| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08430916B1 |
Spinal rod connectors, methods of use, and spinal prosthesis incorporating spinal rod connectors
A spinal rod connector is adapted to connect two spinal rods. The spinal rod connector includes first and second channels which are defined in a housing. The first and second channels can be urged together in order to capture first and second spinal rods when a fastener is actuated. The spinal rod connector allows the first and second rods to be positioned relative to each other in one of a parallel and a non-parallel manner prior to the fastener locking the first and second spinal rods in position. |
| US08430913B2 |
Devices and methods for adding an additional level of fixation to an existing construct
A method and assembly is provided for linking an additional vertebral construct to an existing spinal construct having at least two bone screws engaged to corresponding vertebrae and connected by a connecting member. The assembly includes a fastener configured to engage a bone screw of the existing construct and to engage a connecting member connected to the bone screw. The assembly further includes a linking member having an elongated portion configured to connect to a bone screw of the additional construct and a mounting structure configured for mounting on the bone screw of the existing construct. A locking member fixes the orientation of the linking member relative to the bone screw and a clamping member locks the linking member and existing connecting member to the bone screw of the existing construct. |
| US08430912B2 |
Dynamic stabilization rod
A spinal stabilization rod includes a first rod portion having a proximal end and a distal end and having a first cross-sectional area. The second rod portion extends from the distal end of the first rod portion and has a second minimum cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. The second rod portion is formed of a first material and a different second material, with the first material being more resistant in shear than the second material. The implant also includes a slider portion disposed about and movable relative to the second rod portion. |
| US08430907B2 |
Catch member for PFO occluder
Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms. |
| US08430898B2 |
Ultrasonic surgical instruments
A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise a transducer and an end effector. The transducer may be configured to provide vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency and may comprise a piezoelectric stack positioned along the longitudinal axis. The transducer also may comprise a first metallic end mass positioned along the longitudinal axis adjacent a first end of the piezoelectric stack and a second metallic end mass positioned along the longitudinal axis adjacent a second end of the piezoelectric stack. The length of the transducer may be greater than or equal to of one wavelength and less than ½ of one wavelength. The end effector may be coupled to the transducer and may extend along the longitudinal axis. The length of the transducer and the end effector may be a multiple of ½ of one wavelength. |
| US08430894B2 |
Floating gastrointestinal anchor
Apparatus (90) is provided for use in a stomach of a subject. The apparatus includes a balloon (92), adapted for placement in the stomach, and all anchor (102), coupled to the balloon. The anchor is adapted to prevent the balloon from passing into a duodenum of the subject. The apparatus further includes an inflation tube (96), coupled to the balloon to permit inflation of the balloon, and is adapted to stretch from the stomach to a mouth of the subject to facilitate inflation of the balloon. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08430893B2 |
Articulating suturing device and method
Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot of the device can be inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot can carry suturing attachment cuffs with one end of the cuff adapted to receive a needle, while the other end receives suture. A portion of the foot and/or lumen of the shaft can receive a portion of the suture and can include friction reducing structure that aid with movement of the sutured during removal of the cuffs from within the penetration. |
| US08430891B2 |
Transesophageal gastric reduction device, system and method
A gastric reduction system and method provides for transesophageal formation of a gastric reduction pouch of the stomach. The system includes an expandable structure, which may be placed in a stomach and expanded to occupy a fractional volume of the stomach. An evacuator is then fed through the expandable structure and utilized to deflate the stomach and draw the stomach to and around the expandable structure to form the gastric reduction pouch. A self-deploying fastener is then deployed to maintain the gastric reduction pouch. |
| US08430882B2 |
Transcorporeal spinal decompression and repair systems and related methods
A system and method are provided for making an access channel through a vertebral body to access a site of neural compression, decompressing it, and repairing the channel to restore vertebral integrity. System elements include an implantable vertebral plate, a guidance device for orienting bone cutting tools and controlling the path of a cutting tool, a bone cutting tool to make a channel in the vertebral body, a tool for opening or partially-resecting the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, a tool for retrieving a herniated disc, an implantable device with osteogenic material to fill the access channel, and a retention device that lockably-engages the bone plate to retain it in position after insertion. System elements may be included in a surgery to decompress an individual nerve root, the spinal cord, or the cauda equina when compressed, for example, by any of a herniated disc, an osteophyte, a thickened ligament arising from degenerative changes within the spine, a hematoma, or a tumor. |
| US08430881B2 |
Mechanical tissue modification devices and methods
A device for modifying one or more tissues in a patient's spine may include: an elongate, at least partially flexible body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein at least the distal portion has dimensions that allow it to be passed into an epidural space and between target and non-target tissues of the spine; at least one movable blade disposed along one side of the elongate body; at least one actuator coupled with the at least one blade and disposed at or near the proximal or distal portion of the body for moving the blade(s) to modify one or more target tissues, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to move the blade(s) without significantly translating the elongate body proximally or distally; and means at or near the proximal and distal portions of the elongate body for facilitating application of at least one of anchoring force and tensioning force to the body to urge the at least one blade against the target tissue. |
| US08430880B2 |
Device for trimming an osteochondral implant and a surgical procedure involving same
A device for trimming an osteochondral implant according to which a body member has a bore for receiving the graft and a cutting slot extending transverse to the bore for receiving a cutting blade. A mechanism adjusts the graft in the bore relative to the slot so that the graft can be cut to a predetermined length with the cutting blade in the slot. |
| US08430879B2 |
Segmented intramedullary structure
An implantable intramedullary fixation structure adapted to be received in the intramedullary canal of a long bone is disclosed comprising a plurality of elongated segments. Each segment has a first end and a complementarily-shaped second end such that the first end of a segment cooperatively engages the second end of an adjacent segment. The segments define a guide aperture so as to be receivable over a guide for positioning in the intramedullary canal. |
| US08430875B2 |
Magnetic navigation systems and methods
Systems and methods for forming a lesion on an endocardial tissue of a patient's heart involve placing an ablation assembly inside of the heart and adjacent to the endocardial tissue, and placing a guiding assembly outside of the heart. An ablation assembly includes an ablation element and a first attraction element, and a guiding assembly includes a second attraction element. First and second attraction elements can be attracted via magnetism. Techniques involve forming an ablation on the cardiac tissue of a patient's heart with an ablation element of the ablation assembly. Optionally, techniques may include moving the second attraction element of the guiding assembly relative to the patient's heart, so as to effect a corresponding movement of the ablation element of the ablation assembly. |
| US08430874B2 |
Electrosurgical generator
An electrosurgical generator includes one or more radio frequency (RF) power sources and an output stage including at least two output lines for connection to an electrosurgical instrument. The generator includes means for measuring a parameter associated with the electrosurgical procedure, such as the impedance measured across two of the output lines. A controller controls the generator such that it delivers a first RF waveform (such as a cutting signal) or a second RF waveform (such as a coagulating signal) to the output lines, and, in a combined mode, both first and second waveforms. The controller automatically adjusts at least one aspect of one or both waveforms in the combined mode, in response to the measured parameter associated with the surgical procedure. |
| US08430867B2 |
Reduced-pressure dressing connection pads, systems, and methods
Systems, methods, and connectors are provided that introduce a working gas at certain times into a reduced-pressure dressing into order to break or avoid vacuum locks in the conduits removing fluids. In one instance, a reduced-pressure connector includes a connector body for applying a reduced pressure to the tissue site. The connector body is formed with a venting port, a body conduit, and a receptacle to receive a reduced-pressure delivery conduit. The reduced-pressure connector includes a flexible member coupled to the connector body over the venting port. The flexible member is formed with at least one venting aperture. The flexible member is biased away from the venting port and is configured to collapse and seal the venting port under a reduced pressure greater than a threshold pressure. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08430865B2 |
Enteral safety system and methods
Enteral safety system (ESS) may include oral dispenser having visual indicator such as barrel with measurement marks of a color. Barrel may allow content viewing. ESS may include hub for connecting oral dispenser to enteral set. Hub may have a visual indicator such as being same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing or set may have a visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Enteral tubing may allow content viewing. ESS may include an enteral tubing-feeding tube hub for connecting enteral tubing to a feeding tube. This hub may have visual indicator such as same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may have visual indicator such as a lengthwise stripe same color as barrel's marks. Feeding tube may allow content viewing. The oral dispenser, oral dispenser-enteral tubing hub, enteral tubing, enteral tubing-feeding tube hub, and feeding tubing are properly connectable by reference to visual indicators such as color matching. |
| US08430863B2 |
Visualization of a catheter viewed under ultrasound imaging
A catheter for use in a patient's body lumen, having a shaft section configured to minimize ultrasonic image artifacts and the direct ultrasonic image brightness of the shaft surface and its internal components, and to produce its image at a wide range of imaging angles, preferably with an intensity not substantially different than surrounding tissue of the body lumen under ultrasound visualization. The shaft section is operative for the desired use of the catheter, yet is also configured to facilitate accurately imaging the shape and location of the shaft section, and easily differentiate it from the surrounding anatomy without unduly obscuring the images of the adjacent anatomy using an ultrasound imaging system. |
| US08430862B2 |
Subconjunctival agent delivery apparatus, system and method
A subconjunctival injection apparatus for administering a pharmacological agent formulation to a subconjunctival compartment of an eye, the apparatus including a jet injector having force generating means that is adapted to generate sufficient force to expel the pharmacological agent formulation from the jet injector and through the conjunctiva. In one embodiment of the invention, the jet injector comprises a needleless jet injector. In one embodiment, the needleless jet injector provides a delivery pressure in the range of approximately 100-1000 psi. |
| US08430860B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for facilitating interface with laryngeal structures
A system and method of introducing interface elements for interfacing with laryngeal structures of a subject such as for diagnosis or treatment of a laryngeal impairment is presented. Illustrative embodiments include generating a tunnel in geographical relation to the lateral wing of the cricoid cartilage of the subject and introducing at least one interface element via the tunnel for interfacing with at least one laryngeal structure of the subject. |
| US08430850B2 |
Inserter having bistable equilibrium states
The invention relates to an inserter for an infusion set for intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance, such as e.g. insulin. The inserter comprises means for insertion and retraction of an introducer needle. With an inserter device according to the invention it is possible to introduce an insertion needle when placing a medical device sub- or transcutaneously. The Inserter device comprises a housing (1, 2, 12) which hides the insertion needle (7, 17) before insertion and can hide the insertion needle (7, 17) after insertion and placing of the medical device. The insertion needle (7, 17) moves relative to the housing (1, 2, 12) toward the patients skin surface during insertion and the inserter device comprises a bi-stable elastic element (1, 11) having two equilibrium states. |
| US08430848B1 |
Reservoir and administration device with ratcheting mechanism
A fluid reservoir and administration device for delivering a dosage of a medicament to a patient. The device has a base unit attachable to the skin, a reservoir unit attachable to the base unit, and a cap unit attachable to the reservoir unit. The base unit has a latching member, and a needle. The reservoir unit has a fluid filled cavity, a ratcheting element, a threaded member, and a plunger for forcing the fluid through the needle. The cap unit has ratcheting teeth engagable with the ratcheting member, and a threaded post engagable with the threaded member of the reservoir unit. When the cap unit is rotated, the threaded post is advanced toward the plunger which forces a metered dosage of the fluid through the needle and to the patient. The ratcheting member allows the cap unit to rotate in a single direction, thereby preventing a vacuum in the cavity. |
| US08430843B2 |
Diluent/medication mixing syringe assembly
A diluent/medication mixing syringe assembly is described which includes a cannula which extends through a syringe plunger assembly into a reservoir of the syringe assembly. The cannula facilitates injection of a diluent, medication or other fluid into the fluid reservoir of the syringe assembly immediately prior to use for mixing with a medication in the reservoir. In one embodiment, a mixing element is secured to a distal end of the cannula within the reservoir to improve mixing efficiency. |
| US08430841B2 |
Application of vacuum as a method and mechanism for controlling eye chamber stability
A phacoemulsification system for operating a surgical handpiece having a handpiece; an irrigation fluid source for supplying irrigation fluid to the eye; an aspiration source coupled to the handpiece in order to aspirate the irrigation fluid from the eye through the handpiece; and a controller for controlling a vacuum in the handpiece, the controller comprising: a sensor for sensing the vacuum in the handpiece; an occlusion parameter, the occlusion parameter being a vacuum level corresponding to an occlusion of the handpiece or a flow rate corresponding to an occlusion of the handpiece; a maximum allowable vacuum level in the handpiece, the maximum allowable vacuum level having at least a first predetermined level; and a trigger value that is set based in part on the occlusion parameter. |
| US08430839B2 |
Drug delivery devices and methods with collimated gas stream and drug reservoir
Drug delivery device and methods are provided for transdermal drug delivery through a skin. The device includes a gas source comprising a gas or capable of selectively producing a gas. The device also includes a first collimator fluidly connected with the gas source adapted to form a first plurality of collimated gas streams comprising the gas. The first collimator has an inlet end and an outlet end. The device further includes a first drug source comprising a drug. The first drug source is configured to release the drug into the first plurality of collimated gas streams between the inlet end and outlet end of the first collimator. |
| US08430838B2 |
Method of controlling a surgical system based on irrigation flow
A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines a temperature of an eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip. |
| US08430837B2 |
Thrombectomy apparatus and method
A thrombectomy system may include an elongate shaft that defines a high pressure lumen and a low pressure lumen. The high pressure lumen may terminate near an end of the low pressure lumen. An expandable capture basket may be disposed near the end of the low pressure lumen. A thrombectomy apparatus may include an elongate shaft, an evacuation lumen extending within the elongate shaft and a high pressure lumen extending within the elongate shaft. A capture apparatus may be disposed within a wire lumen that extends within the elongate shaft such that the capture apparatus extends distally from the wire lumen. |
| US08430833B2 |
Device and method for transporting medicinal liquids
A device and a method for delivering fluids, preferably for delivering medical fluids, such as in the field of dialysis, include at least one pump designed as a displacement pump and at least one control unit that controls the operation of the pump. The pump is actuated by the control unit such that during a suction stroke in a first operating condition the pump takes in a volume exceeding a desired delivery volume for the purpose of discharging a desired delivery volume, and discharges portions of the volume taken in by performing a plurality of partial delivery strokes in the form of partial volumes which are smaller than the volume taken in. |
| US08430832B2 |
Selective cytopheresis devices and related methods thereof
The present invention relates to systems and devices to treat and/or prevent inflammatory conditions within a subject and to related methods. More particularly, the invention relates to systems, devices, and related methods that sequester leukocytes and/or platelets and then inhibit their inflammatory action. |
| US08430820B2 |
Ultrasonic imaging apparatus
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus which acquires tomographic image information of a subject to which a contrast agent is administered, and displays the tomographic image information, includes an administration time timer which is started up while the acquisition is being performed and which measures a time that elapses from a time of the start-up to which a predetermined offset time is added, and an offset time setting device which sets the offset time to the administration time timer when the start-up is performed. |
| US08430812B2 |
Surgical access assembly
A surgical access assembly for use during a surgical procedure includes a housing, an access member extending distally from the housing and being dimensioned for positioning within tissue and a seal assembly disposed within the housing. The seal assembly includes first and second seal components operatively coupled to each other. Each of the first and second seal components includes respective seal members defining a respective passage for passage of a surgical object. The first seal component is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis and relative to the second seal component. The first seal component may be capable of relative rotation between a first position, in which the passages of the first and second seal members are in substantial longitudinal alignment, and a second position in which the passages of the first and second seal members are radially offset to inhibit the communication of fluid through the seal assembly. |
| US08430810B2 |
Inflatable balloon device and applications
A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, and incorporating a number of novel aspects. To enable easy insertion and use, the rigidity of the device is increased by means of rigid inserts in the balloons, or by use of stiff springs between segments. The working channel can be attached to the distal chamber of the device, such that it is pulled from the leading end of the device during inflation, rather than being pulled from the trailing end of the device during deflation. Lumen wall inspection or treatment facilities are enabled by means of a camera or treatment arm mounted between two distally positioned balloons, the device is able to provide observation capabilities to the lumen wall, yet without becoming excessively dirty by exposure to the front end of the device, as in prior art camera units. |
| US08430808B2 |
Endoscopic method and device for avoiding cutting of rectal tissue in the treatment of hemorrhoids
A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other. |
| US08430806B2 |
Electronic device and hypnosis method utilizing the same
An electronic device and hypnosis method includes setting a hypnosis volume level and a playing duration of the electronic device. An audio file is played in response to the electronic device being activated, and a brain wave frequency of a user is determined. The electronic device and hypnosis method further includes analyzing the brain wave frequency to determine if the user is in a sleeping state, and playing the audio file for the playing duration at the hypnosis volume level. |
| US08430804B2 |
Methods and devices for minimally-invasive extraocular delivery of radiation to the posterior portion of the eye
Methods and devices for minimally-invasive delivery of radiation to the posterior portion of the eye including a cannula comprising a distal portion connected to a proximal portion and a means for advancing a radionuclide brachytherapy source (RBS) toward the tip of the distal portion; a method of introducing radiation to the human eye comprising inserting a cannula between the Tenon's capsule and the sclera of the human eye and emitting the radiation from the cannula on an outer surface of said sclera. |
| US08430803B2 |
Method for solidifying and stabilizing waste acid
The present invention discloses a method for solidifying and stabilizing waste acid including steps of condensing waste acid containing phosphoric acid to reduce the volume; mixing the condensed waste acid with waste acid containing fluoroboric acid to solidify and stabilize the mixed waste acid. The pH of the mixed acid is adjusted by adding barium hydroxide as a neutralizer. The efficiency of solidifying waste acid can be improved by partially granulating and by adding solidifying agent indirectly. The method of the present invention can prevent intensely exothermic reaction caused by adding solidifying agents. Furthermore, the method of the present invention is controlled in a temperature of 30 to 45° C. to improve the polymerization of the mixed waste acid so that the efficiency of solidification thereof can be also improved. |
| US08430802B2 |
Press and method in particular for the pressure forming of paper containers
This invention concerns a press and a method in particular for the forming of finished articles, such as containers or trays of paper and starting from a moisturized sheet. The press comprises a bedplate (18) having a fixed die holder plane (19) holding a head (20) with a moving die-holder plane (21) movable with regards to the fixed plane between an opening and a closing position. A lower die (22) is attached to the fixed die holder plane, whereas an upper die (23) is attached to the moving die-holder plane. The moving die-holder plane is powered by an electric actuator (29) for the opening and closing movements and the half-dies are provided with heating means for the drying and hardening of the paper in a set closed position. The moving die-holder plane can be slowed down or stopped during its stroke to allow for the drying of the paper. |
| US08430791B2 |
Control device for vehicular power transmitting apparatus
It is provided a control device for a vehicular power transmitting apparatus provided with a transmission disposed in a power transmitting path between an electric motor and drive wheels, the control device switching a synchronizing control method of the transmission in a kickdown shifting performed in the transmission to either one of a rotation-synchronization control by a hydraulic pressure control of the transmission and a rotation-synchronization control by the electric motor, depending on an input torque applied to the transmission at the beginning of the shifting. |
| US08430786B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission including a single-pinion first planetary gearset having a first sun gear, a first ring gear and a first pinion carrier, a double-pinion second planetary gearset having a second sun gear, a second ring gear and a second pinion carrier, a single-pinion third planetary gearset having a third sun gear, a third ring gear and a third pinion carrier, an input shaft always connected to the first sun gear, an output shaft always connected to the first pinion carrier, the third sun gear always kept in a fixed state, the first ring gear and the second sun gear which are always connected to each other, the second and third ring gears which are always connected to each other, and six friction elements, at least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed being respectively established by simultaneous engagement of two friction elements selected from the six friction elements. |
| US08430785B2 |
Multistage transmission
A multi-stage transmission (1) comprising a housing (9), a drive shaft (AN), an output shaft (AB), four planetary gear sets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4) which each have first, second and third elements, at least eight rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), six shift elements which comprise three clutches (K1, K2, K3) and three brakes (B1, B2, B3). Selective engagement of the clutches and brakes results in different transmission ratios between the drive shaft (AN) and output shaft (AB) so that up to nine forward gears can be implemented. In the multi-stage transmission, the connections of the individual elements to each other are such that exactly three of the six shift elements transmit torque during each gear step. |
| US08430782B2 |
Power plant
A power plant which is capable of reducing the size and costs thereof and attaining high driving efficiency. In the power plant 1, the ratio between the number of first armature magnetic poles that form a first rotating magnetic field generated by a first stator 23 of a first rotating machine 21, the number of first magnetic poles 24a of a first rotor 24, and the number of first soft magnetic material elements 25a of a second rotor 25 disposed between the two 23 and 24 is set to 1:m:(1+m)/2 (m≠1.0), and the ratio between the number of second armature magnetic poles that form a second rotating magnetic field generated by a second stator 33 of a second rotating machine 31, the number of second magnetic poles 34a of a third rotor 34, and the number of second soft magnetic material elements 35a of a fourth rotor 35 disposed between the two 33 and 34 is set to 1:n:(1+n)/2 (n≠1.0). The two stators 23 and 33 are connected to each other. The first and fourth rotors 24 and 35 are connected to driven parts DW and DW, and the second and third rotors 25 and 34 are connected to an output portion 3a of a heat engine 3. |
| US08430781B2 |
Gear lash control member for a differential gear set and method of establishing gear lash
A differential gear set including a gear housing and a first planet gear rotatably mounted to the gear housing and includes a first end portion having a plurality of planet gear teeth. A second planet gear is rotatably mounted to the gear housing and includes a first end portion having a plurality of planet gear teeth. A side gear is rotatably mounted in the gear housing and includes a plurality of side gear teeth that mechanically engage with the plurality of planet gear teeth of the first planet gear and the plurality of planet gear teeth of the second planet gear. A gear lash control member is interposed between the first and second planet gears and the side gear. The gear lash control member maintains a desired gear lash of the plurality of planet gear teeth and to the plurality of side gear teeth. |
| US08430780B2 |
Support structure for differential
A support structure for a differential assembly comprising: a support ring having a peripheral wall extending between a first face and a second face, the support ring having a non-hollow center; a bore in the peripheral wall sized and shaped to receive a pinion shaft; and an aperture in the first face, the second aperture in fluid communication with the first aperture. |
| US08430776B2 |
Anti-rotation pin for a planetary gear utilizing a two-piece carrier
A planetary gear set includes a ring gear having an inner diametric surface that defines an inner ring gear portion. A carrier assembly is arranged within the inner ring gear portion. The carrier assembly includes a carrier member having a carrier member body including a planet gear support surface and at least one carrier plate support member that extends substantially perpendicularly from the planet gear support surface. The at least one carrier plate support member includes a carrier plate support element having an opening. At least one planet gear pin extends from a first end portion arranged at the planet gear support surface to a second end portion, and at least one anti-rotation pin extends from a first end section arranged at the planet gear support surface through the opening in the carrier plate support element to a second end section. |
| US08430774B2 |
Sandwich-molded part for transmission device
A sandwiched-molded part for a transmission apparatus has a slide rail body and a rail support body. A chain runs in slidable contact with the slide rail body. The molded part has a first resin forming a surface layer. The first resin has NYLON (66) as a main component. The melt viscosity of the first resin at a temperature of 300° C. is 500 Pa·s to 2000 Pa·s at a shear rate of 1000 s−1. A second resin forms a core layer of the molded part and has a bending strength higher than that of the first resin. The wall thickness of the surface layer of the sliding part of the slide rail body is 1.0 mm or more. |
| US08430772B1 |
Game table
A game table (12) includes a table top (14) constructed from four truncated triangular sections (24) and a center section (26). The table top is supported by an underlying frame (26) and table legs (18). A central landing zone (20) is defined on the table top by a perimeter boundary (80). The perimeter boundary is formed by netting, extending between corner posts (84). |
| US08430771B1 |
Sports event advertising display system
A netting apparatus adapted to display advertising content at a sporting event is disclosed. The netting apparatus comprises a first panel and a second panel. The first panel may comprise an open mesh netting, wherein the open mesh netting is adapted to safely stop a ball without significant obstruction of view through the open mesh netting. |
| US08430770B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring and/or analyzing swing information
In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided that includes a wireless device adapted to couple to a swinging object and to provide information indicative of a characteristic of the swinging object. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08430768B2 |
Color golf ball
The invention provides a colored golf ball comprising a core, a cover having a plurality of dimples formed on its surface, wherein the golf ball is two-piece structure consisting of a core and a cover, and the surface of the ball is coated with a coating comprising a pearlescent pigment. The ball satisfies the following conditions: (i) a color difference ΔE* between the core and the ball of at least 30; (ii) the core has a transparency which is up to 10% in terms of total transmittance and up to 1.0% in terms of parallel transmittance; (iii) the core has a lightness L* value, expressed in the L*a*b* color system based on JIS Z8729, of at least 82; (iv) the ball has a lightness L* value of at least 50; (v) the lightness L* value of the ball ≦the lightness L* value of the core; (vi) the cover has a thickness of from 0.1 to 2.1 mm, (vii) the cover has a transparency which is at least 50% in terms of total transmittance and at least 1.0% in terms of parallel transmittance; and (viii) the cover has a haze (H), mentioned in JIS K7105 (1981), of up to 98. The two-piece colored golf ball of the invention is a fluorescent ball which nonetheless retains a sense of transparency and has a high-quality feel, in addition to which it has a good weather resistance and is capable of preventing a change in color. |
| US08430767B2 |
Multi-layer cover golf ball having non-ionomeric intermediate cover layer
A golf ball includes a core and a cover disposed about the core. The cover includes a thermoplastic inner cover layer having a hardness between 55 Shore D and 60 Shore D, an outer cover layer having a hardness between 55 Shore D and 60 Shore D, and a non-ionomeric thermoplastic intermediate cover layer disposed between the inner and outer cover layer. The intermediate layer has a hardness greater than the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer. The inner cover is formed from a partially- or fully-neutralized ionomer, the intermediate layer from a non-ionomer, and the cover outer cover layer from a polyurea formed from the reaction product of a prepolymer comprising an isocyanate and an amine-terminated polytetramethylene ether glycol, and an amine-terminated curing agent. |
| US08430766B2 |
Golf club head
A golf club may include a front surface, a rear surface having a recess, and an insert at least partially disposed in the recess. The insert may comprise a durometer hardness of less than about 95 Shore A and a cavity having a reinforcement member disposed therein. Preferably, the durometer hardness of the reinforcement member is also less than about 95 Shore A. The insert may further comprise an anterior perimetric boundary having a first length and a posterior perimetric boundary having a second length. The ratio of the first length to the second length may be less than 1 and greater than 0.5. In one example, the insert may have a triangular front profile and a triangular side profile. |
| US08430764B2 |
Metal wood club
In one embodiment, a golf club head is presented having a sole with three recessed cavities for attachment to a hosel-bending tool. In another embodiment, a golf club head is presented having a sole that includes one predetermined contact area proximal to the toe edge of the sole. In another embodiment, a golf club head is presented having a sole in which pads of material are incorporated that may be milled to vary the relief of the sole and to modify mass characteristics of the club head. Yet another embodiment presents a golf club head having a body with a cavity to receive a cartridge that has a constant density and weight. |
| US08430761B2 |
Golf club head wear indicator
A golf club with a golf club head having a wear indicator is provided. The wear indicator may be located on the club head face, the hosel, the sole portion or the rear portion of the club head body. Also, multiple wear indicators may be provided on separate portions of the club head. Inserts may be used to provide a wear indicating portion. A coating may be provided to serve as a wear indicator. |
| US08430757B2 |
Constant-velocity joint with torque-combining differential
A constant-velocity drive system for an aircraft rotor has a gimbal mechanism and a differential torque-combining mechanism. The gimbal mechanism has gimbals driven in rotation by a rotor mast about a mast axis, the gimbals providing for gimballing relative to the mast about gimbal axes generally perpendicular to the mast axis. The differential torque-combining mechanism is connected to the gimbal mechanism and configured to be driven in rotation about the mast axis by the gimbal mechanism. The differential mechanism is capable of gimballing relative to the mast about the gimbal axes, the differential torque-combining mechanism having an output component attached to a yoke of the rotor for driving the yoke in rotation with the differential torque-combining mechanism. |
| US08430752B2 |
Methods and apparatus to meter video game play
Methods and apparatus to meter video game play are described. An example apparatus to meter video game play includes a tag to be attached to a video game controller, the tag having a sensor to detect a user interaction with the video game controller. The apparatus also includes a meter to receive information reflecting the user interaction. |
| US08430750B2 |
Video gaming device with image identification
A video gaming device includes a processing module, a graphics processing module, and a video gaming object interface module. The processing module interprets a digital image(s) of a player to determine an identity of the player. When the identity of the player is determined, the processing module retrieves a user profile and generates video gaming menu data in accordance with at least one data element of the user profile. The graphics processing module renders a display image based on the video gaming menu. The video gaming object interface module receives a wireless menu selection signal and converts it into a menu selection signal. |
| US08430748B2 |
Method and system for varying take-out on pari-mutuel wagers
In a method of pari-mutuel wagering, one or more primary bettors place wagers having an applicable base take-out rate, and thus yielding a base pari-mutuel payout for winning wagers. One or more secondary bettors may place wagers having an applicable modified take-out rate (preferably lower than the base take-out rate), thus yielding a higher payout for winning wagers than the base payout. In one embodiment, primary bettors may place wagers through a host, such as a track. Secondary bettors may place wagers through a non-host distributor, such as an off-track betting location (OTB). Secondary bettors may apply take-out points to lower the base take-out rate to a new modified take-out rate which is applicable to their wager. |
| US08430744B2 |
System and method for conducting a game including a computer-controlled player
A system and method for conducting a game between at least one live player and at least one computer-controlled player includes executing a training program between at least two agents to generate probability weights correlating actions or meta-actions representing a set or sequenced set of actions with a probability that the action or meta-action will produce a game outcome meeting a specified criterion or specified criteria. A game is conducted in which at least one live player plays against at least one computer-controlled player in which the computer-controlled player selects actions at one or more of the decision nodes in the game based, at least in part, on the probability weights. |
| US08430743B2 |
Wager games with restricted prizes
Wagering systems with a payout percentage that exceeds 100% of wagers are presented. The payouts of these wagering systems may include unrestricted credits and/or restricted credits. Players may cash out unrestricted credits at virtually any point, but may be limited in when and/or how they can cash out or play restricted credits. By providing payouts in the form of unrestricted credits and/or restricted credits, players may find their experience with the wagering systems to be more engaging, enjoyable, and longer-lasting. Moreover, the limitations on the use of restricted credits may allow the casino operator to maintain a reasonable profit margin despite the increased duration of play. |
| US08430736B2 |
Method and apparatus for gaming machines with a tournament play bonus feature
A gaming method and device includes a game, at least one non-qualifying outcome in the game, and at least one qualifying outcome in the game, wherein a player qualifies for a multi-player tournament to be held in the future when the player achieves the at least one qualifying outcome. |
| US08430724B2 |
Surface cleaning system and method
A surface cleaning system includes a retainer having a non-absorbing retaining surface and a surface cleaning compound retained at the retaining surface of the retainer and formed a cleaning surface overlapped thereat. The surface cleaning compound is a polymer having high density and high adhesive ability for removing imbedded contaminants from a working surface and grabbing the contaminants therefrom. The retainer is made of non-absorbing material that prevents lubricant and the surface cleaning compound being absorbed through the retainer. |
| US08430719B2 |
Polishing pad
To provide a polishing pad (14) useful for polishing semiconductor materials having a high hardness. The polishing pad (14) is used for polishing a workpiece (16) in combination with loose grains and comprises a polishing surface (15) comprising a textile of high-tenacity organic fibers, the fiber has a tenacity of not lower than 15 cN/dtex. In the textile, the high-tenacity organic fiber may have a single fiber fineness within the range between 0.3 dtex and 15 dtex, or a total fineness of within the range between 3 dtex and 3,000 dtex. The fiber may include, for example, a fully-aromatic polyester fiber. |
| US08430716B2 |
Polishing method and polishing apparatus
A polishing method can safely detach and lift up a workpiece from a polishing surface without carrying out the operation of making the workpiece overhang the polishing surface. The polishing method includes carrying out processing of a surface to be polished of a workpiece by supplying a liquid to a polishing surface while pressing the surface to be polished of the workpiece held by a holding device against the polishing surface and moving the workpiece and the polishing surface relative to each other, attracting the workpiece after the processing to the holding device while supplying the liquid to the polishing surface at a decreased flow rate, thereby detaching the workpiece from the polishing surface, and lifting up the holding device together with the workpiece on confirmation of detachment of the workpiece from the polishing surface and attachment of the workpiece to the holding device. |
| US08430711B2 |
Infant play gym
An infant play gym including a mat, a first arched structure extending over the mat, a second arched structure extending over the mat, and a motion module. The motion module includes a housing couplable to both the first arched structure and the second arched structure, a power source, and a motor positioned within the housing and powered by the power source, the motor operable to cause the first and second arched structures to move with respect to one another. |
| US08430704B2 |
Flotation device
A device which will act efficiently as a float for any article (e.g. keys, mobile telephone, wallet) attached thereto when dropped into water comprises an inflatable bag (14) of substantially waterproof and air impervious material, a container (12) of compressed gas, and trigger means (16,30,32) associated with the container (12) and operable upon immersion of the device in water to open the container (12) and allow gas from the container (14) to inflate the bag (14). The trigger means comprises a valve (16) mounted on the container (12) and connecting the container to the inflatable bag (14), retainer means (30) operative to hold the valve (16) in a closed condition, and water reactive means (32) which, upon contact with water, serves to release the retainer means (30) and allow the valve to open. The water reactive means may comprise a band of material (32), at least part of which is water reactive. |
| US08430703B2 |
Device for reducing the drive power requirement of a ship
A device for reducing the drive power requirement of a ship and even for not very quick ships of all types, in particular for slow, wide ships, such as tankers, bulkers and tugboats, and for improving the propeller blower stream as well as for producing a pretwist includes a front nozzle fixedly installed on the hull with fins or hydrofoils placed in the inner space thereof. |
| US08430700B2 |
Terminal connector and electric wire with terminal connector
An electric wire with a terminal connector includes an electric wire and a female terminal connector crimped onto a core wire exposed at the electric wire. A female terminal connector has a wire barrel having a surface to be applied to the core wire. The surface has a plurality of recesses formed therein. Each recess has an opening edge. The opening edge of the recess includes first opening edges that are parallel to each other. The first opening edges are arranged to overlap with each other in the extending direction of the electric wire so that the first opening edges are present over the entire length of all over the plurality of the recesses on the crimping portion in the extending direction of the electric wire. |
| US08430698B2 |
Electrical terminal with coil spring
An electrical terminal is operable to facilitate electrical connectivity between the terminal and an electrical connector. The electrical terminal may include a cap to facilitate positioning a conducting element, such as but not limited to a coil spring, within a receptacle used to connect to an electrically conducting connector. The conducting element may facilitate electrical connectivity between the inserted connector and the terminal. |
| US08430696B2 |
Connector having improved fitting properties
A connector includes: a terminal fitting which includes a wire connecting portion and an electric contact portion disposed coaxially with the wire connecting portion; a connector housing for fitting to a mating connector; a rear holder which is fitted at an end portion of the connector housing; a terminal accommodating chamber which is provided in the connector housing. The terminal accommodating chamber includes a first accommodating portion for accommodating the wire connecting portion, a second accommodating portion which is continuous with the first accommodating portion to accommodate the electric contact portion, and a stepped surface formed between the first and second accommodating portions. The connector also includes a flange portion which projects from an outer peripheral surface of the wire connecting portion so as to contact the stepped surface, and a sleeve member provided between the flange portion and the rear holder. |
| US08430691B2 |
Grounding structures for header and receptacle assemblies
A header assembly includes a header housing configured for mating with a receptacle assembly. The header housing has a base wall. Header signal contacts are coupled to the base wall. The header signal contacts are configured to be terminated to a circuit board. The header signal contacts are configured to be terminated to corresponding receptacle signal contacts of the receptacle assembly. Header shields are coupled to the base wall. The header shields at least partially surround, and provide electrical shielding for, corresponding header signal contacts. The header shields have walls and mating tabs that extend from corresponding walls. The mating tabs are configured to engage corresponding ground shields of the receptacle assembly. |
| US08430688B2 |
Connector assembly having deformable clamping surface
A connector comprising a connector body comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the body, a compression member comprising a first end, a second end, and an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the cap, the first end of the compression member being structured to engage the second end of the connector body, a clamp comprising a first end, a second end, an inner bore defined between the first and second ends of the clamp, wherein the clamp facilitates threadable insertion of a coaxial cable, and a compression surface disposed within the connector body, wherein axial advancement of the compression member facilitates the clamp being axially advanced into proximity with the compression surface such that the clamp and the compression surface transmit force between one another is provided. An associated method is also provided. |
| US08430683B2 |
Electronic apparatus equipped with connectors
An electronic apparatus includes a connector provided to a surface of a housing; and a guide part configured to guide a connection connector, which is to be connected to the connector, to a connecting position. The guide part includes a pair of width direction guide surfaces and a height direction guide surface. The width direction guide surfaces guide the connection connector to the connecting position with respect to a direction of width of the connector by sandwiching the connection connector therebetween in the direction of width. The height direction guide surface guides the connection connector to the connecting position with respect to a direction of height of the connector in a state where the connection connector is in contact with the height direction guide surface. |
| US08430675B2 |
Edge mount electrical connector
An electrical connector is provided including a coaxial connector sub-assembly having a stamped and formed outer contact. A dielectric insert is positioned within the outer contact. A center contact extends through the dielectric insert. A ground contact tab extends from the connector sub-assembly and is configured to ground to a substrate. The ground contact tab is configured for one of through-hole mounting or surface mounting to the substrate by selective bending of the ground contact tab. An interface housing receives the connector sub-assembly. A rear housing is coupled to the interface housing. The connector sub-assembly is captured between the interface housing and the rear housing. The rear housing is coupled to the substrate to secure the interface housing to the substrate. The rear housing is configured for one of through-hole mounting or surface mounting to the substrate. |
| US08430673B2 |
Taxidermy mannequin having interchangeable features
The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin having a mounting portion generally in the shape of an animal body, and a display portion generally in the shape of an animal head, wherein the mounting portion and display portion are secured together through a universal connection, thereby the taxidermist may choose different display portions to secure to the mount portion. The present invention further includes a plurality of selectively interchangeable features which are secured to the display portion. The features include a nose, a jaw, an eye, an ear liner, and a nictitating membrane. |
| US08430671B2 |
Good behavior motivation game for children and method of use
A game and method of play for motivating children to exhibit good behavior is disclosed. The game includes a game board, plural tickets, plural reward markers, and at least one bank. The board represents a store at which various real-world reward items may be acquired. Each token represents a predetermined value. The tokens are acquired in response to completing an assigned task or in response to taking an action exhibiting good behavior. The reward markers are arranged to be releasably secured to the board and represent a real-world reward that can be acquired by the child who accumulates a sufficient number of tickets equaling a redemption value of the reward marker. The bank is assigned to the child for receipt of acquired tokens and can be opened to remove the tokens for redemption so that the child may claim the real-world reward represented by the reward marker. |
| US08430669B2 |
Method for preparing an implant site and laterally inserting a dental implant
A method of positioning a dental implant in a jaw bone using a piezoelectric cutting tool is provided. Ultrasonic vibration is generated with the piezoelectric cutting tool. The piezoelectric cutting tool is translated in a lateral direction to form a first cut into the jaw bone and to form a second cut into the jaw bone. The second cut intersects the first cut to define a multi-slotted aperture in the jaw bone for receiving at least one dental implant. The dental implant is inserted in the multi-slotted aperture from the lateral direction. |
| US08430668B2 |
Dental restorative system and components
Disclosed within is a dental restorative system including a dental fixture component having a longitudinal axis, a body portion, and an emergence profile portion adjacent to the body portion. The dental fixture component also has a tapered coronal portion adjacent to the emergence profile portion, with the tapered coronal portion having one end adjacent to the emergence profile portion and a terminal end with a non-frustoconical surface and a non-circular cross section. The emergence profile portion may include one or more concave surfaces. The dental fixture component may further include an interproximally sloping margin shoulder. Certain embodiments of the dental fixture component include threaded body portions. Alternative embodiments of the dental fixture component are also disclosed. |
| US08430667B2 |
Reflected gingival tissue retractor device for surgical dental procedures, kit and method for use thereof
A gingival tissue retractor for retracting gingival tissue away from tooth and bone during a surgical procedure having an alveolar bone grip having an open frame structure positionable over at least one tooth and along a predetermined segment of an alveolar bone and providing an inward resilient force about opposite sides of the alveolar bone for maintaining position of the gingival retractor; a first gingival reflector having a solid plate structure and attached to a lower section of one side of the alveolar bone grip for providing a primarily downward force to gingival tissue on one side of the alveolar bone; and a second gingival reflector having a solid plate structure and attached to a lower section of another side of the alveolar bone grip for providing a primarily downward force to gingival tissue on another side of the alveolar bone. |
| US08430666B1 |
Low pressure heater control system
A low pressure heater control system. In some embodiments a control is in electrical communication with a sensor having a view of a combustion chamber. The control calculates an average sensor value over each of a plurality of brief sampling periods based on a plurality of readings from the sensor. In some embodiments a reference point that may be at least based in part on an average of a plurality of average optical sensor values from earlier brief sampling periods is calculated and compared against the average optical sensor value from a recent brief sampling period to monitor for an abrupt combustion change. In some embodiments a peak-to-peak optical sensor value is also calculated over each of a plurality of brief sampling periods. In some embodiments the type of fuel being combusted is recognized and/or the fuel level approximated based on measured average and/or peak-to-peak optical sensor values. |
| US08430665B2 |
Combustion systems and processes for burning fossil fuel with reduced nitrogen oxide emissions
Combustion systems having reduced nitrogen oxide emissions and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a combustion system is provided. The combustion system includes a combustion zone, which includes a burner for converting a fuel, under fuel rich conditions, to a flue gas. An intermediate staged air inlet is downstream from the combustion zone, for supplying intermediate staged air to the flue gas and producing fuel lean conditions. A reburn zone is downstream from the intermediate staged air inlet for receiving the flue gas. A process for using the combustion system and a method of reducing NOX flowing into the reburn zone of a combustion system are also described herein. |
| US08430661B2 |
Concrete block mold with moveable liner
A mold assembly mold having a mold cavity formed by a plurality of liner plates, wherein at least one of the liner plates is moveable toward and away from an interior of the mold cavity, and a heater element contacting and heating the moveable liner plate. |
| US08430660B2 |
Pressware forming apparatus, components therefore and methods of making pressware therefrom
The present invention provides an improved pressware forming apparatus. At least one of die pairs used in the apparatus can be narrowed in a cross-direction as compared to the cross-directional width of pressware forming tools used in prior an apparatus. The present invention allows addition of at least one additional die pair in the pressware forming tool when used in a standard sized pressware forming apparatus. The present invention also provides components for use in such apparatus and methods of making pressware from the apparatus herein. |
| US08430653B2 |
Motor compressor
A motor-compressor includes a compressor, an electric motor directly connected to the compressor, magnetic bearings and one gas support located adjacent to a magnetic bearing to seal and support an end of the compressor's rotor. The compressor and the electric motor are integrated in a single unit, being housed in a single box or casing. |
| US08430652B2 |
Blood pump apparatus
A blood pump apparatus comprises a housing, a centrifugal pump section including an impeller and rotating inside the housing to feed a fluid by a centrifugal force, an impeller rotational torque generation section for attracting thereto said impeller and rotating said impeller; and a plurality of grooves for hydrodynamic bearing provided on an inner surface of said housing at a side of said impeller rotational torque generation section, each of the grooves for hydrodynamic bearing having a first side and a second side both extending from a periphery of said portion in which a groove for hydrodynamic bearing is formed toward a central side thereof and opposed to each other, a third side connecting one end of said first side and one end of said second side to each other, and a fourth side connecting said other end of said first side and said other end of said second side to each other; said first side and said second side are formed as a circular arc respectively in such a way that centers of said circular arcs are different from each other. |
| US08430650B2 |
Reciprocative compressor
A swing-type reciprocative compressor is capable of maintaining long durability and preventing propagation of heat to the large end portion of a piston, even under high-compression. In the reciprocative compressor having a swing-type piston mechanism, a piston ring is attached to a piston ring groove to seal between a piston and a cylinder. A ring groove is provided separately from the piston ring groove on the outer circumferential side of the piston and on the crankshaft side of the piston ring groove. A guide ring restricted from moving in a radial direction and shaped like a skirt opening toward the crankshaft side is provided in the ring groove. |
| US08430644B2 |
Synthetic jet ejector for the thermal management of PCI cards
A method for constructing a thermal management system is provided herein. In accordance with the method, a fan (405) is provided which is adapted to provide a global flow of fluid through the device. A synthetic jet ejector (409) is also provided which is adapted to augment the global flow of fluid over the surfaces of a heat sink (403). The ratio of the flow per unit time of the synthetic jet ejector to the flow per unit time of the fan is selected so as to achieve a desired level of heat dissipation. |
| US08430640B2 |
Powder spray coating device and powder transport device therefor
A powder feed apparatus for a powder spraycoating equipment includes a dense phase powder pump fitted with at least two feed chambers, alternatingly discharging coating powder. Each feed chamber includes a powder intake valve to aspirate coating powder during a suction stage and one powder outlet valve to discharge coating powder during a discharge stage. Each feed chamber further includes control valves to operate the dense phase powder pump and a control unit controlling the dense phase powder pump by the control valves. A dependence mode of the total open time (ttotal) of the powder intake valves defines the dependence of the total open time (ttotal) on an adjustable nominal value (mp) adjusted by a powder adjusting element and relating to the rate of powder to be conveyed by the dense phase powder pump, and defining a response delay time (tdelay) and an apparatus constant (C). |
| US08430637B2 |
Semi-rigid wind blade
An airfoil 11 for attachment to a hub 13 of a windmill 15 or other turbomachine, the airfoil 11 comprises a leading rod 17 and a trailing rod 27, the leading rod 17 and trailing rod 27 preferably are flexible and able to deflect in a direction opposite to that of the direction of rotation, the leading rod 17 having a first end 19 and a second end 21, the first end 19 secured by a leading rod mount 23 of the hub 13 located at a leading mount location 25, the trailing rod 27 has a base end 29 and a tip end 31, the tip end 31 connected with the second end 21 of the leading rod 17, and the base end 29 secured by a trailing rod mount 33 of the hub 13 located at a trailing mount location 35, and fabric sleeve 37 is stretched over the leading rod 17 and the trailing rod 27; the aerodynamic characteristics of each airfoil are configurable by modifying the orientation of the position/alignment of the leading red 17 relative to the trailing rod 27; and the invention including an assembly of airfoils attached to a hub 13, and a method of harnessing energy using the airfoil 11 of the invention. |
| US08430636B2 |
Wind turbine rotor assembly
A rotor assembly for a wind turbine including at least one blade adapted to automatically adjust its shape as a function of rotational speed to create an efficient fluid dynamic profile over a wide range of wind conditions and rotational speeds. The rotor assembly includes at least one blade configured to respond to rotation induced forces to automatically bend in a manner to optimize its wind profile. |
| US08430635B2 |
Mounting apparatus for fan
A mounting apparatus for mounting a system fan and an exterior fan to a chassis includes a mounting bracket and a plurality of connecting members. The mounting bracket includes a rectangular hollow frame and x-shaped spoke fixed in the rectangular hollow frame. Each of the connecting members includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion extending from an end of the first connecting portion. The system fan is secured to the chassis by the first connecting portion each running through the mounting bracket, the chassis, and the system fan. The exterior fan is secured to the chassis by fastening means each running through the exterior fan and one second connecting portion of the connecting members. |
| US08430631B2 |
Wind turbine blade with lightning receptor and method for protecting the surface of a wind turbine blade
A wind turbine blade has at least one lightning receptor, wherein at least part of a surface of the wind turbine blade close to the lightning receptor is covered by a protective layer having electrical and thermal insulating material. Moreover, a method for protecting the surface of a wind turbine blade close to a lightning protector against temperature increase resulting from lightning impact is disclosed. At least part of the surface of the wind turbine blade is covered with a protective layer having electrical and thermal insulating material. |
| US08430628B2 |
Pressure balanced low-friction seal
A pressure balance seal includes a sealing surface facing an inward radial direction, and a stator interface comprising at least one surface interfacing with a stator. The pressure balance seal further includes a friction reducing feature. The friction reducing feature includes a cavity on the sealing surface. The cavity is configured to receive a fluid such that a normal force acting on the pressure balance seal is counterbalanced by a force generated by a pressure of the fluid. |
| US08430627B2 |
Gas turbine exhaust strut refurbishment
A gas turbine exhaust strut installed in an exhaust case of a gas turbine is disclosed which includes a trailing portion configured with an inner surface for mounting to an inner annular member of the exhaust case and an outer surface for mounting to an outer annular member of the exhaust case, a block attached to the trailing portion, an angled piece attached to the block and configured with a surface on a pressure side of the strut angled with respect to a surface of the trailing portion on the pressure side of the strut, and a transition piece attached to the block and configured with a surface on the pressure side of the strut for smoothing the transition between the height of the block on the pressure side of the strut and the height of the trailing portion on the pressure side of the strut. A method of refurbishing an exhaust strut installed in an exhaust case of gas turbine while retaining at least a portion of the strut in the exhaust case is also disclosed. An exemplary method includes removing a leading edge portion from a trailing portion of the strut, and attaching a replacement leading edge portion to the trailing portion of the strut. |
| US08430623B2 |
Blade
A fan blade for a gas turbine engine has an aerofoil part and a root part. The root part includes a root former; the root former 18 includes a zone of weakness, which reduces the ability of the root part to withstand an impact force. Thus, in an impact situation in which the fan blade has separated from the fan rotor and the fan blade has itself separated into fragments, the root part will fracture or buckle more easily than would be the case with conventional arrangements. This will lower the impact force of the root part upon the fan casing, thus permitting the fan casing to be designed to withstand lower impact forces. The fan casing can therefore be made lighter, and cheaper, than in conventional arrangements. |
| US08430622B2 |
Turbofan gas turbine engine
In a turbofan gas turbine engine, a fan shaft is rotatably mounted and radially supported by a bearing in a bearing support structure supported from a fixed engine structure by radially frangible bolts and radially extending spokes. The radially inner ends of the radially extending spokes are mounted on a common member that engages the bearing support structure. The radially outer ends of the radially extending spokes are mounted on a fixed engine structure located radially outwardly of the bearing support structure. The radially extending spokes are held in tension and include a super elastic material to exert a radially inward restoring force on the bearing support structure, subsequent to any radial excursion of at least part of the fan shaft relative to an engine rotational axis (X) following any fracture of the frangible bolts. |
| US08430621B2 |
Control of a boom construction and a tool articulated thereto
A method for controlling a boom construction and a tool articulated thereto, the boom construction comprising a first boom and a first actuator controlling the same, a second boom articulated to the first boom, and a second actuator controlling the same, as well as a third actuator controlling the position of the tool, wherein in the method: the first actuator is controlled manually; and/or the second actuator is controlled manually and the third actuator is also controlled at the same time automatically to control the position of the tool. For example, the first actuator is controlled by use of a first set point; and/or the second actuator is controlled by use of a second set point; and in addition, the third actuator is controlled simultaneously by using for the control a variable dependent on at least one of said set points. For example, the control system of the boom construction and the tool articulated thereto comprises a control algorithm, which has been configured to determine the variable which is dependent on at least one of the set points. |
| US08430620B1 |
Dedicated hot and cold end effectors for improved throughput
Methods, systems and apparatuses for high throughput substrate transfer are provided. According to various embodiments, the methods and systems described use robots having dedicated end effectors for hot and cold wafers or other substrates). Throughput is increased by optimizing the transfer of both the hot and the cold wafers. Also described are wafer transfer apparatuses having end effectors configured for supporting either hot or cold wafers. In certain embodiments, dual arm robots having dedicated hot and cold wafer arms are provided. Also provided are methods of transferring substrates that to improve overall throughput. The methods involve transferring hot and cold substrates at different accelerations. |
| US08430615B2 |
Securing structure with urged fastener
An exemplary securing structure includes a base, a fastener, and a spring mounted around the fastener. The base defines a securing hole, and two slots located aside the securing hole and communicating with the securing hole. The fastener includes a head, a bolt extending downwardly from the head, and two blocks extending outwardly from an outer periphery of the bolt corresponding to the slots. The bolt is extendable through the securing hole together with the blocks extending through the slots, respectively. The fastener is then rotatable to a position such that the blocks abuts a bottom side of the base. The spring is resiliently compressed between the head of the fastener and a top side of the base. |
| US08430612B1 |
Vehicle tie-down system
A vehicle tie-down system for securing an ATV or similar vehicle to the bed of a truck or trailer includes a pair of spaced apart rails secured to the truck bed. First and second chocks are detachably secured between the rails and are positioned to provide a cradle for receiving the ATV wheel or tire. A flexible strap having a metal hook at one end is attached to a first chock and extended about the periphery of the tire and threaded through a rotatable cross-member in a second chock. The flexible web is wound upon the rotatable cross-member and locked in a tensioned position with a ratchet and pawl locking mechanism. |
| US08430610B2 |
Fluttering prevention device for working machine
Chattering suppression apparatus (10) comprises multiple bolt members (24a through 24d) for mounting boring bar (20) in the spindle (18). Inside the main body configuring bolt members (24a through 24d), a damper chamber (34) is formed and, inside the damper chamber (34), a friction damper section (36) that suppresses the vibration energy that can cause chatters during machining operation of workpiece W, through sliding friction, is housed in the movable state. |
| US08430607B2 |
Cutting insert with recessed insert supporting surface, and cutting tool
A cutting insert includes a first chip surface, a second surface on an opposite side of the insert from the first chip surface, and a side surface extending between the first chip surface and the second surface, at least part of one first cutting edge being defined by an intersection of the side surface with the first chip surface. The side surface includes at least one recess, the recess including an insert supporting surface for supporting the insert relative to a protruding abutment surface on a toolholder and a flat auxiliary insert supporting surface for supporting the insert relative to a non-protruding, flat abutment surface. A cutting tool is also provided. |
| US08430606B2 |
Cutting insert and rotary cutting tool
An indexable cutting insert has first and second side surfaces and a peripheral surface extending therebetween. The peripheral surface has identical peripheral faces, each divided into two identical first and second cutting sections. Each cutting section has a first cutting edge, a second cutting edge, a corner cutting edge which extends between the first and second cutting edges and a rake surface having a planar rake surface flat forming an engagement surface. The rake surface meets the first side surface at the first cutting edge. The rake surface flat meets the second side surface at a rake surface open edge. On each peripheral face, the two cutting sections are non-coplanar. Each two rake surface flats associated with first cutting sections converge in a direction along an insert axis and the cutting edges are raised above the rake surface flat. |
| US08430602B2 |
System for increased floatation and stability on tension leg platform by extended buoyant pontoons
The disclosure provides a tension leg platform (“TLP”) with a plurality of buoyant pontoons suitable for highly disturbed seas that can expand the stability of the tension leg platform by extending at least one buoyant pontoon beyond an intersection of two pontoons. In at least one embodiment, the location of the column can be decoupled from the customary end of the pontoon. The tendons can be located at the ends of the pontoons extending beyond the intersection. In some embodiments, such as four-column TLPs, the pontoons can be extended orthogonally relative to an adjacent pontoon. The extending pontoon increases a buoyancy of the pontoon, increases a pitch stability of the TLP, and increases quayside stability. The extended pontoon can be structurally intersected with the adjacent pontoon to strengthen the extended pontoon and reduce the failure mode of such structure. |
| US08430598B2 |
Method of remediating cyanide-contaminated soil
Provided is a method of remediating cyanide-contaminated soil. The method is provided to remediate soil contaminated with cyanide and treat the cyanide, which includes collecting the soil contaminated with first cyanide in a solid state and second cyanide in a gaseous or dissolved state, dissociating cyanide by mixing the soil with an alkali washing solution, dissolving the first cyanide in a solid state in the washing solution, and transferring the second cyanide in a dissolved state dissociated from the soil to the washing solution, dissociating the soil from the washing solution, precipitating the first cyanide in a solid state by acidifying the washing solution containing the cyanide, and performing post-treatment on the first cyanide after the first cyanide precipitated in a solid state is dissociated from the washing solution. |
| US08430597B2 |
Reconfigurable obstacle system for a river channel
Disclosed is a reconfigurable obstacle system for a river channel in a river park. Each obstacle assembly includes a plurality of obstacles. Obstacles may include a hollow structural box, a strut channel frame and a plurality of connectors that cooperate to divert water when installed in a river channel. A plurality of connectors pass through the hollow structural box when holding the obstacle in position. The obstacle assemblies can be reconfigured as desired, e.g. increase amplitude of a wave, speed up water flow, change depth, etc. |
| US08430595B2 |
Low friction safety system for a personal vehicle guideway
In a vehicle guideway having a vehicle track, a guidance system is provided comprising one or more guide curbs installed along a length of the guideway, and a low-friction coating or coatings presented by the curbs, a vehicle's tires, or both, the coating or coatings reducing friction and wear in the event of contact between the tires and the one or more guide curbs. |
| US08430593B2 |
Two-member connection structure for working machine
A two-member connection structure is provided with a boom to be arranged on a hydraulic excavator, an arm arranged inboard the boom, outboard bushings and inboard bushings press-fit in pin holes of the boom and arm, respectively. A connector pin is inserted in holes of the outboard bushings and holes of the inboard bushings to connect the boom and arm as two members for relative pivotal movement. Flange portions are integrally arranged on opposite end portions of the connector pin, respectively, to restrict slip-out of the connector pin. The connector pin is arranged rotatably relative to both of the outboard bushings and the inboard bushings, and the flange portions are arranged slidably relative to outboard end faces of the corresponding outboard bushings without being prevented from rotation relative to the boom. |
| US08430586B2 |
Printing apparatus and control method of printing apparatus
A disabled state in which sheets cannot be discharged at a discharge unit while printing is detected. Upon detecting the disabled state, printing is continued at a printing unit, and a sheet printed upon is evacuated to a storage unit without cutting into a plurality of cut sheets at a cutter unit. After the disabled state is resolved, the sheet which has been evacuated to the storage unit is sent to the cutter unit so as to be cut into the cut sheets, and discharged at the discharge unit. |
| US08430585B2 |
Print bar lift and method
In one embodiment, an assembly includes: a print bar; first and second guide rods oriented parallel to one another; a first bracket slidable along the first guide rod and connected loosely to one end of the print bar; and a second bracket slidable along the second guide rod and connected loosely to the other end of the print bar. In another embodiment, a method includes: directly constraining a print bar in Z and theta Y at a first connection; indirectly constraining the print bar in theta Y at a second connection; and neutralizing the theta Y constraint at the second connection through a third connection between the first connection and the second connection. |
| US08430581B2 |
Camera lens assembly and adaptation set
A camera lens assembly includes a focusing mount having a receiving lug and optical elements, which are arranged in the focusing mount, and define an optical axis. An adapter ring has a first planar surface and a second planar surface which are parallel to each other. The first planar surface is in contact engagement against a camera-side contact surface of the focus mount and the second planar surface is in contact with a lens-side contact surface of a lens mount. The lens mount has a tubular-shaped lens mount socket and lens mount attachment elements which are configured to coact with the camera mount attachment elements of a camera. |
| US08430578B1 |
Separation of main and secondary inertial measurements for improved line of sight error of an imaging vehicle's isolated detector assembly
The 6-axis position and attitude of an imaging vehicle's detector assembly is measured by mounting the detector assembly on a compliant isolator and separating the main 6-axis IMU on the vehicle from secondary inertial rate sensors on the detector assembly. The compliant isolator couples low-frequency rigid body motion of the vehicle below a resonant frequency to the isolated detector assembly while isolating the detector assembly from high-frequency attitude noise above the resonant frequency. The secondary inertial rate sensors measure the angular rate of change in yaw and pitch of the isolated detector assembly. A computer processes measurements of the 6-axis rigid body motion and the angular rate of change in yaw and pitch of the isolated detector assembly to estimate the 6-axis position and attitude of the detector assembly. |
| US08430570B2 |
Method for producing a bearing
The invention relates to a method for producing and/or assembling a bearing with a bearing bore, a journal which is located in the bearing bore and at least two bearing shells which at least partially encompass the journal in the bearing bore, there being a number n of tolerance classes. Here the bearing class width C1 for the bearing bore and/or the journal should obey a relation C1=T1=t2=T3= . . . =tn/Tn, and another bearing class width C2 for at least the first of the bearing shells and/or at least one other of the bearing shells should follow the relation C2=t1=T2=t3= . . . =Tn, Ti (with i=1, . . . , n) being tolerance range values of the bearing bore and/or of the journal and ti (with i=1, . . . , n) being tolerance range values of at least one first and/or of at least one other bearing shell and that the bearing bore is assigned to one bearing shell and/or the journal is assigned to the other bearing shell such that there is the same bearing classification with C1=C2 and/or an unlike bearing classification with C1 |
| US08430568B2 |
Linear motion device with partially supported rolling surface part
A linear motion device has a first assembly and a second assembly, at least one first rolling surface that extends in a longitudinal direction and provided on the first assembly, the first rolling surface being located opposite a second rolling surface which is provided on the second assembly, a row of rolling elements that circulate endlessly in the first assembly is located between the first and second rolling surfaces, and at least one central longitudinal section of the first rolling surface is designed such that the rolling elements are at least partially relieved of the load. The first rolling surface is provided on a separate first rolling surface part in the form of a profiled element having a substantially constant cross-sectional shape, the first rolling surface part is situated in a central longitudinal section at a distance from a first body of the first assembly, and is supported on the first body on both sides in the longitudinal direction next to the central longitudinal section. |
| US08430566B2 |
Side-gusseted bag and method for manufacturing same
A side-gusseted bag has two front walls which are joined by a side gusset at a longitudinal side provided with a reclosure. The side gusset is folded-over outwards in the region of the reclosure in such a manner that the side gusset ends at its folded-over section at the associated longitudinal side. The reclosure running in the longitudinal direction is fastened to an inner surface of the side gusset at the folded-over section. A method for manufacturing a side-gusseted bag is also provided. |
| US08430564B2 |
Sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices and methods for using such devices
Systems and methods for making and using sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices are described. In such systems and methods, each C-arm positioning device includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail, a linear bearing block, and a counterbalance mechanism. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which, in turn, is slidably coupled to the bearing rail to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail. The counterbalance mechanism can apply a force to the bearing block to counterbalance the weight of the C-arm and the bearing block. Thus, the described C-arm positioning device can allow a user to easily raise or lower the C-arm with relatively little effort. While some implementations of the C-arm positioning device are connected to mobile support structure, other implementations of the C-arm positioning device are mounted to a fixed support structure. Other implementations are also described. |
| US08430563B2 |
Dental fluoroscopic imaging system
The dental fluoroscopic imaging system includes a flat panel detector comprised by a gamma-rays or x-rays converter, a plate, a collector, a processing unit and a transmitter suitable for 2D intraoral/extraoral and 3D extraoral dental fluoroscopy. The x-ray converter contains a material capable of transforming the low dose gamma rays or x-rays beam received from an emitter after going through the dental examination area into electrical signals or a light image consequent with the radiographed image. The plate transmits the electric signals or light image to a collector which amplifies it and sends it to a processing unit and then to transmitter designed to transfer digital images sequentially to a host computer and software which can acquire, process, transform, record, freeze and enhance 2D and 3D images of video frame rates. Two dimensional images are obtained while using a C-arm/U-arm configuration while 3D images are obtained while using the O-arm configuration. |
| US08430561B2 |
Non-contact thermometer
The present invention is drawn to a non-contact thermometer that is operable to emit a first light having a first color to create a spot of a first color at a reference target and to detect the temperature of the reference target. The non-contact thermometer is additionally operable to establish a temperature difference threshold. In use, once a temperature difference threshold is selected and once the temperature of the reference target is detected, the non-contact thermometer may detect a temperature of another target. Further, if the detected temperature of the other target is outside of the temperature difference threshold as compared to the temperature of the reference target, the non-contact thermometer is operable to emit a second light having a second color to create a spot of a second color at the other target. |
| US08430560B2 |
Freezing detection method for fuel cell
In a method for detecting the freezing of water within a fuel cell, precise detection can be performed using a phenomenon specific to the time when water starts to freeze to allow a reduction in erroneous activation. Detection at an early stage after the start of freezing is allowed, and hence measures can be taken against an output reduction before the water within the fuel cell completely freezes. |
| US08430554B2 |
Support unit, lighting device, and display device
A lamp clip (LC) includes a support pin (SP) making contact with and supporting an optical sheet such as a diffusion plate (46), and also includes ribs (RB) rising from the outer periphery of the support pin (SP) and reinforcing the support pin (SP). |
| US08430552B2 |
Light guiding plate with curved reflecting microstructures
The main body of the main unit has a light-receiving surface, a light-reflecting surface, and a light-projecting surface. The reflecting unit includes a plurality of reflecting microstructures formed on the light-reflecting surface. Each reflecting microstructure has a first reflecting curved surface, and the first reflecting curved surface of each reflecting microstructure has a first reflecting curved line shown on the lateral surface thereof. The first reflecting curved line of each first reflecting curved surface is substantially composed of a first base point as an initial point on the first bottom portion of the light-reflecting surface, a second base point as an end point on the second bottom portion of the light-reflecting surface, and a first curve track connected from the first base point to the second base point and passing through a plurality of first trajectory points. |
| US08430550B2 |
Backlight module
An exemplary backlight module includes a light guiding plate, a light source, and a light guiding bar. The light guiding plate includes a light incident surface and a light emitting surface. The light guiding bar includes a light incident surface and a light emitting surface. The light incident surface of the light guiding bar faces the light source. The light source is configured for emitting light along a lengthwise direction of the light guiding bar. The light emitting surface of the light guiding bar is opposite to the light incident surface of the light guiding plate. The light emitting surface of the light guiding bar has a larger length than that of the light incident surface of the light guiding plate. Thus two opposite end portions of the light emitting surface of the light guiding bar is offset across from the light incident surface of the light guiding plate. |
| US08430549B2 |
Extraction of light from a light conducting medium in a preferred emanation pattern
An apparatus and method for extraction of light from a light conducting medium in a preferred emanation pattern are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first light conducting sheet including aspherical particles, and a light source placed along the edge of the first sheet. The first sheet diffuses light generated by the light source such that light emanates in a predetermined light emanation pattern. |
| US08430546B2 |
Dustproof lens and its module for LED road lamp
A dustproof lens for an LED road lamp has an incident surface and an exit surface. The exit surface is flat. The incident surface is saddle-shaped and has a section in a shape of a concave curve along a road direction and in a shape of a convex curve vertically to the road direction. A lens module thereof has the dustproof lenses jointed with each other and has an integrally flat exit plane. The dustproof lens and its module, while meeting requirements in distributing lights for road lighting, adopt a flat surface for emitting lights, in such a manner that the lens is protected from dusts piled up thereon, can be cleaned simply, and is better fit for using. By accomplishing modularization of the lens module in production and assembly, a productive efficiency of lamps is greatly improved. |
| US08430538B2 |
LED device for wide beam generation and method of making the same
A predetermined illuminated surface pattern is generated from a predetermined energy distribution pattern of an LED light source within an LED package having a light transmitting dome. An estimated optical transfer function of a lens shape of an optic is defined by the shape of an exterior and inner surface which envelopes at least in part the light transmitting dome of the LED package. An energy distribution pattern is obtained by combination of the estimated optical transfer function and the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. A projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is determined. The projection is compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern. The estimated optical transfer function is illuminated surface pattern. |
| US08430536B1 |
LED lighting system including TIR optic
Provided is a specially designed high efficiency optic utilizing Total Internal Reflection (TIR) that collimates light from a typical LED or similar light source. In certain example embodiments the light emitted from a single TIR optic is directed into any of a plurality of interchangeable high-efficiency reflectors that further direct and shape the light beam according to the interaction between the TIR optic and the geometries of the various reflectors. These features work together to efficiently provide a high-quality, substantially-collimated, narrow light beam with high luminous intensity, minimal glare and little to no striations, excellent color rendering, and symmetrical, smooth transitions from beam center to outer edge. |
| US08430532B2 |
LED lamp having a heat-dispersing unit
An LED lamp includes a lamp seat and a light assembly. The lamp seat includes a heat-dispersing unit having a plurality of tubular members extending in a horizontal direction and disposed in a side-by-side manner. Each of the tubular members defines a tubular space. The light assembly includes a light module having an LED element. The light module is mounted directly or indirectly on the tubular members of the heat-dispersing unit. |
| US08430529B2 |
Folding worklight with attachment mechanism
An LED worklight includes a center core and a first panel and a second panel coupled to the center core. The first panel includes a first LED die package disposed within a first opening formed within the first panel and a first lens disposed over the first LED die package. The second panel includes features similar to the first panel. The second panel is rotatable around the center core from a zero degree closed orientation to about a 359 degree orientation, and is positionable at any intermediate angle therebetween. The first and second panels each include an attachment mechanism having an elastic band with a hook attached thereto. The attachment mechanisms are used to attach or hang the worklight to or around one or more objects. The attachment mechanisms are stored in the worklight such that the attachment mechanisms do not interfere with its operation when not in use. |
| US08430526B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing a uniform irradiance distribution from an array of light emitting diodes
An apparatus and method for producing a spatially uniform irradiance in an image plane are provided. The apparatus includes an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which generate light (i.e., an image). The apparatus combines the outputs of an array of the LEDs in such a way as to produce a spatially uniform irradiance in an image plane some distance away. The apparatus includes an array of lenslets to form images of the emitting areas of the individual LEDs. The lenslets have a magnification, size and spacing such that the images produced by the respective LEDs are adjacent to one another and not overlapping. The irradiance distribution in the image plane is equivalent to an image of an LED whose emitting area is equal to the total area of the LED array, and whose total power is equal to the total power of the LEDs in the LED array. |
| US08430523B1 |
Asymmetrical optical system
An asymmetrical optical assembly employs reflecting surfaces and a lens to combine the light from a plurality of LED lamps into an illumination pattern useful in a floodlight or work light. The reflecting surfaces and lens optical element are not symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the optical assembly and including the optical axes of the LED light sources. Some light from the LED light sources is redirected from its emitted trajectory into the desired illumination pattern, while a significant portion of the light from the LED light sources is permitted to exit the optical assembly without redirection. Minimizing the number of optical elements employed and the redirection of light enhances the efficiency of the resulting light assembly. |
| US08430519B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A lighting device 12 includes at least one point light source 17, an optical member 15a provided on a light output side of the lighting device 12 from the point light source 17. The optical member 15a is formed of a member having a substantially uniform light reflectance. A first light reflecting portion 31 is formed on a portion of the optical member 15a that overlaps the point light source 17, and the first light reflecting portion 31 reflects light from the point light source 17. A second light reflecting portion 30a, 23 is provided to reflect the light that is reflected by the first light reflecting portion 31 to be directed to the first light reflecting portion 31. |
| US08430515B2 |
Systems and methods for projecting
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection. |
| US08430512B2 |
Photonjet scanner projector
An image projection device for displaying an image onto a remote surface. The image projection device employs a scanner to project image beams of visible light and tracer beams of light onto a remote surface to form a display of the image. The device also employs a light detector to sense at least the reflections of light from the tracer beam pulses incident on the remote surface. The device employs the sensed tracer beam light pulses to predict the trajectory of subsequent image beam light pulses and tracer beam light pulses that form a display of the image on the remote surface in a pseudo random pattern. The trajectory of the projected image beam light pulses can be predicted so that the image is displayed from a point of view that can be selected by, or automatically adjusted for, a viewer of the displayed image. |
| US08430510B2 |
Noise reduction device, electro-oculography measuring device, ophthalmological diagnosis device, eye-gaze tracking device, wearable camera, head-mounted display, electronic eyeglasses, noise reduction method, and recording medium
A noise reduction device includes: a saccade information obtaining unit that obtains saccade information from an electro-oculography original signal that indicates an electro-oculogram resulting from an eye movement of a user, the saccade information relating to a saccadic movement which is a rapid eyeball movement; a control unit that determines a filter property for reducing noise included in the electro-oculography original signal, on the basis of the saccade information obtained by the saccade information obtaining unit; and a filtering unit that reduces the noise included in the electro-oculography original signal using the filter property determined by the control unit, to output an electro-oculography signal. |
| US08430508B2 |
Single microstructure lens, systems and methods
Systems and methods for providing enhanced image quality across a wide and extended range of foci encompass vision treatment techniques and ophthalmic lenses such as contact lenses and intraocular lenses (IOLs). Exemplary IOL optics can include a circular surface structure which acts as a diffractive or phase shifting profile. In some cases, a single ring IOL includes an anterior face and a posterior face, where a profile can be imposed on the anterior or posterior surface or face. The profile can have an inner portion such as a microstructure or central echelette, and an outer portion. Between the inner portion and the outer portion, there may be a transition zone that connects the inner and outer portions. |
| US08430504B2 |
Printer opening and closing mechanism which prevents interference of the platen and the inkjet head
A roll paper printer enables opening the cover and platen using a 4-part parallel linkage mechanism without interfering with the inkjet head. The cover unit for the roll paper compartment of the roll paper printer opens and closes by means of the parallel linkage mechanism. The back end part of the platen frame part of this linkage mechanism is connected to the top end part of the rear parallel links and so that the platen frame can move down. |
| US08430496B2 |
Ink, ink cartridge, and ink jet recording method
An ink contains a plurality of pigments and a plurality of polymers. The plurality of pigments include C.I. pigment yellow 4 and C.I. pigment yellow 128. The plurality of polymers include a polymer A and a polymer B. The C.I. pigment yellow 74 is dispersed by the polymer A. The C.I. pigment yellow 128 is dispersed by the polymer B. A hydrogen bond parameter YA of a unit having the smallest hydrogen bond parameter of the constitutional units of the polymer A and a hydrogen bond parameter YB of a unit having the smallest hydrogen bond parameter of the constitutional units of the polymer B satisfy the relationship of YA |
| US08430491B2 |
Printer apparatus with ink incorporating structural color
A method of dynamically controlling a perceived ink color printed on a substrate can include mixing selected amounts of each of a polystyrene nano-sphere dopant component and a nano-particle dopant component with a clear fluid carrier component, the mixed components configured in real time to define an ink structure having a predetermined wavelength. The method can further include imaging the substrate by ejecting the mixed components onto the substrate, the perceived color of the imaged substrate corresponding to a reflected wavelength of the ink structure. In embodiments, each of the carrier and dopant components can be in a powder form suitable for fuser type imaging devices. |
| US08430489B2 |
Method and apparatus for melt cessation to limit ink flow and ink stick deformation
A system controls application of heat with a melt plate to an ink stick in a solid ink imaging device. The system includes a melt plate, a heater configured to heat the melt plate to a temperature sufficient to melt solid ink, a feed channel configured to direct solid ink sticks towards the melt plate to enable a leading edge of a solid ink stick to be melted by the heated melt plate, and a controller configured to separate the heater and the leading edge of the ink stick by a distance that arrest melting of the ink stick. |
| US08430488B2 |
Automatic vacuum ink container and its ink supply device and vacuum piston device
An automatic vacuum ink container and its ink supply valve device and vacuum piston device. The ink container comprises a container cylinder, an ink supply valve mounted at one end of the container cylinder for opening and closing the passage of the ink, and a vacuum piston, mounted at the other end of the container cylinder and provided with more than one exhaust hole, for exhausting air when packaging ink and for pushing ink toward the ink supply valve when supplying ink. The ink supply valve comprises a valve lid and a valve sleeve; the valve lid can be pushed by ink to move forward to form a space for dispensing ink; two sloping sealing faces are provided respectively around the top of the valve sleeve and on the inner wall of the top of the valve lid. The exhaust pores are set through the vacuum piston longitudinally. |
| US08430483B2 |
Liquid discharge device and manufacturing method thereof
A bump is disposed on a surface of an actuator unit and communicated with a corresponding electrode of the actuator unit, and a part of the bump is extended through an insulating covering material to be electrically connected to a corresponding terminal of a wiring board. When a point which is positioned on an outer circumferential surface of a base end portion of the bump, and is closest to a drive part is assumed to be a closest point, and a point which is positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion of the bump, and is most distant from the drive part is assumed to be a most distant point, a close region including the closest point is processed such that the uncured insulating covering material is less likely to flow in the close region than in a distant region including the most distant point. |
| US08430479B2 |
Liquid droplet jetting apparatus
A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes a liquid droplet jetting head which has a liquid droplet jetting surface provided with a plurality of nozzles opening thereon in order to jet liquid droplets of a liquid; a cap member which has a size to cover the openings of the nozzles of the liquid droplet jetting head and which is formed with a suction port; a moving mechanism which moves the cap member to make contact/separation with respect to the liquid droplet jetting surface; a purge mechanism which is connected to the suction port of the cap member and which performs purge to discharge the liquid from the nozzles in a state in which the cap member is brought in contact with the liquid droplet jetting surface; and a controller which controls the liquid droplet jetting head, the moving mechanism, and the purge mechanism. |
| US08430478B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus
An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a rubber member in an ink flow passage. The rubber member is made of a rubber composition including a rubber base polymer selected from ethylene-propylene diene rubber polymer and isobutylene-isoprene rubber polymer, and at least one trapping agent selected from calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, talc, and clay. The trapping agent is effective for absorb-trapping various types of additives that may be present in the rubber member. The additives in the rubber are thereby held in the rubber structure and prevented from being eluted into the water-based ink or the preservative solution, which can lead to clogging of ink nozzles and the like. |
| US08430472B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
In a 2M-pass printing operation that forms dots including overlapping dots, this invention makes an arrangement to ensure that the number of overlapping dots that are printed in a unit area in pairs of passes each straddling a print medium convey operation executed between an Mth pass and an (M+1)st pass is greater than the number of overlapping dots that are printed in pairs of passes straddling any other convey operation. This arrangement can cause two dots of the overlapping dots to be separated from each other in the event of a print position misalignment, preventing a possible density fall even in a unit area where the largest density reduction is feared to occur at time of the print position misalignment. |
| US08430471B2 |
Printing head alignment adjustment
A method for automated alignment adjustment of a printing head includes determining a current drop velocity for the printing head based on a cumulative amount of ink that was dispensed by the printing head. An alignment adjustment on the printing head is performed to compensate for a change in the drop velocity based on the current drop velocity. A computer readable medium containing executable instructions and a system are also described. |
| US08430468B2 |
Head drive device of inkjet printer and inkjet printer
A head drive of an inkjet printer includes nozzles and corresponding actuators that eject liquid ink drops. A drive unit applies a drive signal to the actuators. The drive unit includes a drive waveform generator that generates a drive waveform signal to control the drive of the actuators. A modulator pulse modulates the drive waveform. A digital power amplifier amplifies power of the modulated signal. A low pass filter smoothes the amplified digital signal and supplies the signal as a drive signal to the actuators. An inverse filter provided in a subsequent stage of the drive waveform generator corrects at least the frequency characteristics of the filter to predetermined frequency characteristics, independent of the number of the actuators to drive. |
| US08430467B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
An ejection pulse DP sequentially and continuously includes an expansion phase p1 where a voltage changes so as to cause a pressure chamber to expand, an expansion hold phase p2 where a potential at an end edge of the expansion phase is maintained for a predetermined time, a contraction phase where the voltage changes so as to cause the pressure chamber to contract, and a time t1 between a start edge and the end edge of the expansion phase and a time t2 between a start edge and an end edge of the contraction phase are specified in the following range, respectively: Tc/3≦t1≦Tc (A) Tc/3≦t2≦Tc (B). |
| US08430458B2 |
Towed vehicle braking apparatus
An auxiliary braking system and method of controlling the braking a towed vehicle is provided that includes a remote control that is in selective communication with an auxiliary braking unit positioned in a towing vehicle. More specifically, it is often desirable for the operator of the towing vehicle to assess the performance of the auxiliary braking apparatus positioned in a towed vehicle. In addition, it is often advantageous for the operator to perform real time adjustments to the performance parameters of the auxiliary braking apparatus positioned in the towing vehicle without having to cease driving and physically access the auxiliary braking device. |
| US08430457B2 |
Wheel bar and a wheel specially adapted therefor
The invention relates to a bar for an aircraft wheel, the bar comprising an oblong body (2) extended at each end by respective endpieces (4, 5) extending parallel to the body and parallel to each other, the endpieces being offset relative to each other. The invention also relates to a wheel specially adapted to receive such a bar. |
| US08430452B2 |
Car seat with convertible bottom
A car seat is configured to rest on a vehicle seat and to support a child. The car seat has a shell with a front side, a rear side, a seat back end, a seat bottom end, and a seating surface with a seat back portion and a seat bottom portion. A first contact surface is defined on a part of the car seat facing generally opposite the seat bottom portion. Adapter bodies are carried on the car seat. Each adapter body defines a second contact surface and is movable between a stowed position in which the first contact surface is exposed and positioned to rest on the vehicle seat with the seating surface at a first incline and a deployed position in which second contact surfaces are exposed and positioned to rest on the vehicle seat with the seating surface at a second incline different than the first incline. |
| US08430449B2 |
Structural mounting insert
A structural mounting insert for sealing between and/or adhering to surfaces of members is described. The insert includes a base member and activatable material about the base material. |
| US08430447B2 |
Motor vehicle front spoiler
A motor vehicle front spoiler has a spoiler lip (11) extending in the region of a front part of the motor vehicle over the entire width or part of the width of the front part. An actuating element (12) enables the spoiler lip (11) to be shifted between an extended operating position, in which the spoiler lip (11) forms a downwardly directed extension of the front part and acts as an aerodynamic air-guiding device, and a retracted inoperative position, in which the spoiler lip (11) is directed to the rear and essentially has no aerodynamic air-guiding effect. A portion (13) of the spoiler lip (11) that is at the bottom in the operating position of the spoiler lip (11) and is in the vicinity of the roadway can be replaced. |
| US08430445B1 |
Impact protector for vehicle windshields
An impact resistant cover for protecting a vehicle windshield is made up of a plurality of spaced apart rectangular panels, the panels having a flexible, puncture resistant, covering, the covering enclosing a resilient material having a thickness of between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. Flexible webs interconnect the panels while enabling the panels to lie in a common plane in a first selective positioning of the panels, and alternately to lie one panel atop the next panel in a vertically aligned stack of all of the panels, in a second selective positioning of the panels. Handles permit the stack to be carried easily and straps allow the cover to be secured to a vehicle's doors or windows while lying on the vehicles windshield. |
| US08430444B1 |
Vehicle covering system
A vehicle covering system includes a vehicle that has a front fender, a rear fender, a pair of floor boards and a seat. The seat is positioned between the front and rear fenders and between the floor boards. A covering is removably positioned on the vehicle and is coextensive with the front fender, the rear fender and the floor boards to shield a person seated on the seat. A pair of doors is removably attached to the vehicle and each of the doors is pivotally coupled to one of a pair of side edges of the front fender. Each of a pair of latches is mounted one of the doors and releasably engages the rear fender to retain the doors in a closed position extending between the front and rear fenders. |
| US08430437B2 |
Crash can made of aluminum-alloy casting
A crash can is made of aluminum-alloy casting and provided between a side frame extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction at a side portion of a vehicle and an end portion of a bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction. The crash can comprises a hollow tube portion extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and having a cross-shaped section. At least one of an outwardly-projecting corner portion and an inwardly-projecting corner portion of the tube portion is formed by a groove such that a thickness thereof is thinner than that of the other portion of the tube portion. Accordingly, an impact which a vehicle body or a passenger may receive in a vehicle collision can be reduced by the crash can. |
| US08430433B2 |
Shear ring casing coupler device
A coupler device is for connecting first and second casings to form a casing assembly with a central axis, each casing having an inner end disposed against the inner end of the other casing such that the casings are spaced along the axis. The coupler device includes at least one generally arcuate connector having a first portion engageable with the first casing and a second portion engageable with the second casing so as to connect the two casings, the connector extending at least partially circumferentially about the casing axis. A retainer is disposeable either generally within or generally about the at least one connector and is configured to prevent radial displacement of the connector with respect to the axis so as to maintain engagement of the connector with the first and second casings. |
| US08430428B2 |
Steering column assembly comprising a mounting capsule
The instant invention includes a mounting capsule for a steering column assembly of a vehicle. The mounting capsule has a first capsule portion and a second capsule portion coupled together during normal operation. The first capsule portion includes a first arm and a second arm each having a first taper and a second taper. The second capsule portion includes a first groove and a second groove tapered in a complimentary configuration to the first and second arm for receiving the first and second arm. Frictional forces between the first and second capsule portions aid in coupling the first and second capsule portions and effectively reduce lateral and vertical movement in a steering column assembly during operation. Upon an impact event exerting a predetermined impact force the first and second capsule portions disengage allowing the steering column assembly to collapse. |
| US08430426B2 |
Suspended cab rollover protection system (ROPS) attachment for a 4WD agricultural tractor
A cab suspension device for an agricultural tractor comprising a pair of concentrically aligned tubes co-axially arranged around a conventional cab suspension spring apparatus. One of the pair of tubes is connected to the tractor frame while the second is attached to the cab frame. The lengths of the tubes are shorter than the static length of the spring apparatus to allow limited telescoping movement of the tubes during dynamic compression of the spring apparatus without causing contact between the tube ends and the opposing tractor and cab frames. The dynamic extension during telescoping movement of the spring apparatus is controlled by a spring retainer. An annular space between the tubes allows for limited lateral displacement of the spring apparatus without causing contact between the tubes. The limits are configured to permit normal operational movement of the spring apparatus without contact of the tubes. During vehicle roll over events, the normal operational loads of the spring apparatus are exceeded and the tubes will come in contact with one another and/or the opposing frame. The tubes and the spring retainer provide a rigid load transfer path for ROPS loads from the cab to the vehicle frame. |
| US08430420B2 |
Security device and child stroller
A security device for preventing unexpected folding and a child stroller therewith are disclosed. The security device uses a seat-plate locking part disposed on a seat plate to allow or constrain the folding of a rear leg assembly and a front leg assembly of the child stroller according to whether a child is sitting on the seat plate. When a child is sitting on the seat plate, the folding of the child stroller cannot be performed even though a frame positioning device is unlocked. Therefore, the invention can prevent a child sitting on the seat plate of the child stroller from getting hurt due to an unexpected folding of the child stroller. |
| US08430419B2 |
Vehicle coupling device
A vehicle coupling device 10 for coupling a vehicle to another vehicle. The coupling device 10 comprises a mount 12 for mounting the coupling device 10 to the vehicle. The device 10 also comprises a first coupling 14 and a second coupling 16. Each of the first and second couplings 14, 16 is connected to a support 18 and movable relative to the mount 12 between an operative position and an inoperative position. |
| US08430418B2 |
Fifth wheel hitch
The present application describes apparatus for attaching or securing a fifth wheel hitch to a bed of a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may be arranged to be secured to a hitch ball, such as a gooseneck hitch ball. The fifth wheel hitch may include a chamber for accepting a hitch ball, a locking pin for securing the hitch ball in the chamber, and a handle for selectively securing and releasing the hitch ball. The locking pin may be biased towards a position for securing the hitch ball in the chamber. A damper may be included to dampen impact forces transferred from the trailer to the towing vehicle through the fifth wheel hitch. The fifth wheel hitch may include support members having wear strips that may rest on the surface of the towing vehicle bed. |
| US08430414B1 |
Folding bicycle assembly
The folding bicycle can easily change between a riding position and a folded position for storage and transportation. The folding bicycle comprises a rear wheel assembly, a central frame assembly, a steering assembly, a seat assembly, a plurality of hinge couplings, and a plurality of quick-release clamps. The hinge couplings allow the bike to fold in thirds. The quick-release clamps allow various parts to easily move when desired, such as sliding the seat assembly down or detaching the rear wheel assembly from the central frame assembly. In a riding position the folding bicycle functions as a normal bicycle. The folding bicycle can be converted to the folded position by using the hinge couplings and quick-release clamps to fold the rear wheel assembly and the steering assembly adjacent to the central frame assembly, fold part of the steering assembly down, and sliding the seat assembly down into the central frame assembly. |
| US08430409B2 |
Magnetic fluid seal with precise control of fluid volume at each seal stage
A magnetic fluid seal includes a pole ring having an inner diameter, a rotatable shaft having an outer diameter, the rotatable shaft configured to extend along the inner diameter of the pole ring between an atmosphere side and vacuum side, at least one magnet coupled to the pole ring, the at least one magnet configured to emit a magnetic field having a strength and a shape, and grooves formed on either the inner diameter of the pole ring or the outer diameter of the shaft, the grooves capable of containing ferromagnetic fluid. The ferromagnetic fluid contained the grooves varies so as to improve the performance of the magnetic fluid seal. |
| US08430407B2 |
Apportionment of pay out of casino game with escrow
A gaming apparatus which, for each of a plurality of plays of a primary game: randomly generates one of a plurality of different primary game outcomes, displays the generated primary game outcome, and displays any award associated with the displayed primary game outcome. If a bonus triggering event occurs, the gaming apparatus: determines a first part of a constant value, causes the determined first part of the constant value to be provided to a first player, determines a second part of the constant value, wherein the determined first part of the constant value and the determined second part of the constant value form the constant value, and causes the determined second part of the constant value to fund a designated award. |
| US08430400B2 |
System and method for rotating sheets
A system and method for rotating sheets receiving cut sheets from a source and providing them to a utilization device. The rotator continually engages sheets with at least one drive component throughout the transport and rotation process. The rotator includes a transport mechanism having a plurality of nip roller pairs along the length of a feed table. The nip rollers (nips) can be selectively engaged with, and disengaged from, the driven rollers using discrete actuators. This allows for feed velocity differentials when entering and exiting the rotator feed table, and also for clearance during sheet rotation. A rotator disk assembly is centered on the table between, and comprises a driven rotator disk and an overriding, freely rotating pressure disk. When sheets enter or pass through the rotator section, the pressure disk is raised to provide a clearance for sheets to pass. |
| US08430396B2 |
Voucher cassette
A value note cassette comprising a fixed first storage compartment for receiving notes of value and at least a fixed second storage compartment for receiving notes of value. Further, the value note cassette comprises a supply unit for supplying the notes of value to the storage compartments. The storage compartments are designed such that notes of value are stackable therein. |
| US08430391B1 |
Sliding tandem media feeder in a printer
In a tandem media supply, two vertical stacks of media sheets are stored. The first stack is positioned on a lift plate that rises as top sheets are removed from the stack of media. When the first stack is exhausted, the second stack is moved by an actuator towards a position where the lift plate was loaded with the first stack of media sheets. Movement of the second stack displaces a biased gate to decouple the lift plate from a drive member that elevated the lift plate. The lift plate drops under the effect of gravity to a position where the second stack of media sheets moves onto the lift plate. Once the second stack is on the lift plate, a biasing force returns the biased gate to a position that enables the drive member to elevate the lift plate. |
| US08430388B2 |
Model airplane work station
A work station for securely and temporarily holding a model airplane for the purpose of making adjustments, repairs or performing other maintenance on the plane. The work station is on wheels, contains a tool box with tools and a clamp and cradle to securely hold the airplane or only the fuselage, if desired. The work station can be disassembled and stored away in the back of a small vehicle. The clamp and cradle may be mounted on the tool box, which may be easily removed from the work station. In this way, the tool box acts as smaller portable work station, as well. |
| US08430386B2 |
Wave type linear motion mechanism and holding mechanism
In a wave linear motion mechanism (4) of a holding mechanism (1), those portions of a flexible screw (14) where first and second male screws (32, 33) are formed are elliptically deformed by first and second wave generators (12, 13) installed on an input shaft (11), and the first and second male screws (32, 33) are respectively partially engaged with first and second female screws (42, 44) of first and second circular nuts (15, 16). First and second holding members (5, 6) are mounted on the first and second circular nuts (15, 16), respectively. When the input shaft (11) is rotated by a motor (3), the first and second holding members (5, 6) are opened or closed depending on the rotation direction to release or hold an object (W). |
| US08430385B2 |
Wedge drive with slider receiving means
In a wedge drive comprising a slider element receiving component, a movable slider element and a driver element, wherein sliding surfaces are provided between the slider element and the driver element, a dovetail-like or prism guide is provided between the slider element and the slider element receiving component. The slider element has a portion having a dovetail-like configuration. |
| US08430384B2 |
Device and method for picking up optical elements
A device capable of picking up optical elements includes a first suction member, a second suction member, a vacuum pump unit and a liquid spraying unit. The first suction member defines a chamber. The second suction member is arranged around the first suction member to form an annular space. The vacuum pump unit pumps the air out of the chamber and the annular space to create a vacuum therein, which generates a suction force to suck the optical elements respectively. The liquid spraying unit communicates with the chamber and the annular space, and pours the liquids into the chamber and the annular space. When the liquid volatilizes in the chamber and the annular space to fill the vacuum, the optical elements disengage from the first suction member and the second suction member respectively. |
| US08430382B2 |
Stopper structure of torque rod
A second bush of a torque rod is fastened and fixed such that a mating fastening member sandwiches an inner fitting in the axial direction. A rubber stopper on an acceleration side projecting from an outer fitting to the inner fitting is provided such that the rubber thickness increases toward a front end. The inner fitting is provided with a stopper contact forming a recessed space in which the rubber stopper is inserted. After the rubber stopper comes in contact with the stopper contact in a stopper function, the rubber stopper is deformed so as to fill the recessed space, and concurrently bulges in the axial direction to come in contact with the mating fastening member. |
| US08430377B2 |
Valve
A valve comprises a cup-shaped element presenting an outer surface on which a driver element is mountable and, inserted in said cup-shaped element, a core comprising at least one seal element arranged to block a first fluid passage provided in a bush, said core being movable within said cup-shaped element against the action of an elastic element between a first position in which said seal element rests on said bush such as to close its first passage and a second position in which said seal element is detached from said bush such as to open its first passage, said bush being associated with a closure element for the cup shaped element, the closure element presenting, for its fixing to the cup-shaped element, means cooperating with an inner surface of said cup-shaped element. |
| US08430376B1 |
Sprinkler valve module with reciprocating valve seat
A valve module for removable installation inside the outer case of a sprinkler after removal of a riser with a nozzle turret normally mounted for reciprocation within the case. The module includes an upper valve support housing and a lower support basket removably connected to the valve support housing. A valve member is vertically reciprocable within the valve support housing to engage and disengage a valve seat in the support basket. The support basket is loosely connected to the valve support housing so that the valve seat can reciprocate relative to the valve support housing. |
| US08430375B2 |
Foam filling member
A foam filling member that can hold a foam sheet in a looped shape stably, without increasing the number of components, to provide improved vibration suppression and sound insulation. The strip-like foam sheet is formed in a looped shape by bending round it, so that both end portions of the foam sheet are overlapped with each other in a thickness direction thereof to form an overlapped portion therein. Then, insertion shafts of a clip are inserted through the overlapped portion, so that the overlapped portion is held in sandwich relation between a base portion and a head portion to form a foam filling member. Then, a supporting portion of the fixing portion of the clip is inserted in a fixing hole of an inner panel and fixed to the inner panel. After the inner panel and an outer panel are welded, the foam filling member is foamed, cross-linked, and cured by heating in a drying line process at the baking finish, to thereby produce the foam, whereby the interior space of the pillar is filled up with the foam, leaving no space therein. |
| US08430366B2 |
Clamping device for attachment to a horizontal beam
A clamping structure comprising an elongated rod having a plurality of bends for attaching to a horizontal beam. The clamping structure includes back portions adjacent the back of the beam, lower portions adjacent to the bottom of the beam, one or more top portions adjacent to the top of the beam and extending forward of the beam, and front portions which are angled away from the front of the beam. The clamping structure may be used to temporarily attach a holding element such as a cup holder or hook to the horizontal beam, and the holding element may be attached to the clamping structure or may be made from the same elongated rod as the holding element. |
| US08430365B2 |
Tube holding block assembly
A tube retention block assembly having a support body incorporating one or more tube support passageways of discontinuous character extending across the support body. A displaceable retaining yoke member is adapted for insertion into a slot disposed transverse to the tube support passageways. The retaining yoke member includes one or more engagement cradles adapted to at least partially surround and lock in place tubes extending through the tube support body. |
| US08430364B1 |
Roller assembly for a railway switch
A roller assembly for facilitating movement of a switch rail between two positions. In one embodiment, the roller assembly includes a frame adapted for attachment to the switch rail and having a pocket formed therein, and an elastomer assembly, at least a portion of which is slidably disposed within the pocket. The elastomer assembly includes a roller wheel and an elastomeric block. The roller wheel travels along the surface of a tie plate when the switch rail is moved between positions. The elastomeric block is adapted to compress under a load applied to the switch rail in the direction of the tie plate, causing the roller wheel to retract in the direction of the pocket. When the weight of a train is exerted on the roller assembly, the compression of the elastomeric block causes the train to ride fully on the rails, just as if the roller assembly were not present. When no weight is exerted on the roller assembly, the roller assembly assists the switch to move freely between positions. |
| US08430361B2 |
Method and device enabling a rocket engine pump to be driven by an internal combustion engine
The subject of the invention is a device for driving a pump of a rocket engine of a space vehicle that comprises an air-breathing internal combustion engine running on an oxidizer/fuel mixture of the air/hydrocarbon type, wherein the supply of oxidant and fuel is provided by tanks and a circuit that are separate from the propellant tanks of the rocket engine. The invention applies to a device for fueling a rocket engine that includes at least two pumps, each driven by the device of the invention, and means for controlling the internal combustion engines for driving the pumps, adapted for independently varying the operating parameters of these engines so as to independently adjust the rotation speeds of the pumps. |
| US08430358B2 |
Storage compartment module with an integrated supply channel for optimized installation
A hatrack module with integral service channel for optimized mounting comprises a housing with a hatrack accommodation space and a passenger service channel, a hatrack with laterally arranged guide elements, and at least one passenger service unit, wherein in each case a guide rail is arranged on the sidewalls of the hatrack accommodation space, and wherein a wall of the housing comprises at least one reach-through access opening, and wherein the guide elements of the hatrack can be made to engage the guide rails on the housing. |
| US08430357B2 |
Tail skid for protecting a structural element of an aircraft, an aircraft provided with such a tail skid, and an anti-overturning method implemented by said tail skid
The present invention relates to a tail skid (10) for a rotorcraft (1), the tail skid comprising a contact blade (11) extending from a contact first end (11′) towards a second end (11″), said contact first end (11′) being provided with a top face (12) suitable for facing a structure (7) of the rotorcraft (1) and a bottom face (13) suitable for facing towards the ground (2) when said tail skid (10) is fastened to a rotorcraft (1) standing on the ground (2), said bottom face (13) having a first area. The tail skid includes an additional contact member (21) suitable for preventing said bottom face (13) from coming into contact with the ground (2), and fastener means (30) for fastening said additional member (21) to said first end (11′), said additional member (21) having a fastener face (22) and a contact face (23) presenting a second area that is greater than said first area, the fastener means (30) holding said fastener face (22) against said bottom face (13) so that said bottom face (13) is completely covered by said additional member (21). |
| US08430350B2 |
Seat belt retractor
The disclosed seat belt retractor may include a spool for retracting a seat belt, a torsion bar, a pre-tensioner, and a locking device. The torsion bar may disposed inside the spool, wherein one side of the torsion bar is connected to the spool, and configured to absorb energy of movement of an occupant while being deformed under torsion. The pre-tensioner may be positioned at one side of the spool and configured to generate a rotating drive force for rotating the spool in a retracting direction in a condition of rapid deceleration of a motor vehicle. The locking device may be capable of locking another side of the spool such that a rotation of the spool in a withdrawal direction is suppressed at both an operating time of the pre-tensioner and a non-operating time of the pre-tensioner. |
| US08430349B2 |
Master gear assembly
A spinning reel master gear assembly is rotatably attachable to a reel unit of a spinning reel. The spinning reel master gear assemble includes a master gear shaft being rotatably attachable to the reel unit, and a master gear fixed to the master gear shaft in an integrally rotatable state. The master gear shaft includes an attachment portion. The attachment portion has a male threaded portion at least partially on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The master gear includes a female threaded portion screwed onto the male threaded portion, and a centered portion including an axis appropriately aligned by the attachment portion. |
| US08430347B2 |
Thickness adjusted motor controller
A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a powered motor and cutter elements used to shred the at least one article, a detector configured to detect a presence of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller coupled to the motor and the detector. The controller is configured to allow a running operation of the motor responsive to the detector detecting an article being received by the throat. Also, after a predetermined amount of time, the controller may stop operation of the motor if an article is not inserted into the throat. A thickness detector may also be used in the shredder. |
| US08430346B2 |
Compressed air throttle device and a powder spray coating device
A compressed air throttle apparatus has at least one throttle valve adjusted by an electric motor, and an electric circuit fitted with contacting elements to alternatively interrupt and close the electric circuit in relation to the throttle valve settings. This throttle apparatus preferably is applicable to a compressed air path of powder spraycoating equipment. |
| US08430342B2 |
Outlet nozzle
An outlet nozzle is configured to be attached to a sanitary water line outlet end, and includes a valve unit movable between a blocking position, closing the water line, and an open position, releasing the water line. The outlet nozzle includes a two-part construction with a connection part configured to be attached to the outlet end of the water line and an adjacent holder part. The holder part is configured to receive at least one jet regulator unit, which includes at least one of: a jet divider, homogenizing device, or flow rectifier, a shower unit, or a jet former. |
| US08430341B2 |
Long distance gassing apparatus and methods
A gassing apparatus including a composite gas flow screen having a plurality of respective screen elements, each with at least one respective flow opening therein, the cross-sectional areas of the respective flow openings in respective elements decreasing in a downstream direction with respect to gas flow and at least one other screen element having no flow opening. A nozzle preferably produces a relatively high velocity central gas stream with surrounding gas streams of decreasing velocity as they are spaced further away from the central gas stream. Methods and apparatus are described. |
| US08430332B2 |
Thermostatic valve with sleeve, thermal engine associated with a cooling circuit including such valve and method for making the sleeve for such valve
According to the invention, the thermostatic valve (10) includes, on the one hand, a mobile sleeve (30) for adjusting the flow of fluid through the valve body (20), said sleeve comprising a tubular body (31) provided with peripheral sealing fittings (32, 33, 34) adapted for interaction by sealed contact with the fixed seats (25A, 26A, 27A) in order to stop the fluid flows between the openings (21, 22, 23) defined by the valve body and, on the other hand, a thermostatic member (40) including a fixed portion (42) rigidly connected to the valve body and a fixed portion (41) movable in translation in the direction of the axis (X-X) of the sleeve under the action of a volume variation of a thermo-expansible material, the sleeve being kinematically connected to the mobile portion so that the movement of the mobile portion relative to the fixed portion controls the movement of the sleeve relative to the seats. In order to easily and economically improve the tightness of the contact between the sleeve and the seats, the body and the sealing fittings are respectively made of a thermoplastic material and an elastomer that are selected to be successively injection-molded so that, at the release of the mold after the elastomer injection, the thermoplastic material and the elastomer adhere together due to a chemical, physical and/or physico-chemical effect. |
| US08430331B2 |
Storage apparatus
A storage apparatus for a measurement probe for use with a coordinate positioning machine. The storage apparatus including a storage unit having at least one receptacle for a measurement probe; and at least one temperature source for controlling the temperature of a measurement probe located in the at least one receptacle. |
| US08430329B2 |
Two-dimensional code publishing program and two-dimensional code decoding program
A two-dimensional code publishing program that provides display of beautiful two-dimensional codes with homogeneity and a high sense of design, and a two-dimensional code decoding program that decodes bit strings expressed as two-dimensional codes in various situations.In a display of cells having a color with a low visibility against the blank area surrounding the two-dimensional code, a contrast is set between the gradation of the color component having a gradation close to that of the blank area and/or in a display of cells having a color with a high visibility against the blank area surrounding the two-dimensional code, the contrast is reduced between the gradation of the color component having a gradation far from that of the blank area. |
| US08430328B2 |
Dot pattern
To realize a dot pattern which can be read even by a frame buffer of which algorithm for search is simple and of which resolution is low without sacrificing an information dot for defining a direction of a block. There is provided a dot pattern, wherein a plurality of reference points is provided in an area of a block having a predetermined information dot arranged thereon; a plurality of virtual reference points to be defined is arranged from the reference points (for example, a central point of a grid area); an information dot is arranged, of which information is defined by a distance and a direction from the virtual reference point; and at least the information dot at the predetermined position is made into a direction dot showing the direction of the block by a direction from the virtual reference point. |
| US08430327B2 |
Wireless sensing system using open-circuit, electrically-conductive spiral-trace sensor
A wireless sensing system includes a sensor made from an electrical conductor shaped to form an open-circuit, electrically-conductive spiral trace having inductance and capacitance. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the sensor resonates to generate a harmonic response having a frequency, amplitude and bandwidth. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the time-varying magnetic field to the sensor and wirelessly detects the sensor's response frequency, amplitude and bandwidth. |
| US08430326B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device which may be used as an ID chip and data may be rewritten only one time. In addition, a semiconductor device may be used as an ID chip and data may be written except when manufacturing the chip. The invention has a modulating circuit, a demodulating circuit, a logic circuit, a memory circuit, and an antenna circuit over an insulating substrate. The modulating circuit and the demodulating circuit are electrically connected to an antenna circuit, the demodulating circuit is connected to the logic circuit, the memory circuit stores an output signal of the logic circuit, and the memory circuit is a fuse memory circuit using a fuse element. |
| US08430321B2 |
Sample analyzer and reagent information writing method
The present invention is a sample analyzer for analyzing a sample by using a reagent contained in a reagent container, which includes: a reagent container holder configured to hold a reagent container to which an information storage medium is attached; an actuator configured to actuate the reagent container holder to move the reagent container held by the reagent container holder to a first position and a second position different from the first position; a reagent aspirator configured to aspirate a reagent from the reagent container when the reagent container is located at the first position; an information communication section configured to write reagent amount information regarding an amount of the reagent in the reagent container, into the information storage medium attached to the reagent container when the reagent container is located at the second position; and a controller configured to control at least the actuator and the information communication section. |
| US08430319B2 |
Imaging reader for electro-optically reading two-dimensional symbols with controller having limited internal memory
An imaging reader has a two-dimensional array of image sensors for capturing return light from a two-dimensional symbol over a field of view as pixel data to be stored in internal random access memory (RAM) of a controller even though the internal RAM has less storage bytes than the number of sensors. The controller determines a size and a location of the symbol in the field of view, maps and subdivides the symbol into a plurality of image capture zones based on the symbol size and location, sequentially captures the return light from each zone, sequentially stores the pixel data from each zone into the internal RAM, sequentially digitizes the stored pixel data from each zone as digitized data, and decodes the digitized data from all the zones. |
| US08430317B2 |
Barcode rendering device
In one embodiment, a barcode rendering device includes a communication interface, a reflective display, and a detector. The communication interface is configured to receive barcode data corresponding to a barcode in one of a plurality of barcode symbologies. The reflective display is configured to legitimately display barcodes in any of the plurality of barcode symbologies. The detector is configured to detect illumination emitted by a barcode scanner and incident on the reflective display. |
| US08430315B2 |
Data encoding and decoding
Systems and methods for encoding and decoding data is disclosed. The system may receive data, and may create a field of marks corresponding to the data, along with one or more identifiers corresponding to positions within the field of marks. A decoding system may receive the field of marks, and may decode the marks into data based at least in part on the one or more identifiers. |
| US08430313B2 |
Hand controller for controlling a long-range sensing system of a weapons system
A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque. |
| US08430311B2 |
Systems and methods for merchandise automatic checkout
Systems and methods for automatically checking out items located on a moving conveyor belt for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of a checkout process and revenue at a point-of-sale. The system includes a conveyor subsystem for moving the items, a housing that enclosed a portion of the conveyor subsystem, a lighting subsystem that illuminates an area within the housing, visual sensors that can take images of the items including UPCs, and a checkout system that receives the images from the visual sensors and automatically identifies the items. The system may include a scale subsystem located under the conveyor subsystem to measure the weights of the items, where the weight of each item is used to check if the corresponding item is identified correctly. The system relies on matching visual features from images stored in a database to match against features extracted from images taken by the visual sensors. |
| US08430304B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for wirelessly preprocessing a transaction while in a queue for a point-of-transaction
A transaction is preprocessed wirelessly in response to a wireless transaction preprocessing user device being in a queue for a point-of-transaction. The transaction that was preprocessed is then completed in response to the wireless transaction preprocessing user device reaching the point-of-transaction. Financial transactions and/or purchase of goods and/or services may thereby be preprocessed wirelessly and then completed at a point-of-transaction. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08430298B2 |
Presentation instrument package arrangement
A presentation instrument package is constructed of a carrier having a package identifier. The package defines an enclosure into which is held a presentation instrument having a human readable presentation instrument identifier such that the human readable information is hidden from view. |
| US08430296B2 |
One-piece blank, display case, and method and device for producing such a case from said blank
The present invention relates to a one-piece blank (14) made of corrugated cardboard for the production of a display case (1), the case, the method and the machine for producing said case. The blank comprises a band (2) of panels (15, 16, 17, 18) connected together in pairs by parallel fold lines (24, 25, 26, 27). The band (2) comprises a precut transverse line (20) making it possible to divide the blank into two half-blanks (21, 22), said transverse line determining on either side and for each parallel fold line (24, 25, 26, 27) two separate portions of fold line (24′, 24″; 25′, 25″; 26′, 26″; 27′, 27″) offset relative to one another in order to make it possible to at least partly compensate for the thicknesses of cardboard when the second half-blank is wrapped over the first half-blank around a mandrel. |
| US08430293B2 |
Curable amine, carboxylic acid flux composition and method of soldering
A curable flux composition is provided, comprising, as initial components: a resin component having at least two oxirane groups per molecule; a carboxylic acid; and, an amine fluxing agent represented by formula I: and, optionally, a curing agent. Also provided is a method of soldering an electrical contact using the curable flux composition. |
| US08430289B2 |
Method for cutting a continuous glass sheet during the production of flat glass
In the method for cutting a continuously moving glass sheet with an inhomogeneous thickness distribution across the glass sheet, a cutting tool is moved across it at an angle to its travel direction to form a fissure and then the glass sheet is broken along the fissure. To avoid premature breakage in thin regions the applied cutting force is controlled by a controller based on control commands so that the cutting force is decreased when the glass sheet thickness decreases and is increased when it increases. In a preferred embodiment cutting force switchover points are based on an initial measurement of the thickness distribution. In another embodiment the thickness is continuously measured and the applied cutting force is automatically adjusted accordingly, so that the cutting force is greater when the thickness is greater, and vice versa. |
| US08430288B2 |
Methods and apparatus for storing and dispensing flexible sheet materials
Methods and apparatus may permit the storage of flexible sheet materials in a space-efficient manner and may provide a continuous point-of-use dispensing capability of such sheet materials at such stored location. Serially joined sheet materials may be separated from one another at sheet materials separation zones utilizing interference tabs having yieldable configurations, intra-planar configurations, trans-axial configurations, movement resistive configurations, and projective configurations. Such interference tab configurations may permit the simplified design and construction of a sheet materials dispensation apparatus, and multiple flexible sheet materials may be serially joined for use with such configurations. A substantially rigid enclosure for storing such serially joined sheet materials and incorporating an interference tab having one or more of such configurations may be dimensioned to dispense sheet materials from within an open-ended receptacle, for example a refuse container. |
| US08430287B2 |
Tablet cutter
The invention is directed to a pill cutter that has a protected cutting edge. The pill cutter includes a guard, a base, and a cover. The components are arranged such that the guard slides over the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in an open position and the guard exposes the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in a closed position. The invention is also directed at a method for assembling the pill cutter and a method of using the pill cutter to cut a pill or tablet. |
| US08430286B1 |
Boat carrying rack for use on transporting vehicles
An accessory rack for transporting objects such as small boats on an ATV or pickup truck includes a pair of upright posts, one mounted on a front rack support at a front platform and the other at a rear platform. Each of the posts is connected to a base member secured to a rack support, and cross members with upturned ends for receiving a boat are connected to tops of the posts. An elongated beam is connected to the cross members at both ends of the beam. Square steel tubing is used for most of the structure, with sizes being varied to allow overlap and adjusting length of components. Racks for use in pickup trucks may be bolted to the pickup bed. |
| US08430283B2 |
T-shirts hanger
A T-shirts hanger is provided, comprising a hook member, an inverse V-shaped flexible member, and a pair of shoulder members. The inverse V-shaped flexible member comprises two legs and a cusp portion, and the legs are spread so as to have an inverse V shape without pressure and the legs are closed substantially under a pressure larger than a predetermined magnitude for putting the legs together. The two legs are closed under the pressure larger than the predetermined magnitude so as to be inserted into and retrieved from a neck hole of the T-shirts without stretching the neck hole of the T-shirts. |
| US08430282B2 |
Decorative bow construction apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for constructing bows includes a horizontal layout board holding vertical dowels and a method for winding ribbon around the dowels to form a bow. A center dowel, left dowels, and right dowels are positioned at progressively increasing spacing from a base dowel. The spacing of the dowels on the layout board facilitates efficient use of material. The apparatus facilitates construction of bows without extensive training or experience. |
| US08430277B2 |
System for dispensing a fluid product
A system for dispensing a fluid product, including a device for taking the product off under pressure that is equipped with an outlet tube, the system also including a push button actuating the device in which a chamber is formed for dispensing the product that is in communication with a well for mounting the push button, the well being arranged to be associated sealingly around an area for mounting the outlet tube so as to allow supply to the chamber dispensing product under pressure emerging from the tube, the outlet tube including a vent recess having at least one opening that is formed in the mounting area and that emerges inside the tube, the opening being located on the mounting area so as to be covered sealingly by the mounting well and to open the inside of the outlet tube to open air when it is not covered. |
| US08430275B2 |
Liquid product dispensing and receiving device
A device for dispensing and receiving a liquid or semi-liquid product via a dosage chamber of a pump body. The device includes a piston which is fixably mounted in the pump body and is provided with an end sealingly engaged into the chamber. The piston end is provided with a membrane forming an intake valve allowing the introduction of the product in the dosage chamber and including at least one sealing peripheral lip in sliding contact with an inner wall of the dosage chamber. The device includes a connection element wholly within the pump body for connecting the piston to the pump body. The connection element is an independent part from the membrane and the pump body and is connected to a bottom part of the pump body over a conduit extending up from the bottom part of the pump body. |
| US08430274B2 |
Foam dispensing assembly
The present invention provides a foam dispensing assembly comprising a liquid piston pump, comprising a liquid cylinder and a liquid piston delimiting a liquid pump chamber, and a liquid inlet and outlet, an air piston pump comprising an air cylinder and an air piston delimiting an air pump chamber, and an air inlet and outlet, a common actuation button for actuation of said liquid pump and said air pump, a dispensing channel for mixing and dispensing liquid and air pumped by said liquid and air pump, respectively, and a securing collar for attachment of said dispensing assembly to a container. The invention is characterized in that said air cylinder is formed by a cylindrical skirt of said actuation button, and said air piston is at least partially formed by a cylindrical extension of said securing collar and in that said air chamber at least partially surrounds said liquid chamber. |
| US08430273B2 |
Dispenser unit with improved air supply
The invention relates to a dispenser unit particularly suitable for a liquid container, including an air pump with an air cylinder and an air piston axially displaceable in the air cylinder, an air space defined between the air cylinder and the air piston, supply-closing structure for closing the air supply to the air pump, discharge-closing structure for closing the air discharge from the air pump, an axially displaceable activating element for activating the air pump, and an air inlet opening in the activating element, wherein the air inlet opening debouches in the air space, and at least a part of the air piston forms the supply-closing structure. |
| US08430272B2 |
Trigger mechanism for discharging aerosol containers
An apparatus and trigger mechanism enables a user to ergonomically discharge aerosol container contents. The apparatus comprises a trigger unit, a handle assembly, a tension member, a tubular member, an operative end housing assembly, and an actuator assembly. The trigger unit interfaces the tension member to the handle assembly. The tension member transmits force from the trigger unit to the actuator assembly via the tubular structure, which structure interconnects the handle assembly and operative end housing. The operative end housing houses or receives the actuator assembly and an aerosol container. The transmitted force actuates the aerosol container via the actuator assembly. A method of assembling the apparatus is further described. |
| US08430271B2 |
Fluid product dispenser
A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (1) of fluid to be dispensed; a dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said reservoir (1); and a body (3) that is suitable for receiving said reservoir (1), said body (3) being provided with a dispenser orifice and with an opening (310) via which said reservoir (1) can be inserted into the body (3), said reservoir (1) being displaceable between a working position, in which said dispenser member (2) co-operates with said body (3) between a rest position and a dispensing position, and a withdrawn position in which said dispenser member (2) does not co-operate with said body (3), said reservoir (1) being secured to said body (3) in all positions. |
| US08430270B2 |
Glue dispenser
A glue dispenser includes an injector, a controller, a gas conduit and a dispensing head. The injector includes a glue conduit and a heat sink assemble. The controller controls a gas volume input to the glue conduit. The gas conduit is connected with the controller and the injector. The dispensing head is connected with the glue conduit for dispensing glue. The heat sink assemble defines a through hole connecting the gas conduit and the glue conduit. The glue dispenser maintains the glue conduit at a stable temperature. |
| US08430265B2 |
Collapsible coolers
A cooler includes a base defining a bottom portion of the cooler; an upper rim defining an upper portion of the cooler; a collapsible cooler wall, extending between and attached to said base and said upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler, and including a membrane having a plurality of hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the membrane is transitional between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the cooler is transitional between an expanded configuration for use of the cooler, and a collapsed configuration during nonuse of the cooler, by bending along the hinge lines, each of the configurations corresponding to a stable configuration of the cooler; and a handle for lifting of the cooler, wherein the handle is attached to the base and is configured for rotational movement relative to the base about a pivot axis. |
| US08430255B2 |
Method of accurately spacing Z-axis electrode
A method of forming a device with a controlled electrode gap width includes providing a substrate, forming a functional layer on top of a surface of the substrate, forming a sacrificial layer above the functional layer, exposing a first portion of the functional layer through the sacrificial layer, forming a first spacer layer on the exposed first portion of the functional layer, forming an encapsulation layer above the first spacer layer, and vapor etching the encapsulated first spacer layer to form a first gap between the functional layer and the encapsulation layer. |
| US08430252B2 |
Wall mounted shelving system
A wall mounted shelving system is provided. The system includes a support rail mountable on a wall and having a notch on a wall-facing surface thereof. At least one support member is mountable on the rail and defines an end portion for abutting the wall and further defines a recess having a rail receiving portion and a bracket receiving portion. The bracket receiving portion includes a slot with a notch formed at an end thereof. A bracket is configured to extend from the rail through the slot of the bracket receiving portion and has a first flange on a first end thereof for engaging the notch of the bracket receiving portion and a second flange on a second end thereof for engaging the notch of the support rail. |
| US08430248B2 |
Vibrating screen device having modular screening media
A vibrating screen device for fractionizing stones and gravel includes a support structure, a plurality of carriers mounted on the support structure, and a plurality of screening mats removably mounted on the carriers in side-by-side relationship. Each carrier includes two upright beams forming a slot therebetween. Each screening mat has opposite end parts, wherein respective end parts of two adjacent screening mats are received in each slot. The beams and end parts include protrusions and grooves which are interconnected, and maintained in connection, by a wedge inserted into the slot between the end parts. |
| US08430247B2 |
Method and a device for treating microparticles
Method for handling microparticles in such a manner, that at least two treatment steps are performed for microparticles in the same vessel without moving the particles to another vessel. There are organs in the device for changing the solution without having to move the microparticles to another vessel. |
| US08430245B2 |
Insert for tape and reel packaging
A device and method for tape and reel packaging of small electronic components providing positioning mechanisms to allow one or more components to be placed in a desired orientation and alignment within a tape carrier pocket. The device is an insert fitting within the carrier pocket including positioning mechanisms such as protruding shapes, protruding ridges, and/or frame work, or the like, which engage with inner surfaces, outer surfaces, or perimeters, or a combination, of the component to be packaged. A method for tape and reel packaging including further delineation of regions within a tape carrier pocket for disposition of electronic components is also disclosed. |
| US08430243B2 |
Cable organization system and method of securing a cable therein
A cable organization system for storing one or more cables may include a case or housing, with one or more loops formed on an inner surface thereof. A middle portion of a removable tab is resiliently retained within each loop, with end portions of the tab protruding outside the loop. A first cable end is tucked within the loop, and the length of the cable is repeatedly wound around the loop and tucked behind end portions of the tab until the length of cable is spent. The second end of the cable may also then be tucked within the loop, or between windings of the coiled cable, to secure the cable for storage. When it is desired to remove the cable from the cable organization system, the tab may simply be removed to quickly release the cable or the cable may be unwound leaving the tab in place. |
| US08430240B2 |
Case for bar type mobile electronic device
A case for a bar type mobile electronic device is provided. The case includes a main body and an auxiliary body. The main body includes a periphery part and guide parts. The periphery part wraps the sides of the mobile electronic device. The guide parts cover parts of the front and back of the mobile electronic device. The guide parts are extended in the direction where the mobile electronic device is located at both opposite edges of the periphery part. The auxiliary body wraps the outer surface of the periphery part. The auxiliary body applies pressure to the main body in the direction of the mobile electronic device. The auxiliary body assists the main body to couple to the mobile electronic device, so that the case cannot be easily removed from the mobile electronic device and can protect the mobile electronic device from scratches and external impact. |
| US08430234B2 |
Solar cell transport
A transport system for substrates, the transport system having at least one belt for receiving the substrates thereon, retainers disposed at spaced distances on the belt, the spaced distances being at least as wide as a width of the substrates, the retainers rising to an elevation above the belt that is sufficient to stop the substrates from sliding when the substrates bump against the retainers, a motor for moving the belt, and a motion controller for providing acceleration and deceleration of the belt, thereby aligning the substrates against the retainers through successive acceleration and deceleration cycles. |
| US08430233B2 |
Method for transporting workpiece carriers on an assembly line, workpiece carrier and assembly unit
The transport of work carriers on an assembly line is performed by the use of novel linear motors in which the primary part has both solenoids and permanent magnets and in which the secondary part has no permanent magnets of its own. By the provision of a magnetically soft plate, a work carrier has uniformly spaced clearances with respect to the secondary part and can be moved by the suitably arranged primary part. On an assembly line, it can be provided that the primary parts supplement the unction of an existing transporting bet. It may also be provided that a transporting belt is completely replaced by such primary parts. |
| US08430232B2 |
Device and method for changing automatically the size of packs in a conveyor, in particular for an automatic packaging machine
A conveyor device, in particular for an automatic packaging machine for paper rolls, having a horizontal plane of advance, at least one pair of motorized flexible transmission members extending along a closed loop and bearing a plurality of transverse bars fastened to said flexible transmission members, a plurality of thruster elements borne by said bars, and a stationary adjustment station provided with at least one adjustment assembly having a grip organ movable in transverse direction and arranged in such a way as to displace in the transverse direction along the respective bar a thruster element positioned at the grip organ. |
| US08430231B2 |
Adaptable reciprocating slat conveyor
A multi-operating-mode reciprocating slat conveyor having a plurality of operating modes (each operating mode having a predetermined number of steps) and means for switching between operating modes responsive to at least one operating mode changing event. A method implemented using the multi-operating-mode reciprocating slat conveyor. |
| US08430225B2 |
Portable low profile drive-over truck dump conveyor system
A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system and a portion of each ramp. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the ramp to be articulated towards the grate to move excess material off of the ramp and into the grate. |
| US08430222B2 |
Friction clutch system
A friction clutch system mechanically couples a power source to a driven system of a vehicle while reducing the rotational inertia of the clutch system and yet still providing torsional damping within the system. In one embodiment, the friction clutch system includes a first friction disc assembly directly engaged with a second friction disc assembly. The first disc assembly may include protuberances that extend axially from a hub assembly, which in turn may include damping springs and an internal splined region for coupling to a splined, driven shaft. The second friction disc assembly includes openings, which may take the form of radial slots, configured to engageably receive the protuberances. The first disc assembly may be positioned adjacent to a pressure plate assembly or a flywheel. A floater plate may be located between the first and second friction disc assemblies. |
| US08430221B2 |
Mechanically energized mechanical power coupling system
A system for communicating a mechanical power service between mechanical power service communicating devices. A service switch is provided for selectively transferring the mechanical power service from a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a host or other mechanical power service provider or source, to a second mechanical power service communicating device, such as an accessory device or other mechanical power service consumer. The service switch is activated to communicate the mechanical power service between the first mechanical power service communicating device and the second mechanical power service communicating device in response to movement of a component associated with one of the mechanical power service communicating devices. |
| US08430216B2 |
Brake device lubrication device and method for controlling same
A brake device lubrication device includes a lubricant supply unit and a control unit. The control unit includes a braking timer, a release timer and a storage unit. The control unit is configured to control the lubricant supply unit so as to supply a predetermined first supply amount of lubricant to a brake device when the brake device is in a braking state, to acquire a delay time corresponding to a braking time counted by the braking timer from a relationship of correspondence between the braking time and the delay time stored by the storage unit when the brake device is switched from the braking state to a released state, and to switch a supply amount of lubricant from the first supply amount to a second supply amount which is smaller than the first supply amount when the release time counted by the release timer reaches the acquired delay time. |
| US08430213B2 |
Electric brake
Provided is an electric brake capable of accurately estimating the brake pad temperature and securing a sufficient braking force and response. An electric brake has a disc rotor rotating with a wheel, an actuator for rectilinearly actuating a piston in the axial direction of the disc rotor by using an electric motor, a drive controller for controlling the drive of the actuator, a brake pad pressed by the piston to give a frictional resistance to the disc rotor in the direction of rotation, and a braking start position detector for detecting a braking start position of the piston where the disc rotor is brought into contact with the brake pad. The drive controller stores the braking start position detected by the braking start position detector as the maximum braking start position. When the braking start position shifts in the pressing force-increasing direction, the drive controller updates the value stored as the maximum braking-start position. |
| US08430211B2 |
Elevator system with guide axis aligned with traction member
An elevator car assembly includes a car frame, a car connected to the car frame and having a first guide axis between a first side and a second side of the car frame, a plurality of traction members, a first plurality of sheaves rotatably connected to the car frame between the first side and the second side for respectively receiving the plurality of traction members, and a first guide attached to either the car frame or the car below the first plurality of sheaves for movably engaging a first rail. The first guide is aligned with the first guide axis and is configured to be aligned with the first rail. One of the plurality of traction members and the first guide are vertically aligned at the first guide axis. |
| US08430210B2 |
System having multiple cabs in an elevator shaft
An elevator system which utilizes four or more independently moving cabs in each elevator shaft. The lower cabs are connected to four spatially separated counterweights at four different counterweight connection points. The connection points are horizontally shifted on different cabs in order to prevent interference between cables, pulleys and counterweights. The top cab may be connected to one or two counterweights by connection points on the roof of the cab. The cabs are mounted on two tracks, each track on one side of the elevator shaft. The system includes a motor attached to each of the cabs by lift cables to facilitate the independent movement of all cabs. Existing buildings can be retrofit for compatibility with the present invention. |
| US08430202B1 |
Compact high-pressure exhaust muffling devices
Compact, high-pressure exhaust muffling devices are disclosed. Some example muffling devices may include an inner flow conditioner including an inlet configured to convey a pressurized fluid flow into an inner flow conditioner interior. The inner flow conditioner may include a plurality of inner flow conditioner holes. The muffling device may include an exhaust can disposed substantially around the inner flow conditioner and arranged to receive the pressurized fluid flow via the inner flow conditioner holes into an exhaust can interior. The exhaust can may include a plurality of exhaust screen holes arranged to discharge the pressurized fluid flow from the exhaust can interior. The exhaust can interior may be substantially devoid of flow obstructions between the plurality of inner flow conditioner holes and the exhaust screen holes. |
| US08430199B2 |
Sound shell
A performance shell (1) for outdoor music performance including a platform (2) providing a performance area for receiving at least one sound source, the platform combining unitarily with a rear wall reflectors (5), side wall reflector (6) and a canopy reflector (7) to define an enclosure having a front opening (11) for communicating acoustically with an open air audience area. The canopy reflector includes a main portion (8) extending above the performance area and a projecting portion (9) projecting forwardly of a front edge of the performance area, the canopy reflector further including sound diffusion formations (13) on an underside of the main portion and the projecting portion and adapted to provide non-specular reflection of sound from the at least one sound source for enhancing sound received both in the performance area and the audience area. |
| US08430197B2 |
Snow vehicle
A snow vehicle includes a track belt unit having an endless track belt, an engine arranged to drive the track belt unit, a steering mechanism to which a pair of steerable skis positioned in a forward direction of the track belt unit and being steerable to the left and right are attached, and a handlebar section coupled to the steerable skis via the steering mechanism and adapted to be gripped by a rider. The handlebar section and the rear end of the cylinder head are in generally the same position in a longitudinal direction of the snow vehicle. |
| US08430195B2 |
Radiator grille for a vehicle
A tractor comprising a hood having a radiator grille, at least one front light assembly and a support designed to keep the front light assembly detached from the grille. |
| US08430194B2 |
Structure for cooling heating element
A structure for cooling a heat element includes a heat element box containing a heat element and forms an air passageway therebetween, an intake duct connecting a passenger compartment and the air passageway, a discharge duct connecting the air passageway and a vehicle exterior, and a wall on a vehicle body. The intake duct has a water reserving portion for accumulating a liquid entering from the passenger compartment. The intake duct has an expansion portion and has a discharge hole of the liquid. The wall is provided to face the discharge hole so that the liquid discharged through the discharge hole moves downward along a surface of the wall. |
| US08430191B2 |
Control apparatus for electric automobile
A clutch mechanism is provided between a drive wheel and an electric motor. In a high vehicle speed region, the electric motor is decoupled from the drive wheel to prevent the electric motor from over-speeding. In the high vehicle speed region, in which the clutch mechanism is switched to a disengaged condition, rotation speed control is executed on the electric motor when a state of charge falls below a predetermined lower limit value, and a motor rotation speed is maintained at a target rotation speed on a lower rotation side than an upper limit rotation speed. Further, the clutch mechanism is switched from the disengaged condition to a slip condition. Hence, a limited power generation torque is supplied to the electric motor, and thus the electric motor can be controlled to a regeneration condition while suppressing the motor rotation speed to or below the upper limit rotation speed. |
| US08430189B2 |
Power add-on device for manual wheelchair
A power add-on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors, wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels. The power add-on device includes a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add-on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair; and a controller, reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair, that controls the latching mechanism, the motors, and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground. The front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles, or can be lifted by the user leaning back. Advantageously, the power add-on device can be detached from the manual wheelchair and loaded into the trunk of a car when travelling or may be checked in as baggage when flying. |
| US08430187B2 |
Directional sidetrack well drilling system
Drilling a sidetrack wellbore out of the side of an existing wellbore utilizing a drillable billet having a path formed in the billet to lead a bi-centered drillbit to kick-out from the wellbore and form a sidetrack wellbore. The bi-centered bit is arranged for the lands of the pilot section to follow the path of the billet while the wings of the ream out a portion of the billet and also ream out the earth to form the full dimension sidetrack wellbore. The bi-centered bit is used to drill the sidetrack wellbore to the target zone so that the entire drilling process extends from the existing wellbore to the target zone without a mandatory withdrawal of the drillstring from the wellbore. |
| US08430182B2 |
Power tool housing
A hammer drill has a transmission housing 280 is formed from two clamshell halves of durable plastics or cast metal material. The transmission housing 280 is mounted on first and second damping springs 284 and 286 at its rearward end. The transmission housing 280 is also mounted on parallel rails (not shown) disposed within the tool housing 222 such that the transmission housing 280 can slide a small distance relative to the tool housing 222. The forward end of the transmission housing 280 has a generally part conical portion 290, which abuts a corresponding part conical portion 292 formed on the tool housing 222. The interface defined by conical portions 290 and 292 defines a stop against which the transmission housing 280 rests against the tool housing 222 in the inoperative condition of the hammer drill 220. When the hammer drill 220 is being used, a gap opens up between the conical surfaces 290 and 292 which helps to damp axial and lateral vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted from the tool bit (not shown) to the user. However, the gap is sufficiently small that the hammer drill 220 and the transmission housing 280 can still be adequately controlled by the user, and the part conical shape of the interface also assists in aligning the transmission housing 280 with the tool housing 222 in order to give a user greater control over the direction of the tool bit. |
| US08430181B2 |
Hammer drill
A hammer drill having an outer housing defining a handle is disclosed. The tool includes transmission housing including a drive mechanism and a motor, wherein the transmission housing is moveably mounted in the outer housing by arms for movement relative to the outer housing along a non-linear path between a first position, corresponding to no force being applied by a user to the outer housing of the tool, and a second position, corresponding to the user applying a force to the outer housing when the working member of the tool engages a workpiece. Springs bias the transmission housing towards the first position. The direction of travel of the drive mechanism relative to the outer housing at a particular point on the non-linear path is arranged to coincide with the direction of the dominant vibration occurring in the drive mechanism relative to the outer housing when a particular force is applied to the outer housing to move the drive mechanism relative to the outer housing to that point on the non-linear path against the biasing force of the biasing member. |
| US08430177B2 |
Method of expanding a tubular element in a wellbore
A method of radially expanding a tubular element in a wellbore formed in an earth formation comprises arranging the tubular element in the wellbore such that a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, whereby an annulus is defined between the expanded and remaining tubular sections. The expanded tubular section is axially extended by moving the remaining tubular section downward relative to the expanded tubular section so that the lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction, and load transfer means is positioned in the annulus, the load transfer means being arranged to transfer a load between the remaining tubular section and the expanded tubular section. |
| US08430173B2 |
High strength dissolvable structures for use in a subterranean well
A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool. |
| US08430169B2 |
Method for managing hydrates in subsea production line
A method for managing hydrates in a subsea production system is provided. The production system includes a host production facility, a control umbilical, at least one subsea production well, and a single production line. The method generally comprises producing hydrocarbon fluids from the at least one subsea production well and through the production line, and then shutting in the production line. In addition, the method includes the steps of depressurizing the production line to substantially reduce a solution gas concentration in the produced hydrocarbon fluids, and then repressurizing the production line to urge any remaining gas in the free gas phase within the production line back into solution. The method also includes displacing production fluids within the production line by moving displacement fluids from a service line within the umbilical line and into the production line. The displacement fluids preferably comprise a hydrocarbon-based fluid having a low dosage hydrate inhibitor (LDHI). |
| US08430166B2 |
Geothermal energy extraction system and method
A system and process for extracting geothermal energy from a geologic formation. Coolant fluid is introduced into a first fracture system. The first fracture system is at a first height in the formation. The coolant fluid is collected from a second fracture system. The second fracture system is at a second height in the fracture system. The second height is lower than the first height. Coolant fluid introduced into the first fracture system percolates through the geologic formation from the first fracture system to the second fracture system, collecting heat from the geologic formation. |
| US08430157B1 |
Thermal control system
A thermal control system and method of using same are disclosed. Preferably, the thermal control system includes at least a combination data logger and control module interacting with a heat transfer medium circulation device, a heat transfer medium distribution system communicating with a heat transfer medium circulation device, and a service object interacting with a heat transfer distribution system, wherein the heat transfer medium distribution system facilitates heat transfer between the service object and a heat transfer medium confined within the heat transfer medium distribution system. Preferably, the thermal control system further includes a pair of motors each configured for driving the heat transfer medium circulation device, and a motor control and switching circuit responsive to a predetermined signal provided by the data logger and control module for selecting one of the pair of motors for use in driving the heat transfer medium circulation device. |
| US08430156B2 |
Liquid loop with multiple pump assembly
A pump assembly includes inlet and outlet interfaces capable of coupling to a liquid cooling loop tubing, a plurality of pump connectors coupled to the inlet and outlet interfaces enabling pluggable connection of a plurality of pumps to the inlet and outlet interfaces, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the plurality of pumps and controls power levels of the individual pumps, enabling control of fluid flow rate in the liquid cooling loop. |
| US08430154B2 |
Nano-particle wave heat pipe
A heat transfer tube includes a container, a cavity within the container, and a heat transfer medium located within the cavity. The heat transfer medium consists essentially of a solid-gas suspension of a gas and a substantially homogeneous nanoparticle powder located within the cavity. The cavity is in a partial vacuum state. The nanoparticle powder comprises Ca(OH)2, LiH, ZrH2, or Mg(OH)2 in a solid state and is capable of substantially freely emitted and reabsorbing the gas as a function of temperature. |
| US08430146B2 |
Method of placing inserts into a web press product using a synchronized web-press insert placing unit
An apparatus provides for a method of placing inserts onto a web press product comprising the steps of: Supplying a continuous web of inserts in the form of a roll mounted on the core receiving structure of insert storage mechanism; Pulling the continuous web of inserts from the roll 8 with the delivery mechanism; Shearing the continuous web of inserts of the roll 8 into individual inserts with the knife assembly; and Placing the individual inserts onto the web press product prior to the end of the web press product line via the delivery conveyor. Synchronizing the placement of the individual sheets onto the web press product with the speed of the web press is also performed. |
| US08430141B2 |
Woodworking fixture
A fixture includes a router guide portion having a router support surface and a workpiece support surface, a drill guide portion having a drill bit member, an opening adjacent the router guide portion and the drill guide portion for accepting a workpiece, and a clamping portion. The clamping portion includes a clamping member for securing the workpiece to the router guide portion. |
| US08430140B2 |
Capless fuel-filling closure assembly
A capless fuel filling system for a vehicle including a closure assembly that forms an iris arrangement that is rotatable to form a seal for a fuel filling tube or provide access to the fuel filling tube. |
| US08430133B2 |
Method and system for optimized filling of an enclosure
An enclosure is filled with a filling gas according to the disclosed method. An enclosure is provided having an interior, a width, a height, a thickness, and fluid filling and exit holes fluidly communicating with the interior. Filling of the enclosure is commenced by directing a flow of the filling gas at a filling flow rate into the fluid filling hole. An oxygen concentration of gas exiting the fluid exit hole is sensed. The filling of the enclosure is stopped when the sensed oxygen concentration reaches a threshold concentration, wherein the threshold oxygen concentration and/or the filling flow rate are selected by a Decision Support Tool based upon the width, height, and/or the thickness. |
| US08430132B2 |
Air hose delivery assemblies
A preconditioned air hose includes an abrasion-resistant external layer made of robust nylon, an insulating layer, and an inner layer. The robust external layer protects the air hose from wear and degradation due to abrasion. The external layer may be made of a fabric with an abrasion resistance of at least 22,000 cycles to failure as measured using the ASTM D 3884 standard. This external layer fabric may be composed of filaments having a linear density of about 1,000 denier. The external layer fabric may weigh about 10.8 ounces per square yard. |
| US08430128B2 |
Interlocking tubing clamps
A tube clamp includes (i) a tube holding portion; (ii) a first arm extending from a first end of the tube holding portion; (iii) a second arm extending from a second end of the tube holding portion, the second armed curved so that a first catch located at a distal end of the second arm can be snap-fitted to the first arm to occlude a first tube extending through the tube holding portion; and (iv) wherein the first arm includes a locking feature configured such that when a second tube clamp is mated with the tube clamp, the locking feature interacts with a second catch of the second tube clamp so that the second tube clamp is prevented from occluding a second tube. |
| US08430123B2 |
Position regulator
An exemplary position regulator is disclosed which includes a regulation unit and a travel measurement system for activating an actuating drive for adjusting a control fitting to a predetermined position. A signal shaper is provided for outputting a travel signal to a superordinate device. To provide an undisturbed output of the travel signal, the signal shaper is connected in series in a transmission path between the travel measurement system and the regulation unit, and is connected in parallel with the regulation unit so as to transmit signals. The signal shaper can have a switch which is controlled by an alarm signal of the regulation unit, by which, in a first (e.g., inoperative) position, the travel measurement system is fed from the regulation unit, and, in a second (e.g., operative) position, the travel measurement system is fed from the signal shaper. The signal shaper can be automatically calibrated when the position regulator is activated, by comparing an output signal from the travel measurement system with a travel signal which is received by the regulation unit. |
| US08430121B2 |
Gas flow monitor
A gas flow monitor is provided, in which a defined range of the closing or nominal flow can be set without engaging functional elements. Furthermore, the original closing or nominal flow can be adjusted or amended, even outside the manufacturing plant. The gas flow monitor consists of a gas-tight housing (1) which comprises an inner valve seat (5) for a closing member (9) which is displaceable within the housing (1) and is guided in a sleeve (6) in a longitudinally displaceable manner by a pin (7) and is held in the open position against the flow direction by the force of a closing spring (11). The housing (1) is connected on the inlet side to a tubular insert (13), the inner contour (14) of which determines the flow profile up to the valve seat (5). |
| US08430119B2 |
Water valve for animal waterer permitting assembly without tools
A water valve for an animal waterer which can be assembled, disassembled and repaired without the use of tools. The float arm pivots upon the valve body about an integral trunnion bar to permit selective engagement of the valve seal with the valve seat. A cover member overlies the valve body and retains the float arm to the valve body. |
| US08430116B1 |
Alignment device for valve bonnet
A component for connection to a substantially identical component wherein the connected components form an alignment device for a gate valve assembly. The component includes a generally semi-circular body that has a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion is adjacent to the interior surface of the valve bonnet when the valve bonnet is positioned over the gate valve assembly. The generally semi-circular body has a diametrical edge wherein the diametrical edge contains an opening that receives a part of the gate valve assembly when the components are connected together. The peripheral wall has an exterior surface. The exterior surface has a pair of acutely disposed surfaces that intersect at an apex and the apex defines a flat surface, and at least a portion of the apex is in contact with the interior surface of the valve bonnet. |
| US08430114B2 |
Hydrophobic vent assembly
A vent assembly connectable to a transmission housing includes a stem, a membrane and a cap. The stem has an annular flange, a first end, a second end, and a through bore extending between the first end and the second end. The first end is connectable to the transmission housing and the second end has at least one flange and an annular rim. The membrane is located on the second end of the stem over the bore. The cap has a base and an annular wall extending from the base. The annular wall of the cap is deformed at a terminal end against the annular flange of the stem at discrete locations, where an undeformed portion of the annular wall of the cap creates at least one channel axially extending along the stem. The at least one channel creates a path between the cap and the flange of the stem. |
| US08430113B2 |
Method of manufacturing valve, and valve produced by the method
A valve has a valve body provided on its inner peripheral surface with a seat ring, a stem arranged to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of a flow passage defined in the valve body, and a valve element rotatably supported through a bush attached to the stem, and opens or closes the flow passage by pressing or separating the valve element against or from the seat ring in the valve body in accordance with the rotation of the valve element. The valve body is molded after the valve element, the seat ring, the stem, and the bush are placed in predetermined positions in a mold. |
| US08430112B2 |
Slurry feed system and method
The invention can provide or facilitate systems and methods for feeding a slurry and, in particular, to systems and methods for treating wastewater streams with a slurry having periodic flushing of conduits. |
| US08430110B2 |
Double-seat valve having a seat-cleaning function, and method for cleaning said double-seat valve having a seat-cleaning function
A double-seat valve having a seat-cleaning function, wherein the double-seat valve opens downward, and the two closing elements can be moved independently of each other by a partial lift in each case gap-wide into a seat cleaning position for the purpose of cleaning their seat such that the dependently driven second closing element is pushed into its respective seat cleaning position by a second partial lift in the same direction of the opening movement, and the independently driven first closing element is pushed into its respective seat cleaning position by a first partial lift in the direction counter to the opening lift. |
| US08430104B2 |
Method for treatment of microbial infection
A method and apparatus for treatment of skin or other tissue, using a source of thermal, electromagnetic radiation, electrical current, ultrasonic, mechanical or other type of energy, to cause minimally-invasive thermally-mediated effects in skin or other tissue which stimulates a wound-healing response, in conjunction with topical agents or other wound healing compositions, for application on the skin or other tissue which accelerate collagenesis, such as in response to wound healing. The dosage and time period of application of the compositions are adjusted to prevent external or surface tissue damage. |
| US08430101B2 |
Plastic frame for an intrauterine device
An intrauterine device (IUD) for delivering bioactive substances in the uterine cavity includes a plastic frame affixed to a drug delivery compartment. The frame retains the IUD in the uterine cavity and prevents displacement and expulsion. The frame is shaped like the letter “omega” having two resilient arms which possess latero-lateral memory. The extremities of the arms are provided by a short side-arm which forms an angle with the rest of the arm. These prominent plastic parts facilitate the upward rotation of the arms during removal of the intrauterine device. The drug delivery compartment has an element at its upper extremity to determine the exact location of the IUD in the uterine cavity by ultrasound. The drug delivery compartment contains one or more drugs which are gradually released in the uterine cavity over extended periods of time. |
| US08430093B1 |
Solar collector using subreflector
A solar collector includes a collecting mirror defining a radiation-transparent window. A collimating mirror re-reflects the collected radiation through the window to a black-body absorber located behind the collecting mirror. A working fluid flows through the black-body absorber to absorb the resulting power and to transfer the power to a utilization apparatus. The collecting and collimating mirrors may be elongated (cylindrical), or they may be axially symmetric. The working fluid may flow through a separate tube, or simply be contained by an aperture in a block of insulation. |
| US08430092B2 |
Panel support system for solar boilers
A boiler for a solar receiver includes a panel support structure. A boiler stay is operatively connected to the panel support structure. A panel stay is slideably engaged to the boiler stay. A boiler panel is operatively connected to the panel stay with the panel stay being affixed to a plurality of tubes of the panel. The boiler stay and panel support assemblies are configured and adapted to slide with respect to one another to accommodate thermal expansion of the boiler panel. In certain embodiments, a pin connects the boiler stay and the panel stay, wherein the pin is removable for installation and removal of the panel from the support structure. |
| US08430090B2 |
Solar concentrator apparatus with large, multiple, co-axial dish reflectors
A two-axis solar tracker apparatus is disclosed having multiple dish-shaped monolithic reflectors for concentrating sunlight. The dish-shaped monolithic reflectors are co-axially aligned in an array supported by a moveable frame. The moveable frame forms the elevation structure of a two-axis tracker that has control means for following the movement of the sun across the sky. Each dish-shaped monolithic reflector produces a region of concentrated sunlight suitable for generation of solar energy. A generator is positioned at the focus of each reflector. A preferred generator uses photovoltaic cells to generate electricity at a high output power due to the high solar power input that is directed to the generator by the dish-shaped monolithic reflector. |
| US08430089B2 |
Heating cooker with hinged door
Provided is a heating cooker which allows a door on a cooking chamber to be opened without direct handling of the door by a user. The heating cooker includes a body having a cooking chamber defined therein, a door hingably mounted to the body to open and close the cooking chamber, a door holder positioned in the body to hold the door and keep the cooking chamber closed by the door, and a hinge part connected between the door and the body to guide rotation of the door such that when the door is released from the door holder, the door is automatically opened. |
| US08430086B2 |
Non-lethal pistol
A non-lethal pistol for propelling projectiles, such as paintballs. The pistol has a body with a grip portion and a barrel. A canister of propellant received in the body to supply a valve assembly with propellant that is selectively vented to propel projectiles through the barrel. The pistol includes a firing mechanism adapted to actuate the valve assembly. |
| US08430083B2 |
Mixer for use in an exhaust gas recirculation system and method for assembly of the same
A mixing apparatus adapted for mixing the flow of intake air and exhaust gas in a mixing chamber of a combustion engine including a housing having a bore formed therethrough extending between a first open end and a second open end. The housing includes a plurality of apertures formed in a side wall thereof adjacent the first open end. A retention member is formed in the side wall adjacent the second open end and is adapted to secure the mixing apparatus within the mixing chamber. The mixing apparatus includes a flow deflector disposed in the bore of the housing. The flow deflector includes a plurality of curved deflector surfaces formed therein which correspond in number to and are aligned with the plurality of apertures. An end cap is secured to the housing at the first open end thereof for closing the bore at the first open end. |
| US08430082B2 |
Determining the quality of fuel in an auto-igniting internal combustion engine
In order to determine the quality of fuel in an auto-igniting internal combustion engine, a defined fuel amount is injected at defined crank shaft angles during a deceleration fuel shut-off phase of the internal combustion engine. The thereby created crankshaft torque contribution is detected and an absolute or relative measure is determined for the fuel quality thereof. |
| US08430081B2 |
Direct-injection system fuel pump with a maximum-pressure valve
A direct-injection system fuel pump having: at least one pumping chamber; a piston mounted to slide inside the pumping chamber to cyclically alter the volume of the pumping chamber; an intake channel connected to the pumping chamber and regulated by an intake valve; a delivery channel connected to the pumping chamber and regulated by a one-way delivery valve that only permits fuel flow from the pumping chamber; and a drain channel regulated by a one-way, maximum-pressure valve, which opens when the fuel pressure in the drain channel exceeds a threshold value, and which has a shutter movable along the drain channel, a valve seat engaged in fluidtight manner by the shutter, and a spring calibrated to push the shutter into a position engaging the valve seat in fluidtight manner. |
| US08430080B2 |
Otto-cycle internal combustion engine
An Otto cycle internal combustion engine (10) provided with a combustion chamber (14) and an inlet (18) and an outlet (20) with respective valves (24 and 26), and a suction passage (29) leading to the said at least one inlet (18) to conduct the flow of fluid material thereto. The engine (10) further comprises a control valve (28) arranged upstream of the inlet valve (24) and being operable to change between a condition in which it opens the suction passage (29) and a condition in which it closes the suction passage (29). An engine operating position sensor (90) provides signals indicative of the operating position of the engine (10). There is also an engine power control (92). A variable intermediate position control signal generator (95), generates control signals at times respectively between the beginning and the end of each of a succession of inlet valve opening periods of the engine cycle. It is connected to receive signals from the engine operating position sensor (90) and the engine power control (92) and to send the control signals to the control valve (28) in such a manner that in between an opening of the inlet valve (24) and the immediately following closure thereof there is a period in which the suction passage (29) is open and a period in which it is closed, the period for which it is open being in dependence upon the engine power control (92) output. The invention extends to a method of operating such an engine (10). |
| US08430079B2 |
Throttle valve
A throttle valve for controlling a fluid flow includes a throttle housing (4), a gas passage (18) in the throttle housing (4), a throttle shaft (8) which is pivotably supported in the throttle housing (4), and a throttle (6) which is connected to the throttle shaft (8). The throttle shaft (8) extends through a jacket (12) which is provided on the throttle (6) and at least partially encompasses the throttle shaft (8). After the throttle (6) is installed on the throttle shaft (8), a hardening filler material (10) creates a form-fit connection between the throttle (6) and the throttle shaft (8). |
| US08430077B2 |
Method for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine and piston for an internal combustion engine
In a method for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine, at least the region of the upper annular groove is at least partially recessed, an adhesion promoter layer containing aluminum is then applied, a wear-resistant layer is thermally sprayed onto said adhesion promoter layer and at least the upper annular groove is at least partially formed in said layers. The invention also relates to a piston for an internal combustion engine that comprises a base material, an adhesion promoter layer that contains aluminum and is applied to at least some regions of said material and a wear-resistant layer that is thermally sprayed onto said adhesion promoter layer. At least the upper annular groove is at lest partially formed in said layers. |
| US08430073B2 |
Intake manifold for multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine
An intake manifold for a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine has a collective part forming an intake gas distribution chamber, and a branch part forming branch intake passages. The collective part includes a first section defining a first space joined to a second section defining a second space. The first and second spaces define the intake gas distribution chamber. The first and second sections have corner parts, the second section being provided with a guide wall covering the inside surfaces of the corner parts. The guide wall has a guide surface and opposes the intake gas inlet, the intake gas distribution chamber being defined between the intake gas inlet and the guide wall. The guide wall and the corner parts define a back space communicating with the intake gas distribution chamber. |
| US08430069B2 |
Integrated hybrid heat exchanger with multi-sectional structure
An integrated hybrid heat exchanger with a multi-sectional structure, may include a first radiator and a second radiator, and/or at least a coolant bypass member disposed between the first and second radiators, the coolant bypass member connecting one end portion of the first radiator and the other end portion of the second radiator so as to fluid-communicate between the first radiator and the second radiator. |
| US08430068B2 |
Cooling system having inlet control and outlet regulation
A cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system may have a heat source, a heat exchanger, and a coolant pump located between the heat exchanger and the heat source to direct coolant from the heat exchanger to the heat source. The cooling system may also have a valve located between the heat source and the heat exchanger. The valve may be movable to vary a rate of coolant flow through the heat exchanger and around the heat exchanger to the coolant pump. The cooling system may further have a sensor located at an inlet of the heat source to generate a signal indicative of coolant temperature at the inlet, and a controller in communication with the valve and the sensor. The controller may be configured to move the valve based on the temperature of the coolant at only the inlet of the heat source. |
| US08430064B2 |
Animal containment/repellant system having an internal and an external antenna
Described is an animal containment/repellant system for, among other things, containing an animal within a containment area and simultaneously repelling the animal from a restricted area. More specifically, the animal containment/repellant system includes multiple signal transmitting antennas that simultaneously define multiple cooperating containment areas, restricted areas, or combination of containment and restricted areas. |
| US08430057B2 |
Stent support devices
A collet shaped to minimize the contact area of a stent end with a surface of the collet. The collet has an end surface for contacting a stent end that includes a raised or projecting portion and a flat or relatively flat portion. The projecting, portion has at least three segments radiating from a center to the edge of the surface. |
| US08430056B2 |
Apparatus for making epitaxial film
An apparatus for growing an epitaxial film and transferring it to an assembly substrate is disclosed. The film growth and transfer are made using an epitaxy lateral overgrowth technique. The formed epitaxial film on an assembly substrate can be further processed to form devices such as solar cell, light emitting diode, and other devices and assembled into higher integration of desired applications. |
| US08430055B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for coating balloon catheters
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for coating a medical device. In one embodiment, the method for preparing a substantially uniform coated medical device includes (1) preparing a coating solution comprising a solvent, a therapeutic agent, and an additive; (2) loading a metering dispenser with the coating solution; (3) rotating the medical device about the longitudinal axis of the device and/or moving the medical device along the longitudinal or transverse axis of the device; (4) dispensing the coating solution from the metering dispenser onto a surface of the medical device and flowing the coating solution on the surface of the medical device while the medical device is rotating and/or linearly moving; and (5) evaporating the solvent, forming a substantially uniform coating layer on the medical device. |
| US08430052B2 |
Flag-mounting device for vehicles
A positionally-adjustable flag-mounting device for use on vehicles. The flag mounting device includes a base member for receiving a flagstaff base and a mounting clip that removably attaches to a vehicle. The mounting clip is rotatably attached to the base member. The mounting clip includes means for removably mounting the mounting clip to a portion of the vehicle. |
| US08430050B2 |
System and method for deck-to-column connection for extendable draft offshore platforms
The disclosure provides a system and method for locking and unlocking an extendable column to a deck. A deck-to-column connection assembly includes a pawl and shim used in a sequential de-ballasting and ballasting of the column to the deck that can easily lock and unlock the column with the deck. Generally, the locking method includes ballasting the column to insert a pawl between the column and the deck, de-ballasting the column to raise the column relative to the deck and create a vertical gap between the column and the deck, inserting a shim to fill the gap and secure the pawl in a deployed position, and further de-ballasting the column to raise the deck connected to the column. Generally, the unlocking method lowering the deck to float on water, de-ballasting the column to remove compressive stress on the shim, removing the shim, ballasting the column, and retracting the pawl. |
| US08430045B2 |
On board lift leg construction for pontoon boats with onboard engine
An onboard lift leg construction for a pontoon boat has a plurality of movable support legs including rear telescoping tube support legs that are fixed to a frame of a pontoon boat. The telescoping tube support legs each include an outer tube fixed to the frame, and an inner tube slidably mounted within the outer tube. A linear hydraulic actuator is secured to a head member that is supported on the outer tube. The actuator has an extendable and retractable rod that is attached or secured to the lower end of the inner tube such that when the actuator is extended, the inner tube is also extended to effectively lift the pontoon boat to which the outer tube is attached. The forward portions of the pontoon boat frame can be provided with pivoting lift legs for lifting the pontoon boat. |
| US08430044B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle for use in arctic environments, the vehicle comprising a hull for accommodating people, and a pair of rotatable propulsion screws connected to the hull for propelling the vehicle on water, ice, snow and land. Each propulsion screw comprises a shaft having at least one blade helically disposed therearound. |
| US08430041B2 |
Table to be set up in a passenger railway vehicle
Table designed to be set up in a passenger railway vehicle and positioned between at least two seats facing each other, the said table comprising at least two folding trays, each tray facing a seat and comprising a first portion hinged to a second portion at an edge characterised in that it comprises a fixed housing positioned above the plane defined by the trays when they are in a horizontal unfolded position, the said fixed housing being capable of receiving the trays when they are in a vertical folded back position in which the first and second portion are arranged vertically against each other, the second portion being hinged to the fixed housing at an edge opposite the edge cooperating with the first portion of the tray. |
| US08430037B2 |
Magnetic levitation train
The invention relates to a magnetic levitation train, comprising a track system formed of track system carriers (2) and a vehicle (1) having at least one first magnetic system (7), which together with stator packs (4) mounted on the track system forms a long stator linear motor and during operation is disposed at a distance from the stator packs (4) by a small carrying gap. According to the invention, first sound damping bodies (14) are disposed on the carriers (2) in a space which is located between the carrier (2) and the magnetic system (7) and the carrying gap when a vehicle (1) passes. In addition, second sound damping bodies (15) are provided on the vehicle (1) on the side of the magnetic system (7) facing away from the carrier (2). |
| US08430035B2 |
Cartridge and chamber for simulated firearm
A blank cartridge and mated blank chamber for simulated firearms incapable of discharging projectiles. The blank cartridge has a case with a cartridge base, a case wall, a cartridge shoulder forming a neck, and a nose enclosing the blank cartridge. The blank cartridge nose provides more reliable feeding from magazines of simulated firearms. The blank cartridge dimensions render it inoperable with ammunition chambers of actual projectile-discharging firearms. The blank chamber dimensions render it inoperable with ammunition cartridges. Upon discharge the blank cartridge and chamber release exhaust gases in a forward direction, creating realistic visual and auditory effects. |
| US08430032B2 |
Avalanche triggering system
The invention relates to an avalanche triggering device comprising at least one enclosure (4) for confining an explosive gas mixture, having a downward-facing opening and being equipped with gas supply means (15, 16) designed to at least partly fill the volume defined by the enclosure (4) with the explosive gas mixture at a density less than that of the air, the device also comprising means (14) for igniting this mixture; which device is characterized in that the enclosure (4) is in the general shape of a bell or frustoconical shape with an approximately vertical axis. |
| US08430031B1 |
Ignition train mechanism for illumination flare
The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for safely igniting a pyrotechnic device such as a flare which is suspended by a parachute following deployment from an air craft. More specifically, the present invention relates to a two stage ignition train mechanism for use with parachute suspended illumination flares with an in-line firing pin and physical safety mechanism which blocks movement of the firing pin until the parachute is deployed. The present invention also discloses an embodiment of a two stage ignition train mechanism for use with parachute suspended illumination flares with out-of-line firing pin and physical safety mechanism which blocks the firing pin from striking the primer until the parachute is deployed. |
| US08430030B2 |
Arrangement for supporting shell into breech-loading weapon barrel
The invention relates to an arrangement for supporting a shell into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon. The arrangement comprises a support piece (6) that is provided with an edge flange (7) and is to be fastened to a tail of the shell. The support piece further comprises a firing mechanism for firing the actual primer of the shell. The arrangement further comprises a connecting means (8) between the support piece (6) and the shell tail (4), the connecting means being arranged to fasten to the shell and to the support piece (6) and thus to fasten the support piece with a mechanical connection to the shell tail (4). The connecting means (8) comprises at least one shank part (9) having a first end and a second end, the first end of the shank part being arranged to fasten to the connecting means (8) and the second end to the shell tail (4). The fastening between the first end of the shank part and the shell is arranged to yield in a firing situation, thus enabling the detachment of the shell from the support piece. The second end of the shank part (9) is arranged to fasten to the shell tail tube (3) and to bend or turn away from the shell tail tube (3) in a firing situation. |
| US08430029B2 |
Inertial delay fuse
An inertial delay mechanism for use in an explosive projectile is provided. The delay mechanism consists of an inertial delay fuse that is precise, doesn't require sensitive primary explosives and doesn't utilize electronic circuitry. The inertial delay fuse includes a free sliding charge element that strikes an anvil located opposite to the sliding charge element. A delay gap is provided between the sliding charge element and the anvil. Upon impact, the sliding charge element slides forward and impacts the anvil, thereby inducing a shock wave in an initiator charge that subsequently results in detonation of main charges. The design is mechanically simple and robust enough to withstand severe g-loading forces that occur during firing and penetration of a projectile. |
| US08430024B2 |
Frying-and-baking oven and heating cover assembly thereof
A frying-and-baking oven includes a baking outer pot, a heating cover assembly covering the outer pot, and a frying inner pot disposed between the outer pot and the heat cover assembly. The heating cover assembly includes a cover, an actuator, a hot-air supplying module, and a speed-reducing mechanism. The actuator has a driving shaft. The hot-air supplying module has an air-blowing impeller and a heating element. The driving shaft drives the air-blowing impeller to blow the hot airflow generated by the heating element. The driving shaft also drives a transmission shaft of the speed-reducing mechanism and in turn a stirring member to rotate at a low speed, thereby stirring food materials in the inner pot. With this arrangement, the food materials received in the inner pot can be stirred automatically and cooked sufficiently. Further, the oven can cook the food materials by baking or frying, which increases the functionality and convenience thereof. |
| US08430015B2 |
Firearm buffer tube
A buffer tube for a firearm, which is not an M16-type firearm, the buffer tube including a recoil mitigation tube, a recoil piston reciprocatingly mounted inside the recoil mitigation tube, and a recoil absorbing mechanism disposed in the recoil mitigation tube and engaging the recoil piston. |
| US08430014B2 |
Armored attack vehicle with helmet assembly
Aspects of the present disclosure provide an armored helmet assembly that is fully or completely assembled and quickly mounted onto a host vehicle to form a military vehicle. The armored helmet assembly provides protection, weapons, cameras, and other equipment for the driver. When desired, the armored helmet assembly in a completely assembled state is unlocked and removed from the host vehicle. The host vehicle is typically a construction vehicle and useful as such. In some embodiments, a weapons platform assembly is mounted on the armored helmet assembly. Other embodiments include one or more of an expandable battle shield, a front end container for storage of equipment or weapons, and a command surveillance module. In certain embodiments, in addition to the armored helmet assembly, a lower armored assembly in a completely assembled state is mounted onto a lower portion of the host vehicle. |
| US08430012B1 |
Braiding mechanism and methods of use
A device and method for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The braiding machine comprises a disc with a mandrel extending from the center in a perpendicular direction and a plurality of catch mechanisms arranged circumferentially around the edge of the disc. A plurality of filaments are temporarily affixed to the mandrel, each filament extending from the mandrel toward the edge of the disc and engaging the edge of the disc at a discrete point of engagement. The plurality of catch mechanisms are attached to actuators adapted to move the catch mechanisms in a generally radial direction relative to the edge of the disc to allow the catch mechanism to engage a subset of the filaments and move the engaged filaments beyond the circumferential edge of the disc. |
| US08430010B2 |
Hand held slicer
A hand-held slicing device having a handle connected to a slicing tray. The slicing tray includes a ramp leading to a fixed blade. The ramp is readily adjustable such that the height of the edge of the ramp most closely adjacent the blade can be raised or lowered. In one version, the ramp can be raised or lowered by sliding a support structure connected to a knob that can be slideably adjusted by the user's thumb. The device may include a series of julienne blades that are selectively extendable above the slicing ramp or retractable below the ramp. |
| US08429994B2 |
Hydraulic control systems for dual clutch transmissions
Hydraulic control systems for a dual clutch transmission include a regulated source of pressurized hydraulic fluid including an electric pump, a filter and an accumulator, a pair of pressure control valves and a branching hydraulic circuit including pressure or flow control valves, spool or logic valves and two position valves which collectively supply and exhaust hydraulic fluid from a plurality of shift actuators. The actuators are connected to shift rails which include shift forks and are slidable to engage synchronizers and positive clutches associated with the various gear ratios. |
| US08429993B2 |
Electro-hydraulic control apparatus for a motor-vehicle transmission with at least five forward gears and one reverse gear
The control apparatus comprises, in its version intended for a double-clutch transmission with six or seven forward gears and one reverse gear, a first shift fork for engaging the first gear or the third gear, respectively, a second shift fork for engaging the reverse gear or the fifth gear, respectively, a first hydraulic actuator arranged to control the movement of the first shift fork, a second hydraulic actuator arranged to control the movement of the second shift fork, a selection slide valve which can be moved into a first operating position in which the first hydraulic actuator is selected and a second operating position in which the second hydraulic actuator is selected, a pilot solenoid valve for controlling the movement of the slide valve between the first and second operating positions, and first and second gear shift solenoid valves for controlling the supply of fluid to the hydraulic actuator each time selected by the slide valve or the connection of said actuator with a tank. The slide valve is configured in such a manner that the first and second operating positions are end-of-travel positions, wherein the first operating position is a rest position, in which the pilot solenoid valve does not generate any hydraulic pilot control signal and the slide valve is held by resilient means against a first mechanical stop, and wherein the second operating position is a maximum-control position, in which the pilot solenoid valve generates a hydraulic control signal such that the slide valve is brought against a second mechanical stop opposite to the first one. |
| US08429992B2 |
Power flow configuration for dual clutch transmission mechanism
A transmission mechanism with a pair of selectively engageable clutch systems has an upstream gear ratio and a downstream gear ratio that combine to provide an effective gear ratio. A different clutch drive member is associated with an input side of each of the pair of clutch systems. The clutch drive members are driven for rotation by an engine input member. The upstream gear ratio is determined by the gear ratio between the engine input member and one of the clutch drive members. Output sides of each of the clutch systems drive an associated one of a pair of non-coaxial layshafts. Pinions are located on and selectively driven by the layshafts. A countershaft is spaced from both of the layshafts, and has a plurality of gears. Each of the gears is driven for rotation by one of the pinions of the layshafts. The downstream gear ratio is determined by the gear ratio between the selected pinion and the intermeshed gear. |
| US08429991B2 |
Rack bush and rack pinion type steering apparatus having rack bush for vehicle
Disclosed is a rack bush and a rack pinion type steering apparatus having the rack bush for a vehicle, which can smoothly support a load in an axial direction and a vertical direction of a rack bar so that it is possible to reduce abnormal abrasion of the rack bush, reduce a rattle noise caused by external force transferred through the rack bar during movement of the rack bar, and prevent damage to the rack bar and a pinion through distribution of the load due to an external impact on the shaft. |
| US08429989B2 |
Modular apparatus and method for rotating glass containers and the like
An apparatus and method for rotating glass containers and like wares for purposes of inspection is disclosed that uses a compact, modular apparatus which has a drive system that automatically accelerates the wares to full rotation speed while applying only the amount of contact force to the wares that is required to rotate them. The apparatus of the present invention is compact and thus consumes minimal volume in the area near the glass container being rotated. The apparatus for rotating glass containers of the present invention has an outstanding ability to move quickly into contact with a glass container and accelerate it to its full speed without damaging it or being damaged by it, and presents a low degree of impact to glass containers. |
| US08429988B2 |
Soil-cement sampling device
A soil-cement sampling device and method of sampling soil-cement is provided. The soil-cement sampling device may include an inner tube arranged within an outer tube. The inner tube may be removably connected to the outer tube and may be split into two longitudinal sections removably connected to each other. The inner and outer tubes may be inserted into a recently mixed soil-cement mixture before it hardens and a sample of the soil-cement mixture may be collected in the inner tube after it hardens. Once the sample hardens, the inner tube may be removed from the outer tube and the longitudinal sections may be separated to expose the soil-cement sample for inspection and testing. |
| US08429986B2 |
Apparatus and method for groundwater sampling using hydraulic couplers
There are provided an apparatus and method for groundwater sampling, using a hydraulic coupler according to the present invention. In more particular, in the groundwater sampler which is positioned at multiple depths within a groundwater borehole to simultaneously take groundwater samples at the multiple depths, couplers are each connected to both ends of a water sampling pipe made of a metal pipe material. In case of positioning the sampler at a targeted depth, a socket and a plug forming each coupler are connected to each other, so that the both ends of the water sampling pipe—to lead groundwater to freely flow in/out. Thereafter, at the targeted depth, the sockets or plugs are permitted to be separated in the couplers at the both ends of the water sampling pipe by using a lift device, so that the both ends of the water sampling pipe are sealed to simultaneously taking groundwater samples at multiple depths. |
| US08429981B2 |
Method of measuring a physical parameter and electronic interface circuit for a capacitive sensor for implementing the same
The measuring method is for measuring a physical parameter using an electronic interface circuit (1) for a capacitive sensor (2) with at least two capacitors (C1X, C2X) whose common electrode (CM) is mobile between the fixed electrodes. The electronic circuit includes an amplifier (4) connected to the common electrode (CM) by a switching unit (3), a logic unit (5) connected to the amplifier for supplying first and second digital measuring signals, and a digital-analogue converter (7) for supplying a measurement voltage (VDAC) to the electrodes on the basis of a conversion of one of the digital signals. The method consists in polarizing firstly the electrodes of the capacitors by the measurement voltage (VDAC) on the basis of the first digital signals, then polarizing the fixed electrode of the first capacitor (C1X) at a regulated voltage (VREG) and the fixed electrode of the second capacitor (C2X) at a low voltage (VSS), then polarizing the electrodes of the capacitors (C1X, C2X, CM) by the measurement voltage (VDAC) on the basis of the second digital measuring signal, and finally polarizing the fixed electrode of the first capacitor (C1X) at a low voltage (VSS) and the fixed electrode of the second capacitor (C2X) at a regulated voltage (VREG). At the end of the measuring cycles, the logic unit is able, on the basis of the first and second obtained digital measuring signals, to remove any voltage offset linked to the electronic components. |
| US08429979B2 |
Capacitance type pressure sensor
The present invention is adapted to prevent a diaphragm from being deformed by a thermal stress caused by thermal expansion coefficients of a sensor main unit and a fixing member and includes a sensor main unit to which a fixed electrode is fixed, a diaphragm structure that forms a sealed space between the diaphragm structure and the sensor main unit and a fixing member that is jointed to the diaphragm structure in a manner of surrounding a pressure receiving part of the diaphragm structure so as to lead a fluid to the pressure receiving part, wherein the diaphragm structure includes a flat plane diaphragm main unit and first and second ring members each having a known thermal expansion coefficient that are respectively provided on both sides of a circumference of the diaphragm main unit. |
| US08429978B2 |
Resonant frequency based pressure sensor
A pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor body exposed to the pressure of the process fluid. The sensor body deforms in response to the pressure. A diaphragm suspended from the sensor body has a tension which changes in response to deformation of the sensor body. A resonate frequency of the diaphragm is measured. The measured resonant frequency is indicative of the line pressure of the process fluid and integrity of the isolation fill fluid system. In addition to measuring the resonant frequency, the oscillation mode itself can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess sensor health. |
| US08429976B2 |
Low cost resonator-based pressure transducer
An improved manufacturing process for resonator-based pressure transducers is described. The process is a batch process in which several resonators are shaped simultaneously, using an etching process such as plasma etching. The end pieces are also shaped, if required, for several transducers. The end pieces and resonators are sandwiched together prior to separating the individual transducer units. The individual transducer units are then separated using a cutting process. The described process can be used to manufacture pressure transducers having a substantially smaller size, for example 5-6 mm outer dimensions and 2-3 mm resonators. The outer shape of the transducers can be a non-circular cylindrical shape such as that of a right square prism or an octagonal prism. |
| US08429967B2 |
Water level display device using LED, and water level measurement system including the same
The present invention includes: plural common terminals; plural water level measurement terminals that are arranged at a certain interval along a longitudinal direction; a water level measurement control unit that measures the water level of a measurement subject by letting an electric current flow to the plural common terminals, then reading the state information of an electric current flowing to the plural water level measurement terminals; and an LED unit that reads and displays the water level measurement results through plural LEDs. The water level measurement system according to the invention comprises: the above-mentioned water level display device; a main control module that controls the water level display device to read the water level measurement results from the water level display device and display the water level measurement results in numerical form or on a scale; a power supply module that supplies power to the water level display device under the control of the main control module; and a display module that displays the water level measurement results according to control of the main control module. |
| US08429966B2 |
Capacitive fill level sensor and method for estimating a fill level
A capacitive fill level sensor for determining a fill level of a liquid is described. Two electrodes are provided having a plastic sheathing and a capacitance measuring device for detecting the electrical capacitance between the electrodes. An estimator device is used for estimating a fill level of a liquid between the electrodes based on the detected electrical capacitance, taking into account different dielectric constants for sections of the plastic sheathing in the liquid and outside of the liquid. |
| US08429965B2 |
Fluid level measuring device for a beverage dispenser
A level sensing apparatus and method of use for use with a beverage server to indirectly sense the level of beverage retained in the server. The server having a body for receiving and retaining beverage with an opening in the body for receiving the level sensing apparatus and beverage there through. The level sensing apparatus includes at least one capacitive sensing probe assembly retained in a housing to separate the probe assembly from contact with beverage. The housing containing the capacitive sensing probe assembly being disposable into the opening in the body of the server. The capacitive sensing probe indirectly sensing at least one level of beverage retained in the beverage server. A separate display assembly is provided and selectively couplable to the capacitive sensing probe assembly. A power source is provided and coupled to the display assembly and to the capacitive sensing probe assembly to provide power to sense and display the level of beverage in the server. |
| US08429962B2 |
Methods and apparatus to control a formation testing operation based on a mudcake leakage
Methods and apparatus to control a formation testing operation based on a mudcake leakage are disclosed. A disclosed example method for use with a downhole tool disposed in a wellbore comprises measuring a property of a mudcake layer at a first location in a wellbore, determining a value representative of an estimated leakage through the mudcake layer based on the property, and determining, based on the value, whether to continue a formation testing operation. |
| US08429957B2 |
System and method for quantifying the presence of components in the exhaust of commercial and/or heavy-duty vehicles
A system and/or method for quantifying the presence of one or more components in vehicle exhaust, and more particularly to a non-contact, sampling system and method for quantifying the presence of one or more components in exhaust emissions of commercial and/or heavy-duty vehicles that emit exhaust at an elevated level, under actual operating conditions. |
| US08429955B2 |
Method and device for detecting peak values of pressure in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine
A method of detecting during a combustion cycle a peak value of pressure in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine includes providing and installing on the engine body an accelerometer that generates an acceleration signal representing vibrations of the engine body. The acceleration signal is filtered by comparing the band-pass filtered replica of the acceleration signal to a threshold. When the threshold is surpassed, a pressure peak is detected and flagged. |
| US08429951B2 |
Diagnostic system and diagnostic method for a valve, particularly a closing valve or a control valve
A diagnostic system and a diagnostic method for a valve, particularly a closing valve or a control valve, which is actuatable by a drive and is installed in a pipeline. Using a sensor, the pressures in the inlet side of the pipeline are detected and compared with a first reference value in an evaluation device while the valve is closed. The solid-borne sound level is measured using a sensor, and compared with a second reference value in the evaluation device. A signal for displaying leakage exceeding the allowable amount is output if the sound level exceeds the second reference value and if the pressure in the inlet side is smaller than or equal to the first reference value. A characteristic curve field is used to determine the first reference value of the pressure, the parameters thereof being the Kv value and the leakage class of the valve. |
| US08429949B2 |
Calibration card for oxygen optical sensors
A calibration card 10 and method of using the card 10 to calibrate an optical sensor. The card 10 comprises (i) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive fluorophore 41 configured and arranged for limiting exposure of the first mass of oxygen sensitive fluorophore 41 to near zero % oxygen, and (ii) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive fluorophore 42 configured and arranged for exposing the second mass of fluorophore 42 to an environmental concentration of oxygen. |
| US08429948B1 |
Twisting device for a plurality of electrical wires and method of use thereof
A specialty tool to aid in twisting of up to six (6) individual wires for a cable assembly is herein disclosed, comprising a series of six (6) parallel channels perpendicular to the fulcrum line of the pliers. Each channel is sized to hold one (1) individual wire, facilitated by a one-way fixture that slightly penetrates the wires insulation thus holding it securely. Once the wires are in the tool, the jaws can be locked together and can be rotated in either direction to twist the wires. This procedure would be used with cable assembly during manufacturing processes. |
| US08429947B2 |
Apparatus and method for shaping electric wire for stator coil of electric rotating machine
An electric wire shaping apparatus includes a pair of male and female shaping dies and a pressing mechanism. Each of the male and female shaping dies has a shaping surface that includes a plurality of straight parts and a plurality of bent parts. The pressing mechanism moves one of the male and female shaping dies toward the other, thereby pressing a turn portion of an electric wire between the shaping surfaces of the male and female shaping dies in a width-wise direction of the turn portion. Furthermore, the male and female shaping dies are so configured that when they are located closest to each other, a gap W2 between a corresponding pair of the bent parts of the shaping surfaces of the male and female shaping dies is different in size from a gap W1 between a corresponding pair of the straight parts of the shaping surfaces. |
| US08429946B2 |
Press-working method, and press-working apparatus
A press-working apparatus capable of forming a clear character line. The press-working apparatus forms a product having a character line. The press-working apparatus comprises an upper die and a lower die arranged across a steel sheet, an upper die mechanism for moving the upper die toward and away from the lower die, a first holder and a second holder for clamping the steel sheet and applying an unwrinkling force to the same, and a control unit for controlling the upper die mechanism and the first holder. The upper die is divided on the character line of the product into a first upper die and a second upper die. The control unit makes the unwrinkling force by the first holder stronger than that by the second holder, so that the steel sheet is press-worked by the second upper die and then by the first upper die. |
| US08429945B2 |
Rolling process and relating longitudinal, multi-stand rolling mill of continuous, restrained type for hollow bodies
A longitudinal, multi-stand rolling mill of the continuous, restrained type for rolling hollow bodies is described, which comprises a main rolling mill (2) and an extracting rolling mill (4) in line and downstream of the main rolling mill, at a distance from the main rolling mill larger than the maximum length of the hollow body and of the spindle, and in which the spindle is extracted at the outlet of the main rolling mill in the gap between said main rolling mill and extracting rolling mill, and is laterally unloaded. |
| US08429942B2 |
Restriction mechanism for ignition switch
A vehicle starter switch device including a cylinder, a rotor rotatable in the cylinder to a plurality of rotational positions including a first position and a second position, an ignition switch connected to the rotor, and a restriction mechanism that restricts and permits the rotation of the rotor. The restriction mechanism includes a single solenoid that restricts rotation of the rotor from the first position to the second position when de-energized. The solenoid also permits rotation of the rotor from the second position to the first position when de-energized. |
| US08429941B2 |
Latching system for a bicycle
A latching system 1 has a housing 3 provided with a recess 5 in which a part of the bicycle can be inserted, preferably a frame tube sloping upwards. In the housing 3 a latching element 7 is located which can be moved between a release position in which the latching element opens the recess and a latching position in which the latching element closes the recess.The latching system 1 further comprises a key 19 that is positioned in an opening 21 in the housing 3 and is pushed out of the housing when the latching element is moved from the latching position to the release position. To this end the latching element 7 is equipped with an arm 23 which is fitted to the U-shaped part of the housing. When the latching element 7 turns to the release position, one end 25 of the arm 23 pushes against the key 19 causing it it be pushed out of the opening 21. |
| US08429940B2 |
Armoured cable assemblies, locking assemblies, mounting systems and anchors
An armored cable assembly (10) includes a flexible cable (12), a plurality of first armor elements (14), and a plurality of second armor elements (20). The flexible cable (12) is received within a bore (16, 28) in each of the armor elements (14, 20), which are threaded in alternate manner on the flexible cable (12). A ball and socket joint is established between adjacent armor elements (14, 20). Each of the second armor elements (20) includes a cylindrical portion (22) between first and second arcuate or hemispherical ends (24), each end (24) being adapted to provide the ball of the ball and socket joint. A locking assembly (50) is further provided for use with an armored cable assembly. The locking assembly (50) includes a lock body (52), a lock housing (54), a rotatable locking mechanism (56) operable by a key, a disk (60) rotatable to a first locked position, a second unlocked position and a third position in which the lock housing (54) is removable from the lock body (52), and a movable retainer (84) to control rotation of the disk (60) to the third position. An anchor (170) having a housing (172) having a base (174) for securing to a substrate by a fastener (178) is also provided. An aperture (180) passing through the housing (172) is generally parallel to the base (174). A cover (192) is adapted to restrict access to the fastener (178) when the aperture (180) is occupied by a cable, chain, shackle or the like. |
| US08429937B2 |
Method and apparatus for making a shaped glass article
A flat glass sheet and a mold having a mold cavity defined by a shaping surface are provided. The shaping surface has a surface profile of a shaped glass article. At least one edge alignment pin is provided on the mold at an edge of the shaping surface. The glass sheet is leaned against the edge of the shaping surface such that an edge of the glass sheet abuts the edge alignment pin. The glass sheet is then heated. The glass sheet is sagged onto the shaping surface of the mold so that the glass assumes the surface profile of the shaped glass article and thereby form the shaped glass article. The edge alignment pin aligns the edge of the glass sheet with the mold cavity as the glass sheet sags onto the shaping of the mold. The shaped glass article is removed from the mold. |
| US08429936B2 |
Method of making a glass sheet using controlled cooling
Methods of drawing glass sheet via a downdraw process are provided. In certain aspects, the methods utilize rapid cooling below the root (70) of the forming apparatus (10). Such rapid cooling can, for example, facilitate the use of glass having a liquidus viscosity less than about 100,000 poise. In other aspects, the methods utilize slow cooling between the viscosities of 1011 poises and 1014 poises. Such slow cooling can facilitate the production of glass substrates which exhibit low levels of compaction. In further aspects, substrates are removed from the glass sheet at elevated temperatures which can facilitate increases in the production rates of downdraw machines. In still further aspects, rapid cooling below the root, slow cooling between the viscosities of 1011 poises and 1014 poises, and/or substrate removal at elevated temperatures are combined. Such combinations can facilitate economically effective utilization of downdraw equipment. |
| US08429934B2 |
Jewelry and method for its use
A jewelry piece comprising a ring shank, at least one first connector, at least one second connector, at least one first linkage, at least one second linkage, and at least one charm. |
| US08429931B2 |
Ejector refrigerant cycle device
An ejector refrigerant cycle device includes a radiator for radiating heat of high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from a compressor, a branch portion for branching a flow of refrigerant on a downstream side of the radiator into a first stream and a second stream, an ejector that includes a nozzle portion for decompressing and expending refrigerant of the first stream from the branch portion, a decompression portion for decompressing and expanding refrigerant of the second stream from the branch portion, and an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant on a downstream side of the decompression portion. The evaporator has a refrigerant outlet coupled to the refrigerant suction port of the ejector. Furthermore, a refrigerant radiating portion is provided for radiating heat of refrigerant while the decompression portion decompresses and expands refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant radiating portion is provided in an inner heat exchanger. |
| US08429925B2 |
Device for cooling hot liquid food items to drinking temperature
A device 1 for cooling hot liquid food items to drinking temperature comprising a cooling system 2 containing a coolant 19 with a cooling line 13 and an inflow for the hot liquid and an outflow for the cooled liquid. The device includes at least one filling vessel 3 connectable with its opening 5 to the end side of the cooling system containing the inflow to the cooling system. For connecting the filling vessel to the cooling system, each of the two parts includes complementarily cooperating connection elements 9, such that for the process of cooling a virtual unit can be formed, and as a function of the defined quantity of liquid flowing from the filling vessel into the inflow of the cooling system, and the temperature and of the quantity of the coolant, the liquid flows from the outflow of the cooling system at a temperature specified within narrow limits. |
| US08429923B2 |
Low temperature showcase
An object is to provide a low temperature showcase in which waste heat from a condenser and the like can be utilized by a simple constitution to effectively eliminate dew condensation on a middle pillar, particularly on gasket of upper part of a door. The low temperature showcase includes a middle pillar whose front surface abuts on the gasket of the door; a machine chamber disposed outside a main body under a display chamber and including the condenser, a fan for the condenser and the like, and the showcase further includes a middle pillar duct member which is vertically attached to the middle pillar and in which a middle pillar duct is defined, a leading portion which leads air from the machine chamber into the middle pillar duct, and exhaust holes which discharge the air flowing upwards through the duct to the outside of the gasket between the upper part of the door and the main body. |
| US08429921B2 |
A/C maintenance system using heat transfer from the condenser to the oil separator for improved efficiency
An apparatus and methodology are provided for advantageously increasing heat transfer between the evaporator/oil separator (“accumulator”) and condenser of a refrigerant recovery/recycling system, to increase the efficiency of the system and to simplify the system. Embodiments include a refrigerant recovery/recycling device comprising a compressor having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet; an accumulator fluidly connected to a refrigerant source and to the compressor suction inlet; a recovery tank fluidly connected to the compressor discharge outlet; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the recovery tank to the accumulator, for raising the temperature of the accumulator and lowering the temperature of the recovery tank. |
| US08429910B2 |
Free floating wave energy converter
A wave energy converter includes a flexible pipe and an inlet. The flexible pipe floats on the water surface, following the wave form. Slugs of water and air enter, one after the other, through the inlet. Because the flexible pipe follows the shape of the wave, water is transported through a manifold to a pressure chamber connected to a generator. The inlet consists of a hollow, inflexible pipe attached to the throat of the flexible pipe. The inflexible pipe is fixedly attached to a buoyancy tank or plurality thereof. The buoyancy tanks are arranged in a vertical plane or in tandem, with the inflexible pipe passing along the plane vertical to the fore and aft axis of the buoyancy tank and the frontward portion projecting sufficiently ahead of the buoyancy tank with the flexible pipe terminating at a singular outlet. The entire apparatus is facing towards the oncoming waves. |
| US08429909B2 |
Control system and method for controlling at least two hydraulic consumers
A control system actuates at least two hydraulic consumers that may be supplied with pressure medium via a pump, in the case of which an electrically or electrohydraulically adjustable metering orifice (8) is situated in the pressure medium flow path to each of the consumers. The pressure medium flow to the consumer may be adjusted by the metering orifice. A device may adjust the pump pressure or the pumped quantity once a maximum load pressure in the supply line (22, 24) of a consumer has been reached, depending on the demand for pressure medium by one consumer or the other consumer. |
| US08429895B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes: an exhaust heat collector, in which exhaust gas exchanges heat with engine coolant, that heats the engine coolant; an EGR mechanism that recirculates a part of the exhaust gas to an intake passage through an EGR passage that branches from an exhaust passage; and an EGR cooler that cools the exhaust gas flowing through the EGR passage through heat exchange with the engine coolant supplied from the exhaust heat collector. |
| US08429893B2 |
Airflow modulation for dual mode combined cycle propulsion systems
The present invention relates to a mechanical system and method that modulates airflow in an aircraft inlet diffuser that is used in conjunction with an aircraft engine that integrates both a center turbine engine and a high Mach engine such as a constant volume combustor (CVC) arrangement or ramjet arrangement with intakes formed co-centrically about the turbine. The modulation system uses two articulating components, a movable air flow duct and an articulating cone. The air flow duct, in a first position, is in exclusive air flow communication with the circular intake face of the turbine in a first position to receive air from the intake diffuser. In this configuration the expandable cone is in a retracted position and does not redirect airflow and allows the aircraft to operates in low speed mode as only the turbo jet receives airflow. In a transition speed mode, the air flow duct is retracted to allow air flow to both the turbo jet and the CVC. At its widest expanse, the articulating cone completely covers the turbo jet circular intake face directing air solely to the high Mach aircraft engine to allow the aircraft to operate in high speed mode. |
| US08429889B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing a yarn
Apparatus and a method for producing a yarn, the apparatus and method comprising a reciprocating twisting stage, the reciprocating twisting stage comprising one or more twist rollers that rotate along an axis of rotation and that are arranged to move reciprocally along the axis of rotation to impart twist to one or more slivers to form twisted strands; and a drive system for one or more take up holders, the drive system arranged to have wound onto the one or more take up holders the yarn after two or more strands are twisted together to form the yarn. The drive system is arranged to drive the one or more take up holders such that the linear speed at which the yarn is wound onto the one or more take up holders can be controlled relative to the linear speed at which the strands exit the one or more twist rollers. |
| US08429886B2 |
Rotary cutter for mower
A rotary cutter for a mower has a cord for cutting grass and the like by rotating itself; a reel for housing the cord and feeding the cord while intermittently rotating; a case for housing the reel; a cover for covering the case; and a pressing body protruding from the case. The pressing body is axially movable by being pressed, and intermittently rotating the reel. The reel and the pressing body are integrally constructed. Concave grooves for inserting the cord are provided in the reel in a radial direction and the cord is wound by fitting it to the concave grooves. |
| US08429880B2 |
System for filling, capping, cooling and handling containers
Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced therein. The deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers. After the conveying, a moveable element it a bottom end of each container is activated substantially permanently to remove the vacuum. |
| US08429877B2 |
Method for reinforcement of concreted plates in the region of support elements
A method is provided for reinforcing concreted plates in the region of support elements with reinforcement elements, which are each composed of a longitudinally stable, bendable, strap-like base body with two loops. A bore is made in the concreted plate for each reinforcement element. The end region of the bore remote from the pressure-side surface of the concreted plate is drilled out and the one loop of the reinforcement element is pressed together and is led through the bore until this loop has reached the drilled-out hole and expands. The bore is filled with a mortar-type mass. The other loop of the reinforcement element is fixed with an anchor head, which supports itself on the pressure-side surface of the concreted plate. |
| US08429876B2 |
Concrete rib construction method
A system for constructing building consisting of connected T-beams for walls and roof. To create the T shape the system uses blocks of rigid insulation as forming, which are embedded in the poured-in-place concrete. These blocks serve to insulate the structure. The final structure is a monolithic box where the foundation, (101, 102), and (103) is the lower face, walls are the vertical faces of the box, attached to the foundation by dowels (104) to the walls reinforcement part (105) and the roof (118, 119, 120), and (121) is the top. This results in a sturdy structure with integrated high insulation (111) and (122) in walls and roof. Metal nailers (123) with the polystyrene foam strips (124) can be embedded in the ends of the T-beam stems. These nailers ease the insertion of screws to wall and ceiling interiors, allowing the building interior to be finished with gypsum board or paneling. |
| US08429875B2 |
Concrete foundation form screw and method of use
A protruding-head fastener is disclosed for joining two or more members. A protruding-head fastener includes a head that protrudes when the fastener is installed and shaped to rotationally couple with a drive tool, and a shank fixedly coupled with the protruding head and having a self-tapping threaded portion and a maximum diameter. The protruding head and the shank define a longitudinal axis through the fastener. The protruding head has a length along the longitudinal axis and a maximum width transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the length divided by the maximum width defines an aspect ratio for the protruding head that is equal to or greater than 1.0. The protruding head further has a minimum width that is greater than the maximum diameter of the shank. In many embodiments, the minimum width of the protruding head exceeds 1.2 times the maximum diameter of the shank. |
| US08429874B2 |
Double-Y modular framing rhombicuboctahedron construction system
A construction system using framing components in the shape of a double-Y member wherein two longitudinal members which are connected to form a right angle are then connected to one end of a third longer longitudinal member at the vertex of the pair. Another pair is connected at the other end of the longer member, thus forming a Y-shape at each end and wherein all five longitudinal members are co-planar. Multiple ones of these double Y elements are joined at the ends of the double Y, each double-Y element being rotated 90° before joining to the next one. The resulting construction yields a three dimensional framework which defines a repeating pattern of volumetric shapes which all fall into one of two categories: cubes and rhombicuboctahedrons (a 26 sided three dimensional shape which can be described as a cube which has been mitered at each corner and each edge). |
| US08429873B2 |
Modular construction panels, systems, and methods of installation
Modular construction panels, systems, and methods of installation are set forth for use in creating buildings. A modular construction panel includes a panel having a height, opposed faces, and opposed generally vertical ends. In one embodiment, a keyway receiver is integral with the panel adjacent one of the ends, and a keyway spline is integral with the panel adjacent the other end. In another embodiment, a keyway receiver is integral with the panel adjacent one of the ends. In still another embodiment, a keyway receiver is integral with the panel adjacent one of the ends. One modular construction system includes first and second panels, each having: a height, opposed faces, opposed generally vertical first and second ends, a keyway receiver at the first end or one of the faces adjacent the first end, and a keyway spline at the second end or one of the faces adjacent the second end. |
| US08429871B2 |
Affordable, sustainable buildings comprised of recyclable materials and methods thereof
An affordable, sustainable building, comprising substantially entirely mass-produced, prefabricated constituent parts manufactured off-site, the prefabricated constituent parts comprising a foundation, a frame module comprising a plurality of frames, wherein the frame module is secured to the foundation, a reversible connector to connect the plurality of frames to form the frame module, a wall panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, a floor panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, and a ceiling panel configured to be mounted on to the frame module. Each constituent part forms part of a library of parts from which the constituent parts are selected. The constituent parts are preferably made in standardized sizes to facilitate efficient mass production. The constituent parts are predominantly made of recyclable material so as to be environmentally friendly. Computer software may be developed to facilitate design and construction of the affordable, sustainable building and to calculate proper attachment points for lifting and moving frame modules. |
| US08429867B2 |
Wooden frame wall block with finished wall material layers
A wall block includes two finished wall material layers attached to a frame where the tops of the wall blocks are configured to support other wall blocks. Exterior wall blocks for constructing exterior walls include an interior wall material layer and an exterior wall material layer. Interior wall blocks include interior wall material layers on both vertical sides of the frame. Walls are formed by stacking and gluing the prefabricated wall blocks and vertically aligning the wall blocks in an offset or in a vertical configuration to form a stack bond, running bond, or offset running bond wall configuration. The interior wall material layers and exterior wall material layers do not require further finishing after a wall is assembled thereby greatly reducing labor costs. |
| US08429865B2 |
Window disassembly mechanism
A window assembly for a wall opening can have a center bar removably engaged to a window assembly frame; the center bar having at least one deep channel to receive an edge of at least a first window pane within a portion of a channel depth on a first side and having at least a second channel on a second side of the center bar to receive an edge of a second window pane; and the center bar lowerable over the first window pane edge when disconnected to the frame to a depth within the deep channel to allow the second window pane to be disengaged from the second channel. |
| US08429862B2 |
Vibration damping construction system
The present invention provides a vibration damping construction system including a first construction body, a second construction body, and a damping unit. The first construction body includes a reaction surface. The second construction body is accommodated in the first construction body. The damping unit is disposed between the second construction body and the reaction surface of the first construction body for reducing the vibration transferred from the first construction body. |
| US08429858B1 |
Semi-permanent, 4-season, modular, extruded plastic, flat panel, insulatable, portable, low-cost, rigid-walled structure
Low-cost, semi-permanent rigid-wall modular Yurt-type, peaked-roof structures, polygonally “round” (in plan view), made of modular, light-weight, water-proof cellular extruded plastic sheet panels that are easily portable, quickly erectable and dismountable, having a wide variety of uses. The modular panels are easily die-cut from any water-resistant, non-metallic, rigid material, preferably an extruded plastic, such as a polyolefin polymer. Few panel configurations are needed to form all the structural elements. In addition, multiple similar modular structures may be grouped to form larger compound structures with individual ones of the Yurts being assigned to individual persons or dedicated work space usages: disaster shelters, sleeping, gathering, storage, hygiene, medical treatment, schooling, entertainment, goods manufacture, cooking, eating, herding, etc. The key principles of the inventive technology are equally applicable to both single-walled and double-walled structures, the latter of which provide spaces between the walls for inter-panel insulation for cold-weather environments and passive ventilation in hot environments. |
| US08429856B1 |
Double-hung window with uniform wood interior
A double-hung window having a uniform interior wood appearance is disclosed. The window has a head jamb and side jambs. The window has an upper and lower sash, each having a wood frame. The upper and lower sashes are held in the window by the side jambs. Lock-pins are extendable from each side of the lower sash. A concealed jamb liner cover for selective engagement with each upper side jamb is provided which has an exposed wood surface and a channel for receiving the lock-pin of the lower sash. An upper sash lock housing attached to an upper portion of the wood frame of the upper sash, is provided which holds an upper sash lock-pin for each side of the upper sash. A wooden interior upper parting stop connected to the head jamb conceals the upper sash lock housing when the window is closed. |
| US08429851B2 |
Modular interlocking pre-vegetated roof system
A modular unit, system and method include a base layer having a plurality of reservoirs configured to prevent water flow through a lower portion, the lower portion for contacting a support surface, and having interlocking portions configured to interlock adjacent base layers when installed. A water permeable layer is disposed over the base layer. A detachable wall is mountable on the base layer to contain planting media. The water permeable layer may include a water-holding capillary fabric mat layer with entangled filaments. |
| US08429849B2 |
Compressed coconut coir pith granules and methods for the production and use thereof
Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material. |
| US08429848B2 |
Mole trap
A mole trap has a tough plastic base with downwardly extending fixed blades. Movable plastic blades are pivotably connected to the base and urged into a sprung condition by springs. A two-segment lever extends between the base and a catch which is pivotably mounted to the base. A trigger extends through a central opening in the catch and has a post which protrudes beneath the catch where it can be actuated by the targeted mole. Operation of the trigger post causes the lever to release from its engagement with the catch so that the movable blades close on and strike the mole positioned beneath the trap. The trigger has a release tab extending from the lever, allowing convenient release from the set position, and an upwardly protruding set arm allowing trigger depression from a point exterior to the handle into its desired set configuration. |
| US08429846B2 |
Systems and methods for cleaning firearm barrels
Embodiments of systems and methods for improved cleaning of a firearm barrel are provided. Generally, a system according to the present invention includes a cleaning head having a cleaning implement coupled to a shank, which provides at least one radial engagement surface and at least one longitudinal engagement surface. The system may further include a cleaning rod adapted to engage the cleaning head in an at least partially overlapping or surrounding engagement. A method according to the present invention includes the steps of inserting a cleaning head into the breech end of a firearm barrel, engaging the head with a cleaning rod, pushing the head through the barrel and retracting the cleaning rod from the barrel, wherein during the retracting step, the head is disengaged from the rod. |
| US08429844B2 |
Modular firearm stock system
A modular firearm is disclosed. The firearm that can be configured to operate using ammunition of different calibers via interchangeability of only a few parts. The firearm includes a foldable butt stock assembly for quickly and easily converting the firearm from an extended operating configuration to a compact transport configuration, and vice-versa. Additionally, the firearm includes a modular hand guard assembly having multiple mounting platforms for accommodating a variety of different accessories. |
| US08429842B2 |
Labeling device
A labeling device that can be attached to an article and subsequently modified by separating at least a portion of the device to be located within the article to provide information regarding the contents of an article. |
| US08429835B2 |
Composite shoe upper and method of making same
A bonded mesh composite panel of an upper includes a substrate layer formed from a substrate material, a mesh material layer and one or more skin material layers. The mesh composite can be fabricated by first arranging panels of substrate, mesh and skin layer material into an assembly corresponding to the locations of those panels in a completed upper. The assembly may include separate layers of hot melt bonding material interposed between the substrate, mesh and skin layers. The assembly is pressed at an elevated temperature so as to melt the bonding material and the skin layers and bond the elements together. Before the pressed assembly completely cools, it is then pressed a second time in an unheated press. A heat-conductive compressible pad can be used in the pressing process to create a surface effect in the skin layers that reveals a patterns of an underlying mesh layer. |
| US08429834B2 |
Gas wiping apparatus
In a gas wiping apparatus which blows gas through a wiping nozzle onto front and rear surfaces of a steel plate going out from a molten metal coating pot and running upward and which thereby controls a deposit mass, the wiping nozzle is separated into upper and lower lips, blocking faces partially closing a gas supply channel are formed in the upper and lower lips at vertically different positions on the opposite sides from each other in a gas outlet width direction, and the upper and lower lips are provided in such a manner as to be movable in a width direction of the steel plate. |
| US08429830B2 |
Tape measure with self-regulating speed control mechanism
Disclosed herein is a tape measure with a self-regulating speed control mechanism. In the present invention, when a bobbin rotates, a rubber roller rotatably provided on a movable mounting plate alternately comes into contact with an inner surface of a support ring and a rubber acceleration prevention member provided on the inner surface of the support ring, so that the speed of the bobbin can be smoothly and reliably reduced. |
| US08429829B2 |
Measuring device
A measuring device includes a base body, and a measuring head which is movable between a rest position and a measuring position. The measuring device also includes an apparatus for moving the measuring head from the rest position into the measuring position, and a stop for limiting the motion of the measuring head from the rest position into the measuring position. A motorized drive unit for adjusting the position of the stop is operatively associated with the stop in such a way that the measuring position is adjustable, and a control unit is provided for activating the drive unit. |
| US08429825B2 |
Cutting apparatus
A cutting apparatus is provided having a resilient handle, a guide on one end of the handle and a cutter body on the opposite end. The guide includes two spaced members forming an outwardly facing slot with a stop formed therein. The handle is flexed into an assembled position to form a close loop, with the cutter body positioned within the guide slot and in contact with the stop. A cutting edge is movable along with cutter body to an activated position, with the cutting edge extending outwardly of the slot and the guide. The movement of the cutter body is caused by an activation force applied to the closed loop of the resilient handle member. |
| US08429824B2 |
Insulated panels and systems and methods for forming sealed insulated panels
Insulated panels and methods of forming insulated panels are provided. According to the method, mold bulkhead and a sealing strip including a first anchor extension, a second anchor extension, and a panel cap are provided. The method also includes removably attaching the exterior face of the sealing strip to the interior mold surface on at least one of the plurality of mold sides, wherein the first anchor extension and the second anchor extension project into the interior mold volume, and wherein the sealing strip defines a sealed insulation zone. A curable building material is introduced into the interior mold volume to form a first slab. The first slab at least partially surrounds the first anchor extension. The method also includes inserting an insulation material layer into the interior mold volume, wherein the insulation material layer is at least partially within the sealed insulation zone. A curable building material is introduced into the interior mold volume adjacent to the insulation material layer to form a second slab. The second slab at least partially surrounds the second anchor extension. The method also includes the step of allowing the curable building material to cure to provide a cured insulated panel, wherein the panel cap defines at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of intermediate faces. |
| US08429819B2 |
Systems and methods for making seals in heat exchangers
Systems and methods for improving heat exchangers by implementing self-energizing seals. In one embodiment, a U-tube heat exchanger includes a shell enclosure, a tube sheet, a closure and a set of tubes welded to the tube sheet. The tube sheet separates first and second chambers from a third chamber in the shell enclosure. The closure seals the first and second chambers. Each tube extends from the first chamber, through the third chamber to the second chamber. The improvement comprises a seal between the shell enclosure and either the closure or the tube sheet. The seal includes conically tapered sealing surfaces on the shell enclosure and closure or tube sheet which form a wedge-shaped gap. A seal ring having surfaces complementary to the sealing surfaces of the shell enclosure and closure or tube sheet is positioned between the sealing surfaces to form a self-energized seal. |
| US08429817B2 |
Process for manufacturing a single-piece blisk with a temporary blade support ring removed after a milling finishing step
A process for manufacturing a single-piece blisk, including: using an abrasive water jet to cut a block of material, so as to create blade preforms extending radially outwards from a disk, while keeping material forming a connecting mechanism between at least two directly consecutive blade preforms; then milling on the blade preforms so as to obtain profiled blade blanks; then a finishing by milling of the blade blanks, so as to obtain blades with a final profile; then removing the connecting mechanism. |
| US08429810B2 |
Method of manufacturing rotor for dynamoelectric machine
There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a rotor for a dynamoelectric machine. The rotor includes a rotating shaft, a rotor core fixed on the rotating shaft, and a cooling fan fixed to an axial end face of the rotor core. The method includes the step of fixing the cooling fan to the axial end face of the rotor core by resistance welding. The method is characterized in that in the resistance welding, both a positive electrode and a negative electrode are first brought into contact with the cooling fan to have the cooling fan held between the axial end face of the rotor core and both the positive and negative electrodes, and then weld current is supplied to flow from the positive electrode to the negative electrode. |
| US08429807B2 |
Aluminum-plastic composite structure
An aluminum-plastic composite structure includes an aluminum portion and a plastic portion. The aluminum portion defines a plurality of micro grooves by ultraviolet lithography. The plastic portion is integrally formed on the aluminum portion and substantially filling in the micro grooves. A width of each micro groove is in a range from 0.02 millimeters to 0.05 millimeters. A depth of each micro groove is in a range from 0.2 millimeters to 0.25 millimeters. |
| US08429805B1 |
Railing and method of manufacture
A picket or panel railing and method of fabrication of the railing from a kit of parts includes U-shaped channels having inserts fixed in the channels, with holes pre-formed in the insert for insertion of pickets. Vertical pickets interconnect the upper channel and a lower channel and opposite ends of the pickets fit through the holes formed in the inserts. |
| US08429803B2 |
Dual purpose dimple for HVAC circular ductwork
HVAC ductwork is sealed along its joints in order to reduce air leakage. The ductwork can be sealed by the combination of a gasket and mechanical locking mechanism. Transverse mechanical locking joints are provided. |
| US08429793B2 |
Door check
A door check is provided comprising a housing (2) that can be fixed to a door or door frame and is provided with a first housing half (3) and a second housing half (4) which can be connected to each other, and a stay bar (24) that penetrates an opening (23) within the housing (2) and is pivotally mounted on the door frame or door, the housing (2) and the stay bar (24) not being fixed to/mounted on the same part. The first housing half (3) and the second housing half (4) respectively delimit only one section of the circumference of the opening (23). In order to create a door check that allows reliable and secure retaining and can be produced at low cost, a braking member (13) which is biased in the direction of the stay bar (24) by means of a spring element (20) is disposed in at least one of the two housing halves (3, 4). |
| US08429791B2 |
Surface treating appliance
An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body and a stand pivotable relative to the main body between a supporting position and a retracted position. A stand retaining mechanism is provided for releasably retaining the stand in the supporting position, and which includes a locking member pivotably moveable about a first axis to release the stand as it is moved from the supporting position to the retracted position, and about a second axis spaced from the first axis to retain the stand as it is returned to the supporting position. At least one biasing member applies a relatively large first force to the locking member which resists movement thereof about the first axis. To facilitate the return of the stand to its supporting position, the biasing member is arranged to apply a relatively small second force to reset the locking member following movement thereof about the second axis. |
| US08429788B1 |
Liquid separation device for suction nozzles
A liquid separation nozzle utilized with a suction source, such as a vacuum cleaner. Liquid and air are drawn through an intake by the suction, and pass through a plurality of liquid separation passages. The liquid separation passages divide the flow and separate the liquid from the air. The liquid drops out from the separation passages and accumulates in the bottom of the collection tank, while the air is drawn out through the upper part of the tank. A float valve prevents liquid from being drawn out with the air as the tank becomes full. |
| US08429787B2 |
Dual use cleaning apparatus and method
The present invention provides a cleaning assembly for use in a media processing device. In various embodiments, the cleaning assembly includes a first roller that at least partially engages a second roller, and a transport path that passes between the first roller and the second roller. There may also be a third collection roller that at least partially engages the second roller. The third collection roller may also engage a drive assembly that may be used to drive a media substrate along the transport path. In one embodiment, the second roller defines a surface adherence that is greater than a surface adherence of the first roller and the third collection roller defines a surface adherence that is greater than the surface adherence of the second roller and the drive assembly. As a result, the present invention provides a cleaning assembly capable of cleaning the drive assembly and opposed surfaces of a media substrate in a single pass. |
| US08429786B2 |
Connection device for the articulated connection of a wiper blade to a wiper arm
The invention relates to a connection device (10) for the articulated connection of a wiper blade (28, 30) to a wiper arm, wherein a connection element (12, 120, 126) is tightly connected to the free end of the wiper arm, and the connection element is connected in an articulated manner via mounting means (88, 122, 124) to an adapter (22, 24), and the adapter is tightly seated on a support element (28) of the wiper blade (28, 30). It is suggested that a base cover (18), which surrounds the adapter (22, 24) and which can be attached to the adapter or to the support element (28), has a guide rail (66) running in the longitudinal direction (136), and that a push-spring (16) is mounted thereon and is adjustable in the longitudinal direction (136), and that the push-spring can be attached to a guide block (112) of the base cover (18) in different positions with different offset distances (114, 116, 118) in the longitudinal direction (136) of the guide rail (66) by means of locking means (68, 70, 72), wherein the guide block is connected to the end of the guide rail (66) on the wiper arm side. |
| US08429783B2 |
Light-emitting oral care implement
An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, and a light source incorporated into or adjacent the head. The light source is incorporated prior to the attachment of the cleaning elements. For ease of manufacturing and a cost-effective assembly. The cleaning elements are preferably preformed and attached to the head after the incorporation of the light source so that the provision of the light source does not require any post-processing that might impair the integrity of the head or cleaning elements. |
| US08429779B2 |
Bedding or seating product made with coil springs having unknotted end turns with bumps
Disclosed herein is a bedding or seating product (10) having a spring core (12) comprising coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to be wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible. |
| US08429775B2 |
Suspended back pillow for sustaining a side sleeping position
A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongate pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to rest at a back side of the individual when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual. The attachment structure provides sufficient flexibility to allow the pillow to rotate with respect to and rest against the individual's back to a laterally offset and suspended configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine. The method includes the steps of attaching the light weight, elongate pillow at the back side of the individual positioned in the side sleeping orientation on the bed and with pillow contact laterally offset from the spine between the back side of the trunk portion and the pillow, thereby capturing the pillow between the bed and back side of the individual upon attempted rotation of the body to a supine sleeping position. |
| US08429774B2 |
Lateral tilt device
A lateral tilting device for a patient lying on a mattress is capable of being inserted between the mattress and a level bed base or bed frame on which the mattress rests. The lateral tilting device comprises at least two independent first and second inflatable cells, pneumatically independent and positioned at least partly symmetrically from one another in relation to a median axis of the tilting device. The lateral tilting device includes two ‘U’ shaped inflatable compartments that are fitted into one another. A method for the lateral tilting of the mattress includes inflating a said first or second cell and concomitant deflation of the other second or respectively first cell of the tilting device laid out under the mattress. |
| US08429772B2 |
Coil spring having unknotted end turns with bumps
Disclosed herein is a bedding or seating product (10) having a spring core (12) comprising coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to being wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible. |
| US08429766B2 |
Helmet with embedded sound suppression ear cups
A sound attenuating device for standard helmets worn by riders of recreational vehicles is provided. The sound attenuating device includes low profile ear cups and compressible members mounted between the shell of the helmet and ear cups. The compressible members permit the ear cups to be moved away from the rider's face when doffing or donning the helmet and otherwise push the ear cups against the rider's face forming a tight seal between the rider's face and the ear cups around each ear. The means for attaching the compressible members to the helmet shell are non-penetrating so as to maintain the structural integrity and sound suppression characteristics of the shell. |
| US08429765B2 |
Breatheable padding for cycling gloves
An athletic glove having at least one padded insert is provided. The padded insert comprises reticulated or open cell form, or a rubber formed into a matrix that allows ventilation paths. |