Document Document Title
US08465015B2 Image forming apparatus and control method therefor
An image forming apparatus for which a control method is performed includes a recording unit, a conveying device conveying a recording medium to the recording unit, a feeding device supplying the recording medium to the conveying device, a recording medium conveying pathway along which the recording medium travels, and a control device controlling the conveying device and the feeding device. A first partial length of the recording medium conveying pathway extending from the feeding device to the recording unit is shorter than a conveyance direction length of a maximum usable size recording medium. When the leading end of the recording medium is located between the conveying device and the recording unit after the conveying device is driven to convey the recording medium, the control device switches the feeding device from a driven state to a non-driven state to move the feeding device by the recording medium.
US08465014B2 Feeding device and image forming apparatus
A feeding device includes: a sheet housing unit; a sheet conveying unit having an endless belt member, which faces a topmost sheet of sheets stacked in the sheet housing unit, and a suction unit disposed inside the belt member; a sheet lifting unit that lifts the topmost sheet to a position where the topmost sheet is attracted on a surface of the belt member by a negative pressure generated by the suction unit; and an external device sheet conveying unit that conveys a sheet fed from another feeding device connected to the feeding device to a gap between the topmost sheet in the sheet housing unit and the belt member. In feeding the sheet fed from the other feeding device to the subsequent step, the sheet lifting unit is stopped while the suction unit, the belt member, and the external device sheet conveying unit are operated.
US08465013B2 Carrying apparatus, image forming apparatus, carried medium carrying method, computer readable medium storing computer program thereof
A disclosed carrying apparatus includes a first rotating unit carrying a sheet-like carried medium in a rotating direction, a second rotating unit carrying the carried medium in the rotating direction, a first driving unit rotating the first rotating unit, a second driving unit rotating the second rotating unit, a first rotational speed detecting unit, a second rotational speed detecting unit, a first rotational speed controlling unit, a second rotational speed controlling unit, and a torque information acquiring unit acquiring torque information acting on the first rotating unit, wherein the second rotational speed controlling unit controls the second rotational speed in response to a comparison result between the torque information acquired when the sheet-like carried medium is solely carried by the first rotating unit and the torque information acquired when the sheet-like carried medium is carried by the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit.
US08465007B2 Load bearing assembly with elastomeric edge
A load bearing assembly includes a molded plastic retainer that supports a load bearing surface over an opening defined by a frame. The molded plastic retainer includes a first portion attached to the frame, a second portion attached to the load bearing surface, and at least one elastic connector integrally molded with the retainer. The elastic connector is oriented such that it includes a crystalline structure having a greater degree of alignment in one direction than in other directions.
US08464999B2 Service regulator vent
A fluid regulating device comprises an actuator with upper and lower housing components. The upper and lower housing components are secured together at mating flanges via a plurality of fasteners. The upper housing component is formed with a vent to contain a relief valve, which exhausts fluid to the atmosphere under overpressure conditions. The upper housing component is constructed such that it does not require a pedestal or fins extending between the vent and the flange, which advantageously provides a completely unobstructed, continuous, ring-shaped flange for receiving and manipulating the fasteners during assembly and/or maintenance of the regulating device.
US08464998B2 Automate fluid flow control system
An automate fluid flow control system includes a valve member for being sealedly disposed within a fluid chamber to seal a flow of fluid flowing from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, a relief valve having a fluid passage extended along the valve member for communicating the fluid chamber with the fluid outlet and including a valve stopper sitting on a top opening of the fluid passage to sealedly close the fluid passage, and a powering assembly including an actuator to move the relief valve between a closed position that the valve stopper is sealedly retained to close the fluid passage and an opened position that the actuator drives the valve stopper to unseal the fluid passage for releasing a pressure within the fluid chamber to allow the fluid passing to the fluid outlet.
US08464994B2 Folding tool stand
A folding tool stand includes a platform connected to a base frame. The platform is pivotally and slidingly connected at a first side thereof to the base frame and is pivotally connected at a second side thereof to links that are pivotally connected to the base frame. A leg support is pivotally connected to the base frame. A locking device is provided to maintain the platform in an extended position. In the collapsed position, the platform is guided by the links to be positioned along the base frame. In the extended position, the links guide and support the platform in a position spaced from the base frame. In a first embodiment, spring members bias the platform into the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, a driving device is used to provide support to the second side of the platform during the expansion and collapse of the folding tool stand.
US08464993B2 Seat slide rail
A seat slide rail comprising a lower stationary rail having, defined therein, a connecting region for allowing one of said at least two connection portions of said powered drive mechanism to be connected therewith; said upper rail being configured such that the upper portion thereof has an outer surface and an inner hollow region defined inwardly and longitudinally thereof; wherein said outer surface of said upper rail has a connecting region for allowing connection therewith of a selected one of: said at least one connecting portion of said manual lock mechanism; and another of said at least two connection portions of said powered drive mechanism, wherein said inner hollow region of said upper rail allows installation therein of a selected one of: said at least one longitudinally extending operative element of said manual lock mechanism; and said at least one longitudinally extending operative element of said powered drive mechanism.
US08464992B2 Tilt control for tiltable mount
A tilt control for a tiltable mount and a mount including a tilt control are provided. The mount has first and second brackets mounted for rotation or tilting, such as about a shaft. The second bracket might be a monitor mount tiltable relative to an arm bracket. The tilt control includes a friction brake and an over-running clutch configured to disengage the friction brake to permit upward rotation or tilting, but engage the friction brake for controlling the downward rotation or tilting. The friction brake is engaged by the over-running clutch to control downward tilting. The friction brake generates a counter-acting force to retain a mounted device such as a video monitor and/or keyboard in fixed position against drooping, but to permit downward tilting upon application by a user of an adjustment force.
US08464990B2 Pole mounted rotation platform and wind power generator
A pole mounted rotation platform and wind power generator that is secured to an existing structure, which may or may not be vertical, to augment an existing power grid. The pole mounted rotation platform and wind power generator includes a wind sail assembly and a platform capable of rotating about the existing structure. The pole mounted rotation platform and wind power generator may be assembled, secured, leveled and aligned to the existing structure as component parts and in such a manner that any existing equipment on the existing structure does not need to be repositioned or relocated. During usage, the wind sail assembly rotates about the existing structure via the rotation platform, the resulting rotational energy is converted to electrical power, and the electrical power is output to a suitable power-using, -storing or -converting system.
US08464986B1 Subsea clamp for hoses and control lines
A clamp for a tubular hose or cable is disclosed. The clamp comprises a first clamp half, a second clamp half, and a hinge pin. The first clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a first concave semi-cylindrical face. The first end of the first clamp half carries means for mounting the clamp. The second clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a second concave semi-cylindrical face. The first clamp half and the second clamp half come together along a parting line and are retained together by a hinge pin. The clamp halves are provided with snap-in liners for easy use. Alternative mounts for mounting the clamp on subsea wire line or tubulars is also disclosed.
US08464984B2 Cable management guide
A cable management guide couples with a component rack to support and guide cables. The cable management guide has offset brackets attachable to posts of the component rack to unobtrusively position cable stays into the interior of the component rack for enhanced positioning of the cables. Each of the cable stays includes a support member to retain one or more cables and a guard member that keeps the cables on the support member within the cable stay. For each cable stay, the guard member is offset from and overlaps with the support member to provide an entrance gap between the support member and the guard member for cables to be slipped into and out of the cable stay.
US08464983B2 Towing apparatus for a spacecraft when in orbit and a towing spacecraft
A towing apparatus for a spacecraft when in orbit is provided. The towing apparatus includes a cable, the first end of which is intended to be permanently connected to a spacecraft that must potentially be towed, and the second end of which is provided to be at least temporarily connected to a towing spacecraft for the purpose of towing. An attachment piece is disposed on the second end of the cable for mechanical attachment to a complementary attachment piece of the towing spacecraft, and a positioning aid is disposed to allow for simplified detection of the attachment piece by the towing spacecraft.
US08464980B2 Power plant, a helicopter including such a power plant, and a method implemented by said power plant
The present invention relates to a power plant (10) having a single engine (13) together with both a main gearbox (MGB) suitable for driving the rotary wing (3) of a helicopter (1) and a tail gearbox (TGB) suitable for driving an anti-torque rotor (4) of a helicopter (1). The power plant (10) also includes a first electric motor (11) mechanically connected to said main gearbox (MGB) in order to be capable of driving said main gearbox (MGB), and a second electric motor (12) mechanically connected to said tail gearbox (TGB) in order to be capable of driving said tail gearbox (TGB).
US08464979B2 Foldable swan-wings aircraft
An aircraft structure is provide, an aircraft structure for an aircraft. including front Wing and rear wing of the Swan-Wing, vertical winglets and the first level Floor body. the fuselage has a cross-section of substantially flat fuselage shape being is Wide enough to provide lifting force. the front wing of the Swan-Wing are Disposed horizontally in front portion of the fuselage. rear wings of the Swan-Wing are disposed horizontally in rear portion of the fuselage. the vertical winglets Are disposed at the top of the rear fuselage. the first level disposed fuel tank storages, a Plurality of landing gear bays, cockpit with control panels, various avionics and Cabin doors.The top of the rear fuselage disposed jet power plants, the fuselage provide lifting force And the wings provides steering force and lifting force the whole structure of an aircraft Comprises carbon fiber honey comb composite molded structure which lighter weight And shear strong structure. the cockpit and cabin disposed. front window, rear Window, side window and doors. under the belly of the Swan-Wing disposed Pontoons.
US08464977B2 Positive-pressure flying aircraft
A positive-pressure floating type airplane comprising an airfoil portion, left-right fuselages, a central fuselage, an elevator and a rudder disposed at the back of the airfoil portion, a thruster disposed at the back of the central fuselage, and a horizontal stabilizer disposed at the rear ends of the left-right fuselages. The individual front ends of the airfoil portion, the left-right fuselages and the central fuselage are formed into arcuate shapes in longitudinal sections. On the lower side of the airfoil portion, a recessed air capture is formed from the front end to the rear end. As a result, the positive-pressure floating type airplane is floated by the reaction from the air at the time when the air to pass the air capture through the airfoil portion is pushed by the thrust of the thruster, and is propelled forward by the component of that thrust.
US08464974B2 Device for applying sheet material and method thereof
A device, for applying a sheet material over objects, includes a frame member, at least one shaft member and a locking member. The frame member includes a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend upwardly from the base. The at least one shaft member disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that a first end portion and a second end portion extend outwardly away from the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. The at least one shaft member is rotated for wrapping the sheet material around the first end portion, and for unwrapping the sheet material from the first end portion over the objects. The locking member is disposed on the second end portion of each of the at least one shaft member for locking and unlocking rotation of the each of the at least one shaft member.
US08464972B2 Concrete pulverizer
A concrete pulverizer adapted for mounting on an arm of an excavator including a lower jaw having a first pivot pin mechanism and a crushing surface. The crushing surface on this jaw is formed with concrete waste apertures. An upper jaw has a rear end section connectible to an end of the arm and has crushing teeth mounted on a lower side. This jaw is pivotably connected to the lower jaw by the pivot pin mechanism. The upper jaw is pivotably connected to a hydraulic cylinder actuator on the arm and can be pivoted between an upper position and a crushing closed position. There is a power mechanism for pivoting the lower jaw between a horizontal scooping position and a dumping position and this mechanism can hold the lower jaw in a crushing position while the upper jaw is being pivoted by the hydraulic cylinder actuator.
US08464967B2 Applicator boom tilt frame
A tilting boom applicator broadly includes a laterally-extending applicator boom a lift, and a tilt frame. The lift includes upper and lower lift arms that support the applicator boom and are operable to vertically shift the applicator boom. The tilt frame interconnects the applicator boom and lift and includes a fixed section mounted to upper lift arms and a swinging section mounted to the applicator boom. The frame sections are attached to each other at a frame pivot joint that defines a longitudinal tilt axis, with the frame pivot joint permitting tilting movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about the longitudinal tilt axis. Lower lift arms are directly attached to the swinging section to limit movement of the applicator boom relative to the lift about a lateral pitch axis while permitting the tilting movement.
US08464965B1 Non-dripping and spillage and leakage-proof air-scenting method and device
A non-dripping and spillage and leakage-proof air-scenting method is disclosed in which a porous bonded fibrous mass is impregnated with air-scenting liquid of a mass not exceeding and preferably less than the dripping liquid mass of the extent of the fibrous mass. The surface segments of the fibrous mass draw air-scenting liquid from the interior of the fibrous mass. The rate of evaporation of the air-scenting liquid is controlled by allowing evaporation of the air-scenting liquid only through predetermined uncovered segments of the exterior surface of the fibrous mass.
US08464960B2 Trusted barcodes
Methods and systems are disclosed for generating and authenticating barcodes and in particular generating trusted barcodes. In one embodiment, a method, performed by a certificate authority for creating a trusted content, comprises receiving, via a receiver, a target content and verifying the target content to determine whether the target content is safe or appropriate. Further, the method comprises, based on a result of the verifying, generating and storing, in a storage medium, response data; generating, via a processor, and storing in the storage medium an identifier corresponding to the response data; generating, via the processor, resolution data, the resolution data including the identifier and an address of the certificate authority; and transmitting, via a transmitter, the resolution data as the trusted content.
US08464959B2 Electronic product with smart card
The present invention relates to a communication technology and discloses an electronic product with a smart card, which is designed for better preventing the deformation of the smart card due to overheating. The electronic product with a smart card includes a housing, a circuit board in the housing, a tray on the circuit board, a slot in the tray, a smart card in the slot, and an anti-deformation part on the housing for limiting the smart card or an anti-deformation part on the tray for fully limiting the smart card, thereby preventing the deformation of the smart card due to overheating. The present invention may be used for preventing the deformation of the smart card due to overheating.
US08464957B2 Integrated circuits with persistent data storage
A tag receives a first code transmitted by an RFID reader. The first code is compared with a second code stored within the tag. If the first code and the second code match, the tag transmits a third code to the RFID reader.
US08464955B2 Data carrier configuration
A data carrier configuration includes a card-like carrier having a recess and an electronic data carrier in the form of an IC card which is removably mounted in the recess. The data carrier has an arrangement for fastening on an object. Methods for the production of such a configuration include making the carrier rigid and the IC card flexible, so that introduction of the data carrier into the recess and removal of same from the recess are possible via unrolling of the electronic data carrier. The fastening arrangement is in the form of a self-adhesive layer, which is covered by a removable protective layer.
US08464947B2 System and method for authenticating products
A computer readable medium including executable instructions to analyze radio frequency (RF) tag information includes executable instruction to access cross-enterprise RF tag information, identify a product transition based upon the cross-enterprise RF tag information, and define a new product path based upon the product transition, where the new product path defines product pedigree information. Additional executable instructions authenticate a user, secure product information, supply product pedigree information corresponding to the product information, and verify the pedigree of the product based upon the product pedigree information.
US08464946B2 Oil and gas riser spider with low frequency antenna apparatus and method
An apparatus and methods for tracking a plurality of marine riser assets is provided. Part of a riser lifecycle monitoring system, the apparatus can include an oil and gas riser spider to connect a plurality of riser pipe sections during assembly of a riser pipe string. The riser spider forms an annulus around a first section of the plurality of riser pipe sections and supports the first section of the plurality of riser pipe sections during connection to a second section. The apparatus can also include an antenna to read a plurality of radio frequency identification tags, e.g., directional 125 kHz RFID tags, attached to outsides of the plurality of riser pipe sections. The antenna can include an oblong loop attached to and substantially spanning about half of an internal surface of the riser spider so that the antenna follows the contour of the riser spider.
US08464937B2 Account control method and system that allows only eligible and authorized items to be purchased using the account
The present invention relates to a real time account control method and system that allows only eligible and authorized items to be purchased using the account. The present invention relates particularly to healthcare spending accounts such as flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement arrangements. The method can comprise the steps of: establishing at least one account, each account having an account holder; identifying at least one item eligible for purchase using one of the accounts; identifying at least one item authorized for purchase using one of the accounts; and, upon request to purchase an item using one of the accounts, authorizing the purchase for an amount not to exceed an available balance in that account only if the item is both an item identified as eligible for purchase and an item authorized for purchase.
US08464932B2 Automated label verify systems and methods for dispensing pharmaceuticals
Apparatus and methods for filling a customer order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method automatically verify a product barcode on each of the product, print a patient label with a patient barcode for each product, apply the patient labels to at least some of the products, and independently verify that the product barcode matches the proper patient barcode.
US08464917B2 Tap for dosing viscous liquids
A tap with a dosing chamber for dosing liquids, in particular for dosing high and medium density liquids, including a body equipped with a connecting part to a container of liquid to be delivered through a liquid delivering passage and a valve that opens and closes the liquid delivering passage with an elastic button that actuates the valve and an air circulating tank in order to vent the liquid container when liquid is dispensed.
US08464915B2 Dispensing cap with automatic valve for containers for transporting and dispensing liquid or creamy substances
A dispensing cap with automatic valve for containers for transporting and dispensing liquid or creamy substances, including ways for its sealed fixing to a container neck, and a dispensing port associated with the automatic valve, the valve containing a body formed of soft plastic material and provided with ways for its fixing to the cap, and at least one first and one second flexible flap able to assume a closed position, the first and the second flap being formed in at least two different planes, such that when the pressure inside the can equals the external pressure they assume a rest position in which a passage space is present between them to enable air to pass.
US08464914B2 Valve for an aerosol device
A valve for an aerosol device includes a valve assembly receivable in an opening provided in a container of the aerosol device to close the opening and includes a seal between the valve assembly and the container.
US08464913B2 Detergent container cradle for applying pressure to the container
A detergent container cradle including a seating surface for supporting a detergent container having an outlet for discharging detergent therefrom, and sidewalls provided at opposite edges of the seating surface to apply pressure to an outside circumferential surface of the detergent container having no outlet provided thereto.
US08464912B2 Split engagement flange for soap dispenser pump piston
A liquid soap dispenser having a permanent housing permits simplified insertion and replacement of disposable fluid reservoirs. The housing includes an actuator assembly which is cycled by a lever between first and second positions. The actuator assembly couples to a piston element of a piston pump carried on the reservoir. The piston element includes resiliently deformable fingers which act to secure the piston element to the actuator assembly for sliding movement therewith. If, on insertion of a replacement reservoir, the reservoir is positioned uncoupled from the actuator assembly, on first cycling of the actuator assembly the fingers deform to permit movement of the actuator assembly relative to the piston element and move towards a coupled orientation. In the coupled orientation, the fingers return to an undeformed configuration securing the piston element to the actuator assembly.
US08464905B2 Dispensers and functional operation and timing control improvements for dispensers
A method of operating a dispensing unit includes the step of entering a first active state, during which the detection of motion within a sensory path of a sensor of a dispensing unit initiates a first pattern activation sequence to release a volume A and a volume B of material from a fluid container. The method further includes the step of entering a second active state upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, in which the detection of motion in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to release a volume C and a volume D of material from the container if motion is detected before the lapsing of a time period P and initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the motion is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.
US08464903B2 Method for dispensing iced beverages
A system for providing an iced alcoholic beverage such as iced beer or carbonated soft drink includes a source of chilled coolant (16), and a beverage line (10) for supplying the beverage. A heat exchanger (20) is disposed in the beverage line (10) for cooling the beverage by heat transfer to the chilled coolant. A restriction (22) or orifice forming a venturi is provided in the beverage line (10) downstream from the heat exchanger. A chilled font (18) for further cooling the beverage is provided downstream from the orifice. The font (18) includes a dispenser tap (30) capable of dispensing the beverage at a relatively low dispense rate and at a relatively higher dispense rate. In use the beverage is first dispensed at a relatively low dispense rate through a smaller orifice of a narrow diameter at a preset low flow rate of beverage, and becomes ice or slush (40). After a period of time the liquid beverage, which may contain ice in the form of flakes, slush, crystals or the like is dispensed at a faster rate, typically through a larger diameter orifice.
US08464897B2 Attachable, replaceable skid pad for receptacle
Systems, methods, and devices that facilitate producing and using an attachable, replaceable skid pad on a receptacle are presented. A skid pad can be created using a desired material(s), wherein the skid pad can be desirably shaped to conform with a bottom edge of a receptacle so that the skid pad can be desirably attached to the bottom edge of the receptacle and so that the outer surface of the skid pad can be desirably used to pull or drag the receptacle across a wide variety of surfaces, including soft or malleable surfaces. The skid pad can be attached to the receptacle using screws to attach it to, using a desired adhesive to attach it to, or by being snapped onto, a bottom region of the receptacle. The skid pad is removable from the receptacle when desired (e.g., when worn) and can be replaced with another skid pad.
US08464894B2 Injection-molded composite construct and tool for forming construct
A structure is injection molded onto a group of panels to form a container. The container has a tray and an injection-molded feature. The tray has a plurality of side panels that extend at least partially around, and at least partially define, a cavity of the container. The tray has a plurality of multi-part flanges with at least one of the multi-part flanges including a lower flange portion and an upper flange portion. The injection-molded feature has band that is injected molded onto the lower flange portion and the upper flange portion. An injection-molded strip extends along and at least partially defines the corner of the container. The strip extends downward from the inner portion of the band in the elongate corner of the container. A tool is also disclosed for forming the container.
US08464893B2 Pressure container and method of producing the same
A pressure container has an inner shell with a pair of fittings and a reinforcement layer formed around the inner shell, and is configured so that a reinforcement member is attachable to the pair of fittings in a process of forming the reinforcement layer and a functional component which performs a predetermined function is also attachable to the fittings. This can allow the reinforcement member to prevent expanding deformation of the pressure container in production of the pressure container, and can ensure effective use of openings after removal of the reinforcement member.
US08464892B2 Food cooking appliance having a ferritic stainless steel bottom and a ferritic or austenitic stainless steel bowl
Food cooking appliance having a ferritic stainless steel bottom and a ferritic or austenitic stainless steel bowl intended to accommodate food and provided with a lower wall having an outer face; a ferritic stainless steel cup added on the outer face and fastened to the bowl, the cup forming a bottom (7) by which the cooking appliance is intended to rest on a cooking plate; patterns (8) engraved in the bottom (7); the appliance being characterized in that the engraving depth (P) of the patterns (8) and the density thereof on the bottom (7) are chosen so that the bottom (7) meets the requirements of the EN-12778 Standard of November 2002, and in that the stainless steel of the bowl is equally of ferritic or austenitic nature.
US08464889B1 Transportable pastry container
A transportable pastry container comprises a modular system of portable containers which comprises a lid portion and a storage portion. The lid portion comprises a flat, rectangular lid with a handle located centrally on a top surface. The storage portion comprises a rectangular bottom surface of as well as integral side walls which extend perpendicularly upward from the sides of the bottom surface. The top edges of the side walls further comprise a plurality of fasteners which extend above the top of the walls. The bottom edges of the side walls and the sides of the lid portion are further comprised of corresponding fasteners which selectively attach or detach the lid portion to the top of a storage portion. In a preferred embodiment, one (1) side wall of each storage portion further comprises a hinged door for selective accessibility.
US08464887B2 PT1-2 pull tab
The invention covers a number of alternative improvements to the prior art pull-tab used to open container such as soda cans. One improvement is by forming the nose of the pull tab at a certain angle to the body of the tab, thus allowing the user to tilt the tab thus lifting the pull tip higher and providing more room for the user to insert the finger tip under the pull tip thus making it easier to open the container. Another improvement is by rotating the pull tab a certain angle and making it follow a caming surface thus lifting the pull tip and again providing more room to insert the finger tip and making it easier to open the container.
US08464886B2 Tamper-evident closure
A container closure includes a body that is adapted to mount on an underlying container to cover a mouth opening into an interior region formed in the container. The container closure further includes flip-top caps mounted for movement relative to the body to open and close dispensing apertures formed in the body. The container closure also includes a tamper band coupled to the flip-top caps and to the body until a consumer opens the flip-top caps for the first time.
US08464885B2 Inside stay and inside stay berm unit
An inside stay berm unit incorporates a plurality of inside stays each stay connected to the interior of the berm unit by a plurality of stay securement tapes. Each respective stay is a respective closed ring after the stay is threaded through and retained within at least one respective wing aperture in at least one floor stay securement tape and at least one wing aperture in at least one sidewall stay securement tape and through at least one wing loop aperture in a sidewall top edge stay securement tape and closed by a closure means. The invention allows easy removal and replacement of any damaged stays.
US08464877B2 Filter module and method for its manufacture
A filter module is formed of wound filter material having openings wherein the boundary surfaces of the openings constitute flow-through surfaces. The openings of the wound layers of the filter material form channels angled relative to the winding axis, wherein one group thereof opens at the outer peripheral surface of the roll and the other group opens at the inner peripheral surface of the roll and wherein the channels on the other end, respectively, are closed and wherein the channels, angled relative to the winding axis, are separated from one another by filter material, and wherein the inner area of the roll has a central channel arranged around a winding axis.
US08464872B2 Substrate storage container
When a lid (20) is attached to a substrate removal/insertion opening (2) in a container body (1), a placement piece forcible displacement means (22) forcibly moves a substrate placement piece (4), which is provided in a region in the vicinity of the substrate removal/insertion opening (2), to a displacement position which does not overlap with a disc-shaped substrate (W). Thus, even if the disc-shaped substrate (W) is increased in diameter, there is no risk of the stored disc-shaped substrate (W) coming into contact with the substrate placement piece (4) due to factors such as vibration or impact, thus the disc-shaped substrate (W) can be stored more safely.
US08464870B2 Spool packaging member and method
A packaging member includes a base with a central portion and a pair of opposed walls extending in the same direction from opposing edges of the central portion. The packaging member also includes a locator panel with a perimeter corresponding to the perimeter of the base central portion and an aperture defined by a sidewall. The locator panel is retained upon the base between the pair of opposed walls. Additionally, the packaging member includes a plurality of spaced apart tabs with first portions which are affixed to the sidewall and have a profile corresponding to the profile of the sidewall.
US08464869B2 Tool case
A multi-function tool case includes a housing body having a wall extending from a first end to a second end. The wall includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. A cavity is defined by the interior surface and extends from the first end toward the second end. An extension member extends from the exterior surface adjacent the second end and defines a socket oriented along a tool axis for receiving a first portion of an accessory for retaining a tool bit. A cover assembly is coupled to the first end. The cover assembly includes a cap portion and a first lid member rotatably coupled to the cap portion. The cap portion and the lid member are configured to substantially enclose the cavity.
US08464867B2 Package for tobacco-related articles
A package (1) for tobacco-related articles comprises an outer shell (2), a lid (4) which is adapted to close the top side of the outer shell (2) and can be swivelled about a hinge line, and an inner shell (6). The inner shell (6) accommodates a plurality of tobacco-related articles and can be shifted in the outer shell (2) from a retracted position to an advanced position, which enables access to the tobacco-related articles. A cutout (20) in the outer shell (2) exposes part of the inner shell (6) and enables transmitting a force onto the inner shell (6) for moving the inner shell (6). A connector (50) pushes the lid (4) into its opened state when the inner shell (6) is moved into its advanced position and pulls the lid (4) into its closed state when the inner shell (6) is moved into its retracted position.
US08464866B2 Package for container
A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel and side panels. The package has retention features for retaining the containers and reinforcement features for reinforcing the package.
US08464865B1 Transaction card holder for dispensing and retracting cards within itself
A transaction card holder includes an external housing having a carrying plate that is received and retracted into the external housings internal cavity. A guide slot along the top surface of the external housing accepts a slide post therethrough which engages the carrying plate at a fixed position. Movement of the slide post along the guide slot allows for the carrying plate to be slideably engaged within the external housing. The carrying plate includes an engagement tang for easy connection and removal of transaction cards as well as a structure that facilitates easy access to cards when needed for a transaction. When the carrying plate is fully retracted into the external housing the transaction cards are stored internal to the holder. When the carrying plate is fully extended the transaction cards are easily rotated about the engagement tang both vertically and horizontally for easy visual identification of the sought after card. The carrying plate also allows for the cards to be flipped up into a stationary position to facilitate presentation of the particular card for scanning by a retail service representative.
US08464864B2 Guide rail system
A guide rail system for guiding containers on a conveyor on which the containers are moved. The guide rail system includes first and second contact portions for engaging the containers to at least partially locate the containers respectively in preselected positions on a surface of the conveyor, first and second adjustment elements positioned proximal to first and second sides of the conveyor respectively, on which the first and second contact portions are mounted, and first and second adjustable point devices spaced apart from each other along the first and second sides respectively, for moving the adjustment elements transversely. The system also includes one or more height adjustment assemblies for positioning side contact portions selected from the group consisting of the first contact portions, the second contact portions, and the first and second contact portions in predetermined locations therefor relative to the surface of the conveyor.
US08464862B2 Conveyor with troughed low friction, positive drive belt
A conveyor comprises an endless thermoplastic belt having a substantially flat surface on one side of the belt and a plurality of teeth on the other side of the belt. The teeth are adapted to be driven without tension around a drive sprocket and an idler. The conveyor further includes means to cause the belt to form a longitudinal trough between the drive sprocket and the idler to retain conveyed items on the belt. The means can comprise a discontinuity in the teeth, shortened teeth, and/or guides that apply a force to the edges of the belt.
US08464860B2 System for thermally controlling a solid feed pump
According to various embodiments, a system includes a solid feed pump. The solid feed pump includes a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing, a curved passage disposed between the rotor and the housing, an inlet coupled to the curved passage, an outlet coupled to the curved passage, a solid feed guide extending across the curved passage, and a thermal control path through a portion of the solid feed pump.
US08464857B2 Device for the treatment of article flows and method therefor
A device 10 for generating an output flow of articles, starting from a flow of incoming articles having a given advancing velocity, includes a screw conveyor to receive longitudinally the flow of incoming articles. The conveyor in question comprises at least one screw the helix of which is susceptible to interact with the advancing of articles to determine their conveying by the screw itself. The rotational velocity of the screw is adjustable for varying the conveying velocity of the articles with respect to the initial advancing velocity. In particular, it is possible to act so that the conveying velocity of the articles by the screw is a sub-multiple of the initial advancing velocity so that the output flow of articles includes groups of stacked articles. Each group includes a number of articles equal to the ratio between the initial advancing velocity and the conveying velocity of the screw.
US08464851B2 Electro-hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission
An electro-hydraulic control system for a multiple speed automatic motor vehicle transmission includes main and auxiliary hydraulic pumps, a line pressure regulator, a lubrication pressure regulator, a lubrication override control valve and a torque converter control valve which is controlled by a variable force solenoid (VFS). Driver commands are provided to the system through a manual logic or spool valve which functions in conjunction with a spool or logic default valve and a default solenoid. Five solenoid valves receive various flows of hydraulic fluid and supply them to hydraulic actuators that engage and disengage four friction clutches and a selectable one-way clutch.
US08464848B2 Heat dissipation plate
The present invention provides a heat dissipation plate which includes a heat dissipator and two elastic plates. The heat dissipation plate is adapted to be disposed in a bicycle disc brake. The elastic plates are fixed to the heat dissipator, and the elastic plates are disposed in the bicycle disc brake so as to fix the back panels of the brake linings in the disc brake. Thereby, the elastic plates of the present invention can conduct the heat, which is generated when braking, to the heat dissipator, so that it can prevent the brake linings from overheating when braking. The overheated brake linings may make the disc brake fail to stop the bicycle; therefore, the present invention can enhance the safety of the bicycle disc brake.
US08464847B2 Friction brake having a contact surface provided between two brake elements
The invention relates to a friction brake which can be used for a shaft and a bearing part that can be rotated in relation to each other about a rotational axis (3). The friction brake comprises two brake elements: the first brake element has a first friction surface (24) and has to be mechanically connected to the bearing part, and the second brake element has a second friction surface (25) and has to be mechanically connected to the shaft. The connectible and disconnectable dynamic effect of an actuation mechanism forces the two brake elements against each other during a braking action or stop in such a manner that the two friction surfaces (24, 25) rest one on the other and contact each other in the area of a contact surface (29, 30). The contact surface (29, 30) covers only a part of every friction surface (24, 25) at any point in time during a braking action or stop. The relative position of the contact surface (29, 30) in relation to any of the two friction surfaces (24, 25) changes during a braking action.
US08464846B2 Restraining arms for wheel chocks
Wheel restraints for restraining vehicles at loading docks are described herein. An example wheel restraint includes a restraining arm to anchor a wheel chock to a fixed point at the dock. When in a blocking position, the chock rests directly upon the dock's driveway without the chock having to engage additional hardware that could be an obstruction to snow removal. In some examples, the wheel chock automatically swings between its blocking and release positions in response to the arm simply lowering or raising the chock.
US08464841B2 Method and apparatus for determining the movement and/or the position of an elevator car
A method and apparatus for determining the movement and/or the position of an elevator car include a first monitoring unit for analyzing first signals of a first sensor device for obtaining information about the movement and/or the position of the elevator car, for detecting a possible faulty behavior of the elevator system, and for initiating corresponding safety measures. A second sensor device, which does not operate on the principle of the first sensor device, registers changes of the movement state of the elevator car and emits corresponding second signals to a second monitoring unit that analyzes the second signals and detects changes of the movement state of the elevator car. A fault signal is generated if the movement signals that are obtained from the first monitoring unit are incoherent with the changes of the movement state of the elevator car that are detected by the second monitoring unit.
US08464839B2 Car door apparatus for an elevator
In a car door apparatus for an elevator, a closing-plate supporting portion is provided at a car-door front surface, the closing-plate supporting portion supporting the closing plate so that the closing plate is slidable along a direction in which the car door is opened and closed. A door-pocket cover is provided with a closing-plate engagement portion brought into engagement with the closing plate at the time of a door-closing operation to restrict displacement of the closing plate in a door-closing direction relative to the cover front-surface portion.
US08464837B2 Device and method for controlling supply of lubricant at a work vehicle
The invention relates to a device for lubrication of a work vehicle, which device includes: a tank (1) for storage of lubricant; a number of delivery points (8a-g) at which lubricant is supplied to the tools of the work vehicle or other parts that need to be lubricated; a distribution block (5) including a number of branching points (6a-g) that all are connected to a delivery point (8a-g); a pump (2) for delivering lubricant from the tank (1) to the distribution block (5) and further on to the delivery points (8a-g); a control system (3), for regulating the supply of lubricant. Further the device includes: a detector (4) that detects when a volume of lubricant that corresponds to a pump cycle has been delivered from the pump and sends a signal with this information to the control system (3), a timer (11) that measures time intervals that corresponds to a certain duration of time and is adjusted to, for each time interval, send a signal to the control system (3) that indicates that a time interval has elapsed, wherein the control system by means of the signals from the detector (4) and the timer (11) regulates the pump to deliver a certain number of pump cycles per time interval to the delivery points (8a-g). The invention also relates to a method.
US08464828B2 Operation unit for construction machine and hose cover to be provided therein
An operation unit for a construction machine includes a floor, an operation seat and a console box. A pilot valve is provided within the console box, a plurality of hoses are connected to the pilot valve and arranged at least from the pilot valve to the floor while bundled together, and a hose cover covers a plurality of over-floor portions of the respective hoses between the pilot valve and the floor.
US08464827B2 Utility vehicle
A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body frame including a main frame to which an engine is mounted, the main frame including a round pipe having a circular cross-section and a rectangular pipe having a rectangular cross-section.
US08464823B2 Motorcycle
A motorcycle prevents an increase in air resistance and prevents wind and mud from hitting a rider during travelling of the motorcycle. A side cover of the motorcycle includes a first side cover and a second side cover. The first side cover is disposed laterally outwards of a head pipe and a front fork. The second side cover is disposed laterally outwards of a portion of the first side cover. A lateral end of the second side cover is positioned laterally outwards of the first side cover. A rear edge of the first side cover is at least partially positioned rearwards of a rear edge of the second side cover.
US08464820B2 Air cushion platform for carrying a manipulator arm and movable robot
An air cushion platform for carrying a manipulator arm, having a base, on the bottom side of which an air cushion system is attached for lifting the base from a standing position into a moving position above a bottom. At least one actuator device is mounted on the base, which actuator device is optionally in constant contact with the bottom in order to move the base at the bottom. A controller is connected to the air cushion system and the at least one actuator device in order to actuate the actuator device only if the air cushion platform is located in a moving position. A moveable robot is provided, particularly for the controlled guiding of a tool. The moveable robot has an air cushion platform, a foundation mounted on the air cushion platform and moveably supported thereby, and a manipulator arm having one end section that is attached to the foundation and another end that carries a tool.
US08464819B2 Working machine
A working machine (10) includes a body (11) having a front end (12) and a rear end (13), the body being provided with a ground engaging propulsion structure (15) whereby the machine (10) may be driven over the ground, a loading arm assembly (25) which includes a single loading arm (26) which is mounted at one end (26a) relative to the body (11) and which extends forwardly at towards one side of the body (11), beyond the front end (12) of the body (11), to a second end (26b) where there is a mounting for a working implement (35) the machine (10) further including an operator's cab (50) mounted on the body (11) towards a second side of the body (1)) opposite to the first side where the arm (26) extends, and at the front end (12) of the body (11) so that no part of the body (11) extends significantly forwardly of the cab (50), and wherein the cab (50) includes a cab roof (58), a cab floor (60), a front wall (52), a rear wall (59) and a first side wall (53) adjacent to the loading arm assembly (25), and a side (54) opposite to the first side wall (53), which affords a substantially unobstructed opening, which extends for substantially the entire length and height of the cab (50) at the second side (54), and the opening being closable by an access door (56).
US08464817B2 Battery mounting structure of electromotive vehicle
Plural battery modules mounted on a first mount portion of a battery unit which is positioned below a front floor portion are arranged in a vehicle longitudinal direction such that the longitudinal direction of each of the battery modules matches a vehicle width direction and the short side of a rectangular section of each of the battery modules extends in a vehicle vertical direction, and plural battery modules mounted on a second mount portion which is positioned below a rear floor portion are arranged in the vehicle width direction such that the longitudinal direction of each of the battery modules matches the vehicle longitudinal direction and the long side of the rectangular section of each of the battery modules extends in the vehicle vertical direction. Accordingly, the plural battery modules can be arranged efficiently.
US08464810B2 Method of modifying drilling pattern, rock drilling rig, and software product
A method and a storage device including a software product for modifying a drilling pattern, and a rock drilling rig. One or more holes whose location is to be changed may be selected from a drilling pattern prior to drilling. The hole is assigned a new location by means of a drilling unit and, subsequently, the drilling pattern is updated.
US08464801B2 Apparatus for collecting artificial turf for recycling
A turf collecting machine capable of automatically collecting laid artificial athletic turf, separating the infill and tufted backing components of the collected turf, and then depositing those separated components into separate storage containers. The apparatus also includes mechanisms for cleaning the infill particles collected.
US08464799B2 Control system for a surface controlled subsurface safety valve
Surface controlled subsurface control valves for use in wells and methods of controlling the same. In one embodiment, a valve includes a valve body, a bore closure assembly, a mechanical linkage, a drive assembly, and a control assembly. The valve body defines a bore for fluid to flow through when the bore closure assembly is in an open position. When the bore closure assembly is in its closed position, the bore closure assembly prevents fluid from flowing through the bore. The mechanical linkage is operatively connected to the bore closure assembly and to the drive assembly. The primary control assembly determines a force to apply to the mechanical linkage based on a present operating condition of the valve and causes the drive assembly to apply the determined force to the mechanical linkage. As a result, the mechanical linkage drives the bore closure assembly.
US08464793B2 Flow control system with sand screen
A technique enables long-lasting control over fluid flow in a wellbore. The technique employs a base pipe, a flow control device, and a sand control screen. The sand control screen is coupled to the flow control device and mounted over the base pipe. Additionally, the sand control screen comprises longitudinal ribs positioned along the base pipe and a filter media positioned along the longitudinal ribs. A protective shroud is mounted over the filter media and cooperates with the other components of the system to provide a simple but durable system and method for controlling fluid flow.
US08464792B2 Conduction convection reflux retorting process
A sub-surface hydrocarbon production system comprising an energy delivery well extending from the surface to a location proximate a bottom of the hydrocarbons to be produced. A production well extends from the surface to a location proximate the hydrocarbon and a convection passage extends between the energy delivery well and the production well thereby forming a convection loop. The energy delivery well and the production well intersect at a location proximate the hydrocarbon such that the convection loop is in the form of a triangle. Preferably, the convection passage extends upwardly from a point at which the convection passage intersects the production well. The system also includes a heater, such as an electric heater or down-hole burner, disposed in the energy delivery well.
US08464790B2 Brine salinity from sound speed
Temperature and pressure measurements that are made downhole are used to predict a compressional wave velocity for pure water under downhole conditions. The predicted velocity and a measured compressional velocity of a formation brine are used in a non-iterative method to estimate a value of the formation brine salinity that is between 0 and 1.
US08464787B2 Resilient foam debris barrier
A space filler material is used to prevent accumulation of debris that could later foul the operation of adjacent moving parts. In one application a void space that is subsequently closed by actuated parts is initially filled with a material that is highly compressible and has voids that allow it to compress without undue resistance to part movement when the void volume is reduced. Ideally, the pores or voids in the material itself are small enough to keep most if not all the debris from entering and making the space filling material too rigid to collapse under part movement. In an alternative application, the material can be in an annular space such as a seal bore and it can keep debris from getting past the seal bore while allowing hydrostatic pressure across itself thereby helping it to maintain its position until moved such as by shifting of an inner string to which it is attached.
US08464786B2 Non basepipe-welded accessory attachment
A gripping apparatus is provided having a stop collar with an accessory hardware coupled or otherwise attached thereto so as to not weld the accessory hardware directly to a production tubular. The gripping apparatus is adapted to grippingly engage the production tubular for downhole hydrocarbon recovery applications, and the accessory hardware can be a bracket or ring configured to support alternate path shunt tubes. The stop collar can also include centralizer blades coupled directly thereto, instead of welding the centralizer blades to the production tubular.
US08464781B2 Cooling systems incorporating heat exchangers and thermoelectric layers
A system for cooling a heat source includes a fluid heat exchanger, a pump, a thermoelectric device and a heat rejector. The thermoelectric device includes a cooling portion and a heating portion. The heat rejector is configured to be in thermal contact with at least a portion of the heating portion of the thermoelectric device. The pump is coupled with the fluid heat exchanger and configured to pass a fluid therethrough. The thermoelectric device is configured along with the heat exchanger in the cooling system.
US08464776B2 Viscoelastic transmission device for a roller shutter actuator
Viscoelastic transmission device (100) for a mechanical connection between a shaft (4) of an actuator the axis (XX′) of which defines an axial direction, and a driving wheel (6) of a winding tube (5) of a blind, of a roller shutter or of a roll-up screen, which comprises a first component (10) that has an output profile that complements an input profile of a second component of the device, the first and the second components adhering to an intermediate component (30) made of viscoelastic material.
US08464774B2 Bead breaker group for a tire mounting-demounting machine
The present invention relates to a bead breaker group for bead breaking a tire of a tired wheel equipped with rim with bead-engagement flanges, the bead breaker group comprising a support (2, 5) and at least one bead breaker tool (3) mounted for rotation around a pin (4) borne by the support (2, 5), the bead breaker tool being substantially flat and comprising: at least one portion configured as an abutment front (3b, 3d, 3f) against a flange of a rim of a tired wheel to be bead broken; and at least one portion having curved peripheral edge substantially coaxial with the pin (4) and intended to act as an engagement-penetration zone (3a, 3c, 3e) between the flange of a rim and the bead of a tire to be bead broken, the distance between the abutment front (3b, 3d, 3f) and the pin (4) being less than the distance between the pin (4) and the at least one engagement-penetration zone (3a, 3c, 3e).
US08464772B2 Labelling machine and dispensing apparatus for labelling machines
A dispensing apparatus for labeling machines for applying labels, which are supplied via a carrier belt carrying a plurality of labels, to bottles and in particular to bottle necks, has a dispensing arm and a dispensing head which is arranged on the dispensing arm and has a dispensing edge for deflecting the carrier belt in order thereby to detach a respective label, wherein the dispensing edge and/or the dispensing head is pivotable in order to adjust a movement direction of the labels being detached from the carrier belt.
US08464771B2 Multi-layer, light markable media and method and automatic and manually operated apparatus for using same
A multi-layer laminate media is provided on which information may be applied in machine or human readable form on a visible front surface by the output of one or more lasers, or other high intensity light source. In a preferred embodiment, the media has three layers including preferably transparent substrate, a thermochromic layer and a light absorbent layer located intermediate the media substrate and the thermochromic layer. The light absorbent layer is adapted to absorb light from the light source and convert the absorbed light into heat. The heat is immediately conducted into selected portions of the thermochromic layer which is in thermal contact with the light absorbent layer, causing portions of the thermochromic layer to change visual appearance such as color to create the desired mark. The media optimally includes obscuration materials to reduce the visibility of the light absorbent layer to the naked eye. The light absorbent layer absorbs light in the NIR and visible light wavelength ranges of light and is preferably a low cost absorber such as carbon black. The invention also includes a manually operated produce labeling system utilizing the multi-layer laminate media. A rewinder is also provided which utilizes the multi-layer laminate media.
US08464769B2 Pneumatic tire
A proper balance between ride comfort, steering stability, and road noise is achieved. A pneumatic tire (1) has a band layer (9) comprising a band ply (9A) where band cords are arranged at an angle of not more than 5 deg. with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire on the radially outer side of a belt layer (7). The band ply (9A) comprises a first ply piece (9a) covering only one side of end portions of the belt layer (7) and a second ply piece (9b) disposed adjacently to the first ply piece (9a), covering continuously the central portion of the belt layer (7) and another side of the end portions, and having a width larger than that of the above-mentioned first ply piece (9a). And, the band cords of said first ply piece (9a) and band cords of said second ply piece (9b) are different in modulus.
US08464768B2 Method of forming locking groove in groove flank
The invention relates to a method for machining a locking groove (9) into a groove flank (5, 6) of a panel comprising an upper and a lower side, whereby the locking groove is provided in the part of the joint groove (4) surrounded by the groove flanks, whereby the locking groove is machined by means of a rotating milling tool (12), comprising a drive (14), a milling head (13), a transmission device (11) for the rotational movement and a mounting for the milling head. The milling has a free radius (r) at least on the mounting side due to the mounting and, during the machining of the locking groove, the milling head (13) has at least a significant proportion of the free radius (r) thereof, in particular, the entirety thereof located in the part of the joint groove surrounded by groove flanks.
US08464766B2 Cassette gas cylinder mounting structure
Cylinder mounting mechanism is provided in a working machine for mounting thereto a cylinder case having a cassette gas cylinder accommodated therein. Mouthpiece support section is provided in the mounting mechanism for supporting a mouthpiece portion of the cassette gas cylinder in the cylinder case. Fitting recessed portion is provided in one end portion of the cylinder case and capable of receiving the mouthpiece support section, the fitting recessed portion being defined by an inner peripheral wall part of the one end portion that has a tapering wall thickness such that the surface of the wall part slants gradually outwardly toward the distal end of the fitting recessed portion.
US08464763B2 Brake flush machine
A fluid-distribution system includes a plurality of fluid-distribution nodes with three-way ports attached to bleed/flush lines and alternate ports attached to vacuum lines. A first pump is used to draw new brake fluid from a new fluid container, push it through the manifold and ports, and through the bleed/flush lines. Fluid flow through the ports is selectively controlled by a computing device. In this manner, a vehicle's brake system including individual brake lines and ABS systems, may be flushed in a prescribed sequence. The vacuum lines are connected to a second pump via alternate ports of the sequential control valve manifold and may be used evacuated air and contaminated brake fluid from the vehicle's bleeder valves or master cylinder. Additionally, the bleed/flush lines may be connected to the alternate ports during priming or purging of the system. This also facilitates storage of the bleed lines as it prevents brake fluid from spilling and prevents air from entering the system.
US08464757B2 Hydraulic valve device
A hydraulic valve device includes a fluid connection arrangement (10) having different connections and a mobile control (18) for at least partially controlling connections of the fluid connection arrangement (10). The control (18) is provided with load reporting and load detecting connections (32, 38; 34, 36). According to the displacement position of the control (18), at least one part of the connections of the fluid connection arrangement (10) are interconnected in a fluid-guiding manner. The control can then be brought with precision into the required functional positions, with a favorable dynamic driving behavior.
US08464755B2 Hydraulic control arrangement for controlling a variable fluid volume flow
A hydraulic control system for controlling a variable fluid volume flow to a consumer (6, 60, 94, 126, 146, 162), for example a flow of cooling oil to a wet-operating clutch, with a hydraulically pilot-controlled control valve connected to a fluid supply. The first control valve (2, 56, 90, 122, 142) is designed such that, in the absence of any pilot control pressure (pVST), the valve delivers a specified initial volume flow (Q1) and, as the variable pilot control pressure (pVST) increases, the valve delivers a continuously increasing volume flow (QK). At least one second, independent, also hydraulically pilot-controlled valve (170) is designed such that this valve is activated in a specified range (55, 88, 120, 132, 140, 152) of the variable pilot control pressure (pVST).
US08464750B1 Magnetostrictive pressure regulating system
A magnetostrictive pressure regulating system includes a magnetostrictive valve that incorporates a magnetostrictive actuator with at least one current-carrying coil disposed thereabout. A pressure force sensor, in fluid communication with the fluid exiting the valve, includes (i) a magnetostrictive material, (ii) a magnetic field generator in proximity to the magnetostrictive material for inducing a magnetic field in and surrounding the magnetostrictive material wherein lines of magnetic flux passing through the magnetostrictive material are defined, and (iii) a sensor positioned adjacent to the magnetostrictive material and in the magnetic field for measuring changes in at least one of flux angle and flux density when the magnetostrictive material experiences an applied force that is aligned with the lines of magnetic flux. The pressure of the fluid exiting the valve causes the applied force. A controller coupled to the sensor and to the current-carrying coil adjusts a current supplied to the current-carrying coil based on the changes so-measured.
US08464747B2 Steam Trap
A steam trap system including a steam trap having a steam inlet and a water collector that can collect water. An orifice arrangement is included having a plurality of valved orifices spaced apart from each other at different heights. Selected valved orifices can be configured to open as water in the water collector rises and reaches the height of the selected valved orifices, allowing the water to be removed from the water collector.
US08464746B2 Automatic water distributor
An automatic water distributor contains a base including a chamber, a first outlet channel, a second outlet channel, and at least one inflow channel; between the chamber and the first outlet channel being defined a hole; a valve member including a valve core, the valve core including a plunger portion, a shaft portion, and a first passage, the first passage including a spout; a distributing plug retained on the top end of the shaft portion; a buffer device fixed in the chamber of the valve member and including a second passage, the second outlet channel, and a stop wall, wherein the stop wall keeps a buffer distance from the spout so that after the water sprayed from the spout flushes the stop wall, a watering reaction is forced on the plunger portion so that a downward movement of the valve core at a shifting instant is decreased.
US08464744B1 Water sensor with activation mechanism
A water sensor and activation assembly including a paper element to sense the presence of water leaks from appliances such as clothes washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and the like, and to cause an associated water shutoff valve to turn off the source of water leakage. The water sensor, in conjunction with the shutoff valve, operates without any electrical power requirement. The design allows the water sensor to operate in a high humidity environment.
US08464740B2 Combustor fuel control systems with flow divider assemblies
A flow divider assembly includes a dividing valve and a balancing valve. The dividing valve includes a dividing cavity configured to receive a flow of fuel and a piston device arranged within the dividing cavity and selectively positioned to divide the flow of fuel in the dividing cavity into the first dividing valve port and the second dividing valve port. The balancing valve is fluidly coupled to the dividing valve and configured to receive the first portion and the second portion of the flow. The balancing valve includes a balancing cavity and a balancing device arranged within the balancing cavity and selectively positioned to direct the first portion of the flow into the first balancing cavity port at a third pressure and the second portion of the flow into the second balancing cavity port at a fourth pressure such that the first pressure is approximately equal to the second pressure.
US08464737B2 Stabilizer support for crutches and/or walking sticks
Stabilizer support for crutches and/or walking sticks, comprising a cylindrical body (1) with vertical axis within which there is a seat destined to receive a portion of a crutch or walking stick (S). The stabilizer support comprises more extractable feet (5) which, in a retracted position, are vertical and are inside the said body (1) while, in the extracted position, are spread apart and are external to the said body (1) thus forming a stable base of the stabilizer support. Furthermore, the stabilizer support comprises a knob (6) through which a slide (4) is made to vertically move inside the said body (1), the said feet (5) being connected with the said slide (4).
US08464732B2 Facial make-up application machine and make-up application method using the same
A facial make-up application machine is provided, which includes a base, a robot, a cosmetics provider, and a control device. The control device can control the robot to move the cosmetics provider to a make-up application position in order to spray or apply cosmetic materials to a contour corresponding to a human face. Thus, the invention can provide an automatic make-up application for variously and accurately carrying out the makeup-application on faces selected or emulated by one or more users. A specific facial image in the invention can be built-in or provided by an external storage device or image recognition device. The storage device can pre-store a plurality of makeup-application profiles as an option. A facial make-up application method using the same is also provided.
US08464731B1 Cosmetic compact with twistable lid
A cosmetic compact includes a twistable lid assembly that spins relative to a base assembly about a hinge to change between an open and a closed position. The hinge is disposed in the cosmetic compact at an oblique angle that positions a top surface of the cosmetic compact to face a user after twisting open. The lid assembly is twistable by about 180 degrees relative to the base assembly of the cosmetic compact. By virtue of having the twistable lid assembly, the cosmetic compact is capable of simple and reliable opening. The twistable lid assembly also allows a mirror placed on the top surface of the compact to be useful in both a closed position and an open position.
US08464730B1 Cosmetic compact
A cosmetic compact providing a molded plastic base, a first cover and combined grip handle and second cover, all disposed over the base. The first cover is hinged to the base. The combined second cover and grip handle are selectively removable from the base, and carry an applicator device which when stored, is disposed between the first cover and base. The arrangement enables the user to quickly open the first cover and immediately remove and manipulate the combined grip handle and second cover and attached applicator device, for application of cosmetic to the face or body. An especially neat, compact construction results.
US08464726B2 Segmented smoking article with insulation mat
A cigarette includes lighting and mouth ends. It may include a smokable segment disposed at the lighting end. It also includes a mouth-end segment; an aerosol-generation system disposed between the lighting and mouth ends, which includes (i) a heat-generation segment adjacent the smokable segment, including a heat source configured to be activated by combustion of a smokable material and an insulation layer of a non-glass material that is woven, knit, or both, and (ii) an aerosol-generating segment with aerosol-forming material disposed between, but physically separate from, each of the heat generation segment and the mouth end; a piece of outer wrapping material that provides an overwrap around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating segment, the heat-generation segment, and at least a portion of the smokable segment; those segments being connected together by the overwrap to provide a cigarette rod; that is connected to the cigarette rod using tipping material.
US08464724B2 Manufacturing machine for producing tobacco industry articles
A manufacturing machine for producing tobacco industry articles, and having at least one station having a number of drums cooperating with one another to convey and process filter portions; and a supporting structure fitted to a frame and supporting the drums at the station. The station has a vertical front panel supporting at least some of the drums at the station and fixed removably to the supporting structure for replacement, together with the respective drums, when making a brand change.
US08464720B1 Method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit
A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.
US08464719B2 Dip-formed synthetic polyisoprene latex articles with improved intraparticle and interparticle crosslinks
A synthetic polyisoprene latex emulsion has pre-vulcanization composition and post vulcanization composition. The pre-vulcanization composition comprises soluble sulfur with high S8 ring structure that is catalytically broken by a zinc dithiocarbamate. Surfactants present in the pre-vulcanization composition wets synthetic polyisoprene particles and permeates small sized sulfur and accelerator molecules into the interior of these particles thereby pre-vulcanizing the particles. The degree of pre-vulcanization is verified by isopropanol index test. The latex emulsion has post-vulcanization composition with accelerators that crosslink inter-particle region during post vulcanization cure cycle. The dipped synthetic polyisoprene article is substantially uniformly cured both in the inter-particle and intra-particle regions and reliably exhibits high cross link density, uniform distribution of double bonds in TEM and zinc segregation at the boundaries or original particles by electron microprobe analysis. The films exhibit high tensile strength, tensile modulus, tear strength, burst pressure and burst volume.
US08464717B2 Breathing mask with an autonomous inflatable harness
A breathing mask (1) for aircraft crewmember or passenger comprises a rigid portion (3) to be fit against the face of an user, said rigid portion comprising elements to bring a breathable gas to the user. The breathing mask further comprises an extensible harness (4) having end portions (5) connected to said rigid portion and including an inflatable element (6) connected to a source (7) of pressurized gas through a manually operable valve which delivers the pressurized gas to the inflatable element for extending the harness when actuated, and which reduces the pressure in said inflatable element to retract the harness and to cause the rigid portion to engage the face of the user when released. The source of pressurized gas is an autonomous container (7) supported by the rigid portion and containing the pressurized gas.
US08464713B2 Automated inspiratory muscle training for patients receiving mechanical ventilation
A system and method for automated inspiratory muscle strength exercise includes software for setting a mechanical ventilator for a pressure regulated breath with an initial pressure target that is at the highest pressure setting a patient can tolerate and increasing the pressure target as tolerated.
US08464707B2 Compliance monitor and method
A compliance monitor (20) is attachable to or forms part of a drug delivery device, such as an inhaler (2). The monitor comprises a flexible portion (38) to enable a switch which is actuated by a user when delivering a dose of medicament. The monitor further comprises a sensor for sensing whether the device is properly positioned in contact with or relative to the user's body for administration of the medicament. For example, where the device is an inhaler and the sensor a temperature sensor, temperature variations caused by insertion of an inhaler mouthpiece into the user's mouth indicate whether the dose has been delivered into the patient's mouth. A memory in the compliance monitor stores a compliance record indicating whether or not the device was properly positioned each time a dose was delivered.
US08464706B2 Drug delivery apparatus
A drug delivery apparatus comprising: a drug delivery device for selectively delivering drug-laden air or air not laden with the drug; a sensor for monitoring the breathing pattern of a patient; a controller arranged to control the drug delivery device to deliver drug-laden air in pulses which begin when the patient is monitored by the sensor to begin inhalation, the pulses having a duration which is adjusted by the controller on the basis of the monitored breathing pattern of the patient; a feedback indicator which indicates to a patient whether the monitored breathing pattern is effective for inhaling drug-laden air or not a dose calculator which calculates the dose delivered to the patient; and an indicator which indicates to the patient when a desired dose has been delivered, whereby the apparatus is configured to deliver the full amount of the desired dose in at least 80% of treatments.
US08464705B2 Cooking device
An open/close adjustment device is connected to the door of a heating chamber of a cooking device, and the open/close adjustment device pulls the door back to its totally closed position. The open/close adjustment device adjusts an operation force when the door is passing a predetermined open angle. The operation force indicates a maximum value when the door is passing the predetermined open angle, and the maximum value is given by two protrusions disposed at front-side and rear-side with distance between them. Each of the protrusions each produces a load when they go over a support member, and a following one of the two protrusions produces a load larger than a load firstly produced by a preceding one of the two protrusions when the door is opened.
US08464700B2 Bowfishing method and apparatus
The present invention relates to a bowfishing method, bowfishing system and laser bowfishing sight for targeting and illuminating an underwater target. The position of the target is compensated for the refraction of light in the practice of the method and sighting in of the system of the present invention. The laser bowfishing sight includes a rotational adjustment for compensating for the refraction of light.
US08464696B2 Supercharged engine system
A system for supplying compressed air to an engine is presented. In one embodiment, the system includes a cylinder block that forms at least part of an air compressor housing. The system may improve engine balance and reduce engine assembly cost.
US08464695B2 Ignition apparatus, internal-combustion engine, ignition plug, plasma equipment, exhaust gas degradation apparatus, ozone generating/sterilizing/disinfecting apparatus and odor eliminating apparatus
A plasma equipment comprising a microwave oscillator for generating a predetermined microwave band, a microwave resonant cavity for allowing the predetermined microwave band to resonate, and microwave radiation means for radiating the microwave into the microwave resonant cavity, wherein the microwave radiation means is a microwave radiation antenna having the shape and the size so as to form a strong electric field of the microwave in a plasma generation field formed by the microwave.
US08464691B2 Accelerator device
An accelerator device capable of achieving miniaturization and easily varying torque characteristics with a simple structure. The accelerator device includes a housing, a grip-side rotary body which is rotated with accelerator operation, a friction member including a contact portion to apply resistance due to friction as being contacted to the grip-side rotary body, an urging member which is connected to the housing via the friction member and connected to the grip-side rotary body and which urges the grip-side rotary body to rotate to an initial position side, and a restriction portion which is arranged at the housing and which restricts rotation of the friction member with the urging force of the urging member as being contacted to the friction member. Here, the friction member is urged by the urging member in a direction that the contact portion is pressed to an outer circumferential face of the rotary body having the restriction portion as a fulcrum.
US08464690B2 Hybrid vehicle with cylinder deactivation
A variety of methods and arrangements for operating an internal combustion engine and one or more motor/generators in a hybrid vehicle are described. In various embodiments, the engine is operated in a skip fire mode. Depending on the state of charge of an energy storage device and/or other factors, the engine is operated to generate more or less than a desired level of torque. The one or more motor/generators are used to add or subtract torque so that the motor/generator(s) and the engine collectively deliver the desired level of torque. In some embodiments, the engine may be run with a substantially open throttle to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel efficiency.
US08464689B2 Throttle body to intake manifold mounting
At least one set of locator pins is provided on the flange of an intake manifold which couple with an orifice provided on the flange of a throttle body to align the two parts to ensure that they are properly oriented when assembled. In addition, through holes are provided on the throttle body flange and threaded inserts are provided on the flange of the intake manifold. The locator pins are coupled with the orifices prior to inserting a bolt through the through holes to engage with the threads of the threaded insert. By providing the locator pins, the two flanges are held in a desired orientation so that the ducts of the two flanges are properly aligned to substantially eliminate a step or mismatch at the interface.
US08464688B2 Throttle body for internal combustion engine
An throttle body for rotating a valve shaft of an air-intake throttle valve through a decelerating mechanism by a motor and change the opening area of an air-intake passage by rotating the valve shaft is equipped with a lever portion that is disposed so as to be interlocked with the decelerating mechanism and regulates the opening degree of the air-intake throttle valve under the full-open state, and an adjusting screw that is threadably inserted from the outside of the body portion and abuts against the lever portion in the body portion to change the opening degree of the air-intake throttle valve under the full-open state.
US08464686B2 Diesel engine
A wall shape of a cavity consists of an inward protruding portion located at the periphery of an opening, a center portion projecting toward a fuel injector, and a peripheral portion connecting the inward protruding portion and the center portion. The fuel injector and the cavity are configured so that fuel injected from fuel injector directs to the proximity of the border between the inward protruding portion and the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion consists of a first portion located farthermost from the fuel injector, a second portion located between the inward protruding portion and the first portion, and a third portion located between the first portion and the center portion. The radii of arcs of the peripheral portion decrease from the second portion to the first portion and increase from the first portion to the third portion.
US08464685B2 High performance continuous internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine that includes a rotary head that has an expansion chamber and that includes intake and exhaust slots. A drum is disposed in close noncontacting proximity to the inner side of the rotary head. The drum and the rotary head are substantially rotationally symmetric about a common axis. Radially moveable plates respond to a mechanical control mechanism adapted to move each plate from a retracted position in which the plate is located entirely within the outer surface of the drum and an extended position in close proximity to an upper surface of the expansion chamber to substantially seal the expansion chamber. At least one of the plates is present between the intake slot and the exhaust slot such that the combustion gas within the expansion chamber exerts a force on the plate and the drum to produce rotational motion of the rotary head about the common axis.
US08464681B2 Power unit for vehicle
A vehicle power unit including a speed reducing gear train including a starter driven gear, a starting one-way clutch interposed between the starter driven gear and a crankshaft. The speed reducing gear train and the starting one-way clutch are provided between a starter motor and the crankshaft. A transmission includes gear trains for a plurality of gear speeds wherein the gear trains are provided between a main shaft and a counter shaft. A hybrid type configuration is possible wherein the starter motor produces power for driving the vehicle and to impart a drive assisting force. The starter motor can be changed over between a normal rotational operation and a reverse rotational operation. A power transmission idle gear is interposed between the starter driven gear and a power transmitting gear through a running one-way clutch for permitting power transmission to the side of the main shaft.
US08464678B1 Roller valve lifter
The present invention may be used for vehicle engines having bores in which roller valve lifters reciprocate. A roller valve lifter may have a body with two opposed subtending spaced apart legs. A cam follower roller bearing having a press fit inner sleeve bushing may be rotatably mounted on the pin. Each of the legs may have an oil feed hole that traverses from an exterior surface to an interior surface adjacent to the inner sleeve bushing. The body in an upper portion may have a key device or an attached vertical guide bar to maintain proper orientation of the roller valve lifter to a cam lobe.
US08464677B2 Variable valve lift apparatus
A variable valve lift apparatus includes a high cam and a low cam fixed side by side to a camshaft, an outer body pressed by the rotation of the high cam, and has a crossbar formed at the bottom of the front end, an inner body, of which the front end protrudes further than the outer body, the lower front end is provided with a valve member, the upper rear end is hinged to a lost motion hinge shaft coaxially with the rear end of the outer body, and the lower rear end is pivotally connected to a hinge member, and a latching portion inserted into the inner body and selectively connected to the crossbar of the outer body to move the inner body dependent on movement of the front end of the outer body, wherein the lost motion hinge shaft is disposed in the same direction as a hinge point between the inner body and the hinge member with respect to the camshaft. Dynamic characteristics can be obtained by reducing the moment of inertia of the variable valve lift apparatus, and the dynamic characteristics can be further improved by inserting the latching portion into the inner body so as to be closer to the camshaft.
US08464672B2 Variable valve timing control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A variable valve timing control apparatus adjusts the rotation phase (VCT phase) of an engine camshaft by selectively supplying oil to an advancement chamber and a retardation chamber, and includes a lock pin which is controlled for being moveable to a first position, in which the rotation phase is adjustable, and a second position, in which the camshaft is locked at a specific rotation phase. When the lock pin is displaced from the first position, oil becomes enabled to pass between the advancement chamber and retardation chamber, to thereby enabling the rotation phase to be changed to the specific rotation phase by supplying oil to an appropriate one of the advancement chamber and a retardation chamber, for initiating locking.
US08464669B2 Cooling circuit for an internal combustion engine
Cooling circuit for an internal combustion engine 2, having an internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder head and one crankcase, a coolant pump, a primary heat exchanger, and a heat exchanger for an operating medium of the internal combustion engine, the cooling circuit 1 downstream of the coolant pump being divided between a branch site A and a connection site B so that at least one cylinder head is incorporated in a cylinder head branch circuit and the crankcase is incorporated in a crankcase branch circuit and the heat exchanger for an operating medium being located in the cylinder head branch circuit downstream of the at least one cylinder head.
US08464660B2 Apparatus and methods for providing drinking water and/or entertainment for pets
Apparatus and methods for providing drinking water and/or entertaining to pets. The apparatus includes a base engaged with a container, a reservoir, and a pump for pumping liquid from the container into the reservoir when the container is upright. The pump may be selectively activated by the animal to pump liquid from the container into the reservoir. A ball may be provided at least partially within the reservoir to rotate relative to the reservoir when licked by the animal to operate the pump and draw liquid from the container, through a fluid conduit, and into the reservoir. Liquid from the reservoir may adhere to an outer surface portion of the ball and thereby become accessible to and drinkable by the animal when the outer surface portion of the ball is rotated from an initial position within the liquid in the reservoir to a second position accessible to the animal's tongue.
US08464658B2 Container system
A container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base with a core removably mounted in the base. The core includes a temperature controlling substance used to cool the contents of the container over a prolonged period of time. The core is removable from the base for placement in a freezer or other cold environment and then replaced to provide cooling to the material in the container.
US08464656B2 Milking cup and milking method
A milking cup for milking animals, the milking cup having a liner arranged inside a housing to define a pulsation chamber therebetween. The pulsation chamber is divided into multiple compartments so that vacuum pulsation applied to the pulsation chamber compartments causes controlled collapse of the liner on an animal teat inserted therein.
US08464654B2 Hot-dip galvanizing installation for steel strip
An installation for the hardened galvanization of a continuously-moving rolled steel strip, includes a coating tank receiving a liquid metal mixture containing, for example, zinc and aluminum to be deposited on the strip which is immersed in the mixture. The liquid mixture is permanently circulated between the coating tank and a preparation device, in which the temperature of the liquid mixture is deliberately lowered in order to reduce an iron solubility threshold and is sufficiently high for initiating fusion of at least one ingot containing a zinc-aluminum Zn—Al alloy in a so-called fusion zone of the preparation device, in an amount necessary to compensate for the liquid mixture used for deposition on the strip. The installation includes a loop for circulating the liquid mixture that is thermally optimized.
US08464653B2 Application device and method of producing application layer using same
An application device comprises a liquid tank for retaining a liquid, and a discharge unit to which the liquid is supplied from the liquid tank, and which discharges the liquid to an application-target area of an object at a set application width. The discharge unit comprises a head cylinder filled with the liquid supplied from the liquid tank, and the nozzle plate which is provided at one end of the head cylinder in a replaceable manner and which is provided with plural nozzle holes discharging the liquid. The application width can be changed by merely replacing the nozzle plate without changing of an application condition.
US08464651B2 Spool holder and sewing machine provided therewith
A spool holder includes a spool base and a thread guide mechanism including a thread guide member having thread guide portions guiding the threads extending from thread spools, respectively and a divided support pillar disposed so as to support the guide member on the spool base and including an upper support pillar having an upper end swingably mounted on the guide member and a lower support pillar having a lower end which is swingably mounted on the spool base, and a holding unit which holds the divided support pillar so that the pillar is switchable between a first position where both pillars are substantially vertically lined so that the guide member is located at an upper position in its use and a second position where both support pillars are bent at the connecting part so that the guide member is located at an accommodation position in its non-use.
US08464636B2 Device for controlling a sheet-fed rotary printing machine having a plurality of drive motors
A sheet-fed rotary printing machine includes at least two electric drive motors acting on a gearwheel train which mechanically connects a plurality of printing units to one another. A device for controlling the printing machine includes a control loop for each electric drive motor having a higher-frequency control element. At least one control loop has a low-frequency control element supplying an output signal picked up at the control loops in a predetermined ratio. A sheet-fed rotary printing machine having the device is also provided.
US08464633B2 Water container cap for holding additives to water
A supplement dispensing closure couplable to an outlet of a container, such as a water container. When the closure is coupled to the container, liquid exiting the container through the outlet flows through a supplement retention area that retains a dissolvable supplement body inside the closure as the liquid flows therethrough and dissolves the dissolvable supplement body. A user may select one or more dissolvable supplement bodies and insert them inside the supplement retention area for dissolution in the liquid as it flows through the supplement retention area. The closure may include a selectively openable and closable cap portion. Optionally, the closure includes a filter configured to filter one or more components from the liquid before or after it flows through the supplement retention area.
US08464628B2 Attachment mechanisms for coupling firearms to supporting structures
Attachment mechanisms for attaching firearms to support structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an attachment mechanism for attaching a firearm to a support structure includes an interface member coupled to a latching subassembly. The latching subassembly includes having an attachment portion and a latching arm. The attachment portion is configured to engage a connector fastened to the firearm through the aperture, and the latching arm lockably retains the attachment portion proximate to the interface member.
US08464627B2 Vehicle and structure shield with improved hard points
A protection system includes a net made of flexible, low breaking strength intersecting lines connected at nodes. A frame supports the net and spaces the net from a vehicle and/or structure. Hard points are disposed at least at select net nodes and feature a multi-sided body with a cavity therein behind a front face thereof. The body includes a lip extending into the cavity. A protrusion extends outwardly from the front face. A tapered plug is received in the cavity and includes a ledge engaged by the lip locking the plug and a net node in the cavity and securing the hard point to the net node in a pivotable fashion.
US08464622B2 Circular saw blade with changeable blade strips
A circular saw blade has a frame, which includes a plurality of recesses and a groove. The circular saw blade also has at least two arc-shaped blade strips, each having a plurality of sawteeth formed on the outer rim and at least one bump and a protruding piece on the inner rim, such that each bump is configured for mating with its corresponding recess on the frame and the protruding piece is formed extending along the circumference of the inner rim for insetting into the groove of the frame.
US08464621B2 Cutting apparatus and method
A plurality of bushings are coupled to one another via a series of bolts to provide an interlocking, articulating cutter. The bolts have a cylindrical end and a convex end. The convex ends are seated inside a concave socket coupled to the bushings. The cylindrical ends are coupled to a convex nut seated inside another concave socket coupled to an adjacent bushing. The convex ends of the bolts are configured to articulate inside the seat of the concave sockets. A washer may be placed between the bushings to provide a desired amount of flexibility and/or rigidity. The outer surface of the bushing comprises a cutting structure, such as a milled or clad cutting structure.
US08464620B2 Hole punch element
A hole punch device that reduces the force required to create a hole in papers or other sheet media. A punch element of the hole punch device includes a locally sloped or indented floor to create a bend in the sheet media as it is punched to create an enlarged, oval hole. The punch pin may include an expanding sleeve surround the pin that forms a larger diameter during the cutting stroke and springs back to a smaller diameter during a pull out stroke. A coiled torsion return spring is positioned remotely from and non-coaxially with the punch pin. A keyed pin and support frame arrangement ensures a predetermined rotational orientation of the pin for sequential cutting for reduced cutting force. A long lead-in surface in the frame helps installing sheet media into the feed slot of the punch element.
US08464619B2 Device for dissecting thin samples and methods thereof
A dissecting device and dissecting system. The dissecting device comprises at least one knife, preferably a punch or stamper, a first and second moveable stage, and at least one receiving plate. The dissecting system further comprises a controller and optionally an imaging component or plate feeding component. In addition, methods of using the device and system are disclosed.
US08464618B2 Numerically controlled lathe with guide bush, and method of processing workpiece by using the numerically controlled lathe
Disclosed is a numerically controlled lathe 100 which includes a head stock 110 which rotatably supports a spindle 120; a guide bush 170 disposed so as to face the head stock 110 and configured to support one end of a bar-like workpiece W extending from the spindle 120; and a tool post 130 having a tool T1 to process the workpiece W supported by the spindle 120 and the guide bush 170, the guide bush 170 being movable in the same direction as a spindle axis C, the lathe further including a first processing region A which is provided between the guide bush 170 and the spindle 120 and in which the workpiece W is processed by the tool T1 attached to the tool post 130.
US08464615B2 Safety pipe wrench
A safety pipe wrench includes a Y-shaped handle having a stem extending from a first end of the handle towards a second end of the handle. The stem bifurcates into a first arm and a second arm at a location between the first end and the second end of the handle. The first arm and the second arm extend to the second end of the handle. A slot is defined between the first arm and the second arm. A first gripping insert is mounted on the first arm. A nut is rotatably retained in the slot. A jaw has a shank terminating in a jaw head. The shank is movably engaged with the nut. A second gripping insert is mounted on the jaw head.
US08464613B2 Sucker rod coupling extractor
A prior art sucker rod tong is improved to remove a coupling completely from a sucker rod assembly comprising sucker rods joined end to end by couplings. The prior art sucker rod tong has a rotatable jaw assembly and a lower backup wrench adapted to cooperate to unscrew a coupling joining first and second rods, where the coupling remains screwed to the second rod after it is unscrewed from the first rod. The improvement comprises a coupling extractor for unscrewing the coupling from the second rod so that the coupling can be replaced. The coupling extractor comprises a shaft having an extractor end portion on each end of the shaft and a shield around each extractor end portion, wherein the coupling extractor is designed and sized to fit within and to be rotated by the jaw assembly. The extractor end portion engages the inside wall of the coupling to unscrew the coupling from the second rod. The extractor end portion is preferably a tapered, left-handed spiral fluted easy-out extractor. The improvement preferably further comprises an upper backup wrench movably connected to the sucker rod tong for holding the second sucker rod when the second sucker rod is above the coupling.
US08464611B1 Modular and adjustable axle systems for vehicles
Concepts and technologies described herein provide for a modular and adjustable axle system for vehicles. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, an axle housing system includes a central differential housing, a pair of retainers attached to the central differential housing, a pair of bell housings attached to the retainers, a pair of axle tube housings attached to the bell housings, and a pair of inner steering knuckles attached to the axle tube housings. Other aspects further include a drivetrain system within the axle housing system that includes a differential, a pair of inner constant velocity (CV) joints attached to opposing sides of the differential, a pair of axle shafts attached to the inner CV joints, and a pair of outer CV joints attached to the axle shafts, wherein the CV joints are maintained in a fixed angular relationship.
US08464610B1 Drive device
A drive device comprising improved components is described. The drive device may be of various known types that require the use of a steering clutch and a reduction gear set. The drive device may be applied to, but is not limited to, a walk-behind vehicle that may include a snow thrower or blower.
US08464607B2 Cylinder with replaceable attachment member
A cylinder includes a cylinder body defining a cylinder bore. End caps close opposite ends of the cylinder body. A piston/rod assembly of the cylinder includes a piston portion and a rod portion. The piston portion is located in the cylinder bore and the rod portion extends outwardly of the cylinder body through at least one of the end caps and terminates at an end having a first interlocking member. The cylinder also includes an attachment member having opposite first and second ends. The first end of the attachment member has a second interlocking member for cooperating with the first interlocking member for attaching the attachment member to the end of the rod portion. The second end of the attachment member includes a mating feature for connecting the attachment member and thus, the rod portion to another part.
US08464604B2 Accelerator pedal module
An accelerator pedal is engaged with the rotor so that the accelerator pedal is pivotable about a rotation axis. A coil spring is arranged on a biasing axis that is generally tangential to an arc path, along which a protrusion of the rotor passes when the rotor rotates about the rotation axis. A holder is interposed between the protrusion of the rotor and the coil spring. A concave surface of the holder contacts a convex surface of the protrusion. A receiving portion of the holder receives the coil spring. The contact point is located between a second end and a first end of the coil spring. The concave surface of the holder and the convex surface of the protrusion are curved to satisfy a predetermined relationship.
US08464600B2 Device for shifting changes in the transmission ratio
The invention relates to a device for shifting changes in the transmission ratio of a vehicle transmission. The device comprises at least one axially movable and/or rotabale shifting element and an electrical position identification of the shifting element. At least one magnet which generates position signals in combination with a stationary sensor is disposed on the shifting element. In order to create a device that is advantageous regarding production and design, the magnet is formed directly by a magnetic area on the shifting element.
US08464599B2 Eight speed dual clutch transmission
A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of gears, synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US08464597B2 Sensor assembly for measuring forces and/or torques and use of said assembly
A sensor assembly is provided for measuring forces and/or torques which are transmitted by means of a rigid transmitter having a first part and a second part. The sensor assembly includes a first connection, a second connection, electromechanical sensor elements, a first flange, a second flange and a plurality of struts. The first and second connections are connectable to the first and second parts of the transmitter, respectively. The electromechanical sensor elements convert mechanical parameters into electrical parameters. The first flange surrounds the first connection and originates at the first connection. The second flange is aligned substantially parallel to the first flange. The second connection is arranged on the second flange and has a first surface and a second surface. The plurality of struts are substantially perpendicular to the first flange and connect the first flange to the second flange. A gap is formed between the first flange, the second flange and the struts, and is larger than a width of the struts. The electromechanical sensor elements are designed for determining strains or compressions and are arranged next to the plurality of struts on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the second flange.
US08464591B2 Method and apparatus for judging fracture of metal stamped product, program and computer-readable recording medium
In the process of target stamping for fracture judgment, an acquisition unit acquires, as target data for fracture judgment, strain of a target die to be measured over the duration from the start time of stamping measured by strain measuring units to the finishing time of stamping, and also acquires production conditions typically by measurement. An extraction unit extracts the reference data, which gives the minimum total of differences between the production conditions of the reference data and the production conditions of the target data for fracture judgment, as the comparative data. A judging unit compares strain in the comparative data extracted by the extraction unit and strain in the target data for fracture judgment, and judges occurrence of a crack in a stamped product, if the maximum value of the difference is not smaller than a predetermined value.
US08464589B2 Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) structure
A MEMS structure includes a substrate, a structural dielectric layer, and a diaphragm. A structural dielectric layer is disposed over the substrate. The diaphragm is held by the structural dielectric layer at a peripheral end. The diaphragm includes multiple trench/ridge rings at a peripheral region surrounding a central region of the diaphragm. A corrugated structure is located at the central region of the diaphragm, surrounded by the trench/indent rings.
US08464588B2 Wireless acoustic interrogation of a packaged medical implant
Systems and methods of acoustically interrogating a packaged medical implant such as an implantable sensor are disclosed. An illustrative system includes a sterilizable package including a package tray and a cover, a sensor module disposed within the package, and an acoustic coupling member disposed within an interior space of the package tray. An external interrogator located outside of the sealed package can be used to acoustically communicate with the sensor module.
US08464586B2 Vibration wave output instrument and method of using the same
A vibration wave output instrument and its use method are provided. The vibration wave output instrument has a base, a vibration device, a pressure device, and a position mechanism. The position mechanism brings both the vibration device and the pressure device to a target region. The pressure device pushes the vibration device to touch against the target region. The vibration device outputs vibration waves beneath the target region.
US08464579B2 Rim mounting device for tire testing device, magnet mounting method, rim replacing device and tire testing device
A rim mounting device configured in such a manner that, even if a permanent magnet breaks due to impact produced during mounting thereof by magnetic attraction, the rim mounting device can be handled easily after the breakage of the permanent magnet. The rim mounting device is provided to a tire testing device having a spindle for rotating a tire and is adapted that a rim is mounted to the tip of the spindle. The rim mounting device is provided with: a rim mounting section provided to the tip of the spindle, having a rim mounting surface capable of making contact with the rim, and having mounting recesses formed in the rim mounting surface so as to be arranged side by side; permanent magnets inserted in the mounting recesses, respectively, and generating magnetic force for attracting the rim to the rim mounting surface; and scatter suppressing members. The scatter suppressing members are provided in the mounting recesses, respectively, and when the permanent magnet inserted in each mounting recess breaks, suppress scatter of fragments of the permanent magnet.
US08464578B2 Multi-functional vehicle fuel display
A multi-functional, composite fuel display for displaying both fuel level information and fuel economy information is provided. The fuel level is displayed using a plurality of bar segments, each corresponding to a single unit of fuel. Once a single unit of fuel is consumed, the corresponding bar segment changes size to indicate an average fuel economy for that unit of fuel. The bar segment corresponding to the current unit of fuel being consumed changes size in real time to indicate instantaneous fuel economy. An indicator is provided over the bar segments corresponding to single unit of consumed fuel to indicate average fuel economy for the current tank of fuel.
US08464575B2 Device and method for measuring the geometry of a workpiece
In order to improve a device for measuring the geometry of a workpiece in such a way that the geometrical measurements are particularly precise wherein the device comprises a housing having a flow channel in which there is arranged a reference nozzle for the passage of a test fluid therethrough and a first pressure measuring device for measuring a first pressure of the test fluid upstream of the reference nozzle and also a second pressure measuring device for measuring a second pressure of the test fluid downstream of the reference nozzle, it is proposed that the device should comprise a differential pressure measuring device for measuring the differential pressure of the test fluid across the reference nozzle.
US08464574B2 Hydrostatic testing tool and methods of use
A hydrostatic testing tool for testing containers, hoses or the like under high pressures. The testing tool having a coupling that threadably engages a threaded aperture of a test container without having to be rotated into the threaded aperture. The hydrostatic testing tool may be hooked up to a source of pressurized medium and the tool includes a container-engaging head having a plurality of collet segments that each have a threaded surface that can expand radially outward, partially due to the force of the pressurized medium, to engage a threaded aperture of the test container, allowing for the formation of a liquid and/or gas tight seal under high pressures. The testing tool further includes an actuating unit connected to the head that controls the movement of the collet segments with a piston or the like.
US08464573B2 Gas concentration detection sensor
A flow path from outer gas introduction apertures 144a to inner gas introduction apertures 134a has a narrower-width flow passage formed by an inner wall member 150. This structure effectively lowers the probability that a liquid, such as water, entering from the outer gas introduction apertures 144a passes through a gas inflow chamber 122 and reaches a sensor element 110, compared with a structure without the inner wall member 150. The inner wall member 150 is formed as a solid member that is capable of storing the surrounding heat. Even if there is a certain event that has the potential of causing a temperature decrease of the sensor element 110, for example, an abrupt change in flow rate of an object gas, the heat stored in the inner wall member 150 effectively prevents a temperature decrease of the sensor element 110. This structure prevents the occurrence of cracking in the sensor element 110, compared with a conventional sensor structure having a double-layered protective cover.
US08464571B1 Systems and methods for determining resonant frequency and quality factor of overdamped systems
A calibration system for a MEMS system having at least one overdamped motion axis includes a measurement module for determining a location of a pole of a MEMS device in the overdamped motion axis, a closed-loop feedback system configured to change a first location of the pole to a second location of the pole, and a computation module for calculating a resonant frequency and/or a quality factor using the first and the second location of the pole as determined by the measurement module. The calibration system further includes a calibration module for calibrating the MEMS system based on the calculated resonant frequency and/or the calculated quality factor.
US08464565B2 System for supplying lubricant, apparatus for manufacturing seamless pipes or tubes, and method of manufacturing seamless pipes or tubes
The present invention provides a system for supplying a lubricant necessary for efficiently manufacturing high-quality seamless pipes or tubes in a piercing mill, an apparatus for manufacturing seamless pipes or tubes having the supply system, and seamless pipes or tubes manufacturing method. The system for supplying a lubricant has a storage tank of the lubricant, a plumbing extending from the storage tank to a position near disk rolls, a nozzle provided at the tip of the plumbing, a device for switching flow direction provided in some midpoint of the plumbing, a plumbing extending from the device for switching flow direction to the storage tank, and a device for releasing pressure in a plumbing, provided between the switching device and the nozzle.
US08464563B2 Bi-directional adjustable benefit denial safer/keeper
A size-adjustable apparatus for a securing a product in order to prevent theft of that product. The apparatus includes an adjustable housing, the housing having a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm. The first arm is adapted to move in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the third arm and the second arm is adapted to move in a third direction and a fourth direction with respect to the third arm, where the first direction is opposite the second direction and the third direction is opposite the fourth direction. The apparatus also includes a lock to retain the adjustable housing in a desired position. The result is a housing that can dynamically change its dimensions by movement of the first arm in a first and second direction and by movement of the second arm in a third and fourth direction.
US08464562B1 Garment steamer
An apparatus for steaming a garment comprising an expandable enclosure having a wall circumscribing a hollow space therein, the hollow space accessible through a re-closeable opening in the wall. A clothes hanging element and stretch element contained within the hollow space, the clothes hanging element for holding the garment and the stretch element for stretching the garment. A steam generator connected to provide steam to the hollow space. The steam generator has a water reservoir chamber and a steam chamber with a partition there between. At least one pair of electrodes is arranged within the steam chamber to provide an electric current that resistively heats a source of water to create steam. A water communication port in the partition allows water to pass from the water reservoir chamber to the steam chamber in a manner that self-regulates the amount of steam generated.
US08464557B2 Method of producing optical fiber preform and optical fiber
A method of producing an optical fiber preform includes preparing a glass preform that has a hole extending in a longitudinal direction formed on one end of the glass preform in such a manner that a length of the hole is equal to or less than half of an entire length of the glass preform, synthesizing a porous glass preform by depositing glass particles on an outer circumference of the glass preform having the hole formed on the end, and sintering the porous glass preform after arranging the porous glass preform in such a manner that the end having the hole formed thereon points downward and the hole is open to the air.
US08464556B2 Microstructured optical fibers and methods
Method of making a microstructured optical fiber. Silica glass based soot is deposited on a substrate to form at least a portion of an optical fiber preform by traversing a soot deposition burner with respect to said substrate at a burner traverse rate greater than 3 cm/sec, thereby depositing a layer of soot having a thickness less than 20 microns for each of a plurality of burner passes. At least a portion of the soot preform is then consolidated inside a furnace to remove greater than 50 percent of the air trapped in said soot preform, said consolidating taking place in a gaseous atmosphere containing krypton, nitrogen, or mixtures thereof under conditions which are effective to trap a portion of said gaseous atmosphere in said preform during said consolidation step, thereby forming a consolidated preform which when viewed in cross section will exhibit at least 50 voids therein.
US08464554B2 Method for stabilizing a column of molten material
An apparatus for stabilizing a flow of a viscous material, such as a molten glass or glass ceramic material in a tube or rod forming process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stabilization member through which the molten glass is passed after leaving the nozzle of a forming vessel. The stabilization member is positioned a finite distance below the nozzle. The column of viscous material is supported by a wall of the stabilization member, or by a gaseous film disposed between the column and the stabilization member. A method of stabilizing the flow of viscous material after it leaves the nozzle during a drawing process is also disclosed.
US08464553B2 Production of a pharmaceutical container from the melt
The invention proposes a process for the production of a container for pharmaceutical and medical applications made from glass, preferably from a borosilicate glass, wherein the container is produced by a press-blow process where the container is initially preformed in a pressing step, by making a ram press a dispensed glass drop into a mold that is open at its bottom, and where the parison so produced is given its final form by a subsequent blowing step.
US08464551B2 Liquefaction method and system
A method for liquefaction using a closed loop refrigeration system, the method comprising the steps of (a) compressing a gaseous refrigerant stream in at least one compressor; (b) cooling the compressed gaseous refrigerant stream in a first heat exchanger; (c) expanding at least a first portion of the cooled, compressed gaseous refrigerant stream from the first heat exchanger in a first expander to provide a first expanded gaseous refrigerant stream; and (d) cooling and substantially liquefying a feed gas stream to form a substantially liquefied feed gas stream in a second heat exchanger through indirect heat exchange against at least a first portion of the first expanded gaseous refrigerant stream from the first expander, wherein the first expanded gaseous refrigerant stream exiting the first expander is substantially vapor.
US08464550B2 Heat exchanger with cold accumulator
The invention relates to a heat exchanger, in particular an evaporator (1), with a plurality of refrigerant-carrying pipes (6, 7) which are arranged next to one another and end in at least one collecting vessel (9), and with at least one cold accumulator (4), in which a cold accumulating medium is provided, wherein the evaporator (1) has two regions arranged parallel to each other, a first region (1′) and a second region (1′), and the cold accumulator (4) is arranged in the second region (1′). In this case, the refrigerant-carrying pipes (6, 7) of the first and second regions (1′,1′) are arranged in line with one another and have a width corresponding to one another (b1, b2, b3), and the first and second regions (1′, 1′) have common, continuous corrugated rib.
US08464549B2 Airway seal apparatus and method, and refrigerator apparatus using the seal
A refrigerator includes a body portion having an air supply and an air return, a door hinged to the body portion, and an icemaking unit located on the door and having an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet and air outlet are adjacent the air supply and air return, respectively, when the door is closed, to receive and return chilled air therefrom and thereto. At least a first sealing member is located at the air supply, the air return, the air inlet, and/or the air outlet. The at least first sealing member includes a first membrane with a slit formed therein, and a first projecting member. The slit and the first projecting member are configured and dimensioned such that the slit is closed when the door is in an open position and that the slit is opened when the door is in a closed position.
US08464546B2 Pipe structure of electric compressor
A pipe structure of an electric compressor has an electric compressor disposed in an engine compartment of a vehicle and configured to be driven by a battery power source to compress a refrigerant, a harness connecting portion disposed on an upper surface of the electric compressor and electrically connecting a harness to the electric compressor, and a pipe connecting portion disposed forward of the harness connecting portion and connecting an air conditioner pipe to the electric compressor. At least a part of the air conditioner pipe is disposed above the electric compressor and forward of the harness connecting portion.
US08464545B2 Apparatus and method for collecting an atmospheric gas
A system for extracting a target atmospheric gas from an atmosphere, including a carbon-neutral energy source and a cooling unit connected to a condenser, is disclosed. An optional collection chamber and optional reaction chamber are also disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of providing hydrocarbon feedstocks, a method of removing a gas from an atmosphere, and a method of reducing the concentration of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere.
US08464541B2 Closing system for an aircraft fan shroud
A closing system for a fan cowling on a jet engine of an aircraft that has at least one assembly including a male contrivance integral with the cowling, and a female contrivance integral with the jet engine that has a lower element forming at least one first guide ramp and an upper element forming at least one second guide ramp, with the aforementioned female contrivance being suitable on the one hand for guiding the male contrivance during the opening and/or the closing of the fan cowling, and on the other hand providing a limitation of the radial and circumferential displacements of the male contrivance.
US08464539B2 Nozzle with a plurality of stacked plates
A nozzle assembly (10) comprising a first inlet tube (14), a second inlet tube (15), and a nozzle (16). The nozzle (16) is formed from a stack of plates (20-38) which are joined together in face-to-face contact. The plates (20-38) collectively have openings which define a nozzle outlet, a first inlet, a second inlet, a first circuit from the first inlet to the nozzle outlet, a second circuit from the second inlet to the nozzle outlet, and a fluid-outlet chamber through which both the first circuit and the second circuit pass. The nozzle assembly (10) can be used as a fuel injector for a gas turbine engine, with jet fuel being supplied to the first circuit during start-up and low power conditions and jet fuel being supplied to both the first circuit and the second circuit during high power conditions.
US08464529B2 Reduction in turbocharger lag at high altitudes
A method of operating a turbocharged engine having cylinders in which one of the cylinders undergoes a compression stroke. The method includes advancing an ignition spark in the one of the cylinders undergoing the compression stroke by a first amount relative to top dead center of the compression stroke at a first barometric pressure for a given engine speed and load, and advancing the ignition spark in the one of the cylinders undergoing the compression stroke by a second, lesser amount relative to top dead center of the compression stroke at a second, lower barometric pressure, for the given engine speed and load as the vehicle being at different altitudes.
US08464527B2 Float for wave energy converter (WEC)
A float structure for a WEC is designed to have a tapered underside to reduce the impact due to wave slam and bending moments while providing little reduction in the surface area responding to the wave surface in order to maintain the beneficial power generating capability of a “flat” float. The underside of the float presents an inverted wedge section to decrease loads associated with wave slamming. The float may have a generally toroidal or elliptical configuration at and about the “still” water line with the generally submerged underside of the float having a cross section shaped to have one or more inverted triangular sections extending between the outer perimeter of the float and its center to reduce impact loading due to wave slamming while maintaining power producing capability.
US08464526B2 Hydraulic pump control system
A hydraulic load ramping system, in certain aspects, may utilize load sensing feedback from an engine, thereby reducing the possibility of overloading the engine as well as smoothing the transition between hydraulic load levels. In particular, by ramping between hydraulic load levels, unwanted movement of hydraulically-driven equipment may be minimized. In addition, by efficiently monitoring the load sensing feedback and ramping between hydraulic load levels, the hydraulic output may be maximized.
US08464524B2 Trap for exhaust system
A system for trapping liquid exhaust during a cold start of an internal combustion engine is provided. As one example, a system includes, an exhaust inlet, an exchange area fluidly coupled downstream of said exhaust inlet, a trap coupled to said exchange area having a liquid exhaust chamber for collection of liquid exhaust, and a catalytic converter fluidly coupled downstream to said exchange area. In another example, a method includes condensing, at least partly, exhaust from the engine in an exchange area in an exhaust system into liquid exhaust, collecting liquid exhaust into a trap disposed in the exchange area, and evaporating the liquid exhaust into the exchange area after an evaporation temperature is reached in the trap.
US08464519B2 Secondary air system
A secondary air system for the supply of secondary air into at least one exhaust gas outlet passage of a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, wherein at least one secondary air passage provided in the cylinder head is associated with the exhaust gas outlet passage and opens into the exhaust gas outlet passage and into an outer connection surface of the cylinder head. A base plate is provided which can be placed onto the connection surface of the cylinder head and which is provided with secondary air stubs which each engage into a secondary air passage when the base plate is in place. The base plate is provided on its outer side remote from the connection side with at least one hood via which the supplied secondary air is distributed to a plurality of secondary air stubs.
US08464518B2 Fuel vapor enrichment for exhaust exothermic catalyst light-off
An engine system includes an engine with a secondary air source, a fuel system that communicates with the engine, and a controller that communicates with the fuel system. The controller controls a first quantity of liquid fuel to the engine at a first A/F ratio and a second quantity of vapor fuel to the engine at a second A/F ratio. The liquid and vapor fuel mixture has a third A/F ratio. A secondary air source provides additional air to the third A/F ratio. The controller determines an available A/F ratio of vapor fuel within the fuel tank and performs a comparison with a target A/F ratio range. The second quantity is set to zero if the A/F ratio of the vapor fuel is outside of the target A/F ratio range. The controller adjusts the first and second quantities based on a comparison between an exhaust A/F ratio and a target exhaust A/F ratio.
US08464513B2 Contamination detection in fuel system
A system comprises a fuel system for delivering fuel to an engine for combustion and a reductant storage system for delivering reductant to the exhaust stream for an SCR catalyst for NOx reduction. The fuel system further comprises a water separator for separating water-based fluid from fuel in the fuel tank, and a separation reservoir to collect the separated water-based fluid. Based on readings of a water-in-fuel sensor positioned within the reservoir, a type of degradation (e.g., water build-up, high-water-content fuel, mis-filling of the reductant, etc.) may be determined and indicated.
US08464511B1 Magnetically coupled contra-rotating propulsion stages
A turbomachine comprises a turbine shaft, first and second rotors, first and second propulsion stages, and a magnetic stator. The first rotor is rotationally coupled to the turbine shaft, and coaxially arranged along an axis. The first propulsion stage is rotationally coupled to the first rotor, opposite the turbine shaft. The second rotor is coaxially arranged about the first rotor, and the second propulsion stage is rotationally coupled to second rotor, opposite the turbine shaft and adjacent the first propulsion stage. The magnetic stator is coaxially arranged between the first rotor and the second rotor, forming a magnetic coupling between the and second rotors to drive the second propulsion stage in contra-rotation with respect to the first propulsion stage.
US08464507B2 Walk-behind lawn mower
A walk-behind lawn mower includes a cutter and a housing covering the cutter for allowing rotation of the cutter to cut grass. The housing includes a front wall portion covering a front part of the cutter and a portion other than the front wall portion. The front wall portion extends laterally of the housing. The front wall portion has a thickness more than twice a thickness of the portion other than the front wall portion. The front wall portion has a downwardly convex bottom surface, and serves as a handle for use in lifting up the lawn mower.
US08464503B2 Compressed air engine
An engine comprises a tank of compressed air and a piston. The tank of compressed air is connected to a conduit and the conduit is connected to a cylinder comprising a first valve and an inlet to a chamber. The chamber comprises the piston, which reciprocates. The chamber also has a second outlet connected to a second valve. The air traverses from the tank of compressed into the chamber by opening the first valve. Both the first valve and second valve are closed and the compressed air moves the piston in the chamber to produce work. The second valve opens and the air escapes from the chamber and the piston.
US08464501B2 Method and installation for grouping of stackable products of the cases and other type
The method for grouping stackable products arriving in line on a feed conveyor which has an accumulation function and a distribution function of the products, distribution being carried out sequentially to feed a supply conveyor which makes the products available so that they can be collected, the method including collecting the products distributed on the supply conveyor by a transversal collector which is mobile in a vertical plane, depositing the collected products on a take-up station which is located above the level of the supply conveyor and providing the collector with a loop movement, cyclical, in order to collect the products, deposit them and return to the point of departure.
US08464500B2 Process for reprocessing soiled animal bedding
A process and system reprocesses soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure. The material is to remove a preponderance of the manure. The remaining soiled bedding is washed in water and a cleaning agent, rinsed and, optionally, bleached to restore color and appearance. The resulting material is dewatered and dried to reduce its moisture content and kill any remaining pathogens. After being cleaned and sanitized, the material may be reused as bedding or further processed into pellets or other products, such as manufactured fire logs.
US08464497B2 Stay cable for structures
A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable has an end and an opposite end. The end of the stay cable attaches to an upper region of the mast. The opposite end of the stay cable anchors at earth. The stay cable is oriented at an angle not exceeding ten degrees.
US08464496B2 Support system for solar panels
Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.
US08464495B1 Wall anchor
A wall anchor employing adhesives or other settable materials to strengthen the wall anchor, facilitating ease of use as well as extreme holding power. A method to attach a wall anchor to a panel, a method to remove a wall anchor from a panel, and a removal tool is also disclosed.
US08464494B2 Anchor with a multi-chamber cement container
In an anchor for use in a construction panel which includes upper and lower cover plates, wherein the anchor includes a cylinder body, a displacement body and a cement container provided with desired rupture locations and installed in the cylinder body and the cylinder body is provided with engagement elements for extending behind the upper cover plate, the cement container includes at least two chambers separated by an intermediate wall and is provided with an upper and a lower opening each closed by a thin-walled rupturable foil, with the intermediate wall being also rupturable by the displacement member upon movement thereof into the cylinder body.
US08464492B2 Engineered blocks for landscape wall light fixtures
An engineered block for a landscape wall includes front and rear faces, first and second sidewalls, a top surface extending between upper ends of the front and rear faces, and a bottom surface extending between lower ends of the front and rear faces. A stepped cavity is formed in the top surface of the engineered block. The stepped cavity is located adjacent the front face of the engineered block and includes a first step having a first horizontal, and a shallower second step, adjacent the first step, having a second horizontal surface. A mounting device adapted to receive a light fixture is seated within the stepped cavity. The mounting device has a flat plate seated upon the second step and a storage compartment for wire seated upon the first step. A top planar surface of the flat plate is coplanar with the top surface of the engineered block.
US08464491B2 Column block system
A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column.The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.
US08464486B1 Contoured floor pads and method
The apparatus and method for forming a tunable crumb rubber floor pad and flooring system using the pad. The method including the steps of; determining a pad design angle to provide a floor performance; cutting strips of pad material from a relatively thin sheet of recycled crumb rubber to form strips of pad material having two angled sides cut at the pad design angle, chopping the strips into pads wherein each pad has two angled walls and two straight walls. The pads are then stapled to a plywood subfloor.
US08464485B2 Fire resistive joint cover system
A joint cover system is operable to span a gap between two building members, wherein each building member including a first side surface and an end surface. The joint cover system comprises a first base member, a second base member, an intumescent sheet, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The first base member may be positioned on the first side surface of the first building member, and the second base member may be positioned on the first side surface of the second building member. The intumescent sheet may include a first edge positioned between the first base member and the first side surface of the first building member and a second edge positioned between the second base member and the first side surface of the second building member. The first fastener may penetrate the first base member and the first edge of the intumescent sheet. The second fastener may penetrate the second base member and the second edge of the intumescent sheet.
US08464481B2 Segmental retaining wall corner block
A corner block has spaced-apart front and rear sections interconnected by two spaced-apart side sections that jointly define a through-cavity that extends through the block from a top face thereof to a bottom face. Upper protrusions are provided on the top face of the block, and lower protrusions are provided inside the cavity at the bottom of the block. The upper and lower protrusions are configured and arranged relative to one another so that when two corner blocks are stacked one atop another with one block rotated 90 degrees relative to the other, the upper protrusions of the lower block interlock with the lower protrusions of the upper block to interlock the two blocks. The corner blocks are constructed in two variants, a corner block A and a corner block B, which are mirror images or opposite hands of each other. The corner blocks A and B are alternately stacked upon one another to construct a 90-degree corner of a segmental retaining wall or other wall structure. Each corner block has two exterior sides, and the two exterior sides of each successive corner block are set back or offset from the two exterior sides of the preceding block by a predetermined setback.
US08464478B2 Next generation photovoltaic solar panel piggyback mounting system
A system and method for mounting photovoltaic solar panels onto a roof. The system includes first and second strut rails spaced from the roof employing a series of standoffs, the strut rails having a length, cross section, a base and side walls, side walls terminating with first and second turned in edges. First and second mounting fixtures are attached to the photovoltaic solar panels which are of a type and geometry enabling the solar panels to be removably appended to the strut rails. The first and second mounting fixtures can be applied to the photovoltaic solar panels before being elevated to a roof.
US08464477B2 Seismic base isloation and energy dissipation device
Seismic base isolation and energy dissipation device using a plurality of swing plate's that are placed on a central wall. This arrangement creates a strong load bearing swing beam that moves in true pendulum fashion. This system is placed between the structural load and its foundation. This seismic wave base isolation system has the purpose of absorbing seismic wave displacement energy in all directions. This unique design can scale up for very large and heavy loads or scale down to protect sensitive cargo and equipment from destructive motion. The swing plates inside the swing beam will provide support and absorption of motion by moving as a pendulum and therefore redirecting and dissipating seismic energy. This system has a simple design shape and is therefore inexpensive to construct, is easy to engineer and deploy, it requires no uncommon material and requires very little maintenance or advanced electronics.
US08464476B2 Modular construction elements
Various modular construction systems exist and these all have limitations of cost, adaptability and strength. Some were also complex and time consuming to assemble. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a simple modular construction element (10), which can be assembled with one another to form a strong structure. The invention comprises sheet-like materials, has a V-shaped cross section and is adapted to receive a connector so that elements in use are connected, one to another. The element may be rhomboid shaped, hexagonal shaped or triangular shaped.
US08464465B1 Machine for the field inoculation of corn with bacterial pathogens
An inoculation apparatus is disclosed whereby plants may be inoculated with a pathogen. The inoculation apparatus may includes a plurality of wound members and one or more pads. The pathogen is provided in an inoculum. In one example, the pressure of the inoculum is up to about 2 psi.
US08464464B2 Edging guide
An edging guide may include an anchor and a retailer that may be rotatably mounted to the anchor. The anchor may be buried in the ground during use and may include a post portion and a support portion. The retailer may be rotatably mounted to the support of the anchor and may function to secure hold one or more lengths of edging material.
US08464462B2 Fishing rod support system
Disclosed herein is a portable mountable fishing rod support system. The system may support a rod having a handle and a finger support above a fixed structure. The system may include a grip base, a vertical support, and a rod cradle. The base may include an L-shaped bracket, a vertical wall, fasteners securing the L-shaped bracket to the vertical wall, and a plunger for removably securing the base to the fixed structure. The vertical support may include a hollowed cylinder, a bolt, and a pin for adjustably securing the hollowed cylinder to the L-shaped bracket. The rod cradle may include a central opening to accept the handle and may have a finger notch to accept the finger support when the handle is inserted into the opening. The rod cradle may be secured in positions around the vertical support by loosening and then securing the vertical support to the L-shaped bracket.
US08464461B1 Intelligent strike indicator
A strike indicator that indicates when a fish bites and reduces false positives, comprising a light source, a power source, a printed circuit board, an accelerometer integrated circuit mounted on said printed circuit board, and a microcontroller mounted on said printed circuit board. The strike indicator may be housed in a fishing rod, with the light source illuminating the tip of the rod. The accelerometer detects acceleration of the rod, and the microcontroller utilizes an algorithm to determine whether the acceleration is due to a fish biting or due to other causes. If the acceleration is due to a fish biting, the light source is activated, alerting the user that a fish is biting.
US08464459B1 Weapon control device
A weapon control device is provided and is coupled within a weapon for controlling accessories and auxiliary components. The weapon control device includes a processor and a connector operably engaging a selector switch of a weapon. The processor receives a signal from the connector in response to movement of the selector switch. The weapon control device further includes one of a transmitter and a transceiver, wherein one of the transmitter and transceiver send a signal in response to the processor receiving a signal from the connector. The weapon control device further includes a weapon accessory, wherein the weapon accessory is activated in response to the signal sent by one of the transmitter and transceiver.
US08464458B2 Foldable and adjustable firearm stock assembly
A pivotable and length adjustable firearm stock assembly includes a pivot stock having one end provided with a combined pivoting and latching arrangement movable about a horizontal pivot axis and adapted to be pivotally mounted on a rear end of the firearm. An opposite end is provided with a slide member having a lock receiving structure. A butt stock has one end slidably mounted on the slide member, and an opposite end provided with a butt plate pivotally mounted thereto. A movable member is interconnected between the pivot stock and the butt stock for locking the butt stock in various axial adjustment positions relative to the slide member of the pivot stock. The pivot stock and the butt stock together are movable about the horizontal pivot axis between a folded position and an unfolded position, and the butt stock is slidably adjustable relative to the pivot stock between various collapsed and extended positions.
US08464456B2 Cocking and uncocking mechanism for a firearm
The invention relates to a cocking and uncocking mechanism for a firearm, comprising a spring-loaded firing pin which, when in the cocked position, engages on a catch that can be released to fire, said catch being displaceable by an actuator element acting upon the catch via a link motion the control cam of which maintains the force to be applied to the actuator element to displace the catch to the cocked position substantially constant at least in the center region of the actuation path.
US08464454B2 Modular adaptive gun
An upper receiver is provided for cooperatively engaging a lower receiver, wherein the lower receiver includes at least a trigger and a lower hammer. The upper receiver includes an upper sear movable in response to movement of the lower hammer, thereby permitting an upper hammer in the upper receiver to actuate a valve in the upper receiver and pass a motive gas to a firing chamber and thereby expel a projectile through a barrel of the upper receiver.
US08464451B2 Firearm system for data acquisition and control
A microprocessor circuit that is used to monitor and control a firearm. The microprocessor circuit accomplishes this by monitoring various sensor & control inputs, and acting on these inputs to execute user defined functions. The microprocessor circuit can use the sensory input to determine firearm statistics. These statistics can include the number of times the firearm has been shot, the efficiency of the firearm automatic action, range-to-target, and etcetera. The firearm system can also use a combination of sensors to fabricate a bullet chronograph whereby the muzzle velocity of a cartridge can be determined. These statistics can be date-stamped and recorded into memory. Statistics from Law Enforcement firearms can be used for courtroom evidence and police reporting. These statistics can also be used for firearm maintenance and warranty repair. The microprocessor circuit can display the statistical data to the user via simple light emitting diodes, or sophisticated liquid crystal displays. Data can also be downloaded to a computer docking station as well. The microprocessor circuit can also display the information within the optics of a riflescope. When used in conjunction with a laser range finder sensor, the microprocessor circuit can adjust the electronic cross-hairs (reticle) to compensate for the bullet trajectory.
US08464450B1 Three-dimensional picture frame system and related methods
A three dimensional picture frame comprising a first and a second vertical frame member, a bottom horizontal frame member, a top horizontal frame member, a front transparent sheet configured to engage with at least one of the frame members, a rear transparent sheet configured to engage with at least one of the frame members such that at least a portion of the frame members and transparent sheets forms a vessel, a backing sheet configured to engage with at least one of the frame members and located outward from the rear transparent sheet, and a plunger configured to slide into the vessel such that when a material is located in a portion of the vessel on a first side of the plunger, the material is prevented from entering a portion of the vessel on a second side of the plunger opposite the first side of the plunger.
US08464444B2 Hydraulic locking mechanism for securing tooth carrying adapters to lips of excavating buckets and the like
A connection for firmly securing an adapter for detachably carrying a replaceable digging tooth at its front end to a lip of an excavating container of excavating equipment. The adapter has an upper leg and a lower leg located proximate respective upper and lower surfaces of the lip. The connection has substantially aligned openings in the legs and the lip, and engagement sections of the adapter legs traverse the opening in the lip proximate and forward of an aft end thereof. A pressure applying unit, such as a hydraulic actuator, is arranged inside the opening and generates a generally horizontally acting force which draws the adapter and the lip towards each other. A stress member, which can be a C-clamp, is operatively coupled to the hydraulic actuator and resiliently deforms relative to its relaxed shape when it is subjected to the horizontally acting force. A spacer, such as a wedge, is inserted between the hydraulic actuator and the openings while the horizontally acting force resiliently deforms the stress member. The wedge is shaped so that upon a reduction or cessation of the horizontally acting force the stress member, e.g. the C-clamp, remains in the resiliently deformed state in which it draws the adapter and the lip towards each other and keeps them immovably secured to each other until the wedge can be withdrawn following a repressurization of the hydraulic actuator.
US08464441B2 Composite element with a polymer connecting layer
A composite element includes a base or textile layer, a thermoplastic polymer material, a thread, and a cover layer. The base layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The polymer material is separate from the base layer, extends into the base layer, and is at least partially located at the first surface. The thread has a section lying adjacent to the first surface layer and substantially parallel to the first surface throughout a distance of at least five centimeters, and the thread is bonded to the base layer with the polymer material. The cover layer is located adjacent to the first surface and bonded to the base layer with the polymer material, and the section of the thread is located between the cover layer and the base layer.
US08464436B2 Tape measure with utensil holder and tape brake
A tape measure with a utensil holding device for holding a variety of elongated utensils for cutting, scoring, marking and scribing incorporating a quick release clamping cam and a threaded adjustment means with a substantially forceful tape brake utilizing a lever and cams to securely lock the tape at a specified measurement. The utensil holding device and tape brake are so configured as to be assembled with the parts on either side of the tape measure to accommodate individual preferences; the utensil being available on one side of the tape or the other; the tape brake lever on either side of the tape measure housing.
US08464433B1 Human-portable MEMS Azimuth sensing unit and method
A human-portable MEMS azimuth sensing unit and method that determines the azimuth of a target. There is a spinning support structure, with at least a gyroscope carried by the support structure. The gyroscope has an input axis and an output signal. There is an angle resolver that measures the spin angle of the support structure relative to a reference direction and that has an output signal. Circuitry determines the target azimuth based on the phase difference between the output signals of the gyroscope and the angle resolver. The phase difference can be based on the time between zero crossings of the sinusoidal gyro and angle resolver signals. An accelerometer can also be carried by the support structure, in which case its output can be used to level the unit.
US08464432B2 Centerless saw device
The present invention generally pertains to a saw device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handheld centerless saw. The saw comprises a frame and a pair of driving rollers mounted to the frame for rotation. The saw also comprises an annular blade mounted between the drive rollers and functionally engaged thereby, where the blade defines frontward and backward hemispheres. At least two guide wheels are mounted to the frame, or to a cover mounted to the frame, the guide wheels being positioned in the backward hemisphere of the blade. The guide wheels are operatively engaging the inner circular edge of the blade. A drive assembly mounted to the frame is operable for urging the countersense rotation of drive rollers, thereby causing rotation of the blade.
US08464431B2 String head for a trimmer
A trimmer head configured for operating in a fixed line configuration and a bump-feed configuration. The trimmer head includes a base including a cup having a top wall and a substantially cylindrical side wall defining an aperture. The base also includes a collar extending axially from the top wall of the cup for coupling the trimmer head with the output shaft. A fixed line head is at least partially received within the cup when the trimmer head is in the fixed line configuration and a bump-feed spool is at least partially received within the cup of the base when the trimmer head is in the bump-feed configuration.
US08464428B1 Method and apparatus for removing and replacing shaft support bearings for a support shaft of a garage door
This disclosure relates to the maintenance of mechanical components and techniques used for overhead garage doors, and more particularly to the removal of worn out support bearings used for a rotatable shaft used for weight support of the garage door and the replacement of these with fresh bearings.
US08464423B2 Method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having metal bumps
A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having a metal bump, including: forming a recess for creation of the metal bump on a first carrier, forming a first barrier layer on the first carrier, and forming an upper circuit layer on the first barrier layer, the upper circuit layer including a metal bump charged in the recess and a circuit pattern; forming a second barrier layer on a second carrier, and forming a lower circuit layer on the second barrier layer; preparing an insulating layer, and transferring the upper and lower circuit layers to the insulating layer; removing the first and second carriers; and removing the first and second barrier layers.
US08464422B2 Universal coaxial cable compression tool
A compression tool for connecting a cable fitting to the end of a cable includes a plunger having a chuck at one end together with an extension member releasably connected to the end of the chuck and aligned with enlarged recesses in spaced guideways, dies on the tool can be expanded to permit insertion of the connector fitting and cable into engagement with the end of the chuck or the extension member and contracted to apply a uniform crimping force to the fitting in response to axial force applied to the chuck, and the spaced guideways have angled guide slots to correlate the advancement of the dies with the effective length of the chuck to cause the cable fitting to be contracted into crimping engagement with the end of the cable; and a special cable fitting is provided for smaller cables to compensate for the difference in diameter between standard cables and the smaller cables.
US08464420B2 Structure for installing split-style diamond grinding disk
A structure for installing a split style diamond disk, having a fixing plate, a spring press plate, a connection plate, and a plurality of fast installation grinding blocks. The spring press plate is fixed to the fixing plate through screws with springs sleeved thereon, and the connection plate runs through the spring press plate and connects with the fixing plate by screws. The fixing plate has a plurality of L-shaped grooves provided therein, through which the fast installation grinding blocks are mounted on the fixing plate. The fast installation structure is mounted on an equipment shaft through the connection plate. The structure improves the capacity utilization and work efficiency of the grinding blocks.
US08464418B2 Method for temperature compensation in MEMS resonators with isolated regions of distinct material
MEMS resonators containing a first material and a second material to tailor the resonator's temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF). The first material has a different Young's modulus temperature coefficient than the second material. In one embodiment, the first material has a negative Young's modulus temperature coefficient and the second material has a positive Young's modulus temperature coefficient. In one such embodiment, the first material is a semiconductor and the second material is a dielectric. In a further embodiment, the quantity and location of the second material in the resonator is tailored to meet the resonator TCF specifications for a particular application. In an embodiment, the second material is isolated to a region of the resonator proximate to a point of maximum stress within the resonator. In a particular embodiment, the resonator includes a first material with a trench containing the second material.
US08464414B2 Vehicle motor mounting tool
A vertical mounted motor hoist and a method of hoisting a motor are provided. The motor hoist includes a threaded eye bolt for lifting the motor hoist; a sleeve threaded inside one end, and attached and held to the threaded eyebolt by means of a threaded plug and dowel pins and welding; and two safety chains for placement around the motor, each safety chain attachable to the sleeve by means of two oppositely positioned pinch bolts, each pinch bolt having a welded nut welded on to the sleeve and a jam nut tightened against the welded nuts.
US08464411B2 Puller tool
A puller tool and method for pulling a component from another component are provided. The puller tool can include a cross bar, a pair of puller legs that are movable along the length of the cross bar and a forcing screw. The puller legs can be quickly positioned anywhere along the length of the cross bar through a quick release mechanism. The cross bar can include notches on its outer surface to ensure that the puller legs are equidistant from each other during use.
US08464405B2 Jewelry clasp
A clasp according to an embodiment of the invention has a first annular body and a second annular body, the first annular body extending along an outer surface on one side of a semispherical portion of the spherical jewelry product, and the second annular body extending along an outer surface on the other side of the semispherical portion of the spherical jewelry product. In the case where two adjacent clasps are used so as to form a pair and in the case where the pair of clasps are closed, the shape of the proximal end of each of the first and second annular bodies is configured such that the proximal end in one clasp extends so as to pass through the inside of the other clasp and such that the proximal end in the other clasp extends so as to pass through the inside of one clasp.
US08464403B2 Shielded magnetic plug-in lock
A shielded magnetic plug-in lock, for which a connector is plugged into a connector receiving element and held therein by magnetic holding forces or additionally by means of mechanical engagement, is provided. The connector and the connector receiving element are designed in such a way that the connector magnet and the magnet for the connector receiving element are magnetized transversely to the closing direction X, and at least one shielding plate consisting of a ferro-magnetic material is provided on the plug or the plug receiving element. The shielding plate covers the connector magnet and the connector receiving element magnets, and the ferro-magnetic material and the thickness of the shielding plate are selected in such a way as to obtain a magnetic shielding sufficient for a pre-determined use.
US08464400B2 Method for operating a fleece layer
The method for operating a fleece layer requires a fleece layer, to which the card web is supplied at variable card web infeed speed. To limit the amount of space required for the upper carriage at the rear of the machine, the average of the absolute values of the laying-carriage speed during the forward movement of the laying carriage in at least some laying cycles differs from the average of the absolute values of the laying-carriage speed during the return movement of the laying carriage, and the average of the absolute values of the laying-carriage speed in at least some laying cycles during the forward movement of the laying carriage differs from twice the average of the absolute values of the upper-carriage speed during the forward movement of the laying carriage.
US08464397B2 Self-affixing handle
A self-affixing, removable, one-piece handle can be applied and removed from an item, such as a shopping cart, stroller, or the like, or the handle can be applied and removed from any number of items, such as the shoulder straps of a diaper bag or the loop handles of a set of shopping bags, or the like. By being self-affixing, the handle may be attached and removed from the item without the need for tools or any additional items, such as clamps, screws, adhesive, or the like. The handle may provide a link between the shopping cart or stroller and a child. Typical shopping carts or strollers do not provide a suitable location for a child to hold onto while walking alongside. Moreover, a separate, removable, self-affixing handle may be useful to help limit the spread of germs by allowing each child to have their own personal handle.
US08464392B2 Electric vacuum cleaner
The present invention provides an electric vacuum cleaner which can reliably absorb vibration accompanying driving of an electric blowing part.An electric blowing part 11 which is driven to generate a negative pressure is housed in a main body case 5. An energizing means 29 which energizes the electric blowing part 11 from the front side toward the center of gravity G of the electric blowing part 11 in a side view, and an energizing means 30 which energizes the electric blowing part 11 from the rear side, are provided on the main body case 5. Vibration accompanying driving of the electric blowing part 11 can be reliably absorbed by energizing of springs of the energizing means 29 and 30, and vibration can be isolated from the main body case 5.
US08464387B1 Device with a scraper and a removal head
A device or tool for removing snow and other debris from vehicles, and other surfaces including a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a scraper portion coupled to the first end, and a head coupled to the second end. The head may be a laterally extended foam head that is non-abrasive, freeze resistant, and durable. The handle may include a telescopic extension to allow a reach of a user to be increased or decreased allowing the user to clear away snow and other debris from various sizes of vehicles.
US08464386B2 Floor cleaning apparatus with integrated dispensing and containment rolls
A floor cleaning apparatus is provided. The floor cleaning apparatus includes a roller arrangement for carrying rolls of soiled and unsoiled cleaning media thereon. The floor cleaning apparatus also includes an actuation arrangement operable to simultaneously unwind unsoiled cleaning media and wind soiled cleaning media.
US08464383B2 Fabric-earing outsoles, shoes bearing such outsoles and related methods
A method for making a shoe outsole comprises placing rubber against a coating of cured rubber cement on a segment of fabric, heating the rubber to a temperature below the melting points of the cured rubber cement and the rubber, but high enough to render the cured rubber cement and the rubber tackily adherent to each other and vulcanizing the rubber, thereby to adhere the segment of fabric to the rubber, and cooling the vulcanized rubber to form an outsole having an exposed ground-contacting surface that includes the segment of fabric.
US08464381B2 Slow acting pocketed spring core having fibrous material and sheets glued to pockets
Spring cushions (10) having slow-acting pocketed spring cores (12) characterized by the individual springs of the cores (12) being pocketed within semi-impermeable fabric material and a method of making such pocketed spring cores (12). Fibrous material is located between adjacent rows of pocketed springs and upper and lower sheets are secured to at least some of the strings of springs to reduce noise.
US08464380B2 Patient support apparatus having alert light
A patient support apparatus includes a bed frame having a head end and a foot end and control circuitry carried by the bed frame. The control circuitry receives information about conditions of the patient support apparatus. A light is coupled to the bed frame adjacent the foot end and is coupled to the control circuitry. The light is in a first state when the patient support apparatus is operating normally and the light is in a second state when the control circuitry detects an alert condition.
US08464378B2 Medical inspection apparatus
A medical inspection apparatus includes a main body and an inspection module. The main body has at least two guide rails and at least two sliding blocks which are slidably coupled to the guide rails respectively, and the inspection module further includes at least one pivot, and each of the sliding blocks is pivotally connected to the inspection module with a pivot, so that the inspection module is capable of sliding on the sliding rail to regulate the height and rotating with respect to the pivot to regulate the inclination. Moreover, the main body has a first supporting component and a second supporting component, so that the combination of the first supporting component and the second supporting component can provide three-ended support for an inspected person.
US08464375B1 Surgery chest pad protection device
A protection device for a chest pad having a central section lying intermediate to first and second wings sections. A first cover having a first chamber encloses the central section. Second and third covers including second and third chambers enclosed first and second wing sections. At least the second or third covers include a portion formed of resilient material permitting expansion of the second or third chambers, respectively.
US08464374B1 Multi-functional convertible blanket
The blanket is designed to adjust in dimension and performance, permitting a user to use the blanket in a multitude of situations. The body of the blanket has a head opening and a series of complementary zippers attached to the blanket. Complementary zipper halves are attached to the left and right edges of the blanket body, permitting the right and left edges of the blanket to be attached together or for other blankets of the invention to be attached, forming a larger blanket. Another complementary zipper set includes zipper halves attached to the bottom edge of the blanket and about one third up the blanket to allow shortening of the blanket length. A plurality of foot pockets are placed on the lower portion of the blanket. The blanket may also be folded up into a bag and carried using a strap.
US08464372B2 Leg assembly for infant enclosure
A leg assembly for use as at least one supporting leg of an infant enclosure or other device, the leg assembly having an elongated leg member, a solenoid actuator having a coil adapted when the actuator is actuated to move longitudinally relative to the armature of the solenoid actuator and a compression spring which is resiliently compressed upon movement of the coil which imparts motion to the leg member in a vertical direction.
US08464369B2 Slip-fit clamping system for mounting a fitting on a wall
Disclosed are fittings (e.g. tub spouts) suitable for mounting to a member (e.g. a water pipe). Special clamping structures are provided and located in a cavity of a fitting body. The clamping structures have at least two separate clamp parts that surround the water pipe or other member. A set screw can be extended radially inward from a hole in the fitting body to drive a clamp part. This helps to retain the end of the member in the cavity, while distributing clamping load away from a single point.
US08464366B2 Protective suit for an individual and related assembly
A personal protective suit including a sealed shell equipped with connection device intended to be connected to one same pressurized air source, air distribution device having an air intake connected to the connection device, and at least one first and one second air outlet, respectively intended to supply device for delivering air to the wearer and device for ventilating the suit, wherein the air distribution device includes a valve designed to reduce the air flow rate of the second air outlet when the air pressure at the air intake is below a determined value, while maintaining the supply of air to the wearer.
US08464365B1 Breakaway sports pants with separable zippers
Breakaway sports pants having a slider that when lifted beyond the mating teeth at the top of opposing zipper tracks enables the user to disengage the zipper by pulling the tracks apart rather than sliding the zipper the length of the pants legs.
US08464364B2 Gated glove pocket
A pocketed device for housing cushioning located on the palm of a glove that has a gate which allows the padding material to be removed and replaced with the same or different material.