| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08475594B2 |
Galvanizing bath apparatus
A continuous galvanizing line uses a coating pot containing a molten zinc bath having bottom dross and further comprises a pump. The pump agitates the bottom dross so the bottom dross interacts with aluminum and converts to top dross, which can be removed without needing to stop the galvanizing line. A reaction vessel may also be used to provide a higher concentration of aluminum to react with the bottom dross. |
| US08475588B2 |
Wafer structure and epitaxial growth method for growing the same
A wafer structure and epitaxial growth method for growing the same. The method may include forming a mask layer having nano-sized areas on a wafer, forming a porous layer having nano-sized pores on a surface of the wafer by etching the mask layer and a surface of the wafer, and forming an epitaxial material layer on the porous layer using an epitaxial growth process. |
| US08475587B2 |
Method of improving the product properties of clinker in the firing of raw meal
Method of improving the product properties of clinker in the firing of raw meal in a clinker or cement furnace in which at least part of the fuels used are low-heating-value or alternative fuels, waste products containing organic substances or low-heating-value or alternative fuels are subjected to thermal dissociation and reaction of the dissociation products using radiant energy. The product gas or synthesis gas formed in this way is fed to the burners of the main firing facility to increase the flame temperature. |
| US08475585B2 |
Stable foamed cement slurry compositions and methods for making and using same
A foamed cement composition is disclosed for utilization in performing a variety of well cementing operations, and to methods for making and using same. The foamed cement composition basically includes a cement, water sufficient to form a pumpable slurry, a gas sufficient to foam the slurry, a foaming agent and optionally a foam stabilizing agent. |
| US08475582B2 |
Process for making a water dispersible titanium dioxide pigment useful in paper laminates
The present invention relates to a process for making a titanium dioxide pigment consisting of titanium dioxide and single layer of inorganic surface treatment consisting of aluminum phosphate wherein the pigment is characterized by and isoelectric point which is greater than pH 6 and a negative zeta potential of at a pH of 7.5 or more. |
| US08475576B2 |
Component for producing vacuum insulation systems
The present invention relates to a component for producing vacuum insulation systems, comprising at least one insulation layer which is surrounded by a casing, wherein the gas pressure in the insulation layer can be reduced by means provided in the component, wherein the means for reducing the gas pressure is embodified as activatable. The present invention further describes a vacuum insulation system comprising a component according to the invention. |
| US08475570B2 |
Process for producing purified gas from gas comprising H2S, CO2 and HCN and/or COS
The invention provides a process for producing purified gas from feed gas comprising H2S, CO2 and HCN and/or COS, the process comprising the steps of: (a) contacting feed gas comprising H2S, CO2 and HCN and/or COS with a HCN/COS hydrolysis sorbent in the presence of water in a HCN/COS hydrolysis unit, thereby obtaining gas depleted in HCN and/or COS; (b) contacting the gas depleted in HCN and/or COS with absorbing liquid in an H2S/CO2 absorber to remove H2S and CO2, thereby obtaining the purified gas and absorbing liquid rich in H2S and CO2; (c) heating and de-pressurizing at least part of the absorbing liquid rich in H2S and CO2 to obtain hot flash gas enriched in CO2 and absorbing liquid enriched in H2S; (d) contacting the absorbing liquid enriched in H2S at elevated temperature with a stripping gas, thereby transferring H2S to the stripping gas to obtain regenerated absorbing liquid and stripping gas rich in H2S; and (e) leading at least part of the flash gas enriched in CO2 to the HCN/COS hydrolysis unit and/or to the H2S/CO2 absorber. |
| US08475568B2 |
Process for the enrichment of isotopes
This invention relates to a process for the enrichment of isotopes by chromatography on a saturated stationary phase. The process provides a more efficient method than the existing methods. |
| US08475567B2 |
Process for separating propane and propylene using a distillation column and a membrane separation column
Process for separating propane and propylene using a distillation column and at least one membrane separation unit constituted by one or more modules operating in series, said membrane separation unit being placed either upstream, or downstream, or upstream and downstream of the distillation column. |
| US08475565B2 |
Apparatus, systems, and methods for sampling and conditioning a fluid
A system of sampling a fluid comprises a fluid separator having a central axis. The fluid separator includes an insulating sleeve. In addition the fluid separator includes a separator assembly coaxially disposed within the sleeve. Further, the fluid separator includes an annulus radially disposed between the sleeve and the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes a conduit, a support rod coaxially disposed within the conduit, and a plurality of separator members coupled to the support rod within the conduit. |
| US08475558B2 |
Preparation of a potassium phosphate based composition
Provided is a freely flowing particulate fertilizer essentially consisting of potassium phosphate of the formula K3H3(PO4)2 and of less than 8 wt % water. The stable and not caking fertilizer is characterized by an XRD signal corresponding to 2-theta of about 70°. An economic process for making the fertilizer is also provided consisting in reacting KOH and monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) in water, heating the mixture under vacuum and cooling it down, thereby obtaining the particulate fertilizer. |
| US08475557B2 |
Cellular ceramic articles with coated channels and methods for making the same
Cellular ceramic articles are manufactured from a green cellular ceramic body that includes a binder material and a plurality of channels. At least one of the channels is coated with a slurry that includes a green coating composition and a solvent to form a coating layer. The binder material is insoluble in the solvent. |
| US08475550B2 |
Self-optimizing odorant injection system
A method for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid-containing system such as a natural gas or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below pipeline pressure. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A hydraulic pressure booster is located in the injection conduit for pressurizing the chemical to a pressure above that of the pipeline. Flow-control apparatus located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline is either (a) drip-style metering valve adjustable between a drop-wise setting and a steady-flow setting or (b) a pair of valves one of which is a flow valve allowing larger volumes to be injected and the other which is a drop-wise flow valve for metering smaller volumes of the chemical. |
| US08475549B2 |
Process for generating methane and/or methane hydrate from biomass
To generate methane from biomass, a biomass pulp is produced from the biomass with a desired dry mass content being set, and the biomass pulp is placed under pressure. The biomass pulp is heated under pressure in order to liquefy the solid organic components of the biomass pulp. The pressurized and heated biomass pulp is heated further to at least the critical temperature of the biomass pulp. Solids precipitated under pressure and increased temperature are separated from the fluid phase. At least a part of the remaining fluid phase is gasified under pressure and increased temperature by means of a reactor to form a methane-rich gas. |
| US08475544B2 |
Combustible article
Disclosed is an apparatus for burning comprising a combustible body having an exterior surface and an axis extending between opposed top and bottom surfaces. The body has an interior surface defining a cavity extending from the top surface and a first blind bore extending radially from the cavity to the exterior surface wherein the interior surface includes a plurality of slots extending longitudinally therein. |
| US08475543B2 |
Two-stage process for producing oil from microalgae
A process for production of biofuels from algae can include cultivating an oil-producing algae by promoting sequential photoautotrophic and heterotrophic growth. The method can further include producing oil by heterotrophic growth of algae wherein the heterotrophic algae growth is achieved by introducing a sugar feed to the oil-producing algae. An algal oil can be extracted from the oil-producing algae, and can be converted to form biodiesel. |
| US08475537B2 |
Airflow regulation system for artificial limb and associated methods
The airflow regulation system is to be attached to a residual limb of an amputee. The device includes an airflow liner to define a regulated environment between the residual limb and the airflow liner. The liner has a plurality of airflow passageways defining inflow air channels and an outflow air channel in fluid communication with the defined regulated environment. An airflow control system is connected inline with the outflow and inflow air channels. The airflow control system includes an airflow regulation device, such as a vacuum pump, and an airflow initiating device, such as a solenoid. |
| US08475536B2 |
Methods and devices for implants with improved cement adhesion
Biomedical implants (e.g., orthopedic implants) with modified surfaces that can enhance a cement bond's strength (e.g., tensile, shear, and/or fatigue) are disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing and using such implants. The implants can exhibit a variety of physical, chemical, or process-derived features which can enhance cement bonding. For instance, the implant surface can exhibit particular roughness values, and/or be substantially free of non native material. Processes for producing such implants can include providing a first roughened implant surface, which can be produced, for example, by particle blasting. A treatment formulation can be applied to the first roughened surface to create a second roughened surface that exhibits enhanced cement bonding properties relative to the first roughened surface. In some instances, the first roughened surface and the second roughened surface can exhibit substantially similar Ra values. The second roughened surface can exhibit a negative Rsk value. |
| US08475535B2 |
Multi-compartmental prosthetic device with patellar component transition
A prosthetic device for forming at least a portion of a joint may have a plurality of segmented components fixed relative to a femur of a body including: a patellofemoral component and a condyle component. Each segmented component may be configured such that a placement at which the segmented component will be fixed relative to the femur is not constrained by a connection to another of the segmented components that is fixed relative to the femur. In an installed configuration, the patellofemoral and condyle components may be fixed relative to the femur such that: a gap is provided between an edge of the patellofemoral component and an opposing edge of the condyle component, and a transition region is provided that extends from a first femoral coronal plane that intersects the patellofemoral component to a second femoral coronal plane that intersects the condyle component. |
| US08475532B2 |
Method and apparatus for implanting a hydrogel prosthesis for a nucleus pulposus
An instrument for inserting an elongated hydrogel prosthesis into an intervertebral disc includes an insertion cannula that is inserted through the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc to provide access to the nucleus region of the disc, an elongated hydrogel prosthesis packaged within a tubular container adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the insertion cannula, and a source of fluid pressure adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the tubular container. Auxiliary instruments for use in convenient insertion of the insertion cannula through the nucleus pulposus and providing for a complete and controlled passage of the hydrogel prosthesis through the insertion cannula are provided in a kit with the insertion cannula. A sizing apparatus for determining the volume of prosthesis to be inserted includes a catheter or cannula capable of being inserted through the insertion cannula into the nucleus region of the intervertebral disc and having at its distal end a balloon capable of being inflated within the intervertebral disc with a measurable volume of a fluid in order to determine the amount of hydrogel prosthesis to be injected. |
| US08475531B1 |
Anchored multi-phasic osteochondral construct
Disclosed are osteochondral constructs that can be utilized to encourage both bone and articular cartilage tissue repair in synovial joints. Disclosed constructs are composites including a hydrogel portion for implant in a cartilage defect site and an adjacent portion for implant in a bone defect site. The portion to be implanted in a bone defect site can include a polymeric/ceramic composite material. Disclosed constructs also include a polymeric anchor that can secure the construct at the desired site. Disclosed constructs can also include capillary channeled fibers within the bone portion of the construct that can provide improved nutrient flow to and waste flow from cells growing and developing on and in the construct. |
| US08475526B2 |
Apparatus and methods for loading of an IOL injector
An IOL injector body including an injector body segment defining a portion of a lumen, and a first loading chamber component coupled to the injector body segments and a second loading chamber component hingedly coupled to the first loading chamber component. The second loading chamber component is capable of rotating about an axis that is parallel to the lumen. An IOL vial including a vial base and an injector guide rotatably mounted in said base, whereby an injector can be inserted along the injector guide and rotated such that a folded IOL can be obtained in the injector. A method of loading an IOL injector with an IOL the method that comprises inserting the IOL injector body into a vial and rotating the IOL injector body relative to the vial to obtain the IOL in the IOL injector body. |
| US08475525B2 |
Tricuspid valve repair using tension
A method is provided, including implanting at least a first tissue-engaging element in a first portion of tissue in a vicinity of a heart valve of a patient, implanting at least a second tissue-engaging element in a portion of a blood vessel that is in contact with an atrium of a heart of the patient, and drawing at least a first leaflet of the valve toward at least a second leaflet of the valve by adjusting a distance between the portion of the blood vessel and the first portion of tissue in the vicinity of the heart valve of the patient. Other applications are also described. |
| US08475524B2 |
Monitoring of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty
During a minimally invasive deployment of a mitral valvuloplasty device into the coronary sinus near realtime tracking of the device is monitored to determine whether the device is compressing the left circumflex coronary artery or is likely to do so. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more position sensors are included in the catheter that is used to deploy the constricting implant and or in the implant itself. The position of the device is determined during deployment, and compared to the location of the left circumflex coronary artery, which may be determined by mapping relative to a pre-acquired image or by simultaneous intracardiac ultrasound imaging. |
| US08475522B2 |
Transapical delivery system for heart valves
A delivery system for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic annulus in an antegrade fashion through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the annulus. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher. A pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized. |
| US08475521B2 |
Streamlined delivery system for in situ deployment of cardiac valve prostheses
A system for implanting a heart valve prosthesis in a patient's heart includes a balloon expandable, tissue, stented heart valve and a transfemoral valve delivery device for delivering the stented heart valve to a target site in the patient's heart. The delivery device includes an inflation balloon module for expanding the stented heart valve prosthesis, markers on to assist in location of the delivery device at an appropriate location; and a streamlined cap. |
| US08475518B2 |
Stent with anchors to prevent vulnerable plaque rupture during deployment
A stent for implantation in a body lumen for protecting from rupture a fibrous cap in order to treat vulnerable plaque. One embodiment of the stent achieves staged expansion through stronger and weaker circumferential regions, and includes optional anchors positioned at the circumferential transition between the stronger and weaker regions. During the first stage expansion, the weaker region expands moving the anchors laterally apart. The anchors straddle the fibrous cap and embed into the vessel wall. The second stage expansion of the stent exerts gentler stresses by the weaker region against the fibrous cap while the stronger region exerts greater stresses on the remainder of the vessel wall to open the vessel. |
| US08475517B2 |
Stent customization system and method
Methods and systems are described for receiving a parameter relating to a specific patient, and for customizing one or more attributes of a stent ex situ as an at-least-roughly contemporaneous response to receiving the parameter relating to the specific patient or for customizing one or more junctions of a stent ex situ in response to the received parameter relating to the specific patient. |
| US08475516B2 |
Low profile support frame and related intraluminal medical devices
A low profile support frame for use as an or in an expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members, and barbs can be disposed on the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. When the support frame is in the radially expanded configuration, substantially no portion of the support frame is disposed on a first transverse axis of the frame opposite one end of the frame and substantially no portion of the frame is disposed on a second transverse axis of the frame opposite the other end of the frame. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter. |
| US08475509B2 |
Devices and methods for using endovascular cooling to treat septic shock and other disorders
Apparatus, systems and methods for cooling or warming the temperature of all or a portion of the body of a human or animal subject to treat disorders including but not limited to sepsis, septic shock or other inflammatory or infectious conditions which can result in shock, hypoxia, ischemia and/or multiple organ failure in human or animal subjects. |
| US08475507B2 |
Handheld apparatus for use by a non-physician consumer to fractionally resurface the skin of the consumer
A handheld apparatus for delivering optical energy to fractionally resurface skin of a consumer is configured to be used by the non-physician consumer. The handheld apparatus includes a housing dimensioned for manual grasping and manipulation. The housing encloses a laser and an optical pattern generator having a rotatable component with a plurality of reflective segments that rotate through an optical beam from the laser to deflect and divide the optical beam into pulses that propagate from the housing and form a fractional pattern at the skin surface. The handheld apparatus also includes a transducer associated with fins on the rotatable component to generate signals for each pulse of electromagnetic radiation, the signals being monitored by a controller to enable an end of dose indication for the consumer when the treatment is completed. |
| US08475504B2 |
Method of bone fixation with slender spanning members disposed outside bone
System, including methods, apparatus, kits, and components, for bone fixation using a pair of slender spanning members to span a fracture outside bone. |
| US08475503B2 |
Methods for forming implants with selectively exposed mesh for fixation and related implants
Methods for forming molded orthopedic implants with at least one mesh substrate having opposing upper and lower primary surfaces. At least a major portion of the mesh substrate lower primary surface is integrally moldably attached to the molded implant body. The methods are carried out so that the mesh substrate has at least one selectively exposed region devoid of molded material that exposes at least a portion of the mesh substrate upper surface to at least a partial thickness of the mesh substrate so as to allow for tissue in-growth in the at least one exposed region of the mesh substrate. |
| US08475499B2 |
Rod to rod connectors and methods of adjusting the length of a spinal rod construct
A connector for connecting a first spinal rod to a second spinal rod includes a body having a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The first end of the body has a first rod opening formed therein for receiving the first spinal rod and the second end has a second rod opening formed therein for receiving the second rod. The body of the connector has a passage extending between the first opening and the second opening. The body of the connector has a plurality of spaced apart adjustment openings oriented along the length of the body between the first end and the second end, the adjustment openings communicating with the passage to facilitate adjustment of the first and second spinal rods within the passage. |
| US08475496B2 |
Stackable spinal support system
A method for distracting two tissue surfaces away from one another within a spine. In one embodiment, the method involves the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of biocompatible and generally rectangular spinal inserts having a generally planar top surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge, a generally planar bottom surface disposed generally parallel to the top surface and including a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a beveled surface extending from at least one of the leading edge of the planar top surface and the leading edge of the planar bottom surface; and (b) successively introducing into a spine the plurality of spinal inserts such that the generally planar top and bottom surfaces are generally parallel to the two tissue surfaces, wherein the beveled surface are configured to allow a currently inserted spinal insert to be positioned at least one of above and below a previously introduced spinal insert to distract the two tissue surfaces. |
| US08475495B2 |
Polyaxial screw
The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician. |
| US08475494B2 |
Oral stimulatory device for soothing gums
An aspect of the invention includes an oral stimulatory device. In certain embodiments, the oral stimulatory device is configured for soothing gums, for instance, the gums of a teething infant. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the oral stimulatory device includes a tubular body. In certain embodiments, the tubular body is configured for being partially positioned in an oral cavity of a user, such as an infant, and is adapted for being deformed. Although the oral stimulatory device may be fabricated from any suitable material, in certain embodiments, the tubular body of the oral stimulatory device is fabricated from a material comprising silicone. For instance, in one embodiment, the tubular body comprises a material that is at least about 50%, that is at least about 60%, that is at least about 70%, that is at least about 80%, that is at least about 90%, such as 95%, or even 99% or 100% food grade silicone. In certain embodiments, the oral stimulatory device includes at least one stimulatory element, for example, a plurality of stimulatory elements, which elements may be adapted for soothing the gums of an infant when positioned in an oral cavity (e.g., mouth) of the infant. |
| US08475492B2 |
Methods for venous occlusion for the treatment of venous insufficiency
Methods, devices and systems are described for treating venous insufficiency in which the vein is compressed at least partially along a treatment zone. A system can be provided including an injection device, such as a glue gun, that is operably connected to a delivery catheter that can be advanced across a treatment zone in the vein. The delivery catheter can be used to deliver one, two, or more boluses of media (e.g., cyanoacrylate) to occlude the vein along different spaced-apart sections of the treatment zone. External compression can also be applied to the vein by a compression element, such as a hand or multifunctional ultrasound transducer, to occlude portions of the vein along the treatment zone prior to or during the introduction of the boluses of media. |
| US08475489B2 |
Apparatus for occluding body lumens
A luminal occlusion device comprises a tension member, an elongate shaft, and a flat film having an axial receptacle which is received over a distal portion of the tension member. The flat film has proximal and distal ends which are attached to the distal ends of the tension member and the elongate shaft, respectively. Thus, distal advancement of the tension member relative to the shaft will cause the flat film to assume a low profile configuration, while proximal retraction of the tension member relative to the elongate shaft will cause the flat film to assume a foreshortened, compacted configuration. The film usually includes one or more radioopaque markers which help shape the compacted film. |
| US08475486B2 |
Optical penetrating adapter for surgical portal
An optical penetrating adapter for mounting to a surgical portal to permit visualization through the surgical portal includes an adapter member defining a longitudinal axis and having a transparent window adapted to penetrate tissue and to permit visualization therethrough and means for coupling the adapter member to the surgical portal. The transparent window may have various shapes and configurations adapted to penetrate, dissect, resect or separate tissue in a non traumatic manner. Alternatively, the transparent window may incorporate structure such as cutting edges blades, points, etc to pierce, cut or incise tissue. |
| US08475485B2 |
Medical instrument with a flexible sealing system
A medical instrument has a cannula, a seal disposed in the cannula. An expansion device serves for expanding the opening in the seal for guiding shafts of other instruments of greater diameter in a sealed manner through the expanded opening. The expansion device has an expansion cone with a plurality of slats mounted pivotably on an annular body at a first end thereof, a second end of the slats, being connected to the seal in an area of the opening. The slats can either be connected at its first ends to the annular body via spherical heads engaged into corresponding openings in the annular body or the slats are connected at their ends via film hinges to the annular body. |
| US08475480B2 |
Multi-sleeved surgical ultrasonic vibrating tool suited for phacoemulsification in a manner that prevents thermal injury to ocular tissue
A multi-sleeve handpiece for performing phacoemulsification with a vibratory, ported needle and for cooling an exterior of an incision. The vibratory, ported needle breaks up and aspirates broken eye tissue. The handpiece has at least one inner sleeve that guides irrigation fluid to the eye and/or reduces friction between the vibrating tool and the surrounding rigid sleeve or tissues. The handpiece has an outer, cooling sleeve that is concentric with the inner sleeve and the needle and whose distal end has peak and valley formations. The cooling sleeve is collapsible to engage incision tissue with the peak formations and allow the cooling fluid to flow across the valley formations to cool the tissue via heat transfer. |
| US08475476B2 |
System and method for accessing a body cavity
A device and method for accessing the interior of a cavity of a patient is described. The transmural access system includes an overtube for use with an endoscope, a safety trocar, suture anchors, and a suture exchanger. The overtube is deployed in conjunction with an endoscope through a selected body passageway of a patient to locate a sight for an access portal. The distal end of the multi-lumen overtube is secured to an interior body wall of the selected access portal. A safety trocar is advanced through the main lumen of the overtube to form the access portal to the body cavity. Upon completion of the desired medical procedure, the access portal can be closed by deploying a suture exchanger. |
| US08475468B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing intra-pericardial access
A method and apparatus for accessing the pericardial space which provides for stable short term or long term placement of a delivery catheter or cannula having its distal most end located in the pericardial space. The catheter or cannula may be introduced into the pericardial space either transvenously through the wall of a heart chamber or transthoracically by penetrating the chest wall and the pericardium. Some embodiments are provided with a mechanism for stabilizing the distal end of the catheter or cannula, which mechanism may employ an extensible elastic, generally tubular member located at the distal end of the catheter or cannula. The device may be provided with a mechanism for extending the tubular member longitudinally, causing its diameter to diminish substantially. The tubular member may be passed through the wall of the heart or the pericardium in its extended configuration and thereafter, the distal-most portion of the tubular member may be moved proximally, causing its diameter enlarge, anchoring the distal end of the catheter or cannula to the pericardium or to the wall of a heart chamber. In these embodiments, the device is preferably provided with a shoulder or flange located proximal to the extendible tubular member, for location on the opposite side of the heart wall or pericardium from the distal end of the catheter or cannula. |
| US08475467B2 |
Derotation apparatus for treating spinal irregularities
Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod. |
| US08475462B2 |
Adjustable excision device for bones
The present invention provides a device for segmenting a bone. The bone is segmented in two cuts i.e. an initial cut and a final cut. While segmenting the bone, the device is clamped to the bone directly or with the help of a block attached to the bone. An initial cut is taken after the clamping is performed. An upper part of the device is then moved to a predetermined length and the final cut is taken. Thus, the device enables an accurate length of cut to be taken while segmenting the bone. The device also enables varied length of cuts to be taken while segmenting the bone. |
| US08475460B1 |
Angled reamer spindle for minimally invasive hip replacement surgery
A reamer for use in minimally invasive hip replacement surgical approaches is provided. The reamer spindle includes an elongate housing portion that extends along a first axis and a neck or distal portion that extends along a second axis, wherein the second axis extends at an angle of between about 35 degrees and about 65 degrees relative to the first axis. A reamer head is removably connectable to the distal neck portion and has a surface configured to cut bone. |
| US08475458B2 |
Miniature shredding tool for use in medical applications and methods for making
The present invention relates generally to the field of micro-scale or millimeter scale devices and to the use of multi-layer multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods for producing such devices with particular embodiments relate to shredding devices and more particularly to shredding devices for use in medical applications. In some embodiments, tissue removal devices are used in procedures to removal spinal tissue and in other embodiments, similar devices are used to remove thrombus from blood vessel. |
| US08475456B2 |
Intramedullar osteosynthetic device of two bone parts, in particular of the hand and/or foot
An intramedullar osteosynthetic device includes a body with an elongated shape and a flat cross-section having, in succession, from one of its ends, a first fixation zone cooperating with one of the bone parts to be immobilized, a median zone suitable for withstanding the shear and bending stresses, and a second fixation zone in the other bone part to be immobilized. Each of the fixation zones is made from a material suitable for enabling their deformation by thermal action (tepid memory) or mechanical action (superelasticity), to permit an introduction into the bone parts without pulpar approach, followed by a fixation in the bone parts, while avoiding any rotational movement, withstanding the tensile stresses, and maintaining a compressive force. At least one of the fixation zones has two tabs or fins and which are separable under the effect of the deformation. |
| US08475454B1 |
Electrosurgical midline clamping scissors
The electrosurgical midline clamping scissors includes a pair of elongate arms pivotal about each other at a common axis. Each arm includes a finger loop at one end and a jaw at the opposite end. Each jaw includes a midline cutting section and a grasping section on either side of a cutting blade in the cutting section. A wire is operatively connected from a generator to each arm to transmit electricity or radio frequency through electrical conductors inside the arms. The electrical conductors extend into the jaws to form a bipolar configuration. During use, as the jaws close, the jaws complete the circuit and simultaneously clamp, cut and electrocoagulate the target tissue. |
| US08475447B2 |
System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus
An electrosurgical system is disclosed comprising a generator configured to electrosurgical coagulation waveforms. The generator includes a closed loop control system for controlling the electrosurgical coagulation waveforms. The closed loop control system includes a sensor configured to sense a tissue property and/or an energy property and to transmit the tissue property and/or the energy property as one or more sensor signals having an amplitude. The control system also includes a gain controller configured to process the at least one sensor signal to reduce the amplitude of the sensor signals and to obtain a signal to noise ratio of the at sensor signals within a predetermine range. A microprocessor coupled to the generator and is configured to adjust the electrosurgical coagulation waveforms as a function of the sensor signals. |
| US08475444B2 |
Heated hemostatic surgical blade system and method
A hemostatic surgical blade is described which is formed of five symmetrically disposed layers. A martensitic stainless steel core is provided with oppositely disposed faces which are bonded to hard pure copper thermal transfer layers which, in turn, are supported by buttressing layers of austenitic stainless steel. The blade is heated by a blade heater circuit which is provided as a flexible circuit carrying one or more resistor heaters and associated leads supported by a polyimide substrate. A thermally conductive and electrically insulative adhesive is used to bond the flexible circuit to a blade blank. The system employs a multi-lead cable which is removable from an instrument handle. One blade embodiment involves an elongate stem for accessing body cavities and another embodiment incorporates a controller function within an instrument handle. |
| US08475440B2 |
Wide area ablation of myocardial tissue
The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body having a substantially fixed diameter, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen for permitting passage of a cooling fluid from the proximal end to the distal end; a second lumen permitting return of the cooling fluid from the distal end to the proximal end; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the catheter body to a second diameter that is at least twice the diameter of the catheter body, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more balloon and/or a flexible element that is deformed by moving the distal end of the catheter toward the proximal end of the catheter. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the antrum of the left atrium is ablated with the device. In an exemplary method, only tissue in the antrum is ablated, and the ablation is created by freezing tissue. |
| US08475439B2 |
Integrated surgical microscope and wavefront sensor
A wavefront sensor is integrated with a surgical microscope for allowing a doctor to make repeated wavefront measurements of a patient's eye while the patient remains on an operating table in the surgical position. The device includes a wavefront sensor optically aligned with a surgical microscope such that their fields of view at least partially overlap. The inclusion of lightweight, compact diffractive optical components in the wavefront sensor allows the integrated device to be supported on a balancing mechanism above a patient's head during a surgical procedure. As a result, the need to reposition the device and/or the patient between measuring optical properties of the eye and performing surgical procedures on the eye is eliminated. Many surgical procedures may be improved or enhanced using the integrated device, including but not limited to cataract surgery, Conductive Keratoplasty, Lasik surgery, and corneal corrective surgery. |
| US08475436B1 |
Surgical instrument with steerable directional shaft
A steerable surgical instrument provides a steerable tip guided through tissue in a pathway other than linear, the steerable surgical instrument having a fixed handle and a trigger which, when pushed downward, elevates the tip in an upward direction and when pulled towards the fixed handle, lowers the top in a downward allowing the steerable surgical instrument to be guided through tissue in a bi-directional curved pathway, resulting in a reduction of damage to collateral tissue during the surgical procedure. |
| US08475435B2 |
Partial-length indwelling urinary catheter permitting selective urine discharge
A partial-length catheter, or an extendable tube or sleeve member of the catheter, is selectively movable within the prostatic urethra to open a urine drainage passageway through and obstructed portion of the prostatic urethra or to open the external urinary sphincter muscle and thereby discharge urine from the bladder. A control element is manipulated at a position exterior of the urinary canal to selectively move the catheter or the extendable tube or sleeve member, thereby selectively controlling urine discharge. |
| US08475434B2 |
Urinary catheter with one way check valve
A catheter and catheter assembly are disclosed comprising a urinary catheter comprising an insertion end, a rearward end, and a one way check valve arrangement. The check valve arrangement comprises a tubular part of a flexible material, connected to the rearward end of the catheter and extending past the rearward end in a direction opposite to the insertion end, thereby substantially limiting the flow through the catheter to a single direction from the insertion end to the rearward end. Hereby, a very effective anti-reflux function is achieved, and at the same time the construction is relatively simple and inexpensive, and does not require any essential modifications of the other parts of the urinary catheter. |
| US08475431B2 |
Introducer sheath having a braided member and methods of manufacture
The present embodiments provide an introducer sheath having a braided member and methods of manufacture. The introducer sheath comprises an inner tube, a braided member disposed over at least a portion of the inner tube, and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube and the braided member. In one embodiment, the braided member comprises a plurality of intersecting first and second wire segments at least partially covered with a coating. At least a portion of the first and second wire segments are bonded together at one or more intersections, for example, by melting the coating, to reduce movement of at least one of the first and second wire segments with respect to one another. Optionally, a coiled member having a plurality of turns may be disposed over a portion of the braided member and the inner tube. |
| US08475426B2 |
Male incontinence protector
An incontinence protector for males intended for disposable use, including a fastening pocket for fastening the genitalia during use. |
| US08475425B2 |
Tampon with clean appearance post use
A catamenial tampon comprises a compressed absorbent member having an inner region and an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. An overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The overwrap comprises an apertured fluid pervious material that is hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic relative to the compressed absorbent member. The fluid pervious overwrap therefore tends to remain free of fluid as the fluid is preferentially partitioned into the absorbent member. |
| US08475419B2 |
Automated body fluid drain control apparatus and method
Described herein is an automated fluid drain control apparatus and method which comprises a first collection chamber which is connected to a drain that has been inserted into the subarachnoid area in lumbar region of the body. The volume of fluid into the first collection chamber is controlled as a function of time by being constantly measured such that too much fluid will not be drained from the body. |
| US08475410B2 |
Externally triggerable cannula assembly
According to one embodiment, a cannula assembly may include a cannula module and an inserter module. In the pre-operational state the cannula is retracted with respect to the skin-contacting surface. In operational state the cannula projects beyond the skin-contacting surface. The inserter module may include an energy store and an activation mechanism. When the energy store is at least partially discharged, the stored potential energy is transformed to kinetic energy that moves the cannula from the pre-operational state to the operational state. The activation mechanism is triggerable from outside the cannula assembly with a trigger device. The activation mechanism prevents the energy store from being discharged before it is triggered by the trigger device, and enables the energy store to be discharge after it is triggered by the trigger device to force the cannula from the pre-operational state into the operational state. |
| US08475403B2 |
Aspirating and injecting device with biased closed distal opening
A medical device for aspirating and injecting fluid into a body cavity for use with first and second syringes is provided. The medical device includes an outer needle having an outer lumen formed therethrough. A distal end of the outer needle is configured to puncture tissue for insertion of the needle into the body cavity. An inner cannula is disposed within the outer lumen and has an inner lumen formed therethrough. A distal end of the inner cannula is disposed within the outer lumen. A hub has a first hub opening for fluidly connecting the first syringe to the outer lumen and a second hub opening for fluidly connecting the second syringe to the inner lumen. The inner cannula extends from at least one of the first and second hub openings to the distal end of the inner cannula. A method for treating a cyst is also provided. |
| US08475401B2 |
Systems and methods for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes
The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a bypass device includes gastric and duodenal anchors coupled to each other and positioned on either side of the pylorus and a hollow sleeve designed to extend from the pylorus through at least a proximal portion of a patient's small intestine. The gastric and duodenal anchors are movable between collapsed configurations for advancement through the esophagus and an expanded configuration for inhibiting movement of the anchors through the pyloric sphincter. Thus, the bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process. |
| US08475399B2 |
Methods and systems for measuring and verifying additives for use in a dialysis machine
The present application discloses a portable dialysis system for conducting a dialysis treatment. The portable dialysis system has a controller unit that includes a display, a scale, a bar code reader, and a memory storing a plurality of programmatic instructions. Upon execution, the instructions generate a first graphical user interface, a second graphical user interface, and a third graphical user interface for presentation on the display. The first graphical user interface displays each additive required for use in the dialysis treatment. The second graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to scanning using the bar code scanner. The third graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to measurement using the scale. |
| US08475397B2 |
Plantar fasciitis rehabilitation controlling device
The present invention relates to a plantar fasciitis rehabilitation controlling device. It mainly comprises a securing portion, a rotatable portion, a torque pivoting portion, a pulling portion, and a controller. The securing portion and the rotatable portion are provided for securing a user's shank and foot. This torque pivoting portion can create a torque causing the rotatable portion moving back. The pulling portion has a controller so as to pull the rotatable portion to rotate between a first angle and a second angle so that it can reduce possibility of the plantar fasciitis and ease pain of the plantar fasciitis. Hence, this invention can achieve an active rehabilitation exercise. The belt's pulling interval time can be adjusted. It has a safety switch to ensure its product safety. It is convenient that the user can use a wireless device to operate this system. In addition, the user can be informed about current condition via an audio device. |
| US08475390B2 |
Method for assessing mechanical properties of vocal tissue
A method for assessing mechanical properties of a selected tissue includes defining an expansion chamber adjacent to the selected tissue and passing pressurized air into the expansion chamber. The method also includes providing an opening through which the pressurized air can escape the expansion chamber, the opening being disposed such that, while escaping from the expansion chamber, air passes by the selected tissue, thereby causing the selected tissue to vibrate. |
| US08475381B2 |
Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and method of setting sound velocity
In one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image creating unit, an image-creation control unit and a display control unit. The image creating unit creates an ultrasound image from data created by adding a reflected wave signal of an ultrasound wave transmitted to an imaging target portion of a subject by using a reception delay time calculated from a set sound velocity set as a sound velocity in the imaging target portion. The image-creation control unit switches a set sound velocity set at a present moment in a variable range, and controls the image creating unit so as to create a plurality of ultrasound images each using a reception delay time corresponding to each of the set sound velocities to be switched. The display control unit controls display such that the ultrasound images created are displayed on a certain display unit. |
| US08475379B2 |
Systems and methods for ablating body tissue
A transducer subassembly with combined imaging and therapeutic capabilities is disclosed. The subassembly includes heat sinks that are configured to maintain the transducer at a low operating temperature so that the transducer operates at high efficiency and also can handle a wider range of frequencies. The subassembly is also configured to allow cooling fluid to flow past the transducer element. One heat sink in the subassembly also acts as an acoustic matching layer and another heat sink acts as a backing. Alternatively, the second heat sink which acts as a backing is optional. The transducer is configured to transmit at one power level for imaging, and at a second power level for ablating. The transducer may comprise sub-elements transmitting at different power levels. The subassembly may be operated at one power level for imaging and a second power level for ablating. |
| US08475378B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing transesophageal cardiovascular procedures
An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening. |
| US08475377B2 |
Multi-modality breast cancer test system
A multi-modality breast cancer test assembly (20) of the type for detecting the position of potential breast cancer by performing thermography and optical spectroscopy and ultrasound tests (64). A contour recorder (108) takes and stores a contour-shape of the breast and a first contour analysis program (110) analyzes the contour-shape to generate and store a 3D model (112) of the breast having at least one testing coordinate (114) relative to a mass of the breast. At least one diagnostic program (122, 124, 126) initiates the diagnostic tests (60, 62, 64) at the at least one testing coordinate (114) and a data analysis program (128) analyzes the spatial interrelationship of the tests (60, 62, 64) at the testing coordinate (114) to detect the spatial position of a potential breast cancer within the breast. |
| US08475376B2 |
Medical imaging apparatus
In a medical imaging apparatus for imaging mammary gland and breast while compressing the breast with a compression plate, the posture of an ultrasonic probe relative to the compression plate is kept constant and the moving motion of the ultrasonic probe is stabilized. The apparatus includes: an imaging stage; a compression plate; an ultrasonic probe provided to maintain acoustic connection to the compression plate, for transmitting ultrasonic waves according to drive signals and receiving ultrasonic echoes to output reception signals; an ultrasonic imaging unit for supplying the drive signals to the ultrasonic probe and generating image data based on the reception signals; a detecting unit for detecting a location and/or a posture of the ultrasonic probe relative to the compression plate; and a control unit for controlling the location and/or the posture of the ultrasonic probe based on a detection result of the detecting unit. |
| US08475375B2 |
System and method for actively cooling an ultrasound probe
An ultrasound system is provided for imaging an object. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe for acquiring ultrasound data and a cooling subsystem for actively removing heat from the ultrasound probe. The cooling subsystem includes a pump disposed within a reservoir containing a coolant and configured to circulate the coolant through the ultrasound probe via a conduit. |
| US08475373B2 |
Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US08475370B2 |
Method for measuring patient motion, activity level, and posture along with PTT-based blood pressure
The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform. |
| US08475366B2 |
Articulation joint for a medical device
A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories. |
| US08475363B2 |
Coil arrangement for guiding a magnetic element in a working space
A coil arrangement for contact-free guidance of a magnetic element such as an endoscopy capsule, has a number of individual coils arranged in pairs by which the components of a guidance field are generated. By arranging the individual coils to include coils corresponding to blades at an exterior of a cylindrical surface, the number of degrees of freedom required for guidance can be obtained with fewer individual coils and fewer power amplifiers to operate the coils. |
| US08475359B2 |
Medical apparatus
A medical apparatus according to the present invention is a medical apparatus used in a state in which the medical apparatus is led into a body and fixed. The medical apparatus includes: a fixing section that fixes the medical apparatus on a body wall in the body; an image pickup section that picks up an image of a subject in the body and is provided pivotably around a first axis; and a holding section that includes the fixing section and holds the image pickup section pivotably around a second axis different from the first axis. Therefore, the medical apparatus can change a photographing range and a visual field direction as desired to photograph the subject by performing magnified observation and photographing the subject from different directions without using a zoom function in the state in which the medical apparatus is fixed in a limited space in the body. |
| US08475357B2 |
Sling delivery system and method of use
An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life. |
| US08475356B2 |
Implantable device for controlling defecation and related method
An implantable device for selectively controlling defecation has an outer body defining on one end a flange that is surgically attachable to the person's anus and/or tissue adjacent to the anus. A connector is mounted on the other end of the outer body and is secured to the distal end of the person's large intestine for connecting the large intestine in fluid communication with the device. An inner body is slidably received within the outer body. A macerator-type pump is mounted within the inner body and an inlet valve is mounted between the pump and the connector. An actuator in the form of an RF receiver is electrically coupled to the inlet valve and the pump and a remote transmitter is operatively coupled to the receiver. The receiver is responsive to control signals received from the transmitter to open the inlet valve and operate the pump in order to move fecal matter through the device. |
| US08475354B2 |
Systems and methods for neuro-EEG synchronization therapy
Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for a number of disorders. Described are methods and devices to treat disorders that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition of subjects. |
| US08475348B2 |
Apparatus and method for assembly of multi-segment rod-like articles
An apparatus for assembly of multi-segment rod-like objects, such as, for example, components of a composite cigarette filter, is disclosed. The apparatus may include an intercalating unit and an assembly unit, linked by a transfer unit. Intercalating unit may include at least one rod supply unit and a conveyor. In one embodiment, intercalating unit may include a plurality of independent rod supply units. Each rod supply unit may include a hopper and a rod delivery mechanism comprising a rotary drum, a cutting device, a transfer wheel and a delivery wheel. |
| US08475344B1 |
Exercise extensions and methods
Exercise devices that can be worn on the hand or foot utilizing resistance from the air to perform the exercises. The exercise device comprises a fitting member and a resistance member connected to the fitting member. The fitting member is configured to be worn on a limb, such as the hand or foot so that the user does not have to hold anything during the exercise. Additional weights can be added to the exercise device, but the overall apparatus remains small and relatively lightweight so that it may be easily carried in luggage and used on the go. |
| US08475340B2 |
Hypoxic conditioning in patients with exercise limiting conditions
Patients having exercise limiting conditions and those at risk of developing such conditions are exposed to a regimen of hypoxic conditions that simulate various altitude conditions. The exposure is of a temporary nature, being from a few hours to most of a day or night in any one day and repeated on a personally worked out regimen of from a series of consecutive days to a regular number of “on” and “off” days, to a random number of days. An alternate regimen is such exposure for a few minutes at a time followed by normoxic rest period of a few minutes, with the cycle repeated multiple times over the course of a treatment session. The conditioning treatment strengthens the cardiac tissue and skeletal muscle and the results extend beyond the treatment periods whereby the patient's condition is substantially improved. |
| US08475336B2 |
Hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission
A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of solenoids and valves in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio. |
| US08475334B2 |
Load-sensitive automatic transmission system for agricultural electric vehicle
A load-sensitive automatic transmission system for an agricultural electric vehicle is provided, which includes a drive motor for generating a rotational power using electric power of a battery; a transmission for changing a rotational speed of the drive motor in multiple stages and outputting the changed rotational speed; a forward/reverse differential gear for transmitting the power of the transmission to wheels; a control unit for detecting a running state of the vehicle and a load state of the drive motor and determining a speed change time; and an actuator for operating the transmission in response to a signal from the control unit. Accordingly, it is possible to selectively provide high speed and torque to meet the needs of different situation, beyond the limitations of the motor drive performance of a conventional electric vehicle. |
| US08475332B2 |
Rotary meshing engagement apparatus
In a locking mechanism provided with: a sleeve which is fixed in the circumferential direction and which can be stroked in the shaft line direction; a hub which can rotate in the circumferential direction orthogonal to the shaft line direction; and an actuator which can apply a driving force for displacing the sleeve in the shaft line direction, dog teeth are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve, and dog teeth are formed in the hub. Here, the engagement surfaces of the dog teeth are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the shaft line such that the hub performs relative rotation with respect to the sleeve in a process in which the sleeve is stroked in the shaft line direction. The ECU estimates the stroke volume of the sleeve on the basis of the rotation amount of the hub and the predetermined angle. |
| US08475330B2 |
Method and device for controlling a creep mode of a vehicle having a hybrid drive system
The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a creep mode of a vehicle having a hybrid drive system (1, 1′), having a parallel hybrid drivetrain (2, 2′) comprising an internal combustion engine (3), at least one electrical machine (5), a first switching element (4) designed as a frictional element and disposed between the internal combustion engine (3) and the electrical machine (5), by means of which the internal combustion engine (3) can be connected to the electrical machine (5), a gearbox (7), an output (26), and at least one second switching element (6) designed as a frictional element and disposed between the electrical machine (5) and the output (26), by means of which the electrical machine (5) can be operationally connected to the output (26). In order to allow low-cost, effective long-term creeping that is gentle on the components, and thereby ensures reliable availability of electrical energy for electrical loads of the vehicle, the creep mode is alternately implemented by an internal combustion engine creep mode generated by means of operating at least one switching element (6, 27) in slip, and an electrical motor creep mode at least supported by means of the electrical machine (5). |
| US08475327B2 |
Accelerating system for improving the running speed of a bicycle
An accelerating system for improving the running speed of a bicycle including: a main hub housing, a hub bush engaged with the main hub housing and having a sun gear, a gear cover having latches and having fixed shafts for rotatably supporting planetary gears in a meshing engagement with the sun gear, a gear housing having a ring gear with a gear-type engaging portion positioned on the hub shaft such that the planetary gears engage with the ring gear, a locker threadedly engaged with the gear-type engaging member, a hollow cylindrical auxiliary hub housing having an inner stage portion for receiving an outer periphery surface of the gear housing, and an auxiliary hub housing cover having a gear latch portion for engaging with the latches of the gear cover such that the auxiliary hub housing cover only rotates in one direction. |
| US08475314B2 |
Differential assembly with features for improved lubrication
An axle assembly includes an axle housing assembly including a housing structure having an interior cavity with a sump, a lubricant disposed in the sump having a liquid lubricant level, and a differential mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The differential includes a ring gear generating an annular stream of lubricant adjoining the ring gear above the liquid lubricant level during operation of the differential at a rotational speed greater than a predetermined rotational speed. The housing structure includes an interior surface on which a deflector is coupled. The deflector extends into the interior cavity and has a first face having an impingement portion and a first edge adjacent the impingement portion. The impingement portion extends into the stream and deflects a portion of the stream towards the first edge. The first edge disperses the portion of the stream into the cavity. |
| US08475313B2 |
Bicycle with output in constant rotating direction and having internal rocker arm epicycle wheel set
The present invention is applied to pedal vehicles, or mixture of electric and pedal vehicles, or combination of electric and pedal auxiliary vehicles, especially to a bicycle capable of being pedaled bidirectionally and driven to move in unidirectional. |
| US08475310B2 |
Friction transmission belt
In a friction transmission belt in which a compression rubber layer provided to an inner circumferential side of the belt body is wrapped over pulleys such that the compression rubber layer contacts the pulleys, such a configuration that both of a noise reduction and durability while the belt is running can be achieved is obtained. The compression rubber layer is configured so as not to include short fibers and so as to have a surface roughness, i.e., an Ra of at least a pulley contact surface of the compression rubber layer equal to or more than 3 μm. |
| US08475309B2 |
Toothed belt and timing control system
Toothed belt comprising a body, a plurality of resistant inserts or cords and a plurality of teeth extending from at least one surface of the body; the teeth are coated with a coating fabric. The body is made of a first elastomeric material formed. The fabric is treated with a fabric treatment comprising a second elastomeric material. The resistant inserts or cords are treated with cord treatment comprising a third elastomeric material. The first, second and third elastomeric material are formed of a mixture of one or more copolymers obtained from diene monomers and monomers containing nitrile groups, in which the nitrile groups are between 30 wt % and 39 wt %. |
| US08475302B1 |
Broad tail hunting arrow
A hunting arrow has a wound-enhancing accessory which has at least one pair of pivoting knife blades which deploy upon striking the targeted prey. Unlike existing broad head devices, the blades of the present invention are positioned at the tail of the arrow between the fletching and the nock where there is less impact on the aerodynamics of the arrow. In one embodiment, the restraining force resisting deployment of the knife blades can be adjusted using a set screw. |
| US08475299B2 |
Low lift golf ball
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas with dimples such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, the plural areas configured such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.230 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 120,000 to about 180,000 and at a spin rate of about 3,500 rpm. |
| US08475296B2 |
Golf club having hydrophobic and hydrophilic portions
A golf club or component thereof has a surface, wherein at least one area of the surface has a level of hydrophilicity which is less than the level of hydrophilicity in at least one surrounding portion, causing moisture to be preferentially attracted to the surrounding portion. In one aspect, the surface is a striking face and the surrounding portion is one or more grooves formed in the striking face. In another aspect, the surface is a grip and the surrounding portion is one or more channels formed in the grip. In some examples, hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surfaces on golf club components repel water and, in some instances, also offer self-cleaning functionality. |
| US08475295B2 |
Golf club head
A high forgiveness wood-type golf club head comprises a body and a face. The body defines an interior cavity and comprises a sole that forms a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown that forms a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt that forms a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. The face place is positioned at a front portion of the golf club head opposite a rear portion of the golf club head. The body defines an outer periphery having a generally triangular shape in plan. |
| US08475290B2 |
Golf training system
A golf training system includes a wedge training aid adapted to help the user control the hitting range of each wedge accurately so that the user can drive the ball to the green easily for putting into the hole when playing a golf game at a golf course. The golf training system further includes a putting green training aid, a mat arranged between the wedge training aid and the putting green training aid, a ball collector arranged at the rear side of the wedge training aid, a track connected between the putting green training aid and the ball collector, and a guard net mounted at the putting green training aid. Thus, each ball been hit onto the putting green training aid or intercepted by the guard net can be collected by the ball collector for a next hitting practice. |
| US08475285B2 |
Swinging motherboard for amusement device
An amusement device having a display, a memory and a controller. The amusement device includes a housing defining an internal cavity and a chassis secured to the housing and defining a chassis plane. The chassis is positioned at least partially within the internal cavity. A control board support defines a board plane and the control board support has a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the board plane is generally perpendicular to the chassis plane and in the open position, the board plane is generally parallel to the chassis plane. The control board support is slidably and rotatably movable between the closed position and the open position. The control board support is positioned within the internal cavity in the open and closed positions and when moving therebetween. |
| US08475284B1 |
Dynamic views within gaming environments
Systems and methods for providing dynamic views for video game programs are provided herein. Exemplary methods for providing a dynamic view of a gaming environment may include continually calculating a bounding area of a gaming environment, the bounding area being defined by locations of a plurality of players relative to one another within the gaming environment, the bounding area changing as the plurality of players move relative to one another, as well as continually generating a top down view of the bounding area of the gaming environment, the top down view being dynamically altered as the bounding area is dynamically adjusted. |
| US08475283B2 |
Player incentives for wagering game transfers
A method includes receiving a request, from a device, to play a light version of a wagering game based on communications over a network. The method includes transmitting, to the device, wagering game content associated with execution of the light version of the wager game. The method includes prompting download of a full version of the wagering game over the network from a remote server during the executing of the light version of the wagering game, wherein the full version of the wagering game has more game features than the light version of the wagering game. The method includes responsive to acceptance of the download of the full version of the wagering game to the device, downloading the full version of the wagering game and providing a reward for the downloading of the full version of the wagering game. |
| US08475281B2 |
Application-centric user interface techniques
Various application-centric user interface techniques are described. A user can easily launch, add, or update applications. An application-centric activity center can be presented as part of a user interface for an operating system shell. A file defining metadata for an application can be defined. The techniques can be applied to game-related software. |
| US08475275B2 |
Interactive toys and games connecting physical and virtual play environments
Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel or other face-off challenge. |
| US08475273B2 |
Video switcher and touch router system for a gaming machine
A Display Manager is placed between the Master Gaming Controller and its Main Game Display and any Secondary Display and between the Player Tracking Unit connected to the casino system network (e.g., player tracking device) and its System display. The Display Manager receives one or more video signals from the Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on one or more shared displays. One of the video signals may be presented alone on one of the displays, with the other signal absent from that shared display, or multiple signals may be simultaneously displayed on one of the shared displays. The screen may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. Also, the overlaid signal may provide different levels of transparency in different areas of the display, effectively superimposing an image on top of the background signal. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals. |
| US08475271B2 |
Gaming apparatus
A gaming system includes a control and management device which determines a link attraction based on gaming information sent from each of a plurality of gaming apparatuses. The control and management device identifies a target gaming apparatus in which a prize is generated and at least one neighboring gaming apparatus, based on the gaming information. The control and management device judges whether the link attraction for the plurality of gaming apparatuses has already been determined, when the gaming information is winning information. Further, the control and management device determines the link attraction by reference to a link attraction mode lottery table stored in a memory, if it is determined the link attraction has not yet been determined. The control and management device determines a unit number and, subsequently, sends the link attraction to the target gaming apparatus with the unit number and the at least one neighboring gaming apparatus. |
| US08475270B2 |
Game system and game terminal
There is provided a game system where only states effective as a play state of a quasi-player are reproduced in a game.The game terminal 1 has a history information accumulating portion 14b for generating play history information PHI where, with respect to each of positions M obtained by player P, each of operations performed until the position M was obtained and a timing when the operation was performed are associated with each other, a excerpt information generating portion 14c for obtaining the play history information PHI from the server 2 to excerpt only pieces of play information PI which affects the game, and an other-player display controlling portion 14c for, by using the excerpted pieces of information as the play history information of the other player P′, displaying a predetermined indicator in sequence at the position M obtained by the other player P′ at the timing when the position M was obtained last. |
| US08475269B2 |
Gaming machine having a function of changing the number of free games according to the result of a role playing game
A controller is provided which includes: a function whereby a video image is randomly determined with respect to a mini game to be displayed on a display each time the mini game is executed; a function whereby the determined video image is extracted from memory and displayed on the display; a function whereby determination is randomly made as to whether the points associated with the displayed video image are to be added to the accumulated points; a function whereby, in a case that determination has been made that the points are to be added to the accumulated points, the points are added to the accumulated points, thereby updating the accumulated points; and a function whereby, after the mini game has been executed a predetermined number of times, the number of free games is determined according to the updated accumulated points. |
| US08475266B2 |
Enriched game play environment
A gaming system is provided. The gaming system provides players a rich (i.e. akin to leading home- and arcade-based video games) single-player, multi-player cooperative and/or head to head environment in which the participant(s) win cash and credits as a result of their play activity within the environment, based on the wagers which they make entering and playing a game of the gaming system. |
| US08475264B2 |
Wagering game machine upgrade and rollback
Systems and methods provide for the selective backup and rollback of software, firmware and data components of a wagering game machine. |
| US08475263B2 |
Gaming machine system and method having a perceived skill component
Disclosed are a gaming machine system and method including a perceived skill component comprising a skill-based award and a supplemental award that, when summed, are equal in value to a predetermined award. |
| US08475262B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a player an opportunity to win a designated award based on one or more aspects of the player's skill
In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and method disclosed herein maintains a designated award which is associated with a variable score for a skill-based game. In one such embodiment, the gaming system enables a player to play a game, wherein the gaming system forms a score for the player. The player's formed score is based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player during the play of the skill-based game (i.e., which tends to measure one or more aspects of that player's skills). If the player's score does not reach the variable score associated with the designated award, the gaming system modifies the variable score associated with the designated award of that skill-based game. If the player's score reaches or exceeds the variable score associated with the designated award, the gaming system provides the player a designated quantity of opportunities to win the maintained designated award. |
| US08475258B2 |
Gaming machine that can move chip bet to another region
A gaming machine is configured so as to have a function of allowing a bet raise operation to be input by a simple operation in a case where a player bets different bet amounts on a plurality of bet regions within a bet time that is time limited.In particular, if a double bet button 81 having been touched by a player is detected, all of the bet amounts stored in memory are changed with one operation by a predetermined multiple, so that players, who decide immediately before the bet time end that they would like to raise, can raise with one operation. |
| US08475256B2 |
Gaming machine with buy feature games
A gaming machine including a display. The display includes a plurality of display positions for displaying combinations of symbols. A controller controls operation of the machine. The controller includes a processor for processing data and displaying selected data on the display. A selector is operable by the player of the machine for enabling the player to select at least one feature which can be added to a base game played on the machine. |
| US08475255B2 |
Multi-play card game gaming system with predetermined game outcomes
A gaming system which provides the player a plurality of playing cards to form an initial primary card hand and also displays one or more other card hands. The player selects one or more of the initially dealt cards in the primary card hand to hold or to discard. The held cards are also held in one, more or each of the other simultaneously displayed hands. The gaming device evaluates the held cards and determines which card game outcomes are possible based on the held cards and the remaining cards in the deck. The gaming device utilizes a stored table of different distributions of card game outcomes which would result in each payout amount and a table regarding which card game outcomes are possible based on the player's held cards to determine a distribution of outcomes that provides a total payout equal to the payout of the predetermined game outcome. |
| US08475249B2 |
Fantasy sport auction draft application roster preview grid
Methods and system for presenting a plurality of attributes of a plurality of players from a plurality of teams that are part of a league includes obtaining a plurality of attributes of the plurality of players and the plurality of teams. The plurality of attributes of the plurality of the players and of the teams is populated in one or more databases along with any updates to these attributes. The databases are queried to retrieve updated plurality of attributes of the plurality of players and the plurality of teams. A roster grid is generated for the plurality of teams for rendering at a client in substantial real time. The roster grid displays the updated status of the plurality of attributes of the plurality of players and the plurality of teams simultaneously in a clean, concise and effective manner. |
| US08475243B2 |
Coin dispensing and storing device
A coin dispensing and storing device includes a body, coin collecting tubes, a left rotatable support, a pivotal plate and a right rotatable support. Coins are received in the coin collecting tubes. The left rotatable support is pivotally connected to one side of the body. The left rotatable support allows a portion of the coin collecting tubes to be disposed therein. The pivotal plate is pivotally connected to the other side of the body. The right rotatable support is connected to the pivotal plate. The right rotatable support allows the remaining portion of the coin collecting tubes to be disposed therein. The left and the right rotatable supports can be pivotally received in or rotated to the outside of the body. With this arrangement, the operation is labor-saving. Further, the force exerting on the respective rotatable supports can be distributed efficiently to reduce the generation of damage and deformation. |
| US08475241B1 |
Field dressing knife
A field dressing knife suitable for all aspects of field dressing small and large game is disclosed. Various novel aspects of the knife include: a large butt-end of the handle and a groove near the butt-end of the handle, both to spread the normal stress over a larger surface area when striking the butt-end of the handle with a free hand for splitting pelvis and brisket bones; and a configurable handle, permitting the double-edged field dressing knife to be used in knife mode or in a hatchet mode. |
| US08475240B2 |
Poultry de-feathering apparatus and methods
Apparatus for de-feathering (i.e. picking or plucking) poultry. More particularly, picking apparatus employing a plurality of elongated picking elements which are resistant to cracking and/or micro-poring, and which are preferably flexible and/or bendable and which are of sufficiently low mass such as to decrease poundage yield loss (e.g., decrease fat loss and poultry wing damage). In some embodiments, apparatus comprised of a plug and elongated picking element combination which is removably installable to a conventional picking disk structure. In other embodiments, picking element kits for converting existing picking line machinery. In still other embodiments, methods and/or apparatus for improving feather picking ability and/or efficiency and/or cleanliness. |
| US08475239B2 |
Method for controlling a robotic device cooperating with different storage frames
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a robotic device for inserting or removing rod-like elements into or from a storage frame, the rod-like elements, like smoking bars, serving for storing products, e.g. sausages, each having a sausage-shaped body and a loop for a pendulously storage of the products. The method comprises the steps of providing at least a first storage frame for temporarily storing rod-like elements, moving the storage frame into the operating range of the robotic device, picking up by the robotic device a rod-like element on which at least one sausage-like product is hung up, and inserting or removing the rod-like element into or from the storage frame by the robotic device. Moreover, the method comprises the steps of providing at least a first dataset including at least an information as to at least one geometric characteristic of the first storage frame, being used for controlling the robotic device, and by providing the first storage frame with a first identification mark for individually identifying the first storage frame and for providing a link between the first storage frame and the first dataset. |
| US08475237B2 |
Optical grade surfacing tool
An optical-grade surfacing tool includes: a rigid holder (60); an elastically compressible interface (12) secured to the rigid holder (60); and a flexible pad (13) that can be applied against a surface to be machined (71) and secured to the interface (12) opposite the rigid holder (60). The pad (13) is carried by an elastically extensible membrane (14) including: a central plate (15); and a plurality of straps (18) each radially protruding from the periphery of the plate (15) and each having a distal portion engaged with a fastening element (38), each strap (18) rotating about the side surface (28) of the interface (12) and extending up to the fastening element, each strap (18) being taut. |
| US08475233B2 |
Device for grinding spinning cots
A device for grinding spinning cots has a rotating grinding roller and a carriage that is linearly movable relative to the grinding roller. A pivot arm is pivotably supported on the carriage and movable between a loading position and a grinding position. A workpiece receptacle is mounted on the pivot arm and adapted to receive a spinning cot to be ground. A feed device is provided that is actuatable in accordance with progression of a grinding process performed on the spinning cot toward a grinding surface of the grinding roller. The pivot arm is moveable by the feed device relative to the carriage. A device is provided that is actuatable independent of the feed device for manual adjustment of the carriage into a desired linear position relative to the grinding roller. |
| US08475229B2 |
Method and grinding machine for the complete grinding of short and/or rod-shaped workpieces
Short and/or rod-shaped workpieces are completely machined by grinding two parallel end faces and the longitudinal sides of the workpiece with very short cycle times. The grinding machine includes two grinding spindles that are arranged in a tandem arrangement with parallel rotational axes on a shared grinding headstock and that are jointly moved in the X direction. In cooperation with a special holding and transport device for the workpieces, two workpieces are each ground, at least partly concurrently, the end faces of the one workpiece being ground in one machining position and the final non-circular grinding of the exterior contour of a second workpiece occurring in a second machining station, the end faces of the second workpiece having already been ground. |
| US08475223B2 |
Method of manufacturing display device and display device
A method of manufacturing a display device includes the steps of: forming a positive type photoresist above a surface of a first transparent substrate having a transistor formed on the surface thereof so as to cover the transistor; radiating a light from a back surface side of the first transparent substrate to the first transparent substrate having the positive type photoresist formed thereabove, for exposing the positive type photoresist; developing the positive type photoresist thus exposed to selectively leave the positive type photoresist located above the transistor, for forming a spacer; and laminating a second transparent substrate above the surface of the first transparent substrate through the spacer. |
| US08475214B2 |
Adaptor for a router blade
An apparatus for connecting a router blade to a router chassis is provided. The apparatus includes an engagement portion; a first side portion coupled with the engagement portion; and a second side portion coupled with the engagement portion. The engagement portion includes a connector system that is operable to couple a router blade with a router chassis. The first side portion is operable to engage the router blade and the router chassis. The second side portion is operable to engage a router blade and the router chassis. The engagement portion, first side portion, and second side portion are sized to engage the router chassis and receive the router blade. |
| US08475212B1 |
Charging connector
A charging connector adapted for connecting between a mated connector and a cable includes an insulating housing, a terminal and a shielding shell surrounding the insulating housing. The insulating housing has a base body, and a protruding portion protruding upward from a top surface of the base body. The insulating housing defines a terminal groove. The terminal has a locating piece located on the top surface of the base body. A front of the locating piece defines a contact piece disposed in the terminal groove with a front thereof electrically contacting with the mated connector. A rear of the locating piece defines a soldering piece disposed to a rear of the insulating housing to be soldered with the cable. A side of the shielding shell defines a soldering plate disposed to one side of the insulating housing to be soldered with the cable. |
| US08475208B2 |
Electrical connector configured to shield cable-termination regions
An electrical connector including a dielectric body and electrical contacts held by the dielectric body. The electrical contacts have a pair of signal contacts with respective mating ends configured to engage a communication connector and also with respective wire-terminating ends. The wire-terminating ends are located proximate to each other in a cable-termination region and are configured to mechanically and electrically couple to corresponding signal conductors of a cable. The electrical connector also includes a ground shield having a cover extension that extends over the cable-termination region. The cover extension is configured to shield the cable-termination region. |
| US08475204B2 |
Electrical connector having shaped dielectric insert for controlling impedance
Electrical connector that includes a connector housing having mating and terminating ends. The connector housing has a housing cavity and a leading edge at the mating end that defines an opening to the housing cavity. A central axis extends through the housing cavity between the mating and terminating ends. The electrical connector also includes a dielectric insert within the housing cavity and an electrical contact that is held by the insert along the central axis. The insert has a recess surface that faces the mating end and extends a radial distance, outward from the electrical contact. The insert includes a dielectric rim that projects from the recess surface toward the mating end. The dielectric rim surrounds: and is radially spaced from at least a portion of the electrical contact. The dielectric rim and the recess surface define an impedance-control space that surrounds at least the portion of the electrical contact. |
| US08475203B2 |
Cable assembly having indicating device
A cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a top side, and a cavity (111) is defined in the top side; a plurality of contacts (2) received in insulative housing, said the contacts including two power contacts partially disposed under the cavity; a plurality of wires (3) electrically connected to the contacts, respectively; a printed circuit board assembly (5) received in the cavity, the printed circuit board assembly (5) having a substrate (50) with a light emitting diode (504) thereon, the lighting emitting diode electrically connected with the two power contact; and a light guide member (6) assembled to the cavity and located above the light emitting diode. |
| US08475202B1 |
Detection terminal with a concave surface and a convex surface both facing a side wall of a tongue of a housing
An electrical connector socket includes an insulation base, a tongue piece and a detection terminal. The insulation base includes a stopping surface. The tongue piece includes a side wall vertically extending from the stopping surface. The detection terminal includes a fixed end embedded into the insulation base, an elastic arm extending from the fixed end in a curved manner with its concave surface facing the side wall, and a contact section continuously extending from the elastic arm in a curved manner with its convex surface facing the side wall. |
| US08475199B2 |
Plug connector having an improved releasing mechanism
A plug connector (100) mating with a complementary connector has a housing (1) defining a latching recess (117), a cover (3) and a releasing mechanism including a puller (5) and a latch (4) operable by the puller. The latch has a latching portion (42). The latching portion includes a resisting portion (423) for engaging the cover and a claw (424) in front of the resisting portion and projecting toward a first direction. The resisting portion, in response to a rearward movement of the puller, is movable to engage the cover and to pivot the claw from a latched position to a released position where the claw is received in the latching recess along a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US08475198B2 |
Plug connector having an improved latching mechanism
A plug connector (100) mating with a complementary connector includes a housing (1) and a latching mechanism (4) having a latch (41) and a puller (42). The latch includes a latching portion (411) provided with a claw (4110), a bar section (412) secured in the base, and a connecting portion (413) having a forwardly extending abutting portion (4133). The puller includes an actuator (422) and an operator (421) supported on the bar section and having an engaging portion (4217) engaged with the abutting portion. The operator slides rearwardly, in response to a rearward movement of the actuator, to upwardly and rearwardly move the engaging portion together with the abutting portion to thereby lift the claw from a latched position to a released position. |
| US08475195B2 |
Latch for a card edge connector system
A latch for securing a circuit card assembly to a circuit board mounted card edge connector includes first and second arms disposed on opposite ends of the card edge connector. The first and second arms define a reception space that receives the circuit card assembly. The first arm has a deflectable spring latch that is movable between a released position and a latched position. The circuit card assembly is secured by the spring latch in the latched position. The second arm has a latch hook that is configured to hook around and engage a portion of the circuit card assembly during mating of the circuit card assembly and the card edge connector. The latch hook defines a pivot point for pivoting the circuit card assembly into the card edge connector during mating of the circuit card assembly and the card edge connector. |
| US08475186B1 |
Guest connector assembly
A guest connection assembly for a surface having a grommet hole comprises an extension cord having a first end adapted to be interconnected to a source and a second end having at least one socket, the first end interconnected with the at least one socket by a cord. A grommet can be received on the cord and have an inner dimension greater than an outer dimension of the at least one socket and a grommet cap can be coupled with the extension cord and adapted to be selectively mounted to the grommet. When the first end of the cord is connected to the source and the grommet is mounted within the grommet hole, the at least one socket on the second end of the extension cord can be selectively exposed and positioned for use by removing the grommet cap from its mounting to the grommet. |
| US08475183B2 |
Electrical connector with improved impedance continuity
An electrical connector (100) includes a middle board (4) defining a plurality of receiving holes (41, 42), a first insulative housing (1) mounted on one side of the middle board and defining a first receiving room (13), and a number of contacts (3) mounted on the first insulative housing. The contacts include a number of signal contacts (S) and a number of grounding contacts (G). Each of contacts includes a first mating portion (31), a second mating portion (32), and a middle portion (33) between the first and the second mating portions. The middle portions extend beyond the first insulative housing and are received in the receiving holes. Each of the middle portions of the signal contacts is solid. Each of the middle portions of the grounding contacts has a through hole (331) and has an outer profile wider than that of middle portion of the signal contact. |
| US08475180B2 |
Conductive component
A conductive component includes a tubular body having at least one of at least one through-hole which penetrates the tubular body from outside to inside thereof; and at least one notch which is cut in from an edge of the tubular body, which are formed at least one predetermined portion on the tubular body. The tubular body includes a first portion, which includes a solder joint portion, and a second portion, which includes a contact portion. The first portion and the second portion are located on the opposite sides from one another with the at least one predetermined portion sandwiched therebetween. The tubular body further includes at least one spring portion which includes the at least one predetermined portion. |
| US08475179B2 |
Electrical connector capable of interconnecting electronic devices having different conductive leads arrangements
An electrical connector includes an upper housing formed with a plurality of upper through holes therein, and a lower housing located under the upper housing and formed with a plurality of lower through holes therein corresponding to the upper through holes, respectively. A plurality of contacts are received within the upper housing and the lower housing, and respectively has an upper contacting portion and a lower contacting portion. At least some of the contacts extend with angles of inclination varying in sequence so that a distance defined by two neighboring lower contacting portions is larger than that defined by corresponding two neighboring upper contacting portions. |
| US08475175B2 |
Reorientable electrical receptacle
There is provided systems and methods for a reorientable electrical outlet. In one embodiment, a system includes a housing configured to be coupled to an electrical power source, the housing having a first rotation stop, and an electrical plug receptacle, mountable within the housing, the insert having a second rotation stop, the first and second rotation stops configured to cooperate with each other to limit rotation of the insert within the aperture at a number of degrees, wherein the plug receptacle is configured to receive an electrical plug. |
| US08475174B2 |
Learning method and system using detached sensor
One embodiment includes a computer-implemented method using a window environment of a display, with a detached sensor, to teach a user. Another embodiment includes a computer system helping teach a user using a detached imaging sensor. In yet another embodiment, a computer-aided-educational system considers a user's concentration level when teaching the user. The system monitors automatically more than once a user's concentration-sensitive behavior while the user is working on study materials. Through monitoring the user's volitional or involuntary behavior, the system provides an indication on the user's concentration level. Based on the indication, the system could react such as by providing rewards, punishments, and stimulation; or changing the study materials. The system can also react by asking the user a question to stimulate the user or to assess the user's understanding. Based on the user's response, the system may change to more appropriate study materials, or different presentation styles. |
| US08475173B2 |
System and method for educating using multimedia interface
A method of educating using a virtual workstation. The method includes the steps of: providing the virtual workstation; allowing a person to access the virtual workstation to generate multimedia product; and requiring that the person complete at least one educational project to continue accessing the virtual workstation to generate multimedia product. |
| US08475170B2 |
Tool for realizing the Korean alphabet using a consonant and vowel combination system
A tool for implementing Korean characters using a consonant-vowel combination system, in which a simple and concise combination system capable of implementing all Korean characters 5 using only six consonants and vowels is constructed, and thus users of the tool may realize originality, superiority, and convenience of Korean letters in daily life. The tool for implementing Korean characters using a consonant-vowel combination system is configured to implement the Korean characters using six consonant and vowel plates. Therefore, users of the Korean letters may recognize value of the Korean letters from the heart and be proud of the Korean letters. |
| US08475165B2 |
Apparatus and method for treating a product, for example a food product, and relative plant
An apparatus for treating a product comprises movement means able to move the product in a direction of feed through at least a treatment sector, the treatment being temporally defined by a predetermined duration. The movement means comprise at least a conveyor belt closed in a ring that supports the product and extends along a path between an entrance and an exit of the treatment sector. The conveyor belt is at least partly made of flexible material and is able to be disposed along the path in a plurality of loops, which develop in a direction substantially transverse with respect to the direction of advance, so that the product follows the loops along the path. |
| US08475163B2 |
Heating device and method for its operations
This invention relates to a heating device consisting of at least one burner for the combustion especially of a gaseous fuel, at least one radiant tube connecting to the burner, at least one fan generating a negative pressure or an excess pressure in the radiant tube, and at least one exhaust gas recirculation system with at least one exhaust gas recirculation passage through which an exhaust gas produced during the combustion of the primary fuel can be recirculated from the radiant tube to a transition zone from the burner into the radiant tube. In order to further develop a heating device of this type as well as a method for its operation the burner is adapted for being operated in at least two power stages and the exhaust gas recirculation system is controlled in dependence of the power stages of the burner in such a way that the volume flow of the recirculated exhaust gas is reduced with an increasing power stage of the burner. |
| US08475158B2 |
Edge-gated nozzle
An injection molding system is disclosed that includes a hot runner manifold for providing a melt stream of moldable material to at least one hot runner nozzle that is in fluid communication with one or more mold cavities via at least one injection manifold disposed proximate a downstream end of the nozzle. The at least one injection manifold has a substantially U-shape with at least one mold cavity being disposed between opposing arm segments thereof. Each mold cavity is fed by a pair of nozzle seals, wherein one of the pair of nozzle seals extends inwardly from one of the opposing arm segments while the other of the pair of nozzle seals extends inwardly from the other of the opposing arm segments for directing a melt stream into the mold cavity. |
| US08475157B2 |
Injection nozzle with enhanced heat transfer characteristics
An injection nozzle that can be used in an injection blow molding system without use of an external heat source comprises a two-piece structure broadly including a structural outer body for coupling the nozzle to a resin manifold and a thermally conductive insert. At least a portion of an axial length of the insert has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of a coinciding coaxial portion of the outer body, such that the differences in the inner and outer diameters present an insulating air gap along at least a portion of the nozzle length. A sufficient operating temperature for hot melt resin can then be obtained without use of the external heat source. |
| US08475151B2 |
Compressor
A compressor is provided with a substantially cylindrical housing. Inside the housing is a motor housing having a substantially cylindrical shape and a compressor housing having a substantially cylindrical shape. The motor housing and the compressor housing are connected or fit into the housing with a frictional connection to prevent axial movement of the motor housing and the compressor housing. |
| US08475150B2 |
Internal gear pump for a brake system
The invention relates to an internal gear pump for a brake system, in the pump housing of which an internally toothed ring gear and a pinion meshing with the toothing of the ring gear are pivotally supported about parallel axes. As a result the toothing thereof limits an approximately crescent-shaped tapering annular space, in which a filler piece supported toward the intake side of the pump is arranged. The circumferential sides of the filler piece are bent in accordance with the addendum circle of the ring gear toothing or of the pinion toothing. The sides rest against several tooth tips in a sealing manner under a spring force. According to the invention, one of the two circumferential sides of the filler piece is formed by a radially resilient circumferential wall, which is nestled against the tooth tips of the pinion or the ring gear due to the deflection based on the inherent spring force thereof. |
| US08475149B2 |
Scroll fluid machine having multiple discharge ports
A scroll fluid machine that suppresses fluctuations in a port aperture area during each revolution of an orbiting scroll. Suction ports for sucking in a working fluid are disposed on a second base plate to have openings in a vicinity of a winding start end portion of a second spiral tooth, and near an inward facing surface of the second spiral tooth at a position separated by an involute angle approximately 90° from the winding start end portion of the second spiral tooth. Discharge ports for discharging the working fluid are disposed on a first base plate to have openings in a vicinity of a winding start end portion of a first spiral tooth, and near an inward facing surface of the first spiral tooth at a position separated by an involute angle approximately 90° from the winding start end portion of the first spiral tooth. |
| US08475143B1 |
Wind driven machine
A wind driven machine with a furling system to move the machine to between an active position and an inactive position in response to a predetermined condition. The wind driven machine includes a propeller section and a tail section, the tail section hinged to the propeller section to direct the propeller section into the wind. The furling system includes a first portion to rotate with one of the respective sections and a second portion that is generally rotationally fixed and moves axially between an active position and an inactive position corresponding to the active and inactive positions of the wind driven machine. |
| US08475137B2 |
Electric-motor-driven oil pump control system
In an electric-motor-driven oil pump unit with automatic engine-stop system interaction, in which an electric-motor-driven oil pump is driven by an electric motor for hydraulic pressure supply to a transmission of an automotive vehicle employing an automatic engine-stop system, at least in a stopped state of a mechanical oil pump driven by the engine, a motor current/speed detector is provided for detecting a motor current and/or a motor speed of the electric motor. Also provided is a controller configured to output an inhibiting signal to the automatic engine-stop system for inhibiting a mode shift to an automatic engine-stop mode, when a change in the motor current and/or the motor speed during a preliminary operation of the electric-motor-driven oil pump executed from a point of time when an automatic engine-stop condition of the vehicle becomes satisfied, is out of a specified characteristic. |
| US08475134B2 |
Method for fitting and protecting a sensor on a substrate
The method consists in depositing, by alumina spraying, an electrically insulating sublayer on the substrate, then in placing the sensor on the electrically insulating sublayer and finally in depositing, by alumina spraying, a cover layer on the sensor and the electrically insulating sublayer. It further includes, before the cover layer is deposited, a step in which an impermeable and thermally insulating cement is applied locally on wires of the sensor. |
| US08475133B2 |
Efficient wind turbine blades, wind turbine blade structures, and associated systems and methods of manufacture, assembly and use
Wind turbine systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes a wind turbine blade having an inner region that has an internal load-bearing truss structure, and an outer region that has an internal, non-truss, load-bearing structure. In particular embodiments, the truss structure can include a triangular arrangement of spars, and/or can include truss attachment members that connect components of the truss without the use of holes in the spars. Spars can be produced from a plurality of pultruded composite members laminated together in longitudinally extending portions. The longitudinally extending portions can be connected at joints that interleave projections and recesses of each of the spar portions. The blades can include fan-shaped transitions at a hub attachment portion, formed by laminated layers and/or a combination of laminated layers and transition plates. |
| US08475132B2 |
Turbine blade assembly
A turbine blade assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, the turbine blade assembly may generally include a turbine blade having a root portion and an airfoil. The airfoil may extend radially from the root portion to an airfoil tip. Additionally, the turbine blade assembly may include a composite rod extending within the turbine blade. The composite rod may include a first end coupled to the airfoil at the airfoil tip and a second end coupled to the root portion. Moreover, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite rod may be designed to be less than or equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the airfoil. |
| US08475131B2 |
Centrifugal compressor
A centrifugal compressor provided with an impeller which is configured to have a plurality of blades arranged at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction of a hub rotating together with a rotation shaft, in which a blade angle on a shroud side of the blade distributes to have a minimum value at a position between a leading edge of the blade and a midpoint of a camber line on the shroud side, and a maximum value at a position between the midpoint of the camber line on the shroud side and a trailing edge of the blade, and a blade angle of the blade on a hub side distributes so as to have a maximum value at a position between a leading edge and a midpoint of a camber line on the hub side. |
| US08475130B2 |
Axial flow fan
An axial flow fan comprises a central hub (2) and a plurality of blades (3), each fixed to the central hub (2) and extending from a respective first end (3a) proximal to the hub (2) to a respective second end (3b) distal from the hub (2); the blades (3) are inclined at a keying angle (β) to a rotation plane (R) of the fan which also comprises a plurality of aerodynamic protrusions (11), each extending from a first lateral edge (6) of a corresponding blade (3) in the vicinity of its second end (3b); each protrusion (11) lies in a plane (PP) perpendicular to an axis (A) of fan rotation. |
| US08475117B2 |
Gas turbine compressor and method of operation
The present application provides a compressor for a gas turbine. The compressor may include a number of rotor wheels positioned about a compressor aft section having a low alloy material, a number of inlet guide vanes positioned about a compressor inlet section, and a wet compression system positioned about the compressor inlet section. |
| US08475116B2 |
Anti-rotation feature for air turbine starter
A turbine balance assembly has a turbine rotor and shaft. Bearings are positioned radially outwardly of the shaft. A bearing sleeve is positioned radially outwardly of the bearings, and supports the bearings. The bearing sleeve extends along an axial length defined by a rotational axis of the shaft, and has a turbine rotor end adjacent to the turbine rotor, and a remote end. A radially outwardly extending flange on the bearing sleeve extends radially outwardly of a support portion of the bearing sleeve at the turbine rotor end. The flange has a nominal outer diameter, and includes a slot for receiving an anti-rotation tab from a gear cage over a first circumferential extent. A bearing sleeve incorporates the anti-rotation feature, and a gear cage incorporates its portion of the anti-rotation feature. An air turbine starter, and a method of installing components of a turbine balance assembly are also disclosed. |
| US08475111B2 |
Ring fan and shroud air guide system
A ring fan and shroud guide system which includes a rotating fan member with a conical outer ring and a cylindrical shroud member overlapping at least a portion of the outer ring. A plurality of guide vanes are provided in the shroud which minimize the tangential velocity component of the air flow entering the tip-gap region and provide improved air flow through the system. The guide vanes can have a curved configuration. |
| US08475108B2 |
System and method for moving large objects
A system for moving a large object is provided that includes one or more wheels in contact with a ground surface and two pedals coupled to at least one wheel such that a downward force on at least one of the pedals by an operator seated on the system causes the wheels to move in a forward direction. The system further includes a gearing element that includes a gearbox that translates the downward force to the wheels. The system also includes a loading element that receives at least a portion of the large object such that it can be transported when the wheels move in the forward direction, where the large object weighs at least 300 pounds. In more specific embodiments, the system includes a steering component that includes one of the wheels, where the steering component allows a direction of the system to be guided by the operator. |
| US08475107B2 |
Paper-sheet handling device
A paper-sheet handling device relating to the present invention has a configuration such that a binder paper alignment unit for temporarily reserving a plurality of paper-sheets perforated at predetermined positions, a movement mechanism for binding the bundle of paper-sheets thus aligned owing to the above by means of a binding component, and a binder cassette for storing the binding components for being transferred thereto, wherein the movement mechanism is arranged on the downstream side of the binder paper alignment unit and the binder cassette and also, the binder paper alignment unit and the binder cassette are arranges radially on the upstream side to form an approximately V-shape by making the aforesaid movement mechanism to be a reference. It is possible depending on this configuration to concentrate the necessary constructional elements at the periphery of the movement mechanism, so that the arrangement of the component members in the horizontal direction of the device can be restricted and the aforesaid device can be miniaturized. |
| US08475106B2 |
Bookbinding apparatus and image forming system
A bookbinding apparatus for producing a booklet by coating an adhesive onto a back side of a bundle of sheets and by pasting a book cover onto the back side of the bundle of sheets, comprises: an oblique cutout portion forming section to form a cutout on an edge of each sheet of the bundle of sheets in such a way that an oblique cutout portion is formed along the width of the back side of the bundle of sheets; a sheet bundle accommodating section to accommodate the bundle of sheets on which the oblique cutout portion is formed; a coating section to coat an adhesive on the back side of the bundle of sheets accommodated in the sheet bundle accommodating section; and a bookbinding section to paste a book cover on the adhesive-coated back side of the bundle of sheets so as to produce the booklet. |
| US08475105B2 |
Binding system with binding machine and binding elements
A binding system for binding a stack of sheets with a binding element includes a binding machine having an indicia associated with an operation to be performed in binding the stack of sheets, and at least one binding element having an indicia corresponding to the indicia on the binding machine. |
| US08475103B2 |
Sealing washer assembly for large diameter holes on flat surfaces
A sealing washer assembly includes a main washer with a bottom annular groove for a removable O-ring and a top recess for a sealing washer. A fastener such as a screw or bolt passes through the sealing washer and the main washer, into a hole in a mounting surface. When the fastener is tightened, the main washer is clamped to the mounting surface to create a metal-to-metal seal, the O-ring is deformed to create a seal between the main washer and the mounting surface, and the sealing washer is deformed to create a seal between the fastener and the main washer. |
| US08475101B2 |
Locking screw
A locking screw for connecting two or more articles together is provided. The screw includes an externally threaded shaft, a head, and an elastic member. The head defines a chamber in which a spiral groove is defined. The shaft extends from the bottom of the chamber; and the elastic member is arranged around the shaft and one end of the elastic member is received in the spiral groove of the chamber and another end abuts against an article. The elastic member can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the shaft, to change the length of the elastic member, so that enough tension is created to ensure locking the screw in place and prevent any rotation, thus maintain a tight engagement among the articles. |
| US08475098B2 |
Accessory retaining device
Systems, apparatus and methods for an accessory retaining device are described. According to various embodiments, a handle, shaft and fastener are configured to provide a rotational interface. With the assistance of a cam bushing, threading between the shaft and the fastener or other components, rotation of the handle causes axial movement of the shaft or fastener and compression of a grommet located about the shaft or fastener. Compression of the grommet results in radial expansion. In this way, the accessory retaining device is adapted to secure an accessory to a mounting aperture located on a vehicle or other device when the handle is in a closed position. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08475097B2 |
Cargo barrier net
A cargo barrier net for an aircraft includes a net mesh, defined by a plurality of net strands, a securing members coupled to one of the net strands, for securing the cargo barrier net across an internal space of an aircraft; and a tear webbing located between the securing members and the net strand. The tear webbing is configured to tear progressively when a load is applied to it, thereby increasing the effective length of net strand to which it is coupled and redistributing the load to other net strands in the cargo barrier net. |
| US08475096B2 |
Tonneau cover cargo containment track rail system
A tonneau cover cargo containment track rail system including a cargo hold down and at least one tonneau cover rail. The cargo hold down has a base portion and a handle portion. The handle portion is operably attached to the base portion for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The tonneau cover rail has a first attachment mechanism attached thereto. The first attachment mechanism is adapted to receive a portion of the cargo hold down to retain the cargo hold down in engagement with the tonneau cover rail while permitting the cargo hold down to move with respect to the tonneau cover rail. |
| US08475093B2 |
Clamping unit with canister sleeve retention device
A clamping unit for releasably holding a tubular toolholder shank has a base member with a canister sleeve mounted therein. To secure the canister sleeve within the base member and to minimize movement caused by tolerances, retention bolts are threadably mated within the base member to engage a slot within the canister, wherein the relationship between the retention bolt and the slot is such that the retention bolt is intentionally misaligned, so that when engaged with the canister slot, the retention blot resiliently deflects and provides both an axial force and a lateral force upon a canister sleeve. |
| US08475092B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool and cutting method using the same
A cutting insert provided with an upper surface, side surfaces, and cutting edges provided at portions at which the upper surface and the side surfaces intersect with each other. Each side surface has grooves reaching the upper surface so as to divide the cutting edge into small cutting edges. Projections are provided on the upper surface at positions to which the grooves extend. |
| US08475089B2 |
Indexable milling insert for milling tools
An indexable milling insert for milling tools, including a bottom surface, an opposite chip surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending between the bottom surface and the opposite chip surface, two of the side surfaces being primary clearance surfaces and two of the side surfaces being secondary clearance surfaces. A plurality of cutting edges are formed between the opposite chip surface and the primary and secondary clearance surfaces. Two of the cutting edges that connect to the primary clearance surfaces are primarily parallel and constitute main cutting edges. At least one lock structure is provided and includes a locking surface arranged on one of the secondary clearance surfaces so that the locking surface and the primary clearance surface form an acute angle, α, in a section that is parallel to the bottom surface and intersects the locking surface. A coupling structure is arranged on the opposite chip surface and at least partly projects from a plane that is parallel to the bottom surface and passes through points of the main cutting edges situated closest to the bottom surface. The coupling structure comprises at least one flank surface, which is arranged in such a way that the flank surface, in a section that is parallel to the primary clearance surface and intersects the flank surface, forms an acute angle, β, with the bottom surface so that the flank surface slopes in the direction from the secondary clearance surface on which the locking surface is arranged. |
| US08475088B2 |
Device for milling of materials
A device and a method of making thereof includes a milling cutter body that is connectable to a rotatable spindle or holder. The milling cutter body is provided with at least one series of a plurality of tangentially spaced-apart cutting edges or a plurality of tangentially spaced-apart seats intended for milling inserts having at least one cutting edge. The cutting edges or seats of the series are arranged such that, within the series, a first angle between a radius that intersects a first cutting edge and a radius that intersects another cutting edge, which is situated closest to the first cutting edge in a direction of rotation around the rotation axis, is smaller than a second angle between the radius that intersects the first cutting edge and a radius that intersects another cutting edge, which is situated closest to the first cutting edge in a direction opposite the direction of rotation. |
| US08475086B2 |
Tool cassette
A tool cassette having a receptacle for an interchangeable cutting insert, wherein at least one setting element for setting the position of the tool cassette with respect to a seat for the cassette of a carrier tool is provided on the tool cassette. |
| US08475084B2 |
Tidal flow power generation
A structure for a tidal flow energy generation system is fabricated from tubular framework having tubular modules with mounts for respective tidal flow turbine nacelles. The node modules include tubular limbs extending in transverse directions and elongate tubes and provided to interconnect with the tube limbs of the node modules. The structure can be pre-fabricated and transported to a location for deployment. The structure can be deployed by means of hovering the assembled structure to the seabed, for example by means of flooding the structure. |
| US08475082B2 |
Spring loaded J bar T handle
Spring loaded J-Bar T Handle was created to eliminate time and effort spent loading and unloading material in the Vibratory Plow Blade. Spring mounted J-Bar T handle increases productivity and eliminates need for wrenches and other tools such as wing nuts etc. Invention also eliminates the need of a separate cable guide device allowing material to be fed directly into the chute from larger spools of material thus eliminating kinked and severed wiring and cabling. |
| US08475080B2 |
Method for remediating arsenic-contaminated soil
Provided is a method for remediating arsenic-contaminated soil, including: a collection step of collecting arsenic-contaminated soil; a washing step of adding the collected soil to a washing solution, which is acidic in nature and provides reducing conditions to the soil, so as to remove arsenic from the soil and transfer the removed arsenic to the washing solution; a solid-liquid separation step of separating the soil and the washing solution from each other after the washing step; and a post-treatment step of removing arsenic from the washing solution, which was separated in the solid-liquid separation step, and employing the soil for remediation. |
| US08475077B2 |
Nonlethal barrier
A nonlethal barrier system includes a first base having a frame, a shaft and a brake. The brake includes a stationary magnet physically coupled to the frame such that the shaft passes through the stationary magnet. Further, the brake includes an adjustable magnet that creates a magnetic field with the stationary magnet, where the strength of the magnetic field is alterable by rotating the adjustable magnet. A slab physically coupled to the shaft is disposed in the magnetic field. A net is furled around the shaft of the first base such that when an external force is applied to the net, the shaft of the first base rotates and unfurls at least a portion of the net. The slab applies a resistance, based on the strength of the magnetic field, to the shaft of the first base to control the rate at which the net unfurls from the shaft. |
| US08475074B1 |
Variable stiffness joint mechanism
In some embodiments, a variable stiffness joint is provided which has a plurality of structural members with a variable stiffness material coupled between the plurality of structural members. The variable stiffness material may be selectively activated/inactivated to control the stiffness of the joint. Additional embodiments and implementations are disclosed. |
| US08475073B1 |
Pivot connector for modular platform assemblies
A pivot connector has a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has a male pivot member and a first mounting member that is connected to the male pivot member. The second connecting part has a female pivot member and a second mounting member that is connected to the female pivot member. The first connecting part is connectable to the second connecting part such that a first engagement surface of the male pivot member is in engagement with a second engagement surface of the female pivot member. Each tab of a plurality tabs of the male pivot member is receivable in a respective slot of a plurality arcuate slots of the female pivot member such that the first connecting part is pivotable with respect to the second connecting part over a limited range of motion. |
| US08475071B2 |
Conical nib and writing instrument incorporating the same
A nib of a writing instrument is made of a carbon-resin mixture obtained by mixing a plastic material with carbon fiber. An ink feed core is provided with a nib cover. The nib cover is disposed on an outer periphery of the ink feed core between the nib and the ink feed core. The nib cover is configured to closely adhere at least to an inner periphery of the nib at the tip of the nib. A space defined between the nib and the ink feed core is filled up with the nib cover. The nib is made of a carbon-resin mixture obtained by mixing a plastic material with carbon fiber. With this configuration, a nib having high wear resistance can be obtained and duration of the nib and the writing instrument can be prolonged. |
| US08475070B1 |
Hard surface cleaning tool
A cleaning implement comprises a cleaning body assembly, a trigger assembly, at least one aerosol-cleaning container, a brush assembly, and a squeegee assembly whereby fluid from the cleaning container is dispensed by the trigger assembly. In one embodiment, the squeegee assembly is rotatably mounted to the cleaning body assembly. In another embodiment, the squeegee assembly is removably mounted to the cleaning body assembly. |
| US08475067B2 |
Printer with force transmitting path selecting mechanism
A printer has a carriage being movable between a first end and a second end of a reciprocating path; and a driving force transmitting path selecting mechanism provided at the second end of the reciprocating path. The selecting mechanism has: a common driving force outputting member; a plurality of force receiving members; a selecting member; and a position retainer for keeping the position of the selecting member. The selecting member connects the force outputting member to one of the plurality of force receiving members, and moves in association with the carriage when the carriage moves in a vicinity of the second end in a first direction extending from the first end to the second end. The position retainer keeps the position of the selecting member when the carriage moves in a second direction extending from the second end to the first end. The force receiving member connected to the force outputting member via the selecting member is selected in accordance with a movement of the carriage along the reciprocating path. |
| US08475066B2 |
Printing apparatus
An apparatus includes a reverse unit configured to wind a sheet printed at a print unit around the reverse unit and to reverse the sides of the sheet, and the reverse unit includes a winding rotary member having a cylindrical shape, and a skew correcting unit configured to correct skewing of sheets to be led into the winding rotary member. |
| US08475063B1 |
Lens cap
A lens cap includes a ring detachably mounted onto a lens of an optical apparatus and a pair of linkage sets pivotally connected to the ring, wherein the two linkage sets are diametrically corresponding to each other and respectively connected to a covering structure. A sleeve is longitudinally and slidably sleeved on the ring and the covering structure is connected to sleeve. As a result, the covering structure selectively opens/closes the sleeve when the sleeve is reciprocally moved relative to the ring. The covering structure and the sleeve are used as a lens cap when the covering structure closing the sleeve, and used as a lens hood when the covering structure is opened. |
| US08475062B2 |
Shutter drive device, shutter device, and imaging device
A shutter drive device includes a base member, an actuator, a first drive member, and a second drive member. The actuator is fixed to the base member and produces a driving force to drive the shutter mechanism. The first drive member is rotatably supported by the base member and configured to be rotated by the driving force. The second drive member is supported by the base member so as to be linearly movable in a first direction and configured to transmit the driving force of the actuator to the shutter mechanism. The first drive member has a gear component to drive the second drive member in the first direction, and a cam component configured to hold the second drive member in a specific position. The second drive member has a rack gear configured to mesh with the gear component, and a cam follower configured to contact the cam component. |
| US08475057B2 |
Optical module with ceramic package
An optical module with an arrangement is disclosed in which the module has the LD, the TEC, and the lens with the lens carrier also mounted on the TEC. The signal light from the LD is concentrated by the lens and reflected by the mirror each assembled with the lens carrier mounted on the TEC. The TEC is mounted on the bottom metal that covers the bottom of the ceramic package, the first layer of which is widely cut to set the TEC therein. The FPC is coupled in at least two edges of the first ceramic layer left from the cut. |
| US08475056B2 |
Semiconductor device assembly
A fiber coupled semiconductor device having an improved optical stability with respect to temperature variation is disclosed. The stability improvement is achieved by placing the platform holding the semiconductor chip and the optical fiber onto a spacer mounted on a base. The spacer has an area smaller than the area of the platform, for mechanical decoupling of thermally induced deformation of the base from a deformation of the platform of the semiconductor device. Attaching the optical fiber to a vertical mounting surface of a fiber mount, and additionally attaching the fiber mount to a submount of the semiconductor chip further improves thermal stability of the packaged device. |
| US08475042B1 |
Thermal shield system for high temperature environment XRF metrology tools
A thermal shield for an XRF measurement tool is formed from a heat shield and a heat shield cowling. These components protect the X-ray head assembly that includes the x-ray generation and detection columns and the head control electronics, communications and cooling systems. The heat shield is directly below the X-ray head, parallel to the x-ray head plane and plane of the PV substrate, and perpendicular to the primary beam output from the x-ray head. The heat shield is fabricated of machined copper with several ports machined through the shield. These ports provide a path for primary beam x-rays through the heat shield and for the return of fluoresced X-rays from the PV substrate back to the detector in the X-ray head, while preventing damage to the X-ray head due to the heat emitted from the PV substrate. |
| US08475040B2 |
X-ray apparatus for tomosynthesis
X-ray apparatus that allows performing tomosynthesis as well as lateral thoracic radiographs from the stretcher itself, for which is comprises a fixed column and a revolving base that can move vertically along the fixed column, as well as rotate. Associated to this revolving base is a folding board and a support base for an arm of the x-ray tube and collimator assembly, with the specific property that the x-ray tube arm can turn independently of the detector, and the rotation of the revolving base is performed about an axis adjoining one of the sides of the fixed column, so that when the assembly is rotated it is possible to perform lateral thoracic radiographs without having to move patients from the stretcher on which they have been brought. |
| US08475035B1 |
Mountable timepiece for hunting
A wrist watch-style timepiece includes a means for secure mounting onto a variety of common hunting weapons, such as a rifle, a crossbow, a shotgun or a bow. The mounting members are envisioned to include a variety of straps and closures configured to accommodate the selected type of weapon and to be connected to the timepiece by mounting collars. The timepiece is intended to show the time in a glow-in-the-dark display in a user's line of sight, thereby avoiding any rustling sounds associated with consulting a wrist watch or pocket timepiece. |
| US08475031B1 |
LED backlight module structure for increasing process yield
LED backlight module structure for increasing process yield comprises a housing, a copper circuit layer, a plurality of LED chips, a plurality of solder paste overflow prevention members, a light guide plate, and a bottom reflector. In the present invention, it mainly disposed the solder paste overflow prevention members between the LED chips and the copper circuit layer, therefore, the solder paste overflow phenomenon is prevented when using a pressing fixture to assist in executing the welding process of LED chips, and it ensures that the soldering pins of the LED chips would not electrically connect to each other due to the solder paste overflow phenomenon. Moreover, a position limiting band can be further disposed on the copper circuit layer for receiving and fixing the LED chips, in addition, the position limiting band is helpful to the LED chips in heat dissipation when the LED chips emit light. |
| US08475024B2 |
Emergency lighting
A photoluminescent track for an emergency lighting system comprises an elongate holder and an elongate photoluminescent insert received in a channel extending lengthwise of the holder. The insert is a push-fit in the channel and is retained by engagement of opposed inwardly directed lips at the mouth of the channel with the upper side edges of the insert so that the upper surface of the insert is exposed within the opening. |
| US08475015B2 |
LED lamp having lamp holder fixed with heat sink
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, an LED module received in the heat sink, a lamp holder disposed on a top end of the heat sink and covering the LED module, and a clip coupled to the lamp holder for securing the lamp holder to the heat sink. An annular fixing portion extends from a bottom of the lamp holder and surrounds a periphery of the top end of the heat sink. The clip hoops the fixing portion of the lamp holder and has a plurality of engaging portions extending through the fixing portion and inserted into the engaging slots of the heat sink correspondingly. |
| US08475013B2 |
Light emitting device and method for manufacturing same
A light emitting device has: a light emitting element; a metal member having a first face on which the light emitting element is mounted, and a second face that is on the opposite side from the first face; and a translucent member that seals part of the metal member and the light emitting element, the metal member has an element placement portion on which the light emitting element is placed, and a flat portion disposed around the element placement portion, a covering member is disposed on the second face side of the flat portion, and the top and side faces of the covering member are covered by the translucent member. |
| US08475011B2 |
Lens member and optical unit using said lens member
A lens member includes at least one of the annular prisms including a facet at an edge between an inner annular surface and an outer surface of the at least one of the annular prisms. The prisms with facets may be provided at a central portion of the lens member and the facets are configured to refract light toward a light-exit side of the lens member. |
| US08475009B2 |
Tailored side-emitter perimeter beacon
An optical element for a side emitting light that emits light from a light source at side directions relative to the horizon is disclosed. The optical element has an internal recess adapted to fit over a light source. The internal recess includes a collimating surface and interior refractive surfaces. An exterior refractive surface corresponding to the interior refractive surfaces is provided. A faceted prismatic reflecting surface corresponding with the collimating surface is provided. Light at a substantially horizontal angle relative to the horizon is emitted through the interior refractive surface through the exterior reflective surface to a side direction and light at a substantially vertical angle relative to the horizon is collimated by the collimating surface and reflected by the reflecting surface in the side direction. |
| US08475006B2 |
Dark field illuminator and a dark field illumination method
A dark field illuminator that includes: (i) a light source adapted to provide ring of light characterized by uniform intensity distribution; (ii) a collimating ring adapted to receive the ring of light and to direct collimated light beams towards an area of an inspected object such that different points within the area are illuminated by identical cones of light characterized by an incidence angle; and wherein the collimating ring and the light source are co-centric to an optical axis of the dark field illuminator. |
| US08475001B2 |
Lamp and light emitting diode tube thereof
A lamp including a tube holder and a light emitting diode tube is disclosed. The tube holder includes a first terminal socket and a second terminal socket. The first terminal socket is electrically connected to a power source. The light emitting diode tube is installed onto the tube holder. One end of the light emitting diode tube has two first conductive terminals plugging in the first terminal socket so as to provide the power source to the light emitting diode tube. Alternatively, one end of the light emitting diode tube includes at least one first conductive terminal and the other end includes at least one second conductive terminal so as to conduct an alternate current power or a direct current power to the light emitting diode tube via the first conductive terminal and the second conductive terminal of two ends of the light emitting diode tube, respectively. |
| US08475000B2 |
Connector, and LED lighting apparatus using the connector
A connector includes a plug connector and a receptacle connector which connect a circuit board to a connecting object and allow relative movement therebetween in a common plane or in mutually parallel planes. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle contact including a pair of holding portions and a pair of guide portions which are spaced from each other with the pair of holding portions positioned therebetween, wherein each guide portion includes a support groove. The plug connector includes a plug contact and a plug insulator which holds the plug contact. The plug contact is linearly elongated and resiliently deformable in a direction of thickness thereof and includes a contact portion that is engaged in the support grooves of the pair of guide portions. The plug insulator includes an opening facing the circuit board, and an accommodation space for accommodating the receptacle contact and the plug contact. |
| US08474994B2 |
Multi purpose visual and audible signaling baton
A multi purpose visual and audible signaling baton having applicability to fire scenes, traffic and crowd control, police operations, military procedures, search and rescue operations, and event parking has a whistle and LED assembly. A controller and power assembly controls and powers the baton by directly responding to a plurality of modes including an audible sound generating mode as well as an audio voice button. The baton provides a high intensity colors that illuminate much like a neon tube. The baton can function as a flashlight or strobe light. Also, each light that is selected can be accompanied by a loud 100 dbA whistle, merely by pressing a button. The baton permits a user to select up to ten colors with a capability of five different sounds including verbal commands and the baton, with a radio transmitter, can communicate with a remote radio receiver due to a programmable microprocessor. |
| US08474991B2 |
Photographic lighting apparatus and systems
Light apparatus and systems to produce a diffused light source for stage, studio, motion picture and still photography. A tube constructed from selected proportions of diffusion material and reflective material is secured at opposite ends to light reflectors or light reflecting umbrellas with light sources. The light generated by the light sources is reflected off of the reflectors and is also reflected off of the reflective material of the tube to produce a desirable light dispersion pattern across the length of the diffusion material of the tube. |
| US08474988B2 |
Projector
A projector to which a ceiling suspension attachment is fixed. The projector accommodates an internal device. The projector is provided with an outer case including a bottom wall that defines an outer bottom surface and an inner bottom surface of the outer case. Insert nuts are arranged on the bottom wall. Each insert nut includes a threaded hole to which a first coupling screw is fastened and a second coupling screw can be fastened. The first coupling screw couples the attachment to the outer bottom surface of the bottom wall, and the second coupling screw is fastened to the threaded hole from a side opposite to the first coupling screw. The second coupling screw is fastened at least one of the insert nuts to couple the inner device to the inner bottom surface of the bottom wall. |
| US08474983B2 |
Light-source cooling device and projection display device provided with same
A light-source cooling device is provided that, without adopting a complex configuration, is capable of reducing the temperature difference between the top portion and bottom portion of a light source despite change of the installation orientation. The light-source cooling device of the present invention for cooling a light source (11) is provided with: two ventilation ducts (4and 5) for guiding cooling airflows (13a and 13b) to strike against the light source (11) from opposite directions, and two fans (2and 3) for impelling the cooling airflows (13a and 13b) to two airflow guide units (4and 5). |
| US08474981B2 |
Illumination optical system having a light combining portion that combines light beams from a plurality of lamp units and projection display apparatus
An illumination optical system includes first and second lamp units, a light combining portion that combines a light beam from the first lamp unit and a light beam from the second lamp unit, at least one light returning portion disposed between the first lamp unit and the light combining portion, or between the second lamp unit and the light combining portion, or both, the or each of the at least one light returning portion dividing a part of light emitted from the corresponding lamp unit into a light beam to be returned to the lamp and a light beam to be led to the light combining portion, and a condenser lens that condenses light from the light combining portion. |
| US08474980B2 |
Projection autostereoscopic display and stereo screen
A projection autostereoscopic display including an image projector and a stereo screen is provided. The image projector projects an image. The image includes multiple viewing-zone images. The stereo screen receives the image and reflects the image to an observing direction. The stereo screen includes a linear polarizer layer, for receiving and polarizing the image. A first microretarder layer is disposed behind the linear polarizer layer. A second microretarder layer is disposed behind the first microretarder layer by a distance. A reflection-type polarization-reserved diffuser layer is disposed behind the second microretarder layer for reflecting and diffusing the image into various directions while maintaining the polarization state of the image. A switching layer is switched between a transparent state which maintains the polarization state of the image and an opaque state which changes the polarization states of the image to a non-polarization state, to switch between 2D and 3D display modes. |
| US08474979B2 |
Production of customized progressive ophthalmic lens
A method makes a customized progressive ophthalmic lens intended for an identified wearer that includes measurements of the inclination of the wearer's head. These measures are made when the wearer performs visual tasks in far-vision conditions, by consecutively looking horizontally, then towards the ground. A variation of the optical power of the progressive lens, below a reference direction for the far vision, is adjusted on the basis of the measure results. The habituation period of the wearer to the progressive lens can thus be reduced. |
| US08474977B2 |
Fixed optical system having an adjustable target
A fiber optic illuminator is provided comprising an optics bed, a light source, a collimating lens, and a condensing lens. The light source is mounted in a fixed position with respect to the optics bed. The collimating lens is mounted in a fixed position with respect to the optics bed and collimates at least a portion of the light from the light source. A condensing lens receives the substantially collimated light output and focuses the collimated light output to optically couple to an optical fiber. The condensing lens may be mounted on an adjustable mount. The tolerances of the fixed optical elements i.e. light source and collimating lens allow the fixed optical elements to be positioned with a minimal amount of variation where the variation is determined by manufacturing tolerances associated with these individual elements and their mounts and couple them to the optics bed. |
| US08474973B2 |
Infrared absorbing polarized eyeglass lens
An infrared absorbing polarized eyeglass lens substrate includes a polarizing element including a polarizing film and a polyurethane resin material containing an infrared absorbing agent and covering both surfaces of the polarizing film, and an eyeglass lens substrate made of a polyurethane resin not containing an infrared absorbing agent and configured to be ground for adjusting lens power. The polarizing element is superposed on one side of the eyeglass lens substrate and integrated therewith by insert molding which accompanies polymerization reaction of the polyurethane resin material. |
| US08474972B2 |
Rib profile for reduced contact pressure in a printing device
A printing device component may include a base surface and a plurality of ribs extending away from the base surface. Each rib may include a nominal guiding surface, one or more primary transition surfaces, one or more secondary transition surfaces, and one or more angled surfaces. Each primary transition surface may begin at a top surface and end at a secondary transition surface. Each secondary transition surface may begin at a primary transition surface and end at an angled surface. Each angled surface may begin at a secondary transition surface and end at the base surface. |
| US08474968B2 |
Inkjet apparatus and heating device
In a stopped state where a sheet is not moving, control is performed so that at a location, the sheet is heated by a heating unit and cooled by a cooling unit at the same time. When the sheet starts moving after the stopped state in order for the inkjet head to apply ink to the sheet, control is performed so that at the location, the sheet continues to be heated by the heating unit and is cooled by the cooling unit at a lower power than in the stopped state. |
| US08474967B2 |
Ink jet recording process
Recording onto a non-ink-absorbing recording medium is performed using an aqueous ink composition containing a first solvent composed of at least one selected from 2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-imidazolidinone, and N,N′-dimethylpropylene urea, a second solvent composed of at least one selected from 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-pentanediol, and a third solvent composed of at least one selected from glycol diethers and heating the non-ink-absorbing recording medium at 40 to 60° C. |
| US08474960B1 |
Fluid cartridge
An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer includes a bottom face and a front face; interfaces on the front face for connection to a cartridge receiving structure, the interfaces including an ink interface; a guide interface in the bottom face for guiding the cartridge along a straight line during insertion in the cartridge receiving structure for connecting the interfaces, where the guide interface comprises a guide track for guiding a T-rail guide of the cartridge receiving structure, said guide track extending parallel to said straight line; and a latch track and a latch strop disposed in the bottom face of the ink cartridge to guide and retain, respectively, a latch of the cartridge receiving structure. The guide track and the latch track are formed by one integral cut out in the bottom face of the cartridge. |
| US08474959B2 |
Liquid container and liquid ejecting apparatus
Provided is a liquid container containing a liquid which is to be supplied to a liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a containing portion containing the liquid and including a liquid out-flowing hole for out-flowing the liquid to an external portion and an air introducing hole for introducing external air into the containing portion, and a deforming portion being deformed in such a direction that a volume of the containing portion is reduced according to a decrease in an internal pressure of the containing portion; wherein the air introducing portion includes: a first sealing portion disposed in a circumference of the air introducing hole inside the containing portion; a second sealing portion displaceably disposed inside the containing portion and capable of closing the air introducing hole by pressing the first sealing portion outwards; and a biasing portion pressing the second sealing portion toward the first sealing portion. |
| US08474957B2 |
Ink tank and recording apparatus
An ink tank includes a stirrer supported in a freely moveable manner near an inner wall of an ink storage chamber. When the stirrer moves closest to the inner wall, a predetermined gap is formed between opposing surfaces of the inner wall and the stirrer. |
| US08474951B2 |
Liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes: a first and a second common liquid chamber formed in a substrate; a first nozzle array in which short and long nozzles are connected to the first common liquid chamber and alternately arranged on one side of the chamber; a second nozzle array in which short and long nozzles are connected to the first common liquid chamber and alternately arranged on the other side; a third nozzle array in which short and long nozzles are connected to the second common liquid chamber and alternately arranged on one side of the chamber; and a fourth nozzle array in which short and long nozzles are connected to the second common liquid chamber and alternately arranged on the other side; wherein the long and short nozzles formed on the one side and the long and short nozzles formed on the other side are disposed within a pitch P. |
| US08474949B2 |
Printing apparatus, cleaning device of ink-jet head and cleaning method of ink-jet head
According to one embodiment, a printing apparatus includes an ink-jet head including a nozzle plate with a nozzle string in which a plurality of nozzle holes for discharging ink are arranged, and a cleaning device including an ink-repellent surface with ink repellency which is configured to come in contact with the nozzle plate in a state in which the ink-repellent surface is opposed to the ink-jet head, an ink-affinitive surface with ink affinity which is configured to create a gap between the ink-affinitive surface and the nozzle plate in a state in which the ink-repellent surface is in contact with the nozzle plate, and to have a smaller ink contact angle than the ink-repellent surface, and a plurality of suction ports formed in the ink-affinitive surface. |
| US08474946B2 |
Image forming apparatus and foam application device
An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium to be recorded; and a foam application unit that applies a foam generated from at least any one of a liquid and a gel to the medium to be recorded or an intermediate member for applying the foam to the medium to be recorded. The foam application unit has a foam generation unit that generates the foam, an application unit that applies the generated foam to the medium to be recorded or the intermediate member, a foam supplying path through which the generated foam is supplied to the application unit, and a unit that increases a volume of the foam supplying path. The foam application unit increases the volume of the foam supplying path when stopping the supply of the foam to the application unit. |
| US08474942B2 |
Image correction system and image correction method
Every time density correction information corresponding to a colorimetric value of a patch is acquired, the time when the density correction information is acquired and the type of a printing medium on which the patch is printed are accumulated in association in a memory. The type of a medium for printing is specified by a user; density correction information acquired at the most up-to-date time for each chromatic color ink available for the medium of that type is read from the memory; it is determined whether or not the most up-to-date time when the density correction information is acquired for each of the chromatic color inks available for the specified medium is the same time; if the most up-to-date times are the same, density correction is performed on image data, using a correction table that corresponds to the density correction information acquired at the most up-to-date time. |
| US08474941B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus and inkjet printing method
There are provided an inkjet printing apparatus and an inkjet printing method, whereby, the temperature of a print head is controlled and the ejection volume of ink to be ejected is stabilized to print a high-quality image, even at a high printing duty. Based on print data, an ejection number of ink to be ejected into a unit printing area is counted. The print head is heated to a target temperature that is raised in consonance with an increase in the count value. |
| US08474940B2 |
Image recording apparatus and image recording method
An image recording apparatus including: a controller including a position storing section storing a first position which is a position of a recording portion at a point in time earlier by a rotation required period than a point in time when the recording portion is positioned at a second position at which ejection of liquid droplets has been completed, the rotation required period being a period from a point in time when a drive command is outputted to a second motor for rotating a feeding roller to a point in time when an amount of the rotation of the feeding roller reaches a preset threshold amount; and a drive command outputting section configured to output the drive command to the second motor when the position of the recording portion has reached the first position. |
| US08474936B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus, ink jet printing method, and data generating apparatus
An ink jet printing apparatus, an ink jet printing method, and a data generating apparatus are provided in which an image performance such as an abrasion resistance can be improved and a printing head can have a longer life by ejecting processing liquid at an appropriate time. The processing liquid is ejected, to a predetermined area on a printing medium in which the formation of a image by ink is completed, from a printing head in two or more scannings in five scannings of the printing heads. |
| US08474928B2 |
Articulated freezer drawers
The invention relates generally to an articulating drawer for a bottom mount freezer refrigerator. The drawer can be slidably mounted in the freezer compartment on slides that can include pivots to pivotally mount a drawer front on the slides. A support mechanism can mount a food storage basket for movement with the drawer front and movable slides and can move the food storage basket upward when the door is moved to the open position. The support mechanism can include a pair of guide plates connected to the slides having a guide surface arranged to be engaged by a food storage basket guide surface follower and a pair of links each connected to the drawer front at one end and having a first link pivot at a distal end arranged to pivotally connect to a food storage basket pivot. |
| US08474925B2 |
Lockable ejector device for a furniture part movably supported in piece of furniture
The invention relates to a lockable ejector device for a furniture part that is movably supported in a piece of furniture, including a fixing device for locking the movable furniture part in place in a closed end position, and at least one ejector element for moving the movable furniture part from the closed end position into an open position, wherein the fixing device comprises at least two locking units, which are coupled to each other and each have a receiving element for an engagement element. The at least two locking units are operatively connected to each other by way of a synchronization mechanism, which has at least two coupling elements, each associated with different locking units, and at least one synchronization unit. The coupling elements are coupled by way of the synchronization unit with respect to the movements thereof. |
| US08474923B2 |
Safes with rotating inner supports
Gun safes according to various embodiments include a secure housing and a rotatable gun support assembly that is disposed at least partially within an interior portion of the secure housing, and that is adapted to support rifles in a substantially upright position adjacent a perimeter of a portion of the gun support assembly. |
| US08474918B2 |
Method and device for monitoring a cutting extraction machine
A method and a device can be used to monitor the travel path of a cutting extraction machine (1), particularly one used in coal mining, which can be moved along the working front (10) equipped with a face conveyor (9) and an advancing support (12, 13) in longwall mining. Despite extremely poor viewing conditions, the method and device determine hindrances that might be present in the travel path of the extraction machine, in the form of shield caps that are standing low, or extendible cantilevers, sliding roof bars, or other attachments of the advancing support that are hanging down, or overloading of the conveyor, in order to be able to take measures to avoid disruptions in operation, in timely manner. The travel path of the extraction machine (1) is scanned by a radar measurement device (14) assigned to the extraction machine (1), and if a hindrance is determined, an alarm is triggered and/or intervention into the control of the extraction machine (1) takes place. |
| US08474917B2 |
Modular front seat back panel
A seat assembly having a seat and a seat back that is pivotally connected to the seat. A back cover is disposed on a rear portion of the seat back. The back cover includes an interior side and an exterior side. The interior side includes a plurality of laterally-extending ribs aligned with a plurality of engagement members. At least one vertically-extending channel is disposed on the exterior side of the back cover. |
| US08474913B2 |
Structural head restraint guide sleeve
A guide sleeve for a vehicle seat having a body portion adapted for insertion into a horizontal support of a vehicle seating assembly. The body portion includes a plurality of engagement members that extend radially outward from a center of the body portion. |
| US08474912B2 |
Seating arrangement with seat and back rest that adjust together to recline
Subject matter described herein includes a seat assembly (e.g., chair, bench, sofa, vehicle seat, etc.) having a seat and a back rest that adjust together to facilitate reclining. The seat assembly includes a base coupled to a back-rest frame. The base remains substantially fixed relative to synchronized adjustment of the seat and the back rest, and the back-rest frame includes a pivot on which the back rest rotates to adjust a back-rest recline position. The assembly also includes the seat hingedly coupled to the back rest and a fore-and-aft adjuster that couples the seat to the base. A movement restrictor attaches to the seat and the base and biases the seat in a rearward orientation. The assembly further includes a pivot receiver coupled to the back rest, the pivot receiver providing a path along which the pivot travels when the seat moves forward and rearward. |
| US08474908B2 |
Seat element and seating system
Disclosed is a seat element (1) for a seat system, which extends substantially across an entire zone of a backrest and/or a seat area of a seat in a mounted state. Said seat element (1) comprises devices (12-21) for receiving functional elements in order to provide additional seat functions. Such a modular seat system makes it possible to create in a simple manner different fittings of a seat, especially a vehicle seat. |
| US08474906B2 |
Roof apparatus
A roof apparatus includes a functional bracket supporting a movable panel, a guide rail, a drive shoe moving along the guide rail, a front link connected to the functional bracket to move in conjunction with the movement of the drive shoe, a rear link connected with the drive shoe to support the functional bracket, front and rear restriction portions arranged at the front link, front and rear restriction portions arranged at the rear link, a first distance defined between the front restriction portion of the front link and the rear restriction portion of the rear link, and a second distance defined between the rear restriction portion of the front link and the rear restriction portion of the rear link, wherein the front link and the rear link are arranged at different positions on a plain surface extending in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the guide rail extends. |
| US08474905B2 |
Roof assembly for a vehicle
A roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof comprising a movable closure element for closing and opening the roof opening. A stationary part comprises guide rails extending transversely of the roof opening in vehicle longitudinal direction. A closure moving mechanism comprises an electric motor fixed to the stationary part, flexible drive cables guided in a guide through a defined path at least partly within said guide rails and being engaged by the electric motor in order to be moved through the guide and along the guide rails. The guide is constructed such that, when an excessive force is exerted on the cable by the closure element in the event of a crash, it allows the respective guide cable to deviate from the defined path dictated by the guide during normal use, to allow limited longitudinal movement of the closure element. |
| US08474903B2 |
Serpentine section stabilizer for vehicle pillar
A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle roof member, a first panel, a second panel, and a serpentine-shaped reinforcement structure. The first panel connects with and depends downwardly from the vehicle roof member. The second panel connects with the first panel. The first panel and the second panel form, when connected, a vehicle pillar. The serpentine-shaped reinforcement structure includes a plurality of peak sections and a plurality of valley sections and is disposed in the vehicle pillar between the first panel and the second panel. The reinforcement structure is fixed to the first panel via a weld at a peak section. The reinforcement structure is closest to the second panel at a valley section. A method for manufacturing a vehicle body structure is also disclosed. |
| US08474899B2 |
Retractable top for off-road vehicles
A retractable top is disclosed for off-road vehicle such as Jeep® Wrangler® and CJ® brand vehicles. The top includes a frame and a fabric cover designed to cover and move with the frame. The frame includes a base plate that is secured to the belt rail surrounding the rear compartment of the vehicle. The top is deployable between a stowed configuration folded upon itself over the rear compartment of a vehicle and a deployed configuration covering the passenger and rear compartments of the vehicle. During deployment, the top unfolds in a substantially vertical direction over the rear compartment substantially to its full extent. This avoids collision with the rear doors and roll bars of the vehicle. Once so deployed, the entire top pivots downwardly into place covering the passenger and rear compartments of the vehicle. |
| US08474897B1 |
Storage assembly for use in vehicles
A storage assembly for use in a vehicle is provided. The storage assembly includes a body that includes at least one surface, at least one sidewall, and at least one recess portion defined within the surface. The recess portion is sized to contain at least one object therein. At least one holder is coupled to the sidewall, wherein the holder includes at least one opening defined therein that is sized to receive a container therein. At least two legs extend from the body for supporting the body a predefined distance above a floor of the rear portion of the vehicle. The two legs are spaced a predefined distance apart such that a passageway is defined therebetween. A receptacle is removably coupled within the passageway such that at least a portion of at least one item transported within the vehicle may extend through the passageway when the receptacle is removed. |
| US08474891B2 |
Zipper pull tool
A tool is disclosed herein for facilitating the opening and closing of mail bags, money bags, tool bags, and other large bags for carrying heavy loads utilizing large zippers. For instance, mail bags have a large zipper closure. Mail workers open and close these zippers dozens of times a day. Frequently, the zippers are hard to operate. Sometimes, the zipper handle may be missing. In both of these cases, a tool of some sort would facilitate the opening and closing of the bag. The present invention provides a zipper pull tool comprising a handle with a hook disposed at a selected optimal angle with a wedge shaped distal end and an eyelet or loop disposed at the other end. The handle is economically designed to provide good grip yet not require the user to squeeze the handle minimizing risk of injury to the wrist due to repetitive motions. The hook is disposed at such an angle as to provide optimum ease for hooking to the zipper or zipper handle. The loop on the end of the tool is attached to one end of an elastic safety laniard which is removably attached to the user's clothing. A safety clip attached to the other end of the laniard will allow the laniard and tool to be safely pull loose from the clothing in the event of an emergency. |
| US08474890B2 |
Animal waste disposal tool
A tool for retrieving animal waste is effective in complete removal as it deploys at its end a row of tines that are inserted beneath the solid waste so that is can be lifted from the ground as the first step for proper disposal. The waste is then removed from the tines by a plate that pushes it off into a waste receptacle. |
| US08474888B2 |
Closure latch for vehicle door
A closure latch includes a ratchet movable between an open position and a closed position. A pawl is provided and is movable between a ratchet locking position wherein the pawl holds the ratchet in the closed position and a ratchet release position. An inside door release lever is operatively connectable to the pawl. A lock includes a lock link movable between an unlocked position wherein the lock link operatively connects the inside door release lever to the pawl, and a locked position wherein the inside door release lever operatively disconnects the inside door release lever from the pawl. A lock lever cam rotatable between an unlocking range wherein the lock lever cam permits the lock link to move to the unlocked position, and a locking range wherein the lock lever moves the lock link to the locked position. The lock further includes an override member connected for rotation with the lock lever cam and rotatable between an actuatable range wherein the inside door release lever is engageable with the override member to move the lock lever cam to the unlocking range, and a non-actuatable range wherein the inside door release lever is operatively disconnected from the override member. |
| US08474882B2 |
Sliding mechanism for portable electronic device
A sliding mechanism for portable electronic device includes a sliding housing, a main housing and a stopping module. The sliding housing includes two ledges. At least one of the ledges defines a first notch and a second notch. The main housing includes two rails and at least one elastic member. The sliding housing is slidingly attached to the main housing by engagement of the ledges and the rails. The at least one elastic member includes a positioning portion. The positioning portion flexibly resists the at least one of the ledges and is selectively engaged in the first notch and the second notch. The stopping module prevents the sliding housing from separating from the main housing. |
| US08474877B2 |
Push-in fitting for electrical metallic tubing with enhanced sealing and continuity
An electrical fitting in the form of a connector or coupler for connecting an electrical metallic tube or EMT to an electrical box or panel or to one another. A unidirectional locking device is disposed in an outermost chamber and an O-ring is disposed in an intermediate chamber. The unidirectional locking device has gripping tangs. The intermediate chamber and gripping tangs are sized so as to prevent the gripping tangs from contacting the O-ring. A contact shoulder is used on one end of the fitting to prevent excessive compression of a sealing washer. Internal longitudinal radially increasing ribs are formed in the fitting body improving continuity and support for the EMT. A tube support may also be provided to prohibit any undesirable bending movement of the EMT connected thereto. |
| US08474873B2 |
Seat belt system in motor vehicles
A seat belt system in motor vehicles includes a seat belt disposed at a front seat and a shoulder-belt portion and a lap-belt portion, which at its outer anchorage point, is retained in the area of a door sill of the motor vehicle on a belt tensioner that is connected to the lap-belt portion via a connecting device. The connecting device is disposed out of view below a door-sill molding. |
| US08474865B2 |
Curtain airbag assembly for a motor vehicle
A curtain airbag assembly for occupant protection in a motor vehicle includes a forward airbag stored above a forward window for deployment to a position wherein a main body portion overlies a forward window and a rear end portion extending rearward from the main body overlies a post separating the windows, such as a B-post or C-post, and a rear airbag stored above a rear window for deployment to a position wherein a main body portion overlies the rear window and a forward end portion extends rearward from the main body and overlies the post. The forward and rear end portions vertically overlap one another where they overlie the post, and each has an end lip defining a recess in an outer face of the respective airbag, the end lips shaped to engage with the post. |
| US08474856B2 |
Wheelable loadbearing and leveraging frame apparatus
A wheelable loadbearing and leveraging frame apparatus amenable to receipt of attachments and consisting of first and second elongated members conjoined by way of anterior and medial cross members each with a plurality of horizontally inclined through holes therein and a posterior cross member with a plurality of vertically inclined through holes therein, and with each elongated member having a pair of horizontally inclined transverse through holes located therein and a plurality of vertically inclined through holes located therein. |
| US08474852B1 |
Trailer hitch
A towing hitch includes a base having a first pivot member, a telescoping arm assembly having a second pivot member, and pivot locking mechanism. The telescoping arm assembly and the base are pivotally connected by their respective pivot members. The pivot locking mechanism is in operative engagement with the first and second pivot members and operates in one of a locking state and an unlocked state. In the unlocked state the pivot locking mechanism allows omnidirectional rotation of the first pivot member relative to the second pivot member, and when in the locking state allows only unidirectional rotation of the first pivot member relative to the second pivot member. The unidirectional rotation is in a direction that causes alignment of the first longitudinal axis of the base with the second longitudinal axis of the telescoping arm assembly. |
| US08474851B2 |
Suspended rider bicycle
A suspended rider bicycle has a suspension boom which extends from the frame above the rider's torso, and a suspension device such as a belt or sling for suspending the rider's torso from the suspension boom. |
| US08474849B2 |
Wheelchair legrest assembly
A powered wheelchair includes a seat assembly configured to support an individual, a curved legrest assembly pivotally connected to the seat assembly, and an adjustment assembly including an actuator operatively connected to the central column through a piston slidably secured within a sleeve. The adjustment assembly is secured underneath the seat assembly. The powered wheelchair may also include an extension bracket that allows legrests and a central column of the curved legrest assembly to be separately and independently adjusted with respect to one another. |
| US08474846B2 |
Thrust bearing and suspension for vehicle
The suspension bump thrust device for a motor vehicle comprises a lower supporting cover 20, an upper elastic bearing seat 18 designed to be attached to the chassis of the motor vehicle, and a rolling bearing 22 forming an axial thrust placed axially between the supporting cover and the bearing seat. The bearing comprises a lower ring, an upper ring and at least one row of rolling elements placed between the said rings. The bearing seat comprises an axial retention means 34d for the supporting cover arranged on a skirt 34c of the said seat and interacting with a complementary axial retention means 50e for the said cover. A cup 36 for reinforcing the bearing seat forms the upper ring of the rolling bearing. The reinforcing cup 36 comprises an axial portion 36a resting against the skirt of the bearing seat and a radial portion 36b radially extending the axial portion inwards. |
| US08474844B2 |
Suspension structure for multi-purpose utility vehicle
A suspension structure is a double wishbone type suspension including a spring damper and is characterized in that, among a plurality of mounting points where an upper arm and a lower arm arranged vertically parallel to each other are connected to a vehicle body, the vertical positions of the mounting points, which are located on the left or right side with respect to a hub assembly, of the upper arm and the lower arm are different from each other. |
| US08474843B2 |
Suspension assembly for wheeled conveyance
A suspension assembly for a wheeled conveyance comprises suspension arms (1, 3) pivotally mounted on a chassis and extending in forward and rearward directions in the region of opposite sides of the chassis, each suspension arm (1, 3) having wheel receiving means (33) at the free end thereof. Spring means (7) is disposed in the region of each side of the chassis and acts between the forwardly and rearwardly extending suspension arms (1, 3) in such a way that the free ends thereof tend to pivot towards each other. Means (5) is provided for limiting movement of the suspension arms (1, 3) relative to each other. The limiting means (5) comprises a pair of limiter plates (17, 19) mounted on the chassis in opposite side regions thereof. The upper and lower suspension arms (1, 3) are pivotably mounted to the limiter plates in a region thereof remote from the spring means (7), the limiter plates (17, 19) restricting lateral movement of the suspension arms. |
| US08474841B2 |
Vehicle control systems and methods
Systems and methods for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors. |
| US08474838B1 |
Hidden braking device
A hidden braking device installed on an adjustable walking aid has a connecting unit installed in the walking aid. The connecting unit has an upper shaft connecting to a braking grip, a lower shaft connected to a braking unit, an adjusting seat fixed to the lower shaft for the upper shaft to penetrate, a moving member slidably disposed in the adjusting seat for propelling the upper shaft, and a fastening unit disposed out of the walking aid, corresponding to the moving member. In adjusting the height of the walking aid, the fastening unit utilizes its magnetic attraction to control the moving member. The moving member is influenced to engage with one fixing slot defined on the upper shaft. The height of the walking aid and the length of the connecting unit are concurrently adjusted, which increases the operational convenience. |
| US08474833B2 |
Carrier devices with fold flat, fixed, caster and/or swivel wheel assemblies
This application discloses a number of fold flat, collapsible, stowable wheel assemblies for wheeled carriers including but not limited to strollers, jogging strollers, flat carts, dollies, trolleys, wagons and carts. The application discloses novel methods to selectively fixate the wheel/tire position, to stow and fold flat, fixed, swivel and caster wheels so that the wheels/tires fold flat and generally parallel with the floor/base/frame of the device providing for a thin stowed profile. Also, one innovation provides for a flat cart and all wheels fold flat to the underside and side elevational profile of the carrier device. Other innovations relate to methods to manufacture and provide for fold flat caster or swivel wheels. One embodiment provides for a baby jogging stroller forward wheel/tire that is a selectively fixed, or becomes a swivel wheel, which quickly and easily may be folded flat along the jogger frame, without removing the wheel. |
| US08474832B2 |
Mobile device holder
A mobile device holder includes a lower holding portion having a pair of opposed lower holding portion channels, a shelf at the base of the lower holding portion, an upper holding portion having a pair of opposed upper holding portion channels, the pair of opposed upper holding portion channels diverging in a direction away from the lower holding portion and aligned with the pair of opposed lower holding portion channels, the upper holding portion affixed to the lower holding portion, and a base connected to the shelf of the lower holding portion. |
| US08474827B2 |
Film riding pressure actuated leaf seal assembly
In accordance with embodiments of this invention, a pressure actuated leaf seal assembly is provided that includes film riding, hydrodynamic/hydrostatic runners under seal member leaf ends. Leaf seal assemblies according to embodiments of this invention maintain the runner away from a rotating body until adequate rotating speed is present to generate lift required to allow the runner to float on a thin film of operating fluid on the rotating body, so that the runner does not rub the rotating body. In addition, runners are attached, or added, to leaf seal members such that the runners move in a radial direction, while remaining parallel to the rotating body. In one embodiment, a runner can comprise a separate structure coupled to a leaf seal member, and in another embodiment, a runner can comprise a wear-resistant pad on a distal end of a leaf seal member. |
| US08474821B2 |
Blackjack double down options
A method for conducting blackjack-style wagering games includes favorable player options to enhance its appeal. Various double down options are available for the player to either increase his win or reduce his loss when doubling down with an additional wager. |
| US08474813B2 |
Blocking module and multi-function printer using the same
A blocking module is used for blocking at least an object from passing through a rail. The blocking module includes a linkage member and a blocking member. The linkage member has a first end and a second end, and there is a buffering space at a side of the first end. The blocking member has a pivoting end and a free end, in which the pivoting end is pivoted at the second end and the free end hangs down under the pivoting end due to gravity. When the free end of the blocking member leans against on the object on the rail, the object applies a counterforce onto the blocking member so as to drive the first end of the linkage member to move towards the buffering space. The invention also discloses a multi-function printer. |
| US08474808B2 |
Sheet post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet post-processing apparatus implements a tilted edge-binding process by a movable table rectilinearly driving portion that moves a stapling unit rectilinearly via a movable table, and rotating the stapling unit to drive a staple near a sheet corner when the staple is tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to a sheet-conveying direction. The sheet post-processing apparatus includes the movable-table rotationally driving portion that rotates the movable table to cause the stapling unit to tilt at a position to drive the staple at the predetermined angle with respect to the sheet-conveying direction, and a tilt retention portion that mechanically holds the movable table to maintain the stapling unit tilted. |
| US08474807B2 |
Conveying device, spine forming device, and image forming system
A conveying device that conveys a sheet bundle with a flattened back-face portion includes a first conveying unit, a driving unit, and a second conveying unit. The first conveying unit retracts to a position where no driving force is exerted on the sheet bundle before a leading end of the sheet bundle formed in a flat spine shape enters, and abuts on the sheet bundle to exert conveying force after the leading end of the sheet bundle passes a conveying position. The driving unit moves the first conveying unit to retract to the position and to abut on the sheet bundle. The second conveying unit is positioned on an upstream side of the first conveying unit in a sheet bundle conveying direction and conveys the sheet bundle towards the first conveying unit. |
| US08474802B2 |
Vibration isolator
The invention relates to a vibration isolator comprising a canister which ends are closed by end caps and a shaft able to move inside the canister, wherein the shaft comprises a piston-like shaped part for separating the canister in two parts: the first part being defined between the piston-like shaped part of the shaft and the first end cap, and comprising at least one resilient and damping element able to be compressed by a compression movement of the shaft on a first nominal stroke; the second part being defined between the piston-like shaped part of the shaft and the second end cap, and comprising at least one resilient and damping element able to be compressed by a tension movement of the shaft on a second nominal stroke; the tangential stiffness of the vibration isolator being, on at least one part of the first nominal stroke of the shaft, at least twice as lower as its tangential stiffness on the entire second nominal stroke of the shaft. |
| US08474799B2 |
Fluid filled type vibration damping device
A fluid filled type vibration damping device including: a partition member having a communication passage connecting a pressure receiving and equilibrium chambers; an obstructing rubber elastic plate juxtaposed against the communication passage from a pressure receiving chamber side, adapted to obstruct the communication passage, and arranged to be exposed to pressure of the pressure receiving and the equilibrium chamber at both faces; and a constraining member provided for retaining an outer peripheral section of the obstructing rubber elastic plate in contact against the partition member at multiple locations. The constraining member provides an opening/closing control member operated to induce the obstructing rubber elastic plate to push against the partition member and close off the communication passage, and to induce elastic deformation of the obstructing rubber elastic plate to be separated from the partition member. |
| US08474796B2 |
Universal weakened strut support
An improved adjustable lift strut support adapted for permanent attachment to a shock tube of a vehicle's failed lift strut. It is capable of quick safe attachment to a plethora of different diameter struts. It wont damage the shock tube assembly if it is left connected to the shock tube, nor will it damage the vehicles hood or liftback when they are closed with the support connected to the shock tube. |
| US08474794B2 |
Lift control systems for lifting devices and lifting devices comprising the same
A control system for a lifting device and a lifting device comprising the same are disclosed. The control system includes a control unit comprising a processor with a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and having computer readable and executable instructions. A battery is electrically coupled to the control unit in addition to at least one indicator. The processor executes the computer readable and executable instructions to: determine an operating characteristic of the lifting device and an operating time of the lifting device as the lifting device is actuated; determine an accumulated load-time parameter for the lifting device based on the operating characteristic and the operating time; store the accumulated load-time parameter in the memory of the lift control system; compare the accumulated load-time parameter to a service constant; and provide an indication the indicator that a lift structural component requires service based on the comparison. |
| US08474793B2 |
Lifting system
The invention provides a lifting system that decreases the amount of energy used while lifting luggage from the ground in a variety of locations. According to the invention, a lifting system operates on a regenerative braking mechanism that provides for recharging the battery of the lifting system using energy created from rotational force generated by the lowering of an arm of the lifting system. |
| US08474791B2 |
Gate valve
Roller insertion grooves are formed along the longitudinal direction of inner wall portions of side frames, which are provided in the interior of a housing that makes up a gate valve. Respective pairs of retaining rollers are inserted into the roller insertion grooves. A valve disk is tilted, such that in a valve closed state in which the valve disk is seated on a valve seat, a load imposed from a displacement block, which is connected to a valve rod and tiltably displaced thereby, is imposed on the retaining rollers, the load being borne by first and second pressure receiving bodies, which abut against the retaining rollers and are disposed on the side frames. The first and second pressure receiving bodies are formed from a material having a hardness greater than that of the side frames. |
| US08474789B2 |
Valve control apparatus
A magnetic sensing surface of a stroke sensor is placed in an angular range between a first imaginary line and a second imaginary line. The first imaginary line is an imaginary line that coincides with a center line between first and second magnets of a magnetic movable body when a wastegate valve is placed to have a full close degree of the wastegate valve. The second imaginary line is an imaginary line that coincides with the center line between the first and second magnets when the wastegate valve is placed to have a half degree between the full close degree and a full open degree of the wastegate valve. |
| US08474788B2 |
Control utilizing non-contact switching for control and current sensing technology for operating a valve
The present invention provides a control device featuring a control module featuring one or more modules configured to provide a first control signal for controlling a first device in order to open or close a second device; and also configured to respond to a change in a parameter sensed in relation to controlling the first device, and to provide a second control signal for controlling the first device based at least partly on the change in the parameter in relation to time. The first device may be a motor; the second device is a valve; and the parameter may be current. In operation, the first control signal is for turning on the motor in order to open or close the valve, and the second control signal is for turning off the motor in order to open or close the valve. |
| US08474786B2 |
Valve stem and valve plug apparatus for use with fluid regulators
Valve stem and valve plug apparatus for use with fluid regulators are described herein. An example fluid regulator includes a flow control member having a body that includes a longitudinal bore between a first end and a second end and a valve stem is disposed in the bore of the flow control member. A connector slidably couples the valve stem and the flow control member such that the connector moves away from the flow control member to relieve the flow control member of a loading force imparted by a loading element of the fluid regulator when the flow control member sealingly engages a valve seat of the fluid regulator. |
| US08474783B2 |
Connection structure of vehicular engine mounting and front plate of front wheel cowling
A connection structure of a vehicular engine mounting and a front plate of a front wheel cowling is disclosed. The engine mounting includes a damper assembly, an upper mount bracket and a lower mount bracket. One end of the upper mount bracket corresponding to the front plate of the front wheel cowling is provided with a lug, and the lug is of a “Z” shape and includes a first locating plate, a second locating plate and a transitional plate. The first locating plate and the second locating plate is connected with each other via the transitional plate, and the first locating plate abuts against the front plate of the front wheel cowling and is fixed thereto by bolts. The second locating plate and the transitional plate are protruded into the locating hole in the front plate of the front wheel cowling. The connection structure of the vehicular engine mounting and the front plate of the front wheel cowling can reduce the connection processes of the upper mount bracket of the engine and the front plate of the front wheel cowling from two steps to one step without increasing the cost. As a result, the assembling time is reduced by nearly a half, and the assembling efficiency is doubled, which not only simplifies difficulty in assembling but also reduces labor intensity of the operator efficiently, meanwhile it can avoid damage to the components and accidental injury to the operator caused by falling of the engine mounting. |
| US08474782B2 |
System and method for effective isolation of an interferometer
An interferometer has its performance enhanced by being suspended in a housing that is optionally evacuated. The frame that supports the interferometer is secured to a cover for the housing with a plurality of studs having mechanical vibration isolators. The frame comprises a support flange with a foam layer beneath the interferometer. An optics tray is disposed above the interferometer and holds the assembly to the support flange. The fibers that are connected to the interferometer enter the side of the housing and the entry is sealed off to allow the interior of the housing to be evacuated. |
| US08474774B2 |
Panel component holder
The invention relates to a panel component holder arranged to be attached to a panel element. The panel component holder comprises at least one supporting means and a casing including a brim and at least one retainer. The at least one supporting means comprises an attached end being attached to the casing, an elastic means and a free end. Said at least one retainer is arranged to prevent outwardly movement of the at least one supporting means from said casing in a plane coinciding with the centre axis of the casing, wherein the outwardly movement of the supporting means is induced by the elastic means. |
| US08474771B2 |
Surgical tray methods and apparatus
A tray assembly includes an articulatable arm assembly coupled with a tray and selectively held in place by a locking mechanism (e.g., a locking gas spring). A release mechanism coupled with the tray selectively activates and deactivates the gas shock mechanism and is coaxial with and free rotating with respect to an axis of rotation of the tray. The tray may rotate between a horizontal position and a stored position substantially orthogonal to the horizontal position. The arm assembly may include at least one frictional hinge comprising a tapered pin, a tapered bushing in rotational frictional contact with the tapered pin, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the tapered pin to provide adjustable contact force between the tapered pin and the tapered bushing. |
| US08474767B1 |
Bike tie down bar
A tie-down bar apparatus and method for securing Cargo onto the bed of trailer or full-size, mid-size, or small pick-up truck comprising an adjustable telescoping support bar having a main body and two ends, the main body of the telescoping support bar has at least one tie-down ring is connected to the main body for securing one or more pieces of cargo including recreational vehicles, the main body of the telescoping support bar has two elongated arm which are positioning inside each end of the main body, to create the telescoping effect so that the support bar can be adjusted to match the size of the width of a vehicle's bed. Wherein a user will install said pair of connectors to the vehicle thereby securely attaching said telescoping support bar to the bed of vehicle. Wherein a user will place one or more pieces of cargo into said bed of the vehicle and then utilize one or more restraining means for securing said cargo in an upright position by connecting said restraining means to both the tie-down rings and to the cargo. |
| US08474766B2 |
Height adjustment mechanism and assembly method for electronic device using the same
A height adjustment mechanism includes a fixing member, an adjustment member rotatably engaging with the fixing member, and a standard member having a standard surface. The adjustment member defines an engaging hole. The standard member defines an alignment hole through the standard surface corresponding to the engaging hole of the adjustment member. The standard member is separately positioned over the adjustment member, and the standard surface of the standard member contacts with one distal end of the adjustment member. An assembly method for an electronic device is also provided. |
| US08474762B2 |
Aircraft slat assembly
An aircraft slat assembly comprises a slat, two tracks and two joints, each joint connecting a respective track to the slat. Each track is moveable on a wing structure between a fully extended position and a stowed position. Each joint is arranged to allow relative rotation between the slat and the respective track such that the slat is able to adopt a skewed position in which one track is in the fully extended position and the other track is in the stowed position. |
| US08474759B2 |
Method and apparatus for fastening components using a composite two-piece fastening system
A method and apparatus for attaching parts. A composite male fastening component is placed through at least a first part and a second part. The composite male fastener component preferably has a threaded portion. A composite female fastener component is positioned adjacent to and surrounding the threaded portion of the male fastener component. A portion of the composite female fastener component is caused to flow around and form into the threaded portion of the composite male fastener component. The portion of the composite female fastener component that flowed around and formed into the threaded portion of the composite male fastener component is re-solidified and re-consolidated such that the composite female fastener component is securely attached to the composite male fastener component thereby joining the mating parts. |
| US08474757B2 |
Array of aircraft seats
Sleeper seats, wherein each comprises a head rest, a back rest, a seat pan or seat cushion, a leg rest, an ottomans and a dividers between the individual seats with the their column. The four seats are arranged in a staggered chevron formation and two columns. All the seats in each column are parallel with each other and set at a “herringbone” angle αto the column direction, in other words their central axes A make the angle αwith a longitudinal axis of the array. Each seat extends from its column side of the longitudinal axis across the axis to a small extent. Along the axis, first a seat from one column crosses the axis and then a seat from the other column crosses the axis and so on. |
| US08474756B2 |
System for fixing
This system makes it possible to join a substantially flat base of an element to be fixed to a top plate. It is provided with: at least one hole of elongated shape made in the top plate, a shaft extending substantially perpendicular to the base of the element to be fixed and mounted movable in rotation relative to its longitudinal axis, a fixation head of elongated shape matched to the shape of the hole made in the top plate and disposed on a first side of the base of the element to be fixed, control means for making the shaft pivot around its axis and disposed, relative to the fixation head, on the other side of the base of the element to be fixed. |
| US08474748B2 |
Aircraft undercarriage with motorization and transmission
The aircraft includes an undercarriage having an upper portion, at least one wheel for running on the ground, and a shock absorber connecting the wheel to the upper portion. The aircraft also includes a motor for driving the wheel, the motor being rigidly fastened to the upper portion. |
| US08474747B2 |
Pivoting stabilising surface for aircraft
An aircraft (1) horizontal stabilizer (2) which can vary its sweep angle (6) by rotating around an essentially vertical axis (4) with respect to the direction of flight of the aircraft (1) when the aircraft (1) is in flight at high speeds, close to the speed of sound, this axis (4) being contained in the plane of symmetry of the aforementioned aircraft (1), the aforementioned horizontal stabilizer (2) being is a single and structurally continuous component such that it does not transmit a bending moment to the fuselage (14) structure of the aircraft (1), which permits it to be of reduced weight, such that the horizontal stabilizer (2) rotates in a single way and a single direction around the axis (4) to achieve the sweep angle (6) required for high-speed flight. |
| US08474741B2 |
Extraction device for coffee grounds or similar
An extractor device for coffee grounds that substantially consists of a tubular frame (10), inside which is a casing (11) fixed to the frame (10) and comprising a gear motor (12) preferably the low-voltage type, the lower part of the tubular frame (10) being open to allow the possibility of attaching a container bag (13) to collect the coffee grounds from above, the motor (12), positioned inside the casing (11) whose upper part terminates with a conical shape (11′), comprising a shaft (14) attached to the extraction device (15) which substantially consists of a blade (16) with two or more sectors. |
| US08474740B2 |
Bale processor for mixing two bales
A bale processor apparatus has a bale chamber configured to hold a front bale in the chamber forward of a rear bale in the chamber. A disintegrator apparatus removes shredded material from the front bale and forms a front stream of shredded material moving laterally, and removes shredded material from the rear bale and forms a rear stream of shredded material. An exhaust opening in the bale chamber adjacent to the front bale is oriented such that the front stream passes laterally through the exhaust opening. A conveyor receives the rear stream and carries same forward and moves same into contact with the front stream such that the rear stream is carried out through the exhaust opening with the front stream. |
| US08474739B2 |
Refining surface for a refiner
A refining surface (1, 2) of a refiner for defibrating lignocellulose-containing material has a first blade bar (14′) and a second blade bar (14″) with a blade groove (15) therebetween. A third blade bar has a rising guide surface (21) for guiding the lignocellulose-containing material to an upper surface (14c) of the third blade bar. The third bar guide surface is arranged, in the direction of travel of the first and the second blade bar (14″), at least partly between the first and the second blade bar, between the first blade bar and an imaginary extension of the second blade bar, between an imaginary extension of the first blade bar and the second blade bar, or between the imaginary extensions of both the first and the second blade bar. |
| US08474738B2 |
Impact mill
An impact mill equipped with transmission machinery (10) to rotate two coaxial rotors (16, 18) of a rotor apparatus (12) by one single driving apparatus (14). The transmission device includes, according to one alternative, a secondary shaft (32; 36b) equipped with a gear pair (28, 30) or a conic gear (29). The first gear (28) rotates a gear (24) at the shaft (20) of the first rotor (16), and the second gear (30) rotates a gear (26) at the shaft (22) of the second rotor (18), but in the opposite direction or at a different speed. The conic gear (29) rotates the gear (24a) at the shaft (20) of the first rotor (16) in one direction, and the gear (26a) at the shaft (22) of the second rotor (18) in the opposite direction. |
| US08474735B2 |
Broadcast spreader
A broadcast spreader provides for effective control of the flow of granular material to a rotating fan through use of a gate assembly in combination with an auger assembly. The broadcast spreader further includes a means for directing the granular material onto the fan, thus allowing for the shifting of the distribution pattern of the granular material from side to side. |
| US08474734B2 |
Injector
An injector includes a nozzle body, a main body including a supply port on the outer peripheral surface of the main body and a high pressure passage, and a fuel pressure sensor on an outer peripheral surface of the main body to detect fuel pressure. The high pressure passage has a first passage extending from the supply port in a radial direction of the main body, and a second passage extending from a fuel downstream end portion of the first passage toward an injection hole in an insertion direction of the nozzle body. The supply port and the sensor are diametrically opposed to each other. The main body includes a sensor passage, which branches from the high pressure passage to extend from the fuel downstream end portion of the first passage in an imaginary extension of the first passage so that fuel flows into the sensor through the sensor passage. |
| US08474733B1 |
Irrigation sprinkler with reversing planetary gear drive including two ring gears with different profiles
A sprinkler includes a turbine, a nozzle, and a reversing planetary gear drive. The reversing planetary gear drive rotatably couples the turbine and the nozzle through an additional reversing mechanism external to the planetary gear drive. The planetary gear drive includes a shift sun gear capable of axially shifting between raised and lowered positions to alternately drive a non-axially shifting first planet gear that in turn drives a first ring gear and a non-axially shifting second planet gear that in turn drives a second ring gear through an idler gear, the first and second ring gears having different gear tooth profiles to thereby change a direction of rotation of the planetary gear drive and rotate the nozzle in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions at a substantially uniform predetermined speed of rotation. |
| US08474727B2 |
Air conditioner and method for controlling the same
An air conditioner and a method for controlling the air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include an air-conditioning device having a variety of components that provide air-conditioning of an indoor space, an input device that receives signals to manipulate the air-conditioning device and signals to select a sleep mode, and a controller that, when the input device receives a signal to select the sleep mode, controls the air-conditioning device to perform a rapid eye movement sleep operation at least one time to air-condition the indoor space at a temperature higher than a temperature that is set in accordance with the sleep mode. |
| US08474721B2 |
Variable aperture and actuator assemblies for an imaging system
An imaging system which includes a housing for a radiation detector having a window disposed above and in axial alignment with the radiation detector, a variable aperture assembly which includes a base ring having a first opening and mounted on the radiation detector housing such that the first opening is in axial alignment with the window, a plate having a first aperture and adapted to engage the base ring such that the first aperture is disposed over the window, at least one aperture blade each operatively coupled to the base ring, and an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body. In addition, the imaging system includes an actuator assembly having an actuator and an actuator arm, the actuator arm disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing in proximity to the actuator coupling member. |
| US08474715B2 |
Self checkout with visual recognition
Systems and methods are disclosed for using object recognition/verification and weight information to confirm accuracy of an optical code scan, or to provide an affirmative recognition where no scan was made. One example checkout system includes: an optical code scanner configured to generate a product identifier; at least one camera for capturing one or more images of an item; a database of features and images of known objects; an image processor configured to: extract geometric point features from the images; identify matches between extracted geometric point features and features of known objects; generate a geometric transform between extracted geometric point features and features of known objects for a subset of known objects corresponding to matches; and identify one of the known objects based on a best match of the geometric transform; and a transaction processor configured to execute a set of actions if the identified object is different than the product identifier. |
| US08474712B2 |
Method of and system for displaying product related information at POS-based retail checkout systems
A bi-optical code symbol reading system including a system housing having a vertical housing section with a vertical window and a horizontal housing section with a horizontal window adjacent the vertical scanning window; and a digital video display subsystem, disposed within the vertical section of the system housing, and supporting the display of digital images in substantially the same plane as the vertical window during system operation. The digital images displayed by digital video display subsystem can be video images captured by an integrated digital imaging code symbol reading subsystem, to assist the operator in aligning code symbols during scanning operations. The digital images can also be product and price information captured during product scanning operations. |
| US08474710B2 |
Access control proximity card with actuation sensor
The present invention relates to access control systems using proximity cards, and in particular, to a proximity card and an associated method for controlling activation of the proximity card. The proximity card includes an actuation sensor and an access electronics system connected to the actuation sensor, the access electronics system configured to activate the proximity card in response to an input from the actuation sensor to enable communication of the access information from the proximity card. |
| US08474697B2 |
Automated banking machine
An automated banking machine (10) operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks, or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks, and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled, and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user. |
| US08474695B1 |
ATM security system and associated method for protecting personal information during transmission of an emergency event
An ATM security system preferably a mechanism is provided for capturing and transmitting an occurrence of the emergency event to a backup server. Another mechanism is provided for determining whether a consumer granted permission to a financial institution to share the non-public personal consumer information with the policing authority upon detection of the emergency event. Yet another mechanism is provided for routing a real time output distress signal to the policing authority upon capturing the emergency event in such a manner that the policing authority receives a location, a date and a time of the emergency event. Such a real time output distress signal includes a facial image of the consumer at the emergency event. Notably, the real time output distress signal includes the non-public personal consumer information only if the consumer granted the financial institution permission to share the non-public personal consumer information before occurrence of the emergency event. |
| US08474693B1 |
Automated banking machine security system and method
An automated banking machine (10, 30) includes a computer (32) that is operative to output a plurality of desktop environments through a display device (44) of the machine. The desktop environments may include a consumer desktop (54) and a maintenance desktop (58). The consumer desktop is generally empty of visual desktop elements such that when consumer user interface applications (40) are not producing visible outputs, only a background (55) portion of the consumer desktop is viewable. The maintenance desktop includes selectable desktop elements which are configured to conveniently launch terminal maintenance and configuration applications. The machine further includes input devices (46) such as a keyboard (52) and/or a switch device (50). A desktop switching application (36) is operative in the computer. The desktop switching application is operative responsive to specific input signals from the input devices to switch the current desktop between the consumer and maintenance desktops. |
| US08474679B2 |
Instrument for applying a surgical fastener
An instrument for applying one or more surgical fasteners includes a tubular shaft having a distal end through which each fastener is deployed. A delivery system is contained within the tubular shaft for advancing the surgical fasteners along, and out of, the instrument. An actuator is operatively associated with the delivery system. One or more wall structure modifications in the tubular shaft, such as openings, reliefs or cut-outs, interact with the delivery system. An outer tubular shaft is mounted over the wall structure modifications to reinforce the instrument against permanent deformation or inward distortion if excessive forces are encountered. |
| US08474678B2 |
Surgical stapling instrument with independent sequential firing
An end effector for a surgical fastener applying instrument including a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member includes first and second cartridges each containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, wherein each of the first and second cartridges is configured to move independently with respect to the first jaw member between a proximal position and a distal position. |
| US08474676B2 |
Staple refill, stapler, and cartridge
A staple refill including a refill body accommodating sheet-type connected staples. The refill body includes a bottom wall, a right wall provided on a right side of the bottom wall and formed with a vertically extending right guide slot, and a left wall provided on a left side of the bottom wall and formed with a vertically extending left guide slot. A pressing member is provided in the refill body in a movable manner to press the sheet-type connected staples. The pressing member includes a guide shaft guided along the right and left guide slots. The guide shaft includes a right end portion protruding outside the right wall through the right guide slot, and a left end portion protruding outside the left wall through the left guide slot. |
| US08474674B2 |
Tablet cutter
The invention is directed to a pill cutter that has a protected cutting edge. The pill cutter includes a guard, a base, and a cover. The components are arranged such that the guard slides over the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in an open position and the guard exposes the cutting edge when the pill cutter is in a closed position. The invention is also directed at a method for assembling the pill cutter and a method of using the pill cutter to cut a pill or tablet. |
| US08474673B2 |
Carrier system
A system for carrying articles from a belt worn on the body of a person or other animate bearer comprises a belt or elongated member (20) with a substantially planar rail (30) borne on the outside surface of the belt and a carrier (50) for articles attached to the rail by a sleeve sewn to the body of the carrier. The carrier (50) may be free to slide along the rail (30) or may be secured at least temporarily to the rail. The carrier (50) thereby can be moved along the rail when worn on the belt so that the bearer can place the carrier (50) in a more comfortable or useful position with respect to the body of the bearer and secure it in that position at least temporarily. |
| US08474670B1 |
Holster retention system
A holster for a handgun, including a cavity having a frame/slide portion and a trigger guard portion; an axis extending between the frame/slide portion of the cavity and the trigger guard portion of the cavity; and a lever having a finger button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the lever includes a second side facing generally toward the holster cavity, and wherein the engagement portion of the lever includes a locking projection extending from the second side of the engagement portion; wherein the lever is pivotally attached atop the side wall of the holster, along the axis, approximately between the finger button portion and the engagement portion, such that the finger button portion extends from the axis and is positioned above the frame/slide portion of the cavity and the engagement portion extends from the axis and is positioned above the trigger guard portion of the cavity. |
| US08474668B2 |
Wearable holders and containers
A wearable food holder includes a container portion having multiple walls defining an interior volume; a tray portion, the tray portion being movable relative to the container portion from a closed position to an open position to access the interior volume; one or more spikes, the spikes being positioned within the interior volume of the container portion when the tray portion is in a closed position; and a mounting means for mounting the food holder to an article for wearing by a person. |
| US08474666B2 |
Ankle foot orthosis and shoe donning device
An ankle foot orthosis (AFO) and shoe donning device is disclosed comprising an L-shaped AFO cradle with unitarily formed hinge pins for releasable and rotatable engagement with channels in a docking base for purposes of stabilizing and positioning an AFO for donning by a patient with restricted movement. The AFO cradle can be rotated in a variety of positions within the docking base for donning an AFO using only one hand at a position of choice. A shoe platform is also provided for engagement with the docking base in which includes an inclined upper surface for placement of a shoe and which is designed for releasable engagement with the docking base and with the AFO cradle to stabilize the shoe platform during donning of a shoe. Adjustable pins are provided to accommodate various AFO and shoe sizes during the donning process. |
| US08474665B2 |
Re-sealable spigot for a collapsible beverage container
A re-sealable spigot includes a cylindrical structure configured to be attached to a liquid receptacle. The cylindrical structure is formed with a stem having an upper portion, a base portion, a top in coaxial arrangement with the upper portion, and a cap having a hollow receiving portion shaped as a multi-sided geometrical element, the cap sealing the cylindrical structure to the liquid receptacle. |
| US08474662B2 |
Fresh cooking oil automated dispensing rack
An architecture is presented that dispenses fresh cooking oil. The dispensing device comprises a rack and a vacuum chamber that secures containers of cooking oil in an inverted position. The vacuum chamber allows the cooking oil to drain out of the container and ensures that all oil is completely drained from the container. A metal cap assembly is secured to an opening of the container, allowing the container to be inverted on the rack. The metal cap assembly comprises a vent hole and a metal tube connected to the vent hole that draws air into the inverted container to prevent vacuum levels from building up in the container. A hose transfers cooking oil from the container to the vacuum chamber. And, an exit hose connects to a pumping station and transfers cooking oil from the vacuum chamber to the pumping station and ultimately to a fryer. |
| US08474660B2 |
Dispensing apparatus having a pivot actuator
An apparatus for dispensing an adhesive generally comprises a dispensing module, a liquid supply component, and an actuating assembly. The actuating assembly includes a housing proximate the dispensing module and a three-way solenoid valve operatively coupled to the housing. A piston positioned within a piston chamber of the housing is configured to reciprocate along a piston axis when operated by pressurized air controlled by the solenoid valve. The piston is operatively coupled to a valve element within the dispensing module by a pivot arm. |
| US08474656B2 |
Viscous material extruding dispenser
A syringe has a dripless feature by using an O-ring located between a conical disc and a flat plunger disc in an annular groove on a moving plunger. The flat plunger disc has a series of projections that offset the o-ring off the flat plunger disc surface when the plunger is not actuated. When the plunger is actuated, the o-ring distorts to rest on the projections and also on the surface of the flat plunger disc. When the plunger is released, the o-ring's resiliency pulls the o-ring back to its original shape which sucks back the fluid being dispensed so that no or less drips occur. |
| US08474649B1 |
Ice cream serving bowl
A serving dish, such as in the form of a bowl is provided including an upper receptacle and a lower enclosure. The upper receptacle, in the form of a basin, supports a food item to be served frozen, such as ice cream. The lower enclosure, in the form of a stand, includes an interior containing a thermal mass therein. Materials forming the basin have a higher than average thermal conductivity, to relatively rapidly conduct heat away from chilled food items served within the basin. The thermal mass within the interior of the stand has a higher than average specific heat. When the stand and included thermal mass are pre-chilled, large amounts of heat can be rapidly conducted from food items within the basin, down into the thermal mass. Food items served within the basin of the bowl can thus be kept frozen during a serving period. |
| US08474648B1 |
Thermos and cup combination
The drink ware system of the present invention comprises a vessel, stopper, cup, and lid. The vessel includes a first end, mouth located at the first end, second end, first and second mechanical connections, and body comprised of an inner and outer surface. The body of the vessel stores liquids that are deposited through the vessel's mouth. The stopper engages the mouth to prevent the liquids being stored from escaping. The cup is comprised of an outside surface, inside surface forming a cavity, and opening having a third mechanical connection. The cup is removably coupled to the first end of the vessel such that the cavity encloses the mouth and stopper. The lid has a fourth mechanical connection and can be removably coupled to the second end of the vessel and the opening of the cup when the cup and the lid are decoupled from the vessel. |
| US08474647B2 |
Metallic liner with metal end caps for a fiber wrapped gas tank
A metallic liner for a composite reinforced high pressure gas cylinder is composed of a seamless metal tube contoured with a top dome and bottom dome. The liner is further composed of a seamless top metal end cap having a mating shape of the top dome and a seamless bottom metal end cap having a mating shape of the bottom dome. Alternatively, an extruded cup is shaped to a dome at the open end and one or two seamless metal end caps are used. In the method of manufacturing, the top and bottom ends of the metal tube are contoured, the end caps are produced, and one or two end caps are attached to the ends of the tube. |
| US08474645B2 |
Waterproof case
There is provided a waterproof case which prevents ingress of water into the waterproof case through a protection piece, including a case body formed into a rectangular tube-like shape with a peripheral wall thereof and a lower cover having a bottom wall covering a lower opening of the case body and a peripheral wall extending from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall of the body case is placed so as to cover the peripheral wall of the lower cover. The protection piece is provided at the peripheral wall of the lower cover so as to sandwich the peripheral wall of the case body with the peripheral wall of the lower cover to prevent the deformation of the peripheral wall of the lower cover. There is also provided a protrusion protruding from a surface of the peripheral wall of the case body on which the protection piece is placed. |
| US08474644B1 |
Tamper indicator for use with pails
An open ended container with locking lid provides the tamper indication. The lid and the container have cooperating threads. The lid has also has a locking mechanism connected to the lid, such as from a downwardly extending wall. The tamper indicator is preferably automatically deployed upon initial transition of the lid to the closed configuration but in the event of a mistake, authorized parties may remove the tamper indicator, install a new one and reset the container assembly to a set configuration. |
| US08474642B2 |
Diaper disposal container
A disposal container having a container body, a seal section disposed on top of the container body and having an opening with a seal band around the opening, a transfer barrel pivotally mounted on the seal section, the transfer barrel having a substantially spherical outer surface with an opening on the outer surface, and a handle pivotally mounted on the seal section. The handle and the transfer barrel are mounted to rotate coaxially in synchronization. When the handle and the transfer barrel are rotated to an open position, the opening of the transfer barrel is above the seal band; when they are rotated to a closed position, the opening of the transfer barrel is below the seal band. In another embodiment, a lid rather than a handle is provided and coupled to the transfer barrel to rotate it. Springs are provided to urge the lid toward an open position. |
| US08474640B2 |
Combined apparatus for storage
The present invention is a combined apparatus for storage for storing compressible articles. The combined apparatus including a combination of an expandable, air-tight storage bag and a soft-sided container for storing the storage bag therein. The soft-sided container having four side walls, a top portion, and a bottom portion defining a compact and low profile when in a collapsed state. A base support member is attached to the bottom portion of the container. At least one securing member is attached to the bottom portion of the container. In operation, as air within the storage bag is evacuated from the storage bag, the storage bag and the compressible articles stored therein collapse into the soft-sided container. |
| US08474639B2 |
Collapsible container
A collapsible vase has a sleeve having an open state in which at least one item can be placed in the sleeve and a flattened state for storage during non-use of the vase. The sleeve has a flap at one end of each side panel of the sleeve. The vase also has a base with slots arranged to securely receive respective flaps when the sleeve is in its open state, whereby the sleeve is retained by the base in a substantially upright position. |
| US08474637B2 |
Releasable entrapment of aroma using a polymeric matrix
An aroma delivery system comprising aroma compound entrapped in a polymeric matrix. |
| US08474635B2 |
Endodontic procedure employing simultaneous liquefaction and acoustic debridement
An ultrasonic liquefaction endodontic system having a graspable hand piece includes a contra-angle tip assembly that has an insert and an internal fluid flow passageway. A portion of the fluid flow passageway passes through a C-shaped receiver located at the end of the receiver so that an ultrasonic frequency may pass directly to the fluid flowing through the passageway. The fluid flow passageway may be an injection tube and the tubular body portion of the tip assembly may be injection molded around the injection tube and the insert. A supply tube, which is held in position by tube guides connected to the hand piece, provides a source of flushing fluid with and without pulsed pressure. The fluid pressure pulses may have an ultrasonic energy superimposed thereon as the fluid is forced into a root canal. |
| US08474629B1 |
Self-cleaning tramp metal separation device for pneumatic conveying lines
A tramp metal separation device for removing contaminants from a stream of raw materials that is being conveyed by a pneumatic conveying line. The tramp metal separation device includes a first housing, a drawer, and at least one actuator. The first housing has an inlet and an outlet that are connectable to the pneumatic conveying line. The drawer is supported with respect to the first housing such that the drawer is moveable between an extended position, where a plurality of magnets are positioned within the first housing and a retracted position, where the magnets are positioned outside of the first housing. A wiper assembly removes contaminants from the magnets as the drawer moves from the extended position to the retracted position. The actuator moves the drawer between its extended position and its retracted position. |
| US08474627B2 |
Process for the flotation of non-sulfidic minerals and ores
A process for the flotation of non-sulfidic minerals or ores, is disclosed in which crushed crude minerals or ores are mixed with water and a collector to form a suspension, air is introduced into the suspension in the presence of a reagent system, and a floated foam containing the non-sulfidic mineral or ores is formed therein along with a flotation residue comprising the gangue polymeric esterquats as the collector polymeric esterquats. The polymeric esterquats are obtained by reacting alkanolamines with a mixture of monocarboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids and quaternizing the resulting esters, optionally after alkoxylation. |
| US08474626B2 |
FOUP and robotic flange thereof
A wafer container includes a container body, which comprises a plurality of sidewalls, a bottom, and a top to define a space for containing wafers, an opening being formed on one sidewall, and a door with an outer surface and an inner surface. The top of the container body is disposed with a robotic flange which comprises a foolproof structure and a hemi-circular snap-hook portion that are disposed at the center and its circumference of a lower surface of the robotic flange facing the top. The foolproof structure has a geometric hole for a protruding portion on the top of the container body to be plugged in. After the protruding portion is plugged into the geometric hole, the robotic flange is further rotated along the container body about 180 degrees for the hemi-circular snap-hook portion to be engaged in a hemi-circular supporting portion on the top of the container body. |
| US08474623B2 |
Ecological snack bag
A reusable bag for storing foods is provided, comprising an outer material constructed from a polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) non-woven fabric; an inner lining constructed from a multilayer material comprising: a first aluminum layer, a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) adhered to the first aluminum layer, and a second aluminum layer adhered to the layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET); wherein the inner lining and outer material are formed in the shape of a bag having an opening; and (c) a zip-lock fastener adhered to the opening, wherein the zip-lock fastener is adapted to permit a secure closure and water-tight seal of the bag. |
| US08474622B2 |
Bulk material container
A bulk material container and method for its use is provided. In one or more embodiments, the bulk material container includes: a lid with a lid reinforcement frame positioned substantially at least around the perimeter of said lid, a vertical stop on the exterior of the walls of said container that contacts a projection from an interior wall of said container when one of said bulk material containers is stacked in another, a modular design in which the walls and base of the bulk material container are detachable and replaceable, a stiffening ring positioned around the perimeter of the container walls near their vertical top, and a lid having a lateral motion restraining system to restrain the lateral motion of one container stacked on another. |
| US08474620B2 |
Container display with cover mountings
A cover display for a container in some implementations having a dome shaped cover base with a flat bottom and a top with a radius of curvature with one or more frame catches positioned near the periphery of the cover base. An adorned Tiara shaped cover with an annular wall supporting frame latches positioned to correspond to said frame catches is affixed over said dome shaped cover base. |
| US08474614B2 |
Protective container for a flat screen monitor
The invention is a protective container for transporting an enclosed object such as a flat screen television or other flat screen monitor. The protective covering includes two flaps and a base having soft padding material on their inner surfaces. An open configuration is essentially flat, allowing a monitor to be easily positioned on the covering. The flaps fold up to transform the protective container into a closed configuration, with straps or other connectors holding the flaps in place. The protective container has various features making it convenient to move manually and to transport in a delivery truck. The protective container is more convenient to use than the prior art, and can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials. |
| US08474611B2 |
Multiple aperture dosing closure system
A closure with an integrated dosing cap (1), comprising an upper part (6), a body (2) with a threaded closure (9) having a bottom (3). Closed by a closing seal (5) fixed to the lower end of the body (2) and easily removable in response to axial pressure (F) exerted on the upper part (6) of the closure dosing cap, thus creating 2 or more individual openings at the bottom (3). |
| US08474610B1 |
Produce container with insert
An improved container for holding produce is provided. The container comprises a tub-like tray, an insert that forms a snap fit within the tray near the tray bottom wall, and an absorbent pad that fits in the space between the insert and the tray bottom wall. When in use, exuded liquid can drain into the reservoir below the insert where it is absorbed by the pad. The insert helps segregate the exuded liquid from the produce and is designed to remain in place when the container is titled. |
| US08474609B1 |
Electronic device case and stand
A cover for an electronic device having a first panel including a first and second edge, a second panel including a first and second edge and being positioned adjacent the first panel, a third panel including a first edge adjacent the second panel opposite the first panel, and means for connecting the first panel to a device holder or to the device itself. The cover may attach to a separate back panel which can be detachably secured to the electronic device. The second edge of the first panel, the first and second edges of the second panel and the first edge of the third panel are slanted so as to allow adjacent panels to be configured to form an angle to one another. The edges of adjacent panels are V-shaped and include two sidewalls which abut when the panels move together. This limits the minimum angle between adjacent panels. |
| US08474608B2 |
Conveyor belt guard panel blank having integrally formed handles and method of forming a conveyor belt guard panel
A conveyor belt guard panel blank comprises a monolithic planar sheet of material of uniform thickness having opposite facing primary surfaces. The sheet of material has a plurality of openings extending therethrough in a manner creating a mesh. The sheet also comprises at least two handle formations that are adapted and configured to be altered in a manner such that the handle formations extend outward from one of the primary surfaces of the sheet of material. |
| US08474604B2 |
Systems and methods for belt alignment
A belt alignment system has a first element movable in response to mechanical interference between the first element and a lateral side of a belt and a steering roller mechanically configured to change position in response to the mechanical interference. A method of aligning a belt includes changing a lateral position of a lateral side of a belt, receiving lateral movement of the belt as an input, translating the lateral movement of the belt into a change in position of a steering roller, and employing the steering roller to move the belt in a lateral direction. An oven has a belt configured for rotation in a longitudinal direction and an alignment system configured to mechanically translate movement of the belt in a transverse direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction into an angular movement of a steering roller relative to the transverse direction. |
| US08474600B2 |
Rotating system for unstacking, transporting, and feeding sheets
A rotating system to withdraw, to transport and to feed blanks having two rotating elements, a first sun shaft, a first planetary shaft and a second planetary shaft disposed coaxial among them, two first arms, a third planet shaft, one or more second arms, one or more gripper means, first transmission means able to rotate the first and the second planetary shafts, second transmission means able to rotate-oscillate the third planet shaft in an independent manner, first actuator means, second actuator means, synchronizer means. |
| US08474598B2 |
Device and method for composing packages for a packaging machine
The invention provides a device (1) having at least one inlet conveyor belt (3) for loose, un-grouped articles (5), and at least one grouping device (7) for the loose, un-grouped articles (5) for the orderly composing of articles. An outlet conveyor belt (9) is associated with the grouping device (7), said outlet conveyor belt (9) feeding the articles thereon grouped without containers to a packaging device (10). The invention also provides a method for composing packages for a packaging machine. |
| US08474595B2 |
Baggage screening device
A system for screening carry-on baggage and other items carried by individuals is provided that includes a screening device, especially an X-ray screening device, a conveyor for conveying the items to be screened through the screening device, a support surface arranged upstream of the conveyor, a removal position for the items, arranged downstream of the conveyor, transport trays that are to be placed on the conveyor and in which small objects and items of clothing can be placed and conveyed through the screening device for screening, and a return conveyor for the empty transport trays. The return conveyor leads to a tray lift, the exit of which leads to a tray transfer path extending in parallel to the support surface, the transfer path tapering towards the support surface. |
| US08474594B2 |
Drive unit, drive system and conveyor installation for skid supporting an object
A self-propelling drive unit with a chassis and a coupling device by means of which a skid can be coupled detachably to the chassis, a drive system for driving a skid and a conveyor installation, in which a drive unit is provided inside a conveying area. |
| US08474592B2 |
Currency discrimination
A reference data set used for classifying items of currency is established by obtaining at least one measured response from at least one known item of currency, projecting the measured response data from the known item of currency from a first space to a second space, and applying a reduction technique to the second space thereby reducing the complexity of the second space. The reference data set, which can be used for classifying items of currency, is thus represented by a subset of all measured responses obtained from the known item of currency. |
| US08474590B2 |
Frictional part with a zig-zag or undulating circumferential groove in the frictional surface
A friction part for a frictionally acting device comprising an annular friction surface which has an inner edge and an outer edge, with the friction surface having provided in it an encircling first groove which extends in zig-zag or undulating form between radially inner and radially outer deflection points, a plurality of second grooves which extend from the inner edge to the outer deflection points and a plurality of third grooves which extend from the outer edge into the encircling first groove and which open into the encircling first groove at opening-in points between the deflection points. |
| US08474588B2 |
Dry clutch having solid lubricant friction stabilization inserts
The present invention provides a lever actuator rear pull dry clutch to connect an engine with a vehicle transmission. A spring retainer and/or pressure plate of the clutch assembly has a dry lubricant for sliding in pivotal engagement with the levers to maintain the efficiency of the actuation of the clutch over an extended life cycle of the clutch assembly. |
| US08474585B2 |
Clutch device
The invention relates to a clutch device, for example, a booster clutch device, including a first clutch element and a second clutch element, where a torsion spring device is provided coupling the first clutch element to the second clutch element, the torsion spring device having a multi-stage spring characteristic. |
| US08474582B2 |
Cushion device and motorcycle
A cushion device includes a shock absorber and an accumulator. As a piston moves in a certain direction in a cylinder so that the shock absorber is compressed, oil in an oil chamber is discharged to the accumulator through an oil hose. The compression operation of the piston allows a slide member to slide and the capacity of an oil chamber is reduced. The oil in the oil chamber is discharged to a regulation unit through an oil hose. The regulation unit controls a valve by the pressure of the oil coming in from the oil chamber and applies resistance to the oil discharged from an oil chamber to an oil chamber. |
| US08474577B2 |
Rest position adjuster for brake actuating element
A device for adjusting the release position of an operation element of a brake includes an articulated rod hinged and rotationally connected to the operation element. The articulated rod has an adjustment end provided with a pin having a threaded adjustment hole at least partly threaded and engaged with a threaded portion of a push rod, operatively connected to the operation element of the brake. The device comprises an anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of the push rod. |
| US08474576B2 |
Scaffold storage plank
The present invention comprises a scaffolding system with scaffolding frames and at least one scaffold storage plank. The scaffold storage plank comprises of a body that contains a storage reservoir capable of holding tools or equipment. The scaffold storage plank further comprises a folding sectional cover to the storage reservoir and allows assess to the storage reservoir when the cover is in its open position. When the cover is in its closed position the scaffold storage plank functions as a means of support. The scaffold storage plank may be locked to the scaffolding structure in the closed position so that tools and equipment stored within the scaffolding system are secure. |
| US08474573B2 |
Reinforced composite sandwich panel
The invention relates to a composite sandwich panel (1) comprising at least a web (2) provided between an inner skin (3) and an outer skin (4), each skin being made of a composite material from a plurality of fibrous plies (5, 6, 7, 8), characterized in that a portion of the plies of the inner skin and/or of the outer skin each extends at least partially through the web at an uninterrupted area thereof in order to form together a through-reinforcement (9) extending from the inner skin to the outer skin of the composite sandwich panel. The invention further relates to an aircraft element including such a composite sandwich panel. |
| US08474569B2 |
System and method for self-detecting vehicle theft
A system and method for self-detecting vehicle theft is provided that includes a first antenna and a second antenna, both located on a vehicle. The first antenna transmits the signal and the second antenna receives the signal. A monitoring module in communication with the second antenna is configured to determine whether the signal has changed. A vehicle security system is configured to activate based on a change in the signal. |
| US08474568B2 |
Spring device at a swivelable hatch of a motor vehicle
A spring device at a swivelable hatch of a motor vehicle, having a gas spring and a helper spring between the body of the motor vehicle and the hatch. The hatch is a front hood which can be raised into a pedestrian protection position prior to an impact of a pedestrian on the front hood, by an actuator activated by a sensor device. The helper spring is preloaded with a preloading force which, in case of a malfunction in which the gas spring has no gas pressure or a reduced gas pressure, is sufficient to adjust the front hood into the raised pedestrian protection position and to hold the front hood in the raised pedestrian protection position prior to the impact. |
| US08474567B2 |
Method for calibrating an actuator of an all-wheel drive clutch
A method for the readjustment of an actuator of an all-wheel drive clutch of a motor vehicle that includes determining a clutch slip value corresponding to a difference between the speed of a primary axle and the speed of a secondary axle; determining a reference secondary axle torque corresponding to the proportion of a driving torque which is transmitted to the secondary axle and for which a clutch slip value of substantially zero is expected; and comparing the clutch slip value with a threshold value and comparing a desired clutch torque with the reference secondary axle torque. A desired clutch torque/control signal relationship for the clutch actuator is changed in dependence on the result of these comparisons. |
| US08474565B2 |
Saddle type vehicle
A saddle type vehicle includes: a seating seat on which a passenger is allowed to be seated; a seat rail to which the seating seat is allowed to be attachably and detachably attached; a frame cover covering outer sides of the seat rail; a helmet holder provided on the seat rail; and a restriction part provided in the vicinity of the helmet holder on the seat rail and projecting toward an inner peripheral surface of the frame cover, in which the helmet holder includes: a hooking portion on which a hook ring of a helmet is allowed to be hooked; and a guide portion extending from the hooking portion, and the restriction part is provided in the middle, of the guide portion, in a longitudinal direction. |
| US08474555B2 |
Vehicle component mounting structure
A vehicle component mounting arrangement comprises a vehicle body member, a motor, an inverter and an air conditioning compressor. The motor serves as a drive source. The motor has a motor housing that is elastically supported with respect to the vehicle body member inside a motor room. The inverter is electrically connected to the motor to supply a drive current to the motor. The inverter is vertically arranged above the motor inside the motor room such that a vertical space exists directly between the inverter and the motor in a vertical direction of the vehicle. The air conditioning compressor serves to compress a refrigerant. The air conditioning compressor is attached to the motor housing, and is arranged inside the vertical space between the inverter and the motor. |
| US08474551B2 |
Hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods
Disclosed are hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus includes an elongated assembly within which a rotatable drill rod is received. The assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a drill rod entrance end, and a drill rod exit end. The assembly comprises a tailcuttings diverter pipe proximate the drill rod exit end, with the tailcuttings diverter pipe defining an initial fluid flow path of the tailcuttings from the longitudinal axis which is acute from the longitudinal axis. Other apparatus and method aspects are contemplated. |
| US08474550B2 |
Adaptive drilling control system
A system for optimizing a rate-of-penetration of a drill string includes a plurality of sensors in operable communication with the drill string and a controller in operable communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller is connectable to a downhole active vibration control device and capable of outputting a signal to the downhole active vibration control device for optimizing the rate-of-penetration of the drill string. |
| US08474549B2 |
Method and devices for handling rod-like pieces in drilling and bolting
A method and a rod magazine for handling elongated rods in a rock drilling unit, and a bolting unit. Elongated rods, such as drill rods and rock bolts, are stored into a linear rod magazine—provided with feed members for transferring the rods upward and downward in the magazine. The feed members comprise screw surfaces by which the rods are supported in the magazine. The required feeding movement is produced by rotating the feed members about their rotation axis. In addition, the rod magazine comprises transfer means that allow the rods to be transferred from the magazine to a drilling line or bolting line, i.e. to a center, and vice versa. The transfer means are provided with gripping means for gripping the rods. |
| US08474540B2 |
Riser section connector with flanges, internal locking ring and external locking collar
The connector comprises a male flange 15 and a female flange 14 allowing to assemble a main tube and auxiliary line tubes 11. A locking collar 17 and a locking ring 40 assemble the male flange and the female flange. Locking collar 17 is mounted mobile in rotation on the outer surface of the male flange while cooperating with the outer surfaces of the male and female flanges. Locking ring 40 is mounted mobile in rotation on the male element of the connector while cooperating with the inner surface of the female connector. |
| US08474533B2 |
Gas generator for pressurizing downhole samples
An apparatus for obtaining fluid samples in a subterranean wellbore comprises a carrier assembly configured to be disposed in a subterranean wellbore; a sampling chamber operably associated with the carrier assembly; a pressure assembly coupled to the sampling chamber and configured to pressurize a fluid sample obtained in the sampling chamber, wherein the pressure assembly is configured to contain a pressure generating agent; an activation mechanism configured to activate the pressure generating agent; and a power device operably associated with the carrier assembly and configured to provide an impulse for activating the activation mechanism, wherein the power device is not disposed on the pressure assembly. |
| US08474529B2 |
Control of concentric tubing direction
An apparatus and a method to control rotational positioning of continuous concentric tubing that extends from a surface downhole in a subterranean well or bore. In one version, a continuous cylindrical inner tube resides within and is concentric with a cylindrical outer tube. At least one elliptical lobe extends from the continuous inner tube. The invention utilizes diameter restrictions within and attached to the outer concentric tubing so that the elliptical lobe or lobes engage the diameter restrictions. Accordingly, rotation of one tube rotates or orients the other tube. |
| US08474528B2 |
Slurry bypass system for improved gravel packing
Apparatus and methods for gravel packing. The method is particularly useful for deploying a sand screen assembly having shunt tubes. The apparatus can include two or more tubulars disposed about at least one expandable member. The tubulars are longitudinally aligned with one another and bundled together in a run-in position, and the bundled tubulars radially expand when the expandable member is activated. |
| US08474517B2 |
Heat exchanger with collecting tube, collecting tube, and method for producing the same
A heat exchanger, such as a condenser or gas cooler, having a collecting tube which has a wall and which can be produced by deformation of a single metal strip, which collecting tube has, in its base, at least one row of openings in which heat exchanger tubes, each of which has two narrow and two wide sides, are fastened at their ends. The collecting tube can have at least two chambers, which adjoin one another approximately at a central longitudinal axis, and also a reinforcement, which is formed by the longitudinal edge strips of the metal strip. |
| US08474513B2 |
Air-conditioning system, especially automotive air-conditioning system
The invention relates to an air-conditioning system (1), especially an automotive air-conditioning system, which comprises a multi-part air conduction housing (1) and components disposed therein, such as at least one heater (H: h). The air conduction housing (1), in the area of at least one component, is configured as a replacement part, especially in the form of a part to be pushed in. |
| US08474511B2 |
Process for producing a twist-beam axle in a hybrid construction
A process for producing a twist-beam axle is provided. Related thereto, the twist-beam axle has a light metal longitudinal link and an iron metal transverse arm. The process contains the following steps: producing a casting mold for the respective longitudinal link; inserting one end of the transverse arm into a corresponding recess in the casting mold; then pouring the liquid light metal into the casting mold for the longitudinal link; cooling the poured light metal; and removing the transverse arm joined to the cooled light metal from the casting mold. |
| US08474510B2 |
Sunshade assembly and open roof construction provided therewith
A sunshade assembly includes a sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges which are provided with guide strips which are substantially rigid in transverse direction. Opposed longitudinal guiderails each include a guide channel section defining a guide channel in which the respective guide strip is accommodated when the sunscreen is moved between open and closed positions. The guide channel of each guide rail is bound on the side facing the opposite guiderail by a guide flange supporting the lower side of the sunscreen. A part of the guide channel supports the guide strip on its side remote from the sunscreen. A biasing member acts between at least one of the guide strips and the corresponding guide channel section to bias the guide strip at least on its edge adjacent the sunscreen in a direction away from the guide flange. |
| US08474503B2 |
Systems and methods for sealing the trailing edge of a printed article
A kicker wheel for folding and sealing the trailing edge of a folded article with sealing tabs. The kicker wheel can include a thin product support rail to support the article during activation of an air nozzle. The kicker wheel can also include a profiled tab swipe to fold and seal one or more tabs on the trailing edge of the article. The kicker wheel can be substantially cylindrical or can have an arcuate portion and a counterweight portion. One or more kicker wheels can be used in conjunction with an improved tabbing machine. The tabbing machine can include one or more air jets that along with the kicker wheel enable tabs to be applied to multiple sides of the article without turning or flipping the article. |
| US08474502B2 |
Elastic composite for a disposable absorbent garment, and a system and process for making the elastic composite and a garment having the elastic composite
A method is provided for making an elastic composite for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment. An elastic element applicator is provided that is configured to move a section of a continuous strand of elastic element generally about a plane. A first web of material is conveyed in a first web moving direction such that the first web intersects the plane. Then, the applicator is operated to move the elastic element about the plane, thereby applying the section of elastic element onto the first web along a direction generally transverse to the web moving direction and such that the first web draws the continuous elastic strand from the elastic element applicator as the first web is conveyed away from the plane. The elastic element applicator may be in the form of a spin cylinder or bracket that is operated to spin the elastic element about the moving first web, thereby applying the elastic element on the first web. |
| US08474500B2 |
Pressure monitoring and adjustment for two wheeled vehicle with wheel based pressure reservoir
A method of allowing control of a vehicle with at least two-wheels in case of puncture of a tire, each wheel including a rim and a tire associated therewith, includes the steps of: inflating each tire to an operating pressure; admitting a fluid compressed to a first pressure higher than the operating pressure of the tire into at least one tank associated with at least one of the rims; bringing the tire into communication with the tank when the inner pressure of the tire is lower than a predetermined first threshold value; detecting a variation of an inner pressure of the tank; activating a pressure measuring device when the inner pressure variation corresponds to a reduction and is higher than a first predetermined value; measuring the inner pressure of the tank with a predetermined frequency by means of (through) the pressure measuring device; calculating a variation in the inner pressure in a time unit; generating an alarm signal when the calculated inner pressure variation corresponds to a reduction and is higher than a second predetermined value; and transmitting the alarm signal to the driver. |
| US08474497B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having heart-shaped blocks
To improve the steering stability on a wet road surface.A land ratio of a shoulder portion Sh of a tread portion 2 is 57 to 72%, and a land ratio of a center portion Ce is 40 to 55%. In the center portion Ce, one row block made up of center blocks 6 is formed. Each of the center blocks 6 has its width gradually reduced from a position establishing an axial maximum width BW toward both a leading end and a trailing end relative to the tire rotating direction, each of the center blocks being provided with, at the leading end thereof, a tip portion 6a that sharpens toward the leading end, and being provided with, at the trailing end thereof, a concave portion 6b that smoothly concaves toward the leading end. In each of the center blocks 6, a ratio (BL/BW) between the axial maximum width BW and a maximum length BL in the circumferential direction is 1.00 to 1.20. |
| US08474493B2 |
Liquid apportionment device
A liquid apportionment device having a distribution chamber located within a dispensing chamber, the distribution chamber being mounted onto a pedestal member such that a dispensing channel is defined between the sloping wall of the pedestal and the wall of the dispensing chamber. Dispensing spouts are evenly positioned around the dispensing channel for dispersal of the liquid into individual containers. Three rows of evenly spaced distribution apertures are provided in the distribution chamber, with the top row of distribution apertures oriented horizontally, the middle row of distribution apertures being oriented at 45 degrees, and the bottom row of distribution apertures being oriented vertically. |
| US08474492B2 |
Automatic shut-off nozzle for use in a non-overflow liquid delivery system
An automatic shut-off nozzle comprises a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion movable between a valve closed position whereat liquid is precluded from being dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit and a valve open position whereat liquid is permitted to be dispensed from the liquid-dispensing outlet of the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is reconfigurable between an operating configuration whereat force can be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve to thereby move the first movable valve portion to the valve open position, and a non-operating configuration whereat force cannot be transmitted from the valve control mechanism to the valve. A liquid sensor has a rest state and an actuated state whereat the liquid sensor reconfigures the manually operable valve control mechanism from the operating configuration to the non-operating configuration. |
| US08474490B1 |
Slip brass nipple and associated method
A slip brass nipple includes a tubular brass body that may be approximately 6 inches long. The apparatus includes a threaded proximal end, a non-slip gripping portion and an open distal end n. The open distal end includes an internal stop to allow a copper pipe to slip in and terminate at a predetermined distance such that the gripping portion may be used to tighten onto a female tube fitting. The apparatus advantageously enable galvanized and copper pipes to be connected together while significantly reducing the risk of galvanic corrosion caused by a dielectric reaction between the galvanized steel and copper pipes. The slip brass nipple may be manufactured in ½, ¾, 1, 1¼, 1½ and 2 inch diameters and may be manufactured according to brass material regulations in the industry. |
| US08474481B2 |
Manual/automatic and cold/hot faucet with a ceramic valve
A manual/automatic and cold/hot faucet with a ceramic valve includes a main body adopting a ceramic valve that is connected with an automatic water exit passage and a manual water exit passage. The ceramic valve has a fixing member and a sliding member, with the sliding member sliding against the fixing member to command water to flow into the automatic water exit passage or the manual water exit passage. So the faucet can give water automatically or manually. As the ceramic valve is excellently resistant to abrasion, the present faucet can thus be durable, not apt to get leaked. |
| US08474479B2 |
Multifunction relief valve and airplane emergency hydraulic power source unit having the same
A multifunction relief valve includes a relief chamber having an introduction port and a relief port for introducing and relieving pressure fluid; a back pressure chamber formed on one end side of the relief chamber; a piston which is movably provided in the back pressure chamber and divides the back pressure chamber into a first back pressure chamber and a second back pressure chamber; a first spring which is provided in the first back pressure chamber and exerts a biasing force in a direction in which the relief port is closed; a second spring which is provided in the second back pressure chamber and biases the piston in the direction in which the relief port is closed; and a pilot pressure supply port formed in the first back pressure chamber. The pressure fluid introduced into the first back pressure chamber via the pilot pressure supply port changes the relief pressure. |
| US08474476B2 |
Sanitary hydrant
A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a venturi is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker. |
| US08474473B1 |
Method of direct hot tapping into a multiple production string without removing outer layers of casing
A method of hot tapping into a multiple string configuration for obtaining access to the production tubing without removing outer layers of casing by providing a multiple casing string that includes at least an outer casing and an inner casing or production string; mounting a clamp assembly around the wall of the outer casing; hot tapping a small opening through the outer casing wall to capture any pressurized fluid through the opening; cutting first and second large openings through the wall of the outer casing to access the inner casing, each opening being approximately 180 degrees from the other opening; through the first opening, drilling a small hole through the wall of the inner casing to capture any pressurized fluid through the opening in the inner casing; and inserting an anvil through the second opening to contact and stabilize the wall of the inner casing to prevent the casing from moving while the casing is drilled. |
| US08474471B2 |
Stick with a shock absorber
The present invention relates to a stick (23), such as, for example, a trekking, downhill skiing, hiking or Nordic walking stick, which has a stick handle (28), a stick tube (24) comprising at least three telescopic tubular sections (25, 26, 27), and a stick point (29). Two adjacent tubular sections can each be adjusted relative to each other. The stick (23) according to the invention has a damping device (1) with a compression spring device (35), wherein an axial pin (2) which is secured axially on a second tubular section (26) is guided in a guide sleeve (10) held in a rotationally fixed manner in a first tubular section (25). |
| US08474467B2 |
Teeth cleaning apparatus
Teeth cleaning apparatus comprises a cylindrical cleaning implement. The cleaning implement includes a resilient support shaft and an engagement thread and is drivingly rotatable. The implement is so configured that, when presented between a pair of adjacent teeth, a rotating implement threads itself into the interproximal space and extracts interproximal debris. |
| US08474465B2 |
Heated hair styling clip for rapid setting of informal hair styles
A heated hairstyling clip, optionally with heat-transfer accessories, is provided for rapid informal (“scrunch”-type) hair styling. (To “scrunch” is to crumple, crush or squeeze something tightly together; for example, a handful of hair.) In one embodiment the clip is a pair of concave jaws, optionally with interlocking fingers, held together by a spring mechanism. The hair is set and secured within the heated hairstyling clip, optionally with accessories supplying additional heat, and the clip is then allowed to cool before being removed. The clip is heated by a device, which may be a microwave oven, a conventional oven, a heated bath, or a resistive heating element. Heating of the clip may be supplemented or replaced by a heatable clip liner, held between the clip and the hair being treated, or a heatable clip pad supplying heat to the clip and the hair, or a reservoir within the clip, or a styling element in contact with the hair. The heated clip can be used for the purpose of creating natural looking scrunched styles, tousled body, informal waves or curls, or similar configuration or formation of hair. |
| US08474463B2 |
Methods and devices for non-ablative laser treatment of dermatologic conditions
The invention comprises a system and method for non-ablative laser treatment of dermatologic conditions. A laser energy is transmitted to an underlying target element in the skin. The target element is heated to a temperature of at least forty degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, a pulsed, near infrared, high peak power laser energy is used. The systems and methods of the present invention may be used to treat acne, smooth wrinkles, remove hair, treat leg veins, treat facial veins, improve skin texture, decrease pore sizes, reduce rosacea, reduce “blush/diffuse redness, reduce striae, reduce scarring, or the like. |
| US08474460B2 |
Implanted bronchial isolation devices and methods
Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region. |
| US08474458B1 |
Ergonomic chin support for medical headgear
An ergonomic chin support is designed for use in combination with medical headgear. The headgear has flexible straps adapted for locating a ventilation interface on a patient. The ergonomic chin support comprises a generally arcuate and substantially rigid chin cradle. First and second substantially rigid extensions are formed at opposite ends of the chin cradle, and are adapted for being pulled by respective straps of the headgear to urge the chin cradle against the mandible of the patient. Retaining posts are provided for retaining the ergonomic chin support at a fixed location along respective lengths of the straps. |
| US08474457B2 |
Harnesses
A harness for use with breathing apparatus has: a flexible hip plate 12 and a flexible bandolier-style shoulder panel 14, linked together by a strap 15, and a waist belt 16 fastenable by a sprung fastener. In use, the flexible hip plate 12 rests against the hip of a user (the left hip in this example), the waist belt is fitted around the waist of the user, and the shoulder panel 14 rests against the shoulder opposite to the hip against which the flexible plate is resting (the right shoulder in this example). At least the bandolier-style panel 14, and optionally also the hip plate 12 of the harness 10, are made of a resilient material which, though flexible, allows the harness substantially to retain its operational configuration even when not being worn. |
| US08474456B2 |
Oxygen breathing mask
Oxygen breathing masks, as well as methods of providing oxygen to persons, are detailed. The devices may include mechanisms for supplying either oxygen or ambient air to a person depending on inspiration pressure applied by the person to a first volume to which the person's mouth and/or nose is connected. |
| US08474455B2 |
System and method for circuit compliance compensated volume assured pressure control in a patient respiratory ventilator
A system for circuit compliance compensated volume assurance pressure control in a patient respiratory ventilation circuit, having a patient circuit volume estimator for estimating a patient circuit compliance, a patient circuit volume estimator to estimate a circuit volume VOLCKT—EST based on the patient circuit compliance, a patient volume observer, for estimating a patient volume VOLTID—EST based on a measure delivered net volume VOLNET and the patient circuit compliance, a volume assurance controller for generating a circuit compliance volume compensation factor VOLTID—CTL based on a preset assured volume VOLASS—SET and the estimated patient volume VOLTID—EST, and a decelerating inspiratory flow controller, operative to generate a decelerating inspiratory peak flow based on a preset inspiratory time TINSP and the volume compensation factor VOLTID—CTL. |
| US08474454B2 |
Dispensing device
A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device has multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert by a connecting element that is moveable relative to the inserts for individually supplying air from a air pump to a respective one of the receptacles. A manually operated actuator is radially moveable to operate the air pump and to rotate the storage device to the next receptacle, and/or radially move the connecting element to individually open the respective receptacle, and to connect the pump to the respective receptacle and/or to push an insert out of the respective receptacle. |
| US08474452B2 |
Directional flow sensor inhaler
An fluid sensor to activate and control various components of an inhalation device. The fluid sensor includes an acoustic element, such as a microphone, positioned within said inhalation device to detect fluid within the device and output signals representative of the frequency, direction and/or amplitude of the fluid. These signals control and activate an electrostatic plate and/or a high frequency vibrator. |
| US08474451B2 |
Device with outlet for controlling anesthetic flow
An apparatus and system for transferring a liquid, such as an anesthetic, from a reservoir to a machine while effectively minimizing the release of the liquid to the surrounding environment. The apparatus can include a first and a second component wherein twisting the first component and second component relative to each other causes a protrusion to seal or unseal a through-hole thereby allowing or preventing the flow of fluid and wherein a portion of an exterior surface of the second component that mates with a vaporizer has a polygonal shape with three or more flat sides. |
| US08474447B2 |
Inhaler device
The invention relates to a hand-held device (1), as depicted in exemplary FIG. 4, for metered dispensing of sprayable substances, particularly medicaments for inhalation, with a cartridge (3) that can be moved into the dispensing position, by pressure being applied to a housing, and with a step-by-step indexing mechanism (11) which is entrained by the cartridge (3) in the opening travel thereof and which is used to record and display the dispensing actuations that have been performed. In order to suitably design a hand-held device of the type in question with a simplified structure, in such a way that the indexing steps can be performed smoothly and safely without connection to the cartridge, it is proposed that slits (19) extend obliquely only over part of the travel of the step-by-step indexing mechanism housing (34) and that the guide pins (33) guided therein move, over the remainder of the travel of the step-by-step indexing mechanism (11), parallel to the longitudinal axis (x-x) of the step-by-step indexing mechanism. |
| US08474444B2 |
Intervening heat conducting medium
A device for recovering, harnessing and reutilizing heat from along a side wall of a cooking vessel, a cooking vessel comprising such device, and a method of using such device. The device can be constructed as part of the cooking vessel or can be an accessory that attaches to different sized cooking vessels via adjusting means. Specifically, the device is made of a highly conductive and durable metal or metal alloy and comprises a skirt-like body, extending from the side of the cooking vessel and attached to a perforated slip-like portion that may be attached to or integrated into the side wall of the cooking vessel. The device harnesses and reutilizes heat from the underside of the body and safely and efficiently transfers the heat to the cooking vessel through conduction. The device can further comprise diffusers, a bottom portion with a plurality of ventilation openings, and a heat shield. |
| US08474440B2 |
Coolant-to-catalyst fuel modification method and apparatus
A catalytic apparatus for efficient pre-combustion refinement of fossil fuel in vehicular engines, including an elongated outer metal pipe containing an elongated stainless steel inner tube of smaller diameter. The outer pipe is crimped or welded onto the inner tube to create a fuel chamber with connectors for the inflow and outflow of fossil fuel therethrough. The fuel chamber contains at least three catalytic elements each comprised of a different metal selected from the group Au, Cu, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Zn and platiniridium, which may be electroplated small-pore screens. As engine coolant is diverted through the inner tube, excess heat is transferred to the inflowing fuel. The fuel is forced to flow in close proximity to the inner tube for maximum convection, and through the catalytic elements before flowing out through the fuel line to the fuel injectors for more efficient combustion.Also disclosed is a method of pre-combustion fuel refinement consisting of the steps of transferring excess heat from engine coolant through a tube disposed through an inlet and outlet of a fuel chamber. In the chamber the heated fossil fuel is forced through the catalytic elements described before returning to the fuel line for injection and combustion. |
| US08474436B2 |
Silenced fuel pump for a direct injection system
A fuel pump for a direct-injection system provided with a common rail comprises a pumping chamber defined in a main body. A piston is mounted in a sliding manner inside the pumping chamber to cyclically vary volume of the pumping chamber. A suction channel is connected to the pumping chamber and regulated by a suction valve. A delivery channel is connected to the pumping chamber and regulated by a delivery valve. A flow-rate-adjustment device is mechanically coupled to the suction valve to keep, when necessary, the suction valve substantially open during pumping of the piston and includes a control rod that is coupled to the suction valve and an electromagnetic actuator that acts on the control rod and has a one-way hydraulic brake that is integral to and substantially slows movement of the control rod. |
| US08474430B2 |
Crankshaft mechanism for engine
A crankshaft mechanism for an engine wherein a crankshaft can be disposed close to the piston side while securing a moment of inertia. In the crankshaft mechanism for the engine including the piston, the crankshaft is provided with a crank pin and counterweight parts, and a connecting rod connecting the piston and the crank pin of the crankshaft to each other, the inner side of a circumferential end, on the opposite side of the crank pin, of each of the counterweight parts is cut out along a curve at equidistance R from the center Q of the crank pin, to obtain such a shape so as to avoid a projected part, projected in the direction of the piston, at the lower end of a small end part of the connecting rod when the piston reaches the bottom dead center. |
| US08474425B2 |
Switchable roller finger follower
The finger follower employs two independent lost motion arms and a rod which moves longitudinally to lock both arms. The rod is transversely mounted in the follower. In order to avoid premature locking, a clip is employed with tabs that interact with end surfaces of the arms so as to prevent premature movement of the rod from an unlocked position to a locked position. |
| US08474420B2 |
Variable compression ratio internal combustion engine with displaceable cylinder head and cylinder housing
In an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, comprising a crankcase and a crankshaft accommodated therein, and a cylinder housing including at least one cylinder with a cylinder head, the cylinder housing with the cylinder head is supported directly on the crankshaft via eccentric elements which are pivotable for adjusting a position of the cylinder housing with the cylinder head relative to the crankshaft with the crankcase (12) for changing the compression ratio of the engine. |
| US08474415B2 |
Internally dampened pressure relief valve
A valve assembly for a fluid system is provided. The valve assembly includes a damping component to reduce undesired pressure fluctuations within the system. The valve assembly includes a valve guide member and a valve member at least partially situated around the valve guide member. The valve member may be slidable relative to the valve guide member. The valve member is configured to move between a first valve member position that substantially permits fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly, and a second valve member position that substantially prevents fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly. A metering hole is formed on the valve member and adapted to dampen the motion of the valve member from the first valve member position to the second valve member position. |
| US08474414B2 |
Retractable leash and restraint assembly
A restraint system for an animal comprising a collar assembly and a retractable leash assembly. The collar assembly comprises a strap member adapted to be secured around a portion of the animal and a pouch member secured to the strap member. The pouch member defines a pouch chamber and an open end. The retractable leash assembly comprises a retraction assembly secured to the strap member within the pouch chamber, a cord member operatively connected to the retraction assembly, and a handle member operatively connected to the cord member. The retractable leash assembly is operable in a retracted configuration in which the handle member is substantially within the pouch chamber. The retractable leash assembly is operable in an extended configuration in which the handle member is outside of the pouch chamber. |
| US08474410B2 |
Resilient animal throw-toy with buoyant interior member
An animal throw-toy of resilient construction is provided, comprising a buoyant interior member configured in the form of a distinct object shape, a fabric component that covers the buoyant interior member, and a molded component that also covers the buoyant interior member. The molded component is configurationally arranged relative to the buoyant interior member so as to gyroscopically stabilize the distinct object shape of the buoyant interior member when the throw-toy is thrown. In one embodiment, the fabric component of the throw-toy is a non-woven or woven material which is tear-resistant and the molded component is an elastomeric material which is abrasion-resistant. |
| US08474408B2 |
Portable device for cleaning an animal's paw and assembly method thereof
A device for cleaning an animal's paw including a container (10) adapted to retain a cleaning agent, the container defining an opening and including a side wall, a cleaning platform (50) disposed in said container and defining a space (60) between said cleaning platform and said container side wall, and a squeegee member (85) substantially covering said opening. |
| US08474407B2 |
Poultry watering system and method
A top-filling watering system configured to provide water to livestock, includes a water basin having an upstanding wall, and a reservoir securely mounted to the water basin. The reservoir includes a top wall integrally formed with a circumferential wall defining an open end connected to an interior cavity defined between the top wall and the circumferential wall. A filling opening is formed through the top wall. The filling opening is configured to allow water to be filled into the interior cavity. Another reservoir is capable of nesting within the interior cavity when the reservoir is not securely mounted to the water basin. |
| US08474404B2 |
Pet toy with adjustable treat dispensing lid
A pet toy with an adjustable treat dispensing lid has a lid or top that is connected to a body of the pet toy, and a treat holding enclosure receives treats. The enclosure has an open area which communicates with a treat dispensing opening of the lid enabling treats to be selectively dispensed. The lid may be placed at selected positions with respect to the body thereby changing the size of the exposed treat dispensing opening to thereby selectively change the rate at which treats are dispensed. |
| US08474402B2 |
Low capacitance container coating system and method
Apparatus and method for electrostatic charging of a container for an electrostatic coating operation includes a support member for supporting a container during an electrostatic coating operation with the support member comprising a non-metallic conductive material or electrically semiconductive portion that directly contacts a surface of the container. The electrically semiconductive portion comprises non-metallic, resistive or low conductivity material and is coupled to a source of electrical energy such that the container is electrostatically charged to an opposite polarity to offset or reduce electrostatic charge build up produced by the electrostatic coating operation. |
| US08474401B2 |
Method and apparatus for coating pipes
Method and apparatus for coating a pipe or a pipe section with a layer of at least one polymer. The method includes providing the pipe or the pipe section having an outer surface defining the periphery of the pipe or the pipe section; applying on the outer surface of the pipe or pipe section a layer of at least one polymer material in melt stage using a nozzle, which is mounted on a carriage capable of travelling along the periphery of the pipe or the pipe section; and moving the carriage along at least a part of the periphery during the application of the polymer material to form a layer on the surface of the pipe or the pipe section that is particularly useful for coating field joints in pipelines. |
| US08474400B2 |
Desiccant dispensing system
A method and apparatus for controlling dispensing of a desiccant material into an interior region of an elongated spacer frame member. The appropriate desiccant dispensing nozzle is automatically selected and/or the distance between the desiccant dispensing nozzle and the elongated spacer frame member is automatically determined based on a property of the spacer frame member, such as the width of the spacer frame member. |
| US08474399B2 |
Production of nanoparticle-coated yarns
A strand is coated with a powdered material by first applying a layer of hot polymer resin to the strand, and spraying the powdered material onto the resin-coated strand from at least three nozzles disposed along the processing path and spaced radially therearound. The spray apparatus is disposed within nested containers so as to limit the escape of overspray powder. The powder-coated strand may be heat-set to increase the adhesion of the powder. |
| US08474396B2 |
Developing apparatus, resist pattern forming method and storage medium
Provided is a developing apparatus configured to slim the resist pattern while reducing the number of developing modules. A room temperature developing liquid and a high temperature developing liquid to modify the surface layer of a resist pattern can be supplied from a common nozzle to a substrate disposed on a mount table. Although both developing liquids may be sequentially discharged by switching between the supply line for the room temperature developing liquid and the supply line for the high temperature developing liquid, it is also possible to join these supply lines for supplying the room temperature developing liquid from the former supply line, and then adjust the ratio of the flow rates between both supply lines, and then supply the mixed liquid of the developing liquids as a high temperature developing liquid. |
| US08474393B1 |
Sectional boat
A sectional boat has a plurality of independently floating sections, each section having an outwardly projecting bulge on the port and starboard sides. A peripheral channel extends on an external surface of each bulge to accommodate a connecting member, which exerts tension to align the floating sections and form a single buoyant hull. |
| US08474392B2 |
Compliant banding system
The present invention discloses a compliant banding system for use in a marine environment comprising a flexible compliant member and an abaxial relatively rigid strap, both constructed to extend circumferentially around an underlying structure such as a strake or fairing collar. The strap maintains a fixed circumference while the compliant member flexes intermediate the strap and an underlying. |
| US08474391B1 |
Trolling plate assembly
The invention relates to a trolling plate assembly that uses a novel and non-obvious cam mechanism that is easy for the user to engage and re-engage when needed but also permits the trolling plate to lift automatically when the force of water from the outboard motor increases past a user adjustable predetermined point. |
| US08474388B2 |
Two-sided single-needle understitch sewing technique
Reinforcement of sandwich structures with aid of a reinforcing device. The outer layers of the sandwich structure may primarily include a fiber-plastic composite and the core material may include a rigid polymer foam. |
| US08474385B2 |
Table and method of assembling the same
A table includes a pair of leg portions that has a length in a vertical direction and is hollow in shape with an opening formed at the top end thereof; a top panel that is mounted rotatably; a pair of casters, at least one such casters being provided at each of the front and the rear of a base portion of the leg portion; a contact portion that is provided on the base portion of the leg portion; and a raising/lowering mechanism that couples a movable portion, which is either one or more of the pair of casters and the contact portion, and the top panel, and switches what comes into contact with a floor surface between the pair of casters and the contact portion by raising/lowering the movable portion in accordance with a rotation of the top panel. The raising/lowering mechanism couples the top panel and the movable portion through the opening. |
| US08474383B1 |
Transom for a railway car truck
The invention relates to a railway car truck incorporating a novel transom attached below the spring seat, having elastomeric fittings and a central opening to receive the truck bolster. |
| US08474380B2 |
Projectile
A projectile (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) with a first (leading) end (14) and a second trailing axially opposed end (16). An internal cavity (18) is formed between the ends (14 and 16) and holds a volume of propellant material (22). The first end (14) is closed by a nose (20) that is fixed to the body (12). The end (14) is sealed with a base seal (26) that seats a primer (24) for igniting the propellant (22). The primer (24) is located inboard of the second end (16) and the base seal (26) to reduce the likelihood of accidental activation. Seals (30) are formed about the body (12) for maintaining gas pressure of deflagrating propellant. The seals (30) may be formed integrally with the body (12) or separately from the body (12) and seated in respective grooves (40) formed circumferentially about the body (12). Also disclosed is a breech sleeve (810) shaped to complement the breech of the weapon and a throughway (816) defined by an internal surface, the projectile being able to pass through the throughway (816). |
| US08474378B1 |
Chamber blade/sealing assembly for a printing press
A chamber blade/sealing assembly for use with a fluid chamber which supplies fluid to a roll, includes a containment blade including an elongated thin plate having opposite ends; and a wear element which increases at least one of stiffness and wear of the thin plate, mounted to a surface of the thin plate at the opposite ends thereof. First and second end seals for sealing first and second ends of the fluid chamber, each include a supporting wall, an upper concave surface on the supporting wall and adapted to engage an outer surface of the roll, and a first upper supporting surface extending from one end of the upper concave surface, the first upper supporting surface adapted to receive the wear element such that the wear element does not substantially increase pressure from the roll on the containment blade at the first upper supporting surface. |
| US08474374B2 |
Juicer with alternate cutters
A juicer device comprised of a motor disposed within a housing and having an output shaft projecting away from the housing; at least two alternate cutters each individually detachably connectable to the output shaft; a plurality of alternate inserts wherein a selected one of the plurality of alternate inserts circumscribes a selected one of the at least two alternate cutters detachably connected to the output shaft; and a body circumscribing the selected one of the plurality of alternate inserts wherein the body and the selected one of the plurality of alternate inserts include openings for feeding food to the selected one of the at least two alternate cutters detachably connected to the output shaft and openings for receiving juice, homogenized food, or shredded food therefrom upon actuation of the motor under the control of a safety system. |
| US08474371B2 |
Frying apparatus and method
A frying apparatus includes a container for holding a volume of oil, a basket dimensioned to be received in the container, a spit rod supported by said basket, and a motor having an output shaft configured for engagement with said spit rod for rotating said spit rod in relation to said basket. |
| US08474369B2 |
Electric skillet with magnetic self-reversing stirrer that is removable
A cooking skillet that provides a unique automatic stirring system for continuously stirring foods during cooking. The cooking skillet comprises a base, a receptacle, a heating element, and an automatic stirring system. The automatic stirring system comprises a stirring wand located in the receptacle and a bracket located in the base. The stirring wand and the bracket are attracted to each other through magnetic forces that provide sufficient magnetism to attract one to the other. A motor is attached to the bracket by a connecting rod and provides the means to rotate the bracket in a clockwise direction. The magnetism between the magnets in the bracket and the magnets in the stirring wand forces the stirring wand to rotate in connection with the bracket. During rotation, the stirring wand is designed to mix the food contained within the receptacle. A controlling box is used to control the power to the motor and provides a resisting sensor or reversing circuit to reverse the rotational direction of the stirring system as necessary. |
| US08474365B2 |
Diaphragm pump
A diaphragm pump (1) has at least two pump heads (3) arranged around a central eccentric pump drive (2), the diaphragms (4) being drivingly connected to the eccentric pump drive (2) via connecting rods (5). The eccentric pump drive (2) has a connecting rod ring (6) to which the ends (9) of the connecting rods are connected via elastic intermediates (10). |
| US08474363B2 |
Axial piston and valve shaft fluid engine
Systems and methods for implementing a uniflow fluid engine having at least one cylinder having at least one high-pressure input and at least one low-pressure output. In some embodiments, the engine includes piston-operated valves that are related to the piston shaft and pistons that may also act as exhaust valves. In some embodiments, a valve is slidably positioned within the cylinder on the piston shaft, the valve being movable between a first position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through a first passage and blocking input fluid from a second passage, and a second position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through the second passage and blocking input fluid from the first passage. |
| US08474354B2 |
Method of cutting food
A cutting device for food products having a handle, a neck portion, and a circular cutting blade. The handle is generally curved relative to its longitudinal axis and includes a top surface with a finger stop, the finger stop engaging a user's index finger during use. The handle length is sized in proportion to a typical user's hand so that a free end of the handle is proximate the user's palm. During use, the user's index finger engages a finger stop and top and bottom surfaces of the handle. A method of using such a flat food item cutting device is also disclosed. |
| US08474352B2 |
Open end wrench head
An open end wrench head including first and second jaws that are adapted to engage a workpiece located in a hard-to-reach area. The jaws can include a chamfered portion on the end of the jaws that allows the wrench to be presented at an angle to the workpiece and still maximize the engagement area between the wrench and the workpiece. |
| US08474348B2 |
Pedal assembly for electronic braking system
An electrical-mechanical brake apparatus includes a bracket (20) and a pedal arm (40) supported by the bracket (20). One of the bracket (20) and the pedal arm (40) presents a cam body (72). The other of the other of the pedal arm (40) and the bracket (20) presents a cam follower (64). One of the cam body (72) and the cam follower (64) is rotatable. A cam bias (86) interconnects the rotatable one of the cam body (72) and the cam follower (64) to one of the bracket (20) and the pedal arm (40). As the pedal arm (40) moves toward the bracket (20), the cam follower (64) moves along the cam body (72), compressing the cam bias (86) for simulating the feel of a purely mechanical brake system. In certain embodiments, the bracket (20) presents the cam body (72) while in other embodiments the pedal arm (40) presents the cam body. In certain embodiments, the cam body (72) rotates while in others the cam follower (64) rotates. |
| US08474341B2 |
Dual clutch transmission
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of 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. |
| US08474337B2 |
Extraction method, extraction vessel for use with the same, extraction kit and valve expansion member
A method is provided which is capable of efficiently taking most of a precious sample into an extraction vessel without wasting when the sample is extracted from a collection section of a sampling rod. The method includes the steps of collecting a sample using a sampling rod formed of a rod body and a collection section attached to the rod body, inserting the sampling rod into the extraction vessel, placing the rod body in a gap formed in a grappling hook section which is disposed in an insertion path of the sampling rod, the gap having a width smaller than a diameter of the collection section and being capable of receiving the rod body, withdrawing the rod body with the rod body being placed in the gap and detaching the collection section from the rod body by hooking the collection section to the grappling hook section. |
| US08474335B2 |
Microbial air sampler
An air sampler device has a top plate and a bottom plate, and receives a Petri dish between the top plate and the bottom plate. The top plate includes 283 substantially small holes. The bottom plate has a deepened center well formed in the top surface. Elongated slots are formed in the top surface which extend out from the well. The slots have distal ends which extend beyond the Petri dish. Air is drawn into the sampler by a vacuum tube through an air port which communicates with the center well. Air is pulled into the 283 holes in the top plate and strikes the capture material in the Petri dish. The air then travels up over the sides of the dish, into the distal ends, through the slots, and into the center well, where it exits out of the vacuum air port. |
| US08474334B2 |
Process valve including a force measuring device
The invention relates to a process valve (10) comprising a valve seat (14), a flow restrictor (12), a valve rod (16) and a drive unit (18) acting thereon, with a force measuring device (20, 44) being connected between said drive unit (18) and said flow restrictor (12). The invention is characterized in that said force measuring device (49) includes a spring (30, 46), and said force measuring device (29, 44) comprises a travel measuring device (38, 42, 50, 52) so as to allow the force acting on it to be determined based on the change in the deflection of the spring (30, 46) caused by the force acting on it. |
| US08474321B2 |
Lighted gauge
An apparatus includes (a) a dial having a front face with indicia thereon and a transparent face plate and a back surface; and (b) a light source attached to the dial and positioned exterior to the transparent face plate and oriented so as to illuminate the face plate. The apparatus is advantageously used to measure blood pressure under adverse lighting conditions. |
| US08474320B2 |
Method and apparatus for locating cable faults
An electrical pulse fed into an electrical cable, e.g. a power transmission or distribution cable buried underground, produces an acoustic signal, e.g. an arc-over or discharge noise, at a fault in the cable. This acoustic signal is detected and used to locate the fault. But the acoustic signal has interference noise superimposed on it, which makes it difficult to identify the acoustic signal in the noise-burdened received signal, and thus also makes it difficult or impossible to accurately locate the fault. To minimize or avoid the influence of interference noises, the relevant acoustic signal is identified in the received signal by comparing the received signal with predetermined sample data, such as signal patterns, characteristics or characteristic sets. |
| US08474316B2 |
Method for measuring angular velocity and a vibrating micromechanical sensor of angular velocity
The invention relates to measuring devices used in measuring angular velocity, and, more precisely, to vibrating micromechanical sensors of angular velocity. In the solution for a sensor of angular velocity, a mass is suspended using spring structures having non-orthogonal primary and secondary axes such, that an activation in phase with the primary motion is induced in a detection resonator. The angular velocity to be measured is detected from the phase difference between the primary motion and the secondary motion. The structure of the sensor of angular velocity enables reliable measuring with good performance, particularly, in small vibrating micromechanical solutions for a sensor of angular velocity. |
| US08474312B2 |
Tire pressure monitor
A tire pressure monitor enables the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) in a tire to detect and send a tire pressure signal from an air faucet to the outer side of the wheel rim by an antenna connecting line, and uses an insulation sleeve to isolate an electrical transmission between the air faucet and an external air faucet so that the whole external air faucet becomes an insulating and independent transmitting antenna which can be unaffected by the serious shield from the wheel rim or steel wire annulus. Therefore, the tire pressure can be measured directly by the tire pressure detector inside of the tire and the transmitting signal can be sent accurately to the receiver in the vehicle in order to enhance the reliability of measuring tire pressure and driving safety. |
| US08474308B2 |
Method of microphone signal controlling an internal combustion engine
A method of controlling an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder defining a variable-volume combustion chamber; and a rotating crankshaft powered by a piston sliding inside the cylinder; the control method including the steps of: determining a recording window expressed in engine angle degrees and having a start engine angle and a stop engine angle; acquiring and memorizing the intensity of sound pressure waves, generated by the internal combustion engine as a function of an engine angle, by means of at least one sound pressure sensor and within the recording window; and estimating the value of at least one operating parameter of a part of the internal combustion engine by analysing the intensity of the sound pressure waves in the recording window. |
| US08474307B2 |
Method for detecting resonance in a rotor shaft of a turbine engine
A method for detecting resonance in a rotor shaft of a turbine engine, in which a resonance frequency (Fr) of the rotor shaft belonging to a resonance band is centered on an estimated resonance frequency (Frest), is disclosed. The method including: measuring a parameter (P) for regulating the fuel of the turbine engine is measured to obtain an excitation signal; forming a spectrum of the excitation signal; comparing an amplitude of the excitation signal is compared with a resonance threshold (S) on the resonance band of the spectrum; and emitting a resonance detection alarm if the resonance threshold (S) is exceeded. |
| US08474305B2 |
Systems and methods to detect particulate debris in a fluid
Methods and systems are provided for detecting presence of a target particulate of predetermined size (e.g., engine wear debris) in a fluid (e.g., an engine lubricant) by providing at least one pair of serially fluid-connected upstream test and downstream reference filtration elements in the fluid. At least the upstream test filtration element has a filtration size rating that is sufficient to remove a predetermined amount of the target particulate from the fluid. The differential pressure of the fluid may then be measured (e.g., by suitable pressure transducers) across each of the test and reference filtration elements. By comparing the differential pressure across the test filtration element to the differential pressure across reference filtration element, the presence of the target particulate in the fluid can thereby be detected by an increase in differential pressure across the test filtration element in comparison to the differential pressure across the reference filtration element. The methods and systems of the invention thus allow for the detection of target particulates that is independent of the fluid flow rate and/or temperature (viscosity, density). |
| US08474302B2 |
Sensor control unit and gas detection apparatus
A sensor control circuit unit (1) includes a circuit board (70) which has opposite sides (70a) and (70b) facing in parallel with each other, and carries a signal detection circuit (28) for receiving a detection signal whose level is equal to or less than one μA and which changes in accordance with NOX concentration, a power supply circuit (35), and a heater circuit (40) for controlling a heater. The power supply circuit (35) and the heater circuit (40) are mounted on one side of the circuit board (70) toward one side (70a) of the opposite sides, and the signal detection circuit (28) is mounted in a mounting area on the other side of the circuit board (70) toward the other side (70b) of the opposite sides, the mounting area being different from a mounting area of the circuits (35) and (40). A ground conductor (24x) connected to the ground is continuously formed on a surface of the circuit board (70) on which the signal detection circuit (28) is mounted such that the ground conductor (24x) extends along at least the other of the opposite sides. |
| US08474299B2 |
Crimping tool
A crimping tool has crimping dies arranged in a star shape directed at a crimping region and subjected to rotational action radially outwards for the crimping movement by means of an actuating part. The crimping dies are mounted about an axis of rotation transversely to the longitudinal extent thereof for pivoting-in and form an abutment region on the crimping region side of the axis of rotation. A radial movement and/or circumferential movement is brought about to coincide with the rotational action on the crimping dies, in order to obtain abutment of a crimping die in the abutment region thereof against the counter-abutment region of another crimping die adjacent to the crimping die in the pivoting direction or counter-pivoting direction. |
| US08474297B1 |
Method of forming a laminated abutment clip
A method of forming a stamped metal laminate part from a strip stock with a layer of viscoelastic material laminated between two metal layers, and a laminated abutment clip made by the method. Part carriers are disposed on the sides of the stock. A longitudinal axis extends between the part carriers through the stock. The stock is advanced through a progressive die to a first position where a first form is created, a second position, where a second form is created by modifying the first form, and to a third position where a third form is created. Relative sliding of the metal layers in the stock is prevented between the axis and the form being created, and relative sliding of the metal layers is permitted at a section beyond the particular form being created, preventing delamination of the stock while the first, second and third forms are formed. |
| US08474291B2 |
Locking device with arresting part
The invention relates to a locking device for the locking and/or unlocking of a component essential for the function of a vehicle with a casing, which more preferably serves for the fastening of the locking device to the component essential for the function and a moveable locking member, which can assume at least two positions, namely a locking position, in which the locking member protrudes from the casing through an opening and is actively connected with the component essentially for the function and an unlocking position, in which the locking member is not actively connected with the component essential for the function and an arresting part which in an arresting position arrests the locking member in the locking position in the event that the locking device is opened without authorization.To this end it is provided according to the invention that the arresting part is positively held in the arresting position. |
| US08474290B2 |
Locking handle and power module assembly
An improved locking handle and power module assembly provides continued ability to open and close a truck cap or tonneau cover from within or without, and presents an enclosed mechanism to prevent obstruction or jamming. A release handle is provided to permit unlatching of a latch mechanism operated by the locking handle without regard to whether the locking handle is locked or not. |
| US08474287B2 |
Microstructured transmission optical fiber
Microstructured optical fiber for single-moded transmission of optical signals, the optical fiber including a core region and a cladding region, the cladding region including an annular void-containing region that contains non-periodically disposed voids. The optical fiber provides single mode transmission and low bend loss. |
| US08474272B2 |
Multistage pulse tube coolers
Various embodiments are directed to multistage pulse tube coolers. In some embodiments, one or more stages of the pulse tube cooler may comprise a control valve positioned between the hot end of the pulse tube and the reservoir. Also, in various embodiments, one or more inter-stage control valves may be positioned between the pulse tubes of consecutive stages. |
| US08474271B2 |
System and method for hot ambient and grid frequency compensation for a gas turbine
Systems and methods for controlling a gas turbine are disclosed. The gas turbine can include a compressor oversized in airflow capacity and one or variable blade rows to control the airflow into the compressor. The position of the variable blade rows can be controlled according to a nominal variable blade row schedule that is defined to throttle down the variable blade rows to provide nominal flow into the compressor. The positions of the variable blade rows can be adjusted from the nominal positions set forth in the variable blade row schedule pursuant to a request to operate the gas turbine system in either a controlled output mode or in a frequency compensation mode. |
| US08474267B2 |
Radial turbine engine floating ring seal
A turbo machine is provided that includes a turbine nozzle having a wall. The wall provides spaced apart first and second surfaces. A combustor includes a liner having an annular lip that engages one of the first and second surfaces. A floating ring seal is supported by the liner in a slip-fit relationship, for example, using a retainer. The floating ring seal engages the other of the first and second surfaces. The floating ring seal is slidably moveable relative to the liner in a floating direction in response to movement of the liner in a radial direction. |
| US08474266B2 |
System and method for a gas turbine combustor having a bleed duct from a diffuser to a fuel nozzle
A gas turbine system comprising, a diffuser operative to diffuse an airstream output from a compressor, a fuel nozzle operative to receive fuel and emit the fuel in a combustor, and at least one bleed duct operative to direct bleed air from down stream of the combustor to the fuel nozzle. |
| US08474262B2 |
Advanced tandem organic rankine cycle
Advanced Tandem Organic Rankine Cycle (AT ORC) is described for recovering power from source of heat energy into two separated independent cycles with organic fluid of propane or mix of light hydrocarbons with similar thermal stability, namely the high temperature cycle realized in the high temperature closed loop thermally connected to the high temperature zone, and the low temperature cycle realized in the low temperature closed loop thermally connected to the low temperature zone of the source of heat energy. In the process of each cycle, organic fluid changes phases from pressurized liquid to pressurized superheated organic vapor using residual heat energy from depressurized superheated organic vapor, and heat energy from corresponding temperature zone. Separation of the source of heat energy on the high temperature zone and low temperature zone is implemented to maximize thermal and overall efficiency of recovering power in each cycle and of the overall AT ORC. |
| US08474257B2 |
Exhaust turbine equipped with exhaust control valve
Provided is an exhaust turbine equipped with an exhaust control valve which can reduce wear of the contact surfaces between the shaft and the bushing or the turbine casing. The exhaust turbine is equipped with the exhaust control valve for opening/closing an exhaust bypass passage leading the exhaust turbine being driven by exhaust gas output from an engine to an exhaust outlet passage while bypassing the exhaust turbine, wherein the exhaust control valve comprises a shaft which is supported rotation-freely by a turbine casing and supports a valve element, an arm equipped with a connecting part with a drive source and turning the shaft about the axis thereof by the reciprocating motion of the connecting part produced by the drive source, and a weight attached to an end on the side opposite to the connecting part with the drive source with respect to the axis of the shaft. |
| US08474251B2 |
Cylinder head cooling system
A cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold is provided, the integrated exhaust manifold including an exhaust manifold flange. In one example, the cylinder head includes a cooled flange to control exhaust system heat. The cylinder head can improve operation of an integrated cylinder head during at least some operating conditions. |
| US08474249B2 |
Optimization of soot distribution in a diesel particulate filter
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) configured to separate a particulate from an engine exhaust is provided. The DPF comprises a downstream filtration stage including a plurality of downstream channels, an upstream filtration stage disposed upstream of and in fluidic communication with the downstream filtration stage, and including a plurality of upstream channels, and a shell at least partly enclosing the downstream filtration stage and the upstream filtration stage, the shell including an inlet configured to conduct the engine exhaust to the upstream filtration stage and an outlet configured to release the engine exhaust from the downstream filtration stage. The plurality of upstream channels may include a plurality of open upstream channels, the arrangement of which disperses the particulate more evenly over the plurality of downstream channels, as more flow is directed away from the major axis of the filter. In this way, during regeneration, it is possible to reduce one or both of longitudinal and radial thermal gradients, and thereby improve structural integrity of the filter. |
| US08474247B2 |
Particulate filter regeneration post-injection fuel rate control
A control system for a vehicle includes a mode determination module that selects one of a first post-injection mode and a second post-injection mode based on a regeneration enable signal and a particulate filter temperature signal. An adjustment module selects one of N ramp rate tables based on the selected one of the first post-injection mode and the second post-injection mode. N is an integer greater than 1. The adjustment module generates a post-injected fuel signal based on the selected one of the N ramp rate tables, an ambient temperature signal and the particulate filter temperature signal. The adjustment module outputs the post-injected fuel signal to a fuel injection system. |
| US08474235B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing a three-layer cord of the type rubberized in situ
A device and method for manufacturing a metal cord with three concentric layers, rubberized in situ, of M+N+P construction, wherein the method comprises the following steps which are performed in line: an assembling step by twisting N wires around a first layer to form, at a point named the “assembling point”, an intermediate cord named a “core strand” of M+N construction; downstream of the assembling point, a sheathing step in which the M+N core strand is sheathed with a rubber composition named “filling rubber” in the uncrosslinked state, an assembling step in which P wires of the first layer are twisted around the core strand thus sheathed, and a final twist-balancing step. |
| US08474233B2 |
Optoelectronic device and the manufacturing method thereof
An optoelectronic device has a substrate and a first window layer on the substrate with a first sheet resistance, a first thickness, and a first impurity concentration. A second window layer has a second sheet resistance, a second thickness, and a second impurity concentration. A semiconductor system is between the first window layer and the second window layer. The second window layer has a semiconductor material different from the semiconductor system, and the second sheet resistance is greater than the first sheet resistance. A method for manufacturing is provided, having the steps of providing a substrate, forming a semiconductor system on the substrate, and forming a window layer on the semiconductor system. The window layer has a semiconductor material different from the semiconductor system. Selectively removing the window layer forms a width difference greater than 1 micron between the window layer and semiconductor system. |
| US08474231B1 |
Edging and trimming apparatus for attachment to lawn mowers
The present invention is an edging and trimming apparatus for attachment to lawn mowing machines for use to edge and trim grass and weeds. A gear assembly enclosed in a housing may have a drive gear attached to a drive shaft of a lawn mower and may be engaged with a driven gear attached to a driven end of a shaft. A socket end of the shaft may be positioned in a hole in a side wall of a blade housing and the shaft may be slidably attached to the blade housing by a first bracket and a second bracket to position the shaft approximately orthogonal to the drive shaft. A head coupling assembly with a trimmer head may be releasable attached to said socket end. |
| US08474228B2 |
Packaging systems and methods for transporting vials
A packaging system for transporting vials containing biological samples may comprise a first tray defining at least one first tray cavity; and a second tray defining at least one second tray cavity and configured to mate with the first tray. The packaging system may further comprise at least one first tray cavity and at least one second tray cavity, wherein the at least one first tray cavity and the at least one second tray cavity are configured to securely hold respective vials for transport, and to restrain caps on the respective vials during transport, wherein the at least one first tray cavity and the at least one second tray cavity oppose each other when the first tray and the second tray are mated together. The packaging system may also be configured to permit barcode scanning of vials held within the first tray cavity and the second tray cavity. |
| US08474227B2 |
Bag accumulating device, bag neck gathering machine, and method
A bag accumulating device is provided with a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism. The first drive mechanism is configured to advance an open-mouth portion of a bag at a first speed. The second drive mechanism is provided adjacent and downstream of the first drive mechanism. The second drive mechanism is configured to advance the open-mouth portion of the bag at a second speed that is less than the first speed so as to accumulate and foreshorten the open-mouth portion of the bag. A method is also provided. |
| US08474225B2 |
Decapping system
Decapping system for opening or closing reagent containers or cartridge systems closed by a lid which is removed and secured by a rotational movement and method thereof are disclosed. The decapping system has a centering unit at its lower end that provides a snap-in element which engages the lid, and a plurality of simultaneously driven and vertically movable screwing heads which compensates for variable heights and/or sizes of cartridge systems to be processed. |
| US08474221B1 |
Telescoping fiberglass utility pole
An environmentally friendly fiberglass utility pole that comes in three sections that are telescoped one around the other to provide a strong, wind and bending resistant structure. Each of the three sections has alternating protruding and intruding surfaces that are slip fit together to provide maximum strength while conserving material. Additionally, each of the three sections preferably are different lengths such that maximum reinforcement is provided along the center of the length of the pole, without requiring excessive material (or weight) at the top end of the pole. |
| US08474219B2 |
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. |
| US08474215B2 |
Low-cost redeployable protective shelter
A protective shelter is presented. The protective shelter includes a substantially cylindrical wall member defining a shelter interior. The wall member has a first end and a second end and an opening formed there through. A domed member is coupled to the first end of the wall member. A door coupled to the wall member. The door is openable to permit ingress and egress into and out of the shelter interior through the opening and being closeable to cover the opening. At least one anchor point is coupled to the wall member adjacent to the second end, such that the protective shelter can be anchored to an underlying substrate. |
| US08474212B2 |
Tower for a wind power plant
The invention relates to a tower for a wind power plant having a plurality of corner bars (1) for forming a mast construction, wherein the corner bars (1) are each made up of a plurality of partial profiles (2) connected to each other and having opposing connection areas (3a, 3b) at which the adjacent partial profiles (2) of a corner bar (1) can be connected to each other, and wherein the partial profiles (2) each have two kink points in cross section extending in the longitudinal direction of the partial profiles (2) in a segment located between opposite connection areas (3a, 3b) of the partial profile. The corner bars (1) are each formed of at least three partial profiles (2), wherein the at least three partial profiles (2) of a corner bar (1) form a closed overall profile having an annular cross section, and that the joints at the connection of connection areas (3a, 3b) of adjacent partial profiles (2) of a corner bar (1) are each flush with an adjacent joint of an adjacent corner bar (1) extending the corner bar (1) in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08474211B1 |
Sheathing fastening bracket system
Each of a plurality of sheets, including a lowermost sheet, have an upper edge, a lower edge, parallel side edges, an upper surface, and a lower surface. A support includes a lower board beneath the sheets adjacent to the lower edges. Parallel boards beneath the sheets are at locations adjacent to and at spaced parallel locations between the side edges. Long brackets couple the lower edge of the lowermost sheet to one of the parallel boards and the lower board. Straight brackets couple one of the side edges of one of the sheets to one of the parallel boards there beneath. Short brackets couple the upper and lower edges of two adjacent of the sheets to one of the parallel boards there beneath. |
| US08474210B2 |
Decorative room surface formed of interlocking decorative panels
A decorative panel is manufactured for installation on a surface of a room. The decorative panel is formed from a material that can be shaped having a decorative portion, two female mounting portions and two male portions. The female portions have punched holes for fastening the panels directly to a surface, and the male portions of an adjacent panel are positioned into the female portions to partially hold the adjacent panel and to obscure from view the punched holes and fastening hardware. The panel design and installation method allows the decorative panels to be attached directly to a building material such as sheet rock without any intervening supporting structure. |
| US08474207B1 |
Strengthening wood frame construction against wind damage
This invention provides for reinforced wood structures including framing members and a method to reinforce the connection between structural members to increase the load bearing capacity of framing member intersections by covering the intersecting wood framing members with a layer of a liquid elastomer including polyurea. |
| US08474206B2 |
Post and a structure comprising a post
The present disclosure resides in a post, configured to be removably securable in an aperture and having a predetermined first cross-sectional area. The post includes an end portion having an angled face and a wedge, having a complementary angled face arranged against the angled face of the end portion. The wedge is configured to be slidably movable at the end portion to adjust a second cross-sectional area, defined by the wedge and the end portion. The angled face of the wedge is slidably movable relative to the angled face of the end portion to increase the second cross-sectional area relative to the first cross-sectional area to tightly secure the end portion (14) within an aperture. The post may further comprise a mechanism connected to the wedge for slidably moving the angled face of the wedge relative to the angled face of the end portion to increase the second cross-sectional area relative to the first cross-sectional area to tightly secure the end portion within an aperture. The mechanism may be a drawbar having a threaded portion, which is engageable with the wedge whereby rotation of the drawbar causes the wedge to slidably move. |
| US08474205B1 |
Concrete foundation footing with timber support members
A foundation footing (30) has a support framework (32) encased within concrete (38). The support framework (32) includes elongate members (34) formed of timber, such as telephone poles, which extend the full length of the footing (30). Brackets (36) rigidly securing terminal ends (42) and intermediate portions (44) of the elongate members (34) in fixed relation. The brackets (36) have steel plates (46) disposed beneath the elongate members (34) and binding chains (48) secured to the steel plates (46). The binding chains (48) are preferably loosely secured around the elongate members (34) until being encased within the concrete (38), which rigidly secures the binding chains (48) to the elongate members (34) and the elongate members (34) to the steel plates (46). Grooves (86) are formed into the elongate members (34) to increase the bonding between the elongate members (34) and the concrete (38). |
| US08474204B2 |
Architectured reinforcement structure
This invention presents a modified reinforced concrete structure, which has a steel structure composed of a beam steel box unit, column steel box unit, and beam-column joint steel box unit with lap jointing reinforced steels. The side plate and/or end plate of the steel box has through holes for concrete flowing therebetween. In this way, the workability of concrete grouting and tamping are improved, and the phenomena of hive, segregation, or floating can be avoided. It can also enhance the performance of beam-column joints (e.g. with better confinement ability, etc.). Applying the invention, the efficiency and accuracy of constructing beam-column joints can be increased, and in addition to better ensure the structural safety, it can also reduce construction manpower and schedule. |
| US08474196B2 |
Modular decking system
A modular decking system includes a plurality of elongated deck members for placement across a subsurface. Each plurality of elongated deck members has a top deck portion, opposed first and second downwardly extending sides having outwardly and laterally extending longitudinal flanges, and a plurality of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending leg members extending downwardly from the top deck portion between the first and second sides. An elongated connector, connecting adjacent first and second deck members of the plurality of deck members, has a horizontal base portion having first and second laterally spaced and upwardly extending sidewalls and an interconnecting wall extending between the first and second sidewalls forming an upwardly opening channel adapted to receive the first and second longitudinal flanges of the first and second deck members, respectively, and forming a longitudinal gutter disposed between the top deck portions of the first and the second deck members. |
| US08474192B2 |
Screened gutter protection
System, device and method for providing screened protection to gutters from clogging debris. Protection is provided by using a panel that includes rain siphoning louvered technology covered by a filter or screen. The rows of louvers are offset to direct water into the vertical openings. The louvered portion is dome shaped to permit the louvers to be vertical and to help debris roll off the sides. The filter is molded to the rows of louvers to conduct water to the vertical openings of the louvers. The filter or screen is secured to the panel by being laid in opposing hems on the two sides of the louvered portion of the panel and then by rolling beads or ribs onto the hemmed portions. The panel ends in one side in alignment ribs that are used to mount the gutter protection system under the roofing material. |
| US08474184B2 |
Apparatus for remotely opening a door
An apparatus and method for opening a door (48) from a remote location including a lever assembly (20) and a pulling line (22), the pulling line (22) having attached thereto a door handle engagement (60), the lever assembly (20) including at least a first guide (40) and a second guide (42) for guiding the pulling line (22) and a mounting apparatus (24) for mounting the lever assembly (20) to or adjacent a door (48), the first and second guides (40,42) being positioned such that when the pulling line (22) is prevented from moving through the first guide (40), pulling on the pulling line (22) acts to cause the lever assembly (20) to apply a force to urge the door to open (48). This apparatus allows an operator to gradually open a door or to apply a suitable force if, for example, the door (48) is stuck in the closed position. |
| US08474181B2 |
Biodegradable plant pot
A biodegradable plant pot is formed from a paperboard-based blank wrapped about an axis and having a first longitudinal edge portion overlapping and adhered to an opposite second longitudinal edge portion of the blank so as to form an overlap seam. The blank is oriented with the machine direction of the paperboard running substantially parallel to the axis and the cross-machine direction running substantially circumferentially about the side wall, such that the machine direction of the paperboard runs lengthwise along the overlap seam. Cuts are formed in the side wall adjacent to and at circumferentially opposite sides of one end of the overlap seam, the cuts being confined to a localized region adjacent the one end of the overlap seam. The end of the overlap seam is graspable and pullable in a direction generally toward the opposite end of the overlap seam, the cuts facilitating the starting of tearing of the blank along the overlap seam such that the overlap seam is torn from the side wall from the bottom edge to the top edge thereof. |
| US08474179B2 |
Plant pot with nesting plates
A plant pot is provided comprising a first plant pot housing with an open bottom; a first plate member supported by the first plant housing at its open bottom, wherein the first plate member is separated from the plant pot during transplanting; and a second plate member nesting with the first plate member after the first plate member is separated from the plant pot, wherein the first and second plate members are supported by a second plant pot housing also having an open bottom to complete a sequence of transplanting. |
| US08474178B2 |
Support for plants
A plant support is assembled from a plurality of interchangeable parts that can be readily assembled together to form a complete plant assembly having a desired size, in either an open or closed configuration, and to readily permit disassembly for storage or reconfiguration of the support. The plant support may be made up of various horizontal and vertical members that are configured to readily attach and detach from one another in order to form supports in various shapes and sizes such as enclosures or trellis-type supports. |
| US08474175B2 |
Fishing lure
The present invention includes improvements for fishing lures. In some embodiments, a blade of a fishing lure includes a louvered hole. The louvered hole increases the blade turning action as water moves through the hole making the lure more enticing to fish resulting in more bites/strikes. The size, shape, type, color, texture and other characteristics of the blade and the overall lure are all changeable. In a second embodiment, a lure includes one or more elongated tails. In some embodiments, the elongated tails float, spin, slow down the lure and/or generate an appearance similar to a living creature. Again, the other characteristics of the lure with elongated tails are all changeable. |
| US08474172B2 |
Alert RF system for hunter protection
The RF system for preventing hunting accidents comprising RF interrogator mounted on the firearm and RF transponder attached to hunter's coat, wherein dual-diagram microwave channel of the interrogator, which is directed along the sightline of hunter's rifle, provides alert information about “friendly targets” that could be under fire, such as other hunters or persons and animals equipped with said transponder; and if they are, the system develops alert signal: “Do not shoot”. |
| US08474166B2 |
Method of assembling a tensile fabric arrangement
The present invention provides a method of assembling a tensile fabric arrangement comprising engaging an end of a carrier member having a tensile fabric attached thereto with a first support member attached to a surface, engaging a second end of the carrier member with a locking member, extending the tensile fabric from the carrier member, engaging an end of a second carrier member for the tensile fabric with a second support member attached to the surface, engaging a second end of the second carrier member with a securing member; and applying a tension to the tensile fabric, wherein the tensile fabric is supported at its top edge only by the first and second support members but may optionally be further tensioned using a tensile structural assembly including a surface, guide hook, loop, and tie, which is also provided. |
| US08474165B1 |
Form assembly for removably attaching a form to a surface
A form assembly for removably attaching a form to a surface includes a form including a page, the page including a body, a first detachable stub attached to a first edge of the body by a first detachment line and a second detachable stub attached to a second edge of the body opposite the first edge by a second detachment line. The form also includes a first adhesive label including a lite-tac adhesive, attached to the first detachable stub by the lite-tac adhesive, where the lite-tac adhesive does not overlap the first detachment line, and a second adhesive label including a lite-tac adhesive, attached to the second detachable stub by the lite-tac adhesive, where the lite-tac adhesive does not overlap the second detachment line. The lite-tac adhesive of the first adhesive label and the lite-tac adhesive of the second adhesive label can removably secure the form assembly to a surface. |
| US08474164B2 |
Checkout divider with optical effect
A checkout divider having an optically variable effect. The divider includes a sleeve including optically variable material that is disposed upon a face of the sleeve. The sleeve is formed to take on a three-dimensional structure. The divider includes a pair of end caps that are configured to fixedly receive each end of the sleeve. The divider also includes a curved bearing surface associated with the end caps. The curved bearing surface is disposable such that upon disturbance of an equilibrium of the checkout divider, the optically variable material exhibits a change in aspect. |
| US08474161B2 |
Multitask vehicles for military use, rescue, transport, and explosive detection and removal
Multitask vehicles for military use, rescue, transport, and explosive detection and removal. In one embodiment, the multitask, motorized vehicle, includes: a vehicle body having a rigid frame with a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels mounted thereon; and a rotary mounting platform disposed on top of the vehicle body and which has a mounting portion being configured to interchangeably mount and remove various secondary systems or components, thereby permitting the multitask, motorized vehicle to change functions. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08474158B2 |
Molded snowshoe with compound deck
A molded or plastic composite snowshoe is formed of two assembled sections, in a way that imparts flexibility to the snowshoe, allowing some degree of torsional twisting or warping flexibility so that the snowshoe adapts to uneven terrain. In a principal embodiment the molded snowshoe is divided into forward and aft sections along a line slightly behind the nose area and near the pivot axis in the case of a pitch-pivoting binding. Joints between sections are in narrow rims at left and right, at opposed sides of a large central opening for the crampon/binding and boot. The joints are designed to securely hold the forward and aft molded sections together but to allow a degree of torsion between them when needed. Steel structural traction rails extend across the joints but are constructed and secured to the snowshoe sections in a manner that preserves the desired flexibility. |
| US08474157B2 |
Footwear lacing system
A snowboard boot having two handles which each handle controlling pressure within two tightening zones is disclosed. One handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower shin portion tightening zones. A second handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower foot portion tightening zones. Once the appropriate amount of pressure is applied to the various tightening zones, locks may be engaged to set the pressures. The pressures are isolated from each other such that the various different pressures within the various different tightening zones do not equalize but remain constant during the snowboarding session. Additionally, the handles may be stored on a tongue of the snowboard boot or a back portion of the snowboard boot. |
| US08474156B2 |
Vibration generating shoe and vibration device thereof
The present invention relates to a vibration generating shoe including: an upper part; an outsole part disposed on the underside of the upper part; and a vibration device having a vibration plate adapted to transmit vibrations to the shoe, a first magnet attached to the vibration plate, a second magnet disposed above the first magnet in such a manner as to have a repulsive force against the top surface of the first magnet, and a third magnet disposed below the first magnet in such a manner as to have a repulsive force against the underside surface of the first magnet, whereby a portion of the vibration plate to which the first magnet is fixed is vibrated between the second magnet and the third magnet. |
| US08474155B2 |
Article of footwear with outsole web and midsole protrusions
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to receive a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is positionable such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures. |
| US08474151B2 |
Method and device for measuring the thickness of thin layers over large-area surfaces to be measured
The invention relates to a method and a device for measuring the thickness of thin layers over large-area surfaces to be measured (12), in which at least one measuring probe (28), which comprises at least one sensor element (29) and at least one contact spherical cap (31) associated with the sensor element (29), is applied to the surface to be measured (12) in order to obtain a measured value, wherein the large-area surface to be measured (12) is subdivided into individual partial areas (14), a matrix of measurement points (16) is determined for each partial area (14) to be inspected, measured values are ascertained at equidistant measurement points (16) along at least one row (17) of the matrix of the partial area (14) using a device (21) carrying the at least one measuring probe (28), and the measured values are ascertained successively for all rows (17) in the matrix in the partial area (14) and evaluated for this partial area (14). |
| US08474150B2 |
Probe system and method for operating a probe system
A probe system includes a scanning head and a transceiver element. By touching a stylus, a sensor element is able to generate a sensor signal. The scanning head and the transceiver element are configured such that a wireless information transmission is able to be established between them. The probe contact information is able to be transmitted from the scanning head to the transceiver element by a first signal whose carrier wave is an optical wave, and furthermore, additional information is able to be transmitted between the scanning head and the transceiver element by an additional signal whose carrier wave is a radio wave. |
| US08474148B2 |
Articulating probe head apparatus and method
Apparatus for a co-ordinate positioning machine is described that comprises an articulating probe head for supporting a measurement probe. The articulating probe head comprises at least one electric motor. Heating means are provided for generating heat in the articulating probe head. The heating means may be the motors or discrete heating elements. Temperature sensing means, such as one or more temperature sensors, is also provided for determining the temperature at the articulating probe head. The apparatus allows the temperature of the articulating probe head to be controlled. |
| US08474143B2 |
Dispensing utensil
A dispensing utensil includes a body extending between a front end and a back end, and having a handle and a substance-holding end portion having a width and a length. A substance pushing member is for removing substance from the substance-holding end portion of the body. An arm has a front end and a back end, and is connected adjacent the front end to the substance pushing member and is connected adjacent the back end to the handle. The substance pushing member is movable along the substance-holding end portion between a rest position and a dispensing position. The distance between the rest position and the flexed dispensing position includes a substantial portion of the substance-holding end portion. |
| US08474141B2 |
Method of modifying a surface of a nozzle of a liquid dispenser used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display
A method of modifying a surface of the nozzle of a liquid dispenser used to dispense liquid for manufacturing a liquid crystal display (LCD) includes primarily modifying the surface of the nozzle by performing one of oxygen (O2) or ozone (O3) plasma treatment with respect to the surface of the nozzle, secondarily modifying the primarily modified surface of the nozzle by treating the primarily modified surface with aminopropyltriethoxysilane, and tertiary modifying the secondarily modified surface of the nozzle by allowing an epoxy resin to react with the secondarily modified surface of the nozzle. |
| US08474139B2 |
Method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head
Provided is a method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head, the method including forming a piezoelectric element having a width in a reference direction longer than a width in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the reference direction on a first substrate, and adhering a second substrate to a surface of the first substrate opposed to the piezoelectric element at a temperature higher than a normal temperature, wherein, in the adhering of the second substrate, the second substrate is adhered such that the first direction of the second substrate is adjusted to the reference direction, using a first thermal expansion coefficient in a first direction on an adhesion surface with the first substrate greater than a second thermal expansion coefficient in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the first thermal expansion coefficient greater than a thermal expansion coefficient of the first substrate. |
| US08474137B2 |
Method for repairing turbine blades
A method for repairing turbine blades by replacing at least a part of the blade profile, the method having: a) manufacture of a replacement blade part; b) separation of the damaged area with a standardized cutting plane, leaving behind a remaining blade; c) matching of the replacement blade part to the actual geometry of the remaining blade; d) connecting or joining of the replacement blade part to the remaining blade by soldering of at least one web and welding of an outer contour. |
| US08474136B2 |
Method for the fabrication of a camshaft and a corresponding camshaft
A method of fabricating a camshaft including at least one carrier unit and at least one functional element. The carrier unit is produced at least in part from at least one first blank by way of at least one first machining method, and the functional element is produced at least in part from at least one second blank by way of at least one second machining method. The invention further relates to a camshaft produced by the method of the invention. |
| US08474134B2 |
Functional element-mounted module and a method for producing the same
A functional element-mounted module can be decreased in size and requires no costly and special members for a light transition member. A substrate is used, on which an optical functional element having an optical function part and bonding pads therearound is mounted by wire bonding, with an upper face of the element upward. A bank to dam a liquid sealing resin is provided around the optical functional element on the substrate, and the liquid sealing resin is dropped and filled between the optical functional element and the bank such that the bonding pads and partial gold wires for the wire bonding are exposed. A package-component member having a hole corresponding to the optical functional element is abutted to the bank such that the hole is opposed to the function part of the functional element. Thereby, the package-component member is contacted to the liquid sealing resin. The package-component member is fixed to the substrate by curing the liquid sealing resin, and the bank is cut away. |
| US08474133B2 |
Method of fabricating a base layer circuit structure
Methods of fabricating a base layer circuit structure are provided. One fabrication method includes: providing an alignment carrier having a support surface; forming a plurality of electrically conductive structures above the support surface of the alignment carrier; disposing a structural material around and physically contacting the side surfaces of the electrically conductive structures formed above the support surface, the structural material having an upper surface coplanar with or parallel to the upper surface of one or more of the electrically conductive structures; exposing, if covered, the upper surfaces of the electrically conductive structures to facilitate electrical connection to the structures; and separating the alignment carrier from the base layer circuit structure. The base layer circuit structure includes the plurality of electrically conductive structures and the structural material surrounding and physically contacting the electrically conductive structures. |
| US08474132B2 |
Product line assembly
A product line assembly includes a plurality of containers detachably connected. Each of the plurality of containers includes a case and equipment received in the case. Each container is configured for performing an individual working procedure. |
| US08474131B2 |
Apparatus for cold joining a coupling element to a pipe
A tool for joining a coupling element, such as a flange to a pipe, wherein the coupling element surrounds the pipe and has grooves facing the pipe to receive a corresponding plurality of beads provided on the pipe. The tool has a plurality of axially separated, radially movable segments. Each segment has a plurality of circle sector formed ridges. The plurality of segments thereby provides circumferentially extending ridges that are capable of deforming a pipe wall by a first pressing action on the inside wall of the pipe to create on the outside of the pipe circumferential beads in the pipe wall and to cause these beads to extend into corresponding grooves in the coupling element. The segments also have circumferentially extending portions located adjacent and between the ridges. The extending portions in a second, subsequent passing action cause post-pressing of buckled-in areas that occur naturally in the pipe wall between and adjacent to the beads during the first pressing action, so that an outward tension is obtained in the pipe at the location of the coupling element. |
| US08474127B2 |
Method for enhancing thermal stability, improving biasing and reducing damage from electrostatic discharge in self-pinned abutted junction heads
A method for enhancing thermal stability, improving biasing and reducing damage from electrical surges in self-pinned abutted junction heads. The method includes forming a free layer, forming first hard bias layers abutting the free layer and forming second hard bias layers over the first hard bias layers discontiguous from the free layer, the second hard bias layers being anti-parallel to the first hard bias layers, the first and second hard bias layers providing a net longitudinal bias on the free layer. |
| US08474123B1 |
Method of manufacturing an electronically heated, over-molded hose and fluidic fitting assembly
An electrically heated, over-molded fluidic hose and fitting assembly includes a length of electrically heated hose comprising an inner tube, heating wire wrapped around the inner tube, and an outer jacket covering at least a portion of the heating wires over the inner tube, the heating wires extending beyond the end of the hose. A fluidic fitting is provided in the end of the hose, the extending heating wires wrapped around the fitting, and at least a portion of the heating wires around the fluidic fitting are encapsulated in a first over-mold. Optionally, the first over-mold may be at least partially encapsulated within a second over-mold. |
| US08474119B2 |
Blind-rivet gun
A blind-rivet gun includes a gun header, a cylinder, a piston, and an air saving device. The cylinder is separated from the gun header. The piston and an inner surface of the cylinder form a seal to divide the cylinder into a first air chamber and a second air chamber. The air saving device includes a switch circuit. The switch circuit turns on a first connection between the air inlet pipe and the first air outlet pipe or turns on a second connection between the air inlet pipe, the second air outlet pipe and the third air outlet pipe. The piston slides in the cylinder to generate inner high pressure by alternatively supplying high pressure air to the first air chamber or the second air chamber. The blind-rivet is pulled in and is pushed out of the blind-rivet ejecting pipe by the inner high pressure. |
| US08474118B2 |
Insertion tool for tangless spiral coil insert
To provide an insertion tool for a tangless spiral coil insert that is simple in structure and is also easy to manufacture and assemble, as compared with a conventional tool, accordingly that allows reduction in manufacturing cost, and besides that is excellent in operability.An insertion tool 1 for a tangless spiral coil insert includes, for inserting a tangless spiral coil insert 100 into a work, a mandrel 43 at least a leading end section of which is a screw shaft 45, and a pivotal claw 80 provided with a claw section 81 which engages with a notch 101 of an end coil section of the tangless spiral coil insert 100 screwed with the screw shaft 45. The pivotal claw 80 has an elastic connection member 83 one end of which is fixed to a pivotal-claw attachment groove 71, and the other end of which is attached to the claw section 81, and the elastic connection member 83 biases the claw section 81 outside in a radial direction of the screw shaft 45, so that a hook section 90 formed in the claw section 81 elastically engages with the notch 101 of the tangless spiral coil insert 100. |
| US08474117B2 |
Machine tool
There is provided a machine tool capable of housing workpieces of different sizes in a same workpiece storage unit without requiring a new workpiece storage unit. In a machine tool including a workpiece storage unit having a plurality of housing spaces housing workpieces and a processing machine processing a workpiece supplied from one of the housing spaces, the workpiece storage unit is structured so that the size of each housing space is changeable. |
| US08474114B2 |
Method for the final shaping of a tampon
The invention relates to a method for a shaping step completing a process for producing a tampon (1) which is produced of an absorbent material. At least one groove (12, 13) is embossed onto the peripheral surface by radially compressing, preferably under thermal influence, at least one region of the tampon (1) extending along a peripheral surface of the tampon (1), the groove plane substantially extending normal to the longitudinal extension of the tampon. |
| US08474112B2 |
Carabiners with multi mode locking sleeves, methods of manufacturing such carabiners, and methods of using such carabiners
Carabiners have a gate that is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a locking member that prevents opening of the gate when the gate is in the closed position and the locking member is in a locked position. The locking member is biased to the locked position. The locking member is also movable to a retainable unlocked position. Methods of manufacturing such carabiners include configuring a locking member of a carabiner to move between a locked position and a retainable unlocked position, and biasing the locking member to the locked position. Methods of using a carabiner include positioning a locking member in a retainable unlocked position, opening a gate of the carabiner, and allowing the locking member to at least substantially automatically move to a locked position as the gate is closed. |
| US08474110B1 |
Clip apparatus
A clip apparatus including a housing with a base and a frame. A first retention arm and a second retention arm are rotatably coupled to the base and include a pivoting leg and a retention leg. Upon insertion of the frame into an opening of an outside surface, the opening directs the pivoting leg to rotate the respective retention arm, which, in turn, directs the retention legs into a position wherein the outside surface is sandwiched between the respective retention legs of the retention arms and an inner surface of the base. |
| US08474109B2 |
Slider assembly
Slider assemblies and methods of manufacturing slider assemblies including a slider with a locking feature that cooperates with a plurality of coils of a standard zipper component. In some embodiments, the slider is capable of moving freely along the length of the zipper component when sufficient force is applied to the slider, but is capable of being locked in position when sufficient force is no longer applied to the slider. In certain embodiments, the locking feature is generally M-shaped. In some embodiments, the sliders are formed using injection molding techniques. |
| US08474107B2 |
Attachment arrangement and a tool for locking an attachment arrangement
An attachment arrangement is provided. The attachment arrangement includes a mounting structure having an opening, an attachment element to be inserted into the opening for attaching a part to the mounting structure, and a locking element of the attachment element for locking the attachment element to the mounting structure. The locking element is inserted as a part of the attachment element along an insertion direction into the opening in the mounting structure up to an end position and engages behind the opening in the end position such that it prevents removal of the attachment element from the opening and thus locks the attachment element to the mounting structure. The locking element has at least a first section and a second section that rest against the edge of the opening in succession when the attachment element is inserted through the opening. |
| US08474106B2 |
Seat belt latch plate assembly
A seat belt has an upper end mounted at the occupant shoulder and a lower end mounted adjacent the occupant lap. A latch plate assembly carried by the belt engages a buckle. The latch plate assembly includes a housing having a pair of flanges and a depression extending laterally between the flanges. A lock bar pivotally mounted on the flanges has a clamping surface moving toward and away from the depression upon pivoting movement of the lock bar. The belt wraps around the lock bar so that a force applied to the belt pivots the lock bar and the clamping surface of the lock bar clamps the belt into the depression to lock the belt against movement through the latch plate assembly. The lock bar pivot axis is closer to the clamping surface than the opposite side edge around which the belt wraps to increase the clamping force. |
| US08474098B1 |
Adjustable pulling rod set
An adjustable pulling rod set includes a switch, a base and a cover. The switch is on the base. The switch includes an operating component, two positioning rods and a spring. A rail and two gaps are opened on the operating component. The two gaps communicate with the rail. The two positioning rods pass through the rail respectively. Two abutting nodes are defined on one end of the two positioning rods respectively. Each abutting node has two wings. The two wings abut against the inner side of the two gaps. Both ends of the spring abut against the two abutting nodes of the two positioning rods respectively. When the button is pressed, the two wings are forced by the two slice bodies along the two gaps and the two positioning rods compress the spring. Thus, the height of a pulling rod will be adjustable. |
| US08474096B2 |
Truck and trailer door safety device
An overhead door safety system includes a loading dock having a loading dock wall defining an opening. A truck and trailer door safety device is mounted to the loading dock wall. The truck and trailer door safety device includes a mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the loading dock wall and a swing arm. The swing arm includes an arm extension portion and a pivot portion. The pivot portion is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket so that the swing arm pivots about a pivot axis between a retaining position and a storage position. In the retaining position, the arm extension portion is disposed beneath an overhead door of a truck positioned adjacent to the opening of the loading dock wall to prevent the overhead door from closing. |
| US08474093B2 |
Suction appliance for cleaning purposes
Suction appliance for cleaning purposes, comprising a dirt collecting container with a suction outlet on which a filter is held, a suction unit for acting upon the dirt collecting container with negative pressure, a suction chamber between the suction unit and the filter with an external air inlet, via which external air can flow into the suction chamber to act upon the filter on the clean-space side, a valve device with a valve seat forming the external air inlet, a movable valve body to seal and release the valve seat, and an actuating member to cause the valve body to be transferred from a closed position to an open position. The appliance can comprise an energy storage device, to which energy to be stored can be supplied by actuating the actuating member. Stored energy can be released for transferring the valve body from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08474090B2 |
Autonomous floor-cleaning robot
A floor cleaning robot comprises a housing, wheels, and a motor driving the wheels to move the robot across a floor, a control module disposed within the housing and directing movement of the robot across the floor, a sensor for detecting and communicating obstacle information to the control module so that the control module can cause the robot to react to the obstacle, a removable bin disposed at least partially within the housing and receiving particulates, a first rotating member directing particulates toward the bin, and a second rotating member cooperating with the first rotating member to direct particulates toward the bin. The removable bin receives particulates directed thereto by the first and second rotating members and the particulates pass from the first rotating member to the removable bin without passing through a filter. |
| US08474086B1 |
Composite bristle
A composite bristle and a method of making is disclosed comprising a metallic bristle embedded within a generally central region of a polymeric bristle. A periodic bend is formed along the length of each of the composite bristles. The invention is also incorporated into a composite brush and a method of making. |
| US08474083B2 |
Apparatus and method for encouraging hand washing
A device to encourage hand washing which provides visual feedback to a user who can control a video game, blow bubbles, or view other visual feedback device while washing their hands. The device in one mode features at least one controller configured to operate when wet or continually doused with water while the user is washing their hands. The user may view a video or other means for visual interaction while washing their hands, and control a portion of the display with the controller. A video game or the like may thus be played by washing their hands thereby providing user encouragement to wash their hands. In a hand powered mode of the device, a compressible shell is employed to blow bubbles while squeezed and concurrently washing the user's hands. The controller or the shell may be employed with components providing a dermabrasive action against the palm of the user. |
| US08474076B2 |
Adjustable foot section for a patient support apparatus
A patient support apparatus including a bed frame, an adjustable foot section coupled to a foot end of the bed frame, and a deck moveably coupled to the adjustable foot section. The deck defines a foot support surface having a length dimension defined along a longitudinal axis of the bed frame and a width dimension defined transverse to the longitudinal axis. The length dimension is a first length and the width dimension is a first width when the adjustable foot section is in a first position, and the length dimension is a second length and the width dimension is a second width when the adjustable foot section is in a second position. The second length is less than the first length, and the second width is greater than the first width. |
| US08474074B2 |
Pulmonary mattress
A patient-support apparatus includes a mattress assembly supported on a frame, the mattress assembly including a coverlet configured to provide low-airloss therapy to a patient supported on the patient-support apparatus. The patient-support apparatus is articulable to a number of positions and includes a control network which is responsive to movement of portions of the frame to alter operational parameters of the frame and mattress assembly. |
| US08474072B2 |
Hospital bed with chair lockout
A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a mattress support deck coupled to the frame. The mattress support deck is movable between a horizontal position to support a patient in a lying position and a chair egress position to support the patient in a sitting position. The patient support apparatus has at least one actuator coupled to the mattress support deck and operable to move the mattress support deck between the horizontal position and the chair egress position. Control circuitry is coupled to the at least one actuator and is operable to command operation of the at least one actuator. In response to the control circuitry receiving a chair lockout signal, the at least one actuator is prevented from being operated to move the mattress support deck into the chair egress position. |