| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08414708B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning photomask
Provided is a method and apparatus for cleaning a photomask. The photomask including a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, a pattern to be protected disposed on the first region, and a material to be removed exists on the second region. A cleaning liquid is sprayed from an inside region of the second region toward an outer region of the second region to remove the material, and a gas is blown from the first region toward the second region to protect the pattern. |
| US08414706B2 |
Process and plant for producing sugar products from grapes
The process according to the invention, for producing sugar products from fruits, comprising the steps of: i) demineralizing and decolorizing a fruit juice so as to bring its solid content to comprise from 99% wt to 99.99% wt of a mixture of saccharides, alcohols and flavonoids; iii) separating by chromatography the demineralized and decolorized fruit juice so as to obtain a glucose-enriched fraction or a fructose-enriched fraction from the fruit juice. The solid content of the glucose-enriched fraction comprises at least from 70% wt to 99.99% wt of glucose; the solid content of the fructose-enriched fraction comprises from 70% wt to 99.99% wt of fructose.The low content of anions and cations of the fruit juice to be is treated by chromatography greatly increase the yield of the chromatographic treatment and the purity of the glucose- and fructose-enriched fractions obtained through it. |
| US08414705B2 |
Seal mechanism, seal trench, seal member, and substrate processing apparatus
A seal mechanism that can prevent the occurrence of corrosion and abnormal discharge. The seal mechanism is disposed between first and second structural members having opposing surfaces. A first seal trench and a second seal trench are formed respectively in a first opposing surface of the first structural member and in a second opposing surface of the second structural member. A first seal member and a second seal member are housed respectively in the first and second seal trenches. The first seal member and the second seal member are brought into pressure contact with each other. These seal trenches have a first seal surface and a second seal surface from which aluminum is exposed, and further have first shut-off surface disposed between the first opposing surface and the first seal surface and a second shut-off surface disposed between the second opposing surface and the second seal surface. The first seal member has a first covering portion that covers the first shut-off surface, and the second seal member has a second covering portion that covers the second shut-off surface. |
| US08414703B2 |
Advanced mixing system for integrated tool having site-isolated reactors
An integrated processing tool is described comprising a full-wafer processing module and a combinatorial processing module. Chemicals for use in the combinatorial processing module are fed from a delivery system including a set of first manifolds. An output of each first manifold is coupled to at least one mixing vessel. An output of each mixing vessel feeds more than one of a set of second manifolds. An output of each set of second manifolds feeds one of multiple site-isolated reactors of the combinatorial processing module. |
| US08414701B2 |
Method for manufacturing silicon single crystal in which a crystallization temperature gradient is controlled
In this method for manufacturing a silicon single crystal, when growing the silicon single crystal, in order to control the V/G value with high accuracy so as to yield a desired defect-free region, it is important to conduct the pulling at a constant pulling rate. In the method for pulling a silicon single crystal in the present invention, in order to control the V/G value with high accuracy, the distance Δt between the melt surface of the silicon melt and the heat shielding member that is disposed so as to oppose to and to partially cover this melt surface is continuously measured while pulling (growing) the silicon single crystal. |
| US08414698B2 |
Pigment/auxiliary combination having improved colour properties
The present invention relates to a pigment/auxiliary combination having an improved chroma and/or relative color strength, to its production and to its use. |
| US08414696B2 |
Non-aqueous pigment ink
A non-aqueous pigment ink which enables the ink repellency of the nozzle plate surface of the print head to be favorably maintained, while also enabling a superior image density to be obtained. The non-aqueous pigment ink includes a pigment, a pigment dispersant and a non-aqueous solvent, wherein the ink comprises a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and an alkene of 10 to 40 carbon atoms as the pigment dispersant, and also comprises a pigment derivative. |
| US08414693B2 |
Humidifying membrane module
To provide a humidifying membrane module that is reduced in weight, size and cost by making a case in a single layer structure, the humidifying membrane module has a hollow fiber membrane bundle constructed from plural hollow fiber membranes, a case accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle, a first flow passage extending through hollows of the hollow fiber membranes, and a second flow passage extending through the outer surface sides of the hollow fiber membranes, the membrane bundle and the case are simultaneously integrated at both ends of the membrane bundle by using potting members sealing gaps between the membrane bundle and the case, an inlet and an outlet constructing the first flow passage are formed at the both ends of the case respectively, and an entrance and an exit constructing the second flow passage are formed in side surfaces near the both ends of the case respectively. |
| US08414691B2 |
System and method extracting and employing compression heat in biogas treatment plant equipment
The system and method for recycling and using the heat from compressed gas produced by a biogas treatment plant. The system includes a biogas cleaning stage and a plurality of compression and heat exchanger stages that allows the heat generated by compressed gases to be harvested. After the heat is harvested, it is delivered to a jacketed vessel containing media used to remove contaminants from the biogas. The media inside the jacketed vessel requires regeneration or stripping of harmful VOCs and other contaminants picked up from the biogas. The system also includes an inert gas generator that creates hot inert gas that is delivered to the jacketed vessel that heats the media located therein to remove contaminants. Because the jacket vessel and the media are simultaneously heated, the system's heat-up time is reduced The system also includes a heat exchanger that partially recovers the heat from the inert gas. |
| US08414688B1 |
Recirculation high purity system for protecting optical modules or inspection system during storage, transport and shipping
A purging apparatus for a storage chamber is disclosed. The purging apparatus is configured for establishing a purge gas flow through the storage chamber. The purging apparatus may include a gas purifier and a particle filter. The gas purifier may provide a purge gas to the storage chamber. The purge gas may flow through the storage chamber, and a mixture of the purge gas and potential contaminants may subsequently exit the storage chamber as exhaust gas. The particle filter may receive and filter the exhaust gas. The filtered gas may be provided to the gas purifier for purification and recirculation. The gas purifier may purify the filtered gas by substantially removing at least one of: an acid, a base, an organic compound, water or oxygen from the filtered gas. The purified filtered gas may then be recirculated and provided to the storage chamber as the purge gas. |
| US08414675B2 |
Air cleaner; air filter cartridge and method of manufacturing
According to the present disclosure an air cleaner and air filter cartridge arrangement is provided. The air filter cartridge is a removable and replaceable cartridge for use in the air cleaner. The cartridge includes, among other things, an end cap having a preferred outwardly directed radial seal and a groove. The air cleaner includes a housing with a ring projecting into an interior, positioned to project against an end of the filter cartridge, when the filter cartridge is mounted for use. Methods of assembly and installation are described. |
| US08414669B2 |
Polishing pad, the use thereof and the method for manufacturing the same
The present invention mainly relates to a polishing pad comprising a base material comprising fibers; a first membrane with low permeability; a two-component paste formed on the upper surface of the first membrane with low permeability for adhering the base material to the first membrane with low permeability; and a polyurethane paste formed on the lower surface of the first membrane with low permeability. A method of polishing a substrate comprising using the polishing pad and a method for manufacturing the polishing pad as described above are also provided. The polishing pad as mentioned above prevents the polishing pad from detaching from the polishing platen or head. The polishing pad is easy to be replaced without leaving residues on the polishing platen or head. |
| US08414666B2 |
Integrated hydrogen production and hydrocarbon extraction
Reformer and method for producing hydrogen and steam where steam is used for steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. Steam is injected into a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. Hydrocarbons are extracted from the reservoir along with produced water. Hydrogen is produced in a catalytic steam hydrocarbon reformer. Combustion product gas from the reformer is used to generate wet steam in a once-through steam generator from produced water recycled from the reservoir. The wet steam is used for the steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. The reformer has a heat exchanger section including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger downstream of the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is suitable for processing the produced water by once-through steam generation and is suitable for mechanical cleaning. The reformer also has a first exhaust downstream of the second heat exchanger and a closeable second exhaust downstream of the first heat exchanger. |
| US08414665B2 |
Production of functionally effective organic molecules from lignite cleavage
A novel functionally effective organic molecules with various molecular weights are produced by cleaving lignite with hydrogen peroxide or alkaline hydrogen peroxide predominantly below 1000 molecular weight, the said functionally effective organic molecules, molecular weights varies depending on the reaction conditions such as concentration of hydrogen peroxide, time of reaction, temperature, ratio of lignite to hydrogen peroxide, lignite quality etc. conditions. These organic molecules are functionally effective than normal organic molecules (humic, fulvic acids etc.) present naturally in lignite or leonardite due to enhanced reactive nature obtained by treating with hydrogen peroxide or alkaline hydrogen peroxide which are resultant of cleavage of lignite. These functionally effective organic molecules have utilities in various areas such as agriculture and medicine. |
| US08414663B2 |
Microporous polyolefin membrane comprising a polyethlene resin having a specific viscoelastic angular frequency, its production method, battery separator and battery comprising the same
The invention relates to a microporous membrane. The membrane can have an average thickness of 23 ?m or more, an air permeability in a range of about 20 sec/100 cm3 to 100 sec/100 cm3, a pin puncture strength of 2,450 mN or more, and a heat shrinkage ratio of 12% or less at 105° C. The membrane can be produced from a polyolefin solution made by combining a membrane-forming solvent and at least one polyolefin resin containing polyethylene having a viscoelastic angular frequency ??0#191 of at least about 0.01 rad/sec. |
| US08414662B2 |
Salt brine capillary crystallization
This invention relates to apparatus for a method of crystallization of salt from brine on top of any soil surface through airborne brine droplet crystallization, controlled moisture depth, capillary action and enhanced renewable energy to grow a layer of salt which can be collected. The brine is pumped from an underground source, sprayed in ambient air over a solid surface and, if water is not completely evaporated, allowed to seep through the surface to saturate the capillary zone. Water is evaporated while the sprayed brine is in the air or on the surface where capillary action brings it up to the surface for the water component to be evaporated by net heat gained from the environment resulting in salt crystallization. The evaporation of sprayed brine is enhanced by smaller droplet size, residence time due the spray height and wind machines to reduce humidity and increase natural thermal input. The salt layer thus formed further grows by capillary action of the soil and the crystalline salt to a depth suitable for standard mechanical harvesting. Instrumentation is included to optimize the method through the measurement of evaporation and moisture content of the lower boundary of the capillary zone of the soil and or crystalline salt as well as atomizing heads and a cleaning system. |
| US08414661B2 |
Detergent compositions
The present invention relates to new compositions comprising compounds, which are molecular combinations of a phthalocyanine and a mono-azo dyestuff linked via specific linking groups. Further aspects are an improved shading process for textile materials and also use of these shading compositions for shading textiles. |
| US08414660B2 |
Haloferax volcanii laccase and variants and fragments thereof
The subject invention pertains to a novel purified polypeptide having laccase activity and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide. The disclosed polypeptide works at moderately high temperatures from below 20° C. to about 70° C., both acidic and alkaline pH conditions, high salt concentrations and in the presence of organo solvents. The high stability of the enzyme enables its wide applications under even extreme conditions. The invention also provides methods of producing the laccase enzyme. |
| US08414658B2 |
Anatomically-configured adjustable upper extremity prosthetic device
An upper extremity prosthetic device is provided that comprises three main components, namely, an arm cuff, a forearm section and a distal connector. The arm cuff is adjustable to accommodate lower arms of different sizes. The forearm section may be constructed in certain limited sizes to accommodate different sized forearm residual limbs. The distal connector is designed to connect to any of the forearm section configurations, and the distal connector enables any terminal device to be attached to the connector. The components may be mixed and matched in various combinations to fit the physical dimensions of virtually any amputee. The interchangeable parts will accommodate a wide range of residual limb geometries, overall sizes and lengths. Embodiments of the present invention minimize the need for time and resource-intensive customized fitting and create an affordable, relatively low-cost prosthetic interface. |
| US08414655B2 |
Removable lung reduction devices, systems, and methods
An air passageway obstruction device includes a frame structure and a flexible membrane overlying the frame structure. The frame structure is collapsible upon advancement of the device into the air passageway, expandable into a rigid structure upon deploying in the air passageway and recollapsible upon removal from the air passageway. The flexible membrane obstructs inhaled air flow into a lung portion communicating with the air passageway. The device may be removed after deployment in an air passageway by recollapsing the device and pulling the device proximally through a catheter. |
| US08414654B1 |
Bone implants and method of manufacture
An implant device for humans or mammals has a body structure having an exposed surface and one or more selected portions of the exposed surface having a bone formation enhancing 3-dimensional pattern. The exposed surface can be on exterior portions of the body structure or internal portions of the body structure or both. The one or more selected portions of the exposed portions having the bone formation enhancing 3-dimensional patterns are in the external exposed surfaces or in the internal exposed surfaces or both internal and external exposed surfaces. |
| US08414651B2 |
Dynamic interbody
An intervertebral implant includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface and a transverse fastener hole. The body includes a dynamic fixation mechanism for seating a fastener in the fastener hole and translating the fastener relative to the implant to accommodate subsidence of the implant. In one embodiment, an implant includes a transverse slot with an elongated seat for translating a seated fastener relative to the implant. In another embodiment, an implant includes a displaceable sliding member for translating a fastener relative to the implant. |
| US08414645B2 |
Transcatheter valve delivery systems and methods
Delivery devices and methods for percutaneously delivering a prosthetic valve to the heart of a patient. These prosthetic valves may be configured to provide complimentary features that promote optimal placement of the prosthetic valve in a native heart valve, such as the aortic valve, mitral valve, pulmonic valve, and/or tricuspid valve. The delivery device includes a release sheath assembly housed within an outer delivery sheath. A release sheath component of the assembly captures a portion of the prosthetic valve to the delivery device, and effectuates complete release of the prosthetic valve with retraction of the outer sheath. |
| US08414643B2 |
Sinus-engaging valve fixation member
A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex, the native valve complex having three semilunar sinuses and three native commissures. The prosthesis includes a valve prosthesis support, which comprises a support structure comprising exactly three engagement arms that meet one another at three respective junctures. The engagement arms are shaped so as define three peak complexes at the three respective junctures, and three trough complexes, each of which is between two of the peak complexes. Upon implantation of the prosthesis, each of the engagement arms is at least partially disposed within a respective one of the semilunar sinuses, such that each of the peak complexes is disposed distal to and in rotational alignment with a respective one of the native commissures, and each of the trough complexes is disposed at least partially within the respective one of the semilunar sinuses. |
| US08414642B2 |
Biodegradable stent of a polyorthoester polymer or a polyanhydride polymer
A stent is fabricated utilizing a polymer that is selected for its tendency to degrade from the surface inwardly rather than undergo bulk erosion so as to substantially reduce the risk of large particles becoming detached and being swept downstream. Such polymer is hydrophobic yet has water-labile linkages interconnecting the monomers. Ester or imide bonds are incorporated in the polymer to render the surface degrading materials suitable for use in stent applications. The stent may be coated with such polymer or may be wholly formed therefrom. |
| US08414639B2 |
Closed-cell flexible stent hybrid
A stent has a first stent body and a second stent body. The first stent body is a rolled stent having a first end and a second end and the second stent body is a tubular stent. The stent has a deployed state, the stent being within a body lumen in the deployed state. The second stent body at least partially disposed within the first stent body when the stent is in the deployed state so that the first end of the first stent body overlaps the second end of the first stent body for a first overlap length. |
| US08414637B2 |
Stent
A stent having a transitional section positioned between a middle section with different struts lengths and circumferentially non-aligned peaks, and a symmetrical section that has equal strut lengths and circumferentially aligned peaks. |
| US08414632B2 |
Adjustable catheter tip
A catheter tip has an outer surface section, an inner surface section, a spatial configuration and at least one segment of electroactive polymer. The inner surface section defines a guide wire lumen. The electroactive polymer has an actuated state and a non-actuated state. In an actuated state, the electroactive polymer alters the spatial configuration of the catheter tip. |
| US08414628B2 |
Bone screw
A bone screw and method of inserting a bone screw into a bone is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes a tip segment for creating a starter hole in the bone. A pilot segment is located proximally of the tip segment for creating a pilot hole in the bone after creation of the starter hole. A threaded segment is located proximally of the pilot segment for fixedly securing the bone screw in the bone. A head is located proximally of the threaded segment for allowing a surgical rod to be fixedly secured to the bone screw. |
| US08414624B2 |
Method and system for trans-lamina spinal fixation
A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage. |
| US08414623B2 |
Connector for connecting elongated members
A connector for connecting together elongated members in a side-by-side arrangement. The connector includes a first receptacle for connecting to the first elongated member, and a second receptacle for connecting to the second elongated member. The angular position of the second receptacle may be adjustable relative to the first receptacle to accommodate the elongated members. Further, the connector may be configured to extend between the elongated members and the patient when the connector is implanted in a patient. |
| US08414619B2 |
Vertebral rods and methods of use
The present application is directed to vertebral rods and methods of use. In one embodiment, the rod includes upper and lower sections that are separated by an intermediate section. The intermediate section may include one or more members, and may have a variety of configurations. An elastic member may be positioned within the intermediate section. The intermediate section and the elastic member may provide for variable resistance during movement of the upper and lower sections. In one embodiment, the resistance increases the further away the upper and lower sections move from a first orientation. |
| US08414618B2 |
Elastic stabilization system for vertebral columns
A vertebral column implant for the elastic stabilization of motion segments including an elastically bendable connecting element which can be passed through the seats of a number of pedicle screws having offset seat axes and be anchored. The connecting element is bendable elastically about every axis of its cross-section in such a way that the connecting element can be passed through, or inserted in, the seats of the screwheads, one behind the other, even when the seats are not situated on one and the same axis. |
| US08414616B2 |
Mounting devices for fixation devices and insertion instruments used therewith
A vertebral cleat and a vertebral support system employing the vertebral cleat is provided. Preferably, the vertebral cleat includes a base member having a superior and an inferior surface; an elongate keel portion having a cutting edge thereon depending from the inferior surface of the base member; and a spike portion depending from the inferior surface of the base member, the spike portion having a height that is greater than a height of the elongate keel portion. There is also provided a tool for grasping and implanting the vertebral cleat in a plurality of insertion configurations. |
| US08414611B2 |
Main vessel constraining side-branch access balloon
A catheter having a multi-chamber balloon which includes a first chamber having a globular configuration and an adjacent second chamber having a generally cylindrical body portion are sequentially inflatable so when employed to enlarge an opening through a stent deployed at a bifurcation the stent is supported around the circumference of the side-branch opening while the stent wall opening is being enlarged. |
| US08414609B2 |
Lancet device for generating a puncture wound, and lancet drive assembly
A lancet device for generating a puncture wound in a skin surface, comprising a housing, in which a lancet can be moved on a puncturing path, a lancet drive with a drive rotor that can be driven by a drive spring, a lancet coupling mechanism that transforms a rotational motion of the drive rotor into a puncturing and returning motion of the lancet during a working cycle of the lancet drive, a reference element that is mobile relative to the lancet and relative to the housing and is fixed in a defined position relative to the lancet drive during the puncturing and rests against the surface of the skin with a contact surface thereof such that a puncture wound with a reproducible puncturing depth is generated by the puncturing motion, and a reference element coupling mechanism that is coupled to the lancet drive in order to move the reference element. The invention further relates to a suitable lancet drive assembly for a lancet device of this type. |
| US08414606B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing material from an intervertebral disc space and preparing end plates
Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A manual decorticating implement is coupled to the outer tubular member and defining a scraping surface. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip. The manual decorticating implement is used to remove intervertebral disc material from an end plate. |
| US08414601B2 |
Flat implant, particularly a hernia mesh
A flat implant, particularly a hernia mesh, has the form of a textile net having an opening and made from non-resorbable monofilament yarns. The net includes yarns of different thicknesses which run parallel to each other. |
| US08414600B2 |
Methods and devices for reducing gastric volume
The present invention involves new interventional methods for reducing gastric volume, and thereby treating obesity. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged, approximated and fastened to create one or more tissue folds forming one or more plications projecting into the gastrointestinal space. The serosal tissue may optionally be treated during the procedure to promote the formation of a strong serosa-to-serosa bond that ensures the long-term stability of the tissue plication. These procedures are preferably carried out entirely extragastrically (i.e. without penetrating through the gastrointestinal wall), thereby minimizing the risks of serious complications. |
| US08414598B2 |
Flexible instrument
A robotic medical system comprises a catheter having an elongated shaft with a plurality of flexible segments spaced apart along the catheter, and a drive unit coupled to the catheter. The catheter may have a plurality of cables respectively terminating at the flexible segments, in which case, the drive unit will be coupled to the plurality of cables. The robotic medical system further comprises a user interface remote from the drive unit and configured for generating at least one command, and an electric controller configured, in response to the command(s), for directing the drive unit to independently bend the flexible segments (e.g., three flexible segments). |
| US08414596B2 |
Tissue retrieval device with gusseted pouch
A tissue retrieval device includes an introducer tube and a tissue retrieval bag. The introducer tube is insertable into a patient through a trocar. The bag may be selectively exposed at the distal end of the introducer tube, receive a tissue specimen, and be withdrawn from the patient. The bag includes a plurality of folds allowing the bag to transition from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration. The folds may extend along a length of the bag transverse to the introducer tube; or along a length of the bag parallel to the introducer tube. The folds may extend about a perimeter of the bag, such as a circumference of the bag, and may be spaced apart along a length of the bag transverse to the introducer tube. The folds may be formed by petals that provide the bag with a generally spherical configuration when the bag is unfolded. |
| US08414593B2 |
Spinal measuring device and distractor
A device for determining an optimal size of an intervertebral implant, comprising movable posterior and anterior rods, each rod operatively connected to a pair of posterior and anterior distracting members, respectively. Each pair is movable in opposing radial directions in response to longitudinal rotation of the posterior and anterior rods, and has marks corresponding to the distance the distracting members have moved for the purpose of measuring posterior and anterior disc height. A position indicator allows measurement of longitudinal distance between the longitudinally movable posterior and anterior rods. The device further comprises load sensor plates movable in response to movement of the distracting members, first and second handles pivotally connected to the load sensor plates, a protractor disposed relative to the handles, allowing measurement of an angle between the first and second handles, and a transducer for measuring force applied during distraction. |
| US08414574B2 |
Treatment instrument having a front-end treatment member
There is provided a treatment instrument, which is provided with a flexible sheath configured such that at least a part thereof is formed of a flexible tube, an operation wire inserted into the flexible sheath to be movable in an axial direction of the flexible sheath, a front-end treatment member connected to a leading end of the operation wire so that the front-end treatment member is allowed to protrude from a front end of the flexible sheath and retracts into the front end of the flexible sheath in accordance with movement of the operation wire, and an at least one elastic member that has elasticity and is located in a front end portion of the flexible sheath in a condition where the at least one elastic member is elastically deformed between an inner surface of the flexible sheath and an outer circumferential surface of the operation wire. |
| US08414573B2 |
Device and method for ablation of cardiac tissue
Methods for delivering precise amounts of fluid into cardiac tissue for the purpose of facilitating ablation of the tissue along a desired lesion line. One method injects fluid through a hollow needle. The injected fluid can be a highly conductive fluid injected in conjunction with radiofrequency ablation to create an ablative virtual electrode. The injected conductive fluid can provide deeper and narrower conduction paths and resulting lesions. Radiofrequency ablation can be performed at the same time as the fluid injection, using the injection device as an electrode, or subsequent to the fluid injection, using a separate device. In some methods, the injected fluid is a protective fluid, injected to protect tissue adjacent to the desired lesion line. Fluid delivery can be endocardial, epicardial, and epicardial on a beating heart. The present methods find one use in performing maze procedures to treat atrial fibrillation. |
| US08414570B2 |
Microwave coagulation applicator and system
A microwave applicator for insertion into living body tissue for use in microwave coagulation and ablation treatments includes a microwave transmission line extending between an attachment end of the applicator and an antenna toward an insertion end of the applicator with an outer conductive sleeve forming an enclosed cooling fluid space around the transmission line. Circulation of cooling fluid is guided in the cooling fluid space by a guide sleeve. A temperature sensor senses the approximate temperature of cooling fluid to indicate cooling fluid is circulating. A multiplexing and power splitting circuit provides outputs tuned for one or for more than one applicator to be attached and detects the number of applicators and correct connection. A cadence sound generator can be used in conjunction with depth markings on the applicator to provide substantially constant withdrawal of the applicator from the treated tissue after treatment to provide track ablation. |
| US08414568B2 |
Laser-assisted guidewire having a variable stiffness shaft
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a fiber optic guidewire having a hypotube with a plurality of openings that provide variable stiffness and tracking characteristics between at least one proximal segment and one distal segment of the guidewire. In some embodiments, the guidewire further comprises a mandrel disposed within the hypotube, the mandrel cooperating with the optical fibers to permit the distal end of the hypotube to be shaped as desired by a user. Methods of manufacturing and using the guidewire are also disclosed. |
| US08414565B2 |
Parametric model based ablative surgical systems and methods
Example systems and methods for performing individually customized corneal ablative surgery is presented. The example systems and methods rely on a parametric model that correlates corneal measurements with predicted post-operative results and algorithm updates that facilitate achieving desired post-operative results. |
| US08414562B2 |
Indwelling urinary catheterization assembly
An indwelling urinary catheter assembly is disclosed having an indwelling catheter and a sheath enclosing an insertable portion of the indwelling catheter. |
| US08414556B2 |
Systems and methods for safe medicament transport
A medicament transport system includes a syringe adapter assembly; and a vial adapter assembly including a base defining an opening having a seal member disposed therewithin, a stem extending from the base and defining a lumen therethrough and an opening through a wall thereof, a needle shuttle valve slidably disposed within the lumen of the stem and supporting a transfer needle and a vacuum needle; and a vacuum cup slidably supported on the stem, wherein a vacuum chamber is defined in the space between the base, the stem and the vacuum cup. The medicament transport system includes a condition where the transfer needle and the vacuum needles penetrate the seal member of the vial adapter assembly, and the vacuum cup is moved to draw a vacuum through the vacuum needle. An automation system is provided that utilizes a medicament transport system for forming a medicament solution from a liquid/non-liquid solution. |
| US08414553B2 |
Disposable absorbent article with masking topsheet having one or more openings providing a passageway to a void space
The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, training pants, adult incontinence article, having a specific topsheet with an opening to receive bowel movement waste (BM) and which is such that it masks the waste present underneath said topsheet. The topsheet is air permeable and it has a uniform pore size distribution with small pores only and it has a low surface energy and therefore an alcohol repellency of at least 7, typically at least 9 or even preferably 10. |
| US08414550B2 |
System and method to vent gas from a body cavity
One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated. |
| US08414549B1 |
Anus cleaning apparatus
A personal cleaning apparatus includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening into the housing. A conduit has a first end and a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are open. The upper edge of the peripheral wall is integrally attached to and coextensive with the conduit and the conduit is in fluid communication with an interior of the housing. An applicator includes a body portion and a top wall. The body portion has an open distal end with respect to the top wall that is positioned in the conduit. The top wall has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The housing may be filled with fluid, the applicator inserted into a person's body and the housing squeezed to eject the fluid. |
| US08414545B2 |
Guard for flexible tubing clamp and method of using same
A clamp guard for securing to flexible tubing such as catheters and their extension tubes and about a clamp therealong for housing the clamp at least when the clamp is in a tubing-clamping state, to prevent inadvertent contact of the clamp by a foreign body and undesirable unclamping of the clamp. The clamp guard is removable from around the clamp when desired. |
| US08414544B2 |
Bronchotracheal access valve for a bronchoaspiration apparatus
A bronchotracheal access valve for a bronchoaspiration apparatus. The valve is characterized in that the rotation of a second member in a given direction with respect to a first member moves the valve from a configuration in which a conduit communicates hydraulically with a sleeve, to a configuration in which the conduit communicates hydraulically with a flush conduit via a duct and a channel to flush an end portion of a catheter. |
| US08414541B2 |
Hypodermic syringe mechanism
An actuating mechanism for a hypodermic syringe comprises a flexible tongue (48) allowing the actuating mechanism to be bent to receive a cartridge (10) of injectant closed at its forward end with a septum (14) and at its rearward end with a slidable bung (18). The forward end of the cartridge (10) is fitted into a socket (36) wherein the tail (34a) of a hypodermic needle (34) pierces the septum (14) to access the injectant. With the cartridge (10) fitted, the tongue (48) is straightened, and a spring clip (50) holds the cartridge (10) in position. A plunger (38) can then be depressed, though a guide (42), to drive the bung (18) forward and make the injection. The cartridge (10), which may be a conventional cartridge of any kind, keeps the assembly rigid in use, and the whole assembly is disposed of after a single use, without dismantling. |
| US08414540B2 |
Fluid injection apparatus having anti-rotation elements to limit syringe plunger rotation
A fluid injection system may include an injector, a syringe and an anti-rotation connection. The injector may have a drive piston having a plunger engaging end and the syringe may have a body and a plunger within the body. The plunger may have a proximal end with at least one coupling member adapted for engagement by the plunger engaging end. The anti-rotation connection may be formed by complementary anti-rotation elements associated between the proximal end of the plunger and the plunger engaging end of the drive piston to limit rotation of the plunger within the syringe body. The anti-rotation elements may include the at least one coupling member engaged in a radial groove defining at least one axial edge formed on the plunger engaging end to enable limited rotational movement of the plunger relative to the drive piston when the complementary anti-rotation elements are engaged. |
| US08414521B2 |
Irrigation and aspiration devices and methods
Irrigation and/or aspiration devices and methods may be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially, or concurrently. The devices and methods may provide a base with a removable head, and adapted for partial or complete separation of the irrigation and aspiration functions. The devices and methods can be configured to aspirate and/or irrigate the nasal and sinus cavities. The devices and methods may be manually and/or automatically controlled. The devices and methods may include removable, and/or replaceable, and/or refillable, and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant. The device head and/or aspirant reservoir may comprise a diagnostic device, i.e., test device and/or container after use of the devices and methods. |
| US08414520B2 |
Insufflation device with second bypass for additional body cavity
A device comprising: a gas insufflation device (1), a first duct (2) for supplying gas to a member insertable (3) in a cavity of an individual, wherein the first duct (2) comprises a by-pass (21) for evacuating excess gas towards the exterior. The insertable member (3) has three passages and comprises a first mouth (31) at its rear end for coupling the first duct (2) to a passage (32) having an exit mouth (33), a second mouth (34) for coupling an effluent evacuation duct (5) to a passage (35) having an entrance mouth (36), and a third mouth (37) for connecting inflating means (6) of an expandable ring-shaped element (30) with a passage (38) having an exit mouth (39) to the expandable ring-shaped element (30) disposed before the mouths (33, 36). |
| US08414519B2 |
Wound therapy system with portable container apparatus
A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, including a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with the housing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is in fluid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from the wound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of the fluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag in connection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement, the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may be positioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while still maintaining operation of the control unit. The collection bag may include a hydrophobic vent or material for releasing the gases. In another embodiment, the collection bag comprises a gas permeable material. The collection bag may include one of pleats or bellows. |
| US08414512B2 |
Shoulder orthosis having a supportive strapping system
A shoulder orthosis is provided having an arm support and an optional arm spacer connected to the arm support. The arm support includes an arm retainer and a supportive strapping system. One optional arm spacer includes a pair of individual pillows which are attachably combinable with one another at a first face of the first individual pillow and a face of the second individual pillow to form one combined pillow having a first shape. The individual pillows are alternately attachably combinable with one another at a second face of the first individual pillow and the face of the second individual pillow to form another combined pillow having a second shape different from the first shape. |
| US08414511B2 |
System for treatment of plantar fasciitis
An stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is provided. The stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively applied to the foot of a patient for providing relief from plantar fasciitis. A portion of the stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively attached to the bottom surface of the foot for reducing stress on the plantar fascia. |
| US08414508B2 |
System and method for delivery of energy to tissue while compensating for collateral tissue
A tissue ablation method for treating atrial fibrillation in a patient comprises locating an ostium of a pulmonary vein and positioning an interventional catheter adjacent the ostium. The interventional catheter has an energy source. Collateral tissue adjacent the ostium is located and tissue around the ostium is ablated with energy from the energy source so as to form a contiguous lesion circumscribing the ostium. The lesion blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the tissue so as to reduce or eliminate the atrial fibrillation. The ablating is modified so as to avoid ablating or otherwise damaging the collateral tissue. |
| US08414506B2 |
Composite guidewire
Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip designs including coiled safety/shaping structures are also disclosed. |
| US08414504B2 |
Blood test device
A blood test device using a laser as a puncture member. More specifically, in a blood test device using a laser as a puncture member, the skin can be fixed at a definite position by raising the punctured skin under negative pressure, and thus the skin is brought into close contact with a blood sensor and the laser is focused on the vicinity of the blood sensor face. Thus, it is possible to provide a blood test device of the laser puncture type in which the skin can be surely punctured while giving little pain to a patient. |
| US08414502B2 |
System and method for the objective measurement of hearing ability of an individual
A system for determining the hearing ability of an individual comprises a generator for generating a test stimulus signal, a hearing aid (2) having a digital signal processor for processing said test stimulus signal and converting it in order to output an acoustic stimulus signal, and a first synchronizing means. The system further comprises an electrophysiological instrument (1) having a second synchronizing means, and means (7) for establishing from said individual an evoked response to said acoustic signal. The first synchronizing means and said second synchronizing means exchange a synchronization signal in order to synchronize said evoked response to said acoustic stimulus signal. The invention also provides a hearing aid and a method for carrying out electrophysiological measurement of the hearing ability of an individual. |
| US08414497B2 |
Detection of hypovolemia using implantable medical device
An implantable medical device receives a physiological signal indicative of circulatory blood volume and detects hypovolemia from that physiological signal. In one embodiment, an implantable pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) senses a PAP signal, and the implantable medical device detects hypovolemia from the PAP signal. |
| US08414495B2 |
Ultrasound patch probe with micro-motor
An ultrasound probe for guidance procedures is provided. The ultrasound probe includes a linear transducer array and a micro-motor configured to mechanically move the linear transducer array to provide ultrasound guidance of procedures. |
| US08414494B2 |
Thin-profile therapeutic ultrasound applicators
An ultrasound therapy probe including a thin-profile therapy head for implementing therapeutic procedures in confined spaces. The thin-profile is achieved by incorporating a cooling fluid channel about a periphery of at least a portion of the housing. A therapy transducer is disposed in an inner volume of the housing, and fluid circulated through the peripheral cooling channel can be used to remove heat generated by the therapy transducer, without requiring bulky external cooling devices, such as balloons. The housing can include an acoustic lens portion, to enable the housing to be used with flat transducers and can also be configured to be used with concave transducers, and so that an acoustic lens is not required. Electrical connections can be made with conductors that extend through an elongate hollow handle. |
| US08414493B2 |
Automatic gain control in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging
Gain is adjusted automatically in ultrasound imaging. The average of signals regardless of type of reflector (e.g., tissue or fluid) is determined, such as from all data in a frame of data representing a scanned region. The gain is set based on the difference between the average and the target. The gain offset is used with or without other gain limitations for analog, digital, or both analog and digital amplifiers. Given less computational expense, a same processor performing image processing functions may be used to also determine gain. A handheld ultrasound scanner with less computation bandwidth may implement the automatic gain adjustment. Given limited space for input devices, a depth gain may be provided without sliders or other depth based gain input. |
| US08414490B2 |
System and method for modelling left ventricle of heart
The embodiments herein provide a method and a system for modeling left ventricle of heart for echocardiography machines. The method comprising the steps of taking a test case for performing echocardiography by a cardiac machine, obtaining echocardiography data from a plurality of myocardial segments, applying mathematical formulas for assumptions based on blood properties at a myocardial muscle sample and deriving coefficients of algebraic equations of quadratic forms from the mathematical formulas, calculating mathematical behavior of the myocardial muscle sample using the algebraic equations, estimating the left ventricle as a fabricated object using the quadratic forms and deriving a physical and mathematical model for the left ventricle. The echocardiography data of the myocardial muscle sample includes the velocity, displacement, strain rate and strain corresponding to the motion and deformation of the muscle volume sample having attached strain components to each myocardial muscle sample. |
| US08414488B2 |
Medical system, apparatus and method
According to some embodiments, there is provided a medical monitoring device that includes one or more sensors, wherein a sensor is adapted to sense a parameter of a patient and computator adapted to receive an output of at least one sensor and to compute a condition-index-value directly related to a condition of the patient. |
| US08414487B2 |
Circular surgical retractor
A wound retractor for retracting a surgical incision includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a distensible sleeve coupled to the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes at least a pair of circular tubes coupled to each other. At least one of the circular tubes includes a lumen and a split that forms open ends. A noncompliant tubular hoop having a split therein is positioned in the lumen. The tubular hoop is oriented with its open ends positioned away from the split of the circular tubes. A core is positioned in the lumen of the tubular hoop. The core has a first end and a second end and is oriented with the ends positioned away from the split in the tubular hoop. The circular tubes may be parallel or may form a helical pattern similar to a Mobius strip. |
| US08414484B2 |
Percutaneous tube assembly
A percutaneous tube assembly is provided for performing minimally invasive surgery, the system comprising a percutaneous tube comprising a translucent main body; an external attachment fixture attached to the main body; an access channel longitudinally bored through the main body; an internal attachment channel longitudinally bored through the main body, wherein the internal attachment channel comprises a partially smooth inner surface adjacent to a partially rough inner surface; and an internal attachment, mating with the internal attachment channel. |
| US08414482B2 |
Embolic protection device
An embolic protection device for use in a patient's blood vessel, such as the aorta, has an approximately cylindrical outer structure made of a filter mesh material and an approximately conical inner structure also made of a filter mesh material. On the downstream end of the embolic protection device, the wider end of the conical inner structure is joined to the cylindrical outer structure. The upstream end of the embolic protection device is open for blood to flow between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure. The space between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure defines a collection chamber for captured emboli. The narrow upstream end of the conical inner structure has a catheter port with a resilient seal that is sized for passage of a catheter shaft. The filter mesh material may be self-supporting or it may be supported on a resilient-framework or an inflatable framework. |
| US08414481B2 |
Laryngoscope
A laryngoscope includes an arm and a handle. The arm is configurable between at least a first and a second position. A first blade sheath secures over the arm in the first position and a second blade sheath secures over the arm in the second position. A method of configuring a laryngoscope includes configuring a laryngoscope arm into a first position or a second position and securing a selected blade sheath to the arm. |
| US08414480B2 |
Methods and devices for reducing reflection-illuminated artifacts
The present disclosure is generally directed towards methods and devices for reducing or eliminating reflection-illuminated artifacts. The methods and devices in several embodiments can include providing a transparent lens cover with a blocking member for reflecting or absorbing internally-reflected light. The lens cover can be attached at the distal end of an endoscope, cannula, and/or lumen in some embodiments. Alternatively, the lens cover can be a permanent part of the endoscope, lumen, and/or cannula. |
| US08414479B2 |
Capsule endoscope
A capsule endoscope includes an enclosure with a transparent section, a illumination unit arranged to illuminate an object to be observed via the transparent section, an image unit disposed in the enclosure, a reflecting unit disposed in the enclosure and arranged to direct light from the object to the image unit to form an image of the object, and a driving unit comprising a piezoelectric motor arranged to rotate the reflecting unit relative to the enclosure. |
| US08414477B2 |
Rotate-to-advance catheterization system
A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway comprising providing a system comprising a plurality of concentric telescoping shafts; visualization apparatus disposed within the telescoping shafts; and a helical thread disposed on the exterior of the telescoping shafts, the helical threads having a sufficient structural integrity and surface profile such that when the telescoping shafts are disposed in the passageway, rotation of the telescoping shafts induces a relative movement between the telescoping shafts and the passageway; wherein the telescoping shafts are configured to be selectively coupled together and de-coupled from one another; inserting the system into the passageway; rotating the telescoping shafts so as to draw the passageway onto the telescoping shafts in a pleating fashion; de-coupling the telescoping shafts; rotating the innermost telescoping shaft so as to draw the passageway onto the innermost telescoping shaft in a pleating fashion; and visualizing the interior of the passageway. |
| US08414473B2 |
Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear nose and throat
A device for dilating an ostium of a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject may include: a handle; an elongate shaft having a proximal end coupled with the handle and extending to a distal end; a guidewire disposed through at least a portion of the shaft lumen; a dilator having a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration; and a slide member coupled with at least one of the guidewire or the dilator through the longitudinal opening of the shaft for advancing the guidewire and/or the dilator relative to the shaft. |
| US08414466B2 |
Centrifuge rotor cover
A centrifuge rotor cover has a lid, a circular plate attached to the lid with click holes formed in a circle, a knob and knob shaft, a plate spring attached to a surface of the knob facing the circular plate and an elastic body pushing the lid against the rotor depending on the distance between the knob and the lid. If this distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the plate spring is caught repeatably in the click holes as the knob is turned to cause sounds and vibrations that indicate the knob is not tightened securely. |
| US08414458B2 |
Strength training control apparatus using motor assembled S-type load cell
A strength training control device comprises: a torque source (including a base frame, a motor and a gear reduction box); and a link mechanism (including a gearbox arm, a first link rod, a second link rod, and an operating rod arm), wherein a S-type load cell is coupled to the first link rod and the second link rod to sense a load value. The control device further comprises: an operating rod, an electronic meter for setting a torque value, and a servo controller for comparing a load value of S-type load cell with a set value of the electronic meter. After the difference value is adjusted, an electric current is outputted to drive the motor, and the motor torque is amplified by the gear reduction box and transmitted through the link mechanism to the operating rod, and users can obtain a torque value equal to the setting of the electronic meter. |
| US08414455B2 |
Vehicle systems and methods of operating vehicle systems
A vehicle system includes a transmission shifting means, an authorization means, an engine, and a control system. The transmission shifting means is capable of being shifted between a first position and a second position, where the first position represents a start mode. The authorization means adapted to detect an identification signal and to supply an authorization signal indicating the identification signal has been verified. The engine is adapted to turn on and to turn off. The control system is in operable communication with the transmission shifting means, the authorization means, and the engine. When the transmission shifting means is shifted to the first position, the transmission shifting means sends a first signal to the control system, the control system detects whether the authorization signal has been received from the authorization means, and if received, the control system provides a first command to the engine to turn on. |
| US08414450B2 |
Control apparatus and method for controlling a hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle in which a clutch is disposed between an engine and a motor/generator is controlled to suppress frequent engagement/disengagement of the clutch in a case of a coasting drive while dragging the engine. A clutch control apparatus controls the clutch and selects any one of the following drive modes: 1) an EV drive mode where the vehicle travels by only driving force of the motor/generator with the clutch disengaged; 2) an HEV drive mode where the vehicle travels by driving force of the engine and/or the motor/generator with the clutch engaged; and 3) an engine brake drive mode in which the vehicle coasts or travels by the driving force of the motor/generator while dragging the engine where the clutch is engaged, and the fuel supply is stopped when a charge of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold value. |
| US08414443B2 |
Low friction loss automatic transmission
An automatic transmission including a double pinion planetary gear unit PG1, two single pinion planetary gear units PG2 and PG3 and six frictional elements (viz., six clutches) C1 to C6 is so constructed as to establish nine forward speeds and one reverse speed by simultaneously putting selected three of the six frictional elements C1 to C6 into their engaged condition. The frictional elements C1 to C6 are of a type including mutually rotatable friction plates that cause production of an oil dragging resistance when the frictional element is under idling condition. With the simultaneously engaged condition of the three frictional elements, each speed is established with a reduced friction loss of the automatic transmission. |
| US08414441B2 |
Speed change control system for transmission of vehicle
To provide a control system for carrying out a speed change operation of a geared transmission mechanism continuously by controlling a continuously variable transmission mechanism.A continuously variable transmission mechanism configured to increase and decrease speeds of a first and a second output discs simultaneously, and a geared transmission mechanism configured to change a speed change ratio stepwise are connected in series. The output discs are connected individually with intermediate shafts. The control system is adapted to synchronize a rotational speed of a switching mechanism and a rotational speed of a member to be engaged with the switching mechanism, by tilting a rolling member when carrying out a speed change in the geared transmission mechanism thereby increasing a rotational speed of one of the intermediate shaft while decreasing a rotational speed of the other intermediate shaft (at steps S3, S4 and S5). |
| US08414434B2 |
Transmission device for a cycle
A transmission device for a cycle, such as a bicycle, which includes a bottom bracket fixed relative to the remainder of the cycle frame. The device includes a cylindrical main body centered about a first axis and a secondary body centered about a second axis, the second axis being parallel to, but not merged with, the first axis; a crankset rotationally mounted along the first axis relative to the main body and including a pair of cranks, a first circular toothed element and a second circular toothed element, both being centered on the first axis; a chainwheel rotationally mounted along the second axis relative to the secondary body and including a third circular toothed element and a fourth circular toothed element, both being centered on the second axis; the first and third toothed elements and the second and fourth toothed elements constituting a first gear train and a second gear train, respectively; a disengageable blocking device provided to block, selectively, the rotation of the first toothed element relative to the crankset or the rotation of the third toothed element relative to the chainwheel, on the one hand, and the rotation of the second toothed element relative to the crankset or the rotation of the fourth toothed element relative to the chainwheel, on the other hand. |
| US08414430B2 |
Apparatus for training an athlete and methods of using the same
An apparatus aids an athlete, such as, for example, a basketball player, in developing skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Specifically, an interconnected glove portion and sleeve portion comprise a plurality of components designed to aid a basketball player in developing muscles to enhance the player's basketball skills including, for example, dribbling, passing and/or shooting. These components include, generally, a palm interfering portion to force a basketball player to utilize the fingertips on the ball during dribbling, passing and/or shooting, tension bands to strengthen muscles associated with the fingers and wrist to enhance proper handling, passing and/or shooting techniques, and one or more weights disposed in various locations on the apparatus to provide resistance training to aid in developing muscles involved with handling, passing and/or shooting a basketball. |
| US08414426B2 |
Golf ball core with soft outer transition volume and negative hardness gradient
A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient. |
| US08414423B2 |
Golf clubs and golf club heads
A golf club includes a golf club head having a body, a ball-striking face member and one or more mass members. The body is configured to releasably accommodate a first mass member in a first region on its back surface and a second mass member in a second region on its back surface. At least one of the first and second mass members may be releasably attached to the back surface. The ball-striking face member may have an average density that is less than the average density of the body. The mass members may have an average density that is more than the average density of the ball-striking face member and/or of the body. The mass distribution of the club head may be customized via the selection and attachment of a particular mass member. The golf club head may be an iron-type golf club head. |
| US08414419B2 |
Golf club head with improved performance
A golf club head with an improved sweet spot, defined as a portion of the striking face that has at least 99.7% of the maximum ballspeed is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a significantly circular sweet spot that encompasses at least about 1.5% of the total striking face. A golf club head in accordance with the present invention may generally have a improved face geometry with an elliptical factor of greater than about 0.5, a beveled transition portion around the striking face of the golf club head, a variable face thickness region with decreases thickness, or even a tilted bulge and roll radius all helping improve the performance of the golf club head. |
| US08414418B2 |
Hybrid golf club head
A hybrid golf club head for producing accurate and long distance shots, where the head includes: a body member having a hitting surface, a top surface, a toe end, a heel end, and a sole surface extending between the toe end and the heel end, and a shaft attachment portion extending from the heel end upwardly and rearwardly therefrom, wherein width of the top surface near the shaft attachment portion ranges from about ¾ inches to about 1 inch, and width of the top surface near the toe end ranges from about 1 inch to 1 & ⅝ inches; and wherein the hitting surface is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a shaft axis to produce the accurate and the long distance shots, further wherein the length (L) of the hitting surface 14 is about 4 inches and the breadth (B) ranges from about 1¾ inches to about 2½ inches. |
| US08414416B1 |
Golf accessory system
A golf accessory system having a main shaft, a divot repair tool, and a beveled or pointed cover removably attached. A shaft extension is removably attached to the first end, and a ball retriever component is disposed on the first end of the extension. A divot-pressing component is on the top end of the ball retriever. The system also features first and second scooper shafts, wherein the first ends are pivotally attached to the main shaft via a hinge and the second ends are curved towards the first end of the main shaft. The scooper shafts can pivot between at least a vertical and horizontal position. Scoops on the second end of the scooper shaft which are half-pipe in shape with an apex, wherein the apex is attached to the second end of the scooper shafts. |
| US08414415B1 |
Golf club stand
The current disclosure describes a golf club stand used for elevating a golf club handle above the ground. The golf club stand may include, but is not limited to, a leg housing, a coupling apparatus configured to attach the leg housing to a golf club, and a leg, wherein the leg housing is configured for substantially enclosing the leg within the leg housing, the coupling apparatus is coupled to the leg housing, and the leg is connected at a first end to the leg housing in a manner that allows the leg to rotate with respect to the leg housing. |
| US08414408B2 |
Apparatus for golf simulation
A golf simulator allows a player to launch a golf ball towards a display surface that shows the future trajectory of the golf ball. In one embodiment, the display surface allows the golf ball to pass through it. In one embodiment, the simulator collects the golf ball after it passes through the display surface and returns it to the player. |
| US08414406B2 |
Constant velocity joint assembly and method of securing a shaft to the assembly
A constant velocity joint assembly and a method of securing a shaft to the assembly are described. The assembly may have an outer race with a first portion having a plurality of grooves and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is substantially parallel to the shaft. The method of securing the shaft to the assembly includes the step of magnetically pulse welding the shaft to the outer race. |
| US08414401B1 |
Hybrid system and method-internet gaming 2.0
Methods and apparatus for providing a hybrid gaming service are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of providing hybrid gaming services to one or more remote game players by a gaming server comprises receiving an electronic representation of a mechanically-generated game value by the gaming server, excluding the electronic representation of the mechanically-generated game value from a first set of possible game values, generating one or more electronically-generated game values from the first set of possible game values, the one or more electronically-generated game values excluding the electronic representation of the mechanically-generated game value, and sending the one or more electronically-generated game values to a first remote game player. |
| US08414400B2 |
Network gaming system
A method and article of manufacture for implementing a user profile-driven gaming and prize redeeming system is disclosed. The user profile-driven gaming and prize redemption system allows for the tailoring of a user's experience of playing a computer implemented game on a network gaming system by first receiving an identifier selected from a group of identifiers including a user identifier relating to the user (i.e., player) of the network gaming system, a game identifier relating to a particular game played by the user of the network gaming system, and a site identifier relating to the location (i.e., web site) from which the game is being played. The network gaming system then alters the computer-implemented game played by the user in a manner based upon the selected identifier. The foregoing technique may also be applied to a prize redemption system. |
| US08414385B1 |
Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a selection game with offer and acceptance features
A gaming system including a secondary game which incorporates different types of player decisions which affect different aspects of the play of the secondary game. Specifically, one or more gaming system determinations associated with a play of the primary game coupled with one or more player wagering or purchasing decisions made prior to the play of the secondary game, determine one or more features, attributes or parameters of the secondary game. Additionally, one or more player selections associated with the play of the secondary game, coupled with one or more player strategy decisions pertaining to the continued play of the secondary game, determine the secondary game award provided to the player. |
| US08414380B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple dimension cascading symbols game with three dimensional symbols
A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed. |
| US08414378B2 |
Gaming machine and control method thereof
A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a display on which plural types of symbols are to be arranged; a memory for storing an accumulative value, which is accumulated by unit game to activate a plurality of insurance pays and has a first threshold value and a second threshold value, and a plurality of payout value of the insurance pays, which is stored in associated with the first threshold value and the second threshold value of the accumulative value; and a controller. Where the accumulative value accumulated by unit game in which the plural types of symbols are rearranged on the display has reached the first threshold value, a first insurance pay is activated in accordance with a payout value associated with the first threshold value. The accumulative value is further counted in such each unit game. Where the counted accumulative value has reached the second threshold value, processing is performed as to activating a second insurance pay in accordance with a payout value associated with the second threshold value. |
| US08414377B1 |
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. |
| US08414376B2 |
Gaming machine with challenge feature
A gaming system (10, 100) implementing a base game and a feature game. A game controller (101) controls play of the game. The gaming system has at least one display (14, 106) and a player interface (107). The feature game comprises at least one series of game events, in which a plurality of symbols from at least one predetermined symbol set that includes at least first and second symbols, are randomly selected and displayed on the at least one display (14, 106). The feature game is a challenge feature and during play of the feature game, the game controller (101) maintains in computer memory (103) counters for said at least first and second symbols, varies the value of said counters on the occurrence of the at least first and second symbols and causes the at least one display to show a value of the counters. The values of the counters are evaluated against predetermined competitive criteria to determine the outcome of the series of game events. |
| US08414374B2 |
Wagering game environment including an ad server
A wagering game machine network including wagering game machines and other devices includes an ad server operable to receive and store ads having ad components. The ads may be sent to any device on the wagering game machine network. Ad components for ads and the ads themselves may be selected based on the capabilities of the device receiving the ad. Ads and ad components may be received from remote ad servers connected to the ad server via a network such as the Internet. Ads may be directed to devices at particular locations, such as a location where a particular wagering game player is located, or where a group of wagering game players having similar demographic characteristics or preferences is located. Ads may be selected based on statistics related to time, ad popularity, payment etc. |
| US08414373B2 |
Wagering game machine with wireless peripherals
A wireless computerized wagering game system comprises a gaming module operable to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a wireless communications module operable to connect the wireless wagering game system to at least one wireless peripheral device. The wireless computerized wagering game is portable, is operable to couple to fixed and portable peripheral devices, and is operable to couple to user-provided and gaming establishment-provided peripherals in various embodiments. |
| US08414371B2 |
Gaming apparatus and method having a separate but simultaneously operating bonus indicator
A gaming machine and method comprising a primary game with a plurality of gaming symbols and a separate bonus indicator. Operation of the bonus indicator is automatically initiated upon commencement of the primary game and play of the bonus indicator is of approximately the same duration as play of the primary game. The outcome of the bonus indicator may be entirely independent of the outcome of the primary game. A positive outcome on the bonus indicator may yield either a prize for the player or an opportunity to play a bonus round game. In its preferred embodiment, the invention includes a five-reel slot game as the primary game and a single-reel slot game as the bonus indicator. |
| US08414370B2 |
Gaming system and method of gaming
A gaming system, comprising 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 being arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, to control the display to display a plurality of the selected symbols in rows and columns, to determine a game outcome based on patterns of symbols in the rows and columns, and also being arranged to generate a feature game in response to a trigger condition, and determine an outcome of the feature game depending on the occurrence of a non-linear pattern of symbols. |
| US08414362B2 |
Methods of bonding superabrasive particles in an organic matrix
Superabrasive tools and their methods of manufacture are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of improving retention of superabrasive particles held in a solidified organic material layer of an abrading tool, a portion of each of said superabrasive particles protruding out of the solidified organic material layer is provided. The method may include securing a plurality of superabrasive particles in the solidified organic material layer in an arrangement that minimizes mechanical stress impinging on the protruding portion of any individual superabrasive particle when used to abrade a work piece. As an example, the arrangement of the plurality of superabrasive particles may be configured to uniformly distribute frictional forces across substantially each superabrasive particle. |
| US08414359B2 |
Fluid jet manifold
A fluid jet system providing a hydraulic induction manifold for at least two valves. The manifold is positioned “upstream” of an abrasives holding tank, so that no abrasive material flows through the valves and the manifold. The valves and the manifold provide pressurized fluid for at least two different flows: (1) a primary fluid flow and (2) an abrasive material flow through the abrasives holding tank. The two flows are merged again at a junction to provide a fluid flow having a predetermined abrasive-to-fluid mixture ratio. The manifold balances the pressure of the two different flows using a preset geometric relationship between the two different output flow paths associated with the valves. |
| US08414357B2 |
Chemical mechanical polisher having movable slurry dispensers and method
A chemical mechanical polisher comprises a polishing platen capable of supporting a polishing pad, and first and second substrate carriers that are each capable of holding a substrate against the polishing pad. First and second slurry dispensers, each comprise (i) an arm comprising a pivoting end and a distal end, (ii) at least one slurry dispensing nozzle on the distal end, and (iii) a dispenser drive capable of rotating the arm about the pivoting end to swing the slurry dispensing nozzle at the distal end to dispense slurry across the polishing platen. |
| US08414356B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for making or administering frozen particles
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one substrate. |
| US08414352B2 |
Surgical garment
A surgical garment includes an undergarment and an outer garment configured to be worn over the undergarment. The undergarment includes a brassiere including a front panel, a back panel, a shoulder strap extending from a top portion of a first side of the front panel to a top portion of a first side of the back panel, a width of elastic material extending along a bottom of the front and back panels, and a releasable fastening system releasably coupling a side portion of the first side of the front panel with a side portion of the first side of the back panel. The outer garment includes a torso portion and removable shoulder portions extending from the torso portion. |
| US08414351B2 |
Method of integrating optical fibers into fabrics and plush toys
A method for incorporating optical fibers into sheet materials, such as fabrics, creates a structure which can be incorporated into items such as plush toys. Optical fibers are made to pass through the sheet material in a desired arrangements. Ends of the optical fibers are enlarged such that they will not readily pass back through the fabric. The ends are then covered with material that permits light to pass therethrough. The resulting structure can be readily incorporated into an item, such as a plush toy. |
| US08414350B2 |
Figure with controlled motorized movements
A toy figure with controlled motorized movements is provided having a head, two arms two legs and a tail which are pivotally and/or rotatably attached to a chassis. Mechanisms and electronics are included to move the head, arms, legs and tail in a variety of play patterns and movements. |
| US08414339B1 |
Electrical terminal and receptacle assembly
A terminal has a body sized to be received within a receptacle. An intermediate region extends lengthwise from the body in a receptacle direction. At least one portion of the intermediate region extends centrally inward into the receptacle to receive a pin to deform and maintain contact with the received pin. A retention member is provided on a distal end of the central extending portion to engage an inner wall of the receptacle and, during deformation, to extend along the wall thereby providing a reaction force to the at least one portion of the intermediate region to enhance contact with the pin and to enhance contact with the receptacle. A receptacle assembly is provided for receiving one or plurality of terminals. |
| US08414336B2 |
Cable end connector
A cable end connector includes an insulative housing defines a number of contact-receiving passages penetrating therethrough, a number of conductive contacts received in the insulative housing and respectively received in the contact-receiving passages and each conductive contact including a contacting portion and a locking portion, a number of cable terminals respectively electrically connecting with the locking portion of the conductive contacts, a number of fastening members fastening the cable terminals with the conductive contacts, and a number of wires respectively electrically connecting with the cable terminals. |
| US08414332B2 |
Shielded connector
A shielded connector. In one embodiment, the shielded connector includes: a seat, including an insulating body with a plurality of through slots and a plurality of positioning slots, in which a shielding body is disposed in the through slot and no shielding body is disposed in the positioning slot, at least one conductive body connected to the shielding bodies, and at least one lead-out portion electrically connecting the conductive body to a motherboard; and a plurality of conductive terminals, each including a contact portion, a body portion extending from the contact portion, and a connecting portion, in which the body portion includes a positioning section extending from the contact portion and in interference fit with the positioning slot, and a conducting section extending from the positioning section into the through slot and not in interference fit with the through slot. |
| US08414323B2 |
Power connector
A power connector, adapted for electrically connecting a cable with a complementary connector, includes an insulative housing defining a number of passageways and a number of power contacts received in corresponding passageway. Each contact has a base section, a first contact section and a second contact section. The base section includes a bottom wall and a first side wall and a second side wall extending perpendicularly from the bottom wall. The first contact section includes a first contact arm and a second contact arm parallel to the first contact arm. The second contact section includes a third contact arm and a fourth contact arm parallel to the third contact arm. |
| US08414316B2 |
Electrical card connector having improved spring member
An electrical card connector (100) includes an insulating housing (1), a plurality of terminals (2) received in the insulating housing (1), an ejector (4) including a slider (40) and a pin member (42), and a metal shield (3) shielding the insulating housing (1) to define a card receiving space (6). The slider (40) is moveable relative to the housing (1) along a front-to-back direction under a controlled movement of the pin member (42).The metal shield (3) comprises a flat portion (30) over the insulating housing (1) and a pair of sidewalls (32) extending downwardly from the flat portion (30). The flat portion (30) defines a first spring arm (35) extending rearwardly into the card receiving space (6) and a second spring arm (36) extending forwardly into the card receiving space (6) for abutting against the pin member (42). |
| US08414313B2 |
Security shield and tool
Security systems, including shields, adapters, and/or tools, for limiting access to a coaxial cable connector are provided. A shield comprises an outer shield configured to limit access to the coaxial cable connector. The coaxial cable connector comprises a fastener portion that is configured to be rotatable with respect to a body portion of the coaxial cable connector. The shield further comprises an adapter configured to be coupled to the outer shield. The adapter is configured to engage a side of the fastener portion of the coaxial cable connector. The adapter is further configured to engage a tool configured to rotate the adapter such that, when engaged with both the tool and the fastener portion of the coaxial cable connector, the adapter is configured to rotate the fastener portion of the coaxial cable connector upon rotation of the adapter by the tool. |
| US08414311B2 |
Socket terminal for grid array connector
An electrical connector that includes: an insulating body, having a plurality of receiving slots running through the insulating body, a plurality of terminals, respectively received in the receiving slots, in which the terminal has a base fixed in the receiving slot, two first abutting segments extending downwards from the base, two second abutting segments extending forwards the two first abutting segments, the two second abutting segments are exposed from the receiving slot and abut against the bottom surface of the insulating body, the width between the two second abutting segments is smaller than the diameter of a solder ball, a plurality of stop blocks, respectively disposed in the receiving slots, and a plurality of solder balls, respectively received in the receiving slots. |
| US08414309B2 |
Receptacle for an optical transceiver module for protecting the module from airborne particles
A protective socket is provided for use with a parallel optical transceiver module. When the parallel optical transceiver module is seated within a receptacle of the protective socket, the side walls and bottom that define the receptacle of the protective socket protect the internal components of the parallel optical transceiver module from dirt, dust, gases, and other airborne matter. |
| US08414301B2 |
Adjustable multi-sensory fly casting trainer and teaching method
A fly casting training apparatus includes a shaft, a ball movable within the shaft, and adjustable limit stops for setting the range of motion of the ball within the shaft. The apparatus is used to simulate a fly casting experience, with the limit stops adjustable to simulate long casting motions, short casting motions, and casting motions therebetween. The device also includes an elastic band that may be used to simulate the double haul casting method. |
| US08414300B2 |
Foldable product with fold lines that are partly provided with creases and partly by lines of perforations
There is provided a foldable product, such as a map, which is formed from a sheet (10) of material such as stiff paper. The sheet (10) has predetermined folded and unfolded configurations by virtue of a predetermined pattern of fold lines (12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 23, 24). The fold lines are provided partly by creases and partly by lines of perforations depending on the stress in a particular area during folding and unfolding. |
| US08414299B2 |
Vehicle simulation system
A vehicle simulation system equipped to display information on the rear side of a driver (rider). The simulation system includes a dummy bicycle operated by the rider, a monitor on the front side for displaying a scene based on the operations of the dummy bicycle, and a lamp unit connected to the dummy bicycle and provided on the rear side relative to the seated position of the rider. The lamp unit has a red lamp, a yellow lamp and a green lamp, and is controlledly turned ON under the action of a main control unit. An input device is provided on a steering handle of the dummy bicycle. The input device has a switch for red, a switch for yellow, and a switch for green. The rider checks behind, and operates the input device according to the ON/OFF conditions of the lamp unit. |
| US08414298B2 |
Sniper training system
A method and system for a projectile training system that automatically predicts a ballistics solution based upon automatically-gathered meteorological and distance information is disclosed. The projectile training system also confirms that manual efforts performed by an operator to adjust the sight turrets would or would not result in a hit and/or kill of the target. Both adjustment of the turrets and aim of weapon is automatically gathered in a determination of whether there was a hit, kill, miss, or near miss. A light or other signal is sent from the weapon toward the target to indicate a shot was sent by the weapon. |
| US08414297B2 |
Apparatus and method for root canal obturation
The present invention is directed to root canal obturation in a tooth. In one embodiment, a plug is positioned in a root canal and bonded to the root canal by applying a light-curing adhesive to the canal and exposing the plug to a light source to bond the plug to the root canal. In another embodiment, a carrier is disclosed having an optically transmissive plug portion for insertion into the canal. In still another embodiment, the plug portion of the carrier includes an optical fiber to transmit light from a light source into the plug portion. In still yet another embodiment, a filler material is heated and injected into the root canal in a semi-liquid state and exposed to light to cure the adhesive. |
| US08414296B2 |
Method for pre-operative visualization of instrumentation used with a surgical guide for dental implant placement
A surgical guide to be placed in a patient's mouth. The patient's mouth is scanned to obtain surgical-region scan data at a region where an implant is to be located. The patient's mouth is also scanned in the opened position to acquire dental conditions opposite from the surgical region so as to obtain opposing-condition scan data. A virtual model is developed using the surgical-region scan data and the opposing-condition scan data. Using the virtual model, a surgical plan is developed that includes the location of the implant to be installed in the patient. A virtual surgical guide is also developed based on the surgical plan. The dimensions of instrumentation to be used with the surgical guide are checked to ensure they will fit within the mouth by use of the opposing-condition scan data. After checking, final surgical-guide manufacturing information is obtained for manufacturing the surgical guide. |
| US08414295B2 |
Non-contact apparatus and method for stability assessment of dental implant
A non-contact apparatus for a stability assessment of a dental implant is provided. The non-contact apparatus includes a triggering device and a dental implant containing a root body and an impact generating device, wherein the root body has a cavity, the impact generating device is located in the cavity, and the triggering device provides a non-contact impetus for triggering the impact generating device. |
| US08414288B2 |
Combustion system and method
A combustion system comprising a combustion chamber fed by fuel and oxidant delivery lines. The oxidant line has an oxidant tank pressurized by a compressor. The fuel delivery line has a fuel source and a fuel feed mechanism. An ignition device ignites the oxidant and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The coolant line is adapted to inject cooling fluid directly into the combustion chamber. An energy production device is disposed downstream a combustion chamber exhaust valve for converting energy from both exhausted combustion gases and coolant gases exhausted from the combustion chamber. In some embodiments the coolant is the oxidant, while in other embodiments the coolant is another fluid introduced from a separate coolant delivery line. |
| US08414283B2 |
Method and device for granulating plastics and/or polymers
A method and apparatus for the pelletization of plastics and/or polymers, in which a melt coming from a melt generator is supplied via a diverter valve having different operating positions to a plurality of pelletizing heads through which the melt is pelletized. The plurality of pelletizing heads have different throughput capacities and are used sequentially for the start-up of the pelletizing process, with the melt first being supplied to a first pelletizing head having a smaller throughput capacity and then the melt volume flow being increased and the diverter valve being switched over such that the melt is diverted by the diverter valve to a second pelletizing head having a larger throughput capacity. |
| US08414281B2 |
Method and device for producing a 3D object by means of a generative 3D-method
Method and device for producing a 3D object by means of a generative 3D-method, for example, selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM). An infrared sensor can be cross-flown by a tempered fluid in order to prevent the infrared sensor, which is provided in the process chamber of the device, from being impaired by monomer deposits, oligomers or solid material particles during the construction thereof. |
| US08414280B2 |
Networked three-dimensional printing
Three-dimensional fabrication resources are improved by adding networking capabilities to three-dimensional printers and providing a variety of tools for networked use of three-dimensional printers. Web-based servers or the like can provide a single point of access for remote users to manage access to distributed content on one hand, and to manage use of distributed fabrication resources on the other. |
| US08414276B2 |
Piston pump for a vehicle brake system with a sealing element
The invention relates to a piston pump for a vehicle braking system, with a housing section and a piston, which is guided in the housing section in a slidable manner. An accommodating member for accommodating an intake valve is provided in the housing section, and a sealing element adjoins the accommodating member to seal the piston against the housing section. A piston rod adjoins the sealing element which is embodied in one piece with the accommodating member. |
| US08414274B2 |
Heat dissipating fan
A heat dissipating fan includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet between which an air passageway is formed. A fixed seat is provided in the air passageway and includes first positioning holes. A magnetically conductive first casing includes a first outer wall, an extended wall extending radially outward from an end of the first outer wall and having second positioning holes aligned with the first positioning holes, and a first support on the other end of the first outer wall. A second casing is coupled to an inner periphery of the extended wall of the first casing. A motor mounted in the first and second casings includes a stator and a circuit board electrically connected to the stator. |
| US08414270B2 |
Speed control of an electrically-actuated fluid pump
A fluid system includes a fluidic device, an electrically-actuated fluid pump having a pump motor, and a control system. The control system controls a speed of the pump using a commanded torque value, and calculates a feedforward torque term as a function of a set of operating values, including a desired fluid line pressure. The control system determines the speed control torque term using pump speed error, and adds the feedforward torque term to the speed control torque term to calculate the commanded torque value. The speed control torque term may be determined using an integral term of a proportional integral derivative (PID) portion of the control system. A method for controlling pump speed includes calculating the feedforward torque term, determining the speed control torque term using a pump speed error, and adding the feedforward torque term to the speed control torque term to calculate the commanded torque value. |
| US08414267B2 |
Multiple alloy turbine rotor section, welded turbine rotor incorporating the same and methods of their manufacture
A method of making a multiple alloy, multi-section welded turbine rotor includes providing a forged multiple alloy rotor section having an integral microstructure, the rotor section comprising a first alloy having a first alloy composition and second alloy having a second alloy composition, a first weld face comprising the first alloy on a first end and an a second weld face comprising the second alloy on an opposed second end. The method also includes providing a first rotor section comprising the first alloy composition and a second rotor section comprising the second alloy composition. The method also includes welding the first rotor section to the first weld face and welding the second rotor section to the second weld face. |
| US08414264B2 |
Method for producing a gas turbine component which is to be coated, with exposed holes, device for carrying out the method, and coatable turbine blade with film cooling holes
There is described a method with which, on the basis of a three-dimensional recording of a component to be reworked, its surface configuration can be determined and stored temporarily so that, after it has been coated, it can be produced in its original surface form, or in its surface form then required, in certain regions, i.e. locally in the area of film-cooling openings. An especially precise and quick three-dimensional recording can be achieved by the use of the triangulation method. In this case, a reference pattern depicted on the component by a projector is recorded by two camera arranged at an angle. From the images from the cameras, the coordinates describing the surface three-dimensionally can then be determined by a control system using the triangulation method. |
| US08414258B2 |
Support bar for turbine diaphragm that facilitates reduced maintenance cycle time and cost
A support bar for a turbine diaphragm that facilitates reduced maintenance cycle time and cost is provided. In one aspect, the support bar is secured to the turbine diaphragm vertically rather than horizontally, allowing access to remove a lower diaphragm half without having to remove the rotor for maintenance. |
| US08414254B2 |
Sealing assembly for a turbine engine
A sealing assembly for a turbine engine has a brush configured to provide an air seal between an outer air seal segment and a blade. A support is provided for the brush and is configured for attachment to the outer air seal segment. The support is a flexible planar carrier having a first side and a second side. The brush extends from the first side while the second side is for attachment to the outer air seal segment. The flexible planar carrier has a stiffness less than a stiffness of the outer air seal segment. |
| US08414253B2 |
Turbocharger vane
A variable nozzle device including an annular nozzle passage formed by a gap between two opposing wall members and at least one vane rotatably supported in the nozzle passage. The vane is formed by a strip of sheet metal contoured to have an outer aerodynamic profile, and having a hollow interior with surfaces mimicking the outer profile. The vane is affixed to a shaft having a wind-stream portion forming two contact surfaces that conformingly receive opposing portions of the interior surfaces. |
| US08414251B2 |
Modular fan housing with multiple modular units having sound attenuation for a fan array for an air-handling system
A modular fan housing configured to hold an array of motors and fans is provided. The modular fan housing is configured for use in an air-handling system that delivers air to a ventilation system for at least a portion of a building. The fan housing comprises a plurality of modular units configured to be stacked adjacent to one another in at least one row or column to form an array. The modular units each include an interior surface and have a front end and a back end that define a chamber. The chambers are configured to receive the motors and fans. Sound attenuation layers extend along at least a portion of the interior surface of the corresponding chambers. The sound attenuation layers are positioned between at least some of the adjacent chambers. |
| US08414246B2 |
Modular hybrid snake arm
An intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system is usable with mobile robots, and is applicable to stationary industrial arms. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system provides a large work envelope and a controlled and directed rotational movement for a flexible snake robot arm. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system has the ability to change end effector tools and sensors. The platform computers have the ability to interact with other subsystems for coordinated as well as independent tasks. The flexibly snake robot arm can be covered with a flexible sensor network, or “skin”. The intelligent modular hybrid robot arm system can manage its energy use, stores the arm in a compact shape and uses a central support tube offering unobstructed arm access to all sectors of its working envelope. |
| US08414238B2 |
Stud bolt, stud bolt attachment structure, and booster device using the same
A stud bolt (1) is disposed with a bolt head portion (2), a bolt shoulder portion (3) whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the bolt head portion (2), and a thread portion (4b) whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the bolt shoulder portion (3), wherein the bolt shoulder portion (3) includes a knurling portion (3b) that includes projecting portions (3b1) and groove portions (3b2) on its outer periphery and at least part of which eats into a container (10) during staking and a bolt base portion (3a) that is disposed between the knurling portion (3b) and the bolt head portion (2) and has a peripheral surface that is smoother than the knurling portion (3b). |
| US08414235B2 |
Single point release system
A single point release system provides a single point for efficiently, concurrently releasing multiple cargo retaining latches of an aerial delivery system. A release module is mounted to the platform and connects via a cable and is actuable to a release mode to concurrently release each of the latches. |
| US08414234B2 |
3-point wheelchair passenger securement system
The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a drop-in system comprising a barrier module and a wall-side module, which incorporate three separate restraint devices which are configured to secure a wheelchair at three separate attachment points. The system can optionally include a moveable excursion barrier or a pull-mechanism to pre-tension at least one of the restraint devices the wheelchair securements. In a simpler embodiment, three restraint devices, such as retractors, are provided for attachment to the vehicle surfaces or structures in, for example, a generally right-triangular configuration. |
| US08414230B2 |
Dust extractor
A suction cup dust extractor for a drill having a housing with a drill collar attached to the housing and having a drill passage formed through the housing. A recess formed by the walls of the housing has a planar opening and a seal is attached to the walls of the recess which surrounds the planar opening and which, in use, locates against a work piece to create an air tight seal between the housing and the work piece. The housing also has an aperture located thereon through which air can pass; at least one first air passage formed within the housing which enables air to pass from the drill passage to the aperture; and at least one second air passage formed within the housing which enables air to pass from the recess to the aperture; characterized in that the seal comprises a base which is attached to the walls of the recess and a flange which is attached to and extends from the base at an oblique angle to the plane of the opening. |
| US08414228B2 |
Rotary cutting tool
A rotary cutting tool or end mill is provided, the tool comprising a plurality of pairs of diametrically-opposed, symmetrical, helical flutes formed in a cutting portion of the tool body, wherein the pitch between at least one pair of adjacent helical flutes is less than or greater than the pitch of at least one other pair of adjacent helical flutes in at least one radial plane along the axial length of the flutes, a plurality of peripheral cutting edges, wherein at least one of the peripheral cutting edges has a radial rake angle different from radial rake angle of a peripheral cutting edge of a different helical flute. |
| US08414227B2 |
Controlled vacuum collection device and method thereof
A device for collecting items from a container comprises a collection unit, a conduit, a vacuum producing unit and a controller. The conduit is in fluid communication with the collection unit and is mountable to the container so as to be placed in fluid communication therewith. The vacuum producing unit produces a vacuum within the conduit. The controller is linked to the vacuum producing unit and is configured to acquire data regarding the contents of the container. When the controller receives data regarding the contents of the container it controls the vacuum producing unit to modulate the vacuum produced within the conduit thereby suctioning the items within the container when mounted thereto into the collection unit. The container can be a transit fare box for receiving items tendered for fare. The data regarding the contents of the container can be the volume of items within the container. |
| US08414223B2 |
Intelligent hydroelectric dam with power storage
Dams are a useful source of energy. An embodiment of a dam according to the present invention includes precast segments configured to be coupled together to form a dam optionally used to generate energy. An embodiment includes a spillway extender to prevent upstream or downstream erosion of a riverbed at the dam. An underpinning system may be employed to assist in maintaining position of the dam or segmental components. Solar panel energy generation systems and battery storage may be associated with the segmental dam to store energy and, optionally, produce auxiliary power for subsystems associated with the dam, such as for supporting automated spillway control gate level control or automated gearing system control to control a gear ratio associated with rotating or other moving parts used to convert kinetic energy of water into electrical energy. |
| US08414222B2 |
Riser assembly for water storage chambers
A drainage system includes a storm water chamber and riser assembly for gathering and dispensing liquids. The storm water chamber comprises a generally elongated arch shape with an arch top and bottom side walls, thereby defining an enclosure. The riser assembly has two generally parallel base assemblies, which each have an outer wall and an inner wall and a top wall connecting the outer wall and the inner wall. The top wall has a chamber seating area for receiving the base area of the chamber and a retaining element for retaining the base area of a chamber in position in the chamber seating area. |
| US08414221B2 |
Tamper device
Disclosed herein is a tamper device. The tamper device includes a housing, a drive, a tamper, and a wobble connection. The drive is connected the housing. The tamper is adapted to reciprocate relative to the housing and apply pressure to a surface. The wobble connection is between the drive and the tamper, wherein the wobble connection includes a wobble plate. A first end portion of the tamper is at a side of the wobble plate. |
| US08414217B2 |
Heavy duty modular flooring and roadway device
A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular mat having an integral main body with offset mounting and assembly flanges and a lattice interior. The mat is constructed from a unitary piece of high strength plastic. Each flange edge contains an outward radiused edge, while each non-flange edge contains an inward radiused edge. Each flange engages with a corresponding flange on an adjacent tile, allowing the outward radiused and inward radiused edges to properly mate. One or more metal cam locks located along the upper flange edges are secured into corresponding cam receptacles located along the lower flange edge. The mats may utilize optional top covers to prevent water and debris from entering the mats. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface in heavy industrial applications. |
| US08414216B2 |
Energy attenuating safety system
An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision. |
| US08414215B2 |
Sealing structure for use with a ball and socket joint
A ball joint assembly includes an elongated stud, a socket housing, and a boot and seal assembly having a seal lip. A boot and seal assembly for use in a ball joint assembly includes a body and a diaphragm extending therefrom. The diaphragm includes a seal portion having a seal lip that has an elongated profile of a substantially uniform section. The seal portion may be a first seal portion that is adapted to engage an elongated stud of a ball joint assembly. The diaphragm further may include a second seal portion that is adapted to engage a mating component connected to the ball joint assembly. The boot and seal assembly may include a third seal portion that is also adapted to engage the mating component. |
| US08414205B2 |
Intermediate accessory for camera system, and camera system using the same
An intermediate accessory enables a camera and an exchange lens to communicate with each other through an information processor configured to provide predetermined processing for information received from one of the camera and the exchange lens, and to transmit information that has undergone the predetermined processing, to the other of the camera and the exchange lens, while the camera and the exchange lens are being attached. The intermediate accessory obtains lens identification information from the exchange lens, which is used to identify the exchange lens. The intermediate accessory enables a camera and an exchange lens to communicate with each other without intervening the information processor and transfers to an operation restricting mode used to restrict at least part of an operation the intermediate accessory, when the lens identification information indicates a specific exchange lens that does not require the predetermined processing. |
| US08414202B2 |
Camera platform locking device
A camera platform locking device, including a housing, for preventing the components from exiting; in the housing from the top down are configured: a sphere, for providing a support to the camera; a locking mechanism, arranged underneath the sphere, for working with the housing to lock the sphere inside the housing; a platform base, arranged underneath the locking mechanism, and fixedly connected to the housing, for providing a support to the locking mechanism. A camera platform locking device of this invention may allow two regulating assemblies to gain distinguished moving distances for achieving different regulation purposes when rotating each knob of the regulating assemblies with the same angle so as to improve the regulation performance of the locking device. |
| US08414200B2 |
Device for installing an optical fibre in a splice connector
A device for installing an optical fiber in a connector, comprising an optical fiber cleaving mechanism (51), a connector holding means and a fiber insertion mechanism (55) arranged such that an optical fiber may be cleaved by the cleaving mechanism to produce an end of the fiber, and the end of the fiber may be inserted by means of the insertion mechanism into a connector (1) held by the connector holding means (53). |
| US08414199B2 |
Optical connector and lens block connecting structure, and optical module
An optical connector and lens block connecting structure includes a substrate, an optical element, a lens frame including two side ribs, and a fore rib, a lens block for bending the optical path of the optical element to convert into an optical path parallel to the substrate, an optical connector provided at a fore end of an optical fiber cable, an optical connector frame including two side ribs and a rear rib, and an elastic member interposed between the rear rib of the optical connector frame and the optical connector. The optical connector frame is fixed to the substrate such that the optical connector is mounted to the lens block while the rear rib of the optical connector frame allows the elastic member to press the optical connector toward the lens block. |
| US08414196B2 |
Optical fiber connection system with locking member
A fiber optic connector is disclosed for use with both a hardened fiber optic adapter and a non-hardened fiber optic adapter. The connector includes a connector housing having an end defining a plug portion. The plug portion includes first and second sets of retaining features for retaining the connector. The first and second retaining feature sets retain the connector within the hardened and unhardened adapters respectively. A threaded member can be included on the connector to threadingly engage and connect the connector to the hardened adapter. A sliding lock can be included on the connector to lock the connector to the non-hardened adapter when slid into a locking position. The sliding lock can be mounted to the threaded member. The sliding lock can include protrusions that engage and lock the non-hardened adapter when in the locking position thereby locking the non-hardened adapter to the connector. |
| US08414194B2 |
Cylindrical roller bearing
A cylindrical roller bearing assembly capable of increasing the load bearing capability with respect to the thrust load and of easily controlling the shape of the cylindrical roller is provided. The cylindrical roller bearing assembly includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a plurality of cylindrical rollers. One or both of the inner and outer rings has/have a collar. A surface portion encompassed within the region of radial dimensions of 0.12 Da to 0.20 Da as measured from an outer diametric edge of an end face of each of the cylindrical rollers to a roller axis, wherein Da represents an outer diameter of each of the cylindrical rollers is rendered to be a crowned portion of a tapered shape inclined at an angle θr of 0.25 to 1° relative to a plane perpendicular to the roller axis. |
| US08414189B2 |
Guide element for corrugated tubes
A guide element for a corrugated tube is formed as a ring. At least one rotating roller is integrated in the interior of the ring such that the at least one rotating roller contacts the corrugated tube when the corrugated tube is passed through the ring. The at least one rotating roller rotates with a movement of the corrugated tube using the guide element. The guide element enables low-wear control of corrugated tubes. |
| US08414187B2 |
Pyroelectric temperature sensor and a method for measuring a temperature with the pyroelectric temperature sensor
A temperature sensor includes first and second lower electrodes, a ferroelectric layer having polarization, a semiconductor layer; and first to third upper electrodes. The second upper electrode is interposed between the first upper electrode and the third upper electrode in a plan view. The semiconductor layer includes a first channel disposed between the first upper electrode and the second upper electrode, and a second channel disposed between the second upper electrode and the third upper electrode. The ferroelectric layer includes a first ferroelectric part disposed below the first channel and a second ferroelectric part disposed below the second channel. A polarization direction of the first ferroelectric part is opposite to a polarization direction of the second first ferroelectric part. The temperature is calculated based on the output voltage from the second upper electrode and the voltage applied to the first upper electrode. |
| US08414182B2 |
Micromixers for nanomaterial production
A micromixer device has at least one fluid inlet channel and at least one fluid outlet channel. A plurality of pathways extend between the fluid inlet channel and the fluid outlet channel. The width of at least some of the plurality of pathways varies in a substantially parabolic manner along at least one dimension of the micromixer device. |
| US08414177B2 |
Planar light emitting device
A planar light emitting device (PLED) includes: a light guide plate (LGP) having upper/lower surfaces; a light source substrate (LSS) mounted with a point light source parallel with a side end of the LGP; a first chassis covering a back of the LSS and a lower surface of the LGP in parallel; and a second chassis having an emission opening; a light source member in a side surface of the PLED; and a fixing member on the side of the PLED with an inclined portion. The inclined portion of the fixing member is formed so pressing the fixing member moves the LGP toward the LSS, which is fixed between the side end of the LGP and the first chassis. Removing the fixing member forms a gap between the LSS and the side end surface of the LGP or the first chassis, and the LSS can exit the LSS take-out portion. |
| US08414169B2 |
License plate assembly simulating flames
An assembly for creating the appearance of flames emerging from a vehicle exhaust, including a partially transparent tube connected to the vehicle, a light emitting array positioned within the tube, a plurality of reflective generally flame-shaped streamers extending at least partially into the partially transparent tube, an air pressure source operationally connected to the tube, a power source electrically connected to the light emitting array and an electronic controller operationally connected to the light emitting array. Actuation of the air pressure source waves the streamers within the tube and the streamers are visible through the tube when waving. The light emitting array is positioned to shine light onto the waving streamers and the electronic controller is operable to sequence the actuation of the light emitting array. |
| US08414168B2 |
Roof rack assembly with integrated lighting
A roof rack assembly for a vehicle having a roof is presented here. The roof rack assembly includes a first stanchion for structural attachment to the roof, a second stanchion for structural attachment to the roof, and a bar coupled between, and held above the roof by, the first stanchion and the second stanchion. The bar has a securing feature integrally formed therein, which holds an electric powered light-emitting component. Accordingly, the roof rack assembly employs a roof rack bar having a light-emitting element integrated therein. |
| US08414165B2 |
Heat dissipation mechanism for LED lamp
A heat dissipation mechanism for LED lamp includes an LED module, a lamp holder, a thermal module, a heat transfer member, and a lamp shade. The thermal module includes a heat sink and a fan; the fan is connected at one side to the heat sink and at another side to the lamp holder. The heat transfer member is arranged between the LED module and the heat sink. The lamp shade has an open end connected to an outer periphery of the lamp holder; and the LED module, the thermal module, and the heat transfer member are received in a space defined in the lamp shade. The heat transfer member absorbs heat generated by the LED module and uniformly spreads the absorbed heat to the heat sink for dissipating into ambient air, so that an excellent heat dissipation effect can be achieved. |
| US08414161B2 |
LED device for wide beam generation
An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved. Alternatively, the lens shape is numerically or analytically determined by a functional relationship between the shape and the predetermined illuminated surface pattern and predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source as inputs. |
| US08414156B2 |
System and method for minimizing hysteresis in a motor drive system
The present invention provides an automated luminaire with more repeatable, identical and accurate movements by normalization for motion drive system hysteresis. The normalization system utilizes the use of multiple drivers which drive the drive system which engage in opposing movements following a movement to normalize the hysteresis in the drive system so that subsequent moves begin from the same drive system conditions. |
| US08414155B2 |
LED luminaire
A luminaire having a plurality of LED boards mounted within a housing is provided. Each LED board has at least one light emitting diode mounted thereon and an axis extending from a first end of the board to a second end of the board. Each LED board is adjusted about its respective axis to an orientation that is unique from at least two other LED boards. |
| US08414151B2 |
Light emitting diode (LED) based lamp
A light emitting apparatus comprises: an LED-based light source; a spherical, spheroidal, ovoid, egg-shaped, or toroidal diffuser generating a Lambertian light intensity distribution output at any point on the diffuser surface responsive to illumination inside the diffuser; and a base including a base connector. The LED based light source, the diffuser, and the base are secured together as a unitary LED lamp installable in a lighting socket by connecting the base connector with the lighting socket. The base is operatively connected with the LED based light source in the unitary LED lamp to electrically power the LED based light source using electrical power received at the base connector. |
| US08414145B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device according to one embodiment includes: a board; plural first light emitting units each including a first light emitting element and a first fluorescent layer formed on the first light emitting element having a green phosphor; plural second light emitting units each including a second light emitting element and a second fluorescent layer formed on the second light emitting element having a red phosphor; the second fluorescent layers and the first fluorescent layers being separated in a non-contact manner with gas interposed there between; and plural third light emitting units each including a third light emitting element and a resin layer formed on the third light emitting element having neither a green phosphor nor the red phosphor, the third light emitting units being disposed between the first light emitting units and the second light emitting units. |
| US08414137B2 |
Inside rearview mirror assembly
An inside rearview mirror bracket for a windscreen includes a pad portion configured to attach to an interior of the windscreen. A bridge portion is formed as a single piece with the pad portion, and a tunnel is defined by the bridge portion and the pad portion. The mirror bracket includes a mirror receptacle formed as a single piece with the bridge portion opposite the tunnel. The mirror receptacle is configured to receive a rearview mirror. A sensor member may be configured to substantially fill the tunnel, such that the sensor member is disposed intermediate the bridge portion and the windscreen. |
| US08414134B2 |
Illumination apparatus and projector
An illumination apparatus includes first and second light source units. An optical axis converting element has a first surface that reflects a luminous flux emitted from the first light source unit and a second surface that reflects a luminous flux emitted from the second light source unit and is configured to reflect respective luminous fluxes emitted from the respective light source units in substantially one direction. Each of the luminous fluxes entering the optical axis converting element has different dimensions in two directions orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to an emission axis of the each light source unit. The optical axis converting element is arranged such that a cross-sectional shape of the luminous flux entering each optical axis converting element taken along the surface has a short side direction in the same direction as the direction of arrangement of the first and second surfaces. |
| US08414130B2 |
Display system for virtual reality
A method of displaying an image on a screen having upper and lower extremities to a viewer located in front of the screen and at a horizontal distance from the screen, the method comprising the steps of: (a) inclining the screen at an angle of 60° or less to a horizontal plane behind the screen; (b) arranging the viewer and screen such that the upper extremity of the screen is further away than its lower extremity from the point of view of the viewer with said upper extremity above the head height of the viewer; and, (c) displaying the image on the screen. |
| US08414123B2 |
Toric lenses alignment using pre-operative images
Proper selection and centering of an intraocular lens (IOL) is provided. An image of an eye, which may be captured during pre-operative tests and provided to a program operable to calculate the power and axis orientation of the IOL, is used to determine the location and orientation of the IOL. This produces an output or placement guide used to properly center and orient an IOL within the eye. |
| US08414122B2 |
Medical imaging apparatus
A medical imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a subject, an imaging sequence registration unit configured to register an imaging sequence, and a display unit configured to display the imaging sequence registered by the imaging sequence registration unit. |
| US08414119B2 |
Eyeglass frame assembly adaptable to lenses of different curvatures
An eyeglass frame assembly adaptable to lenses of different curvatures for holding replaceable optical or sunglass lenses includes an inner frame and an eyeglass frame. The inner frame has a rear periphery and laterals thereof formed as an abutting surface corresponding to a forward receiving area and two lateral linking rooms formed on the eyeglass frame. The inner frame preinstalled with the optical lenses or the sunglass lenses is easily assembled to the eyeglass frame by inserting two laterals of the inner frame into the lateral linking rooms of the eyeglass frame and buckling a middle portion of the inner frame to a corresponding portion of the eyeglass frame, to allow the abutting surface of the inner frame to abut against the matching receiving area of the eyeglass frame. With this design, the inner frame attached to the eyeglass frame can be easily replaced as needed. |
| US08414117B2 |
Ink jet Printing apparatus
According to the present invention, the size of a droplet ejected to a target area is minimized to obtain high printing resolution, and effects of attraction and adhesive forces acting between a nozzle and air resistance can be minimized so that the target area is finely controlled to obtain high printing precision. An inkjet printing apparatus according to the present invention includes an ejecting device ejecting a droplet of a solution to a target area; and a light irradiating device irradiating light onto the droplet at an acute angle with respect to a line going through the ejecting device and the target area to heat and evaporate a part of the droplet before the ejected droplet reaches the target area, so that the droplet is accelerated along the line. |
| US08414116B2 |
Melt plate for use in a solid ink jet printer
A melt plate for use in a solid ink printer is formed with a drip plate to provide controlled flow of melted ink from the melt plate to a drip point. The melt plate includes a first portion having a perimeter, a second portion having a perimeter, the second planar portion angling from the first portion along a transition boundary at a first angle, a first rim extending around the perimeter of the first portion except along the transition boundary, the first rim angling from the first portion at a second angle, and a second rim extending around the perimeter of the second portion except along the transition boundary and a drip point, the second rim angling from the second portion at a third angle, the third angle being different than the second angle. |
| US08414115B2 |
Liquid supplying apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid supplying apparatus includes: a pressure applying device applying pressure to the liquid inside a supply flow channel connected to a liquid supply object; a pressure buffering unit including a deformable or movable partition separating a liquid chamber connected to the supply flow channel and a gas chamber; a gas flow channel switching device connecting and disconnecting the gas chamber and a gas storage unit; an atmosphere connection channel switching device connecting and disconnecting the gas storage unit to and from the atmosphere; a switching controlling device controlling operations of the gas flow channel switching device and the atmosphere connection channel switching device during initial position adjustment of the partition and during pressurization of the liquid supply object; and a pressure controlling device controlling the pressure applying device in response to the operations of the gas flow channel switching device and the atmosphere connection channel switching device. |
| US08414114B2 |
Systems for priming fluid jetting devices
Disclosed is a system for priming a fluid jetting device. The system includes a fluid trench configured within a fluid jetting chip of the fluid jetting device and at least one first channel fluidly coupled to the fluid trench. The at least one first channel extends vertically between the fluid jetting chip and a mounting unit adapted to support the fluid jetting chip, and is adapted to supply a priming fluid to the fluid trench. The system further includes at least one second channel fluidly coupled to the fluid trench. The at least one second channel extends vertically between the fluid jetting chip and the mounting unit, and is adapted to drain-out the priming fluid from the fluid trench. Further disclosed are systems for priming a fluid jetting device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. |
| US08414109B2 |
Head array unit, image forming apparatus and head replacing method
A head array unit includes plural heads that discharge liquid droplets; a head supporting member on which the plural heads are disposed; and intermediate members, fixed to the head supporting member, having positioning reference parts configured to position the heads, wherein the heads are mounted on the intermediate members detachably from an opposite side of the intermediate members with respect to the head supporting member. |
| US08414106B2 |
Printer fluid change manifold
A system is disclosed. The system includes a print engine having one or more ink jet print heads and ink lines coupled to provide ink to each of the print heads. The system also includes a fluid change manifold coupled to the ink lines to remove fluid from the print engine via the ink lines. |
| US08414104B2 |
Recording apparatus and wiping device
A recording apparatus may comprise a recording head which has an ejection surface, and a wiping device configured to move in a wiping direction. The wiping device may comprise a wiper and a wiper holder. The wiping device may comprise a cam mechanism configured to support the wiper holder and change the height of the wiper holder, such that the wiper is positioned at a contacting height when the cam mechanism is moving in the wiping direction, and such that the wiper is positioned at a separation height when the cam mechanism is moving in the retracting direction. The wiping device may comprise a guide mechanism. The wiping device may comprise a moving device configured to move the wiper and the wiper holder together with the cam mechanism by moving the cam mechanism selectively in either the wiping direction or a retracting direction. |
| US08414101B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes a motor that drives an object to be driven; a detection unit that detects the speed of the object to be driven; and a control unit that controls driving of the motor based on a speed profile including an acceleration range, a constant-speed range, and a deceleration range, and determines that the speed of the object to be driven is abnormal when the difference between the detection speed of the detection unit and the speed of the speed profile exceeds a threshold value, wherein a first threshold value is set in the constant-speed range, and a second threshold value, which is higher than the first threshold value, is set in at least a portion of the acceleration range and the deceleration range. |
| US08414100B2 |
Liquid ejecting head inspection apparatus, liquid ejecting apparatus, and inspection method of liquid ejecting head inspection apparatus
A liquid ejecting head inspection apparatus detects malfunction of a liquid ejecting head that discharges liquid droplets. The liquid ejecting head inspection apparatus includes a liquid droplet landing portion on which a discharged liquid droplet can land. An electric change detecting unit detects an electric change in the liquid droplet landing portion. A controlling unit supplies a discharging drive signal to a driving element for discharging a liquid droplet, generates a potential difference between the discharged liquid droplet and the liquid droplet landing portion, and detects landing of the liquid droplet based on activity of the electric change detecting unit. A non-landing unit ensures that no liquid droplet lands on the liquid droplet landing portion when the discharging drive signal is applied to the driving element. A judging unit judges whether the liquid ejecting head inspection apparatus functions properly based on activity of the electric change detecting unit. |
| US08414097B2 |
Image forming apparatus selecting pulses to form drive waveform
An image forming apparatus creates a drive waveform containing a first pulse to discharge the droplet and a second pulse to cause a liquid to flow within a recording head. A data creation part creates data to select a first or second droplet discharge pulse. The first droplet discharge pulse contains the first pulse and the second pulse. The second droplet discharge pulse does not contain the second pulse. When the first or second droplet discharge pulse is selected in a subsequent drive period and when neither the first nor second droplet discharge pulse is selected in a current drive period, the second pulse is selected in the current drive period when selecting the second droplet discharge pulse in the subsequent drive period, and the second pulse is not selected in the current drive period when selecting the first droplet discharge pulse in the subsequent drive period. |
| US08414090B2 |
Assistance-limit recognizing device, assistance-limit recognizing method, and vehicle brake system including the assistance-limit recognizing device
An assistance-limit recognizing device for recognizing a limit of assistance made by a vacuum booster that is configured to assist an operating force applied to a brake operating member. A communication between a variable pressure chamber and a negative pressure chamber of the vacuum booster is established, when the operating force is not applied to the brake operating member. A communication between the variable pressure chamber and the atmosphere is established while the communication between the variable pressure chamber and the negative pressure chamber is cut off, when the operating force is applied to the brake operating member, whereby the operating force applied to the brake operating member is assisted based on a pressure difference between a pressure in the negative pressure chamber and a pressure in the variable pressure chamber. The assistance-limit recognizing device is configured, upon reduction of the variable-pressure chamber pressure in process of change of the variable-pressure chamber pressure toward the atmospheric pressure with application of the operating force to the brake operating member, to recognize the limit of the assistance made by the vacuum booster. |
| US08414089B2 |
Externally controllable electrohydraulic vehicle brake system
An externally actuable electrohydraulic vehicle brake system including an externally actuable electrohydraulic vehicle system with slip control. In order to make available a brake system which permits highly dynamic pressure build-up processes without throttling effects in the suction path, in particular through a master cylinder, being adversely affected, it is proposed that the hydraulic pump be assigned means which permit the hydraulic pump additionally to drive a hydraulic charging device which is connected to an inlet of the hydraulic pump. |
| US08414087B2 |
Motor vehicle axle component and method for producing a motor vehicle axle component
The invention relates to a motor vehicle axle component and a method for producing a motor vehicle axle component. The axle component, for example a dead beam axle, includes a light metal body, such as aluminum or magnesium or corresponding alloys, and a tubular body in form of a steel tube, which are adhesively connected with each other. An adhesive pocket filled with an adhesive is formed between an end of the tubular body and a cylindrical receptacle of the light metal body. Respective bezels are arranged on a free end of the receptacle and on a free end of the tubular body. The spaces between the respective bezels and adjacent walls are filled with adhesive, which seals the interior and exterior transition regions of the joint zone, thus protecting the joint zone against corrosion, improving the load characteristic of the axle component and increasing its service life. |
| US08414085B2 |
Shank assembly with a tensioned element
In one aspect of the invention, a tool comprises a head and a shank assembly. The shank assembly has a tensioned element axially disposed within a bore of a structural element and a distal end of the tensioned element is secured within or below the bore. The head has a cavity formed in its base end and is adapted to receive a proximal end of the tensioned element. The tensioned element has a radially extending catch adapted to interlock within the cavity of the head. The head is harder than the tensioned element. |
| US08414084B2 |
Adaptive sleeve retainer for tool pick
A tool pick assembly is provided for insertion in a first bore having a first diameter. The tool pick assembly includes a tool pick having a shank with a diameter sized for receipt in a second bore having a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, an adaptive sleeve retainer having a thickness for stably supporting the shank of the tool pick in the first bore, and a washer for compressing the adaptive sleeve retainer to aid insertion into the first bore. The adaptive sleeve retainer is configured to spring radially outward to retain the tool pick in the first bore. A push out force for pushing the tool pick out from the first bore is approximately ±10% of a push out force for pushing out from the first bore a tool pick having a shank with a diameter sized for receipt in the first bore. |
| US08414077B2 |
Mechanism for adjusting the tilt of an automotive vehicle seat, automotive vehicle seat, and manufacturing method
The mechanism for adjusting the tilt of an automobile vehicle seat comprising a first flange entirely obtained from a shaped metallic element, a second flange comprising a central part and a peripheral part is disclosed. The internal face of the first flange is opposite the external face of the second flange to guide a rotational movement of the flanges. The retaining face of the first flange is opposite the rear face of the second flange, to retain the second flange in the first flange along the pivot axis. |
| US08414076B2 |
Passenger seating arrangement
The present invention provides an aircraft passenger seat assembly that includes: (a) first and second seats selectively movable between upright and reclined positions and adapted for being positioned beside and at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other; (b) a center console having a relatively wide aft end and a relatively narrow forward end for being positioned between the first and second seats; and © the relatively wide aft end of the center console including first and second foot wells therein adapted to permit the feet of a passenger seated in an aft-positioned first or second seat to extend therein when the aft-positioned first or second seat is in the recline position. |
| US08414068B1 |
Vehicle body structure
A vehicle body structure is configured such that not only can a pillar that is a vertical member of a vehicle body, for example, a bus, be joined to a rail that is a horizontal member without conducting a welding process, but also the strength of the vehicle body can be enhanced, thus preventing the generation of noise and vibrations, improving the durability of the vehicle body structure, and facilitating assembly work. |
| US08414065B2 |
Suspended floorboard
A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: a frame; a set of wheels supported on the frame to allow the materials handling vehicle to move across a floor surface; a rider compartment located within the frame for receiving an operator; and an operator support assembly. The operator support assembly comprises a suspended floorboard upon which the operator may stand when located within the rider compartment and an energy absorbing structure coupled to the frame and the suspended floorboard for absorbing and dissipating at least a portion of energy resulting from disturbances encountered by the vehicle as it moves across the floor surface prior to the energy portion reaching the operator standing on the suspended floorboard, the energy absorbing structure including a damping element comprising a valve for effecting a damping function. |
| US08414059B2 |
Vehicle rear windshield structure
A vehicle rear windshield structure includes a first rear windshield, a second rear windshield, and a light shielding wall. The first rear windshield is to secure rearward visibility from an inside of a vehicle body. The second rear windshield is provided below the first rear windshield to secure rearward visibility from the inside of the vehicle body. The light shielding wall is provided between the first rear windshield and the second rear windshield to reduce light coming from an outside of the vehicle body through the second rear windshield to the first rear windshield. |
| US08414056B1 |
Automotive vehicle second row reconfigurable seat
A vehicle includes a rear deck lid and a rear vehicle seat having a seat portion and a back portion. The back portion of the rear vehicle seat is configured to slide between a first, seating position and a second, intermediate position, and is further configured to articulate between the second, intermediate position and a third, tonneau cover position. When in the third, tonneau cover position, the back portion of the rear vehicle seat is substantially aligned with the rear deck lid, and extends toward a front seat of the vehicle. |
| US08414053B2 |
Seat back assembly with integral reinforcement structure
A seat back assembly including a frame formed of a low density material such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) and a reinforcement structure encapsulated within the frame is provided. The reinforcement structure includes a load transferring surface extending between opposite ends of the seat back. Each end of the reinforcement structure is secured to a vehicle body structure. The reinforcement structure transfers a load placed upon the seat back assembly throughout the frame so as to maintain the structural integrity of the frame under a predetermined load. Specifically, the load transferring surface of the reinforcement structure is in contact with the frame and transfers the load across a predetermined area of the frame and to the vehicle body. |
| US08414050B2 |
Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed
A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, a cargo bed expandable in a front direction, and a screen shield arranged at a front end of the cargo bed. The cargo bed has at least a stationary bottom plate, right and left stationary side panels, a front panel, expandable side panels, and an expandable bottom plate and can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction to a rear portion riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the space. Each of the expandable side panels and the screen shield are supported by a vehicle body configuring portion so as to be integrally shifted between an expanded position and a non-expanded position. |
| US08414049B2 |
Vehicle cargo system with multi-function tonneau cover
A tonneau cover assembly provided in a vehicle including a panel hingedly attached to a vehicle seat, and a release assembly with an actuating mechanism provided on the panel. The actuating mechanism is connected to a panel lock assembly and a seat lock assembly which are provided to selectively lock the panel and the vehicle seat in place. Actuation of the actuating mechanism causes the lock assemblies to release, thereby allowing rotation of the panel about the hinged attachment and folding of the vehicle seat from a seating position to a folded-forward position. |
| US08414047B2 |
Reconfigurable console reinforcement bracket
A reconfigurable console reinforcement bracket includes a first frame and first and second extension arms. In a first configuration, the first extension arm is connected to a first lateral side of the first frame at a first longitudinal end of the first frame and the second extension arm is connected to a second lateral side of the first frame at the first longitudinal end of the first frame such that the first and second extension arms extend beyond the first longitudinal end. In a second configuration, the first extension arm is connected to the first lateral side of the first frame at the second longitudinal end of the first frame and the second extension arm is connected to the second lateral side of the first frame at the second longitudinal end of the first frame such that the first and second extension arms extend beyond the second longitudinal end. |
| US08414044B2 |
Product gripper
A product gripper for the taking up of a product, has two vane blades; has a driving means to move the vane blades between a first position, in which the vane blades can be placed onto a support for the product to be taken up at oppositely disposed sides of the product to be taken up, and a second position, in which the vane blades are located at least partly beneath the product to be taken up; and has a downholder for the fixing of the product to be taken up while the vane blades are moved beneath it, with the downholder being arranged above a vane blade plane defined by the vane blades. |
| US08414041B2 |
Automobile bumper arrangement and modular bumper system
An automobile bumper arrangement includes a crossbeam coupled to side rails of an automobile via crash boxes, wherein the crossbeam has extensions disposed at end sections which are laterally supported on a corresponding crash box. A modular bumper system has a crossbeam, an extension and a crash box coupled to a side rail of an automobile, wherein the crossbeam has a standardized length and a vehicle-specific width of a bumper can be attained by varying the length of the extension. |
| US08414037B2 |
Electronic device with push-push type latch mechanism
A push-push type latch mechanism is disclosed, which includes a platform, a slide hook with an incline disposed on the platform, a spring disposed on the platform and connected to the slide hook, and at least one damping component disposed on the platform and touching the slide hook. An electronic device with the push-push type latch mechanism is also disclosed. |
| US08414029B2 |
Marking device for scooter and removable marking cartridge
A scooter having a marking device that is movable from a first position, in which the marking device does not contact the surface on which the scooter is being operated, and a second position, in which the marking device contacts the surface on which the scooter is being operated. The scooter includes a scooter body which rotatably supports the marking assembly. The marking assembly includes a marking portion which creates markings on a riding surface when in frictional contact with the riding surface. The marking assembly also includes a foot actuation portion which is accessible to the user and allows the user to activate the marking assembly while riding. In one arrangement, the marking portion includes a removable cartridge with marking elements that create markings on the riding surface when in frictional contact with the riding surface. |
| US08414025B2 |
Energy-absorbing device for a vehicle
An energy-absorbing device is provided that is mountable to an engine cradle of a vehicle. The device includes spaced-apart first and second plates having first and second plate lengths respectively, with the first plate length being less than the second plate length. A divider plate is positioned between the first and second plates. Opposing first and second side walls connect the first plate to the divider plate. The first and second side walls have first and second angled edges defining first and second incline angles, respectively, relative to the divider plate. The first and second incline angles are each less than 90 degrees. A distal portion of the device, at least partially defined by the first and second angled edges, is configured to provide lower resistance to an impact force relative to a proximal portion of the device, thereby providing progressive crush resistance. |
| US08414024B1 |
Blow-molded active side bolster with tear tabs
An active bolster for a door of a transportation vehicle comprises a sheet metal door frame with a plurality of brackets. A door cover panel is mounted to the door frame. The cover panel has a bolster aperture, a living hinge disposed around the perimeter of the bolster aperture, and a plurality of mounting bosses. A blow-molded bladder is arranged to fit within the bolster aperture having a front surface substantially co-planar with the cover panel, having a pleated back surface, and having a plurality of side mounting tabs extending laterally from the sides of the bladder. Each side mounting tab is attached to a respective mounting boss and includes a respective tear seam configured to pull away from the respective mounting boss during inflation of the bladder. A plurality of capture pins are insert molded into the back surface. Each pin is captured by a respective bracket. |
| US08414019B2 |
Airbag apparatus
The airbag of an airbag apparatus is provided with a slip member that is disposed on the outer surface of an occupant protection area of an airbag main body and can suppress load to an occupant by allowing the airbag main body to slide when the airbag comes in contact with the occupant while being developed and inflated. The slip member is connected to the airbag main body at both left and right edges and a rear-lower edge. In the slip member, a left connecting portion and a right connecting portion for connecting both left and right edges to the airbag main body are connected at a position before and above the center of the occupant protection area, and the rear connecting portion for connecting the rear-lower edge to the airbag main body is connected at a position rear-lower the center of the occupant protection area. |
| US08414017B2 |
Roof airbag apparatus for vehicle
A roof airbag apparatus for a vehicle, may include an inflator providing gas pressure, an air tube deploying towards sides of a passenger sitting on a seat when gas may be supplied from the inflator into the air tube, and a front support panel provided on a front end of the air tube to enclose a front portion of the passenger when the air tube may be deployed. |
| US08414015B2 |
Vehicle airbag support structure
A vehicle airbag support structure comprises a base member, a first support leg and a mounting arrangement. The base member defines an inflator aperture for receiving a portion of a vehicle airbag module supported on a top surface of the base member. The first support leg includes first and second ends with first and second segments disposed between the first and second ends. The first end is attached to a peripheral portion of the base member with the first and second segments disposed on a bottom side of the base member that faces in an opposite direction from the top surface. The first and second segments extend perpendicularly and non-orthogonally, respectively, with respect to the base member. The mounting arrangement is attached to the second end and defines a fastening aperture with a center fastener axis arranged in a direction parallel to a plane including the top surface. |
| US08414012B2 |
Stroller connectable with a car seat
A stroller is adapted to be connected with a car seat, and includes a frame, a footrest, and at least one locking device. The frame has two seat rods. The footrest is disposed between the seat rods, and includes two side rod sections and a middle rod section having two ends connected respectively and pivotally to the side rod sections. The locking device is disposed between one of the side rod sections and a corresponding one of the seat rods, and includes an angle-limiting mechanism and an actuator operable to cooperate with the angle-limiting mechanism so as to adjust the footrest among a plurality of angular positions including an erected position whereat the stroller is connectable with the car seat. |
| US08414011B2 |
Hitch assembly
A hitch assembly for attachment to a bumper beam that is concealed with a bumper fascia. In one embodiment, the hitch assembly includes a body extending through the bumper fascia and has a receiver dimensioned to receive a drawbar. To secure the drawbar to the hitch assembly, at least one pin may be provided that can move between an engaged position that secures the drawbar to the hitch assembly and a disengaged position that allows the drawbar to be released from the hitch assembly. The hitch assembly may also include a handle extending from the bumper fascia and adapted to move the pin between the engaged position and the disengaged position. |
| US08414004B2 |
Spring seat and mounting structure for spring seat
A spring seat is mounted to a suspension arm to receive a coil spring of a suspension, a spring seat body is provided with a receiving part for receiving the coil spring and a locking protrusion, which projects from the spring seat body to the side opposite to the receiving part so as to be locked in a locking hole formed in the suspension arm, are formed integrally using an elastic member, and a core material harder than the elastic member is incorporated in the spring seat body and the locking protrusion. |
| US08414000B2 |
One piece flexible skateboard
A flexible skateboard may include a pair of direction casters mounted for steering rotation on a twistable one piece skateboard with a multi-arm spring return assembly using pivoting stops associated with the wheel fork and non-pivoting stops mounted to the skateboard. Centering spring arrangements including range or rotation limitations such as hard stops are included. One or two dual wheel assemblies may be exchanged for the single wheel assemblies for ease or riding or learning how to ride. One piece skateboard bodies are formed by rigidly connecting together multiple pieces of the same or similar plastic molded parts to form a bridge like connecting member having increased structural strength for its weight. |
| US08413999B2 |
Wheeled apparatus having multiple wheelbase configurations
A wheeled apparatus has a pair of first-size wheels attached in a spaced apart arrangement to a main frame at its first end portion. A subframe is moveably attached at its first end portion to the main frame at a position between the first-size wheels and a second end portion of the main frame. The subframe is attached to the main frame for allowing the subframe to be freely moved between a first position and a second position. The subframe and the main frame jointly limit movement of the subframe to be between the first and second positions. A pair of second-size wheel is attached to a second end portion of the subframe. The first-size and second-size wheels jointly provide a first wheelbase length when the subframe is in the first position and jointly provide a second wheelbase length when the subframe is in the second position. |
| US08413992B2 |
Shaft seal and rotary machine with same
A shaft seal that is constituted by annularly arranging a plurality of seal segments in the circumferential direction of a rotating shaft, in which each seal segment has a plurality of thin plates that are provided in a predetermined arrangement in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft, side plates that sandwich the plurality of thin plates from both sides thereof in the axial direction, and retention rings that retain the base ends of the plurality of thin plates and the base ends of the side plates; the distal ends of the thin plates protrude farther toward the rotating shaft than the distal ends of the side plates, and the protrusion length of the distal ends of the thin plates in the vicinity of the end portions in the circumferential direction where adjacent seal segments are connected is set to be less than the protrusion length of the distal ends of the thin plates that are located at the middle of the seal segment in the circumferential direction. |
| US08413990B2 |
Projectile passing game systems
A game system comprises a base game-playing structure and at least two target surfaces each defining at least one target zone and depicting different projectile-passing games. The target surfaces are engageable with the base game-playing structure in one or more substantially vertical orientations and configured to receive passed projectiles. The system also includes at least one sensor engaged with the base game-playing structure. The target zone is positioned at a location on the target surface which is aligned with the sensor. The sensor is configured to detect the presence of a projectile at the target zone. The system may also include an electronic display configured to display the status of the game being played with the game system, and an electronic controller configured to receive signals from the sensor and coupled to the electronic display to reflect the status of the game. |
| US08413985B2 |
Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and sheet feeding apparatus with signal line for transmitting handover signal output
An image forming system controls a handover timing of sheets between an image forming apparatus and a sheet feeding apparatus with high precision. A transmission path transmits information between the image forming apparatus and the sheet feeding apparatus. A signal line transmits a handover signal output from the image forming apparatus to the sheet feeding apparatus. A first control unit transmits the handover signal to the sheet feeding apparatus after transmitting a feeding start request to the sheet feeding apparatus. A second control unit controls the sheet feeding apparatus to convey the sheet to a predetermined position in the sheet feeding apparatus in accordance with a reception of the feeding start request and of conveying the sheet at the predetermined position to the image forming apparatus in accordance with a reception of the handover signal. |
| US08413984B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus, belt drive apparatus, image reading apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a conveying path for conveying a sheet, an optical displacement sensor that detects displacement of the sheet, and a calculating unit that calculates a movement index value indicating moving distances of the sheet in a conveying direction and a direction perpendicular thereto based on an output from the optical displacement sensor. The optical displacement sensor includes a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a matrix array. A row alignment direction and a column alignment direction of the light receiving elements are tilted with respect to the conveying direction. |
| US08413980B2 |
Sheet holder for a printer
In one example, a printer sheet holding system includes: a support for printable substrate sheets in a support area; and a movable indicator to indicate the presence in the support area of a second sheet stack on top of a first sheet stack. The indicator being movable between a first position in which the indicator extends over the support area where it can rest on top of the first stack when a first stack is supported in the support area and a second position in which the indicator is withdrawn from the support area. In another example, a method includes sensing the presence of a second stack of printable substrate sheets on top of a first stack of printable substrate sheets and, in response to sensing the presence of the second stack on the first stack, configuring the printer to print on sheets of the second substrate. |
| US08413975B2 |
Method for making an automatic album
The present invention relates to a method for making an album in a full-automatic way, comprising the steps below: feed the album paper into a creasing machine piece by piece; crease the album paper in the middle and then transfer the album paper to a folding mechanism; fold the album paper along the middle seam and transfer the album paper to a pasting mechanism; select automatic pasting process according to the album making command, when an interlayer is not required, apply the adhesive on one external side of the album paper, align with the other external side of the previous piece of the album paper that is without the adhesive coating, and so forth, so that all the album paper is bonded together to form the album core; when an interlayer is required, feed the pasting mechanism between the album paper and the interlayer, apply the adhesive on one side of the interlayer, paste it with the external side of the previous piece of the album paper, apply the adhesive on one external side of the next piece of the album paper, paste it with the other side of the interlayer, paste the album paper and the interlayer by alignment, feed another piece of the interlayer, and so forth, so that all the album paper and the interlayer are bonded alternately to form the album core. |
| US08413974B2 |
Creasing device and image forming system
A creasing device for creasing sheets on a per-sheet basis, the creasing device includes: a first member extending perpendicularly to a sheet conveying direction and including a male blade, which has a convex cross section; a second member extending perpendicularly to the sheet conveying direction and including a grooved female blade, into which the male blade to be fitted with a sheet between the female blade and the male blade; and a drive unit that brings the first member and the second member relatively into and out of contact with each other to cause a sheet stopped at a predetermined position to be pinched between the first member and the second member and creased. An edge portion of any one of the first member and the second member has an arcuate shape. |
| US08413972B2 |
Multiple axis positioner
An embodiment of a multiple axis positioner comprises a main headstock that has a main hollow bore. A main indexing table is attached to the main headstock. The main indexing table has a through-hole near the its center. The through-hole aligns or is substantially coaxial with the main hollow bore of the main headstock. The embodiment of the multiple axis positioner further includes at least three minor headstocks mounted to the main indexing table. The at least three minor headstocks have minor hollow bores. |
| US08413968B2 |
Water aeration capsules
The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble shell or membrane of a suitable substance, e.g., various salts, sugars, water-soluble polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol. The capsules are ballasted to make their specific gravity greater than the water they displace. The ballast may comprise any non-toxic metal, sand, clay, or other non-organic material, and/or fish bait or other food for aquatic animals. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. Various means of dispensing the capsules from various mobile carriers are also disclosed, including dispensing by hand from shore or by a diver, from a small boat or larger ship, and/or from aircraft. |
| US08413965B2 |
Fence/rail assembly with concealed sliding, pivotal connection, and manufacturing method therefor
A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto. The assembly includes a plurality of pickets, a plurality of rails extending transverse to the pickets, and one or more pivoting, sliding connectors for connecting a picket to a rail, with the sliding, pivotal connection concealed by the rail. The connector is slidably mounted to the rail and is pivotally connected to the picket. The sliding, pivotal connection allows the pickets to be oriented at greater angles relative to the rails (i.e. it allows the assembly to rack to a greater degree, thereby allowing the fencing/raining to following more-steeply changing terrain or contours). In one embodiment, an elongated connector strip is concealed by the rail and spans multiple pickets. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of shorter connectors, one for each picket/rail connection. |
| US08413962B2 |
Device and method for moving a working means in the ground
In a method and a device for moving a working means in the ground, a coupling means rotatable about an axis of rotation for establishing a drive connection between a push-pull unit and a rod assembly having at least one projection and/or at least one recess is engaged with the projection and/or the recess of the rod assembly such that via a first contact area of the coupling means a first feed force is transmitted from the push-pull unit to the rod assembly. By the counter force opposite to the first feed force a torque acting on the coupling means is generated, which torque presses a second contact area of the coupling means against the rod assembly with a contact force. By the contact force, a non-positive connection is established between the push-pull unit and the rod assembly. Via this non-positive connection, a second feed force is transmitted to the rod assembly. By at least a part of the first and second feed force acting on the rod assembly a linear movement of the rod assembly is caused. |
| US08413961B2 |
Cable pulling cap, method of manufacture, and method of use
A cable pulling cap can include: (a) a lower portion with a top and a bottom, the lower portion comprising one or more lower sidewalls, the one or more lower sidewalls define an lower cavity; (b) an upper portion with a top and a bottom, the upper portion including one or more upper sidewalls, the one or more upper sidewalls define an upper cavity, the top of the upper portion having an access channel, the bottom of the upper portion further configured to mechanically couple to the top of the lower portion; (c) a bearing sized to a diameter less than a width of the access channel of the upper portion and located in the upper cavity; and (d) a pulling stem having a first end and a second end, the first end of the pulling stem configured to mechanically coupled to a portion of the bearing. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application. |
| US08413960B2 |
Inflatable equipment stabilizer
A method and apparatus for stabilizing a piece of equipment, especially a wind turbine blade when removed from a wind turbine tower, the method and apparatus including a stabilizer bag placed on the ground, having one or more interior inflatable cavities surrounded by a durable exterior membrane having welded seams and at least one valve for purposes of inflation and deflation. |
| US08413956B2 |
Double-disc gate valve
A double-disc gate valve is provided, the shut-off or valve discs of which are displaceable from an open position into a closed position and vice versa by means of an actuator rod, there being associated with the actuator rod a locking device by means of which the valve discs, together with the actuator rod, are fixable in the closed position. The locking device is movable in the longitudinal direction of the actuator rod relative thereto from an unlocking position into a locking position and vice versa, the locking position being variable in dependence upon the closed position of the valve with predetermined maximum pressing force of the valve discs against the associated valve housing sealing seats. |
| US08413948B2 |
Dynamic kinematic mount
A dynamic kinematic mount includes three balls, a first plate, and an opposing second plate. The first plate contacts the three balls at six contact points constraining translational and rotational movement of the first plate, and the second plate contacts the three balls at six contact points constraining translational and rotational movement of the second plate. Also provided is a spacer having opposing first and second faces and three bores extending therethrough from the first face to the second face. The three balls are each disposed in one of the three bores for rotation relative to the spacer, in which the three ball project outboard of the first and second faces. The first plate is in juxtaposition to the first face, and the second plate in juxtaposition to the second face. |
| US08413946B2 |
Photovoltaic structure mounting apparatus and system having a slider clip
Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system. |
| US08413945B2 |
Mounting apparatus for expansion card
A mounting apparatus includes a mounting tray configured for securing an expansion card, a first securing member, a second securing member, a first rotating member and a second rotating member. The first securing member is attached to a first edge of the mounting tray, and a first stopper portion is disposed on the first securing member. The second securing member is attached to a second opposite edge of the mounting tray, and a second stopper portion is disposed on the second securing member. The first and second rotating members are rotatably secured to the mounting tray. A first and second hooks respectively extend from the first and second rotating members. The first hook is engaged with the first stopper portion, and the second hook engaged with the second stopper portion. |
| US08413938B2 |
Hand rail mounting bracket for an electrical panel
A bracket for mounting an electrical panel to a handrail has a first portion having a U-shaped portion for receiving the handrail, a second portion having an attachment for attaching to the electrical panel, and a pivotal connection connecting the first portion to the second portion. |
| US08413936B2 |
Video camera support device that can be operated in two different manners
A support device includes a platform, a connecting rod connected with the platform, a main support unit connected with the connecting rod, a weight member connected with the main support unit, two opposite clamping boards each pivotally mounted on the weight member, a swivel mechanism swivelably mounted between the connecting rod and the main support unit, a pivot member pivotally mounted on the swivel mechanism, and an auxiliary support unit connected with the pivot member. Thus, the video camera support device can be operated in two different manners to facilitate a user carrying the video camera. In addition, when the platform is moved by the user, the platform is kept at a horizontal state by provision of the weight member and the clamping boards so that the video camera is moved solidly and stably. |
| US08413927B2 |
Landing gear for spacecraft
A pivotal connection and a substantially rigid yet disruptable mechanical connection mount a respective foot pad on a distal end of each one of plural landing legs of a lander spacecraft. The mechanical connection includes at least one predetermined rated breaking point designed to break when the foot pad makes contact with a landing ground surface. At least two sensor elements, preferably electrical conductors or switches, are incorporated in the mechanical connection(s) of one or more foot pads. When the foot pad makes ground contact, the mechanical connection breaks at the rated breaking point(s), which also disrupts or actuates the sensor element(s), which thus provides a signal to an evaluating unit, which triggers the shut-down of at least one braking retrorocket or retrothruster. |
| US08413925B2 |
Aircraft engine attachment pylon having a rear engine attachment provided with a self-locking nut
An aircraft engine attachment pylon including a rigid structure forming a caisson, and a rear engine attachment including an attachment body and at least one lateral fitting arranged on either side of the caisson. Each fitting includes a first portion pierced by first assembly holes enabling it to be fixed to the caisson, and a second portion defining a fixing surface of the body. The second portion includes a housing orifice receiving a self-locking nut cooperating with a screw supported against the body and, in transversal section, an axis of the screw passes through the first holes. |
| US08413922B2 |
Acoustic processing structure particularly adapted to the air inlet of an aircraft nacelle
An acoustic treatment structure related to a leading edge onto which an aerodynamic stream flows, in particular at an air intake of an aircraft nacelle, includes—from the outside to the inside—at least one acoustically resistive substructure (30), at least one alveolar substructure including strips (32) of cells, arranged in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the aerodynamic stream, and at least one reflective layer (34). Each strip (32) includes a first part that insulates the strips from one another, called a support, with a U-shaped cross-section in the longitudinal direction, whose open surface that is opposite to the bottom of the U shape is flattened against the acoustically resistive substructure (30), and at least a second part, called partitioning, making it possible to partition the space that is delimited by the support and the acoustically resistive substructure (30) into cells. |
| US08413921B2 |
Supporting mechanism for a long material a supporting unit using this mechanism, and a method for preventing swing of a long piece of material
A supporting mechanism is provided that prevents swings and deflections of a long piece of material, as well as eliminates any scratches of it that may arise when it is being processed. The supporting mechanism includes a group of spherical bodies C, four pieces of movable supporting members 1, and coil springs 2. The group of spherical bodies C comprises a first group of spherical bodies C1. The movable supporting members 1 are provided around the second group of spherical bodies C2, contacting the periphery of the group. The coil springs 2 are a biasing device that pushes the movable supporting members 1 toward the central axis of the long piece of material W. |
| US08413919B2 |
Roller storage system for sheet-type objects
A roller storage system is proposed for storing sheet-like items, especially bank notes, comprising at least one film drum (3, 4) that can be driven rotatably by a motor having at least one strip-type film (7, 11), a winding drum (1) that can be driven rotatably by a motor and a hysteresis coupling (21) on the film drum (3, 4) and/or on the winding drum for transmitting torque from a motor to the film drum (3, 4) and/or the winding drum (1). The film (7, 11) is wound from the film drum (3, 4) onto the winding drum (1) for the reception of the sheet-type items (20) and wound from the winding drum (1) onto the two film drums (3, 4) for the delivery of the sheet-type items (20). |
| US08413916B2 |
Force responsive shredder
A shredder includes a cutting assembly capable of shredding paper mounted in a shredder housing and a detector mechanism capable of shutting off the cutting assembly in response to detecting a force applied to the cutting assembly. |
| US08413912B2 |
Push-button for a pressurized product dispensing system
A push-button for a pressurized product dispensing system, including a body having a mounting shaft on a pressurized product supply tube and a housing equipped with a passage for dispensing the product between the shaft and a swirl assembly including a swirl chamber provided with a dispensing aperture as well as at least one supply channel for the chamber, in which the push-button also includes a needle movably mounted in the housing between a position closing the supply of the dispensing aperture and a position opening the supply; the needle has an actuation bearing in communication with the dispensing passage so as to enable the movement of the needle into the opening position; the needle has a distal wall arranged opposite the dispensing aperture so as to form the base of the swirl chamber when the needle is in the opening position, and the distal wall has a recess. |
| US08413910B2 |
Base plate for fastening a rail to a fixed bottom support, and fastener for a rail
The invention provides a base plate, and a fastener equipped with such a base plate, whose weight is minimized and whose stiffness is optimised on the one hand and which is suitable for being supported on an elastic intermediate layer on the other hand. To this end, a base plate according to the invention for fastening a rail to a fixed bottom support has, the base plate being made of a plastics material and a stiffening structure which is formed by ribs and by depressions present between the ribs being formed or molded in the underside of the base plate, which underside is associated with the fixed bottom support, depressions of the stiffening structure being closed off, in accordance with the invention, by a filling material. |
| US08413908B2 |
Optical security mark comprising metamaterials with a magnetic response, authentication method using said mark, and use of said mark applied to an object
The invention relates to an optical security mark that can be applied to an object, said mark comprising a structure made of a metamaterial that generates a magnetic response to incident radiation having a wavelength (λ) corresponding to a specific code of formula μr(λ) where μr is the relative magnetic permeability of the metamaterial and λ is a wavelength of the incident radiation having a value of between 15 nm and 1100 nm, or a specific code of formula λ(μr) or combinations of said codes. Said mark has a first tranverse dimension bx in a first transverse extension of the metamaterial and a second transverse dimension by in a second transverse extension of the metamaterial, different from the first transversal dimension, the first transverse dimension and the second transverse dimension each being at least equal to the wavelength (λ) of the incident radiation. |
| US08413907B2 |
Wireless IC device and electronic apparatus
A wireless IC device that is miniaturized, allows simple and low-cost mounting of a wireless IC, and eliminates the possibility of damage occurring to the wireless IC due to static electricity, and an electronic apparatus equipped with the wireless IC device, includes a wireless IC chip that processes transmission and reception signals, and a feeder circuit substrate that includes a resonant circuit having an inductance element. Feeder electrodes are provided on a surface of the feeder circuit substrate and are electromagnetically coupled to the resonant circuit. The feeder electrodes and are electromagnetically coupled to radiation plates and provided for a printed wiring board. The wireless IC chip is activated by a signal received by the radiation plates and a response signal from the wireless IC chip is radiated outward from the radiation plates. |
| US08413901B2 |
Systems and methods for decoding card swipe signals
A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to enable an individual to complete a financial transaction by swiping a magnetic stripe card through a card reader connected to a mobile device. The size of the card reader is miniaturized to be portable for connection with the mobile device. The card reader is configured to reliably read data encoded in a magnetic strip of the card with minimum error in a single swipe and provide a signal that corresponds to the data read to the mobile device, which then decodes the incoming signal from the card reader and acts as a point-of-sale device to complete the financial transaction. Such an approach enables a person to become either a micro-merchant (payee) or a buyer/customer (payer) without having to purchase expensive card reader devices or software. |
| US08413896B2 |
System and method for new execution and management of financial and data transactions
A system and method for execution of financial and data transactions includes a point-of-sale device configured to execute a transaction in which at least one good or service is sold to an individual having a card with a storage medium encoding a card number. The transaction is completed after said point-of-sale device receives a data transmission authorizing said transaction. The point-of-sale device is configured to communicate via the Internet with a first computing system. The first computing system stores a set of instructions that cause the first computing system to evaluate the transaction to determine whether the transaction is to be authorized, and to send a transmission authorizing the transaction via the open network to said point-of-sale device. |
| US08413895B2 |
Data communication system, device for executing IC card function, control method for the device, and information processing terminal
A communication device includes an analog unit that processes an analog signal received from an antenna unit which performs a contactless communication with an external device. The communication device also includes a wired interface that connects to an information processing terminal through a wire. In addition, the communication device includes a digital control unit that manages a communication mode set between the external device and the information processing terminal and controls a communication path between the external device and the information processing terminal according to a present communication mode. |
| US08413889B1 |
Banking system operated responsive to data bearing records
A system includes a plurality of machines that operate responsive to data bearing records such as user cards (74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86). The machines operate to carry out financial transactions with associated host computers (90, 94, 100, 104) responsive to determinations that card data corresponds to computer stored data corresponding to authorized users or accounts. Marketing presentations are stored on and output from the machines responsive to messages exchanged with a market message server (110) which is connected to the machines. Systems can also distribute and activate instructions corresponding to states and screens logic on the machines to determine operation. |
| US08413886B2 |
Test-sensor cartridge
A test-sensor cartridge comprising a plurality of test sensors adapted to assist in determining an analyte concentration of a fluid sample. The cartridge further comprises a plurality of walls forming a cavity therein. The cavity is adapted to include the plurality of test sensors. At least one of the plurality of walls forms at least one aperture. The cartridge further comprises a lid adapted to enclose the cavity. The cartridge further comprises a locking feature adapted to lock the lid to one or more of the walls. The locking feature is adapted to be disengaged by the at least one aperture receiving a projection of an analyte-testing instrument. |
| US08413880B2 |
Voting apparatus with secure ballot box assembly
A ballot box assembly includes a secure location for storing a paper ballot generated by an interactive user terminal. The assembly includes a housing, a ballot storage chamber, an aperture and a drive assembly. The housing is provided for holding the ballot generated by the interactive user terminal. The housing includes a coupling portion for removably securing the housing to the interactive user terminal. The ballot storage chamber is disposed within the housing. The aperture is provided for receiving the ballot from the interactive user terminal when the housing is secured to the interactive user terminal. The aperture passes through the housing. The drive assembly is provided for conveying the ballot from the aperture to the inner ballot storage chamber. The drive assembly selectively blocks passage of the ballot between the aperture and the ballot storage chamber. An input device is provided for authenticating a voting session. |
| US08413878B2 |
System and method for manufacturing welded structures, and a welding additive material for this purpose
A system and method for manufacturing welded structures comprises components to be welded, a welding additive material which, before the welding, has a shaped profile and the shaped profile is disposed between components to be welded and conforms with at least one of the components to be welded. At least one heat source is used in the method to weld the components, producing a weld seam on at least one side of one of the components. |
| US08413872B2 |
Surgical fastening apparatus
A surgical fastening apparatus having a fastener retaining frame including a first annular portion having a plurality of retainers circumferentially disposed thereon and a second annular portion having a plurality of circumferentially arranged perforations. The fastener retaining frame is detachably secured to a supporting structure. After the plurality of surgical fasteners have been mated with the plurality of retainers, an annular blade severs the perforations. |
| US08413871B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus
A surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; and a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor. A loading unit is provided including a surgical buttress releasably secured to an anvil assembly and/or a staple cartridge secured thereto by at least one anchor, and a drive assembly including a knife blade, wherein movement of the drive assembly from a proximal position to a distal position results in the knife blade cutting the at least one anchor and freeing each surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or cartridge assembly. |
| US08413868B2 |
Surgical instrument
A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, a body, a tool assembly and an articulation assembly is disclosed. The articulation mechanism includes a receptacle, and a main shaft. A lower clutch is fixedly positioned within the receptacle and has a serrated portion including a plurality of serrations. An upper clutch includes at least one projection positioned to engage the serrations of the lower clutch to releasably retain the main shaft at a rotatably fixed position. An angle between a first pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a first angle, an angle between a second pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a second angle, and an angle between a third pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a third angle. The first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are each different from one another. |
| US08413865B2 |
Wire guide for an automatic staple gun
A wire guide apparatus for a powered staple gun is adapted to be housed in a low-profile housing at the front end of the staple gun, forward of the safety and staple driver. |
| US08413864B2 |
Combustion-operation setting tool
A combustion-operated setting tool for driving in fastening elements includes a propellant container receptacle (16) for receiving a propellant container (20), a connection element (14) provided in the propellant container receptacle (16) for connection with the propellant container (20), a propellant conduit (15) for connecting the connection element (14) with the tool combustion chamber (12), a metering device (13) for controlling flow of propellant from the connection element (14) to the combustion chamber, and a damping arrangement (30) for damping the metering device (13). |
| US08413861B2 |
Garment donner and doffer
Principles of the present disclosure contemplate use of a flexible sleeve to aid in donning and doffing garments, for example compression garments. The compression garment may be rolled around the sleeve via an eversion process. The compression garment may be unrolled from the sleeve and onto a limb via a reverse eversion process. Likewise, the compression garment may be unrolled from around a limb and onto the sleeve via an eversion process. By utilizing an eversion-based approach, compression garments may be donned and/or doffed more quickly and easily. |
| US08413860B2 |
Pullover garment hanger assembly
A hanger assembly allows a user to hang a pullover garment from its top and remove the pullover garment quickly and easily without damaging it. The hanger assembly includes a rigid handle to which is joined an elongated flexible holder. The rigid handle has a hook portion and a holder carrier portion including first and second opposed coupling members. The flexible holder is operationally coupled for slidable engagement with the first and second coupling members to allow the flexible holder to transition between a lengthwise compressed state and a partly relaxed state to hang the garment and between the partly relaxed state and a break free state to remove the garment without stretching its neck opening. |
| US08413857B2 |
Duckbill flip cap fitment for a collapsible container
Disclosed herein is a fitment for use with a collapsible bag for dispensing liquids or semi-solids comprising a spout having a generally cylindrical body attached to a collapsible bag, a cap attached to the spout having positioned therein a flexible cap duckbill that allows for the flow of fluid when engaged with a probe assembly. |
| US08413846B2 |
Liquid spouting nozzle, packaging bag using the nozzle, box for packaging bag and packaging structure
It is to provide a cheap liquid pouring nozzle having a one-way function for automatically closing an opening port at the same time of stopping the pouring of a packing material to surely prevent the penetration of air into a package bag, in which the detaching of a cap to the pouring nozzle is useless and the production is easy and the fusion-joining to a package bag main body is simple and sure, as well as a package bag using the same and a box for a package bag and a packaging structure. Such a nozzle is a liquid pouring nozzle constituted by fusion-joining its base end portion to an inner surface of a soft package bag main body at a side portion of the package bag main body through a sealant layer as an outermost layer, in which front and rear laminate films comprising a uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented base film layer and sealant layers sandwiching it are fused to each other at a surrounding portion other than the base end at a posture of opposing one sealant layers to each other. |
| US08413845B1 |
Dual-compartment dispensing container
A dual-compartment dispensing container for retaining and dispensing two separate products or product phases such that each product or product phase is concurrently dispensed from each compartment in substantially equal volumetric amounts. The first compartment comprises a deformable semi-circular inner tube having a top end and a bottom end. The inner tube is disposed within a second compartment comprising a deformable fully circular outer tube having a top end and a bottom end. |
| US08413842B1 |
Glove incorporating animal waste bags and ties for collecting, packaging and disposing of animal waste
A glove incorporating a roll of waste bags and ties on a rotatable spool contained within a pocket integrated on a palm side of the glove. The spool pocket is proximate a pathway having a first and second opening through which the waste bags may be individually pulled and removed from the spool for utilization as a package for solid animal waste. The ties may extend through the pathway or may extend through an opening in the pocket for access by a user. |
| US08413840B2 |
Handle for cookware
A handle attached to cookware piece configured to position the cookware piece within a larger cookware piece in a nested arrangement. The handle may include a body having a slot disposed within a bottom surface of the handle body. The slot may be configured such that when a smaller cookware piece is positioned within a larger cookware piece, an upper edge the smaller cookware piece is equal to or less than the same height of an upper edge of the larger cookware piece. The smaller cookware piece may be held by the slot within the larger cookware piece in a substantially horizontal orientation. |
| US08413838B2 |
Inverted bottle holder
An inverted bottle holder is described for holding a bottle with a neck upside down inside a container having an exterior wall. The bottle holder includes a clip having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced to accept the exterior wall of the container in between, wherein the clip is formed having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the container, and a deck connected to the clip and extending into the container, the deck including an aperture sized to accept the neck of the bottle, such that the bottle is held upside down in the container when inserted into the aperture. |
| US08413832B2 |
Closure with tamper-evident feature
A tamper-evident closure (40) is provided for a container. In one particular embodiment, the closure (40) has a body (42) and a hinged lid (44), and has the following additional features as next described. A tamper-indicating tab (120) is connected to the lid (44) by a frangible junction (130). A pressing member (150) is connected to the closure body (42) for movement from an initial unactuated configuration and to an inwardly deformed, actuated configuration. A post (170) is provided on either the pressing member (150) or tab (120), and a slot (140) is defined in the other of the pressing member (150) and tab (120), wherein the slot (140) non-releasably receives the post (170) when the lid (44) is first closed. The closure body (42) also has an inwardly located retention wall (160) defining an aperture (164). When the pressing member (150) is pressed inwardly, the frangible junction (130) is broken to allow the lid (44) to be lifted, and an end portion of the post (170) is non-releasably received in the retention wall aperture (164). |
| US08413830B2 |
Closure
A closure is provided and comprises a body and an inset. The closure has a drainage system for allowing fluid applied to the closure to pass between the exterior of the insert and the interior of the body to allow removal thereof. |
| US08413826B2 |
Product display tray
A product display tray configured for use on a shelf is disclosed. The product display tray includes a base and at least one side wall. The base includes a front end, a back end, a left side, a right side, a lower surface and an upper surface for supporting items. The side wall is selectively positionable a distance from a side of the base and is substantially parallel to the side. |
| US08413825B2 |
Gondola gravity feed retrofit shelving
Retrofitting shelves attachable to a shelving system, shelving systems, and methods of displaying items on a shelving system. In one form, the retrofitting shelf includes a supporting unit, pivoting mechanisms attachable to the supporting unit, and a continuously adjustable device for dividing items on the shelving system which is attachable to the supporting unit. In another form, the shelving system includes a base, vertical members attached to the base, and a retrofitting shelf attached to the vertical members. In yet another form, the method for displaying items on a shelving system includes attaching a retrofitting shelf to the shelving system and placing items on the supporting unit of the retrofitting shelf. |
| US08413821B2 |
Method and apparatus for securely displaying media products
Some embodiments of an apparatus for displaying media content products may provide consumers with the convenience of browsing front and rear faces of the sample media content products while all of the media content products (including the sample packages) can be secured in a manner that hinders theft. In particular embodiments, the media content products can be secured without requiring the store workers to insert each and every media content product into a security box or security tether system. |
| US08413817B2 |
Non-blocking filtration system
A non-blocking filtration system wherein the suspension filtered continuously scrubs the filter, keeping it free of deposits of solid deposits while the filtrate is removed in a variety of biological and chemical applications, substantially reducing the cost of unit operations. |
| US08413815B2 |
Wafer container with at least one purgeable supporting module having a long slot
A Front Opening Unified Pod (FOUP) having a purgeable supporting module disposed at the junction of each sidewall and the backwall of the container, the characteristic of the FOUP being in that: the purgeable supporting module has a buffer gas chamber and a gas inlet is disposed at one end of the buffer gas chamber and connected to a gas valve on the bottom surface, an outgassing channel is disposed on the purgeable supporting module facing the opening of the FOUP, a long slot is disposed on one side of the outgassing channel and a kind of porous material is disposed in the long slot, an airflow channel being disposed between and thus connecting the outgassing channel and the buffer gas chamber, and a plurality of supporting ribs being vertically disposed on one side of the long slot at intervals. |
| US08413814B2 |
Front opening unified pod disposed with purgeable supporting module
A Front Opening Unified Pod (FOUP) having a purgeable supporting module disposed at the junction of each sidewall and the backwall of the container, the characteristic of the FOUP being in that: the purgeable supporting module has a buffer gas chamber and a gas inlet is disposed at one end of the buffer gas chamber and connected to a gas valve on the bottom surface, an outgassing channel is disposed on the purgeable supporting module facing the opening of the FOUP, and a long slot is disposed on one side of the outgassing channel, an airflow channel being disposed between and thus connecting the outgassing channel and the buffer gas chamber, and a plurality of supporting ribs being vertically disposed on one side of the long slot at intervals. |
| US08413812B2 |
Carrying bag
A carrying case (500) and handle (504) for accommodating a portable topical negative pressure therapy apparatus (200) comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) separable therefrom, the waste canister having an aspiration conduit (274) emerging therefrom is described, the carrying bag comprising an apparatus receiving pouch (502), said pouch having opening and closing means (522, 524) at a lower portion thereof and said handle (504) being directly attached to said apparatus. |
| US08413810B2 |
Packages for medical devices and methods therefor
A package for a medical device having a handle and an elongated shaft. The package includes a holster for holding the medical device, the holster having a tubular member for receiving the elongated shaft and a handle cover located at a proximal end thereof. The handle cover has a holster opening for accessing the handle to draw the medical device from the holster. The package includes a pouch having a sealed area bounded by a top sealed edge, a bottom sealed edge, a pair of side sealed edges extending between the top and bottom sealed edges, and at least one opening tab spaced from the bottom sealed edge. The medical device and the holster are disposed within the sealed area of the pouch with the elongated shaft of the medical device extending along the bottom sealed edge and the holster opening being located adjacent the at least one opening tab. |
| US08413809B2 |
Packaging for specialty shingle
A package of specialty shingles is provided, preferably for containing hip, ridge or rake shingles, with support in the bottom of the package for the shingles that is complementary to the lower ends of nested, stacked shingles in the package. Shaped constraining devices are provided, for retaining the shape of shingles in the package. An assembly of packages of the specialty shingles is provided, in a tray arrangement, and a pallet assembly of various levels of such packages disposed on a pallet are also provided. |
| US08413808B1 |
Receiving spacer layer for mobile electronic device and bag combined with the receiving spacer layer
The present invention relates to a receiving spacer layer for a mobile electronic device and a bag combined with the receiving spaced layer. The receiving spacer layer includes a protection pad which is made of a soft foam material and has a first accommodation space to receive a first electronic device, and a bag fabric is connected to the first accommodation space to receive the first electronic device. The receiving spacer layer is combined with the inside of the bag. The bag has a second accommodation space to receive a second electronic device, such as a notebook computer. The first and accommodation spaces are able to accommodate two mobile electronic devices. The present invention is convenient for use and can be carried with ease. |
| US08413806B2 |
Pack for smoking articles
One embodiment of the invention provides a hinged-lid pack (1) for smoking articles such as cigarettes. The pack comprises a body (4) and a lid (5) each having respective front (12,22), back (13,23) and opposing side panels (11A,11B,21A,21B). The back panel of the lid (3) is hinged to the back panel of the body. At least one side panel of the lid is provided with an inner tab (201A,201B) extending substantially coplanar with the side panel of the lid to resist opening of the lid. |
| US08413805B2 |
Packages
A package comprises first and second packs each capable of containing items. The packs are connected in a Jacob's ladder arrangement by straps which are initially joined together by a line of weakness, and which separate along the line of weakness upon first movement of the first and second packs relative to each other. |
| US08413798B2 |
Device for conveying products
A device for conveying products 2, particularly food products, has a horizontal conveying path supported by a base and having a drive 1 substantially extending in the horizontal direction, wherein the drive 1 is reversibly driven, and is associated with at least one auxiliary conveyor device 3, 4 also supported by the base. The device has a conveying belt 5 for the product 2 driven by a drive, and having rails and carriers 3, 4 to laterally support and carry the product 2 a distance from the drive 1. |
| US08413790B2 |
Method and arrangement for transferring packaging containers from a first unit to a second unit
The invention relates to a method for synchronizing, and a transfer device for synchronizing, a movement pattern between two units in a packaging line, wherein one unit is intermittently operated and the second unit is continuously operated. The invention is particularly intended for a transfer device between an intermittently operated filler unit and a continuously operated cartoning machine. The transfer device is provided with a frame (13) arranged to support tube pickers-/placers (28) and is arranged to perform a simultaneous pivoting movement about a first and a second shaft (16, 31), and for rotation about a third shaft (48) at right angles to the second shaft (31). The frame is further provided with means for adjusting the spacing between the tubes and means for compensating for differences in vertical position during the rotating movement in the case where the containers picked from the part circular conveyor of the filling unit. |
| US08413789B2 |
Method and apparatus for orienting articles
A method for sorting and/or orienting caps using an automated capping line can comprise providing a single cap to a cap-receiving cavity defined in a body of a puck. In various embodiments, the body can be vibrated to settle and/or orient the cap to a properly oriented position within the cap-receiving cavity. In at least one embodiment, the vibrating can include applying horizontal vibration and/or vertical vibration to the body. As a result, the properly oriented caps can be conveyed to a capping machine configured to apply each cap to a cap-receiving portion of a container. |
| US08413787B2 |
Sweeper sorting apparatus and method
A sweeper sorting apparatus for use with a transport belt includes first and second drive belts and a sweeper. The first and second drive belts are positioned adjacent to first and second ends, respectively, of the transport belt and have upper portions oriented substantially parallel to and below an upper surface of the transport belt. The second end of the transport belt is opposite the first end of the transport belt. The sweeper is coupled at a first end to the first drive belt and at a second end to the second drive belt. The sweeper is positioned above the upper surface of the transport belt. At least one of the first drive belt and the second drive belt is operable to move the sweeper across the upper surface of the transport belt to push an item off the upper surface of the transport belt. |
| US08413780B2 |
Dual clutch for a transmission having multiple input shafts
A device for transmitting torque between a flywheel rotatably connected to an engine and a dual clutch transmission. The device includes a first substantially u-shaped member fixed to a perimeter of a dual clutch of the dual clutch transmission. The first substantially u-shaped member defines a slot having an open end. The second substantially u-shaped member is attached to a perimeter of the flywheel. The second substantially u-shaped member includes a support member for supporting an engagement member. The first substantially u-shaped member fits at least partially within the second substantially u-shaped member. The pair of bushings disposed proximate the engagement member between the first and second coupling members. The engagement member of the second substantially u-shaped member is configured to engage the open end of the slot of the first substantially u-shaped member and align the first substantially u-shaped member with the second substantially u-shaped member thereby transferring torque between the flywheel and the dual clutch transmission. |
| US08413779B2 |
Dual clutch arrangement
A dual clutch arrangement for a dual clutch transmission for motor vehicles has a first and a second friction clutch. The friction clutches have a common input member and in each case one output member. The output member of the first friction clutch is connected to a first shaft. The output member of the second friction clutch is connected to a second shaft which is formed as a hollow shaft concentrically around the first shaft. The first and the second friction clutches are nested radially one inside the other. The input member is mounted radially on the second shaft. |
| US08413777B2 |
High efficiency hydraulic transmission control system
Pairs of variable feed solenoid valves provide fluid to a pair of input clutch actuators and a pair of inlet ports of a first logic valve. The position of the first logic valve spool is controlled by a solenoid valve. A first pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide hydraulic to a first piston which selects two speed ratio. A second pair of outlet ports of the first logic valve provide fluid to a pair of inlet ports of a second logic valve. The position of the second logic valve spool is controlled by fluid from the input clutch circuits. A first pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a second piston which selects two other speed ratios and a second pair of outlet ports of the second logic valve provide fluid to a third piston which selects two additional speed ratios. |
| US08413776B1 |
Bag for carrying articles
The present invention is directed to a bag for use in carrying and separating articles, such as garments (clothing), towels, shoes, and the like and having means for separating clean articles from soiled or dirty articles. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the bag has a first chamber for storing clean articles and second chamber for dirty articles and allows for air circulation within the second chamber for hindering or preventing the growth of mold or other odor causing bacteria. |
| US08413775B2 |
Collapsible wheel structure for a luggage box
A collapsible wheel structure for a luggage box includes a wheel base and a foldable rod. The wheel base is pivotally connected with a wheel. One end of the wheel base is pivotally connected to the foldable rod. The foldable rod is pivotally connected to the wheel base for connecting with the wheel base firmly. When the wheel base and the foldable rod are unlocked, the foldable rod is in a folded status. The collapsible wheel structure is adapted to couple with the bottom of the luggage box. When the foldable rod is in a folded status, the size of the luggage will be reduced. |
| US08413773B2 |
Magnetorheological damper system
A magnetorheological damper system comprising a reservoir in communication with a damper. The damper comprises a damper cylinder defining a damper chamber, wherein the damper chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid and a movable damper piston. The damper piston comprises at least two coil windings on the outer surface of the damper piston, wherein the damper piston is capable of generating a magnetic field between the damper piston and a wall of the damper cylinder. The reservoir comprises a reservoir cylinder defining a passageway, wherein the reservoir includes a magnetorheological electromagnet capable of generating a magnetic field between the magnetorheological piston and a wall of the passageway. The combination of the an MR reservoir and MR damper leads to a damping system capable of damping a wide range of extreme forces. |
| US08413767B2 |
Elevator operation control device
There is provided an elevator operation control device in which for an elevator provided with a destination floor reservation device in an elevator hall, disadvantages can be overcome reliably that a user who observes a predetermined riding rule cannot ride on the elevator because of a user who does not observe the riding rule and that the operation efficiency of elevator is lowered. For this purpose, the destination floor reservation device is provided in an elevator hall so that a user registers his/her own destination floor using the destination floor reservation device. Also, when a car stops at the elevator hall, a non-reservation user riding on the car without registering the destination floor using the destination floor reservation device is detected based on the information on the user having registered the destination floor using the destination floor reservation device and the information on the user in the car. Further, when the non-reservation user is detected, the car is inhibited from starting from the elevator hall, and the car is stopped at the elevator hall. |
| US08413760B2 |
Muffler attachment system
A muffler for an internal combustion engine includes a first shell includes a flexible portion, an intake conduit, and a second shell coupled to the first shell. The intake conduit extends outwardly from the first shell and is configured to be inserted into an exhaust port of an engine. The flexible portion surrounds the intake conduit. Upon attachment to the engine, compression force is stored via elastic deflection of the flexible portion of the first shell, thereby pressing the intake conduit into the exhaust port such that a seal is formed. |
| US08413759B2 |
Automatic transmission drive apparatus for vehicle
An oil-pressure output device (electric pump unit) is arranged on an outer wall face of an automatic transmission which is positioned on an opposite side to an engine (left side of a vehicle). An arrangement position of the oil-pressure output device is out of a movable range of one of the steered driving wheels which is located on the opposite side to the engine (left front wheel). Accordingly, a simpler layout change between a case of attaching the oil-pressure output device to the automatic transmission and another case of not attaching the one can be provided, so that commonality of components or layout of the automatic transmission and its surrounding devices and structures can be provided. |
| US08413755B2 |
Motorcycle
A motorcycle includes a rear fork with a first and the second extending portions, and a cross portion, the cross section linking the first and the second extending portions together. The first extending portion extends toward a first side of a rear wheel, the second extending portion extends toward a second side of the rear wheel. The first extending portion, which has an open cross sectional structure and through which a drive shaft is passed, is made to have larger outer diameter than the second extending portion, which has a closed cross sectional structure. Nonetheless, the rigidity of the first extending portion and the second extending portion are approximately the same. The drive shaft extends rearwardly and passes through the opening on the inside of the first extending portion. |
| US08413754B2 |
Straddle vehicle
A straddle vehicle includes an engine; an air cleaner including an air cleaner box forming a passage through which air is supplied to the engine and an air filter for cleaning the air flowing through the passage; and a first electric component positioned laterally relative to the air cleaner box. |
| US08413750B2 |
Device for generating and transmitting drive torque
A device for a vehicle drive train for generating and transmitting drive torque to components of the drive train. The device comprises a shaft which is connected to the components of the drive train, at least first and second bearings which support the shaft and an electric motor for generating the transmitted drive torque. The electric motor comprises a stator and a rotor which is fixed to the shaft. The rotor is supported by one or more bearing surfaces. The device also comprises elements disposed on the shaft via which drive torque can be transmitted to the components of the drive train while introducing transverse force into the shaft. The rotor of the drive motor is positioned on the shaft such that the bearing surface is located in the region of maximum deflection caused by the transverse force in the shaft. |
| US08413749B2 |
Auxiliary drive assembly for wheelchairs
An auxiliary drive assembly for wheelchairs is revealed. The auxiliary drive assembly includes a wired transmission member, at least one sensor, a control circuit and a drive unit. The wired transmission member is arranged at a wheel hub on a wheel. The sensor is set on the wheel for generating a sensing signal sent to the wired transmission member. The control circuit is coupled to the wired transmission member, receiving the sensing signal and generating a control signal. The drive unit is coupled to the control circuit and receiving the control signal so as to drive the wheel hub rotating and further move the wheel. Thereby the assembly is with simple structure and the environmental interference is minimized by wired signal transmission. The sensing signal is sent to the control circuit exactly and the drive unit is controlled to rotate the wheel precisely. The wired transmission reduces the cost. |
| US08413747B2 |
Suspension for an endless track climbing machine
An endless-track type climbing vehicle containing a multi-link suspension apparatus to uniformly distribute the forces on the on the adhering members while traversing irregular climbing surfaces. The multi-links suspension apparatus is able to conform to large range of surface irregularities while providing push and pulling forces on the adhering members to uniformly distribute the climbing loads on the adhering members. The result is a climbing machine that can accommodate large surface irregularities while maximizing the climbing payload with a minimum number and size of adhering members. |
| US08413746B2 |
Rolling cutter
A cutting element for a drill bit that includes an outer support element having at least a bottom portion and a side portion; and an inner rotatable cutting element, a portion of which is disposed in the outer support element, wherein the inner rotatable cutting element includes a substrate and a diamond cutting face having a thickness of at least 0.050 inches disposed on an upper surface of the substrate; and wherein a distance from an upper surface of the diamond cutting face to a bearing surface between the inner rotatable cutting element and the outer support element ranges from 0 to about 0.300 inches is disclosed. |
| US08413745B2 |
Water-based mud lubricant using fatty acid polyamine salts and fatty acid esters
Water-based drilling mud lubricants using a blend of fatty acid polyamine salts and fatty acid esters give synergistically better lubricity results than either component used separately. For example, the blends with different ratios of fatty acid diethylenetriamine salt and fatty acid methyl ester demonstrate much better lubricity in water-based drilling fluids than those where only fatty acid diethylenetriamine salt or fatty acid methyl ester are separately used. The amines in fatty acid amine salt might also include other polyamines, such as butanediamine pentamethylenediamine, spermidine, spermine, propylene diamine and propylene polyamines. The fatty acid esters might also include fatty acid ethyl ester, fatty acid glycerol ester and fatty acid trimethylolpropane ester. The carbon numbers of the fatty acids used to make the components in the lubricant blend may range from C4 to C28. |
| US08413741B2 |
Hydraulic rotary percussive device of the drill type
The invention relates to a hydraulic rotary percussive device of the drill type, intended for drilling boreholes, comprising: a striking mechanism equipped with a piston which is able to move translationally along a striking axis and is intended to strike a tool; a hydraulic motor which rotates the tool about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of the motor being substantially coincident with the striking axis of the piston, wherein it comprises a support-forming casing, the striking mechanism being hydraulic and having a longitudinal body rotatably mounted in the casing about the axis of the body, the body being rotated directly by the motor and coupled to the tool. |
| US08413738B2 |
Agricultural implement with accumulator suspension
An agricultural implement with a main frame and a movable subframe connected thereto has a fluid system which comprises an accumulator which provides a suspension effect to agricultural tools connected to the agricultural implement. This provides a simple, resilient hydraulic lifting system for an agricultural implement. |
| US08413735B2 |
Fire prevention equipment and spraying method
Fire-extinguishing agent supplying equipment pressurizes a water-based fire-extinguishing agent and supplies the agent via a pipe; and the water-based fire-extinguishing agent is pressurized and supplied via the pipe to an electrification spray head installed in a protection area A, and the jetted particles of the fire-extinguishing agent are electrified and sprayed from the electrification spray head. A pulsed or alternating electrification voltage is applied to the electrification spray head from a voltage application unit 15, and an external electric field generated by applying the voltage between a water-side electrode unit and an induction electrode unit is applied to the fire-extinguishing agent in a jetting process to electrify the jetted particles. |
| US08413731B2 |
Apparatus and method for diagnostic leverage testing of equine distal limb
The present invention includes a method and apparatus for diagnosing equine hoof and leg pathology. With the hoof to be diagnosed on the ground and in a load bearing position, sectors of the hoof are sequentially raised by application of a wedge to the bottom of the hoof where the wedge extends radially beneath the sector from the center of the hoof. Elevating a first sector of the foot stretches and adds tension to the connective tissue in the region diagonal to the sector that is elevated. At the same time, the joint surface and connective tissue in the region above the raised sector will be compressed during the elevating process. Following observation and measurement of the horse's response to the raising of the first sector, the foot sector diagonally opposite to the first sector is similarly raised and the horse's response is observed and measured. The discomfort or relief that is observed offers specific guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. The process is repeated for a plurality of sectors of the hoof. |
| US08413727B2 |
Dissolvable downhole tool, method of making and using
Disclosed herein is a dissolvable downhole tool. The tool includes, a dissolvable body constructed of at least two materials and at least one of the at least two materials is a reactive material, and a first material of the at least two materials being configured to substantially dissolve the dissolvable body and a second material configured to control reaction timing of the first material. |
| US08413722B2 |
Method for circulating a fluid entry out of a subsurface wellbore without shutting in the wellbore
A method for removing a fluid influx from a subsea wellbore drilled using a pump to return fluid from the wellbore to the surface. The method includes detecting the influx when a rate of the return pump increases. Flow from the wellbore is diverted from the return pump to a choke line when the influx reaches the wellhead. A choke in the choke line is operated so that a rate of fluid pumped into the wellbore is substantially equal to a flow rate through the choke line. Fluid flow from the wellbore is redirected to the return pump inlet when the influx has substantially left the well. |
| US08413720B2 |
Organic acid compositions and methods of use in subterranean operations
Methods comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises using an aqueous base fluid, a synthetic cationic gelling agent, a plurality of particulates, and an organic acid. The treatment fluid is then introduced into at least a portion of a subterranean formation having a temperature of above about 275° F. wherein the particulates are deposited into the subterranean and the treatment fluid form at least one void in the subterranean formation itself. The viscosity of the treatment fluid in the subterranean formation is greater than about 20 cP for at least 20 minutes at temperatures higher than about 275° F. |
| US08413715B2 |
Refrigerant evaporator with U-turn block and refrigerant-distributing holes
A refrigerant evaporator is provided in which a liquid refrigerant can be evenly distributed to a plurality of refrigerant tubes connected to first and second tanks in a U-turn block to improve heat-exchange performance. In the refrigerant evaporator, one of a plurality of blocks into which a refrigerant supply channel is divided is a U-turn block where a refrigerant flows into one of the first and second tank portions of an upper tank in a direction along a partition wall, flows into the other tank portion, and is distributed and flows from the first and second tank portions into a plurality of refrigerant tubes. The partition wall partitioning the first and second tank portions of the upper tank has a plurality of refrigerant-distributing holes arranged in a longitudinal direction of the partition wall in the U-turn block so that the first tank portion communicates with the second tank portion. |
| US08413714B2 |
Heat dissipation device having a fan holder thereon
A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink forming an engaging portion along an outer periphery thereof, a fan holder attached to the heat sink and a fan secured to the heat sink via the fan holder. The fan holder includes an elastic main body, a first clip pivotally connected to a free end of the elastic main body and a second clip connected with the first clip and engaging with an opposite free end of the elastic main body. The elastic main body includes a pair of fixing portions formed at upper and lower sides thereof. The lower fixing portion of the fan holder is tightly engaged with the engaging portion of the heat sink and the upper fixing portion presses the fan towards the heat sink when the second clip is tightly locked to the opposite free end of the elastic main body. |
| US08413710B2 |
Continuous casting sealing method
A casting furnace for manufacturing a metal casting comprises an interior chamber and a secondary chamber through which the metal casting passes from the interior chamber into external atmosphere. A seal along the secondary chamber surrounds and seals against the metal casting to separate the interior chamber from the external atmosphere in a manner which allows for an extended period of continuous casting. A force producing mechanism typically forces the seal against the metal casting. Multiple seals may be used sequentially to increase the duration of the sealing capability and the continuous casting process. |
| US08413709B2 |
Composite core die, methods of manufacture thereof and articles manufactured therefrom
A composite core die includes a reusable core die and a disposable core die; where the disposable core die is in physical communication with the reusable core die; and further where surfaces of communication between the disposable core die and the reusable core die serve as barriers to prevent the leakage of a slurry that is disposed in the composite core die. |
| US08413706B2 |
Window covering for an architectural opening
A window covering louvered blind system for horizontal and vertical orientations has a plurality of structurally sound and aesthetically appealing louvers within the body of the window-covering unit. A primary main body or middle segment of the louver is substantially planar with opposed fins that extend integrally in the same downward direction from the elongated edges of the main body at an obtuse angle. The preferred embodiments have a matching head-rail and bottom rail. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of fins are disclosed. The louvers hereof are shown being used in blinds and shutters. |
| US08413704B2 |
Nanotube network and method of fabricating the same
A stamping device for stamping a nanotube network onto a target substrate is disclosed. The device comprises a template structure having a support structure formed on or attached to a substrate, and a plurality of nanotubes being supported by the support structure and engaging a plane which is spatially separated from the substrate. |
| US08413699B2 |
Radial tire for aircraft
This invention provides a radial tire for aircraft comprising a belt composed of a plurality of belt layers, wherein a total strength of the belt Tbelt [N] in a circumferential direction over its full width satisfies Tbelt/WD≧1.5×106 in which D [m] is an outer diameter of the tire and W [m] is a width of the tire, the belt is composed of at least two belt layers each containing organic fiber cords with an elongation in an extension direction under a load of 3.2 cN/dtex of 2.2-9.3%, a protection belt layer having a circumferential stiffness lower than that of the belt is disposed at an outside of the belt in a radial direction, a ratio of the circumferential stiffness of the protection belt layer to the circumferential stiffness of the belt is less than 0.5, and the protection belt layer is composed of organic fiber cords having a tensile strength at break of not less than 6.3 cN/dtex and a heat shrinkage factor of 0.5-5.0%, whereby a durability of a tread portion can be improved without damaging an excellent durability against foreign matters. |
| US08413696B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire comprises main grooves 1 extending in the tire circumferential direction formed in a tread, wherein the main groove 1 has a plurality of narrow grooves 11 in its sidewalls 3, an end portion 11a of the narrow groove 11 on the tread side does not open to the tread surface and is located closest to the tread side, an end portion 11b of the narrow groove 11 on the groove bottom side does not open to the groove bottom 1b of the main groove 1 and is located closest to the groove bottom side, a length L1 of the narrow groove 11 measured in the depth direction of the main groove is 50 to 80% of a depth D of the main groove 1, the narrow groove 11 has at least one or more bend portions 21, and a length L2 of the narrow groove 11 measured along the narrow groove 11 itself is not less than 1.03 times and not more than 2 times L1. |
| US08413694B2 |
Portable fluid treating and dispensing device, systems, articles, and methods
Disclosed are portable fluid treating and dispensing devices, systems, articles, and methods particularly adapted for use in treating potable liquids, such as drinking water, and dispensing it into a plurality of portable potable liquid containers, such as water bottles. |
| US08413691B2 |
System to transport solids in liquid media
A system to transport solids in liquid media, especially in the field of maritime and land transportation of fruits or vegetables in the agricultural produce area, or of any product having to be transported in liquid media for their protection against environment and the medium. |
| US08413689B1 |
Storm drainage conduit plug with a sealing band
The present invention relates to a storm drainage conduit plug for use with a sealing band for closing an exposed end of conduits during construction. The plug has a generally dome-shaped outer panel and an inner panel, with a handle for gripping disposed on the outer panel. There is a groove with an annular lip defined in a sealing surface of the inner panel. The plug is adaptable for a variety of sealing bands, and the lip prevents the band from disengaging from the plug during use. An inner wall of the inner panel has a slot defined therein that is aligned and dimensioned to engage with the handle of another plug for stacking for multiple plugs on-site during construction. |
| US08413688B2 |
Device for controlling a pilot pressure signal
A device (100, 200, 200bis, 300, 300bis) for controlling a pilot pressure signal of hydraulic valves (3), for controlling the handling of gravitational loads (M), operating between two pilot lines (108, 109, 208, 209, 308, 309) between the valve (3) and a cylinder (1) adapted to sustain the load (M). The device (100, 200, 200bis, 300, 300bis) is a two-way and two-position valve for the communication between the cylinder stem-side pilot line (5) and the valve-side line (3) and is a valve which can take an open position and a partialized position, or anyway it never takes a closed position. The device (100, 200, 200bis, 300, 300bis) can take a position so that the fluid passage between the pilot lines (108, 109, 208, 209, 308, 309) is never completely closed. |
| US08413687B1 |
Insulated sewer vent cover
An insulated sewer vent cover designed to passively prevent ice blockage, comprises a sealed annular insulating space comprising either entrapped air or an appropriate insulation material. The vent cover further comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged and chemically bonded plastic plumbing components which include a pair of bushings, a pair of couplers, and a pair of tubing sections of different diameters. These components are designed to be installed and chemically bonded onto an existing roof-mounted sewer vent pipe. |
| US08413686B2 |
Faucet with retractable spout that can be positioned quickly and automatically
A faucet includes a faucet body, a bent tube mounted on the faucet body, a water outlet pipe retractably mounted in the bent tube and having a connector, an elastic sleeve mounted in the distal end of the bent tube, a first magnetic member mounted in the elastic sleeve, a locking sleeve mounted on the connector of the water outlet pipe and inserted into the elastic sleeve, a second magnetic member mounted in the locking sleeve and movable to approach the first magnetic member, and a spout locked onto the locking sleeve. Thus, when the locking sleeve is inserted into the elastic sleeve, the second magnetic member is attracted magnetically by the first magnetic member so as to position the locking sleeve in the elastic sleeve and to position the spout onto the distal end of the bent tube. |
| US08413684B2 |
Ball valve with anti-rotational pressure plate
A ball valve having an anti-rotational pressure plate that allows for a balanced pressure load on a valve member is provided. Additionally, the pressure plate can also fix the rotation of an adjacent flow disk, allowing for angular-orientation specific flow characterizing features to be used with the flow disk. By fixing the rotation of the flow disk, the ball valve can characterize flows using a greater variety of flow disk geometries, including angular-orientation dependent and angular-orientation independent flow disks. Further, the pressure plate could also be directly in the form of a flow disk that has anti-rotation features. |
| US08413676B2 |
Construction machine
A hose looping supporter (21) is provided on an upper surface (13A) of a lid (13) of a tank body (12) constituting an operating oil tank (11). This hose looping supporter (21) is constituted by a mounting member (22) mounted on the lid (13) and four retaining arms (23) each bent in a substantially J-shape. A suction hose (19) has its midway portion adapted to be looped annularly, and this looped hose portion (19B) is mounted by being held looped by each revolving frame (23). Meanwhile, in the case of replenishing a fuel tank (15) with fuel, the suction hose (19) can be easily removed from each retaining arm (23) of the hose looping supporter (21) by reducing the diameter of the looped hose portion (19B) of the suction hose (19). |
| US08413675B2 |
Yard hydrant made easy
A Yard Hydrant Made Easy has a riser with a slip connection, called a pitless adapter, attached directly to the side of the riser, below freeze level. The water supply is connected to the outside section of the pitless adapter and a yard hydrant is attached to the inside removable section of the pitless adapter. This hollow riser and slip connection allows for easy removal and replacement of a yard hydrant, without the need of any future excavation, busting of concrete, or tearing up of landscaped areas. A seepage section may be incorporated at the base of the riser to allow a yard hydrant to drain out without ever coming in contact with soil. This prevents any chance of the drain hole, at the base of the yard hydrant, becoming stopped up and causing the hydrant to freeze. A dual check valve backflow preventer may be installed at the base of the hydrant. An underground shut-off valve may be connected to the outside section of the pitless adapter to allow the individual hydrant to be isolated without interrupting water supply to an entire property. |
| US08413673B2 |
Flow actuated valve
A flow actuated valve includes a valve body, a diverter member, an actuator member, and a check disk. The valve body defines a first upper aperture, a second upper aperture, and a lower aperture. A check disk member connects to the actuator member to control the flow of fluid depending upon the direction of the flow of the fluid through the valve. When the check disk member is closed, the diverter member engages the actuator member to allow a first fluid to flow through the first upper aperture or to allow a second fluid to flow through the second upper aperture. In operation, the fluid is selected by changing the directional flow of the fluid to close the check disk member which causes the actuator member to engage the diverter member to either allow the first fluid source or the second fluid source to flow therethrough. |
| US08413665B2 |
Smoking kit for customizing a tobacco product, method for purveying a tobacco smoking product, smoking product and method of providing a smoking product
Smoking kit and techniques for purveying a tobacco product are provided. The kit includes at least one pre-finished tobacco product. The kit further includes at least one wrapping sheet supported by the pre-finished product in a predetermined shape. The wrapping sheet may be configured to exhibit a perceptible olfacto-gustatory characteristic. A consumer can optionally roll the wrapping sheet around the pre-finished product to create a consumer-customized smoking product influenced by the olfacto-gustatory characteristic of the wrapping sheet. Another option may be for the consumer to smoke the pre-finished tobacco product as is. |
| US08413664B2 |
Method of thermally treating blood vessels
An endovascular laser treatment device preferably includes a catheter having a hub at its proximal end, an optical fiber for insertion into the catheter, a fiber connector attached to the optical fiber at a selected distance from the distal end of the optical fiber, and a temporary stop removably mounted around the optical fiber. The treatment device has two positions: a protective position and an operating position. As the fiber is inserted through the catheter, the temporary stop rests against the hub and places the fiber tip in the protective position where the distal end of the optical fiber is positioned near the distal end of the catheter, but is still disposed inside the catheter. When the temporary stop is removed and the fiber connector is coupled with the catheter hub, the fiber tip is in the operating position where the distal end of the optical fiber extends past the distal end of the catheter by a predetermined distance to expose the fiber tip. |
| US08413662B2 |
Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment
A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway. |
| US08413660B2 |
Modular system for patient positioning during medical procedures
A device 50 for supporting and positioning a part of a patient's body includes at least two joints 62, 64, 66 each having a locked state and an unlocked state and a release system for allowing an operator to select between the locked state and the unlocked state. The release system has an operator interface remote from the joints and at a location that enables the operator to support the weight of the body part while at least one of the joints is in the unlocked state. |
| US08413659B2 |
Self-sizing adjustable endotracheal tube
There is disclosed an endotracheal tube which has a minimal cross-sectional profile for easy viewing of anatomical features during intubation. After the tube is placed into the trachea, the tube is adapted to increase the diameter. In this manner the tube diameter may be expanded to allow for decreased Work of Breathing (WOB) for patient, while not having so large a diameter as to cause tracheal discomfort. |
| US08413658B2 |
Oral airway for endoscopic and intubating procedures
An oral airway providing a patent airway to a patient, supplies oxygen to the patient and monitors expelled gases during endoscopic or intubating procedures. The oral airway includes a central lumen and two lateral breathing channels. A bracket at the proximal end of the oral airway functions to guide an oxygen supply line and an end tidal carbon dioxide monitoring line into the lateral breathing channels and to act as a barrier beyond which the airway cannot be inserted into the mouth of the patient. The airway has a straight main central lumen which serves as a guide and conduit to facilitate endoscope, bronchoscope, or fiber optic bronchoscope placement and manipulation. |
| US08413656B2 |
Medical system
A respiratory anesthesia mask has an exposed face. The mask has an interior periphery in a continuous loop to fit a face of a patient. The mask having a centrally located exterior cylinder adapted to couple with a source of respiratory anesthesia gas. The mask has an intermediate section in a generally frusto-conical configuration between the interior periphery and the tube. Eyelid closure and protection equipment is received and supported on the face of the intermediate section of the mask. The closure and protection equipment includes two repositionable adhesive strips with interior and exterior surfaces. The closure and protection equipment includes temporary adhesive on the interior surface of the repositionable adhesive strip. In this manner, the repositionable adhesive strips are removably coupled to the face of the intermediate section of the mask. |
| US08413653B2 |
Safety system and method of a tunnel structure
A safety system and method of an air distribution system of a tunnel structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the air distribution includes a supply unit installed on a particular wall of the first set of walls to facilitate delivery of breathable air from a source of compressed air to an emergency support system of the tunnel structure, a fill site interior to the tunnel structure to provide the breathable air to a breathable air apparatus at multiple locations of the tunnel structure, a secure chamber of the fill site as a safety shield that confines a possible rupture of an over-pressurized breathable air apparatus within the secure chamber, a distribution structure that is compatible with use with compressed air that facilitates dissemination of the breathable air of the source of compressed air to multiple locations of the tunnel structure. |
| US08413648B2 |
Fuel-fired barbecue
A barbecue having a manual operating mode and an automatic operating mode. In the manual operating mode a user is required to act affirmatively on the burner or burners of the barbecue in order to light them. In the automatic operating mode, a controller operably controls an igniter and/or a pilot to automatically light the burner or burners without the need for a user to affirmatively act on the burners themselves. |
| US08413644B2 |
Compressed gas gun having reduced breakaway-friction and high pressure dynamic separable seal and flow control and valving device
A reduced breakaway-friction flow control and valving device for a compressed gas-powered projectile accelerator is disclosed having an improved means of reducing break-away friction, an improved sealing arrangement, and self-contained modular components to improve efficiency, manufacturability, and reduce size and weight. |
| US08413642B2 |
Genset that uses an open loop electronic fuel injection system and operates on gaseous fuels
A genset engine that operates on an open loop EFI system and runs on gaseous fuels is described. The integration of various air sensors, including for example a manifold air temperature (MAT) sensor, a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, or an air flow sensor(s), can provide optimal engine performance when using gaseous fuels and when starting from a cold state. The sensors employed send data to the electronic control unit (ECU) and such data is used to determine the optimal air-to-fuel ratio (AFR). The ECU actuates the injector and the injector sends the requested amount of gaseous fuel to mix with the air flow to be combusted. This provides the engine with a gaseous fuel and air mixture that is at the requested relative AFR and the engine is able to start and meet performance. |
| US08413637B2 |
Injection nozzle for fuel with ball valve
The invention relates to a fuel injector comprising a nozzle retainer or an injector body, a valve body and a nozzle body, in which a preferably needle-shaped injection valve member is arranged to be vertically movable, said member releasing or closing at least one injection port leading to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine depending on the pressure relief of or the pressure load on a control chamber. The invention is characterized in that a valve comprising a preferably ball-shaped valve element is arranged in the nozzle retainer or in the injector body for the pressure relief of the control chamber. |
| US08413633B2 |
Rollerized cranktrain bedplate, reciprocating engine embodying same and engine further including rollerized cranktrain
Featured is a bedplate for a reciprocating engine having a rollerized cranktrain. Such a bedplate includes a peripheral support structure having sides and ends, a plurality of cross members that extend between the sides of the peripheral support structure, and a plurality of rolling element bearings. Each of the plurality of cross members includes a bearing support portion, the bearing support portion being configured so as to receive and retain therein a portion of one of the rolling element bearings. Also, the portion of the rolling element bearing is such that when the bedplate is secured to a cylinder block of the reciprocating engine, the bearing support portion rotatably supports a crankshaft of the reciprocating engine. Also featured is a reciprocating engine having such a bedplate. |
| US08413630B2 |
Balancing shaft
The invention relates to a balancing shaft for a single-cylinder or multi-cylinder engine having at least one unbalanced weight portion (21, 22; 23, 24) and at least one bearing (16, 17), the at least one unbalanced weight portion (21, 22; 23, 24) being associated with the bearing (16, 17) and the bearing (16, 17) having a radial running face (18) which extends only partially over a periphery of the bearing (16, 17) and a centrifugal force which results during rotation of the balancing shaft (11) is situated within a region of the bearing (16, 17) that is formed by the running face (18) which extends partially over the periphery of the bearing (16, 17), wherein provision is made for at least one supporting surface (51) to extend partially over the periphery of the bearing (16, 17) and to be provided separate from the running surface (18). |
| US08413627B2 |
Arrangement of a supercharged internal combustion engine
An arrangement for a supercharged combustion engine (2), to prevent ice formation in a cooler (10, 15). The arrangement comprises a low-temperature cooling system with a circulating coolant and a cooler (10, 15) in which a gaseous medium which contains water vapour is cooled by the coolant in the cooling system. An electric circuit with an electric warming unit (28, 28a, 28b) is positioned in contact with the coolant in the second cooling system, a voltage source (36, 36a, 36b) and a circuit-breaker (30, 30a, 30b) which can be placed in a first position whereby it disconnects the warming unit (28, 28a, 28b) and the voltage source (36, 36a, 36b) and in a second position whereby it connects together the warming unit (28, 28a, 28b) and the voltage source (36) so that the warming unit (28, 28b, 28b) receives electrical energy and warms the coolant in the cooling system. |
| US08413626B2 |
Lash adjuster
The present invention relates to a lash adjuster including a ball retainer having a generally conical chamber for situating a ball near the base of the lash adjuster housing. The chamber has both an external and internal shoulder for engaging a plunger spring and a ball spring, respectively. The chamber may further define at least one aperture near its apex and at least one aperture near its base to facilitate oil flow through the lash adjuster. |
| US08413623B2 |
Internal combustion engine with variable valve control system
An internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable valve control system which is operable to selectively actuate an engine valve using one of two cams of a camshaft, by sliding a rocker arm in the axial direction of a rocker-arm shaft. The system is capable of restricting the axial-direction movement of the rocker arm within a predetermined range, using a simple structure without unduly increasing the number of component parts. Position-restriction portions are formed in a rocker arm, and abut on a trigger arm to restrict sliding movement of the rocker arm within a predetermined amount, when the trigger arm is disengaged from the rocker arm. |
| US08413622B2 |
Oil supply device of engine
There are provided first and second extending oil passages supplying operational oil to intake-side and exhaust-side lash adjustors, a first connection oil passage interconnecting one end portions of the oil passages, and an oil-pressure control valve selecting a first state in which the first extending oil passage does not connect to a drain oil passage or a second state in which the first extending oil passage connects to the drain oil passage. An orifice is provided in an oil passage which is located on the side of the first connection oil passage relative to a supply portion of the operational oil supplied to the lash adjustor and located on the side of the first connection oil passage relative to another supply portion of the operational oil supplied to the lash adjustor. |
| US08413621B2 |
Hydraulic assembly for a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine comprising a hydraulically variable gas exchange valve train
A hydraulic assembly (5) for a cylinder head (2) of an internal combustion engine having a hydraulically variable valve train (1) is provided. A high pressure chamber (11), a medium pressure chamber (12) and a low pressure chamber (16), which serves as a hydraulic medium reservoir, are configured in the hydraulic assembly. The low pressure chamber communicates through a throttling point (17) with the medium pressure chamber, which throttling point is formed by a displaceable valve body (19) and, depending on the position of the valve body, provides flow cross-sections of different sizes in order to minimize the leakage out of the hydraulic assembly. |
| US08413620B2 |
Hydraulic orifice
A hydraulic orifice which is mounted at a head oil journal formed in a cylinder head and supplies an oil to a supply line after reducing pulsation of the oil supplied to the head oil journal, may include a body pressed on the head oil journal so as to form a chamber with the cylinder head, a joining line formed along a longitudinal axis of the body therein and fluid-communicating with the supply line, and at least two hydraulic lines formed in the body and connecting the chamber with an end of the joining line in the body to supply the oil through the other end thereof to the supply line, wherein the oils passing through the at least two hydraulic lines are joined at the end of the joining line with different phases such that the pulsation of the oil in the joining line is reduced. |
| US08413615B2 |
Hot water supply apparatus
A hot water supply apparatus including: a hot-water supply pipe for guiding hot water generated by a hot-water generator to a hot-water supplying terminal; two hot-water supply temperature sensors for detecting water temperature in the hot-water supply pipe; a temperature control unit for adjusting a temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot-water supplying terminal; a sensor abnormality determining unit for determining sensor abnormality when a difference between temperatures detected by the two hot-water supply temperature sensors is larger than a predetermined permissible error; a sensor selector for selectively setting one hot-water supply temperature sensor detecting a higher temperature as a hot-water supply temperature sensor for temperature control; and a hot-water supply temperature controller for controlling the temperature control unit so that a temperature detected by the hot-water supply temperature sensor for temperature control selected from the two hot-water supply temperature sensors is matched with a set temperature. |
| US08413614B2 |
Protective hen apron
A protective bird apron includes a main body area with a length and a width and a pair of opposing lateral sections attached to the main body area at corresponding opposing edges thereof, each lateral section having a length less than the length of the main body area and a width dimensioned to extend beneath respective wings of the bird. At least one securing strap is coupled to an upper portion of the main body area and to an upper portion of at least one of the lateral sections, the main body area, the at least one of the lateral sections, and the at least one securing strap defining at least one shoulder securing area. A shoulder protector is coupled to the main body area of the back covering, disposed to protect shoulders of the bird while leaving the wings of the bird substantially unrestricted in wing-flapping movement, and has a width substantially the same or greater than an overall width of the back covering. Visible warning indicia are provided on the back covering and/or the shoulder protector. |
| US08413611B2 |
Rubber-fiber hybrid
An animal chew toy and a method for making such that comprises a fabric having a plurality of fibers and a polymeric material that contacts the fabric wherein the polymer material engages with the plurality of fibers. |
| US08413608B2 |
Apparatus and method for handling animal waste
An animal waste handling apparatus having a cylindrical housing with an opening to allow an animal to enter to relieve itself in litter held in the interior volume of the housing. The apparatus has a sifting drawer that is removably mounted in the interior volume of the housing and is carried for rotational movement when the housing is rotated about its axis. The sifting drawer includes an open top, an unobstructed interior volume and a filter member spaced from the open top. During a rotational sifting cycle, the sifting drawer enters the litter to capture the litter for filtering to separate animal waste from the litter. The filtered litter remains in the interior volume of the housing and filtered out waste is retained in the sifting drawer. The sifting drawer is removed along a direction that is parallel to the axis of the housing about which the housing is rotated. |
| US08413607B2 |
Wildlife watering troughs and related structures and methods
Water troughs and structures for retrofitting a watering trough to provide safe water access for birds and other wildlife. |
| US08413606B2 |
Feed carrier receptacle for use in rotary feed dispensing mechanism
A feed carrier receptacle for use in a rotary feed dispensing mechanism, which includes a box, a feed loading opening, and separation partitions. The feed loading opening is formed in the box. The separation partitions are arranged inside the box and every adjacent separation partitions and an inside surface of the box form a feed compartment, which communicates the feed loading opening and is provided with a feed discharge opening and a brush adjacent to the feed discharge opening When put into rotation, the feed loaded in the receptacle is generally rotated in unison therewith to move toward the feed discharge openings and is subject to a frictional force as contacting the brush so that the feed, when passing through the brush, is caused to rotate by itself and thus may fly over a long distance. This increases the distribution range of feed. |
| US08413604B2 |
Slotted electrostatic shield modification for improved etch and CVD process uniformity
A more uniform plasma process is implemented for treating a treatment object using an inductively coupled plasma source which produces an asymmetric plasma density pattern at the treatment surface using a slotted electrostatic shield having uniformly spaced-apart slots. The slotted electrostatic shield is modified in a way which compensates for the asymmetric plasma density pattern to provide a modified plasma density pattern at the treatment surface. A more uniform radial plasma process is described in which an electrostatic shield arrangement is configured to replace a given electrostatic shield in a way which provides for producing a modified radial variation characteristic across the treatment surface. The inductively coupled plasma source defines an axis of symmetry and the electrostatic shield arrangement is configured to include a shape that extends through a range of radii relative to the axis of symmetry. |
| US08413602B2 |
Electro optical device and color filter manufactured by liquid drop discharge apparatus
A liquid drop discharge device provides a head unit 420 which discharges filter element material relative to each of various colors of color filters. The head unit 420 is composed of an ink jet heads which are arranged on one end of a print substrate plate having a shape of rectangular card and head devices 433 which are arranged on the other end of the print substrate plate comprising connectors 441. The head devices 433 are aligned in two rows, as two groups, in a staggered arrangement so that a portion on which the connectors 441 are aligned in one of the two rows does not face to the same portion of the other in the two rows and protrudes outside of the print substrate plate. The head unit 420 discharges the filter element material onto predetermined portions in a superimposing manner while shifting along a direction which intersects to a direction along which the head devices 433 are arranged. |
| US08413595B2 |
Nozzle for feeding combustion media into a furnace
In a boiler furnace having nozzles for introducing combustion media such as air and coal, nozzle tip walls that have the greatest exposure to radiant heat and hot gases are provided with arrays of air holes that allow air to flow to the exposed sides of the walls from the opposite sides in order to reduce the temperature difference between the two sides and thereby reduce thermal distortion and damage resulting from oxidation. |
| US08413593B2 |
Table with pivotable table top
Presented is a table with a pivotable table top that is mounted rotatably and lockably about an axis of rotation extending in a longitudinal direction. The table has a pivoting mechanism on a table frame in the upper region of two lateral table legs. The table can be folded out or folded between a horizontal use position and a storage position. A pivoting movement of the table top is achieved, while combining secure operation and simple handling. The pivoting mechanism includes at least one pair of inter-engaging, mutually complementary tooth portions that are arranged concentrically about the axis of rotation. The tooth portions can be moved apart relative to one another by at least the tooth depth in the direction of the axis of rotation in order to enable the pivoting movement. In each pair, one tooth portion is mounted fixedly in terms of rotation with respect to the table leg and the other tooth portion is mounted fixedly in terms of rotation with respect to the table top. |
| US08413589B2 |
Container-based locomotive power source
The present invention relates to a container-based locomotive power source that can be readily interchanged. |
| US08413587B2 |
Cartridge and bullet with controlled expansion
A bullet or a cartridge containing a bullet having an elongated body with a forward end and an opposed rear end. The body has an intermediate cylindrical portion between the rear and forward ends, and the front end of the body defines a cavity. A resilient nose element is received in the cavity. The nose element may be an elastomer, and may be a cylindrical body. The cavity may be a cylindrical bore, and the nose element may be closely encompassed within the bore. The forward end of the nose element may be flat, and may be flush with the forward end of the body. |
| US08413586B2 |
Door breaching projectile system
A modified 40 mm grenade round designed to breach doors without throwing a substantial amount of shrapnel into a building's interior. The modified round includes a standoff device located on its forward end. The standoff device detonates the explosive charge within the projectile before the nose of the projectile actually strikes the target. This early detonation throws a pressure wave again the door's exterior, forcing the door inward. Shrapnel produced by the detonation remains primarily outside the door. Thus, the modified projectile is able to blow open a door without throwing a significant amount of shrapnel into a building's interior. |
| US08413584B2 |
Cementitious compositions
The invention provides a method of preparing a blast hole which method comprises the sequential steps of: drilling a blast hole; placing explosives in the blast hole; filling the blast hole with a stemming material comprising a cement composition and water wherein the weight ratio of water to solids content of the stemming material is at least about 1:1. |
| US08413582B1 |
Linear escapements, methods for making, and use
The present invention relates generally to the field of escapement mechanisms for providing mechanical control of motion based on desired timing criteria and more particularly to micro-scale and millimeter scale escapement mechanisms, and even more particularly to such mechanisms produced in whole or in part using multi-layer, multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods. In some embodiments, such escapement mechanisms are used in safing and arming applications for munitions or other explosive devices where two or more accelerations are present at appropriate times where after an arming delay occurs. |
| US08413581B2 |
Transfer apparatus for printing plate trays and method of handling the printing plates
An apparatus and a method is provided for handling printing plates which are provided in the form of a printing plate stack on at least one storage plane. If printing plates having a particularly large format are required to set images on them in an exposer, loading cassettes for a magazine of cassettes is at least problematic. Therefore, a tray is moved out of a storage device via an adjacent lifting device into the lower region of the storage device, and is fed there to a drawer which can be moved out of the storage device. If the tray is situated on the drawer, the latter can be moved by an operator in a second horizontal direction out of the handling apparatus, in particular out of the storage device. In this position, the tray can then be loaded in an ergonomically favorable manner. |
| US08413576B2 |
Method of fabricating a structure
A method of fabricating a bank structure, includes: (a) forming a multi-layer structure on an underlying surface thereof, the multi-layer structure having at least a first layer and a second layer, (b) embossing the second layer so as to define a bank pattern in the second layer, (c) transferring the bank pattern to the first layer so as to form a bank structure defining an indented region; and (d) removing the second layer after the step (c) so as to expose a surface of the first layer as a top surface of the bank structure. |
| US08413575B2 |
Printing unit of a printing material processing machine and method and machine for treating printing material
A printing unit of a printing material processing machine, preferably a sheetfed offset printing press, includes a form cylinder and an impression cylinder. The form cylinder has a printing form for applying printed information to the printing material and the impression cylinder has a microstructured surface, preferably a cover, contacting the printing material. A surface of the impression cylinder contacting the printing material is provided with micro-embossed structures for applying embossed information to the printing material. The printing material is printed and embossed simultaneously. A security feature and/or a change in gloss can be implemented on the printed product through the use of the embossed, preferably micro-embossed, information. |
| US08413574B2 |
Back-to-back bundle strapping machine
A strapping machine that includes a strap chute defining an arch through which loads are conveyed, the arch having an entrance and an exit, infeed and outfeed conveyors positioned at the arch entrance and exit, respectively, the conveyors defining a work surface, and a strapping head disposed at about the arch for conveying the strap around the loads, tensioning the strap, and securing the strap. The machine further includes a sensor disposed above the work surface and a controller. During operation in a back-to-back mode, the infeed and outfeed conveyors are actuated to move a first, strapped load, and a second, to be strapped load, through the arch, wherein the outfeed conveyor is driven at a faster speed than the infeed conveyor to create a gap between the first and second loads. The sensor senses the gap between the first and second loads and the infeed and outfeed conveyors are stopped when the second load is properly positioned within the arch, wherein the controller determines that the second load is properly positioned within the arch based on the sensing of the gap. The controller initiates a strapping operation for the second load during which the strap is pulled from the strap chute onto the second load, the strap is tensioned on the second load, and the strap is secured. |
| US08413568B2 |
Mine protection for vehicle
A utility vehicle with underfloor structure giving protection from mine explosions. There is a wedge at the edge of the driver compartment which splits the detonation blast from a mine buried in the track of a front wheel. There is a multilayer stack, inboard of the wedge, which crushes upward to reduce the detonation wave from a mine buried under the vehicle. The stack comprises panels to catch the detonation wave and separated by spacers. Spacers are longitudinal stringers stacked above each other and welded, forming deep beams joined to bulkheads, making the vehicle's frame. The wedge also bolts to bulkheads, augmenting the frame. In cross section, the stack is curved, tapering off at each end to merge with the “V” of a wedge. The wedge crushes sideways under the detonation wave, providing protection at the edge of the driver compartment where stack material has run out. |
| US08413567B2 |
Vehicle armor
The disclosed vehicle armor includes a first layer forming an interior bottom surface of the cabin and comprised of a high-strength metal material, a second layer forming an exterior bottom surface of the cabin and comprised of a high-strength metal material, and, a middle layer sandwiched between the first and second layers and comprised of a polymer material. The underbelly device is configured having a plurality of high areas and low areas creating deflection faces and separation distances between an interior of the cabin and an exterior threat. A second, multi-layer composite structure, forming an interior floor of the cabin, may be incorporated as a fragmentation penetration barrier. |
| US08413566B2 |
Armoured door for a crew compartment
The invention relates to an armored door (5) for the crew compartment of a vehicle or fixed shelter, such door intended to block an opening (10) into the compartment and incorporating a structure (7) to the exterior of which at least one armor plate (12) is fastened.The armor plate (12) is fixed at a distance from the structure (7) and is separate from said structure by first deformable intermediate means (14) able to absorb part of the energy of a shock, the armor plate (12) having, furthermore, dimensions that are greater than those of the structure (7), and second deformable intermediate means (15) positioned between the rim (R) of the armor plate (12) and a wall (8) of the compartment surrounding the opening (10). |
| US08413565B2 |
Drive and quick stop for a weapon with preferably a linear breech or ammunition feed
A drive, having a quick stop mechanism, for a breech is axially adjustable relative to a weapon barrel, and includes a motor, two counter-rotating chains and sprocket wheels that guide the chains. Engaging cams and control cams are integrated into the chains. A slide mounted at the bottom of the breech is displaceable transversely to the direction of fire and has a groove that the engaging cams engage to entrain the breech in a forward or reverse motion relative to the direction of fire. The engaging cam transporting the breech forwards is displaced from the groove while the control cam displaces the slide simultaneously to its center position via its ascent ramp, thereby allowing breech rest periods in the forward limit position. Firing causes the slide to move from the center position to the left hand side whereas it remains in the center position when no shot is fired. |
| US08413562B2 |
Slide circular saw
A slide circular saw comprises a base, a saw blade rotatably driven by a motor, and a main body including the saw blade. The slide circular saw is configured to be capable of automatically changing a cutting depth between in a vertical cut and a bevel cut operations. A chamfered part where a lower limit position setting bolt abuts in a vertical cut operation and a peripheral surface part where the lower limit position abuts in a bevel cut operation are provided at a rod of the slide circular saw. The peripheral surface part has a lower limit position of the saw blade being higher than that of the chamfered part. Position of the rod can be switched between a first position where the chamfered part abuts the lower limit position setting bolt when the main body is in a vertical cut position and a second position where the peripheral surface part abuts the lower limit position setting bolt when the main body is in a bevel cut position. |
| US08413555B2 |
Fencing tool
A pliers fencing tool includes a wedge having a through slot for engagement with the rotatably mounted ratcheted sprocket teeth of a fence wire strainer suspended between the fence wire looped ends. Through slot engaged cause the teeth to rotate from a first to a second ratcheted position and thereby strain the fence wire. A grip having a thumb receiving recess and thumb guard is provided between the wedge and the means for pivotably connecting the handles, and the handles are gripped at the grip portion with the wedge distally disposed. |
| US08413553B2 |
Pivot head wrench
A pivot head wrench includes a handle, a switch, a pusher, a position-retaining device including a resilient member, a pawl, and a driving head. The pivot head wrench is switchable between lock and unlock modes. In the lock mode, the switch is rotated to a first position, and the pusher is abutted against the pawl, and the driving head is adapted to be pivoted at various positions, and the pawl is temporarily disengaged from the driving head when the driving head is pivoted from one position to another and engagement therebetween is resumed by the resilient member thereafter. In the unlock mode, the switch is rotated to a second position, and the switch is abutted against the pawl such that the pawl is restrained from movement and from disengagement from the driving head, and the driving head is restrained and securely held in place at a selected position. |
| US08413549B2 |
Revolving screwdriver with ratchet structure
A revolving screwdriver with ratchet structure includes a handle, a pushing rod, and a sliding member. The sliding member has a receiving space and a holding chamber defined therein. A revolving cylinder is received in the holding chamber. The receiving space receives at least one ratchet wheel, two rotators, a limiting member, a base, and an adjuster. The at least one ratchet wheel engages with a driving shaft. The rotators selectively engage with the at least one ratchet wheel. The limiting member locates between the rotators and has a protrusion formed thereon. A base has a first guiding slot defined therein. The adjuster has a driving hole defined therein. The protrusion passes through the first guiding slot and the driving hole for being driven by the adjuster and moving along the first guiding slot. |
| US08413545B1 |
Transmission and transmission housing with multiple dipsticks and dipstick apertures, circumferentially positioned internal lugs and an adjacent fluid inlet port
A transmission housing, or transmission including a transmission housing, having a plurality of dipstick access ports positioned on the housing for receiving in each access port a dipstick that is used to monitor a level of transmission fluid in an oil pan mounted to a bottom of the transmission housing. The housing may also include internal lugs positioned along an internal surface of the housing that interlock or interconnect with a transmission component to minimize rotational movement of the component relative to the housing. The lugs are aligned and spaced equidistance apart circumferentially on the internal surface of the housing, thereby eliminating larger gaps between consecutive lugs, which may concentrate mechanical stresses on the lugs at such a gap, as in prior art transmission. In addition, the housing may include an inlet fluid port positioned adjacent the lugs for receiving cooled transmission fluid to lubricate and cool centrally and rearwardly positioned transmission components. |
| US08413542B2 |
Plastic core attachment for a push-pull cable assembly
A motion transmitting cable assembly includes a cable having a conduit and a core longitudinally movable within the conduit, a core attachment secured to an end of the core, and a conduit abutment fitting secured to an end of the conduit. The core attachment is molded of plastic and is over-molded onto the end of the core. The core is preferably provided with both an upset and a wire wrap within the core attachment. The core attachment includes a terminal and a rod extending from the terminal and is molded as a unitary component. A guide tube extends from the conduit abutment fitting and slidably receives the rod therein. The core meets the core attachment within the guide tube and preferably extends within the rod for the entire length of the rod and a portion of the terminal. |
| US08413541B2 |
Clamp assembly for a steering column assembly
A clamp assembly secures a fixed portion of a steering column assembly to a movable portion of a steering column. It comprises a rack of teeth carried by the moving portion and a rack of teeth carried by the fixed portion and an inner hollow toothed block nested inside an outer hollow toothed block, each carrying at least one rack of teeth with the rack of teeth on the inner block facing the rack of teeth on the moving portion and the rack of teeth on the outer block facing the rack of teeth on the fixed portion. A retaining clip provides a lost motion coupling between the retaining clip and the inner toothed block and an independent lost motion coupling between the retaining clip and the inner toothed block and an independent motion coupling between the retaining clip and the outer toothed block. First, second and third springs bias the teeth of the blocks into and out of engagement with the racks when locked and unlocked. The assembly helps prevent damage to the teeth with the springs permitting the damage force on the blocks to be independently absorbed. |
| US08413538B2 |
Articulated manipulator
An articulated manipulator includes a base body, a first arm body, a second arm body having a second arm center axis, and a third arm body. A first joint part connects the base body and a first end portion of the first arm body rotatably around a first rotation axis. A second joint part connects a second end portion of the first arm body and a third end portion of the second arm body rotatably around a second rotation axis. A third joint part connects a fourth end portion of the second arm body and a fifth end portion of the third arm body rotatably around the third rotation axis. When the first, second and third arm bodies are all erected with respect to a installation surface, the first rotation axis, the second arm center axis, and the third rotation axis are substantially aligned with each other. |
| US08413532B2 |
Safety release mechanism for linear actuator
A safety release mechanism for a linear actuator having a lead screw and a telescopic tube includes a nut, a protection shroud, a sleeve connected to the telescopic tube, a clutching element and a spiral spring. The nut is threadedly and drivingly connected to the lead screw. The protection shroud is fixedly and drivingly connected to one side of the nut. One end of the sleeve is sheathed on the protection shroud while the other end thereof is fixedly connected to the telescopic tube. The outer periphery of the sleeve is formed with notches. The clutching element is sheathed on the sleeve and formed with protrusions configured to be selectively inserted into or removed from the notches. The spiral spring is sheathed on the protection shroud and the clutching element. With this arrangement, cleavage or damage of components can be prevented to thereby increase the safety of operation. |
| US08413527B2 |
Fluid sampling device
Disclosed is a fluid sampling device comprising a housing arranged to be freely rotatable under the influence of a fluid and comprising an opening for channeling the fluid through the housing such that the fluid contacts a particular portion of a sampling medium corresponding to a relative angular position of the housing. |
| US08413524B2 |
Acoustic matching member, ultrasonic transmitter/receiver, and ultrasonic flowmeter
An acoustic matching member is fitted to a main body in a pair of ultrasonic transmitter/receivers. The acoustic matching member includes a matching member equipped with a porous body adhered tightly to an acoustic-wave emission surface of the main body. A dense layer is stacked on a surface of the porous body and includes a thermosetting resin and first flowability-diminishing particles. A sidewall member is adhered tightly to the acoustic-wave emission surface and an end face of the porous body. |
| US08413522B2 |
Device and method for proof loading wooden boards
A device for proof loading wooden boards including a deformer (9) for deforming the boards (2) which is designed to cause the boards (2) to elongate along their main direction of extension, said deformer including first and second feeders (3), (4) positioned at a first and a second segment (5), (6) of a feed path along which the boards (2) are fed parallel with their main direction of extension, and being able to apply a longitudinal tractive force on the boards (2) using the first and the second feeders (3), (4). A method for proof loading wooden boards is also disclosed, which can be implemented without interrupting board feed along its feed path. |
| US08413520B2 |
Method and device for steadying an aircraft
A method for steadying an aircraft using jack props, in which: a number and location of the props to be used is determined as a function of an area of operation, on the basis of a prop map; strain gauges arranged on the structure of the aircraft are used; predetermined props that are to be used are fitted; the strains measured by at least one strain gauge situated in the operating zone are checked; and the load applied by at least one prop positioned in the operating zone is regulated according to the strains measured by the gauge and so as to minimize the strains. A steadying device can implement the method. |
| US08413517B2 |
Fuel cell system and heated pressure sensor
A fuel cell system may include a fuel cell stack, a manifold in fluid communication with the stack, and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may include a housing defining a chamber in fluid communication with the manifold, a pressure sensing element disposed within the chamber, and a heating element disposed within the chamber. |
| US08413516B2 |
Elastic wave measurement apparatus and method
The elastic wave measurement apparatus, when a high-frequency burst signal is input to the first ball SAW device, an input destination of the high-frequency burst signal is switched in sequence to another one of the ball SAW devices before a detection time at which an output signal from the first ball SAW device is detected, and at and after the detection time, output signals of the response characteristics of those ball SAW devices from the first ball SAW device to the last ball SAW device are detected in sequence. |
| US08413514B2 |
Method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium
A method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium is described. The ultrasonic transducer includes at least one transducer core having at least one acoustic-electric transducer element. The ultrasonic transducer furthermore includes at least one housing which at least partially surrounds the transducer core and which has at least one opening facing the fluid medium. In the method, at least one sealing film is stretched and connected to the housing in the stretched state in such a way that the sealing film at least partially seals the opening. |
| US08413513B2 |
Ultrasonic testing method and equipment therefor
An ultrasonic testing equipment includes a linear array ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of transducers are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the rolling direction of a test object and a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit executes following (1) to (6). (1) Generating an aperture synthetic image of testing signals of each section of the test object. (2) Generating a maximum value distribution of testing signals in the arrangement direction of transducers. (3) Calculating the width of a defect in each section based on the maximum value distribution. (4) Generating a maximum value distribution of the testing signals in the rolling direction based on the maximum value distribution of a plurality of sections of the test object. (5) Calculating the length of the defect based on the maximum value distribution of the testing signals in the rolling direction. (6) Calculating the area of the defect based on the calculated defect length and the calculated defect width of each section. |
| US08413510B2 |
Acceleration sensor
An acceleration sensor includes first and second opposed electrode units. The first opposed electrode unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced away from and facing the first electrode, and provides a first capacitance. The second opposed electrode unit includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode spaced away from and facing the third electrode, and provides a second capacitance. The first and third electrodes are arranged along a first direction. A component of acceleration along the first direction applied to the object is detected based on the first and second capacitances. A control voltage is applied to the first and second opposed electrode units. The control voltage is changed when both of the first capacitance and the second capacitance simultaneously increase or decrease. This acceleration sensor detects the acceleration accurately. |
| US08413508B2 |
Method for measuring an acceleration using a piezoelectric vibrating accelerometer
The invention provides a method of measuring an acceleration by means of a vibrating accelerometer including a piezoelectric vibrating cell, the method having the steps: of exciting the vibration cell by means of an excitation signal at a resonant frequency of the vibrating cell; of calculating an acceleration value from a detection signal that results from the excitation signal; of exciting the vibrating cell with a correction excitation signal at a correction frequency that is different from the resonant frequency; of extracting a correction signal from the detection signal, the correction being representative of an electrical characteristic that is to be corrected; and of combining the correction signal with the detection signal so as to reduce the electrical characteristic that is to be corrected. |
| US08413507B2 |
Semiconductor dynamic quantity sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor dynamic quantity sensor has a substrate including a semiconductor substrate, an insulation layer on a main surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a semiconductor layer on the insulation layer. The main surface has a projection that is trapezoidal or triangular in cross section. The semiconductor layer is divided by a through hole into a movable portion. A tip of the projection is located directly below the movable portion and spaced from the movable portion by a predetermined distance in a thickness direction of the substrate. A width of the tip of the projection is less than a width of the movable portion in a planar direction of the substrate. The distance between the tip of the projection and the movable portion is equal to a thickness of the insulation layer. |
| US08413506B2 |
Microelectromechanical gyroscope with rotary driving motion and improved electrical properties
An integrated microelectromechanical structure is provided with: a die, having a substrate and a frame, defining inside it a detection region and having a first side extending along a first axis; a driving mass, anchored to the substrate, set in the detection region, and designed to be rotated in a plane with a movement of actuation about a vertical axis; and a first pair and a second pair of first sensing masses, suspended inside the driving mass via elastic supporting elements so as to be fixed with respect thereto in the movement of actuation and so as to perform a detection movement of rotation out of the plane in response to a first angular velocity; wherein the first sensing masses of the first pair and the first sensing masses of the second pair are aligned in respective directions, having non-zero inclinations of opposite sign with respect to the first axis. |
| US08413505B2 |
Temperature and humidity measuring device deployed on substrate
The present invention provides a temperature and humidity measuring and recording device deployed on substrate for measuring and recording temperature and humidity of the interior of any station for reticles and of any SMIF POD. The temperature and humidity measuring and recording device comprises a substrate with a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface on another side of the substrate, a first measurement unit embedded in and fixed to the first surface of the substrate for measuring the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment, and a second measurement unit embedded in and fixed to the second surface of the substrate for measuring the temperature and humidity of the interior between the substrate and the pellicle film. |
| US08413502B2 |
Device for measuring infant feeding performance
Devices, systems and methods for measuring infant feeding performance. The device includes a body portion, a pressure sensor and an integrated circuit. The body portion includes a first end for receiving a fluid, a second end mateable with a feeding nipple, and a conduit in fluid communication with the first and second ends. The pressure sensor is disposed in the body portion, is in contact with the fluid in the conduit, and generates a signal representing a pressure of the fluid passing through the conduit during a feeding session. The integrated circuit is disposed in the body portion and is electrically connected to the pressure sensor. The integrated circuit receives the pressure signal and determines a feeding factor over the feeding session indicative of the infant feeding performance. |
| US08413501B2 |
Wake measurement probe
A probe includes a stem having a tip that measures a wake produced by an object moving through a fluid. The probe includes temperature and pressure sensors co-located in the tip. |
| US08413497B2 |
Abnormality diagnostic device of internal combustion engine with turbocharger
When a wastegate valve, which opens and closes an exhaust bypass passage bypassing an exhaust turbine, is open, exhaust gases of respective cylinders bypass the exhaust turbine and pass a sensing point of an air-fuel ratio sensor downstream of the exhaust turbine. Accordingly, the exhaust gases of the respective cylinders can be avoided from being mixed by the exhaust turbine, so an influence of an inter-cylinder variation in an air-fuel ratio due to an inter-cylinder imbalance abnormality becomes apt to appear in an output waveform of the air-fuel ratio sensor. Therefore, existence or nonexistence of the inter-cylinder imbalance abnormality is determined based on the output of the air-fuel ratio sensor when the wastegate valve is open. Eventually, the existence or nonexistence of the inter-cylinder imbalance abnormality can be determined accurately, thereby improving detection accuracy of the inter-cylinder imbalance abnormality. |
| US08413495B2 |
Apparatus for correcting output of cylinder internal pressure sensor, and cylinder internal pressure detection apparatus including the same
An output correction apparatus that corrects offset drift of a cylinder internal pressure sensor, and a cylinder internal pressure detection apparatus that accurately detects cylinder internal pressure of an internal combustion engine through use of the output correction apparatus. The cylinder internal pressure detection apparatus includes a detection circuit section which detects a change in the resistance of a piezoresistor element as an electrical signal; an amplification circuit section which amplifies and outputs the electrical signal (output value); and a correction circuit section which corrects the output value. The correction circuit section includes a reset control section which resets the output value of the amplification circuit section to a reference value, and a reset timing detection section which determines a timing of the resetting. |
| US08413491B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring center of gravity of slabs
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for measuring the center of gravity of slabs. The apparatus for measuring the center of gravity of slabs includes a main system, a gravity center measurement system, and an unmanned crane. The main system provides information about the dimensions and/or weight of each of a plurality of slabs loaded in a vehicle. The gravity center measurement system includes a photographing unit for photographing the loaded slabs to be moved, a driving unit for moving the photographing unit up and down, and a control unit for calculating the center of gravity and grip position of all of the slabs, to be moved each time, based on information about a position and configuration of each of the slabs from the photographing unit and the information about the dimensions and/or weight of each of the slabs from the main system. The unmanned crane grips and moves the slabs according to the grip position information calculated by the gravity center measurement system. |
| US08413484B2 |
Method and system for chemical and physical characterization of complex samples
A method and system for rapid determination of a hydrocarbon type composition, such as crude oils and fractions thereof, and s obtaining the information necessary to assess the yield of commercially valuable fuel and lube oil fractions in a single process, variations of the method and system use Gas Chromatography-FID/Mass Spectrometry and other features, including an auto sampler, a wall coated capillary column, a temperature programmable injector, and a data processing system for compiling and processing the experimental data. The system and method further include a computer system with application software or other processing mechanism and optionally a communication network. One variation provides a graphical user interface for the entry of data and for displaying information, such as in a graphical manner, to show the relationship of various determined outputs and results. |
| US08413479B2 |
Core rod forging for precise internal geometry
A forging die tool set defines a cavity and includes a core rod in the cavity for shaping a void in a work piece. The core rod extends in a direction in which the work piece is introduced, compressed, and ejected from the cavity. The core rod includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a cross sectional shape that forms a certain shape in the work piece and a radially tapered section that tapers toward the lower portion of the core rod. The lower portion also has a cross sectional shape that forms a certain shape in the work piece, and the cross sectional shape of the upper portion differs from the cross sectional shape of the lower portion, the lower portion being a more wear resistant shape characterized by larger radii and the upper portion being a finishing shape with smaller radii for shaping the final form of the forged work piece. |
| US08413478B2 |
Method of drawing and ironing a resin film laminated metal sheet and resin film laminated drawn and ironed can using the same method
A method of drawing and ironing a resin film laminated metal sheet for forming a can body having a bottom portion, a can wall portion and a flange-forming portion by drawing the resin film laminated metal sheet obtained by laminating at least one surface of a metal sheet with an organic resin film, followed by ironing by using a punch and a plurality of dies neighboring each other. The can wall is effectively prevented from being broken by a decrease in the thickness of the can wall, and drawn and ironed cans are efficiently formed having a thickness which is decreased as designed. |
| US08413477B2 |
Calibration tool for fabricating disk springs
A calibration tool for fabricating disk springs. The tool includes a circular cylindrical tool body having an insertion bevel at its face end portion for receiving and centering a workpiece within an inner circumferential enveloping surface of the tool body. A tool surface at the inner circumferential enveloping surface aligns the workpiece relative to a forming tool disposed within the inner circumferential enveloping surface. The tool surface includes a first portion having an inner diameter that increases in size along the axial longitudinal direction of the tool body, and a second portion with an inner diameter that decreases in size along the axial longitudinal direction of the tool body. |
| US08413474B2 |
Monitoring apparatus and monitoring method of seamless pipe or tube production conditions and manufacturing facilities of seamless pipe or tube
The monitoring apparatus of production conditions in a piercing-rolling mill for piercing and rolling a billet B to produce a pipe S comprises an ultrasonic thickness meter which is installed on an exit side of the piercing-rolling mill and measures a thickness of the pipe S produced by the piercing-rolling mill, a thermometer which is installed on the exit side of the piercing-rolling mill and measures a surface temperature of the pipe S produced by the piercing-rolling mill, and a computing and displaying device which is connected to the ultrasonic thickness meter and the thermometer and displays a thickness distribution in a circumferential direction of the pipe S based on the thickness of the pipe S measured by the ultrasonic thickness meter, and a surface temperature distribution in a circumferential direction of the pipe S based on the surface temperature of the pipe S measured by the thermometer. |
| US08413472B2 |
Combination safe deposit box
A combination safe deposit box includes a first box shell and a second box shell fastened together to define a deposit space, a plurality of side guard frames and corner guard frames fastened to and covered on the abutted area between the first box shell and the second box shell, a rim frame affixed to the front side of the first box shell and a second box shell and capped on two distal ends of the connected series of the side guard frames and corner guard frames, and a door panel hinged to one side of the rim frame and adapted to close the deposit space. |
| US08413468B2 |
Glassware forming machine powered mold handling device, and forming machine featuring such a device
In a glassware forming machine, a mold is moved to and from a work position by a device having a supporting structure connected to an overhead frame of the machine; a gripping head for engaging the mold; a cable transmission having a cable operated by a winch and connected to the gripping head to move the gripping head to and from the supporting structure in a substantially vertical direction; and a powered articulated arm connected to the gripping head and to the supporting structure to exert substantially horizontal forces on the gripping head. |
| US08413464B2 |
Method for producing glass substrate for magnetic disk and method for producing magnetic disk
The present invention provides a method for producing a glass substrate for a magnetic disk in which the occurrence of micro-waviness on the glass substrate is prevented in a cooling step after a chemically strengthening step so that the glass substrate has a significantly smooth principal surface, and provides a method for producing a magnetic disk in which head crash, thermal asperity failures, and the like are prevented, the flying height of a magnetic head can be decreased, and high-density recording is enabled.In a method for producing a glass substrate for a magnetic disk including a chemically strengthening step in which a glass substrate is immersed in a heated chemically strengthening salt solution prepared by dissolving a chemically strengthening salt under heating, and metal ions in the glass substrate are ion-exchanged with metal ions in the chemically strengthening salt, wherein the chemically strengthening step is carried out using a chemically strengthening salt solution in which the dissolved chemically strengthening salt does not solidify until the temperature decreases to a temperature that provides hardness at which the surface shape of the glass substrate is not deformed by a force applied to the glass substrate when the chemically strengthening salt having adhered onto the glass substrate solidifies. |
| US08413463B2 |
ISO-pressure open refrigeration NGL recovery
The present invention relates to an improved process for recovery of natural gas liquids from a natural gas feed stream. The process runs at a constant pressure with no intentional reduction in pressure. An open loop mixed refrigerant is used to provide process cooling and to provide a reflux stream for the distillation column used to recover the natural gas liquids. The processes may be used to recover C3+ hydrocarbons from natural gas, or to recover C2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas. |
| US08413461B2 |
Auxiliary cooling system
Air cooled chillers having a condenser section (300) sized to match chiller capacity and auxiliary cooling requirements satisfied by use of an independent cooling coil (314) dedicated to providing auxiliary cooling. The independent cooling coil (314) is located within the current condenser (300), but utilizes available space within the existing condenser, as well as a small portion of the airflow driven by the existing condenser fan (320). Thus, the auxiliary cooling capacity is provided with a single dedicated coil design, but which otherwise uses existing equipment and space. |
| US08413457B2 |
Refrigerator and control method thereof
Disclosed are a refrigerator and a control method thereof, wherein operation of an icemaker can be controlled according to time or function. A sleep mode to control operation of an icemaker according to time is set to prevent generation of noise due to an ice-separating operation implemented at night. In the setting of the sleep mode, a control range of the sleep mode is selected according to a desired operating function (ice-making function or ice-separating function) of the icemaker and also, a period of the sleep mode in units of days/weeks/months (or an operating term) is selected. |
| US08413447B2 |
Fuel nozzle cup seal
The present application provides a fuel nozzle assembly. The fuel nozzle assembly may include an end cap assembly, a number of fuel nozzles positioned within the end cap assembly, and one or more cup seals. The cup seals may be positioned between the end cap assembly and the fuel nozzles. |
| US08413446B2 |
Fuel injector arrangement having porous premixing chamber
A fuel injector arrangement for a turbine engine is disclosed. The fuel injector arrangement may have a combustion chamber, a plenum, an injector, and a premixing chamber configured to receive the injector. The premixing chamber may be at least partially disposed within the plenum and open to the combustion chamber. The premixing chamber may have at least one passageway configured to allow air from the plenum to enter and mix with fuel from the injector to form an air/fuel mixture within the premixing chamber, and a porous annular wall configured to allow air from the plenum to enter and create a lean boundary layer at the porous annular wall. |
| US08413440B2 |
Fresh gas supply device for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas turbocharger, and method for the control thereof
A fresh gas supply device is provided for an internal combustion engine having a turbocharger. The device includes a charge-air inlet for taking in charge-air from the exhaust gas turbocharger, a compressed air inlet for taking in compressed air, an outlet connectable to the charge-air inlet via a flap element and to the compressed air inlet via a flow regulating device, and a control unit for controlling the flap element and the flow regulating device. The flow regulating device has at least one valve for opening and closing the compressed air inlet and a proportional valve connected downstream in the direction of flow for setting a pressure in the outlet. |
| US08413436B2 |
Open accumulator for compact liquid power energy storage
An accumulator system is configured to store energy and includes an accumulator having a liquid chamber coupled to a liquid port and an air chamber coupled to an air port. The liquid chamber and the air chamber are separated by a moveable isolation barrier. An air motor/compressor coupled to the air port is configured to receive a mechanical input and responsively pump air into the accumulator, and to receive pressurized air from the air port and responsively provide a mechanical output. A liquid reservoir is coupled to the liquid port to receive liquid from the liquid chamber as air is pumped into the air chamber and to provide liquid to the liquid chamber as air is removed from the air chamber. |
| US08413435B2 |
Exhaust manifolds including heat shield assemblies
An exhaust manifold including a manifold body made of a first material and at least one heat shield insert provided inside the manifold body and made of a second material. The first material is a low cost material and the second material is a higher grade, temperature-resistant material. The manifold body includes a plurality of runners, collector and an outlet. The shield insert is preferably provided in the collector region adjacent to the outlet. The heat shield insert may have a curved sheet configuration or a tubular configuration depending on applications. The heat shield properly insulates the manifold body from the exhaust gas to protect the manifold body. The exhaust manifold, which is made from a combination of different materials, provides a more cost-effective solution in high temperature applications. |
| US08413432B2 |
Particulate filter regeneration interruption systems and methods
A regeneration control system for a vehicle includes a regeneration control module and a regeneration interrupt module. The regeneration control module selectively provides fuel to an oxidation catalyst for a regeneration event of a particulate filter that occurs during a predetermined melting period for frozen dosing agent. The regeneration interrupt module selectively interrupts the regeneration event and disables the provision of fuel to the oxidation catalyst before the regeneration event is complete when a temperature of a dosing agent injector that is located between the oxidation catalyst and the particulate filter is greater than a predetermined temperature. |
| US08413431B2 |
Tank assembly
A tank assembly (70) for storing a liquid reductant (74) includes a tank (78) defining a chamber (82), a filler tube (94) having an opening (102) and at least partially defining a fill passageway (98) from the opening (102) to the chamber (82), and a vent system (130). The vent system (130) includes a recirculation line (150) that provides fluid communication between the chamber (82) and the fill passageway (98). A float valve (174) in the recirculation line (150) prevents the conveyance of liquid (74) through the recirculation line (150). |
| US08413429B2 |
Method for determining the amount of particulate accumulated in a particulate filter
A method for determining the amount of particulate that has accumulated in a particulate filter, comprising calculating an amount of particulate that has accumulated in the particulate filter on the basis of a physical model that uses measured and/or determined physical quantities, and subjecting the calculated particulate amount to validation on the basis of given validation criteria, the latter step envisaging validation of the calculated particulate amount in the case where said criteria are satisfied, and validation of a substitutive particulate amount which is a function of a previously validated amount and of an admissible rate of variation in the case where said criteria are not satisfied. |
| US08413424B2 |
Stored reductant state for startup
An engine exhaust aftertreatment system including an catalyst-based device configured to reduce an amount of NOx in exhaust gases produced by an engine using reductant stored in the catalyst-based device. The system includes a controller configured to determine a starting quantity of stored reductant in the catalyst-based device at the start of the engine. The starting quantity is based on a shutdown quantity of stored reductant in the catalyst-based device determined at the shutdown of the engine. |
| US08413418B2 |
Gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine (10) having a pressure-rise combustor (30) and the pressure-rise combustor (30) is positioned upstream of a stage of turbine nozzle guide vanes (32). The vanes (33) of the stage of turbine nozzle guide vanes (32) forms an ejector and each of the vanes (33) has an upstream portion (34) and a downstream portion (36). The upstream portions (34) of the vanes (33) have leading edges (38) and the upstream portions (34) are arranged substantially straight and parallel to define constant area mixing passages (40) for a flow of gases there-through. The downstream portions (36) of the vanes (33) are arranged at an angle to the upstream portions (34) of the vanes (33) to turn the flow of gases there-through. |
| US08413416B2 |
Cable retainer
A cable retainer which has a plurality of link members coupled to each other in a bendable manner for retaining a plurality of cables therein. When vertically moving a beam member along slits formed in opposite side plates of a cable retainer body, the beam member is positioned and fixed by causing engagement lugs of leg portions of the beam member to be engaged with serrated surfaces of side plates. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the fixing position of the beam member according to the wiring volume of cables to be retained, whereby it is possible to make the wiring capacity of link members variable. |
| US08413415B2 |
Method and device for producing a thread made from a plurality of individual filaments and monofilament thread produced through the method
The method for producing a thread which includes a plurality of individual filaments individually supported at a distance from one another and coated with a flowable resin which includes a solvent and can be crosslinked under the effect of at least one physical variable and/or one chemical substance. The coated individual filaments are subsequently compacted so that a composite is formed which includes the individual filaments and the resin continuously surrounding them and which is free of gas pockets. The solvent included in the resin is expelled from the composite during a drying process. Subsequently, the composite, presently a monofilament thread, is wound up in a non-crosslinked state of the resin. All individual filaments are aligned unidirectionally during all steps of the method. The invention further relates to a device to perform the method and a monofilament thread produced with the device. |
| US08413412B2 |
Buckle-free slip-on horse boot with gaiter
A horse boot (10) includes a shell (12) and a gaiter (22). The shell has a sole (14) and an upper (16) with a vertical slit (18). The gaiter (22) is releasably attached to the heel of the upper and is wrapped around the pastern (P) above the hoof's hairline (C) and below the fetlock to anchor the shell to the pastern and function as a barrier against debris. The gaiter includes a portion of two-way stretch material (60) that makes it possible to fold it out of the way for ease of installation. The process is further facilitated by the slit (18) that allows spreading of the shell. By shaping the upper (16) so that it presses against the hoof (H), the boot is advantageously held in place using only the gaiter anchored to the heel of the boot and strapped to the pastern of the horse. |
| US08413411B2 |
Horse mounting stirrup
A horse stirrup which also functions as a mounting aid by providing, in the same assembly, a foot supporting platform for riding, as well as a convenient, lower level platform for mounting. The mounting platform, and related structure, also function, in cooperation with the riding platform, to reduce the exposure of the rider to stirrup foot lock in case of a fall. |
| US08413409B2 |
Pouch handling mechanism
Apparatus for handling and filling flexible pouches in which a feeder mechanism 300 delivers a chain of interlinked flexible pouches 200 to a selector mechanism 600 comprising a linear actuator 602 and selector head 604 operable to detach the leading pouch 200 from the chain of pouches and move the selected pouch 200 to a station for removing a cap from the pouch 200, filling the pouch 200 with liquid, re-attaching the cap and releasing the pouch for dispense. |
| US08413408B2 |
Container filling plant, such as a beverage bottling plant, for filling containers with a liquid beverage and for closing filled containers
A container handling machine for handling bottles, cans, or similar containers. The container handling machine has a non-rotatable central pillar which, in rotary handling machines, can be used to support a rotatable carousel. The central pillar may also be used to house power conduits, control conduits, and fluid conduits for the container handling machine. The central pillar may also form part of a support framework and may be used to transmit torque forces produced during operation of the container handling machine to support a framework. |
| US08413404B2 |
Underground utility vault replacement system
An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive. |
| US08413402B2 |
Beam clip with teeth
A saddle connector, having an inverted channel, engages a bulb of a beam in the grid of a suspended ceiling. The channel has hardened teeth staggered along the opposing walls of the channel. The teeth are forced into the bulb of the beam, one at a time, by the full force exerted by hand operated pliers. |
| US08413399B2 |
Block combinable with other similar blocks to form a wall, and related systems and methods
A block combinable with other similar blocks to form a wall comprises a front surface; a top surface including a plurality of bosses, two or more of which are located adjacent each other in a direction along the front surface; and a bottom surface including a groove that has a floor. Each of the two or more bosses of the top surface includes a summit, and the summit of each define a plane. When the block is placed on another similar block such that the bottom surface of the block and a top surface of the other similar block oppose each other to form an interface region, the groove holds two or more bosses of the other similar block that are included in the other similar block's top surface, and the floor does not intersect the plane defined by the two or more bosses of the other similar block. |
| US08413396B2 |
Splice system for connecting rebars in concrete assemblies
A splice tube assembly and corresponding system for connecting multiple fiber-reinforced polymer rebars include a polymeric tube that is externally covered by a reinforcing layer to control radial expansion of grout within the polymeric tube and of the polymeric tube itself, and the polymeric tube may be internally provided with locking structures for mechanically interlocking with the grout, ensuring that the splice tube assembly functions as a unit for transferring loads from a first rebar, extending from a first end of the polymeric tube, to a second rebar, extending from a second end of the polymeric tube. |
| US08413394B2 |
Two-piece track system
A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall. |
| US08413393B2 |
Insulation cover for attic closures
Covers for attic trap doors and pull down attic stairs or ladders are described each of which is formed of an insulating material. The covers are structured to effectively seal a ceiling access opening. In some embodiments, a closure member constructed of insulating material is cooperatively and frictionally received within a frame formed of the same material to form an airtight seal therebetween. |
| US08413390B2 |
Polygon mast
Aspects of the invention relate to telescoping mast assemblies (telescoping “towers”), polygonal sided masts for use in such assemblies, methods of fabricating polygonal sided masts, methods and apparatus for sequentially actuating and deactuating hold-down and locking mechanisms in telescoping towers, and such other aspects as will be understood from the present descriptions and drawings. Telescopic towers are usable for supporting and raising to a height any type of communications payload, including, for example, radio antennas, television antennas, any type of surveillance and/or sensor payloads, including, for example, microphones, cameras, flood lights, and the like. |
| US08413389B2 |
Openable covering construction for pergolas, verandas and the like
An openable covering construction for pergolas and verandas, characterized in that said openable covering construction comprise a plurality of adjoining and partially overlapping bands longitudinally mounted on a supporting frame by a driving system allowing each said bands to be rotated about a longitudinal axis thereof parallel to a sloping side of said covering construction, said driving system driving said bands to at least two positions, a closed position, thereat said bands are partially overlapped onto one another and substantially parallel to the covering construction plane, and an opened position thereat each said band is rotated to a substantially vertical condition with respect to said covering plane, each said band comprising a section member including a contoured surface including, at a side thereof, a perpendicular side wall and, at an opposite side thereof, a channel defining curved wall, thereby a surface directly exposed to rain of said covering construction forms a water collecting and disposal of channel. |
| US08413383B2 |
Adjustable door sill assembly and carriage
An adjustable door sill assembly can include a threshold. A threshold cap can be on the threshold and have at least one opening formed therein. A carriage can be beneath the threshold cap and positioned proximate the at least one opening. At least one adjustment element on the carriage is capable of causing the threshold cap to move vertically with respect to the threshold. The adjustment element can be accessible through the opening on the threshold cap. A cap plug can cover the opening, the cap plug being removably attachable with the carriage. |
| US08413381B2 |
Hinge
The invention relates to a device having a component (1), in particular a door, and having a mounting unit (3), in particular a door frame. The invention is based on the object of providing a device that by the use thereof, the mounting of the component on the mounting unit is simplified, and which has a construction such that a good aesthetic impression can be achieved. For this purpose, the device has at least one component (1), at least one mounting unit (3), on which the component (1) can be mounted, and at least one fastening unit (4, 17), which is disposed on the component (1), wherein said fastening unit (17) has at least one first joint element (18) and at least one second joint element (19), wherein said fastening unit (17) is disposed articulated on the component (1) using said first joint element (18), and wherein said fastening unit (17) can be mounted articulated on said mounting unit (3) using said second joint element (19). |
| US08413380B1 |
Universal swing hinge and gravity-closing gate assembly
A universal swing hinge assembly and gravity-closing gate assembly can be attached to a guardrail on either side of a guardrail opening. A hinge pin can be disposed through the universal swing hinge assembly and the gravity-closing gate for attaching the gravity-closing gate thereto. The universal swing hinge assembly can have a C-configuration that allows the gravity-closing gate to swing open in either direction from a lowest neutral position. A recess of the universal swing hinge assembly can have an angled hinge face that opens towards the guardrail opening. In operation, the angled hinge face can cause the gravity-closing gate to rise from the lowest neutral position when the gravity-closing gate is opening, and the angled hinge face can cause the gravity-closing gate to return to the lowest neutral position when closing. |
| US08413376B2 |
Preformed decorative wrapper and methods of use thereof
A preformed decorative wrapper for covering a flower pot has an open upper end, an open lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween. At least a portion of the preformed decorative wrapper extends beyond an upper end of the pot and at least a portion of a lower end of the flower pot extends through the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper. |
| US08413372B2 |
Plant watering systems
A system for dispersing water to the root zone of one or more plants beneath the soil's surface, comprising a perforated hollow cylindrical tube, ending in a spike, with an internal filter, which is driven into the ground to deliver water to the root zone of a plant or plants is disclosed. |
| US08413371B2 |
Mushroom growing material application system
A system for applying mushroom growing materials includes a hopper for the materials. A blower unit creates an air stream which acts as a carrier for blowing the material fed by the hopper through a transport hose wrapped partially around a reel. The hose communicates with and feeds the material to an applicating head which is mounted on a mushroom bed. The material is conveyed through the applicating head by being spread in a transverse direction by a distributor. The material is then fed to an applicating member which is preferably a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt deposits the material onto the mushroom bed. |
| US08413368B2 |
Advanced-powered sliding or guillotine door trap system for cage or corral-type animal traps
A trap door system for sliding trap doors or guillotine-style traps has a door guide assembly in which a door of a trap slides. The system provides a powered door using a door spring arming assembly having compression springs and spring slides situated on door supports. With the door open, the spring slides compress the compression springs and engage a door spring stop to bias the door toward a closed position. The door is spring loaded so that when a support mechanism with trigger is operated to release a catch assembly, the door rapidly closes. The catch assembly includes a spring to bias the catch arm to position for locking the door once closed. The support mechanism may be situated to operate multiple doors using the system. |
| US08413365B2 |
Trajectory adjustment apparatus
Disclosed is a trajectory correction apparatus arranged between a firearm and a sight, the trajectory correction apparatus including: a trajectory correction device which includes a mount mounted to a firearm body, a moving body having a projection at one side and arranged on an upper side of the mount, a joint shaft rotatably inserted in the moving body, a rotation shaft penetrating in a direction perpendicularly intersecting the joint shaft and installed to the mount, an adjusting member adjusting a vertical rotation angle of the moving body, and a guide plate obliquely formed thereon with a guide groove, in which the projection is inserted, and fastened to one side of the mount to horizontally rotate the moving body as the moving body vertically rotates. |
| US08413359B2 |
Illuminating display systems
An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar. |
| US08413352B2 |
Club head cleaning attachment for a golf shoe
The club head cleaning attachment for a golf shoe is removably secured to a golf shoe to enable the shoe to be used in cleaning the head or face of a golf club during play. The device is formed of a flexible, resilient elastomeric material, and has a toe pocket fitting over the extreme forward end of the toe cap and sole of the shoe. Attachment straps or bands extend rearwardly to secure the device about the horizontal circumference of the shoe. The strap or band may be a continuous, endless component stretched to fit around the shoe, or may have mating first and second ends that secure to one another behind the heel. The toe pocket includes a cleaning element extending outwardly therefrom generally along the forward edge of the shoe sole. The cleaning element may be a non-woven web of plastic material, an absorbent cloth, or a brush. |
| US08413350B2 |
Interchangeable shoe with clips and loops
An article of footwear comprising a shoe base constructed and adapted for receiving a foot having a toe section and an ankle section with at least two loops fixedly attached to the toe section. A toe strap having two ends for securing the shoe base to the foot is removably attached to the loops proximate the toe section by a hoop like clip at each end of the toe strap. Each hoop like clip has an internal surface and two terminal ends defining a gap in the hoop and at least one spur on the internal surface of the hoop like clip proximate the gap. |
| US08413349B2 |
Corrective insole for treating defective positioning in the metatarsal and forefoot area
A corrective insole for treating defective positioning in the metatarsal and forefoot areas of the foot which includes an insole including at least two strap mechanisms a toe strap and a metatarsal strap such that the metatarsal strap encircles the metatarsal area of the foot to enable optimum correction of defective positioning associated with conditions such as hallux valgus. |
| US08413345B2 |
Vision system
A vision apparatus may include a first longitudinal base member, a second longitudinal base member which substantially mirrors the first longitudinal base member, a traverse member to connect the first and second longitudinal base member, a pointer member being positioned on the traverse member. The longitudinal base member may include a inclined tower surface, and the longitudinal base member may include a mounting post. The mounting post may cooperate with a rail, and the pointer member may be detachably connected to the traverse member. The first longitudinal base member may include a tower member to cooperate with the rail member, and the vision apparatus may include a tower member to connect the longitudinal base member and the traverse member. The tower member may be detachably connected. |
| US08413344B2 |
Gear actuated angle measurement tool
A multiple gear driver having first and second fixed gears and first and second rotatable gears, the first fixed and rotatable gears located on a first member, and the second fixed and rotatable gears located on a second member, the first and second fixed gears having a common axis so that the first fixed gear drives the second rotatable gear and the second fixed gear drives the first rotatable gears when the first and second member are moved relative to each other. |
| US08413343B2 |
Extendable plumb and level measuring device and associated usage method
The present disclosure includes an extendable plumb and level measuring device and associated usage method. The device can utilize interconnected members including a first, a second, and a third member. For example, the third member can be slidingly disposed within the first and second members to extend the device to a set and arbitrary length. The measuring device utilizes a spirit level or digital reader to determine when the device itself is level responsive to positioning a extendable stopper against a construction, such as a wall, door, panel, and the like. Once level, a measuring device, such as a ruler, disposed within the device can be utilized to measure the plumb of the construction. Additionally, the device can function as an extendable level to measure an arbitrary length. |
| US08413341B2 |
Vehicle measurement system with user interface
A vehicle measurement system that provides highly realistic guidance to perform a vehicle measurement procedure is described. An exemplary system includes a data storage device configured to store vehicle data for a plurality of vehicles. The vehicle data corresponding to each respective vehicle includes an image of the vehicle and information of predefined points on the vehicle to which emitters or targets should be attached for performing a vehicle measurement procedure. A user interface is provided to receive a user input identifying a vehicle under test. After the user identifies a vehicle under test, the system retrieves vehicle data corresponding to the vehicle under test from the data storage device; and displays the image of the vehicle under test on the display with the predefined points on the vehicle identified. |
| US08413339B2 |
Quick change snap off knife
A knife having a body and a slide member slideable in the body. The slide member engages a blade assembly that is arranged to move with the slide member. The slide member is movable to position the blade assembly at a position of use and a release position wherein the blade assembly can be released from the slide member. The slide member is movable to retract the blade assembly into the knife body. The knife also includes an actuator member that can be actuated to move the slide member to a disengaged configuration wherein the blade assembly can be disengaged from the slide member to permit the release therefrom. The positioning of the blade assembly at the release position and subsequent movement of the slide member to the disengaged configuration by actuation of the actuator member releases the blade assembly from the slide member. |
| US08413334B2 |
Shaving cartridge guard for supporting skin
A shaving cartridge with a housing, at least one blade mounted to the housing, and a guard having a plurality of spaced apart projections with an upper surface. The projections define a plurality of open slots extending transverse to the blade. The open slots have a lower surface extending between the plurality of projections. The open slots have a slot depth between the lower surface and the upper surface of about 0.10 mm to about 0.5 mm. |
| US08413332B2 |
Fence/rail assembly with concealed sliding, pivotal connection, and manufacturing method therefor
A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto. The assembly includes a plurality of pickets, a plurality of rails extending transverse to the pickets, and one or more pivoting, sliding connectors for connecting a picket to a rail, with the sliding, pivotal connection concealed by the rail. The connector is slidably mounted to the rail and is pivotally connected to the picket. The sliding, pivotal connection allows the pickets to be oriented at greater angles relative to the rails (i.e. it allows the assembly to rack to a greater degree, thereby allowing the fencing/raining to following more-steeply changing terrain or contours). In one embodiment, an elongated connector strip is concealed by the rail and spans multiple pickets. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of shorter connectors, one for each picket/rail connection. |
| US08413324B2 |
Method of manufacturing double-sided circuit board
A method for manufacturing a double-sided circuit board includes preparing a substrate having the first and second surfaces, forming a first hole having a first opening with a diameter R1 on the first surface of the substrate, forming a second hole having a second opening with a diameter R2 on the second surface of the substrate, forming a third hole having a diameter smaller than R1 and/or R2 and connecting the first and second holes such that a penetrating hole formed of the first hole, the second hole and the third hole is formed in the substrate, forming a first conductive circuit on the first surface of the substrate, forming a second conductive circuit on the second surface of the substrate, and filling the penetrating hole with conductive material such that a through-hole conductor electrically connecting the first conductive circuit and the second conductive circuit is formed. |
| US08413322B2 |
Component mounting apparatus, component mounting head, and component mounting method
An object of the present invention is to provide a component a mounting apparatus capable of accurately determining minute mounting applied pressure. The component mounting head of the component mounting apparatus includes: a movable part having a suction bit section and a movable shaft, a weight compensation mechanism for engaging with the movable shaft to compensate for the gravitational force of the total weight of the movable part and a component suctioned to the suction bit section, on the basis of the total weight; a force determination unit for determining a force applied to the movable part in the vertical direction; and a drive unit for moving the force determination unit in the vertical direction. The control unit of the component mounting apparatus controls the drive unit in such a manner that the determination value of the force determination unit becomes a target value. |
| US08413320B2 |
Method of gold removal from electronic components
In some embodiments, a method removes gold plating on an electronic component. The method includes forming a gold and solder mixture on the electronic component via a first incrementally controlled heating procedure; incrementally cooling the electronic component via a first cooling procedure; wicking part or all of the gold and solder mixture from the electronic component to a metallic screen via a second incrementally controlled heating procedure; and incrementally cooling the electronic component via a second cooling procedure. |
| US08413316B2 |
Method for bonding a wire conductor laid on a substrate
Method for bonding a wire conductor arranged on a preferably card-like substrate during the manufacture of a transponder unit having a wire coil and a chip module, comprising a first phase, wherein the coil is permanently joined with the substrate, and a second phase, wherein the wire conductor and the chip module are bonded, whereas in the first phase at least one of the end portions of the wire conductor intended for later bonding with the chip module is attached to the substrate with a free loop being formed, and that the loop thus formed is gripped in a second phase and a section of the loop is then bonded with a bonding area of the chip module and attached to it in an electronically conductive manner. |
| US08413314B2 |
Methods of manufacturing a stator for an electric rotating machine
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a stator for an electric rotating machine. The method includes the steps of: (1) forming a plurality of planar electric wires, each of the planar electric wires including a plurality of in-slot portions to be received in slots of a stator core and a plurality of turn portions to be located outside of the slots to connect the in-slot portions; (2) rolling each of the planar electric wires through plastic deformation into a spiral or circular-arc shape; (3) forming a hollow cylindrical stator coil by assembling the rolled electric wires through operations of making relative axial movement therebetween; and (4) assembling the stator core and the stator coil together to form the stator. |
| US08413307B2 |
Guide assembly and method
A method of engaging a fastener may include attaching a guide assembly to a structure. The guide assembly may include a first arm, a second arm, and a head assembly mounted to an end of the first arm. The method may further include threadably engaging a tool sleeve to the head assembly, coupling a tool to the tool sleeve, and adjusting and clamping the angular orientation of the second arm relative to the first arm using a swivel mechanism. The method may additionally include engaging the tool to a fastener, rotating the tool sleeve relative to the head assembly, and applying a down force to the fastener in response to rotating the tool sleeve to move the tool axially relative to the head assembly. |
| US08413304B1 |
Seatbelt gripping device for vehicle entrance assistance
A gripping device for helping an individual pull him or herself into a vehicle (with limited or no assistance. The device features a strap having a first end and a second end; a handle grip disposed on the first end of the strap; and an anchor clip disposed on the second end of the strap. The handle grip comprises a first center hole for providing a means for a user to grip the handle grip. One or more grooves are disposed on at least a portion of the first center hole. The anchor clip resembles a standard tongue of a standard seat belt. A second center hole is disposed in the anchor clip adapted to engage a buckle of a standard seat belt. |
| US08413298B2 |
Universal damping mechanism
A universal damping mechanism is provided, including a housing having a mounting surface for fixing the housing to an appropriate furniture or fixture surface. The mounting surface includes a bottom surface of a box-shaped portion of the housing, which further includes a pair of laterally opposed side surfaces extending upwardly from the bottom surface. Each lateral side surface includes a recessed portion defining a first opening of an angled hole communicating with a second opening of the angled hole provided in the bottom surface proximate a central portion thereof. A shock absorber subassembly is slidably positioned within a shock absorber receiving portion of the housing and has a first end extending from a first end of the housing, and an adjustment mechanism is coupled to a second end of the housing and adjustably engaged with a second end of the shock absorber subassembly within the shock absorber receiving portion. |
| US08413296B1 |
Coaster for commercial kitchen equipment
A coaster for heavy equipment in a commercial kitchen permits easier movement of the equipment for cleaning purposes. The coaster has a rigid, high strength body which includes a recess in the top surface which receives a leg of the heavy equipment, such as a commercial range. The coaster is cylindrical with a rounded lower edge and includes a drain passage between the floor of the recess and the outside of the sidewall. The coaster is made of a low friction polymer which is rugged and chemically resistant, such as polyoxymethylene. |
| US08413295B2 |
Caster wheel system
A caster wheel system comprising an axle assembly, wheel fork assembly and pivot block assembly. The axle assembly operationally couples the system to a vehicle, the wheel fork assembly includes a wheel rotatably coupled to a wheel fork member, the pivot block provides a coupling interface between the axle assembly and the wheel fork assembly, the pivot block assembly also has a bumper which acts to inhibit flutter and allow the wheel fork assembly to pivot slightly backwards when sufficient weight is applied to inhibit tipping where only three wheels of a four wheel system contact the ground, thereby allowing all wheels to contact the ground during operation. |
| US08413294B2 |
Fan motor unit and vacuum cleaner having the same
A fan motor unit and a vacuum cleaner having the same are provided. The fan motor unit includes a motor assembly comprising an impeller and a motor, a first upper case configured to surround the motor assembly, the first upper case comprising an inlet tube in communication with an entry of the impeller, configured to a first lower case configured to surround a lower portion of the motor assembly, a damper and a pressure switch, each in communication with the inlet tube and, a warning member connected to the pressure switch, wherein when the pressure of the interior pressure of the motor assembly is below a predetermined value, external air is flowed through the damper and a warning is generated by the warning member and the pressure switch. |
| US08413291B2 |
Boneless wiper blade
The prevent invention discloses a boneless wiper blade, which mainly consists of a pivot socket, two end ferrules, spring steel sheet and rubber strip, wherein the spring steel sheet is used to support and fix the rubber strip, and the pivot socket, on which the connecting adaptors are installed to connect with wiper arms, is mounted on the center of the spring steel sheet and the rubber strip, with end ferrules mounted at both ends of them. The upper part of the wind-pressure sheathes featuring specially curved surface is designed to prevent the wiper blade from lifting off from the surface of the windshield at highway speeds. The said spring steel sheet is so parabolically designed that the rubber strip can firmly and closely contact the various windshield glasses. Both connecting structures between the connecting adaptor and the pivot socket, and the pivot socket and the spring steel sheet and rubber strip are removable, it is same with the connecting structure between end ferrule and spring steel sheet and rubber strip. In this way, it is easy to assemble, dismount and replace them, and even facilitate use of them. The wiper blade has strong compatibility in that the pivot socket can be mounted with various kinds of connecting adaptors to be compatible with multiple wiper arm configurations. |
| US08413284B2 |
Carpet cleaning machine having a dual striker mechanism
A dual striker mechanism for a carpet-tapping machine comprises two striker grills which are mounted in a common body opposite one another so as to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis of their retaining rail. The tapping rods of the first striker grill thereby protrude into the gaps between the tapping rods of the second striker grill. The arrangement of the tapping rods of the two striker grills thereby forms a common horizontal plane.The striker grills are coupled to one another such that upon a clockwise pivoting motion of the first striker grill, the opposite one moves counter-clockwise.The drive motor for the striker grills generates an alternating pivoting motion about the longitudinal axis of the striker grills via an eccentric drive. The tapping rods of the two striker grills thereby move toward each other in their common substantially horizontal position. A clamping frame comprising resilient cables is arranged across the tapping rods of the striker grills which presses the positioned carpet at all times against the tapping rods of the upwardly-pivoted striker grill. |
| US08413282B2 |
Bio-activated oral care instrument
An oral care instrument, such as a motorized toothbrush, which activates upon exposure to the oral environment of the user, is described. The electrical conductivity of saliva, optionally mixed with toothpaste and water, may be utilized to complete an electrical circuit that powers a motorized device within the instrument. |
| US08413279B2 |
Method for deflecting a spray of wash liquid to a desired location in a cleaning appliance
A method for deflecting a spray of wash liquid to a desired location in either a drum or tub of a cleaning appliance along different flow paths and/or flow patterns according to the velocity of the wash liquid. |
| US08413277B2 |
Pneumatic lift with unidirectional valve
A pneumatic lift including inflatable mattresses stacked one atop another and arranged in air flow communication with one another, but with each being independently deflatable. |
| US08413276B2 |
Mattress cover with bed bug barrier
A mattress cover and bed bug barrier combination formed of a fabric mattress cover having walls that define an enclosure with an elongated opening extending in at least one of the walls, a zipper attached to the cover for closing the elongated opening, the cover having seal regions laterally adjacent the distal portion of the zipper, a seal element secured to each of the seal regions, an external barrier flap having a first part fixed to the cover, and a second part foldable from an open position where it is spaced apart from the seal elements to a closed position where it is folded down to overlie and seal against the seal elements, and thereby provide a barrier to travel of bed bugs inwardly or outwardly of the cover through the distal portion of the zipper when the zipper in its closed state. |
| US08413274B2 |
Hospital bed
A bed having a frame and a deck is disclosed. The deck has at least a horizontal position and a chair position. The deck has an adjustable-length foot section. |
| US08413273B2 |
Control of hospital bed chair egress configuration based on patient physiology
A patient support apparatus includes a frame having a patient support deck that is movable between a horizontal position to support a patient in a lying position and a chair egress position to support the patient in a sitting position. Depending upon a height of the patient, a lift system is operated to support the patient support deck relative to an underlying floor at different heights when the patient support deck is moved to the chair egress position. Depending upon a weight of the patient, at least one bladder of a mattress is either deflated or further inflated when the patient support deck is moved to the chair egress position and the patient is in the process of egressing from the patient support apparatus. |
| US08413272B2 |
Medical imaging facility and a measurement method for detecting a position of a transport device of the medical imaging facility
A medical imaging facility has a transport device which is able to be moved at least partly in at least one direction. A position detection device has at least one transmit element which detects the position of the transport device and sends out a position measurement beam. The position detection device has at least one detector element and at least one reflector element. |
| US08413271B2 |
Patient support apparatus
A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a plurality of therapeutic devices including a rotation device and a percussion-vibration device for carrying out rotation, percussion, and vibration therapy for a patient. The patient support apparatus includes a control system for controlling operation of the plurality of therapeutic devices. The control system comprises a touch-screen display segmented into a main menu portion and a data window portion. The therapeutic functions are represented by touch selectable buttons on the main menu portion. When any of these buttons are selected, a plurality of adjustable operating parameters appears in the data window portion. At the same time, the buttons corresponding to the therapeutic functions in the main menu portion remain visible such that an operator can easily select another therapeutic function. A method of tracking the therapeutic functions performed is provided. A rotation monitoring system and temperature control system of the patient support apparatus are provided. A display activation system is also provided. |
| US08413270B2 |
Siderail assembly for patient support apparatus
A siderail assembly includes a guide, a support frame coupled to the frame and movable between first and second positions, and a barrier coupled to the support frame and movable therewith. The siderail assembly further includes a handle coupled to the barrier to move between a first position and a second position relative to the barrier. The siderail assembly may include electronic controls to change the position or limit movement of various portions of a patient support apparatus on which the siderail assembly may be coupled. |
| US08413269B1 |
Bed enclosure
According to one embodiment a bed enclosure comprises a frame including a plurality of side posts and upper frame members connected to the side posts. The frame defines a pair of opposed ends, opposed sides and a top of the bed enclosure. At least one cover member is provided and covers the opposed ends, opposed sides and the top of the bed enclosure. The at least one cover members includes a flap portion which wraps around and covers a portion of one of the upright side posts and upper frame members and is secured therearound so as to prevent access around the at least one of the upright side posts and upper frame members which is covered by the flap portion. |
| US08413268B2 |
Rest arrangement
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a rest arrangement is provided, comprising a first support element and a lying-down facility. The lying-down facility comprises a first fastening region which in turn comprises a first fastening element and a second fastening element. The lying-down facility is affixed to the support element with the use of the first and the second fastening elements. The lying-down facility is slidable or pivotable between a first state in which the lying-down facility is arranged so as to be essentially horizontal, and a second state, wherein the transition between the first state and the second state takes place as a combined rotational movement and translational movement. |
| US08413263B2 |
Cape having an expandable transparent compartment
Disclosed herein is a cape useful in the hairstyling arts. The cape includes a pouch that is configured to allow viewing of an object under the cape while preventing hair and other debris from entering the interior of the cape. The pouch is configured to open from a fastened position where it is flush with the outer surface of the cape to an expanded position wherein a transparent window integral with the pouch allows viewing of objects through the cape. |