured to sense a measure related to the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel. A porous insert is situated in the fluid channel, sometimes upstream of the flow sensor. When so configured, and during operation of the flow sensor assembly, a fluid may pass through the inlet flow port, through the porous insert, across the flow sensor, and through the outlet flow port. The porous insert may include pores that are configured to reduce the turbulence in the fluid passing the flow sensor. |
| US08397585B2 |
Electromagnetic flow meter having liner reinforcing plate with divided ring plates
An electromagnetic flow meter provided with a resin lining portion in which resin is lined in a measuring pipe by pressure molding, including the measuring pipe to flow liquid to be measured, a lining locking frame provided in the measuring pipe composed of a cylindrical plate with openings and a plurality of divided belt-like ring plates, and the resin lining portion formed by embedding the lining locking frame. Here, in case of pressure molding the resin lining portion, the resin to be lined can be filled easily in gaps between the measuring pipe and the lining locking frame via gaps formed by a first gap provided between the inner face of the measuring pipe and the outer circumference face of the cylindrical plate with openings and second gaps of the adjacent divided belt-like ring plates in the outer circumference direction of the measuring pipe. |
| US08397580B2 |
Multi-ferroic structural health monitoring systems and methods
A method for testing a multiple layer structure is described. The method includes monitoring strains experienced by strain sensitive, magnetic particles disbursed within an adhesive between a first layer and a second layer, and analyzing any changes in the strains experienced by the particles to determine an amount of damage or degradation to the structure. |
| US08397578B2 |
Capacitive pressure sensor assembly
The disclosure is directed to a capacitive pressure sensor, and the assembly of a capacitive pressure sensor, that may be used within an implantable medical pump. In one example, a housing ferrule that encloses one capacitive plate and includes at least one protrusion for attaching a support structure of the capacitive plate. The at least one protrusion defines a smaller inner diameter as a reference point for securing the support structure while the ferrule provides a larger inner diameter to allow the support structure to tilt inside the ferrule to orient the capacitive plate into a desired plane. Despite manufacturing irregularities, the capacitive plate can be mounted in the desired plane parallel to another capacitive plate, a diaphragm, mounted to an edge of the ferrule. In another example, an assembly tool provides a stage to orient the capacitive plate and support structure within the ferrule at a desired depth. |
| US08397577B2 |
Rolling diaphragm pressure sensor
A system for measuring and indicating pressure that uses as its pressure sensing element an outer resilient tube, an inner resilient tube, and a rolling diaphragm connecting the inner and outer tubes, and held inside a protective enshrouding structure where pressure applied to the annulus between the tubes causes the diaphragm to deform and roll to axial extend the outer tube by an amount proportional to the applied pressure. The structure has features that enable visual correlation of the partially rolled tube's unrolled state with the applied pressure. The system can be incorporated into a syringe to create a pressure measuring syringe for inflating endotracheal cuffs while providing a reading of the cuff pressure. |
| US08397572B2 |
Acoustic emission toughness testing for PDC, PCBN, or other hard or superhard materials
An acoustic emissions testing device includes a rock sample including a first surface, an acoustic sensor, an indenter coupled to the first surface, and a load. The load is exerted on the indenter, which transfers the load to the first surface. The acoustic sensor is communicably coupled to the rock sample and detects one or more acoustic events occurring within the rock sample. An acoustic emissions testing system includes a data recorder coupled to the testing device. The data recorder records the data from testing device. Based upon the data received, the toughness of the sample is objectively determined and can be ranked comparatively to the toughness of other samples. The load is ramped up to a peak load, held for a period of time, and then ramped down. |
| US08397568B2 |
Bias measurement for MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers
A system and method for separating bias instability of MEMS inertial instruments such as gyroscopes or accelerometers from the instrument signal, in which the inertial measurement instrument has an input axis and an output signal, and the bias instability has a frequency. The instrument is rotated about a rotation axis that is orthogonal to the input axis, at a frequency that is greater than the bias instability frequency. The instrument output signal is detected, and demodulated with a phase-sensitive detection method referenced to the instrument rotation. |
| US08397567B2 |
Dual clutch transmission of reduced axial length and method of controlling this dual clutch transmission
A dual clutch transmission comprising a first partial transmission and a second partial transmission is provided. A first group of forward gears is allocated to the first partial transmission, a second group of forward gears is allocated to the second partial transmission, each one of the forward gears comprises a particular transmission ratio, two adjacent forward gears comprise adjacent transmission ratios with no transmission ratio of any other forward gear in between, and at least two adjacent forward gears are allocated to the second partial transmission. Further, such a control method for controlling the dual clutch transmission is provided that a torque transmitting gap is closed when gear shifting between the aforementioned two adjacent gears. |
| US08397566B2 |
Apparatus for transferring high-frequency signals comprising overlapping coupling regions that are serially connected
An apparatus for the transfer of broadband, high-frequency signals of a center wavelength (λc), including a conductor structure, which includes at least one signal path and two reference paths arranged symmetrically to the signal path. Together the conductor structure and the two reference paths form a coplanar line, with the conductor structure being arranged on two oppositely lying sides of at least one dielectric substrate layer of a predetermined thickness in such a manner that the conductor structure overlaps in predetermined coupling regions, whereby the coupling region of the conductor structure transfers the high-frequency signals by an electromagnetic coupling, wherein the thickness of the substrate layer (18) is smaller than λc/4, and wherein multiple electromagnetic couplings are arranged serially one after the other. The apparatus enables a galvanic isolation having good transfer properties in the case of frequencies greater than 6 GHz. |
| US08397563B2 |
Aeronautical probe with integrated heater
The invention relates to an aeronautical probe designed to be mounted on the skin of an aircraft and comprising a probe body protruding from the skin of the aircraft and a heater for de-icing an external surface of the probe body. According to the invention, the heater comprises two self-supporting electrodes and heating resistive elements. Each electrode is formed of an electrically insulating substrate and of an electrically active portion forming one face of the electrode in question. Each resistive element is in contact with the faces of the electrodes. The notable advantages of the invention are that it makes it possible to reduce the operating temperature of the resistive elements and the phenomena of fatigue in the mechanical link between the electrodes and the resistive elements due to different expansion coefficients. |
| US08397561B2 |
Downhole sensor systems and methods thereof
A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system. |
| US08397555B1 |
Scanning probe devices
The present invention is directed to scanning probes in which a cantilever contacts a stylus via an integrated stylus base pad, and methods for fabricating such probes. The probe offer many advantages over other types of scanning probes with respect to eliminating the need for a soft, reflective coating in some applications and providing for the simple fabrication of sharp stylus tips, flexibility with respect to functionalizing the tip, and minimal thermal drift due to reduced bimorph effect. The advantage of these features facilitates the acquisition of high resolution images of samples in general, and particularly in liquids. |
| US08397551B2 |
Passive blast pressure sensor
A passive blast pressure sensor for detecting blast overpressures of at least a predetermined minimum threshold pressure. The blast pressure sensor includes a piston-cylinder arrangement with one end of the piston having a detection surface exposed to a blast event monitored medium through one end of the cylinder and the other end of the piston having a striker surface positioned to impact a contact stress sensitive film that is positioned against a strike surface of a rigid body, such as a backing plate. The contact stress sensitive film is of a type which changes color in response to at least a predetermined minimum contact stress which is defined as a product of the predetermined minimum threshold pressure and an amplification factor of the piston. In this manner, a color change in the film arising from impact of the piston accelerated by a blast event provides visual indication that a blast overpressure encountered from the blast event was not less than the predetermined minimum threshold pressure. |
| US08397544B2 |
Household cleaning appliance with a single water flow path for both non-bulk and bulk dispensing
An apparatus with a single water flow path suitable for a household cleaning appliance having both a non-bulk dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system. |
| US08397538B2 |
Apparatus and method for drawing a ribbon of glass
Apparatus and method for balancing the mass flow rate of molten glass flowing over a forming body to form a glass ribbon. The apparatus comprises upper and lower transition members that surround the glass ribbon as the glass ribbon is drawn from the forming body. The upper and lower transition members are independently moveable, and separated by a gap less than 8 cm across. The narrow gap minimizes disruption to the thermal environment contained within the upper and lower transition members, and is positioned a sufficient distance above the setting zone of the ribbon to minimize any influence on the dimensional consistency of the ribbon. |
| US08397537B2 |
Method for local reversible glass swelling
A method of forming, on the surface of a glass material, a raised feature having a height within a target range, comprising (1) providing a glass material having a surface, (2) providing the glass material locally, at a location at or below the surface, with an amount of energy causing local expansion of the glass material so as to raise a feature on the surface at the location, (3) detecting the height of the raised feature or the height over time of the raised feature, (4) (a) if the height is below or approaching a value below the target range, providing the glass material at the location with energy in a greater amount, or (b) if the height is above or approaching a value above the target range, providing the glass material at the location with energy in a lesser amount, and (5) repeating steps (3) and (4) as needed to bring the height within the target range. Methods and devices for automating this process are also disclosed. |
| US08397535B2 |
Method and apparatus for pressurized product production
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a pressurized product stream product by cryogenic rectification. A main heat exchanger, used in the cryogenic rectification, warms a pumped product stream composed of oxygen-rich or nitrogen-rich liquid and thereby produces the pressurized product stream. Layers of the main heat exchanger are designed such that a reduction in the heat transfer area provided within the main heat exchanger for warming the pumped product stream occurs at a location at which the temperature of the pumped product stream exceeds either the critical or a dew point temperature of such stream. The reduction in heat transfer area leaves regions of the layers able to heat or cool another stream that is used in connection with the cryogenic rectification. Such other stream can be a refrigerant stream that allows the introduction of additional refrigeration to increase production of liquid products. |
| US08397533B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is disclosed which enables the user to easily take ice out of an ice maker without causing a variation in the capacity of the refrigerator or a limitation on the position of a freezing compartment. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body which includes a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, an ice making compartment which is arranged in the refrigerating compartment, to make ice, a heat exchanger which generates cold air for freezing food stored in the freezing compartment, and a cold air guiding device which guides the cold air generated by the heat exchanger to the ice making compartment, to enable the ice making compartment to make ice. |
| US08397525B2 |
Device for controlling a condensate lift pump, and corresponding capacitive detector and system
The invention relates to a device for controlling a condensate lift pump, comprising a means for detecting at least two condensate levels in a container, and a means for activating and for stopping the pump according to the levels, in which the detection means comprises a capacitive detector comprising at least three electrodes: a ground electrode; a first level detection electrode; and a second level detection electrode, and a processing means comprising a means for measuring the capacitance between the electrodes. According to the invention, the lengths of the first level detection electrode and second level detection electrode are defined so as to come into contact with the condensates, when the condensates respectively reach the first level and the second level in the container; these electrodes are produced on distinct supports not having a submergible physical continuity between them. |
| US08397522B2 |
Integrated dehumidification system
A dynamic system controls indoor relative humidity and temperature to achieve specified conditions by applying multiple stages of dehumidification. In addition to a stage that increases dehumidification by reducing the speed of the indoor blower, the system uses a reheat coil and multiple valves that allow the reheat coil to function as either a subcooling coil or a partial condenser. Thus the system can maintain specified indoor temperature and humidity conditions even at times when no heating or cooling is needed. The system may have an outdoor condensing unit including a compressor and a condenser operably connected via refrigerant lines to an indoor unit to form a “split system” refrigerant loop. |
| US08397521B2 |
Supercooling recognition method and supercooling apparatus
The present invention relates to a supercooling recognition method and a supercooling apparatus which can rapidly and precisely judge whether a stored object is maintained in a supercooled state on the basis of a temperature thereof. A supercooling recognition method according to the present invention includes the steps of: cooling a stored object to below a temperature of a maximum ice crystal formation zone thereof; and judging whether the stored object is maintained in a supercooled state on the basis of a temperature thereof during the cooling step. |
| US08397515B2 |
Fuel nozzle flashback detection
A combustor of a turbine engine having a combustion zone defined therein is provided and includes a fuel nozzle, including two or more burners, each of the burners having a passage defined therein through which combustible materials are permitted to travel toward the combustion zone, a plurality of sensors disposed in relative association with each of the burners to respectively sense static pressures within the passages of each of the burners and to respectively issue sensed static pressure signals accordingly, and a controller, coupled to the sensors and receptive of the signals, which is configured to determine from an analysis of the signals whether any of the burners are associated with a flashback risk and to mitigate the flashback risk in accordance with the determination. |
| US08397509B2 |
Catalytic engine
A catalytic engine comprises a catalytic reformer and a turbine, and it employs the process steps of introducing a reactant mixture of fuel, air, water and recycled exhaust gas into a reaction zone, reacting said fuel mixture over oxidation catalysts in the reaction zone by adjusting the CO2/C, H2O/C, O2/C ratios and the % fuel of the reactant mixture to maintain the reactor at a temperature between 150-1100° C. and a pressure between 1 to 100 atmosphere, and feeding said refromate stream from said reaction zone to drive a downstream turbine, a turbocharger or any kind of gas turbine. This catalytic engine can be connected to an electrical generator to become a stationary or mobile power station, which can be used in transportation, industrial, utility and household applications. |
| US08397507B2 |
Active brake booster system
A brake booster system for a motor vehicle of a type having an internal combustion engine without a conventional throttle-type valve in an intake manifold for engine output control. In accordance with the present invention, a throttleless-type IC engine of the above described type is modified to include a valve which can periodically close or obstruct the path of intake air to the IC engine to generate intake manifold vacuum to provide a needed pressure differential for brake booster operation. The system includes a pressure transducer which controls operation of the valve to provide the desired control of engine brake booster vacuum. |
| US08397502B2 |
Automotive air blowers
An automotive air blower, in particular a supercharger, includes an air pump, such as an air impeller connected to the output shaft of a transmission system, the input shaft of which is connected, in use, to the engine of a motor vehicle. The input and output shafts are connected to respective branches of a three-branch epicyclic differential gearset. The third branch of the gearset and the input shaft are connected to the rotor of respective electrical machines, the electrical connections of the stators of which machines are connected together via a controller arranged to control the flow of electric power between them. |
| US08397501B2 |
Automotive air blower
An automotive air blower includes an air pump (14) connected to the output shaft of a transmission system, whose input shaft is connected, in use, to the engine (16) of a motor vehicle. The input and output shafts are connected to the ring gear (10) and sun gear (13), respectively, of a three-branch epicyclic differential gearset. The planet carrier (12) of the gearset is connected to the rotor (2) of an electric motor/generator and the input shaft is connected to the rotor of an electrical machine (1), which constitutes at least a generator. The electrical connections of the stators of the two machines are connected together via a controller arranged to control the flow of electrical power between them. A selectively engageable mechanical connection (15) is provided between two of the branches of the gearset and arranged to connect the two branches together such that the gearset will rotate as a single unit. |
| US08397497B2 |
System for multiple harnessing and complemented conversion of energy from sea waves
System for multiple harnessing and complemented conversion of energy from sea waves, which includes a structure of vertical guides (12) along which a floating body (1) moves, and a first submerged tank (2) of captive gas (3), held up by said floating body (1), characterized in that it includes a second submerged tank (5) with captive gas (3), attached to said floating body (1), with said first tank (2) and second tank (5) being connected to each other, in such a way that they exchange their respective volumes of gas (3) due to the effect of changes of pressure of water column (4) caused by the waves. Improves the energy harnessing performance of the system. |
| US08397496B2 |
Buoyancy engine using a segmented chain
In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and system for a buoyancy engine is presented. In an exemplary embodiment, the buoyancy engine includes a divider to separate a liquid environment from a gas environment, and a reservoir aperture in the divider. A rotating element, approximately opposite the reservoir aperture, provides tension to, and helps rotate, a segmented chain. The segmented chain is configured to form a solid inner surface when transitioning between the liquid and gas environments, but separate during vertical travel. As the segmented chain travels between the liquid and gas environments, a rotary motion is created which can be captured as electrical or mechanical energy. |
| US08397495B2 |
Exhaust gas additive/treatment system and mixer for use therein
An exhaust mixer (16) is provided for use in an engine exhaust system (10) downstream from an additive injector (14). The mixer (16) includes eight vanes (20), with four of the vanes (20A) extending from a first side (22) of the mixer (16) and arranged in an equally spaced circumferential array around a central axis (24), and the other four of the vanes (20B) extending from an opposite side (26) of the mixer (16) and arranged opposite from the other four vanes (20A) in an equally spaced circumferential array. |
| US08397493B1 |
Method for recovering waste heat from exhaust
One or more methods for recovering waste heat from a combustion system performing a first operation and a second operation with the waste heat are provided herein. The method can include providing exhaust from a combustion system performing the first operation to an inner housing of a heat recovery silencer. Heat can be transferred from the exhaust to a heat transfer fluid in a heat recovery flow path to form a heated heat transfer fluid. The heat recovery flow path can be formed between the inner housing and an outer housing of the heat recovery silencer to form a heated heat transfer fluid. |
| US08397491B2 |
Device for introducing a liquid reducing agent into an exhaust gas of a combustion system
A device (4) for introducing a liquid reducing agent (5) into an exhaust gas (6) of a combustion system (2) has a reservoir (20), a discharge element (23) for discharging the liquid reducing agent (5) into the exhaust gas (6), a feed line (22), interposed between the reservoir (20) and the discharge element (23), a delivery element (26) arranged in the feed line (22) for delivering the liquid reducing agent (5) in a direction of delivery (29) from the reservoir (20) to the discharge element (23). The feed line (22) is associated with a controllable venting element (34) upstream of the delivery element (26), the discharge element (23) is connected to the reservoir (20) via a return line (32) and a controllable shut-off element (36) is arranged in the return line (32). |
| US08397490B2 |
System and method for controlling a catalyst temperature in an HCCI combustion engine
A method and system for controlling an engine includes a homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode control module that operates an engine in HCCI mode and a condition monitor module that monitors operating conditions of the engine. The control module also includes a condition predictor module that generates a first predicted condition of a catalyst in response to the operating conditions of the engine. A comparison module compares the first predicted condition to a first threshold. A spark injection mode control module operates the engine in a spark injection mode in response to comparing. |
| US08397487B2 |
Environmental control system supply precooler bypass
A precooler for cooling compressor bleed air for an environmental control system includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with a source of cooling air and operable for cooling the bleed air. A variable bypass valve between a bleed air source and environmental control system is operable for bypassing at least a portion of the compressor bleed air around the heat exchanger. The cooling air may be a portion of fan air modulated by a variable fan air valve. The bleed air source may be selectable between the low pressure bleed air source and a high pressure bleed air source. One method includes flowing the compressor bleed air from a single low pressure source only and increasing thrust sufficiently to meet a minimum level of pressure of the bleed air during one engine out aircraft operating condition during approach or loitering. |
| US08397480B2 |
Energy guiding chain
The invention relates to an energy guiding chain for guiding cables, hoses and the like with a number of tubular chain links (1) connected together in an articulated manner and designed so that the surface of the top panels (5), bottom panels (2) and at least the transition areas (11) of these panels and the side panels (3, 4) are convexly curved in the circumferential direction of the tubular chain links (1), said chain links each having a bottom panel (5), comprising thereon laterally adjoining, opposite side panels (3, 4) and a top panel (5), whereupon the top panel (5) is detachably connected to the side panels (3, 4), the side panels (3, 4) in each case having a joint pin (6) and a joint opening (7) to connect flexibly, the pivoting angle of both directions of pivot being limited by stops (8) and the top panels (5), side panels (3, 4) and bottom panels (2); of adjacent chain links (1) overlapping telescopically over the entire pivoting angle. |
| US08397477B2 |
Dally post with removable cap and sleeveless dally device
A saddle horn assembly attached to the tree of a saddle in lieu of a conventional saddle horn consisting of a post of rectangular prismatic configuration with a receiving chamber for insertion of a quick release locking pin, a cap with a quick release locking pin attached to and protruding from the bottom thereof that allows the cap to be detached and reattached to the post within seconds, and a dally traction device with a central void of complimentary dimensions to the post, having a hyperboloid external configuration and being symmetrical in both the horizontal and vertical planes such that the device may be rotated and/or inverted about the post so that it may be quickly and easily manipulated to numerous positions to generate even wear about the exterior, thus increasing the longevity of the device and improving the safety and effectiveness of dallying. |
| US08397469B2 |
Energy absorbing element for wall openings and methods of use therefor
Provided is an energy absorber for use in an opening of a wall of a building, the opening defined by a perimeter surface, the wall supporting a closure substantially filling the opening, the closure having respective edges which are substantially parallel to the perimeter surface of the opening. The energy absorber having a planar wall connecting portion, a planar closure connecting portion and a plastically deformable deforming surface therebetween. The connecting portions being substantially parallel to one another and, the deforming surface adapted to absorb, by plastic deformation, a force applied to the closure. |
| US08397468B2 |
Safety reinforced light transmitting panel assembly
A light-transmitting roof panel assembly, having the same shape as adjoining metal roof panels in a standing seam metal roof, includes an outer transparent panel made of a polymeric material and an inner reinforcing panel made of perforated metal. The inner and outer panels nest together and lie flush with the roof. Crimpable side corrugation pieces are attached to the reinforcing panel so that the assembly can be connected to neighboring roof panels by seaming. |
| US08397466B2 |
Tile with multiple-level surface
A grid-top floor tile for outdoor use includes a polymer tile having a grid-type top surface with multiple levels, such as a bi-level surface having an upper lattice and a lower lattice oriented generally transverse to the upper lattice. The multiple levels of the surface are preferably integrally formed with one another and provide drainage gaps therethrough. In a bi-level surface configuration, the lower lattice has a top surface below a top surface of the upper lattice, so as to draw residual moisture below the top surface of the upper lattice. The tile further includes a support structure, configured to support the tile on a support surface and provide drainage pathways beneath the top surface. The tile still further comprises various reinforcement members on each of the loop and pin connectors used to interlock the tiles when forming a flooring assembly. |
| US08397464B2 |
Middle pour anchor bolt holder
A connection between an anchor bolt and an anchor bolt holder that is economically efficient to produce and simple to use. This object is achieved by forming the anchor bolt holder from sheet metal and shaping the anchor bolt holder so that it can be formed on an automated die with a minimum of unused material. |
| US08397463B2 |
3-dimensional universal tube connector system
The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive. |
| US08397461B2 |
Snap fit pultrusion for housing elements
The invention provides snap fit pultrusion housing elements for joining structurally insulated panels suitable for housing and shelter construction. The housing elements include a pultruded panel body member having at least one edge, and a pultruded snap lock fitting on the edge adapted for fastenerless engagement with a complementary fitting on an adjacent panel body member. |
| US08397460B2 |
Roofing shingle
The present invention provides a roof shingle comprising a shingle with at least one layer having a head lap and a butt, the head lap including at least one alignment notch and the butt including at least one corner that corresponds to the alignment notch. Also, the present invention provides a roofing shingle comprising at least one layer formed from a cutting cylinder having a circumference that is a fraction of said roofing shingle length. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the inventive shingles and a method for installing the inventive shingles upon a roofing area. |
| US08397458B2 |
Bracket useful with sloped suspended ceiling systems
The invention provides a bracket and method of its use for adapting standard wall angle trim for use in sloped ceiling construction. The disclosed bracket arrangement can be used for the top edge or bottom edge of a sloped ceiling and be adjusted to match the angle of any practical ceiling slope. In disclosed embodiments, the bracket has the form of a rectangular flat steel sheet. The sheet has a hinge or bend line running lengthwise in its mid-area. The bend line is made by cutting the sheet intermittently along its length and thereby dividing the sheet into two sections. The cuts may be made, for example, by punching elongated slots along the bend line in a blank being formed into the bracket. Also punched into the bracket blank are a plurality of holes distributed lengthwise on marginal areas of the two sections of the blank. |
| US08397456B2 |
Panel with a sound insulation layer and production method
The invention relates to a method for applying to a flooring panel a layer designed to reduce the footfall sound on the floor, and a panel of this kind. With the prior art, it is disadvantageous that the sound-insulation layer is glued onto the laminate panel in a subsequent manufacturing stage. Accordingly, the panel is initially manufactured by pressing with the associated gluing of layers and/or papers. The sound-insulation layer is glued in place in a subsequent operational stage. PVA-glues, thermoplastics or wood glues may be used, for example, to attach the sound-insulation layer. In the manufacture of a panel with a carrier board, decorative paper, counteracting paper and/or a wood veneer, an additional layer, preferably in the form of a sheet or a roll, is provided. The material of this roll or sheet product is designed to provide the desired sound-insulation properties as described above and/or provides these properties when a panel is being walked over. The roll or sheet product is placed in a press and pressed together with the other components at a temperature of at least 100° C. |
| US08397453B2 |
Moisture impermeable fire-barriers
An example of a pre-assembled, moisture, water, and gas impermeable fire-barrier system for use in expansion-joint spaces includes a fire-barrier having a layer of outermost protective cloth layer overlain by an insulation blanket overlain by stainless steel foil, overlain by a second insulation blanket, overlain by a limited layer of intumescent material, overlain by impermeable silicon coated cloth to completely or partially surround all of the other layers of the barrier. If desired, a first attachment apparatus for attaching a first long edge of the fire-barrier to a building unit and a second attachment apparatus for attaching the opposing second long edge to an opposing spaced building unit may be fixedly attached to the barrier. The barrier system may be fitted with a drain aperture and a drainage hose emanating from the aperture, the hose protected from the heat of a fire. |
| US08397452B2 |
Firestopping bushing
A relatively inexpensive bushing easily installed extending through walls, particularly, gypsum board membrane walls for providing firestopping around a limited number of linear penetrating members such as cables or wires. This grommet construction includes first and second half sections for facilitating attachment around cables more easily. A split internal seal preferably of resilient foam material is positioned within a split mechanical shell which facilitates placing of the bushing around penetrating members prior to placement thereof through walls or after positioned thereof penetrating through a panel such as wallboard. A split mechanical shell with a two-piece foam insert retained within a bore extending therethrough can be formed as two separable half cylindrical shells. Barbs are included on the outer portion of the shell to facilitate mounting thereof. The foam firestopping seal portion can be intumescent. |
| US08397449B2 |
Double window having ventilation function
The present invention relates to a double layered window having indoor and outdoor windows. There is provided a double layered window in which a ventilation device or a ventilation hole is formed in window frame to control temperature and moisture of an intermediate layer, thereby preventing dew condensation, and in a case where the double layered window is installed to an outer wall of a high-story building, the intermediate layer between the indoor and outdoor windows is used as an air pressure buffering space, thereby preventing a problem caused by an air pressure difference. |
| US08397447B2 |
Roof truss compatible for solar panels
A roof truss compatible for solar energy panels, and a method for installing the roof trusses, incorporates a non-structural top chord that may have a removable portion removed and replaced by a solar assembly. The truss is structurally designed to support the solar assembly without the presence of the non-structural top chord. A desired length of the non-structural top chord may be omitted or removed during manufacture of the truss, or may be removed at a future time for installation of solar panel assemblies. A solar assembly for inserting into the solar roof truss may include a panel enclosure which has a channel for holding a solar panel, where the panel is installed approximately flush with the roof line. The panel enclosure may have an air space underneath the solar panel, to allow for cooling air flow and water drainage. |
| US08397446B2 |
Composite roofing or other surfacing board, method of making and using and roof made thereby
A composite roofing board is provided, including a layer of bituminous core material having pieces or particles of shingles, rolled roofing, etc. that have been broken-up or comminuted therein, with the core material having layers of mat material on opposite surfaces thereof, also in layers, and with an adhesive applied to an outer surface of one of the layers of mat material, with a peelable and removable release liner layer covering the adhesive. The various layers are provided as a sandwich, to make the composite board. A plurality of composite boards may be applied to a roof deck or other roof structure, and they can be butt-joined and taped together with a joint tape. The method of making the composite board can be continuous. |
| US08397439B2 |
Panel
The present invention relates to a panel (20) for use in the assembly of a modular hot work habitat (10) so as to form an enclosure to facilitate hot working. The panels (20) comprise a first layer of flexible structural material (22), and a second layer of flexible fireproof material (24) fixed to the structural layer. A habitat (10) comprising a plurality of interconnected panels (20) is described. |
| US08397438B2 |
Flashing boots for roof penetrations
Flashing systems for use with metal and non-metal roof systems are provided having a generally planar lead base defining an aperture, a generally cylindrical structure attached to the base in surrounding relation with the aperture and projecting upward therefrom, and an adhesive sealing membrane attached to the bottom of the base for connecting the flashing to a roof. A flexible plastic downspout allows flashing system to adapt to various roof slope and roof penetration configurations. The downspout may be include a plurality of diametrically reducing stepped sections such that the installing technician is able to simply cut the stepped plastic downspout to the size that will accommodate the roof penetration pipe. |
| US08397437B2 |
Method for installing the guide rails of an elevator and system for installing the guide rails of an elevator
Method and system for installing the guide rails (1, 2), such as the car guide rails and/or counterweight guide rails, in an elevator shaft (3). The guide rails are installed by assembly in phases starting from the bottom (4) of the elevator shaft by placing one on top of the other guide rail sections (51, 52; 61, 62; 71, 72 . . . ) that are shorter than the whole length of the guide rail and by aligning the guide rail sections perpendicularly by means of the laser beam produced by a direction laser (8). The direction laser (8) is moved upwards along with progressive assembly of the guide rail. As assembly progresses the direction laser (8) is supported in the proximity of the top end of the topmost vertically aligned guide rail section at the time for aligning the next guide rail section to be installed in the vertical direction. These phases are repeated until the entire guide rail is assembled. The system comprises an alignment appliance (12), which can be supported against a guide rail section and fixed to it by means of a permanent magnet (20). In addition the alignment appliance contains an aligning element (13), at which the laser beam produced by the direction laser can be directed. |
| US08397423B2 |
Sight mount for antique rifles
A sight mount for mounting an optical sight to the tang of an antique rifle or replica without undesirable modification to the rifle is provided. The sight mount includes a tang mount porting having first and second tang mounting openings positioned to cooperate with spaced fasteners extending through a top side of the tang of the rifle, a scope mount portion configured to detachably receive in a mounting relation thereto a sight and position the sight at a spaced location above and generally parallel to the barrel of the rifle when the tang mount portion is mounted to the tang of the rifle, and a vertical plate portion joining together said tang mount portion and said scope mount portion. |
| US08397422B2 |
Gun sight adjustment device
A device for adjusting a gun sight disposed in a dovetail groove on a gun slide is presented. The device includes a pushing member and a pressure plate both moveable in a first direction and an opposing second direction. The device further comprises a bracing member opposing the pressure plate, where the bracing member is stationary, and a seating member disposed between the pressure plate and bracing member, where the seating member opposes the pushing member, and where the seating member is movable in a third direction and an opposing fourth direction. When the gun slide is secured between the bracing member and the pressure plate, moving the pushing member adjusts the position of the gun sight. |
| US08397420B2 |
Rifle scope with adjustment stop
Rifle scopes with adjustment stops include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, and a turret having a screw operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw. The turret has a stop element selectably engaged to the screw. The body defines a stop surface positioned for engagement by the turret stop element to limit rotation of the screw, such that the relative position at which the stop element is secured to the screw defines a zero position of the screw and the movable optical element. The stop element is held against the stop surface by an indexing portion while the relative position at which the stop element is secured to the screw to define the zero position is determined. |
| US08397419B2 |
Rotatable mount for integrated rail system and method for using same
An accessory support for a firearm having a longitudinal barrel, the accessory support comprising an annular body attachable to the barrel or to a rail on the barrel and including an inner surface wherein a portion of the inner surface includes a curved surface, an accessory mounting structure coupled to the annular body for receiving an accessory to the firearm, and a coupling mechanism attached to the annular body to fixedly attach the accessory support to the firearm or rail, wherein the curved surface includes a circumferentially-extending curved recess having opposing lateral surfaces for engaging mating protrusions of a rail mounted on the firearm barrel. |
| US08397418B2 |
System for providing electrical power to accessories mounted on the powered
A firearm may have a plurality of power-consuming accessories that can be attached to the weapon. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of their batteries, the Weapon Accessory Power Distribution System provides a common power source to power the power-consuming accessories attached to the weapon. One or more powered rails are provided to provide a point of electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories, absent the use of connectors with their tethering cables, which are susceptible to entanglement. The powered rail(s) are electrically interconnected with a power source, which typically is a battery mounted in the butt stock of the weapon. |
| US08397416B2 |
Multi-caliber bolt-action rifle and components
A multi-caliber firearm has a breech sleeve connecting a barrel to a receiver and a stock. The stock includes a forward V-block and a rearward V-block. Each of the V-blocks defines a V-cut along a top portion and a through hole substantially aligned with the cross-sectional center of the V-block. The forward V-block extends through a cutout portion of the receiver and into the breech sleeve. The breech sleeve is fastened to the stock through the through hole in the forward V-block to provide a rigid connection between the stock and the breech sleeve. The receiver is fastened to the stock through the through hole in the rearward V-block to provide a rigid connection between the receiver and the stock. |
| US08397414B2 |
Buttstock pre-adjustment block
The invention presented here is an add-in part designed for the M4 and similar commercial AR-15 rifle variants or any other weapon using an adjustable multi position receiver extension based on the M4 pattern. Its purpose is to be installed in the longitudinal adjustment slot of the receiver extension tube limiting the buttstock's maximum extension travel to a preselected position. |
| US08397410B1 |
Integrated tabbed note with binder clip
A tabbed note includes a note sheet having an opening and at least two slits and a binder clip. Both slits extend to touch the opening. One slit extends to touch an edge of the note. A binder clip is inserted into one of the slits and positioned to block the opening from a front view of the tabbed note. |
| US08397409B2 |
Computer system, method and system for controlling light
A method for controlling a light is provided. The method is suitable for a computer system. The method includes interrupting an original service of the light and obtaining the authority to control the light. The method also includes controlling the operation of the light according to a current status of the computer system. |
| US08397408B2 |
Sign display assemblies
Sign display devices are described herein. The sign display devices comprise panel assemblies for attaching to beams and attachment assemblies for attaching to signs. The panel assemblies include a front panel, two side panels, and, optionally, rear panels. The attachment assemblies include various combinations of clip assemblies, C-channel assemblies, and extension assemblies. The display device can be used to display signs in retail establishments to advertise the goods situated on shelving units. |
| US08397402B2 |
Shoe having levered cushioning system
The present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a cushioning system comprising a lower sole element and an upper sole element. The cushioning system further comprises at least one lever having at least two arms where an angle α between the arms lies within the range 0°<α<180°. The first arm is connected to a deformation element and the second arm is connected to one of the two sole elements, wherein the lever is pivotably arranged at the other sole element. |
| US08397398B2 |
Template for centering rollers at the foot of an ingot mold
A template for centering the rollers at the foot of an ingot mold which allows a quick and accurate centering of said rollers, regardless of the operator's skill and experience. There is also described a corresponding method for centering the rollers at the foot of an ingot mold. |
| US08397396B2 |
Quilting template and ruler
A combined template and ruler for use in quilting is formed from a rigid plastic material and includes a plurality of spaced slots that correspond to cutting and sewing lines that are marked on layers of fabric using the template. The cutting and sewing lines are positioned such that a plurality of half square triangles of two ply material are formed without cutting the thread. A template and method of forming snowball blocks in a similar fashion is also disclosed. |
| US08397392B2 |
Marking and/or leveling device
The invention relates to a marking and/or leveling device (1) comprising a light source (4) disposed on a pendulum (3) that can pivot relative to a housing (2). According to the invention, means are provided for accelerating (9) the pendulum (3) and/or a pendulum bearing (8) in a pulsing manner. |
| US08397390B2 |
Debris removal system for a power tool
A powered hand tool includes a handle portion arranged to provide a grip point for a user, a motor, a cutting member drivable to cut a workpiece, and a drive system interconnecting the motor and the cutting member and operable to drive the cutting member in response to operation of the motor. A housing at least partially encloses the cutting member and the motor and a debris removal system is movable between a first position and a second position. The debris removal system is operable to clean a portion of the drive system when in the second position. |
| US08397386B2 |
Valve assembly having a unitary valve sleeve
A valve assembly preferably including a housing having a recess and a flange face and a valve sleeve disposed within the recess. The sleeve preferably includes an annulus having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a passageway about a central axis, the outer and inner surfaces being radially spaced from one another to define a wall. The wall has a first end portion and a second end portion axially spaced from the first end portion, and homogenous material properties from the first end portion to the second end portion. Preferably, the first end portion defines a lip for supporting the annulus in the recess and further defines a first chamber that encases at least a portion of a first support member. The second end portion preferably defines a flange portion along the outer surface for engaging the flange and further defines a second chamber that encases at least a portion of a second support member. |
| US08397385B2 |
Method of configuring hollow helical wheels and their cages
Method for configuring the constituent elements of hollow helical wheels or their cages, which is based on using geometrical figures whose centers serve as reference for constructing them and defining their areas. Values of angles, offsets of the centers, and pitches, make it possible to control all the constituent elements. |
| US08397383B2 |
Annular gas turbine engine case and method of manufacturing
The method is used for making an annular gas turbine engine case from a preform. The method comprises comprising flowforming at least one section of the preform, and then outwardly bending at least one portion of the perform. |
| US08397380B2 |
Controlling warpage in BGA components in a re-flow process
A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit package includes providing a ball grid array (BGA) module including BGA balls on a side of the BGA module; providing a base substrate; and placing the BGA module on the base substrate. The BGA balls are placed between the BGA module and the base substrate. An adhesive is applied between and contacting the BGA module and the base substrate. The adhesive is then cured. The BGA balls are re-flowed after the step of curing the adhesive. |
| US08397378B2 |
Manufacturing an insulating sheet, a copper clad laminate, and a printed circuit board
A method of manufacturing an insulating sheet, a method of manufacturing a copper clad laminate, and a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board, as well as a printed circuit board manufactured using these methods are disclosed. The method of manufacturing an insulating sheet can include: forming a thermoplastic reinforcement material, which includes fibers secured by a thermoplastic polymer binder, and in which pores are formed; forming a thermoplastic resin layer such that the thermoplastic reinforcement material is impregnated with a thermoplastic resin; and hot pressing the thermoplastic reinforcement material and the thermoplastic resin layer. This method can be utilized to manufacture an insulating sheet, which has a low rate of moisture absorption and superb electrical properties, including a low dielectric constant (Dk) and low dielectric loss (Df), and in which the fibers can readily be impregnated with the resin. |
| US08397376B2 |
System for automated production processing of smart cards
A smart card processing system for processing a plurality of smart card portions on a smart card panel substantially simultaneously. The system may include a transfer member for moving card panels. Smart card panels may be loaded into an input magazine capable of elevating the panels with respect to a processing station. A transfer member may transport smart card panels from the input magazine to the processing station wherein one or more pre-personalization operations may be conducted. The transfer member may also be operative to move the smart card panels from the processing station to a marking station such that defective smart portions may be marked. The transfer may also move panels from the marking station to an output magazine. The output magazine may lower the smart card panels with respect to the marking station to accommodate more initiated smart card panels. |
| US08397372B2 |
Electrode winding apparatus
An electrode winding apparatus and method of detecting displacement between a strip-shaped electrode and a strip-shaped separator when stacking and winding the strip-shaped electrode and the strip-shaped separator is described. A winding shaft is configured to wind the strip-shaped electrode and the strip-shaped separator, and a guide member is configured to stack the strip-shaped electrode and the strip-shaped separator before the strip-shaped electrode and the strip-shaped separator are wound around the winding shaft. An imaging device is disposed so as to photograph a portion in which the strip-shaped electrode and the strip-shaped separator are stacked between the guide member and the winding shaft from a side on which the strip-shaped separator is stacked. The imaging device is configured to photograph the strip-shaped separator and the strip-shaped electrode through the strip-shaped separator. |
| US08397368B2 |
Method of manufacturing stator for electric rotating machine
A method of manufacturing a stator includes the steps of: (1) forming substantially planar electric wires each of which includes in-slot portions to be received in slots of a stator core and turn portions to be located outside the slots to connect adjacent pairs of the in-slot portions; (2) rolling each of the planar electric wires by more than one turn into a spiral shape; (3) forming a stator coil by assembling the rolled electric wires through elastic deformation thereof; and (4) assembling the stator core and the stator coil to form the stator. Further, in the rolling step, each of the planar electric wires is rolled by plastically deforming the turn portions into circumferentially-extending sections each having a predetermined curvature. Furthermore, a curvature ratio of a radially-outermost one of the circumferentially-extending sections is set to be greater than that of a radially-innermost one of the same. |
| US08397366B2 |
Round container for germinating and drying malt
The invention relates to a method for producing a round container and to a round container configured for said method, which provide faster construction of the round container, mostly independent from the precision of the preliminary work in spite of high final precision, and which provide simple transportation of the components to the construction site. This is accomplished by the invention through setting up wall profiles (2), which are continuous over the wall height of the round container (1) and which have in particular a flat inner surface, continuously along the circumference and by connecting them with one another and with the subsurface in particular through bolting. |
| US08397363B2 |
Belt mounting jig
A holding surface 7 holding a portion of a belt 4 radially outwardly of a pulley flange 6 is formed on a belt mounting jig 1. A guide surface 8 guiding the belt 4 to the holding surface 7 is formed on the belt mounting jig 1. The guide surface 8 is formed into a curved shape bulging forwardly of the direction of rotation continuously from the holding surface 7. The belt mounting jig 1 is fixed to a small-diameter-side or low-load-side pulley 2. The belt 4 is wound around the belt mounting jig 1 and pulleys 2 and 3, and the large-diameter-side or high-load-side pulley 3 is rotated. The pulley 2 is rotated by a tension of the belt 4 guided in the rotating direction by the guide surface 8. The portion of the belt 4 slides in a direction along the pulley axis into a pulley groove 5. |
| US08397361B1 |
Motorcycle valve spring removal tool
Preferably, a motorcycle valve spring removal tool includes a motorcycle engine operatively mounted and secured to a frame of a motorcycle, and a valve spring compression tool secured to the motorcycle engine for use in removing a valve spring of the motorcycle engine while the cylinder head remains torqued to the cylinder, and the motorcycle engine remains mounted and secured within the motorcycle frame. In a preferred embodiment, the valve spring compression tool includes a base plate supporting a stud reception member that provides a threaded stud attachment aperture, in which a corresponding threaded stud is secured. Also included in the preferred embodiment is a compression plate interacting with the threaded stud and a force transfer component, preferably a threaded nut, also interacting with the stud to impart a compression force on the valve spring to achieve a predetermined level of compression of the valve spring. |
| US08397358B2 |
Method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head
Provided is a method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head, the method including forming a piezoelectric element having a width in a reference direction longer than a width in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the reference direction on a first substrate, and adhering a second substrate to a surface of the first substrate opposed to the piezoelectric element at a temperature lower than a normal temperature, wherein, in the adhering of the second substrate, the second substrate is adhered such that the first direction of the second substrate is adjusted to the reference direction, using a first thermal expansion coefficient in a first direction on an adhesion surface with the first substrate, the first thermal expansion coefficient is less than a second thermal expansion coefficient in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the first thermal expansion coefficient is less than a thermal expansion coefficient of the first substrate. |
| US08397357B1 |
Shoelace retaining apparatus
A retaining apparatus that is attached to a toe portion of a shoelace section of a laced shoe for securing loops and loose ends of a shoelace. The apparatus is fabricated of a substrate having an engagement surface and an external surface. The substrate is apportioned via a lateral midline into a fixed securing section and a free securing section. The fixed section includes a fastening configuration for securing the apparatus to the shoe. The fastening configuration can be an elongated tubular structure, a pair of loops, an attachment strap, or other fastening configuration. A first coupling interface portion is disposed upon the engagement surface of the fixed securing section and a mating coupling interface portion is disposed upon the engagement surface of the free securing section. The coupling interface engages the free section with the fixed section entrapping the loop and free ends of the shoelace. |
| US08397348B2 |
Binding strap device for securing cargo
A device for securing cargo, items or other objects, in particular a tie-down binding strap device including at least two different types of tightening mechanisms. The device is also provided in useful embodiments with interchangeable ends that can be secured to a variety of structures, even itself. The features of the device provide versatility and allow the device to secure cargo having different shapes. |
| US08397346B2 |
Methods and systems for deployment of curtains
A curtain hanging system is described that includes a curtain rod hanger with an overhead suspension member and a collar with a bellows. The curtain rod hanger includes one or more collar engaging members. When the collar is coupled to the curtain rod hanger via the collar engaging members, the bellows surrounds at least a portion of the curtain rod hanger. |
| US08397344B2 |
Cleaning appliance
A cleaning appliance includes an airflow generator for generating an airflow, separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from the airflow, a power source for supplying power to the airflow generator, at least one exhaust vent and an exhaust baffle, the exhaust baffle includes a body having an upstream face and a downstream face, an airflow path between the upstream and downstream faces and a plurality of blades projecting from the body, each blade having a first side edge, a second side edge and a forward edge. |
| US08397338B2 |
Multi-purpose mop system and method of use
A multi-purpose mop system includes a mop having a mop handle and a cleaning attachment removably mounted thereon, the mop handle further comprising a base and a grip installed thereon for manipulating the mop during use, and a bucket having a basin and a bucket handle removably and pivotally attached thereto, the basin being formed with at least one basin channel bounded by opposite, substantially upwardly-extending basin fingers, and the bucket handle being formed in a central portion inter-connecting opposite leg portions with at least one respective handle channel bounded by opposite handle fingers, whereby the basin channel and the handle channel cooperate in wringing the mop during wet use. The cleaning attachment may be a mop material cinched onto the base of the mop handle using a drawstring or may be a squeegee strapped thereto. A removable extension handle may be pivotally installed on the mop handle. |
| US08397334B2 |
Device and method for the treatment of a container wall and container
A device for cleaning a container, a tank or a silo, is provided with a cleaning unit suspended by rope sections and between winding units comprising a wound supply of rope. By changing the length of the sections by the winding devices under control of a controller the cleaning unit can be lifted and lowered, tilted and pressed against the inside wall of said container. |
| US08397333B2 |
Selectively adjustable steering mechanism for use on a floor cleaning machine
A floor cleaning machine is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel that is interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor cleaning machine, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement. |
| US08397331B2 |
Cleaner apparatus for a submerged surface with a protuberance which accelerates the inlet flow
Detailed is a cleaner apparatus for a submerged surface including a body and at least one liquid inlet at the base of the body, characterized in that it includes at least one accelerating protuberance extending toward the submerged surface while maintaining a height of liquid, and extending, with respect of a forward travel direction of the apparatus, in front of an adjacent liquid inlet while maintaining the passage cross section of the liquid inlet. |
| US08397327B2 |
Bed insert
An insert for a bed facilitates use of a mattress having one cross-sectional profile with a bed frame having a different cross-sectional profile. An insert includes a base extending between sidewalls which have various contoured surfaces. The contoured sidewall surfaces enable the insert to be disposed in a bed frame in association with a mattress. Inner surfaces of the sidewalls are configured to accommodate receipt of a mattress while outer surfaces of the sidewalls are configured for the insert to be disposed in a bed frame. The surface sidewalls may further be configured to provide the insert with a safety feature which prevents or reduces the likelihood of a user falling from the side of a mattress associated with the insert. |
| US08397326B2 |
Patient/invalid handling support
A patient support for a patient includes an inflatable mattress with at least one inflatable bladder. The bladder comprises a top panel formed from a different material than its side wall panel or panels. |
| US08397324B2 |
Hinge for bed frame assembly
A hinge assembly (32-36) for a frame assembly (20) of for example, a hospital bed, has a smooth outer form which substantially conforms to the outer size of frame assembly struts to which it couples. The hinge assembly (32-36) has its components located internally and provides at least one reliable electrically conductive path therethrough so as to provide an electrical connection between frame struts (24-30) coupled together by the hinge (32-36), avoiding the need for electrical wires. There are provided angle markers on the hinge to indicate the degree of rotation of the hinge halves (50 52). |
| US08397323B2 |
Surgical table accessory platform
A support 56, 256, 356 for use with a surgical table 40, 140, 240, 340, 400 includes a first radiolucent beam 58, 258, 464 having a longitudinal axis and a second radiolucent beam 59, 259, 466 having a longitudinal axis. The first beam 58, 258, 464 and second beam 59, 259, 466 are each coupled to the deck 52, 252, 352 and extend outwardly therefrom in a cantilevered configuration. |
| US08397321B1 |
Wheel chair accessible crib
A crib has two sets of bi-fold doors which allows access by a wheel-chair-bound care giver and is provided with childproof latches in the form of upper and lower spring-biased actuators which must be simultaneously activated to allow opening of the bi-fold doors. Spring-biased safety bars may additionally be positioned to prevent the bi-fold doors from being opened by an unauthorized person. |
| US08397319B1 |
Add-on flush control mechanism to provide water conservation
A water-saving flush valve control mechanism is formed as a single unit that can easily be retrofitted onto existing toilet architectures with only one fixed attachment point. Water usage is reduced by providing the user full control in opening and closing the buoyant water valve. Control is achieved by a vertical rigid spine that is attached between the toilet handle arm and the valve. An adjustable lateral extension is included and placed between the toilet handle arm and the vertical rigid spine to ensure that the spine is properly positioned over the valve. Pivotable attachment of the spine to the lateral extension accommodates the arcing pathway of the buoyant valve. A float arm may be added and used to counterbalance the additional weight associated with the flush valve control mechanism. |
| US08402559B2 |
IP based security applications using location, port and/or device identifier information
Methods and apparatus for determining, in a reliable manner, a port, physical location and/or device identifier, such as a MAC address, associated with a device using an IP address and for using such information, e.g., to support one or more security applications is described. Supported security applications include restricting access to services based on the location of a device seeking access to a service, determining the location of stolen devices, and verifying the location of the source of a message or other IP signal, e.g., to determine if a prisoner is contacting a monitoring service from a predetermined location. |
| US08402556B2 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus for fragmented file sharing
Systems, methods, software, and apparatus are described for facilitating the distribution and management of fragmented content. In one embodiment, a packager packages content into fragments and generates a manifest including policies and metadata associated with the content. A downloader obtains the manifest, and uses it to obtain the content from one or more uploaders. For example, a downloader might forward a search request to one or more trackers, which, in turn, are operable to locate one or more uploaders that can meet the request, subject to any relevant policy limitations. The uploaders forward fragments to the downloader, subject to any relevant policy. The downloader assembles the content from the fragments. The operations and interactions of the entities can be subject to policy limitations associated with the fragments, the content as a whole, or the like. |
| US08402554B2 |
Launching a cached web application based on authentication status
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for receiving a request to retrieve electronic resources that correspond to a first network address. The resources are retrieved from a cache. The retrieved resources are responsive to the request, correspond to the first network address, and are configured to activate a first web application. Activation of the first web application requires that the computing device be authenticated. Instructions that are in the retrieved resources and are for activating the first web application are executed. The execution includes determining that the computing device is not authenticated to activate the first web application, and requesting to retrieve electronic resources that correspond to a second network address and that are configured to activate a second web application. Activation of the second web application does not require that the computing device be currently authenticated. |
| US08402553B2 |
Updating an operating system of a computer system
The present invention provides a processor-implemented method and system of updating an operating system of a computer system, where the operating system is subject to a system lockdown that does not allow changes to a list of approved executables of the operating system and that does not allow changes to a base system configuration of the operating system. In an exemplary embodiment, the method and system include, (1) identifying at least one trusted updater process in the operating system and (2) allowing the trusted updater process to make at least one change to the list of approved executables. In an exemplary embodiment, the method and system include, (1) identifying at least one trusted updater process in the operating system and (2) allowing the trusted updater process to make at least one change to the base system configuration. |
| US08402549B2 |
Application software protecting method and stream transmitting/receiving system
A protection method of application software is executed by initiating the first program transmitted from a server via a network on a client, and the method divides an execution result of the application software executed on the client into a plurality of pieces of intermediate data in accordance with distribution arrangement information reported by the server, distributes and arranges the plurality of pieces of intermediate data in the server and the client, transmits to the server notice information including a data length and arranged location information of each piece of the distributed and arranged plurality of pieces of intermediate data, rearranges the distributed and arranged plurality of pieces of intermediate data in the original order of the execution result of the application software on the basis of the notice information, generates in the server a second program for generating the execution result, and transmits the second program to the client. |
| US08402536B2 |
Signature based authentication of the configuration of a configurable logic component
A configurable logic component is shown with a signature generator, responsive to a commanded configuration information signal from a processor, for providing a signed commanded configuration information signal, and with a memory device, responsive to the signed commanded configuration information signal from the signature generator, for storing the signed commanded configuration information signal in the configurable logic component for use by the processor in checking a current configuration of the configurable logic component against a trusted signed configuration file to ensure the current configuration matches the commanded configuration and allowing use of the configurable logic component in case of a match. |
| US08402535B2 |
Providing greater access to one or more items in response to determining device transfer
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: determining that a computing device associated with a first user and that was in possession of a second user has been transferred from the second user to the first user; and providing at least greater access via the computing device to one or more items in response to determining that the computing device has been transferred from the second user to the first user. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US08402533B2 |
Input to locked computing device
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving at a computing device that is in a locked state, one or more user inputs to unlock the device and to execute at least one command that is different from a command for unlocking the device. The method further includes executing in response to the user inputs to unlock the device an unlocking operation by the device to convert the device from a locked state to an unlocked state. The method further includes executing the at least one command in response to receiving the user inputs to execute the at least one command. The at least one command executes so that results of executing the at least one command are first displayed on the device to a user automatically after the device changes from the locked state to the unlocked state. |
| US08402530B2 |
Dynamic load redistribution among distributed servers
Authentication requests are redistributed among a plurality of authentication servers and to centrally managing authentication affinities among distributed servers using a secure channels affinity service. A computer system instantiates a secure channel management service configured to manage secure channel connections. The secure channel management service receives state inputs from currently deployed authentication servers. The authentication servers may be configured to queue authentication requests for transmission to authentication servers. The computer system determines that, based on the received state input, at least one of the secure channels is to be remapped to a different authentication server. The computer system also remaps the determined secure channels to distribute future authentication requests among the authentication servers. In some cases, the current state of an authentication proxy server is embedded in communications transmitted by the authentication server, such that the secure channel connections are managed using the embedded state information. |
| US08402526B2 |
System integrating an identity selector and user-portable device and method of use in a user-centric identity management system
A combination includes a user-portable computing device, and an identity selector adapted for interoperable use with the user device. The user computing device includes a security token service that issues security tokens in reference to a portfolio of user identities stored as information cards on the user device. The issuance of security tokens employs user attribute information that is stored onboard the user device. The identity selector exports the information cards from the user device and determines which user identity satisfies a security policy promulgated by a relying party as part of an authentication process within the context of an online interaction. The identity selector generates a token request based on one of the eligible user identities, and forwards the token request to the user device to invoke the token issuance operation. The identity selector presents the issued security token to the relying party to comply with the security policy. |
| US08402523B2 |
System and method for associating message addresses with certificates
A system and method for associating message addresses with certificates, in which one or more secondary message addresses are identified and associated with a user-selected certificate that does not contain any e-mail addresses. In certain situations, a message may be encrypted using a certificate that does not contain an e-mail address that matches the e-mail address of the individual to which the message is to be sent, so long as the address to which the message is to be sent matches any of the message addresses associated with the certificate. The message addresses are saved in a data structure that resides in a secure data store on a computing device, such as a mobile device. |
| US08402522B1 |
System and method for managing services and jobs running under production IDs without exposing passwords for the production IDs to humans
Systems and methods for managing access to a computer account of a computer system that is not associated with a human user. The system comprises a password repository for storing a password for the computer account. The password is preferably encrypted with at least two secrets. The system also comprises a first data storage device for storing the first secret and a second data storage device for storing the second secret. The system additionally comprises a computer device in communication with the password repository and the first and second data storage devices for managing access to the computer account. The computer device is programmed to, in response to a request to perform an action under the computer account: (i) retrieve the first secret from the first data storage device; (ii) retrieve the second secret from the second data storage device; and (iii) decrypt the password with the first second secrets. |
| US08402517B2 |
Content distribution and evaluation providing reviewer status
A content distribution system may be provided for reviewing content such as video games, music, movies, or the like that may be shared by the system. The content distribution system may receive a credential from a user and authenticate the user based on the credential to permit access to the system. The content distribution system may also receive content generated by the user if the user may be authenticated. The content distribution system may provide the received content to a content evaluation entity, for example. The content distribution system may receive a review for the content from the content review entity and then may determine whether the content passes a review process based on the review, for example. The content distribution system may provide additional access to the content if the content passes the review process. |
| US08402516B2 |
Apparatus and method for establishing a peer-to-peer communication session with a host device
An apparatus and method of establishing a peer-to-peer communication session between a host device and a client device. Routing information of the host device is received from a server via a wide area network, routing information of the client device is provided to the server, and authentication information is provided to the host device via the wide area network. Peer-to-peer communication is transmitted to the client device via the wide area network if the client device is authenticated for peer-to-peer communication by the host device. |
| US08402511B2 |
LDAPI communication across OS instances
Methods and apparatus for connecting a client on a first operating system to a server on a second operating system using LDAPI communication includes establishing privacy between the first and second operating systems, identifying the client to the server, identifying the server to the client to establish a trust by the client of the server, and sending LDAPI messages between the client and the server. |
| US08402507B2 |
Distributing policies to protect against voice spam and denial-of-service
In one embodiment, a network device generates a protection policy responsive to identifying undesired voice data traffic. The network device then distributes the generated protection policy along a call path used for transferring the undesired voice data traffic. The proxy may distribute the protection policy by inserting the protection policy in a call response or other message that traces the call path back to a calling endpoint. |
| US08402505B2 |
Displaying enhanced content information on a remote control unit
A remote control unit for a video receiver may be utilized to display information about enhanced content available in conjunction with a video broadcast. The information displayed on the remote control unit display may provide information about available enhanced content, advertising, or even the status of connected devices, such as telephones, computer systems, digital video disk players, and video cassette recorders. By transmitting the data from the video receiver to the remote control unit, the information is available to the user without interrupting the display on the user's video receiver. |
| US08402504B2 |
Method and apparatus for interactive programming using captioning
A method and system for the creation of interactive programming using captions. A caption and program information extractor monitors a broadcast media signal having captions and program information encoded in the broadcast media signal. The captions and program information are extracted and stored in a content database. A moderator accesses the content database to retrieve captions and for a program specified by the program information. The moderator uses the services of a moderator server to generate interactive programming from the captions and the moderator's own comments. The interactive programming is transmitted to a plurality of viewers who interact with the interactive programming by entering viewer comments. The viewer comments are received by the moderator along with additional captions and new interactive programming is generated using the viewer comments, additional captions, and additional moderator commentary. |
| US08402503B2 |
Interactive program manager and methods for presenting program content
An interactive program manager comprises a receiver, a controller and an analyzer. The receiver presents audio and visual content for display. The controller directs the receiver to select a first channel and to forward a second channel different from the first channel. The analyzer monitors a program guide and at least the second channel for content of interest in accordance with a user profile. The controller also directs the receiver in response to an operator input. |
| US08402501B2 |
Method and apparatus for programming a remote control using broadcast data
A set top box 22 includes a communication module 102 receiving a remote control configuration database having a remote control associated therewith. The set top box 22 further includes a display control module 116 forming a screen display in response to the remote control configuration database. An interface 110 forms selections in response to the screen display and a display control module displays programming instructions for the remote control. |
| US08402494B1 |
Switching content
Displaying video on a video display device is disclosed. A first video stream from a first video streaming source is displayed on the display device. A second video stream from a second video streaming source is processed on the display device without displaying the second video stream. Displaying the first video stream is ceased and instead the second video stream is displayed. Supporting operations on a video stream is also disclosed. At least one video chunk is received at a first granularity. A determination is made that an operation is to be performed at a different granularity. At least one video chunk is requested at the different granularity. |
| US08402493B2 |
Community generated content channels
A method and system are disclosed for providing community defined and/or controlled channels where content for a channel may be continuously streamed to users based on input from users that participate in the channel. Channel definitions and content for different community channels may be stored in a community channel store within an on-demand media server capable of streaming content to subscribing users. One or more channels may be defined in the community channel store by a server administrator. Certain users may also have the ability to create channels within the community channel store. Each channel may be related to a topic, theme, type of content or anything of interest to a particular community of users. Content is added to each channel, which content is streamed to users continuously in a predetermined channel lineup. Ideally, there will be one or more channels that are tailored to a given community of users' viewing wishes, so that a user in that community may simply access a community channel and receive content that they are interested in without having to actively select the content they receive. |
| US08402487B2 |
Program selection support device
When searching for programs similar to a program designated by a viewer, a program selection support device not only searches for similar programs based on program-related information such as program contents, but also determines an algorithm used for similarity judgment based on viewer-related information, such as a program viewing history of a viewer, personal information of the viewer, evaluations by other viewers, and information added by a program producer, or based on a category of the designated program, and searches for similar programs using the determined algorithm. The program selection support device displays the programs found as a result of the search. |
| US08402486B2 |
System and method of ad delivery
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network device having a controller programmed to store a subscriber selectable preference for advertisements used for selecting advertisements to send to a set top box (STB) and receive a signal from a broadcast stream indicating the location for insertion of an advertisement based on the subscriber selectable preference. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08402483B2 |
Television broadcasting receiving apparatus
Disclosed is a television broadcasting receiving apparatus which carries out a parental control based on rating information in a video/audio data included in a television broadcasting wave including a receiving unit to receive the television broadcasting wave, an auto preset unit to orderly tune channels in which a video/audio data of a program is viewable by scanning the television broadcasting wave, a rating table obtaining unit to obtain a rating table included in the television broadcasting wave when the channels in which the video/audio data of the program is viewable are orderly tuned by the auto preset unit, and a rating table storage unit to store the rating table obtained by the rating table obtaining unit. |
| US08402482B2 |
Distributing content
Activity involving content distributed in a first content distribution channel, such as viewership of a content item, is used to determine how related content, such as another content item, should be distributed in a second content distribution channel. The determination can be made based on a model of the relationship between activity in the first content distribution channel and activity in the second content distribution channel. Distribution information regarding how the related content is to be distributed can be created or modified based on the determination, and the related content can be distributed according to the distribution information for the related content. |
| US08402481B1 |
Virtual application execution system and method
A virtual execution environment for software applications and other code objects. In one implementation, the present invention allows for virtual execution of applications by transparently capturing the rendered output of natively executed applications, and delivering the output to other processes on the same platform or to remote devices in a platform agnostic manner. |
| US08402476B2 |
Registering an event
A computer-implemented method for registering an event includes detecting occurrence of at least one event to be registered in a sequence. The sequence is to have entries for occurred events, each of the entries being a number indicating at least one of the occurred events and being associated with an aggregation number reflecting a number of times the entry has been aggregated within the sequence. The method includes identifying a new entry for extending the sequence, the new entry comprising a first number corresponding to the detected at least one event. The method includes revising the sequence by adding the numbers of at least two entries whose respective aggregation numbers satisfy a criterion for aggregation. The method includes storing the revised sequence. |
| US08402475B2 |
SCA-based system and method of connecting components to each other
A software communication architecture (SCA)-based system includes a plurality of components and a relay component connected to the plurality of components. Since data among the components are transmitted through the relay component, it is possible to reduce the complexity of connection caused by an increase in the number of components and to prevent a file size from increasing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the parsing time of a domain profile and to reduce mode exchange time so that it is possible to rapidly perform connection setups in an embedded environment and to effectively perform communication. |
| US08402471B2 |
Methods and apparatus to benchmark a computer system based on executing instructions using different numbers of threads
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to benchmark hardware and software are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes initiating a first thread to execute a set of instructions on a processor, initiating a second thread to execute the set of instructions on the processor, determining a first duration for the execution of the first thread, determining a second duration for the execution of the second thread, and determining a thread fairness value for the computer system based on the first duration and the second duration. |
| US08402469B2 |
Allocating resources for parallel execution of query plans
Computing resources can be assigned to sub-plans within a query plan to effect parallel execution of the query plan. For example, computing resources in a grid can be represented by nodes, and a shortest path technique can be applied to allocate machines to the sub-plans. Computing resources can be provisionally allocated as the query plan is divided into query plan segments containing one or more sub-plans. Based on provisional allocations to the segments, the computing resources can then be allocated to the sub-plans within respective segments. Multiprocessor computing resources can be supported. The techniques can account for data locality. Both pipelined and partitioned parallelism can be addressed. Described techniques can be particularly suited for efficient execution of bushy query plans in a grid environment. Parallel processing will reduce the overall response time of the query. |
| US08402468B2 |
Capacity planning based on resource utilization as a function of workload
Capacity planning based on resource utilization as a function of workload is disclosed. The workload may include different types of requests such as login requests, requests to visit web pages, requests to purchase an item on an online shopping site, etc. In one embodiment, data is determined for each of a plurality of workloads. The data includes characteristics of a workload and resource utilization due at least in part processing that workload. Based on the data, utilization of each of the resources as a function of workload characteristics is estimated. Further, based on the estimated resource utilization, workload characteristics that are expected to cause each respective resource to reach a certain level are predicted. That level could be 100 percent utilization, but could be another level. Capacity planning is performed based on the workload characteristics that are expected to cause each respective resource to reach a certain level. |
| US08402467B2 |
System and method for providing fault resilient processing in an implantable medical device
A system and method for providing fault resilient processing in an implantable medical device is provided. A processor and memory store are provided in an implantable medical device. Separate times on the processor are scheduled to a plurality of processes. Separate memory spaces in the memory store are managed by exclusively associating one such separate memory space with each of the processes. Data is selectively validated prior to exchange from one of the processes to another of the processes during execution in the separate processor times. |
| US08402465B2 |
System tool placement in a multiprocessor computer
A multiprocessor computer system comprises a plurality of nodes and an application placement module operable to place an application on a selected group of the compute nodes. The application placement module includes a system tool helper operable to manage operation of a system tool on the selected group of the compute nodes, the system tool operable to monitor execution of the application. Managing system tool operation comprises at least one of distributing, executing, and ending the system tool on one or more compute nodes. |
| US08402463B2 |
Hardware threads processor core utilization
A determination of processor core utilization by a plurality of hardware threads over a time interval is made through a division of a length of the time interval by a total count of the plurality of hardware threads. |
| US08402462B2 |
Detection and management of dynamic migration of virtual environments
A mechanism is provided to detect that a dynamic migration of a virtual environment is in progress or has been executed during a hardware or software scan without requiring instrumentation of applications running within the virtual machine. The mechanism relies on a particular sequencing and usage of application programming interfaces and commands that scanning technology provides, associated with the modularity of the scans and on the external virtual machine enabler component running on the host. The mechanism may detect a dynamic migration and take proper actions based on the system configuration. The actions may include discarding the output of the scan executed across a dynamic migration and repeat the scan. The actions may also include notifying the initialization subsystem of the non-migration-safe application to execute a script or program to address migration safety issues. One particular program or script may be an agent ID regeneration program or script. |
| US08402461B2 |
Switching between direct mode and indirect mode for virtual machine I/O requests
A first virtual machine is implemented on one or more computing devices to generate input/output (I/O) requests to a hardware device. A second virtual machine is also implemented on the computing devices. A mechanism is to switch between a direct mode and an indirect mode without switching between a first context and a second context of the hardware device. In the direct mode, the I/O requests generated by the first virtual machine are to be sent to the hardware device without being redirected to the second virtual machine. In the indirect mode, the I/O requests generated by the first virtual machine are to be redirected to the second virtual machine for processing. The second virtual machine is to, after processing the I/O requests redirected to the second virtual machine, send the I/O requests to the hardware device. |
| US08402457B2 |
Content distribution method and content distribution package
A content distribution method distributes a package containing a content from a content distribution apparatus to a terminal of a content distribution destination and causes the terminal to expand and display the content contained in the distributed package by using expansion software provided in the terminal. Update data of the expansion software is inserted in the package in addition to the content. When the terminal cannot expand the content by using the expansion software provided in it, the terminal updates the expansion software provided in it by using the update data contained in the distributed package and expands the content by using the updated expansion software. |
| US08402455B2 |
Methods and systems for distributing firmware through an over-the-air network
Systems and methods for over-the-air firmware distribution to battery-powered devices are disclosed. Such over-the-air distribution is accomplished, for example, using a non-battery-powered device as a buffer, for example, to reduce or eliminate the delay time of the over-the-air network. The firmware can be sent to and stored on a nearby, non-battery-powered device and then sent from there to the battery-powered endpoint device. The distribution of firmware to battery-powered devices may be implemented in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, a mesh network, a multi-channel radio network, or any other environment in which firmware distribution is desirable. |
| US08402451B1 |
Dual mode evaluation for programs containing recursive computations
A dual evaluation mode method for use with computer software that includes the acts of determining, for certain functions and expressions within input computer code, whether each function and expression may have any recursive dependencies, generating eager evaluation mode executable code for one or more elements of the input computer code based on the act of determining and providing both eager evaluation mode executable code and non-eager evaluation mode executable code to runtime software that supports both eager and non-eager evaluation modes. |
| US08402446B2 |
Associating probes with test cases
A probe (hereinafter also referred to as a breakpoint) can be added into source code of an application program. The probe can be exported to a file or any other form of storage. The probe is then associated with a unique test case for the application program thereby creating a direct mapping between the application program and the test case for the application program. In one embodiment, the probe can be added to at least one of a function or module of the application program. |
| US08402445B2 |
Program translation method and notifying instruction inserting method
The present invention comprises: a converting step for converting a source program into a machine language program; an inserting step for inserting notifying instructions for notifying that the source program has been executed in the machine language program; and a program generating step for generating the executable program from the machine language program in which the notifying instructions are inserted. Further, in the inserting step, the notifying instructions are placed at the entry points of each basic block that constitutes the machine language program and the notifying instructions to which the same conditions as those of the conditional instruction groups are granted are placed at the entry points of conditional instruction groups provided in the machine language program. In the program generating step, identification information for identifying the notifying instructions is granted to each of the notifying instructions. According to this, the present invention enables analysis of the executed range in the program that includes the conditional instructions as well. |
| US08402443B2 |
Method and system for automated analysis of the performance of remote method invocations in multi-tier applications using bytecode instrumentation
A method and system monitor and diagnose the performance of remote method invocations using bytecode instrumentation in distributed multi-tier applications. The method and system use automated instrumentation of client application bytecode and server application bytecode with sensors to measure performance of remote method invocations and operations performed during remote method invocations. Performance information is captured for each remote method invocation separately, allowing performance diagnosis of multithreaded execution of remote method invocations, so that throughput and response time information are accurate even when other threads perform remote method invocations concurrently. The captured performance metrics include throughput and response time of remote method invocation, object serialization, and transport. The performance metrics are captured per remote method invocation. Performance metrics may be sent to a processing unit for storage, analysis, and correlation. |
| US08402442B1 |
Common debugger method and system
Disclosed are approaches for operating a plurality of debugger tools. A common debugger receives first-type commands for processing. Each first-type command references one of the debugger tools. Each debugger tool provides control over a respective set of one or more components of the electronic system and recognizes a respective set of tool-specific commands. Each input first-type command is translated into a respective tool-specific command that is compatible with the one of the debugger tools specified in the first-type command. Each respective tool-specific command from the common debugger is provided to the one of the debugger tools specified in the input first-type command from which the respective tool-specific command was translated. Each translated tool-specific command is performed by the targeted debugger tool. |
| US08402437B2 |
System and method for updating initialization parameters for application software from within a software development environment
A computer implemented method for updating initialization parameters for application software from within a software development environment. The method involves changing a value of at least one initialization parameter contained in a configuration file of a developer computer system. The method also involves starting application software deployed on an application server in response to the value change. Thereafter, the configuration file including the changed value of the initialization parameter is communicated from the developer computer system to the application server. Once the configuration file is received at the application server, the application software is initialized using the configuration file. |
| US08402436B2 |
Cooperative unwrapping across intervening wrappers
A method of accessing layers in a multi-layer software architecture including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The method includes: at the third layer, publishing an interface; and at the first layer, before execution of a first function, registering a callback routine with the third layer using the interface. |
| US08402435B1 |
Systems and methods for organizing source code
Methods for organization of compiled and uncompiled source code are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes separating source code into a plurality of subroutines. The method also includes determining a relationship between a first subroutine and a second subroutine of the plurality of subroutines. The method further includes creating a first signature of the first subroutine. The method also includes creating a second signature of the second subroutine. The method further includes storing the first signature and the second signature so as to preserve the relationship between the first subroutine and the second subroutine. |
| US08402430B2 |
System and method for integrating object-oriented model profiles and object-oriented programming languages
A method includes receiving a modeling template, the modeling template comprising a plurality of modeling constructs and profile constructs, each profile construct generated from a modeling profile and comprising an extension of one of the modeling constructs. The method further includes parsing the modeling template into the plurality of modeling constructs and profile constructs. One or more object-oriented constructs are defined based, at least in part, on the parsed modeling constructs and profile constructs. Source code is automatically generated in an object-oriented programming language based, at least in part, on the defined object-oriented constructs. The object-oriented programming language comprises an object-oriented programming language with embedded inferencing. |
| US08402426B2 |
Architectural design for make to stock application software
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing a make to stock process. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service interface operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include an Accounting process component; a Production process component; a Site Logistics process component; a Confirmation and Inventory process component; a Customer Requirement Processing process component; a Demand Forecast Processing process component; a Supply and Demand Matching process component; a Production Trigger and Response process component; an In-house Requirement Processing process component; a Sales Scheduling Agreement Processing process component; and a Demand Planning process component. |
| US08402422B2 |
Wiring design device, method and recording medium
A wiring design device to conduct wiring design on a printed wiring board that includes a plurality of conductive layers, the wiring design device including: noise contaminating part extracting means for extracting a part in a condition where noise contaminates a signal, the part being on a wiring-designed line, based on a route of the line and a physical condition around the route; route modification processing means for modifying the route of the line by moving the extracted part on the line in the condition where noise contaminates the signal to a position that avoids the condition where noise contaminates the signal; and line length adjusting means for conducting a line length adjustment on the line to compensate for a variation of the line length of the line when the variation of the line length of the line occurs due to modifying the route of the line. |
| US08402420B2 |
Designing an optimal wiring topology for electromigration avoidance
A method for designing an optimal wiring topology for electromigration avoidance is disclosed. The wiring topology includes multiple sources, multiple sinks and multiple wires. The method includes the following steps: A feasible wire, a wire of the shortest length connecting each pair of source and sink, is calculated, and the capacity of each feasible wire is decided. An initial feasible topology is found. A flow network is created based on the initial topology. Negative cycles are iteratively checked and removed until no more negative cycles. |
| US08402416B1 |
Method and apparatus for composing and decomposing low-skew networks
A logic device includes a low-skew network that feeds a subset of elements on the logic device. The low-skew network includes a selector that can select from a plurality of signal sources which includes a first signal source and a second signal source, wherein the second signal source can reach at least one element outside of the subset. |
| US08402413B2 |
Wiring design apparatus and method
A wiring design apparatus for designing a plurality of wiring lines of a printed circuit board including a plurality of connection posts arranged in a matrix, includes a processor, the processor providing an orthogonal grid including a plurality of rows and columns running over and between the connection posts, providing a plurality of diagonal paths each connecting at least one of the rows with at least one of the columns each running between each of adjacent pairs of the connection posts, and determining a route for each of the wiring lines by exclusively allocating to each of the wiring lines a selected part of the rows, the columns and the paths so that the selected part connects both ends of each of the wiring lines. |
| US08402410B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing configuration memory of reconfigurable hardware
Provided is a method of managing a configuration memory of reconfigurable hardware which can reconfigure hardware according to hardware configuration information. The method includes: determining at least one slot capable of currently storing the hardware configuration information on the basis of the states of a plurality of slots of the configuration memory; and storing hardware configuration information, which is stored in an external memory, in the determined at least one slot capable of currently storing the hardware configuration information. Accordingly, memory utilization can be improved even in dynamic environment such as data dependent control flow or multi-tasking. |
| US08402409B1 |
Method and apparatus for supporting run-time reconfiguration in a programmable logic integrated circuit
Method and apparatus for generating an implementation of a program language circuit description for a programmable logic device (PLD) is described. In one example, the program language circuit description is analyzed to identify constructs indicative of dynamic function re-assignment. A hardware description of the program language circuit description is generated. The hardware description includes a plurality of implementations responsive to the identified constructs. Physical implementation data is generated from the hardware description. The physical implementation includes a plurality of partial configurations for the PLD based on the respective plurality of implementations in the hardware description. |
| US08402407B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit pattern verification method, photomask manufacturing method, semiconductor integrated circuit device manufacturing method, and program for implementing semiconductor integrated circuit pattern verification method
A semiconductor integrated circuit pattern verification method includes executing simulation to obtain a simulation pattern to be formed on a substrate on the basis of a semiconductor integrated circuit design pattern, comparing the simulation pattern and the design pattern that is required on the substrate to detect a first difference value, extracting error candidates at which the first difference value is not less than a first predetermined value, comparing pattern shapes at the error candidates to detect a second difference value, combining, into one group, patterns whose second difference values are not more than a second predetermined value, and extracting a predetermined number of patterns from each group and verifying error candidates of the extracted patterns. |
| US08402405B1 |
System and method for correcting gate-level simulation accuracy when unknowns exist
This invention provides a system and method for correcting gate-level simulation commences by identifying unknown values (Xs) that are falsely generated during the simulation of a given trace for a design netlist. Then, a sub-circuit of the design netlist is determined for each false X that has inputs of real Xs and an output of a false X. Finally, simulation correction code is generated based on the sub-circuit to eliminate false Xs in simulation of the design netlist. The original design netlist can then be resimulated with the simulation repair code to eliminate false Xs. This allows gate-level simulation to produce correct results. |
| US08402400B1 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a processor interface block with an electronic design automation tool
An electric design automation (EDA) tool for generating a design of a system on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) includes a library that includes a processor interface block selectable by a designer to represent a component in the design that is accessible to a processor. The EDA tool also includes a processor interface circuitry generation unit to automatically generate circuitry in the design to support the processor interface block without input from the designer. |
| US08402399B2 |
Method and system for computing fourier series coefficients for mask layouts using FFT
A method and system for computing Fourier coefficients for a Fourier representation of a mask transmission function for a lithography mask. The method includes: sampling a polygon of a mask pattern of the lithography mask to obtain an indicator function which defines the polygon, performing a Fourier Transform on the indicator function to obtain preliminary Fourier coefficients, and scaling the Fourier coefficients for the Fourier representation of the mask transmission function, where at least one of the steps is carried out using a computer device. |
| US08402395B2 |
System and method for providing a dynamic user interface for a dense three-dimensional scene with a plurality of compasses
A system and method for providing a dynamic user interface for a dense three-dimensional scene with a plurality of compasses is presented. Clusters of semantically scored documents are placed in a three-dimensional scene and arranged as a cluster spine. Each cluster spine is projected into a two-dimensional display. A compass and another compass are provided via a heads-up display generator to logically frame at least one of the cluster spines within the two-dimensional display. A label is generated to identify each concept in one or more cluster spines appearing with the compass and the another compass, respectively. Slots are defined in the two-dimensional display and positioned circumferentially around the compass and the another compass. Each label is assigned to the slot outside of the compass or the another compass for the cluster spine having a closest angularity to the respective slot. |
| US08402389B2 |
Methods and apparatus for displaying contents using icon images
A content display method includes the steps of acquiring an icon image corresponding to a data content set composed of a plurality of data contents, generating a plurality of specific icons which are different from each other and correspond to the data contents, on the basis of the icon image and a predetermined generation rule, and displaying the specific icons on a display. |
| US08402388B2 |
Setting up a communication procedure between instances and a protocol tester using the method
A method of setting up a communication procedure between instances, one of which is a protocol tester that uses the method, includes the steps of selecting the instances, selecting a protocol layer for the communication procedure, selecting abstract communication interfaces for the protocol layer; selecting communication data and automatically setting up the communication procedure on the basis of the results of the selecting steps. Any of the selecting steps may be performed graphically, and parameters selected are assigned description files that are used in the setting up step. |
| US08402386B2 |
Method and apparatus for two-dimensional scrolling in a graphical display window
A method and system for two-dimensional scrolling in a graphical display window (102) in a user interface are provided. A first scroll bar (110, 120) associated with a display window (102) is enabled to move data displayed in the window (102) relative to a first direction in the direction of the first scroll bar (110, 120). Responsive to user selection of a slide button (114, 124) in the first scroll bar (110, 120) with a pointer device and responsive to movement of the pointer device in a second direction, data displayed in the window (102) is moved relative to the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. A second scroll bar (120, 110) in the second direction may also be provided, wherein movement of the pointer device in the second direction with selection of the first scroll bar (110, 120) is represented by the position of a slide button (124, 114) in the second scroll bar (120, 110). |
| US08402381B2 |
Automatically arranging widgets of a model within a canvas using iterative region based widget relative adjustments
A widget adjustment event can be detected for a widget that is part of a model that is presented on a canvas of a user interface. On-canvas objects proximate to the widget can be adjusted. The on-canvas objects can include other widgets. The adjustments can be performed relative to a layout position of the widget after the widget adjustment event has occurred. Additional on-canvas objects further from the widget can the adjusted on-canvas objects can then be adjusted as necessary due to new positions of the adjusted on-canvas objects. |
| US08402378B2 |
Reactive avatars
Avatars are used to graphically represent users in a communications session, and the avatars are capable of being animated. An indication of an animation of one of the avatars is received. Another avatar that represents another of the users is animated in response to, and based on, the animation of the avatar in the same communications session. |