| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08419336B2 |
Device for distributing material into an enclosure
To distribute charging material evenly in an enclosure such as a furnace or reactor to ensure its best operation, a charging material distribution inside the enclosure 30 of the furnace is used. It has a movable charging device 4 in the form of a spout through which the charging material is fed into the enclosure. The distribution device is small in size and light in weight. It has a moveable charging device 4 in the form of a spout which is suspended on a gimbal suspension 2 on a fixed charging device, which is in the form of a chute 3 inside the enclosure. |
| US08419334B2 |
Magnetized nut for fastening a compressor wheel of an exhaust turbocharger to the turbo shaft, and method for the production thereof
A magnetized nut for fastening a compressor wheel of an exhaust turbocharger to a turbo shaft. The nut has a base body made of a non-magnetic material forming a hollow space for accommodating a magnetic material, and a method for the production of the magnetized nut. In order to provide a magnetized nut that is produced in a simple and cost-effective manner and ensures as equal a distribution of mass as possible with regard to the rotational axis of the nut, the magnetic material is introduced into the hollow space using injection molding. |
| US08419333B2 |
Fastening devices, systems and method of installation
Devices methods, and systems for facilitating the installation of an item to a structure, and including for installation of doors and windows, and in particular for plumbing and/or leveling door/window jambs is provided. The devices may be used for facilitating the alignment of door/window jambs even before shims are installed. The devices may be adjusted to fine tune the installation. When the desired level of adjustment is reached, the jamb may then be permanently installed. |
| US08419331B2 |
System comprising a composite anchor bolt and glue
The invention relates to a system comprising a composite anchor bolt (10) and glue (12), wherein the bolt (10) can be screwed directly into a bore (14) that is at least partially provided with the glue (12) and is introduced in a fixed anchoring base (16), wherein the bolt (10) has a bolt head (18) having a tool application element, a substantially cylindrical shaft (20), and two or more, however, preferably three thread turns (22, 24, 26), which are disposed parallel to each other and extend helically at least partially across the length of the shaft (20), wherein the respective distance (p1, p2, p3) between the thread turns (22, 24, 26) is selected such that the glue (12) present in the bore (14) is evenly distributed between the wall (32) of the bore (14) and the bolt (10) upon screwing the bolt (10) into the bore (14). |
| US08419328B2 |
Container data center
A container data center includes a container, and a number of cabinets arranged in the container. A first shockproof device is mounted to the bottom of each of the cabinets, and a second shockproof device is mounted to the top of each of the cabinets. The second shockproof device includes a shockproof member and a connecting apparatus connected between the shockproof member and the container. A distance between the shockproof member and the top of the container is adjustable for keeping the shockproof member abutting the top wall of the cabinet. |
| US08419325B2 |
Tool unclamping device
A tool unclamping device is a device capable of unclamping a tool clamped to a spindle of a machine tool, and comprises a casing, an output shaft set on this casing and capable of outputting power necessary for unclamping the tool, a motor serving as a power source capable of supplying power for driving the output shaft, a power transmission mechanism transmitting the power from the motor to the output shaft and a gas cylinder serving as an auxiliary power source capable of supplying auxiliary power to this power transmission mechanism. |
| US08419324B2 |
Method and device for controlling a tool with ultrasonic waves
In a method for controlling a tool during machining a work piece using the tool, a first measuring arrangement which has a first ultrasonic probe for emitting ultrasonic waves is used, the first measuring arrangement being arranged ahead of the tool with respect to the relative tool movement direction and being moved relative to the work piece in the relative tool movement direction. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the first ultrasonic probe are transmitted to the work piece, and are transmitted back to the first ultrasonic probe, by a first column of liquid which is created by the first measuring arrangement and situated between the first ultrasonic probe and the work piece for measurement. The measurements are used for automatically adjusting the position of the tool relative to the work piece during machining the work piece. |
| US08419322B2 |
Rotating cutting tool with support element
The invention relates to a rotating cutting tool, in particular a boring tool for use in machine tools. The cutting tool comprises at least one cutting insert, designed as an indexable insert, that has an active main blade located near a corner of the insert, the outer end of said blade defining a circular flight path radius (R) as the blade rotates, said blade penetrating into a work piece at a pre-determined cutting depth (t) near a pre-formed round hole. Also provided is a secondary blade that is disposed opposite to an advancing direction and that aligns with the outermost end of the main blade, the entire length of said blade having a smaller radius than the circular flight path radius (R) of the main blade, wherein a secondary blade free surface aligns with the secondary blade opposite to the direction of rotation. A unique characteristic of the invention is that the secondary blade free surface comprises a support part disposed at a distance from the secondary blade, the peripheral radius of said part being larger than the circular flight path radius R of the active main blade by an overshoot amount (Y). |
| US08419321B2 |
Water feed apparatus for core drill
A water feed apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a water storage tank (40) that stores water for feeding, a pump unit (50) that feeds gas with a pressure to the water storage tank (40), and an adapter (30) that couples between the water storage tank (40) and a core drill (1). The pump unit (50) has a gripper portion (51) whose internal space is enlargingly and reducingly deformable by a gripping operation by an operator to feed the gas to the water storage tank (40). The adapter (30) has a drill-mounting portion (31b) for mounting on the core drill (1), a tank mounting portion (34) where the water storage tank (40) is mounted, a water passage (37) that connects between the drill-mounting portion (31b) and the tank mounting portion (34), and a valve unit (33) that opens and closes the water passage (37). |
| US08419320B2 |
Milling cutting tool employing a cutting insert
Disclosed is a cutting tool for milling works which employs a cutting insert. The cutting tool for milling works employs a cutting insert. By forming a concave nick cutting edge on the lateral surface of the cutting insert, it may cut a chip in a short form in case of high depth of cutting to shorten the effective cutting edge, so as to reduce a friction and a cutting resistance, thereby increasing the life span of the cutting tool as well as to facilitate a chip disposal and reduce the cutting resistance, so as to increase a feed rate at a high depth of cutting, thereby enhancing the productivity of the cutting works. By forming concave recesses on the upper and lower surfaces of the cutting insert it may reduce the cutting resistance between the chip being short cut by the concave nick cutting edge and the upper and lower surfaces. By forming a concave nick cutting edge at a major cutting edge of the cutting insert it is possible to perform a nick cutting edge function without deforming the seat lateral surface of a seat portion to couple the cutting insert with a cutter body. |
| US08419315B2 |
Harbor structure and a method of building such a structure
The invention relates to a method of building a harbor structure suitable for communicating with a stretch of water. The invention is characterized in that the method consists in making, in a piece of ground, at least one curved continuous wall having a closed outline, in digging out the volume defined by the continuous wall, and in providing at least one opening in the continuous wall, said opening making it possible to cause said volume to communicate with the stretch of water. |
| US08419312B2 |
Method and composition for modifying soil and dust control
A composition for chemical improvement of soil and road base materials including an aqueous solution of a water repellant and an aqueous emulsion of a soil stabilizer and dust retardant is herein disclosed. |
| US08419310B2 |
Mechanical double joint system
An exemplary mechanical joint system includes a joint, an arm, a plurality of teeth, an engaging member, and at least one latching member. The joint defines a pivot hole and a joint receiving hole communicating with the pivot hole. The arm is rotatable relative to the joint and includes a pivot portion and a pivot hole defined in the pivot portion. The pivot portion is received in the joint receiving hole. The engaging member includes a pivot shaft and a fixing member fixed relative to the pivot shaft. The plurality of teeth extends from an outer surface of the shaft portion of the pivot shaft. The latching member is mounted in the pivot hole of the pivot portion of the arm for engaging with the teeth. |
| US08419309B2 |
Pivoting ball mount having four equally spaced contact points
A pivoting ball mount provides four essentially equal and (generally) evenly spaced constraints on the ball, creating a ball and socket joint in which the “socket” is composed of four small constraining pads of equal size and equally spaced around the surface of the ball or sphere. If a sphere is constrained by four equidistant points, each point will exert the same amount of force on the sphere. If additional pressure is applied to one point, the pressure exerted by the other points will rise to match this increased pressure. The effect of constraining a smooth ball by four equidistant points is to create the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the force required to rotate the ball at a particular rate is about the same in any direction. The ball is constrained by four equidistant points such that the relative movement between the ball and housing is smooth and predictable in any direction. |
| US08419306B1 |
Single use toothbrush and whitening touch up device and dermatological applicator
An applicator having a squeezable vessel, an applicator tip, a crenellated ring and a sponge. The vessel contains contents that react upon contact with a reactive ingredient treated onto the sponge. By squeezing the vessel, the contents are urged to leave the vessel to pass through a hollow of the applicator tip to reach the sponge. The sponge has a peripheral edge that faces inward facing surfaces of elastomeric formations of the crenellated ring. The elastomeric formations are each separated from each other in succession. The elastomeric formations at the distal end of the crenellated ring may have a greater depth than that of the sponge, which in turn may have a greater depth than elastomeric formation(s) at a proximal end of the crenellated ring. |
| US08419304B2 |
Printer and DC motor speed control device
In speed control that is performed within a single operating cycle of a printer, three-level control of ON control, OFF control, and chopper control, is performed in place of the two-level control of ON control and OFF control, to effectively suppress speed variations due to load variations within a single operating cycle, even in small printers provided with DC motors having small output torques. In a printer comprising a DC motor 7, a paper feeding unit 5 that includes a paper feeding roller that uses the DC motor as the driving source, and a printing mechanism unit 2, for printing, in use of the printing mechanism unit 2, onto paper that is advanced by a specific amount by the paper feeding unit 5, an encoder 10 for outputting pulse signals according to the rotation of the DC motor 7 is provided. The encoder 10 is provided with a pulse forming region for forming a pulsed signal, on the periphery of an encoder plate, where this pulse forming region is provided with a non-uniform spacing region in a section within a uniform spacing region. |
| US08419303B2 |
Keyboard with overlaid numeric phone keypad
A physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-functional keys with a reduced column QWERTY key arrangement overlaid with a numeric phone key arrangement for use in both text entry and telephony. Another physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-functional keys having an array of alphabetic characters and an overlaid numeric array of numbers. A handheld mobile station has a first user interface having a standard alphabetic key arrangement and a second user interface having a numeric phone key arrangement. The space key of the keyboard may be taller than the remainder of keys in the row. |
| US08419302B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus configured to carry out printing on paper with a printing head, while holding the paper between the printing head and a platen roller, includes: a paper guide block guiding the paper in between the printing head and the platen roller, and holding the platen roller; and a force applying member applying a force to any one of the paper guide block and the printing head in such a manner as to press the any one of the paper guide block and the printing head. |
| US08419301B2 |
Printer, printer feed drive method, and computer program therefor
Provided herein is a printer, including a printing head configured to execute printing in units of columns of dots; a feed roller configured to feed a print medium; a motor configured to drive the feed roller; a drive control section configured to control driving of the printing head and the motor, wherein in case of halting and restarting printing operation, the drive control section implements printing of data for a first dot column to be printed at printing restart after driving the motor by a first driving amount, further restarts printing from the first dot column data after driving the motor by a second driving amount. |
| US08419299B2 |
Coating and developing apparatus and method, and storage medium
In one embodiment, a coating and developing apparatus is provided with a processing block including a liquid processing block disposed on the carrier block side and a heating processing block disposed on the interface block side. The liquid processing block includes a first unit block, a second unit block, and one or more of developing unit blocks overlying or underlying a stack of the first unit block and the second unit block. The first unit block includes antireflection film-forming modules and resist film-forming modules disposed on both sides of the transport passage thereof. The second unit block includes upper film-forming modules and hardening modules disposed on both sides of the transport passage thereof. |
| US08419296B2 |
Optical fiber structure, system for fabricating the same, and block-like chip for use therein
An optical fiber structure (10) includes an optical fiber (11a), and a block-like chip (12) joined to the optical fiber (11a). The block-like chip (12) is tapered toward its fiber-joined end. |
| US08419294B2 |
Housing for optical connector and optical connector
An optical connector is provided to reliably hold a ferrule assembly in a housing to enable it stable optical connection. The optical connector is able to accomplish stable connection without any concern of displacement of an optical connecting end portion of the ferrule, even if the optical connector is subjected to repeated connecting and disconnecting operations. In the optical connector, a ferrule assemble having a polygonal prism-shaped flange is accommodated and held so as to elastically reciprocate in a housing of a cavity which has a polygonal engaging portion to receive and engage the flange of the ferrule assemble. A protrusion is formed at an end part of each engaging wall in the direction of inserting the ferrule assemble to rise toward an insertion opening for the ferrule assemble, and each protruding portion of the protrusion is provided to have each different rising height thereof. |
| US08419288B2 |
Hub unit bearing
A hub unit bearing H1 includes a rotational speed detector 9 which is made up of an encoder 6 and a sensor 8. A seal 5b on a side facing a center side of a vehicle includes a primary seal 5bp and a secondary seal 5bq which are disposed in that order in an axial direction from rolling elements 32 on a side facing the center side of the vehicle towards the center side of the vehicle so as to define a primary sealed space portion I between the vehicle's center side facing rolling elements 32 and the primary seal 5bp and a secondary sealed space portion II between the primary seal 5bp and the secondary seal 5bq, with the rotational speed detector 9 disposed within the secondary sealed space portion II. |
| US08419284B2 |
Hydraulic end float adjuster
A bearing system for reducing end clearance and axial vibrations includes a bearing housing and a bearing. The bearing is a thrust bearing and may be of any type, such as a flat thrust face, a taper land thrust bearing or a tilt pad thrust bearing. The bearing housing includes a cavity to hold the bearing. A fluid cavity is formed between the bearing and the bearing housing. At least one fluid passageway extends through the bearing housing to feed fluid to the fluid cavity. As fluid is introduced to the fluid cavity the pressure in the cavity moves the bearing outward, away from the bearing housing and towards the rotating thrust collar, reducing the clearance, or space, between the face of the bearing and the thrust collar, reducing or eliminating the vibrations. |
| US08419276B2 |
Mobile X-ray apparatus
The present invention is directed to a mobile X-ray apparatus having a main unit, a moving carriage for installing the main unit, a column standing on the moving carriage, an X-ray generator supported by the column, and an image reader for reading X-ray image information from an imaging plate in which the X-ray image information is stored. The X-ray apparatus is provided with a brake for putting a brake on the moving carriage, a brake control means for applying the brake or releasing the brake, a read control means for prohibiting reading by the image reader, while the brake control means releases the brake, a cassette loading slot for inserting a cassette enclosing the imaging plate into the image reader, a blocking member for closing at least a part of the cassette loading slot to block the cassette to be inserted, and an open and close control means for closing the blocking member to prevent insertion of the cassette while the read control means prohibits reading. |
| US08419274B2 |
Fully-on-chip temperature, process, and voltage sensor system
A fully on-chip temperature, process, and voltage sensor includes a voltage sensor, a process sensor and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor includes a bias current generator, a ring oscillator, a fixed pulse generator, an AND gate, and a first counter. The bias current generator generates an output current related to temperature according to the operating voltage of chip. The ring oscillator generates an oscillation signal according to the output current. The fixed pulse generator generates a fixed pulse signal. The AND gate is connected to the ring oscillator and the fixed pulse generator for performing a logic AND operation on the oscillation signal and the fixed pulse signal, and generating a temperature sensor signal. |
| US08419272B2 |
Temperature measuring device, thermal treatment device using the same, temperature measuring method
A temperature measuring apparatus and a temperature measuring method, comprising a light intensity measuring unit, a calculation unit, and a temperature output unit; wherein an object to be heated having a uniquely defined correlation between temperature and refractive index is irradiated with a probe laser beam in the light intensity measuring unit, and a light intensity property is determined which represents a relationship between time and light intensity of a reflected light or a transmitted light occurring as a result of interference of the multiply-reflected probe laser beam within the object to be heated. In the calculation unit, a virtual object to be heated having equivalent dimensional, thermal, and optical characteristics to those of the object to be heated is subjected to a thermal incidence equivalent to the heating conditions of the object to be heated. A light intensity property of the virtual object to be heated is irradiated with a probe laser beam having an equivalent property to said probe laser beam is acquired, and a virtual object to be heated having a light intensity property is obtained as a replicated object to be heated. The temperature output unit acquires temperature of the object to be heated at a predetermined position thereon at a predetermined time on the basis of the replicated object to be heated. |
| US08419270B2 |
Systems and methods for producing thermal mechanical fatigue on gas turbine rotors in a spin test environment
A test facility includes a heat source to thermally load a test object being mechanically loaded by rotation imposed by a spin test rig. The heat source can be a quartz lamp controlled to provide a thermal load with a differing phase than the mechanical load. Testing cycles can be run for the test object, with impingement cooling permitting the removal of the thermal load between cycles. The test facility emulates operating conditions in a gas turbine engine to impose realistic thermal and mechanical fatigue stress on the test component. |
| US08419269B2 |
Portable timepiece
To provide a portable timepiece in which water is not easily allowed to enter the timepiece exterior assembly with the completion of venting, the timepiece is equipped with a vent valve mounted to a timepiece exterior assembly. The vent valve is equipped with a valve body holder fixed to the timepiece exterior assembly, a ring-shaped packing supported by the holder and elastically deformable, and a valve body movable between a valve-closed position and a valve-open position. The valve body has a valve body shaft portion, a valve body head integral with this shaft portion, and an exhaust recess formed in the valve body shaft portion. The valve body shaft portion axially extends through the valve body holder while in contact with the inner peripheral portion of the packing. Through movement of the valve body, the exhaust recess is detached from the packing at the valve-closed position, and, at the valve-open position, the exhaust recess is arranged so as to be astride and cross apart of the inner peripheral portion of the packing. |
| US08419267B1 |
Method of restraining and lifting a container
A one-piece stackable container restraining apparatus incorporates a flat surface and four legs. The restraining apparatus can be used on the crest of a roof or on other surfaces. The stackable feature is used to accommodate roofs of differing pitches and to create a more stable combination. In certain embodiments attachment holes are utilized for ease in transportation and movement. The attachment of the container to the flat surface allows one to lift a container along with the container restraining apparatus together by lifting only the container, for example by its handle. Additionally, the container restraining apparatus can be used on a flat surface to prevent overturning of the container during transportation, such as paint buckets transported in a truck or van. Mounting holes on each leg can be used to accommodate a variety of fixtures such as wheels or articulating pads. |
| US08419264B2 |
Planar lighting device
A planar lighting device includes: a light source that emits light; and a light guide plate disposed opposite the light source in which light emitted from the light source enters and is emitted therefrom as planar light. The light guide plate includes a flat light exit plane that emits the planar light, a light entrance plane that is formed opposite the light source and includes one side of the light exit plane, an end plane that includes the opposite side to the one side of the light exit plane, and a rear plane formed on the side opposite the light exit plane. The rear plane includes a first rear plane that is joined with the end plane and is smoothly inclined to said light exit plane so that the distance from the light exit plane increases as the distance from the end plane increases, and a second rear plane. |
| US08419263B2 |
Light source module provided with a light guide plate having reflective structure thereon
A light source module including a light guide plate (LGP) and a light source device is provided. The LGP has a light exiting surface, a light reflecting surface opposite to the light exiting surface and at least one light entering surface connecting the light exiting surface and the light reflecting surface. The LGP has light reflective structures disposed on the light reflecting surface and each including a closed light active region and protrusions disposed in the light active region. The light active region and the light reflecting surface are not coplanar. The protrusions extend outward from the LGP. The light source device is disposed corresponding to the light entering surface. The light source device provides a light entering the LGP from the light entering surface and exiting the LGP from the light exiting surface after the light is redirected by one of the protrusions on the light reflecting surface. |
| US08419262B2 |
Light guide apparatus for backlight module
A light guide apparatus for a backlight module is disclosed, which includes a light guide plate, a circuit having a plurality of circuit contacts integrated with the light guide plate, and a light source disposed on the light guide plate and electrically contacted to the plurality of circuit contacts. |
| US08419259B2 |
Backlight unit
A backlight unit does not show decrease of brightness for the frontal direction even when made thin-shaped. An edge light type backlight unit 1 includes a light conducting plate 14, a light source 13 disposed along at least one end portion of the light conducting plate 14, and a light diffusing film 15 disposed on a light projecting surface of the light conducting plate 14. The light conducting plate 14 has a thickness of 1.0 mm or smaller, the light diffusing film 15 has a light diffusing layer formed from a binder resin and a light diffusing agent, wherein the coefficient of variation of particle size distribution of the light diffusing agent is in the range of 30% or smaller. |
| US08419255B2 |
Display, bezel and manufacturing method of bezel
A display suitable for a portable electronic device is provided. The display includes a back cover, a bezel and a display panel. The bezel includes a frame and an electroluminescent light (EL) source layer. The frame is assembled to the back cover and has an opening. The electroluminescent light source layer is attached to the frame, wherein the electroluminescent light source layer and the frame are formed by an in-mold forming process and then integrated with the back cover. The display panel is assembled between the back cover and the frame and exposed by the opening. |
| US08419254B2 |
Flat tubularlamp
A flat fluorescent lamp which includes: a long rectangular shaped light guiding panel, a light-emitting module, a light guiding body, a reflective layer, and at least one light-emitting diode. The light guiding body seamlessly connects between an end surface of the light guiding panel and the light-emitting module. The reflective layer is located exterior of the light guiding panel. A Coupling head is installed on the side of the light-emitting module that is away from the light guiding panel, and the coupling head is connected to the light-emitting module. Thereby, an energy efficient fluorescent lamp that can be thinner and installed on general lamp socket is provided. |
| US08419251B2 |
Light emitting device and method for manufacturing same, lighting fixture, and lighting system
A light emitting device includes: a light emitting element; a substrate including a groove-like light guide extending along a first direction, emission light emitted from the light emitting element and introduced into the light guide being reflected by an inner wall surface of the light guide, spreading along the first direction, and being turned into upward light directed upward above the substrate; and a lens provided above the light guide and configured to collect the upward light and control light distribution characteristic in a plane generally perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US08419250B2 |
Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp includes a light source section 1 for emitting light accompanied by heat; a heat pipe 3 thermally connected with the light source section for absorbing and transferring the heat generated by the light source section; a heat radiating member 4 furnished in a position away from the optical axis of the light generated by the light source section and closer to the front than the light source section to be thermally connected to the heat pipe, for radiating the heat transmitted by the heat pipe to produce a convection current; and a headlamp case 6 housing light source section, the heat pipe, and the heat radiating member such that a part of the front lens for transmitting the light from the light source section is formed above the heat radiating material. |
| US08419246B2 |
Illumination device for vehicle and light source unit
An illumination device for a vehicle configured to illuminate an armrest on a door trim of the vehicle includes a light source and a light directing member. The light source is arranged above the armrest and has a light emitting portion configured to emit light toward the armrest. The light directing member is arranged so as to cover the light emitting portion from below. The light directing member is configured to direct the light emitted from the light emitting portion toward the armrest toward a front of the vehicle. |
| US08419243B2 |
LED control device for a vehicle light
The invention relates to a device for controlling diode lamps comprising a lighting module having at least one diode lamp, the diode lamp pertaining to a predefined range, at least one device for transmitting a unique signature representing the range, and an associated control module comprising reception means (for receiving a unique signature transmitted by the lighting module, and current adjustment means for adjusting and supplying, as a function of the transmitted signature, a current to said lighting module to cause the diode lamp to operate. |
| US08419231B2 |
LED extended optic tir light cover with light beam control
An optic for producing an asymmetrical beam of light for restricting light output to an area below a midplane of the optic, and for directing light to the sides or down from the midplane. |
| US08419230B2 |
Lens and lamp using the same
A lens and a lamp using the same are provided. The lamp includes a lampshade, a base, a lens and a light emitting diode light source. The lampshade is assembled to the base, and the lens is disposed on the base and located in the lampshade. The lens has a first surface, a second surface, a third surface and a fourth surface. The second surface surrounds the first surface to form an accommodating space conformally, and the third surface surrounds the fourth surface and is located on an outer side of the second surface. The first surface is located between the accommodating space and the fourth surface. The light emitting diode light source is disposed in the accommodating space of the lens. |
| US08419229B2 |
Electronic device and lighting unit thereof
A lighting unit is provided. The lighting unit includes a light source and an optical element. The light source provides a major light beam and a minor light beam. The optical element includes a first light entering surface, a second light entering surface, a light distributing surface, a light emitting surface and a normal line, wherein the normal line is perpendicular to the light emitting surface, and the second light entering surface is a scattering surface, and the major light beam enters the optical element through the first light entering surface, and is emitted from the light emitting surface, and the minor light beam enters the optical element through the second light entering surface, is reflected by the light distributing surface, and is emitted from the light emitting surface. |
| US08419228B2 |
Light guide member, light irradiation module with the light guide member and electric device with the light irradiation module
A light guide member and a light irradiation module with the light guide member and an electric device with the light irradiation module are provided in the invention in which the light guide member has a cone shaped body and a ring shaped flange. The cone shaped body has an opening at an apex of one end of the cone shaped body. The ring shaped flange is extended from a circular rim of the other end of the cone shaped body. One inner surface of the opening is defined as a light incident surface, and a circular rim surface of the ring shaped flange surrounding the cone shaped body is defined as a light emitting surface. |
| US08419227B2 |
Illumination device
To provide an illumination device in which a point light source and a reflective member based on a light weight, cheap resin material is used, the illumination device has high precision and is strong to environmental variations when in a state assembled as a unit and is easily moldable as a part, a plurality of point light sources (111) is arrayed, a first reflective member (112b, 112c, 112d) is disposed along an outgoing direction of light of the point light sources, a second reflective member (112e) is disposed in a surface opposed to a light emitting surface of the point light source in an orthogonal direction, the point light sources are moved integrally with a part or a whole of the first and the second reflective member, the illumination device irradiates an irradiation surface by light from the point light sources, rib shaped bodies (112a) are disposed in a light passageway side of the first reflective member, the rib shaped bodies includes a reflective surface and is situated at a position of an approximately equal distance from two adjacent point light sources, the rib shaped bodies are disposed to be approximately orthogonal against a straight line connecting the two adjacent point light sources. |
| US08419226B2 |
LED unit
An LED unit includes an LED and a lens receiving the LED. The lens includes a first light-incident face confronting the LED to refract the light emitted from the LED with a small angle into the lens, a second light-incident face surrounding the LED to refract the light emitted from the LED with a large angle into the lens, a light-reflecting face to reflect the light from the second light-incident face towards a top of the LED, a first light-emergent face to refract the light from the first light-incident face out of the lens, and a second light-emergent face to refract the light from the light-reflecting face out of the lens. |
| US08419225B2 |
Modular light emitting diode (LED) lamp
An LED lamp (10) includes a heat sink (12), an electrical interconnector (18), an electronics module (16), and a light module (14). The electrical interconnector (18) is disposed in a passageway (32) extending between first and second regions (24, 26) of the heat sink (12) and includes contacts (66) exposed within the first and second regions (24, 26). The electronics module (16) is adapted to be selectively attached within the first region (24) and includes a first electrical connector (64). The light module (14) is adapted to be selectively attached within the second region (26) and includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) (34) and a second electrical connector (38). The first and second electrical connectors (64, 38) are adapted to selectively form an electrical connections to the contacts (66) to provide power from a power source to the LED (34) of the lighting module (14). |
| US08419224B2 |
Light-emitting diode streetlight structure
The present invention relates to a light-emitting diode (LED) streetlight structure, which comprises a light-emitting module, a power module, and a lamppost. The light-emitting module is disposed on one side of the power module; the lamppost is disposed on the other side of the power module and corresponds to the light-emitting module. The light-emitting module comprises a light-emitting device and a heat-dissipating base for the light-emitting apparatus to be disposed on. The light-emitting apparatus includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a plurality of protection devices connected electrically with the plurality of LEDs. The plurality of protection devices are used for protecting the corresponding plurality of LEDs for preventing the situation when the light-emitting apparatus is failed caused by the damage of one of the plurality of LEDs. |
| US08419222B2 |
Electronic reading system
An electronic reader system includes an electronic book and a stylus. The electronic book includes a battery and a cover. The stylus includes a pen body for writing on the electronic book to input data or commands into the electronic book, and an illumination member detachably attached to the pen body. The illumination member can be detached from the pen body and attached onto the electronic book, receiving electrical power from the book as it does so, to illuminate the electronic book. |
| US08419221B2 |
Keyboard with adjustable top surface temperature function
A keyboard includes a housing, which includes a front surface, a rear surface, and a top surface. The top surface has a key zone. A number of keys formed on the key zone. An air inlet is defined in the rear surface. A number of air outlets are defined in the key zone. A fan is received in the housing adjacent to the air inlet. The fan is configured for forcing air to flow into the housing through the air inlet. A heating element is positioned in the housing and configured to heat up the air in the housing. A switch is configured to switch on or off the heating element. |
| US08419219B2 |
Light emitting apparatus
A light emitting apparatus includes solid light-emitting elements being assorted into light emission groups each of which includes the solid light-emitting elements arranged adjacent to one another; transparent encapsulating members arranged in a corresponding relationship with the light emission groups to cover light emission surfaces of the solid light-emitting elements belonging to the corresponding light emission groups; and wavelength converting members arranged in a corresponding relationship with the transparent encapsulating members to cover light projection surfaces of the transparent encapsulating members, the wavelength converting members serving to wavelength-convert light beams emitted from the solid light-emitting elements to light beams having different colors, each of the wavelength converting members having a trough shape. |
| US08419218B2 |
Solid state light assembly having light sources in a ring
A light assembly having an axis of symmetry that includes an enclosure comprising at least a base and a cover coupled to the base. The light assembly also includes a plurality of light sources disposed on a circuit board within the enclosure in a first ring having a center point aligned with the axis of symmetry. The light assembly also includes a reflector that has a first focal point within the cover and a plurality of second focal points disposed in a second ring coincident with the first ring. |
| US08419216B2 |
LED illumination apparatus
An LED illumination apparatus includes a shell, a fixing module, and at least one LED module fixed in the shell by the fixing module, wherein the fixing module includes a fastening piece and a tenon fixing respectively the two ends of the at least one LED module. The fastening piece includes a base fixed on the shell and a locking arm connecting to the base, and one end of the at least one LED module is fixed by one free end of the locking arm attached to the base. |
| US08419206B2 |
Luminaire having structural wall with self-capturing wire chase
The structural wall of a luminaire has one or more light source retention cavities for holding area light sources such as OLED panels, and a wire chase or chases that extend from one light source cavity to another light source cavity in the structural wall, and/or from a light source cavity to a wire feed point for the structural wall. The wire chase or chases have a wire retaining bottom channel and a constricted wire entry opening at the top of the wire chase that is narrow in relation to the wire retaining bottom channel for capturing the wires therein. In another aspect of the invention, the wire chase or chases can be manufactured as separate parts, which can be inserted into the structural wall of the luminaire. |
| US08419204B2 |
Sports ring receiver and transmitting unit
A ring has a sphere on a band and is worn on the finger of a sports fan. An electrical circuit includes a power source and two LEDs. An antenna allows the ring circuit to receive signals sent wirelessly. A three position switch changes the settings of the circuit. When the switch is in a middle position, the ring is disconnected from its power source. When the switch is in one or the other of the other two positions, the wireless receiver components can receive signals from a transmitting unit. The ring is preferably worn by a sports fan at a sporting event, and upon switching the switch to the position associated with the team the fan supports, the ring can receive signals. Signals will be transmitted from the transmitting unit, and will cause the ring to flash the LED. Rings worn by fans flash in support of the fans' team. |
| US08419199B2 |
Mirror head for a rearview mirror, preferably an exterior rearview mirror
The invention relates to a mirror head for an exterior rear view mirror for motor vehicles, comprising a mirror housing, which is fixed to the mirror support. To minimize vibrations caused by the force of the wind or similar, the mirror housing has a partial flexibility in relation to the mirror support. By subjecting the mirror housing to an appropriate force, said housing can be displaced in relation to the mirror support. A flexible connection between the mirror housing and the mirror support permits the vibrations at least to be minimized. The mirror head is designed for use as an exterior rear view mirror for motor vehicles. |
| US08419197B2 |
Retroreflective sheeting including cube corner elements
The present disclosure is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The disclosure further relates to retroreflective sheeting. |
| US08419195B2 |
Projector
This projector includes a laser beam emitting portion emitting a laser beam and a projecting portion projecting an image on an arbitrary projection region by scanning the projection region with the laser beam. This projector further includes a control portion controlling the laser beam emitting portion not to emit the laser beam by stopping supplying current to the laser beam emitting portion in a previously set partial scanning section within a scanning section for the laser beam. |
| US08419193B2 |
Projection apparatus
A projection apparatus including an illumination unit, a brightness detection circuit, a signal conversion circuit, and a control unit is provided. The illumination unit generates a light source according to a plurality of driving signals and provides a temperature sensing signal according to the temperature of the light source. The brightness detection circuit generates a plurality of brightness sensing signals. The signal conversion circuit converts the temperature sensing signal and the brightness sensing signals into temperature information and a plurality of brightness information. The control unit comprises a setting table for storing a predetermined temperature information and a plurality of predetermined brightness information, and the control unit adjusts the driving signals in order to identify the converted temperature information and the converted brightness information conform to the stored information in the setting table. |
| US08419191B2 |
Projection optical system, projector and image reading device
An optical system with short total length to project a high quality large image. The system projects an image onto a projection surface, and includes a lens system having a plurality of lenses, and one or more curved mirrors. Light flux of an enlarged image shooting out from the lens system to the projection surface is incident onto a mirror surface of the one of the curved mirrors first of all. Distances OAL and Y satisfy a requirement 20 |
| US08419188B2 |
Dichroic wedge stack light combining apparatus, system and method
A wavelength combining apparatus includes first and second optical devices. The first optical device collects and collimates or focuses light from multiple laser light sources. The second optical device includes multiple nonparallel dichroic surfaces to combine light received from the first optical device. |
| US08419184B1 |
Ophthalmic examination system interface device
An automated ophthalmic system is disclosed that is utilized to examine the eyes of a subject. A refraction system measures a refractive error of each eye and identifies a lens to correct the refractive error detected. A display presents one or more of an optotype, a chart, a test and a function to the subject to ascertain the refractive error. An interface device receives a voltage signal from the refraction system, converts the voltage signal into one or more ASCII characters, and communicates the one or more ASCII characters to the display to present the one or more of an optotype, a chart, a test and a function. |
| US08419181B2 |
Curved lenses configured to decode three-dimensional content
Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses comprise a polyvinylalcohol polarizer film or similar type of material laminated with triacetate or similar type material on one or both sides, wherein the polarizer film has a polarizing efficiency equal to or exceeding 99% and a transmittance percentage equal to or exceeding 35% and a retarder film (e.g., norbornene copolymer resin) laminated on a front surface of the polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate and aligned to produce a desired circular polarization responsive to specified retardation wavelengths. Thermoforming and press polishing techniques may be used to fabricate/curve the blanks into lenses. The lenses (optical elements) may be used in an injection molding process to add thickness. |
| US08419180B2 |
Fixed material transportation apparatus and liquid fixing apparatus
A fixed material transportation surface of the fixed material transportation apparatus is formed inclining so as to become higher toward a downstream side from an upstream side of transportation direction of the fixed material, and is transported while sucking the fixed material supplied on the fixed material transportation surface. Thus, since the cockling is drawn when the fixed material is transported while being raised to transportation direction on the fixed material transportation surface even if cockling extending to transportation direction generates on the fixed material after fixing, growth of the cockling can be prevented. |
| US08419173B2 |
Ink cartridge, ink jet recording system and ink jet recording apparatus
An ink cartridge adopts a construction in which an air seal and an ink seal are arranged on the cartridge side and in which sealing between the ink cartridge and the recording apparatus is performed with a radial seal. |
| US08419172B2 |
Liquid jet head and liquid jet apparatus
The liquid jet head (1) includes: a piezoelectric substrate (4) including a plurality of grooves (5) which are formed therein from a front end (FE) to a rear end (RE) of a surface of the substrate and separated from one another by side walls (3), the piezoelectric substrate having lead-out electrodes (8) formed on top surfaces of the side walls (3); a cover plate (11) which includes a manifold (9) and is bonded to the surface of the piezoelectric substrate (4); and a sealing material (14) for blocking, of channels formed by the cover plate (11) and the grooves (5), openings of rear channels (10) formed on the rear end (RE) side with respect to the manifold (9). |
| US08419170B2 |
Scalable inkjet printhead architecture and method of manufacture
A method of manufacturing a printhead includes connecting an ink supply and driving electronics to a predetermined number of inkjet ejector sites. Each ejector site includes a fluid inlet and an electrical connector. The predetermined number of ejector sites connected to the ink supply and driving electronics is less than the total number of ejector sites available for use in the printhead. |
| US08419167B2 |
Liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge head includes a recording element substrate including a recording element that generates energy for discharging liquid from a discharge port, a base plate including a mounted surface on which the recording element substrate is mounted, an electric wiring substrate including a portion disposed on another surface of the base plate different from the mounted surface, adjacent to the mounted surface, and configured to be electrically connected to the recording element substrate, and an shield member having electric conductivity and configured to shield the portion. |
| US08419165B2 |
Printhead module for wide format pagewidth inkjet printer
A printhead module for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer comprises a carrier mountable on a chassis, said carrier being configured for abutment with a carrier of an adjacent printhead module; at least one printhead integrated circuit mounted on the carrier, said at least one printhead integrated circuit including a plurality of ink ejection nozzles and drive circuitry for driving actuators in the ink ejection nozzles; and a connection zone defined in the carrier for electrically connecting said at least one printhead integrated circuit to control circuitry. The ink ejection nozzles are supplied with ink from an ink distribution arrangement, and the printhead module is removably mounted to the ink distribution arrangement. |
| US08419164B2 |
Image forming method and ink composition
The present invention provides an image forming method and an ink composition whereby deterioration of a head plate, which is formed of silicon, is suppressed, and an image with higher precision is formed stably, the ink composition including an inorganic silicate compound and being ejected to form an image from an ink-jet head having a nozzle plate where a C8F17C2H4SiCl3 film (fluorocarbon film) is provided on the surface thereof at a side toward the ink ejection direction of a nozzle. |
| US08419163B2 |
Inkjet drawing apparatus
An inkjet drawing apparatus includes a head module which holds a droplet jetting head provided with a nozzle for ejecting droplets, and which is unmovable in a horizontal direction, and a drawing table which supports a recording member on an upper surface, and which is movable in the horizontal direction. The inkjet drawing apparatus executes a prescribed drawing by ejecting the droplets onto the recording member from the droplet jetting head. A maintenance unit transfer mechanism is movable within a prescribed region including a position under the head module, and transfers a maintenance unit for conducting a maintenance of the droplet jetting head toward the position under the head module, and executes positioning of the maintenance unit with respect to the droplet jetting head. A maintenance unit selecting/arranging mechanism selects one of a plurality of kinds of maintenance units, and places the selected maintenance unit on the maintenance unit transfer mechanism. |
| US08419160B2 |
Method and system for operating a printhead to compensate for failed inkjets
An inkjet printer has a printhead in which all of the inkjets are used for printing, but at a less than maximum available ejection output. When a failed inkjet is identified, the ejection throughput is increased for inkjets that print pixels in an at least two pixel neighborhood about a missing pixel, so the pixels to be printed by the failed inkjet are printed by inkjets that print pixels in the two pixel wide neighborhood. |
| US08419155B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes a plurality of image sensors imaging a sheet to be conveyed, and a direct sensor unit performing the signal processing of the outputs of the image sensors to detect the movement of the sheet. Here, the plurality of image sensors are provided on the carriage at least at two positions with at least the recording element array diagonally put between the two positions. The plurality of image sensors can image the sheet at two positions separated in a main scan direction and a sub-scan direction. |
| US08419152B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a recording unit configured to record a first dot and a second dot having a diameter smaller than that of the first dot on a recording medium, and a scanning unit configured to move the recording unit in a scanning direction. A recording resolution of the second dot in the scanning direction is lower than a recording resolution of the first dot in the scanning direction. |
| US08419145B2 |
Inkjet printhead and method of printing with multiple drop volumes
A printhead and a method of ejecting liquid droplets are provided. The method includes providing a printhead operable to eject liquid drops having a plurality of drop volumes Vi, for i equal to 1 through n, where n≧2, with Vj>Vi when j>i. One of the plurality of drop volumes is a minimum drop volume Vmin, and a difference in drop volumes between successively larger drops equals (Vk+1−Vk) which is less than Vmin, for k equal to 1 through n−1. The method also includes ejecting liquid drops through the printhead. |
| US08419142B2 |
Drawer guide
In order to provide an at least three-rail drawer guide for guiding a drawer that can be withdrawn from a carcase, comprising an outer rail, at least one middle rail mounted on rolling bodies, an inner rail mounted on rolling bodies, and at least one damping apparatus, that takes up only a narrow installation space and enables a high load and/or a large withdrawal path, it is proposed that in the fully pushed-in state of the drawer guide at least one rolling body track of at least one middle rail is disposed at least partially between at least one damping apparatus and a rolling body track of the inner rail. |
| US08419138B2 |
Technology for the electronic brake force distribution in a vehicle brake system equipped with a hydraulic brake servo
The invention relates to a technology for effecting electronic brake force distribution in a vehicle brake system, which is equipped with a hydraulic brake boosting, comprising detecting a state requiring an electronic brake boosting and a limiting of the brake pressure generation of the hydraulic brake boosting according to the electronic brake boosting. |
| US08419129B2 |
Child car seat
There is provided a child car seat capable of preventing a seat body from being unintentionally moved to a turning position. The child car seat includes a pedestal and a seat body that can be slid with respect to the pedestal. A plurality of reclining positions and a turning position are included in a range within which the seat body can be slid. The seat body includes a retractable projecting member projecting toward the pedestal, and an operation member connected to the projecting member. The seat body can be held in the respective positions when the projecting member is engaged with the pedestal. An operation amount of the operation member, which is required for sliding the seat body between the reclining positions, is smaller than an operation amount of the operation member, which is required for sliding the seat body from the reclining position to the turning position. |
| US08419121B2 |
High chair
A folding device is configured at the pivot between the rear leg frame and the front leg frame of a high chair and allows a user to complete folding process by pressing a driving member. When the driving member is pressed, an engaging member of the folding device moves correspondingly to an unlocked position, so that the rear leg frame disengages from and pivots about the front leg frame. The high chair can then be folded easily for the user, and the structure of the invention is simpler than the prior art. |
| US08419120B2 |
Vehicle with a panel that is moveable to provide increased head room above a rear row of seats
A panel that may be raised and lowered in the rear area of a vehicle to provide added headroom. The panel may be secured to an opening defined by a roof of the vehicle. The panel may be secured to an opening defined in a tailgate of the vehicle. Side walls and a real wall may be provided that extend between the opening and the panel. |
| US08419117B2 |
Means for accessing a vehicle in an emergency
This invention relates to a means for facilitating access to a motor vehicle in an emergency to extricate the driver and/or passengers. In its simplest form the means is at least one removable pillar which ca be the A, B, C or D pillar of the vehicle. The pillar or pillars are equipped with handle actuated latches which enable the pillar or pillars to be removed without cutting equipment. The invention also provides for a removable seat or seats and a pivotable steering wheel or column and dashboard and all of which are aimed at removing occupants from a wrecked vehicle without having to wait for specialized cutting equipment. The invention also extends to a vehicle fitted with said means. |
| US08419116B2 |
Vehicle frame assembly
A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a front end frame assembly extending laterally across the vehicle and disposed adjacent a forward end of the vehicle, and a bumper beam extending laterally across the vehicle and spaced apart longitudinally forward of the front end frame assembly. A first set of spaced apart inner attachment structures connects the bumper beam to the front end frame assembly. A second set of spaced apart outer attachment structures also connects the bumper beam to the front end frame assembly. The second set of outer attachment structures is spaced apart from and flanks the first set of inner attachment structures. |
| US08419113B2 |
Structural member for vehicle
Through holes 14, which passes through a side wall portion 12b of an outer reinforcement 12, is formed at a lower portion of a center pillar 1. The through hole 14 is formed substantially in a D shape, and includes a linear portion 14a and a circular are portion 14b that is connected to both ends of the linear portion 14a. The length of the circular arc portion 14b is longer than that of the linear portion 14a. The linear portion 14a is disposed close to the inside of a vehicle, and the circular arc portion 14b is disposed close to the outside of a vehicle. If the circular arc portion 14b allows for deformation in length as described above, tensile stress is not easily applied to the circular arc portion when a load F is applied to the center pillar by a side collision. Accordingly, the fracturing of a center pillar 1 does not easily occur. |
| US08419111B2 |
Vehicle body reinforcing member
Using as a vehicle body reinforcing member a bent tube with mixed bends of inward and outward projection according to the present invention makes it possible, during a vehicle body collision, to absorb more energy than and exhibit better impact resistance than a vehicle body reinforcing member that uses one of a known straight tube and a curved tube of radius R entirely. Thus the dimensions (outside diameter, wall thickness) of the steel tube that is used as the vehicle body reinforcing member can be reduced, and the tube shape can be modified, while impact resistance is maintained. Modifying the shape in this manner makes it possible to provide the ever higher required level of vehicle body impact resistance at the same time that it reduces the weight of the vehicle body and lowers the cost. The present invention can therefore be widely used as an occupant protection technology. |
| US08419108B2 |
Assembly of a tailgate box and a part designed to be fitted on the box
The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a tailgate box and at least one link designed to be fitted on the box. The box is designed to receive a part that is fastened to the box by adhesive, said box having for this purpose an adhesive track, the box also including at least one lateral upright comprising a section member of open cross-section with the opening therein interrupting the adhesive track. The link comprises an additional segment of adhesive track, and the link and the upright being shaped so that the link can be fitted on the upright in such a manner that it closes the cross-section of the section member and causes the additional segment to span the interruption in the adhesive track. |
| US08419107B2 |
Retractable vehicle shade for tropical and cold climates
A retractable vehicle shade is provided for vehicles which includes a hollow central box, a front sliding panel, and a rear sliding panel. The hollow central box is mounted on a rooftop of the vehicle. The front sliding panel is slidingly fitted into the box through a slot at the front end and configured to cover at least front glass pane. The rear sliding panel is slidingly fitted into the box through the slot at the rear end and configured to cover at least rear glass pane. The vehicle shade can further include a detach-ably attached water-proof stretchable fabric member for providing a datable layer over respective panels and central box. The fabric member has one or more elastic members which causes it to fold up along the end portions of the sliding panels on the top of box, when the panels are retracted backwards into the box. |
| US08419106B2 |
Lid opening and closing apparatus
A four-bar linkage is provided with an opened position holding mechanism. The opened position holding mechanism includes: an engagement pin which protrudes in a rear end portion of a second hinge arm; a support pin which protrudes in a base end portion of an extending portion of a link bracket; a hook bracket having a central portion which is turnably supported by the support pin; and an urging spring which pulls the hook bracket in one direction with respect to the support pin as the center. The hook bracket includes: a guide surface; and an engagement concave portion to be engaged with the engagement pin. The guide surface hits against the engagement pin in accordance with a lid opening operation, and a hit position therebetween relatively moves in a central direction in accordance with a turn with respect to the support pin as the center performed against the pulling force of the urging spring. |
| US08419104B2 |
Multiple use all terrain vehicle
An all terrain vehicle with a tool less maintainable drive system, and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. The vehicle has a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, a steering mechanism attached at least one of the plurality of wheels, an engine mounted to the frame, and a clutch attached to the engine. The vehicle contains a system of features that can be removed without the use of tools. The system has a support attached to and extending outward from the frame, a removable footrest, a receiver attached to the removable footrest and configured to mate with the support, a locking mechanism attached to the receiver to secure the removable footrest with respect to the footrest support; and a removable clutch housing. |
| US08419102B2 |
Cargo net device
A pair of parallel pins abutting against the inner peripheral surface of a hollow shaft are provided to a first arm part of a shank at a predetermined spacing in the longitudinal direction. This prevents the shank from tilting or rattling. Further, a coil spring restricts the rotation of the shank around the first arm part and keeps the position of the shank such that an interlocking part points upward. |
| US08419096B2 |
Robot hand and robot having the same
A robot hand may have an improved structure so that movements of some of joints of a finger structure do not influence operations of other joints. A meta phalangeal (MP) roll joint unit rotated in a roll direction and an MP pitch joint unit rotated in a pitch direction of an MP joint unit are separately arranged to form an offset. Movable angles of the respective joint units are widened, and the joint units are precisely controlled. Overall friction within the robot hand is reduced, and a robot having the hand is stabilized. |
| US08419093B1 |
Tool for lifting and moving tanks
A tool for lifting an elongate cylindrical tank for use in metal fabrication is provided. The tool includes a loop or material for looping around the elongate cylindrical tank and a cam block having a handle extending therefrom. The cam block carries the loop of material at an off-centered portion of the cam block. Rotation of the handle imparts rotation to the cam block to thereby reduce the slack defined between the loop and the cylindrical tank until the loop is in engagement with the cylindrical tank. |
| US08419091B2 |
Bumper for an automobile
A bumper for an automobile includes a crossbeam which is formed from at least two separate hollow profiles, wherein the hollow profiles abut one another along a longitudinal wall and are joined with one another. The abutting longitudinal walls form a double web oriented in the longitudinal direction of the automobile. The hollow profiles may have an identical cross-sectional configuration. The hollow profiles may be roll-formed or extruded. The modular construction of the crossbeam from separate hollow profiles allows a lightweight construction and allows the load characteristic of the crossbeam to be functionally adapted to different requirements depending on the vehicle or vehicle class. |
| US08419089B2 |
Handle actuator assembly for dropdown doors and the like
A handle actuator for dropdown doors or closures includes a handle with a pivot connector at the top and an actuator rod at the bottom. Upper and lower housings are mounted on the door in a vertically aligned and spaced apart relationship. The upper housing has a pivot connector connected with the pivot connector on the handle, and the lower housing has a sleeve slidably receiving the actuator rod therein for reception. A pivoting actuator arm has opposite ends connected with the actuator rod and the door proximate the handle housing, respectively, such that reciprocation of the actuator rod rotates the actuator arm. A connector has one end connected with the door latch, and the opposite end connected with the actuator arm, such that the door is shifted from the raised closed position to the lowered open position by grasping the handle, pulling the handle outwardly to release the door latch and manually pivoting the door about the bottom hinge to the lowered open position. |
| US08419084B2 |
Lock assembly with modified structure
The present utility model discloses a smart lock with a modified structure comprising: a lock body including an inner handle and an outer handle, a latch and a bolt, an electrical locking mechanism for interfering retraction of the bolt; the lock body further comprises a manual locking and controlling mechanism connected to the inner and outer handles and controlling opening and closing; the manual locking and controlling mechanism is provided with a rotation actuating piece linked to the inner and outer handles and a bolt moving piece controlling extension and retraction of the bolt, wherein the rotation actuating piece is linked to the bolt moving piece via a locking member to control the bolt for locking when the inner and outer handles are lifted, and the rotation actuating piece is linked to the bolt moving piece via an unlocking member to control the bolt for unlocking when the inner and outer handles are pressed. The smart lock according to the present utility model has the following advantageous effects: 1. the smart lock exhibits a simple construction, less transmission components and easier manufacture and assembling, and is not liable to damage and easy to maintain; 2. the smart lock has a manual locking and unlocking function and is easy to operate and meanwhile has an electrical locking and unlocking function of ordinary smart locks, it is of low cost, safe and reliable and can be extensively applied to home and office anti-theft apparatuses. |
| US08419083B2 |
Electromechanical locks and latching arrangements
An electrically operable latch includes a housing and a latch member assembled with the housing for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A blocker member is disposed in the housing and adapted to block movement of the latch member to the retracted position when the blocker member is in a first position, and to permit movement of the latch member from the extended position to the retracted position when the blocker member is in a second position. An actuator member is disposed in the housing and adapted to move the blocker member from the first position to the second position in response to an electrical signal supplied to the actuator member. |
| US08419076B2 |
Plug connection arrangement
Plug connection arrangement for connecting a first hollow body, such as a pipe socket, to a second hollow body, such as a hose, by means of a clip. The first hollow body has a pre-assembly portion, on which the clip can be pre-assembled in a pre-assembly position. The first hollow body has a final assembly portion to which the clip is secured in a final assembly position. The pre-assembly portion and the final assembly portion are offset in the peripheral direction of the first hollow body, so that the clip can be transferred from the pre-assembly position into the final assembly position by twisting relative to the first hollow body. |
| US08419070B2 |
Label assembly having raisable registration tabs disposed over removable shapes
A label assembly that includes a face sheet with a label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration tab aligned with the label shape. The registration tab includes a portion disposed over a removable shape within the label shape. The registration tab is raisable above the back sheet surface and the removable shape adheres to the registration tab while being raised, thereby removing the removable shape from the label shape. |
| US08419069B2 |
Method for producing a data carrier
In order to produce a data carrier, a substrate is printed with a printing ink and personalized by means of a laser. The printing ink is laser-active and is converted at least in regions during the personalization in such a way that, for example, a silver-grade pigment is formed which is readily visible only when the substrate is inclined. In particular, the printing ink has a comparatively small proportion of carbon black that is converted by the laser essentially without disturbing combustion and overall formation. |
| US08419066B2 |
Seat belt device
[Object] To provide a seat belt device which exhibits good smoothness even at a low temperature of about −30° C., which exhibits a small reduction in smoothness even after repeated use for a long period of time, or after use at a high temperature (80° C.), and which has good webbing retracting performance. [Solution] A seat belt device includes a webbing 12 formed by applying a webbing treatment agent to a webbing base material, a retractor 11 for retracting the webbing 12, and an anchor member 13 through which the webbing 12 is slidably hung. The webbing treatment agent is characterized by containing as an essential component a hydrocarbon-based synthetic oil with a viscosity of 35 to 100,000 mPa·s at −30° C. |
| US08419062B2 |
Device for breaking rear window of a vehicle
The device includes an actuation system, normally housed in a sleeping or rest position within a space which is inner with respect to a vehicle rear window, and that can be actuated, following a collision or accident involving the vehicle, a closure element for the space housing the actuation system, provided between the latter and the rear window. The closure element has a pin for breaking the rear window. The actuation system, after its activation, strikes the closure element, making it move, along with the at least one pin, toward said rear window. The actuation system and the closure element travel with the same speed until the end of the stroke of the actuation system, the stroke ending before the actuation system contacts the rear window, the closure element, along with the at least one pin, further prosecuting its stroke until striking the rear window, breaking the rear window. |
| US08419061B2 |
Tractor
A tractor includes a ROPS frame having right and left leg portions connected to either a transmission case or rear axle cases, a front frame connected to a portion of the transmission case forwardly of the ROPS frame and extending in the right/left direction, a right attaching frame connected to and between the right leg portion of the ROPS frame and a right side portion of the front frame and extending in the fore/aft direction, a left attaching frame connected to and between the left leg portion of the ROPS frame and a left side portion of the front frame and extending in the fore/aft direction, and right and left fenders. The right fender is attached to the right attaching frame and the left fender is attached to the left attaching frame. |
| US08419055B2 |
Airbag and method of manufacturing same
An airbag, wherein gas is appropriately discharged from a vent hole by preventing a vent hole cover from being positionally displaced relative to the vent hole. An airbag (30) is provided with a cover guide member (70) which allows a vent hole cover (60) to move at a predetermined bag inner pressure to open a vent hole (34). The cover guide member has an opening (77) formed at a position corresponding to the vent hole. |
| US08419054B2 |
Airbag and airbag apparatus
An airbag that can inflate without using a high-power inflator, and an airbag apparatus provided with such an airbag are disclosed. In one form, the airbag, when inflating, has a normally open vent hole disposed in a rear panel in a region extending toward the center of a steering wheel from the rim of the steering wheel and an openable vent hole disposed in a region extending toward the outside of the steering wheel from the rim. The openable vent hole is covered by a cover. The cover and a strap inside the airbag are connected to each other with a tether. From the commencement of inflation of the airbag, the cover is placed over the openable vent hole to close the openable vent hole. |
| US08419052B2 |
Mounting section structure for airbag device
An airbag device includes an airbag, an inflator, and a mounting plate. A steering wheel includes a wheel main body and a core member as a central member. A mounting member is provided to any one of the mounting plate side and the core member side, and a locking body is provided to the other thereof. The mounting member includes a column part and a locking protrusion provided in a protruding manner to a distal end portion of the column part. The locking body is locked with an inner corner portion between the column part and the locking protrusion, whereby the airbag device is mounted to the steering wheel. A locking abutment surface of the locking protrusion, which faces a proximal end portion of the column part, includes a slip-off prevention protrusion that holds the locking body on the proximal-end-portion side of the locking protrusion. |
| US08419051B2 |
Air bag device for rear-end collision
Both ends of a sack-like body are fixed to fastening sections provided in a pillar-like frame in the rearmost part of a vehicle, and the sack-like body is housed along an air bag housing space in a portion of a roof. The sack-like body is composed of a fabric-made article that shrinks longitudinally when extended widthwise. At the time of a rear-end collision, the air bag is inflated by gas supplied from an inflator, and turns into an inflated body, starting from a housed state in the air bag housing space, in such a way that both ends of the air bag are supported by the fastening sections, the inflated shape of the inflated body being restricted by the sack-like body. This inflated body constrains the head sections of vehicle cabin occupants who move rearward due to the rear-end collision. |
| US08419050B2 |
System for controlling gas pressure in dual-chamber airbag for vehicles
A system for controlling gas pressure in a dual-chamber airbag for vehicles, may include a cushion unit having an upper chamber and a lower chamber divided by a diaphragm therein, an inflator supplying gas to the upper chamber, and a unidirectional vent control member provided in the diaphragm and supplying the gas inside the upper chamber into the lower chamber in one direction. |
| US08419047B2 |
Folding device for wheelchair
A folding device of a wheelchair includes a first folding unit and a second folding unit, wherein the first folding unit includes a first part, a second part and a connection rod connected between the first part and the second part. The first part has a first link and a second link respectively and pivotably connected thereto, and the second part has a third link and a fourth link respectively and pivotably connected thereto. The second folding unit has two boards and the two boards have two connection units. Each board has a recess and two lugs. Each recess has a first plate and a second plate connected thereto. A handle has two ends which are respectively and pivotably connected to the first and second plates. |
| US08419045B2 |
Sliding board, in particular ski
A sliding board, in particular a ski, comprising a front part, a middle part and a rear part with a contact surface comprising a running surface and metal edges bordering it. In accordance with the present disclosure, the contact surface of the non-loaded sliding board has a curvature development which, starting from a central contact line in the middle part which has a horizontal tangent, in each case has a positive curvature without turning points toward the front part and rear part. |
| US08419043B2 |
Flexible ergonomic sportsboard wedges
Flexible binding wedges are provided with flexion slots cut in a widthwise direction to allow flexibility when mounted to a sportsboard such as a snowboard. “T” inserts through the wedges provide a mount for boot bindings. Flex adjustment bushings may be inserted into the slots to adjust the flexibility of the wedge when mounted on a sportsboard, e.g., a snowboard. The flexible wedges may be mounted under a top surface of the sportsboard, or even on top of the finished upper surface of the sportsboard. |
| US08419042B2 |
Heel elevator device for a ski
The present invention relates to a heel elevator device for a ski (120), wherein the heel elevator device (100) is adapted for being fixed to the ski (120) and adapted for connecting a plate element (108) to the ski (120), wherein the plate element (108) comprises a ski binding or a sole of a ski boot. The heel elevator device (100) comprises a supporting element (102) with a supporting section (801), a gravity based positioning element (130) movably supported in the supporting element (102), and a force transmitting piston (805) with a piston engaging section (806). The force transmitting piston (805) is slideably attached to the supporting section (801) in such a way that, when an engagement force is exerted, the force transmitting piston (805) moves slideably into an engagement position. In the engagement position, the piston engaging section (806) is engaged with the gravity based positioning element (130) for fixing the gravity based positioning element (130). When the gravity based positioning element (130) is fixed, the gravity based positioning element (130) is adapted for adjusting the plate element (108) in a fixed minimum climbing angle (α) with respect to the ski (120), and, when the gravity based positioning element (130) is movably supported in the supporting element (102), the gravity based positioning element (130) is adapted for being aligned to gravity. |
| US08419038B2 |
Fifth wheel trailer hitch with locking mechanism
A fifth wheel trailer hitch with locking mechanism that includes a pin that extends axially from a pivotal mounting of a platform of a trailer tow bar. The pin is preferably cylindrical and is grooved circumferentially adjacent to its bottom end for fitting into an a key way forward end lip formed in a mounting plate that is attached to a truck bed for prohibiting the pin from lifting from the key way. The pin includes a plug that, by turning a cam rod journaled through the pin, will extend or retract axially from a pin center opening to fit into a plug hole formed in the mounting plate in the center of the key way forward end, preventing, when extended, the pin from sliding therefrom. Which plug, extended by cam rod turning, is a primary lock, and the invention further includes straight rods, as secondary plug locks, arranged for travel through lateral holes in the pin into the pin open center to fit into holes in the plug side when the plug is extended by the primary lock, and further includes as a safety lock, a plate that is fitted into the key way depression to brace the pin in the key way forward end. |
| US08419037B2 |
Fifth wheel travel trailer
A fifth wheel travel trailer chassis includes a front frame member, a first inner side frame member substantially perpendicular to the front frame member, a first outer side frame member substantially perpendicular to the front frame member, and a first brace member. The first inner side frame member has a forward end connected to a first end of the front frame member. The first outer side frame member has a forward end that is rearward of the front frame member. The first brace member has a first end connected to the first inner side frame member rearward of the front frame member and a second end connected to the forward end of the first outer side frame member. |
| US08419036B2 |
Saddled vehicle
A non-uniform load is prevented from acting on a cross member to reduce the weight of the cross member in a saddled vehicle.In the saddled vehicle has a vehicle body frame 11 for suspending an engine 12, a swing arm 14 for suspending a rear wheel WR freely swingably, pivot portions 29 which are formed as a right-and-left pair, constitute a part of the vehicle body frame 11 and pivotably support the swing arm 14, a lower cross member 28 for joining the pivot portions 29, a rear cushion 32 for applying elastic force to the swing arm 14, a link mechanism 31 for joining the lower end 32A of the rear cushion 32, the swing arm 14 and the pivot portions 29, a link joint stay 70 which is formed at the rear side of the lower cross member 28 and joins the link mechanism 31, and a lower hunger 48 that is formed at the front side of the lower cross member 28 and fixes the engine 12, the link joint stay 70 and the lower hunger 48 are formed at the same position with respect to the vehicle width direction. |
| US08419035B2 |
Bicycle trailer and method
A trailer for towing by a bicycle is disclosed comprising a tow arm adapted for coupling by a hitch to the bicycle. The tow arm is pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the trailer frame and can be collapsed against the frame. The frame can comprise plural frame sections that can also pivot to a collapsed position and a lower shelf foldable to a collapsed position as well. Locking elements can be provided for selectively locking the trailer components against relative pivoting motion. One or more actuators for selectively locking and unlocking the frame components can be provided. One such actuator can simultaneously unlock first and second transversely spaced apart hinge elements. The hitch can comprise a flexible coupling that provides torsional resistance against rolling motion of the trailer, particularly when the trailer is mounted to a seat post or other location above the rear wheel of the bicycle. The flexible hitch coupling can provide a progressively increasing torsional resistance to such rolling while allowing pivoting of the trailer relative to the bicycle as the bicycle is steered and flexing to accommodate variations in pitch between the bicycle and trailer. |
| US08419032B1 |
Suspension system for a steerable trailer
A suspension system for a steerable trailer includes a strut which is mounted to the frame of the trailer, an axle which is connected to the strut, and far and near suspension cylinders which connect the axle to the frame. The far and near suspension cylinders connect to opposite side of the axle. Steering rods connect adjacent axles together, the steering rod connection alternating between the left and right side of the frame. |
| US08419031B1 |
Link for vehicle suspension systems
A new and novel suspension link for the suspension system of vehicles, which is easily removed and replaced in a repair mode. More specifically, there is an vehicle sway bar stabilizer link that has angle capability for replacing prior art suspension links having ball-type devices which comprise a polished steel ball surround by a steel liner, or a polished steel ball surrounded by a plastic liner. A method of manufacture is also disclosed. |
| US08419030B2 |
Rear wheel suspension system for motor vehicles
The invention relates to a rear wheel suspension system for motor vehicles having a composite link axle that has two wheel-carrying longitudinal links that are each articulated pivotably on a vehicle body by one body-side pivoting bearing and a flexurally rigid, torsionally soft transverse strut that connects the longitudinal links to one another. The pivoting bearings are set at a predefined yaw angle in relation to an initial position with the pivoting bearing axes aligned with a connecting line between the centers of the pivoting bearings. The pivoting bearings are also set at a predefined roll angle relative to a horizontal plane. |
| US08419028B1 |
Suspension arm assembly and method retrofitting
A suspension assembly includes at least one suspension arm having a suspension joint structured to vary the height of a vehicle dependent on the operative orientation of the suspension arm and suspension joint when connected to the vehicle. The suspension joint includes two bushing members each formed of a resilient material and two retaining assemblies, wherein each retaining assembly is disposed in a retaining relation to a different one of the two bushing members on opposite sides of one end of the suspension arm. Either each of the bushing members or each of the two retaining assemblies includes a first section and a second section being of different, predetermined thicknesses. While the suspension arm and suspension joint may be produced as equipment of original manufacture, a conventional suspension arm may be repaired or retrofitted by replacing its original suspension joint with a modified suspension joint. |
| US08419020B2 |
Fluid activated shaft seal
A fluid activated shaft bulkhead seal system includes an annular carrier fixed with respect to a bulkhead and about a shaft extending through the bulkhead and the annular carrier. The annular carrier supports a pair of lip seals each of which defines an outwardly facing pocket and a lip portion spaced from the shaft and a portion abutting the carrier. A foam body is disposed in the pocket of each lip seal. Each foam body includes a gel material configured to expand in the presence of fluid urging the lip portions of the lip seals into contact with the shaft to seal the annular carrier with respect to the shaft. An annular retainer is mated to each side of the annular carrier for retaining the foam body in the pocket of each lip seal. |
| US08419019B2 |
Magnetic fluid shaft-sealing device
A magnetic fluid shaft-sealing device includes an outer ring for receiving a rotary shaft. A magnetic-field generating unit is mounted in an annular seal chamber of the outer ring for receiving the rotary shaft. A seal ring is mounted in the seal chamber of the outer ring and located between a magnet of the magnetic-field generating unit and an end of the outer ring. The seal ring includes inner and outer peripheries spaced in a radial direction. A lip extends from the inner periphery of the seal ring toward or away from the end of the outer ring and is at a non-parallel angle to the radial direction of the seal ring to form a seal around the rotary shaft. |
| US08419012B2 |
Recording-sheet retaining device
A placement plate for placing a recording sheet is provided in a case to be movable upward and downward. A regulating member is supported by the case to be slidable in the width direction of the recording sheet. A locking section is provided on at least one of the placement plate and the regulating member so as to lock the placement plate with respect to the regulating member when the regulating member is located in an area different from an area between the maximum size and the minimum size at the edge of the recording sheet in the width direction. |
| US08419008B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Even if a sheet surface detection mechanism outputs a signal indicating that an uppermost sheet among blown-up sheets is within a conveyance range, if a trailing edge sheet surface sensor outputs a signal indicating that the uppermost sheet among the blown-up sheets is lower than the conveyance range when the conveyed uppermost sheet passes by the trailing edge sheet surface sensor, a lifting and lowering portion is controlled to lift the tray so that the uppermost sheet is positioned within the conveyance range. |
| US08419006B2 |
Paper automatic-feeding apparatus, copying machine and facsimile apparatus
A paper automatic-feeding apparatus includes a first paper feeding path through which a paper medium passes; a second paper feeding path which is arranged separately from the first paper feeding path and through which a paper medium passes; a first fulcrum part to support a first chassis, which forms at least a part of the first paper feeding path, as a bearing so that the first chassis can be opened and closed; a second fulcrum part to support a second chassis, which forms at least a part of the second paper feeding path, as a bearing so that the second chassis can be opened and closed; and a fixation part to fix the first chassis and the second chassis so that the first chassis and the second chassis may be in a closed state through the fixation part being fixed on a predetermined fixed part; wherein the predetermined fixed part and the second fulcrum part are formed as a common part. |
| US08419003B2 |
Creasing device and image forming system
A creasing device, that forms a crease on a sheet, includes: a first member, extending in a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction, on which a convex blade is formed; a second member on which a groove-like concave blade is formed such that the convex blade can be fitted into the concave blade by interposing the sheet therebetween; a drive unit that causes the first and the second members to interpose, therebetween, the sheet to form a crease on the sheet; a sheet-information acquiring unit that acquires first sheet information of the sheet to be creased; an adjusting unit that adjusts a pressing force exerted by the drive unit; and a control unit that sets the pressing force to an optimum pressing force for the sheet and that causes the drive unit to drive the first and the second members for creasing the sheet at the optimum pressing force. |
| US08419001B2 |
Method and jig for holding silicon wafer
Provided are a method and a jig for holding a silicon wafer, which are applied to the production of the silicon wafer having {110} or {100} plane as its principal surface, in which the silicon wafer is held while a silicon wafer holding positions are properly defined at wafer edge regions relative to the reference direction as being from the center of the silicon wafer toward <110> in crystal orientation in parallel to the wafer surface. In handling the silicon wafer, generation of contact scratches is suppressed as little as possible, and a fracture which is caused by development of the crack initiating from easily generated contact scratches can be prevented in the silicon wafer, particularly in the silicon wafer having {110} plane as its principal surface. |
| US08418992B2 |
Faucet with locking safety handle
A faucet handle includes a safety lock. The safety lock includes a latch that is manually movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The latch is adapted to engage an associated catch when the latch is in its engaged position. The safety lock also includes a primary lock element that moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The primary lock element prevents movement of the latch from its engaged position to its disengaged position when the primary lock element is in its locked position. The primary lock element allows movement of the latch from its engaged position to its disengaged position when the primary lock element is in its unlocked position. A faucet including the handle requires three steps to dispense liquid: (i) movement of the primary lock to its unlocked position; (ii) movement of the latch to its disengaged position; and (iii) movement of the handle to its liquid dispensing position. |
| US08418986B2 |
Movable supporting construction
A movable supporting construction for placing on a floor, comprising a lower part and an upper part cooperating with said lower part, wherein the lower part is designed to rest on the floor and to assume a position that is determined by the condition of the floor, and the upper part has a first and a second position, wherein in the first position, the upper part is suspended freely above the lower part and in the second position, the upper part rests on the lower part maintaining a predetermined invariant position, wherein in the second position, the lower part and the upper part are in line contact, thereby determining a contact line that forms at least a portion of a closed line. |
| US08418985B2 |
Electronic device frame and support mechanism utilized thereby
An electronic device frame includes a housing, a positioning member connecting with the housing, and an inner supporting mechanism. The inner supporting mechanism includes a support member fixed on the housing, a slider slidably connected to the support member, and a fastener connecting the support member to the slider. One of the slider and the supporting member defines a locking slot, in which the fastener is locked. The fastener can lock in any position along the locking slot, such that the slider can maintain different positions and resist the positioning member by moving relative to the supporting member. |
| US08418984B2 |
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. |
| US08418978B2 |
Pole-mounted electronics chassis
A pole-mountable electronic chassis for mounting on an equipment support pole, including at least one enclosure for electronic circuitry and at least one passage completely through the enclosure sized, shaped, and arranged for receiving the pole. A passage web surrounds the passage and may optionally provide thermal conductivity or circuit support functions. A coupling is provided for fixing the enclosure in place. The coupling may be a low-profile coupling. The enclosure may be sized and shaped to also fit in industry-standard electronics racks. |
| US08418968B2 |
Mechanism for changing the shape of a control surface
An apparatus comprises a structure having a first side, a second side substantially opposite to the first side, a flexible skin, and a plurality of deformable assemblies. The flexible skin is attached to the first side and the second side of the structure. The plurality of deformable assemblies is moveably connected to the structure, in which each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a vertex and a base. The each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a height that is capable of changing to change a shape of the structure and a shape of the flexible skin. |
| US08418963B2 |
Aircraft load frame made of a composite material
The present invention relates to an aircraft load frame (1) made of a composite material, characterized in that it comprises two side elements (2, 3) and a base element (7), the side elements (2, 3) being joined at the inner part of the frame (1) by means of the base element (7) and each of the side elements (2, 3) comprising a leg (4) joining the frame (1) to the aircraft fuselage skin, a web (5) and a lower flange (6) joining the web (5) and the base element (7). |
| US08418960B2 |
Platform
A rib bay platform for use in an aircraft rib bay, is adjustable in length (for example it comprises two telescopically mounted sections. The platform comprises a first end configured for mounting on a stringer of the rib bay (for example by an interference fit), and a second end configured for mounting on another stringer of the rib bay (for example on feet mounted on ball-and-socket joints). A method of operating in an aircraft rib bay comprises the steps of providing a rib bay platform of adjustable length; adjusting the length of the platform; mounting the platform between the two stringers; whereby a person may then operate inside the aircraft rib bay while being supported on the platform. |
| US08418958B2 |
Landing gear actuation control system
A hydraulic control system for an aircraft landing gear system has a hydraulic pressure source connected to a hydraulic fluid pressure transmission line, and at least one hydraulic actuator for extending and/or retracting a landing gear. A supply valve and a direction valve are arranged in series along the hydraulic fluid pressure transmission line. The supply valve and direction valve are adjustable to control the hydraulic pressure supplied to the at least one hydraulic actuator. The control system also controls uplock actuators. |
| US08418956B2 |
Aircraft actuator hydraulic system
When a loss or degradation in the function of one of a first aircraft central hydraulic power source and a second aircraft central hydraulic power source occurs, a controller performs a control so as to operate the other backup hydraulic pump, out of a first backup hydraulic pump and a second backup hydraulic pump, which is connected downstream of the other hydraulic power source, which is the other of the first and second aircraft central hydraulic power sources. Oil flowing through the other backup hydraulic pump is cooled by an oil cooler of the other hydraulic power source by operation of the other backup hydraulic pump in a state where the other hydraulic power source is being operated. |
| US08418953B2 |
Gas turbine engine nacelle
A nacelle for a gas turbine engine has an intake at the upstream end of the nacelle and an exhaust at the downstream end of the nacelle. The intake has, an intake lip and a diffuser. The diffuser has a main diffuser section and an optional shorter straight wall diffuser section. The main diffuser section is bounded by an inner wall of the nacelle, the inner wall curving in the airflow direction of the engine. On each longitudinal section containing the engine axis, at the downstream end of the main diffuser section the inner wall has a non zero curvature. Thus each circumferential position on the inner wall at the downstream end of the main diffuser section has a curvature defined by a respective radius of curvature. However, one or more of the radii of curvature differ from the others of the radii of curvature. |
| US08418950B2 |
Paper dispenser
A paper dispenser contains a receiving compartment for a dispenser roll, a transport path leading from above into the receiving compartment, a hold position for a spare roll being defined in the transport path by a blocking device, and a transfer device for the paper of the spare roll once the paper of the dispenser roll is used up. The width of the receiving compartment is smaller than the diameter of the spare roll, and a sensor element for the diameter of the spare roll releases the blocking device not before the diameter of the spare roll has been reduced to the width of the receiving compartment. |
| US08418946B2 |
Crusher for crushing a silicon lump, and silicon lump crushing apparatus having a plurality of crushers
A crusher which can transmit energy to be applied to a piston to a silicon lump efficiently, and a silicon lump crushing apparatus which can crush a silicon lump into small pieces by suppressing the production of powders as much as possible and enables the automation of the crushing work of a silicon lump. The crusher is constituted such that a hammer head is connected to a piston. When compressed air is not applied to the piston, the hammer head is elastically urged to a standby position and when compressed air is applied to the piston, the hammer head is moved from the standby position to collide with the silicon lump. In the silicon lump crushing apparatus, a plurality of crushers having a hammer head to be collided with a silicon lump are opposed to the silicon lump supported on a support base and spaced apart from one another. |
| US08418945B2 |
Cavity ring for a vertical shaft impact crusher
A vertical shaft impact crusher includes a rotor for accelerating a first flow of material to be crushed, a first feed element for feeding the first flow of material to the rotor, a housing including a circumferential impact wall section against which the accelerated first flow of material may be crushed, and a second feed element for feeding a second flow of material towards a distributing wall section of the housing and further into the path of the accelerated first flow of material. A cavity ring separates the impact wall section from the distributing wall section. The cavity ring includes at least two ring segments. Supports are provided for supporting the ring segments. A locking device is provided for pressing the ring segments towards at least one of the supports. |
| US08418943B2 |
Egg shell membrane separation
A method for processing unseparated egg shells includes placing unseparated egg shells in a separation tank containing fluid, applying cavitation to the unseparated egg shells in the fluid to thereby separate the egg shell membranes from the egg shells, and recovering the egg shell membranes. An apparatus for processing unseparated egg shells includes a separation tank for holding a fluid, a recirculating loop operatively connected to the separation tank, and at least one submersible mixer in the recirculating loop to recirculate the fluid and egg shell membranes and egg shells within the fluid. The apparatus further includes a membrane collection conveyor for conveying egg shell membranes from the separation tank and a shell conveyor positioned beneath the separation tank for conveying egg shells away from the separation tank. |
| US08418942B2 |
Oxidation and reduction fine particles generator
An oxidation and reduction fine particles generator includes an atomization electrode, a water feeder for supplying water to the atomization electrode and a high voltage generator, and also includes a switch device and a controller. The switch device changes an operation mode to an oxidation mode or a reduction mode. The controller generates negatively charged fine water particles including radicals through electrostatic atomization by applying a high voltage to water supplied to the atomization electrode in the oxidation mode. The controller also inactivates and activates the water feeder and the high voltage generator, respectively to generate reduction fine particles from the atomization electrode by dry discharge in the reduction mode. |
| US08418937B2 |
Jet regulator
A jet regulator for accommodating a water flow, comprises, a distributor surface having a plurality of through-flow holes for distributing the water flow; a rebounding surface arranged in a central region of a flow cross-section; and a plurality of flow guiding walls connected downstream of the distributor surface, and oriented in a flow direction. |
| US08418935B2 |
Rotary-sprinkling shower
Rotary-sprinkling shower comprises: a body which has a water inlet end and a water outlet end forming a waterway there-between; a front cover component rotatably disposed on the water outlet end of the body, equipped with water spray nozzles in communication with the waterway; a hydraulic driving unit disposed in the waterway, while connected with the front cover component by a rotating shaft; the hydraulic driving unit is driven by the water flow in the waterway to drive the front cover component to rotate. The invention drives the whole front cover to rotate by water flow, achieves the rotary sprinkling water; every water spray nozzle on the front cover rotates around the center of the whole front cover instead of its self-center, therefore, the rotation scope of the water flow is relatively larger. |
| US08418928B2 |
Wireless IC device component and wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip, a coupling electrode, and a radiation plate. The coupling electrode includes coupling portions arranged to be coupled to the wireless IC chip and a pair of opposing ends. The pair of opposing ends are capacitively coupled to each other and oppose the radiation plate to be coupled to the radiation plate. The wireless IC chip uses the radiation plate as an antenna to transmit and receive signals having certain frequencies to and from an RFID system. |
| US08418926B2 |
Smart card with E-paper display
A smart card suitable for receiving data and electric power from a far-end reader/writer wirelessly is provided. The smart card includes a main body, an e-paper, an e-paper driver, a RFID tag chip and a receiving unit. The e-paper is disposed at the main body. The e-paper driver is disposed at the main body and electrically connected to the e-paper. The RFID tag chip is disposed at the main body and electrically connected to the e-paper driver. The receiving unit is disposed at the main body and electrically connected to the e-paper driver and the RFID tag chip. The receiving unit receives the data and the electric power wirelessly for transferring the electric power to the e-paper driver and transferring the data to the e-paper driver through the RFID tag chip. The e-paper driver drives the e-paper to display information by the data and the electric power. |
| US08418924B2 |
Apparatus and method for calibration of projected target point within an image
The present invention provides a novel optical reader device and method for calibrating the device. The device executes a calibration module that locates the actual coordinates for a targeting symbol in a captured image. The coordinates are stored as calibration coordinates in the memory. During normal operation of the reader device, the stored calibration coordinates are used to locate a target, such as a bar code. In order to locate the targeting symbol, the calibration module may overlay a template on clusters that may be the targeting symbol. A reasonable accurate comparison identifies the cluster as the targeting symbol. Alternatively, the calibration module may approach a cluster from four frames of the image and identify the cluster's tangents and perimeter. Geometrical calculations are used to identify the center of an identified targeting symbol. |
| US08418922B1 |
Time-varying barcodes for information exchange
Embodiments of the present invention provide time-varying barcodes for information exchange. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for communicating information between electronic devices via a time-varying barcode image sequence. In a typical embodiment, information to be transmitted is divided into packets. A barcode image is generated from each packet. Each barcode image is displayed sequentially with varying display times based on the complexity of the barcode image. A second electronic device reads and decodes the barcode image sequence until the entire information is received. |
| US08418920B2 |
Systems methods and computer program products for encoding and decoding transaction data
Tax data, e.g., Form W2 data, is encoded as a two-dimensional machine readable representation, such as a QR CODE. Certain tax data is encoded as segments of a QR CODE, and a tax form generated by an employer or payroll processing service and provided to an employee or user includes the QR CODE representing certain W-2 or other tax data. An image of the QR CODE is acquired using a camera of a mobile communication device or computer or other image capture device. When using a Smartphone, a tax preparation application executing on the Smartphone decodes the QR CODE image to determine the tax data, and populates fields of an electronic tax return with decoded data, thus allowing a consumer to prepare an electronic tax return using a mobile communication device. |
| US08418916B2 |
Automated banking machine system and method
A card actuated automated banking machine (152, 198, 200) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a display (182), a check imaging device (186), and at least one processor (190). The machine is operative responsive to receiving a check and certification data to dispense cash in exchange for the check. The person presenting the check need not provide user identifying inputs through input devices in order to receive cash for the check. A check recipient prior to presenting the check for payment is also enabled to verify that the check will be paid through communication with at least one computer (204) through at least one consumer interface device (208). |
| US08418915B1 |
Method and system for using machine-readable codes to maintain environmental impact preferences
One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system and associated processes for monitoring a customer's product purchases and product consumption. Further, the system enables the customer to maintain customer-selected preferences by presenting to the customer product information associated with the customer preferences and a product. In one embodiment, the system can monitor the consumption of products over a predefined period of time to facilitate the customer maintaining the customer preferences over the predefined period of time. In one embodiment, the system can present alternative product purchases based on a selected product and the customer preferences. In one embodiment, the system can facilitate monitoring nutrition consumption. In one embodiment, the system can facilitate monitoring pharmaceutical use. In one embodiment, the system can facilitate the customer making environmentally conscious purchases. In one embodiment, the system can present the customer with environmental offset options to help maintain customer environmental preferences. |
| US08418910B2 |
Electroconductive bonding material, method for bonding conductor, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An electro-conductive bonding material includes: metal components of a high-melting-point metal particle that have a first melting point or higher; a middle-melting-point metal particle that has a second melting point which is first temperature or higher, and second temperature or lower, the second temperature is lower than the first melting point and higher than the first temperature; and a low-melting-point metal particle that has a third melting point or lower, the third melting point is lower than the first temperature. |
| US08418907B2 |
Surgical stapler having cartridge with adjustable cam mechanism
A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge section having a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners and an anvil section having an anvil for receiving the fasteners when advanced from the cartridge. The cartridge and anvil sections clamp tissue therebetween. A cam member is slidable within the cartridge section to fire the fasteners, and is movable from a first position defining a first distance from the anvil to a second position defining a second different distance from the anvil. A cam adjusting member is operably associated with the cam member and moves the cam member from the first position to the second position in response to a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil and cartridge sections. |
| US08418901B2 |
Rapid deployment ammunition carrier apparatus and method
A rapid deployment ammunition carrier has a shoulder mounted ammunition belt having a plurality of ammunition pouches and a plurality of body mounting straps. An ammunition belt carrying case is shaped to hold the ammunition belt therein with the body mounting straps positioned for rapid deployment from the carrying case. The carrying case is mounted to a vehicle seat for rapid deployment of the ammunition belt by an occupant of the vehicle. |
| US08418897B1 |
Body worn child carrier
Disclosed is a child-carrying device designed to help a wearer carry a child, baby, infant, or toddler in their arms and accommodate a variety of holding positions. The child-carrying device can include a dual-shoulder harness, a rigid bar secured transversely between frontal strap portions of the harness, and a movable hand/wrist support assembly attached to the bar in a manner that it can freely move along the bar toward either side of the front of the wearer's rib cage, and optionally rotate about the bar. In one embodiment, to use the device, the wearer picks up a child, puts an arm under the child to support the child's weight, and then slips his hand through the hand/wrist support assembly in the form of a hand/wrist sling assembly; once in this position, only minimal exertion is required to carry the child. |
| US08418893B2 |
Immersion nozzle
It is intended to uniform and straighten a molten steel stream flowing out of a discharge port of an immersion nozzle, and thus suppress mold powder entrapment in the vicinity of the immersion nozzle. The immersion nozzle comprises a tubular-shaped straight nozzle body formed to extend in a vertical longitudinal direction and adapted to allow molten steel from a molten-steel inlet provided at an upper end thereof to pass downwardly therethrough, and a pair of discharge ports provided in a lower portion of the straight nozzle body in bilaterally symmetrical relation and adapted to discharge the molten steel from a lateral surface of the straight nozzle body in a lateral direction. An inner surface of each of the discharge ports has, at least in part or in its entirety, a shape defined by a curved line along which an inner bore of the discharge port in a longitudinal cross-section of the immersion nozzle passing through respective centers of the immersion nozzle and the discharge port is gradually reduced in diameter in a direction from a start position to an end of the discharge port, wherein the curved line is represented by a diameter in the longitudinal cross-section of the immersion nozzle. |
| US08418892B2 |
Lockable spray cap
An aerosol spray cap 1 is discussed, which comprises two separate pieces, those of a base member 10 and a rotatable twist ring 20. The base member 10 is formed as a single cast piece for removably attaching to the top of an aerosol canister, and provides an actuator button which is integrated with the fluid passageway. This integrated fluid passageway and actuator button 11 interacts with the fluid out pipe of the aerosol canister, and so allows actuation of the aerosol. The rotatable twist ring, provides a means whereby the movement of the integrated fluid passageway and actuator button 11 is prohibited, thereby locking the operation of the aerosol. |
| US08418890B2 |
Portion control dispensers
A dispenser for dispensing portions of flowable materials has a piston that is advanced along a dispensing chamber by rotation of a spindle that passes through the piston. A stop may limit travel of the piston to control the volume of flowable material dispensed. The stop may be adjustable. In an example hand-held dispenser the spindle is rotated by a rack and pinion mechanism that can be operated with one hand. The dispenser may be used, for example, for dispensing portions of condiments, sauces or the like. |
| US08418887B2 |
Fluid product dispenser
A fluid dispenser comprising: at least one fluid reservoir (1a, 1b) provided with an opening (11a, 11b); at least one fluid dispenser member (3a, 3b), such as a pump or a valve, comprising a body (31a, 31b) that is mounted in stationary manner on the opening of the reservoir, and an actuator rod (32a, 32b) that is axially movable down and up along an axis X over a stroke; a pusher (9) that is axially movable down and up along an axis Y so as to move said at least one actuator rod (32a, 32b) axially; and the dispenser being characterized in that it further comprises stroke-variation means (8) for varying the stroke of the actuator rod, said means being disposed between the pusher (9) and said at least one actuator rod (32a, 32b), so as to vary the stroke of the stem. |
| US08418886B2 |
Liquid spouting nozzle, packaging bag using the nozzle, box for packaging bag and packaging structure
It is to provide a cheap liquid pouring nozzle having a one-way function for automatically closing an opening port at the same time of stopping the pouring of a packing material to surely prevent the penetration of air into a package bag, in which the detaching of a cap to the pouring nozzle is useless and the production is easy and the fusion-joining to a package bag main body is simple and sure, as well as a package bag using the same and a box for a package bag and a packaging structure. Such a nozzle is a liquid pouring nozzle constituted by fusion-joining its base end portion to an inner surface of a soft package bag main body at a side portion of the package bag main body through a sealant layer as an outermost layer, in which front and rear laminate films comprising a uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented base film layer and sealant layers sandwiching it are fused to each other at a surrounding portion other than the base end at a posture of opposing one sealant layers to each other. |
| US08418884B2 |
Liquid spouting nozzle, packaging bag using the nozzle, box for packaging bag and packaging structure
It is to provide a cheap liquid pouring nozzle having a one-way function for automatically closing an opening port at the same time of stopping the pouring of a packing material to surely prevent the penetration of air into a package bag, in which the detaching of a cap to the pouring nozzle is useless and the production is easy and the fusion-joining to a package bag main body is simple and sure, as well as a package bag using the same and a box for a package bag and a packaging structure. Such a nozzle is a liquid pouring nozzle constituted by fusion-joining its base end portion to an inner surface of a soft package bag main body at a side portion of the package bag main body through a sealant layer as an outermost layer, in which front and rear laminate films comprising a uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented base film layer and sealant layers sandwiching it are fused to each other at a surrounding portion other than the base end at a posture of opposing one sealant layers to each other. |
| US08418881B2 |
Tissue cassette dispensing apparatus
The present invention aims to provide a dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual tissue cassettes from a stack of cassettes, the apparatus includes a hopper for receiving a stack of tissue cassettes, the hopper having an aperture through which cassettes are dispensable; ejection means for ejecting a cassette through the aperture; and retention means for retaining all but one of the cassettes in the stack as an individual cassette is ejected. |
| US08418880B2 |
Probe cover dispenser
An exemplary embodiment of a probe cover dispenser includes a storage member for accommodating stacked probe covers and a retaining unit with a pair of supporting arms for holding or releasing one of the stacked probe covers. A slide connects the retaining unit. A linking rod with a protrusion portion and a recess portion connects the slidable access member. The linking rod is moved upwardly or downwardly and the protrusion portion or the recess portion is moved to a position corresponding to the slide such that a force is applied to push or pull the supporting arms to release or hold the one of the stacked probe covers in the storage member, while the slidable access member is moved upwardly or downwardly. |
| US08418879B2 |
Pop-up bath tissue product
Various pop-up bath tissue dispensing devices are described. In one embodiment, the bath tissue dispenser is configured to dispense bath tissues one at a time. In order to educate a child during toilet training on how much tissue to use, the tissue sheets contained within the dispenser have a size sufficient such that only one sheet is necessary for wiping. The dispenser can include an attachment device for attaching the dispenser to a spindle while still permitting the spindle to hold a conventional roll of bath tissue. In various embodiments, the tissue sheets or the dispenser may include designs or other indicia to either encourage a child during toilet training or to help educate the child during toilet training. |
| US08418873B2 |
Trash receptacle with vacuum release vents
A vented trash receptacle has integral or insertable elongated rectangular panels, which can be flat or convex. The panels create vertical airways along the corners or sides of the trash receptacle, such that air can enter at the top of the panel and flow down the sides of the receptacle and into the bottom below the liner bag. To prevent obstruction of the airway by the liner, the vent panel can be perforated at intervals along its length, and/or it contain a vent opening at its lower edge. |
| US08418871B1 |
Hybrid pulp and thermoformed containers
A hybrid thermoformed/pulp container comprising a pulp tray with a rim that includes an ear; and a thermoformed frame with a rib that includes a protrusion, wherein the pulp tray can be attached to the thermoformed frame by snapping the ear into position above the protrusion. Alternative embodiments of the invention include a kit for building the hybrid container, and a method of assembling the hybrid container. |
| US08418868B2 |
Fluid-collecting container
A fluid-collecting container for receiving a siphoned-off fluid has a closed chamber for a solidifying agent. The chamber can be opened towards an internal space in the fluid-collecting container under external application of force. At least part of the chamber projects into the internal space in the fluid-collecting container. On the outer side of the container, the chamber is closed by an outer wall which can be pressed inwards, and the chamber is open towards the internal space in the fluid-collecting container by the outer wall being pressed in. The internal space continues to be closed to the outside in the region by the outer wall. The fluid-collecting container has a first and a second housing part which together form the internal space in the fluid-collecting container. The outer wall is formed integrally with a wall of the first housing part, the wall surrounding the outer wall. The fluid-collecting container can be produced cost-effectively and prevents damage to the chamber containing the solidifying agent prior to the use thereof. Furthermore, the chamber can be opened in a simple and safe manner when required. |
| US08418864B2 |
Bottle having a teat attached by a ring with mobile elements, corresponding ring and teat
A feeding bottle includes a flask, a teat and a connecting ring intended to fix the teat to the flask, at an opening in the latter, defined by a neck, and a connecting ring configured such that there is at least one locking position in which the connecting ring is fixed to the flask and an unlocking position in which the ring to be removed from the flask. |
| US08418863B2 |
Railcar coupler lock with chamfer on the knuckle shelf seat
An improved lock for a railroad coupler, said improvement comprising a chamfer on a knuckle shelf seat. |
| US08418862B2 |
Semi-permanent vehicle coupler for light rail
The present invention relates to a semi-permanent vehicle coupler for a light rail, which comprises a buffer end and a buffer-free end. The buffer end comprises a buffer, a joint bearing connected with the buffer and a mounting seat, wherein the joint bearing is connected with the mounting seat through a coupler yoke key; the buffer-free end comprises a left pull ring, a joint bearing connected with the left pull ring and a mounting seat, wherein the joint bearing is connected with the mounting seat through a coupler yoke key; the buffer is a double-acting buffer and comprises a shell, a left end cover, a right pull ring, elastic bodies, a central shaft and a middle partition plate, wherein the central shaft passes through the centers of the left end cover and the right pull ring and is glidingly contacted with the left end cover and the right pull ring, one end of the central shaft extends out of the left end cover, the middle partition plate is fixedly arranged on the central shaft and divides the inner part of the shell into two elastic body accommodating cavities, and the elastic bodies are positioned in the two elastic body accommodating cavities; and the other end of the left pull ring is provided with a lug boss, one end of the central shaft extending out of the left end cover is also provided with a lug boss, and the two lug bosses are connected through a connecting ring. |
| US08418858B2 |
Merchandise hanger and method of use
A merchandise hanger includes a base section, a living hinge, and a hooked section. The base section defines a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface and includes features configured to facilitate coupling the base section to the product assembly. The living hinge extends from the base section. The hooked section extends from the living hinge. The base section includes one of at least one male coupling structure and at least one female coupling structure. The hooked section includes the other of the at least one male coupling structure and the at least one female coupling structure. The merchandise hanger folds about the living hinge in a manner mating the at least one male coupling structure and the at least one female coupling structure to maintain the merchandise hanger in a folded position. Other hangers, products, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. |
| US08418856B2 |
Vibratory screening apparatus
The present invention relates to a vibratory screening apparatus which comprises a vibratable screen element (2) mounted in a basket (4), which basket (4) is mounted over a reservoir (6) which contains and holds a pool of liquid slurry (8). A first end (10) of the screen element (2) is disposed within the reservoir (6) such that it is submerged in the body of liquid slurry (8). The reservoir has a deep end (12) in which the first end (10) of the screening element (12) is disposed and a second shallow end (14) above which a median portion (16) of the screening apparatus is disposed. The second end (18) of the screen element (2) is disposed above a portion (20) of the reservoir which extends above the surface of the body of liquid slurry held within the reservoir (6). Vibration means are provided for vibrating the screen element such that oversized solids in the liquid slurry in use of the operation are dewatered on the screen element and are discharged from the second elevated end of the screen element and underside solids pass through the screen element, where they may be collected. A vibratory screening machine is also described. |
| US08418852B2 |
Compartmentalized protective case for portable handheld electronic devices
A compartmentalized protective case houses a portable electronic device and personal care items that are organized and held securely therewithin. The compartmentalized protective case has a major compartment for receiving and housing an electronic device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, music player, or other digital media device. At least one cell compartment constructed within the case receives and houses personal care items removably integrated therein. Personal care items can include at least one interchangeable replacement cell containing beauty items, cosmetics, hygienic items, oral care products such as floss or breath strips, medications, vitamins, breathe fresheners and/or health care products. A second cell compartment is preferably provided as a removable pouch or may contain a restraining system for holding identification cards, currency, visa or bank cards, and/or keys. |
| US08418851B2 |
Apparatus for housing a plurality of needles and method of use therefor
An apparatus houses a plurality of surgical elements, such as needles and sutures, both before and after use. The largest cross-sectional dimension of the housing is preferably less than about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a substantially rigid housing having a first section that holds a plurality of unused needles and a second section that receives the plurality of needles after use. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a flexible panel having a plurality of pockets therein, wherein each pocket is configured to house a single needle. |
| US08418842B2 |
Oblong object holder
A holder of oblong objects pivotably mounted therein so as to be selectively positionable and selectively retainable therein comprising a pair of oblong sidewall structures spaced apart across an object retaining space from one another each having a mounting end such that a supporting one of the pair of sidewall structures has a divide extending therein partially along its length to provide a pair of split sidewall spring sheets across the divide from one another with each of the pair of sidewall spring sheets having a sidewall spring opening therethrough. An ejector is mounted in the holder positioned in the object retaining space at an ejector side of the object retaining space to extend between the pair of spaced apart oblong sidewall structures with the ejector formed of a resilient material. A pivot pin is positionable concurrently through each of the sidewall spring openings, and also removable therefrom. |
| US08418837B2 |
Chain disk conveyor corner housing
A corner assembly for a tube conveyor system comprises a housing defining a wheel receiving area and a flow path with ports at opposite ends of the flow path. A wheel rotatably received in the wheel receiving area comprises a rim having an upper surface and a lower surface; a pair of spaced apart channels formed in at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the rim; and at least one flapper pivotally mounted to the wheel inside of the rim. The flapper is freely movable between a position in which it is aligned with a wall of one of the channels and a position in which it is aligned with a wall of the other of the channels. Thus, when the wheel rotates, the flapper will sweep any material in the wheel receiving area towards and through one of the channels and into the flow path. |
| US08418826B2 |
Lock pin-type automobile synchronizer
A lock pin-type automobile synchronizer includes a higher gear conical ring (1) and a lower gear conical ring (4) which are arranged at the sides of a sliding gear sleeve (3). A higher gear lock pin (2) is fixed to one side of the higher gear conical ring (1). A lower gear lock pin (5, 6) is fixed to one side of the lower gear conical ring (4). A pin hole corresponding to the higher gear (2) lock pin and the lower gear lock pin (5, 6) is arranged on the sliding gear sleeve (3). The number of lower gear lock pins (5, 6) is higher than the number of higher gear lock pins (2). |
| US08418823B2 |
Electrically powered vehicle
An electric vehicle can run with power supplied from a power supply facility on the outside of the vehicle. A resonator for power reception is disposed under a metallic under body and configured to receive power from a resonator for power transmission in the power supply facility by resonating with the resonator through an electromagnetic field. A power storage device stores power received by the resonator for power reception. A power cable is laid under the under body along with the resonator for power reception, and configured to transmit power received by the resonator for power reception. |
| US08418821B2 |
Piston-cylinder unit with piston rod protector
Piston-cylinder unit includes a piston rod guided with freedom of axial movement in a cylinder, where at least part of the piston rod is enclosed by a piston rod protector, which is designed with at least limited axial elasticity. At least one retaining surface of the piston rod protector enters into a positive connection with at least one stop surface on the cylinder side, and an auxiliary assembly bevel allows the piston rod protector to buckle over a certain stroke range of the piston rod during the installation of the protector, so that the retaining surface snap-locks onto the stop surface on the cylinder side. |
| US08418819B2 |
Movement damping apparatus
A movement damping apparatus has a flow path through which a magnetorheological fluid is pressed. A device that generates a variable magnetic field has a core around which a coil is wound as well as pole surfaces in the flow path. The magnetic field acts on the magnetorheological fluid by way of the pole surfaces. The coil is arranged within the flow path along with the core, the axis of the coil extending perpendicular to the direction of flow of the magnetorheological fluid. The flow path has a jacket made of a magnetically conducting material. |
| US08418816B2 |
Brake mechanism for stroller
A brake mechanism is applied to a stroller. The stroller comprises a first wheel. The first wheel has a first hub. The brake mechanism comprises a first wheel base, a ratchet, an operating member and a first engaging member. The first wheel is pivotally connected to the first wheel base. The ratchet is pivotally connected to the first wheel base. The ratchet comprises a plurality of first and second engaging teeth arranged interlacedly. The operating member is pivotally connected to the first wheel base and abuts against the ratchet. The first engaging member is pivotally connected to the first wheel base. When the operating member is pressed to drive the ratchet to rotate, the ratchet drives the first engaging member to move, so that the first engaging member is capable of selectively engaging with one of the first or second engaging teeth. |
| US08418815B2 |
Remotely observable analysis for an elevator system
An exemplary system for monitoring an elevator arrangement includes a detector arranged to detect conditions or events in, on or near an associated elevator car. A monitoring device monitors a status of the associated elevator car. The monitoring device communicates with the detector for receiving data indicative of any event or condition detected by the detector. The monitoring device provides an output that associates the status of the elevator car at a time of any detected event or condition with an indication of the detected event or condition including a reproduction of the detected event or condition. |
| US08418810B2 |
Collapsible man-lift for use in wind turbine towers
A collapsible man-lift for use in the hollow tower portion of a wind turbine includes a support frame assembly, a foldable floor assembly and a collapsible cage assembly. The support frame assembly includes a sub-assembly built in a triangular shape. The foldable floor assembly and the collapsible cage assembly are connected to the triangular sub-assembly portion of the support frame assembly. |
| US08418808B2 |
Climbing aid
The present invention is directed to a non-destructive, ergonomic climbing aid for use in climbing a columnar structure. The climbing aid comprises a body portion and a tensioning member for affixing the body to the columnar structure. The body comprises a contact surface, a support surface and a projecting portion joining between the contact surface and the support surface. In use, the contact surface has a substantially vertical axis and contacts the columnar structure. In use, the support surface supports a foot or hand and the projecting portion is cantilevered so that the support surface has no direct contact with the columnar structure. The support surface has a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the substantially vertical axis of the contact surface. |
| US08418807B1 |
Noise abatement wall and a noise abatement wall system
A noise abatement wall includes a frame defining a window, at least one shell, at least one sheet of sound-insulating material and a sheet of screen material. The at least one shell has a base panel portion and a peripheral panel portion integrally formed with and extending perpendicularly from the base panel portion to surround the base panel portion thereby forming a shell cavity. The at least one shell is sized and configured to be received by the window in a close-fitting relationship therewith and is connected to the frame. The at least one sheet of sound-insulating material is disposed in and occupies the shell cavity. The sheet of screen material covers the at least one sheet of sound-insulating material and is connected to the frame. A plurality of noise abatement walls are connected together to form a noise abatement wall system for abating noise generated from stationary noise-generating equipment. |
| US08418805B1 |
Muffler for vehicle
A muffler for a vehicle includes an inner casing, the inner space of the inner casing is divided by baffles to form a plurality of chambers, the inner casing having an entrance defined in one end and an exit defined in the other end, the entrance and the exit communicating with each other. An insulator surrounds the contour of the inner casing. An outer casing surrounds the contour of the insulator, the outer casing being made of synthetic resin. |
| US08418802B2 |
Phase plug and acoustic lens for direct radiating loudspeaker
A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle. |
| US08418801B2 |
Electric power steering system
An inverter energy consumption calculating portion estimates the actual power consumption of a steering operation assist motor after an engine is placed in an idle-stop state, and a command value of current to be supplied to the steering operation assist motor is limited such that the command value is smaller as the energy consumption is larger. The inverter energy consumption calculating portion calculates the energy consumption of an inverter drive circuit by integrating an amount of electric power consumed by the drive circuit. |
| US08418800B2 |
Vehicle steering controller and method
A vehicle steering device and method for controlling steering of a steer-by-wire vehicle. A steering instrument receives input from a driver and a turning device turns the wheel(s). A selectively engageable backup clutch is positioned between the steering instrument and the turning device. Whether or not the backup clutch is engaged is based a steering state signal from the steering instrument and a turning state signal from the turning device. |
| US08418798B2 |
Industrial vehicle
In a work vehicle, a controller controls the displacement of a hydraulic motor by electronically controlling a motor displacement control part. When an inching operation member is being operated, the controller performs inching control for setting the minimum displacement of the hydraulic motor to a greater value in correspondence with a lower pilot pressure detected by a pilot pressure detector. |
| US08418797B2 |
Work vehicle
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle that does not slip. The work vehicle has an engine (10) generating a rotational power, a hydraulic stepless transmission (HST) (20) having a hydraulic pump (22) and a hydraulic motor (24) and changing the speed of rotation generated by the engine (10) and transmitting it to drive wheels (40), an actuator (73) for adjusting the transmission ratio of the HST (20) by changing the tilt angle of a movable swash plate (22a) of the hydraulic pump (22), a shift lever (speed setting means) (50) for setting the speed of a motor output shaft (25) changed by the HST (20), and a control device (60) for controlling operation of the actuator (73) so that the speed of the motor output shaft (25) changed by the HST (20) changes at a predetermined rate of change (β) until it reaches the speed (preset speed) set by the shift lever (50). |
| US08418795B2 |
Saddle-ride electric vehicle
In a saddle-ride electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor generating power for rotatively driving a rear wheel, a main battery supplying electric power to the electric motor is disposed in a first space S1 that is surrounded by a down frame connected to a head pipe or a front end portion of a main frame and extending downward, a pivot frame connected to the rear end portion of the main frame and extending downward, and the main frame, and a sub-battery that can supply electric power to the electric motor instead of the main battery is disposed in a second space S2 surrounded by seat rails connected to the rear portion of the main frame to support an occupant seat and the main frame. The electric motor is disposed at a position different from the first and second spaces S1 and S2. |
| US08418794B2 |
Straddle-type vehicle
A straddle-type vehicle includes a canister that is arranged to be warmed up during an operation of an engine and is arranged to be cooled down during a stop of the engine. In the straddle-type vehicle, a fuel tank is arranged over an engine, at least a portion of a carburetor that constitutes a throttle body is arranged below the fuel tank and behind a cylinder and a cylinder head, and at least a portion of a canister is arranged between the fuel tank and the cylinder head. |
| US08418788B2 |
Mobile body mounted with fuel cell
A vehicle 1000 is equipped with a fuel cell system 100 and a secondary battery as power sources. A water level of water present on a water-covered road surface is measured by a water level sensor 72. When the measured water level reaches or exceeds a preset threshold value, drive control of the vehicle 1000 stops power generation by a fuel cell stack 10, closes a discharge valve 62, and enables the vehicle 1000 to be driven with output power of a motor that is actuated with electric power from the secondary battery. This arrangement effectively prevents a damage or failure of the fuel cells mounted on the vehicle moving on the water-covered road. |
| US08418786B2 |
Selectively powered ambulatory stretcher chair
A selectively powered ambulatory stretcher chair has a bifurcated articulating base of free-wheeling casters at each of the corners thereof, with motor driven wheels on a transaxle interposed therebetween. Articulation of the bifurcated base causes deployment and retraction of the drive wheels to allow use of the stretcher chair in both a manual and power-driven mode, while ensuring stability in both. A u-shaped positionable bar is pivotally connected to a back of the stretcher chair and maintains a control box within a tight range of positions as the chair of the stretcher chair assembly translates between upright and horizontal positions. The back of the stretcher chair is of a radiolucent material, accommodating medical procedures in the stretcher chair in a broad range of positions. |
| US08418785B2 |
Fixed cutter bit for directional drilling applications
A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations, the bit comprising: a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face including a cone region, a shoulder region, and a gage region; a first primary blade extending radially along the bit face from the cone region to the gage region; a plurality of cutter elements mounted to the first primary blade, wherein a first of the plurality of cutter elements has a planar cutting face and a second of the plurality of cutter elements has a convex cutting face; and wherein each cutting face is forward-facing. |
| US08418783B2 |
Boom arrangement for a rock drill and rock drill rig
A boom arrangement (7) for a rock drill rig (5) including a feed beam unit (8) for displaceable reception of at least one rock drilling machine (10, 10′), a support unit (13) for connection to and support of a rotator unit (12), a boom unit (11) between the rotator unit (12) and the feed beam unit (8) for displacement of the feed beam unit in planes essentially at right angle to a main plane (P) for the support unit (13), wherein the rotator unit (12) is arranged for rotating the feed beam unit (8) around an axis (A), which is essentially-perpendicular to said main plane (P), wherein the support unit (13) is connectable to a vehicle unit being part of the rock drill rig (5), and being arranged for displacing the rock drill rig. The support unit (13) has joint connecting elements (14) being sidewardly connectable for connection to a sidewardly directed carrier device (15, 17) which is attachable to the vehicle unit, and a lower abutment side (16) for lying supporting against an outer substrate. The invention also concerns a rock drill rig. |
| US08418782B2 |
Method and system for precise drilling guidance of twin wells
A method to guide a drilling path of a second well in proximity to a first well including: applying a time-varying electrical current to a conductive casing or liner of the first well; from the drilling path of the second well, sensing an electromagnetic field generated by the current in the first well, and guiding the drilling path trajectory of the second well using the sensed electromagnetic field. |
| US08418780B2 |
Power tool
A power tool having a cooling system, comprises: a motor housing 11 having a main chamber 14 accommodating a tool motor 12; a handle 15 for holding the power tool and having a cooling passage 16 for the transfer of cooling fluid, at least one inlet 18 leading to the cooling passage and at least one outlet 13 leading away from the cooling passage 18 , and a power tool component 21 which generates heat disposed in thermal contact with the cooling passage 16 between the inlet 18 and the outlet 13. |
| US08418778B2 |
Power screwdriver having rotary input control
An improved method is provided for operating a power tool. The method includes: monitoring rotational motion of the power tool about an axis using a rotational motion sensor disposed in the power tool; determining a direction of the rotational motion about the axis; and driving the output member in a direction defined by the detected rotational motion of the tool, where the output member is driven by a motor residing in the power tool. Thus, the output member is drive clockwise when the rotational motion of the tool is clockwise about the axis and the output member is drive counter-clockwise when the rotational motion of the tool is counter-clockwise about the axis. |
| US08418774B2 |
Fire extinguishing system for a casing
A fire extinguishing system for a casing, preferably an electronics casing, consisting of an extinguishing agent container, in which the extinguishing agent is stored, and a control device for the flow of extinguishing agent is provided, wherein a preferably cuboid extinguishing agent container (2) forms together with the devices (5, 7, 8, 29, 31, 32) required for storing and monitoring the loss of extinguishing agent, for controlling the flow of extinguishing agent from the container and for connecting a discharge device for the extinguishing agent, a complex structural component (24, 28), and wherein the devices (5, 7, 8, 29, 31, 32) are fastened at or integrated in the extinguishing agent container (2) in such a manner that this may be transported, installed or arranged in the casing (18) as a compact structural component (FIG. 2).The invention has the advantage that all devices required for the extinguishing of fire, like extinguishing agent container, power supply unit, evaluation electronics, are able to be inserted with low space requirement in a quick and reliable manner into a casing according to the sense of the present document. |
| US08418773B2 |
Fire-fighting control system
Systems and methods are described herein for remotely controlling the operation of a fire-fighting device coupled to a pump and a valve. The system may comprise a base component and a remote component. The base component comprises a transceiver operable to control operation of the fire-fighting device. The remote component comprises a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the base component and is positioned near a discharge end of a hose coupled to the fire-fighting device wherein an input end of the hose coupled to the fire-fighting device. The remote component also includes an input device for receiving input from a user and is configured to wirelessly communicate the received input to the base component. The base component is configured to control at least one of the pump and the valve based on the received input communicated to the fire-fighting device subject to a set of rules. |
| US08418769B2 |
Tubular actuator and method
A tubular actuator includes, a tubular, a support member disposed at the tubular, and a restrictor configured to pass a runnable member when unsupported by the support member and to prevent passage of the runnable member when supported by the support member. The restrictor is movable relative to the support member from an unsupported position to a supported position in response to pressure applied against the runnable member engaged with the restrictor according to a pressure versus time profile. |
| US08418767B1 |
Blowout preventer with a Bernoulli effect suck-down valve
The present invention is a blowout preventer including a large frustoconical funnel. The large end of the funnel is placed over a well pipe (or other pipe) through which oil (or gas or other fluid) is blowing out. The small end of the funnel is connected to a return pipe. A high pressure pipe with a smaller diameter is inserted into the well pipe. Air is pumped under high pressure through the high pressure pipe, separating the oil and forcing the oil, that is not kept down in the well pipe by the pressure, up through the return pipe. The funnel can be moved into alignment with the well pipe using jets. There are sensing devices on moveable arms. A stopper is forced into the well pipe. There are one-way valves in the stopper. There are stacked turbines in the return pipe. There is a gasket with pivoting overlapping plates. |
| US08418754B2 |
Emergency water pump system
The invention is generally directed to the novel and unique water pump system that is for manual operation, such as when there is a power failure and electrical pump systems are inoperable. When air is delivered into the air input port of the air line conduit, the air pushes water residing in the static chamber and water conduit up through the main water line and into an optional expansion tank for use. An electrical air compressor may be used to deliver the air. The water pump system may be provided in a parallel configuration for continuous operation and also in a stacked series configuration for deep well environments. |
| US08418753B2 |
Heat exchange tube
A heat exchange tube is constructed by forming, on a cylindrical tube peripheral wall, a plurality of projecting portions which project to an inside of the tube peripheral wall, and which are formed by pushing. The plurality of projecting portions are formed, respectively, into conical shapes across a tube axis, and are arranged along virtual spirals on the tube peripheral wall. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a heat exchange tube which facilitates formation of a plurality of projecting portions with the thickness hardly changed and without formation of protruded portions, and which is capable of contributing to enhancement of heat exchanging efficiency. |
| US08418749B2 |
Continuous casting apparatus for steel
A continuous casting device for steel of the present invention includes a casting mold for casting a molten steel, a submerged entry nozzle, an electromagnetic stirring device, and an electromagnetic brake device. Further, a curved portion which is curved toward the electromagnetic stirring device is formed at least at a position where the curved portion faces the submerged entry nozzle, on each of the long side walls. Moreover, the horizontal distance between a top of the curved portion and the submerged entry nozzle in plan view is equal to or more than 35 mm and less than 50 mm. |
| US08418748B2 |
Casting composite ingot with metal temperature compensation
An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of direct chill casting a composite metal ingot. The method involves sequentially casting two or more metal layers to form a composite ingot by supplying streams of molten metal to two or more casting chambers within a casting mold of a direct chill casting apparatus. Inlet temperatures of one or more of the streams of molten metal are monitored at a position adjacent to an inlet of a casting chamber fed with the stream, and the inlet temperatures are compared with a predetermined set temperature for the stream to determine if there is any difference. A casting variable that affects molten metal temperatures entering or within the casting chambers (e.g. casting speed) is then adjusted by an amount based on the difference of the compared temperatures to eliminate adverse casting effects caused by the difference of the inlet temperature and the set temperature. Preferably an adjustment is selected that causes the monitored temperature to approach the set temperature. Another exemplary embodiment provides equipment for operation of the method. |
| US08418746B2 |
L, R, C method and equipment for continuous casting amorphous, ultracrystallite and crystallite metallic slab or strip
This invention discloses an L,R,C method and equipment for casting amorphous, ultracrystallite and crystallite metal slabs or other shaped metals. A workroom (8) with a constant temperature of tb=−190° C. and a constant pressure of pb=1 bar, and liquid nitrogen of −190° C. and 1.877 bar is used as a cold source for cooling the casting blank. A liquid nitrogen ejector (5) ejects said liquid nitrogen to the surface of ferrous or non-ferrous metallic slabs or other shaped metals (7) with various ejection quantity v and various jet velocity k. Ejected liquid nitrogen comes into contact with the casting blank at cross section c shown in FIG. 2. This method adopts ultra thin film ejection technology, with a constant thickness of said film at 2 mm and ejection speed Kmax of said liquid nitrogen at 30 m/s. During the time interval Δτ; corresponding to different cooling rates Vk, a guiding traction mechanism (6) at different continuous casting speed u pulls different lengths Δm of metal from the outlet of the hot casting mold (4). Under the action of heat absorption and gasification of ejected liquid nitrogen, molten metal is solidified and cooled rapidly to form an amorphous, ultracrystallite or crystallite metal structure. |
| US08418741B2 |
Roller blind device
The present invention relates to a roller blind device, which comprises a special curtain. The roller blind device also comprises a first circular tube for fixing the upper end of the special curtain and a second circular tube for fixing the lower end of the special curtain. A torsion spiral which is capable of rolling up the special curtain and a stop means for lifting the second circular tube are arranged in the second circular tube. Such structure ensures that the roller blind device can roll up a plurality of roller blind curtains or show one of the plurality of roller blind curtains. |
| US08418739B2 |
Heat seal machine with open throat
A press is described having an upper platen. The press includes one piece base for support an upper rotatable support arm and a lower cantilever support arm. The upper support arm is adapted to selectively move the upper platen between an open position, a partially open position and a closed position with respect to a lower platen. A lower cantilever support arm configured to provide an open working surface around a lower platen. A sliding mechanism disposed on the base to selectively move the lower platen to an open, partially open or closed position. |
| US08418737B2 |
Tire with component containing polybenzobisoxazole short fiber and epoxidized polyisoprene
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of apexes, flippers and chippers, the at least one component comprising a rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising a diene based elastomer and from 1 to 30 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), of a polybenzobisoxazole (PBO) short fiber having a length ranging from 0.5 to 20 mm having a thickness ranging from 10 to 30 microns, and from 1 to 50 phr of an epoxidized polyisoprene having a number-average molecular weight of 5000 to 100000. |
| US08418735B2 |
Vehicle wheel
A vehicle wheel includes a disk and a rim having a well portion and fixed to the disk for supporting a tire, and an additional air chamber member secured to an outer circumferential surface of the well portion in a tire air chamber defined between the rim and the tire. The additional air chamber member includes an additional air chamber and a communication pipe with a communication through hole therein for communication between the additional air chamber and the tire air chamber, and the communication pipe protrudes from the peak in a direction substantially parallel to an axial direction of the wheel. The additional air chamber has a peak in a radial direction of the vehicle wheel. A radius of rotation of the wheel at the tip of the communication through hole is ≧ a radius of rotation of the wheel at the peak of the additional air chamber. |
| US08418734B2 |
Cover for modules of fibrous material
A cover for a module of fibrous material consists of a top member; a first side wall member with a first gap at its midpoint; a second side wall member with a second gap at its midpoint; first and second end wall members; a channel running along the bottom edge of the wall members and interrupted by the firs and second gaps; a first support strap at the midpoint of the first side wall member and within the first gap; a second support strap at the midpoint of the second side wall member and within the second gap; a securing strap having first and second ends and running through the channel, said securing strap supported by the first and second support straps as it passes through the first and second gaps; and a buckle securing the first and second ends of the securing strap. |
| US08418729B2 |
Convoluted coated braided hose assembly and method of making same
A seamless convoluted hose assembly. The assembly includes: a tubular inner liner having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner liner wall therebetween which defines a passageway. The assembly further includes a helical coil or a plurality of annular loops which produce convolutions in the outer surface of the tubular liner when the tubular inner liner is forced through the helical coil or plurality of loops under heat and pressure. |
| US08418728B1 |
Method of adhering structural elements to polyethylene and like materials
Methods of adhering structural elements to polyethylene and like materials are provided. A two-part modified epoxy adhesive is used in the repair of a main/lateral pipe junction, in connecting PE pipe to form a pipe line, in providing an access to the interior bore of a buried pipe, and other applications of requiring a buried structural element be adhered to a PE or like material. |
| US08418727B2 |
Hydraulic accumulator and method of manufacture
An accumulator for a hydraulic system includes a polymer liner defining a cavity. A metal bellows assembly is housed in the cavity and separates the cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber, with the first and second chambers isolated from one another by the bellows assembly. A composite shell substantially encases the liner. The liner and shell are configured so that the first chamber receives hydraulic fluid from and delivers hydraulic fluid through an opening in the liner and the shell as the bellows assembly expands and compresses due to pressurized gas in the second chamber balancing fluid pressure changes in the first chamber. In one embodiment, the metal bellows assembly includes hydroformed bellows. |
| US08418723B2 |
Electromagnetic proportional flow rate control valve
An electromagnetic proportional flow rate control valve capable of performing precise flow rate control in a low flow rate side of an operating region is provided. In an electromagnetic proportional flow rate control valve 32, in which a valve member 2 is driven in a valve closing direction in accordance with the increase in a driving current I of a solenoid coil 15, a solenoid driving force F is set such that it decreases accompanying the displacement of the valve member 2 in the valve closing direction with respect to an identical driving current in the solenoid coil 15. Thus, an amount of change in an area of a valve opening with respect to unit changes in the driving current I becomes smaller in a region at which the stroke is small compared to a case of having flat characteristics, whereby the flow rate control precision in the low flow rate region can be improved. |
| US08418721B2 |
Control system for a valve assembly
A valve assembly (2) includes a valve body (4) having a first section (6) and a second section (8). The first section (6) includes an inlet member (12) and an outlet member (13) and the second section (8) includes an inlet element (28) and an outlet element (29). The valve assembly (2) also includes a control system (44) arranged between the first section (6) and the second section (8) of the valve body (4). The control system (44) includes a flow direction member (48) that is selectively shifted between one of a full through flow mode and a bypass mode. When in the full through flow mode the flow direction member (48) passes a complete fluid flow from the inlet member (12) to the outlet element (29) and from the inlet element (28) to the outlet member (13), and when in the bypass mode the flow direction member passes the fluid flow from the inlet member (12) to the outlet member (13). |
| US08418720B2 |
Water diverting device
A water diverting device comprises an inlet, two outlets, an upper and a lower sealing seats respectively for the outlets. The device further comprises a water diverting switch that fits with the sealing seats and used to switch over the outlets. The switch includes a sliding shaft and fixed base with a sliding through hole. The switch is provided with a retaining hook for holding the sliding shaft up and down direction. On the surface of the sliding shaft, there are the first and second stop positions for the hook part of the hook, first and second unidirectional slide channels. The switch has a spring pushing the shaft from its head towards its tail. The head of the shaft connects with a valve core, and positions of the sealing seats correspond with travel of the valve core. The water discharge direction is changed over by a diverting switch. |
| US08418714B2 |
Flow rate range variable type flow rate control apparatus
A pressure type flow rate control apparatus is provided wherein flow rate of fluid passing through an orifice is computed as Qc=KP1 (where K is a proportionality constant) or as Qc=KP2m(P1−P2)n (where K is a proportionality constant, m and n constants) by using orifice upstream side pressure P1 and/or orifice downstream side pressure P2. A fluid passage between the downstream side of a control valve and a fluid supply pipe of the pressure type flow rate control apparatus comprises at least 2 fluid passages in parallel, and orifices having different flow rate characteristics are provided for each of these fluid passages, wherein fluid in a small flow quantity area flows to one orifice for flow control of fluid in the small flow quantity area, while fluid in a large flow quantity area flows to the other orifice for flow control of fluid in the large flow quantity area. |
| US08418709B2 |
Temporary shelter and mobile cart
Embodiments of the invention are generally related to a mobile shelter. In particular, several embodiments relate more particularly to a movable storage container configured for interconversion between various configurations. In several embodiments, the mobile shelter is configured as a shelter adequate for protection of its occupants against the elements. In several embodiments, the shelter optionally converts into a collapsed configuration suitable for transportation. |
| US08418708B2 |
Canopy apparatus for a vehicle-mounted weapon system
A canopy apparatus includes a first and a second track assembly, a first and a second slide member, a frame apparatus, and a canopy assembly. The first and the second track assembly are configured for connection to the vehicle, the first track assembly defines a longitudinal axis. The first slide member slideably engages the first track assembly and is configured to move relative to the first track assembly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second slide member slideably engages the second track assembly and is configured to move relative to the second track assembly in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The frame apparatus includes a bail member having a first end portion configured for pivotal connection to the first slide member and a second end portion configured for pivotal connection to the second slide member. The canopy assembly is configured for connection to the frame apparatus. The frame apparatus is configured for movement in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis about the first and the second track assemblies. |
| US08418706B2 |
Ergonomic crutch
A method for upgrading a crutch, comprising the steps of providing a crutch having a leg, a first saddle, a first handle and a first foot; providing a second saddle different from the first saddle; removing the first saddle from the leg; and attaching the second saddle to the leg, wherein the first saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about two planes and wherein the second saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about only one plane, and certain crutches to use therewith. |
| US08418703B2 |
Device for fitting an object in a dishwasher
A device for fitting an object in a dishwasher is provided. The device can be easily integrated as complementary equipment in a large number of the dishwasher racks and provides the user with the possibility of rapidly filling objects and even fitting objects which are non cylindrical in shape. The fixing device comprises a first section designed to be coupled with the rack of a dishwasher, and a second section that extends substantially vertically forming a curve, the first section being designed to be non rotating and to be coupled with a vertical element of the dishwasher rack. |
| US08418702B2 |
Ready mix truck wash
A ready mix truck wash system includes at least one spray arch fluidly connected to a pump, a motor, and controls. The spray arch has a plurality of pipes and spray nozzles configured to spray pressurized fluid onto a ready mix truck. In one embodiment, the ready mix truck is washed in multiple stages. |
| US08418699B2 |
Hair iron
Disclosed herein is a hair iron having upper and lower casings, a heat generating unit and a hinge connection unit. The hinge connection unit includes a hinge box secured to either of the upper and lower casings. First and second movable members each having a hinge shaft are provided in the hinge box, and move between a hinge coupling position and a hinge releasing position. An elastic member is elastically provided between the first and second movable members, and exerts an elastic force so that the hinge shaft moves to the hinge releasing position. A hinge-coupling retaining means is manipulated on an outside of the hinge box to move the hinge shaft to the hinge coupling position and simultaneously retain the hinge shaft in the hinge coupling position. A hinge-shaft connection lug is provided on a remaining one of the upper and lower casings, and has a hinge hole. |
| US08418696B2 |
Arm board patient securement arrangement
An arm board securement arrangement for comfortably and safely securing a patient's arm to an arm board during an operative procedure, comprising a flexible sheet of conformable material having a first end and a second end, and a first side and a second side with a central portion therebetween. A plurality of spaced apart wrap members extend from the central portion on the first side thereof. A plurality of spaced apart wrap members extending on the second side from the central portion. A gripping or securement member is arranged on each of the wrap members to permit the wrap members to correspondingly engage one another about an arm of a patient. |
| US08418693B2 |
Method and device for evaluation of spirographic and gas exchange data
The invention provides a method for obtaining and evaluating spirographic and gas exchange data, involving measuring a concentration of a breathing gas gc(Vx) for a plurality of volumes Vx of breathing gas mix, wherein the measuring is performed on inhaled breathing gas mix, further involving determining an apparatus dead space ApDS, of breathing gas mix in the apparatus not taking part in gas exchange, by evaluating the measured concentrations gc(Vx) as a function of the volume V of the inhaled breathing gas mix. The use of inhaled breathing gas mix allows to determine the apparatus dead space, which is an important parameter when evaluating ventilation efficiency and the like. Furthermore, the invention provides a method in which inhalation and exhalation parts of a spirogram are synchronized, by matching features thereof, in order to further improve the accuracy of gas exchange volumes and derived data. Finally, the invention provides a spirographic device and a patient ventilation apparatus, incorporating the present method. |
| US08418691B2 |
Leak-compensated pressure regulated volume control ventilation
This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leakage when during delivery of gas to a patient from a medical ventilator in a pressure regulated volume control (PRVC) ventilation mode. The technology described herein includes systems and methods that compensate the delivery of PRVC ventilation for leakage in the patient circuit by using leak-compensated lung flows as well as respiratory mechanics (lung compliance and lung resistance) estimated in a manner that compensates for elastic and inelastic leaks from the ventilation system. |
| US08418687B2 |
Parabolic solar trough systems with rotary tracking means
The inventive solar trough field system (A) comprises multiple parabolic reflectors (1), support circles (3) of which the center coincides with the focus of the parabolic reflector (1 ) and which are used in order to support the reflector (1), core mechanisms (2) which are located on the center of the circles (3), guy wires (4) which connect the circle (3) and the core mechanism (2) to each other, side support units (5,5J) which bear the support circles (3) from their outer surfaces, lightweight filling materials (6) which support the reflectors (1) from their lower parts, thermal receiver tubes (11) which pass through the center axis of the circles (3). The parabolic reflectors (1) are rotated around the center axis of the circles (3), which is the focus thereof, and directed towards the sun. Thus, the parallel beams coming from the sun are concentrated in the thermal receiver tubes (11) which are located in the focus of the reflectors (1). |
| US08418686B1 |
Two-axis tracker for solar panels and the like
A tracker including an outer post having elongated bore, and a lower end mounted on a sub-structure, an inner pole rotatably received in the elongated bore, a lower bearing in the bore adjacent a lower end of the outer post and attached thereto to be constrained from lateral movement and mounted on the sub-structure such that a lower end of the inner pole rests on and is supported by the lower bearing, an upper bearing near an upper end of the outer post, a circumferential drive supported on the outer post for rotating the inner pole relative to the outer post, such that substantially a full weight of a load on the inner pole is directly transmitted to the sub-structure and lateral force and torque leverage are placed on a full length of the outer post by way of the upper and lower bearing. |
| US08418678B2 |
Fuel system for traveling vehicle
Disclosed is a fuel system for a traveling vehicle having an engine mounted on a vehicle body and a ROPS extending upward from the vehicle body. The fuel system includes a fuel tank accommodating an amount of fuel, a canister, an evaporating hose including a first evaporating hose portion and a second evaporating hose portion for sending fuel vapor generated inside the fuel tank to the canister. The first evaporating hose portion is connected to the fuel tank and extending upward from the fuel tank along a vertical post of the ROPS. The second evaporating hose portion extends downward along a vertical post of the ROPS and is connected to the canister. |
| US08418676B2 |
Programmable diesel fuel injector
An apparatus for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a solid magnetostrictive material with a favored direction of magnetostrictive response formed into a shape with ends that are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the favored direction of magnetostrictive response. A fuel control valve element is located coaxial to the favored direction of magnetoelastic response of the magnetostrictive material, the element opening inwardly. A solenoid coil is located concentric with the magnetostrictive material and coaxial to the favored direction of magnetoelastic response, the solenoid coil adapted to excite the magnetostrictive material into mechanical motion. An excitation signal is provided within the solenoid coil consisting of a signal, before a main current signal, sufficient to cause magnetic domain alignment but not rotation, and finally a magnetic return path circuit is provided in magnetic communication with the solid magnetostrictive material. |
| US08418674B2 |
Control device of diesel engine and method of controlling diesel engine
A control device of a diesel engine, including an acceleration detector including an acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor being attached to an engine body that defines a combustion chamber, the acceleration detector configured to output a vibration acceleration, an integrator configured to integrate values corresponding to amplitudes of the vibration acceleration from a predetermined integration start timing that is at least before an ignition timing, a comparison unit configured to compare an integration value of the integrator with a predetermined ignition timing judgment level, and a real ignition timing judgment unit configured to judge a real ignition timing on the basis of a reach timing, at which the integration value has reached the ignition timing judgment level. |
| US08418672B2 |
High leverage rotary internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine having a generally rotary design is described. The engine includes a rotor that alternately rotates about first, second, and third axes of rotation as the rotor circulates within the engine. Each axis of rotation is about perpendicular to the other two axes of rotation. The rotor includes two flanges that alternately compress fluid in combustion chambers as the flanges rotatably enter and sweep through compression lobes. Detonation of compressed, combustible fluid occurs in the combustion chambers, force from the detonation driving the rotor about the axes of rotation. The rotor exerts maximum leverage on a power shaft at the point of detonation, and continues to exert similar leverage on the power shaft as the rotor rotates. The engine typically includes one or more power modules, each of the one or more power modules having three compression lobes and three combustion chambers. |
| US08418666B2 |
Multipiece camshaft assembly
A camshaft assembly may include a monolithic camshaft body, a journal member and a thrust ring. The monolithic camshaft body may define lobes and journal regions along an axial extent thereof. The journal member may be separate from and fixed to an axial end of the camshaft body adjacent an end lobe of the camshaft body. The thrust ring may be axially secured to the camshaft assembly at the axial end of the camshaft body. |
| US08418665B2 |
Variable phase controller for automotive engine
[Problems]To provide a variable phase controller for an engine which assures easy manufacturing at low cost, reduces operating sound, and includes a relative rotational motion mechanism enabling quick change of a phase angle between a cam shaft and a crank shaft.[Means for Solving Problems]A variable phase controller for an engine controls the rotational motion of a first control rotor for changing the relative phase angle between a crank shaft and a cam shaft to either a phase-lead angle side or a phase-lag angle side in accordance with the direction of such control. The variable phase controller has a first braking means for rotating the first control rotor to one side, and a second braking means for braking a second control rotor and rotating the first control rotor in the direction opposite to the rotation caused by the first braking means via a second intermediate rotor (or cam guide plate) displaced by the force applied by a movable element (or rotating eccentric circular cam) displaced in guide grooves by braking of the second control rotor, thereby controlling the rotational motion of the first control rotor. |
| US08418664B2 |
Variable valve timing control apparatus
A variable valve timing control apparatus includes a driving rotor, a driven rotor coaxially arranged with the driving rotor, a fluid pressure chamber defined between the driving rotor and the driven rotor, a partition portion arranged at one of the driving rotor and the driven rotor and dividing the fluid pressure chamber into advanced and retarded angle chambers, a first fluid control mechanism controlling supply and discharge of a hydraulic fluid to and from the fluid pressure chamber, a first phase restriction portion restricting and releasing a relative rotational phase between the driving rotor and the driven rotor within and from a first restriction range, a second phase restriction portion restricting and releasing the relative rotational phase within and from a second restriction range, and a second fluid control mechanism controlling the supply and discharge of the hydraulic fluid to and from the first and second phase restriction portions individually. |
| US08418662B2 |
Apparatus for visually inspecting and removing foreign substance from gap of heat tube bundle in upper part of tube sheet of second side of steam generator
An apparatus that visually inspects a state of sludge and foreign substances found between steam generator bundles positioned at an upper portion of a tube sheet of a steam generator of a nuclear power plant using a visual inspector mounted in a robot moving on an inner wall surface of the steam generator for removing the foreign substances. |
| US08418660B2 |
Facilities for and method of separating and sorting livestock
Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device. |
| US08418651B1 |
Feeder system
A trough has a vertically disposed open front and a parallel rear panel and a horizontally disposed bottom panel. A front edge is located beneath the open front. The trough has an angled panel between the rear panel the bottom panel. Vertically disposed side panels create a chamber there between with a horizontally disposed rectangular open top. A vertically disposed divider panel is located within the chamber. The divider panel is parallel with and spaced between the open front and rear panel. In this manner a major chamber is formed rearwardly and a minor chamber forwardly. A passageway is formed between the divider panel and the bottom panel. In this manner food in the major chamber will move to the minor chamber upon depletion of food from the minor chamber. |
| US08418649B2 |
Composite showerhead electrode assembly for a plasma processing apparatus
A showerhead electrode for a plasma processing apparatus includes an elastomeric sheet adhesive bond between mating surfaces of an electrode and a backing member to accommodate stresses generated during temperature cycling due to mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion. The elastomeric sheet comprises a thermally conductive silicone adhesive able to withstand a high shear strain of ≧300% in a temperature range of room temperature to 300° C. such as heat curable high molecular weight dimethyl silicone with fillers. The sheet form adhesive has bond thickness control for parallelism of bonded surfaces over large areas. The sheet adhesive may be cast or die cut into pre-form shapes that can conform to irregularly shaped features, maximize surface contact area with mating electrode surfaces, and installed into cavities of the mating assembly. Installation can be manually, manually with installation tooling, or with automated machinery. Composite layers of sheet adhesive having different physical properties can be laminated or coplanar. |
| US08418648B2 |
Method and device for production of a layer of nanoparticles or a layer of nanofibres from solutions or melts of polymers
Method for production of deposit or layer of nanoparticles or a layer of nanofibers from solutions or melts of polymers in electrostatic field of a high intensity, during which the produced nanoparticles or the produced nanofibers deposit on a substrate material passing through the active chamber, in which is positioned the active electrode. The electrostatic field for production, transfer and depositing of nanoparticles or production, transfer and depositing of nanofibers is induced between the active electrode and the substrate material, on which in the direction of its movement in front of and/or opposite to the active electrode there is applied an electric charge of opposite polarity than that of the active electrode, while an electric charge applied on the substrate material is being partially or totally consumed through depositing of nanoparticles or nanofibers on the moving substrate material. |
| US08418643B2 |
Telescoping boat railing
A telescoping boat railing including a rod having a first end with a fastener and a second end that telescopes relative to an opening in a hollow top rail of a boat. The top rail is supported horizontally by one of a plurality of vertical support members of a railing for the boat, which railing defines an opening for accessing the boat. Across the railing opening from the fastener is a receptacle formed co-linearly with the fastener and extending from a horizontal portion of the top of the railing. The rod is pulled out of the opening in the top rail in the direction of the receptacle and is removably attached by connecting the fastener and the receptacle. To return the rod to its nested position, the fastener is disconnected from the receptacle, and the rod is telescoped back into its nesting position in the hollow of the top rail. |
| US08418642B2 |
Unmanned submersible vehicles and methods for operating the same in a body of liquid
An unmanned submersible vehicle for use in a body of liquid having a top surface and in air overlying the top surface includes a hull, an integral antenna, and an antenna positioning system. The hull has first and second opposed ends. The hull includes a first hull portion adjacent the first end and a second hull portion adjacent the second end. The antenna is disposed within the first hull portion and/or is mounted on the first hull portion. The antenna positioning system is configured to reorient the hull from a transit position to a signal position. When the hull is in the signal position: the first hull portion and the antenna are disposed above the second hull portion a greater vertical distance than when the hull is in the transit position; the first hull portion and the antenna are disposed above the top surface and in the air while at least the second hull portion remains submerged in the body of liquid; and the antenna is operative to emit signals through the air above the top surface and/or to receive signals through the air above the top surface. |
| US08418640B2 |
Semisubmersible offshore platform with drag-inducing stabilizer plates
A floating vessel is equipped with perforated plates which exhibit both an added-mass effect and a damping effect. The addition of porosity to an added mass plate phase-shifts the added mass force so that it becomes at least partially a damping force which does not depend on large velocities to develop a large damping force. Preferred porosity is in the range of about 5% to about 15% of total plate area. A semi-submersible vessel may have damper plates fitted between its surface-piercing columns, within a support grid in the area between the pontoons and/or extending from the sides of its pontoons. A truss spar offshore platform may have damper plates installed within its truss structure intermediate its hull and ballast tank. Drill ships and similar vessels may be equipped with damper plates extending from the sides of their hulls to reduce both heave and roll. |
| US08418638B2 |
Combination pontoon boat and hovercraft
A combination floating pontoon boat and air-cushion supported hovercraft having a frame and a plurality of pontoons pivotally and retractably mounted to the frame for pontoon boat mode, and a second position extending laterally outward from the frame in hovercraft mode. A skirt is attached to and extends from the frame, the skirt on a first position being retracted against the bottom of the frame. In a second position, the skirt extends downward from the frame and forms an air-receiving pocket beneath the frame for hovercraft operation. A first power system moves the frame through water when the pontoons are in their first position. A second power system drives air into the air-receiving pocket when the skirt is in the second or hovercraft position, and a third power system propels the frame in a longitudinal direction when air is driven into the air-receiving pocket. |
| US08418634B2 |
Vacuum seed meter
A seed meter for an agricultural seed planter, wherein the seed meter includes a rotating distributing seed disk defining a plurality of radially spaced apertures. The seed disk or drum is operatively connected to a vacuum source for creating a pressure differential between the exterior and the interior of the seed disk so as to pick up seeds for dispensing. Secured to the exterior surface of the seed disk are a plurality of arm members, which include an end portion defining an aperture that is positioned over a corresponding aperture formed about the periphery of the seed disk. As the drum is rotated through a supply of seeds, individual seeds are urged onto the apertures of the arm members and corresponding seed disk apertures, and held in place by the vacuum. A lifter mechanism mounted with a frame and including an end that engages at least the portion of the seed disk or drum defining the seed apertures causes the radial outward end of the arm members to be urged away from the surface of the seed disk as the disk is rotated relative to the end of the lifter so that the seed held on the arm member is moved away from the vacuum source and communication with the vacuum source is disrupted. |
| US08418632B2 |
Pallet assembly with locating support structure
A structurally reinforcing pallet having an insert exhibiting a three dimensional shape with a top, sides and bottom. A plasticized material is applied over the insert according to a selected thickness and in order to encapsulate the insert. A first plurality of upper edge projecting and positional locating rim portions are exhibited about a periphery of an insert incorporated into a first pallet and, in combination with a second mating plurality of recessed underside edge extending locations exhibited about a periphery of a further insert incorporated into a second pallet, enable multiple stacking of pallets in laterally stabilized fashion. |
| US08418631B2 |
Pallet design with buoyant characteristics
A body having a buoyant inducing element for supporting upon a body of water. The buoyant inducing element includes a plurality of bladders deployable into an end-to-end perimeter extending arrangement relative to the body. In a further design, a pressurized tank is contained within the body and holds a volume of a compressed gas and in communication with the deployable bladders. The body may also include upper and lower vertically displaceable halves, with the elevation of the upper half causing one way air inlet valves disposed within a bottom surface of the lower halve to fill an expanded interior defined between the halves, via vacuum inlet pressure acting upon the one way valves. |
| US08418629B2 |
Platform for an electronic device with a screen
The present invention is a platform for an electronic device such as a tablet computer or personal video player. The platform for an electronic device with a screen preferably comprises a rectangular device case with a landscape position and a portrait position and a lockable entry port lid. The case has a view port for the screen and four attachment blade ports. One blade port is on each side of the device case. The platform has two adjustable support legs with an attachment blade, padded end and a string lock. The attachment blades are insertable into the blade ports and lock with a snap tab into the port. The platform further has a length of string with a sleeve of padding and an adjustment loop attached to each leg. The string can be adjusted so the platform has a deployed mode and a carrying mode. |
| US08418627B2 |
Two-axle truck for a railway car and a railway car
Lateral pressure which develops in the front wheelset when traveling along a curved track is decreased while suppressing an increase in costs as much as possible. A two-axle truck for a railway car has a front wheelset having wheels with a first tread gradient and a rear wheelset having wheels with a second tread gradient which is different from the first tread gradient. The tread gradient of the wheels of the rear wheelset is larger than the tread gradient of the wheels of the front wheelset. |
| US08418625B2 |
System for conveying persons and method for operating the system
A system for conveying persons has at least one track along which a plurality of vehicles or groups of vehicles are moved by continuous conveying cables. At least two mutually successive conveying cables are arranged in line with one another and each has a drive so that they may be driven independently of one another. The vehicles are coupled to the cables with clamping devices. The clamping devices arranged on the vehicles spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the system. When there is a transfer of a vehicle from a first to the successive conveying cable, a control device uncouples at least the first clamping device, from the first conveying cable and thereupon couples it to the successive conveying cable. Then, a further clamping device is uncoupled from the first conveying cable and coupled to the successive conveying cable. |
| US08418619B1 |
Kinematic countermeasure
The present invention provides an improved kinematic countermeasure flare and method of constructing the same wherein the housing has integrated internal features. The flare nose weight is set at the end of a die core prior to molding for integration with the housing. Longitudinal grooves and other recesses in the die core allow for the formation of internal longitudinal ribs which propellant can bond to and a retaining bead for retaining the nose weight in the housing which are integrated with the housing. Propellant is cast into the formed housing. A propellant shaping mandrel is then inserted into the formed housing thereby forcing the propellant into the internal cavity created by the integrally molded longitudinal ribs, the shaping mandrel and the wall of the flare housing such that the propellant is bonded to the interior housing wall and the longitudinal ribs. This improved housing and method of construction eliminates the need to apply a non-flammable coating to propellant surfaces after its addition to the flare housing which a an imprecise and time consuming process. |
| US08418613B2 |
Methods of assembling, dismantling and transforming a print unit intended for a printing machine, and transport device used
A method of assembling of assembling a print unit into a printing machine, wherein the print unit includes a frame, a print carriage to be inserted into and attached to the frame, and a doctor blade system independent of the print carriage to be attached to the frame, the method comprising the steps of placing the doctor blade system on an empty transport device, inserting the transport device with the doctor blade system into the frae, attaching the doctor blade system to the frame, removing the empty transport device from the frame, inserting the print carriage into the frame, and attaching the print carriage to the frame. |
| US08418612B2 |
Printing plate making apparatus and printing plate making method
A printing plate making apparatus which scans a recording medium by light beam in a predetermined pixel pitch, thereby engraving a surface of the recording medium to make a printing plate, wherein an upper surface of a convex portion of light power of the light beam engraving all or part of an adjacent region which is adjacent to a convex portion which is to be left in a convex shape on a surface of the recording medium is set to an threshold engraving energy or less, and light power of light beam in a vicinity region in vicinity of outer side of a region defined as the adjacent region is brought higher than light power in the adjacent region. |
| US08418604B1 |
Cooking rack
A rack for positioning food slabs in a horizontal cooking area such as over a grill includes a rectangular frame which carries a plurality of bent rod food slab supports at a rearward tilt. Each support includes a pair of outer risers having interned lower ends. The outer risers extend over opposite sides of the frame, with the interned ends extending through apertures in the frame sides. Between the outer risers, the rod is bent in a digital waveform and includes forwardly extending lower cradle having upwardly sloped shoulders for engaging the bottom of a food slab. Notches are provided in the upper edge of the frame sides forwardly of each aperture and a notch engaging post extends from the cradle shoulders which are adjacent each outer riser. The ends of the frame are lapped and hinged, so that the frame may be folded along a longitudinal axis for compact storage, with the slab supports nested within the folded frame. |
| US08418602B2 |
Brewing chamber for a coffee machine, and coffee machine
A coffee machine brewing chamber for a coffee pad. Said brewing chamber comprises a top part that is provided with openings for the water which is delivered to the brewing chamber as well as a bottom part. The top part of the brewing chamber is embodied in a monolithic manner. The invention further relates to a coffee machine that is equipped with such a brewing chamber. |
| US08418599B2 |
Axial piston machine having a return device
An axial piston machine is provided. The pivoting cradle of the axial piston machine has variable tilt. The axial piston machine has at least one adjustment device extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the axial piston machine. The axial piston machine further has a return element for returning to a position of the pivoting cradle. The return element and the adjustment device are disposed in a plane extending parallel to an axis of rotation of the axial piston machine and perpendicular to a pivoting axis of the pivoting cradle. |
| US08418596B2 |
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. |
| US08418594B1 |
Blast load attenuation system for a vehicle
An apparatus may comprise an outer skin having an exterior side and an interior side, an internal structure positioned relative to the interior side of the outer skin, and an inner skin. The internal structure may be capable of absorbing a blast load applied to the exterior side of the outer skin. The internal structure may be located between the outer skin and the inner skin. |
| US08418592B1 |
Firearm based breaching tool
A firearm based breeching tool uses the expansion gases of a blank high capacity firearm round to fire a piston at a breeching chisel, the chisel having a cutting head that is designed to breech a hardened obstacle. The invention is based on an assault rifle configuration that is modified to use the pump action of a shotgun to replenish a round of ammunition into the firing chamber and otherwise reset the device including the firing piston and the standard trigger mechanism. |
| US08418591B2 |
Power table saw with extension table
Embodiments are disclosed for a power table saw assembly that comprises a frame configured to retain a motor assembly for driving a rotatable blade, a table top assembly having a top surface with an opening through which a rotating blade can extend provided on the frame, and a base for supporting the frame thereon. A foldable extension table is pivotally connected to an axle fixedly provided in the base, for supporting a workpiece. The extension table is configured to be folded and pivoted about the axle to be stored within the base when the extension table is not in use. In one embodiment, the axle is provided in the rear of the base and generally perpendicular to the blade, so that the extension table can support a workpiece from the table top downstream of the blade. In another embodiment, the axle is provides on one side of the base and generally parallel to the blade, so that the extension table can support a workpiece that extends beyond the table top to one side of the blade. |
| US08418589B1 |
Pipe cutting apparatus and method
A pipe cutting apparatus having a frame and first and second pipe support arms. The pipe support arms are pivotally attached to the frame. First and second pipe support members on the first and second arms together with a third pipe support member securely grip the pipe at substantially equally circumferentially spaced locations. A camming member is used to place the first and second pipe support arms in predefined locations for holding differently sized pipes. An linkage assembly causes the third pipe support member to biasingly engage the pipe. A two-part tool shield is provided together with a depth adjusting assembly for facilitating the cutting and beveling of the pipe. A power transmission assembly transfers power from a motor on the frame to a tool located on a pivoting arm. The frame may be manufactured using an adhesive filler material for enhancing the rigidity, strength and accuracy of the components. |
| US08418588B2 |
Modular textile system
A method of making a modular textile system includes dividing a textile web having a length and a width into a plurality of tile areas including a first tile area, a second tile area, and a third tile area. The textile web includes a plurality of discrete design zones positioned along the width of the textile web. A first design zone includes a motif and a second design zone does not include the motif. The textile web is divided so that the first design zone is apportioned between the first tile area and the second tile area, and the second design zone is apportioned between the second tile area and the third tile area. |
| US08418585B2 |
Clutch control reversible transmission wheel system with bidirectional input and one-way output
The clutch control reversible transmission wheel system with bidirectional input and one-way output relates to a transmission structure, wherein the drive rotary direction of the input shaft of the wheel system with bidirectional input and one-way output is changed to make the direction of the output of the output shaft to be constant, which is characterized by releasing the connectable or releasable clutch device installed between transmissions of the wheel system with bidirectional input and one-way output, the output shaft is moved reversely when reversely driven. |
| US08418582B2 |
Flywheel assembly for exercise devices
A flywheel assembly includes a flywheel rotatably mounted on an exercise and a magnetic control device is centrally received in the flywheel for providing damping to the flywheel. The magnetic control device includes two discs abutted each other. Each disc has a wiggle seat rotatable mounted thereon and each wiggle seat is formed with a sector shoe. Each sector has multiple magnets peripherally secured thereon such that the damping acted on the flywheel is adjusted due to the magnets when the two wiggle seats are synchronously wiggled relative to a corresponding one of the two discs. |
| US08418581B2 |
Accelerator apparatus
A rotational angle sensor and a connector are provided at a first-side portion and a second-side portion, respectively, of a sensor holder. The first-side portion is engaged with a base through a primary engaging arrangement, and the second-side portion is engaged with the base through a secondary engaging arrangement. The secondary engaging arrangement includes secondary engaging portions of the sensor holder, which are provided in the second-side portion of the sensor holder and are engaged with the base. A distance from an engaging point between the secondary engaging portion of the sensor holder and the base to the sensor is longer than a distance from the engaging point between the secondary engaging portion of the sensor holder and the base to the connector. |
| US08418580B2 |
Cable assembly
A cable assembly includes a mount and an anchor. The mount may include a bracket having an edge, a slot formed in the bracket and extending from the edge, and a recess extending at least partially around the slot. The anchor may be an end fitting that includes an adjuster body having a flange, a slide collar movable toward and away from the flange, and a spring member biasing the slide collar toward the flange. The adjuster body may extend through the slot with the flange and the slide collar on opposed sides. The spring member may bias the slide collar into the recess to form an interlock between the end fitting and the bracket that resists removal of the end fitting from the slot. A preferred end fitting has a drop in swivel tube and an internal isolator that completely isolates a conduit sleeve. |
| US08418579B2 |
Parallel robot
A parallel robot includes a base, a movable platform, a plurality of control arms, a rotation arm, a plurality of first actuators, and a second actuator. The control arms rotatably interconnect to the base and the movable platform, respectively. Opposite ends of the rotation arm are universally rotatably connected to the base and the movable platform, respectively. The first actuators move the control arms, respectively. The second actuator rotates the rotation arm around a central axis. Each control arm comprises a first transmission member and a transmission cable. The first transmission member comprises a fan-shaped transmission portion. Each first actuator comprises a transmission shaft to engage the first transmission member of the control arm. The transmission cable coils around the transmission shaft for at least one winding, then criss-crosses, and winds on the fan-shaped transmission portion. |
| US08418577B2 |
Ball screw mechanism and electric power steering device using the same
In a ball screw mechanism, a retainer is provided between an outer circumference of a ball screw shaft and an inner circumference of a ball nut and has a plurality of retainer grooves arranged in the circumferential direction for retaining a plurality of rolling balls. Each retainer groove of the retainer takes a form that allows the rolling balls therein to move radially outward but restrains the rolling balls therein from moving radially inward. Therefore, in the ball screw mechanism and an electric power steering device incorporating the same, the movement of the retainer in radial directions can be restricted by the plurality of rolling balls which are rolled along ball rolling grooves spirally formed respectively on the outer circumference of the ball screw shaft and the inner circumference of the ball nut. |
| US08418576B2 |
Device for pressing on a gear rack
A device for pressing a steering rack onto a pinion engaged with the steering rack, in particular for a steering system of a motor vehicle, comprises a pressure piece which can be loaded in the direction of the steering rack and is displaceably guided in a housing and an adjustment unit for compensating for play occurring in the steering system. A spring washer is disposed between the adjustment unit and the pressure piece, wherein the adjustment unit comprises a projection and the pressure piece comprises a recess, or the pressure piece comprises a projection and the adjustment unit comprises a recess, in the region of the spring washer. |
| US08418571B2 |
Engine starter
Obtained is an engine starter having a structure in which, even when frictional heat is generated on a roller due to sliding of a roller and a clutch inner with respect to each other, deformation of a rolling contact surface of the roller is reduced by suppressing reduction in hardness of the rolling contact surface of the roller due to the frictional heat, thereby making it possible to improve transmission of a rotation force from a clutch outer to a clutch inner. The engine starter includes a clutch (5) for transmitting a rotation force of an output shaft (4) to a pinion gear (7), a clutch outer (10), a clutch inner (11) having one end portion facing an inner portion of the clutch outer (10) and another end portion to which the pinion gear (7) is fixed, and a roller (12) which rolls while being provided between the clutch outer (10) and the clutch inner (11). The clutch outer (10) is formed with a notch portion (10a) of a tapered shape. The notch portion (10a) is formed with a lock portion (10b) abutting the roller (12). A rolling contact surface of the roller (12) is applied with carbonitriding treatment. |
| US08418565B2 |
Heated pipe connecting device for installation of a flow meter
A flow meter for measuring the flow rate of a flowing medium has a plastic measurement tube for routing the medium and a connecting device for connecting an end of the measurement tube to an end of a plastic pipeline. So that measurement tube of plastic can be connected easily and to the plastic pipeline, the connecting device is formed by a heating means that is integrated into an inner wall of the end of the measurement tube and that melts at least the end of the measurement tube to thereby form a melted connection between the measurement tube and the pipeline. |
| US08418560B2 |
Composite fiber wave inspection system and method
A system for inspecting a wind turbine blade having a pair of shells surrounding a shear web. The system includes a scanning machine for taking images of an interior portion of the shells of the wind turbine blade, a measuring apparatus for taking numerous measurements of a defect imaged within the shells of the wind turbine blade, and a look-up table for ascertaining the theoretical strength of the wind turbine blade. |
| US08418559B2 |
Tri-axis accelerometer having a single proof mass and fully differential output signals
A tri-axis accelerometer includes a proof mass, at least four anchor points arranged in at least two opposite pairs, a first pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another, and at least four spring units to connect the proof mass to the at least four anchor points, the spring units each including a pair of identical springs, each spring including a sensing unit. |
| US08418557B2 |
Physical quantity sensor
A physical quantity sensor includes a support substrate, anchor portions fixed to a top surface of the support substrate, a movable portion positioned above the support substrate and supported by the anchor portions with support portions provided therebetween such that the movable portion is movable in a height direction, and detection portions for detecting a displacement of the movable portion. The support portions include beam portions provided between the movable portion and the anchor portions such that spring portions are provided between the beam portions and each of the movable portion and the anchor portions, the beam portions having a rigidity higher than a rigidity of the spring portions. The movable portion translates in the height direction owing to twisting of the spring portions and displacements in the height direction of distal ends of the beam portions, the movable portion being supported at the distal end. |
| US08418546B2 |
In-situ fluid compatibility testing using a wireline formation tester
A method for performing fluid influx tests in a wellbore comprises inserting a well test device into the wellbore such that it separates a well test section from other sections of the wellbore; performing a first fluid influx test during which fluid pressure in the test section is reduced, pore fluid is induced to flow into the test section and fluid influx into the test section is monitored; injecting a completion fluid into the test section, and inducing the completion fluid to flow into the formation; performing a second fluid influx test during which fluid pressure within the test section is reduced, completion and pore fluids are induced to flow into the test section, and fluid influx into the test section is monitored; comparing fluid influx monitoring data acquired during the fluid influx tests to determine any effects of the completion fluid on formation pore fluid influx into the test section. |
| US08418543B2 |
Device and method for determining and adjusting the chassis geometry of a vehicle
The invention relates to a device and method for determining and adjusting the chassis geometry of a vehicle. In order to provide a device for determining and adjusting vehicle chassis geometry, which can be manufactured as inexpensively as possible, the invention proposes that two tracks be provided on which the vehicle can be moved from a position A to a position B, each track having two means to permit lateral relaxation of the vehicle wheels as well as rotary discs located in the area of the vehicle's front axle at position B, that a measuring sensor operating according to the principle of stereophotogrammetry is located on the outside of each of the tracks, and that means for measuring the travel of the measuring sensors and a steering-wheel balance for detecting the position of the steering wheel are provided. This configuration of the device makes it possible to create a chassis-geometry testing and adjusting rig that does not require floating plates with driven roller pairs for uniform rotation of the wheels but still permits reproducible toe and camber-angle measurements accurate down to angular minutes. |
| US08418537B1 |
Device and method for detecting the presence of corrosive material in drywall
A method for detecting the presence of corrosive material in drywall utilizing a testing device having a metal pin for insertion in the drywall, where the pin forms a visible layer when it reacts with corrosive materials in the drywall. |
| US08418534B2 |
Methods and apparatus for detection of air ingress into cryogen vessels
In an apparatus and a method for detecting deposition of solid frost caused by air ingress into a cryogen vessel, a quartz crystal microbalance, that includes a crystal sensor, is placed within the cryogen vessel, and an actuating circuit actuates resonance of the crystal sensor, and detection equipment detects a change in the resonant characteristics of the crystal sensor caused by frost deposition on the crystal sensor, and signaling equipment indicates the detected change. |
| US08418532B2 |
Steam generator for sodium cooled fast reactor, heat transfer tubes thereof, and leak detection unit for heat transfer tube thereof
A steam generator, used in a helical coil type steam generator for a sodium-cooled fast reactor which has heat transfer tubes of a double-wall tube structure, with high heat transfer efficiency and a heat transfer tube damage detection unit that can detect on-line in real-time whether the heat transfer tube is damaged or not. The heat transfer tube of a steam generator for a sodium-cooled fast reactor, includes an inner tube formed with a first material; an outer tube formed with a second material that is in close contact with the inner tube and which has a thermal expansion coefficient less than that of the first material; and a plurality of helium flow grooves formed between the inner tube and the outer tube along a lengthwise direction of the heat transfer tube for flowing helium gas. The inner tube and the outer tube are identically due to heat for the temperature difference generated during normal operation of the steam generator, so the degree of close contact between the inner tube and the outer tube does not decrease, and the decrease of heat transfer efficiency can be prevented. |
| US08418529B2 |
Device for conveying a substance provided with an optical leak detector
A device for conveying a substance that comprises: a first duct for containing the substance; an optical fiber connected to the first duct and extending along the duct, the optical fiber including several detection members spaced along its length, each detection member having a separate reflection spectrum that varies with the presence of the substance to be detected; a control device including a light source capable of emitting a light in the reflection spectrum of each detection member, a light receiver capable of detecting the light amplitude in the detection spectrum of each detection member, and an analysis module capable of determining the presence of a leak of the substance based on the light amplitude provided by the light receiver. |
| US08418526B2 |
System and method for testing gas migration process in coal-rock mass
A system and method for testing gas migration process in the coal and rock mass are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: selecting a cylindrical coal sample, applying an axial pressure and a radial pressure to the coal sample under a sealing state, and/or increasing temperature, to desorb gas absorbed by the coal sample; guiding the gas desorbed from the coal sample by a guiding passage, detecting gas flow rate and pressure, analyzing gas composition and content, and achieving a data statistics. The method provides a theory and data basis for researching the forming and occurring process of gas outburst accident in coal mine. The system is simple and easy to use, and is suitable for migration research of the gas absorbed in the deep coal-rock mass. |
| US08418525B2 |
Method for testing the operability of a tank shutoff valve of a fuel tank system
A method for testing the operability of a tank shutoff valve of a fuel tank system which is controlled by valves includes performing defined triggering of the tank shutoff valve and simultaneous introduction of an overpressure or partial vacuum into the fuel tank system via a pressure source, and the operability of the tank shutoff valve is determined on the basis of a variable which characterizes the introduction of the overpressure or partial vacuum. |
| US08418524B2 |
Non-invasive sensor calibration device
A calibration device according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive sensor. Certain embodiments of the calibration device simulate a human pulse by varying the volume of blood being measured by the optical sensor. Further, embodiments of the calibration device allow the generation of calibration curves or data for measured parameters over larger ranges of measured values compared to patient-based calibration. |
| US08418523B2 |
Calibration and accuracy check system for a breath tester
Calibration and accuracy check systems for a chemical sniffer, such as a breath alcohol tester, which utilize the dispensing of droplets with determinable concentration of alcohol and/or other liquids in a determinable number either directly to a reaction chamber, or into a carrier gas which can be sampled. The systems generally provide for accurate sample concentration being provided to the breath tester while also providing for a simplified system which can be easier to move, and require less operational complexity, than prior wet or dry calibrating systems. |
| US08418519B2 |
Hand tool with anti-slip device
The invention relates to a hand tool comprising handles and jaws, where the jaws are operated by the handles, and where an anti-slip device is arranged on the outer side of the distal end of a tool handle. The tool handle has a hard surface with low friction enabling the users fingers to slide on the surface of the handle when squeezing the handles together, and the anti-slip device is arranged to be supported against a support surface in order for the user to be able to press the tool handles together in a controlled manner using a force (F) in excess of hand force. |
| US08418517B2 |
Method of manufacturing a pipe coupling component
A method of manufacturing a pipe coupling that prevents leakage including: forming a semi-tubular portion and flat portions along opposite sides of the semi-tubular portion; deforming the flat portions to produce larger bending depth and smaller width; bending portions of the flat portions so that the bent portions form acute angles in relation to the semi-tubular portion with sloping flat portions extending from the semi-tubular portion, and distal narrow flat portions; pushing the sloping flat portions away from the semi-tubular portion; pressing the semi-tubular portion, the sloping flat portions, and the narrow flat portions to produce a final shape; and removing burrs so that the semi-tubular portion of the final shape comes into close contact with an outer circumferential surface of a pipe, and the final flat portions are integrally formed along opposite side edges of the semi-tubular portion in a common plane. |
| US08418516B2 |
Manufacturing method for optical element
To obtain a positioning reference portion with good processing accuracy, which is formed of a newly-formed surface, a blank is press-molded by an upper mold, whereby a vertex portion abuts on an inner wall portion of a lower mold. In such a way, an oxide film that covers the vertex portion is broken by an internal pressure of the blank, and a raw material without oxide is moved by viscous flow from an inside thereof as illustrated by arrows. The raw material without oxide moved by viscous flow is thrust against the inner wall portion of the lower mold, whereby a newly-formed surface is formed, and this newly-formed surface serves as a positioning reference portion of an optical element. The newly-formed surface has surface roughness of the inner wall portion of the lower mold transferred thereto, and the positioning reference portion having good roughness is formed. |
| US08418513B2 |
Plate lock
The invention relates to a plate lock having a lock body and a hinged bar hoop. A first end of the hinged bar hoop is permanently secured to the lock body and a second end of the hinged bar hoop can be latched to the lock body. The hinged bar hoop has a plurality of hinged bars which are pivotally connected to one another via a respective hinged connection. The hinged bars have a first eye and a second eye, wherein the respective hinged connection between two hinged bars has at least one hinged pin in order to connect the first eye of the one hinged bar to the second eye of the other hinged bar. The respective hinged bar has at least one bent metal wire or at least one folded sheet metal part which extends between the first eye and the second eye. |
| US08418512B2 |
Universal adjustable security lock for truck tailgates and other clamping applications
A security lock for clamping a structure may include a lock housing having a barrel portion that mounts an adjustable band-type clamp. The clamp is adjustable using a lock screw that is rotatable in the housing and has threads that adjustably engage a ridged thread pattern on the clamp. The lock screw has a head that is recessed in a guideway of the housing. The lock screw head has a security lock pattern that requires a matching security key to rotate the lock screw. |
| US08418510B2 |
Washing machine
Disclosed herein is a washing machine that performs washing using bubbles. The washing machine may include an air bubble unit to generate air bubbles in detergent water using external air naturally introduced thereinto by pressure difference caused when the detergent water passes therethrough, a water tub having an introduction port to allow the detergent water containing the air bubbles to be introduced thereinto, and a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, the washing tub having a plurality of through-holes having a size less than the introduction port such that the air bubbles rise to a surface of the detergent water contained in the water tub. |
| US08418508B2 |
Isoelastic porous mesh
Isoelastic porous meshes useful in hernia repair have pores that remain open under physiological loads. |
| US08418501B2 |
Apparatus for suspending objects from ears
An open-ended ring is configured for being secured to the cartilage at the base of the outer ear, above the ear lobe. Means are provided for suspending ornamental pendants from the ring. |
| US08418500B2 |
Flexible mass support apparatus
The present invention is a flexible mass support apparatus that is designed to be partially positioned about an article such as a neck, wrist, or ankle. The present invention includes a flexible element having a longitudinal axis disposed in between a first end portion and a second end portion wherein the flexible element further assumes a configuration of a portion of a Archimedean spiral shape. Further included in the present invention is a primary mass disposed adjacent to the first end portion and a secondary mass disposed adjacent to the second end portion. Operationally, the flexible element is manually expanded and positioned about the article, and the primary and secondary masses reverse the expanded state to further place the flexible element about the article in a closed state. |
| US08418497B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is disclosed which enables the user to easily take ice out of an ice maker without causing a variation in the capacity of the refrigerator or a limitation on the position of a freezing compartment. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body which includes a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, an ice making compartment which is arranged in the refrigerating compartment, to make ice, a heat exchanger which generates cold air for freezing food storing stored in the freezing compartment, and a cold air guiding device which guides the cold air generated by the heat exchanger to the ice making compartment, to enable the ice making compartment to make ice. |
| US08418496B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is disclosed which enables the user to easily take ice out of an ice maker without causing a variation in the capacity of the refrigerator or a limitation on the position of a freezing compartment. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body which includes a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, an ice making compartment which is arranged in the refrigerating compartment, to make ice, a heat exchanger which generates cold air for freezing food stored in the freezing compartment, and a cold air guiding device which guides the cold air generated by the heat exchanger to the ice making compartment, to enable the ice making compartment to make ice. |
| US08418494B2 |
Air conditioning apparatus
An air conditioning apparatus includes a plurality of heat source apparatuses having heat source apparatus side heat exchangers and compressors, one or a plurality of indoor units having flow rate control devices and indoor unit side heat exchangers, at least two main pipes for performing connection-piping between a plurality of heat source apparatuses and one or a plurality of indoor units, a tubular distributor for branching the refrigerant from the main pipe flowing from the inlet to a plurality of outlets to distribute into a plurality of heat source apparatuses, and connection piping for connecting the plurality of heat source apparatuses and distributor respectively. Among a plurality of heat source apparatuses, the distributor is fixedly disposed at a specified position and in a specified direction against one heat source apparatus. |
| US08418488B2 |
Method for controlling of refrigerator
According to a method of controlling a refrigerator in accordance with the present invention, after the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber are operated at the same time, refrigerant recovery is performed and the refrigerating chamber is then cooled. Accordingly, imbalance due to the pressure difference between the refrigerating chamber evaporator and the freezing chamber evaporator can be solved. Further, there is an advantage in that the refrigerating chamber can be cooled rapidly since refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerating chamber smoothly. |
| US08418486B2 |
Refrigerant system with variable speed compressor and reheat function
Refrigerant systems are provided with selectively operable components that allow variation in the capacity provided by the refrigerant system to achieve desired temperature and humidity levels. A reheat circuit is provided and an economizer circuit may also be added to the system. Typically, the reheat and economizer functions each provide a step change in the humidity control. A compressor having a variable speed drive is utilized. By providing the reheat/economizer functions along with the variable speed compressor, continuously adjustable humidity control is achieved. |
| US08418482B2 |
Refrigerating system with parallel staged economizer circuits using multistage compression
A refrigeration system (20A) comprises an evaporator (27), a two-stage compressor (32) for compressing a refrigerant, a second compressor (34) for compressing the refrigerant, a heat rejecting heat exchanger (24) for cooling the refrigerant, a first economizer circuit (25A), and a second economizer circuit (25B). The first economizer circuit (25A) is configured to inject refrigerant into an interstage port (48) of the two-stage compressor (32). The second economizer circuit (25B) is connected to the second compressor (34). |
| US08418481B2 |
Secondary loop cooling system having a bypass and a method for bypassing a reservoir in the system
An air conditioning or refrigeration system includes a secondary loop cooling system for use with a vapor compression system having a bypass line in order to bypass a reservoir in the secondary loop system. This bypass allows the air conditioning or refrigeration system to cool down more quickly. The secondary loop cooling system uses a non-flammable cooling fluid, which is particularly useful when the refrigerant used in the vapor compression system is flammable. |
| US08418470B2 |
Gas turbine combustor bulkhead panel
A section panel assembly for a bulkhead of a gas turbine combustor includes a section panel defining a rear or cold side and defining a front or hot side. The panel has a circumferential inner edge, a circumferential outer edge and radially extending first and second side edges each extending from the inner edge to the outer edge such that the inner and outer edges subtend a predetermined arc. The panel defines at least one opening extending from the rear side to the front side for receiving cooling air. The rear side includes a central lip extending about a periphery of the opening, and a circumferential rail spaced radially outwardly of and extending about the opening for defining a cavity region including the opening on the rear side of the section panel. |
| US08418465B2 |
Geothermal heat transfer and intensification system and method
This invention uses an innovative closed-loop steam cycle with a primary geothermal boiler and a recirculating arrangement to deliver a portion of the enthalpy of that produced steam as a higher temperature and pressure steam to the surface. The geothermal boiler operates at as low a pressure as needed to boil water using heat from relatively low-temperature geologic formations typically found in abandoned oil wells. This system can be deployed in such well bores to extract geothermal energy either as a stand-alone enterprise or in conjunction with tertiary oil recovery efforts. The geothermally-boiled steam provides most or all of the energy to power the process. It is the ability of this system to extract useful heat from below atmospheric boiling temperature heat sources that offers its greatest potential. |
| US08418452B1 |
Hydrostatic transaxle
A hydraulic drive device including a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor disposed in a casing and driving an axle having an interior end disposed inside the casing and abutting against an interior surface of the casing to prevent an inward axial movement of the axle shaft. The device further includes an expansion chamber formed in the casing by a plate having a generally flat portion extending generally perpendicular to the plate to form a thumb stop and an indentation sized to accept a human finger to assist during installation of the plate. |
| US08418450B2 |
Hydrodynamic clutch arrangement
A hydrodynamic torque converter, having a housing arrangement is filled with fluid and an impeller with a plurality of impeller vanes successively arranged in circumferential direction around an axis of rotation, a turbine in a housing interior, the turbine has a plurality of turbine vanes successively arranged in circumferential direction around the axis of rotation, and a stator with stator vanes successively arranged in circumferential direction around the axis of rotation. The impeller, the turbine and the stator form a fluid circulation torus with a torus diameter Td considered radially with respect to the axis of rotation, an outer radius Ra with respect to the axis of rotation, and a torus width considered in direction of the axis of rotation. |
| US08418447B2 |
Exhaust gas cleaning catalyst, exhaust gas cleaning device, and system comprising internal combustion engine
The invention makes use of an exhaust gas catalyst, comprising an active component comprising at least one type of metal from noble metals and transition metals; NOx-absorbing material for absorbing and releasing nitrogen oxides according to the surrounding nitrogen oxide concentration; and compounds represented by A2O2SO4 and/or A2O2S (A is a rare earth element). |
| US08418445B2 |
Exhaust system for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, having a first exhaust tract assigned to a first group of cylinders of the internal combustion engine, and having a second exhaust tract assigned to a second group of cylinders of the internal combustion engine, each exhaust tract comprising an exhaust gas purification device, a first silencer arranged on the outlet side of the respective exhaust gas purification device, and a second silencer arranged on the outlet side of the respective first silencer. Each exhaust tract includes a bypass line, it being possible for exhaust gas to be diverted via each bypass line, starting from the respective first silencer, bypassing the second silencers, and the bypass lines and hence the first silencers of both exhaust tracts being connected to one another by a mixing line. |
| US08418444B2 |
Method for purification of exhaust gas from internal combustion engine
Temperature range enabling combustion of high concentration hydrocarbon is enlarged, or high temperature gas is rapidly supplied to a latter part catalyst. Provided is a method for purification of exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, by using a catalyst for increasing temperature of exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, wherein hydrocarbon from 1,000 to 40,000 ppm by volume, as converted to methane, to the exhaust gas, is introduced at the upstream side of the catalyst for increasing temperature, along flow of the exhaust gas inside a passage of exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. |
| US08418438B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying device for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purifying system for a diesel engine has an ECU, a passage of exhaust gas, a unit having SCR catalyst, a NOx sensor placed at a downstream side of the unit, and a urea water adding valve placed at an upstream side of the unit. The SCR catalyst in the unit selectively adsorbs ammonia, and selectively purifies NOx contained in an exhaust gas emitted from the diesel engine by the adsorbed ammonia. The ECU changes the urea water adding amount, and performs abnormality diagnosis based on the detection result of the NOx sensor while changing an adding amount of the urea water. The ECU uses a first condition to indicate the presence of an excess NOx amount in the exhaust gas, and a second condition to indicate there is no error cause by the ammonia adsorption on the SCR catalyst. |
| US08418436B2 |
Variable area fan nozzle and thrust reverser
A nozzle for use in a gas turbine engine includes a nozzle door having a first end, a second end opposed from the first end, and a first pivot on the door between the first and second ends. A linkage connects to the nozzle door and to an actuator. The actuator is selectively operative to move the linkage about a second pivot to in turn move the nozzle door about the first pivot between a plurality of positions, such as stowed, intermediate, and thrust reverse positions to influence bypass airflow through a fan bypass passage. The fan bypass passage has a radially outward side defined by a nacelle in at least one position. At least a portion of the nozzle door is radially outward of the nacelle and includes a lip extending from the nozzle door between the first pivot and one of the first end and second end. |
| US08418431B2 |
Method of folding a rectangular sheet of packing material about a parallelepipied-shaped article to form a tubular wrapping with an open end
A method of folding a rectangular sheet of packing material about a parallelepiped-shaped article; the method providing for: bringing an end wall of the article into contact with the flat sheet of packing material, so that major transverse edges of the article are parallel to the short sides of the sheet of packing material, and minor transverse edges of the article are parallel to the long sides of the sheet of packing material; folding the sheet of packing material into a U about the major transverse edges of the end wall, so that the sheet of packing material completely covers both the major lateral walls of the article; and folding the sheet of packing material about longitudinal edges of a major lateral wall and onto minor lateral walls of the article, before folding the sheet of packing material about minor transverse edges of the end wall. |
| US08418426B2 |
Door threshold
A door threshold may include upper and lower members for sandwiching carpet and/or carpet padding therebetween. The threshold may, in certain example embodiments, grip the carpet in order to prevent it from being pulled out from between the upper and lower threshold members. Thus, in certain example instances, the need for tacks (or carpet tack strip(s)) proximate the threshold can be reduced and/or eliminated. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the threshold structure may include a locating bracket that is provided proximate the door frame for frame alignment and security purposes, and/or one or more pans located under the threshold for locating and/or securing purposes. Levelers, shims and/or the like may be used in certain example embodiments in order to compensate for non-level flooring proximate the door. |
| US08418424B2 |
End wall panel
An end wall panel for an arch-style steel building is disclosed. The end wall panel is fabricated from metal sheet and consists of a plurality of upper flanges spaced apart from one another. The upper flanges are connected to lower flanges by a web section extending at an angle from the upper flange. Flange stiffeners also extend at an angle from the outermost upper flanges. The end wall panel provides increased strength in an arch-style steel building and can withstand critical wind loads without additional stiffeners. The end wall panel is also inexpensive to manufacture and install into an arch-style steel building. |
| US08418420B2 |
Window drain
A window drain for preventing stains on a building wall and damage caused by (frozen) rain water, which is installable and sealable easily without impairing the appearance of a building. The present invention relates to a window drain adaptable to be positioned beneath a sill of a sash window frame having a vertical portion, a sloping portion, a front portion, and a horizontal portion for latching to an upper portion of an external wall. Further, the present invention relates to a window drain, wherein the horizontal portion has notches at both ends thereof. Further, the present invention relates to a window drain, further having upstanding portions at both ends of the window drain to regulate a stream of water so that the water is kept between the upstanding portions. |
| US08418419B1 |
Base unit for mounting photovoltaic modules
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for mounting a solar panel to a roof of a building or structure. Structures used to mount a solar panel to a roof may include a base having a flange that extends partially or fully around a periphery of the mounting unit, a mounting surface connected with the base and configured to couple with the solar panel so that the solar panel is elevated above the roof's surface and/or oriented at an angle with respect thereto, and one or more walls or members that connect the mounting surface to the base. A flexible membrane or skirt may be coupled with the flange and may extend laterally therefrom. The flexible membrane or skirt may be coupled with the roof to secure the mounting unit and solar panel to the roof. |
| US08418411B2 |
Integral, industrialized modular dwelling system
The invention relates to an integral, industrialized, modular dwelling system which is based on modular, multi-functional, three-dimensional modules that are made from reinforced concrete. The modules, roofing and components are produced in a semi-automated covered plant in which the modules are first cast and set and subsequently provided with integrated finishes, installations, accessories, partitions and details. The invention also relates to a method for constructing the modules, a retractable flexible mold for casting said modules and a method for the on-site building of dwellings using the inventive three-dimensional modules. |
| US08418408B2 |
Vehicle door structure and method for fabricating the same
In a vehicle door structure, a beam member (21) having a S-shaped cross section and extending in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle body is attached to an inner panel (15), and the upper edge of the inner panel (15) is formed by the beam member (21). Thereby, a crash load of a frontal crash is transmitted in a favorable manner, and energy of a side impact is adequately absorbed without incurring a cost increase or a weight increase owing to the use of the door beam. |
| US08418404B2 |
Window with opening control mechanism
A window, which may be a casement window, includes an opening control mechanism for limiting the amount that the sash of the window can be opened to control ventilation and as a child safety feature. In one configuration, the opening control mechanism includes a frame track and release assembly attached to the window frame and a sash arm assembly including an articulating sash arm attached to the sash of the window. The frame track and release assembly has a track and a roller on one end of the sash arm rides along the track as the window sash begins to open. At the end of the track, the roller engages and is restrained by a release arm or stop thereby preventing the sash from being opened further. A lever or a button operatively coupled to the release arm is disposed inside the dwelling and inside an insect screen of the window. The lever can be slid sideways and then pulled back in two distinct motions to release the roller to allow the sash to be opened beyond its restrained position. The button can be exposed by moving a hingable cover from over the button and the button pressed to release the roller. The sash arm and track re-engage automatically when the window sash is closed. |
| US08418400B2 |
Liquid herbicide applicator
A liquid herbicide applicator includes a length adjustable handle member and a reservoir removably coupled to the handle member, the reservoir defining an inlet for receiving a liquid and an outlet from which to dispense liquid. The applicator includes a valve assembly coupled to the reservoir outlet operative between an open configuration that allows the liquid to flow through the outlet and a closed configuration that prevents the liquid from flowing through the outlet. The valve assembly is biased toward the closed configuration. A dispenser assembly having a cap portion is operatively coupled to the valve assembly and includes an application portion connected to the cap portion, the cap portion being selectively movable closer to the valve assembly so as to urge the valve assembly to the open configuration and away from the valve assembly so to allow the valve assembly to return to the closed configuration. |
| US08418395B2 |
Vision enhancement apparatus to improve both near and far vision
An apparatus to improve vision has a collimator of static cling vinyl affixed on a lens of eyeglasses by electrostatic attraction. The eyeglasses have a lens and the lens has a length and a width. The collimator is made of opaque material and the collimator has an aperture formed as a hole in a flat circle of the opaque material. The opaque material has a diameter and the diameter is less than the length and the diameter is less than the width of the lens of the eyeglasses. The eyeglasses are to be worn by a person. The collimator clears the vision of a person wearing the eyeglasses. When the person sights a firearm and sights through the aperture that person can simultaneously visualize the rear sight and the front sight of the firearm, and also the target. |
| US08418393B1 |
Magazine cap retention system
A firearm and a method for configuring the firearm is described that, in one aspect, includes a tubular magazine having a mechanical connection arranged at one end, a cap having a mechanical connection and configured to cooperate with the mechanical connection arranged on the one end of the tubular magazine, a retaining mechanism arranged in the tubular magazine having a circumferential surface, the retaining mechanism having retaining mechanism locking components arranged on the circumferential surface, and the cap further including an internal peripheral surface having cap locking components arranged along the internal peripheral surface, the retaining mechanism locking components and the cap locking components configured to interact to keep the cap from rotating thereby preventing the cap from accidentally disconnecting from the tubular magazine. |
| US08418392B2 |
Compressed elastomer process for autofrettage and lining tubes
An inventive process is provided for creating residual compressive stress at a surface of a structure without resort to custom mandrels and dangerous high-pressure fluids. The inventive process yields autofrettage of a structure such as a tube, gun barrel and the like, the structure having an outer surface and an inner surface. |
| US08418390B1 |
Magazine feed attachment for shotgun
Disclosed herein is a retrofit device to be attached to shotguns and other long barrel firearms, such as some rifles, to allow adaptation of the firearm for attachment to a detachable box magazine. |
| US08418386B1 |
Mobile vehicle display device
One or more mobile vehicle display devices are provided herein. The mobile vehicle display device can include a trailer assembly and an outer housing. The trailer assembly can include a trailer frame, a turntable disposed on a portion of the trailer frame, a rotator adapted to rotate the turntable, and a wheel adapted to support the trailer assembly. Also, a method of using the mobile vehicle display device is provided herein. |
| US08418385B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device configured for projecting a unique lighting to illuminate letters, figures and shapes displayed on the top of the device is disclosed. The letter and figures are interchangeable and maybe customized to individual tastes and interests. The lighting device comprises a chamber containing a light source and a plurality of reflector strips disposed in the inner portion of the chamber. The letters and figures are inserted into a longitudinal aperture at the top of the chamber and snapped onto a lip that protrudes from an aperture wall. An inclined reflector strip comprising of a plurality of flat portions and angled portions directs the light toward the bottom and sides of the letters and figures that permeates through the substantially transparent material the letters and figures comprise to produce the unique lighting effect. Alternatively, angled reflector tabs are used in lieu of the inclined reflector strip. |
| US08418376B2 |
Laundry drying device having a heat pump
A laundry drying device, including a front wall; a seal connected to the front wall; a rear wall; a tub located between the front wall and the rear wall; a rotatable laundry drum arranged in the tub, the rotatable laundry drum being accessible by way of the seal; and a heat pump. The heat pump includes an evaporator that is arranged at least partially between the laundry drum and the rear wall; and a condenser that is arranged at least partially above the laundry drum. |
| US08418374B2 |
Apparatus for aligning and leveling a server rack rail
An apparatus for aligning a rail in a computer server rack has a laser transmitter for generating a laser dot. The apparatus has a prism for converting the laser dot into a laser line. The apparatus has a laser lens for projecting the laser line. The apparatus has an elongated bar for positioning the apparatus on a rack post, such that the laser line is projected perpendicular to the rack post. |
| US08418371B2 |
Retrofitting grass trimming apparatus with spinning support guide
A kit for retrofitting a grass trimming apparatus with a spinning support guide includes a base mount disc, a semispherical base, a guide fastener having a head with a hexagonal opening, one or more spacer discs, one or more disc fasteners, and a hex key. Furthermore, the base mount disc is adapted to affix to the semispherical base with the one or more disc fasteners and define a chamber for partially housing the guide fastener therein, and the hex key is adapted to rotate the guide fastener to threadably attach to a threaded receptacle on an underside of the grass trimming apparatus. |
| US08418366B2 |
Internal gear manufacturing method and metallic glass internal gear manufactured thereby
An internal gear manufacturing method capable of manufacturing time reduction and easy core removal, and a metallic glass internal gear manufactured thereby. A carbon core formed into a shape of an external gear is arranged in a thin, long tubular mold of a length equal thereto with a space extending longitudinally therealong. A molten metal material is pressure-injected under a temperature higher than a melting point thereof into the space between the mold and the core. The molten metal material is resolidified by rapid cooling at or above a critical cooling rate thereof together with the mold and the core. After resolidification of the molten metal material, the core is removed by pulverization or dissolution. Along internal gear formed of the resolidified metal material is cut into a plurality of segments of a prescribed length. |
| US08418365B2 |
Heat exchanger comprising deep-drawn heat exchanger plates
In a method for producing a heat exchanger tube bundle for a heat exchanger of an electrochemical energy accumulators, heat exchanger channels and an intended profile are incorporated into material strips by deep drawing. A forward-flow distribution aperture is incorporated into a first such material strip from step b) (first heat exchanger plate), and return collecting apertures are incorporated into a second such material strip, forming first and the second heat exchanger plates. The latter are aligned in such a manner that webs of the two heat exchanger plates border each other, and the heat exchanger channels form heat exchanger tubes. The heat exchanger plates arranged in this manner are joined together to form a heat exchanger tube bundle. A corresponding pressure welding apparatus, a heat exchanger tube bundle, a heat exchanger module, a heat exchanger with two or more heat exchanger modules, and an electrochemical energy accumulator with a heat exchanger of this type are also disclosed. |
| US08418358B2 |
Wiring board with built-in component and method for manufacturing wiring board with built-in component
A wiring board with a built-in component includes an insulating board, a first wiring pattern on an upper surface of the insulating board, plural electrodes on the upper surface of the insulating board, a solder resist on the upper surface of the insulating board, plural solders on the electrodes, respectively, an electronic component joined to the electrodes with the solders, a sealing resin provided between the insulating board and the electronic component, a component-fixing layer provided on the upper surface of the insulating board and the first wiring pattern and having an insulating property, a second wiring pattern on the component-fixing layer, and an interlayer wiring connecting the first wiring pattern to the second wiring pattern. The solder resist surrounds the electrodes. The sealing resin entirely covers the solders and the solder resist. This wiring board can be efficiently manufactured by simple processes. |
| US08418356B2 |
Method of manufacturing an embedded printed circuit board
The present invention relates to an embedded printed circuit board and a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention provides an embedded printed circuit board including a substrate in which a cavity is formed in a predetermined portion and a wiring layer is formed in a portion without the cavity; a chip inserted into the cavity and including a plurality of pads; a filler filled between the chip and the cavity to fix the chip; and a connection layer formed between the wiring layer and the pads to connect the wiring layer and the pads to each other. Further, the present invention provides a manufacturing method of the embedded printed circuit board. |
| US08418354B2 |
Apparatus for frame fabrication
An apparatus (1) for frame fabrication includes at least one nail gun (15) adapted to fire nails substantially in a selected plane of the frame (2). The nail gun (15) translates vertically and is configured with a control input device (19) activated by an operator which extends substantially across the width of the frame fabrication apparatus. |
| US08418350B2 |
Method of forming a secondary for linear drive motor comprising sheet of highly permeable magnetic material having synchronized motor teeth, encoder teeth, and commutation tracks integrally formed therein
A method for forming a secondary for a motor, for instance a linear drive motor, includes providing a sheet of highly magnetic permeable material with a plurality of slots extending through the sheet spaced along a length of the sheet. The slots define a plurality of teeth in the sheet and enable the sheet to be conformable to a mounting surface when forming the secondary of the motor. The top surface of the sheet has a plurality of pockets formed adjacent the plurality of slots. The pockets extend parallel to the width and are spaced along the length of the sheet. The pockets form a sensor operatively connected to a control of the motor. The sensor may be an encoder, and/or operatively connected to a control for controlling commutation of the motor, and/or setting positional limits, absolute positional information, and/or providing information about the sheet. |
| US08418347B2 |
Wire termination tool and RJ jack for use therewith
A wire termination and cutting tool, RJ jack and RJ jack and tool termination system is provided with the tool having a cutting module support portion and an RJ jack support portion connected to the cutting module support portion for relative movement with respect to a pivot point. An RJ jack is connected to the RJ jack support portion. The RJ jack includes wire termination locations each with an insulation displacement contact (IDC) with a cutting/clamping slot. A cutting module is connected to the cutting module support portion. The cutting module includes cutting blades for cutting wires and wire insertion parts. An actuator applies force for in curved relative movement of the cutting module support portion with respect to the RJ jack support portion. The cutting module support portion is aligned with the RJ jack at an end of the curved relative movement whereby the wire insertion parts are aligned with slots of corresponding insulation displacement contacts of the RJ jack. |
| US08418346B2 |
Wire termination tool and RJ jack for use therewith
A wire termination and cutting tool, RJ jack and RJ jack and tool termination system is provided with the tool having a cutting module support portion and an RJ jack support portion connected to the cutting module support portion for relative movement with respect to a pivot point. An RJ jack is connected to the RJ jack support portion. The RJ jack includes wire termination locations each with an insulation displacement contact (IDC) with a cutting/clamping slot. A cutting module is connected to the cutting module support portion. The cutting module includes cutting blades for cutting wires and wire insertion parts. An actuator applies force for in curved relative movement of the cutting module support portion with respect to the RJ jack support portion. The cutting module support portion is aligned with the RJ jack at an end of the curved relative movement whereby the wire insertion parts are aligned with slots of corresponding insulation displacement contacts of the RJ jack. |
| US08418344B1 |
Method of assembling a ceremonial multi-piece sculpture
A multi-piece ceremonial sculpture when assembled creates a symbol for unity during a wedding ceremony or anniversary or business celebration. The method of assembling the sculpture is to fasten an outer cross-shaped piece to a solid base through peg holes. Once the outer cross-shaped piece has been secured, then an inner piece will be secured within the outer piece by placing plugs through the openings on the top and sides. Once assembled, the sculpture displays a complete piece of art commemorating the commitment to the union. |
| US08418338B2 |
Process for recycling protective details in manufacturing operations
A method of recycling by reusing protective details that are removed in the course of manufacturing assembly operations is disclosed. The protective details are provided to protect subassemblies prior to final assembly operations. The protective details are collected, washed, inspected and re-certified. The re-certified parts are then reused. |
| US08418337B2 |
Dry fiber wrapped pipe
A reinforced pipe section comprises a metal pipe, a layer of dry fibers disposed around the metal pipe, and an external liner covering the layer of dry fibers. A method of manufacturing a reinforced pipe section comprises wrapping a layer of dry fibers over a metal pipe, and covering the layer of dry fibers with an external liner, thereby forming a first dry fiber wrapped metal pipe. A method of reinforcing a degraded metal pipe comprises wrapping the degraded metal pipe with a layer of dry fibers to increase the hoop strength of the degraded metal pipe, and covering the layer of dry fibers with an external liner. |
| US08418335B2 |
Method of retrofitting stair railing system with an adjustable baluster
The present invention includes a baluster assembly system comprising: (a) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end; (b) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged. |
| US08418333B2 |
Method and device for assembling swash plate-type fluid machine
An assembly device includes a shaft assembly having a plurality of pistons installed on an outer peripheral portion of a swash plate via shoes. The assembly device has a shaft support portion which supports a shaft having the swash plate in a vertical axis posture, a guide member, a shoe incorporation mechanism, a carriage which conveys the plurality of pistons in the vertical axis posture, and a piston holding portion which holds the plurality of pistons. The guide member is equipped with a first guide surface and a second guide surface. |
| US08418331B2 |
Method of fabricating a duplexer using an embedded PCB
Provided is a method for fabricating a duplexer. The method includes fabricating an embedded PCB having an isolation part built therein and forming pads on certain areas of an upper side of the embedded PCB to connect with an external terminal. Further, a first filter and a second filter are separately fabricated, each having at least one film bulk acoustic resonator which is fabricated by depositing a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode in this respective order. Thereafter, the first and second filters are bonded onto the pads formed on the embedded PCB. The entire surface of the embedded PCD is packaged at a predetermined distance from the first and second filters. |
| US08418328B2 |
Elliptical-sectioned drum system with helical expander
An apparatus for processing a fabric has a drum with an elliptically-shaped cross-section having a pair of narrow sides and a pair of broad sides. Each of the narrow sides have an impact edge. Each of the pair of broad sides has a sliding surface. The drum has a differential helical expander formed on an outer surface thereof. A bearing and drive shaft set are affixed to the drum so as to impact rotational motion to the drum. |
| US08418326B2 |
Metallic one-side teeth and two-way slide fastener
Metallic one-side teeth include an upper inclined plane declining toward the side of interlock dent portion provided between the opening edge of the interlock dent portion and the apical edge of an interlock head portion. |
| US08418325B2 |
Device and method for the connection and the locking of two parts and ball bar
A device for the connection and the locking of two parts (30a, 30b), including a female part (10) comprising two bars (12), a male part (21) cooperating with this female part (10), and a hinged flap (17). Each bar (12) contains two balls (2a, 2b) and at least one movable inner stop (5) arranged between the balls (2a, 2b). The axial length of the movable stop (5) plus the diameters of the two balls (2a, 2b) is greater than the distance between the two lateral faces of the branch (11a, 11b) in which the ball bar (12) is situated. Also provided is a method for the connection and the locking of two parts, a ball bar, and a method for producing the latter and to the uses thereof. |
| US08418324B2 |
Tongue and method of manufacturing the same
In a tongue used in a seat belt system, a tongue main body 25 including a belt insertion hole 23 in which to insert a seat belt 3 is provided with an insertion part 27 in a projecting manner. The insertion part 27 is capable of being inserted in a buckle in the seat belt system, and includes a lock hole 27a to which a lock piece included in the buckle is capable of being locked. A front surface of the insertion part 27 is formed into a concave and convex surface by being provided with multiple convex parts 29 or multiple concave parts. The convex parts 29 or the concave parts included in a rear surface of the tongue are formed corresponding to the convex parts 29 or the concave parts included in the front surface. A height of each convex part 29 from a reference position or a depth of each concave part from the reference position is 0.01 mm to 0.10 mm. |
| US08418321B1 |
Auxiliary pole handle assembly
An auxiliary pole handle assembly includes a sleeve positioned on a shaft. A grip is pivotally coupled to the sleeve and includes a tube including a peripheral wall that has an open first end and an open second end. The peripheral wall has a pair of breaks therein. Each of the breaks extends through each of the first and second ends such that first and second portions of the grip are defined. The first and second portions are hingedly coupled together and are positioned in an open condition or in a closed condition. The first end of the grip is pivotally coupled to the sleeve. The grip is releasably positioned in a stored position defined by being in the closed condition extending around the sleeve or the grip is movably positioned into a deployed position extending outwardly away from the sleeve. |
| US08418320B2 |
Hinge for a swingable body part of a vehicle
A hinge for a swingable body part of a vehicle includes a hinge element having an attachment part, and at least one connection element for securing the attachment part of the hinge element to a body part or vehicle shell structure. The attachment part of the hinge element is constructed to move in relation to the body part and/or vehicle shell structure without disengagement when a load limit is exceeded. |
| US08418318B2 |
Drive carriage for driving a slidably mounted curtain
A drive carriage for a sliding curtain including a first carriage portion which is movable along a rail by at least one wheel assembly mounted thereto and a second carriage portion which is also movable along the rail and wherein the first and second portions of the carriage are connected by a coupling piece which is selective mounted in at least two positions with respect to the first and second portions so as to adjust a length of the drive carriage. |
| US08418310B2 |
Pivoting extractor nozzle
An extractor comprises a foot assembly supported by at least one wheel at a rearward portion thereof and at least one rotatable agitator at a forward portion thereof, a fluid delivery system, a fluid recovery system and an extension with a first end aligned with an inlet for an extraction path and a second end in register with a surface to be cleaned. The foot assembly can be traversed over the surface to be cleaned in alternating forward and rearward movements. Movement of the foot assembly in a rearward direction supports the forward portion of the foot assembly on the extension in a first position and the at least one agitator and movement of the foot assembly in a forward direction shifts support of the forward portion of the foot assembly off of the extension in a second position. |
| US08418307B1 |
Device and method for cleaning a non-stick cooking surface
A cleaning implement that is used to clean non-stick surfaces. The cleaning implement has a handle unit. A disposable plastic scrubber head is temporarily affixed to the handle unit. The plastic scrubber head has a base and a continuous flexible peripheral wall. The peripheral wall has a beveled top edge. Mechanical fasteners join the handle unit to the plastic scrubber. When a scrubber head is attached to the handle unit and is pressed against a non-stick surface, the peripheral wall deforms to the curvature of the non-stick surface. Simultaneously, the bevel top edge flattens toward the non-stick surface creating a scraper that can dislodge food material from the non-stick surface without scratching the non-stick surface. Once the scrubber head becomes worn, it is removed from the handle assembly and replaced. |
| US08418306B2 |
Toothbrush and process for producing the same
The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush. |
| US08418298B2 |
Massaging bed
A method and apparatus for a sleep system is provided. More specifically, the invention provides a method and apparatus for an adjustable mattress that allows the user to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress. Furthermore, the adjustable mattress has zones of adjustability thereby allowing two users to adjust the firmness of the mattress of each user's zone. The adjustable mattress is also multimodal. The motorized foundation contains adjustable massaging units that may be used for physical therapy and relaxation. Likewise, the motorized foundation may be used in relax mode to assist in obtaining sleep and awaken mode to gently awake the user by the stimulation of the adjustable mattress. |
| US08418295B2 |
Nursing pillow with bolster around the circumference thereof and privacy shroud
A nursing pillow system for providing support to one or more children during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The system preferably includes a cover-up which provides privacy during feeding. The cover-up may be removably attached and stored in an integrated pocket in the nursing pillow system. Other features, such as a bolster, belt, back pillow, elastic bands, and pockets may be included to increase the comfort and utility of the system. |
| US08418293B2 |
Travel pillow providing head and neck alignment during use
Disclosed is a travel pillow for providing the head and neck alignment of a human user resting against a seat back. The travel pillow has an interior shell of a semi-stiff unitary construction. There is a head support region defining a head supporting space for supporting the user's head, a neck support region defining a neck supporting space for supporting the user's neck posteriorly, an enlarged portion bridging together the head support region and the neck support region, the enlarged portion varying in radius from the head support region to the neck support region all elements functioning together as a single unit to maintain the columnar alignment of the user's head directly above the user's neck, and lobes extending upwardly on either side of the head support region to support the head at the intersection of the occipital bone, parietal bone and temporal bones on either side of the head to prevent lateral bending of the neck. The pillow is placed between the user and the seat back, wherein the pillow is held in place during use by the user's weight resting against the seat back. The head support region may be sized and shaped to match the approximate shape of the back of the user's head. The head support region may be transversely curved about the user's vertebral axis and is cut away at the user's occiput such that the user's head rests directly against the seat headrest. |
| US08418287B2 |
Bed side rail having cavity for infusion unit
A patient care apparatus includes a bed to support a patient. The bed has a side rail with a cavity. The patient care apparatus also includes an infusion unit having a medical treatment control unit, a medical treatment line, and a medication container to contain medication. The medical treatment line is coupled to the medication container to conduct medication from the medication container to the patient. The medical treatment control unit and the medication container are positioned in the cavity. |
| US08418281B2 |
Undermount sink seal and method of making
An under counter mount sink sealing surface and method of making that provides a watertight interface between an under counter mount sink and a laminate counter as well as a simplified and more dimensionally accurate method of field installing the sink below the counter. The water impervious seal is tightly chemically bonded to the cutout lip of the laminate as well as to the entire area on the bottom face of the laminate countertop that contacts the entire profile of the top face of the under counter mount sink. The seal also aligns the sink into the correct location and contacts the entire surface of the as it is deck aligned or completely parallel to the sink top flange. |
| US08418279B2 |
Surface covering device
The invention relates to a device for covering a surface such as a swimming pool, a sports field, a glazed surface, a vehicle body, including: (a) a drum rotatingly mounted and capable of winding or unwinding a cover, said drum being mounted on longitudinal translation mechanisms including rails provided on either side of said surface; (b) an attachment system for said cover at one transverse end of the surface to be covered so that the translation and the rotation of the drum results in the winding/unwinding of the cover above the surface to be covered; (c) a system for continuously locking the longitudinal edges of the cover onto said rails that is progressively fitted during the unwinding operation. |
| US08418277B2 |
Flush toilet
A flush toilet in which an appropriate amount of water is supplied and that can be installed in an area where water pressure is low. The flush toilet is flushed with pressurized flush water and has a flush toilet body having a bowl and a drain trap pipe path; a pressurizing pump for pressurizing flush water to be jetted out; a water storage tank for storing flush water to be pressurized; flush control means for causing rim water discharge to be performed for a predetermined rim water discharge time by water supply pressure of running water and also causing jet water discharge to be made to flush the bowl; flush water replenishing means for replenishing, after the bowl is flushed, flush water to the water storage tank from the running water to thereby return the amount of flush water stored in the water storage tank to a specified level; timing means for measuring a water replenishing time after the flush water replenishing is started until the amount of flush water stored in the water storage tank return to the specified level; and water discharge time regulation means for regulating the rim water discharge time based on the water replenishing time. |
| US08418274B2 |
Vacuum drainage system for unclogging a clogged drain, drain clean-out device therefor, and method of unclogging a clogged drain
A vacuum drainage system for unclogging a clogged drain comprises a source of vacuum, a hose having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion of the hose being connected to the source of vacuum when the system is in use, and a drain clean-out device being received on the distal end portion of the hose when the system is in use. The drain clean-out device comprises a hollow tubular structure, a sealing member receiving portion located on the exterior surface of the hollow tubular structure at the first end portion of the structure, and a sealing member mountable on the sealing member receiving portion for creating a seal between the sealing member and the exterior service of the structure and between the sealing member and a clogged drain when the hollow tubular structure, with the sealing member mounted thereon, is positioned over a clogged drain, with the sealing member being in contact with an entrance to the drain or with a surface surrounding the entrance to the drain. |
| US08418265B1 |
Releasable vest
A releasable vest having a first panel, at least one shoulder strap element having at least one shoulder strap element attachment opening, a first waist belt element having at least one waist belt element attachment opening, a second waist belt element having at least one an attachment loop that is capable of being aligned with and passed through a waist belt attachment opening of the first waist belt element and a shoulder strap element attachment opening of the at least one shoulder strap element, a second panel, and a release lanyard that is capable of releasably securing the first waist belt element and the at least one shoulder strap element to the attachment loop. |
| US08418264B2 |
Protective cape
The present invention relates to a cape for protecting a user from containments. The cape includes a neck portion adapted to be secured to a neck of the user and a main body portion having opposing front and rear portions extending from the neck portion adapted to cover the user. A translucent window assembly is provided on a front portion of the cape for providing visual access to a user's personal item disposed behind a rear portion of the cape. |
| US08418263B2 |
Boxing exercise device
An exercise device includes a left glove member adapted to be worn on the left hand of a user and a right glove member adapted to be worn on the right hand of the user, the left and right glove members each having an impact area and an elastomeric cord extending from a center of the impact area to a ball, such that the ball is connected to the left and right glove members by the elastomeric cords of equal length. A rigid plate member is fitted within each of the left and right glove members for providing a solid surface at the impact area. The user, wearing the left and right glove members, alternates movement of the hands in a repeated left and right punch throwing action which causes the ball to alternately strike the impact areas of the glove members and travel away from the user until the elastomeric cord leading from the opposite hand stretches taut and causes the ball to travel back towards the user for subsequent striking with the opposite hand. This alternating action is repeated for as many punches as the user can continue to hit the ball. |
| US08424111B2 |
Near-field optical microscope, near-field optical probe, and sample observation method
Provided is a scanning near-field optical microscope capable of obtaining, in a highly sensitive manner, optical information having a spatial frequency higher than a spatial frequency corresponding to a wavelength of irradiation light. A scanning near-field optical microscope 100 according to the present invention includes: a light irradiating part 102 for emitting illumination light toward a sample 107; a light receiving part 112 for receiving light; a microstructure for generating or selectively transmitting near-field light, the microstructure being disposed on at least one of an emission side of the light irradiating part 102 and an incident side of the light receiving part 112; and an ultrahigh-wavenumber transmitting medium 108 for transmitting near-field light, the ultrahigh-wavenumber transmitting medium exhibiting anisotropy in permittivity or permeability. |
| US08424109B2 |
Information processing apparatus, and computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus, includes: a registering unit for referring to a first storing unit for storing usage limitation information indicating a policy of usage limitation of a document which corresponds to a pair of a stamp image corresponding to an image representing that the document is limited in use, and the number of the stamp images, extracting the stamp image from document image information obtained by reading a paper document containing at least one of the stamp images, obtaining the usage limitation information corresponding to a pair of the extracted stamp image and the number of the extracted stamp images from the first storing unit, and registering the obtained usage limitation information and the document containing the document image information in correlation with each other into a second storing unit. |
| US08424106B2 |
Securing a communication protocol against attacks
A method, system, and computer usable program product for securing a data communication against attacks are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A segment in the data communication is received at a first application executing in a first data processing system. The segment is formed according to a data communication protocol and includes an option. The option includes a current clue and a next clue. The current clue is compared with a saved next clue, the saved next clue being a next clue in a previous segment. The segment is accepted as being a valid segment in the data communication if the current clue matches the saved next clue. A part of the segment is sent to a consumer application. |
| US08424100B2 |
System and method of vetting data
Systems and methods for vetting data include receiving a notification at a second processor that a first processor has written first output data to an output data buffer in an output device. A hardware-implemented buffer access flag controls a permission for the first processor to write data to the output data buffer. The second processor sets the hardware-implemented buffer access flag to a first setting that prevents the first processor from writing additional output data to the output data buffer while the first output data in the output data buffer is being inspected. The second processor has a read-write permission to the hardware-implemented buffer access flag. The first processor has a read-only permission to the hardware-implemented buffer access flag. |
| US08424099B2 |
PC secure video path
A system and method are disclosed for creating a secure video content path, or a protected media content bus, within an unsecure personal computer. A portable security module, or electronic key safe, may be inserted into a personal computer that has different internal components for processing secure and unsecured content. The security module may establish a secure encrypted link with a secure video processor of the personal computer, and may use the personal computer's network interface to request authority to receive secured content. The security module may provide content keys to the secure video processor to access secured content received over an external network. |
| US08424097B2 |
Information processing method and apparatus thereof
In an access rights managing system, an application that can set access rights is limited, and if an information apparatus that the user uses does not install any specific application, the system cannot set desired access rights in a digital document. To solve this problem, data is received externally, and first identification information associated with access rights control is extracted from a predetermined position of the received data. Second identification information corresponding to the first identification information is obtained, and is appended to the received data. The received data is then stored in a memory. |
| US08424093B2 |
System and method for updating antivirus cache
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for updating antivirus cache during malware scan of a computer system. In particular, an antivirus cache stored in a non-volatile system memory may be updated with information from an antivirus database during execution of malware detection processes launched on the computer system. If a malware detection process use one or more sections of the antivirus cache which require updating, the system replicates those sections of the antivirus cache and updates them. Each update contains different types of data and code associated with different types of malware. During update, the same types of data for each type of malware is collected and stored as data files in corresponding sections of the antivirus cache and executable code sections are converted into platform-specific dynamic libraries and also stored in the antivirus cache. |
| US08424092B2 |
Electronic apparatus for authenticating a battery pack
A battery pack includes at least one rechargeable battery configured to output power; a remaining battery capacity detection unit configured to detect a remaining battery capacity of the at least one rechargeable battery; and a cryptographic unit configured to output a response word in response to an external request word by encrypting the external request word based on a cryptographic algorithm with a common code key. |
| US08424089B2 |
Virus immunization using prioritized routing
An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are described that determine a virus associated with communication data on a communications network, the communications network associated with at least one network policy device, associate an anti-viral agent with at least one identifier, prioritize transmission of the at least one identifier through the at least one network policy device, relative to the communication data, and provide the anti-viral agent on the communications network, in response to the prioritizing transmission of the at least one identifier through the at least one network policy device. |
| US08424088B1 |
Barricading a computer system when installing or migrating software
During a migration or installation of a software application (e.g., a security software application), a computer can be left vulnerable to attack by malicious code. However, a computer can be protected during an installation process by disabling routes through which a malicious attack might occur. More specifically, a determination module determines that the installation process for the security software application will be performed. When the installation process begins, a communication disabling module disables substantially all communication through external network connection ports for the computer that are unneeded for the installation process. In some embodiments, a process restriction module also restricts execution of processes which are not associated with the installation of the security software application. An installation module allows the installation process for the security software application to be performed on the computer. A communication reopening module then reopens the communication through the external network connection ports upon completion of the installation process. |
| US08424087B2 |
Updating an entry in an addressee-based whitelist
In some embodiments, techniques may include receiving an email message; determining a non-recipient email addressee associated with the email message, wherein the non-recipient email addressee has an address that is unaffiliated with a recipient for which the email message has been received; receiving a directive to whitelist the non-recipient email addressee; and responsive to receiving the directive to whitelist the non-recipient email addressee, adding the non-recipient email addressee to a whitelist. |
| US08424086B2 |
Suppression of malicious SIP messages using the resource priority header
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) node is configured to suppress malicious session initiation protocol (SIP) messages. The ISP node is coupled to receive a new session initiation protocol (SIP) message from a user agent client associated with the ISP. If the SIP message includes a resource priority header (RPH) indicating the new SIP message should be given priority within the network, the ISP node determines whether the user agent client previously sent an initial SIP message with an RPH that has not yet been authorized, and if so, places the new SIP message in a buffer. |
| US08424084B2 |
Electronic device for verifying validity of contents of storage medium
A disclosed electronic device for performing a process in accordance with contents of a removable storage medium includes: a storing unit obtaining verification data for verifying validity of the contents of the storage medium before shifting to a power supply state in which detection of installation and removal of the storage medium is disabled and storing the verification data in a storage unit as saving verification data; and a verification unit comparing, when the detection of the installation and removal of the storage medium is enabled, newly obtained verification data with the saving verification data read from the storage unit so as to verify the validity of the contents of the storage medium. |
| US08424080B2 |
Electronic device and authentication method of electronic device
An authentication method of an electronic device is disclosed. A plurality of key inputs is received from a user via activation of input keys. At least one key input from the key inputs is validated based on a predefined criterion to obtain a password. The password is compared to a registered password to obtain an authenticated password. |
| US08424076B2 |
Utilizing virtual private networks to provide object level security on a multi-node computer system
The disclosure herein provides data security on a parallel computer system using virtual private networks connecting the nodes of the system. A mechanism sets up access control data in the nodes that describes a number of security classes. Each security class is associated with a virtual network. Each user on the system is associated with one of the security classes. Each database object to be protected is given an attribute of a security class. Database objects are loaded into the system nodes that match the security class of the database object. When a query executes on the system, the query is sent to a particular class or set of classes such that the query is only seen by those nodes that are authorized by the equivalent security class. In this way, the network is used to isolate data from users that do not have proper authorization to access the data. |
| US08424075B1 |
Collaborative firewall for a distributed virtual environment
A virtual environment firewall receives a message having a request from a virtual environment entity intended for a virtual environment controller. The virtual environment firewall determines whether the request complies with one or more governance rules of the virtual environment controller. If the request does not comply with the one or more governance rules, the virtual environment firewall processes the message to prevent the request from being processed by the virtual environment controller. |
| US08424073B2 |
Refreshing a page validation token
Methods and computer-readable media are provided for refreshing a page validation token. In response to a request for a form from a client, a server responds with the requested form, a page validation token, and a page token refresh program. The client executes the page token refresh program in response to a request to post the contents of the form to the server computer. The page token refresh program determines whether a preset period of time has elapsed since server computer generated the page validation token. If the period of time has not elapsed, the form is posted to the server with the page validation token and processed by the server computer. If the page timeout has elapsed, the page token refresh program refreshes the page validation token prior to posting the form by requesting an updated page validation token from the server. |
| US08424068B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing application credentials
Methods and apparatus for providing an application credential for an application running on a device. In one embodiment, a method provides an application credential to an application running on a device, wherein the application credential is used by the application to authenticate to a data server. The method comprises receiving a request to generate the application credential, wherein the request includes an application identifier. The method also comprises generating the application credential using the application identifier and a master credential associated with the device. |
| US08424067B2 |
Smart password determination
A system and method for dynamically adjusting or modifying the password expiration period for a given user based upon how a user accesses the password-protected resource. The tighter the physical control of how a user can access a resource results in a loosening or maintaining of the password expiration period to be a relatively long period of time, whereas the looser the physical control of how a user can access a resource results in a tightening of the password expiration period to be a relatively short period of time. The password expiration period is adjusted based on both actual usage patterns as well as variances in such usage patterns. |
| US08424066B2 |
Information processing apparatus, authentication system, information processing method and storage medium
An information processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a first user identifier that identifies respective users in the information processing apparatus, and plural second user identifiers stored in respective authentication apparatuses and identify the users in each authentication apparatus, so as to correspond with each other; a first authentication request unit that transmits authentication information input by a user to at least one of the authentication apparatuses and requests authentication of the user; a first user identifier acquisition unit that, when authentication of the user has been successful, acquires the second user identifier of that user stored in that authentication apparatus; and a use allowing unit that specifies the first user identifier stored in the storage unit corresponding with the second user identifier acquired by the first user identifier acquisition unit, and allows the user identified by the specified first user identifier to use the information processing apparatus. |
| US08424065B2 |
Apparatus and method of identity and virtual object management and sharing among virtual worlds
A system for centrally managing credential information of a user and a virtual object of a user across a plurality of virtual world (or corresponding virtual world servers) is disclosed. The system includes an identity service module for managing an authentication request (e.g., verifying credential information of a user) from a user and an inventory service module for managing virtual properties of a user. Furthermore, a method for logging in a virtual world by using the system is disclosed. A method for teleporting a virtual property from a virtual world to another virtual world by using the system is disclosed. A method for logging out from a virtual world by using the system is also disclosed. |
| US08424064B2 |
Distributed device revocation
In a distributed revocation method, it is individually decided at each of a plurality of autonomous device nodes of a distributed network whether a suspect autonomous device node or suspect distributed key of the distributed network should be removed from the distributed network. A voting session is conducted at which the individual decisions of the plurality of autonomous device nodes are combined to decide whether the suspect autonomous device node or suspect distributed key should be removed from the distributed network. The suspect autonomous device node or suspect distributed key is removed from the distributed network responsive to the voting session deciding in favor of removal. |
| US08424062B2 |
Advanced access control for medical ad hoc body sensor networks
A secure wireless network (2) includes a network (22, 24, 26) that includes one or more wireless nodes (7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20). A list (5) includes security metadata, which describes access rights or groups of access rights granted to an entity within the wireless network (2) or groups of entities within the wireless network (2). |
| US08424059B2 |
Calculating multi-tenancy resource requirements and automated tenant dynamic placement in a multi-tenant shared environment
A method for assigning tenants of users to offering instances of an application or middleware includes representing a set of offerings as respective offering instances of the application or middleware available from a server, determining server resource capacity of the server, representing constraints associated with the tenants and the offering instances, generating a mapping of the tenants to the offering instances based on the server resource capacity and constraints, and assigning a tenant to an offering instance according to the mapping, wherein the offering instance is made accessible to the users of the assigned tenant. |
| US08424058B2 |
Security proxying for end-user applications
Methods and apparatuses enable a service mediator to provide security proxying services to an end-user application requesting a backend service of an enterprise network. The end-user application generates a request for a service of the backend system. The request does not have sufficient security information to enable access to the backend system. The service mediator can detect that one or more items of required security information are not present in the request and injects the necessary security information into the request. The end-user application need not even have access to the security information or even be aware that security information is needed to access the service. The request having the required security information is sent to the backend to enable access to the backend service. |
| US08424056B2 |
Workflow system and object generating apparatus
A workflow system which restricts improper operations on an object circulated in a workflow by dynamically modifying access rights for the object according to the working status of the workflow. For example, the workflow system is a system which processes an object according to a workflow having a plurality of working statuses. When the working status for the object is changed, a modifying unit modifies access rights applied to the object. A control unit then controls operations on the object based on the modified access rights. |
| US08424055B2 |
Deterministic user authentication service for communication network
A user authentication service for a communication network authenticates local users before granting them access to personalized sets of network resources. Authentication agents on intelligent edge devices present users of associated end systems with log-in challenges. Information supplied by the users is forwarded to an authentication server for verification. If successfully verified, the authentication server returns to the agents authorized connectivity information and time restrictions for the particular authenticated users. The agents use the information to establish rules for filtering and forwarding network traffic originating from or destined for particular authenticated users during authorized time periods. An enhanced authentication server may be engaged if additional security is desired. The authorized connectivity information preferably includes identifiers of one or more virtual local area networks active in the network. Log-in attempts are recorded so that the identity and whereabouts of network users may be monitored from a network management station. |
| US08424050B2 |
Broadcast receiving device
It is an object to provide a broadcast receiving device capable of shortening the time from turning-on until display of an IP broadcast. A broadcast receiving device 1, after its start-up, automatically performs setting related to an Internet protocol (IP) including setting of an address of a DNS server and receives an IP broadcast of a specified channel by multicast communication, wherein the broadcast receiving device starts to receive the IP broadcast from an IP broadcast server 53a through an IP network 4 by specifying a multicast address corresponding to the specified channel that is stored beforehand, before completion of the setting of the address of the DNS server. |
| US08424049B2 |
Measurement of video quality at customer premises
A video signal is provided to a set top box. An instruction to record a specified portion of the video signal, thereby creating a video sample, is provided to the set top box. The video sample is received from the set top box. Reference video corresponding to the video sample is obtained. A comparison of the video sample and the reference video is performed. |
| US08424048B1 |
Portable electronic device for receiving and playing feature length movies
One embodiment is a handheld portable cellular device that receives and plays feature length movies. In one exemplary embodiment, a multifunctional handheld portable cellular device (HPCD) has a body, a display and a processor. The processor plays a feature length movie on the display. The HPCD orders, via a wireless connection to a network, the feature length movie before a public release date of the feature length movie, and plays the feature length movie on the display before the public release date. |
| US08424047B2 |
Message transmission in an interactive television system
A method for controlling transmission of messages in an interactive television system comprising a network and a plurality of receiver units connected to the network; the method comprising: transmitting to the receiver units an trigger inviting a response from each receiver unit and indicating that a delay procedure is to be applied to the responses; and at each receiver unit: accepting from a user of the receiver unit data in response to the trigger; forming a response message for transmission to the network in response to the trigger, the response message including the data received from the user; determining the length of a delay interval to be applied to the response message; and transmitting the response message to the network after the delay. |
| US08424041B2 |
Method and system for downloading content to a content downloader
A content downloader system including a display for displaying a user interface enabling a user to select content to be downloaded and initiate downloading; a set-top-box coupled to the display for providing the user interface and for receiving an indication of the content to be downloaded; and a content downloader coupled to and separate from the set-top-box, the content downloader for receiving the content. The content downloader has at least one memory component for storing content, at least one input/output connection for communicating to electronic devices, optionally including a removable memory card and optionally including an encryption/decryption unit. The content downloader may have an identification whereby its identity is authenticated by the content provider. The content downloader downloads the content selected by the user after successful authentication whereby the selection is made using the display and the set-top-box, and the content downloaded to the content downloader separate than the set-top-box. |
| US08424040B2 |
Multi-source switching in a television system
The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52). |
| US08424035B2 |
Time shifting enhanced television triggers
Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger. |
| US08424034B2 |
System and method for displaying commercials in connection with an interactive television application
In accordance with the present invention, commercials are provided to a subscriber at the start of or during their use of an interactive television application. Further in accordance with the invention, a subscriber may select to pay for use of the interactive television application by watching a specified amount of commercials in connection with use of the application. The subscriber can thereby reduce or avoid any additional payment for such services. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the subscriber is prompted to determine the payment method preferred by the subscriber payment method includes receiving commercials as an option in lieu of or in addition to traditional payment methods such as pay-per-view, pay-per-use pay-per-play and subscription based. |
| US08424033B2 |
Turntable device for detachably securing a disk
A turntable device and a disk driving device having the same are disclosed. The turntable device, for detachably securing a disk, may include: a centering part, in an inner perimeter of which slots are formed along a circumferential direction that provide an elastic force; and a base, on which a conical extension part is formed that is configured to slidably support an inner perimeter of the centering part. The turntable device can improve alignment between the centers of rotation of the motor and the disk, even for high-speed rotations. |
| US08424030B2 |
Optical pickup device and laser welding structure of optical components
To provide a reliable optical pickup device, a pickup case and an optical component including a lens are fixed by laser welding to increase the welding strength and reduce the positional displacement due to environmental changes. In a laser welded portion between a pickup case and an optical component including a lens, the optical component is provided with a joint portion having a convex protrusion at a portion to be joined to the pickup case. Laser beam irradiation is performed extending longer than the protrusion to form a thick welded portion at an end of the protrusion, in order to increase welding strength between the optical component and the pickup case. |
| US08424029B2 |
Optical disc device
A housing included in an optical disc device 1 includes a top case 2 and a bottom case 3. The top case 2 includes a ceiling plate 2a and side plates 2b. The bottom case 3 includes a bottom plate 3a and side plates 3b. The top case 2 and the bottom case 3 are assembled and fixed to each other so that the side plates 2b of the top case are located on the outer sides of the side plates 3b of the bottom case. The top case is formed with a groove 2d and flat portions 2e on an inner-side end portion of the ceiling plate 2a of the top case, the groove 2d and flat portions 2e extending along bent portions 2c of the side plates 2b of the top case. The flat portions shield the groove 2d. |
| US08424028B1 |
Tray locking device of optical disc drive with anti-shock mechanism
A tray locking device of an optical disc drive is adapted to lock and release a tray. The optical disc drive has an optical head engaged to a lead screw and driven to be moved by the lead screw. The tray locking device includes: a pushing member, disposed on the optical head; a first stop portion, disposed on the tray; a latching hook, adapted to latch and release a pin; and a transmission assembly, disposed between the pushing member and the latching hook and having a lever element and a weight block, wherein the lever element is movably disposed on the tray and has a second stop portion, and the first stop portion and the second stop portion can be coupled with each other. |
| US08424027B1 |
Optical disc drive and tray locking device thereof
An optical disc drive is provided. The optical disc drive includes a housing having a protruding pin, an optical head engaged to a lead screw, a tray slidably disposed in the housing and a tray locking device disposed on the tray. The tray locking device includes a pushing member, wherein the pushing member and the optical head are driven by the lead screw to move, a latching hook used to latch and release the protruding pin, and a transmission assembly disposed between the pushing member and the latching hook. The transmission assembly has a driving portion disposed on a moving path of the pushing member, wherein the pushing member pushes the driving portion so that the transmission assembly is actuated and drives the latching hook to release the protruding pin. |
| US08424025B2 |
Interface for displaying content supporting hardware acceleration
One or more application programming interfaces (APIs) are exposed by a host program running on a device to facilitate a control program displaying content in a window in which the host program displays content. As part of an API, a method is exposed that the control program can invoke to pass to the host program a definition of a surface presenter to be created by the host program. Additionally, the control program can store content that the control program desires to have presented in a buffer of the surface presenter, and invoke another method exposed as part of an API to pass to the host program an indication of the content that the control program desires to have displayed in the window in which the host program displays content. |
| US08424023B2 |
Program interface architecture
A method, system, and device embodiments for interfacing a program are disclosed. A computing device can include an application layer, an operating system layer, and an interface module. The operating system layer can include a first type of operating system and associated application program interfaces (APIs). The interface module can be coupled between the application layer and the operating system layer. The interface module can receive program instructions from a program in the application layer written for a second type of operating system and can process the instructions by directing the instructions to APIs that correctly execute the instructions. |
| US08424022B2 |
Device driver system
The invention relates to systems for driving computer peripherals having features, such as 3D sound capability, which are not envisaged by generic operating system for the computer. In order to adapt computers subject to existing operating systems, such as the Microsoft Windows family of systems, to such peripherals for which there is thus no driver capability, the invention provides a device driving system including additional driver, interposed between the operating system and an existing installed driver and configured to interface directly with the operating system. The additional driver is preferably also configured to interface with the existing installed driver. |
| US08424020B2 |
Annotating portions of a message with state properties
Embodiments described herein provide for allowing processing code of a message to attach state thereto. More specifically, as a SOAP message is processed, various states known as properties (e.g., message security, message identifier, etc.) can be attached to the message for various purposes. In other words, embodiments provide for a properties object that represents a set of processing-level annotations to a message. These properties (representing the processing state of the headers or other portions of the message) can then be used by other component or modules for further processing purposes. Typically, these properties can then be removed (or sustained if desired) prior to transporting the SOAP message on the wire. |
| US08424018B2 |
Executing an accelerator application program in a hybrid computing environment
Executing an accelerator application program in a hybrid computing environment with a host computer having a host computer architecture; an accelerator having an accelerator architecture, the accelerator architecture optimized, with respect to the host computer architecture, for speed of execution of a particular class of computing functions; the host computer and the accelerator adapted to one another for data communications by a system level message passing module, where executing an accelerator application program on an accelerator includes receiving, from a host application program on the host computer, operating information for an accelerator application program; designating a directory as a CWD for the accelerator application program, separate from any other CWDs of any other applications running on the accelerator; assigning, to the CWD, a name that is unique with respect to names of other CWDs of other applications in the computing environment; and starting the accelerator application program on the accelerator. |
| US08424012B1 |
Context switching on a video processor having a scalar execution unit and a vector execution unit
A method for context switching on a video processor having a scalar execution unit and a vector execution unit. The method includes executing a first task and a second task on a vector execution unit. The first task in the second task can be from different respective contexts. The first task and the second task are each allocated to the vector execution unit from a scalar execution unit. The first task and the second task each comprise a plurality of work packages. In response to a switch notification, a work package boundary of the first task is designated. A context switch from the first task to the second task is then executed on the work package boundary. |
| US08424011B2 |
Multiple instance management for workflow process models
A first instance and a second instance of an activity of a process model may be executed, the first instance, the second instance, and the activity being associated with activity state data describing one or more states thereof. A co-process associated with the first instance, the second instance, and the activity may be spawned, and the co-process may be executed based on the activity state data. |
| US08424009B2 |
Lock resolution for distributed durable instances
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for resolving lock conflicts. For a state persistence system, embodiments of the invention can employ a logical lock clock for each persisted state storage location. Lock times can be incorporated into bookkeeping performed by a command processor to distinguish cases where the instance is locked by the application host at a previous logical time from cases where the instance is concurrently locked by the application host through a different name. A logical command clock is also maintained for commands issued by the application host to a state persistence system, with introspection to determine which issued commands may potentially take a lock. The command processor can resolve conflicts by pausing command execution until the effects of potentially conflicting locking commands become visible and examining the lock time to distinguish among copies of a persisted state storage location. |
| US08424005B2 |
System and method for time-aware run-time to guarantee time
A method and system for achieving time-awareness in the highly available, fault-tolerant execution of components in a distributed computing system, without requiring the writer of these components to explicitly write code (such as entity beans or database transactions) to make component state persistent. It is achieved by converting the intrinsically non-deterministic behavior of the distributed system to a deterministic behavior, thus enabling state recovery to be achieved by advantageously efficient checkpoint-replay techniques. The system is deterministic by repeating the execution of the receiving component by processing the messages in the same order as their associated timestamps and time-aware by allowing adjustment of message execution based on time. |
| US08423996B2 |
Delivery system, server device, terminal device, and delivery method
A distribution system comprising a server device and a terminal device communicably connected to each other via a network. Wherein, the terminal device transmits an acquisition request of the distribution package to the server device, receives the distribution package from the server device and stores the distribution package, determines whether current date and time is the application start timing based on the application start timing information included in the distribution package, and applies the resource by executing the application script when the current date and time is determined to be the application start timing. And the server device receives the acquisition request of the distribution package from the terminal device, and transmits the distribution package to the terminal device when the acquisition request is received. |
| US08423995B2 |
Electronic device and user interface display method thereof
An electronic device and a user interface display method thereof are provided. The electronic device organizes a plurality of computer programs executable on the electronic device into a virtual book. Each page of the virtual book includes a user interface of one of the computer programs. The electronic device displays one of the pages as a current page so that the user interface of the current page is accessible to a user of the electronic device. The electronic device senses movement and/or pressure caused by the user and interprets the movement and/or the pressure as operating actions of the user on the virtual book. The electronic device downloads new computer programs from a download server and adds corresponding new pages into the virtual book. At lease one of the computer programs provides a service of a corporate operator of a wireless service network. |
| US08423989B2 |
Software parameter management
A method and apparatus is disclosed for allowing the updating and overriding of software parameters used by one or more software programs. The parameters are preferably in cache. When the system needs any such parameter, it first checks cache, then a preferably remotely located database, and then, preferably a flat file on the same computer as the cache. The checking is done in the foregoing order, and the parameter is used upon locating a current version of it. If the current version is obtained from anywhere other than the cache, it is put into cache. |
| US08423985B2 |
System, method and computer program for generating sequence diagram
A system, method and computer program for generating a sequence diagram that specifies processing among modules included in source code. First, a source code is acquired and then analyzed to generate a log acquisition code for acquiring an execution log. Then, a program including the generated log acquisition code is executed to acquire execution log information on the execution of the program. On the basis of the acquired execution log information, automaton information on states and transitions among the states is extracted, and then the extracted automaton information is converted into sequence diagram component information on components constituting a sequence diagram. Thereafter, a sequence diagram is generated based on the converted sequence diagram component information. |
| US08423983B2 |
Generating and executing programs for a floating point single instruction multiple data instruction set architecture
Mechanisms for generating and executing programs for a floating point (FP) only single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instruction set architecture (ISA) are provided. A computer program product comprising a computer recordable medium having a computer readable program recorded thereon is provided. The computer readable program, when executed on a computing device, causes the computing device to receive one or more instructions and execute the one or more instructions using logic in an execution unit of the computing device. The logic implements a floating point (FP) only single instruction multiple data (SIMD) instruction set architecture (ISA), based on data stored in a vector register file of the computing device. The vector register file is configured to store both scalar and floating point values as vectors having a plurality of vector elements. |
| US08423979B2 |
Code generation for complex arithmetic reduction for architectures lacking cross data-path support
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for compiling source code for performing a complex operation followed by a complex reduction operation. A method is determined for generating executable code for performing the complex operation and the complex reduction operation. Executable code is generated for computing sub-products, reducing the sub-products to intermediate results, and summing the intermediate results to generate a final result in response to a determination that a reduced single instruction multiple data method is appropriate. |
| US08423978B2 |
Configurable java server pages processing framework
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for a configurable JavaServer pages processing framework to process JavaServer pages (JSP). A JSP document or page is translated into a document object model (DOM) object that encapsulates elements of the JSP. The syntax of the JSP is validated by a JSP translator with built-in classes and errors are returned if necessary. A JSP visitor configuration file, which defines user configured classes and sequence of execution, is used by the JSP translator to invoke methods of user-defined classes in the order specified by the user to process or visit elements of the DOM object. Result of user-defined class processing may be passed from one class to another within the set. |
| US08423973B2 |
Instrumenting an application with flexible tracers to provide correlation data and metrics
A technique for flexibly adding instrumentation to an application. A file is created which includes a dynamic parameter syntax. The file identifies a trace point in the application, such as a method, and the syntax includes one or more parameters which are evaluated when the method is invoked. The parameters can be used to provide cross-process correlation and/or performance metrics. A client process which calls a server process can include the parameter in a message header according to any desired transport protocol, such as HTTP or JMS. Different application protocols and implementation can be accommodated to track a transaction which executes on different platforms. The dynamic parameter syntax is interpreted as uncompiled code and is designed to be added by the user in the field to augment a package of pre-built instrumentation software after the package has been deployed. |
| US08423969B2 |
Inheritance breakpoints for use in debugging object-oriented computer programs
An apparatus and program product utilize an inheritance breakpoint to assist in debugging an object-oriented computer program having a method identified in a base class or interface and implemented by at least one method implementation in another class. Creation of an inheritance breakpoint for a particular method responsive to a user request typically results in the automated generation of a breakpoint for all or a subset of the implementations of that method, often freeing a user from having to manually determine what particular implementation(s) implement that method. In many environments, the automated generation of implementation breakpoints may be performed during initial loading of classes within which such implementations may be defined. |
| US08423968B2 |
Template-based vertical microcode instruction trace generation
Method, system and computer program product for template-based vertical microcode instruction trace generation. An exemplary embodiment includes an instruction trace generation method, including generating a testcase for a millicoded instruction in an instruction trace pool, wherein the millicoded instruction is included in a parent instruction trace, processing the testcase to generate a millicode instruction trace snippet, editing the millicode instruction trace snippet to generate a templatized millimode snippet, processing the parent instruction trace, accessing the templatized millimode snippet, updating the templatized millimode snippet with a value from the parent instruction trace, and generating a millicoded instruction trace from the updated templatized millimode snippet. |
| US08423965B2 |
Tracing of data flow
Embodiments for tracing dataflow for a computer program are described. The computer program includes machine instructions that are executable on a microprocessor. A decoding module can be configured to decode machine instructions obtained from a computer memory. In addition, a dataflow primitive engine can receive a decoded machine instruction from the decoding module and generate at least one dataflow primitive for the decoded machine instruction based on a dataflow primitive classification into which the decoded machine instruction are categorized by the dataflow primitive engine. A dataflow state table can be configured to track addressed data locations that are affected by dataflow. The dataflow primitives can be applied to the dataflow state table to update a dataflow status for the addressed data locations affected by the decoded machine instruction. |
| US08423963B2 |
Computer implemented API management mechanism for generating upgrade risk level handling
The present invention monitors usage of an operating system at an application program interface (“API”) level and monitors changes in API functionality associated with an upcoming release to manage the version change process. A computer system is configured to track a collection of API functions associated with a first version operating system currently installed and to record the subset of API functions that have been called by applications during operation of the first version operating system. The computer system is further configured to manage the subset of API functions and generate a comparison between the subset and a list of API functions that have changed between a second version and the first version operating system. Finally, the computer system is configured to report the result of the comparison back to the user. |
| US08423962B2 |
Automated test execution plan generation
A set of user-configured testing parameters for a software application under test can be received by a test execution plan generation tool. At least one testing objective for the software application can be defined by user-configurable testing parameters. A test execution plan can be automatically generated utilizing the user-configured testing parameters and a predefined test execution plan data model. The predefined test execution plan data model can include testing metadata representing software testing domain data for a software testing system being used to evaluate the software application under test. The testing metadata can specify details of finite shared resources of a test center shared by all projects under test. The generated test execution plan can detail specific allocation of the finite shared resources dedicated towards at least one phase of testing the software application to satisfy the at least one testing objective for the software application. |
| US08423961B2 |
Simulating operations through out-of-process execution
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for simulating operations through out-of-process execution. When a diagnostic operation is to be performed for a target execution context, a separate execution context is created based on the same executable code used to create the target execution context. An execution boundary separates the target execution context and the separate execution context such that execution in the separate execution context does not influence the behavior of the target execution context. State data from the target execution context is marshaled and transferred to the separate execution context. The separate execution context reconstitutes the state data and uses the state data to perform the diagnostic operation. Accordingly, performance of the diagnostic operation is simulated in the separate execution context without influencing the behavior of the target execution context. |
| US08423958B2 |
Method for managing configuration profiles of network elements deployed in a network
A method for a network having a network element with an original configuration profile stored therewith which specifies operation of the network element in the network includes connecting a server to the network such that the server is in communication with the network element via the network. The server retrieves the original configuration profile from the network element after the network element has been operating in the network. The server analyzes the original configuration profile for compliance with desired characteristics. If the original configuration profile is not in compliance with the desired characteristics, then the server manipulates the original configuration profile to generate a new configuration profile in compliance with the desired characteristics and forwards the new configuration profile to the network element for the network element to store therewith in place of the original configuration profile. |
| US08423957B2 |
Using the z/OS load module system status index to distinguish product tag files
A method, system, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for managing software product information in a z/OS environment. Product information associated with a software product is determined and then processed to generate product tag information. A System Status Index (SSI) attribute is generated with a unique identifier signifying that the SSI attribute comprises SSI product tag information. The SSI product tag information is then associated with the SSI attribute with the unique identifier. The z/OS environment is then scanned for SSI attributes. Those SSI attributes comprising a unique identifier are processed to read their associated SSI product tag information. The product tag information is then processed to generate software product information, which is then stored in a repository of software product information. |
| US08423956B2 |
Sharing resources among hierarchical containers of resources
Computer implemented method, system and computer usable program code for sharing resources among a plurality of containers in a data processing system. A computer implemented method includes creating a shared container for at least one resource to be shared. Then the at least one resource to be shared is moved from an original container of the at least one resource to the shared container, and a link is created between the original container and the at least one resource to be shared in the shared resource container. A link can also be created between a subject resource container and a shared resource in the shared resource container to enable the subject resource container to access and use the shared resource. A shared resource can also be removed from the shared resource container and returned to an original resource container when sharing of the resource is no longer desired. |
| US08423955B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting multiple business process languages in BPM
A method and apparatus for supporting multiple business process languages in business process management (BPM). The method may include receiving user input identifying a definition of a business process, and determining which business process language was used for the definition of the business process. The method further includes invoking a runtime environment associated with the used business process language, and executing the business process in the invoked runtime environment. |
| US08423952B2 |
Method and an apparatus for automatic extraction of process goals
A method and an apparatus for automatic extraction of process model comprising model elements named by natural language expressions and annotated with semantic linkages to a reference process ontology are disclosed. The process model is split into partial process models by which an annotated partial process model is created. Process goals are decoupled from each annotated partial and hierarchical process goal tree is generated for each annotated partial process model. |
| US08423951B1 |
Systems and/or methods for identifying corresponding elements in different models
Certain example embodiments relate to systems and/or methods for identifying corresponding elements in different models (e.g., two or more different models), where multiple non-unique elements are connected with one another. The techniques of certain example embodiments are suitable for comparing the different models and identifying corresponding elements, regardless of whether the different models are different versions of one another, represent transformed and/or merged models, and/or were copied and subsequently modified from a source model. The techniques also advantageously leverage a more deterministic approach that is more consistent across different comparisons and when the source and target models are swapped. |
| US08423947B2 |
Gridded glyph geometric objects (L3GO) design method
A method of gridded glyph geometric objects (L3GO) integrated circuit (IC) design, wherein at least one inter-level connect in a L3GO circuit design is represented as a point matrix glyph (PMG) on a L3GO grid. Each PMG connects a pair of conductors on the next adjacent (above and below) layer and includes an array (one or two dimensional) of point glyphs contained within a cage. The point glyphs may have uniform size and may be on minimum pitch. Each PMG may also include a flange on the above and below layer. A default flange insures adequate coverage of cut shapes represented by the point glyphs. |
| US08423943B2 |
Self-propelling decoupling capacitor design for flexible area decoupling capacitor fill design flow
A method of filling dcaps in an integrated circuit includes identifying a set of dcap-eligible areas of the integrated circuit for areas large enough to accommodate at least one dcap cell having a selected size smaller than a default size. The dcap cell includes at least one built-in power track. A set of dcap cells are filled in the identified set of dcap-eligible areas. Each of the built-in power tracks included in the set of dcap cells is connected to a corresponding power grid. An integrated circuit including a power grid channel formed between at least two power grids and a plurality of dcaps including a first dcap included in a dcap cell, the dcap cell including built-in power tracks, each one of the built-in power tracks being connected to a corresponding one of the at least two power grids is also described. |
| US08423941B2 |
Structural migration of integrated circuit layout
Methods and systems for migrating circuit layouts. A floorplan layout is built for a target circuit using a subset of constraints that characterize a layout structure of an original circuit. Shape-constraint-based scaling is used on the floorplan layout by scaling parts of the floorplan layout in accordance with a plurality of different scaling ratios such that portions of the floorplan layout are concurrently scaled with the plurality of different scaling ratios. Cells are placed at locations defined by the floorplan layout. The floorplan layout is checked with shape-constraint-based legalization using all of the constraints to produce a migrated layout. |
| US08423940B2 |
Early noise detection and noise aware routing in circuit design
A computerized method, data processing system and computer program product reduce noise for a buffered design of an electronic circuit which was already placed and routed. For all areas between a power stripe and a ground stripe (half bay) in the design, the shapes are divided in different criticality levels. The shapes are rearranged based on their criticality level such that shapes with higher criticality level are placed closer to the stripes than those with lower criticality level. |
| US08423937B2 |
Support program, design support device, and design support method
A design support program stored in a recording medium readable by a computer includes acquiring a first analysis result including information about an area included in circuit information of a design target circuit and a second analysis result relating to a path of the circuit information, the temperature of the area being equal to or higher than a certain temperature; determining an arbitrary cell on a non-critical path from among cells arranged in the area as a target cell for decreasing the area temperature; and outputting a result of the determination. |
| US08423935B1 |
Method and apparatus for verifying output-based clock gating
One embodiment of a method for verifying functional equivalency between a design of an integrated circuit and a corresponding clock-gated design utilizing output-based clock gating includes selecting a first one of a first plurality of internal state elements in the design and a corresponding first one of a second plurality of internal state elements in the clock-gated design, wherein an input to the first one of the first plurality of internal state elements serves as a first comparison point and an input to the corresponding first one of the second plurality of internal state elements serves as a second comparison point, and the design is to be compared against the clock-gated design at the first comparison point and the second comparison point and generating a test bench that identifies the first comparison point and the second comparison point as a set of comparison points. |
| US08423931B2 |
Support computer product, apparatus, and method
A computer-readable recording medium stores a design support program causing a computer to perform: detecting a data path and a clock path corresponding to the data path making up a partial circuit in a circuit-under-design; selecting an object cell from cells on the data path and the clock path detected in the detecting; replacing the object cell selected in the selecting with a cell having a function substantially identical to and characteristics different from the object cell; acquiring a plurality of types of characteristic information related to the partial circuit based on the data path and the clock path after the object cell is replaced in the replacing; determining whether the types of the characteristic information acquired in the acquiring is in violation of restrictions; and outputting a determination result determined in the determining. |
| US08423927B2 |
Simulation of the image projected by a mask
The disclosure concerns a method of simulating the image projected by a mask during photolithography including determining by a processor (702), taking into account the thickness of a masking layer of a mask, a near-field transmission amplitude curve of light passing through the mask across at least one pattern boundary in the initial mask layout; calculating by the processor, for each of a plurality of zones, average values of the curve; and simulating by a simulator (708) the image projected by the initial mask layout during the photolithography based on the average values. |
| US08423922B2 |
Photomask designing method and photomask designing program
In one embodiment, a photomask designing method for creating a pattern layout having an assist pattern placed around a design pattern is disclosed. The method can place a plurality of evaluation points around the design pattern and set an evaluation index for imaging properties of the design pattern on an imaging surface. The method can combine a light intensity distribution of the design pattern with light intensity distributions of the evaluation points to obtain a light intensity distribution on the imaging surface and evaluate the light intensity distribution on the imaging surface using the evaluation index to determine a region having an effective evaluation point placed. In addition, the method can determine a placement condition for the assist pattern based on the region where the effective evaluation point is placed and place the assist pattern around the design pattern based on the placement condition to create the pattern layout. |
| US08423920B2 |
Method of forming photomask by collecting verification data based on a layout of contour patterns
A method of forming a photomask includes providing a layout of design patterns, setting an optical proximity correction (OPC) with respect to the layout of design patterns, and forming a layout of correction patterns with respect to the layout of design patterns by using the set OPC. The method also includes collecting verification data about the layout of correction patterns by using a layout of contour patterns based on the layout of correction patterns, and verifying whether the layout of design patterns and the layout of correction patterns are substantially identical to each other by using the verification data. |
| US08423915B2 |
Terminal device, content displaying method, and content displaying program
Provided is a terminal device including: operation means for receiving an input operation by a user; non-operation detection means for detecting whether a non-operation state in the operation means has continued for a predetermined period of time; and icon display means used when it is detected that the non-operation state has continued for the predetermined time, for shifting to another mode different from the current mode and displaying an icon corresponding to the new mode. |
| US08423912B2 |
Selectable parent and submenu object display method with varied activation area shape
Selectable objects in a computer display are arranged in a cascading menu including parent menu and submenu objects in which an activation area is provided in association with each submenu displayed which spans between the submenu and the associated parent menu object. The activation area provides the function of maintaining display of a submenu associated with a selected parent menu object while the cursor remains in contact with the activation area. An override function is provided to minimize trapping of the cursor within the activation area. The shape of the activation area is generally triangular with opposing side edges extending from an apex and the parent object being curved inwardly towards one another to also minimize trapping. The characteristics of the activation area can also be varied according to user motion patterns. |
| US08423907B1 |
System and method for vertical path navigation
Methods, devices and systems are provided that display images in a manner that provides for effective space management. At least one item is horizontally displayed in a first display area. Upon selection by a user of at least one item from the first display area, an indication of the at least one item is vertically displayed in a second display area. |
| US08423905B2 |
Automatically populating recipients in an instant messaging or other computer communication system
A system and a method for automatically populating chat recipients in an instant messaging system in which chat recipients are automatically populated from external data sources, e.g. clipboard, spreadsheet, document, database, directory, etc., and a chat session started with the click of a single user interface button or the like. A pop-up window is generated that allows the user to select a data source from which the chat recipients are to be obtained. The data source may be scanned to identify candidate names matching a predetermined name format, or the user is prompted to provide at least a portion of a search string. The user can then select which of the returned names are to be used in initiating the chat session. The disclosed system then generates a user interface object allowing the initiating user to perform an action with the selected recipients, including initiating a chat session. |
| US08423904B2 |
Mobile terminal and control method thereof
Disclosed are a mobile terminal capable of executing web browsing with consideration of a user's convenience, and a control method thereof. The mobile terminal comprises: a wireless communication unit which accesses any web page; a display module for displaying the accessed web page; and a controller for automatically displaying popup windows in a virtual space when the accessed web page has any popup windows. Popup windows can be hidden at the time of web browsing, and the hidden popup windows can be displayed according to a user's necessity. This enhances the user's convenience. |
| US08423903B2 |
Aspect ratio hinting for resizable video windows
A method, apparatus and system for resizing a window in a video display include determining an optimal window edge position based upon an aspect ratio of input content. An on-screen cursor is positioned at a location to initiate a resizing operation. A determination of whether the location is proximate to the optimal window edge position is made. If the location is proximate to the optimal window edge location, a window edge position is adjusted to the optimal window edge position. |
| US08423899B1 |
Text field input
Techniques for providing a single text field and multiple different types of user input modes for inputting information into the single text field are described herein. In some instances, a user may enter a first portion of text into the text field in a first user input mode before inputting a second portion of text into the field in a second user input mode. The techniques may enforce a first set of rules associated with the first user input mode while the user enters the first portion of text. The techniques may then enforce a second, different set of rules associated with the second user input mode while the user enters the second portion of text. As such, the techniques enable a user to provide two or more different pieces of information into a single text field. |
| US08423897B2 |
Onscreen keyboard assistance method and system
An assistance method and system. The method includes retrieving by a computer processor of a computing system comprising a touch screen display, an enable command for enabling a keyboard configuration menu for a virtual touch screen keyboard presented by the touch screen of said computing system. The computer processor presents the keyboard configuration menu to the user. The computer processor receives a modify command for modifying specified configuration settings associated with each key of the virtual touch screen keyboard. The computer processor generates and saves modified configuration settings associated with said specified configuration settings. The computer processor disables the keyboard configuration menu. |
| US08423893B2 |
User interface for managing the operation of networked media playback devices
Described herein are systems and methods for managing the operation of networked media playback devices. One embodiment includes Graphical User Interface for coordinating playback of media via one or more networked wireless speaker devices. In particular, a user is able to “drag and drop” audio tracks to icons that are respectively indicative of one or more networked wireless speaker devices, thereby to affect playback of those audio tracks via those speaker devices. |
| US08423892B1 |
System and method for monitoring player interactions with branded virtual objects in a virtual environment
A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for monitoring player interactions with branded virtual objects in a virtual environment are presented. A game instance of a computer-implemented multiplayer online game is generated, where the game instance is associated with a virtual environment of a first player. A graphical user interface is provided to a second player, where the graphical user interface displays at least one branded virtual object, and where the branded virtual object corresponding to a real-world brand. Player engagement data is generated based on the second player's interaction with the branded virtual object in the virtual environment of the first player. The player engagement data of the second player is stored in a database. |
| US08423889B1 |
Device specific presentation control for electronic book reader devices
Techniques for delivering digital content to be rendered on electronic book (“eBook”) reader devices are described. The eBook reader devices have different technical features, particularly in terms of display capabilities and navigational capabilities. For instance, eBook reader devices may have differing screen sizes, use different types of display technologies, and have varying browser functionality. The techniques described in this disclosure provide for ways to efficiently and effectively deliver content to various types of reader devices, and to control presentation of that content on individual devices. |
| US08423888B2 |
Document conversion and use system
A document conversion and use system which converts a first structured document into a second structured document different in structure from the first structured document, comprising: a template storage unit storing a template indicating the structure of the second structured document; a structure specification unit for reading out the template from the template storage unit and causing a user to specify an element or an element content constituting the template; a correspondence definition specification unit for causing the user to define the correspondence definition specification indicating the correspondence between the element in the first structured document and the element in the template; and an unit for analyzing the template structure to specify the element or the element content specified by the structure specification unit, searching for the element defined by the correspondence definition starting from the element or the element content, and performing conversion processing according to the search result. |
| US08423883B1 |
Systems and methods of creating and editing electronic content including multiple types of graphics
Systems and methods for creating and editing content having graphics of different types. For example, bitmap-based image editing can be integrated within a vector-editing application allowing bitmap images to be edited within the context of the content in which they are used. Bitmap specific editing features can be made available concurrently with outer editing environment editing features. For example, a bitmap container used in an outer application may be cropped or resized while the outer editing application is in a specific bitmap editing mode that also allows editing of the actual pixels of the bitmap (e.g., to set the colors of the pixels and the pixel resolution). An editing application may also provide an integrated scale pixels to screen option to allow editors to selectively keep or discard image details (e.g., resolution information that is not needed for an images current size, etc.). |
| US08423873B2 |
Decoding techniques for correcting errors using soft information
Two levels of error correction decoding are performed using first and second level decoders. A composite code formed by combining an inner component code and an outer component code can be used to decode the data and correct any errors. Performing two level decoding using a composite code allows the size of the inner parity block to be reduced to a single Reed-Solomon symbol while keeping a good code rate. The first level decoder generates soft information. The soft information can indicate a most likely error event for each possible syndrome value of the inner component code. The soft information can also include error metric values for each of the most likely error events. The second level decoder generates corrected syndrome values based on the soft information using the outer component code. The most likely trellis path that corresponds to the corrected syndrome values is then selected. |
| US08423871B2 |
Transmitting device and transmitting method
A transmitting device and method enables improved reception quality on the receiving side when LDPC-CC (Low-Density Parity-Check Convolutional Codes) encoding is used. The transmitting device includes an LDPC-CC encoding section, a sorting section for sorting the encoded data acquired by the LDPC-CC encoding section into a first encoded data set corresponding to the column number of the column containing “1” in a part of an LDPC-CC check matrix H from which a protograph is excluded and a second encoded data set corresponding to the column numbers of the columns other than that, and a frame constructing section (control section) for constructing a transmission frame where the first and second encoded data sets are arranged in positions different in time or frequency in the transmission frame. |
| US08423869B2 |
Decoding apparatus, decoding method, and program
A decoding apparatus includes maximum decoding iteration count controller 52 which determines maximum decoding iteration counts of respective received code words based on modulation schemes and error-correcting coding ratios which are applied to the received code words and average error ratios of the received code words before the code words are decoded, and turbo decoding engine 53 which decodes each of the received code words according to a maximum decoding iteration count determined by maximum decoding iteration count controller 52. |
| US08423868B2 |
Method for correcting high-frequency characteristic error of electronic component
An electronic-component high-frequency characteristic error correcting method for allowing a calibration work to be performed on a two-terminal impedance component using the same correction-target measuring system as that used in actual measurement. At least three correction data acquisition samples having different high-frequency characteristics are measured by a reference measuring system and an actual measuring system. An equation for associating the value measured by the actual measuring system with the value measured by the reference measuring system using an error correction coefficient of a transmission line is determined. A given electronic component is measured by the actual measuring system. An estimated high-frequency characteristic value of the electronic component obtained when the electronic component is measured by the reference measuring system is calculated using the determined equation. |
| US08423861B2 |
Subwords coding using different interleaving schemes
In a communications system that demultiplexes user data words into multiple sub-words for encoding and decoding within different subword-processing paths, the minimum distance between bit errors in an extrinsic codeword can be increased by having corresponding interleavers/deinterleavers in the different subword-processing paths use different interleaving/deinterleaving algorithms. |
| US08423860B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating a parity check matrix in a communication system using linear block codes, and a transmission/reception apparatus and method using the same
A method and apparatus are provided for generating a parity check matrix used to generate a linear block code in a communication system. The method includes determining a basic parameter of a second parity check matrix satisfying a rule predetermined with respect to a given first parity check matrix, generating a submatrix corresponding to a parity part of the second parity check matrix, using the basic parameter; and generating a submatrix corresponding to an information word part of the second parity check matrix, using the first parity check matrix and the basic parameter. |
| US08423858B2 |
Method for effectively transmitting control signal in wireless communication system
A method of performing HARQ performed by a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method includes receiving a bundling indicator which indicates the number of bundled downlink subframes, determining whether at least one bundled downlink subframe is missed by comparing the bundling indicator with the number of detected bundled downlink subframes, generating a representative ACK/NACK signal when no bundled downlink subframe is missed, and transmitting the representative ACK/NACK signal on an uplink channel. Recovery capability is maximized and the packet loss is reduced in such a situation that less number of ACK/NACK signals are fed back than that of downlink packets. |
| US08423854B2 |
Communication retransmission based on transmission performance relative to expected quality of service
A method of communication retransmission based on performance relative to an expected quality of service is presented. In the method, data packets associated with the expected quality of service are transmitted. The transmission performance associated with the transmission of the data packets is determined in relation to the expected quality of service. A maximum number of retransmissions for one of the data packets to be transmitted is selected based on the transmission performance. The one of the data packets is transmitted using the communication retransmission scheme limited by the selected maximum number of retransmissions. |
| US08423853B2 |
Error correction for a persistent resource allocation
Methods and apparatus for communicating and utilizing persistent allocation of resources are described herein. A base station can allocate persistent resources to a client station, and can associate the client station or persistent resource allocation with a particular shared NACK channel. The base station can monitor the NACK channel for a NACK indicating a map error. The base station can also monitor the resource allocation to implicitly determine a map error. The base station can resend one or more persistent resource allocation information elements in response to the NACK or implicit error determination. A client station having a persistent resource allocation can monitor persistent resource allocation information elements in map messages and can indicate failure to receive a persistent resource allocation information element in a NACK message on a preassigned share NACK channel. |
| US08423852B2 |
Channel decoding-based error detection
Low latency and computationally efficient techniques may be employed to account for errors in data such as low bit-width, oversampled data. In some aspects these techniques may be employed to mitigate audio artifacts associated with sigma-delta modulated audio data. In some aspects an error may be detected in a set of encoded data based on an outcome of a channel decoding process. Upon determining that a set of data may contain at least one error, the set of data may be replaced with another set of data that is based on one or more neighboring data sets. For example, in some aspects a set of data including at least one bit in error may be replaced with data that is generated by applying a cross-fading operation to neighboring data sets. In some aspects a given data bit may be flipped as a result of a linear prediction operation that is applied to PCM equivalent data that is associated with the given data bit and its neighboring data bits. In some aspects a set of data including at least one bit in error may be replaced with data that is generated by performing linear interpolation operations on PCM equivalent data that is associated with neighboring data sets. |
| US08423851B2 |
Measured device and test system utilizing the same
A measured device coupled to test equipment providing at least two test factors and receiving a test result is disclosed. The measured device includes a combinatorial logic circuit and a main circuit. The combinatorial logic circuit includes a first storage module and a second storage module. The first storage module stores the test factors according to a first operation clock. The second storage module stores and outputs at least two output factors according to a second operation clock. The frequency of the second operation clock is higher than the frequency of the first operation clock. When the test factors are stored in the first storage module, the test factors stored in the first storage module are served as the output factors and the output factors are output and stored in the second storage module. The main circuit generates the test result according to the output factors output by the second storage module. The test equipment obtains information as to whether the main circuit is normal according to the test result. |
| US08423850B2 |
System debugging method, system debugging equipment, processor, wireless-communications interface IC and interface method thereof
A pulse transmission technique is used for wireless communication between a microcomputer (13) having a debugging support circuit (17) and a debugger (13). The pulse transmission technique is based on magnetic field coupling between a first coil (14) provided for the microcomputer and a second coil (8) coupled with the debugger. During an initialization operation, the microcomputer performs a process of configuring a communication condition of the wireless communication to perform the wireless communication. The microcomputer awaits control from the debugger when the microcomputer establishes communication with the debugger. The debugger awaits establishment of the communication and proceeds to control of the microcomputer in accordance with the wireless communication. It is possible to provide contactless interface for system debugging without the need for a large antenna or a large-scale circuit for modulation and demodulation. |
| US08423849B2 |
Device test data reuse for device simulation
A method and system reuse data logs generated from testing of programmable devices in order to provide an input file of parameter values and settings for use in automatically configuring a device simulator. The programmable device testing process generates a data log output with data formatted so that parameter data are associated with unique variable labels. The data log output file is processed in a parser operation that filters out private and unnecessary information, organizes the data and generates a simulation input file in a format compatible with the simulator. The process can be fully automated. |
| US08423847B2 |
Microcontroller for logic built-in self test (LBIST)
Built-in self-test (BIST) microcontroller integrated circuit adapted for logic verification. Microcontroller includes a plurality of hardware description language files representing a hierarchical description of the microcontroller, the plurality of hardware description language files including a library of circuit design elements, a plurality of library design circuit elements adapted to store a uniquely defined set of input and output signals to enable a logic BIST, and a plurality of latches adapted to store a plurality of values corresponding to a behavioral profile of a test clock. |
| US08423846B2 |
Integrated circuit with memory built-in self test (MBIST) circuitry having enhanced features and methods
Integrated circuits with memory built-in self test (MBIST) circuitry and methods are disclosed that employ enhanced features. In one aspect of the invention, an integrated circuit is provided having MIBST circuitry configured to serially test multiple arrays of memory elements within a component of the integrated circuit and to also conduct parallel initialization of the serially tested arrays. In another aspect of the invention, the MBST circuitry is used set the memory elements of the arrays to a first state and then to an inverse state during a burn-in operation to maintain each of the two opposing states for a desired time in order to either force a failure of the integrated circuit component or produce a pre-stressed component beyond an infancy stage. |
| US08423843B2 |
Method and system thereof for optimization of power consumption of scan chains of an integrated circuit for test
Scan blocks with scan chains are used to partition and test semiconductor devices using scan groups. The partitioning of the semiconductor device enables testing of all elements within each scan block, at speed, to provide fault coverage. A challenge in scan testing is keeping the power dissipation during testing under the allowed power capabilities of the tester power supplies, as the power used during scan test is much higher than that used during functional testing. A method for estimating the power dissipation of scan blocks in a circuit during the design stage is disclosed. Using the results generated, the circuit designer divides the design into an optimum number of scan blocks for test. Thus at-speed scan of the individual or groups of scan blocks can be estimated, during design, for optimizing test time while keeping the test power within acceptable limits. |
| US08423840B2 |
Pattern generator
An address signal generating circuit generates an address signal which designates the address in memory to be accessed. An inversion inhibition signal generating unit generates multiple patterns of inversion inhibition signals each having the same bit width as that of the address signal, and each having a function of preventing particular bits of the address signal from being inverted. A selector selects one of the multiple patterns of inversion inhibition signals generated by the inversion inhibition signal generating unit, and outputs the inversion inhibition signal thus selected. When an inversion control signal is asserted, an address signal inverting circuit inverts only the bits of the address signal which are not prevented from being inverted according to the inversion inhibition signal selected by the selector, and outputs the resulting address signal. |
| US08423835B2 |
System and method providing fault detection capability
A system and method for providing fault detection capability is provided which comprises a first node (2). The first node (2) comprises a first processing subsystem (5) generating data (14) to be transmitted. The first node (2) has a fault supervisor unit (13) adapted to gather and process fault indications arising in the first node (2). The first processing subsystem (5) and the fault supervisor unit are both integrated in the first node (2). The first node (2) is structured such that, when no fault indications are detected by the fault supervisor unit (13), the fault supervisor unit (13) provides a first key (15) as a validity key, and, when at least one fault indication is detected by the fault supervisor unit (13), the fault supervisor unit (13) provides a second key (16) as the validity key, and the data (14) to be transmitted are encrypted by overlaying the respective validity key (15; 16) on the data. |
| US08423833B2 |
System and method for multivariate quality-of-service aware dynamic software rejuvenation
A method for monitoring the quality-of-service (QoS) of high priority transactions in a software system includes receiving a specific QoS metric of a high priority transaction, where the QoS metric associated with a plurality of buckets and comparing the sampled specific QoS metric to an expected value for the specific QoS metric. If the sampled specific QoS metric exceeds the corresponding expected value, a bucket for the specific QoS metric is incremented, otherwise the bucket is decremented. If the bucket for the specific QoS metric overflows, the current bucket is reinitialized to zero, a depth of a next bucket for the specific QoS metric is computed, and a number of standard deviations from a mean value for the specific QoS metric is incremented. When the bucket for the specific QoS metric exceeds a threshold, a software rejuvenation routine is executed. |
| US08423831B2 |
System and method for performing auditing and correction
A method for auditing and correcting at least one component in a system, involving defining a first audit rule for the at least one component, wherein the first audit rule defines a check to be performed on the at least one component, defining a corrective action associated with the first audit rule, executing the first audit rule for the at least one component and the corrective action associated with the first audit rule, wherein the first audit rule and the corrective action are executed to identify and remove a problem in the system, and performing a system action upon successful execution of the corrective action. |
| US08423828B2 |
Predictive diagnostics and fault management
The present application discloses a preventative, diagnostic maintenance system designed for gaming systems. Sensor and software monitor, accumulate, store and share information for efficient maintenance of the gaming systems. Diagnostic and prognostic tests are run and results prioritized wherein minor and intermittent problems that indicate potential future problems are stored. When a technician visit is prescribed, the system will present via a GUI a visualization of the status of gamed devices, and, forearm the technician with the high and low priority information regarding the high priority problems along with the low priority problems for all the game devices at the same site. The technician will be able to bring the specific tools, programs and parts to service the high and the low priority problems of all the game devices. |
| US08423827B2 |
Topology based correlation of threshold crossing alarms
Method, apparatus and computer program product for correlating performance events in a data processing system. A first event is received at one of a first device and a second device of the data processing system, and a second event is received at one of the first device and the second device. A type of a connection between the first device and the second device is identified to form an identified type of connection, and a relationship between the first event and the second event is determined based on the identified type of connection between the first device and the second device. |
| US08423825B2 |
Data restoring method and an apparatus using journal data and an identification information
The storage system is coupled to a computer and includes a plurality of physical storages being used to configure a first logical storage and a second logical storage, a control unit receiving a read request and a write request from the computer; and a cache memory storing data which is sent to the computer. The control unit determines whether a request from the computer is a write request or a read request. If it is a read request, the control unit reads data from the cache memory or at least one of the plurality of physical storages based on the read request. If it is a write request, the control unit determines whether destination of the write request is the first logical storage. |
| US08423818B2 |
Disk array apparatus and method for controlling the same
A disk array apparatus capable of reducing a disk drive fault rate where a time-out failure has occurred. The disk array apparatus includes a plurality of disk drives, and a control unit for performing data input/output processing of the disk drives in response to a data input/output request from a host system. The control unit includes: a memory for storing control information for specifying a failure of at least one of the disk drives, and failure information of the faulty disk drive, a circuit for specifying, from the failure information, the disk drive in which a time-out failure has occurred, and issuing an instruction to retry a control command to the disk drive, and a circuit for outputting a control signal to the faulty disk drive in order to hard reset the disk drive if the disk drive does not recover from the failure. |
| US08423816B2 |
Method and computer system for failover
In a computer system wherein plural servers are connected with an external disk device via a network, each server incorporates therein a logic partition module for configuring at least one logic partition in the server, and the operating system stored in the logic partition is booted by the boot disk of an external disk device, the failover operation is performed only for the logic partition affected by a failure when the task being executed by a working server is taken over by another server at the time of the failure occurring in the working server. |
| US08423815B2 |
Information processing device capable of performing a timer control operation
An information processing device, such as cellular phone, includes a first timer set for executing count processing applied to a preassigned first processing, a second timer set for executing count processing applied to the preassigned first processing, a display state determination unit configured to determine a display state of a display unit, and a timer switching unit configured to select and set the first timer for the preassigned first processing at a time when the display state determination unit determines that the display unit is in an “ON” state and to select and set the second timer for the preassigned first processing at a time when the display state determination unit determines that the display unit is in an “OFF” state. |
| US08423814B2 |
Programmable drive strength in memory signaling
Embodiments of the invention relate to programmable data register circuits and programmable clock generation circuits For example, some embodiments include a buffer circuit for receiving input data and sending output data signals along a series of signal lines with a signal strength, and a signal modulator configured to determine the signal strength based on a control input. Some embodiments include a clock generation circuit for receiving clock reference and sending output clock signals along a series of signal lines with a signal character, and a signal modulator configured to determine the signal character based on a control input. |
| US08423813B2 |
Memory controller and device with data strobe calibration
A memory controller comprises a DQ path, a DQS path, a delay element, a flip flop, and an adjustment unit. The DQ path receives and passes a data signal, and outputs a delayed data signal. The DQS path receives and passes a data strobe signal. The delay element is coupled to the DQS path, receiving the data strobe signal to generate a compensated data strobe signal having a calibrated latency. The calibrated latency is determined by an adjustment signal. The flip flop is coupled to the data signal path and the delay element, sampling the delayed data signal by the compensated data strobe signal to generate an output data. The adjustment unit generates the adjustment signal according to the output data. The adjustment unit performs a calibration to adjust the adjustment signal, thus the calibrated latency is adjusted. |
| US08423810B2 |
Network interface apparatus
A network interface controller includes a first NIC connected to a LAN and a second NIC, which can proceed to a low power consumption status, connected to the first NIC via a bus. The first NIC includes a storing unit arranged to store response history information transmitted from the second NIC, a registration determining unit arranged to determine whether the received data has been registered in the response history information when network data is received and the status of the second NIC is the low power consumption status, a transmitting unit arranged to transmit response data registered in association with the received data when the received data has been registered, and an activation signal transmitting unit arranged to transmit an activation signal to the second NIC when the received data has not been registered. |
| US08423809B2 |
Power consumption measuring and power transmission monitoring for data transfer
An access control apparatus of a data storage device includes a first connecting unit configured to be removably connected with a power supply device, perform data transmission through a first data-transmission line, and be supplied with power through a first power-transmission line, a second connecting unit configured to be removably connected with the data storage device, perform data transmission through a second data-transmission line, and supply power through a second power-transmission line, a data transfer processing unit configured to perform data transfer between the power supply device and the data storage device, a power consumption measuring unit configured to measure power supplied from the power supply device through the first power-transmission line, and a power-transmission capability monitoring unit configured to control the data transfer processing unit in accordance with power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring unit. |
| US08423808B2 |
Control system for switching a control device to a power saving mode using a remote terminal
A control device includes a communication unit which has a switch function of switching the control device into an energy saving mode, the communication unit communicating with an upper terminal via a first network; and a mode control unit which controls switching the communication unit into the power saving mode, the control being made using a network control library which is generated by a programming language. |
| US08423797B2 |
Initialization of a chip card
In a method for reading initialization data (IND) into a chip card, the chip card receives an encrypted authentication value (EAV) and decrypts it to obtain at least one release key (ENK). The release key (ENK) is checked for a match with a release key (ENK′) stored on the chip card (14). If there is a match, the initialization data (EIND, IND) are received and written to a nonvolatile memory of the chip card. A method for generating a record for initializing a chip card. a chip card and a computer-readable data carrier have corresponding features. The invention is provided in particular for initialization of chip cards by external partners of the chip card manufacturer, whereby as few possibilities of attack as possible are to be offered. |
| US08423793B2 |
Data processing device, data management method, storage medium of storing computer-readable program, and program
A data processing device comprises a second storage unit for storing data accessed in a first storage unit, and compares data read from the first storage unit with the data stored in the second storage unit. Thus, the data processing device judges whether or not the first storage unit is a predetermined device. |
| US08423790B2 |
Module validation
A module validation system and methods are disclosed for use with graphical user interfaces provided by a workstation that, among other things, remotely monitor and/or control game and/or gaming devices and/or systems. Validation of modules used in shells that provide graphical user interfaces enables the module validation system to provide users with varying levels of access to a gaming system. |
| US08423788B2 |
Secure memory card with life cycle phases
A secure memory card with encryption capabilities comprises various life cycle states that allow for testing of the hardware and software of the card in certain of the states. The testing mechanisms are disabled in certain other of the states thus closing potential back doors to secure data and cryptographic keys. Controlled availability and generation of the keys required for encryption and decryption of data is such that even if back doors are accessed that previously encrypted data is impossible to decrypt and thus worthless even if a back door is found and maliciously pried open. |
| US08423787B2 |
Apparatus and method of measuring integrity
Provided are an apparatus and method of measuring integrity, in which unnecessary memory loading of an object for measuring integrity is avoided. The apparatus includes a mapping module loading at least one second object, among a plurality of second objects divided from a first object in accordance with an allocation unit of a memory, into the memory, a memory module storing a hash value of the divided second object, and a measurement module measuring integrity of the first object by comparing a hash value of the loaded at least one second object with the hash value stored in the memory module. |
| US08423786B2 |
Biometrics authentication method, media for individual authentication, and biometrics authentication device
A biometrics authentication device which detects body characteristics, performs verification against registered biometrics data, and performs individual authentication, by which confidentiality is improved even when biometrics data is separated, distributed and stored. A biometrics information key is created from biometrics data detected by a detection device, the biometrics data is divided into a plurality of portions, and the portions are stored on different media. The biometrics information key is stored on one media, and at the time of authentication, the separated biometrics data portions are combined and a biometrics information key is created and is compared with the biometrics information key, to judge the linked relationship. Hence confidentiality of the association of the individual separated data portions can be improved even when the biometrics data is separated, distributed and stored, contributing to prevent illicit use resulting from leakage or theft of biometrics data. |
| US08423784B2 |
Position registering method, program and apparatus for terminal equipment
Personal information is registered for each user by a personal information management unit, linking a subscribed terminal equipment number, terminal subscriber identification information and user charging identification information to biological information of a user possessing a mobile communication terminal equipment. When an authentication request receiving unit receives an authentication request containing user biological information and terminal subscriber identification information from the terminal equipment, a biological information authentication unit retrieves personal information having biological information matching the received biological information and changes terminal subscriber identification information in the personal information found into the received terminal subscriber identification information. A position registration proxy unit transfers the terminal subscriber identification information in the personal information found and the received terminal subscriber identification information to an exchange to request registration of position information which enables call out and reception as a terminal equipment having a subscribed terminal number. |
| US08423782B2 |
Method for authenticating a user accessing a remote server from a computer
The invention relates to a method for authenticating a user accessing a remote server from a computer. The method comprises connecting to the remote server from the computer; logging into the remote server using a user-specific identifier; authenticating the remote server in the computer; sending an unpredictable message from the remote server to the computer; establishing communication between the remote server and a terminal belonging to the user; authenticating the remote server in the terminal; authenticating the terminal in the remote server; inviting the user to enter the unpredictable message in the terminal; using the terminal to send the message entered by the user in the terminal to the remote server; and if the message entered by the user in the terminal matches the unpredictable message, authenticating the user in the remote server. |
| US08423781B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for validating IC card holder, and computer program product thereof
A disclosed image forming apparatus includes a validating unit validating a holder of an IC card having a first security information set, login information set and first identifier information set, based on the first security information set; a login unit performing a login process for the IC card holder to log in based on the login information set; and a storage unit storing the first security information set as a second security information set and the first identifier information set as a second identifier information set obtained when the login process performed is successful. In the image forming apparatus, the validating unit validates, provided that first identifier information set from the IC card matches the second identifier information set in the storage unit, the holder of the IC card by reusing the second security information set in the storage unit when the first security information is requested using the IC card. |
| US08423776B2 |
Storage systems and data storage method
Proposed are a storage system and a data storage method capable of automatically and flexibly changing the redundant destination of data, and verifying the authenticity of data when a system is changed. A primary storage apparatus includes a search unit for searching a secondary storage apparatus for storing the redundant data, and a primary creation unit for creating primary-side authentic information showing that the data is authentic. A secondary storage apparatus includes a secondary creation unit for creating secondary-side authentic information showing that the redundant data is authentic. This storage system also includes a primary storage unit for storing the data in a storage extent of the primary storage apparatus and a secondary storage unit for storing the redundant data in a storage extent of the secondary storage apparatus when the primary-side authentic information and the secondary-side authentic information coincide. |
| US08423774B2 |
Integrity protected smart card transaction
Systems, methods, and technologies for configuring a conventional smart card and a client machine, and for performing a smart card authorization using the configured smart card and client. Further, the combination of methods provides for mutual authentication—authentication of the client to the user, and authentication of the user to the client. The authentication methods include presenting a specified token to the user sufficient to authenticate the client to the user and thus protect the user-provided PIN. Security is strengthened by using an integrity key based on approved client system configurations. Security is further strengthened by calculating a PIN′ value based on a user-specified PIN and a modifier and using the PIN′ value for unlocking the smart card. |
| US08423772B2 |
Multi-hop wireless network system and authentication method thereof
A multi-hop wireless network system and an authentication method thereof, wherein during initial mutual authentication between multi-hop nodes and a multi-hop wireless network, a shared key is acquired for hop-by-hop mutual authentication between the multi-hop nodes using a centralized authentication scheme. Using the acquired shared key, distributed authentication between the multi-hop nodes is performed. |