最新美国发明专利第2013-04-16期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08419668B2	Compact package for an orthopedic cast A compact package for making an orthopedic cast is disclosed. The package comprises a fabric folded and compressed, having an initial over-all surface area, that, when saturated with water, expands to final over-all surface area that is larger by a factor greater than 50 than the initial over-all surface area. The expansion of the fabric occurs during a first time period. The package also includes a water-curable material, impregnated into the fabric, so that when the material is saturated with water, the material cures over a second period of time to become rigid, wherein the second period of time is substantially longer than the first period of time. When the package is used, the fabric impregnated with the material may be immersed in water and expanded. Once expanded and unfolded, the fabric may be placed around a portion of a body for which the orthopedic cast is desired. When the second time period elapses, the material has become rigid so as to form the orthopedic cast.
US08419667B2	Electric shower masseuse The present invention is suspended between the shower sliding door frame and the opposite shower wall. It has two large rotating disk wheels that massage and clean the body. A water reservoir allows soapy water to flow gently onto both shower disk wheels continuously, enabling the user to limit the volume of water used. The disk wheels spin in opposite directions at the same speed, controlled by a single motor and a drive belt that rotates two shafts. The lower disk wheel moves forward and backward to conform to the contours of the body. The unit is braced against the back wall of the shower enclosure and kept in position by adjustable arms. It can be raised and lowered to clean the upper and lower body. Its speed and efficiency lead to conserving water, time, and energy. The invention is especially useful for anyone with limited hand or arm mobility.
US08419666B2	Compression sleeve A compression sleeve includes a first sheet, a second sheet, at least one close-loop sealing contact and at least two open-loop sealing contacts. The at least one close-loop sealing contact is formed between the first and second sheet so as to form an isolated inflatable section within the close-loop sealing contact. The at least two open-loop sealing contacts are disposed within the at least one close-loop sealing contact, wherein at least one of the at least two open-loop sealing contacts includes two through holes respectively at two opposite ends.
US08419664B2	Massaging device The invention relates to a massaging device in the shape of a rod having an essentially cylindrical end element, a shell forming the outer surface of the end element made of a rubber-elastic material and a drive unit for generating a motion on the end element, the drive unit forming a plurality of bearing and support surfaces, against which the shell bears and the bearing and support surfaces being designed for an oscillating deformation of the shell relative to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the end element radially outward and inward by means of radial stroke motions of the bearing and support surfaces. The massaging device features a first and second operating mode (T, W), in the first operating mode (T) the oscillating deformation along the longitudinal axis (LA) being in phase and in the second operating mode (W) out of phase.
US08419663B2	Massager Disclosed is an apparatus for massaging the body of a user comprising an arcuate member extending between first and second opposed ends and a central portion therebetween. The first and second ends are oriented away from the central portion and the arcuate member defines an arc having an angle of less than 180 degrees. The apparatus further comprises gripping portions disposed at the first and second opposed ends and a therapy applicator connectable to the central portion.
US08419661B2	Upper limb measurement and rehabilitation method and system A method for measuring an upper limb reaching capability of a user with an impaired limb is provided. Each upper limb is placed at a default position on a horizontal surface. A target is displayed from among a plurality of targets on the horizontal surface. One of the limbs reaches for the target. Limb choice, position information and elapsed time are sensed and recorded. The reaching limb is retracted to the default position. The displaying step through the retracting step are repeated for each of the plurality of targets, wherein each of the plurality of targets is spaced apart.
US08419657B2	Device for sampling bodily fluids A bodily fluid sampling device comprising a lancet which can be advanced against a skin-piercing site to produce a droplet of bodily fluid. A transport medium is positioned sufficiently close to the lancing medium to retain a droplet of bodily fluid therebetween by capillary action. One of the two mediums has hydrophobic material on its surface and the other hydrophilic. Various mechanisms are provided for relatively displacing the lancing and transport medium to move the droplet of bodily fluid away from the skin-piercing end. Furthermore, multiple lancet assemblies may be provided in a barrel or disk configuration and indexed to the displacing mechanisms for sampling a skin site.
US08419654B2	Eye gaze tracking apparatus, imaging apparatus, eye gaze tracking method, program, and integrated circuit An eye gaze tracking apparatus (100) includes: an electro-oculogram measuring unit that outputs an electro-oculogram original signal; a calibration index presenting unit (103) that presents a calibration index to a user; a saccade detection unit (104) that outputs an electro-oculogram change amount that is an amount of change in an electro-oculogram before or after a saccadic movement which is measured when a gaze-path position of the user moves to the calibration index; a calibration parameter calculating unit (105) that calculates a calibration parameter based on a position of the calibration index and an electro-oculogram change amount; and a calibration unit (101) that detects the gaze-path direction of the user from the electro-oculogram original signal.
US08419651B2	Spectrum analysis of coronary artery turbulent blood flow A method includes acquiring vibrational cardiac data from an array of N transducers wherein the transducers are coupled to a human. A master replica is selected from a segment of the vibrational cardiac data. The master replica is correlated with the segment to obtain a plurality of local maxima. Vibrational cardiac data that were emitted during a diastolic interval are extracted from each heart cycle with the aid of the plurality of local maxima. A two-dimensional space-time frequency power spectrum is processed for Equivalent Rectangular Bandwidth, which provides estimates of the energy produced by turbulent blood flow through a coronary stenosis.
US08419644B2	Cordless charger for a wearable patient monitor The present application discloses a cordless charger for a wearable patient monitor. When a patient (10) is diagnosed with a heart condition, or suspected heart condition, they are prescribed a patient monitoring system. The system includes monitors (12) that the patient (10) wears to collect the data of interest. Each day, the patient swaps the monitor (12) he or she is wearing with a fully charged monitor (12) from a cordless charger (14). In this manner, a fresh monitor (12) is always available for monitoring the patient (10). The cordless charger (14) includes a battery (50) that powers the processes of the charger and recharges batteries (34) of the monitors (12). Data from the monitors can be either offloaded to the charger memory (70), or transmitted to a remote database (32) via the patient's Bluetooth enabled cellular phone (30) or other like device.
US08419637B2	Sizing and positioning technology for an in-the-ear multi-measurement sensor to enable NIBP calculation An in-the-ear (ITE) physiological measurement device (2) includes a structure (4) formed for easy insertion into multiple shaped and sized ear canals. An inflatable balloon (6) surrounds an end portion of the structure (4) to be positioned in the ear. Optionally, a mushroom shaped tip (22) is connected with an end of the structure (4) and carries a plurality of sensors (8). Inflation of the balloon (6) expands the tip (22) radially to position the sensors (8) proximate to vascular tissue within the ear canal. Once suitably positioned, the one or more sensors (8) sense physiological signals from the vascular tissue and bone structure.
US08419635B2	Surgical access device having removable and replaceable components Methods and devices are provided to improve access to a surgical site during surgical procedures. In one exemplary embodiment a surgical access device is provided having a cannula, a cannula base, and a retractor. The cannula base is configured to couple both to the retractor and the cannula to provide access to a surgical site. The cannula can be removably and replaceably coupled to the cannula base. Optionally, the cannula base can be removably and replaceably coupled to the retractor. As desired, the cannula can be decoupled from the cannula base, which can allow for an object to be removed from the surgical site and/or for the cannula, or another cannula to be attached to the cannula base that remains in place to maintain access to the surgical site. Exemplary methods for accessing a surgical site are also provided.
US08419634B2	Apparatus and method for airway management The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate improving visualization associated with intubation. A dynamical articulating laryngoscope can include a handle assembly and a blade assembly. The blade assembly can further include a main blade assembly, a proximal blade assembly, and a distal blade assembly. A medium control articulation point can couple the main blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly, and a fine control articulation point can couple the distal blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly. Further, the proximal blade assembly can pivot relative to the main blade assembly around the medium control articulation point and/or the distal blade assembly can pivot relative to the proximal blade assembly around the fine control articulation point. Pivoting about the medium control articulation point and/or the fine control articulation point can be effectuated by one or more blade control components.
US08419628B2	Endoscope system and endoscopic image processing apparatus An endoscope system includes: an endoscope equipped with an insertion portion, and an image pickup unit disposed at a distal end portion of the insertion portion; an illumination unit detachably connected to the endoscope; an imaging mode input unit used to set an imaging mode of the endoscope to one of a normal-light mode and a special-light mode; a processing condition selection unit which selects a processing condition for a color correction process of an endoscopic image based on the imaging mode; and a processor detachably connected to the endoscope and equipped with an image processing unit which performs the color correction process, under the processing condition selected by the processing condition selection unit, with respect to each of hue regions partitioned by at least eight reference color axes including six reference color axes which divide a color space into R (red), M (magenta), B (blue), C (cyan), G (green), and Y (yellow) hue regions and at least two reference color axes established additionally based on the imaging mode.
US08419625B2	Endoscope apparatus for cleaning transparent member An endoscope apparatus includes a transparent member provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope, opposed to an image pickup optical system, a transducer attached to an inner surface of the transparent member, a diffraction grating provided on an outer surface of the transparent member, for converting ultrasound vibration from the transducer to a surface acoustic wave Φ that propagates on the outer surface of the transparent member and a conversion section provided in an outer peripheral corner of the transparent member for converting the surface acoustic wave Φ to a bulk wave Φb that scatters into the transparent member.
US08419623B2	Portable endoscope for diverse medical disciplines Disclosed herein is a portable endoscope and kit for performing multiple medical procedures. The portable endoscope comprises a detachable operator control section assembly and one of multiple detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assemblies with a flexible distal end. The proximal end of a detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly is detachably connected to the detachable operator control section assembly. The detachable and interchangeable flexible insertion shaft assembly accommodates principal cable wires, proxy cable wires, an optical imaging system, and an illumination system. An internal cable wire control system integrated with the detachable operator control section assembly utilizes an adaptable drive transmission system for controlling the orientation and angular position of the flexible distal end using the principal cable wires or the proxy cable wires. The proxy cable wires may be engaged in an event of failure of the principal cable wires.
US08419621B2	Capsule medical system and method for treating desired region inside subject A capsule medical system includes a capsule medical apparatus, a selecting unit, and a control unit. The capsule medical apparatus is introduced inside a subject and includes an imaging unit for taking an in-vivo image of the subject, a treating unit for treating a living tissue in the subject, and a driving unit for contributing to movement of the capsule medical apparatus. The selecting unit selects a treatment target of the treating unit from the in-vivo image. The control unit determines a relative distance between the treatment target and the treating unit, and moves the capsule medical apparatus in an imaging direction of the imaging unit by a distance corresponding to the relative distance using the driving unit.
US08419618B2	Display device and in-vivo information acquiring system using the same A display device includes: a display unit that displays examination procedure information indicating an examination procedure of a subject; and a control unit that acquires position-related information of a capsule endoscope inserted into the subject, calculates a position of the capsule endoscope based on the acquired position-related information, determines a to-be-executed examination procedure of the subject corresponding to the calculated position, and performs control to display the examination procedure information indicating the determined to-be-executed examination procedure of the subject.
US08419611B1	Intimate pleasure enhancing device An intimate pleasure enhancing device 10 (IPED 10) that is presented in four designs that function in combination with an elongated structure (12). The first design utilizes a rear ring (30) that is attached by a first spring (58) to a movable first stimulator (42) located adjacent the front end (14) of the structure (12). The second design utilizes a rear ring (30) and a front ring (82). The front ring (82) is attached to the rear ring (30) by the first spring (58) and a second spring (72). The third design utilizes a front ring (82) that has attached a resilient member (92) located across the first end (14) of the structure (12). The fourth design utilizes a magnetic displacement assembly (104) that utilizes a set of similar polarity permanent magnets (120,134) that cause a front ring (82) to move along the outer surface (18) of the elongated structure (12). The IPED (10) can also be designed to function with a spring roller (150) that allows the first ring (82) to roll over the elongated structure (12).
US08419609B2	Impeller for a rotary ventricular assist device An impeller for a blood pump such as a magnetically driven, rotary ventricular assist device for pumping blood of a patient, the impeller being substantially entirely made of an alloy which consists essentially of about 70-80 weight percent of platinum and 20-30 weight percent of cobalt.
US08419605B2	Arrangement for producing paper cushions The present invention relates to an arrangement for producing paper cushions from a paper web which has been rolled up into a supply roll, the arrangement having a machine with a bearing arrangement for bearing the supply roll in a rotatable manner, and also having a device for forming the paper web and an arrangement for producing the paper cushions. The machine has coupling elements via which a transporting carriage provided with mating coupling elements can be coupled in a releasable manner to the machine, it being possible for a supply roll to be mounted on the transporting carriage such that, when the transporting carriage is coupled to the machine, the supply roll can be inserted into the bearing arrangement of the machine by way of a rolling and/or sliding movement.
US08419604B2	Apparatus for manipulating flat articles, such as sheets of paper, plastic, cardboard and the like A device for manipulation of flat articles such as sheets of paper, plastic, cardboard and the like has at least one adjustable conveying unit with conveying elements, especially rollers. The at least one conveying unit is adjustable between at least two positions for performing at least two manipulations on the article. At least one switch that is adjustable between at least two positions for performing at least two manipulations on the article is provided.
US08419603B2	Method for folding sheets A folding machine and a folding method perform overlapped folding of sheets of paper, paperboard and the like. The folding machine has at least one first and one second folding station each having driven folding rolls, a transport device disposed between the first and second folding stations, a drive and a common control unit connected to the drives. The products are transported between the first and the second folding stations in an overlapping manner.
US08419594B2	Exercise device for correcting posture It is intended to provide a posture-correcting exercise device (10) having a novel structure by which an effect comparable to traction can be easily established without resorting to use a large-scaled apparatus and which can be easily and conveniently operated and yet is expected as achieving effects of, for example, correcting spine distortion and reinforcing muscles supporting the spine to thereby fundamentally reduce the load on the spine when appropriately operated. To solve the above problem, the posture-correcting exercise device (10) has a chin rest portion, on which the chin of a user (34) is placed, at the upper end face and a setting face at the lower end face. The outer periphery of the setting face serves as a tilting face (26) in a curved shape. When the user (34) puts his/her chin on the chin rest portion, the device is tiltable at the setting face.
US08419592B2	Engine automatic-stop/restart system An engine automatic-stop/restart system resumes injection of fuel when an engine restart condition is satisfied, and energizes the starter motor when, after injection of the fuel has resumed, starting of the engine is not completed. The system can also control the coupling degree of a forward clutch under certain conditions, and energize a solenoid to engage a starter pinion with a crankshaft ring gear when their relative speeds are close to each other. The system then releases the forward clutch after the pinion and the ring gear have engaged.
US08419591B2	Vehicle drive system In a drive system of a vehicle, the drive power of an engine is divided by a planetary gear set to drive two power transfer shafts. One of the two shafts includes a continuously variable transmission unit and a clutch. The output sides of the two shafts are coupled to a common power output shaft, which is coupled to an AC motor. In a power transfer condition of the clutch, the vehicle is driven with only the output drive power of the engine or both drive powers of the engine and the AC motor. In a power interruption condition of the clutch, the vehicle is driven with only the drive power of the AC motor. The kinetic energy generated at deceleration of the vehicle is converted into electric energy by the AC motor thereby to perform regenerative braking.
US08419588B2	Locking ring for a planetary gear set incorporated into a transmission member A planetary gear set includes a carrier assembly. The carrier assembly includes a carrier member having a carrier member body that defines an inner carrier portion. The carrier member body includes a planet gear support surface and a carrier plate support member that extends substantially perpendicularly from the planet gear support surface. The carrier plate support member includes an edge portion having a mounting element. A carrier plate is arranged, at least in part, within the inner carrier portion at the edge portion. The carrier plate includes a carrier plate body having first and second opposing surfaces that define an outer edge section. The outer edge section includes a mounting member. A locking member is arranged in the mounting element and the mounting member to operatively coupling the carrier member and the carrier plate.
US08419587B2	Multi-ratio transmission A multi step transmission comprising planetary gearsets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (4) which couples housing (G) via brake (04). The carrier of gearset (P1) couples shaft (3), which couples housing (G) via brake (03), drive shaft (1) via clutch (13), and shaft (6) via clutch (36). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear of gearset (P2) and the sun gear of set (P4), and, via clutch (68), shaft (8), which couples the sun gear of gearset (P3). Shaft (1) couples the sun gear of gearset (P2) and the carrier of set (P3). Shaft (7) couples the ring gear of set (P1) and the carrier of gearset (P2). The ring gear of set (P4) couples shaft (5) which couples housing (G) via brake (05). Output shaft (2) couples the ring gear and carrier of gearsets (P3, P4) respectively.
US08419580B2	Electric wheel for electric vehicles An electric wheel for electric vehicles includes a rim, connecting members, a hub motor, a battery, and a control device. The connecting members are connected to an inside of the rim and the hub motor is connected to the connecting members. The hub motor includes a shaft, a rotor and a stator. The shaft is located on a central axis of the rim and two ends of the shaft are fixed to a vehicle frame. The battery is located on the rim and the control device receives a wireless command signal and generating a control signal to control the battery to provide power to the hub motor, and to allow the hub motor to operate. The rim is equipped with the battery and the hub motor and directly connected to the vehicle frame without wires connected to the vehicle frame.
US08419575B2	Ball-type tensioner A tensioner for a chain or similar power transmission medium comprises a spring-biased plunger having annular rack teeth with gradually sloping forward surfaces and steeper rearward surfaces. The teeth are engaged by radially movable balls received in inclined grooves in an axially movable annular ball seat disposed in an annular groove formed in the wall of a plunger-accommodating hole in a tensioner housing. The bottoms of the inclined grooves face a steep rearward surface of a rack tooth, and the annular ball seat is axially movable in the annular groove and biased in the plunger protruding direction by a spring that exerts a biasing force greater than the biasing force exerted on the plunger. The balls and the movable annular ball seat block retraction of the plunger on engine start-up, but permit retraction when excessive force is imparted to the plunger while the plunger is in a protruding condition.
US08419570B2	Golf ball Golf ball 2 has a spherical core 4, a mid layer 6 covering this core 4, a reinforcing layer 8 covering this mid layer 6, and a cover 10 covering this reinforcing layer 8. Base polymer of the mid layer 6 includes an ionomer resin as a principal component. The mid layer 6 has a hardness Hm as measured with a Shore D type hardness scale of equal to or greater than 55. Base polymer of the reinforcing layer 8 is a thermosetting resin. Base polymer of the cover 10 includes a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer as a principal component. The cover 10 has a thickness Tc of equal to or less than 0.6 mm. The cover has a hardness Hc as measured with a Shore D type hardness scale of equal to or less than 54. Ratio (Tr/Tc) of the thickness Tr of the reinforcing layer to the thickness Tc of the cover is 0.005 or greater and 3.0 or less.
US08419567B2	Golf coupling mechanisms and related methods Embodiments of golf coupling mechanisms are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08419558B2	Child carrier apparatus and its operating method A child seating apparatus comprises a support frame, a seat assembly mounted with the support frame, a pivot joint and an actuating mechanism. The pivot joint includes a first coupling element connected with the support frame, a second coupling element connected with the seat assembly and pivotally assembled with the first coupling element, and a latching member movable between a first position locking the first and the second coupling element in position, and a second position unlocking the second coupling element from the first coupling element. The actuating mechanism includes a casing, and a handle movably assembled through the casing and is connected with the latching member via a link element, whereby the handle is operable with a single hand to cause the latching member to move from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, a method of operating the child seating apparatus is also described.
US08419557B2	Waterslide assembly and system The present disclosure provides a waterslide that may include a flexible slide portion and an anchor portion. The anchor portion may secure the slide portion to a surface and may include a tab element, a stake element, and an adhesive element.
US08419551B2	Rotary shaft device In a rotary joint for a rotary shaft device, ring-shaped inner seals and outer seals are projectingly arranged, and concentric with faces of a front joint disk and a rear joint disk opposing with each other respectively. A ring-shaped inner space communicates with forward communication holes, and a ring-shaped outer space communicates with backward communication holes. The inner and outer space are adjacently arranged concentrically between the inner seals and the outer seals. The forward communication holes and the backward communication holes in the reciprocating flow passages and the front joint disk are arranged at an equal distance in the peripheral direction of the opposing faces.
US08419546B2	Gaming system and method for selectively providing an elimination tournament that funds an award through expected values of unplayed tournament games of eliminated players A gaming system including a central server operable to communicate a plurality of different commands to a plurality of gaming devices to provide non-tournament game play and provide an elimination tournament. The gaming system contributes an average expected payout value of tournament games that were determined to be subsequently played by tournament players but were then not played because the players were eliminated before the end of the tournament to a tournament award. The tournament award is provided to a winner of the tournament.
US08419545B2	Method and system for controlling movements of objects in a videogame Techniques for controlling movements of an object in a videogame are disclosed. At least one video camera is used at a location where at least a player plays the videogame, the video camera captures various movements of the player. A designated device (e.g., a game console or computer) is configured to the video data to derive the movements of the player from the video data, and cause the object to respond to the movements of the player. When the designated device receives video data from more than one locations, players at the respective locations can play a networked videogame that may be built upon a shared space representing some or all of the real-world spaces of the locations. The video game is embedded with objects, some of which respond to the movements of the players and interact with other objects in accordance with rules of the video games.
US08419541B2	Smart shell to a game controller Devices, systems, and methods of use are presented for a smart shell that can be fitted by an end user to a video game controller that routes signals from various buttons or other sensors on the smart shell to a video game console. Signals can flow from the video game console back to the shell to operate tactile feedback motors, lights, or speakers. The smart shell can be clipped to the game controller by the end user and released after a game is played. The smart shell can be in the shape of a gun with sensors to determine which grips are being held and a sensor to determine if a player is holding the gun's scope to his face. Logic using the three sensors can robustly determine whether the user is holding the gun as a pistol, machine gun, or a sniper rifle, and can reflect the player's choice of style in the video game.
US08419538B2	Storage medium storing game program, game apparatus and game control method A game apparatus includes an LCD, and a game screen is displayed on the LCD. A touch panel is provided on the LCD. The game screen presents a marker image so as to be variable in position in time with performance of music, and also presents a timer circle image for indicating touch timing for the marker image. A player needs to touch a marker image to be touched with precise timing, listening to the music or watching the timer circle image. The player's touch is evaluated on the basis of the touch timing and the touch position. If the touch is evaluated as a failure, the game screen is shaken.
US08419532B2	Distributed promotional coupon system for a gaming environment Methods and apparatuses for a distributed promotional coupon system for use within a casino which has cash-less gaming machines involving a plurality of game installed cash-out Voucher Printers networked to a central server. A central coupon server harnesses the processing power of the plurality of printers, tasking each one to analyze the player activity of the game into which it is installed. Handshaking and signaling between the server and the plurality of printers ensure that the server was system master, approving the issuance of all coupons. One advantage of the system is the simplification of the server whose real-time processing requirements become more of data routing than analysis.
US08419531B2	Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining an integrity measure of a game user using dynamically generated data events The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for determining an integrity measure of a game user using dynamic performance events. According to one aspect, the method includes providing a plurality of predetermined data events in a gaming interface for sending to a client device and inserting, during sending of the gaming interface to the client device, at least one dynamically generated data event into the predetermined data events for determining an integrity measure of a game user. After sending gaming interface to a client device, input response to the at least one dynamically generated data event is received. Based on the input response to the at least one dynamically generated data event, a game user integrity measure is determined.
US08419530B2	Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system An example method of gaming includes: conducting a progressive jackpot including a prize defined by a plurality of digits; and incrementing the progressive jackpot by incrementing a digit of said plurality of digits of the prize in response to a trigger event corresponding to the digit occurring.
US08419527B2	Wagering game account management system A wagering game account management system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations include determining that a trigger condition for an account rule has occurred, wherein the account rule specifies an account action to be performed upon satisfaction of the trigger condition, and wherein the account action is associated with a wagering game account and other financial accounts. In some embodiments, the operations also include initiating the account actions and indicating a result of the account actions.
US08419526B1	Methods and apparatus for providing tickets from gaming devices and/or lottery terminals Gaming devices dispense tickets which are unrelated to a player's success on a particular game played on a gaming device or to the player's credits on a credit meter or other “cash out” indicator. The gaming devices provide gaming awards and also provide tickets. Other methods provide tickets during the play of wagering games. Still other embodiments comprise lottery terminals which dispense tickets other than those purchased by a lottery patron or won on a purchased lottery ticket.
US08419523B2	Gaming machine in which symbol involving possibility of winning prize is illuminated A slot machine 10 includes: reels 101-105 each having symbols 501; backlight devices M7 which individually light the symbols 501; a display window 150 which displays the symbols 501; and a motherboard 70 programmed to run a game in which the reels 101-105 are rotated to rearrange the symbols 501, and a prize is awarded according to a combination of the symbols 501. The motherboard 70 (a1) drives and rotating the reels 101-105; (a2) stops the rotation of a predetermined reel; (a3) causes a backlight source M70 of a backlight device M7, which corresponds to a winning-related symbol 501 out of the symbols 501 rearranged, to be in an on-state while causing a backlight source M70 of a backlight device M7 corresponding to a non-winning-related symbol 501 to be in an off-state; and (a4) executes (a3) every time the rotation of at least one of the reels 101-105 is stopped.
US08419522B2	Apparatus and method for mapping multiple bingo game results to a common display Apparatus and methods are described for presenting multiple bingo game results on a common display. A bingo game player may participate in a number of bingo games and obtain results for each of those games. These bingo game results are combined to amount to a cumulative result, and a common graphic display is produced that is representative of the cumulative result. The common graphic display is then shown to the player on the display device of a particular electronic player station.
US08419519B2	Wagering game with symbols forming an altered array or secondary array A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system further includes a primary display (14) for displaying a first array of symbols (173) that indicates a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The gaming system further includes a secondary display (16) for displaying a secondary array of symbols (181) that indicates a secondary outcome of the wagering game. In response to a predetermined criterion, at least one winning symbol (175a, 175c) is moved from a first position in the first array to a second position in the secondary array to create a modified secondary array that indicates a winning outcome.
US08419515B1	Magnetic register vent cover and associated method An air register for diffusing air away from an existing air duct may include a body with an open panel and plurality of louvers situated therealong. The body may include a plurality of planar side walls extending orthogonally to the panel and disposed inwardly from an outer perimeter thereof. A mechanism may be included for articulating the interconnected louvers between open and closed positions. A second mechanism may be included for magnetically affixing the planar walls to the existing air duct. In operation, the magnetically affixing mechanism may be automatically displaced outwardly and away from the planar side walls while the interconnected louvers biasing mechanism is toggled between the open and closed positions. In this manner, the body may be maintained at a substantially stable position during articulation of the interconnected louvers by maintaining the magnets firmly against the walls of the air duct.
US08419514B2	Apparatus for circulating air Disclosed is an apparatus for circulating air. The apparatus comprises a hollow handle assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus further includes an air circulation assembly pivotally secured to the proximal end of the hollow handle assembly. The air circulation assembly is capable of generating an air-flow. Moreover, the apparatus includes a connecting fixture coupled to the distal end of the hollow handle assembly. The connecting fixture is capable of being received in a receptacle for a lighting appliance and for providing an electrical connection to the apparatus for circulating the air. The air circulation assembly is adapted to have an angular motion in all directions about the hollow handle assembly.
US08419511B1	Chicken mid-wing splitter An apparatus for splitting poultry mid-wings into separate radius and ulna portions. The apparatus includes a plurality of carrier blocks mounted to a drive chain that drives the carrier blocks along a path in a continuous loop around the apparatus. Each carrier block has recesses formed in it that cooperate with recesses formed in adjacent carrier blocks to form carrier slots that hold mid-wings in a predetermined orientation. A blade member having an upper blade and a lower blade extends into the path and is aligned with blade channels formed in the carrier blocks. The blade member bisects mid-wings that are held in the carrier slots as they move downstream. The carrier blocks rotate downwardly about the downstream end of the path and are separated from one another, thereby opening the carrier slots. The separated mid-wings contained in the slots are thereby allowed to fall out of the slots.
US08419505B2	Tumbled, polished, vibrated broken tempered glass pieces An invention is provided for creating smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments. The invention includes placing a plurality of heat-treated glass fragments into a tumbling or vibrating apparatus. Each heat-treated glass fragment is formed from glass that has been heated to a temperature of at least 1000° Fahrenheit and rapidly cooled to a temperature below 700° Fahrenheit. The plurality of glass fragments are then tumbled or vibrated for a predetermined period of time such that surfaces of the heat-treated glass fragments are smoother than prior to tumbling. The glass fragments are thereafter removed from the tumbling apparatus, resulting in smoothed, heat-treated glass fragments that are suitable for direct handling without hand protection.
US08419503B2	Cushioned brassiere A molded brassiere cup is disclosed in which an underwire is located between sheets of material which provide the outer and inner surfaces of the brassiere cup. During manufacture an insert of a cushioning substance, preferably a piece of foam, is located between the inner sheet of material and the underwire. The invention avoids prior art complex casing structures for underwires and is cheaper to manufacture.
US08419495B2	Switchable particle-based display and method of manufacturing same A method for manufacturing a switchable PBD includes filling a plurality of first-type particles and a plurality of second-type particles into each cell, where the plurality of first-type particles carries charges of a first charge polarity having a first charge density and the plurality of second-type particles is substantially electrically neutral, or carries charges having a second charge density that is substantially lower than the first charge density of the first-type particles, and filling a fluid into each cell, where the fluid comprises a charge controlling agent having a second charge polarity opposite to the first charge polarity, and the charge controlling agent has a substantially selective wettability, absorbability or adsorbability on the plurality of second-type particles. As such, at least part of the plurality of second-type particles is charged to have the second charge polarity in each cell.
US08419494B2	Flat panel display device and method of manufacturing the same A flat panel display device and a method of manufacturing the same. The method of manufacturing the flat panel display device includes: forming a display on a substrate; preparing an organic layer mask comprising a first mask body, a regulator extending from the first mask body and contacting the organic layer, and a tunnel having a space between the first mask body and the regulator; forming an organic layer covering the display in a region divided by the regulator of the organic layer mask, and condensing a part of the organic layer permeating through the tunnel; preparing an inorganic layer mask; and forming an inorganic layer covering the organic layers formed in the region divided by the regulator through the inorganic layer mask and in the tunnel.
US08419492B2	Printing bead spacers on flat panel display substrates An apparatus for printing bead spacers on a substrate of an LCD panel includes a head unit for spraying a plurality of bead spacer groups on the substrate, a transfer unit for transferring the head unit, and a supply unit for supplying the bead spacers to the head unit. Each of the bead spacer groups includes a plurality of bead spacers, and the sizes of the respective spacers of at least two of the spacer groups are different from each other. The invention enables a cell gap of a substantially uniform thickness to be created and maintained in the panel, prevents the occurrence of smear failures in the panel, and increases the allowable tolerance in the amount of liquid crystal material needed to fill the panel correctly.
US08419491B2	Method for manufacturing a spark plug for preventing deformation caused by cutting a center electrode When a movable blade cuts a distal end portion of a ground electrode member and is pulled back along a cut surface formed at a distal end of the ground electrode member, the distal end portion may move in the pull-back direction of the movable blade due to friction generated between the movable blade and the cut surface. This movement could cause deflective deformation of the ground electrode member. In order to restrain such movement, a support part is provided on the movable blade via a spring located near the cut surface. During the pull back step, the support part presses and supports the portion of the cut ground electrode member near the distal end thereof. Therefore, even when friction is generated when the movable blade is pulled back, the ground electrode member does not undergo deflective deformation.
US08419490B1	Retractable tether and dye (RTD) combined with a portable floatation device (PFD) The present application discloses a device designed to be used on board of ships, vessels, boats. The device consists of a retractable tether having two ends a first end and a second end. Said first end to be securely connected to the body of said ship. Said second end to be securely connected to a personal floatation device. Said retractable tether thus connects the seaman wearing it to the body of the ship or vessels. During normal operations the seaman can enjoy additional room to move by extending a retractable reel from a retractable reel assembly. When an out of the ordinary tension is applied as when the seaman is ejected by the ship, the tether breaks dispersing in the water an high visibility dye in the water. A portable floatation device then helps the seaman to be kept afloat while waiting for aid to come.
US08419487B2	Internally mounted watercraft rowing fin system An internally mounted rowboat rowing fin system that includes two rotating fin assemblies mounted on the inside surface of the watercraft's opposite sidewalls. Each fin assembly includes a rotating vertical post held on the inside surface of the sidewall by a mounting tube selectively mounted or integrally formed on the sidewall. Longitudinally aligned and disposed inside each mounting tube is a hollow, elongated sleeve. Disposed inside each elongated sleeve is a rotating post that extends upward above the gunwale and into the water below the elongated sleeve. A pivoting fin arm with a flexible fin attached thereto is pivotally attached to the lower end of each rotating post. Attached to the upper end of each rotating post is a perpendicularly aligned handle bracket. A rowing handle is pivotally attached at one end to the handle hinge. During use, the two handles extend inward from the sidewall and are grasped by the rower. Both handles are able to swing in a vertical 180 arc over their respective handle hinges thereby allowing the fins to rotate 180 and sweep in opposite directions.
US08419485B2	Bulkhead connector assembly A bulkhead connector assembly is provided having an outer housing that has an internal chamber. The outer housing has a sealing section configured to seal an exterior of the outer housing within an opening. A terminal housing is configured to hold a plurality of terminals. The terminal housing is received in the internal chamber. The terminal housing has primary locking mechanisms configured to secure the terminals in the terminal housing. An independent secondary lock (ISL) is separately provided from, and coupled to, the terminal housing. The ISL is configured to secure the terminals in the terminal housing and assure they are properly seated.
US08419482B1	Electrical connector A power connector mounting on a printed circuit board (PCB), includes an insulating housing, and a number of power contacts received in the housing. The insulating housing extends along a transversal direction and defines a number of passageways extending therethrough along a front-to-back direction. The insulating housing has a top wall, an opposite bottom wall, and a pair of side walls. A beam is provided inside of the passageway. Each power contact has a main portion, a pair of contacting fingers extending from a forward edge of the main portion and distal tails extending downwards from the main portion. The pair of contacting fingers defining a groove therebetween for engaging with the beam so as to facilitate the contact being secured in the passageway with respect to said insulating housing.
US08419478B2	Dual-card connector A dual-card connector for receiving dual SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) cards therein includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals, an upper cover and a lower cover. The insulating housing has a base body. A top and a bottom of the base body define two sets of longitudinal terminal grooves. Each set of the terminal grooves is divided into a front row and a rear row penetrating a front end and a rear end of the base body, respectively. The conductive terminals are received in the corresponding terminal grooves of the insulating housing for electrically connecting with the respective SIM cards. The upper cover is covered to the insulating housing to form a first insertion space therebetween for receiving a first SIM card. The lower cover is covered to the insulating housing to form a second insertion space therebetween for receiving a second SIM card.
US08419477B1	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a number of power contacts and a number of signal contacts received in the insulating housing, and a power bus bar electrically and mechanically connecting with one power contact. The insulating housing defines an opening at a rear side thereof, and defines a number of first and second passageways extending therethrough and communicating with the opening. The power contacts are received in corresponding first passageways and the signal contacts are received in corresponding second passageways. Each power contact is composed by a pair of opposite power contact halves. Each power contact half defines a contacting end and an engaging end opposite to the contacting end. A fish-shape slot is defined between the two engaging ends.
US08419476B1	Electrical connector An electrical connector for connecting a cable includes an insulating housing with power contacts and signal contacts received therein, a power bus bar connecting with one power contact, and a spacer receiving the power bus bar. The insulating housing includes a mating face, a mounting face opposite to the mating face and defines first and second passageways extending therethrough. Each power contact forms a first engaging portion and a first contacting portion. Each signal contact forms a second engaging portion and a second contacting portion. The power bus bar has a main section extending along a first plane, a middle section extending from the main section, and a connecting section extending along a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.
US08419475B2	Modular open fuseholder with multi-stage positionable cover A modular fuse holder includes a cover that is movable from a closed position to an open position relative to a base along two different paths of motion to prevent inadvertent opening or closing of the cover.
US08419463B2	Coaxial connector A surface mount type coaxial connector 1 to be mounted on a circuit wiring board 50 comprises: a contact 10 for signals having a cylindrical fitting portion 11 for signals divided by first slits 111a housing 20 having a circular convex portion 22 which surrounds the fitting portion 11 for signals via a first space S1; and a ground shell 30 having a circular fitting portion 32 for ground which surrounds the convex portion 22 via a second space S2, and the contact 10 for signals, the housing 20, and the ground shell 30 are integrally formed by insert molding.
US08419459B2	Connector port A connector port provided on the outer surface of a housing of an electronic device includes: a connector holding section that is formed in the housing and has a connector opening; and an opening/closing cover including an attaching section that is screwed to the connector holding section, a flat cover section that is pivotably supported by the attaching section at the proximal end thereof and opens and closes the connector opening, and an elastically deforming section that is provided at the distal end of the cover section and elastically deforms to engage in the connector holding section. The connector holding section is formed as a recess on the outer surface of the housing, the opening/closing cover is housed in the recess, and the outer surface of the housing and the outer surface of the cover section are substantially flush with each other.
US08419453B2	Cable connector A cable connector is disclosed. The cable connector includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a male base and male terminals received in the male base. The female connector includes a female base and female terminals locked with the female base. Two posts respectively protrude outwardly from ends of two side walls of the male base. Two locking slots which are tilting are respectively defined in the middles of two side walls of the female base. When assembled, the male base is pushed so that the posts are respectively locked with the corresponding locking slots. The male base of the present invention is steadily locked with the female base. Furthermore, the male base of the present invention is disassembled from the female base by pushing the male base, so that the posts are withdrawn from the locking slots.
US08419452B2	Electric connector and endoscope An electric connector portion includes first and second electric contact portions which are connectable to first and second target electric contact portions, respectively, and a protective member which is movable from a protecting position where the first and second electric contact portions are protected to an opening position where the first and second electric contact portions are opened in a moving direction extending from the first electric contact portion side to the second electric contact portion side, wherein the protective member includes an opening portion which is configured to open the second electric contact portion when the protective member is arranged at the opening position.
US08419450B2	Conductor line, collector and conductor system The invention relates to: a conductor line (2) for powering at least one device (11) that can travel along the conductor line (2), comprising a first elongated conductor lane (5b) and at least one other, second elongated conductor lane (6b), wherein the first (5b) and second (6b) conductor lanes comprise a first (5f) and a second (6f) contact opening, respectively, running along the length of the respective lane, for holding a part (15a; 16a) of a first (15) and a second (16) respective conductor contact of a collector (14) of the device (11); a collector (3) comprising at least one first conductor contact (15) provided for engaging into a first contact opening (5f) running along the length of a first conductor lane (5b) of the conductor line (2) and for electrically connecting to the first conductor lane (5b); and a conductor line system (1) formed therefrom. The invention accomplishes the objective of enabling a simple, fast, but non-mistakable connection of a specific conductor contact to a specific conductor lane of a conductor line, using a conductor line (2), a collector (14) and a conductor line system (1), wherein the second contact opening (6f) of the second conductor lane (6b) is adapted so that the first conductor contact (15) provided for connecting to the first conductor lane (5b) cannot engage into the second contact opening (6f) and cannot be connected to the second conductor lane (9).
US08419448B2	Elastic connector, method of manufacturing elastic connector, and electric connection tool The present invention provides technology with high production efficiency for an elastic connector that electrically connects two connection target members. The technology enables an initial product to be quickly completed with a low initial cost, in correspondence to any distance between the connection target members and any angle formed between them. An elastic connector was obtained by forming a major-axis columnar body, in which a conductive part was formed by cross linking and hardening (solidifying) conductive members inside a tube-like part formed of an insulative rubber tube, and then cutting the major-axis columnar body with a cutting blade along a cutting line, which is in a direction crossing the axis of the major-axis columnar body, to shorten the major-axis columnar body. This elastic connector eliminates the need to create a new metal mold in its manufacturing. When a length to which the major-axis columnar body is cut is appropriately changed and it is cut to that length, an elastic connector that suit any distance between the connection target members and any angle formed between them can be obtained.
US08419446B2	Electrical connector having contacts with solder portion pointing opposite directions An electrical connector includes an insulative housing with a plurality of passageways arranged in a matrix. A contact includes a base for securing the contact in the passageway, a spring portion and a soldering portion extending from the base. The soldering portions of the contacts laid in a row of the passageways are alternately arranged toward two opposite sides of the base to form two rows. Such array of soldering portions of the contact can improve contact density.
US08419445B1	Memory card with a connector A memory card with a connector includes a card main body for storing data and a connector including multiple terminals and an insulation main body. Multiple terminal soldering sections are disposed on the card main body. The multiple terminals are integrally connected with the insulation main body to form the connector. In manufacturing, the connector integrally composed of the terminals and the insulation main body is directly rested on the card main body. Then, in a one-time soldering process, all the terminals are soldered on the terminal soldering sections of the card main body. Accordingly, the manufacturing process is simplified and the manufacturing cost is lowered. Also, the ratio of good products is increased.
US08419444B2	Adapter for high-speed ethernet An adapter includes a mechanical frame, which is configured to be inserted into a SFP-type receptacle and contains a socket for receiving a plug of a twisted-pair-type cable. First electrical terminals, held by the mechanical frame, are configured to mate with a connector in the receptacle. Second electrical terminals, held within the socket, are configured to mate with electrical connections of the plug. Circuitry connects the first and second electrical terminals so as to enable interoperation of the plug with the receptacle.
US08419443B2	Electric connection box For an object of providing an electric connection box which can relax limitation of arranging electric components and connectors of a wiring harness, the electric connection box includes a box main body having a plurality of cassette blocks in which a relay is mounted. A fusible link is mounted at one cassette block. A top surface of the one cassette block is arranged at a higher position than a top surface of the cassette block adjacent to the one cassette block. The plurality of cassette blocks is arranged to locate each of the top surfaces thereof lower one by one in proportion to parting from the one cassette block.
US08419441B1	System for electrically connecting a pair of circuit boards using a pair of board connectors and an interconnector received in apertures of the circuit boards A system for electrically connecting circuit boards includes a pair of board connectors configured to be electrically connected to respective circuit boards. Each of the board connectors includes a plurality of electrical conductors and a housing configured to enclose at least a portion of the electrical conductors. An interconnector includes a plurality of electrical conductors, each of which is configured to be electrically connected to a respective electrical conductor of the board connectors, thereby electrically connecting the circuit boards. An interconnector housing is configured to cooperate with the housings of the board conductors to at least partially enclose the electrical connections between the electrical conductors of the interconnector and the board connectors.
US08419439B2	Apparatus and related methods for the controlled illumination of a convex surface Illumination provided to the interior of a convex surface can be controlled using a plurality of internal barriers separating light sources such as light emitting diodes. Such controlled illumination can simulate phases of the moon using logic which can be limited to yes or no Boolean decisions, thereby minimizing the complexity of required input.
US08419434B2	Interactive recipe preparation using interactive cooking device to communicate with kitchen appliances A user selects a recipe from a list of recipes. Preparation steps corresponding to the selected recipe are retrieved from a data store, such as a database. Each of the retrieved preparation steps is displayed sequentially to the user on a horizontal surface display that is included in an interactive cooking preparation device. During at least one preparation step, a selected kitchen appliance is identified, such as a configurable burner surface. The identified preparation step also includes one or more appliance parameters that correspond to the selected kitchen appliance. The selected kitchen appliance is controlled by sending one or more signals from the interactive cooking preparation device to the selected kitchen appliance. At least one of the signals sent to the appliance includes one of the appliance parameters.
US08419431B2	Preformed provisional crowns and methods for constructing temporary dental crowns and bridges Apparatuses and methods for providing crowns and bridges is disclosed. The apparatuses include provisional preforms which can have cavities, windows and slits that enable material and linear members to extend through for engagement with adjacent teeth or other preforms. The methods also include ways in which to create crowns and bridges using the preforms.
US08419426B2	Device for positioning and immobilizing a surgical guide in a patient's mouth The invention relates to a positioning and immobilization device for positioning and immobilizing a mandibular or maxillary surgical guide on a patient, which guide is adapted to preparing for and to fitting at least one dental implant and is provided with a link slab member designed to extend outside the oral cavity when the surgical guide is placed in register with the patient's mandible or maxilla, said positioning and immobilization device being characterized in that it comprises a body that has bearing face for bearing against the outside of the head of the patient, and a fastener designed to co-operate with the link slab member of the surgical guide.
US08419424B2	Functional orthodontic appliance with an extraoral device A functional orthodontic appliance including a facebow as an extraoral device for treating malpositions of the jaws or teeth. The functional orthodontic appliance includes a pad holder which is fastened to a transition area of the facebow and can be individually positioned and adjusted by very simple means. Preferably, the pad holder is provided with one pair of pads or a twin plate which is/are placed inside the lower lip in the vestibule that is displaced downward. The inventive appliance makes it possible to do functional orthodontic therapy of the lower jaw with all known advantages while correcting the position of the teeth in the upper jaw.
US08419413B1	Mold core positioning device A mold core positioning device configured to position a mold core includes a base and a sleeve assembly. The base defines a receiving space. The sleeve assembly includes a hollow sleeve and a number of balls. A number of receiving holes are defined in a sidewall of the sleeve, and each of the receiving holes holds one of the balls, and each of the balls can rotate freely in a corresponding receiving hole. The sleeve is received in the receiving space, and the balls received in the sleeve is to hold the mold core in position with the balls contacting the mold core.
US08419412B2	Nano-imprint mold and substrate with uneven patterns manufactured by using the mold According to one embodiment, a nano-imprint mold includes plural pairs of first and second protrusions formed on a base layer, each of which is formed along the same straight line. Each protrusion has a top surface and four side surfaces. The first and second protrusions are mirror-symmetrical with each other. A first side surface of the first protrusion and a second side surface of the second protrusion face each other. A first angle between the first side surface or the second side surface and a main surface of the base layer is not less than 85° and not more than 90°. A second angle between a third side surface in the first protrusion or a fourth side surface in the second protrusion and the main surface of the base layer is not less than 70° and not more than 88°. The first angle is larger than the second angle.
US08419411B2	Aerosol container An aerosol container (1), comprising:—a reservoir (2) containing a propellant and a foodproduct;—operable discharge means (3) to discharge the foodproduct;—a dispensing head (10) defining a foodproduct receiving space (11) to receive the foodproduct from the discharge means (3), a distal part (15) of the head (10) having foodproduct shaping projections (12), wherein the foodproduct receiving space comprises an upstream foodproduct receiving space (11A, 11B) that widens, viewed in a foodproduct discharge direction, wherein a maximum diameter (D1) of the foodproduct receiving space of the dispensing head is larger than about 2 cm.
US08419406B2	Dynamic mould tool Mould tool to be arranged in a press with essentially parallel press surfaces for production of rigid expanded polymer embryo bodies, the mould tool comprises a first mould member and an second mould member that are moveable with respect to each other in a direction perpendicular to the press surfaces, and sealing means providing an essentially hermetic seal between the first and second mould member during at least a portion of such a relative motion, thereby defining a closed mould cavity of variable volume, wherein the first mould member defines at least a portion of the mould cavity volume and comprises an outer peripheral edge, and the second mould member comprises a rim that closely circumscribes the outer peripheral edge of the first mould member and wherein the sealing means is arranged in the gap formed between the rim and the outer peripheral edge.
US08419405B2	System for forming a composition with an optimized filler The particle size distribution of a first fly ash is compared to an ideal particle size distribution that was empirically developed to provide a resin melt with a lower viscosity as more fly ash is added. A second fly ash material is similarly compared to the ideal curve and then is blended or optimized to provide an optimum filler for use with a suitable resin or similar material. Additional fly ash materials may be similarly compared and blended. Additional additives may be added for, among other things, foaming and coloration.
US08419403B2	Conveyer of honeycomb formed article and conveying method thereof There is disclosed a conveyer and a conveying method that enable conveying a lengthy honeycomb formed article extruded at a high speed with a simple apparatus without causing cracks and deformation. The conveyer of a honeycomb formed article includes a plurality of lengthy cradles that are sequentially supplied and then sequentially support and convey the honeycomb formed article, and a fixed support that is fixed so as to extend from the extruder to a supply position of the lengthy cradles, supports the honeycomb formed article just after being extruded, and conveys it to one of the lengthy cradles, and the fixed support is an air float having a supporting face and a plurality of air ejection pores formed on the supporting face that conveys the honeycomb formed article by feeding air from the air ejection pores.
US08419401B2	Method and device for dispensing sealant within a gap A nozzle head for dispensing sealant within a gap is provided. The nozzle head includes, but is not limited to, a body section and a port connected with the body section. The body section forms a primary channel through which sealant is dispensed. The primary channel forms an entrance through which sealant enters the body section and an exit through which sealant is dispensed from the nozzle. The port is connected with the body section and surrounds the exit. The port forms a chamber having a tip portion opposed to a rear opening. The chamber forms an angled path from the tip portion to the rear opening to trap and guide excess sealant within the chamber to the rear opening.
US08419397B2	Screw compressor A screw compressor includes a casing, a screw rotor and a gate rotor. The casing has a cylinder. The screw rotor is cylindrical-shaped and configured to be fitted into the cylinder. The gate rotor is configured to be engaged with the screw rotor. A, outlet width of a seal surface of the casing on a gas-outlet side of the screw rotor is larger than an inlet width of the seal surface on a gas-inlet side of the screw rotor. The seal surface of the casing is opposed to one surface of the gate rotor.
US08419393B2	Compressor having bearing assembly A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, a drive shaft, and first and second bearing housing assemblies. The compression mechanism may be supported within the shell and the drive shaft may have a first end drivingly engaged with the compression mechanism. The second bearing housing assembly may be located within and fixed to the shell. The second bearing housing may include a radially extending base portion defining an aperture rotatably supporting a second end of the drive shaft therein. The second bearing housing may additionally include a wall portion extending axially from the base portion and having a first region coupled to the shell at a first location, a second region coupled to the shell at a second location and a third region extending from the first region to the second region.
US08419391B2	High pressure pump A fuel gallery has a first opening port communicated to a variable volume chamber formed at a lower side of a plunger and a second opening port communicated to a fuel pressurizing chamber formed at an upper side of the plunger. A connecting tube member is provided in the fuel gallery for communicating the first and second opening ports with each other. During a fuel amount adjusting stroke, for example, in which the plunger is moved in an upward direction, a part of excessive fuel from the fuel pressurizing chamber is supplied to the variable volume chamber through the connecting tube member and the remaining part of the excessive fuel is discharged from the connecting tube member into the fuel gallery through a communication through-hole formed in the connecting tube member.
US08419382B2	Piston compressor A compressor includes a rotary shaft, a cam, a cylinder block, pistons, a thrust bearing, a rotary valve, and an oil passage. The rotary shaft has an in-shaft passage formed therein. The in-shaft passage has an outlet open to the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft. The cam rotates integrally with the rotary shaft. The pistons are coupled to the rotary shaft through the cam. The thrust bearing is provided between the cam and the cylinder block. The thrust bearing includes a first race in contact with the cam, a second race in contact with the cylinder block, and rolling elements retained between the first and second races to form a gap therebetween. The oil passage is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft so as to extend from the gap to the outlet of the in-shaft passage.
US08419380B2	Hermetic compressor A noise reducing device for a hermetic type compressor is provided that includes a plurality of cylinders disposed at upper and lower portions thereof, a communication path that provides for communication between inlets of the plurality of cylinders, and a suction pipe coupled to an inlet of one of the plurality of cylinders. Such an arrangement may reduce a number of components and simplify the fabrication process. Accordingly, fabrication costs may be reduced, and vibration due to resonation of a plurality of suction pipes may be avoided. Further, such an arrangement may provide enhanced performance by optimizing a specification of the suction pipe and a suction path thereof.
US08419378B2	Jet pump A fluid mover (1) includes a hollow body (2) provided with a straight-through passage (3) of substantially constant cross section with an inlet end (4) an outlet end (5) for the entry and discharge respectively of a working fluid. A nozzle (16) substantially circumscribes and opens into the passage (3) intermediate the inlet (4) and outlet (5) ends. An inlet (10) communicates with the nozzle (16) for the introduction of a transport fluid and a mixing chamber (3A) is formed within the passage (3) downstream of the nozzle (16). The nozzle internal geometry and the bore profile immediately upstream of the nozzle exit are disposed and configured to optimise the energy transfer between the transport fluid and working fluid. In use, through the introduction of transport fluid, the working fluid or fluids are atomized to form a dispersed vapor/droplet flow regime with locally supersonic flow conditions within a pseudo-vena contracta, resulting in the creation of a supersonic condensation shock wave (17) within the downstream mixing chamber (3A) by the condensation of the transport fluid. Methods of moving and processing fluids using the fluid mover are also disclosed.
US08419375B2	Method of making a rotor yoke and rotor yoke thereof A method of making a rotor yoke includes preparing a cured composite rotor yoke preform on a single-sided curing tool and machining at least one portion of the cured rotor yoke preform to form a rotor yoke. In one embodiment, preparing the cured composite rotor yoke is accomplished by applying successive layers of uncured polymeric composite material to a single-sided tool in a configuration to produce an uncured rotor yoke preform; disposing a semi-rigid caul to an untooled side of the uncured rotor yoke preform; enclosing the uncured rotor yoke preform and the semi-rigid caul by substantially hermetically sealing a vacuum bag to the tool; substantially evacuating a volume defined by the vacuum bag and the tool of air; and heating the uncured rotor yoke preform, sometimes under pressure, to form the cured composite rotor yoke preform.
US08419374B2	Gas turbine engine composite blade The disclosed composite airfoil includes a three-dimensional composite core extending longitudinally and having a chord-wise direction. The core has a core in-plane thickness extending between opposing sides in a through-plane direction generally perpendicular to the chord-wise and longitudinal directions. A composite skin covers the opposing sides and has an exterior surface providing an airfoil contour. The skin includes a total skin in-plane thickness corresponding to a sum of thicknesses through the skin in the through-plane direction from each of the opposing sides to their adjoining exterior surface. A sum of the core in-plane and total skin in-plane thicknesses at a central portion of the composite airfoil is a total in-plane thickness. The total skin in-plane thickness at the central portion is less than 50% of the total in-plane thickness.
US08419373B1	Wind turbine blade, wind turbine generator equipped with wind turbine blade and method of designing wind turbine blade It is intended to provide a wind turbine blade with superior aerodynamic characteristics and rigidity, a wind turbine generator equipped with the wind turbine blade, and a method of designing the wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade 1 is provided with a blade tip part 2, a blade root part 4 connected to a hub 112, and an airfoil part 6 disposed between the blade tip part 2 and the blade root part 4. The airfoil part 6 includes a flatback airfoil 10 with a blunt trailing edge 8 at least in an area in a longitudinal direction of the wind turbine blade 1 where a blade thickness ratio X is 40% to 50%. X indicates a ratio of a maximum thickness tMAX to a chord length LC. In the area where the blade thickness ratio X is 40% to 50%, the flatback airfoil has a trailing edge thickness ratio Y which is 5% to YH%, Y indicating a ratio of a trailing edge thickness tTE to the maximum thickness tMAX and YH has a relationship of YH=1.5X−30 with the blade thickness ratio X.
US08419371B2	Wind turbine blades with twisted and tapered tips A blade for a wind turbine includes a total backward twist of between approximately 6 degrees and approximately 15 degrees between an outer approximately 1 percent to approximately 10 percent of a rotor radius of the blade; and a total normalized chord change of between approximately one percent and approximately two percent between the outer approximately 1 percent to approximately 10 percent of the rotor radius of the blade.
US08419370B2	Retaining and sealing ring assembly A fan blade retaining and sealing ring assembly for an aft side of a bladed disk assembly is disclosed herein. The ring assembly includes an inner ring operable to prevent aft movement of a fan blade positioned in a slot formed in the blade disk. The ring assembly also includes an outer ring operable to seal against a platform of the fan blade. The inner ring and the outer ring are formed from different materials.
US08419364B2	Fan with an arrangement of detecting degradation of the bearings The fan has an arrangement for monitoring the ageing of at least one of its bearing, the arrangement including a reference ambient temperature sensor and a processing circuit for comparing the temperature difference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor or by each temperature sensor fitted directly on the corresponding bearing and the temperature measured by the reference temperature sensor with a first predetermined value.
US08419362B2	Foldable blades for wind turbines A turbine blade assembly includes an outboard blade section that folds onto an inboard blade section at a hinge located between the sections. When the outboard blade section is rotating to a folded position a longitudinal axis of the outboard blade section is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the inboard blade section. When the outboard blade section is in a fully folded position, the axes are parallel. The method of folding the outboard blade section includes adjusting the pitch of the turbine blade while it is rotating. Adjusting the pitch changes the pressure on a non-hinge side of the turbine blade and results in the outboard blade section folding with respect to the inboard blade section.
US08419361B2	Anti fret liner assembly An anti-fret assembly for a turbine engine, the assembly comprising an elongated liner having first and second walls connected by a base to provide a generally U-shaped channel, the liner having an outer surface adapted to lie against a first component and an inner surface adapted to lie against a second component at least the first wall being provided with a notch for receipt of an anti-translation pin, the assembly further comprising an anti-translation pin.
US08419360B2	Multi-blade centrifugal fan A multi-blade centrifugal fan for preventing circular flows in the end portions of an impeller in the axial direction is provided in a simple structure. The multi-blade centrifugal fan is formed of a fan casing of a scroll type and a multi-blade centrifugal impeller. The fan casing has a bellmouth which becomes an air intake. The multi-blade centrifugal impeller has a number of annularly arranged blades inside the fan casing. The centrifugal impeller draws in air through the intake, which faces the bellmouth, and blows out the air in the centrifugal direction through the blades. A retainer ring is provided in an outer peripheral end portion of the impeller. A cylindrical body is integrally provided in such a manner as to extend from the outer end of the retainer ring, so that circular flows toward the intake side are prevented in the end portions of the impeller.
US08419358B2	Flow output nozzle for centrifugal pump A flow outlet for a pump includes a pocket section which defines a pocket section diameter. A throat section downstream of the pocket section, the throat section defines a throat section diameter less than the pocket section diameter.
US08419357B2	Apparatus and method for reducing the pressure on a joint between at least two delimiting parts An apparatus, especially a steam turbine, including a first delimiting part and a second delimiting part is provided. The delimiting parts are attached to one another forming a joint and enclosing at least a part of a first pressure chamber. A shielding element is also provided on the sides of the delimiting parts facing towards the first pressure chamber and is arranged to form a seal completely covering the joint, so that a cavity is formed between the delimiting parts and the shielding element. A line is routed in the cavity connecting the cavity to a second pressure chamber. In addition, a method for decreasing the force acting on a joint, which is formed by the joining together of a first delimiting part and a second delimiting part of an apparatus, especially a steam turbine, and for reducing the attachment forces acting on the joint is provided.
US08419352B2	Bypass turbojet A bypass turbojet engine including an outer fan duct and an inner fan duct (IFD), between which the secondary flow passes, and a high pressure compressor having an outer casing is disclosed. The IFD is fastened on the outer casing.
US08419349B2	Steam turbine and system for start-up A steam turbine and a start-up system for a steam turbine are disclosed comprising: a plurality of stages, a steam path through the plurality of stages, an inlet port for introducing steam to a first stage, an exhaust port at a last stage for allowing exhaust to exit the steam turbine, an admission port for allowing steam to enter the steam path at a location downstream from the inlet port, and a ventilator port for allowing steam to exit the steam path, the ventilator port located upstream of the admission port to create a reverse flow of steam towards the ventilator port from the admission port.
US08419348B2	Fan array fan section in air-handling systems A fan array fan section in an air-handling system includes a plurality of fan units arranged in a fan array and positioned within an air-handling compartment. One preferred embodiment may include an array controller programmed to operate the plurality of fan units at peak efficiency. The plurality of fan units may be arranged in a true array configuration, a spaced pattern array configuration, a checker board array configuration, rows slightly offset array configuration, columns slightly offset array configuration, or a staggered array configuration.
US08419347B2	Fluid pump A fluid pump comprising a pump body, a low pressure impeller, a high pressure impeller, impeller seal means separating the inlet side of the low pressure impeller from its pressure side, a pump priming system, and a pump priming conduit provided through the low pressure impeller radially inboard of the impeller seal means. The high pressure impeller is preferably provided within a cavity, defined by an impeller recess and a cover plate. A wear ring is preferably provided between the low pressure impeller and the inboard end of the cover plate. The pump priming conduit preferably comprises: first and second axial bores through the pump body; a radial bore and two axial holes through the cover plate; an axial hole through the rear wear ring; a cavity between the wear ring and the low pressure impeller; and axial holes through the low pressure impeller, connecting the cavity to the suction side of the low pressure impeller.
US08419346B2	Wind turbine A wind turbine arranged to operate in confined area is disclosed. The wind turbine is constrained within two axially displaced end plates and diametrically opposed wind barriers. The wind barriers are parallel to the axis and extend between end plates. The wind barriers each having an axially extending inner edge radially spaced from an outer swept surface of the turbine blades by less than 20% of the turbine radius. In another embodiment, there is disclosed a 2-dimensional array of wind turbines, with wind barriers being arranged between parallel axes.
US08419345B2	Actuator In one embodiment a system is disclosed that includes an actuation device coupled with a turbomachinery mechanism. The actuation device can include multiple fluid pathways and a valve to alternatively place each of these pathways in fluid communication with a supply port while another of the pathways is in fluid communication with a return port to selectively move an actuation member along a range of travel. A brake valve may also be included to provide pressurized fluid to the actuation member when the actuation device is in an on condition and divert at least a portion of the pressurized fluid away from the actuation member through another pathway when the actuation device is in an off condition. A fluid-powered brake is coupled to this further pathway to selectively apply braking force to the actuation member in response to the diverted pressurized fluid.
US08419343B2	Sound film adsorption device A sound film adsorption device includes a bracket, which has a platform on which a sound film collect, which forms a chamber for receiving a sound film, is installed. A rotary mechanism includes a supporting post retained on the platform, a rotary plate in the form of a cantilever-shape having an end moveably coupled to the supporting post and an opposite end serving as an open end, and a spring member coupled with the supporting post to support between the platform and the rotary plate. A first absorbing mechanism includes a first vacuum generator and an absorbing head. The absorbing head has an end communicated with the first vacuum generator, and the other end extended through the open end of the rotary plate to align with the chamber of the sound film collect so as to absorb the sound film placed within the sound film collect.
US08419342B2	Device and method for transferring product stacks A transfer device for transferring product stacks has a connecting element for connecting the transfer device to a transport device, and the transfer device has a number of receiver regions therein, that each receive a product stack. Each receiver region has guide elements with spring-loaded closure elements, and a plate that is movable in a spring-loaded manner toward the closing elements along the direction of the guide elements. When the transfer device with the product stacks therein reaches its transfer destination, the product stacks are pushed from the transfer device by the plates by spring force.
US08419341B2	Linear vacuum robot with Z motion and articulated arm There is described apparatus and methods for transporting and processing substrates including wafers as to efficiently produce at reasonable costs improved throughput as compared to systems in use today. A linear transport chamber includes linear tracks and robot arms riding on the linear tracks to linearly transfer substrates along the sides of processing chambers for feeding substrates into a controlled atmosphere through a load lock and then along a transport chamber as a way of reaching processing chambers. A four-axis robot arm is disclosed, capable of linear translation, rotation and articulation, and z-motion.
US08419338B2	Work conveying apparatus Since both a driving means for lifting a work and a driving means for turning operation must have been arranged in a conventional work transfer apparatus, the apparatus has been large in size and heavy in weight. A work transfer apparatus is provided with a holding tool for holding a window, i.e., the work, and a supporting arm for movably supporting the holding tool. The window held by the holding tool is transferred by a supporting arm to window frames to which the window is to be assembled, and the posture of the window is changed to that corresponds to the window frames. Furthermore, the supporting arm is configured to be a closed loop link mechanism wherein a plurality of links are connected to form a closed loop. The posture of the holding tool one link of a pair of links connected to the holding tool of the supporting arm can be fixed.
US08419332B2	Non-dimpling fastener Non-dimpling fasteners and methods of installing non-dimpling fasteners are provided herein. Non-dimpling fasteners can include a body including a first end and a second end, a tip at the first end of the body, a head at the second end of the body, a first body portion adjacent to the tip, a second body portion adjacent to the head, and a shoulder adjacent to the first body portion and the second body portion. The first body portion can have a first diameter and can include a first thread. The second body portion can have a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter of the first body portion. The shoulder can have an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
US08419323B2	Method for fine-machining crankshafts and machining center therefor A method and machine for machining shafts, such as crankshafts of an internal combustion engine wherein the shaft supported on a workpiece carrier rotatably about its axis and the carrier is movable relative to a milling tool adjustably supported on the machine, the bearing surfaces of the shaft are fine-machined by a milling tool taking into consideration the resiliency and the bending of the shaft by the engagement force of the milling tool during fine cutting of the bearing surfaces in the various angular rations of the shaft and the axial bearing location between the shaft ends so as to provide for a perfect final round cutting of the bearings without the need for wet grinding. The fine machining is preferably achieved by dry machining and orthogonal rotational milling, all main bearings and lifting bearings being machined in a single clamping from the rough machining dimensions to the final dimension. For a second machining sequence, some of the main bearings and lifting bearings are used as clamping surfaces.
US08419319B2	Cutting insert, cutting tool using the same, and cutting method A cutting edge is formed at a ridge between an upper surface and a side surface. In the side surface, a plurality of grooves are formed so as to extend from the side surface to the upper surface to divide the cutting edge, and the clearance angles within these grooves are formed so as to increase from one end of the cutting edge toward the other end of the cutting edge. This achieves a cutting insert having small cutting force and excellent cutting performance. Among the plurality of grooves, the groove nearest to the one end of the cutting edge has preferably a width increasing from the upper surface of the cutting insert toward the lower surface.
US08419317B2	System and method for installing sheet piles A system for installation of sheet pile including a sheet pile installation apparatus having a substantially rigid elongate beam with an upper end and a lower end, and at least one drive finger proximal the lower end of the substantially rigid elongate beam; and a sheet pile having an elongate member with an upper end and a lower end, and a first side and a second side, the first side having a male profile lock and the second side having a female profile lock, the sheet pile further including at least one receiver proximal the lower end for receiving the at least one drive finger of the sheet pile installation apparatus.
US08419316B2	Triple-pronged ground improvement tool and deployment array The proposed method involves deploying and activating three ground improvement machines together in a triangular array, rather than a single machine working alone in isolation. The machines are of the type both capable of producing vibratory excitation, and also a pump capable of creating fluid flow, in the ground at depth. Each of the three machines is independently controlled so as to create ground vibrations which are either in, or out, of phase, and at the same time create the hydraulic gradient required to cause fluid flow and seepage forces in the ground within their compass.
US08419314B1	Devices and methods for directing migration of non-aqueous phase liquids from sediment Devices and methods for directing a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) that migrate entrained in a fluid (e.g., a gas) from sediments in bodies of water by using trapping caps having an upwardly sloped surface toward an accumulation zone that contains a water table, in which migration of the gas carries the NAPL toward the accumulation zone.
US08419311B2	Surface drainage system A surface drainage structure formed above a subgrade may include an elongate drain conduit disposed partially within the subgrade. The elongate drain conduit may define at least one drain slot extending through a wall thereof. The structure may include a pavement layer with an exposed top surface and a drainage channel extending therefrom. The drainage channel may be in fluid communication with the drain slot of the elongate drain conduit. A method of forming the surface drainage structure includes placing the elongate drain conduit in the subgrade, forming the pavement layer, cutting an upper channel along the elongate drain conduit, and cutting a lower channel and the drain slot in the elongate conduit.
US08419308B2	Document fastener and file or folder In order to newly provide a folder that facilitates insertion of a document fastener into a narrow slit and that is improved in durability by making use of a property of a document fastener whose folded state can be kept due to resin, the document fastener is so arranged to comprise a plate material (a) made of resin having a body part (11) extending longitudinally and a pair of folded pieces (12) extending from the body part (11), wherein a thickness of both end portions (14) of the plate material (a) is formed to be thinner than a thickness of other portions of the plate material (a), a boundary (13) between the body part (11) and the folded piece (12) is made to be foldable, and the folded state on the boundary (13) can be kept by making use of the properties of the resin itself.
US08419305B2	Cutting mechanism for printing apparatus, and printing apparatus including the same A cutting mechanism for a printing apparatus that cuts a printing medium and includes a fixed blade having first through holes and a movable blade having second through holes and slidingly movable with respect to the fixed blade, wherein each of first openings of the first through holes on a first sliding face is at least partly included in a first overlapping portion, each of second openings of the second through holes on a second sliding face is at least partly included in a second overlapping portion, and the first openings and the second openings are located at positions such that the first openings and the second openings do not overlap completely with each other in a direction orthogonal to a movement direction of the movable blade with respect to the fixed blade.
US08419300B2	Modular web roller assembly A modular roll bar assembly for use in a continuous web imaging device includes a plurality of roll bars and a support frame configured to operably support the plurality of roll bars such that the plurality of roll bars define a web path having a non-linear shape with an entrance end and an exit end. The entrance end is configured to receive a substantially continuous web of substrate material, and the plurality of roll bars is configured to guide the continuous web past the exit end. A load cell is operably coupled to the support frame and configured to generate a signal indicative of a down force applied to the support frame. A controller is operably coupled to the load cell to receive the signal and to correlate the down force applied to the support frame indicated by the signal to a tension measurement value for the continuous web.
US08419298B2	Drive mechanism, blade drive mechanism and optical device A drive mechanism includes: an actuator including a rotor magnetized; a magnetic body, a magnetically attractive force being generated between the magnetic body and the rotor; and a sandwiched member sandwiched between the rotor and the magnetic body. At least one of the magnetic body and the sandwiched member is coupled to the rotor, and the magnetic body and the sandwiched member slidably contact each other.
US08419297B2	Apparatus for mechanically splicing optic fibers An apparatus for mechanically splicing two optic fiber cores, including two holder bodies, moveable relative to each other, each of which includes a retaining device configured to receive, and hold, end sections of said optic fiber cores; and a scoring device coupled with the holder bodies and operable to move along a trajectory relative to the holder bodies, each retaining device being arranged so that said end sections extend therefrom through said trajectory, wherein the scoring device scores the end sections of said optic fiber cores upon movement along the trajectory, and further movement of the scoring device along the trajectory forces the holder bodies away from each other to cleave the end sections of the optic fiber cores; and relative movement of the holder bodies brings cleaved end sections together to affect mechanical splicing of the optic fiber core.
US08419295B2	Photoelectric conversion/connection device In a photoelectric conversion/connection device (100) including an optical element (320), a mounting board (310) on which the optical element is mounted, and an optical connector (400) which is connected to the mounting board so as to be optically connected to the optical element, the optical connector (400) is arranged on a surface (310a) opposite to a mounting surface (310b) of the mounting board (310) and the optical element (320) is exposed. The photoelectric conversion/connection device (100) includes a motherboard (210) having a main surface (210a) and an electric connector (220) to be mounted on the main surface of the motherboard. The electric connector (220) is detachably connected to the mounting board (310).
US08419290B2	Optical fiber fixing device and method for assembling optical fiber to optical connector using same An optical fiber fixing device for fixing optical fibers in an optical connector includes a supporting arm, two connecting arms, and a pressing arm. The supporting arm includes a first end and an opposite second end. The connecting arms respectively extend from the first end and the second end toward a same direction. The connecting arms are configured for insertion into the optical connector. The pressing arm extends from the supporting arm between the connecting arms. The pressing arm is configured for pressing the optical fibers onto the optical connector.
US08419289B2	Radial anti-friction bearing, in particular, single-row spherical roller bearing, and method for mounting thereof A radial bearing configured as a single-row spherical roller bearing is provided that includes an inner and outer bearing ring, and rollers arranged between the bearing rings. The rollers have two side faces which are flattened symmetrically from a spherical base shape, and roll in two groove-shaped raceways which are defined by two axial rims. The width of the rollers between their side faces is at least 70% of the diameter of the spherical base shape and is greater than the distance between the axial rims. The rollers are in full linear contact with their running faces in the bearing rings at an operational pressure angle of up to 25° on both sides of the bearing longitudinal axis. The distance between radially opposite axial rims when the bearing rings are arranged eccentrically to each other is less than the diameter of the spherical base shape of the rollers.
US08419286B2	Hermetic compressor A compressor has a rotation shaft in a hermetic container, and first and second bearings to support the shaft in the container. A tolerance between the second bearing and the rotation shaft and a tolerance between the first bearing and the rotation shaft are different, so as to cause hydrodynamic lubrication to occur at one of the first or second bearings.
US08419280B2	Thin slide unit Provided is a thin slide unit which allows, in a case where two ball plates each formed with a track-like ball groove are combined to thereby construct an endless circulation path for balls, by merely directly connecting the two ball plates without using a guide plate, balls to smoothly circulate, and a slider to smoothly reciprocate with respect to a guide rail. An endless circulation path for the balls of the slider is formed such that the two ball plates each formed with the track-like ball groove are caused to face each other, and that the ball plates are directly connected. Peripheral sides of the two ball plates oppose to each other, to thereby form a load opening portion for causing the balls in the endless circulation path to contact a rolling groove of the guide rail, and form a scooping-up portion for raising the balls from the rolling groove to guide the balls into the endless circulation path.
US08419279B2	Flexible storage bag The flexible bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls that provide an internal volume that can be accessed via an opening. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall. The bag is configured to prevent objects from clogging the valve element during evacuation. In one embodiment, the bag may include a plurality of ridges formed along the inner surface of at least one sidewall that can maintain separation of the sidewalls and contents from the valve element. In another aspect, the valve element is beneficially located at a top corner of the bag where the valve element is spaced apart from those locations in the bag where contents are likely to collect.
US08419278B2	Check valve and compression bag and air cushion bag equipped therewith A check valve includes two valve films of synthetic resin that put one on the other, and an air passage defined by two seal sections formed by means of bonding parts of the valve films together. A compression bag and air compression bag equipped with this check valve are also provided. An inlet of the air passage is defined by a straight line linking the respective upward flow side end sections of the seal sections. An outlet of the air passage is defined by a straight line linking the respective downward flow side end sections of the seal sections. In at least one of the seal sections, the valve films are not bonded together at the line of extension of the seal section, situated on the downward flow side of the downward flow side end section of the seal section.
US08419275B2	Temperature sensor and temperature sensor system Provided is a temperature sensor capable of stably keeping the accuracy of detected temperatures. The temperature sensor of the present invention comprises a sensor element (1) comprising a temperature sensing element (2) whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature; a pair of lead wires (4) electrically connected to the temperature sensing element (2); and a covering material (5) which seals the temperature sensing element (2) and portions of the lead wires (4) in a prescribed range; wherein the lead wires (4) are led out of the sealed ends (6) of the covering material (5). The temperature sensor further comprises a metallic protective tube (20) which houses the sensor element (1) except part of the lead wires (4); and a shield comprising a ceramic sealed end closing element (7) which encloses the sealed ends (6), and a lead wire protective tube (8). The shield is loosely fitted inside the metallic protective tube (20).
US08419271B2	Apparatus with temperature self-compensation and method thereof A system for compensating a thermal effect is provided and includes a substrate structure and a microcantilever. The substrate structure includes a first piezoresistor. The first piezoresistor is buried in the substrate structure and has a first piezoresistance having a first relation to a first variable temperature. The microcantilever has the thermal effect and a second piezoresistance having a second relation to the first variable temperature, wherein the thermal effect is compensated based on the first and the second relations.
US08419266B2	System and method for facilitating well servicing operations A technique facilitates well servicing operations by utilizing a hopper system to introduce a dry additive into a mixing tank. The hopper system comprises a feeder and a hopper that delivers the dry additive into the feeder. The feeder, in turn, enables introduction of the dry additive into the cement mixing tank in a controlled manner. When the hopper system is used on a transportable cementing unit, the hopper system may be mounted on a cement mixing tank and also may incorporate a hopper that is both expandable to accommodate a greater amount of dry additive and contractible to facilitate transport.
US08419256B2	Side light type backlight module and back plate heat dissipation structure thereof The present invention discloses a side light type backlight module and a back plate heat dissipation structure thereof. The back plate heat dissipation structure comprises a bottom part, at least one side wall part and an extension part. The bottom part forms a main body of the back plate heat dissipation structure. The side wall part is formed by at least one edge of the bottom part extending upwards for at least one light source set attached on the inner surface thereof. The extension part is formed by the edge of the bottom part extending upwards. The heat generated by the light source set is conducted to the extension part and the bottom part through the top and the bottom of the side wall part. The total heat dissipation efficiency of the side light type backlight module can be raised by a dual way heat dissipation module.
US08419253B2	Lighting display system A lighting display system having an anti-theft feature has a mounting structure having at least one mounting plate having a front side and a back side, first and second conductor lines carried by the at least one mounting plate, and a plurality of luminescent bodies, wherein each of the plurality of luminescent bodies has first and second contact plugs exposed at a back side of the luminescent body and connected to the first and second conductor lines where a line extending between centres of the first and second contact plugs is oriented at an angle of more than 105° or less than 85° relative to a direction of extension of the first conductor line, and a plurality of light sources electrically connected to the first and second conductor lines via the first and second plugs and fixing members.
US08419252B2	Cylindrical light guide with light adustable film on light entering surface thereof A light guiding object for use in a lighting device is provided. The light guiding object includes a cylindrical body, a reflective layer, a transparent resin layer and a light-adjustable film. The cylindrical body has a light-entering surface and a bottom surface. The reflective layer is disposed on the bottom surface of the cylindrical body. The transparent resin layer is disposed on the light-entering surface of the cylindrical body. The light-adjustable film has a flat surface and an optical structure surface, wherein the flat surface is opposite to the optical structure surface and disposed on the transparent resin layer. A central part of the optical structure surface includes a first prism group. The first prism group includes a plurality of first prisms, wherein the apex angles of the first prisms are in a range of 120 to 170 degrees.
US08419247B2	Vehicle light A vehicle light can include a bulb, a projector lens disposed in front of the bulb and having a focus located in between the bulb and the projector lens. A first reflecting surface can be disposed behind the projector lens, for reflecting light beams emitted from the bulb toward the projector lens so that the light beams are converged at or near the focus of the projector lens. A shade can be configured to shield part of the light beams directed from the first reflecting surface to the projector lens. A second reflecting surface can be disposed on a rear surface of the shade, for reflecting downward part of the reflected light beams directed from the first reflecting surface to the projector lens. A third reflecting surface can be disposed below the shade, for reflecting the light beams from the second reflecting surface to an outside area below the projector lens to project the light beams forward. A decrease in the parts number along with an improvement in light utilization efficiency may be realized with certain embodiments of the invention.
US08419245B2	On-board interior illumination unit There is provided an on-board interior illumination unit which is so strong as to withstand vibration, high temperatures and low temperatures, and tensile load, to thereby be superior in contact reliability and which can be made small in size. Thus, there is provided an on-board interior illumination unit comprising a design portion 10 and a function part 20 which is disposed on a side of the design portion 10 which lies on an outer side of a passenger compartment, wherein the function part 20 has a function part main body 21 which has a switch portion 24 and a lamp installation portion 25 and a terminal exposure portion 21a in which a plurality of press-contact terminals 27 are exposed which are electrically connected to the switch portion 24 and the lamp installation portion 25 and a protection cover 30 which is installed in the function part main body 21 so as to cover the terminal exposure portion 21a, and wherein a protection cover side connector 32 is provided in the protection cover 30 which fits on a wiring harness side connector 40, the protection cover side connector 32 including a connector housing portion 33 which is formed integrally with the protection cover 30 and a plurality of terminals 34 which are fixed in place in the protection cover 30 and which fit individually in the press-contact terminals in a process of the protection cover 30 being installed in the function part main body 21.
US08419238B2	Lighting fixtures having enhanced heat sink performance Lighting fixtures having an enhanced heat sink performance are provided. A heat sink member is a unitary ring member. An outside surface of the heat sink member is disposed exterior of the lighting fixture and includes a plurality of outwardly extending fins. An inside surface of the heat sink member is disposed inside of the lighting fixture and includes a plurality of surfaces configured for mating engagement with a respective light source board. The heat sink member joins upper and lower globe portions of the lighting fixture. A reflector or a light pipe optionally is provided interior of the light fixture, providing illumination directional control. A polygon shaped lighting fixture provides a LED light output to cross in a plane proximate to a light center of the fixture.
US08419234B2	Illumination device, display device, and television receiver apparatus An illumination device 12 according to the present invention includes a light source 17 a chassis 14 that houses the light source 17 and a power supply board 32 for supplying drive power to the light source 17. The power supply board 32 is mounted on a surface of the chassis 14 on an opposite side from the light source 17. The chassis 14 has a raised portion 50 that is a part of the surface of the chassis 14 on the opposite side from the light source 17 and raised toward the side on which the power supply board 32 is mounted. The power supply board 32 is arranged so as to overlap the raised portion 50.
US08419223B2	LED tube to replace fluorescent tube Presented is an LED light tube in the general configuration of a prior art fluorescent tube. The LED light tube includes end caps with electrodes at each end, with the electrodes providing physical mounting structure to mount the LED light tube in an existing LED light fixture. The end caps of the LED light tube are not electrically active, but merely provide physical mounting structure to mount the LED light bulb in an existing fluorescent light fixture. This allows existing LED light fixtures to be utilized without replacement, by merely replacing the tubes and ballast with LED based equipment.
US08419217B2	LED lamp The LED lamp includes a heat dissipating base, an LED module, a hood and a sealant. The heat dissipating base has a mount board including a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces are provided with an annular trough and fins, respectively. The LED module is fixed on the mount board and surrounded by the annular trough. The hood is formed with a flange which is embedded into the annular trough to cloak the LED module. The sealant is filled in the annular trough to seal up.
US08419215B2	LED lamp and street lamp using the same A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp and a street lamp using the same are provided. The LED lamp includes substrates for mounting an LED, reflectors, radiators, a mounting frame, a power source, and a top cover. The substrates and the reflectors are mounted on the radiators. Each of the substrates has a condenser cup mounted around a light-emitting surface of the LED, and the condenser cup has a curved wall for condensing light rays emitted by the LED to a certain angle range; each of the reflectors has a curved surface for performing a second time reflection condensing on the light rays that are processed through the reflection condensing by the curved wall. The LED lamp realizes uniform lighting in the whole lighting range through performing reflection twice, thereby achieving excellent directivity of illumination, uniform brightness, eliminating the glare phenomenon, and achieving desirable heat dissipation performance.
US08419212B2	Circuit board assembly with light emitting element A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board including an electrical conductor, and a light emitting element assembly. The light emitting element assembly includes a carrier mounted on the circuit board, a light emitting element mounted on the carrier, and an electrical contact held by the carrier in electrical connection with the light emitting element and the electrical conductor.
US08419211B2	Lamp tube A lamp tube includes a lamp shade, connectors fixed to opposite ends of the lamp shade, and a circuit board received in the lamp shade and electrically connected with the connectors. At least two resilient members protrude from opposite sides of the circuit board. Each resilient member is resiliently deformed and urged into contact with an inner surface of the lamp shade. The deformation of the at least two resilient members is for providing a spring push force to the circuit board, thus causing the circuit board to tightly engage the inner surface of the lamp shade, thereby retaining the circuit board in position inside the lamp shade.
US08419209B2	Lamp support structure for lamp tubes A lamp support of the present invention comprises a keel as the main body, two arc-shaped extensions provided on two sides of the keel, inwardly protruding lips correspondingly provided on bottom edges of the arc-shaped extensions, and first and second slots provided on the ridge of the keel and arranged perpendicular to each other. The first and second slots can allow for the passage of screws so that the screws can be used to secure the entire lamp support to an assembly main body such as a ceiling or a wall; and the lips correspondingly fit into grooves on both sides of a lamp tube whereby the lamp tube is pushed into a predetermined position to secure the lamp tube to the assembly main body such as a ceiling or a wall.
US08419207B2	Portable light assembly A portable light assembly (200) has a light head (26) adapted to be housed in a protective container (12) and to be withdrawn therefrom when required for use. The light head (26) is attached to a swivel bracket (28) and is connected to a battery (25) also housed in the container. The portable light assembly includes mounting means (18) for supporting the light head (26) at locations in need of illumination. A handle (14) is connected to a lid (20) of the assembly, and the handle has a release member (36) for releasing an extension post arrangement (30, 32) from the protective container. This allows the extension post arrangement (30, 32), Nd (20), swivel bracket (28) and light head (26) to be slid upwardly by activating the release member (36) and lifting the handle (14).
US08419203B1	Single card multi mode LCD backlight An light emitting diode (LED) assembly may include, but is not limited to: a printed circuit board comprising at least one aperture; a first LED mounted on a front surface of the printed circuit board; a second LED mounted on a rear surface of the printed circuit board; and a reflective surface configured to reflect light emitted by the second LED through the at least one aperture.
US08419200B2	Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device both having a polarization layer with protrusions and grooves A backlight unit includes a light guide plate, at least one lamp provided at one or both sides of the light guide plate, a lamp housing surrounding the lamp, a lamp reflection plate positioned under the light guide plate to reflect light emitted from the lamp towards the light guide plate, and a polarization layer on an upper surface of the light guide plate and having an embossed pattern of protrusions and grooves on an upper surface thereof. A method for forming the backlight unit and a liquid crystal display device comprising the same are also disclosed.
US08419194B2	Locally dimmed display A locally dimmed display has a spatial light modulator illuminated by a light source. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with a low resolution version of a desired image. The illumination may comprise a series of lighting elements that vary smoothly from one element to another at the spatial light modulator.
US08419190B2	Computing device with imaging function and auto-focusing method for projection thereof A auto-focusing method for projection of a computing device with imaging function is illustrated. The computing device exemplarily includes a projection unit, an image receiving unit, and a processing unit. The method firstly controls the projection unit to project images on plural positions along an optical axis. The method then controls the image receiving unit to receive the images, which are regarded as candidate images, projected on the positions by the projection unit. The candidate images correspond to the projective positions. The method further receives the candidate images captured by the image receiving unit, and compute their definitions. Therefore, the image with a greatest definition may be acquired and regarded as a focus image. The focus image's corresponding position is a focus position. After acquiring the focus position, an image may be projected thereon. The illustrated computing device is enabled to complete the image focusing automatically.
US08419182B2	Glasses Glasses are disclosed. The glasses can improve fitting of a viewer.
US08419179B2	Methods for UV gel ink leveling and direct-to-substrate digital radiation curable gel ink printing, apparatus and systems having leveling member with a metal oxide surface A radiation curable gel ink leveling method for digital direct-to-substrate radiation curable gel ink printing includes depositing radiation curable gel ink directly onto a substrate, irradiating the gel ink to increase a viscosity of the gel ink, adding sacrificial release fluid to a hydrophilic leveling roll surface, the leveling roll surface including metal oxide, and leveling the ink with the leveling roll. UV gel ink printing systems and leveling apparatus include a leveling roll having a metal oxide surface suitable for use with water based release fluids that contain a surfactant and/or polymer.
US08419178B2	Ink-jet application method and display device producing method By using an ink-jet application method, a solid content having a desired thickness contained in an application solution is formed in a desired region of a substrate by repeating an applying process and a drying process more than once. In the applying process, the application solution is sprayed and applied on the substrate. In the drying process, the application solution is dried to generate the solid content.
US08419175B2	Printing system including filter with uniform pores A printing system includes a filter, a printhead including nozzles through which liquid is emitted, and a liquid supply system in liquid communication with the printhead through the filter. The filter, an electroformed metal structure, includes a plurality of first recesses, a plurality of second recesses, a plurality of first pores, and a plurality of second pores. Each of the plurality of first recesses includes a first recess diameter and a first recess center-to-center spacing relative to each other. Each of the plurality of second recesses includes a second recess diameter and a second recess center-to-center spacing relative to each other. Each of the plurality of first pores is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of first recesses and each of the plurality of second pores is in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of second recesses. In the filter, the first recess diameter is not equal to the second recess diameter and the first recess center-to-center spacing is not equal to the second recess center-to-center spacing.
US08419171B2	Columnar structure film and method of forming same, piezoelectric element, liquid ejection apparatus and piezoelectric ultrasonic oscillator The columnar structure film is formed on a surface of a substrate by vapor phase epitaxy, and is constituted of a plurality of columnar bodies extending in directions non-parallel to the surface of the substrate. In the columnar structure film, a relationship GSmax>2.0 GSmin is satisfied, where GSmax and GSmin are respectively a maximum value and a minimum value of average diameters of the columnar bodies taken in planes perpendicular to a thickness direction of the columnar structure film.
US08419169B2	Inkjet printhead and method employing central ink feed channel An inkjet printhead (100) and a method (200) of supplying viscous ink employ a central ink feed channel (130). The inkjet printhead (100) includes a bridge beam (110) that supports an ejector element (106), a pair of lateral ink feed channels (120) adjacent to the bridge beam (110), and a central ink feed channel (130) through the ejector element (106) and bridge beam (110). The pair of lateral ink feed channels (120) and the central ink feed channel (130) connect between an ink reservoir (140) below the bridge beam (110) and the bubble expansion chamber (104). The method (200) includes providing (210) a central ink feed channel in a bridge beam of a printhead and flowing (220) viscous ink from an ink reservoir through a combination of the provided central ink feed channel and a pair of lateral ink feed channels.
US08419166B2	Liquid discharge recording head The liquid jet recording head includes a recording element substrate provided with a discharge port, and an electrode portion receiving a signal for controlling the discharge of the liquid droplet from the discharge port; a flexible wiring member provided with an opening, a flying lead protruding from the peripheral edge of the opening, and a film covering a portion of the flying lead; a sealant covering an electrical connection between the electrode portion and the flying lead; and a supporting member to which the recording element substrate and the flexible wiring member are attached. The film overhangs along the extension direction of the flying lead to the recording element substrate from the peripheral edge of the opening to form a void between the side surface of the recording element substrate and the supporting member, thereby partitioning the void from the electrical connection.
US08419162B2	Inkjet recording apparatus An inkjet recording apparatus includes: (a) a recording head; (b) a cap movable along a movement path between an extracted position and a retracted position, such that the cap covers a nozzle-opening surface of the recording head, when being positioned in the extracted position, and such that cap is located in an adjacent space adjacent to the recording head without covering the nozzle-opening surface, when being positioned in the retracted position; (c) a guide movable between a closing position and an opening position. The guide guides the recording sheet to be conveyed through a sheet conveyance space, and closes the movement path of the cap, when being positioned in the closing position. The guide opens the movement path of the cap, when being positioned in the opening position. The guide is positioned in the opening position when the cap is moved between the extracted and retracted positions, and is positioned in the closing position when the cap is positioned in the retracted position.
US08419161B2	Non-contact method of removing flooded ink from printhead face A method of removing flooded ink from an ink ejection face of a printhead. The method comprises moving a surface past the ink ejection face and transferring the flooded ink onto the moving surface, where no part of the surface contacts the face. The surface can be a surface of a disposable sheet. The disposable sheet can be absorbent. The disposable sheet can be different from print media used for printing.
US08419159B2	Drop detection In one embodiment, a drop detector includes a light source for illuminating drops passing through a drop zone and a light detector near the light source for detecting light scattered off the drops back toward the light source. In another embodiment, a drop detector includes a light source operable to emit a beam of light for illuminating drops passing through a drop zone and a light detector positioned near the light source to detect substantially only light scattered off the drops at a scatter angle θ in the range of 177° to 180°, where θ represents a direction of scattered light measured with respect to an axis of the light beam with θ=0° lying along the axis in a direction of travel of the light beam and θ=180° lying along the axis opposite the direction of travel of the light beam.
US08419157B2	Apparatus for controlled freezing of melted solid ink in a solid ink printer An apparatus controls dissipation of heat from melted ink within a component storing melted ink within a solid ink imaging device. The apparatus includes a housing, a passage within the housing that is configured to store melted ink, and a temperature control connector mechanically coupled to the housing and passage, the temperature control connector being configured to mitigate void formation in melted ink as the melted ink cools in the passage.
US08419153B2	Ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet recording method When recording with the use of a multi-pass recording method, the order in which a specific ink and the other inks are applied in layers is controlled while preventing the multiple recording scans (passes) from becoming unnecessary uneven in terms of the ink recording permission ratio, and also, the ratio with which the specific ink is permitted to be applied to each unit pixel is determined for each recording scan (pass), based on the information (for example, CMYK information, RGB information, etc.) regarding the specific ink and the other inks, which are to be applied to each unit pixel. Therefore, it is possible to change the recording scan(s), to which the application of the specific ink is concentrated, based on the application conditions for the specific ink and the other inks, and therefore, it is possible to change the ratio with which the specific ink is applied before or after the other inks are applied. Therefore, it is possible to control the order in which the specific ink and the other inks are applied in layers.
US08419150B2	Inkjet printer employing ink circulation system An inkjet printer employing an ink circulation system includes an ink temperature adjusting unit configured to adjust temperatures of circulating ink. The ink temperature adjusting unit includes: a first temperature-adjusting path for cooling ink connected to a first ink circulation path and a second ink circulation path; and a second temperature-adjusting path for heating ink connected to the second ink circulation path separately from the first temperature-adjusting path, connected to the first ink circulation path while joining the first temperature-adjusting path, and having a larger flow path resistance than that of the first temperature-adjusting path at least on a side near the first ink circulation path.
US08419147B2	Fluid ejection device A fluid ejection device that ejects fluid from an ejection port includes: a drive element that ejects fluid in accordance with a difference between voltages applied to a first terminal and a second terminal; a drive voltage waveform storing unit that stores a drive voltage waveform applied to the drive element; a plurality of power supplies each having a different voltage; and a drive voltage waveform applying unit that applies the drive voltage waveform to the drive element by switching among the plurality of power supplies connected to the first and second terminals of the drive element.
US08419144B2	Media handling device for a printer An inkjet printing system includes a sensor positioned proximate a media transport path in an inkjet printing system, the sensor being configured to detect a media height exceeding a predetermined height with reference to the media transport path, and a controller associated with the inkjet printing system, the controller being configured to modify operation of the inkjet printing system in response to the sensor detecting a media height exceeding the predetermined height.
US08419139B2	Tank wheel assembly with wear resistant coating The present disclosure relates to tank wheel assembly systems, methods, and apparatus. In one embodiment, a tank wheel assembly includes a first wheel and a second wheel. A first face of the first wheel faces a second face of the second wheel. A guide tunnel is defined by at least a portion of the first face and at least a portion of the second face. The guide tunnel has outer surfaces and is configured to receive a center guide of a tank tread. The guide tunnel and center guide at least partially maintain the tank tread of the tank wheel assembly. A wear resistant coating is located on at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, restricts the center guide of the tank tread from abrading the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, and has a thickness of at least about 0.025 inch.
US08419136B2	Composite seat cushion and method of making same A cushion for a school bus seat can include a single piece of skinned foam including foam and a skin integrally bonded to the foam. The single piece of skinned form can include a cavity. The single piece of skinned foam can be configured to receive at least one of a substantially upright back portion of a school bus seat frame and a substantially horizontal seat portion of the school bus seat frame. The single piece of skinned foam can be configured to be disposed over and to cover at least one of the substantially upright back portion and the substantially horizontal seat portion.
US08419132B2	Swing chair A swing chair includes a base frame configured to rest on the floor and a support having a support surface arranged to support for instance a baby or a child, wherein the support is rotatably connected with the base frame by a bearing, wherein the axis of rotation of the bearing and the plane of the floor on which the base frame is arranged to rest are not mutually perpendicular.
US08419131B2	Seat with locking mechanism A seating apparatus has a seat with a seat frame, a backrest extending upwardly from said seat, a support mechanism mounted to the seat frame, a locking mechanism cooperative with the support mechanism, said a lock cooperative with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has an upper arm mounted rotationally to the seat frame and to the support mechanism. The lock is affixed to at least one of the first and second arms and extends outwardly of a side of the seat. The lock is suitable for locking a position of the arms and the seat frame.
US08419128B1	Car seat insert with elastic under-body panel An insert for positioning an infant in a car seat. The insert includes a head support section to support the baby's head on both sides. Connected to the head support section is a body support section with elongate side members connected by an elastic under-body support panel extending therebetween. This panel can be sewn to the side members or, even more preferably, can be attached by tubular sleeves that are slidably received on the side members of the body support section. In this way, the position of the panel can be adjusted along the length of the insert. Additionally, by rotating the side members, or the sleeves on the side members, the tension on the panel can be adjusted to increase or decease the tension, as desired, to create a swaddling effect under the infant. Alternately, the insert serves as an infant swing or carrier.
US08419126B2	Seat-back frame and vehicle seat A seat-back frame of a seat-back comprises at least a pair of right and left side frames, a pressure receiving member disposed between the side frames, and wires for connecting the pressure receiving member to the side frames, respectively; wherein the wire is connected to the side frames through link members which are operable relative to the side frames, respectively, and wherein the link members are so configured that the wire is urged toward a forward side of the seat-back frame by tension springs.
US08419125B2	Folding canopy chair A folding canopy chair includes a frame, a seat, a back, and arm rests. An umbrella is secured to the frame and is pivotal between an upright use position extending above the chair and a downward storage position adjacent the frame. The umbrella is pivotal about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis for selective positioning of the umbrella relative to the chair, so as to shade a person sitting in the chair from the sun. The umbrella may be non-symmetrical, and removably mounted on either the left or right side of the chair.
US08419123B2	Aircraft seat An aircraft seat has a chassis (21), fixed to a pallet which is fixed to the floor of the aircraft. The chassis has two load bearing sides (23) and opposite ends (24, 25). Fixed along the top edge of the sides (23) and facing outwards are pins (26) supporting bearing wheels (27). These on each side engage with a rectangular S form interconnection beam (28) having an inside groove (29) for receiving these wheels. On the outside, the beam has another groove (30) receiving similar wheels (31), on pins (32) fixed to the inside of side plates (41) of a sub-frame (42), these side plates being interconnected by front and rear beams (43, 44). Thus the sub-frame can move back and forth, with the wheels acting as rolling element bearings. The beams move half the distance of the sub-frame, in analogous manner to the bearing of filing cabinet drawers.
US08419119B2	Sunshade device A sunshade device includes a pair of shade guide rails across an indoor opening; a shade of which opposite side edges are guided by the shade guide rails; and a winding shaft rolling up the shade, wherein the opposite side edges of the shade are guided by the shade guide rails with the side edges being folded after a folding stroke whose folded width is gradually increased toward a front end of the shade when the shade is drawn out from the winding shaft, each of the opposite side edges of the shade is provided with a folded introduction part formed by folding a side edge portion of the shade and connecting the folded side edge portion to a main body portion of the shade, and the folded introduction part is formed in a predetermined length from the front end of the shade in an open/close direction of the shade.
US08419118B2	Adjustable modular roof for vehicles A canopy for electric vehicles is composed of extruded profiles containing shelves for placement of photovoltaic panels, inside ceiling, integrated gutter and curtain slides, and a special universal rail system which allows the canopy to be mounted on vehicles of different brands with different horizontal distances between the uprights supporting the canopy of this type of vehicles, where the design of the profiles, linking them together, a ceiling with inlaid metal lattice, together with photovoltaic panels and the uprights also offers a more effective protection against the harmful effects of lightning than the known types of canopies, and a special control box is utilized that allows photovoltaic panels to be connected in parallel which reduces the harmful effects of shade on the panels and maximises the energy that may be transferred to different and higher battery voltages.
US08419112B2	Vehicle pillar garnish Pillar garnish (20) has: a fixation section (52) integrally provided on its rear wall section (51) adjacent to a vehicle occupant's seat (30), the fixation section being mounted to a portion (28) of the pillar (11) facing the occupant's seat; and a swing preventing section (54) provided on a side wall section (53) of the garnish forwardly of the fixation section for preventing the garnish from swinging about the fixation section, the side wall section (53) extending from the rear wall section toward a front wall section of the pillar for covering the inner side surface (11a) of the pillar. The pillar is accommodated in an area (81) between a front edge portion (74) of the side wall section and the lateral outward end (51a) of the rear wall section with a closed-sectional-shape section (22) of the pillar sandwiched therebetween.
US08419110B2	Sidewall construction for trailer A sidewall construction arrangement for a trailer includes a plurality of upstanding panels. Each panel includes two opposing flanges. The flanges are disposed on opposing lateral edges of the panel. Adjacent flanges of two adjacent panels partially overlap each other. Each of a plurality of vertically oriented logistics posts includes two lateral margins. A first of the margins is attached to a respective first of the flanges of the two partially overlapping panels. A second of the margins of the post is attached to each of the first and second flanges of the two partially overlapping panels.
US08419105B2	Sunvisor for vehicle A sun visor for a vehicle has a sun visor body including a first shell and a second shell. The first shell includes a pin, and the second shell includes a boss having an insert hole. Further, a first reinforcing portion that extends in a given direction from at least one of the pin and the boss and a second reinforcing portion that extends in a direction intersecting with the direction of extension of the first reinforcing portion are provided.
US08419103B2	Panel assembly for a motor vehicle A panel assembly includes an audio panel and a finisher panel. The audio panel has a base portion, a support portion, and an accent portion. The accent portion is adjacent to the base portion and the support portion. The finisher panel is connected to the audio panel such that a lateral edge of the finisher panel is adjacent to the base portion of the audio panel, a side edge of the finisher panel is adjacent to the accent portion of the audio panel, and the support portion is concealed by the finisher panel.
US08419099B2	Vehicle body structure A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle body panel, a trim panel and a first mounting arrangement. The vehicle body panel includes interior and exterior attached panels. The exterior panel includes a base surface extending along a peripheral edge of the vehicle body panel and a mounting surface that is raised relative to an adjacent portion of the base surface. The mounting surface defines an aperture that extends to an opposite concave surface of the exterior panel. The base surface of the exterior panel abuts the interior panel along a majority of a perimeter of the mounting surface. The trim panel is coupled to the vehicle body panel. The first mounting arrangement couples the trim panel to the vehicle body panel and engages a periphery of the aperture through the mounting surface to at least partially retain the trim panel to the vehicle body panel in an installed position.
US08419098B1	Pool chlorine tablet holder Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a pool chlorine tablet holder includes moveable arms that are adjustable at both ends for symmetrically holding a chlorine tablet.
US08419094B2	Non-contact transport apparatus A non-contact transport apparatus includes a housing and a plate which is fitted into a circular recess formed at a central portion in a lower surface of the housing. The housing is formed in an octagonal shape corresponding to the shape of a workpiece to be transported. In the plate, a plurality of nozzles are arranged radially at equal angular intervals. The nozzles include first nozzle grooves and second nozzle grooves having cross sectional areas that are determined in proportion to distances between a principal side of the housing and the nozzle and between an oblique side of the housing and the nozzle for making the flow rates of the pressure fluid through the first nozzle groove and the second nozzle groove different.
US08419092B2	Food handling device An eating utensil design for providing comfortable control of certain food. A user of the utensil can grasp the utensil which has at least three digit elements for grasping food. An example of the three digit elements are in the form of three channeled compartments for receiving a person's fingers or digits. Any three fingers or digits can be used such as the thumb or the four other fingers. The most common implementation includes using the thumb in one channel, and the index finger and the middle finger in two opposing channels. Thus an eating utensil is provided that allows comfortable and efficient manipulation of food while shielding the fingers from sauces and that can be quickly and single-handedly grasped for use and released.
US08419090B2	Vehicular metal absorber, vehicular bumper system, automobile bumper absorber, and automobile bumper system A vehicular metal absorber for efficiently absorbing by a short stroke the impact energy received from legs of a pedestrian at the time of a collision between a pedestrian and an automobile, reducing the residual crush, and protecting the legs of the pedestrian, that is, a long vehicular metal absorber comprising a center flange, a top web and bottom web connected to the two sides of the center flange, a top flange connected to the top web, and a bottom flange connected to the bottom web and formed overall into a hat shaped cross-section, wherein an internal angle α1 formed by the top web with a flange plane including the top flange and bottom flange and an internal angle α2 formed by the bottom web with the flange plane are respectively over 0 degree to less than 90 degrees, and in that one or both of the top web and bottom web are provided with a recessed or projecting bead substantially parallel to a front-back direction of a vehicle.
US08419088B2	Latches and latching systems having a positive status indicator A status indicating latch comprises a housing having a flange, and the flange has a plurality of apertures transversing the flange. A plurality of attachment means attach the housing flange to a panel. The panel further comprises an activation tool port that an activation tool is inserted into. The activation tool rotates a rotatable lock mechanism disposed within the housing. The lock mechanism comprises a shaft, an activation tool engagement member, a plunger disposed within the shaft and connected to the activation tool engagement member, a cam operatively connected to said plunger, and a plunger biasing means that biases the plunger upwards when the lock mechanism is locked. A guide operatively connected to the cam operates upon a pivot arm that is pivotally connected to the housing and slidably connected to the guide.
US08419087B2	Mortise lock with dual reverse/lockout mechanism A mortise lock incorporating a modular powerpack with dual independent return mechanisms, one for the inside operator and one for the outside, using linear springs, and with a lockout feature for selective “locking out” of the return mechanisms to accommodate external operators with built-in powerpacks.
US08419085B2	Case locking device A case locking device is provided. For example, an outer case and an inner case used for various types of electronic devices, such as set-top boxes (STB), are connected by a lock using a resilient force from an elastic material, such as a spring, so that the outer case and the inner case may be separated from each other using only a separately provided jig. Accordingly, the outer case and the inner case may be connected to each other more easily and any general user may be prevented from separating the case arbitrarily, thus making it possible to effectively prevent catastrophic failures from occurring at the electronic device due to a user's arbitrary manipulation.
US08419082B2	Latching mechanism and computer chassis using the same A computer chassis includes a housing, a sideboard defining a latching hole, and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism includes a supporting assembly, a first latching member, a second latching member, a rotation shaft, an elastic member, and a pressing assembly. The supporting assembly is mounted in the housing. The first latching member includes a first gear portion and a first hook. The second latching member includes a second gear portion and a second hook. The rotation shaft passes through the second latching assembly and the first latching assembly and is partially received in the base. The gear is engaged with the first gear portion and the second gear portion. One end of the elastic member is secured to the first latching member, and an opposite end of the elastic member is secured to the second latching member. The pressing assembly is moveably connected to the rotation shaft.
US08419077B2	Self aligning coupling A self aligning coupling system for aligning one end of tubing to another end of tubing is disclosed. The self aligning coupling system can include a first coupling member which is engageable with a second coupling member, each coupling member being generally cylindrical and having a flange projecting axially from a first segment of a circumference thereof and a flange-free portion defined by a remainder of the circumference. The first and second coupling members are configured so that when the first coupling member is engaged with the second coupling member, the flange of the first coupling member contacts the flange-free portion of the second coupling member and the flange of the second coupling member contacts the flange-free portion of the first coupling member.
US08419074B2	Joint structure In a joint structure, a tube member having a polygonal cross-section can be joined to a flange surface by full penetration welding with good strength margin, without imparting unreasonable force to the weld portion. The joint structure comprises a polygonal cylindrical lower guide tube joined by butt welding to a surface of a middle flange having a through-hole of the same shape as the lower guide tube, wherein at the end of the lower guide tube, within the linear portions that constitute each of the sides of the lower guide tube, there exists a weld portion welded to the surface in at least one location and an unwelded portion located separately from the weld portion, and a level difference at least as large as a distance equivalent to the weld shrinkage of the weld portion is provided between the end positions of the weld portion of the unwelded portion.
US08419073B2	Fuel distributor assembly In a fuel distributor assembly having a manifold (10) and at least one connecting nipple (12), which is welded to the manifold, for connecting a branch pipe to a transverse bore (16) leading through the wall of the manifold (10), an outer side of the connecting nipple transitions into the outer side of the manifold via an annular groove (26) that at least partially surrounds the outer side of the connecting nipple and is formed into the outer side of the manifold.
US08419067B2	Extensible restraint strap for an occupant-restraint system in a vehicle An occupant-restraint system is provided for use in a vehicle. The system includes an extensible restraint strap and a mechanism for increasing the length of the extensible strap during sudden vehicle stoppage or slowdown.
US08419063B2	Convertible vehicle A convertible has at least one rollover protective structure, in particular a roll bar, which is extendable through an opening which is closable by a covering. In order to further optimize the opening movement of the covering during the extension of the rollover protective structure of the convertible, the covering is attached to a bodywork part with the aid of a multi-bar linkage which controls the opening movement of the covering.
US08419060B2	Side airbag system and method of manufacturing side airbag In a side airbag system (10), a tether portion (22), which serves as a partition between an upper bag portion (16) and a lower bag portion (18), is formed of upper regions (34U) of a piece of lower base fabric (34), and is formed by sewing the upper regions (34U) of the lower base fabric (34), folded toward a vehicle front side along a fold axis, together. In addition, a tube (24) that distributes inflation gas between the upper bag portion (16) and the lower bag portion (18) extends through the tether portion (22) to the lower bag portion (18) and to the upper bag portion (16). The tube (24) is formed into a cylindrical shape in such a manner that a piece of tube base fabric (36) is sewed to the upper regions (34U) of the lower base fabric (34) and folded toward a vehicle front side along the fold axis and then front ends (36F) of the folded tube base fabric are sewed together in a tube longitudinal direction.
US08419048B2	Airbag device An airbag device installed into an instrument panel including a lid portion configured to be torn and a lid-side peripheral wall portion provided to stand on an outer periphery of the lid portion. The airbag device includes: an inflator; an airbag so as to be inflated and deployed in a bag shape by the gas introduced from the inflator; and an outer bag formed of a sheet-like member to be sewn into a three-dimensional shape having an outer-bag-side bottom and an outer-bag-side peripheral wall portion provided on an outer periphery of the outer-bag-side bottom, the outer-bag-side bottom being secured to the inflator, the outer-bag-side peripheral wall portion surrounding the folded airbag and being disposed so as to be sandwiched between the airbag being inflated and deployed and the lid-side peripheral wall portion.
US08419044B2	Winter sports gear comprising runners Winter sports gear, particularly an ice skate, include runners to which a sliding blade (3) is detachably connected. The sliding surface (1) of the sliding blade (3) is provided with at least one, in this case three, profiled grooves (4) that extend in the direction of travel. Bulge-type dams (5) extend on both sides of the profiled grooves (4).
US08419041B2	Hitch A hitch, which can be rigidly yet removably attached to a vehicle-mounted sleeve, comprises a longitudinally extending member which is configured to slide into the sleeve and which locks therewith with a transverse locking device in a conventional manner. The member is divided into two sections along a plane which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member. The sections are connected together by a bolt threading into one section while being operable from the outside of the other section. Due to the inclined plane separating both sections, tightening of the bolt causes the sections to slide in opposite directions within the sleeve until they abut and press on opposite inner walls of the sleeve, thereby eliminating play between the member and sleeve. The hitch is conceived such to prevent a user to drive without the locking device in place.
US08419040B2	Tow hook support device for vehicle A tow hook support device for a vehicle, includes a vehicle structural member having a tubular shaped sidewall, and integrally provided to a vehicle body in a posture such that an axial direction of the tubular shaped sidewall coincides with a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a nut member integrally fixed to a tip of the vehicle structural member so as to be extended parallel to the axial direction of the tubular shaped sidewall, to which a tow hook is screwed and detachably fitted, the tow hook support device comprises, multiple grooves formed in the tubular shaped sidewall of the vehicle structural member so as to be positioned around an axis O of the tubular shaped sidewall and extended in the axial direction, by bending portions of the sidewall, and the nut member being arranged at a position in the tubular shaped sidewall and further inward than the multiple grooves so as to be coaxial with the axis O or extended parallel to the axis O, and being integrally fixed to the multiple grooves.
US08419033B2	Stabilizer device and method of manufacturing same A stabilizer apparatus includes: a stabilizer which has a torsion portion and arm portions extending from both end portions of the torsion portion so as to have an approximate U-shape; a bush which is provided at both the end portions of the torsion portion and is used for fixing the stabilizer to a vehicle body; and a movement stopper member which is made of resin, has a contact portion contacting the bush, and is integrally molded to the torsion portion so as to cover overall periphery of predetermined range of the torsion portion in an axial direction thereof, wherein a concavo-convex structure engaging with the movement stopper member is provided on a peripheral surface of the torsion portion. The reliability can be improved by preventing of the movement of the bush.
US08419029B2	Heavy-duty axle/suspension system An air-ride beam-type axle/suspension system for a heavy-duty vehicle with a gross axle weight rating of greater than 23,000 lbs./axle includes a pair of transversely spaced beams. Each one of the beams includes inboard and outboard sidewalls. A large diameter axle extends between and is rigidly connected to the beams via a pair of axle-to-beam connections. Each one of the axle-to-beam connections includes a sleeve having an increased thickness rigidly connected to the axle and the beam. Each sleeve is formed with at least a front and a rear window located between the beam sidewalls. The inboard and/or outboard edges of the sleeve windows are spaced relatively far from the beam sidewalls. The sleeve windows are asymmetrically angled with respect to the horizontal centerline of the axle at design ride height. The axle/suspension system reduces weight while maintaining desired stiffness and durability of the axle/suspension system.
US08419027B2	Steering apparatus for a vehicle having two front wheels A steering apparatus includes a first joint disposed on a control rod that extends rotatably through a head tube, two second joints disposed respectively on two suspension units, and two connecting bars each connected between the first joint and a respective one of the second joints. The first joint includes a seat disposed fixedly on the control rod, at least one first rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the seat about the central axis of the first rotating member, and at least one second rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the first rotating member about the central axis of the second rotating member. The axes of the first and second rotating members of the first joint are perpendicular to each other.
US08419026B2	Reinforced skateboard deck A reinforced skateboard deck adapted to connect to a set of trucks and wheels to form a skateboard for riding with the deck having a reinforced region constructed to resist rupturing of the deck and a protective side barrier constructed to prevent wear of the reinforced region during use.
US08419025B2	Infant carrier apparatus An infant carrier apparatus comprises a support frame, a handle pivotally coupled with the support frame, and a safety lock. The support frame can include first and second frame portions pivotally coupled each other, whereby the first frame portion can rotate relative to the second frame portion between collapsed and deployed states. The handle can rotate relative to the support frame between two positions of opposite inclinations. The safety lock is assembled between the handle and the first frame portion, and is triggered by a rotational movement of the handle to lock the first and second frame portion. The safety lock is unlocked to allow relative rotation between the first and second frame portion when the handle is in the first position. The safety lock rotationally locks the first and second frame portion when the handle is in the second position.
US08419023B1	Trash carryall with removable cylinder A trash carryall with removable cylinder that includes a wheeled carryall operable independent of a removable cylinder, said cylinder insertable into the carryall and securable therein by means of a first and a second hole disposed within the carryall which superimpose a left and a right hole respectively, said left and right hole disposed within the removable cylinder, to store and transport trash, and other household items common to the yard; which cylinder is removable as preferred to readily access trash and items stored proximal a base of the carryall without upending the device.
US08419022B2	Motor vehicle wheel mounting comprising a binary actuator for adjusting the angular position of the plane of a wheel A motor vehicle wheel set-up via a wheel holder is provided, which wheel holder is associated with the vehicle via at least one pivot in such a way that the plane of the wheel can exhibit first and second angular running positions. The set-up further has a binary actuator that has a fixed component and a moving component capable of translational movement with respect to the fixed component, moving component being secured to the wheel holder and the actuator comprising a device for the binary control of the moving member placing it in one of two stable states each allowing the wheel holder to be moved into an angular position corresponding to one angular position of the wheel plane.
US08419021B2	Ring seal with insert One embodiment of a seal includes a body portion, a skirt portion, and an insert. The body portion is composed of a first material. The skirt portion extends from the body portion and is also composed of the first material. The skirt portion has an inboard leg and an outboard leg that move toward each other upon collapse in use. The insert is carried by the body portion and is composed of a second material which is more rigid than the first material.
US08419016B2	Playing card delivery for games with multiple dealing rounds An electromechanical card-handling apparatus and method creates or generates a plurality of sets of cards from a group of unshuffled cards wherein each set contains a predetermined number of randomly selected or arranged cards. Sets of cards are provided in a step-wise fashion, with first initial cards provided and then subsequent cards provided in a single step or in multiple steps in a preprogrammed mariner. The apparatus is controlled by a programmable microprocessor and may be monitored by a plurality of sensors and limit switches. The apparatus can be programmed for the number of players, the number of cards to be provided in each segment of play, and the dealing intervals among the various segments of card delivery and play.
US08419015B2	Image recording device An image recording device includes a first roller, a plurality of second rollers, a tray, and a recording portion. The tray includes a pair of thick-walled sections, a thin-walled section, and an accommodation portion. The pair of thick-walled sections extends in a lengthwise direction and protrudes from the first surface. The thin-walled section is positioned between the pair of thick-walled sections. The thin-walled section is thinner than the pair of thick-walled sections in a thickness direction of the tray. The accommodation portion is formed by a recess in the thickness direction in the thin-walled section. When the first roller and the plurality of second rollers nip the tray therebetween, the first surface of the tray does not contact any of the first roller or the plurality of second rollers, except at the pair of thick-walled sections of the tray.
US08419014B2	Image reading apparatus, multifeed determining method, and multifeed determining program An image reading apparatus includes a multifeed detecting mechanism including an ultrasonic sensor, and a control unit. The control unit includes (i) a detecting unit that detects an attached portion on a paper from an output of the ultrasonic sensor for the paper fed, and (ii) a determining unit that ignores, when it is detected as “Occurrence of multifeed” by the multifeed detecting mechanism and if an amount of variation in the output within the attached portion detected by the detecting unit is equal to or more than a first predetermined value, a result of detection as the occurrence of multifeed by the multifeed detecting mechanism, and determines the detection as “No multifeed”.
US08419013B2	Sheet aligning device and image forming apparatus including the same A disclosed sheet aligning device includes a sheet conveyance path; a detecting unit configured to detect a side edge of a sheet being conveyed in the sheet conveyance path; a stopper provided on an upstream side of the detecting unit and configured to open/close in such a manner as to allow/prevent passage of the sheet through the sheet conveyance path and to position a leading edge of the sheet being conveyed in the sheet conveyance path; a first conveying unit provided on an upstream side of the stopper, the first conveying unit including a pair of first rollers configured to come in contact with/separate from each other; a second conveying unit provided on an upstream side of the first conveying unit, the second conveying unit including a pair of second rollers configured to come in contact with/separate from each other; and a horizontal movement unit configured to move the pair of first rollers in an axial direction of the first rollers based on a detection result output by the detecting unit.
US08419011B2	Dispensing value sheet store A value sheet store from which value sheets may be dispensed. The value sheet store includes a housing having an aperture from which value sheets are dispensed, and a shutter operable to block the aperture. The aperture may be at least partially defined by at least one roller. The shutter may be formed to interleave with the aperture to block the aperture. The shutter may also be formed to interleave with the roller. The value sheet store may be adapted to be removably engageable with a value sheet transporter for transporting sheets to or away from the store. The value sheet store may be configured so that the shutter blocks the aperture when the value sheet store blocks the aperture when the value sheet store and the transporter are not engaged and unblock the shutter when the value sheet store and the transporter are engaged.
US08419009B2	Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus using the same A sheet feeder includes a sheet stacking unit that stacks sheets, a sheet feeding unit that sequentially feeds the uppermost sheet of a stack of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking unit, an airflow supply unit that supplies an airflow to a side surface of the stack of sheets from an opening, a shield member that is disposed between the opening and the stack of sheets and a mechanism that changes the airflow from the airflow supply unit with respect to a stacking direction of the sheets by changing a relative position between the opening and the shield member in a direction other than the stacking direction of the sheets.
US08419005B2	Banknote handling apparatus There is provided a paper sheet handling apparatus capable of processing a deviated banknote in a banknote storage bin so as to displace the banknote to an optional position. The banknote handling apparatus incorporates a deviation processing means making contact with at least one side of a banknote in a paper sheet storage bin in which banknotes are stacked one upon another, for applying a force to the banknote at least in a direction of deviation of the banknote. The deviation processing means falls, during operation thereof, either in a condition in which it makes contact with a paper sheet in the paper sheet storage bin or in a condition in which it does not make contact therewith.
US08419002B2	High speed interfolder separator An interfolder separator apparatus and method utilize a pair of count fingers that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to a stream of folded sheets, for temporarily supporting each successive pack formed by the separator and then releasing each successive pack when partly completed to alternating build fingers, so that the operation of separating successive packs from one another is performed separately from the operations of completing the build of each pack and transporting the completed packs to downstream operations. The count fingers may be mounted to pivot about axes that are movable longitudinally along and transversely to the stream of sheets. A first or last panel of the completed pack may also be folded back partly upon itself, after the partly completed pack is released by the count fingers. Some or all of the fingers may be spring loaded and automatically resettable for clearing jams.
US08418998B2	Damper and vehicle seat having the damper A damper includes a vessel; a partitioning member which partitions the interior of the vessel into two chambers for accommodating a viscous fluid, and which rotates together with the vessel in a direction and is movable in an axial direction; a moving force imparting structure for imparting to the partitioning member a moving force in a direction by the input of rotation in a direction; a resilient structure for resiliently urging the partitioning member in a direction; a through hole for allowing the chambers inside the vessel to communicate with each other; and an allowing/limiting member which allows the viscous fluid to flow reciprocally between the chambers through the through hole, and which limits the flow of the viscous fluid in one chamber into the other chamber in the direction through the through hole.
US08418997B2	Extendable support column A support column apparatus for supporting and moving a portion of a building, and having a base column of square tubular cross section, a top extension column of square tubular cross section sliding within the base column, an hydraulic cylinder within the base column, a piston and a piston rod extendable into the said top extension column, and, a hydraulic connection to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder.
US08418995B2	Sanitary fitting with limitation of water flow A sanitary fitting includes a fitting housing; a cartridge disposed in a recess of the fitting housing, the cartridge having a control arm which, for an adjustment of a temperature of water, is rotatable about a rotation axis of the cartridge and, for an adjustment of water flow, is pivotable about a pivot axis running at right angles to the rotation axis, between an off setting and a maximum setting; an actuating lever disposed on the control arm, the actuating lever rotating and pivoting the control arm; and a cap covering the recess and the cartridge, the cap limiting a pivot motion of the actuating lever, and thus of the control arm, between the off setting and the maximum setting in an economy setting.
US08418993B2	System and method of touch free automatic faucet A system and method of Touch Free Automatic faucet controlled by electronic sensors provides a Primary-Water-Flow-Mode, a Continue-Water-Flow-Mode, a Temperature-Control-Mode, a Faucet-Pause-Mode, an Adjust-Water-Flow-Mode and a Flow-Temperature-Default-Setting-Mode for users to control faucet water flow and water temperature without touching any parts of faucet body. The system comprises at least three electronic sensors (infrared sensors), a logical processor circuit board, an electricity power supply package, a water flow control valve assembly, a temperature control valve assembly, at least one faucet body housing and at least one inlet fluid line. From the outputs of the sensors, the logical processor responds to the flow control valve assembly and to the temperature control valve assembly to control water flow and temperature to the faucet spout. This Touch Free Automatic faucet hence provides an easy-convenient operation, water conservation and personal hygiene protection for commercial and residential applications.
US08418991B2	Faucet valve with safety handle A faucet for controlling the dispensing of liquids including a valve element movable from a first position for blocking flow between an inlet and outlet to a second position for permitting flow between the inlet and the outlet. An insert member is rotatably connected to a bonnet and defines an opening through which a stem extends. The insert member is located with no portion being clamped between the bonnet and a valve body. An actuator handle assembly includes a lever pivotally connected to an end of the stem and a cam actuator connected to the lever. The cam actuator moves between an engaged position in which movement of the lever is effective to move the valve element from its first position to its second position and a disengaged position in which movement of the lever is ineffective to move the valve element from its first position to its second position.
US08418990B2	Magnetic valve actuator for container filling machine Disclosed are valve actuator assemblies for high speed bottle filling machines. These actuators have a shaft that is pivotable on its longitudinal axis, a linkage fork connected to the shaft to pivot therewith, and a follower arm coupled by a magnetic coupling to the shaft. The magnetic coupling helps reduce carbon dioxide leakage. There may also be a second set of magnets which define pivoting dwell positions.
US08418989B2	Pressure-balanced choke system Disclosed are a fluid control system and method of controlling operating pressures within a fluid system, where the fluid control system includes a choke assembly, a pressure generating device, and a linear motor. The choke assembly may include a housing and a choke member adapted for movement in the housing, controlling the flow of a fluid from an inlet passage to an outlet passage. The fluid applies a force on a first end of the choke member. The pressure generating device may be fluidly connected to a chamber and may contain a control fluid that applies a first force on a second end of the choke member. The linear motor may apply a second force on the second end of the choke member. The difference between the forces applied to the first and second ends of the choke member may affect the movement of the choke member in the housing.
US08418987B2	Display apparatus A work to replace a display panel body is facilitated. A display apparatus includes a display panel unit (20) having a display panel body (22) that displays an image, and a panel supporting member (40) that is attached to the display panel unit (20) and that supports the display panel unit (20), wherein the display panel unit (20) has handles (36 to 39), and the handles (36 to 39) are at least partially exposed outside of the panel supporting member (40).
US08418983B2	Slider clip and photovoltaic structure mounting system 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.
US08418981B1	Hugger fan twist-lock mechanism and method Mechanisms, devices, apparatus, systems and methods of installing ceiling fan motor housings to ceiling mounted plates without using loose fasteners such as screws, and the like. A plate having a plurality of slots about the perimeter can be pre-mounted to a ceiling. A motor housing having clips on interior perimeter edges of the base can be positioned so that the clips are inserted into the slots. Next, the motor housing can be twisted clockwise until the clips lock to the slots allowing the ceiling fan motor to be hung without any loose fasteners. The twist-lock eliminates unsightly fasteners, such as screws underneath the housing, quickens installation time, and is easier and safer than traditional ceiling fan installation techniques.
US08418980B2	Suspending unit and medium holding member used for the same A suspending unit and a medium holding member used therefor, which suspending unit enables the installation and removal operations of information displaying medium to be easily carried out even when the suspending unit is placed on a base such as an unreachable ceiling or wall, and can also firmly hold the information displaying medium.
US08418977B2	Attachable holder for items Provided herein is an item holder assembly that includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the assembly to an object such as a laptop computer, an item support or holder, and a member for connecting the attachment mechanism to the item holder or support.
US08418976B1	Sheet mounting apparatus One or more mounting members are slidably mounted along the strap by threading the strap through a plurality of slits, typically a pair, in each mounting member. The mounting members can be flexible or inflexible, and formed from a variety of materials, such as metals, plastics or a composite material. Each mounting member can additionally include one or more wings, typically a pair, which allows the user to easily slide the mounting member along the strap. A user can grasp a wing to lift an edge of the mounting member away from the strap and then insert one or more sheets between the mounting member and the strap. Once the user releases the wing, the mounting member is urged toward the strap, creating sufficient pressure to hold the inserted sheet in place.
US08418975B1	Curtain rod bracket assembly A bracket assembly is disclosed which includes an integrated first and second “L” shaped bracket for attachment to a window molding. The first bracket includes a substantially horizontal mounting plate and orthogonally disposed side member. A plurality of mounting pins are integrally disposed on the first bracket horizontal mounting plate for engagement into the top of a window molding. One side of the orthogonally disposed side member rests against the side of the molding. The opposite side of the orthogonally disposed side member includes a second “L” shaped bracket attached thereto having an outward projecting support bar for engagement of one end of a curtain rod. The second “L” shaped bracket further includes a rear brace flush with the mounting surface wall, orthoganally disposed in relation to the support bar, and affixed at its side edge to the opposite side of the first bracket orthogonally disposed side member.
US08418972B2	Attachment device An attachment device includes: an attachment attachable to a rack; and a bracket attachable to a switch device and engageable with the attachment, and including a hold portion for holding a cable, wherein the attachment attached to the rack is engaged with the bracket attached to the switch device, whereby the switch device is supported by the rack.
US08418970B2	Swing nose crossing A swing nose crossing has the swing nose housed in an insert component which itself is mounted within the wing rails of the swing nose crossing. The cradle provides the lateral faces against which the swing nose abuts.
US08418969B2	Split sector gear A sector gear split into sections for secure engagement around a tripper shaft, allowing the gear to be replaced in less time, by a smaller crew, and with fewer tools.
US08418961B2	Device for supporting a door which is pivotably received in a fuselage airframe of an aircraft The invention relates to a device for supporting a door which is pivotably received in a fuselage airframe of an aircraft, with a counter bearing arranged in the region of a doorframe and a thrust bearing located opposite in the region of the door.According to the invention, the counter bearing has a planar counter bearing surface and the thrust bearing has a mounting in which a planar thrust bearing surface which can tilt about at least one spatial axis is received, the counter bearing surface lying against the thrust bearing surface at least in some regions when the door is closed.Because of the thrust bearing surface which can be tilted in at least one spatial direction, the counter bearing always lies against the thrust bearing over the entire surface areas thereof, irrespective of any manufacturing tolerance deviations between the doorframe and the door or the bearing on the fuselage airframe, in such a way that optimal force transfer is ensured.The device according to the invention is provided in particular for use in fuselage airframe with doors received therein which are primarily produced from composite materials, in particular with carbon-fiber-reinforced (CFRP) or glass-fiber-reinforced plastics materials.
US08418957B2	Crash attenuation system for aircraft A crash attenuation system for an aircraft, the system having an airbag carried by the aircraft and inflatable generally adjacent an exterior of the aircraft. The airbag has at least one vent for releasing gas from the interior of the airbag. A gas source is in fluid communication with the interior of the airbag for inflating the airbag with gas generated provided by the gas source. A vent valve is provided for controlling a flow of gas through each vent, each vent valve being selectively configurable between an open state, in which gas can pass through the associated vent from the interior of the airbag, and a closed state, in which gas is retained within the interior of the airbag. The gas source is provided for at least partially re-inflating the airbag after venting of gas through the at least one vent.
US08418955B2	Control system for a hydraulically actuatable horizontal stabilizer and test method for testing the integrity of a control system An actuation system includes: two hydraulic actuators, each being coupled to a load-bearing structural component and to an elevator, and displaceable relative to the load-bearing structural component for the operation of the elevator; a first control valve device to control the first actuator; a second control valve device to control the second actuator; a control and monitoring unit that determines and transmits appropriate command signals to the control valve devices to execute appropriate control movements for the operation of the actuators; a locking device coupled to the first actuator to secure the first actuator a locked state, which is hydraulically connected with the first hydraulic system and the second hydraulic system via an hydraulic OR-circuit, where in normal operation the locking mechanism is in its unlocked state, and in the event of a failure of both hydraulic systems the locking mechanism secures the first actuator.
US08418952B2	Lenticular airship An airship may include a hull substantially shaped as an oblate spheroid, one or more frame members defining a support structure, wherein the support structure forms at least a partial support for the hull, at least one horizontal stabilizing member operably coupled to a lower surface of the airship, and at least one horizontal stabilizing member having a first end and a second end. The at least one horizontal stabilizing member may define an anhedral configuration. The airship may also include a vertical stabilizing member having a first end pivotally coupled to the airship and a second end oriented to remain below an upper surface of the airship. The vertical stabilizing member may be configured to pivot within a vertical plane, and the first end of the vertical stabilizing member and the first end of the at least one horizontal stabilizing member may be operably coupled to one another.
US08418951B2	Spool for winding metallic wire A spool for winding metallic wire, comprising a tubular body for supporting the coil of wire that is provided, at ends thereof, with wall elements, each wall element comprising a flat flange with a stiffening fold at the outer edge, jointly connected by welding to the corresponding end of the tubular body, and a flat complementary flange, seamed by spot welding to the outer surface of the flange, at least one pawl being jointly connected to the complementary flange of at least one wall element.
US08418939B2	Shower having a shower area changed with variation of water pressure A shower having a shower area changed with variation of water pressure includes: a holding unit, in which a water channel is designed and a feed-water valve is added on the top of the water channel; a spraying water unit, which is sealed with the holding unit, comprising at least two spraying water groups that are a main spraying water group and at least one branch spraying water group; and at least one movable unit, whose number is equal with the number of branch spraying water groups, assembled with the branch spraying water groups in one to one correspondence. In order to change the shower area, we could regulate the opening and closing of the feed-water valve to control water pressure.
US08418938B2	Shower head having a larger flushing angle A shower head includes a nozzle, a connector mounted on an open top of the nozzle, a fastening member secured on the open top of the nozzle and abutting the connector to limit the connector on the nozzle, and a bushing mounted in the connector. Thus, when the water flows through the shower head, the ambient air is introduced through the connector and the bushing to break the vacuum state in the shower head and to perturb the water flow in the shower head so as to produce a turbulent flow in the shower head so that the water flow injected from the nozzle is broken and divided into multiple straight water beams and multiple irregular water bubbles so as to increase the flushing angle and area of the shower head.
US08418936B2	Spray apparatus with releasable bottle A sprayer and a releasable bottle are provided. The sprayer includes a main housing having a pump and a nozzle coupled in a material flow path. The housing further includes a bottle receptacle and a bottle adapter, which is fluidically coupled to the material flow path and has a lower, sealing surface and a lower fitting. An adapter spring applies a downward displacement force to the bottle adapter. The bottle is insertable into the bottle receptacle through an opening in the receptacle and has a top, which engages the lower sealing surface when inserted fully into the receptacle. The bottle includes a tube adapter that mates with the lower fitting and is coupled to a tube carried within the bottle. A latch retains the bottle in the receptacle in a latched state and releases the bottle from the receptacle in a released state.
US08418934B2	System and method for miniaturization of synthetic jets A micro-electromechanical (MEM) synthetic jet actuator includes a semiconductor substrate having a cavity extending therethrough, such that a first opening is formed in a first surface of the semiconductor substrate and such that a second opening is formed in a second surface of the semiconductor substrate. A first flexible membrane is formed on at least a portion of the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and extends over the first opening. The first flexible membrane also includes an orifice formed therein aligned with the first opening. The MEM synthetic jet actuator also includes a second flexible membrane that is formed on at least a portion of the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and that extends over the second opening, and a pair of actuator elements coupled to the flexible membranes and aligned with the cavity to selectively cause displacement of the first and second flexible membranes.
US08418930B2	Temperature control circuit The temperature control circuit, to keep a temperature of an enclosed space within a temperature range, comprises a cooling unit to keep the temperature of the enclosed space below a maximum temperature of the temperature range, a heating unit to keep the temperature of the enclosed space above the minimum temperature of the temperature range, and an indicating unit to indicate whether the temperature is within the temperature range.
US08418929B2	Temperature controlling apparatus and temperature controlling method The present invention relates to a temperature controlling apparatus and the temperature controlling method which can arrest foaming and inflation of the air contained in a liquid, and can perform temperature controlling of a liquid of high reliance, and the present invention is constructed to have one or a plurality of sets of nozzles which can suck and discharge a liquid through a tip, and can retain the sucked liquid, a suction and discharge mechanism which can suck and discharge a gas via the each nozzle, a temperature regulator which can maintain one or two or more set predetermined temperatures for a predetermined time regarding one or two or more predetermined temperature controlling regions set in the each nozzle, a movement mechanism which allows relative movement between one or two or more containers which can accommodate a liquid and a nozzle, and a controlling part which instructs the movement mechanism, the suction and discharge mechanism or the temperature regulator to adjust a liquid to be sucked into the nozzle and a liquid amount thereof, a position of the sucked liquid in the nozzle, and temperature controlling of the liquid.
US08418921B2	Apparatus and process for identifying object The invention relates to an apparatus (10) and a corresponding process for identifying an object (20) with an article dependently upon a piece of barcode information detected from a barcode (30) with which the object (20) is identified. Here a number of article numbers are stored in a memory (60) which are assigned, on the one hand, to a number of articles and on the other hand to a number of different article number types. According to the invention, the piece of barcode information detected is compared with article numbers stored in the memory (60) dependently upon a specified sequence of article number types. In the case of the piece of barcode information detected corresponding with one of the stored article numbers, the object (20) is identified with the article assigned to this article number.
US08418919B1	Apparatus and method for mobile checkout In one example, a portable device having a camera downloads checkout software. The camera is then used to capture images of indicia associated with products in a store, such as bar codes. The portable device incrementally transmits messages to a remote server over a packet data connection of the portable device as the portable device moves through the store based on the captured images. The portable device then transmits a message requesting checkout to the remote server, and in response to receiving a reply to the message requesting checkout, causes a checkout price associated with purchasing the products to be displayed on a display of the portable device.
US08418918B2	System and method for secure transactions manageable by a transaction account provider A system and method for securing a financial transaction using a proxy code, which is assigned a transaction account number. An account issuer permanently assigns the proxy code to a transaction account correlated to the transaction device. The proxy code is uploaded onto the transaction device for later use in completing a transaction request. During transaction completion, the proxy code is provided to a merchant system in lieu of any sensitive account information. Since the proxy code is permanently assigned, the number need not be changed or updated on the merchant system once uploaded into a payment device or merchant database. The account issuer may manipulate the sensitive account information without need to alter the information stored on the merchant database. Since the proxy code contains no sensitive information, the sensitive information related to the transaction account is secured from theft.
US08418917B1	Banking machine controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The machine also includes a PIN keypad. The card reader can send encrypted card data to the keypad. The keypad can decipher the encrypted card data. The keypad can encrypt both deciphered card data and a received user PIN. The card data and the PIN are usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account.
US08418914B2	Method and system for identifying and tracking reusable packing crates A method and system is provided for permanently and visibly marking reusable packing crates with a unique mark and using the mark to identify and track the crate in a manufacturing environment. The mark can include a two-dimensional barcode comprised of holes drilled through one or more sidewalls of the crate to produce a unique and permanent pattern for identification. The code can be used to identify a crate uniquely and to assign waypoint data, process management data and content data that can be stored in a computer database. The data can be used for tracking information capabilities and business intelligence in and for manufacturing management systems.
US08418913B2	Method and apparatus for generating and using an options enablement sheet to activate options on an image production device A method and apparatus for generating an options enablement sheet to activate options for an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a request to generate an options enablement sheet, receiving options enablement and image production device information, encoding the options enablement and image production device information into one or more machine-readable markings, generating an options enablement sheet that includes the one or more machine-readable markings, receiving a transmission mode selection, and transmitting the options enablement sheet to a user of the image production device using the selected transmission mode. The options enablement sheet may be received by a user and scanned by the image production device to activate the options.
US08418911B2	Method for the miniaturizable contacting of insulated wires The invention allows for the contacting of preferably microcomponents using electrical wires. By growing metallic microdepositions on cut surfaces of microcables, a contact region is generated which simplifies the dosing and application of a contact auxiliary and allows ultrasonic bonding, comprising a defined size of the electrically conductive area and allowing the contacting of very stably insulated wires. The application of this method in a panelized manner and in series is inexpensive.
US08418906B2	Locking shipping wedge A locking shipping wedge is provided and generally includes a body portion having an elongate transverse member projecting from the body portion which is engageable with a drive assembly of a loading unit. A locking mechanism is provided on the body portion of the shipping wedge which is engageable with locking structure movably mounted within the loading unit.
US08418903B2	Staple refill, stapler, and cartridge A refill for staples, which can not be removed from a cartridge unless all sheet-type connected staples in a stapler body are delivered. A refill for staples is installed in a detachable manner in a stapler body, and includes a refill body which holds the sheet-type connected staples, and a pressing member which presses the sheet-type connected staples. A delivery port delivering the sheet-type connected staples and a locking plate provided with a locking section which locks a locked section in the stapler body are formed in the refill body. When the sheet-type connected staples are pressed, the pressing member is engaged with the locking plate not to allow rotation of the locking plate, and, when the sheet-type connected staples are not pressed, the pressing member is disengaged from the locking plate to allow rotation of the locking plate. Thereby, the locking section of the locking plate can be removed from the locked section in the stapler body.
US08418900B1	Wearable apparatus for providing support for articles An apparatus that can be worn by a user and is capable of holding one or more articles, including but not limited to cameras, video recorders, rifles, pistols, binoculars, mobile phones, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, portable personal music players, combinations thereof, and the like.
US08418899B1	Fishing pole holder harness A fishing pole holder harness including an adjustable waist strap, adjustable shoulder straps, an adjustable front chest strap and first rear strap attached to the shoulder straps. The waist and shoulder straps and the front and first rear straps are formed of high-strength 2-inch and 1-inch webbing, respectively. Each of the waist and front chest straps has a centrally disposed buckle. Attachment means for fishing accessories include grommets disposed on the waist strap; a second attachment body, which is a buckle female portion, disposed on each of the shoulder straps above the front chest strap; and a D-ring attached to a securement strap having an opposite buckle male portion removably attached to a lower end of each second attachment body. At least one hollow cylindrical holder tube is attached to the shoulder straps rearward side. A tackle box is alternately removably attached to the second attachment body.
US08418898B2	Harness for power tool having a pole A harness (10) for reducing the load on the arms of operator working with a pole saw or pole hedge trimmer at operating positions at angles particularly between 10 to 105 degrees from a vertical line, in which the power tool (1) is suspended in a strap (31) extending from a front portion (12) of the harness (10), through at least one fairlead (6) provided on the power tool (1) and to a rear portion (11) of the harness (10). The strap (31) is included in a tool balancer (30), which includes a spring loaded reel (32) for the strap (31) and is attached to or preferably integrated with a chest plate/buckle (14) in the harness (10), and which permits locking of the reel (32). The at least one fairlead (6) includes a hook (8) for easy hooking of the power tool (1) onto the strap (31) and unhooking of the same therefrom.
US08418895B2	Holding devices, pieces and systems Scented holding device systems, attacher systems, including attachment piece systems and attachment piece part systems, and devices used in the systems, including hangers. Scented hangers with widened shoulder areas, top oval area and center bar, and side hooks.
US08418891B1	Powered dispenser with interchangeable cartridges An electric or battery powered dispenser comprising a multi-mode motor control system comprising a plurality of different user selected dispensing control modes for dispensing a wide variety of semi-soft materials. The powered dispenser is held in one hand and dispenses the material in accordance with a user selected one of the plurality of different user selected dispensing control modes. The powered dispenser features a quick-change cartridge system, which allows the user to quickly and easily change cartridges, which can be refilled or pre-filled with the material of the user's choice, without having to clean out the barrel. The dispenser can be used in many applications such as cake decorating, craft applications, woodworking, and construction.
US08418889B2	Inverted dispenser pump with liquid inlet cup valve An inverted dispenser pump is used to dispense foam. The dispenser pump includes an air cylinder with an air piston to pump air to form the foam along with a liquid cylinder that has a liquid cylinder piston to pump liquid to form the foam. A conduit shell is received over the liquid cylinder in order to draw fluid when in an inverted state. An intake valve member is received around the opening of the conduit shell. The intake valve member has a seal flap configured to seal against the conduit shell opening in order to reduce flow restrictions of liquid drawn into the liquid cylinder.
US08418888B2	Backing plate assembly for a bar gun A bar gun assembly for receiving a multiplicity of fluid carrying tubes carrying a multiplicity of fluids, for example, flavored syrup and soda water, therein. The bar gun assembly has a handle having a handle body. The handle body is a multiplicity of ports and fluid channels therein. A supply line connector assembly engages the supply lines and the handle body. A backing plate assembly engages openings in the fluid chambers of the handle body to seal fluid therein. A nozzle assembly engages at least some of the fluid channels in the handle. The backing plate has a multiplicity of O-ring retainers fixedly engaged therewith.
US08418883B2	Packet for viscous material and kit A packet comprises at least two opposing sidewalls comprising a more rigid flat and a film pouch; and an expressing-shaped first closure end and a second closure end; the sidewalls and closure ends defining an enclosure; wherein at least the more rigid flat comprises a rigid material that can be folded or rolled to compress the enclosure to express a content through the expressing shaped closure end.
US08418876B2	Valve arrangement The present invention provides a valve arrangement for location on a vessel for holding liquids, comprising: a supporting member configured to form a valve seat; a deformable sealing member located against said valve seat and arranged for deformation under an applied pressure to present a first gap between said sealing member and said valve seat in a region where pressure is applied to allow a liquid to be dispensed from the vessel via said valve arrangement, and a second gap between said sealing member and a valve seat in a region where pressure is applied, to allow air to enter said valve arrangement.
US08418874B2	Storage bin and associated system A storage assembly includes a bin having side panels, a bottom, a rim, a first reception slot and a second reception slot. The side panels and the bottom define a cavity therebetween. The rim extends from the side panels around a perimeter of an opening to the cavity and in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom. The first reception slot extends from the rim into a first one of the side panels, and the second reception slot extends from the rim into a second one of the side panels. The first one of the side panels is positioned opposite the second one of the side panels. Each of the first and second reception slots is configured to selectively receive a different portion of a divider, which divides the cavity into two or more compartments. Related storage and organization systems, accessories and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.
US08418867B2	Container refrigeration unit and method for fabricating the same Disclosed is a casing structure by which stiffness of a casing of a container refrigeration unit for cooling the interior of a container can be increased without affecting the arrangement, shape, and maintainability of devices accommodated in the casing.A container interior side of the external casing (12) which constitutes the casing (11) is provided with flanges (34) which extend vertically and which are located at both end portions of the external casing (12) along a dimension of the container width. Each of the flanges (34) has a rectangular cylindrical portion (34a) extending vertically along the external casing (12).
US08418860B2	Dive gear stand A dive gear stand (10) comprising a frame (12) including a main shaft (16) supported vertically from a plurality of legs (18). A first set (30) of arm members (14) is pivotally connected relative to the frame (12) and arm supports (32) are pivotally connected to distal ends of the arm members (14). The arm members (14) are pivotable between a first position parallel to the main shaft (16) and a second position extending outwardly from the main shaft (16). Each of the arm supports (32) is pivotable between a first position in which it is parallel and adjacent the associated arm member (14) and a second position in which it extends at an angle to the associated arm member (14) such that a second end thereof engages with the frame (12) to support the arm member (14) in the second position.
US08418854B2	Tray and hood package A package (10) comprising a tray component (20) and a hood component (30) containing a plurality of products (40). The tray component comprises a bottom panel (21) and at least two opposed outer side panels (22, 23). The hood component (30) is placed within the tray component (20), comprises a top panel (31) and at least two inner side panels (32, 33), wherein said two inner side panels placed respectively in face to face relation with said two outer side panels of said tray component. When no load is applied on the top panel, a gap (G) separates the products from the top panel, and when a load of 1.50 N/cm2 is applied uniformly on the top panel (31), the inner side panels (32, 33) bend inwardly towards the products (40), so that the inner side panels come in contact with the products without the top panel coming in contact with the products. The products (40) are sufficiently rigid so that they can stop or limit the inner panels (32, 33) from further bending when the inner panels (32, 33) come in contact with the products (40). The package provides improved resistance to vertical load and/or material saving.
US08418849B2	Storage and packaging drawer device A packaging and storage device which includes one or more paperboard drawer structures which may be stacked and connected to form a book-like arrangement.
US08418847B2	Enhancing the visual appeal of a cigarette package The warning graphic portions of a cigarette package are obscured and replaced with a more visually appealing replacement graphic, while leaving the cigarette brand logo unobscured. Preferably, the cigarette package is inserted into a sleeve which obscures the warning graphic while leaving the brand logo substantially unobscured. The sleeve contains a replacement graphic in place of the warning graphic. The replacement graphic could include user self expression or advertising. The use of advertising opens a new outlet for advertisers' messages.
US08418846B2	Package of rod-shaped smoking articles and a blank therefor A hinged-lid package of filter cigarettes has a box (2) with an inner frame (10) and a lid (6) that opens/closes the box (2). Four corner edges of the box (2) which extend in the longitudinal direction of the box (2), are formed into longitudinal edges (16) having an arc-like shape in cross section of the box (2). The arc-like shape of the longitudinal edges (16) is formed with a plurality of longitudinal grooves made only in the inner surface of the box (2). The package has a reinforcement patch (64) arranged in the box (2) across the longitudinal grooves.
US08418845B2	Cigarette box and a blank set therefor A cigarette box has an outer case (2) provided in a portion of a bottom wall (14) thereof with a movable base (22) capable of turning around a hinge (20), and an inner case (4) disposed in the outer case (2), the inner case (4) holding an inner pack of cigarettes. The inner case (4) is connected to the movable base (22) only at a bottom wall (26) thereof, and protrudes from an open face (6) of the outer case (2) in a lateral direction of the outer case (2) when turned around the hinge (22) together with the movable base (22), which opens the cigarette box.
US08418841B2	Method of enhancing thermal conductivity in hydrogen storage systems A system for reversibly storing hydrogen includes a storage tank with an internal volume with a thermally conducting composite material situated within the storage tank and having a three-dimensional and interconnected framework of a conductive metal within the internal volume of the storage tank.
US08418836B2	Universally adjustable star wheel A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed. An automated adjustment mechanism for adjusting a star wheel to accommodate different articles is also disclosed. The automated adjustment mechanism may be used with any suitable star wheel.
US08418835B2	Feeder assembly for raw dough blanks, especially dough strands pre-formed for making pretzels, and method of feeding such blanks Feeder assembly for raw dough blanks (3, 3′), especially for dough blanks for pretzel production, which comprises a first conveyor belt (1) and at least one second conveyor belt (2) which are arranged sequentially one after the other, said raw dough blanks (3) being disposed on the first conveyor belt (1) at the beginning of the feeding process and being transferred from first conveyor belt (1) to second conveyor belt (2), with the speed of the at least one second conveyor belt (2) higher by a given amount that the speed of the first conveyor belt, whereby the raw dough blanks (3) are stretched and aligned in parallel with the direction of movement of second conveyor belt (2) when transferred from first conveyor belt (1) to second conveyor belt (2).
US08418833B2	Device for dividing a transport stream of upright containers The device for dividing a transport stream consisting of one line of successively arranged upright containers into two partial transport streams, each partial transport stream consisting of one line of successively arranged upright containers, has a feed device for conveying the transport stream of containers, and two distribution lines arranged at an angle to each other, each of which serves to accept one of the partial transport streams of containers in a transfer area of the feed device, the feed device and the two distribution lines thus forming a Y-shaped intersection in the transfer area. At least one driven roller with a substantially vertical axis of rotation is arranged between the two distribution lines in the transfer area of the feed device.
US08418832B1	Permanent magnet fluid heater A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
US08418828B2	Unpowered pedal assist device and vehicular clutch assembly including the same Embodiments of an unpowered pedal assist device are provided for use in conjunction with a vehicular control pedal movable between a non-depressed position and a depressed position. In one embodiment, the unpowered pedal assist device includes a multi-bar linkage and at least one resilient element coupled to the multi-bar linkage. The multi-bar linkage is configured to be coupled to the vehicular control pedal and, when so coupled to move from a start position to a finish position as the vehicular control pedal moves from the non-depressed position to the depressed position. The at least one resilient element is configured to bias the multi-bar linkage: (i) toward the start position over an initial range of travel of the vehicular control pedal, and (ii) toward the finish position over a primary range of travel of the vehicular control pedal.
US08418827B2	Driving device A driving device includes a first rotating member, an armature member being movable and rotatable together with, a second rotating member being rotatable relative to the armature member, a magnetic force generating portion for generating a magnetic force for attracting the armature member toward the second rotating member in order to establish a connection between the armature member and the second rotating member so as to be integrally rotatable, a sensor magnet fixed to the second rotating member, a sensor provided for detecting a change of the magnetic field and a fixing member formed with a first claw portion engaged with the second rotating member and a second claw portion engaged with the sensor magnet while being press-fitted thereto in a radial direction thereof, wherein the sensor magnet is fixed to the second rotating member by means of the fixing member.
US08418822B2	Torsional vibration damper or torsionally flexible coupling A torsional vibration damper or a torsionally flexible coupling comprises an inner part and an outer part that is arranged in ring shape around this inner part, which are joined to one another in a torsionally flexible manner by spring elements, wherein the spring elements subdivide a space formed between the inner part and the outer part into a plurality of successive chambers in the circumferential direction of the damper or the coupling, with these chambers being filled with a viscous medium and connected to one another. There are at least two groups of spring elements which have deflection lines that differ in the circumferential direction. In case of a relative rotation between the inner part and the outer part, owing to differences in deflection lines, there is a strong spatial displacement of the damping medium, so that such a damper or coupling has a high damping potential.
US08418820B2	Shock absorber and its hydraulic stopper Disclosed is a hydraulic stopper of a shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a cylinder and a piston rod having a piston valve. The stopper includes a closing member at one side of the piston rod to protect the piston valve, a free piston movable between the closing member and the rod guide to define a fluid passage with the piston rod, a sealing member between the free piston and the cylinder, and a rebound spring between the free piston and the rod guide to elastically support the free piston such that the free piston comes into close contact with the closing member to block the fluid passage when the piston rod moves excessively upward. The stopper may generate buffering effect using oil pressure without being restricted by the length of a rod guide, applied to a general shock absorber, and permit components thereof to be shared with the general shock absorber.
US08418818B2	Friction material composition and friction material therefrom The present invention is to provide a friction material composition comprising a fibrous material except for asbestos, an inorganic friction regulating agent, an organic friction regulating agent and a binder, wherein active alumina is contained as the inorganic friction regulating agent, and a fluorine series polymer is contained as the organic friction regulating agent, and to provide a friction material using the friction material composition.
US08418817B2	Brake assembly having a mounting clip A brake assembly having a hub, a rotor, and a mounting clip. The hub has a mounting boss and first and second pockets disposed on opposite sides of the mounting boss. The rotor is disposed on the hub and has a first tooth and a second tooth disposed in the first and second pockets, respectively. The mounting clip has a first arm that is disposed in the first pocket between the first tooth and the mounting boss and the second arm is disposed in the second pocket between the second tooth and the mounting boss.
US08418812B1	Ribbed drain plug A drain hole sealing system has a ribbed drain plug that includes a shaft for engaging the drain hole of a fluid container, a head portion for engaging a tool, and at least one annular rib or ridge or projection extending from the head portion in the same direction as the threaded shaft and concentric therewith. The annular rib or ribs provide compressive and biting engagement with an annular deformable seal positioned concentrically around the drain hole that is engaged by the shaft of the drain plug. At least one annular rib moves into biting engagement with the annular deformable seal so that the seal deforms at least partially around the annular rib when the drain plug is tightened.
US08418809B2	Hunting ladder anchor A device for anchoring a ladder to the ground and a method for setting up a ladder against a standing object is disclosed. The device comprises of two anchoring members, each having a brace member configured for containing and securing one of the ladder legs, adapted for engaging with the ground and adapted for pivoting from a front side to a back side of the anchoring members. In another embodiment, each of the brace members is configured for containing the bottom rung of a ladder for situations where the legs cannot be secured by the brace member. The method for setting up a ladder against a standing object such as a tree comprises of bracing the legs or the bottom rung by the brace members and anchoring the device to the ground while the ladder is laying flat on the ground, then raising the ladder toward the standing object.
US08418804B1	Multiple Helmholtz resonators Multiple Helmholtz resonators are combined serially and dynamically to mitigate and/or overcome acoustic noise filtering problems. One Helmholtz resonator is attached to a duct having an acoustic flow path channel containing undesired acoustic signals (noise) and is considered to be an immovable Helmholtz resonator with respect to that flow channel, while at least one movable Helmholtz resonator is movably and acoustically coupled to the immovable Helmholtz resonator. The immovable and movable Helmholtz resonators are acoustically coupled together to adjustably filter two resonant frequencies in the flow path channel with a feedback control system that adjusts the position of the movable Helmholtz resonator in response to the differences in pre-filtered noise versus filtered noise.
US08418803B2	Flash suppressor A muzzle device for use on a firearm to reduce noise signature and muzzle flash includes a cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing defines a first chamber and a second chamber with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The first chamber has at least one port that extends outward therefrom. The second chamber has at least one slot that extends outward therefrom. The at least one port forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis that extends forward toward the slot. The angle formed by the at least one port and the longitudinal axis being about 50 degrees. The cylindrical housing defines an outer annular groove being in communication with the at least one port. The at least one port is in communication with an aft surface of the annular groove.
US08418799B2	Cooling system for a thermoelectric power generator A cooling system is provided for a thermoelectric power generator and that is arranged in an exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine for generating electric power while utilizing thermal energy of the exhaust gas. The thermoelectric power generator has its own coolant circuit, which also serves to raise the temperature of the components of the internal combustion engine, the chassis, and/or the transmission or serves to heat the passenger compartment. This offers the added utility gained from a faster temperature rise of transmission lubricants and lubricants of the internal combustion engine, as well as from heating the passenger compartment and the rear axle differential and, thus, offers a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2).
US08418791B2	Air-intake structure of an engine A vehicle includes a duct structure configured to take in air from outside; an air cleaner including an air filter configured to clean the air guided to the air cleaner through the duct structure; a throttle device including a throttle valve for controlling a flow rate of the air guided to the throttle device through the air cleaner; and an engine including an intake port configured to suction the air guided to the engine through the throttle device; the duct structure including: a main inlet configured to take in air therethrough from outside by utilizing a ram pressure; a main passage extending from the main inlet to the air filter; a sub-inlet configured to take in air therethrough from outside; and a joint section located upstream of the air filter, the air flowing from the sub-inlet being joined to the air in the main passage, at the joint section.
US08418787B2	Stair climbing apparatus The stair-climbing apparatus has a series of articulating wheel sets extending below the platform. All of the wheel sets are vertically adjustable to negotiate stairways and similar changes of elevation. The lead wheel set is fixed longitudinally relative to the platform, while following wheel sets are longitudinally adjustable to adjust for the pitch or slope of different stairways. The apparatus uses sensors (e.g., mechanical, infrared, ultrasonic, etc.) to detect the presence of the stair risers and their height, control of the assembly being accomplished by a control circuit on board the machine. The wheel sets are raised and lowered independently of one another by pantograph mechanisms extending between the platform and the wheel sets. The horizontally adjustable wheel sets are positioned by a longitudinally disposed rack on the platform.
US08418781B2	Pneumatically powered impact device and method A pneumatic impact device and method provide a high powered striking force against a target object. The device includes a core shell that houses a piston sub-assembly and a sear arm sub-assembly, and that further defines a forward gas chamber and a rearward gas chamber. The rearward gas chamber is loaded with compressed fluid via a handle actuator. A mostly external sear trigger assembly responds to the impact of a striker plate against the target object, thereby releasing a sear arm that then releases a piston, which is then accelerated forward by the compressed fluid charge. The device can be re-set manually via compressed fluid (e.g., air) in one embodiment, or automatically via a spring mechanism in another embodiment.
US08418777B1	Agricultural folding scraper blade An agricultural implement includes a traction structure and a tool beam rearward of the traction structure. First and second wheeled support structures support the tool beam at opposite respective ends of the tool beam. First and second linkages each have a forward portion connected to the traction structure and rearward portions connected to the first and second support structures respectively. An actuator is effective between the traction structure and the first linkage for selectively adjusting an angular position of the first linkage relative to the longitudinal axis of the traction structure. The tool beam provides a force transmitting connection between the rearward portions of the first and second linkages whereby angular movement of the first linkage relative to the traction structure is accompanied by angular movement of the second linkage relative to the traction structure.
US08418776B2	Implement control systems A control system for an implement (10) mounted on a tractor (11) via a three point linkage (10) and which has one or more depth control wheels (13) which contact the ground and which support at least part of the weight of the implement. The three point linkage has an upper link (17) and two lower links (14, 15), the upper link including an adjusting means such as an hydraulic cylinder (18) to vary its effective length and the lower links being provided with raising means (16) to raise the implement. The control system has a control unit (23) which received signals indicative of the level of slippage of one or more wheels of the tractor and which in response to a wheel slippage level above a first level (X) operates the adjusting means (18) to shorten the effective length of the upper link (17) to transfer some of the weight of the implement (10) onto the tractor to reduce wheel slippage. The control unit (23) also operates the lower link raising means (16) to raise the lower links (14,15) and hence the implement, if the wheel slippage level exceeds a second higher level (Z).
US08418775B2	Low-pressure flow-controlled powder spreader The invention relates to a powder spreader device including a sealed tank (1) with a tapered bottom wall (5), a vessel (2) containing a pressurised spray gas connected to the tank (1) via a feed line (27), control means (20) connected to the vessel (1), and a powder dispensing nozzle (10) connected to the tank, wherein the elongate nozzle (10) includes at least two pressure relief stages (11, 12) for breaking up the dispensed powder jet and forming a uniform and homogenous jet with a relatively low flow rate.
US08418771B2	Method and apparatus for releasing a coiled tubing internal conduit from a bottom hole assembly A method and apparatus for releasing a coiled tubing internal line from a bottom hole assembly. The internal line may not have strength sufficient to permit the application of a tension force at the surface to disconnect the internal line from the bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly may include a ball seat adapted to retain a ball permitting the application of a pressure differential above and below the ball seat. An anchor assembly connected to the internal line may be adapted to disconnect from the bottom hole assembly upon the application of predetermined pressure differential. A predetermined pressure differential may be used to shear a portion of the internal line releasing an upper portion of the internal line from the bottom hole assembly.
US08418762B2	Method of using gelled fluids with defined specific gravity Gelled barrier fluids preventing the ingress of undesired fluids from subsurface environments into subsurface apparatus have a specific gravity which is within ±0.05 of the specific gravity of the undesired fluid.
US08418761B2	Stimuli-responsive high viscosity pill A method comprises providing a treatment fluid having a first viscosity comprising an aqueous base fluid; a viscoelastic surfactant; and a stimuli-responsive water-soluble polymer; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the treatment fluid viscosity to change to a second viscosity in response to a stimulus.
US08418760B2	Sampling system and method The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for coupling conduit segments together. A first pump obtains a sample and transmits it through a first conduit to a reservoir accessible by a second pump. The second pump further conducts the sample from the reservoir through a second conduit.
US08418758B2	Jarring tool with micro adjustment A jarring tool is disclosed. The tool has a segment of sub housing containing an upper stop proximate a first end thereof. An outer latch piece is connected to an upper end of the lower shaft inside the sub housing, and an upper shaft passes through the stop and connects on a first end thereof to an inner latch piece. A cap is on a second end of the upper shaft retaining a washer stack against the upper stop. A retainer is inside the sub housing and has an first piece providing a restraining region and an open region and a second piece attached to the sub housing. The retainer retains the inner and outer latch pieces in a latched position in the restraining region until the latch pieces are displaced toward the second end of the sub housing through the retainer to the open region as a result of a tensile force on the outer latch piece.
US08418757B2	Corrosion management systems for vertically oriented structures Corrosion management systems protecting against or managing corrosion of various components in generally vertically oriented structures, that can he located one or more of aboveground and underground. The corrosion management system includes a dispenser system that dispenses at least one corrosion inhibitor to the structure desired to be protected at a plurality of different vertical heights.
US08418750B2	Heat exchanger radiating fin structure and heat exchanger thereof A heat exchanger radiating fin structure and a heat exchanger thereof. The radiating fin includes a main body and at least one rib. The main body has a first plane face and at least one lateral side. Multiple depressions are formed on the first plane face. The rib is disposed on a portion of the first plane face, which portion is free from any of the depressions. The rib obliquely extends in a direction neither normal nor parallel to any lateral side of the first plane face. The heat exchanger includes a radiating fin assembly composed of multiple piled up radiating fins. Each two adjacent radiating fins define therebetween a flow way having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. With the depressions and the rib, the structural strength of the radiating fin is increased and the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger is enhanced.
US08418743B2	Brazing system A brazing system for brazing component members of a workpiece has a brazing chamber an inside of which is made a heating space of a volume corresponding to the workpiece, a radiant heating means provided with a plurality of heating sources which are positioned so as to correspond to a plurality of regions into which two facing surfaces of the workpiece are respectively divided, a convection heating means for circulating a heated inert gas to the heating space so as to heat the workpiece, and a control means for controlling the operation of the heating sources and the circulation of the inert gas. Each heating source is independently controlled by the control means, and the convection heating means circulates the inert gas so as to reduce a temperature difference of the workpiece caused by the heating sources.
US08418742B2	Single cord drive for coverings for architectural openings A shade for architectural openings incorporating a single cord drive featuring automatic braking of the shade when the user releases the drive cord. In a preferred embodiment, an automatic tilt-open mechanism is provided to tilt the shade open when the shade is in the fully extended down position.
US08418740B2	Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.
US08418738B2	Additional sidewall armature for a heavy goods vehicle tire A tire 10 comprises a radial carcass reinforcement 2 surmounted radially on the outside by a crown reinforcement 31, the carcass reinforcement 2 being formed of a plurality of metal reinforcing elements 21. The tire also includes two sidewalls 1, at least one of the sidewalls comprising an additional reinforcing reinforcement 5 wherein the additional reinforcement 5 comprises, in the circumferential direction, on the tire a plurality of first parts 51 and of second parts 52 that have rupture strengths, that is to say, forces that rupture per unit width of reinforcement, that are such that the rupture strength of the second parts 52 is lower than the rupture strength of the first parts. The first parts 51 and the second parts are arranged such that they alternate in the circumferential direction.
US08418733B2	Purging apparatus and purging method A pod opener is an apparatus for purging the inside of a reticle pod having a pod cover and an openable bottom lid by supplying and discharging a clean gas to and from the inside of the reticle pod. The pod opener includes a stage, an elevator driving mechanism, a latch mechanism, and a supplying-discharging section. The stage can attach and remove the bottom lid to and from the pod cover. The elevator driving mechanism can move the stage. The latch mechanism serves to move a latch member that locks the bottom lid to the pod cover such that it cannot be detached and to release the locked state of the bottom lid. The supplying-discharging section starts purging before the latch member has completed an operation of locking the bottom lid to the pod cover.
US08418732B2	Blending compressed gases Compressed gas delivery system and process for use thereof wherein compressed gases are withdrawn from compressed gas storage vessels, passed through pressure regulated flow control valves and critical flow venturis to control the mass flow rates of the compressed gases forming the blend of the compressed gases prior to dispending the blend.
US08418726B2	Pressure tank, in particular hydraulic accumulator A pressure tank, in particular hydraulic accumulator (3, 5), has a parting element (1) separating a space (11) for a first gaseous working medium from a space for a second fluid working medium in the tank. The parting element is flexible, can move under deformation and defines a domed main parting plane extending from an annular edge (13). The parting element (1) is produced from a substance having a fluoroplastic material, preferably a substance composed entirely of fluoroplastic material.
US08418724B2	Solenoid valve In a solenoid valve, multiple flow-blocking portions are formed in a passage between a supply port (23) and an output port (24) and a passage between the output port (24) and a drain port (25). The flow-blocking portions, having an overlap length that corresponds to the movement amount of a spool (30), are formed by the outer peripheral faces of lands (32, 33) and the inner peripheral face of a spool case (10).
US08418722B2	Pressure-regulator servovalve with reduced leakage rate The invention relates to a pressure-regulator servo-valve comprising a body having a utilization port, a pressure feed port, and a return port, a distributor spool movably mounted in the body to put the utilization port into communication either with the feed port or with the return port, the spool co-operating with the body to define at least one pilot chamber connected to a nozzle that is arranged to open out into a cavity connected to the return port, a vane extending in the cavity facing the nozzle and being mounted to be moved in controlled manner. According to the invention, the pilot chamber is connected to the utilization port.
US08418719B2	Microchannel device A microchannel device includes; a microchannel that forms two or more different fluids as a multiphase flow, and a section shape of the multiphase flow having in at least one portion a first shape in which plural polygons are two-dimensionally arranged, and adjacent to one another, a second shape in which a polygon is inscribed in one of a circle and an ellipse, or circumscribes one of a circle and an ellipse, or a third shape in which at least plural circles and polygons are two-dimensionally arranged, and adjacent to one another.
US08418718B2	Double walled tanks with internal containment chambers A double-walled above-ground storage tank includes a primary tank and a secondary tank, and an interstitial space; an containment chamber formed by a primary chamber wall and a secondary chamber wall, forming a chamber interstitial space therebetween, and an exterior door assembly; and at least one pipe and valve assembly wherein the pipe originates in the tank interior volume and the valve is disposed within the chamber.
US08418717B2	Exhaust plenum flow splitter An apparatus is provided and includes a plenum into which a fluid is exhausted, the plenum including a wall toward which the exhausted fluid is directed, the wall including first sections, second sections interposed between the first sections and a flow splitter interposed between the second sections, and a plane of the second sections being recessed from a plane of the first sections and the flow splitter protruding from the plane of the second sections.
US08418716B2	Volume and pressure regulating device for oxygen A volume and pressure regulating device for an oxygen generating machine includes a body to combine a path assembly, a pressure valve assembly and a volume valve assembly within one body. The pressure valve assembly and the volume valve assembly are connected via the path assembly.
US08418715B2	Control system A control system for a purge valve that can be actuated by low pressure, which can be used for a low pressure or vacuum waste water system, encompassing a first valve and a second valve. The purge valve can be actuated as a function of its position, and the accumulated waste water can be drawn off via the sewage system.
US08418713B2	Mobile tire inflator A mobile tire inflator includes a control panel, multiple air passages, an inflation valve, a discharge valve and a pressure sensor. The user can control the operation of the inflation valve and the discharge valve automatically or manually by through a control panel, and switch between the automatic mode and the manual mode during operation. Matching with the operation of the pressure sensor, the mobile tire inflator achieves accurate tire pressure inflation and discharge and has the advantages of operation flexibility and high mobility.
US08418712B2	Air discharge implement for a portable pressurized sprayer The present invention provides an air discharge implement for a portable pressurized sprayer comprising a cylindrical main body of discharging duct, an external hood jacket, a conical moving plug and a compression spring. Wherein the main body of hollow discharging duct includes a cylinder bore, a cylindrical discharging mount for containing conical moving plug, and an air passage interposed between hollow discharge chamber and cylinder bore. The external hood jacket is a hollow holder to contain compression spring. The conical moving plug includes a top cone and a planar base with plural footing legs so that a water flow gap is created between the planar base and the air passage at the cylinder bore. If the present invention is properly connected to a water outtake hose of a portable pressurized sprayer, either no air or certain air mingled in the compressed water, it can achieve the air-discharging effect completely.
US08418711B2	Collapsible canopy support structure A collapsible canopy support includes beams for supporting a canopy with each beam having a plurality of elongated beam segments coupled together to form the beam. A segment coupler provides for pivotally coupling a first beam segment to a second beam segment. A segment locking assembly is adapted for selectively securing the first beam segment relative to the second beam segment.
US08418710B2	Tent top assembly A tent top assembly is mounted on top of a tent for connecting with a plurality of tent poles. The tent top assembly includes an upper module and a lower module. The upper module includes an upper seat, an upper press member and an upper lid which are separately formed and connected with each other. The lower module includes a lower seat, a lower press member and a lower lid which are separately formed and connected with each other. The upper seat and the lower seat each have a plurality of engaging grooves which are spaced and arranged in a radial form for connection of connecting heads of the tent poles. There is no need for rivets or other fasteners when assembling the present invention, saving the cost and the time of assembly. The tent top assembly can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily.
US08418707B2	Fixing device of sports stick with variable length The present invention relates to a sports stick with a variable length including an upper tube to which a hand grip is connected, a lower tube adapted to be inserted into and withdrawn from the upper tube, and fixing means adapted to securely fix the lower tube to the upper tube, wherein the fixing means includes: a rod body disposed inside the lower tube at one side periphery thereof in such a manner as to be mounted inside the upper tube at the other side periphery thereof by the sequential formation of a screw thread portion and a flat portion along the outer periphery thereof; a tapered member adapted to be fixed to the flat portion formed along the outer periphery of the rod body and having a tapered surface formed along the outer periphery thereof; and a pressurizing member mounted at the screw thread portion formed along the outer periphery of the rod body in such a manner as to encompass the tapered member.
US08418705B2	Robotic cane devices A robotic cane may include a grip handle, a cane body extending from the grip handle at a first end, a motorized omni-directional wheel coupled to a second end of the cane body, a balance control sensor, and a controller module. The balance control sensor provides a balance signal corresponding to an orientation of the robotic cane. The controller module may receive the balance signal from the balance control sensor and calculate a balancing velocity of the motorized omni-directional wheel based at least in part on the balance signal and an inverted pendulum control algorithm. The controller module may further provide a drive signal to the motorized omni-directional wheel in accordance with the calculated balancing velocity. The calculated balancing velocity is a speed and direction of the motorized omni-directional wheel to retain the robotic cane in an substantially upright position.
US08418704B1	Power adjustable crutch assembly A power adjustable crutch assembly is provided for assisting a user in transitioning between a seated position and a standing position. The assembly includes a support configured for positioning under an arm of a user. An upper frame is coupled to and extends downwardly from the support. A lower frame is slidably coupled to the upper frame. An adjustment assembly is operationally coupled to the lower frame and the upper frame. The upper frame is adjustable to extend a selectable length from the lower frame. A foot configured for frictionally engaging a ground surface is coupled to a bottom of the lower frame.
US08418698B2	Tobacco product A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product.
US08418694B2	Systems, methods and apparatus for respiratory support of a patient Spontaneous respiration is detected by sensors. An additional amount of oxygen is administered to the lungs via a jet gas current at the end of an inhalation procedure. Breathing volume, absorption of oxygen during inhalation, and clearance of carbon dioxide during exhalation are improved. If required, the exhalation procedure of the patient can be arrested or slowed by a countercurrent to avoid a collapse of the respiration paths. An apparatus including an oxygen pump can be connected to an oxygen source and includes a tracheal prosthesis that can be connected via a catheter. The respiration detections sensors are connected to a control unit for activating the oxygen pump. The tracheal prosthesis includes a tubular support body with a connection for the catheter, and the sensors are associated with the support body. The tracheal prosthesis and jet catheter are dimensioned so the patient can freely breathe and speak without restriction.
US08418692B2	Ventilation system with removable primary display The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a removable primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information and a novel method for controlling a ventilator system.
US08418689B1	Exhaust air transfer device for open system underwater diving Apparatus for use during open system diving to support underwater human respiration. In accordance with various embodiments, an air supply provides a supply of air along a supply conduit. A regulator is adapted for engagement with a diver's mouth to receive air from the supply during an inhale cycle and to direct a mixture of water and exhaust air away from the diver along an exhaust conduit during an exhale cycle. An air/water separator separates the exhaust air from the water in said mixture and directs the separated exhaust air through an exhaust air port. In some embodiments, a one-way stop valve is provided within the air/water separator to prevent back flow. In further embodiments, a bubble diffuser emits the exhaust air as a fine mist of bubbles into the surrounding water.
US08418688B2	Assembly and method for mounting solar panels to structural surfaces An assembly for mounting solar panels to structural surfaces includes a frame member adapted to receive and retain a first end portion of a solar panel, and a mounting foot adapted for attachment to the structural surface, wherein the frame member and the mounting foot are adapted for interlocking engagement with each other to mount an end of a solar panel on the structural surface.
US08418685B2	Barbecue grill with variably positioned food basket A barbecue grill provides a top cooking level and a central cooking zone located below the top cooking level. Lateral heat panels warm the central cooking zone. A food basket is configured to be opened and loaded with foodstuff when in an approximately horizontal position at the top cooking level. An elevator mechanism lowers the filled food basket into the central cooking zone while converting the food basket to an approximately vertical position. The food cooks while the basket is vertical. The elevator mechanism raises the basket of cooked food to the top cooking level while converting the food basket to approximately horizontal position. A user-operated control selectively actuates the elevator mechanism to move the food basket in either direction.
US08418683B2	Archery vibration absorber A vibration absorber for an archery bow including a hollow, elongated cap open at both ends, a first dampening plug inserted into one of the ends of the cap and a second dampening plug inserted to another end of the cap and coupled to the first dampening plug within the cap. Typically the cap is made from a stiff material and the first and second dampening plugs are made from elastic material with the same or different elasticities.
US08418682B2	System for loading a paintball The plural option loading system for a pneumatic gun. The pneumatic gun has a receiver with the first and second loading port disposed to permit loading either by gravity or forced loading such as from a magazine. The barrel can be locked to the receiver to permit loading through only one of the two ports depending on the orientation in which it is locked to the receiver and permits selective loading through only a selected port at any time.
US08418680B2	Gas guide system for a combustion engine, a combustion engine and a method for operating the engine In a gas guide system, a combustion engine and a method for operating the engine comprising a gas supply arrangement for supplying gas to the engine, a gas discharge system including an exhaust gas treatment unit for releasing gas from the engine, the gas guide system including a first partial gas discharge line for discharging a first partial gas stream from a first fired cylinder group via the exhaust gas treatment unit and a second gas discharge line for discharging a second partial gas stream from a second unfired cylinder group separately from the hot gas stream directed through the exhaust gas treatment unit to keep it at operating temperatures.
US08418675B2	Method for adjusting a fuel pressure A method is provided for adjusting a fuel pressure in a high pressure fuel accumulator of an accumulator injection system of an internal combustion engine as a first drive motor which, together with a second drive motor, is situated in a drive train, in which variable torque contributions of the internal combustion engine and of the second drive motor are superposed, an actual value of the fuel pressure, which sets in in response to a lower torque contribution of the internal combustion engine in the high pressure fuel accumulator, deviating from a setpoint value specified for higher torque contributions and at which the actual value, in response to an increase in the torque contribution from the lower value to the higher torque contribution of the internal combustion engine being adjusted to its higher setpoint value. The method stands out in that the adjustment is performed so that a rate of a change in the actual value does not exceed a specified boundary value during the adjustment. A control device equipped to perform the method is also provided.
US08418671B2	Magnetorheological lubrication of an internal combustion engine A system and method are disclosed for reducing the fuel consumption of an engine, particularly during a cold start or an engine warm-up period. A magnetorheological fluid having a low viscosity is used to lubricate the engine. When viscosity is to be increased, a magnetic field is applied to the magnetorheological fluid. The magnetic field can be selectively applied to electromagnets proximate engine bearings.
US08418669B2	Internal combustion engine In an internal combustion engine having a pair of balancer shafts (53, 54), an engine torque is transmitted from a crank gear (28) to an oil pump gear (74) on a drive shaft (73) of an oil pump (71) via a first idler gear (84) and the first balancer shaft gear (64). The engine torque is also transmitted to a fuel pump (72) from the crank gear to a fuel pump gear (78) via the first idler gear and a second idler gear (86), and to the second balancer shaft gear (67) via the first idler gear and second idler gear. Alternatively, the engine torque may be transmitted to the fuel pump from the crank gear to the fuel pump gear via the first idler gear, second balancer shaft gear and second idler gear. As the oil pump gear is actuated by the crank gear via the first idler gear, the oil pump gear is not subjected to the loading caused by the balancer shaft, and hence can be made of a compact and light-weight gear. Furthermore, this allows the various gears to be arranged in an efficient (in terms of the overall weight for the given mechanical strength requirements) and compact manner.
US08418668B2	Plasma igniter and ignition device for internal combustion engine To provide a plasma igniter capable of generating a discharge such as a pulse streamer discharge in a large region even by application of a low voltage, implementing powerful ignition by pulse voltage application in two or more stages, improving an air-fuel ratio (A/F), and reducing a CO2 emission amount.A plasma igniter includes an igniter part having a combustion chamber, and a discharge part arranged in such a manner that its discharge tip end is exposed to the combustion chamber. The discharge tip end has a column-shaped anode, an annular cathode arranged to be a predetermined interval away from an anode tip end part, and an annular floating electrode arranged between the anode tip end part and the cathode.
US08418663B2	Cam actuation mechanism with application to a variable-compression internal-combustion engine A novel device for controlling the compression pressure of an internal combustion engine is disclosed.The combustion chamber of each cylinder of the engine is divided into two virtual spaces, a gas exchange space and a control space. The intake and exhaust valves move in a plane substantially perpendicular to the cylinder centerline and open into the gas exchange space.The position of a preferably toroidal volume control slider determines the control space volume and subsequently, the geometrical compression ratio of the engine. At least one actuation cam bidirectionally drives said control slider, by means of a slot and captive roller arrangement.The device further comprises actuator means to rotate the cam to a predetermined angular position, as a function of engine load.Thus, the device of the invention is capable of maintaining a constant compression pressure, under varying load, by altering the geometrical compression ratio of the engine.
US08418654B2	Direct application brush having flow regulator assembly A brush assembly simultaneously separately controllably releases a fluid and liquid solution directly onto a surface, such as a coat of an animal during grooming, or onto an inanimate surface such as an exterior surface of a land vehicle. The brush assembly includes a molded brush having a plurality of apertures for fluid delivery, preferably water, as well as a secondary aperture for delivery of a liquid solution, such as soap, shampoo, or other treatments. At least one base plate with grooming implementations, such as bristles or a sponge may be interchangeably attached to the brush base. An ergonomical handle is provided having a palm conforming top and finger indentation sides constructed to form an internal cavity. The ergonomical handle is ambidextrous in nature for interchangeable left and right handedness. A center cylinder is located within the ergonomical handle and includes a bladder which aligns with the mid portion of the brush base for fluid delivery from a flow regulator. A secondary cylinder is located within the internal cavity of the ergonomical handle and includes a secondary bladder which aligns with the secondary aperture of the brush base for liquid solution delivery in response to pressing a release button. A closure member is provided that can be moved to an open or closed configuration to release or prevent, respectively, dispensing of the liquid solution. The fluid and liquid solution are separately but contemporaneously delivered directly to the surface during grooming.
US08418652B1	Animal litter and associated methods An animal litter composition includes bentonite clay, montmorillonite clay, and pieces of pine wood. In a particular embodiment, the animal litter composition has the following proportions of components by weight: bentonite clay, 40-70%; montmorillonite clay, 20-50%; and pine wood, 5-20%. In another embodiment, an animal litter composition has the following approximate proportions of components by weight: bentonite clay, 40-70%; montmorillonite clay, 20-50%; pine wood, 1-5%; and cedar wood, 2-8%. The clay mixture is believed to provide superior clumping characteristics over animal litters known in the art, and the pine wood, having a hollow capillary vessel structure, serves as a “biofilter,” effectively trapping moisture and odor.
US08418650B2	Inner electrode for barrier film formation and apparatus for film formation An inner electrode for barrier film formation is an inner electrode for barrier film formation that is inserted inside a plastic container having an opening, supplies a medium gas to the inside of the plastic container, and supplies high frequency power to an outer electrode arranged outside the plastic container, thereby generating discharge plasma on the inner surface of the plastic container to form a barrier film on the inner surface of the plastic container, and that is provided with a gas supply pipe having a gas flow path to supply a medium gas and an insulating member screwed into an end portion of the gas supply pipe to be flush therewith and having a gas outlet communicated with the gas flow path.
US08418637B2	Method of planting triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds for producing watermelon transplants A method of sowing watermelon seeds is provided, specifically a method for sowing triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds in the same seedling tray through the use of a mechanical seeder.
US08418633B1	Symmetrical table leg fastener table Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for a symmetrical table leg fastener table. The table affords simplicity without having to match sets of legs to particular corners of the table. The table comprises a table top frame having a rim around an interior of the table top frame. Four corner assemblies are attached to each corner of the rim of the table top frame. The corner assemblies are set to bisect each corner. Each corner assembly includes a first metal clip attached to a rim of a first side of the table frame, a second metal clip attached to a rim of a second side of the table frame, and a U-shaped metal clip coupled to the first metal clip and the second metal clip. Four table legs are each attached to a corner assembly.
US08418630B2	Metal pallet and method of making same A pallet made up of plural hollow sections of generally rectangular transverse profile formed from metal tubes, the sections having upper walls facing in the same direction and being secured together in side-by-side and/or end-to-end array to constitute a load-bearing platform. The lower wall of each section may have a longitudinal central rib projecting toward the upper wall for additional strength. The tubes can be hollow transversely corrugated cylinders of metal such as aluminum, used as cores for winding strip material. A method of making the pallet includes the steps of deforming plural metal tubes with generally radially directed pressure to produce the pallet sections, and securing the sections together.
US08418626B2	Assembly and method for vehicle suspension Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. The vehicle suspension method includes operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate.
US08418624B2	Projectile device and method for targeted vehicle tracking An invention in which a projectile device is deployed from a compressed air firing system that, upon impact of the projectile device into a target, the projectile device embeds itself in the intended target's outer surface or material. In one application, a GPS receiver and transmitter provided within the projectile device relays position data to a receiving apparatus that is monitored by a stationary or mobile conveyance. In another application, the projectile device, may include remotely operable explosives which are preferably triggered once the target is an area where the explosives can be detonated with minimal collateral damage.
US08418620B2	Shot cup for shotshell A shot cup for holding shot in a shotshell has a generally cylindrical sidewall, having a closed proximal end, and an open distal end, and at least one distally-facing petal connected to the sidewall at its proximal end, the petal configured so that it is widest at a point intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the petal. The at least one petal being capable of opening outwardly after the shot cup leaves the shotshell.
US08418618B2	Method and apparatus for small-charge blasting A method of small-charge blasting, a rock drilling unit and a front guide to be used therein. By means of a rock drill machine provided in the rock drilling unit, a hole is first drilled into a material to be excavated and, subsequently, a drilling tool is pulled out of the hole. Next, one or more propellants comprising a propellant charge are fed to the bottom of the hole through a propellant feed channel provided in connection with a feed beam. Then, the hole is sealed and the propellant is ignited, whereupon a high gas pressure is generated, which causes fractioning in the material to be excavated. During the feeding and ignition of the propellant, the rock drill machine is kept in a parallel direction with respect to the hole.
US08418614B2	Method and calibration tool for calibrating a rotary printing press A method for calibrating a rotary printing press, in which a bearing structure for a printing cylinder is adjusted relative to another component of the printing press, and positions of the bearing structure are measured, including the steps of mounting a calibration tool on a mandrel that is supported in the bearing structure, the calibration tool having at least one contact sensitive switch, moving the bearing structure until the at least one switch contacts the other component, and upon detection of a signal from the at least one switch, storing a measured position of the bearing structure as a reference position.
US08418610B2	Printing unit A printing unit of a printing press, such as a web press constructed as a periodical printing press, having at least one printing couple, wherein the printing couple or each printing couple comprises a form cylinder, a transfer cylinder, an inking unit, and preferably a dampening unit. A drive motor is associated with at least one printing couple, and drives the form cylinder or the transfer cylinder of a respective printing couple. In accordance with the invention, a flywheel mass is associated with at least one drive motor which drives the form cylinder or the transfer cylinder of the respective printing couple, where the flywheel mass is connected to the rotor of the respective drive motor in a torsionally rigid manner.
US08418609B2	Impression roller An impression cylinder (6) comprises a cylinder core (71) encompassing a bearing shaft (79), and a removable sleeve (63) that is slid onto the cylinder core (71). The cylinder core (71) has an electrical contact point in the form of a double-crimpted metal ring (100) as well as a non-rotating brush (102) as a power supply. A conducting zone (631) of the slid-on sleeve (63) rests against the electrical contact point (100). The electrical contact point (100) and the power supply (102) are electrically insulated from the rest of the cylinder core (71) encompassing the bearing shaft (79) such that the rest of the cylinder core (71) is not charged during operation. The bearings (12) of the impression cylinder (6) therefore do not need to be electrically insulated with a lot of effort.
US08418606B2	Press angle control device, press machine facility, and press angle control method A device for reducing the press angle control error caused by press load variation, where the device includes: a reference value output unit that outputs a press angle reference value, a press angle detection unit, a speed command unit, and a driving unit. The press angle detection unit detects a press angle of the corresponding press machine and outputs a press angle detection value. The speed command unit outputs a command speed value of a motor of the corresponding press machine based on the press angle reference value and the press angle detection value. The driving unit controls the motor speed of the corresponding press machine based on the command speed value. The device further includes a correction unit that corrects the press angle reference value or the command speed value so the difference between the press angle reference value and the press angle is within a predetermined range.
US08418605B2	Apparatus and method for compaction of silicon powder An apparatus is provided for compaction of silicon powder in a reactor to minimize oxidation of the silicon, which compaction is in part effected by using the drop in pressure across a filter for exit gases from the reactor, the silicon powder being passed along a duct towards an exit of a reactor. The compaction is in addition carried out mechanically with the aid of a piston arranged at a gas exit, the filter advantageously being arranged on the piston, the filter being permeable to the gases, but collecting the powder. A method is also provided for compaction of silicon powder using an apparatus as described above.
US08418600B2	Fluid pump device for vehicle braking systems A pump device and method minimizes the quantity of air in a vehicle brake system by reducing the volume of detrimental space. The device includes a piston movable between first and second end points, a line system that conducts fluid through the device, and a closing element, movable between an open position releasing the flow of the fluid and a closed position interrupting the fluid flow, that selectively releases the flow of the fluid through the device. The line system includes a through-line formed in the piston for conducting the fluid through the piston. By virtue of a section of the through-line that receives the closing element in the piston, a force is generated that is transmittable from the fluid to the closing element that moves the closing element in the direction of its closed position when the piston is moving in the direction of the first end point.
US08418597B2	System and method for protecting vehicle occupants The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.
US08418587B2	Tool bit A tool bit includes a hexagonal drive portion, a working end, and a shank interconnecting the drive portion and the working end. The shank includes an outer peripheral surface having a curvature in a plane including a central axis of the tool bit. The outer peripheral surface having the curvature includes a length in the direction of the central axis. A ratio of the length of the outer peripheral surface having the curvature to the length of the tool bit is between about 0.2:1 and about 0.7:1.
US08418586B2	Power tong with door jammer valve An apparatus for shutting off the hydraulic supply of a power tong when the door is opened comprises, in part, a ring gear and cage assembly having a throat. The ring gear and cage assembly are driven by a motor having a hydraulic supply. A door is mounted on a pivot on the ring gear and cage assembly for movement to open and close the throat. A cable is secured to the door at a point that is offset from the pivot. The cable extends through a sleeve to a valve end of the cable. A valve at the valve end of the cable has a valve housing and is operable by movement of a valve control to disengage the hydraulic supply from the motor. The valve end of the cable is connected to the valve control and the sleeve is connected to the valve housing.
US08418584B2	Clutch-type electrical driving device for bicycle and clutch-type drive thereof A clutch-type electrical driving device for a bicycle includes a first one-way bearing provided between a transmission sprocket assembly and an electrical driving assembly, and a second one-way bearing provided between the transmission sprocket assembly and a pedal driving assembly. When a user selects to drive sprockets via the electrical driving assembly for moving the bicycle forward, the sprockets would not feed back to bring two pedal assemblies to rotate at the same time. On the other hand, when the user selects to drive the bicycle forward via the pedal driving assemblies, the sprockets would not feed back to rotate the electrical driving assembly. Therefore, the user can ride the bicycle safely because the pedal assemblies would not rotate along with the sprockets when the latter are driven by the electrical driving device to rotate at high speed. A clutch-type drive for the electrical driving device is also disclosed.
US08418578B2	Adjustable shift lever assembly for a transmission A shift lever assembly includes a shift tower and a shift lever supported on the shift tower for movement relative thereto. The shift lever includes a pin. A biasing lever is provided that has a first end and a second end. The second end of the biasing lever is engaged for movement with the pin. A biasing mechanism exerts a force against the first end of the biasing lever such that the second end of the biasing lever exerts a force against the pin. The biasing mechanism is adjustable such that the amount of force exerted by the second end of the biasing lever against the pin can be varied.
US08418575B2	Method for shifting a neutral state of an automatic multi-stage transmission Method for shifting a neutral state of an automatic multi-stage transmission of a motor vehicle, where, to engage and to disengage gear stages of the transmission, shift couplings, at least one of which is equipped with a synchronizing device, can be actuated by a transmission actuator.
US08418570B2	Torque sensor A torque sensor detects a torque acting on a torsion bar provided between a first shaft and a second shaft on the basis of a magnetic flux density led to a rotating magnetic circuit portion from a magnetism generating portion. The magnetism generating portion includes a back yoke and a ring magnet. The back yoke includes a fitting portion fitted onto the first shaft, a joint portion to which the ring magnet is joined, and a stress reduction cutout that suppresses a transmission of a deformation stress generated in a radial direction of the fitting portion to the joint portion.
US08418569B2	Variable torque-rate test joint A variable torque-rate test point for the performance testing of rotary tools for threaded fasteners comprises a screw-threaded bolt (1) having a moment of inertia comparable to that of a bolt to be tightened using the rotary tool. The bolt (1) is tightened in the test joint against a torque-rate adjustment device (6) which can be adjusted to simulate a hard or a soft joint. The adjustment device (6) comprises a washer portion (7) beneath the bolt head (4), at least one spring beam (8) extending from a reaction point (9) radially outwardly of the bolt (1), and a pivotal bearing member (10) or other pivot at a mid portion of the beam (8). The beam (8) flexes as it extends in cantilever over the pivot point, and that flexure can be adjusted to vary the torque-rate of the test joint by varying the distance between the pivot point and the rotary axis of the bolt (1).
US08418568B2	Belt test apparatus A flexible member test apparatus comprising a driver member having a first diameter and a second diameter, the first diameter is not equal to the second diameter, a first driven member coupled by a first flexible member to the driver member through contact of the first flexible member with a first diameter surface, a second driven member coupled by a second flexible member to the driver member through contact of the second flexible member with a second diameter surface, the first driven member rotationally coupled to a magnetic particle clutch, and the second driven member rotationally coupled to the magnetic particle clutch.
US08418567B2	Fluid visual inspection device A fluid visual inspection device includes a fluid visual inspection portion and one set of fastening caps. The fluid visual inspection portion includes a vane holder which has a first flange and second flange, and is coupled with a transparent duct to allow users to see vane conditions and judge whether fluid is flowing. The vane holder further has a third flange and fourth flange that have respectively an external threaded portion formed thereon screwing with the fastening caps. One end of the vane holder holds a partition to form a passage opening. Each fastening cap has one end fastened to the third or fourth flange and another end screwed with a fluid pipe. The fastening caps and the duct are not integrally formed, hence fabrication is simpler and the cost is lower and production time is shorter, and coupling of the device and fluid pipe also is easier.
US08418566B2	Multi-layered flow passage member and ultrasonic wave fluid measuring device An objective of the invention is to provide a multilayered flow passage member that enhances fluid measurement accuracy of an ultrasonic fluid measurement apparatus and an ultrasonic fluid measurement apparatus using the multilayered flow passage member. When fusible projections 20 are fused by a heating head 21 while partition plates 11 are inserted into side plates 13 and 14, a fused state provided by the heating head 21 changes according to either side of each of the partition plates 11, because fuse surfaces at leading ends of the respective fusible projections 20 are sloped in the vertical direction. An outermost end of each of fusible projections 25 that first contacts the heating head 21 is first fused. During a course of the fusible projections 25 being fused toward their roots, the partition plates 11 are pressed against ends of respective insert holes 17a that are on the opposite side of the outermost ends that are first fused. As a result, the partition plates 11 become one-sided with respect to the respective insert holes 17a and fixed by means of positional accuracy of the insert holes 17a. Even when clearance exists between the partition plates 11 and the insert holes 17a, the partition plates can be fused with superior accuracy.
US08418563B2	Apparatus for detecting defects An apparatus for detecting defects in a railway rail includes a search unit and preferably a roller search unit (“RSU”) mounted on a test vehicle and in rolling contact with the running surface of the rails to inspect each rail. The RSU includes a tire filled with a liquid and a transducer assembly mounted within the tire. The transducer assembly includes one or more arrays of ultrasonic transducers directed toward the running surface of the rail. A laser profiler mounted on the test vehicle in combination with a linear encoder provide profile data which is communicated to a system controller to dynamically adjust the focal laws for the one or more arrays of transducers to dynamically steer the transmitted beams to produce the ideal inspection beam sets while the test vehicle is in motion.
US08418554B2	Gyroscope packaging assembly Packaging techniques for planar resonator gyroscopes, such as disc resonator gyroscopes (DRGs) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaged resonator gyroscope comprises a carrier, a substrate layer mounted to the carrier, a baseplate coupled to the substrate to define a cavity between the substrate and the baseplate, and a resonator mounted to the baseplate and suspended in the cavity. Other embodiments may be described.
US08418553B2	Biaxial angular velocity sensor A biaxial angular velocity sensor provided herein has good detection sensitivity and allows an oscillator to be fixed stably. The biaxial angular velocity sensor includes an oscillator (3) made of a non-piezoelectric material, an electromechanical energy converting element (23) for driving and electromechanical energy converting element (25) for detection, both of which are provided in the oscillator (3), a plurality of drive electrodes (27) provided corresponding to the electromechanical energy converting element (23) for driving, and a plurality of detection electrodes (29) provided corresponding to the electromechanical energy converting element (25) for detection. The oscillator (3) includes a central portion (5) located in the center of the oscillator and eight first to eighth arm portions (7) to (21). The distal end portions of the fifth to eighth arm portions (15) to (21), located on the opposite side to the central portion (5), are fixed.
US08418552B2	Absolute displacement detection method and absolute displacement sensor using the method An absolute displacement sensor 1 includes a sensor housing 2 serving as a detection object; a mass body 3 having a mass m which is movably supported by the sensor housing 2 with a spring coefficient k and a damping coefficient c; a detecting means 4 which electrically detects a relative velocity of the sensor housing 2 with respect to the mass body 3; a feedback control means 5 which controls the absolute displacement of the mass body 3 attributable to the absolute displacement of the sensor housing 2 by positively feeding back the relative displacement and by negatively feeding back a relative acceleration obtained by primarily differentiating the relative velocity, respectively; and a phase lag compensation means 6 which performs phase lag compensation with respect to the relative displacement.
US08418551B2	Retractable assembly for a sensor A retractable assembly for a sensor, which determines a physical and/or chemical, process variable in a process medium. The retractable assembly has a housing, in which a tubular holder for accommodating the sensor is arranged such that it can be moved linearly by a drive unit. At least one cascaded cylinder is provided for the linear shifting of the tubular holder, wherein the cascaded cylinder comprises at least two cylinders arranged one after the other in the direction of the stroke movement. Furthermore, the cascaded cylinder is, or the cascaded cylinders are, embodied and/or operable in such a manner that the sensor is movable into at least two different positions.
US08418550B2	Method and apparatus for capacitive sensing the top level of a material in a vessel A method and apparatus for sensing the top level of a material in a vessel is disclosed. A method and apparatus for sensing changes in the top level of a material in a vessel is disclosed.
US08418548B2	Plug-in sensor having an optimized flow outlet A plug-in sensor is provided which is suitable for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing in a main flow direction, especially of an intake air mass of an internal combustion engine flowing through a flow pipe. The plug-in sensor has a plug part that is able to be mounted in the flowing fluid medium, in a specified alignment to the main flow direction. In the plug part, at least one flow channel is provided having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, in the at least one flow channel at least one sensor is accommodated for determining the at least one parameter. The plug part has a profile at which at least one local pressure minimum sets in in the flowing fluid medium. The at least one outlet opening is situated at the side of the plug part, in the region of the at least one pressure minimum.
US08418547B2	Force, pressure, or stiffness measurement or calibration using graphene or other sheet membrane Force, pressure, or stiffness measurement or calibration can be provided, such as by using a graphene or other sheet membrane, which can provide a specified number of monolayers suspended over a substantially circular well. In an example, the apparatus can include a substrate, including a substantially circular well. A deformable sheet membrane can be suspended over the well. The membrane can be configured to include a specified integer number of one or more monolayers. A storage medium can comprise accompanying information about the suspended membrane or the substrate that, with a deflection displacement response of the suspended membrane to an applied force or pressure, provides a measurement of the applied force or pressure.
US08418545B2	Gas insufflation device providing optimal and safe use of pressured gas vessels A medical gas insufflation device comprising at least a gas outlet circuit, a connector for connecting a pressurized vessel in which the gas is packaged, an expander placed between the connector and the gas outlet circuit, a high-pressure sensor placed between the connector and the expander, a flow meter placed at the outlet from the expander, and a microprocessor connected at least to the sensor to receive signals representative of the pressure observed at the connector and to the flow meter to receive signals representative of the flow rate at the outlet from the expander, wherein the microprocessor includes evaluation means for evaluating the remaining volume of gas after expansion as a function of the signals received from the sensor and the flow meter during a gas expansion operation.
US08418544B2	Bending transducer for generating electrical energy from mechanical deformations A bending transducer for generating electrical energy from deformations includes at least: one deformable support device, on which a first connecting electrode and a second connecting electrode are formed, one piezoelectric element attached to the support device having a least one first electrode and one second electrode, the first connecting electrode being contacted with the first electrode of the piezoelectric element, and the second connecting electrode being contacted with the second electrode of the piezoelectric element. The first connecting electrode and/or the second connecting electrode are applied as a structured conductive layer to the support device in at least some areas.
US08418541B2	Dynamometer free of off-axis loading A dynamometer includes a roller that is rotabably mounted upon a shaft with the shaft being rotatably mounted upon a support that carries the weight of the roller, the dynamometer also having a shear beam load cell disposed within the roller with a first end secured adjacent to an inner surface of the roller and a second end attached to the shaft to provide the sole structural connection between the roller and the shaft.
US08418540B2	Force-transmission device for connecting engine to drive/load system of test stand A test stand for an internal combustion engine (1) is equipped with a drive (2) and/or load system (3), a force transmission device (4) with a system (5) for a non-destructive and play-free automatic coupling of the internal combustion engine (1) to the drive (2) and/or load system (3), and a sensor and evaluation system for automatically collecting and evaluating measurement variables. The system (5) for a non-destructive and play-free automatic coupling of the internal combustion engine includes an internally toothed and longitudinally slotted clamping sleeve (12) for receiving an element (13) of the internal combustion engine (1) in a form and force fitting manner, wherein the outer side of the clamping sleeve (12) is conically formed and interacts with a clamping collet (10) which is conically formed on the inside.
US08418528B2	Oil migration system An apparatus and a system is provided that may be utilized to determine oil migration and oil displacement from a pre-oiled air filter. The present invention may also be utilized to determine if oil is displaced from the air filter onto a portion of the apparatus for visualization to a user. The present invention utilizes a demonstration apparatus having a system for forcing air through the oil subjected air filter thereby attempting to force displacement of the oil from the air filter. The apparatus utilizes a blowing means whereby the oil infused air filter is subject to higher than normal air flow and whereby the apparatus has a deflection portion whereby if oil is displaced from the air filter, it is deflected onto the deflection portion where it would be physically viewable to an observer present in the vicinity of the apparatus.
US08418522B1	Hand/pneumatics dual operation vacuum pulling device A hand/pneumatics dual operation vacuum pulling device includes an elongate shank and a slidable backward ram fit to the shank. The shank has an end to which a suction cup is attached. The shank has an upper end to which a handgrip having a pressure relief seat is mounted. A ramp stop section is formed below the pressure relief seat. The handgrip can selectively and switchably couple with a hand-operating pump piston to form a hand-operating vacuum pulling device, or couple with a pneumatic operation seat to form a pneumatically-operating vacuum pulling device. For hand operation or pneumatics operation, the vacuum pulling device is allowed to easily switch between the two modes according to the availability of power supply and the site of use, thereby achieving an excellent device for one device having two ways of use.
US08418521B2	Double closed hydraulic mould stand A double closed hydraulic mold stand is provided, which includes an up bottom plate (1), a down bottom plate (21), an up mold plate (8), a down mold plate (20), four guide sleeves (42), four guide columns (45), and a four mechanical linkage velocity ratio mechanism. The four guide sleeves (42) and the four guide columns (45) are distributed symmetrically and slidingly fit each other. An up piston cylinder, a down piston cylinder, an up bed piece (11), a down bed piece (31), an up concave mold seat (15), a down concave mold seat, an up concave mold (16), and a down concave mold (33) are fixed at the up bottom plate and the down bottom plate. An up pin-lift (3), a down pin-lift (24), an up punch pin seat (4), a down punch pin seat (22), an up punch pin (38), and a down punch pin (36) form an up piston and a down piston respectively. The up piston cylinder and the down piston cylinder have a split combined structure, which is convenient for manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. The up piston cylinder is repositioned by using a cylindrical spring. The down piston cylinder is repositioned by using a cylindrical spring and a nitrogen gas spring. The reposition is strong and fast, which facilitates vacuum oil absorption, power consumption saving, and productivity improvement. The present invention can be installed on a single-acting hydraulic press or a single-acting mechanical press for use, and has a wide application range.
US08418518B2	Contact bending fixture A contact bending fixture includes a lower die slider, a positioning rod, a linear actuating mechanism, and an upper die slider. A lower die mounted on the lower die slider includes a die holder, a lower bending module, a contact holding stick, and a bearing roller. The lower bending module includes a smooth sustaining side surface facing the bearing roller for defining an insertion gap therebetween. An upper die mounted on the upper die slider opposes the lower die and includes a punch holder, a hold-down plate, an elastic component, and an upper bending module. The hold-down plate presses and holds down an end of an under-bending contact on the top surface of lower bending module with an opposite end of the contact suspending in the insertion gap. Therefore, the contact bending fixture is capable of bending a contact at a required angle in one step.
US08418515B2	Valve operated by a master key A valve which is controlled using a master key such that only an authorized person is able to turn the valve on and off. The valve is constructed such that a fluid passage is controlled by rotating a handle relative to a body, including a locking device for maintaining a locked state of the handle relative to the body. A master key slot, which extends to the locking device, is formed in the handle, so that, when the master key is inserted into the master key slot, the locked state of the handle is released such that the fluid passage can be controlled by the rotation of the handle.
US08418511B2	Drain structure for laundry treating device A laundry machine includes a first laundry treating device, and a second laundry treating device arranged adjacent to the first laundry treating device. The second laundry treating device is operable independently of the first laundry treating device. A first draining pipe guides water discharged from the first laundry treating device, and a second draining pipe guides water discharged from the second laundry treating device. A joining pipe is connected to the first and second draining pipes at a joining point.
US08418507B2	Method for circular-knitting of a sock A method of knitting a sock with a bulbous heel and a square toe is disclosed. A circular sock knitting machine is controlled in four phases to alternately narrow and widen the heel and toe by actuating only some of the needles in the knitting machine. The result is a sock with an expanded Y-gore and a heel and toe of increased size.
US08418505B2	High alkali glass composition A glass composition useful in preparing fiberglass comprises 12 to 25 weight % CaO; 12 to 16 weight % Al2O3; 52 to 62 weight % SiO2; 0.05 to 0.8 Fe2O3; and greater than 2 up to about 8 weight % alkali metal oxide.
US08418502B2	Heating apparatus for glass-sheet-forming and a bending method for a glass sheet The present invention relates to a heating apparatus for glass-sheet-forming, which prevents formation of a heater distortion in a portion of a glass sheet facing to a temperature-distributing heat shield.A heating apparatus for glass-sheet-forming comprising a heating element for heating a glass sheet, a heat-shielding plate for partitioning a heating region Y into a plurality of regions X and partially shielding radiant heat rays radiated from the heating element toward the glass sheet so as to form a predetermined temperature distribution on a surface of the glass sheet heated by the heating element, wherein the heating apparatus for glass-sheet-forming further comprises an auxiliary heat-shielding plate for partially shielding radiant heat rays radiated from a heating element toward a portion of the surface of the glass sheet, that faces to the heat-shielding plate, as a heat-ray-adjusting means for reducing radiant heat rays from the heating element reaching a portion of the surface of the glass sheet that faces to the temperature-distributing heat shield.
US08418498B2	Refrigeration device and method for controlling a refrigeration device A refrigeration device includes an interior that is divided up into two refrigeration zones with each refrigeration zone having an evaporator and a compressor for supplying the evaporator with a refrigerant. A control for operating the compressors can be operated in different modes of operation depending on predetermined conditions. In a normal mode, the at least two compressors are exclusively operated at different times.
US08418495B2	Air cycle machine integrated rotor and shaft An air cycle machine includes two turbines and a compressor mounted on an integral shaft. The integral shaft includes a plurality of shaft sections that are welded together and machined in a single set-up process into a desired shaft shape to provide highly aligned bearing surfaces. The shaft includes three stops that cooperate with three fasteners to secure the two turbines and the compressor on the shaft.
US08418492B2	Condenser for a refrigerator A condenser assembly for a refrigerator includes a condenser arranged in a frame. The condenser is configured for a flow of a refrigerant therethrough. The frame has at least one evaporation tray that is arranged above the condenser and one evaporation tray that is arranged below the condenser.
US08418489B2	Control of supercritical refrigeration system A refrigeration system includes a refrigerant circuit performing a vapor compression supercritical refrigeration cycle. The system includes a compression mechanism, a heat source heat exchanger, an expander, and a utilization heat exchanger. The expander includes, for two-stage compression, a high pressure side and a low pressure side throttle mechanism, both variable in the amount of throttling. A controller is configured to derive a target value, providing a maximum COP, for the pressure of high pressure refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit based on the temperature of refrigerant at the outlet of either the heat source side heat exchanger or the utilization side heat exchanger, whichever becomes a heat dissipation side heat exchanger functioning as a heat dissipation unit and on the temperature of a medium exchanging heat with refrigerant in the heat dissipation side heat exchanger, at the inlet of the heat dissipation side heat exchanger.
US08418487B2	Water chiller economizer system A process-fluid chiller system for chilling a process fluid to be transported to a process load to remove thermal energy from the process load. The process-fluid chiller system includes a storage tank in which the process fluid can be stored, and a refrigeration system that can be selectively activated to chill the process fluid. The refrigeration system includes an evaporation device for evaporating a refrigerant from a liquid state to a gaseous state and a compressor for elevating a pressure of the refrigerant in the gaseous state. A temperature sensor is included for sensing a temperature of an exchange medium to which thermal energy from the process fluid can be transferred when the temperature of the exchange medium falls below a predetermined low temperature. Also included is a closed-loop heat exchanger that can selectively be placed in fluid communication with the storage tank and selectively taken out of fluid communication with the storage tank based at least in part on the sensed temperature of the exchange medium. The process-fluid chiller system further includes a control system for controlling activation of the refrigeration system and selective placement of the closed-loop heat exchanger in fluid communication with the storage tank.
US08418485B2	Refrigerator There is provided a temperature switching compartment 3 which can switch the internal temperature thereof between a low temperature side at which a storage material is kept in cold storage and a high temperature side maintained at 50° C., to 80° C. at which cooked food is kept warm, by cooling with a cooler 17 and heating with a heater 15.
US08418480B2	Cooling system using positive displacement cryogenic liquid pump A cooling system employs a single-acting positive displacement bellows pump to transfer a cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen from a storage dewar to a heat exchanger coupled to a measurement chamber of an instrument, wherein cooling takes place by vaporizing the liquid. Preferably, the capacity of the pump is greater than the maximum cooling requirement of the instrument, wherein both vapor resulting from vaporizing of the cryogenic liquid circulated through the heat exchanger and liquid that does not vaporize when circulated through the heat exchanger are returned to the storage dewar, wherein the vapor is subsequently vented from the dewar. Preferably, with the aid of a weir in a return line, the level of liquid in the heat exchanger is maintained full and constant, and the cooling demands are automatically met without the need for other control of the flow rate or level of the liquid. Also, unlike conventional systems, liquid transfer from the dewar does not require dewar pressurization, so that the dewar may be refilled whenever necessary without interrupting the experiment in progress.
US08418479B2	Co-axial multi-stage pulse tube for helium recondensation A two-stage pulse tube refrigerator having a compact design, low vibration and low heat loss is provided where at least the 2nd stage is co-axial but preferably, both stages are co-axial with the second stage pulse tube being central and the first stage pulse tube occupying the annular space between the second stage pulse tube and the first stage regenerator. Convection losses associated with different temperature profiles in the pulse tubes and regenerators are minimized by shifting the thermal patterns in the pulse tubes relative to the regenerators by one or more of spacers in the regenerators, physical differences in length with gas channel connections, adjustment of dc flow, and thermal bridges.
US08418478B2	Cooling apparatus having low profile extrusion and method of manufacture therefor A cooling apparatus for removing heat having a low profile unitary member. The low profile unitary member has an evaporator portion and a condenser portion. The evaporator portion is thermally exposed to a heat generating component. The condenser portion is disposed at an elevated angle with respect to the evaporator portion. A plurality of microtubes are disposed within the first low profile extrusion. The plurality of microtubes have a heat transfer fluid contained therein. A second plurality of low profile extrusion members are mounted as fins on the evaporator section of the low profile unitary member. Heat is transferred from the heat generating component to the heat transfer fluid contained with the microtubes located within the evaporator portion. The heat transfer fluid to which the heat was transferred migrates to the condenser portion of the low profile unitary member by way of the microtubes. The heat transfer fluid is cooled in the condenser portion of the low profile unitary member. Cooling of the heat transfer fluid within the condenser section is enhanced by the second plurality of low profile extrusion members. The heat transfer fluid is returned to the evaporator section after cooling.
US08418474B2	Altering a natural frequency of a gas turbine transition duct A transition duct having a thermally free aft frame and being capable of adjusting the natural frequency is disclosed. The aft frame is capable of permitting movement due to thermal gradients with the transition duct. The transition duct utilizes a spring plate located adjacent to an aft mounting bracket, where the spring plate, based on its thickness can either increase or decrease a frequency of the transition duct. Such an arrangement ensures that the transition duct natural frequency does not coincide with or cross other critical engine and/or combustor frequencies.
US08418471B2	Gas turbine engine having variable flow through a bifurcation having an intake with multiple louvers A turbofan engine pylon structure has a fan variable area nozzle defined by a variable area flow system between a pylon intake and a pylon exhaust to selectively adjust a bypass flow through the pylon structure. The variable area flow system changes the physical area and geometry of a pylon nozzle exit area to manipulate the bypass flow by opening and closing an additional flow area of the variable area flow system.
US08418468B2	Segmented annular ring-manifold quaternary fuel distributor A combustor section is provided and includes a segmented annular manifold mounted upstream from a fuel nozzle support in a section of a passage through which an oxidizer flows, each segment of the manifold being substantially axially aligned and including a body to accommodate fuel internally that is formed to define injection holes through which the fuel is injected into the passage through which the oxidizer flows upstream of the fuel nozzle support.
US08418462B2	Method for maximizing transient variable geometry turbine response in an internal combustion engine A method of operating a variable geometry turbine (VTG) during transient operations for maximum response by determining the VTG area at the balance condition of the pressure ratio and efficiency curves for the variable geometry turbine to achieve maximum power. The method includes measurements of turbine inlet pressure, turbine outlet pressure, turbine rpm, and other parameters used to measure turbine mass flow.
US08418461B2	System and method for condensate removal from EGR system An exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine having an exhaust system includes an EGR cooler in fluid communication with an exhaust manifold. The EGR cooler receives a portion of the engine's exhaust gas. A cooled EGR passage is downstream of the EGR cooler, and an air intake line is in fluid communication with an intake manifold. A collecting vessel is located at or downstream of the EGR cooler for receiving condensate, and a condensate evacuation line is in fluid communication with the collecting vessel for receiving condensate from the collecting vessel.
US08418456B2	Heat-pipe electric power generating device and hydrogen/oxygen gas generating apparatus and internal combustion engine system having the same A heat-pipe electric power generating device including a fan disposed between an evaporating end and a condensing end of a heat-pipe is provided. A magnetic substance is disposed on the fan to form a magnetic field. A stator coil of a generator is disposed at the outer of the heat-pipe, which is corresponding to the position of the fan. An induced current is generated by the stator coil of the generator when the magnetic substance spins. Since the heat-pipe is made of copper, and the magnetic field is not shielded by copper, a current is induced when a relative motion between the magnetic substance on the fan and the stator coil of the generator at the outer of the heat-pipe is generated. Further, the heat-pipe electric power generating device can be applied on a hydrogen/oxygen gas generating apparatus and an internal combustion engine system of a motor vehicle.
US08418454B2	Thermal engine A thermal engine is described, which has two pairs of chambers, comprising a first and a second heat transmission chamber and a first and second working chamber which are connected alternately via a first and second cooling device and a first and second heat exchanger, so that a shared total interior is formed, in which a working medium is situated. Linearly movable first and second heat transmission pistons and first and second working pistons are mounted inside the chambers. The particular relative aligned arrangement of the chambers and the special development of the piston heads of the heat transmission pistons lead to an increased efficiency of the thermal engine being able to be achieved.
US08418453B2	Float for sea wave energy conversion plant A float for use in capturing energy from waves, said float comprising: a central body providing buoyancy, said float further comprising: a leading part which has a leading surface which, in use of the float, is inclined upwards from horizontal such that the top of said leading surface projects further from said central body than the bottom of said leading surface and/or a trailing part which, in use of said float, extends downwards from said central body and presents a trailing surface which is inclined downwards from horizontal such that the top of said trailing surface is closer to said body than the bottom of said trailing surface.
US08418448B2	Exhaust gas treatment device for construction machine An engine (8) is mounted to a vehicle body by means of vibration isolating mounts (8E), and a support member (15) is mounted to the engine (8). Vibration isolating members (20) are provided between this support member (15) and a mounting bracket (17) mounted to an exhaust gas treatment device (16). Accordingly, even in cases where the engine (8) has generated high-frequency vibrations, these vibrations can be damped by the vibration isolating mounts (8E) and the vibration isolating members (20). In consequence, treatment members constituting the exhaust gas treatment device (16), such as a catalyst, a filter, and a sensor, can be protected from the vibrations of the engine (8). In addition, as the exhaust gas treatment device (16) is provided with the mounting bracket (17), the vibration isolating members (20) can be reliably mounted to the exhaust gas treatment device (16) by means of the mounting bracket (17).
US08418446B2	Exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engine Disclosed is a technology that enables better reduction of NOx stored in an NOx catalyst in an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine. When NOx stored in an NOx catalyst is to be reduced, the air-fuel ratio of the ambient atmosphere around the NOx catalyst is decreased to a target air-fuel ratio by decreasing the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine. In doing so, if the temperature of the NOx catalyst is not lower than a specific temperature, the air-fuel ratio of the ambient atmosphere around the NOx catalyst is decreased to the target air-fuel ratio while bringing the combustion state into low temperature combustion. On the other hand, if the temperature of the NOx catalyst is lower than the specific temperature, the air-fuel ratio of the ambient atmosphere around the NOx catalyst is decreased to the target air-fuel ratio while decreasing the quantity of EGR gas in a cylinder so that the amount of generated smoke is kept within an allowable range.
US08418443B2	Method of treating pollutants contained in exhaust gases, notably of an internal-combustion engine, and system using same The present invention relates to a method of treating exhaust gas pollutants, notably of an internal-combustion engine, with a system comprising an exhaust line (L) with selective catalytic reduction catalysis means (62) and injection means (82) for injecting a reducing agent into the line so as to treat the pollutants, characterized in that it consists in: heating an organonitrogen compound so as to decompose it into a mixture of at least an ammonia-containing reducing agent in the gas phase, another reducing agent in the gas phase and steam, compressing, then cooling this mixture so as to condense the steam to a liquid water phase and to obtain a gas phase of one of the two reducing agents and a liquid phase of the other reducing agent, injecting one of the reducing agents into the exhaust line in combination with said catalysis means (62) in order to treat the pollutants of these gases.
US08418442B2	Method and system for controlling active regeneration of a diesel particulate filter Method of controlling the active regeneration of a particulate filter through dynamic control of the temperature at the outlet of an oxidation catalyst.A control law is defined for a hydrocarbon flow rate at the oxidation catalyst inlet, by means of the ratio between a temperature demand and a gain. The gain can be corrected so as to take account of the transient phenomena that occur in the oxidation catalyst during a gas flow rate variation. The temperature demand can comprise a precompensation term to compensate for the effects of a temperature variation at the oxidation catalyst inlet. The temperature demand can comprise a feedback term calculated by a controller whose parameters are automatically calculated by means of a physical model of the catalyst, during operating conditions variations. Any combination of these terms allows to define a suitable control law. Finally, the hydrocarbon flow rate is modified by applying the control law so that the temperature of the gas leaving said catalyst respects a set point temperature.Application: engine control.
US08418433B2	Elevator wire rope In an elevator wire rope 1 structured by twisting a plurality of schenkels 3, each schenkel 3 being formed by twisting a plurality of strands 2, each strand 2 being formed by twisting a plurality of fine steel wires 2a to 2g, the interior of the wire rope being filled with a resin 4, and the surface of the wire rope being covered with a resin 5, wherein the direction in which the fine steel wires 2a to 2g and the strands 2 are twisted and the direction in which the schenkels 3 are twisted are mutually opposite, and the diameter d4 of the inscribed circle of the plurality of twisted schenkels 3 is smaller than the diameter d2 of the schenkel 3.
US08418427B2	Insulated door and method of making same An insulated door comprising a door shell having spaced first and second exterior panels. The door includes a plurality of stiffeners bonded to a liner panel, with thermal insulation between adjacent stiffeners, disposed within the door shell. The liner panel may extend along one side of the stiffeners and the thermal insulation along the liner panel between the stiffeners and the first and second exterior panels. The stiffeners and the liner panel are preferably made of steel and the stiffeners are welded to the liner panel. The stiffeners are preferably not welded to the first and second exterior panels of the door shell. The liner panel is preferably insertable into the first or second exterior panels of the door shell. The insulation material fills substantially all of the space between the liner panel and one of the first or second exterior panels.
US08418425B1	Tubular beam for the construction of temporary structures A tubular beam for construction of temporary structures preferably includes a rectangular tube, a first end plate and a second end plate. A plurality of tube access openings are formed through each side of the rectangular tube. A fastener hole pattern is formed around each tube access opening. The first and second end plates are attached to each end of the rectangular tube. A plate access opening is formed through the first and second end plates. The fastener hole pattern is formed around the plate access opening. Two or more adjacent tubular beams may be assembled to each other in “I,” “L,” “T” or “double T” configurations by inserting a plurality of threaded fasteners through the fastener holes in each adjacent tubular beam. The plurality of threaded fasteners are secured with a plurality of nuts. A fastening plate may also be used to join two adjacent tubular beams.
US08418423B1	Plug assembly and a method for sealing a hole A dual stage plug assembly 10 which provides a first sealing stage which is cooperatively provided by the insertion members 12, 14 (including the unexpanded portion 24) and a second sealing stage which is provided by selectively expandable member 24. The plug assembly 10 is selectively inserted into a hole, such as hole 80, which is formed in a tangible entity, such as basement wall 82, and the members 12 and 14 cooperates with member 24 to seal the hole 80, thereby preventing water and/or other liquid from entering and passing through the hole 80.
US08418417B2	Photovoltaic module A photovoltaic module has a reinforcement beam for strength reinforcement. The photovoltaic module includes a solar panel having one or more solar cells, a frame surrounding an edge of the solar panel, and a reinforcement beam connecting two separate sides of the frame at the rear of the solar panel, which is opposite to a light receiving surface of the solar panel upon which solar light is incident, the reinforcement beam having a hollow space defined therein.
US08418414B2	Swimming pool brace assembly A swimming pool brace assembly having a brace and bracket used to attach a concrete form. The bracket positions the concrete form between the concrete footing and the deck of the swimming pool. The swimming pool brace is provided with receptacles that are adapted to receive the brackets, which are used to retain the position of the concrete form. The receptacles of the brace allow the brackets to be attached to either side of the brace. The bracket includes a retention feature that is configured to retain the bracket in position once inserted into the receptacle of the brace. The bracket includes a series of radially spaced inwardly extending protrusions that engage the concrete form. The protrusions are adapted to deflect to adjust for variations in the size of the forms.
US08418413B2	Windturbine support tower with pendulum-damping means The present invention relates to a tower (12) configured to support a wind turbine (18, 20). The tower (12) comprises a mass assembly (22) suspended by suspension apparatus (24) from the tower (12) such that the mass assembly (22) is movable to and fro in relation to the tower. The tower (12) also comprises at least one coupling apparatus mechanically coupled to the mass assembly (22) and to the tower (12), the coupling apparatus being operable to couple energy between the mass assembly and the tower as the mass assembly (22) moves to and fro.
US08418406B2	Acceleration and deceleration device with two carrier elements In an acceleration and deceleration device which includes at least one energy storage device and a cylinder with at least one piston movably disposed in the cylinder and moved therein by a carrier element and a sliding door including a slidable door panel provided with an acceleration and deceleration device, a second carrier element is provided guiding either the first piston or the second piston for movement in the cylinder so as to control the movement of pistons and of the sliding door near its end positions.
US08418405B2	Automatic opening and closing apparatus for vehicle A speed reducer (32) including a gear case (33) is attached in an electric motor, and a pinion is provided to an output shaft (35) protruding from the gear case (33). A base portion (33a) protruding in a diametrical direction is provided to the gear case (33) and a support shaft is mounted to the base portion (33b). A sector gear (42) is fixed to a base end of a lift arm (24), and the sector gear (42) is swingably supported by the support shaft and meshed with the pinion. In addition, a groove portion (42c) in a circular arc shape is provided to the sector gear (42), and a gear cover (51) is fixed to the gear case (33) by a bolt (58) penetrating the groove portion (42c) and a bolt (54) disposed on an outer periphery side than the sector gear (42), and the gear cover (51) covers a mesh portion of the pinion and the sector gear (42) and presses the sector gear (42) toward the gear case (33).
US08418403B1	Hanging stacked plant holders and watering systems Hanging stacked plant holders and watering systems for receiving and supporting a plurality of pots in pot holding rings fastened to the end of a plurality of unit arms. The unit arms are stacked on a structure that includes an upper manifold and a lower manifold. The pots supported by the upper unit arms receive water from the upper manifold, and the pots supported by the lower unit arms receive water seeping through the upper pots, with water seeping through the lower pots being collected for recirculation. various features and construction details are disclosed.
US08418401B2	Photovoltaic greenhouse structure A photovoltaic greenhouse includes a house structure having upstanding walls and a roof thereover to enclose a greenhouse space therein, and at least one thin-film solar cell module mounted on the roof for converting solar energy within a pre-selected light band of sunlight into electricity, wherein light not absorbed by the thin-film solar cell module passes through and enters the greenhouse space, which can be utilized by plants or crops for photosynthesis. The thin-film solar cell module has high transmittance of light in the wavelength intervals, for example, 400-450 nm and 640-700 nm, required by the cultured plants or crops inside the greenhouse space for photosynthesis.
US08418398B2	Electrocuting mouse trap with automatic chamber-clearing mechanism An electronic mouse trap is provided having multiple kill and automatic killing chamber clearing capabilities. The trap includes an elevated killing chamber rotatably mounted on a base that houses a collection bin positioned under the chamber and which has an entrance pathway that provides mice with access to the chamber. Upon completion of a killing cycle and the killing of a mouse, the chamber is automatically rotated by a gear motor about a longitudinal axis that is slightly below the floor of the chamber. The chamber rotates approximately 180 degrees so as to be inverted, allowing the dead mouse to fall downwardly into the collection bin. Once the chamber has been inverted and the mouse removed by gravity, the gear motor reverses the rotation direction and returns the chamber to its upright position where it is ready to reinitiate the killing cycle for another mouse.
US08418396B2	Humane animal trap An animal trap comprised of an elongated conduit, the elongated conduit including an open proximal end, a closed distal end, inner and outer walls, and a slot dimensioned to receive a door therethrough. The door when urged into the slot is dimensioned to substantially encompass a cross sectional area of the elongated conduit. A tension member is coupled to the door for urging the door into the slot independent of gravity or geometric alignment of the animal trap when released by an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the door. A sensor is provided for signaling a presence of an animal within an interior volume of the elongated conduit. A trigger circuit is operatively coupled with the sensor and the actuator and is configured to cause the actuator to release the door upon receipt of a presence of an animal signal from the sensor.
US08418394B2	Stable bipod mount and clamp assembly A clamping assembly for releasably attaching an accessory such as a bipod to an upwardly projecting elongate support such as a picatinny-style mounting rail includes a clamping mount configured to releasably attach to the upward facing picatinny rail, so that the bipod, when deployed, suspends a device to be supported between the bipod's legs.
US08418391B2	Firearm safety lock A lock for a firearm with a grip safety, and a sear engageable to a biased hammer in a cocked position and releasable by a trigger is disclosed. The lock has a housing defining a first bore within which a mainspring that biases the hammer is received, as well as a second bore. There is a locking pin retractable into and extendible out of the second bore of the housing. When the locking pin is in an extended position, the grip safety is restricted to an engaged state, blocking movement of the trigger. An actuator disposed in the housing and cooperatively linked to the locking pin provides the motive force for retracting and extending the locking pin.
US08418389B1	Recoil reduction apparatus and method for weapon A recoil-reducing weapon may include a housing and a receiver translatably disposed in the housing. A barrel may have one end fixed to the receiver and be translatable with respect to the housing. A spring stop may be fixed to the barrel forward of the housing and a spring may be disposed between the spring stop and a front of the housing. An operating group with a gear rack may be translatably disposed in the receiver. A longitudinal member may have one end fixed to the operating group. A counter-mass may have a second gear rack and an opening therein for receiving the longitudinal member. A second spring may be disposed around the longitudinal member. One end of the second spring may bear against the operating group and another end of the second spring may bear against the counter-mass. A pinion gear may be rotatably fixed to the receiver and operable to mesh with the gear rack and the second gear rack.
US08418388B2	Device for counting shots for firearms The invention relates to a device for counting shots (1) for a lightweight firearm (100). The device for counting shots includes a device (10) suitable to turn a part of the electrical signal connected to an acceleration applied to the firearm from an event. The device for counting shots also includes a processing unit (11) suitable to be fed by the electrical signal and suitable for analyzing the electrical signal itself.
US08418383B2	Canvas frame and kit for the construction of a custom canvas frame A canvas frame and canvas frame kit is disclosed that permits canvas frames of unorthodox configuration. The canvas frames include divergent interior portions that permit an irregular primary frame to be matched with a supplemental frame to present a single, unified work of art separable at the whim of the user.
US08418378B2	Condensation dryer with a heat pump and recognition of an impermissible operating state and method for the operation thereof A condensation dryer is provided which has a heat pump in which a coolant circulates; a compressor; a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the coolant; and a controller. The controller has a first comparator to compare the temperature of the coolant with an upper limiting temperature of the coolant; a switch to switch the compressor off if the temperature of the coolant is greater than or equal to the upper limiting temperature and to switch the compressor on after each compressor disconnection. A counter ascertains the number of occurrences at which the compressor is switched off. The counter is incremented by 1 each time the compressor is switched off. A second comparator compares the number of occurrences with a prespecified limiting number and evaluates the difference between the number of occurrences and the prespecified limiting number with respect to the presence of an impermissible operating state.
US08418367B2	Method of manufacturing a rolling bearing unit for supporting a wheel To realize a manufacturing method for a wheel-supporting rolling bearing unit that can establish sufficient parallelism between a rotating side installation surface 14 for fastening to and supporting a disk of a disk brake and a stationary side installation surface 15 for fastening a caliper or support, in the present invention, while rotating a hub 2 comprising the rotating side installation surface 14 with respect to an outer race comprising the stationary side installation surface, a finishing process such as turning is performed on the rotating side installation surface 14 or both side surfaces in the axial direction of the disk which is fastened and supported to and by the rotating side installation surface 14, with the stationary side installation surface 15 as a reference surface.
US08418363B2	Threaded rod plunger installation tool A plunger installation tool that exerts a force on a plunger for a reciprocating pump to install the plunger into a pump cylinder opening. Maintenance of the pump typically includes repacking of the packing that surrounds the plunger and revalving of the pump's inlet and outlet valve. To allow repacking or revalving, the pump is disassembled and the plunger is removed. The plunger installation tool threads onto the pump cylinder opening to provide a reaction point for a threaded rod that is driven at one end by a driver and engages the plunger at an opposite end during installation to push the plunger into the cylinder opening without the use of hammers by personnel.
US08418362B2	Method of manufacturing RF ablation probe with unibody electrode element An ablation probe and method of manufacturing the ablation probe are provided. The probe comprises a probe shaft and a unibody electrode element. The unibody electrode element comprises a common electrode base located at the distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of electrode tines distally extending from the electrode base. The electrode element may be created by forming divisions (such as slits or slots) from a first end of an electrically conductive elongate member towards an opposing second end of the elongate member. Alternatively, the divisions can be formed from a first end of an electrically conductive sheet towards an opposing second end of the sheet, and then bent or rolled to form the elongate member. In either case, the common electrode base can either be separately mounted to a probe shaft, or the probe shaft can be formed from the elongate member, in which case, the electrode base will be integrated with the probe shaft as a unibody structure. The electrode tines can be optionally shaped, e.g., to proximally evert.
US08418361B2	Method of manufacturing printed circuit board having landless via hole Method of manufacturing printed circuit board, including: providing a substrate including a first circuit layer having a lower land of a via; forming an insulating layer on the first circuit layer; forming a via hole in the insulating layer; filling the via hole with a first metal, thus forming a via; forming a seed layer with a second metal on the insulating layer and an exposed surface of the via; applying a resist film on the seed layer, and forming a resist pattern having an opening for a second circuit layer with a width formed on the via being smaller than a width of the via; plating a circuit region defined by the opening with a third metal, thus forming a plating layer formed of the third metal; and removing the resist film, and selectively removing an exposed portion of the seed layer, thus forming a second circuit layer.
US08418359B2	Method for manufacturing circuit pattern-provided substrate A method for manufacturing a circuit pattern-provided substrate including forming a resist layer on a substrate, forming an opening corresponding to a circuit pattern and having an eaves cross-sectional shape in the resist layer, forming a thin film layer having a portion formed on the substrate in the opening and a portion formed on the resist layer, and removing the resist layer such that the resist layer and the portion of the thin film layer formed on the resist layer are removed from the substrate. The forming of the opening comprises exposing the resist layer with a mask device which changes an exposure amount of the resist layer such that the eaves cross-sectional shape has a space at a boundary between the resist layer and the substrate.
US08418353B1	Method for providing a plurality of energy assisted magnetic recording EAMR heads A method for providing energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) heads using a substrate are described. The substrate has front and back sides and apertures therein. The apertures are through-holes between the front and back sides of the substrate. The method includes providing a transmission medium in the apertures and fabricating EAMR transducers on the front side of the substrate. The EAMR transducers correspond to the apertures and the EAMR heads. The method also includes electrically insulating the back side of the substrate. The back side of the substrate is also prepared for mounting of the lasers. The lasers then are coupled the back side of the substrate. The lasers correspond to the EAMR heads and are configured to provide light through the apertures to the EAMR transducers. The method also includes separating the substrate into the EAMR heads.
US08418348B2	Manufacturing method of scattered radiation removing grid Problems SolvedThe information solves the problem of how to provide a structure and a manufacturing method that can inexpensively and stably obtain a scattered X-ray eliminating grid wherein air serves as an intermediate substance even as X-ray absorbing substance parts are accurately positioned and held. SolutionThe invention includes disposing guide slit plate mechanisms fixed relative to one another, namely, parallel to and spaced apart from one another by a prescribed distance; fitting metal foils, which serve as X-ray absorbing substance provided between the guide slit plate mechanisms, parallel to primary X-rays; inserting both ends of the metal foils into the guide slit plate mechanisms; inserting, when applying tension evenly, a rod, which is sheathed in an elastic body, into holes formed in the metal foils on the tip sides of the metal foils beyond the inserted portions; and adopting a structure that ensures that the cross sectional shape of the elastic body sheathing the rod has a sufficient wall thickness in a direction in which the elastic body is compressed when tension is generated, and thereby eliminating any difference in the tension even if a spring constant k that is determined during compression is small and the amounts of compression are different.
US08418345B2	Method for producing a hollow profile joint and a hollow profile In a method for producing a joint between a hollow profile made from steel and a component made from an aluminum material, a positive and material joint is produced by a braze welding process in conjunction with a pressing operation. The hollow profile is first pressed on a seating region of the component. Subsequently, a weld layer with an additive is applied by thermal joining, producing a positive and material joint between the hollow profile and the component. The positive joint is facilitated by first forming an end of the hollow profile to be pressed on. Preferably, forming is done by widening the end to be pressed on into the shape of a collar.
US08418343B2	Method for producing a metallic part comprising inner reinforcements consisting of ceramic fibers A method for producing a metallic part including inner reinforcements of ceramic fibers, according to which: at least one recess for an insert is machined in a metallic body having an upper surface; at least one insert of ceramic fibers in a metallic matrix is arranged in the recess; the insert is covered with a cover; the gap around the insert is placed under a vacuum and hermetically sealed; the entire metallic body with the cover is treated by hot isostatic compaction; and the treated assembly is machined to produce the part. The insert is rectilinear, and the recess for the insert in the metallic body forms a rectilinear groove, the cover being dimensioned so as to be able to placed on the insert in the recess after having been shrunk by cooling and to establish a tight fit in the groove by dilation such as to close the space.
US08418342B2	Bimetallic leaf spring clamping device The invention relates to bimetallic leaf spring devices (100) that are responsive to changes in temperature, and methods of constructing and utilizing such devices. In one embodiment, the invention includes a clamping apparatus including a first strip (110) of a first material and a second strip (120) of a second material. The second strip (120) may be attached to the first strip (110) at least two attachment locations. The second strip (120) may be spaced apart from the first strip (110) at least one section between the at least two attachment locations, and at least one of the first material and the second material may include a thermally expansive material.
US08418341B1	Hybrid robotic gripper An End-Of-Arm-Tooling for a robot that includes at least one tool mounted upon a section of channel having a generally cruciform cross sectional shape that includes lobes having an arcuate-shaped portion, one end of the section of channel being adapted to be attached to a robot arm.
US08418339B2	Method for constructing a support ring in a curved wall A method for constructing a support ring in a curved wall, in particular around an opening in a curved wall of a hot blast stove, where the method includes providing a plurality of standardized wedge-shaped bricks with side faces having tongue and groove profiles for cooperating with the side faces of the neighboring bricks, the thickness of the brick in the axial direction being in excess of the desired end thickness of the brick, and determining the intended location of each individual brick in the curved wall and determining, based on the intended location, the location of a front cut line and a rear cut line for shaping the front and rear faces of the brick, where the front and rear faces of the brick are then shaped in accordance with the above determined front and rear cut lines by a cutting tool.
US08418332B2	Method of texturing a bearing surface of a roller cone rock bit Surface texturing is employed to modify the topography of one or more surfaces (radial or cylindrical) of the bearing system for a roller cone rock bit. The surface texturing results in a dimpled surface which retains additional lubricant helpful in reducing friction in the boundary and mixed lubrication regimes. Shot peening is disclosed as one method for texturing the desired surface.
US08418329B2	Urn with latch A cremation urn includes a base and a lid. The base has a wall defining an opening through the wall. The wall has an internal surface and an external surface. The wall defines a rim. The lid includes a cover for engagement with the base and an integral catch. The catch includes a protrusion extending from the cover and sized to fit into the opening to selectively secure the lid to the base. The protrusion includes a wall engaging surface for engaging the wall and an external surface extending from the wall engaging surface in a direction opposed to the cover, the wall engaging surface having a width less than a length of the external surface in a direction opposed to the cover.
US08418323B2	Buckle for swimming/diving goggles A buckle includes a coupling block engaged with a body of swimming/diving goggles. A pressing block is mounted to an outer side of the coupling block. A pin is mounted to an inner side of the pressing block and has a spacing to a pressing edge of an insertion hole of the coupling block. The inner side of the pressing block includes first and second surfaces. A fulcrum is located between the first and second surfaces and abuts a pressing face on the outer side of the pressing block. A section of a head strap is received in the insertion hole and wound around the pin. The pressing block can be pivoted about the fulcrum to move the pin away from the pressing edge of the coupling block to increase the spacing between the pin and the pressing edge, allowing loosening of the head strap.
US08418322B2	Cookware handle A cookware handle with a soft non-slip surface is formed by molding elastomeric composition around a core or elongated member that connects a flange portion and the terminal end or hanging portion of the handle. The core or elongated member has a relatively narrow cross-section to minimize heat transfer from the pot so that the gripping portion remains cool during cooking.
US08418319B2	Hinge mechanism A hinge mechanism 1 includes a rotation shaft 3 connected to a monitor and serving as rotating central axis X; a base 2 pivotally supporting the shaft 3 rotatably, and having click recesses 2b1, 2b2 and a housing position determining recess 2c on a circumference centering the axis X; a plate 5 attached at the end of the shaft 3; and a leaf spring 4 located between the base 2 and plate 5, fit-in by the rotation shaft 3, and having a click projection 4b that fits in the click recesses 2b1, 2b2 and recess 2c to hold the monitor in a predetermined rotation angle position. A sliding friction projection 4c sliding with pressed into contact with the base 2 is formed on the side opposite from the click projection 4b across the axis X, while a cutaway 2e entered by the projection 4c is formed in the base 2.
US08418317B2	Hinge with damping device A hinge includes a base, an arm, a mounting member, a hinge spring, a fixing pin member, and a damping device. Two ends of the arm are pivotably connected to the base and the mounting member, with the hinge spring exerting elastic force on the base and the arm. The damping device is mounted in the base and includes a fixed seat mounted in the base, a sliding block movably received in the fixed seat, a damping member mounted between the sliding block and the fixing pin member and abutting the base, and an elastic element. The sliding block includes a front portion facing the arm and a rear portion connected to the elastic element pressing against the fixed seat.
US08418316B2	Friction wheel for cart A friction wheel includes a hub, two bearings mounted in the hub and each having an axle, and a friction member mounted between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings. Thus, the friction member is mounted between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings to increase the friction between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings so that the user has to apply a larger force to overcome the friction between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings so as to move the cart forward, thereby preventing the cart from being moved freely.
US08418315B1	Combination castor brake system whose castor assemblies are braked and positioned simultaneously A combination castor brake system includes a linking device, and a plurality of castor assemblies connected with the linking device. Each of the castor assemblies includes an operation unit, a braking unit connected with the operation unit, and at least one roller connected with the braking unit. The operation unit of each of the castor assemblies includes a mounting seat, a slide, and at least two limit rods. The braking unit of each of the castor assemblies includes a housing, a top cap, a control shaft, an elastic member, and a braking member. The roller of each of the castor assemblies is rotatably mounted on the housing of the braking unit. Thus, the linking device can drive and operate the castor assemblies to brake and position the castor assemblies simultaneously.
US08418314B2	Wheel assembly with a wheel lock structure A wheel assembly includes a base frame having a chamber and a stem in the chamber, a mounting frame for mounting, a wheel pivotally mounted in the base frame, and a wheel lock structure consisting of a holder frame, a lift frame, a crank arm, a control knob and a compression spring and operable to lock/unlock the wheel.
US08418313B1	Power cord protection system for a floor cleaner A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing adapted to move along a surface to be cleaned and having a suction nozzle at a forward portion thereof, at least one agitator mounted for rotational movement within the suction nozzle and at least one ground-engaging wheel mounted rearwardly of the suction nozzle and a cord guard mounted to the housing in a position rearward of the suction nozzle and adapted to block the ingestion into the suction nozzle of a cord on the surface to be cleaned during rearward movement of the base along the surface.
US08418311B2	Wheel for floor care appliances A vacuum cleaner having a vacuum cleaner body, a suction fan and motor operatively associated with the vacuum cleaner body, and a wheel. The wheel has a wheel body having an axis of rotation, a tread surface, and a cushion layer radially interposed between the wheel body and the tread surface. The cushion layer includes a resilient shell having a plurality of resilient cells therein. The shell and the plurality of cells have one or more gasses in them, and are dimensioned to damp vibrations and impacts between the tread surface and a floor surface that the tread surface contacts as the wheel rotates about the axis of rotation.
US08418309B1	Paint tray and attachments and a method of using the same A tray for paint or other coatings may be disposed on a horizontal surface and also may be suspended vertically, for example from the belt or waistband of a user. The tray is especially adapted to be used in a vertical orientation with a roller-type coating applicator, and comprises a front wall, back wall, oppositely disposed side walls and a bottom wall cooperating to define a coating receptacle, with the front wall, back wall, and side walls each having a top edge cooperating to define an open top of the coating receptacle. The tray is adapted to be suspended by a bracket at the side of a user, for example by the belt and/or waistband of the user.
US08418308B2	Grid paint dipper A grid paint scooping device which is an article of manufacture comprising; a vertical elongated substantially flat grid which is partially immersed into a paint container with a handle at the top of said flat grid and attached at the bottom of the flat grid is an outwardly extending horizontal scooping reservoir which is substantially parallel to the bottom of said paint container during paint scooping events, wherein said grid paint scooping device uses said scooping reservoir for lifting a sufficient amount of paint out of the paint container for the purpose of saturating a roller cover with said paint in the reservoir and removing the excessive paint from the roller cover by use of said flat grid to allow the right amount of the paint to be evenly distributed on the surface of the roller cover before painting objects with the roller cover.
US08418305B2	Optical connector cleaning tool An optical connector cleaning tool which wipes to clean a joining end face of an optical connector by a feeding movement of a cleaning body. It includes a tool body which incorporates a feeding mechanism that supplies and takes up the cleaning body, and an insertion part which inserts into a connector housing hole of a positioning housing for connectors. The insertion part has a head member on which is formed a pressing face that presses the cleaning body against the joining end face within the connector housing hole, and is capable of moving in a direction of extension or contraction relative to the tool body. Movement of the tool body in an insertion direction relative to the insertion part in a state where the cleaning body is in contact with the joining end face causes the head member to axially rotate while the state of contact is maintained.
US08418304B2	Apparatus for cleaning turfed ground A turf cleaning machine includes a bowed plate swept by a cylindrical plate. The bowed plate, when successively swept by a cylindrical brush, catches waste not ejected by the brush into a collecting pan to ensure collection of the waste. The waste is picked up a second time for ejection from the brush into the pan.
US08418303B2	Cleaning robot roller processing A coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller including an elongated core with end mounting features defining a central longitudinal axis of rotation, multiple floor cleaning bristles extending radially outward from the core, and at least one compliant flap extending radially outward from the core to sweep a floor surface. The flap is configured to prevent errant filaments from spooling tightly about the core to aid subsequent removal of the filaments. In another aspect, a coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, a controller, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller. The coverage robot includes a roller cleaning tool carried by the chassis and configured to longitudinally traverse the roller to remove accumulated debris from the cleaning roller.
US08418299B2	Methods, apparatus, and systems for cleaning media in printing systems with conductive cleaning members A web cleaning system includes one or more conductive electrostatic cleaning members that may be grounded or electrically biased, and form an electric field. The conductive cleaning member opposes a conductive backing member that may be grounded or electrically biased. The conductive cleaning member contacts the web as it translates through the cleaning system, and charged debris on the web is affected by the electric field formed by the cleaning member.
US08418297B2	Reticulated material body support and method A support cushion including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite top surface, a layer of flexible foam having plurality of cells defining a reticulated cellular structure, the reticulated cellular structure cells comprising a skeletal plurality of supports through which substantially open cell walls establish fluid communication between interior of the cell and interiors of adjacent cells, the layer of flexible foam having density no less than about 30 kg/m3 and no greater than about 175 kg/m3, and hardness of no less than about 20 N and no greater than about 150 N at 40% indentation force deflection measured at about 22 degrees Celsius, the layer of flexible foam comprising visco-elastic foam having at least one material property responsive to temperature change in range of 10-30° C., and layer of polyurethane foam located beneath layer of flexible foam, the layer of polyurethane foam having hardness of at least about 50 N.
US08418292B2	Mobile treatment table A mobile treatment table including a central support. A first support member is pivotally connected with the central support and operable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. A second support member is pivotally connected with the central support and includes a handle integral therewith. The second support member is operable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. A wheel assembly is operably connected with the second support member and operable between an extended position adjacent a first side of the support member and a retracted position adjacent a second side of the support member.
US08418291B2	Patient support having an adjustable popliteal length apparatus, system and method A patient support is provided. The patient support is configurable to support a patient in a horizontal position and a seated position. The patient support includes a back section, and a thigh section coupled to the back section. The patient support also includes an adjustment member coupled to the thigh section. The adjustment member is movable to lengthen the thigh section.The patient support also includes a foot section coupled to the adjustment member. The foot section is pivotable into a first position substantially parallel to the thigh section to a second position substantially perpendicular to the thigh section.
US08418290B2	Motorized bed preventing a person from being jammed A motorized bed includes a bed body and a driving device. The bed body includes a base frame, a fixed frame, and a movable frame. The driving device includes a drive unit mounted on the fixed frame, a guide tube mounted on the drive unit, a threaded rod mounted in the guide tube, an extension tube mounted in the guide tube and having a first end provided with a push portion and a second end connected with the movable frame, and a threaded mover moved by the threaded rod and movable to abut the push portion. Thus, when a human body is disposed between the movable frame and the base frame, the human body only needs to overcome the weight of the movable frame to detach the extension tube from the mover, so that the movable frame stops moving immediately.
US08418285B2	Inflatable temperature control system An inflatable device has non-pressurized ducts and channels formed within the body of the inflatable device when inflated, wherein the inflation pressure of the inflatable device is maintained when the interior of the ducts and channels are exposed to atmospheric pressures allowing fluid to flow through the ducts and channels at substantially lower pressure levels than the inflation pressure of the inflatable device, a plurality of non-pressurized channels and pressurized support columns can be located in substantial proximity to the surface of the inflatable device in contact with the object to be heated or cooled.
US08418283B2	Universal bed system The present disclosure relates to an adjustable bed system including a bed frame that is adjustable in height. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the adjustable bed system includes first and second end boards each having an independent height adjustment mechanism. A frame assembly configured and dimensioned to be secured to the first end board at a first end thereof and to the second end board at a second end thereof includes a frame and a transition box. The transition box is secured to the frame at the first end thereof and is operatively engagable with the height adjustment mechanism of the first end board. A drive shaft adjustable between first and second lengths is coupled at a first end thereof to the transition box and at a second end thereof to the second end board to facilitate uniform height adjustment of the first and second end boards.
US08418282B2	Fold up dormitory apparatus, system and method “The Fold Up Dormitory” is intended for use in situations where living and working quarters for a small or large number of people are required on short notice or irregular intervals. The apparatus is made of wood, steel and premanufactured hardware, and comprises components for sleeping, working and storage of small items. It is mobile, simple to operate and offers many options to those who use it. The apparatus comprises: a central core; a pair of folding frames, each pivotally connected to the central core on opposite sides thereof, for rotation about vertical frame-to-core axes of connection; a bed platform pivotally connected to a first side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal bed-to-core axis of connection; a desk surface pivotally connected to a second side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal desk-to-core axis of connection; and storage shelving within the central core.
US08418280B2	Drive device for the cover of a liquid container The drive device, which serves for the transport of the cover of a liquid container, particularly a swimming pool, is installed or installable in device compartment, which is arranged separate from the liquid container. The drive device includes at least one winding shaft that interacts with the cover and that is coupled to a first drive unit. The winding shaft serves for the rolling-up of the cover, which can be guided over a deflection device to an outlet opening of the device compartment and, at the end facing the winding shaft, is connected to an outer tractive element, which is acting against the side of the cover that is opposite to the side which faces the deflection device, which outer tractive element presses the cover under tension against the deflection device, and which outer tractive element is held and can be tensioned by a first traction device.
US08418276B2	Toilet flushing device The present invention relates to a toilet flushing device including an outer casing, a gear set, a ring disk set, a connecting rod set and a drive set; wherein the drive set includes a toilet flushing handle. By pressing or lifting the toilet flushing handle towards different directions, the discharged water amount can be controlled accurately and thereby achieves the goal of water saving.
US08418272B2	Toilet seat apparatus A linear heater is formed of an enamel wire composed of a heating wire and an enamel layer. The heating wire is made of a copper alloy containing silver, for example. The enamel layer is made of polyester imide (PEI), polyimide (PI) or polyamide imide (PAI), for example. The enamel layer is coated with an insulating coating layer. The insulating coating layer is made of fluororesin such as perfluoroalkoxy mixture (PFA), polyimide (PI), or polyamide imide (PAI). The linear heater is bonded to the lower surface of an upper toilet seat casing such that it is sandwiched between a metal foil and a metal foil made of aluminum, for example.
US08418271B2	Protective ear shades Left and right ear shades that are connectable to the bottom of an ordinary baseball cap, etc. Each ear shade removably attaches to the side of the hat and can be moved forward or backward along the hat to accommodate the wearer. Each ear shade includes an attachment member for releasably connecting the ear shade to the hat. Connected to the attachment member is an arcuate cover, which is ideally shaped to fit around the at least part of the back, the top, and part of the front of the ear. The cover extends laterally from the wearer's head to shade the ear. The attachment member may include an integral clip, a serrated projection, a wedge, or a tab and removable clip, for example.
US08418270B2	Protective helmet A helmet, which includes an injection molded shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, the injection molded shell including a first main body portion and a second main body portion, wherein the first and second main body portions are formed of a first material; and a first molded hinge portion formed intermediate the first and second main body portions, the molded hinge portion adapted to allow the first main body portion and the second main body portion to move relative to each other.
US08418269B1	Protective head having impact force distribution A helmet that protects a user's head from the transfer of force imparted on the outer shell of the helmet. An inner layer of the helmet uses a spacer fabric that diffuses any force received over a relatively large area so that such force is spread over a relatively large area of the user's head, thereby reducing the risk of traumatic brain injury. The helmet uses a thermal pack that helps keep the user either cold or hot as desired. The helmet uses an audio pack that is removably attached to the shell, such that the audio pack protects the hearing of the user from sudden high decibel sounds and also amplifies desirable sound while squelching undesirable noise.
US08418268B2	Garment having support A garment including a body of fabric having a waistband and at least two seams that extend from the waistband and a support structure that is connected to the at least two seams and the waistband is provided. The support structure further includes a pocket and a tape connected to the pocket that prevents elongation of the support structure between said at least two seams during the wearable life of the body of fabric.
US08418267B2	Promotional pocket cover and method of constructing and displaying A removably attachable promotional pocket cover comprises a single body unit generally in the shape of an arrow including a cover module and an insert module seamlessly connected thereto; the insert module generally rectangular in shape and cover module generally triangular in shape. The arrow shaped pocket cover is formed of three panel layers of material including a top panel layer and a back panel layer of wearer selected materials, and a supportive middle layer sandwiched therebetween. The cover module includes a surface area to affix promotional adornments thereon. A promotional pocket cover, method of construction and use are disclosed.
US08418262B2	Body armour protection system protective hockey undershirt A hockey shirt with a lower trunk opening, a neck opening and collar, including sleeves and cuff assembly. The shirt has special protective cover stitched, surged or fused on the lower sleeves, underarm parts and armpits to prevent against gashes, cuts and other injuries caused by skate blades.
US08424110B2	Content storage apparatus, content storage method, storage medium, and program A content storage apparatus may include a receiving unit adapted to receive a content and service information associated with the content, a storage unit including at least a first storage area and a second storage area, adapted to store the content received by the receiving unit, and a controller adapted to determine one of the storage areas as a storage area for storing the content, in accordance with at least the service information received by the receiving unit.
US08424104B2	Mobile access to digital media A computer implemented method provides a specific traveler with mobile access to a digital media library. A plurality of registration stations, which are utilized in a travel and lodging industry to acknowledge arrivals and departures of travelers, are monitored. In response to detecting a specific traveler checking in at a pre-determined registration station from the plurality of registration stations, contents of a pre-defined digital media library are transmitted to a digital media player for use by the specific traveler.
US08424102B1	Document access auditing The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to document access auditing. According to an aspect, the invention involves receiving a request relating to an electronic document associated with a document tracking system; retrieving actions-taken information associated with the electronic document and maintained by the document tracking system; combining and signing the electronic document and the actions-taken information to form a signed document that includes the actions-taken information; and providing the signed document to enable access to the actions-taken information independent of the document tracking system. According to another aspect, the invention involves presenting a consent query that requests consent to an audit event to be recorded by a document control system for an electronic document tethered to the document control system; receiving a consent indication with respect to a consent statement relating to the audit event; and sending information corresponding to the consent indication to the document control system.
US08424101B2	Information processing apparatus and method, information recording medium manufacturing apparatus and method, and information recording medium An information processing apparatus includes a data processor that obtains a security check code included in content codes recorded on an information recording medium when using content and that conducts security check for the information processing apparatus in accordance with the obtained security check code. The data processor obtains information based on at least one of identification information and configuration information corresponding to the information processing apparatus or a content usage application, and among security check codes classified into a plurality of data files, the data processor selects a security check code corresponding to the obtained information to conduct security check on the basis of the selected security check code.
US08424094B2	Automated collection of forensic evidence associated with a network security incident An automated collection of forensic evidence associated with a security incident is provided by an arrangement in which different security products called endpoints in an enterprise network are enabled for sharing security-related information over a common communication channel using an abstraction called a security assessment. A security assessment is generally configured to indicate an endpoint's understanding of a detected security incident that pertains to an object in the environment which may include users, computers, IP addresses, and website URIs (Universal Resource Identifiers). The security assessment is published by the endpoint into the channel and received by subscribing endpoints. The security assessment triggers the receiving endpoints to go into a more comprehensive or detailed mode of evidence collection. In addition, any forensic evidence having relevance to the security incident that may have already been collected prior to the detection will be marked for retention so that it is not otherwise deleted.
US08424091B1	Automatic local detection of computer security threats A system for locally detecting computer security threats in a computer network includes a processing engine, a fingerprint engine, and a detection engine. Data samples are received in the computer network and grouped by the processing engine into clusters. Clusters that do not have high false alarm rates are passed to the fingerprint engine, which generates fingerprints for the clusters. The detection engine scans incoming data for computer security threats using the fingerprints.
US08424090B2	Apparatus and method for detecting obfuscated malicious web page An apparatus and method for detecting an obfuscated malicious web page are provided to find a malicious web page by deobfuscating an obfuscated malicious code. The apparatus includes an obfuscated code detector that detects whether an obfuscated code is included in a source code of a web page, a deobfuscation function inserter that reconfigures the source code by inserting a function for deobfuscating the obfuscated code into the source code, a deobfuscator that is called by the function inserted into the reconfigured source code and deobfuscates the obfuscated code, and a malicious code detector that detects a malicious code using the deobfuscated code.
US08424083B2	Controlling activation of an application program in an audio signal processing system User operates a selection switch to instruct temporary activation of an application. For the application of which the temporary activation has been instructed, a CPU of a console allocates resources necessary for signal processing by a DSP of an engine and for a parameter editing function of the console. In the DSP, a bypass parameter is set to ON. Thus, there is provided a state capable of accepting various parameter setting operation related to the application, but the signal processing based on the application program is prevented from being started in a substantive manner. In response to a full activation instruction of an application via a full activation instruction switch, the bypass parameter is set to OFF, so that audio signal processing based on the application can be started. In this way, preparatory work for setting parameters related to the application can be performed efficiently.
US08424082B2	Safely executing an untrusted native code module on a computing device A system that safely executes a native code module on a computing device. During operation, the system receives the native code module, which is comprised of untrusted native program code expressed using native instructions in the instruction set architecture associated with the computing device. The system then loads the native code module into a secure runtime environment, and proceeds to execute a set of instructions from the native code module in the secure runtime environment. The secure runtime environment enforces code integrity, control-flow integrity, and data integrity for the native code module. Furthermore, the secure runtime environment moderates which resources can be accessed by the native code module on the computing device and/or how these resources can be accessed. By executing the native code module in the secure runtime environment, the system facilitates achieving native code performance for untrusted program code without a significant risk of unwanted side effects.
US08424078B2	Methodology for secure application partitioning enablement A computer implemented methods data processing system, and computer program product for configuring a partition with needed system resources to enable an application to run and process in a secure environment. Upon receiving a command to create a short lived secure partition for a secure application, a short lived secure partition is created in the data processing system. This short lived secure partition is inaccessible by superusers or other applications. System resources comprising physical resources and virtual allocations of the physical resources are allocated to the short lived secure partition. Hardware and software components needed to run the secure application are loaded into the short lived secure partition.
US08424072B2	Behavior-based security system Described herein are techniques for operating a security server to determine behavioral profiles for entities in a network and to detect attacks or unauthorized traffic in a network based on those behavioral profiles. In one technique, a behavioral profile may be generated based on requests for security operations to be performed that are received at a security server from an entity in a network. The behavioral profile may be generated using learning techniques, including artificial intelligence techniques such as neural networks. When the security server receives from an entity one or more requests for security operations to be performed, the security server may compare properties of the requests to the behavioral profile for the entity and properties of requests commonly sent by the entity. The security server may determine a similarity score indicating how similar the request are to the behavioral profile and to requests commonly received from the entity.
US08424069B2	Method and system for authenticating subaccount users There is provided a method and system for authenticating users to an application. The method comprises receiving a master account identifier corresponding to a master account associated with the application. The method further comprises determining if at least one subaccount is assigned to the master account. The method comprises requesting a master password if at least one subaccount is not assigned to the master account. Finally, the method includes requesting a subaccount identifier and a subaccount password if at least one subaccount is assigned to the master account.
US08424063B2	Workflow management apparatus and workflow management method A server apparatus generates a folder for content to be transmitted from an image processing apparatus, and sets a path of the folder to the image processing apparatus as a destination of sending of the content. The user is allowed to select one destination of sending set in a display panel of the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus sends the content to the selected destination of sending.
US08424061B2	Method, system and program product for authenticating a user seeking to perform an electronic service request A method, system and program product for authenticating a user seeking to perform an electronic service request is provided. The method includes verifying user identity data received from a user requesting an electronic service, detecting whether or not any variances are found based on the set of user profile data associated with the user seeking to perform the electronic service requested, identifying the risk level for the electronic service based on whether or not any variances are found and any characteristics thereof, if any variances are found, applying one or more business policies or rules for handling any variances that are found. The method further includes issuing to the user, using a customer relationship management system, a challenge corresponding to the risk level identified for the electronic service requested, and authorizing the user to perform the electronic service requested only if a correct response is received to the challenge issued.
US08424060B2	Trusted network access controlling method based on tri-element peer authentication A trusted network access controlling method based upon tri-element peer authentication comprises: Firstly initializing creditability collectors and a creditability verifier; then carrying out a tri-element peer authentication protocol among a network access requester, a network access controller and an authentication strategy server in a network access control layer to realize bi-directional user authentication between the access requester and the access controller; When authentication is successful or the locale strategy requires to carry out a when a platform creditability evaluation process, the TNC terminal, TNC server and evaluation strategy server in a trusted platform evaluation layer performing the tri-element peer authentication protocol to realize bi-directional platform creditability authentication between the access requester and the access controller; Finally the access requester and the access controller controlling ports according to the recommendation generated by the TNAC client terminal and the TNAC service terminal. The invention solves the technical problem about poor expandability in background, and further solves the problem about complex key negotiation and relatively low safety.
US08424053B2	Method of dynamically updating network security policy rules when new network resources are provisioned in a service landscape A computer-implemented method is provided for updating network security policy rules when network resources are provisioned in a service landscape instance. The method includes categorizing network resources in a service landscape instance based on a service landscape model. The method further includes responding to the provisioning of a network resource by automatically generating one or more security policy rules for a newly-provisioned network resource. Additionally, the method includes updating security policy rules of pre-existing network resources in the service landscape instance that are determined to be eligible to communicate with the newly-provisioned network resource so as to include the newly-provisioned network resource as a remote resource based on the service landscape model.
US08424052B2	Systems and methods for automated extraction of closed captions in real time or near real-time and tagging of streaming data for advertisements System and methods for finding and accessing desired audio content from audio content sources, including means and methods for extracting captions from a broadcast; aggregating the captions in a database; indexing the database content; searching the captions for a mention of at least one target; analyzing the results for desired content; indexing into the database to extract the desired content; thereby providing a method for quickly finding and accessing desired audio and video content from a large number of sources.
US08424051B2	Enhancement for interactive TV formatting apparatus A signal formatting apparatus for use in a television transmission system, the apparatus comprising: an enhanced content input for receiving enhanced content streams in a predefined input format; a plurality of enhanced content outputs for outputting enhanced content data in a plurality of formats for transmission to receivers of respective types; and a signal formatter for forming the enhanced content data by processing the enhanced content streams to put each of the enhanced content streams in the respective format.
US08424045B2	Video display unit docking assembly for fiber-to-the-screen inflight entertainment system A Video Display Unit (VDU) docking system for a dedicated fiber optic in-flight-entertainment (IFE) system allows VDUs to be quickly replaced by personnel who do not need specialized training in fiber coupling without risk of damage to fiber optic components of the dedicated fiber optic IFE system. In some embodiments, a VDU docking station is configured to receive a VDU such that when a VDU is inserted therein, the VDU becomes automatically communicatively coupled with a fiber optic distribution network of the IFE system via a blind mate connection. In some arrangements, a blank LRU having no operative user interface elements but sufficient functionality to maintain communicative coupling is mounted in the VDU docking station in lieu of a VDU. In some configurations, the VDU docking station includes an embedded switch for maintaining communicative coupling across the VDU docking station in the absence of a VDU.
US08424044B2	Method and system for monitoring and switching between a primary encoder and a back-up encoder in a communication system A system and method for switching to a back-up encoder includes a first encoder processing a first channel signal to form a first encoded signal, a second encoder an uplink signal processing system generating a first uplink signal from the first encoded signal. A monitoring system previews the first channel signal encoded through the second encoder while the uplink signal processing system generates the first broadcast signal using the first channel signal encoded through the first encoder. The monitoring system redirects the first channel signal through the second encoder to form a second encoded signal. The uplink signal processing system generates a second broadcast signal with the first channel signal through the second encoder.
US08424042B2	Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program, and information processing system In an information processing apparatus, identification information identifying a specified broadcast content is converted into identification information identifying another broadcast content corresponding to the originally specified broadcast content, in accordance with table information indicating a correspondence among a plurality of pieces of identification information respectively identifying broadcast contents thereby indicating a correspondence among the broadcast contents.
US08424036B2	Targeted/addressable advertisement insertion into video streams delivered to users A method and apparatus utilizing a fast channel change mechanism to insert targeted/addressable advertisements into video streams delivered to users.
US08424032B2	Spindle motor having a chucking member A spindle motor is disclosed, wherein a spindle motor includes a rotating shaft coupling to a rotor yoke for supporting an optical disc, a clamp case disposing on the rotor yoke and coupling to the rotating shaft; and a chucking member including a rim portion combined with the clamp case, a plurality of extension portion radically extruded from an edge portion of the rim portion, and chucking arm portions formed at each of the end portion of the extension portions to chuck an inner face of the optical disc.
US08424024B2	Application-specific serial port redirector A method and system are illustrated to redirect serial device requests from an application on a computer to a plurality of serial devices connected to the computer via a network. The method and system include receiving serial device requests from one or more applications existing on the computer. Each serial device request may be associated with a specific application protocol and directed to one of the plurality of serial devices over the network. The method and system include determining, for a respective serial device request, an application protocol associated with the respective serial device request and forwarding the respective serial device request as a serial redirector message according to the determined application protocol. The method and system include associating the forwarded serial redirector message with a transport protocol. The method and system further include transmitting the serial redirector message over the network as a function of a transport protocol associated with the serial redirector message.
US08424019B1	Managing channel instances in a messaging-middleware environment A method, system, and medium are provided for terminating individual instances of a channel, without terminating all instances of the channel. Embodiments of the invention may be practiced in a messaging-middleware environment. The channels are used to communicate messages between components associated with the messaging-middleware application. For example, the channels may communicate messages between a client application and a queue manager. Embodiments of the present invention may present a user interface that displays individual channel instances and provides a mechanism for the user to select channel instances for termination.
US08424017B2	Embedding process identification information in a pathname to indicate process status The method determines whether a particular process is currently executing or not executing. The method embeds process identification information and a process name in a process pathname that binds to a socket. The method creates a socket and binds to the socket a process name and associated process identifier if that process is currently executing. A status file may store the socket pathnames of those processes currently executing. A socket pathname appears in the status file if a corresponding process is executing, but does not appear in the status file if the process is not executing. To determine if a particular process is currently executing, the method tests the status file to determine if the status file contains a match for the socket pathname associated with the particular process under test. The presence of a match for the socket pathname in the status file indicates that the particular process associated therewith is currently executing.
US08424015B2	Transactional memory preemption mechanism Mechanisms for executing a transaction in the data processing system are provided. A transaction checkpoint data structure is generated in internal registers of a processor. The transaction checkpoint data structure stores transaction checkpoint data representing a state of program registers at a time prior to execution of a corresponding transaction. The transaction, which comprises a first portion of code that is to be executed by the processor, is executed. An interrupt of the transaction is received while executing the transaction and, as a result, the transaction checkpoint data is stored to a data structure in a memory of the data processing system. A second portion of code is then executed. A state of the program registers is restored using the data structure in the memory of the data processing system in response to an event occurring causing a switch of execution of the processor back to execution of the transaction.
US08424014B2	Method for pushing work request-associated contexts into an IO device A system and method employing the system for pushing work request associated contexts into a computer device includes issuing a request to a device in a computer system. Context data is fetched from a data storage device for the device. Context is determined for specified data requests, and context misses in the device are predicted. The system and method then initiates a context push and pushes the context into the device using a controller when a context miss is detected. Thereby, reducing the context miss latency time or delay in retrieving context data.
US08424013B1	Methods and systems for handling interrupts across software instances and context switching between instances having interrupt service routine registered to handle the interrupt Methods and systems are disclosed that relate to handling interrupts across multiple software instances. An exemplary method includes receiving an interrupt at a current CPU. An instance includes a set of independent threads of execution each with its own code context, interrupt service routines, drivers, and operating system services. The method further includes storing context information relating to the first instance, identifying the second instance associated with the interrupt, running at least one interrupt service routine, and restoring the context information relating to the first instance.
US08424010B2	Shared resource management Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for monitoring and allocating shared resources. For example, in one embodiment, the status of resource dependent entities is continuously monitored to determine the current use of a shared resource. When a resource dependent entity requires use of the shared resource, a (a) request for use of the shared resource can be generated and (b) determination can be made as to whether any of the current allocations of the shared resource can be released for use by the resource dependent entity.
US08424008B2	Application management support for acquiring information of application programs and associated logical volume updates and displaying the acquired information on a displayed time axis A first information resource denoting which logical volume is allocated to which application program is prepared in a management computer. The management computer either regularly or irregularly acquires from the storage system information as to which logical volumes were updated at what times, registers the acquired information in a second information, references the first and second information, acquires update management information, which is information denoting which logical volume is updated at what time, and the application program to which this logical volume is allocated, and sends this update management information to a host computer. The host computer, based on the update management information from the management computer, displays which logical volume has been updated at what time, and which application program is allocated to this logical volume.

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