| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08506349B2 |
Bra and/or bra pad for providing the appearance of symmetry to asymmetrical breasts
An apparatus comprising a breast covering garment apparatus comprising a breast cup comprising (i) an inner shell having a concave shape selected from a number of available cup sizes and (ii) an outer shell having a convex shape selected from a number of available breast cup sizes. The inner shell of the breast cup and the outer shell of the breast cup may be shaped from a solid piece of flexible material. The inner shell of the breast cup may be smaller than the outer shell of the breast cup. |
| US08506348B2 |
Breast enhancing brassiere
A brassiere is provided having a pair of breast-receiving cups, each cup comprising at least one fabric layer molded to at least one foam layer, and an inner breast-receiving side and a lower periphery and an upper periphery. A first shaped pocket is formed on the breast-receiving side having a slit formed therein. A first shaped cushion conforming substantially to the shape of the pocket is removably insertable into the pocket to provide breast enhancement to a wearer. |
| US08506344B2 |
Reconfigurable clothing article for a doll
A doll includes a reconfigurable clothing article coupled thereto. The reconfigurable clothing article can be placed in different configurations relative to the body of the doll. In one configuration, the clothing article can be moved upward and substantially cover an upper portion of the doll body. In another configuration, the clothing article can be moved downward and substantially cover a lower portion of the doll body. In one embodiment, the clothing article may include openings or receiving areas into which the arms of the doll can be inserted. In one embodiment, the clothing article may be placed in intermediate configurations along the body of the doll. |
| US08506343B2 |
Interactive toy doll for image capture and display
An interactive toy doll is provided having a torso defining a front portion and a back portion. The doll may additionally include legs extending from a lower portion of the torso, an image sensor located on the front portion of the torso, and an image display located on the back portion of the torso. The doll may further include a processor operatively connected to the image sensor and the image display. Additionally, the doll may include legs that may be grasped by a user while leaving the image sensor and the image display exposed so that a user may view an image on the image display while grasping the legs. |
| US08506340B1 |
System and method for retrofitting an existing lamp for remote operation
Presented is a method for retrofitting an electric lamp having an electric switch with a dimmer unit. The method includes providing a dimmer unit configured for dimming the electric lamp. The dimmer unit includes a microcontroller, and a lamp switch connector socket in electrical communication with the microcontroller. The method further includes providing a lamp switch connector, electrically disconnecting the electric switch from the electric lamp, electrically connecting the electric switch to the lamp switch connector, and electrically connecting the lamp switch connector to the lamp switch connector socket. Consequently, the electric switch is functionally isolated from the lamp and in electrical communication microcontroller. |
| US08506338B2 |
Connecting piece that can be inserted into a boats hull
A connecting piece (1) that can be set or inserted into the hull of a boat. The connecting piece has an opening (2) therein for the passage of a pivoted boat drive unit. An outer edge area (3) of the connecting piece (1) facilitates fixing and sealing of the connecting piece (1) relative to the hull of the boat. The connecting piece (1) comprises a sandwich structure and the sandwich structure generally comprises an inner steel plate (5) and an outer steel plate (6) and an elastomer material arranged therebetween. |
| US08506335B2 |
Apparatus for testing electronic devices
An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer. |
| US08506334B2 |
Battery connector with lid for easy disconnect
Battery connectors that have a small size, are easily connected and disconnected during manufacturing and repair, are resistant to misconnection, and during connection, form electrical contact for one or both power pins before a signal pin. In one example, size may be reduced by providing a lid having a flat surface. Another example may provide a lid that extends beyond an edge of the socket in one or more directions to allow the lid to be pried with a finger during removal. Another example may provide a socket that is keyed using a negative space, which may mate with an open space in the lid. This mating may prevent the lid from being misconnected with the socket during manufacturing or repair. Another example may provide signal pins having a lower height than power and ground pins, such that power and ground connections are formed first when a battery is connected. |
| US08506332B2 |
Impedance controlled electrical connector
A board-mountable connector is provided. The connector includes a shield and an insulative housing with a tongue. Terminals are supported by the housing in two rows and the rows extend from a mating interface to a board mounting interface. The terminals may be mounted to the board via surface mount technology in two rows that are at about 0.4 mm pitch. The two rows of terminals are configured in a signal, signal, ground triangular configuration so as to provide a triangular terminal arrangement that extends from the mating interface to the mounting interface. |
| US08506327B2 |
Portable electronic devices with sealed connectors
Portable electronic devices may have sealed connectors. A sealed connector may be formed using a multi-shot insert molding process. The sealed connector may include contacts. A first shot of thermoplastic may be injected to form a contact housing that is molded around the contacts. The contact housing may be encased in a metal shell. A second shot of thermoplastic material may be inserted to form a connector housing that is molded around the contact housing. An elastomeric sealing member may be integrated into the connector housing. A sealed connector formed in this way may be fitted into a device housing of an electronic device. The sealed connector may prevent ingress of liquid, dirt, or other undesirable debris that may enter into the device through the connector port. A flex circuit within the device may have solder pads that may be soldered to corresponding contacts in the connector. |
| US08506326B2 |
Coaxial cable continuity connector
A coaxial cable continuity connector comprising a connector body, a post engageable with connector body, wherein the post includes a flange having a tapered surface, a nut, wherein the nut includes an internal lip having a tapered surface, wherein the tapered surface of the nut oppositely corresponds to the tapered surface of the post when the nut and post are operably axially located with respect to each other when the coaxial cable continuity connector is assembled, and a continuity member disposed between and contacting the tapered surface of the post and the tapered surface of the nut, so that the continuity member endures a moment resulting from the contact forces of the opposite tapered surfaces, when the continuity connector is assembled, is provided. |
| US08506320B1 |
Mounting apparatus for flash drive
A mounting apparatus is used to fix a flash drive mounted on a circuit board with a connector. The mounting apparatus receives the flash drive and connector. The mounting apparatus includes a base board, and a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to each other. An operation portion extends from an end of the base board opposite to the circuit board and forms a blocking portion on a front surface to block a top of the flash drive. Two pairs of fixing portions are formed on the mounting apparatus, respectively for perpendicularly and horizontally mounting the mounting apparatus to the circuit board. |
| US08506316B2 |
Electrical connection device having a fixing member with a positioning portion engaging a groove in a socket
An electrical connection device for electrically connecting a chip module includes a reinforce device and a socket. The reinforce device includes a load plate, a stiffener, a fixing member and a pressing member. The fixing member is disposed on the load plate and used for fixing the chip module, and at least one positioning portion is disposed on the fixing member. The load plate is pivoted to the stiffener. The pressing member is disposed on the stiffener and used for pressing the load plate to be closed on the stiffener. The socket locates below the chip module, and electrically conduct to the chip module. The socket contacts and is positioned by the positioning portion of the fixing member. |
| US08506315B2 |
Docking station for connector for electric vehicle charging station
A docking station for stowing an electrical connector adapted to connect a power source to a re-chargeable battery in a vehicle powered at least partially by the battery. The connector has a first end connected to a power cable for coupling the connector to the power source, and a second end that includes multiple first electrical terminals adapted to engage mating second electrical terminals in a receptacle. The second end also includes a protruding latching element adapted to engage a cooperating latching element in a receptacle for latching the connector to the receptacle. A stowing receptacle adapted to receive the second end of the connector when the connector is not in use includes an elongated recess adapted to receive the protruding latching element when the protruding latching element is located anywhere along the length of the elongated recess. |
| US08506314B2 |
Sealing of spring-loaded contact pin
A connector having a housing and at least one spring contact for establishing releasable electrical contacts. Each spring contact has a first contact pin axially movable, and a contact-side end facing a front side of the housing. A planar sealing element is arranged at the front side of the housing, and seals against a first predetermined fluid pressure. At least one through hole is in the sealing element within which a second contact pin is arranged. The second contact pin has a first contact-side end facing the spring contacts, and a second contact side end facing away from the front side of the housing. The second contact pin is arranged within the through hole and seals the through hole against a second predetermined fluid pressure. The first contact pin with the contact-side end mechanically hits the contact-side end of the second contact pin-establishing electrical contact. |
| US08506313B2 |
Connector
A connector includes a first terminal housing for housing a plurality of first connecting terminals aligned, a second terminal housing for housing a plurality of second connecting terminals aligned, a plurality of insulating members aligned and housed in the first or second terminal housing, and a plurality of device side connecting terminals each integrated with the plurality of first connecting terminals at a base end side of the plurality of first connecting terminals, and electrically connected to a device to which the first terminal housing is attached. The plurality of device side connecting terminals are each plate-shaped and each include a surface parallel to a lamination direction of the laminated structure and to a fitting direction of the first and second terminal housings. The first terminal housing includes a terminal block for holding the plurality of device side connecting terminals to be aligned in the lamination direction. |
| US08506308B2 |
Substrate connection structure
A substrate connection structure includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first connection terminal plate, a second connection terminal plate, and a fastening member. The first connection terminal plate extends away from the first substrate and includes a flat portion. The second connection terminal plate extends away from the second substrate and includes a flat portion. At least one of the flat portions includes a screw insertion portion. The fastening member fastens the first connection terminal plate and the second connection terminal plate through the screw insertion portion in a state in which the flat portions are in contact with each other. |
| US08506306B2 |
Board mountable connector
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a substrate and a joint. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein a substrate signal contact, two ground contacts and two positioning openings are formed on the substrate, and the positioning openings are respectively formed on the ground contact and pass through the substrate. The joint includes a connection port, a joint signal contact and two ground structure, wherein the connection port is electrically connected to the joint signal contact, the joint signal contact is connected to the substrate signal contact, and the joint signal contact is located between the two ground structures, and the ground structures are respectively inserted into the positioning openings to be electrically connected to the ground contacts. |
| US08506303B1 |
System and method for interactive knitting functions
Systems and methods of transforming existing sets of instructions into a comprehensive user guidance experience for presentation and use by a user, and more particularly, to systems and methods of constructing a knitted garment from disparate instructional content. More particularly, the method includes receiving content from one or more instructional manuals, modifying the received content, selecting instructional content parts of interest, adding and editing additional sub-part content such as reference material or user-specific content to the parts of interest, assembling the instructional sub-parts and parts into an integrated scheme for presentation provided to a user, and tracking the users progress through the integrated instructional scheme. The instructional content may be received in text or graphical format. The integrated instructional scheme may be presented to the user via a graphical user interface. |
| US08506301B2 |
Transportable projection-based simulator
A transportable projection-based simulator is expanded on one or both sides. Bowl-like screen assemblies partially surround a mock cabin within the simulator. A combination of projectors and mirrors reflect images of a virtual landscape onto the screen assemblies. A trainee within the mock cabin can lean out of the mock cabin and look down at the image of the virtual landscape projected onto the portion of the screen assembly below without interfering with the projection of that image. |
| US08506299B2 |
Device and method for manufacturing dental prosthesis
The invention relates to a device and a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis with which and in which the data records for fabricated teeth are fitted into a virtual model of the oral situation. It is possible to subsequently directly manufacture the denture base or to insert the fabricated teeth in the model. |
| US08506297B2 |
Dental model
A dental modal for making a dental prosthesis has a base body formed with model teeth and model gingiva and with a cutout in an edentate area and with a hole in a floor of the cutout. A plate is releasably fittable complementarily in the cutout and is formed with a hole aligned with the hole of the cutout. A gingiva mask is fittable on the plate in the cutout and is in turn formed with a hole aligned with the holes of the plate and of the cutout. A model implant insert is releasably fittable in the holes of the mask, plate, and cutout and carries a model implant or an implant-screw mockup. |
| US08506296B2 |
Dental restorative system and components
Disclosed within is a dental restorative system including a dental abutment having a longitudinal axis, lingual and facial aspects, a base portion for engagement with a dental implant, and a tapered coronal portion. The dental abutment further includes an emergence profile portion between the base portion and the tapered coronal portion. The emergence profile portion includes at least a first concave surface and at least a first convex surface. The dental abutment may further include an interproximally sloping margin shoulder and a reduced terminal portion located at the upper end of the tapered coronal portion. Alternative embodiments of the dental abutment are also disclosed. |
| US08506294B2 |
Device for producing dental workpieces
The invention relates to a device for the automated production of dental workpieces. A blank is inserted in a substantially slab-shaped support of the device, said support being dimensioned such that the blank does not extend beyond it in any direction. The blank is linked with corresponding inner walls of a recess provided in the support only on two opposite faces while a gap is left between the other inner walls of the recess and the corresponding faces of the blank. The inventive design allows to avoid tensions and microcracks of the blank material thereby caused. The gaps further make the blank directly accessible for a lateral working by the milling tool. |
| US08506292B2 |
High/low bracket placements on lingual surfaces
An orthodontic bracket system used on the anterior lower teeth includes a plurality of alternating high-low brackets which is made up of a subplurality of high brackets and low brackets. The plurality of alternating high-low brackets are fixed to the anterior teeth, namely the subplurality of high brackets is fixed to alternately successive anterior teeth and the low brackets are fixed to other ones of alternately successive anterior teeth. A first orthodontic wire is coupled or attached to the subplurality of high brackets. A second orthodontic wire is coupled or attached to the subplurality of low brackets. The first and second orthodontic wires are selectively bent between selected brackets to which the first and second orthodontic wires are coupled, so that length of the first and second wire between each bracket to which it is coupled is increased, leaving space between brackets for bends formed in the wire. |
| US08506291B2 |
Modular mobile furnace train
A modular mobile furnace train apparatus and a process is disclosed. Mobile furnaces may be interconnected in series to form a modular mobile furnace train. Exhaust gas may then flow through mobile furnaces in a furnace train, allowing for more effective heat transfer to payload being heated as well as increasing energy recapture. Volatile gasses emitted by the payload may be combusted. This recapture reduces production of carbon dioxide and reduces the amount of energy required during the firing while the combustion of volatiles reduces exhaust pollutants. A fire line is an area where heat is applied, while a service line is an area where loading, unloading, inspection, and ongoing maintenance may take place. The modular mobile furnace train allows separation of the fire and maintenance which reduces worker exposure to dangerous environments while decreasing operational costs. Furthermore, the modular mobile furnace facility is less costly to build and operate. |
| US08506288B2 |
Method and means for improving combustion efficiency
A more complete combustion and a decrease in particulate emissions in the burning of a heavy fuel oil in an industrial boiler or similar combustion device is obtained by first heating the oil to a temperature sufficient to significantly lower its viscosity and continuously mixing a fuel additive containing a solution of a high molecular weight, substantially linear, viscoelastic polymer to the heated oil flowing to the combustion device by mechanically stirring the oil and additive at conditions that do not cause degradation of the viscoelastic polymer through rupture and breakage of polymer molecules. |
| US08506282B2 |
Die and die device
A die body includes a die hole for punching a work. A core, including a discharge hole, which is in communication with the die hole, is provided in the die body. The core is provided with a plurality of fluid injection ports through which fluid is injected downward of the discharge hole. The die body is provided with inflow ports through which compressed fluid flows into the fluid injection ports. The core is made of resin. The discharge hole is tapered toward its upper side. An outer peripheral surface of the die body is provided with a peripheral groove which is in communication with the inflow ports. |
| US08506280B1 |
Lip adjustment system having cross-bar
The invention comprises a die apparatus including a flexible lip for adjusting a gap between the flexible lip and a second lip. The apparatus include a cross-bar contacting the lip and extending substantially the length of the lip, where the cross-bar is connected to linear moving members. The linear moving members may be moved, for instance, through pivoting pivot members. The pivoting members may pivot by adjusting a slide bar. As a result, the dimensions of the gap may be changed by moving the slide bar in a first direction or a second direction. |
| US08506277B2 |
Cylindrical core for manufacturing endless belt-shaped body, and method for manufacturing endless belt-shaped body
A cylindrical core for manufacturing an endless belt-shaped body includes a cylindrical portion that includes a cylinder whose cylindrical shape is not maintainable without support when an outer surface thereof is orthogonal to the direction of gravitational force; and flange portions that are detachably mounted on both axial ends of the cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical core is used in a method for manufacturing an endless belt-shaped body, the method including applying a coating film forming resin solution onto an outer surface or an inner surface of the cylindrical portion in a state in which the flange portions are mounted on the cylindrical portion; drying a solvent of the coating film forming resin solution; and solidifying the coating film forming resin by heating in a state in which the flange portions are removed, to form the endless belt-shaped body. |
| US08506276B2 |
Method for manufacturing bladder for use in manufacturing tires
A method for manufacturing a bladder for use in manufacturing tires having a surface-modified rubber layer on an outer surface side of a base rubber layer, including the steps of: forming an uncross-linked body of the surface-modified rubber layer by molding a rubber composition including a modified butyl rubber composition and an organic peroxide and applying a siloxane compound having a (meth)acryloyl group to a surface of this rubber molded body; forming the base rubber layer from an unvulcanized body or vulcanized body formed from a rubber composition different than the modified butyl rubber composition; laminating the uncross-linked body of the surface-modified rubber layer on the outer surface side of the base rubber layer; and heat treating. |
| US08506266B2 |
Sealing system assembly for high pressure fluid handling devices
A process fluid handling device in an electrochemical cell system having a sealing system assembly between a process fluid compartment and a drive compartment of the fluid handling device. The sealing system includes a double seal configuration forming an interconnection compartment which is supplied with barrier fluid. The sealing system provides isolation of pressurized process fluids from the drive compartment. |
| US08506265B2 |
Electric fan with multiple selection of oscillating angles
An electric fan includes a fan shaft driven by a fan motor supported by a motor support. An oscillating device includes a rotational shaft connected to the motor support for driving the motor support to oscillate. A transmission gear has an axle connected to the rotational shaft and a gear wheel mounted around the axle and driven by a synchronous motor. An oscillating angle limiting switch detects a rotational angle of the rotational shaft and the gear wheel and sends a signal indicative of the rotational angle. A circuit board has a processor coupled to the oscillating angle limiting switch and receives the signal. A comparing program compares the rotational angle indicated by the signal with a selected one of a plurality of preset rotational angles. The synchronous motor is driven when the rotational angle indicated by the signal is equal to the selected preset rotational angle. |
| US08506261B2 |
Displacement control system for variable displacement compressor
A displacement control system (B) for a variable displacement compressor has an electromagnetic clutch (200), a displacement control valve (300) including a valve body (306) that is applied with pressure of a suction pressure region of a variable displacement compressor (100) and an electromagnetic force of a solenoid unit in an opposite direction to the pressure of a discharge pressure region, and biasing means that biases the valve body (306) in the same direction as the electromagnetic force, and means (453, 454, 405) for adjusting current, which adjusts current supplied to a displacement control valve coil (316) according to external information detected by external-information detecting means (403, 451, 452). |
| US08506255B2 |
Rotor blade for a wind turbine
A rotor blade of a wind power installation in which the rotor blade, in particular in the central region of the rotor, the so-called main board, has a lift-drag ratio which in the region of about ±2° from the optimum pitch angle has a lift-drag ratio value of more than 80%, preferably 90% and more of the maximum value of the lift-drag ratio. |
| US08506250B2 |
Wind turbine rotor blade with trailing edge extension and method of attachment
A wind turbine rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. An edge extension is attached along the trailing edge and includes a first strip member having a span-wise attachment section attached to pressure side, and a second strip member having a span-wise attachment section attached to the suction side. Each of the first and second strip members has an outboard edge and an extension section that projects chord-wise beyond the trailing edge. The extension sections are adhesively attached to each other outboard of the trailing edge along a span-wise length of the first and second strip members and define an adhesively bonded closure edge of the edge extension. A method is also provided for forming an edge extension on a wind turbine rotor blade. |
| US08506247B2 |
Arrangement and method to control the yawing of a wind turbine
A wind turbine and a method of controlling yawing of a wind turbine are provided. A nacelle is mounted rotatable around a first axis by an adjustable yaw angle and a hub is mounted rotatable around a rotational axis. The hub includes a blade rotating around the rotational axis, the blade defining a rotor plane perpendicular to the rotational axis. A channel of the wind turbine has an opening, the opening being located at a predefined distance to the rotor plane. At least one component of incoming wind is guided through the opening and into the channel as air flow. A measuring device is provided for measuring the air flow, the measuring device being connected to a controller. The controller detects a yaw angle error between a direction of the incoming wind and the rotational axis, the yaw angle error being used to adjust the yaw angle of the nacelle. |
| US08506245B2 |
Steam turbine shell
A steam turbine apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the steam turbine apparatus comprises: an exhaust shell portion including: a first section having a semi-circular cross-section; an exhaust section contiguous with the first section, the exhaust section including an intermediate-pressure exhaust outlet; and a second section having an oblate spherical cross-section including a substantially flattened portion, the second section configured to fluidly connect with the first section, wherein the first section and the second section form a continuous steam flow path. |
| US08506242B2 |
Method of making a heat exchange component using wire mesh screens
A heat exchanger component is made by forming a wafer having a pair of opposed outer major faces with interstices between them from a stack of wire mesh screens. The outer major surfaces of the wafer are sealed by depositing a metal coating on them. The deposited metal coatings define between them a flow path for a heat exchange fluid extending through the interstices of the wafer. |
| US08506239B2 |
Turbine with at least one rotor which comprises rotor disks and a tie-bolt
A gas turbine is provided. The gas turbine includes at least one rotor, having rotor blades arranged on the periphery of rotor disks in a plurality of radial planes, and a tie-bolt extending along slots in the rotor disks and holding the rotor disks together as a unit. At least one annular spacer for fixing the position of the tie-bolt in relation to the center line of the rotor disks is also provided. The spacer includes through-openings that are arranged radially in relation to the tie-bolt or to its center line and that extend coaxially. |
| US08506235B2 |
Air turbine starter one-piece air exit port baffle
A one-piece air exit port baffle for containment for an air start turbine includes a circular arc section with a circumferentially corrugated circular arc section and a flange section. The circumferentially corrugated circular arc section has a plurality of openings. The flange section is axially adjacent to the circumferentially corrugated circular arc section and configured for attachment adjacent to an air exit port of an air turbine starter. |
| US08506230B2 |
Distributor device
A distributor device including a distribution chute that extends inside the tank at an inclined angle for distributing material in the interior of the tank. A rotation frame is rotatable around a vertical central rotation axis (L) and includes a vertical inlet channel extending to the interior of the tank. A circular support frame is horizontally attached to the rotation frame, concentrically in relation to the vertical central rotation axis. A number of support rollers are connected to the tank and the axes of the support rollers are positioned radially with respect to the central rotation axis (L). At least one of the support rollers is as a support roller driving the rotation frame, which support roller the actuator is arranged to rotate. The distributor device includes a counterweight attached to the rotation frame, on the opposite side of the central rotation axis (L) in relation to the distribution chute. |
| US08506229B2 |
Pipe handling apparatus and method
A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion. |
| US08506228B2 |
Punch rivet and die
A punch rivet and a die for the production of a punch rivet connection are described. The punch rivet is characterized by special rivet foot and underhead geometries. In the region of the rivet foot, the shank outer face and shank inner face are connected by means of a small radially outer radius and a larger radially inner radius, which radii merge into one another tangentially. The angle that the common tangent encloses with a radial plane is in the range of 10°±20°. The die is preferably matched to the described punch rivet, but can also be used in combination with conventional punch rivets. |
| US08506227B2 |
Thread forming screw thread and corresponding thread roll die
A thread forming screw thread fastener and a corresponding thread roll die are disclosed for fastening into a hole of a workpiece composed of low ductility material. More specifically, the thread forming screw thread has smooth radius thread flank which has a capability of deforming low ductile material such as magnesium, soft aluminum, thermoset plastics and other low ductility materials to deform the ductile material efficiently minimizing cracks, debris, low friction during installation and a maximum engagement of the screw with mating parts with the ductile material. |
| US08506222B2 |
Nut plate assembly and methods of using the same
A nut plate assembly includes a nut retainer and a bushing for expanding a tubular body of the retainer. The retainer assembly is used to cold work an opening of a workpiece in order to fix the nut retainer assembly relative to the workpiece. A nut member can be snapped into the retainer. A method of installation includes passing a mandrel through the bushing to radially expand the bushing into a tubular body of the retainer. The tubular body is compressed between the workpiece and bushing as the bushing is displaced radially causing corresponding radial displacement of the tubular body. The expanded bushing applies pressure to the tubular body for a desired fit between the nut retainer and workpiece. |
| US08506213B2 |
Cutting insert, in particular for counterboring and/or countersinking operations
In the case of a cutting insert, in particular for counterboring and/or countersinking operations, the cutting insert has two longitudinal sides and two narrow sides between an upper side and an underside. A cutting edge is formed between one longitudinal side and one narrow side and runs obliquely in relation to the underside and extends over at least approximately the entire depth of the cutting body. A cutting face running between the upper side and the underside is provided in the longitudinal side that is facing the cutting edge. |
| US08506211B2 |
Counterbalanced boring tool
The invention concerns a boring tool comprising a main tool body and a tool holder which is adjustable relative thereto, as well as a counterweight coupled to the tool holder in such a way that upon a movement of the tool holder in one direction a movement of the counterweight occurs substantially in the opposite direction, wherein both the tool holder and also the counterweight are respectively arranged at least in part in a bore in the main tool body. To provide a boring tool of the above-mentioned kind which is suitable in particular for high rotary speeds, which is advantageous in terms of manufacture and which in addition provides a reliable precise balancing function, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that a tool holder and a counterweight are arranged in the same bore in the main tool body. |
| US08506200B2 |
Rapid locking hand knob construct
A rapid locking hand knob construct includes a fixed threaded sleeve having an inner groove around its outer diameter that is mated to a rubber sleeve. One end of a first tube is connected to an inside diameter of one end of a fixed ring. The fixed ring has a groove provided around an outside diameter at an end thereof and an inner conical surface provided around an inside diameter at another end thereof. The tube hole at the end of a second tube is mated to a locking lining, wherein one end thereof includes an outer tapered surface that is inserted into an inner tapered surface of the fixed ring. A hole on the fixed threaded sleeve is secured into the groove of the fixed ring by a screw. A rotary rubber sleeve drives the movable thread sleeve up and down horizontally in the direction of the tube fitting. |
| US08506195B2 |
Neck brush sanitizer with powder dispenser
The sanitized brush, with skin powder, is retained in a sanitization system. The neck brush handle has a powder chamber, a bristle face with outwardly extending bristles and a powder input port. A portion of the powder chamber wall is flexible and a movable actuator depresses the flex-wall, compresses the size of the chamber and forces powder from an exit port on the bristle face. The sanitization system includes a brush stand holding the brush above a UV lamp. A sensor determines when the brush is on the stand and a timer is triggered ON controlling the lamp and counts down OFF. Additional features include: a base supporting the stand above the UV lamp; a rechargeable battery; an on-hook brush sensor (mechanical or optical); and a removable cover with a transparent segment to visually confirm lamp ON condition. |
| US08506192B2 |
Dental hygienic kit
An improved dental hygienic kit for use in brushing teeth which includes a flexible body element containing toothpaste, and a diameter restrictor that is engageable with an accompanying ergonomically-shaped toothbrush element to meter a suitable quantity of toothpaste thereon upon withdrawal of the toothbrush from the flexible body element, to ensure minimal toothpaste waste and spillage which is unique and non obvious. |
| US08506191B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a main body having a first opening; a main cover supported by the main body, having a second opening and rotatable between a first closed position and a first opening position with respect to the first opening; a feeder cover supported by the main cover and rotatable between a second closed position and a second opening position with respect to the second opening; and a link arm jointed to the main body at a first joint, jointed to the main cover at a second joint, the first joint movable relative to the main body, and the link arm rotating the feeder cover from the second opening position toward the second closed position when the main cover rotates from the first closed position with the feeder cover at the second opening position. |
| US08506189B2 |
Printing apparatus including plural printheads and a drive mechanism for the platen rollers
A thermal printer includes a first thermal head, a first platen roller, first biasing means, a second thermal head, a second platen roller, and second biasing means. The first thermal head, the first platen roller, the first biasing means are in contact with a heat-sensitive layer of thermal recording paper. The second thermal head, the second platen roller, and the second biasing means are in contact with a heat-sensitive layer of the thermal recording paper. The second thermal head is arranged on the upstream side of the first thermal head in a paper feed direction. A paper feed speed of the first platen roller to the thermal recording paper is larger than a paper feed speed of the second platen roller. The first platen roller is in contact with the thermal recording paper while being more slippery compared with the second platen roller. |
| US08506188B2 |
Printing apparatus including plural printheads and a drive mechanism for the platen rollers
A thermal printer includes a first thermal head, a first platen roller, first biasing means, a second thermal head, a second platen roller, and second biasing means. The first thermal head, the first platen roller, the first biasing means are in contact with a heat-sensitive layer of thermal recording paper. The second thermal head, the second platen roller, and the second biasing means are in contact with a heat-sensitive layer of the thermal recording paper. The second thermal head is arranged on the upstream side of the first thermal head in a paper feed direction. A paper feed speed of the first platen roller to the thermal recording paper is larger than a paper feed speed of the second platen roller. The first platen roller is in contact with the thermal recording paper while being more slippery compared with the second platen roller. |
| US08506185B2 |
Camera module and method for manufacturing camera module
A camera module includes a camera unit, a board, and a driving unit mounted on the board and configured to drive the camera unit. The camera module also includes an elastic camera-side connecting part configured to connect a terminal of the camera unit with wiring on a first surface of the board. |
| US08506181B2 |
Imaging device and plate spring
Disclosed herein is an imaging device including: a lens block on which a lens is installed and which is turnable in a pan direction parallel to a horizontal direction; a support member supporting the lens block; and a plate spring secured to the support member and pressing the lens block toward the support member side by elastic force. |
| US08506176B2 |
Photoelectric conversion module and photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion module includes: a plurality of optical connectors each connectable to an optical communication path; an electrical connector connectable to an electrical communication path; a circuit board equipped with a light receiving and emitting element, the light receiving and emitting element converting an optical signal received by the optical connector into an electrical signal to be transmitted to the electrical connector and converting an electrical signal received by the electrical connector into an optical signal to be transmitted to the optical connector; and a waveguide optically connecting the optical connector and the electrical connector. |
| US08506174B2 |
Optical connector
An optical connector includes a second operation lever extending rearward from a first operation lever. By pressing a rear end portion of the second operation lever up, or pressing the second operation lever forward, the first operation lever can be inclined forward. In this way, a front end portion of the first operation lever presses a rear end portion of a locking lever down, and disengages the locking lever and an optical adapter from each other. Thus, the optical connector can be detached from the optical adapter. |
| US08506171B2 |
Strut bearing
Spring strut bearing, which has an antifriction bearing that is arranged axially between an upper carrier part and a lower carrier part and a sealing ring. The upper carrier part has two upper rims, and the lower carrier part has two lower rims. The upper rims and the lower rims engage into one another with the result that a combined labyrinth and slip-ring seal is formed. |
| US08506165B2 |
Easily openable packaging bag
An easily openable packaging bag according to the present invention does not produce an opening piece resulting in a small piece of waste when opening, and facilitates opening even with a single hand. Furthermore the easily openable packaging bag of the present invention can be also applied to a packaging bag provided with barrier characteristics. The easily openable packaging bag joins both ends of a packaging material into a tube shape. Both of the joined ends are heat sealed to form a bonded rear portion in a rear portion of the tube portion and solid contents are contained in an inner section of the tube portion. A weakened portion is formed in a portion not occupied by the contents in the tube portion along a circumferential direction of the tube portion and the weakened portion is not provided in at least a portion of the bonded rear portion. |
| US08506160B2 |
Liquid based ice protection test systems and methods
A liquid based ice protection test method tests an aircraft part that includes at least a first heating element mounted on an inside surface of an aircraft skin. The method includes bringing the aircraft skin into contact with a low temperature bath and taking one or more temperature readings of the aircraft skin. A liquid based deicing test system includes a container that holds a low temperature bath, a fixture to suspend the aircraft part within the container, and a temperature sensing device for reading temperatures on an outside surface of the aircraft part. A liquid based ice protection test method includes sealing off ends of an aircraft part, attaching at least one temperature sensing device on the aircraft part and at least partially submerging it in a low temperature bath, and obtaining temperature information from the temperature sensing device. |
| US08506156B2 |
Device for diluting viscous substance
Provided is a device for diluting a viscous substance which is advantages in increasing frequency of contact between the viscous substance and a diluent in order to finely fragment the viscous substance, even when the viscous substance has a high viscosity, and efficiently dilute the viscous substance with the diluent. The device comprises a viscous substance supply portion 27 for supplying the viscous substance to the dilution chamber 20, a rotor 3 rotatably provided in the dilution chamber 20 and finely fragmenting the viscous substance supplied to the dilution chamber 20 by rotation to form a number of small fragments 92 of the viscous substance, and a diluent supply portion 28 for supplying a diluent such as water vapor to the dilution chamber 20 so that the diluent is contacted with the small fragments 92 formed by rotation of the rotor 3. |
| US08506152B2 |
Light guide plate and display apparatus having the same
A light guide plate includes at least one incident surface into which light is incident, an exit surface at least one end of which is connected the incident surface and through which the light is output, an opposite surface spaced apart from the exit surface and opposing the exit surface, and a plurality of reflective patterns extending from the exit surface toward the opposite surface. When a direction from the exit surface to the opposite surface is referred to as a first direction, a direction perpendicular to the incident surface is referred to as a second direction, and a direction parallel to the incident surface and perpendicular to the first direction is referred to as a third direction, a length of each reflective pattern in the first direction is smaller than a distance between the exit surface and the opposite surface, and a length of each reflective pattern in the second direction is larger than a length of each reflective pattern in the third direction. |
| US08506151B2 |
Backlight unit
Disclosed herein is a backlight unit including a light guide plate including a light emitting portion to emit light, side surfaces defining corners, and a first light incidence portion and a second light incidence portion to receive light, at least two light emitting modules respectively disposed to face the first light incidence portion and the second light incidence portion, and an optical sheet disposed on the light guide plate, wherein the first light incidence portion is disposed one corner region of the light guide plate, and the second light incidence portion is disposed another corner region of the light guide plate, wherein the first light incidence portion is facing the second light incidence portion or disposed to both sides of one side surface of the light guide plate. |
| US08506148B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A backlight unit 12 includes an LED 16 and a light guide plate 18. The LED 16 has light emitting surfaces 16d, 16e. The light guide plate 18 has light entrance surfaces 18b, 18c and a light exit surface 18d. The light entrance surfaces 18b, 18c are provided to face the light emitting surfaces 16d, 16e respectively and rays of light emitted from the light emitting surfaces 16d, 16e enter the light entrance surfaces 18b, 18c. The rays of light entering the light entrance surfaces 18b, 18c exit from the light exit surface 18d. The light emitting surfaces 16d, 16e include a first light emitting surface 16d substantially parallel to the light exit surface 18d and second light emitting surfaces 16e. A plane on the first light emitting surface 16d crosses a plane on each second light emitting surface 16e. The light entrance surfaces 18b, 18c include a first light entrance surface 18b provided to face the first light emitting surface 16d and substantially parallel to the light exit surface 18d and second light entrance surfaces 18c provided to face the second light emitting surfaces 16e. A plane on the first light entrance surface 18b crosses a plane on each second light entrance surface 18c. |
| US08506146B2 |
Vehicle head lamp
A vehicle head lamp includes: a light source; a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source; a condenser lens that irradiates the light reflected by the reflector forward; and a shade that blocks part of the light reflected by the reflector to obtain a desired light distribution. The shade includes a main shade that has an opening for passing overhead sign light irradiated forward and upward and a sub-shade that is provided so as to be inclined rearward and downward from an upper edge of the main shade in order to obtain a cut line of the light distribution, and the reflector has an OHS reflection area used to project part of the reflected light toward a lower surface of the sub-shade and that allows the light reflected on the lower surface to pass through the opening of the main shade as the OHS light. |
| US08506145B2 |
Method of using lens imaging to control angle subtended by multiple hotspots of a vehicle light
A method using lens imaging to control hotspots of a vehicle light has steps of providing the area light source having a first shape and a first size, mounting the lens in front of the area light source, choosing a focal length between the area light source and the lens, and determining an angle of view α using the first size of the area light source and the focal length of the lens and generating a hotspot of the vehicle light having the first size and a size range. By changing the height of the area light source and the focal length of the lens, an angle of view formed by light emitted from the area light source and passing through the lens is adjustable. Accordingly, a range of hotspots of the vehicle light is controllable. |
| US08506143B2 |
Molding for vehicle
A molding for a vehicle includes a molding body provided at a door of the vehicle, at least one light-emitting body provided inside an end portion of the molding body for notifying an occupant of a state of the door, and a light-transmitting portion provided at the molding body for transmitting light emitted by the light-emitting body. |
| US08506139B2 |
LED sports board
An illuminated sports board has: a top sheet having a board top surface; a core layer having an optional longitudinal groove; an LED strip can be mounted at least partially within the longitudinal groove; a battery housing mounted on a top surface of the board. A switch is mounted to the battery housing. A first terminal is formed as an aperture mounted to the board top surface. The LED strip is mounted below the top sheet. A first terminal conductor is electrically connecting the first terminal to the LED layer. A second terminal is formed as an aperture mounted to the board top surface. A second terminal conductor electrically connects the second terminal to the LED layer. A first bolt makes electrical connection between the first terminal and the battery housing. A second bolt makes electrical connection between the second terminal and the switch. |
| US08506138B2 |
Aircraft lighting device
An aircraft wingtip device comprises illumination means arranged to project light onto interior and exterior surfaces of the wingtip device. |
| US08506134B2 |
Retrofit mounting assembly for recessed lighting fixtures
A retrofit luminaire assembly is provided for retrofitting a mounting frame such as a plaster frame or other recessed lighting assembly without the need to remove the existing plaster frame. The retrofit assembly includes a mounting ring that can support a replacement electrical junction box and the replacement luminaire. The mounting ring is inserted through the opening in the plaster frame and secured to the plaster frame by an attachment member that engages the top face of the plaster frame. The attachment member can include a plate coupled to the mounting ring to form two outwardly extending arms. The plate is axially adjustable with respect to the mounting ring to clamp the plaster frame between the plate and the bottom flange of the mounting ring. In another embodiment, the attachment member has a hook-like end that engages a bottom surface of the mounting frame. |
| US08506125B2 |
Lighting apparatus with adjustable lenses or filters
A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. Lenses and/or filters are adjusted in distance from the light elements, by for example moving the lenses/filters into different slot positions of the frame, to alter characteristics of the emitted light. Focal lenses, diffusion lenses, and color filters may be used individually or in combination. A compound lens includes lens elements having different characteristics arranged in a pattern. Through groupwise control of the intensity of the light elements, the different characteristics are emphasized or de-emphasized. The light panel may have an integrated battery, and may be mounted on a stand. The panel may be modular, allowing larger panels to be constructed from smaller panels. |
| US08506111B2 |
Illumination device with integrated clamp
An illumination device with an integrated adjustable articulating clamp that pivots about a hinge on the opposite end of the device. The clamp is used for the purpose of affixing the illumination device to stationary objects to allow a user to perform actions using both hands without having the hold onto the illuminating device. The clamp folds into a slot in the housing of the illumination device when not in use and allows the user to wield the illuminating device like a regular flashlight. Battery compartments are located on both sides of the slot inside the housing of the illuminating device. |
| US08506109B2 |
Display table with light drawer
A display table includes a drawer section, a main drawer, an internal light drawer, and an upper section. The drawer section includes two opposing sidewalls partially defining a drawer compartment and a main opening. The main drawer, disposed within the drawer compartment, slidably mounts to the two opposing sidewalls and includes an exposed front panel for concealing the main opening. The internal light drawer is disposed above the main drawer and slidably couples to the two opposing sidewalls. The upper section is disposed over the drawer section to receive light when the internal light drawer is illuminated. When the main drawer is in an open position, the internal light drawer is movable relative to the main drawer. When the main drawer is in a closed position, the internal light drawer is concealed by the front panel. |
| US08506108B2 |
Power tool with light for illuminating a workpiece
A power tool having a light for illuminating an area proximate a movable end effector. The light may be mounted in such a way as to transmit light through a rotatable collar on the power tool, through or through a member of a housing of the power tool, or from the moving end effector. The light may be powered by a power source that is used for moving the end effector or from a generator that generates electrical power when the power tool is used. |
| US08506107B2 |
Movement-based feedback device
An apparatus is provided that includes a substrate and an affixed accelerometer configured to measure acceleration of the substrate, and produce a signal representative of the measured acceleration. The apparatus also includes a light-emitting component capable of emitting multiple colors of light with variable luminosity, with the color and luminosity of light emitted by the light-emitting component defining a visual output produced by the light-emitting component. And the apparatus includes a processor coupled to the accelerometer and light-emitting component. The processor is configured to receive the signal from the accelerometer, calculate a visual output according to an algorithm as a function of the measured acceleration of the substrate, and cause the light-emitting component to produce the calculated visual output. |
| US08506106B2 |
Backlight unit and display apparatus including the same
A back-light unit including a plurality of substrates, a plurality of light sources respectively disposed on the plurality of substrates and configured to emit light, and N (N≧2) light guide panels respectively disposed adjacent to the plurality of light sources, a corresponding light guide panel including a light incidence part having a light incidence surface for receiving light emitted from a corresponding light source, and a light emission part for emitting the received incident light. Further, the corresponding light guide panel includes protruding surface patterns protruding from an upper surface the light emission part. |
| US08506105B2 |
Thermal management systems for solid state lighting and other electronic systems
An apparatus is provided including at least one electronic component. The apparatus also includes an enclosure enclosing the at least one electronic component. The enclosure includes at least one wall defined by a membrane. The apparatus further includes a piezoelectric actuator that is fixed at a first end and rigidly attached to the membrane at a second end. Application of alternating current to the piezoelectric actuator generates a pulsating mechanical deformation of the membrane. |
| US08506104B1 |
Phosphors for LED lamps
A phosphor, a phosphor blend including the phosphor, a phosphor prepared by a process, and a lighting apparatus including the phosphor blend are disclosed. The phosphor has the formula (Ca1-p-qCepKq)xScy(Si1-rGar)zO12+δ or derived from a process followed using disclosed amounts of reactants. In the formula, (0 |
| US08506103B2 |
Semiconductor lamp and light bulb type LED lamp
The disclosed is an LED lamp comprising: a light transmitting globe/envelope having a plurality of fluorescent protrusions, fibers and/or grooves containing a phosphor; a light unit having a circuit board and one or more light emitting diode (LED/LEDs) mounted on the circuit board for emitting a short wavelength primary light for directing to the fluorescent protrusions, fibers and/or grooves to convert the primary light into visible secondary light. A light bulb type LED lamp is composed of the above LED lamp, a lighting circuit to drive the LED/LEDs and a light bulb type power supply connector (Edison screw base), thereby the LED lamp being compatible with an incandescent light bulb. This LED lamp irradiates illumination light having a high brightness and luminance, a wide light distribution angle and non-glare fluorescent illumination. |
| US08506102B2 |
Indicator and display apparatus
The present invention is to provide a lightweight indicator, which suppresses a backlash between a light guide portion and a light source, and a display apparatus including the indicator. The pointer includes a base portion disposed rearward of a display device and fixed to a rotation axle of a motor disposed rearward of the base portion, and extending radially from the rotation axle; a board fixed on a front face of the base portion; a light source mounted on a rear face of the board for radially outwardly emitting a light; and a light guide portion. The light guide portion is integrally formed with a first member radially outwardly extending and securely mounted on the base portion, an inward end thereof facing the light source, a second member upstanding forwardly from an outward end of the first member, a third member extending radially inwardly from an upper end of the second member, a fourth member upstanding forwardly from an inward end of the third member, and a pointer portion extending radially outwardly from an upper end of the fourth member. |
| US08506098B2 |
Mounting portion structure of door mirror
A mounting portion structure for stably temporarily fixing a door mirror is provided. Two temporary fixing pieces are formed to protrude on a gasket. Pawls are formed to direct outward at tips of the two temporary fixing pieces. The gasket is previously secured to the mirror base by a screw. The two temporary fixing pieces are inserted through an opening in a mirror mounting portion of a vehicle, and the pawls of the temporary fixing pieces are locked to facing edges of the opening to temporarily fix the mirror base to the mirror mounting portion. Then, the mirror base and the mirror mounting portion are permanently fixed by a screw. |
| US08506097B2 |
Integrated mirror device for vehicle
A vehicular integrated mirror system is provided that is supported on a vehicle body that includes a door, and has an outside mirror disposed outside a vehicle compartment and an interior mirror disposed within the vehicle compartment at a position in the proximity of the outside mirror so that, in cooperation with the outside mirror, a vehicle rear field of vision is obtained, wherein a mirror holder retaining the outside mirror and the inside mirror is swingably supported on mirror support means mounted on the vehicle body in order to change the reflection angle of the two mirror relative to a vehicle driver, and the reflection angle of the outside mirror and the inside mirror is changed by remote drive means that makes the mirror holder swing by remote operation. This enables the reflection angle of the outside mirror and the inside mirror to be remotely controlled. |
| US08506094B2 |
Medical lens assemblies and sterile drapes with a lens assembly
Medical lens assemblies and sterile drapes with a lens assembly are presented herein. In one embodiment, a lens assembly includes an annular lens housing that is attachable to a medical drape. The lens housing is configured to releasably attach to a medical device, such as a surgical microscope. An annular lens cover holder is removably attachable to the lens housing. A lens cover for shielding the objective lens is pivotably hinged to the lens cover holder. In another embodiment, a drape assembly includes a flexible body sized to cover an optical device. A lens housing attached to the drape body is engageable with the optical device to attach proximate to an objective lens thereof. A lens cover holder is removably attached to the lens housing to rotate about a first axis. A lens cover is mounted to the lens cover holder to pivot about a second, different axis. |
| US08506085B2 |
Methods and systems for projecting images
Methods and systems for projecting images that may be implemented to provide the ability for a user of an information handling system to view a selected projected image privately, while allowing other projected images to be publicly viewable to other users who cannot see the privately-projected image. With appropriate intervening polarization, a user may be allowed to view the projected private image and any projected publicly viewable images, and the private image and publicly viewable images may be optionally simultaneously projected if so desired. |
| US08506081B2 |
Ophthalmic image sensing apparatus
A focusing unit (11) is constituted of a prism base (11a), deflection prisms (11b and 11c), and a slit chart (11e) having a slit opening (11d), and the deflection prisms (11b and 11c) are arranged so that deflecting directions may become reverse. The slit opening (11d) is made equally to spread across the deflection prisms (11b and 11c) approximately and is impermeable except the slit opening (11d), and light incident on the deflection prisms (11b and 11c) passes only this slit opening (11d). In addition, the light which is emitted by a focus index illumination light source illuminates the slit opening (11d) through the deflection prisms (11b and 11c). As to an image of the illuminated slit opening (11d), two slit images are formed on a fundus of eye by actions of the deflection prisms 11b and 11c. Focus adjustment is made by aligning these slit images (S1 and S2) in a straight line. |
| US08506080B2 |
Unlocking a screen using eye tracking information
Methods and systems for unlocking a screen using eye tracking information are described. A computing system may include a display screen. The computing system may be in a locked mode of operation after a period of inactivity by a user. Locked mode of operation may include a locked screen and reduced functionality of the computing system. The user may attempt to unlock the screen. The computing system may generate a display of a moving object on the display screen of the computing system. An eye tracking system may be coupled to the computing system. The eye tracking system may track eye movement of the user. The computing system may determine that a path associated with the eye movement of the user substantially matches a path associated with the moving object on the display and switch to be in an unlocked mode of operation including unlocking the screen. |
| US08506079B2 |
Method for the binocular measurement and control of eye aberrations, simultaneously providing visual stimulants, and ophthalmic instrument implementing said method
The invention relates to an ophthalmic instrument and method for measuring, controlling, and handling aberrations (1) of the eyes (2, 3), which further simultaneously provide visual stimulants when operating same. The instrument consists of a single device for correcting aberrations (4) as well as a single aberration sensor (5), optically connected by an optical system (14). A lighting system (9) introduces beams of light into both eyes. The measurement, control, and handling of the aberrations (1), as well as the providing of visual stimulants (6), are simultaneously and binocularly (7, 8) carried out. |
| US08506072B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes a first transport belt group including endless belts arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction intersecting a transport direction of a printing medium, a second transport belt group including endless belts arranged so as to oppose the first transport belt group and configured to transport the printing medium while the printing medium is clamped between the first transport belt group and the second transport belt group, and a group of liquid ejecting heads provided between the endless belts of the first transport belt group or between the endless belts of the second transport belt group and configured to eject liquid onto the printing medium being transported. |
| US08506071B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus that can prevent a medium from dropping into an opening provided in a supporting member for supporting the other side of the medium, on one side of which recording is performed, without changing the shape of the opening is provided. A printer includes a recording head that performs recording on one side of a sheet P being transported in a transportation direction X; a platen having a fixed rib that is fixed and supports the other side of the sheet P, and an opening provided in a region facing the recording head; and a movable rib that moves in the opening in a width direction intersecting the transportation direction between a supporting position where it supports the other side of the sheet P and a position at a distance from the supporting position. |
| US08506068B2 |
Inkjet printing method and inkjet printing apparatus
There is provided an inkjet printing method of applying plural different kinds of color ink containing pigment as a coloring agent and clear ink not containing the coloring agent on a print medium to form an image thereon. An amount of the clear ink applied in a unit area of the print medium is adjusted based upon an amount of each of the plural kinds of the color ink applied in the unit area. Since the amount of the clear ink is adjusted based upon not only the amount but also the kind of the color ink applied in the unit area, the clear ink application amount to each unit area can be more appropriate to largely reduce the gloss variations. |
| US08506067B2 |
Ink jet image-forming method, ink jet color image-forming method and ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet image-forming method for forming an image by applying an ink in a fixed amount of 0.5 pl or more to 6.0 pl or less to plain paper. The ink contains a self-dispersion pigment, water, a water-soluble compound having a coefficient of hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity of 0.37 or more as defined by the equation (A) stated in the description and a water-soluble compound having a coefficient of hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity of 0.25 or less, and has a surface tension of 34 mN/m or less. The application of the ink is divided into plural times when an image having a portion where the ink is applied in a duty of 80% or more and an amount of 5.0 μl/cm2 or less in total is formed in a basic matrix for forming the image, and the amount of the ink applied at each of the times divided is 0.7 μl/cm2 or less. |
| US08506066B2 |
Image forming apparatus
In an image forming apparatus ejecting droplets of a liquid, a valve unit is provided to connect a liquid tank with a discharge flow path connecting the valve unit with a waste liquid tank. The valve unit has a first valve having a communication path, a spring biasing the first valve to open, a valve sheet, and a second valve to open or close the discharge flow path in conjunction with movement of the first valve. When a discharging device is not driven, the first valve maintains an open state while the second valve maintains a close state. When the discharging device is driven, the second valve achieves an open state and air flows through the communication path. When the liquid flows through the communication path, the first valve is moved to achieve a closed state while the second valve maintains the open state, thereby closing the discharge flow path. |
| US08506065B2 |
Object separator for ink jet printer applications
Approaches to remove objects from ink in an ink jet printer are described. An object separator for an ink jet printer includes one or more inlets configured to allow passage of ink that includes objects such as bubbles and particles into the object separator. The object separator has a number of stacked plates. Some of the plates have curved channels which are connected through other plates that include vias. The plates are arranged to form at least one cyclonic flow generator, the cyclonic flow generator configured to focus the objects into one or more focused flow streams. The object separator includes one or more object outlets that allow objects to exit the object separator and at least one ink outlet that allows the ink to exit the object separator. |
| US08506059B2 |
Recording apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head, an ink tank, and two ink routes. The recording head is mounted on a carriage moving along a recording surface of a recording medium and discharges ink and thereby performs recording on the recording medium. The ink tank is disposed inside the recording apparatus and stores ink to be supplied to the recording head. The two ink routes connect the ink tank and the recording head and are capable of circulating ink between the ink tank and the recording head. One of the ink routes is an ink supply path that supplies ink from the ink tank to the recording head, and the other ink route is an ink reflux path that returns ink from the head to the ink tank. The ink reflux path is capable of being fluidly connected to and disconnected from the recording head. |
| US08506056B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator and liquid transfer device
A vibration plate, an insulating layer and a plurality of piezoelectric layers, connected to each other, are connected to an upper face of a flow passage unit. Between the plurality of piezoelectric layers, there is provided an intermediate electrode having: opposing portions opposed to center portions of pressure chambers; and connecting portions for connecting the opposing portions at a region opposed to connection portion with the flow passage unit. Between the insulating layer and one of the piezoelectric layers, there is provided a lower electrode extending across the entire region not opposed to the intermediate electrode, including regions opposed to regions of the pressure chambers located outside the center portions thereof. At an upper face of the other piezoelectric layer, upper electrodes are located to be opposed to the pressure chambers. A shielding electrode is arranged between the vibration plate and the insulating layer across the entire regions thereof. |
| US08506054B1 |
Inkpot limiting device and multifunctional printer using the same
An inkpot limiting device and a multifunctional printer using the same are provided. The multifunctional printer includes a housing and the inkpot limiting device disposed therein. The inkpot limiting device includes a limiting structure, a shaft, a carrier, and a pair of limiting magnets. The limiting structure is disposed on the housing and located in a diameter direction of the shaft. The carrier has a main body portion and a carrying portion and a limiting portion located at opposite sides of the main body portion. The limiting structure and the limiting portion face each other. The limiting magnets include a permanent magnet disposed on one of the limiting structure and the limiting portion and an electromagnet disposed on the other of the limiting structure and the limiting portion. When electricity is applied to the electromagnet, the electromagnet is magnetically attracted to fix with the permanent magnet. |
| US08506049B2 |
Printing device
A printer provided in which a printing head is relatively scanned in a main scanning direction or a sub-scanning direction with respect to a printing medium to perform printing. The printing head includes a color ink nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles ejecting a color ink are arranged in the sub-scanning direction, a first white ink nozzle row and a second white nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles ejecting white ink are arranged in the sub-scanning direction. The second white nozzle row is different from the first white ink nozzle row. The first white ink nozzle row is provided at a position overlapping with the color ink nozzle row in the main scanning direction. The second white ink nozzle row is provided at a position which does not overlap with the color ink nozzle row in the main scanning direction. |
| US08506044B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus including: a head; a conveying member having a support face and configured to convey a recording medium in a conveying direction; a first wiper extending in a direction intersecting the conveying direction; a second wiper extending at least in the conveying direction; a first-wiping driving portion configured to drive the first wiper and the conveying member to perform a first wiping operation; and a second-wiping driving portion configured to drive the second wiper and the conveying member to perform a second wiping operation; and a controller; wherein the controller controls the first-wiping driving portion and the second-wiping driving portion to perform a first cleaning operation including the first wiping operation and the second wiping operation; and wherein the controller controls the second-wiping driving portion such that the second wiper wipes foreign materials remaining on the support face when the first wiper is released from the support face in the first wiping operation. |
| US08506043B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus is provided, which includes a plurality of recording heads that record an image on a recording medium by ink ejected from the inkjet nozzles and a plurality of wiper members, each arranged corresponding to each recording head, and performing cleaning of a nozzle face of each recording head by moving relative to each recording head. Timing at which at least one of the wiper members abuts against one recording head is different from another timing at which another wiper member differing from the one wiper member abutting against the one recording head abuts against another recording head. |
| US08506038B2 |
Method and system for aligning printheads that eject clear ink in an inkjet printer
A method enables an operator to detect misalignment of printheads that eject clear ink in an inkjet printer. The method prints a first test pattern with a first color of ink and then prints a second test pattern of clear ink on top of the first test pattern. The ink of the first and the second test patterns is then spread to enable the clear ink to be dispersed in interstitial spaces in the ink of the first color. An operator is then able to detect the spatial relationship of predetermined marks in the second test pattern to predetermined marks in the first test pattern. The predetermined marks of the first and the second test patterns are arranged to enable an operator to detect a misalignment distance and the inkjet printer uses the misalignment distance entered by the operator to adjust the alignment of the printheads that eject clear ink. |
| US08506037B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including: an output image forming section for forming an image and a pattern on a supporting medium under a prescribed condition; an output section for transferring the formed image on a recording sheet; a correction section for performing reading of the formed pattern and correcting the condition based on a result of the reading; and a correction control section for controlling operations of the output image forming section, the output section, and the correction section, wherein the correction control section identifies whether or not an area where the image is to be formed and an area where the pattern is to be formed overlap each other, and when the areas are identified that they do not overlap each other, the correction control section controls the output image forming section to simultaneously form the image and the pattern in parallel on the supporting medium. |
| US08506035B2 |
Apparatus and method for applying release fluid to a leveler in a printing apparatus
An apparatus and method apply release fluid to a leveler in a printing apparatus. The apparatus can include a substrate path, at least one release fluid spray nozzle, and a marking material leveling system having a marking material leveler. The method can include transporting a substrate with marking material along the substrate path. The method can include pulse spraying release fluid to the marking material leveling system using the at least one release fluid spray nozzle. The method can include leveling marking material on the substrate using the marking material leveler with release fluid. The method can include determining an adjusted amount of release fluid to spray to the marking material leveling system. The method can include pulse spraying the adjusted amount of release fluid to the marking material leveling system using the at least one release fluid spray nozzle. |
| US08506028B2 |
Refrigerator with door opening device
A refrigerator which allows a user to easily open a door of the refrigerator with a small force is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a main body having an upper storage compartment and a lower storage compartment defined on upper and lower sides, a door which slides to open and close any one of the storage compartments, a handle which is disposed at an upper portion of the door to be vertically rotatable, a plurality of push members which move to advanced positions from retreated positions in connection with a vertical rotation of the handle to separate the door from the main body, and an elastic member which is disposed between at least one of the push members and the door to restore the push members to the retreated positions when an external force is removed from the handle. |
| US08506024B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a mounting portion, and a hinge. The mounting portion is provided in the first housing. The mounting portion includes a mounting surface, a first pin protruding from the mounting surface, and a receiver including an insertion groove. The hinge is attached to the second housing and includes a fixing portion. The fixing portion includes a main portion mounted on the mounting surface, an elongated hole provided in the main portion and configured to engage with the first pin, and an inserting portion configured to be inserted into the insertion groove and supported by the receiver from a side opposite to the mounting surface. |
| US08506023B2 |
Handgun safe
A handgun safe including a tray to receive a handgun and a lid operatively associated with the tray such that the tray may slide horizontally with respect to the lid to selectively reveal or conceal the interior portion of the tray. In all embodiments the height of the lid is less than the height of the tray. The handgun safe may further include a latch associated with the lid and tray configured to secure or lock the tray in a closed position with respect to the lid. The handgun safe may further include an electronic switch configured to cause the latch to disengage. The electronic switch may include a biometric scanner, electronic lock or other security device. |
| US08506022B2 |
Brake apparatus and method for controlling the brake apparatus
A brake apparatus includes multiple wheel cylinders; multiple maintaining valves; a pressure-regulating control valve; and a control unit that controls the upstream pressure by switching a pressure-control mode between a pressure-regulating mode which is selected when a deviation of the upstream pressure from a target pressure is outside a setting range and in which the upstream pressure is brought to the target pressure using the pressure-regulating control valve and a pressure-maintaining mode that is selected when the deviation is within the setting range. The control unit opens the pressure-regulating control valve before the pressure-control mode is switched from the pressure-maintaining mode to the pressure-regulating mode. |
| US08506021B2 |
Electronic parking brake system and control method thereof
Disclosed herein are an electronic parking brake system and a control method thereof. The electronic parking brake system includes a parking brake apparatus with a parking cable, a force sensing unit to sense tension of the parking cable, and an electronic control unit to measure braking force of the parking brake apparatus based on the tension, to estimate braking force of a fuzzy model, and to judge malfunction of the parking brake apparatus based on the measured braking force and the estimated braking force. Tension is estimated using the fuzzy model and is compared with the measured braking force, thereby effectively detecting malfunction of the electronic parking brake system and thus raising stability and safety of a vehicle. Further, if a residual exceeds a reference value, it is judged that the electronic parking brake apparatus malfunctions and a warning is given to a driver, thereby preventing accidents. |
| US08506020B2 |
Brake control system
A brake control system that enables accurate brake control is provided that precisely detects a master-cylinder pressure and includes a back-up function. The brake control system includes a master-cylinder operated by a brake operation of a driver; a first mechanism that regulates a pressure inside the master-cylinder according to the brake operation amount; a first control apparatus that controls operation of the first mechanism; a second mechanism that regulates communication of the pressure inside the master-cylinder to a wheel-cylinder; and a second control apparatus that controls operation of the second mechanism and operation of a pump apparatus that increases a pressure communicated to the wheel-cylinder. The first and second control apparatuses each have a power supply circuit and CPU. The brake control system further includes a first hydraulic pressure sensor that measures a pressure inside the master-cylinder and is electrically connected to the first control apparatus, and a second hydraulic pressure sensor that measures a pressure inside the master-cylinder and is electrically connected to the second control apparatus. |
| US08506019B2 |
Block and sleeve with rotation-inhibiting feature
A block and sleeve assembly is disclosed including a holder block, and a hollow sleeve. In radial cross-section, outer peripheral edges of the shoulder portion of the sleeve have a shape of a first polygon. The holder block and the hollow sleeve include cooperating rotation inhibiting features. For example, the holder block includes a stop projecting forwardly past a plane of the front face and positioned radially offset from a circumference of the opening in the holder block to allow a rearward surface of the shoulder portion of the sleeve to contact the front face of the holder block and to prevent rotation of the hollow sleeve greater than N degrees, N = 360 n , where n is the number of sides of the first polygon, by contacting an outer peripheral edge of the shoulder portion with the stop. A sleeve per se and an assembly including a cutting pick are also disclosed. |
| US08506015B2 |
Vehicle seat tubing having variable wall thickness
Tubular bodies for use in frames for seats of vehicles such as aircraft are described. A tube can include a sidewall that has a variable thickness along the length of the tube. The variable thickness of the sidewalls can result in the tube having a variable inner diameter along the length of the tube. The tube may also include a variable outer diameter. |
| US08506013B2 |
Vehicle seat
In a vehicle seat that includes a seat cushion, a seatback that is rotatably attached to the seat cushion, and a spring that urges the seatback to a raised upright position from a reclined position in which the seatback is tilted back behind the seat cushion, the spring is spiral shaped, with a center-side end portion that is arranged near the rotational center of the seatback hooked on a seatback-connected member and an outside end portion that is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the spring hooked on a seat cushion-connected member. A shield member that covers the spring is attached to the seat cushion. |
| US08506010B2 |
Submersible picnic table and bench assembly
A portable, submersible table and bench assembly suitable for use on land as well as in bodies of water having sloped or uneven bottom surfaces. The table and bench assembly includes a pair of benches and a central table mounted on a support frame that includes a plurality of hollow, adjustable support members or legs that are slidably received within the support frame. The hollow, adjustable support members extend downwards for contact with the ground or a sloped bottom swimming pool. The support frame includes a plurality of spaced apart perforations on the surface of downwardly extending risers that allow the entry and drainage of water, as well as adjustment of the height of the adjustable support members or legs. In addition to being light and portable, the hollow structure permits water to enter and drain through perforations and accordingly resist buoyancy when the table is immersed in water. |
| US08506007B2 |
Roof assembly for a roof of a vehicle, and method of moving a closure panel and wind deflector of a roof assembly
A roof assembly for a vehicle having a roof opening in its fixed roof, comprises a frame, a movable closure for opening and closing the roof opening, and guide rails in or on the frame extending laterally of the roof opening. A closure moving mechanism is guided in the guide rails. A wind deflector is positioned at a front edge of said roof opening and is movable between an inoperative lower position in which it is positioned substantially below the level of the vehicle roof and at least one operative upper position in which it at least partially extends above said level. The wind deflector is supported by arms, each extending substantially rearwards. The arms are adapted to move the wind deflector between the inoperative and operative positions. The wind deflector arms are positioned in plan view at least partly within the lateral boundaries of the respective guide rails. |
| US08506004B1 |
Gap fairing and drag reduction method
A gap fairing and aerodynamic drag reduction method for a tractor-trailer. A fairing body is attached to a chassis of the tractor, independently of the cab thereof and within a gap between a cab of the tractor and the trailer. The fairing body has side portions, extending rearwardly from a front portion, adjacent the cab of the tractor, toward the trailer and an upwardly sloping top portion extending to the side portions and terminating in a trailing end. The trailing end can be situated behind the side portions to lessen the inclination of the top portion. A separation space between the front of the fairing body and the cab can be sealed by a sealing element that is at least in part resilient or flexible or both so as to allow relative motion between the fairing body and the cab. |
| US08506003B2 |
Vehicle component and method for making a vehicle component
The invention is also directed to a method for forming a component for a vehicle. The method comprises forming a substrate in a mold by injecting a first resin into a first cavity, reconfiguring a portion of the mold to form a second cavity, and injecting a second resin into a second cavity; providing a flexible member adjacent at least a portion of the substrate to form a cavity between the substrate and the flexible member; coupling at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate; and introducing a material into the cavity after securing at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate. The flexible member and the material introduced into the cavity form a cushioned region for the vehicle component |
| US08505999B2 |
Vehicular seat assembly and vehicles including same
A vehicle includes a body structure, a cargo surface, and a vehicular seat assembly. The body structure defines a floor. The vehicular seat assembly includes a left leg member, a right leg member, a support member, a seat back, and a cover panel. The support member is attached to the left and right leg members. The seat back is pivotally coupled with the left and right leg members. The seat back is pivotable between an upright position and a cargo support position. The cover panel is coupled with the support member and is movable between a stowed position and a bridging position. When the seat back is in the cargo support position with the cover panel in the bridging position, the support member provides underlying support for the cover panel, and the cargo surface, the cover panel, and the seat back cooperate to provide a generally planar load support surface. |
| US08505996B1 |
Storage box for automobile
Disclosed is a storage box for an automobile, in which a box door opens upward. The storage box includes: a box housing defining a storage space, and including a gear bar disposed therein; a box door opening and closing the storage space, and including a first hinge point and a second hinge point below the first hinge point formed thereon; a bridge slidably disposed on the box housing and rotatably coupled to the first hinge point, to be slid by the box door when the box door is opened and closed; a supporting member rotatably coupled to the second hinge point; and a rotating body engaged with the gear bar and the supporting member and rotatably disposed on the bridge, moving along the bridge and rotating during sliding of the bridge, and enabling the supporting member to raise and support the box door. |
| US08505994B2 |
Overhead console of vehicle
An overhead console of the vehicle may include a housing provided on a front portion of an indoor ceiling of the vehicle and having a downwardly open accommodation portion formed therein, a glass case accommodated in the accommodation portion and rotatably coupled to the housing around a rotating shaft that may be formed on a front side surface of the housing in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and a conversation mirror rotatably coupled with the housing in the accommodation portion and selectively engaged with a rear portion of the glass case. |
| US08505993B2 |
Vehicle interior member
A vehicle interior member that is attached to an interior side of a vehicle body, including an interior member body which is made of an unwoven fabric and exposed to the interior side; and a reinforcement band which is made of a rigid plastic and attached to a behind surface of the interior member body, the reinforcement band being provided with a locking mechanism that fixes the interior member body to the vehicle body. |
| US08505989B2 |
Latch
The invention resides in a latch comprising a lock including a locking pin mounted within a lock body, the locking pin movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the locking pin biased toward the retracted position; and a catch including a release mechanism, the release mechanism for holding the locking pin in the extended position; wherein a magnetic force between the locking pin and the release mechanism holds the locking pin in the extended position which causes the locking pin to engaged the catch. |
| US08505987B2 |
Electrically-activated hood latch and release mechanism
A latch assembly includes a latch movable between released and restrained positions and a latch spring biasing toward the released position. A first lever is movable between open and closed positions, corresponding to the released and restrained positions, respectively. A first lever spring biases toward the closed position. A second lever is movable between unlocked and locked positions, corresponding to the first lever open and closed positions, respectively. A second lever spring biases toward the locked position. An active material based actuator selectively moves the second lever from the locked to unlocked position in response to an activation signal. A primary activation mechanism selectively produces the activation signal without a mechanical connection to the passenger compartment. An auxiliary activation mechanism does not rely on the vehicle power system. A key or portable energy storage device may cause the activation signal from the primary or auxiliary activation mechanism. |
| US08505985B2 |
Coupling device
Disclosed herein is a coupling device for a tube comprising a sleeve part for receiving a part of the tube, and a sealing organ which is arranged to provide a seal around the tube as it is at least partially inserted into the sleeve part, wherein the sealing organ comprises a rubber ring of which at least a first portion is placed between the tube and the elements and a second portion is placed between the elements and the sleeve part, wherein the elements are provided with circumferentially extending cooperating tongue and groove connections, which are positioned at the sides of the elements facing the second portion of the rubber ring that lies adjacent to the sleeve part. |
| US08505983B2 |
Expansion seal, especially for gases
A flange connection for connecting e.g. two sections of a tube or pipe comprises two flanges and a sealing ring inserted into an annular sealing space defined by radial faces and axially extending peripheral walls between the flanges. The sealing ring has an annular main body and an outer periphery with a cross-sectional shape that has legs extending outwardly from the main body. These legs, in a condition prior to application of sealing pressure, are inclined away from each other and have rounded outer ends that abut both the radial faces and the peripheral walls defining the annular sealing space. The legs, in a condition where the flanges are forced against each other, are axially compressed and upset at least in a radial direction by plastic flow of material on the outer ends in sealing engagement with the axially extending peripheral walls. Preferably, the sealing ring is formed with an annular shoulder that extends radially outwardly from an outer peripheral area of the main body and that is centrally located between the legs. |
| US08505981B2 |
Gasket-less vent pipe coupling
A coupling feature for double-walled pipes. A double-walled vent pipe section has an outer wall with corresponding male and female coupling features formed on opposite ends thereof. The inner wall of the double-walled pipe section has a small ridge formed around the circumference of one end. When pipe sections are coupled together, the male and female coupling features on the outer walls engage, and the ridge on the inner wall of one pipe section engages with the bare inner wall of the other pipe section. |
| US08505980B2 |
Arrangement in a hose connection between a wellhead and a surface installation
Arrangement in a hose connector of a riser (2) provided between a wellhead and a floating surface installation (1). One or more hoses (3) form a flexible fluid communicating connection between an upper portion of the riser (2) and the floating surface installation (1). The first end portion (211) of at least one fluid conduit (21) is fixed to the riser (2) by an upwardly directed, first pipe muzzle (212) and is provided with a rotatable connecting sleeve (213a, 213b, 213c). Each of one or more flexible hoses (3) is connected to a conduit spool (41) of a connecting assembly (4) provided with a second pipe muzzle (42) that is arranged for releasable mating with the first end portion (211) of the fluid conduit (21). A lifting yoke (43) is connected to the connecting assembly (4) and forms an actuator (431) which is able to effect rotary motion to the connecting sleeve (213a, 213b, 213c) to enable engagement. |
| US08505974B2 |
Travel trailer having improved turning radius
A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn. |
| US08505970B2 |
Airbag cushion for vehicles
An airbag cushion for vehicles includes a cushion body, vent holes, tubes and a tether. The vent holes are formed in the cushion body at opposite positions. The tubes are connected to the respective vent holes. The tubes are deployed out of the vent holes by deployment of the cushion body so that gas is discharged out of the cushion body through the tubes. The tether connects the tubes to each other and is severed when pressure in the cushion body reaches a predetermined degree. At the point of time at which the weight of the occupant is applied to the airbag cushion, the pressure in the airbag cushion is released, thus reducing the risk of the deployment of the airbag cushion injuring the occupant. |
| US08505966B2 |
Airbag module
An airbag module includes an airbag cushion, an inflator and a housing. The inflator injects gas into the airbag cushion when a vehicle is in collision, so that the airbag cushion is inflated and deployed. The housing houses the airbag cushion, which is folded before deployment, and the inflator. When the airbag cushion is deployed from the housing, the airbag cushion forms a hard chamber and a soft chamber that are defined by a partition. The hard chamber is supplied with gas by the inflator and is positioned in the upper front of the airbag cushion. The soft chamber is supplied with gas by the hard chamber via a connecting hole formed in the partition and is positioned in the rear of the airbag cushion. A vent hole for exhausting gas to the outside is formed in the soft chamber. |
| US08505964B2 |
Airbag cover for an airbag in a motor vehicle
Disclosed is an airbag cover (10) for an airbag (1), comprising a flap (2) which is opened when the airbag (1) is triggered. The flap (2) is coupled to a trim part (6) of the trim panel (3) of the passenger compartment by means of a connecting element (5). The connecting element (5) comprises at least one hinge (7) having several hinge axes (X, Y) and which is suitable for diverting part of the actuating forces of the airbag (1) acting in the direction of opening (B) towards a force component (FQ) perpendicular to the direction of opening (B). |
| US08505961B2 |
Curtain airbag for a motor vehicle and bracket for fastening a curtain airbag to a motor vehicle
A curtain airbag for a motor vehicle includes a two-layer lug for fastening to the motor vehicle formed by a first layer which is folded back upon itself to a second layer. The two-layer lug includes an opening in the area of the fold. A bracket is provided between the layers. The bracket projects through the opening with a fastening shoulder, and the curtain airbag can be fastened to the motor vehicle via the fastening shoulder. |
| US08505960B1 |
Collapsible cart
Described is a collapsible cart that provides substantial stability when operated. Enlarged inflatable or compliant rear wheels allow an operator to lift a front end of the cart to traverse rough surfaces as needed. Enlarged rear wheels are mounted outside an overhead profile of the collapsible cart thereby providing lateral and other stability. A first shelf, bucket or working surface may be collapsed to contact or mate with a second such shelf to create an easily transportable or storable collapsed structure. A telescoping handle allows a collapsed cart to serve as a hand dolly. |
| US08505959B2 |
Cart transportable mobile medical critical care point of need field installation units
A cart transportable mobile medical emergency response facility includes a plurality of hand carried carts with cargo canisters with interchangeable components for establishing a decentralized mobile medical treatment facility at a disaster or other emergency area with a lack of usable hospital facilities. The rapidly deployable and accessible collection of carts and medical equipment delivers point-of-need critical care in the absence of conventional time consuming and complex assembly of medical response facilities. |
| US08505947B2 |
Single-speed bicycle conversion apparatus, methods, and kits
Methods, apparatus, and kits for converting multiple speed bicycles to single speed are disclosed. The methods include removing a cassette of gears from the hub of a bicycle gear and installing a single gear between two clamps that are releasably secured to the hub. In some embodiments, the clamps may be split-ring clamps with ends that are connected by a fastener. Kits according to embodiments of the invention may include a gear and one or more clamps. |
| US08505939B2 |
Coupled torsion beam axle
A coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) has improved compliance characteristics that can control a toe value of a rear wheel to be towed in during steering when the steering is performed in a simple structure. The CTBA includes trailing arms and carriers on which rear wheels are mounted via carrier brackets at both ends of a torsion beam, respectively, a center pipe penetrating in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle at the center of the torsion beam, and a steering rod of which one end is linked to the carrier and the other end is linked to the center pipe. |
| US08505937B2 |
Skating device
The present invention relates to a skating device which comprises two footboard assemblies with ground contact rollers or skids; two rods, wherein each rod comprises a distal end and a proximal end. The distal ends of the rods are mounted to the footboard assemblies, respectively, and the proximal ends of the rods are mountable to a common support means located above the footboard assemblies. Each footboard assembly is allowed to move at least in two degrees of freedom with respect to the support means such that a skating movement of the two footboard assemblies with respect to the support means is possible. |
| US08505935B2 |
Tricycle kick board
Disclosed is a tricycle kick board that includes a pillar shaft rotatably mounting a front wheel to a lower portion thereof, a steering unit mounted to a upper portion of the pillar shaft, a joint unit mounted to the pillar shaft, and left and right moving frames connected at one portion thereof to the joint unit and at another portion thereof to left and right foot rest assemblies, respectively, each of the left and right foot rest assemblies having a wheel disposed thereunder. The joint unit is provided with a main body fitted to the pillar shaft so as to be pivotable about the pillar shaft, a main shaft fastened to a side of the main body; and a supplementary body pivotally mounted to the main body so as to be pivotable about the main body. |
| US08505934B2 |
Blade lift tool
A motor grader blade lift tool comprises a handle mechanically coupled to a center riser. The center riser is further mechanically coupled to a bottom round tubing. The bottom round tubing is further mechanically coupled to a bottom bar square tubing. The bottom bar square tubing is mechanically coupled to a first blade stop and a second blade stop. The first blade stop is mechanically coupled to a first pin and the second blade stop is mechanically coupled to a second pin. The first pin and the second pin can fit through cavities on a motor grader blade to support the motor grader blade on the blade lift tool. |
| US08505933B2 |
Roll container with insert bases
A roll container has a preferably rectangular base with transport rollers mounted on an underside of the base and two opposing side walls are arranged on an upper side of the base. Each of the opposing side walls has a vertical front end strut and a vertical rear end strut, which are connected by means of several horizontally running support struts, with the interior side of each of the vertical front struts lying in a respective vertical reference plane (E-E). The rear end struts may be offset sufficiently inward relative to the respective reference plane (E-E) that another roll container of the same type may be inserted from the front between the side walls of the roll container. The horizontal support struts are arranged and constructed in such a manner that, apart from a front connecting section to the front end strut and a rear connecting section to the rear end strut, they lie in between the two reference planes (E-E), and, in stackable embodiments, in the intermediate space delimited by the respective reference plane (E-E) and an inner limiting plane that is defined by the exterior sides of the rear end struts and runs parallel to the respective reference plane (E-E). Each two associated support struts of the two side walls are used as support means and guide means for a respective insert base that can be inserted between the side walls. |
| US08505930B2 |
Skate shoe with bayonet-like closure made up of two half-axes
A skate shoe includes a shoe having a sole through which runs a horizontal bore. From both sides of the horizontal bore of the sole, a half-axle is inserted with a wheel fixed at an outer end of each half-axle. The two half-axles have at least one flattened portion on their respective inner ends, which is located within the horizontal bore. The two flattened portions overlap within the bore and, in a second half of each flattened portion that is closer to the respective wheel, there is a recess. The each recess is complementary formed to a detent lug in a first half of the respective flattened portion and with the detent being able to pivot into the recess of the other half-axle. |
| US08505924B2 |
Rotary shaft sealing assembly
A rotary shaft sealing assembly in which a first fluid is partitioned from a second fluid in a housing assembly having a rotary shaft located at least partially within. In one embodiment a lip seal is lubricated and flushed with a pressure-generating seal ring preferably having an angled diverting feature. The pressure-generating seal ring and a hydrodynamic seal may be used to define a lubricant-filled region with each of the seals having hydrodynamic inlets facing the lubricant-filled region. Another aspect of the sealing assembly is having a seal to contain pressurized lubricant while withstanding high rotary speeds. Another rotary shaft sealing assembly embodiment includes a lubricant supply providing a lubricant at an elevated pressure to a region between a lip seal and a hydrodynamic seal with a flow control regulating the flow of lubricant past the lip seal. The hydrodynamic seal may include an energizer element having a modulus of elasticity greater than the modulus of elasticity of a sealing lip of the hydrodynamic seal. |
| US08505923B2 |
Brush seal with stress and deflection accommodating membrane
A brush seal usable in high temperature sealing applications having brush bristles and a sealing membrane of stress and deflection accommodating construction capable of longitudinal extensibility. Sealing membrane has one portion slidably overlapped with another portion. In one embodiment, membrane is folded over itself providing slidable overlapping in one direction and is formed of overlapping membrane sheets providing slidable overlapping in another direction. In another embodiment, membrane has spaced apart deformation regions providing longitudinal extensibility in accommodating stress and/or deflection. Membrane can be made of metallic foil having a thickness no greater than brush bristle width or diameter and is embeddable in bristles of the brush seal. |
| US08505922B2 |
Bi-metal spiral wound gasket
A spiral wound gasket (20) is disposed between joint members (22, 24) of a hot fluid joint to seal a gap (48) therebetween. The spiral wound gasket (20) includes a first high temperature performance metallic strip (28) formed of a thermally conductive alloy, including, Ni Cr, and Fe, spirally wound around a central axis (A) to present a first high temperature performance metallic winding (30) exposed to hot fluids. A first non-metallic filler strip (32) formed of a mica material is spirally wound outwardly of the first high temperature performance metallic winding (30) to form a first non-metallic filler winding (34). A second high temperature performance metallic strip (36) formed of a stainless steel material is spirally wound outwardly of the first non-metallic filler winding (34). A second non-metallic filler strip (40) formed of a graphite material is spirally wound outwardly of the second high temperature performance metallic winding (38). |
| US08505917B2 |
Board game utilizing binary numbers
A board game incorporating binary conversions to entertain and educate players, comprising a multi-tiered playing field, a plurality of counters, of control pads, and playing cards. The playing field comprises a plurality of rooms, doors, roof hatches, and lights. Players enter the values from the playing cards into the control pads. The control pads electronically communicate with the counters to display the binary conversions. Based on the binary conversions, the lights on the playing field indicate which doors and roof hatches are opened or closed allowing players to navigate through the playing field. The winning player wins by being the first player to exit the playing field. It is contemplated that the board game can extend to computer games, video games, theme parks or other similar gaming opportunities wherein players can compete to navigate through and be the first to exit the playing field. |
| US08505916B2 |
Methods of randomizing cards
Apparatuses and methods for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into plural hands of cards, wherein each of the hands contains a random arrangement of cards. The apparatus may comprise a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack, and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanism and the elevator so that an individual card is moved into an identified compartment. The number of compartments receiving cards and the number of cards moved to each compartment may be selected. Apparatuses for feeding cards may comprise a surface for supporting a stack of cards, a feed roller with a frictional outer surface, a drive mechanism for causing rotation of the feed roller, a pair of speed-up rollers to advance the cards out of the feed roller, and a clutch mechanism for disengaging the feed roller from the drive mechanism as the card comes into contact with the speed-up rollers. |
| US08505915B2 |
Card game machine
A card game machine includes a machine base, a track unit arranged on the machine base, a displacement motor mounted on the machine base, two card-recovery slots, a video recognition device adapted for recognizing the types and spots of each individual playing card of a set of playing cards being arranged on the machine base, a slide coupled to and movable along the track unit, a transmission belt coupled between the slide and the displacement motor for enabling the slide to be moved by the displacement motor along the track unit, and a first pickup unit and a second pickup unit carried on the slide alternatively controllable to run a playing card pickup step, a playing card recognition step, a playing card exhibition step and a playing card discarding step. |
| US08505914B2 |
Roller device and image forming apparatus
A roller device includes a roller having a body and a pair of support shafts extending from both ends of the body; and a wire bearing made of a wire and having a pair of coils wound around each of the support shafts and a connection portion connecting the pair of coils. |
| US08505913B2 |
Sheet transport mechanism and electrophotographic image forming apparatus incorporating same
A sheet transport mechanism that can be incorporated in an image forming apparatus includes a first sheet transport member, a second sheet transport member disposed downstream from the first sheet transport member in a sheet transport direction, a sheet transport path defined by and curved between the first and second sheet transport members and including a downstream section recessed from an upstream section in the sheet transport direction, and a contact member disposed at the downstream section and including a first contact portion to which the leading edge of a sheet contacts to move the contact member in a direction to recess from the sheet transport path and a second contact portion connected to the first contact portion to advance toward the sheet transport path at a position upstream from the first contact portion in the sheet transport direction to contact the surface of the sheet. |
| US08505910B2 |
Swirling vane wheel accumulating apparatus
Large-diameter entry rollers, and small-diameter entry rollers pressing against the large-diameter entry rollers via a conveyance belt enter a paper sheet in an accumulation part via an entrance slot. A central upper guide member makes contact with an upper surface of a central portion of the banknote. Both sides lower guide members guide the banknote while causing the banknote to curve in the shape of large U in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the banknote by lifting up both ends of the banknote entered in the accumulation part with the use of an upwardly curved tip. The front end of the banknote does not hang down despite being beaten by vanes, and the banknote goes between the vanes. The banknote is rotationally conveyed, hits the stoppers to stop, is disengaged from a swirling vane wheel, and is accumulated. |
| US08505904B2 |
Bookbinding device and print-medium post-treatment apparatus having the same
A bookbinding device and a print-medium post-treatment apparatus having the same. In the bookbinding device, when a print medium drops and is loaded a stack plate, a drop position of a leading end of the print medium is changed according to a size of the print medium. This prevents sequence upset of print media when the print media are stacked one above another on the stack plate. |
| US08505902B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus, image forming system and sheet processing method
According to one embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes a reinforce roller to further reinforce the fold of a sheet which has been folded by a fold roller pair, a support portion to move the reinforce roller in a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction, a motor to drive the support portion, and a control unit to control the motor so that the support portion moves at a faster moving speed at the time of a homeward route than a moving speed at the time of an outward route. |
| US08505901B2 |
Sheet post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet post-processing apparatus includes: an accumulating unit accumulating a sheet having been conveyed; a center-folding unit folding a central portion, in a conveying direction in which the sheet is conveyed, of the sheet, which has been accumulated by the accumulating unit, and a pressing force moving unit that applies a pressing force to the sheet, which has been folded by the center-folding unit, and moves a portion, at which the pressing force is applied, on the sheet in the conveying direction. |
| US08505892B2 |
Bar clamp assembly and workpiece support members
The present invention relates to bar clamp assemblies and workpiece support members configured for use with bar clamp assemblies. In one aspect, the present invention provides a workpiece support member for a bar clamp assembly. The workpiece support member include a base including an engagement feature configured for engagement with a guide rail of the bar clamp assembly. The workpiece support member also includes a first finger extending from the base and a second finger extending from the base. The first and second fingers are disposed apart with respect to one another to form a slot having a substantially continuous width. The first, second or both fingers form an abutment surface and a support surface, the abutment surface and the support surface are generally perpendicular with respect to one another. |
| US08505883B2 |
Venturi apparatus
An improved venturi apparatus for facilitating the mixture of fluid substances. The apparatus preferably comprises a first funnel section operative to receive a fluid and channel the same through a first cylindrical section or passageway. The first cylindrical section is fluidly connected to an intermediate passageway having a diameter larger than the first cylindrical section. At least one sidearm passageway is fluidly connected to the intermediate passageway into which at least one second fluid is introduced. The at least one sidearm passageway is preferably configured to fluidly interconnect with the intermediate passageway at approximately the medial portion of the intermediate passageway. Fluidly connected to the intermediate passageway is a second cylindrical section that is operative to direct the flow of the intermixed fluids to a second exit funnel section. The improved venturi apparatus is exceptionally efficient at drawing in a second fluid and effective in facilitating the mixture of two or more gasses, liquids or combinations thereof. |
| US08505873B2 |
Pressure regulating valve
A pressure regulating valve having a compression spring fixed in a valve housing for positioning a valve plunger connected to a magnetic armature in the position above a valve seat and not electromagnetically excited, in order to create a connection between at least two pressure medium channels opening into the valve housing, and having a further compression spring disposed coaxially to the first compression spring in the valve housing, having the characteristic that the first compression spring is designed as a control spring forming a stroke and force-specific spring drive by adjusting the spring rates of both compression springs to the force/distance curve of an electromagnet by varying the current in an exciter coil, wherein the further compression spring is designed as a variably adjustable spring acting opposite to the control spring. |
| US08505867B2 |
Portable, lightweight mount for a satellite antenna system
A mount for mobile electronic devices such as a satellite dish antenna system. The mount includes a tripod and an elongated post member supported on it by a universal joint or pivot mechanism. The post member extends along a longitudinal axis and the pivot mechanism allows the post member to be moved about two, substantially perpendicular pivotal axes relative to the tripod to align the longitudinal axis of the post member with the vertical. Once the axis of the post member is aligned vertically, the alignment system of the attachable satellite dish will then have a proper reference from which to aim or direct the dish (e.g., azimuth and elevation) for best reception and transmission. The mount includes an arrangement of cables extending between the tripod legs and adjustable straps extending between each tripod leg and the post member to provide a very strong and stable support for the satellite dish antenna system that is attachable to the upper end of the vertically aligned post member. The tripod is designed to be foldable into a compact configuration for easy transport and storage with each tripod leg folded onto itself and positioned under a central member of the tripod. The folding and unfolding of the tripod and the alignment of the post member to the vertical on it can all be done by one person without the need for any tools. |
| US08505862B2 |
Quick-release retaining bracket
A quick-release retainer bracket for mounting objects to a platform, has a base plate enclosing a pocket in a center thereof, and a pair of retainer plates positionable on top of said base plate on opposed sides thereof, the base plate and retainer plates mountable on a platform with the retainer plates moveable over the base plate from a retracted position in which the retainer plates are partially overlapping a pocket to an extended region in which the retainer plates do not overlap the pocket. |
| US08505860B2 |
Video screen mounting system
A video screen mounting system including a vertical post having a mounting wall, a base supporting the vertical post, a cross beam having a body, a mounting leg extending rearwardly from the body, and at least one mounting channel located on one or more of a front, a top, and a bottom of the body, and a bracket removably mountable on the mounting wall of the vertical post and having a frontwardly extending flange for receiving and retaining the mounting leg of the cross beam. |
| US08505856B2 |
Anchor assembly with large range of motion suspension members, and restraint systems for suspended components
An anchor assembly structured for use in connection with ceiling or roofing structures for hanging industrial or commercial components, such as, for example, electrical conduits, heating units, water pipes for automatic water sprinkler systems, and the like. The anchor assembly is easy and quick to install, and also provides enhanced swivel capabilities or angular ranges of movement so as to accommodate various system and spatial requirements in connection with the suspension of the components. Suspension and lateral restraint systems are also disclosed. |
| US08505849B2 |
Device for retracting aircraft landing gear
An aircraft undercarriage having a strut (1) hingedly mounted to the aircraft, and a bottom part (2) carrying the wheels and movable relative to the strut. The bottom part has a rod that slides in the strut and a scissors linkage between the strut and the rod. The undercarriage has a shortener for shortening the undercarriage between a deployed position and a raised position by causing the rod to enter into the strut (1). The shortener has coupled first and second members (11, 12), the first member (11) coupled to the bottom part (2) or to an element (5) that moves with the bottom part during its movement relative to the strut. The second member (12) is hinged to the aircraft so that while the undercarriage is raised, the second member abuts before the undercarriage reaches the raised position. The first member (11) is coupled to the scissors linkage. |
| US08505834B2 |
Spray nozzle for fluidized bed device
The invention concerns a spray nozzle for a fluidized bed device, said nozzle comprising a central liquid outlet (15) for a liquid coating agent and an annular air outlet (17) for conveying spraying air coaxially. An enclosing body (1) having a central recess (4) is maintained in a wall of the box of the fluidized bed device. Said enclosing body (1) is connected to a spraying air source through an air duct (6) and an axially mobile nozzle head (14) is centrally mounted inside said enclosing body (1). Said nozzle head (14) is connected to a liquid coating agent source through a liquid duct (10), said liquid duct (10) having a flexible tubular section (12) and being centrally guided inside the air duct (6). |
| US08505833B2 |
Manual filling aid with push button fill
A medical liquid transfer system includes a pump configured to transfer liquid between at least two containers. A detachable connector is detachably secured to the pump. The detachable connector has at least one pump passage to transmit pumping pressure from the pump to at least one of the containers. The detachable connector can include one or more liquid impermeable and gas permeable membranes to ensure the liquid is retained in the detachable connector. After the fluid is transferred the detachable connector is removed and replaced by a new one in order to prevent contamination of the pump. An interlock mechanism is used to prevent premature removal of the detachable connector and/or the container being filled. |
| US08505832B2 |
Vehicle windshield cleaning system
Apparatus for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface having an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; a housing bounding a reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet port; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing an amount of heated fluid. A heater element heats fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet port through the reservoir. A heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heater element for conveying heat to the fluid within the reservoir has a strut that divides fluid entering the housing through the inlet port into two flow paths and elongated fins that extend outwardly from the strut at transverse angles that bound fluid flow channels for fluid moving through said reservoir. A control circuit energizes the heater element with a voltage to heat the heating element. |
| US08505831B2 |
Energy alert power system and method
An energy control system, helping to reduce energy consumption from an energy grid, includes a power meter which receives first power-save signal and generates a second power-save signal for receipt by a control device. The target temperature of a thermostat is changed for a period of time in response to the second power-save signal. The control device can create a third power-save signal for receipt by a power-save adapter for an associated energy-consuming unit to permit only limited operation of the energy-consuming unit. |
| US08505829B2 |
RFID tag sensors and methods
Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices for use in RFID-based sensors and related methods are described herein. In one implementation, an RFID sensor system includes an RFID device having a near field only RFID tag and a conductive element which functions as a far field antenna. The near field only RFID tag and the conductive element are located in at least a first position and a second position relative to each other; wherein in the first position, the RFID device only operates in a near field, and in the second position, the RFID device operates in both the near field and a far field. The system may also include an RFID reader and controller located within the far field to read the RFID device only when the components are located in the second position. |
| US08505824B2 |
Bar code readers having multifold mirrors
A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader 10 for imaging a target bar code 30 on a target object 32 features: a housing 20 supporting a plurality of transparent windows H, V and defining an interior region, an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies C1-C5 coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array. One or more light reflecting fold mirrors M1-M14 define a camera assembly field of view positioned with respect to said light source and the sensor array at locations along a light path to transmit light from light source to the field of view and transmit light that bounces from a target in the field of view back along said light path to the image capture sensor array. |
| US08505821B2 |
System and method for providing sensor quality assurance
The present disclosure is generally directed to maintaining sensor quality standards and/or preventing improper remanufacture of sensors, such as pulse oximetry sensors. Present embodiments may include a sensor that includes an optical machine-readable representation of data included on the sensor and/or packaged therewith, and an information element configured to store data corresponding to the data represented by the optical machine-readable representation. |
| US08505813B2 |
Customer benefit offer program enrollment
Apparatus and methods for providing customer benefit offer program enrollment are provided. A system for enrolling a purchasing instrument in an electronic customer benefit offer program an electromagnetic receiver module. The receiver module may be configured to receive data from the purchasing instrument and receive from a customer a customer selection of a notification channel, the channel to be used for notifying the customer about a customer benefit. The system may also include a processor module configured to associate the purchasing instrument data with an account on an electronic platform so that a customer benefit offer that is stored on the platform may be associated with the purchasing instrument. |
| US08505811B2 |
Anomalous billing event correlation engine
Apparatus, methods and computer readable media for processing invoice data. The apparatus may include, and the methods and media may involve a processor module and a machine memory module. The processor module may extract from an invoice a billing event identifier that identifies a billing event. The processor module may query an index in the machine memory module for a billing event descriptor that is designated for the billing event. The processor module may identify in the machine memory index a provisional billing event descriptor that corresponds to a derivative of the billing event identifier. The processor module may join the provisional billing event descriptor to a record corresponding to the billing event identifier. The processor module may flag the record to indicate the presence of the provisional billing event descriptor. |
| US08505810B1 |
Systems and methods for adding authenticating features to process molded parts and the resultant molded parts
A system and method are provided for intentionally introducing defects into molded replacement component parts that are used to identify and authenticate, or confirm compatibility of, the molded replacement component parts in devices in which the molded replacement component parts are installed. Process conditions in the fabrication or formation of melt processed parts are modified to deliberately introduce surface, detectable defects into the melt processed parts. Authentication and compatibility confirmation for molded parts are facilitated by deliberately introducing one or more of undercut posts, deliberate flashes, weld lines, sinks, cracked ribs, flow marks or the like included individually or in combination in a test area on a molded part. A Quality Review (QR) code that specifies a compilation of at least some of the actual defects that are present in the molded part is provided, potentially encrypted, for comparison purposes. |
| US08505803B2 |
Jet stack brazing in a diffusion furnace
A method for batch brazing in a diffusion furnace includes inserting a plurality of fusible parts into a plurality of slots of at least one quartz boat, transporting the at least one quartz boat, including the fusible parts, into an interior of a reaction chamber of the diffusion furnace, sealing the interior of the reaction chamber, adjusting an atmosphere of the interior of the reaction chamber according to a recipe, moving a preheated furnace heating element from a location spaced apart from the reaction chamber to a location in substantial proximity with the reaction chamber to increase a temperature of the atmosphere of the interior of the reaction chamber above a predefined brazing temperature for a predefined brazing time period according to the recipe. |
| US08505796B2 |
Fuel cartridge and gas-combustion type driving tool
A fuel cartridge, which is capable of being mounted on a tool main body of a gas-combustion type driving tool so as to supply fuel gas to a striking mechanism of the tool main body, is provided with an ejection nozzle provided at a port portion formed at an end portion of a cartridge main body and slidable with respect to the cartridge main body; a compression spring for biasing the ejection nozzle so that a tip end of the ejection nozzle protrudes from the cartridge main body; and an ejection hole formed at a side wall of a tip end portion of the ejection nozzle. |
| US08505795B2 |
CD mounting apparatus for portable electronic device
A mounting apparatus for portable electronic devices (hereinafter “PED”). More particularly, the present invention relates to a mounting bracket and PED holder that allows the user to use and store their PED in a compact disk (“CD”) player of a motor vehicle. |
| US08505794B2 |
Flexible storage system
A flexible storage system included in a vehicle interior comprises receiving elements configured on a surface facing the vehicle interior and different attachments that are made to be attached to the receiving elements. The receiving elements comprise a primary aperture connected to a slot that extends downwards towards a floor of the vehicle. Each of the attachments comprises at least one connecting element which has a shape that is complementary to the primary apertures of respective receiving elements and a shaft that connects the connecting element to the attachment. The attachments are detachably connected to the receiving elements when in use and stowed away when not in use. Thus, the storage system provides flexibility in that not only is it employed only when necessary, but it also provides a variety of storage attachments that are suited to different user needs. |
| US08505793B2 |
Bicycle carrier
A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position. |
| US08505788B2 |
Detachable handle for a portable paint and brush container
The invention is an ergonomic detachable handle having a grip portion terminating at one end in a contoured band for carrying a paint container and associated brush. The contoured band has a cantilevered support portion with an upstanding peripheral edge for receiving the lip of a container. A spring biased retainer clip is mounted to the cantilevered support portion so that the slidable movement of the spring biased retainer clip traps the lip of the container between the upstanding peripheral edge of the cantilevered support portion and the spring biased retainer clip to securely hold the container to the grip portion of the handle. A shell housing dependent from the cantilevered support portion houses a permanent magnet in contact with the wall of the container to hold a painter's brush magnetically against the magnet on the inside of the container. |
| US08505785B2 |
Cartridge piston
A cartridge piston for pressing out a compound from a cartridge body is provided with a forwardly directed, elastic sealing lip which is arranged to bear against the cartridge wall. To allow for escape of air while the piston is being introduced, air passages are provided on the sealing lip. In a wall portion of the side wall, the piston has a non-circular shape so that, in certain regions, the abutment of the piston on the cartridge wall is less close than in other regions. In this manner, the outflow of air to the outside is facilitated. Further, the piston is arranged in its inserted state in a sealing abutment on the cartridge wall, thus precluding ingress of air into the cartridge. |
| US08505783B2 |
Squeezable bottle
A squeezable bottle is disclosed. The squeezable bottle includes a pliable bottle skin, an outlet and a spinal assembly within the pliable skin, for providing longitudinal rigidity along an elongated axis of the bottle. |
| US08505782B1 |
Method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid
A method and apparatus for dispensing sanitizer fluid. The apparatus includes a handle having a trigger lever and a spray nozzle; a check valve coupled to the spray nozzle; a pump assembly fluidly coupled to the check valve; and a reservoir cartridge fluidly coupled to the pump assembly, where manipulation of the handle and the trigger lever causes the pump assembly to supply sanitizer fluid from the cartridge, through the check valve, and to the nozzle. A method of selectively dispensing sanitizer fluid includes selectively manipulating a handle to manipulate a door latch or manipulating a handle and a trigger lever to manipulate a door latch and dispense sanitizing fluid through a spray nozzle proximate the trigger lever. |
| US08505781B2 |
Fragrance dispensing pump head
A dispensing pump including a pump mechanism and a pump bead is provided. The dispensing pump head includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion has a structure for attaching the dispensing pump to the container. The upper portion and the lower portion each has: (1) an internal area combining to form an enclosed space for containing a second product, and (2) a respective peripheral wall. The pump mechanism also includes a dispensing channel for the first product that extends between the upper and the lower portion. There is an aperture in either peripheral walls or a space between the respective peripheral walls. Upon the actuation of the dispensing pump, the upper portion passes into the lower portion to force air from the enclosed space and the second product is emitted through one of the apertures in either peripheral walls or the space therebetween. |
| US08505775B2 |
Two-way valve
A valve for distributing two fluids contained in a rigid flask by propulsion, the first fluid contained in a first flexible pouch, and the second fluid in the flask so as to be isolated from the first fluid before the fluid leaves through the valve. When the valve is placed on the flask, an internal part of the valve is inside the flask, an external part of the valve is outside the flask. A first passage which can be closed connects the inside of the first pouch and the space surrounding the external part of the valve, and a second passage which can also be closed connects the space intended to receive the second fluid and the space surrounding the external part of the valve. The valve has a second flexible pouch for receiving the second fluid, which is fixed to the valve and placed around the first pouch. |
| US08505774B2 |
Fluid delivery device
Device adapted to deliver fluids, in particular medicines, under pressure, comprising a receptacle 1 of variable volume in a form or shape of a pouch or flexible container of general cylindrical shape with exclusively longitudinal pleats 2 containing the fluid under pressure to be delivered and equipped with an actuator C permitting to open a valve 15a, 15b, to enable the aforementioned fluid to be delivered, the whole being located inside a receptacle 4 capable of resisting to an elevated internal pressure, the internal volume of this last receptacle comprised between its wall and the receptacle of variable volume being filled with a neutral gas under a pressure sufficient to exert on the receptacle of variable volume a pneumatic constraint sufficient to permit the delivery of the therein contained fluid when the above-said valve permitting the said delivery is operated by the aforementioned actuator C. |
| US08505769B2 |
Medical waste receptacle
A lid covering an interior of a medical waste receptacle base including a cover for covering the interior of the base. The cover has an opening for passing medical waste through it. The lid includes a chute for directing medical waste into the interior of the base and a closure for blocking the opening operatively connected to the cover for movement between an open position and a closed position. The lid includes a skirt operatively connected to the closure. The skirt sweeps medical waste on the chute toward the waste receptacle base interior as the closure moves from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08505767B2 |
Leak proof container
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a leak proof drinking cup including a valve assembly and a removable lid with a drinking spout and a vent. The valve assembly includes a drinking valve, a venting valve, or both. When in use, the valve assembly engages with the lid to prevent leaks or spills and to permit the flow of air into the cup. When not in use, the valve assembly disengages from the lid and the valve is open to facilitate proper cleaning of the valve assembly. |
| US08505765B2 |
Container end closure with improved chuck wall provided between a peripheral cover hook and countersink
A beverage can end closure is provided which utilizes less material and has an improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall and central panel, and a substantially linear chuck wall. |
| US08505757B2 |
Shoulder rib to direct top load force
A container comprising a finish, a sidewall portion having a vacuum panel, a shoulder portion extending between the finish and the sidewall portion, a base portion extending from the sidewall portion and enclosing the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity, and first inwardly-directed rib extending circumferentially and continuously about the container at an interface between the sidewall portion and the shoulder portion. The first inwardly-directed rib directing top loading forces exerted generally on the finish down the sidewall portion along opposing sides of the vacuum panel. |
| US08505756B2 |
Synthetic resin bottle
A biaxially stretched, blow molded synthetic resin bottle with a bottom includes a sunken bottom portion that is capable of drawing upward in a reversible manner, when internal pressure goes down. This sunken bottom portion includes an inner peripheral wall portion standing from near an inner edge of a ground contact portion disposed along a peripheral foot, a central concave portion disposed at a center of the bottom, a reversible wall portion in a flat ring shape, which is reversibly deformable into an upward drawing state and which connects an upper end of the inner peripheral wall to the base of the central concave portion, and a circular rib wall portion disposed at a connection between the reversible wall portion and the upper end of the inner peripheral wall portion so as to perform the function as a peripheral rib. |
| US08505755B2 |
Straw holder for supporting a drinking straw in a bottle
A straw holder for vertically supporting a drinking straw in the mouth of a bottle containing a beverage to be consumed and for limiting vertical movement of the straw with respect to the bottle. The straw holder includes a straw support portion dimensioned for placement across the mouth of the bottle and having an aperture defined in the straw support. The aperture receives the drinking straw so that the straw is disposed through the aperture with a leading edge of the straw positioned in the bottle in communication with the beverage. The aperture is dimensioned for adjustably maintaining a vertical position of the leading edge of the straw in the bottle once a desired vertical position is selected. The straw holder also includes a bottle retaining portion coupled to the straw support portion for maintaining the position of the straw support across the mouth of the bottle. The bottle retaining portion includes at least one turn dimensioned for engaging the neck of the bottle. |
| US08505752B2 |
Rack assembly
An assembly shelf includes a post that includes two main post sections and a connection section that connects the main post sections, a plurality of through-holes being formed in the connection section along a longitudinal direction, a pair of connection members, each of the pair of connection members including a first engagement section that engages the post, and a second engagement section that engages a shelf board member, and a shelf board member that includes a third engagement section that is formed approximately at each corner and engages the second engagement section, the pair of connection members and the shelf board member being positioned within the range that corresponds to half of the post in the lateral direction. |
| US08505751B2 |
Rack assembly
An assembly shelf includes a post that includes two main post sections and a connection section that connects the main post sections, a plurality of through-holes being formed in the connection section along a longitudinal direction, a pair of connection members, each of the pair of connection members including a first engagement section that engages the post, and a second engagement section that engages a shelf board member, and a shelf board member that includes a third engagement section that is formed approximately at each corner and engages the second engagement section, the pair of connection members and the shelf board member being positioned within the range that corresponds to half of the post in the lateral direction. |
| US08505749B2 |
Adjustable curtain rod
An adjustable curtain rod assembly includes a rod member and an adjustment mechanism coupled to an end of the rod member. The adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust a length of the rod assembly and has a clutch mechanism that prevents over-extension of the rod assembly during mounting. |
| US08505747B2 |
Cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for a pump
A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for evacuating debris in a pumping system that forms between the plunger exterior and barrel interior. The apparatus is configured for use with a valve rod and has a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The apparatus is also configured for use with a hollow valve rod and has a hollow valve rod coupler component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component can be composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. In another embodiment, the cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component. |
| US08505744B2 |
Method of making nanoporous oxide ceramic membranes of tubular and hollow fiber shape
The present invention is directed to methods of fabricating nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications. |
| US08505740B2 |
Solid-liquid separator using roller system
A solid-liquid separator using a roller system includes a casing, rollers disposed within the casing and each provided with a screen that is formed in an outer periphery thereof with plural pores, a supply device disposed outside the rollers for supplying into the casing under appropriate pressure a solid-liquid mixture to be separated into a solid component via the plural pores and a liquid component filtered inside, a casing wall disposed adjacent to the rollers after the solid-liquid mixture supplied with the supply device is passed through the rollers rotated, a discharge window formed in the casing wall for discharging the solid component, and a pressure application lid formed on the casing wall for stably applying prescribed pressure in a direction of closing the discharge window with a pressure application device. The liquid component is separated from the solid-liquid mixture by means of the rollers and the solid component is discharged from the discharge window on which pressure has been exerted by means of the pressure application lid. |
| US08505737B2 |
Support carrier for a vibrating screen device
A vibrating screen device includes a support structure, which supports apertured screening elements. The support structure includes a plurality of support carriers, each having a straight portion and a spacer part fixed to at least one end of the straight portion. The spacer part of each support carrier engages a spacer part of an adjacent support carrier to space the straight portions apart by a predetermined distance. |
| US08505735B2 |
Vertical ring magnetic separator for de-ironing of pulverized coal ash and method using the same
A vertical ring magnetic separator for de-ironing of coal ash comprises a rotating ring (101), an inductive medium (102), an upper iron yoke (103), a lower iron yoke (104), a magnetic exciting coil (105), a feeding opening (106), a tailing bucket (107) and a water washing device (109). The feeding opening (106) is used for feeding the coal ash to be de-ironed, and the tailing bucket (107) is used for discharging the non-magnetic particles after de-ironing. The upper iron yoke (103) and the lower iron yoke (104) are respectively arranged at the inner and outer sides of the lower portion of the rotating ring (101). The water washing device (109) is arranged above the rotating ring (101). The inductive medium (102) is arranged in the rotating ring (101). The magnetic exciting coil (105) is arranged at the periphery of the upper iron yoke (103) and the lower iron yoke (104) so as to make the upper iron yoke (103) and the lower iron yoke (104) to be a pair of magnetic poles for generating a magnetic field in the vertical direction, wherein the inductive medium (102) is layers of steel plate meshes, each steel plate mesh is woven by wires, and ridge-shape sharp corners are formed at the edges of the wires. A method for magnetically separating and de-ironing of coal ash, utilizes the vertical ring magnetic separator for de-ironing of coal ash. By adopting the vertical ring magnetic separator and the method of magnetic separation for de-ironing, the de-ironing efficiency is improved by at least 20%. |
| US08505731B2 |
Suspension packaging assembly
A packaging assembly includes a frame member and a retention member which is not permanently affixed to the frame member. The frame member can include a variety of features which allow the retention member to be tightened around an article to be packaged and thus protected from shocks and impacts during transport, display, and/or retail use. The retention member can be formed as a sleeve or with pockets for engaging the frame member. |
| US08505728B2 |
Portable tool storing device
A portable tool storing device includes first and second modular shelves configured to be brought into fitting engagement with each other in an upright direction by a back-to-back engagement manner so as to permit crosspieces to be juxtaposed to and combined with each other to form a handle for carrying. Each shelf includes a plurality of flank segments, each having an indented region. A modular container has a clip lug disposed to be clipped on the indented region to detachably hold the container on the flank segment so as to provide easy access to a tool in the container body. |
| US08505722B1 |
Stackable pallet container
A stackable pallet container for transporting or storing fluent material has a rigid pallet, a plastic liner bag sitting on the pallet, and a mesh outer jacket surrounding the plastic liner bag, secured to the pallet, and forming with the pallet an upwardly open cavity containing the liner bag. The jacket is formed by horizontal rods and vertical rods joined at crossings. At least partially U-section vertical reinforcement bars are fixed inside the outer jacket and each have an upper end formed on a side directed inward toward the bag with a cutout. |
| US08505721B2 |
Support base for transport and storage containers for liquids
A support base for transport and storage containers for liquids includes an inner container of plastics material and an outer jacket of a metal grid or of sheet metal which is adapted to be manipulated by a forklift, a shelf operating system or a similar transport medium, and with a bottom of metal resting on support legs of metal, a middle runner and two outer runners for supporting the inner container which is equipped with a closable filler connection and a drain connection for connection to a drain fitting. The middle runner and the two outer runners of the support base are constructed as wooden runners. |
| US08505719B2 |
Crosspiece packaging
A base for packaging for a household appliance comprises: a tray with a first surface and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface and four corners; first and second laminates, each laminate comprising a first part with an inclination; a second part with an inverse inclination to the first part; a center between the first and the second part which is substantially plane; a brace in an opposite extreme to said center; the referred to laminates are placed transversally to each other on the tray, overlapped in the center and supported on the corners of the referred to tray by means of braces; and a support over each brace of the referred to first and second laminate. |
| US08505714B2 |
Belt
A conveying system comprises a frame and an endless belt moveable relative to the frame. The belt comprises a first fabric layer having an inner surface and an outer surface that at least partially forms an upper surface of the belt. A composition comprising a flame retardant is adhered to the inner surface of the first fabric layer such that the composition at least partially forms the inner surface of the first fabric layer. A second fabric layer has an inner surface and an outer surface that at least partially forms a bottom surface of the belt. A composition comprising polyurethane is adhered to the inner surface of the second fabric layer such that the composition at least partially forms the inner surface of the second fabric layer. An at least substantially solid lubricant composition is impregnated in the second fabric layer and at least partially forms the bottom surface of the belt. The belt is supported on a slider bed for movement across the slider bed. |
| US08505713B1 |
Guide roller for centering conveyor belts
A guide roller for centering conveyor belts for a conveyor assembly. The roller has a securing end for attachment to the conveyor assembly and a substantially cylindrical body adapted to receive a conveyor belt thereon and having a first end, a second end and an undercut portion positioned substantially between the first end and the second end, which is adapted to receive and secure therein a belt edge of a conveyor belt. The first end and second have a greater diameter than that of the undercut portion, so that the belt edge of the belt is secured without lateral movement of the belt. |
| US08505711B2 |
System for conveying biomass for collection, transport, or processing
A system for conveying biomass is disclosed. The system is configured to convey biomass for collection, transport, or processing. The system comprises a housing comprising an opening configured for the entry of biomass, at least one shoe skid configured to offset the housing in a vertical orientation, an apparatus at least partially within the housing comprising at least one rotating blade assembly, and a conduit configured to discharge biomass from the housing so that biomass entering into the housing can be projected by the apparatus through the conduit for collection or transport. The system may comprise conduit that is extendable and has articulation segments for vertical movement. The system may comprise a housing that comprises a member to dislodge the biomass from a pile to flow into the opening. The system may comprise at least one shoe skid that comprises a large surface area and projects forward of the housing. |
| US08505710B2 |
Transfer system
In a transfer system, transport beams are displaced in three types of motions, i.e. toward each other, along a longitudinal extension thereof for advancement, and up and down. Two of these types of motions are triggered by a double-function motor. Such a double-function motor includes a shaft, which simultaneously rotates and displaces back and forth in linear fashion along the longitudinal extension thereof. |
| US08505704B2 |
Apparatus for operating clutch
An apparatus for operating a clutch which may be mounted at a vehicle structure and controls an operation of the clutch may include a motor provided with a motor shaft and receiving electrical energy so as to selectively rotate the motor shaft, a cam mounted at the motor shaft and rotating together with the motor shaft, and a push rod assembly coupled to a clutch fork of the clutch, wherein the push rod assembly may be elastically biased toward and slidably contacted to the cam such that the push rod assembly moves forward or rearward according to a rotating angle of the cam so as to operate the clutch fork. |
| US08505702B2 |
Shock absorbing carrying device for extending into a piece of luggage
A carrying device for extending into a piece of luggage and for absorbing and minimizing shocks when carrying the piece of luggage. The carrying device includes a handle and apparatus for absorbing and minimizing shocks when carrying the piece of luggage by the handle. The apparatus is normally disposed within the piece of luggage so as not to be unaesthetically visible, and is operatively connected to the handle so as to allow for the absorbing and the minimizing of the shocks when carrying the piece of luggage by the handle. |
| US08505701B2 |
Mass-damper system
A vibration attenuation apparatus may include a mass element, a bracket, and an elastomeric member. The mass element may include a first aperture. The bracket may include first and second portions. The first portion may be attached to a structure that transmits an input vibration. The elastomeric member may engage the mass element and the second portion of the bracket and may suspend the mass element relative to the bracket. The elastomeric member may include a shaft portion and a barb portion. The shaft portion may engage the second portion of the bracket. The barb portion may engage the first aperture of the mass element. The elastomeric member may include properties allowing the mass element to move relative to the bracket in response to the input vibration at a frequency that reduces an amplitude of the input vibration. |
| US08505699B2 |
Flanged shim for disc brake squeal attenuation
A brake pad assembly provided for a disc brake apparatus. The brake pad assembly comprises a backing plate having a flat inner face and a flat outer face oriented opposite to the inner face, a friction member fixed to the inner face of the backing plate, and an anti-squeal shim attached to the outer face of the backing plate. The anti-squeal shim includes a flat support plate attached to the outer face of the backing plate and a straight flat flange plate. The support plate of the anti-squeal shim has a peripheral edge including opposite outer and inner edges and opposite side edges. The flange plate is in the form of a flexible cantilever formed integrally with the support plate of the anti-squeal shim and extends away from one of the outer, inner and opposite side edges of the support plate of the anti-squeal shim. |
| US08505697B2 |
Brake system for aircraft undercarriage
A braking system for an aircraft provided with undercarriage, wherein an axial-flux reversible electrical machine is associated to at least one wheel of the undercarriage and is set in rotation by the rotation of the wheel. Current-dissipator is provided, which can be connected to the windings of the axial-flux reversible electrical machine during rotation of the wheel in the landing phase for dissipating in the current-dissipator the induced currents generated by the machine, which behaves as current generator, and producing a braking effect that slows down the movement of the wheel. An epicyclic reducer is provided between the wheel of the undercarriage and the rotor of the reversible electrical machine. The epicyclic reducer provides a transmission ratio T in such a way that the rotor will turn at a velocity Tω with respect to the velocity of rotation ω of the wheel. |
| US08505694B2 |
Link unit of brake assembly for bicycles
A brake system for bicycles includes two pivotably connected first and second arms and two brake pads are respectively connected to the first and second arms. A cable unit is connected to the second arm and includes a brake cable. A link unit includes a first link which is connected between the second arm and the brake cable. A second link has a first end connected to the first arm and a second end of the second link is pivotably connected to a mediate portion of the first link. The distance between the two ends of the first link is longer than the distance between the second end of the first link to the second end of the second link. The brake cable is lifted with less force, the first link lifts the second link which moves the first arm to pivot to stop the wheel rim. |
| US08505690B2 |
Support mechanism
The present invention relates to a collapsible seat base. When operatively interconnected, and in its raised resting position, the device forms what is substantially a forward leaning parallelogram bisected by the consolidated length of a slide and slide-guide, which forms two substantially congruent triangles sharing a common side. In its lowered resting position, the device collapses to form an elongated rectangle bisected by the fully extended slide and slide-guide and rests substantially atop its support surface at a height defined by the cumulative thickness of each component. Generally the support mechanism comprises: a base and support member, a first and second side member, a slide and a slide-guide. |
| US08505689B2 |
Outdoor support strap and associated method
An outdoor support strap for holding a user in a squatted position above the ground surface while defecating preferably includes a flexible and elongated body suitably sized and shaped to be positioned around a user's waist while being anchored to a support surface such as a tree. The body is preferably formed from an elastic material such that it remains deformably resilient for providing a resistive force against the user's waist. In this manner, the user is able to lean away from the support surface and assume a squatted a position to thereby extend his or her legs forwardly of his or her buttocks. Such a support strap alleviates the strain and energy required to maintain a squatted position for an extended period of time. By using the support strap, the user's hands remain free to hold objects or cleanse the buttocks area with toilet paper for example. |
| US08505686B2 |
Pump jack crank
An apparatus for cranking a shackle of a pump jack. The apparatus includes a shaft which fits through the shackle. The apparatus includes an arm rotatably attached to the shaft The apparatus includes a handle for cranking the shaft. The handle having a locked state in which the handle is unable to rotate the shaft, and an unlocked state in which the handle is able to rotate the shaft. The handle attached to the arm. The apparatus includes a locking mechanism engaging the arm at a pivot point and the shaft, the locking mechanism placing the handle in the locked state or the unlocked state by moving the handle about the pivot point to a first position or a second position, respectively. |
| US08505685B1 |
Roof scaffolding system
A roof scaffolding system includes a curved roof hook attached to a linear, metal membrane strip unit having connector rivets and nail holes. The metal strip includes double slot keyholes and attachment apertures that engage corresponding rivets on the roof hook. The opposite end of the metal strip includes connector rivets engaging double slot keyholes of an identical metal strip, extending opposite the roof hook. The nail holes allow attachment of wood spacers beneath the metal strips. Multiple strips are joined extending from the peak to the roof edge. A coupler connector covers the connection between joined metal strips preventing disconnection. Roof jacks include both nail slots and keyholes for attachment to the metal strips, as well as safety hooks for attachment of a lanyard from the scaffolding to workers. The roof jacks hold a plank that spans adjacent metal strips, the plank providing a place to stand. |
| US08505683B1 |
Movable anchoring system
A movable anchoring safety device attached to a hunter or other person for use in ascending and descending a tree or vertically inclined circular structure member. The device consists of a multi layered strap with a substantial portion of the strap having an internally embedded biased spring material such as spring steel configured to have a circular inward bias. In use, this portion of the multilayered strap clings to the circumference of the circular member. The device is easily repositioned either upward or downward while climbing or descending. In fixed position, the strap cinches to the climbing surface and operates to anchor the climber in position and stop any fall or unwanted downward movement. The apparatus is particularly useful in enabling a hunter to safely climb a tree without interference from the device while using and positioning an elevated tree stand. |
| US08505677B2 |
Noise reducing device, manufacturing method for the noise reducing device, and pneumatic tire having the noise reducing device
Provided are: a noise reduction device with an improved adhesion of objects formed of a porous material and with a reduced processing time; a method of manufacturing the noise reduction device; and a pneumatic tire including the noise reduction device. The noise reduction device of the present invention includes: objects formed of a porous material; a band member for attaching the objects to the inner surface of a tire at two positions spaced at substantially equal intervals in the tire circumferential direction; and locking members formed of a thermoplastic resin. The band member is formed of a thermoplastic resin. Each object is disposed at a predetermined position in the tire circumferential direction, between the band member and the corresponding locking members. The locking members are bonded to the band member through the objects by thermal fusion. |
| US08505676B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus and assembly method therefor
An electric power steering apparatus includes a gear housing that has a pulley space in which a driven pulley, a driving pulley and a timing belt that are placed so as to be operatable and which communicates with the outside of the gear housing. The gear housing also has a motor-side hole into which a drive shaft of an electric motor is inserted, and a pulley-side hole into which the drive pulley is inserted and which is formed at a position opposite the motor-side hole across the pulley space. |
| US08505675B2 |
Power steering apparatus
A power steering apparatus including a joint including a first boss disposed on an axial end portion of a motor output shaft, first projections disposed on the first boss in the circumferential direction, a second boss disposed on an axial end portion of a worm shaft and opposed to the first boss, second projections disposed on the second boss in the circumferential direction and arranged between the adjacent first projections, a first elastic member made of metal and a second elastic member made of at least one of resin and rubber, the first and second elastic members being disposed between an axial end surface of the first boss and an opposed axial end surface of the second boss and cooperating with each other to generate an elastic force in such a direction as to move the worm shaft away from the motor output shaft. |
| US08505667B2 |
Throw type compact reconnaissance robot
Provided is a throw-type compact reconnaissance robot, which is used for military purposes or counter-terrorism and is capable of ensuring a long operational time as well as drop safety by efficient spatial layout of a battery. The throw-type compact reconnaissance robot includes a cylindrical body (100) with a camera (140), drivers (200) made up of two tires (270) that are disposed on opposite sides of the body (100) and is drivable individually, and battery units (300) supplying power used to operate the robot and disposed in inner spaces of the tires (270) of the drivers (200) on the opposite outermost sides of the robot. |
| US08505666B2 |
Motor-assisted bicycle
A motor-assisted bicycle includes an assistive motor, a battery module, and an alarm buzzer. The assistive motor is to generate a drive force to assist in a pedaling force applied by a rider to pedals. The battery module includes batteries as a power supply for the assistive motor. The alarm buzzer is mounted in the battery module to generate an alarm sound. The alarm sound generated by the alarm buzzer is emitted in a forward direction of the motor-assisted bicycle. |
| US08505661B2 |
Work vehicle with engine compartment and exhaust gas treatment arrangement
In a work vehicle, an engine compartment is disposed forwards of a cab. An exhaust gas treatment device is disposed over an engine in the engine compartment. A radiator is disposed forwards of the exhaust gas treatment device (33) in the engine compartment. A blower is configured to generate an airflow passing through the radiator from back to front of the radiator. The exhaust gas treatment device is slanted with respect to a vehicle width direction for increasing a distance between the exhaust gas treatment device and the radiator towards a first lateral face portion. Further, the first lateral face portion includes air inlets facing a space between the exhaust gas treatment device and the radiator. |
| US08505656B1 |
Automotive hauling system
The present invention features an automobile hauling system for improved maneuverability and hauling capacity for a tractor and trailer combination used to transport automobiles. The system features a cab-over automobile hauling tractor having an extended wheelbase frame with first and second side notches. The tractor features a first steering axle assembly, a second steering axle assembly, and an h-link. A pitman arm first end is located on a steering box and a pitman arm second end is pivotally located on a first drag link. The tractor features a supplemental axle assembly and a drive axle assembly located on the frame bottom. The system features an automobile hauling trailer pivotally located on the frame top side. |
| US08505653B2 |
Downhole apparatus
A double-acting compounder comprises: an outer housing; an inner mandrel disposed telescopically within the outer housing to define a fluid chamber; an equalizer, such as an equalizer piston, between the fluid chamber and an exterior of the outer housing for equalizing pressure; a movable seal assembly within the fluid chamber with a first end defining an end of the fluid chamber; the inner mandrel having an outer shoulder for moving the movable seal assembly with the inner mandrel when the inner mandrel moves in a first direction relative to the outer housing to compresses fluid within the fluid chamber; and the outer housing having an inner shoulder for preventing the movable seal assembly from moving with the inner mandrel when the inner mandrel moves in a second direction relative to the outer housing to compresses fluid within the fluid chamber. |
| US08505650B2 |
Apparatus and method for making boreholes in the ground, the cross sections of which boreholes partially intersect
An apparatus for making a second borehole in the ground, a cross section of which second borehole partially intersects a cross section of an existing first borehole, includes a boring device and a guide device operatively connected to the boring device. The guide device includes a first guide element configured to interact with a first side of a wall of the existing first borehole facing the second borehole and a second guide element configured to interact with a second side of the existing first borehole remote from the second borehole. The guide device is configured to guide the boring device relative to the existing first borehole. |
| US08505648B2 |
Drive assembly for a power tool
A drive assembly for an impact wrench includes a tool element for working on a workpiece. The drive assembly also includes a ram rotatable about a central axis. The ram includes a ram lug spaced from the central axis. The ram lug has at least one drive surface. The drive assembly further includes an anvil having an anvil lug with at least one driven surface engageable with the drive surface of the ram lug to drive the anvil. The anvil is connectable to the tool element to rotatably drive the tool element. At least one of the drive surface and the driven surface includes an involute profile. |
| US08505645B1 |
Folding implement frame
A folding implement frame having seven sections in a use position and nine sections when folded. The frame design allows a frame having a width of greater than 27 meters to be folded into a transport position having a width of less than eight meters and a height of less than six meters. The hydraulic system transfers weight to the center frame section during folding and unfolding to enhance stability. The hydraulic system uses accumulators to minimize the amount of oil reduction in the tractor reservoir resulting from extension of the hydraulic cylinders of the implement. Implement raise and lower cycle times are minimized by a helper cylinder to lift the frame main section when the entire implement weight is on the main section and allowing a smaller cylinder to lift the frame main section in the use position for shorter cycle times to raise and lower the implement. |
| US08505644B2 |
Vertical tillage system
A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring. |
| US08505638B2 |
Restricted axial movement locking mechanism
A tubular locking system comprises a first wellbore tubular, an internal locking feature disposed on an inner surface of the first wellbore tubular, a second wellbore tubular, where at least a portion of the second wellbore tubular is disposed within the first wellbore tubular, a compression sleeve coupled to the second wellbore tubular, a collet coupled to the second wellbore tubular below the compression sleeve, and a shifting sleeve disposed within the collet. |
| US08505633B2 |
Weakpoint coupling of selectively adjustable load bearing capacity
A coupling to serve as a logging head or other downhole weakpoint assembly. The coupling is configured with a variety of internal tensile members. The individual members and load bearing capacities of each may be selectively engaged in a variety of combinations so as to provide a host of different load bearing capacities to the weakpoint coupling. Such selectable engagement is achieved through the dialing of a key by the user without the need to add or remove any load bearing features from the coupling. Thus, the user-friendly nature of the coupling is enhanced and the possibility of the user leaving behind supplemental load bearing tensile members for change-out is eliminated. |
| US08505631B2 |
Compositions having HASE rheology modifiers
A monomer compound that contains at least one polymerizable functional group per molecule, and at least one bicycloheptyl-, bicycloheptenyl-, or branched (C5-C42)alkyl-polyether radical per molecule, wherein the bicycloheptyl- or bicycloheptenyl-polyether radical may optionally be substituted on one or more of the ring carbon atoms by one or two (C1-C6)alkyl groups per ring carbon atom is useful in making polymers, particularly pH responsive polymers. |
| US08505628B2 |
High solids content slurries, systems and methods
High solids content slurry, systems and methods. The slurry comprises a carrier fluid and a solids mixture of first, second, third and fourth particle size distribution (PSD) modes wherein the first PSD mode is at least three times larger than the second PSD mode, which is larger than the third PSD mode, which is larger than the fourth PSD mode, and wherein at least one of the second and third PSD modes is less than 3 times larger than the respective third or fourth PSD mode. The method comprises forming the slurry, positioning a screen in a wellbore and circulating the slurry through the wellbore such that the solids mixture is deposited between the screen and the wellbore. The system comprises a pump to circulate the slurry, a workstring to position the screen and means for converting the slurry to a gravel pack. |
| US08505624B2 |
Integral pull-through centralizer
A centralizer comprises a first body portion, a second body portion, a plurality of bow springs connecting the first body portion to the second body portion, and a window disposed in the first body portion. The centralizer may also have a wellbore tubular disposed longitudinally within the first body portion, the second body portion, and the plurality of bow springs, and an upset disposed on the surface of the wellbore tubular and within the window. |
| US08505619B2 |
Heat exchanger with temperature-controlled valve
The invention relates to a heat exchanger with a temperature sensor and especially a heat exchanger usable for heating hot water using district heating water. The heat exchanger (1) contains plates (2) placed in a pack and brazed together so that 5 separate channels for first (Fj) and second (VV) media are formed between alternate pairs of plates; two pairs of connections for inlet (3) and outlet (4) for the first medium and inlet (5) and outlet (6) for the second medium, respectively; and a temperature sensor (9) connectable to a valve (7) to control supply of the first medium through the heat exchanger. The first medium is intended to supply heat to 10 the second medium. The temperature sensor (9) is placed through a number of plates and in heat conducting contact with them such that the temperature sensor controls the first valve. |
| US08505618B2 |
Heat transfer fin and fin-tube heat exchanger
A fin (3) of a fin-tube heat exchanger (1) has protuberances (5) each disposed between two adjacent heat transfer tubes (2, 2) and holes 8 (cut-outs) each formed upstream of the protuberances (5). Each of the protuberances (5) has, as an upstream portion adjacent to the hole (8), a wing portion (6) tapering toward an upstream side. |
| US08505612B2 |
Robotized system to manage the powders in a continuous casting plant for steel
A method to cover the exposures of a bath of molten steel by elements of casting powder in an ingot mold of a plant for the continuous casting of steel, including a step of subdividing the ingot mold into a desired number of zones, with each of which a covering movement is associated, the zones being determined and identified in a manner coordinated with the position of the snorkel and of the edge of the ingot mold, and a step of automated execution of one or more covering movements by elements of which the casting powder is distributed in a selected one of the zones, which movements, repeated in sequence according to a desired program, are selected from a group including pouring movements and throwing movements, at least on the basis of the reciprocal position of each of the zones and the snorkel. |
| US08505611B2 |
Twin roll continuous caster
In a twin roll continuous caster, the contour of the strip cast is controlled during casting by regulating the temperature of temperature-regulating medium circulated through temperature-regulating passages in the casting rolls spaced inward of cooling passages in the circumferential portion adjacent the casting surfaces. The temperature-regulating passages may be positioned in the circumferential portion or in the inner portion of the casting rolls, or both. |
| US08505607B2 |
Window shade
A window shade that reduces the risk of an individual becoming entangled in cords used to operate the shade includes a headrail adapted for horizontal mounting above a window, a shading material attached to the headrail, and at least one cord for raising and lowering the shading material. The cord is attached to a location adjacent a lower end of the material, and extends upward through cord guides toward the headrail. The cord is encased within a collapsible shroud attached to each cord guide. The shroud is adapted to longitudinally extend as the shading material is lowered toward a deployed position, and then longitudinally collapse as the shading material is raised toward a stowed position. The cord is secured to and is wound about a spool fixed to a spring-loaded roller. The roller provides tension on the cord that counterbalances the weight of the shade so that the shading material may be positioned at any desired level. The shade does not require a graspable cord or cords for operation. |
| US08505601B2 |
Pneumatic radial tire
Provided is a pneumatic radial tire including a main belt layer and at least one circumferential-direction reinforcement layer, which are provided in the tread portion. The main belt layer includes two belt layers in which steel cords are disposed in a manner that the steel cords of a first one of the two belt layers intersect the steel cords of a second one of the two belt layers. In the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer, steel cords are disposed in a substantial tire circumferential direction. The ratio Wo/Wm of the width Wo of the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer to the maximum width Wm of the main belt layer is 0.5 to 0.9. The ratio Ee/Ec of the reinforcement-cord elastic modulus Ee of the steel cords in the edge portions of the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer to the reinforcement-cord elastic modulus Ec of the steel cords in the center portion of the circumferential-direction reinforcement layer is not less than (0.85−0.5 Wo/Wm) and not more than 0.8. |
| US08505597B2 |
Multi-position rotating cabinet for the storage and deployment of power tools
A multi-position cabinet for use with machine tools which provides a solution to the problem of limited shop space in which to install bench type power tools is provided. The invention comprises a rotating rectangular cabinet which contains workstations from which bench type power tools can be deployed from a stowed position to a working position. The invention includes means for raising the cabinet off its base so that the cabinet can be rotated to bring each workstation to the topmost position from which the power tool associated with that work station can be deployed. In one exemplary embodiment, the workstations include a drill press, table saw, miter saw and belt sander. The invention is not limited to use with power tools, but rather is suitable for use in any application where it is desirable to provide multiple workstations in a comparatively compact package. |
| US08505595B2 |
Method and system for controlling drippings from a beverage dispenser via an expansion valve
A beverage system includes an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve dispensing an ingredient into a beverage container. The ingredient module comprises a housing, an ingredient container disposed within the housing, a first ingredient conduit disposed between the ingredient container and the ingredient dispensing valve, and a pumping device that causes the ingredient to move from the ingredient container, through the first ingredient conduit, and through the ingredient dispensing valve under pressure. A valve receives the ingredient from the pumping device and passes the ingredient to the dispensing valve. The valve includes a second ingredient conduit, where the valve controls the size of the second ingredient conduit, such that the size of the second ingredient conduit is reduced during dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve and enlarged when the dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve is terminated. |
| US08505591B2 |
Apparatus for inserting air and/or sealent into a tire
Apparatus for inserting air and/or sealant into a tire, comprising a container for the sealant having inlet and outlet connected or connectable to a hose whose other end is connectable to a tire to be filled, and means for generating pressure connectable via a switching valve selectably with the inlet of the container or with a hose, of which the other end is connectable to a tire to be filled. The same hose is provided for connecting the means for generating pressure to the tire to be filled and for connecting the outlet of the container and the tire to be filled. The switching valve is configured for providing either a direct fluid connection between the means for generating pressure and the hose or a fluid connection between the means for generating pressure and the inlet of the container and between the outlet of the container and the hose. |
| US08505587B2 |
Method of manufacturing a reinforcement element for a flexible pipeline
For use in the manufacture of reinforcement layers for flexible pipes which are capable of absorbing compressive or tensile forces, and which are used for the transport of oil and gas, a thermoplastic material is applied to a strength-imparting layer. The strength-imparting layers are reeled on reels, and following unreeling, are laminated by application of heat and in direct continuation applied to the pipe. The strength-imparting layer includes a polymer reinforced with at least 20% by volume of fibers. The thermoplastic is of a reversible type (it may change from being relatively soft, but non-sticky to being sticky by changes in temperature). The method allows manufacture of very strong reinforcements for flexible pipes which cannot be manufactured using solid material, e.g., steel, since high performing bending forces are required in shaping. A reinforcement element is provided which is capable of resisting instantaneous shock loads as the thermoplastic material is protective. |
| US08505581B2 |
Pressure compensated electromagnetic proportional directional flow control valve
A pressure compensated electromagnetic proportional directional flow control valve of the present invention integrally includes: an electromagnetic proportional directional flow control valve configured to be driven by a solenoid; and a pressure compensated valve configured to carry out pressure compensation of a flow rate controlled by the electromagnetic proportional directional flow control valve. A pressure compensation spool moves so as to balance forces of a spring, a first pressure chamber, and a second pressure chamber. With this, the pressure compensation for maintaining a constant pressure difference between an upstream side and a downstream side of a first variable aperture can be carried out, and a surplus liquid of a liquid flowing from a liquid-pressure supply port to a derivation port can flow out from a branch port to outside. |
| US08505580B2 |
Reversing valve
A reversing valve is provided having a generally cylindrical valve housing and a rotatable valve body positioned within at least partially within the housing, the valve body has a first fluid pathway and a second fluid pathway, each fluid pathway generally shaped as a “y” such that there are six openings into the body. A motor rotates the body to align the fluid pathways of the body with four openings in the housing in a first position and rotates the body 180 degrees to a second position aligning the fluid pathways of the body with four openings in the housing in a manner allowing reverse flow through the valve. At least one opening of each fluid pathway is blocked by the housing when the body is in either the first or second position. |
| US08505579B2 |
Selectable fluid valve assembly
Valve assemblies are provided that have a selection member engaged with a housing to provide control of fluid communication between first and second fluid pathways. Positioning the selection member within a selection cavity of the housing provides fluid communication with a corresponding fluid pathway. An optional locking member can engage the valve assembly to prevent fluid communication with at least one fluid pathway. |
| US08505571B2 |
Replaceable outlet liner for control valve
A liner assembly adapted to line a valve body of a control valve comprises a sleeve, a liner, and a retainer. The sleeve has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a bore. The outer surface is adapted to be disposed in engagement with the outlet of the control valve. The liner is slidably disposed within the bore of the sleeve. The retainer is in engagement with the liner to removably secure the liner within the sleeve. |
| US08505569B2 |
Residue collector
A residue collector for collecting residual fluid from a low pressurized hose, which runs perpendicularly or at an incline, includes two pipe nozzles that are joined together, the interior spaces of which are connected to each other and form a hollow space, which can be connected to an upwardly extending portion of the low pressurized hose by way of an upper orifice and can be connected to a downwardly extending portion of the low pressurized hose by way of a lower orifice. The front end of the pipe nozzle that is connected to the lower orifice is closed and a protuberance is provided into the front end of the pipe nozzle that is connected to the upper orifice. The protuberance is directed outwardly and with the material thereof being flexible and having a wall thickness that is permits folding, at least partially, into the hollow space due to low pressurization. |
| US08505559B2 |
Cleaning apparatus and high pressure cleaner for use therein
A cleaning apparatus in which a cleaning process is simplified, a time required for the cleaning process is reduced and which has an excellent cleaning effect, and a high pressure cleaner for use therein are provided. |
| US08505557B1 |
Powered dental cleaner
An embodiment of a dental flosser (10) includes a power driver (12) drivingly connectable to a flossing attachment (11). The flossing attachment includes a movably supported floss span (24) coming from a floss supply (26). A take-up spool (64) is positioned proximate to a floss-supporting tine (16) for winding used floss while fresh floss continually replaces the floss span. A cam (68) on the spool engages the tine to reciprocate the floss span for interdental cleaning. A brushing attachment (72) includes a resilient disk-shaped lingual brush (75) on a shaft (74). Opposite the lingual brush on the shaft is a resilient cup-shaped buccal brush (84). A spring (83) is positioned to urge the buccal brush to slide toward the lingual brush to engage and clean user teeth between the brushes. A brush lock (77) enables the brushes to be held apart for rinsing and air drying. |
| US08505554B2 |
Applicator for a hair treatment composition for improved hair strand effects
The present invention relates to an applicator which allows for precise, non-messy and even application of a hair treatment composition to a hair strand. The applicator comprises a plate movably joined by a connection to a well, a hair orientation element on the internal surface of the plate which extends towards the well and a liquid impervious, resilient fluid metering element comprising a lower metering element on the rim of the well and an upper metering element on the internal surface of the plate, wherein each independently comprise an inner and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the upper metering element and lower metering element independently have a convex shape. When the applicator is in a closed state, the lower metering element and the upper metering element are substantially juxtaposed to provide the fluid metering element. |
| US08505552B1 |
Golden ratio eyebrow overlay device
An overlay is superimposed over an image of a person's face. This overlay has a transparent portion separated from an opaque portion by a vertical edge, a nostril marker on the transparent first portion, and a mark centered along the edge indicating placement of a nose tip centered along the edge. The overlay has a first straight guide line in the transparent portion passing vertically through the nostril marker, a second straight guide line preferably at about a 40° angle from the first line passing through an outer edge of the nostril marker, and a third straight guide line at about a 38° angle from the first line passing through the person's nose tip to provide Golden Ratio orientation for the person's eyebrow. The overlay can be a decal or it may be electronically generated for superposition over an electronic image of a person's face. |
| US08505548B2 |
Simulated cigarette device
A simulated cigarette device (1) comprising an elongate housing (3) having an inhaling outlet at one end (5) and a refill inlet. A reservoir (7) extends along a substantial portion of the housing and has a refill valve (6) adjacent to the refill inlet and an outlet valve (9) adjacent to the inhaling outlet, which is operable to allow gas from the reservoir to pass from the reservoir and out of the inhaling outlet. An air flow passage into the housing downstream of the reservoir leads to the inhaling outlet. A valve opening mechanism having a rotatable valve (16,28) is associated with the air flow passage and is arranged to open the outlet valve (9) as air is sucked through the air flow passage. |
| US08505546B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating tobacco from cigarette waste
A method of separating tobacco from cigarette waste using an apparatus comprising a revolving screen, in which the cigarette waste is fed onto the screen in order to be screened by gravity. The method includes relocating the cigarette waste over the surface of the screen, the relocation being aided by a scraper unit cooperating with the screen and the angular position of the screen in the apparatus relative to the horizontal plane being adjustable. An apparatus is also provided for separating tobacco from cigarette waste comprising a revolving screen which is adjustably mounted in such a way that the angular position of the screen in the apparatus relative to the horizontal plane is adjustable, provided with a scraper unit for aiding relocation of the cigarette waste on the surface of the screen during its rotational movement. |
| US08505545B2 |
Method of and device for introducing materials into a body
The invention comprises a method for introduction of materials into a patient's body. The method generally comprises providing an elongate member for introducing the material. The elongate member defines a lumen and comprises a distal end defining an aperture and a proximal end. The method further comprises the steps of positioning the elongate member at a target site of a patient's body; providing a motorized device at least partially disposed within the lumen; and introducing the material through the lumen into the target site using the motorized device. |
| US08505542B2 |
Infant hand restraint with diaper
A hand restraint/cloth diaper combination can be used any time an infant needs to have their hands restrained from touching their heads or other parts of their body. The restraint device of the present invention allows for an infant to have muscle exercise and movement, while still allowing the diaper to be changed. The restraint device may be adjusted to keep the arms to be restrained right next to the infant's hips for travel or sitting and may be further adjusted to allow increased movement for laying and exercise. The restraint device may include a cloth diaper, an elastic waistband on the cloth diaper, an extra elastic band adapted to run around the back of the infant, and adjustable arm cuffs. |
| US08505540B2 |
Methods and systems for improving airway patency
An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity and allow an anterior portion of the tongue to rise. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source. |
| US08505539B2 |
Devices, systems and methods using titrated magnetic force systems
Systems and methods place a first structure and a second structure in or on different tissue regions for magnetic interaction. The first structure comprises at least one ferromagnetic component, and the second structure comprises an array of magnetic components. The first and second structures are separated during use by a distance, which is defined as a separation between the centers of mass of the ferromagnetic and magnetic components. The distance varies within a working range as a result of native movement of the tissue regions on which the first and second structures are placed. The systems and methods titrate the size and orientation of the magnetic and ferromagnetic components to maintain a relatively constant magnetic field between the two structures within the working range, thereby accommodating relative movement of the tissue regions in the normal performance of bodily functions. |
| US08505534B2 |
Humidifying device for breathing gases
A humidifying device for breathing gases. The humidifying device has a housing with a recess, a heater, an evaporating chamber with a water feed, a breathing gas feed channel, a breathing gas outlet channel and at least one float element and at least one filling level indicator. The evaporating chamber can be introduced at least partially into the recess and is in contact with the heater to heat water and is designed to receive water from a water reservoir through the water feed. The at least one float element is guided in a floatingly movable manner on the water and is designed to close the feed of water above a water level set point in the evaporating chamber, and the at least one filling level indicator is designed to recognize the drop of the water level from the water level set point as a function of the position of the at least one float element. |
| US08505533B2 |
Detection and suppression of airway / drape fires during surgical procedures
Apparatus for oxygenating the airway of a patient may include a device for delivering an oxygen-carrying gas into the airway, a fire detection system configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire in the airway, and a fire suppression system configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire in the airway in response to detection of the fire in the airway by the fire detection system.A drape for use during surgery on a patient may include a sheet configured to cover an area of the patient during surgery, a fire detection system attached to the sheet and configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet, and a fire suppression system attached to the sheet and configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet in response to detection of the imminent or incipient fire by the fire detection system. |
| US08505531B2 |
Hand operated articulated intubation stylet
Hand operated articulated intubation stylet including an articulated stylet member with a link at its distal end, a L-shaped lever with a downward depending handle for tautening a flexible wire for flexing the link into a flexed positioned to form a hook-like configuration in the stylet member's side view, and a stopper mechanism mounted on the stylet member for stopping insertion of the stylet member into an endotracheal tube at a suitable position depending on the endotracheal tube's length. The handle and the link are on opposite sides of the stylet member such that a user conveniently operates the stylet with his fingers stretched out to grip the stylet member and his palm depressing the handle towards the stylet member to flex the stylet member's link into its flexed position for manipulating an endotracheal tube's outboard end for insertion into a patient's trachea. |
| US08505530B2 |
Commercial kitchen exhaust system
An exhaust system includes a hood structure having one or more of (i) an exhaust flow infeed surface extending downward from a lower end of the filter unit that helps to feed the thermal plume toward the filter unit, (ii) a bypass flow transition surface extending upward from the upper end of the filter unit and then forward to aid bypass flow in circulating back toward the filter aperture and (iii) a front wall structure that includes a downwardly extending wall portion with a chamfered and/or curved transition portion at its lower end and a rearwardly extending wall portion. |
| US08505529B2 |
Alternate intake apparatus
The present invention relates generally to 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency gas or oil burning devices that depend on external air for combustion. More particularly it discloses an alternate intake apparatus for air for combustion that opens automatically when the inlet air conduit from outside is blocked or severely restricted. |
| US08505528B2 |
Combined type of barbeque oven
A combined type of barbecue oven comprises a barbecue oven and a coil base frame provided with rollers, the barbecue oven is mounted on the coil base frame, wherein the two ends of the supporting structure of the barbecue oven are provided with a foldable object placement plate. The object placement plate of the barbecue oven is foldable; therefore the occupying space is small. Moreover, the volume of the whole oven body is small, which is convenient for moving. When being moved in a short distance, the barbecue oven does not need to be moved, it only requires to mount the coil base frame with an inclined side and provided with the rollers and the barbecue oven on the coil base frame, so that the whole combined type of barbecue oven can be dragged to move; the barbecue oven is conveniently used, healthful, and suitable for being popularized. |
| US08505524B2 |
Bow apparatus and method for playing archery golf
A bow apparatus comprising a bow having first and second tips, a string which is attached between the first and second tips, and a shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end. The first shaft end is secured proximate the midpoint of the string. The shaft passes through a shaft stabilizer. The second shaft end has a golf ball holder. The bow apparatus is used to play a new modified version of archery golf by holding a golf ball with the golf ball holder. The user pulls the shaft to tension the string, aims the shaft towards the cup target, and then releases the shaft to project the golf ball towards the cup target. The bow apparatus further comprises a putter block for hitting the golf ball into the cup target once the golf ball is close to the cup target and on the green. |
| US08505512B2 |
Method of modifying engine oil cooling system
A method of modifying the oil cooling system of a diesel engine an engine oil supply outlet located in a horizontal plan includes the steps of removing the original equipment liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and installing a manifold having an oil outlet port directed to a remote oil cooler and a bypass water passage providing an un-branched flow of water, whereby the flow of oil is directed to a remote oil cooler and the entirety of the flow of water in the bypass water passage is discharged back to the water cooling system of the engine without passing through an oil cooling or water cooling heat exchanger. |
| US08505511B2 |
Glow plug with integrated pressure sensor and body thereof
A glow plug includes: a tubular body (2) having at one of its ends a plug head (10) as well as a zone for being fixed into a bore, an arm (4) mounted on the body (2) of the plug at the end opposite to the plug head (10), and secured to the body (2) in a linking zone (16), an elastically deformable portion (18), located between the linking zone (16) with the arm (4) and the zone fixing the plug body (2), such that the linking zone (16) is mobile and can move longitudinally relative to the so-called stationary fixing zone, and a pressure sensor (8) arranged between an element (30) secured to the linking zone (16) and a fixed element (20) of the plug. |
| US08505510B2 |
Sliding member and surface treatment method for the same
Abrasion resistance is further enhanced in a sliding member used in an internal combustion engine.With respect to a valve lifter 6 used in an internal combustion engine 100, hard particles having higher hardness than the valve lifter 6 are dispersed onto the top face 61 of the valve lifter 6, and a nitriding treatment is conducted on the top face 61 dispersed with the hard particles. |
| US08505509B2 |
Rocker arm apparatus for engine cylinder deactivation
The present invention provides to a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation with a new structure for increasing fuel efficiency in a gasoline engine.For this, the present invention provides a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation including: a rocker arm; a restoring spring supported at the bottom of a rear end portion of the rocker arm; a roller coupled to the rocker arm to be pressed by a cam; a pair of rocker shaft assemblies each including first and second rocker shafts, and a connecting rod integrally connecting the first and second rocker shafts; a pair of rocker shaft support members connected to the rocker arm by means of the first and second rocker shafts; and a transfer member for controlling the rocker shaft assembly. |
| US08505508B2 |
Phase varying device for engine
To provide a simpler, axially shorter, and easy-to-manufacture phase varying apparatus for an automobile engine, utilizes a four-link mechanism consisting of multiple circular members. MEANS FOR ACHIEVING THE OBJECTAn inventive phase varying apparatus has: a camshaft; drive rotor driven by the crankshaft; a first and a second torque means for rotating a first and a second control rotors, all aligned coaxially and rotatable relative to each other; and a phase angle varying mechanism operably coupled to the first and second torque means, so as to varying the relative phase angle between the camshaft and the crankshaft. The phase angle varying mechanism comprises: a circular eccentric cam integral with the camshaft; a first and a second link each having a shape of a substantially cylindrical form; and a quasi-radial guide mechanism and displacement forcing means collaborating with each other for displacing either one of the first and second links in a quasi-radial direction of the rotor. |
| US08505507B2 |
Flow rate control valve
A flow rate control valve includes a housing having an accommodation chamber in communication with oil passages, and a spool accommodated in the accommodation chamber movably in a reciprocating manner. The housing includes a bolt for fastening a movable member of a variable valve timing mechanism, and a sleeve inserted in an insertion portion provided in the bolt and having the accommodation chamber. The bolt is provided with a port through which the oil passages communicate with the insertion portion. The sleeve is provided with a through hole penetrating the sleeve. Furthermore, an annular protrusion and a recess are provided as a phase adjustment portion that adjusts a phase of rotation of the sleeve with respect to the bolt to a phase in which the port coincides in position with the through hole and holds the phase of rotation of the sleeve with respect to the bolt equal thereto. |
| US08505506B2 |
Oil pressure control apparatus
An oil pressure control apparatus includes a control valve mechanism being in communication with a pump via a first fluid passage and being in communication with a control apparatus via a second fluid passage, a third fluid passage diverging from the first fluid passage to supply oil to a predetermined portion other than the control apparatus, and a fluid passage dimension regulating mechanism including a movable member provided at the third fluid passage and including an opening for regulating a fluid passage dimension of the third fluid passage. The fluid passage dimension regulating mechanism is in communication with a fourth fluid passage diverging from the second fluid passage and biases the movable member to a side increasing the fluid passage dimension by applying the hydraulic pressure of the fourth fluid passage to the movable member separately from the hydraulic pressure of the third fluid passage. |
| US08505505B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is employed for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The control apparatus includes a variable valve operating mechanism which changes a valve characteristic of an engine valve; a valve stop mechanism which stops opening/closing of the engine valve in at least one cylinder; and a controller which executes a variable valve control that makes an actual value of the valve characteristic match a target value by executing a hydraulic pressure control for the variable valve operating mechanism, and which operates the valve stop mechanism so that a reduced-cylinder operation is performed when an engine operating state is in a preset reduced-cylinder operation region. If it is determined that a pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the variable valve operating mechanism satisfies a preset condition when the engine operating state is in the reduced-cylinder operation region, the controller prohibits the variable valve control. |
| US08505501B2 |
Two-stroke uniflow turbo-compound internal combustion engine
A radial, two-stroke uniflow internal combustion (IC) cylinder and multiple cylinder engine, the cylinder having a cylinder wall and a cylinder head, the cylinder head having an exhaust port, a fuel injector, and a spark means disposed through the cylinder head, a piston reciprocally mounted in the cylinder for movement alternately through compression and power strokes, and an inlet swirl port disposed through the cylinder wall providing fluid communication into the cylinder chamber, and having an annular exhaust air manifold in exhaust gas communication with each exhaust ports, and an exhaust-driven radial in-flow turbine that drives the inlet air compression. |
| US08505500B2 |
Rotary piston engine with L-shaped piston and cylinder
An arrangement for a rotary piston type engine (1), the arrangement including an engine housing (2) with a casing plate (3) which divides the housing into first and second adjacent sections (6,7) and a rotatable crankcase (8) passing between the first and second sections (6,7). The first section (6) houses a cylinder block (10) connected to the crankcase (8) so as to be rotatable therewith relative to the engine housing (2), the cylinder block (10) being adapted to house a piston (11). The crankcase (8) is configured to allow passage of a connecting rod (12) which operatively couples the piston (11) to a rotatable crankshaft (13) housed within the crankcase (8). The crankshaft (13) being coupled via a layshaft (20) and a series of gears (21, 22, 23, 24) to the crankcase (8) so as to affect likewise rotation of the crankshaft (13) and the cylinder block (10). |
| US08505495B2 |
Leash
An approach is provided for a leash for leashing animals. The leash comprises a strap, an auxiliary loop, a handgrip loop and a snap buckle. The strap reeves a first snap hook at a first end of the leash, which forms an upper-layer belt and a lower-layer belt. The first snap hook is used for attaching to an animal's collar. The auxiliary loop is connected to the lower-layer belt at a second end of the leash and having a ring surrounded the upper-layer belt. The handgrip loop is connected to the upper-layer belt at the second end of the leash. The snap buckle is connected to the auxiliary loop and the handgrip loop, and is configured to release the lower-layer belt selectively toward the upper-layer belt through the first snap hook. Thus, the leash provides the advantage of positive control of the length in a simple fashion. |
| US08505491B2 |
Water distribution methods and systems for livestock shipping containers on a shipping vessel
Water distribution systems and methods for continuously supplying drinking water to one or more shipping containers holding livestock throughout the duration of a shipment. |
| US08505486B2 |
Pet litter box
A pet litter box (1) comprises a base element (10) having a support surface (11) for a pet, an absorbent mat (20) laid on the base element (10), and an open-top frame (30) removably mounted to the base element (10). The frame (30) has a bottom wall (31) associated with the base element (10) with the absorbent mat (20) thereon. The bottom wall (31) has an opening (32) in such position as to entirely overlap at least one portion (21) of the absorbent mat (20), and at least one side wall (35) that extends vertically from the bottom wall (31) to define an entrance (33) for a pet into such portion (21) of the absorbent mat (20). |
| US08505484B2 |
Milking robot, and a milking arrangement
A milking arrangement includes a milking robot (10) having a first link (L1), a second link (L2), a third link (L3), an end effector (E), sensor (16) and a control unit (15). The first link is rotatable to a first angle within a first angle range (α1) via a first joint (11). The second link is rotatable to a second angle within a second angle range (α2) via a second joint (12). The third link (L3) is rotatable to a third angle within a third angle range (α3) via third joint (13). The links (L1, L2, L3) are rotatable so that the end effector is movable within a three-dimensional workspace (W). Each position of the end effector within the workspace corresponds to a single combination of the first, second and third angles. |
| US08505480B2 |
Plasma system
System and technique for plasma enhanced chemical deposition (PECVD) wherein selective surfaces of tubular substrates may be treated to deposit thin films of a desired matter, wherein one of the electrodes employed in the plasma system is conformed by the substrate or workpiece without the need of bulky plasma reactors. |
| US08505478B2 |
Apparatus for high-efficiency synthesis of carbon nanostructure
Developed is high-efficiency synthesis method and apparatus capable of promoting the initial growth of carbon nanostructure by eliminating the initial fluctuation time and rising time in raw gas flow quantity.-A high-efficiency synthesis method of carbon nanostructure according to the present invention is a high-efficiency synthesis method of carbon nanostructure, the method comprising: bringing raw material gas and a catalyst into contact with each other under reactive conditions so as to produce a carbon nanostructure, wherein: the initiation of contact of the raw material gas with the catalyst is carried out instantaneously. Reaction conditions such as temperature and raw material gas concentration are set so as to meet those for catalyst growth, and under the reaction conditions, the initiation of contact of raw material gas G with catalyst 6 is carried out instantaneously. Consequently, the initial growth of carbon nanostructure is positively carried out, and the height growth and thickness growth thereof can be effected in high efficiency. Further, high-density growth and short-time high-speed growth can be realized. The catalyst includes any forms of catalyst such as catalyst substrate, catalyst structure, catalyst powders and catalyst pellet. It is especially preferred to employ a system wherein the feed and interruption of the raw material gas G are intermittently controlled by means of an electromagnetic three-way valve 24. |
| US08505475B2 |
Personal watercraft
A personal watercraft includes a hull, a deck, a steering handle, a steering shaft, a seat, and a display device. The deck is disposed above the hull. The steering handle is disposed above the deck. The steering shaft is arranged to extend downward from the steering handle. The display device includes a display portion and a switch. The display portion is disposed forward relative to the steering shaft. The switch is arranged to operate the display portion. The switch is disposed on a surface of the deck rearward relative to the steering shaft and forward relative to a central front end of the seat. |
| US08505473B1 |
Paired single disc opener unit
An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing device such as a wheel, a chain or a strap. |
| US08505471B2 |
Burning equipment
A burning equipment for improving burning efficiency with a simple structure. The burning equipment includes a burning chamber having a top plate section and a bottom plate section; a first burn-promoting plate extending downward from the top plate section until the lower end reaches a prescribed height from the bottom plate section, dividing the burning chamber into a primary burning chamber and a secondary burning chamber, and having a plurality of through-holes; and an air outlet being provided to the secondary burning chamber. The air outlet is provided to the top plate section. A second burn-promoting plate extends downward from the top plate section, in the secondary burning chamber, until the lower end reaches a prescribed height from the bottom plate section. It divides an opening of the air outlet and also has a plurality of through-holes. |
| US08505466B2 |
Rail vehicle having a detachably attached housing lid
A rail vehicle having an equipment housing is provided. A housing lid is detachably attached to a housing base body of the equipment housing. The housing lid is respectively fastened to two opposite sides of the housing by fasteners on the housing base body. The fasteners are each fastened to the housing base body by hinges which are secured at an end by one of their limbs to the housing base body and the fasteners are rotatably mounted at the end on their other limb. A hinge axis and a bearing axis for the fasteners are oriented essentially parallel to one another. |
| US08505460B2 |
Gas actuated retarder system for railway car
There is disclosed a method and a gas actuated retarder system for railway cars to control the rolling speed of a railway car along a first and second running rails of a track section. The retarder system includes a plurality of steel ties positioned substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second running rails of a track section. A plurality of gas bladder mounts are positions between the running rails of the gas actuated retarder system. Coupled to each of the gas bladder mounts are air bladders with one air bladder on a side of the centerline of the gas actuated retarder system. Inflating and deflating the gas bladder selectively controls the amount of speed reduction of the railcar. |
| US08505457B2 |
Contoured thickness blank for ammunition cartridges
An austenitic stainless steel ammunition cartridge includes an outer region and a base, wherein the outer region is about 50%-80% of the thickness of the base, which serves to minimize the sidewall ironing required to form the cartridge. The cartridge blank can be formed by spin forming, compression forming, grinding, or a combination thereof. Tooling to form the insert can include at least a pair of blocks and inserts, at least one insert defining a centrally positioned aperture. |
| US08505448B2 |
Structure of trashcan
An improved structure of trashcan includes an outer can with a controllable upper cover. The upper cover has a connecting hole with a stepping part that moves downward in the outer can when being stepped. A base is at the bottom of the upper cover. First, second, third, and fourth tracks surround the stepping part at symmetrical positions of the base. Each track accommodates a restoring assembly that connects to the stepping part so that the stepping part can restore its original position after the stepping part moves to the bottom of the trashcan. The first track and the second track are stacked vertically. The third track and the fourth track are also stacked vertically. This configuration decreases the area occupied by the base. As a result, the stepping area of the stepping part is increased for the user's convenience to step on. |
| US08505443B2 |
Cooking medium systems having a single mechanical lever and control assisted filtering and draining
A cooking apparatus includes a first and second cooking vessel, a drain manifold connecting the first and second cooking vessel to a drain container for storing cooking medium, a first drain valve and second drain valve configured to connect the first and second cooking vessel with the drain container. A first drain lever selectively opens and closes the first drain valve, and a second drain lever selectively opens and closes the second drain valve. A first and second drain lever indicator indicate an operational status of the first and second drain valves, respectively. A controller monitors the first and second drain valve. When the first drain valve is open, the second drain lever indicator indicates a warning when the second drain lever is operated. When the second drain valve is open, the first drain lever indicator indicates a warning when the first drain lever is operated. |
| US08505442B2 |
Beer frothing device
A beer frothing device for stably generating froth without degrading beer quality is provided. The device frothing beer in a vessel by squirting a pressurized gas through a nozzle submerged in the beer, includes a pressurized gas supply, a squirting mechanism, connected to the gas supply and having a cutoff valve to obstruct the gas squirting through the nozzle, a lifting mechanism for supporting the squirting mechanism during its vertically reciprocating up-and-down movement with a half track between a start point where the nozzle is positioned right above the vessel and a lower point where the nozzle is submerged at a predetermined depth in the beer, a start switch for lowering the lifting mechanism, a direction change switch for raising the lifting mechanism when the lower point is detected during lowering operation, a stop switch for stopping the lifting mechanism when the start point is detected during rising operation, and an open-valve switch, arranged between the direction change switch and the stop switch, for opening the cutoff valve to detect an appropriate position where the nozzle is submerged in the beer. The direction change switch and the stop switch make a limit switch. |
| US08505441B2 |
Espresso coffee machine with preinfusion device
An espresso coffee machine comprises a boiler and a pump for feeding hot water under pressure to one or more brew groups (1), each of which comprises a receptacle (24) for infusing a predetermined dose of ground coffee, a hot water feed pipe (38) and an outlet pipe (40). Manual operating means (30, 50) are provided at the inlet of each brew group for selectively putting the coffee powder receptacle (24) in communication with the water feed pipe (38), with the outlet pipe 40 or with both the pipes in order to preinfuse the coffee powder. |
| US08505438B2 |
Cylinder liner and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a cylinder liner and a method of manufacturing the cylinder liner. A cylinder liner according to the present invention has an outer surface covered by casting metal when a cylinder block is manufactured by integral casting, in which a plurality of engraved grooves is formed throughout the outer surface of the cylinder liner to increase bonding force between the casting metal and the outer surface of the cylinder liner. Further, a method of manufacturing a cylinder liner according to the present invention includes: coating a coating material onto the inner circumferential surface of a mold rotating and drying the coating material for a predetermined time; applying an engraved-groove forming material to engrave the surface of the coating material; forming a cylinder liner parent body by pouring and solidifying molten metal through the surface of the coating material where the engraved-groove forming material is applied; and roughening the outer surface of the cylinder liner with a plurality of engraved grooves for spraying, after drawing the cylinder parent body out of the mold and removing the coating material and the engraved-groove forming material covering the outer surface of the cylinder liner parent body. |
| US08505434B2 |
Fire guidance device for a hand fire weapon
A fire guidance device for a hand fired weapon is suitable for day and night deployment for large caliber and slow flying ammunition or missiles, such as, for example, 40 mm grenade throwers and anti tank weapons. The fire guidance device also serves to determine and automatically adjust a set-up angle for adjustment of ballistics, and a lateral angle for spin correction. The fire guidance device is attached to the weapon so it can be tilted automatically or manually and twisting is thereby dependent upon a required set-up angle of the weapon so that direct view, by the operator, to the target is preserved. For spin correction, a defined angle in horizontal orientation is adjusted between axes of the fire guidance device and the weapon. Alternatively, the fire guidance device is mounted vertically and a required cant (tilt) is then indicated in a display, followed by tilt adjustment. |
| US08505432B2 |
Multilayer backing materials for composite armor
A multilayer backing composite for armor plate systems. One embodiment provides a ceramic layer and a bonded multilayer backing layer bonded to the ceramic layer. The backing layer can be formed from at least two layers each of alternating elastomeric interstitial layers and UHMWPE layers having an areal density in the range of about 125 to 400 g/m2. The areal density of the stack can be in the range of about 4 to 15 lbs/ft2, and specifically about 6.98 lbs/ft2. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least two UHMWPE layers nearer to the ceramic layer of the stack can have a lower areal density than at least one layer further from the ceramic layer. The ceramic layer can be SiC and 0.280″ thick; each rubber layer can be about 0.01″; and each UHMWPE layer can be about 0.15″. |
| US08505429B2 |
Device for separating the two portions of a launcher refueling module
The invention relates to a separator device for separating the on-board and ground portions of a launcher fueling module, the device comprising: a locking system having a locking finger (50) mounted on the ground portion (22) and having a blocking portion (523), and a locking pin (42) on the on-board portion (21) co-operating by engaging with the blocking portion (523) in order to hold the on-board portion (21) and the ground portion (22) in a locking position. The separator system further comprises an actuation system that, under vertical movement of the launcher (10), enables the blocking portion (523) to be disengaged from the locking pin (42), whereby the on-board portion (21) is suitable for being separated from the ground portion (22). The invention also provides a method of separating the on-board and ground portions of a launcher fueling module, which method is implemented by means of such a separator device. |
| US08505428B2 |
Anti jam, grooved and expanding charging handle for sub caliber actions
A telescopic charging handle incorporated into an upper receiver of an AR-15 type firearm includes a first stem portion integrally formed with a handle shaped head. A second stem portion terminates at a distal end in a projecting beak and is further telescopically engaged at a proximal end to the first stem portion. In this fashion, the charging handle is extended upon being rearwardly displaced in order to accommodate a modified length sub caliber action. |
| US08505424B2 |
Table saws with safety systems and systems to mount and index attachments
Table saws and table saws designed to implement safety systems that detect contact between a person and a dangerous portion of the saw are disclosed. Table saw components, mounting systems for table saws, and table saw attachments are also disclosed. One embodiment may include a first clamp surface, a second clamp surface spaced apart from the first clamp surface so that a base portion of a riving knife or splitter can be placed between the clamp surfaces with the opposing sides of the base portion generally parallel to the first and second clamp surfaces. |
| US08505423B2 |
Weight material dispensing and cutting system
An apparatus includes a receiving module, a conversion module, first and second rollers, a motor, and a cutting head. The receiving module receives a desired weight value. The conversion module converts the desired weight value to a first length of wheel weight material based on a linear density of the wheel weight material. The first and second rollers engage first and second opposing sides of a continuous strip of the wheel weight material. The linear density of the wheel weight material is approximately constant along the continuous strip. The motor directly drives the first roller based on the first length. The cutting head is selectively actuated to cut the wheel weight material. |
| US08505421B2 |
Multiple tool holding device for a lathe
A tool-holding device for a lathe is provided including a lathe-attachment portion, with a base sized and shaped for placement on a lathe and attaching means for attaching the base to the lathe. The lathe-attachment portion also has a circular-perimeter, angled mounting apparatus integral with the base and having equal-sized wedge-shaped, double sloped clamping portions and a partly threaded central locking base-bore. Attached to the lathe-attachment portion is a frusto-conical multiple-tool tool-holder having a lower surface with an equal number of equal-sized wedge-shaped, double sloped clamping surfaces to mate with the clamping portions of the base. The upper surface of the tool-holder has insert pockets for attachment of tools. A central bore extends through the tool-holder for locking the tool-holding device to a lathe or other machine. |
| US08505419B2 |
Wrench with rotatable driving head
A wrench includes a body and a driving head connected to the body. The body includes a push rod, two first push pieces, two second push pieces and a push unit so as to control the position and angle that the driving head rotates relative to the body. The driving head includes multiple positioning holes, an engaging protrusion, a through hole in the engaging protrusion, a bead and a control rod to control the engagement or disengagement between the engaging protrusion and the socket. |
| US08505412B2 |
Gear housing for motor and motor
A gear housing for a motor is fixed to a motor main body driving a rotary shaft. The gear housing contains a worm wheel and a worm connected to the rotary shaft. Three mounting feet to be fixed to a mounting member are formed at intervals and protrude from a first side surface of the gear housing. A bulge portion bulges outward on the first side surface of the gear housing to expand the internal space. The bulge portion has side walls, which are installed to protrude from the outer side surface constituting the side walls of the bulge portion, and an upper wall, which connects the distal ends in the protruding direction of the side walls. The three mounting feet are connected by the side walls and the upper wall. |
| US08505409B2 |
Rotary motion input type manipulation simulator
An object of the present invention is to impart a preferred continuous nonlinear characteristic to the relation between the magnitude of operation and an operational reaction force over the entire range of operation of operation means even when a reaction generation spring has a linear spring characteristic. A rotary-motion-input-type manipulation simulator includes an input member which rotates in accordance with a braking operation of a driver applied to a brake pedal; the brake pedal which rotates about the axis and imparts a rotary motion to the input member; a compression coil spring which generates a reaction force linearly according to an amount of deformation thereof; an output member which deforms the compression coil spring; and transmission apparatus provided between the input member and the output member and adapted to convert the rotary motion of the input member to a rectilinear motion and transmit the rectilinear motion to the output member and to transmit the reaction force of the compression coil spring to the input member via the output member. The transmission apparatus continuously and nonlinearly varies a ratio of an amount of rectilinear motion of the output member to an amount of rotary motion of the input member according to the amount of rotary motion of the input member. |
| US08505397B2 |
Methods of characterizing aluminum oxides
Methods of characterizing aluminum oxide defects are described. The oxide defect type, as well as the time when the oxide defects are formed during the aluminum melting and casting processes can be identified quickly. |
| US08505396B2 |
Fluid transfer device
A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid into or out of a fluid vessel, such as a tank, and is particularly useful in transferring fluids with particulates or high viscosity in a substantially aseptic, hygienic, or sterile manner. The device has a body with an elongate passage extending through the body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. A longitudinally displaceable substantially hollow substantially hollow shaft is disposed in and extends along the passage in the body. A plug sealing the passage is at a first location. A diaphragm sealing the passage is at a second location intermediate the plug and the distal end of the passage. The shaft extends through and is secured to the diaphragm and has a fluid transfer opening between the diaphragm and the plug. Longitudinal displacement of the shaft causes the fluid transfer opening to be in fluid communication with a fluid vessel, the diaphragm stretching to accommodate the displacement of the shaft while maintaining an aseptic seal of the passage. |
| US08505389B2 |
Mask defect testing apparatus
A mask defect test apparatus, including a tension jig unit having a supporter on which a metal mask to be tested is located, a clamp part disposed at both sides of the supporter to fix opposite edges of the metal mask, and a tension part to apply a tension force to the metal mask fixed by the clamp part; and a test unit to test the metal mask fixed by the tension jig unit. A vertical distance between the metal mask located on the supporter and the test unit is less than or equal to a vertical distance between the tension jig unit and the test unit. |
| US08505383B2 |
Specialized restraint systems for amusement rides
The patron restraint system for amusement rides includes a locking receiver with a locking assembly for engaging a restraining strap. The engagement of the restraining strap in the locking receiver can be verified by a ride operator by visual or physical inspection, or by a sensor system indicating the locked or unlocked state of the locking receiver. A latching ratchet mechanism may be provided in the receiver to restrict movement of the restraining strap until it is released by the ride operator. The sensor system includes an acoustic sensor that detects alignment of an aperture with a piezoelectric acoustic emitter and an acoustic detector. |
| US08505377B2 |
Thermal plate precipitation measurement system
A thermal plate precipitation measurement system (300) and a method of operating the thermal plate precipitation measurement system (300) is provided. The thermal plate precipitation measurement system (300) includes a first thermal plate system (301A) with first and second thermal plates (302A, 303A) and a second thermal plate system (301B) with first and second thermal plates (302B, 303B). A precipitation rate can be determined by configuring the first and second thermal plates (302A, 303A) of the first thermal plate system (301A) at a first temperature and configuring the first and second thermal plates (302B, 303B) of the second thermal plate system (301B) at a second temperature different than the first temperature. A differential power consumption between the first and second thermal plates (302A, 303A, 302B, 303B) of each of the first and second thermal plate systems (301A, 301B) can be determined and the precipitation rate can be determined based on a difference between the differential power consumption of the first thermal plate system (301A) and the differential power consumption of the second thermal plate system (301B). |
| US08505375B2 |
Geochemical surveillance of gas production from tight gas fields
Method of estimating the recovery factor for the volume drained by at least one producing gas well that penetrates a tight gas reservoir or a coal bed methane reservoir, by (a) calibrating changes in the isotopic composition of at least one component of the gas that is produced from the gas well with increasing recovery factor, (b) obtaining a sample of produced gas from the producing gas well and analyzing the sample to obtain the isotopic composition of the component of the produced gas and (c) using the calibration obtained in step (a) and the isotopic composition determined in step (b) to estimate the recovery factor for the volume drained by the gas well. The estimate of the recovery factor determined in step (c) and the cumulative volume of gas produced from the gas well is used to determine the volume drained by the gas well. |
| US08505370B2 |
Method and system to diagnose exhaust gas sensor deterioration
In a method and system to diagnose exhaust gas sensor deterioration, an automobile includes an exhaust gas system. The exhaust gas system has a fuel delivery system, an engine, a catalytic converter, an exhaust gas sensor, a processor, and/or a memory. The fuel delivery system supplies fuel which is combined with air to form a mixture combusted by the engine to generate exhaust. The processor controls the air-fuel ratio of the mixture based on the air-fuel ratio data of the exhaust detected by the exhaust gas sensor. The catalytic converter reduces pollutants in the exhaust. The processor analyzes the air-fuel ratio data to determine one or more time constants of a step response for rich to lean fuel operations and/or lean to rich fuel operations. The processor compares the time constants to a predetermined time constant threshold to determine if the exhaust gas sensor has malfunctioned. |
| US08505369B2 |
Arrangement and method for determining the oil consumption of an oil-lubricated machine
An arrangement is provided for determining the oil consumption of an oil-lubricated machine. The arrangement includes an oil circuit, which leads from an oil tank via a start line to the oil-lubricated machine and back, via a return line to the oil tank, and a balance for determining the weight of oil in the oil tank. A device for heating oil is assigned to the start line in such a way that the oil is heated to a predeterminable operating temperature for the oil-lubricated machine before reaching the oil-lubricated machine. A method for determining oil consumption is also provided. |
| US08505368B2 |
Fuel efficiency measuring system for fuel cell vehicle
The present invention provides an improved fuel efficiency measuring system for a fuel cell vehicle which simplifies various valves and hydrogen lines and modulizes its individual elements. More specifically, the present invention provides an improved fuel efficiency measuring system for a fuel cell vehicle that eliminates a purging hydrogen tank previously used for removing residual air in a hydrogen supply line and instead removes residual air in a hydrogen supply line by using a vehicle side hydrogen tank. Additionally, the present invention simplifies couplers installed in a hydrogen supply line, and considerably reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating a high-cost break-away coupler adapted to couple a fuel efficiency measuring unit and the vehicle side. |
| US08505367B2 |
Device and method for cylinder-torque equalization of an internal combustion engine, computer program, computer program product
A device, a method, a computer program and a computer program product for diagnosing an internal combustion engine (100), in which a first cylinder (102) includes a combustion chamber (101), a fuel quantity and a fresh air quantity being supplied to the combustion chamber (101) for combustion; a torque contribution (D), generated by the combustion, of the first cylinder (102) in a first operating mode (B1) of the internal combustion engine (100) being a function of the fresh air quantity supplied, and in a second operating mode (B2) of the internal combustion engine (100) being essentially a function of the fuel quantity, wherein a first variable (L1) characterizing a smooth running of the internal combustion engine (100) in the first operating mode (B1) is ascertained, a second variable (L2) characterizing the smooth running of the internal combustion engine (100) in the second operating mode is ascertained, the first variable (L1) is compared to the second variable (L2), a diagnosis of the internal combustion engine (100) is made as a function of the result of the comparison. |
| US08505358B2 |
Method for adjusting resonance frequencies of a vibrating microelectromechanical device
The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the resonant frequencies of a vibrating microelectromechanical (MEMS) device. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for adjusting the resonant frequencies of a vibrating mass including the steps of patterning a surface of a device layer of the vibrating mass with a mask, etching the vibrating mass to define a structure of the vibrating mass, determining a first set of resonant frequencies of the vibrating mass, determining a mass removal amount of the vibrating mass and a mass removal location of the vibrating mass to obtain a second set of resonant frequencies of the vibrating mass, removing the mask at the mass removal location, and etching the vibrating mass to remove the mass removal amount of the vibrating mass at the mass removal location of the vibrating mass. |
| US08505357B2 |
Method for adjusting resonance frequencies of a vibrating microelectromechanical device
The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the resonant frequencies of a vibrating microelectromechanical (MEMS) device. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for adjusting the resonant frequencies of a vibrating mass including the steps of patterning a surface of a device layer of the vibrating mass with a mask, etching the vibrating mass to define a structure of the vibrating mass, determining a first set of resonant frequencies of the vibrating mass, determining a mass removal amount of the vibrating mass and a mass removal location of the vibrating mass to obtain a second set of resonant frequencies of the vibrating mass, removing the mask at the mass removal location, and etching the vibrating mass to remove the mass removal amount of the vibrating mass at the mass removal location of the vibrating mass. |
| US08505351B2 |
Product and method for manufacturing a three dimensional core mass and related inventions
A three dimensional shape core mass is manufactured by machining a ribbon or tape of any material with various slots, channels, or holes of any shape before the ribbon or tape is spooled or layered onto a layering template or spooler. The machining is adjusted so the slots, channels, or holes of any shape extend in a radial or stacked direction perpendicular to the axis of spooling rotation or the plane of layering but with any curve or straight line and with any stacked length. For example, core masses that are manufactured as described are suitable as magnetic cores for high frequency rotating or linear transformers or for rotors and for stators of rotating or linear electric machines when an appropriate magnetic material is used, such as magnetic metal or amorphous metal ribbon or tape. |
| US08505347B2 |
Locking device with associated key and blocking rib sensing
A locking device which has a lock cylinder and a matching key. The key has a key bit with at least one coding notch and a blocking rib with at least one indentation. The lock cylinder has a housing with a bearing bore and a cylinder core that is mounted in the bearing bore and a blocking member. The blocking member is engagable in a blocking recess of the bearing bore and prevents rotation of the cylinder core. A pivot lever is mounted in the cylinder core and has a bearing end about which the pivot lever pivots, and a sensing end which senses the blocking rib The pivot lever closes off a capturing opening for the housing pin when the blocking rib is the proper height and opens the capturing opening after a partial rotation of the cylinder core when the blocking rib is missing. |
| US08505345B2 |
Door lock assembly having a press button in an inner handle
A door lock assembly includes a press button disposed within an inner drive tube and an inner handle. A cam mechanism is provided to associate with the press button and the inner drive tube to rotate the press button when the press button is pressed axially. The cam mechanism includes an inclined cam groove/slot which is formed in one of the inner drive tube and the press button and which extends substantially in a helical direction, and a cam protrusion formed on the other one of the inner drive tube and the press button and extending into the cam groove/slot. A press button rod is connected to the press button for simultaneous rotation with the press button. |
| US08505343B2 |
Padlock
A padlock can be unlocked by an owner dialing an unlocking number or security personnel using a general key. The padlock includes a housing, a block, a shackle, a general locking device and a private locking device. The housing includes a first channel and a second channel therein. The block is inserted in the second channel. The block includes a receptacle therein. The shackle includes a long arm movably disposed in the first channel and a short arm for engagement with the receptacle of the block. The general locking device is disposed in the housing for locking and unlocking the long arm of the shackle. The private locking mechanism is disposed in the housing for controlling the block so that the block can be engaged with and disengaged from the short arm of the shackle. |
| US08505338B2 |
Method for manufacturing lower mold, method for manufacturing glass gob, and method for manufacturing molded glass article
In one aspect, there is provided a process for manufacturing a lower mold for receiving a falling molten glass droplet, in which without narrowing the option for material for a lower mold, any occurrence of air retention can be favorably prevented and a lower mold excelling in durability can be obtained. The process comprises the film forming step of forming a coating layer on a base material and the surface roughening step of roughening the surface of the coating layer. Preferably, the coating layer contains at least one element selected from among chromium, aluminum and titanium. |
| US08505335B2 |
Refractoy composition for glass melting furnaces
A refractory system includes a first set of components and a colloidal silica binder. The first set of components includes alumina and zirconia. The colloidal silica binder is at 5 wt % to 20 wt % of the dry weight of the first set of components. The refractory composition comprises 10 wt % to 45 wt % alumina, at least 35 wt % zirconia, and at least 20 wt % silica. |
| US08505332B1 |
Natural gas liquid recovery process
A method comprising receiving a hydrocarbon feed stream, separating the hydrocarbon feed stream into a heavy hydrocarbon rich stream and a carbon dioxide recycle stream, separating the carbon dioxide recycle stream into a natural gas liquids (NGL) rich stream and a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream, and injecting the purified carbon dioxide recycle stream into a subterranean formation. Included is a method comprising selecting a first recovery rate for a NGL recovery process, estimating the economics of the NGL recovery process based on the first recovery rate, selecting a second recovery rate that is different from the first recovery rate, estimating the economics of the NGL recovery process based on the second recovery rate, and selecting the first recovery rate for the NGL recovery process when the estimate based on the first recovery rate is more desirable than the estimate based on the second recovery rate. |
| US08505327B2 |
Indoor unit for air conditioner
An indoor unit for an air conditioner includes a front frame, a main chassis coupled on a rear portion of the front frame, an air discharge vane provided on a lower end of the front frame to control a discharge direction of cooled air, and an connecting frame provided in rear of the air discharge vane to allow an assembling or maintenance of the air discharge vane to be easily performed. |
| US08505326B2 |
Ice making apparatus with water spillage preventer and refrigerator having the same
An ice making apparatus which includes an ice making tray to produce ice and an ejector rotatably disposed at the ice making tray, including a plurality of ice making cells formed in the ice making tray, wherein each of the ice making cells includes a freezing portion in which ice is produced and a buffering portion which is formed as a specified space at one side of the freezing portion to prevent water of the freezing portion from flowing out of the ice making tray. Accordingly, even in a refrigerator having the ice making apparatus installed on a rear surface of the door, the ice making apparatus can permanently provide an effect of preventing water inside the ice making cells from flowing out of the ice making tray due to an opening/closing operation of the door. |
| US08505317B2 |
Refrigerating device and method for circulating a refrigerating fluid associated with it
Refrigerating device formed by a main compressor (190), a condenser (140) downstream of and in fluid communication with the main compressor (190), main expansion means (170) downstream of the condenser (140) and an evaporator (180) downstream of and in fluid communication with the main expansion means (170), which also comprises a turbocompressor unit (160) in fluid communication between the evaporator (180) and the main compressor (190) and a heat exchanger (150, 152) having a hot branch (150c) connected upstream, via an inlet line (145), to the condenser (140) and downstream, via an outlet line (149), to the main expansion means (170) and a cold branch (15Of) connected, upstream, to an expansion means (142, 144) mounted on a branch (146) of the line (145) and, downstream, to a turbine portion (162) of the turbocompressor unit (160). The invention also relates to a method for circulating a refrigerating fluid inside the abovementioned device. |
| US08505311B2 |
Turbomachine with separate fuel injection systems, using identical sealing joints
An aircraft turbomachine with a housing, and first and second fuel injection systems, where each system includes an injector fitted with an attachment plate traversed by three mounting holes positioned according to a first configuration for the first system and according to a second configuration distinct from the first for the second system. Each system also includes a reception device installed on the housing, a sealing joint interposed between the plate and the reception device, and securing screws which attach the plate on to its reception device. Sealing joints are identical for the first and second fuel injection systems. |
| US08505309B2 |
Systems and methods for improving the efficiency of a combined cycle power plant
Systems and methods for improving the efficiency of a power generation facility utilize heat energy to preheat inlet-air that is supplied to the compressor of a turbine or to preheat fuel that is burned in the turbine. The heat energy used to preheat the inlet-air can be drawn from a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) that produces steam using at least part of the exhaust gas of the turbine. The heat energy can be obtained from one or more predetermined points within the HRSG, such as a feed water line exiting a drum of the HRSG or a feed line connecting an economizer of the HRSG to a drum of the HRSG. The fluid drawn from the predetermined point passes through a heat exchanger or a preheater to remove the heat energy used for preheating. The fluid is then returned to the HRSG immediately downstream from the point from which it was drawn. |
| US08505308B2 |
Integrated direct drive starter/generator for turbines
A starter/generator machine for a turbine with a turbine enclosure, an air duct, and a plurality of fan blades is provided. The starter/generator machine includes a plurality of stator elements spaced at intervals in a ring shape adjacent to the air duct and a plurality of rotor elements mounted on the fan blades. The stator elements and the rotor elements are mounted to interact magnetically to exert a force sufficient to move the rotor elements. The stator elements are shaped to minimize air flow interference and are formed with a core, at least one pole, and multiple windings. The spacing between the stator elements and the rotor elements forms an air gap on the order of 5-10 mm, and the number of stator elements is different from the number of rotor elements. |
| US08505307B2 |
Translating variable area fan nozzle with split beavertail fairings
A nacelle assembly includes a first portion having an outer fairing and a trailing edge, and a translatable variable area fan nozzle. The fan nozzle includes two or more nozzle segments, each nozzle segment having first and second opposed ends and a leading edge. The nozzle segments are selectively movable between a stowed position and one or more deployed positions. In the deployed position, an upstream bypass flow exit is formed between the trailing edge and the leading edge. The nacelle assembly further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the nozzle segments between the stowed position and the deployed position. A split beavertail failing shields the guide mechanism against air flow when the nozzle segments are in the stowed position. |
| US08505299B2 |
Steam turbine flow adjustment system
A steam turbine flow adjustment system. In one embodiment, the system includes a steam turbine having a first inlet port and a second inlet port for receiving inlet steam; a first conduit and a second conduit operably connected to a first valve and a second valve, respectively, the first conduit and the second conduit for providing the inlet steam to the first inlet port and the second inlet port, respectively; and a control system operably connected to the first valve and the second valve for controlling an amount of inlet steam flow admitted and pressure to each of the first inlet port and the second inlet port based upon a load demand on the steam turbine and an admission pressure of the inlet steam. |
| US08505294B2 |
Method and system for control of hydraulic systems
A hydraulic actuation system includes a metering valve; and a piston arrangement hydraulically in parallel with the metering valve, the system configured to preferentially move the piston to precharge an end device with hydraulic fluid prior to supplying an actuation fluid volume to the end device and method for actuating a hydraulic end device. |
| US08505284B2 |
Stratified particulate filter regeneration system
An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided and includes an exhaust gas conduit, a hydrocarbon supply, a particulate filter (“PF”), at least one sensor, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a control module. The PF is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and has a filter structure for removal of particulates in the exhaust gas. The filter structure has an innermost region and an outermost region. The PF is selectively regenerated during operation of the internal combustion engine. The PF has a stratified temperature structure that causes the particulates trapped at the innermost region of the PF burn off before the particulates trapped in the outermost region of the PF during regeneration. The control module has a memory with an infinite stage temperature control curve stored thereon. |
| US08505282B2 |
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device control system
An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided, including an exhaust gas conduit, an oxidation catalyst (“OC”) device, an electrically heated catalyst (“EHC”) device, a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device, and a control module. The OC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit. The OC device adsorbs hydrocarbons and is selectively activated to induce oxidation of the hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas. The EHC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and is configured to receive the exhaust gas. The EHC device is located within the OC device and is selectively activated to produce heat and induce further oxidation of the exhaust gas. The EHC device has an oxidation catalyst compound disposed thereon for converting nitrogen oxide (“NO”) to nitrogen dioxide (“NO2”). |
| US08505281B2 |
Techniques for enhancing aftertreatment regeneration capability
A system is provided for enhancing aftertreatment regeneration capability. The system includes an internal combustion engine producing an exhaust gas stream and an aftertreatment component that treats the exhaust gas stream, where the aftertreatment component includes a desired inlet exhaust gas temperature. The system includes an exhaust gas pressure device that modulates an exhaust pressure value, and a fuel injection system that provides a post-injection event. The system includes a controller that provides an exhaust pressure command and a fuel injection command in response to determining that a temperature of the exhaust gas stream is lower than the desired inlet exhaust gas temperature. The exhaust gas pressure device is responsive to the exhaust pressure command and the fuel injection system is responsive to the fuel injection command. |
| US08505278B2 |
Engine system properties controller
Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for manipulating the properties of engine exhaust at least partially through the engine's control system to increase the efficiency and performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system. According to one representative embodiment, an engine system properties controller includes an exhaust aftertreatment system module, a powertrain module, and a combustion module. The exhaust aftertreatment system module is configured to generate an exhaust conditions vector request. The powertrain module is configured to receive the exhaust conditions vector request from the exhaust aftertreatment system module and generate at least one engine operating condition target based on the exhaust conditions vector request. The combustion module is configured to receive the at least one engine operating condition target and generate at least one engine controls command based on the at least one engine operating condition target. |
| US08505277B2 |
System and methods for controlling selective catalytic reduction systems
An engine system includes an aging factor generation module, a temperature comparison module, and a mode control module. The aging factor generation module generates an aging factor that indicates deterioration of a catalyst in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. The temperature comparison module compares inlet and outlet temperatures of the SCR system to predetermined effective inlet and outlet temperatures of the SCR system, respectively, wherein the predetermined effective inlet and outlet temperatures are based on the aging factor. The mode control module controls at least one of a throttle and a plurality of fuel injectors based on a first predetermined air/fuel (A/F) ratio when the inlet and outlet temperatures of the SCR system are greater than the predetermined effective inlet and outlet temperatures of the SCR system, respectively. |
| US08505276B2 |
Particulate matter measurement device
Disclosed is a particulate matter measurement device that continuously measures changes in a mass of particulate matters contained in an exhaust gas under dynamic operating conditions. The device dilutes and separates the flow of exhaust gas while an engine is operating. The particulate matters contained in one of the exhaust gas streams are collected by a collection filter to measure the mass and the remainder is measured by a mass-related value measurement. Then, time series change data for the mass of the particulate matter are found based on correlations of the individual measured data. With this arrangement, the flow volume of the dilute exhaust gas that passes through the collection filter and the flow volume of the dilute exhaust gas that is introduced into the mass-related value measurement device are ensured by adjusting the flow volume of the diluting gas that dilutes the exhaust gas. |
| US08505275B2 |
Fuel injection systems in a turbomachine combustion chamber
A turbomachine including a combustion chamber provided with systems for injecting fuel into the chamber, and with at least one spark plug is disclosed. The injection system located as close as possible to the spark plug is configured in order to produce a pool of fuel having an angle of opening of a greater value than that of the pools produced by the other injection systems, and having a flow of fuel greater than that of the other injection systems. |
| US08505272B1 |
Cable protection and guide device
A device capable of correcting the relatively twisted positional relationship of mutually adjacent link frame bodies, and precisely place the link frame bodies at appropriate positions. A link side plate includes a rear side plate portion having first and second linear position holding surfaces respectively at rear and front sides thereof in a longitudinal direction. The first linear position holding surface has a convex shape formed with two faces whose attitudes are mutually different with respect to a lateral direction. The second linear position holding surface has a concave shape formed with two faces whose attitudes are mutually different with respect to the lateral direction. |
| US08505270B2 |
Method for treating equine laminitis by cryotherapy and auto-massage
Method and devices for treating equine laminitis by cryotherapy, comprising a boot to be fitted over the horse's hoof, having a wedge shaped sole that is angled by 20° toward the front; The purpose is accomplished by the boot in conjunction with three opportunely shaped removable soles, and a cryotherapy reservoir of flexible material, that is inserted into the boot and connected to an external device for refrigeration by circulation of a fluid. |
| US08505268B2 |
Container treatment plant and method for the treatment of containers
A container treatment plant and a method for the treatment of containers are described. The container treatment plant includes a plurality of treatment elements, wherein each treatment element is used for a pre-determined treatment of the containers and each treatment element has associated therewith a container nominal value which indicates which type of container the treatment element can treat, a detection device for detecting properties of one of the containers to be treated, and a comparator device for comparing a detection result of the detection device with the container nominal value for at least one treatment element. |
| US08505266B2 |
Method for installing decorative panels onto a surface of a room
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. |
| US08505259B1 |
Built-up deep deck unit for a roof or floor
A deck unit is disclosed to form a deck system for a roof or floor that is capable of supporting a heavier load and/or spanning greater distances. The deck unit is a profiled, metal unit, that derives its greater load-bearing strength in part from its greater depth but provides flexibility in achieving the greater strength from the way the additional depth is obtained. In particular, a full length channel is attached to a hat-shaped profile. The channel adds strength both by increasing deck unit depth and by avoiding lengthening the webs on the hat-shaped profile. The channel increases design flexibility by allowing the designer to increase the strength of pre-existing decks by the addition of a channel of suitable metal thickness and size. It also provides a channel for conduit, cabling and wiring. The deck unit may be fluted or, by the addition of a liner panel to close the interior of hat-shaped profile, cellular. Sound absorbing materials can be installed in either a fluted or cellular deck unit. |
| US08505257B2 |
Mechanical locking of floor panels
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other and configured such that the protrusions can obtain a vertically unlocked position where they match the cavities and a vertically locked position where the protrusions overlap each other. |
| US08505256B2 |
Synthetic floor tile having partially-compliant support structure
A compliant insert for flexibly supporting a synthetic floor tile above a ground surface that includes one or more elongate bodies, with each elongate body having a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to a top surface of the floor tile, a top face having an attachment interface for coupling to a tile support structure extending downward from an underside of the floor tile, and a bottom face of having at least one contact flat for contacting the ground surface and at least one upwardly-directed recess for allowing liquids to flow underneath the insert. Each of the elongate bodies also has a thickness and stiffness sufficient, in an unloaded state, to elevate the support structure a distance above the ground surface. |
| US08505249B2 |
Hook and loop attachment of solar panels to roofing membranes
An energy generating system for placement on a roof structure is disclosed including one or more solar panels (10) being secured to roof system components. The solar panels are secured thereto with hook and loop fasteners (16, 78) that may be integral with the roof system components (86). |
| US08505248B1 |
Minimal ballasted surface mounting system and method
A minimal, ballasted roof mounting system and method are provided. The mounting system has a staggered interlocking mounting structure, movable anchors, aerodynamic deflectors that also act as thermal chimneys and grounding of the solar panels without external wiring. |
| US08505247B2 |
Swimming pool system with reinforced composite structural components
A swimming pool has a plurality of wall panels secured together in an edge-to-edge relation to define the perimeter of the pool. At least one of the panels includes: a generally rectangular main body having a generally planar face forming a portion of a pool side wall; a pair of opposed edge flanges for juxtaposition with edge flanges of adjacent wall panels, the flanges extending from the plane of the body face at an angle differing from orthogonal by a small draft angle; and a plurality of elongated ribs extending along each flange of the at least one panel in a direction generally orthogonal to the plane of the body face. |
| US08505246B1 |
Screen room with pivoting roof panels
An outdoor screen room for creating a bug-free environment comprises a plurality of upright screened sidewalls held in a framework that also supports a plurality of screened roof panels that are pivotally attached to the framework, allowing them to be shifted between an enclosure-covering disposition for summer use and a vertical disposition during winter months when snow loads on a horizontal or a slightly pitched roof may be a problem. |
| US08505243B2 |
Rain gutter protecting device with roof-matching coating
A device for covering and protecting a rain gutter to prevent debris, vermin and other material from entering the gutter and accumulating therein. The device includes an elongated body having an apertured trough oriented downwardly into a rain gutter, and a roof-matching coating on an upper surface of the body. The coating comprises granules embedded in a substrate secured to the body. A clear top coat can overlap the roof-matching coating. |
| US08505240B2 |
Casement and awning window opening limit device
A device to limit an opening of a window having a hinged sash coupled to a window frame including a window opening limiting structure having a first member and a second member. One of them is securable to the sash and the other of the first member and the second member being securable to the frame. A selectively releasable coupler by which the first member and the second member are couplable is shiftable between a coupled status and a released status. The first member and the second member bridge a preselected distance such that the sash is inhibited from opening beyond a predetermined distance. The coupler is releasable so that the sash can be opened beyond the predetermined distance and re-engages automatically when the sash is closed. |
| US08505239B2 |
Pet toy
A device for holding objects that are attractive to the senses of animals, including a device for protecting a live catnip plant for use by a cat, the device in one form having a protective enclosure defining an interior to receive the object, such as the plant and plant supporting medium, the cage including a plurality of bars spaced apart to prevent or restrict access to the interior and direct contact with the object while allowing liquid, air, and light to pass through the bars to sustain the plant life and allowing the plant to grow through the bars to the exterior of the device for access by the cat. A watering cap in a top of the cage distributes water to the plant inside the enclosure. A cat toy, scratching surface, or platform or combination thereof may be incorporated into or associated with the enclosure. |
| US08505233B1 |
Fishing lure component assembly
A fishing lure component assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. Each of the first and second panels has a first side, a second side and a perimeter edge extending between associated ones of the first and second sides. The first side of each of the first and second panels comprises a light reflective material. The first and second panels each include an upper layer which includes the first side and a lower layer which includes the second side. The lower layer of the first panel comprises a first mating member and the lower layer of the second panel comprises a second mating member. The first and second mating members are configured to be removably coupled together with a leader positioned therebetween to releasably retain the first and second panels on the leader. |
| US08505230B2 |
Robot mounting device
A robot mounting device includes a pair of spaced-apart arms adapted to retain robot body of a surveillance robot. The robot mounting device also includes a latching mechanism to secure the robot mounting device to a rifle. The positioning of the robot can be adjusted within robot mounting device to site a camera in the axle of the robot with respect to the rifle. The rifle can then be oriented to obtain visual imagery of an environment. |
| US08505227B2 |
Firearm with quick coupling barrel interlock system
A firearm with barrel interlock system for a rotary mounted quick coupling barrel assembly. In one embodiment, the firearm includes a receiver and barrel assembly rotatably mounted thereto. A bolt carrier supporting a bolt is slidably disposed in the receiver and axially movable into and out of battery with the barrel assembly. The barrel interlock system may include a first barrel anti-rotation locking element disposed on the barrel assembly and a mating second barrel anti-rotation locking element disposed on the bolt carrier that is engageable with the first element. When mutually engaged, the first and second locking elements form a meshed relationship and prevent rotation and removal of the barrel assembly from the receiver. In some non-limiting embodiments, the locking elements may be in the form of a protrusion and complementary shaped recess. |
| US08505226B2 |
Recoil reducing assembly for autoloading firearms
A recoil-reducing stock assembly for an autoloading shotgun or rifle that includes a receiver with a rear face and a spring tube extending rearwardly from the receiver rear face is described. The assembly includes a pistol grip against the receiver rear face having a spring tube bore; a stock having a spring tube recess and a connector tube cavity; a connector tube with a bore attachable at selected positions to the stock within the connector tube cavity; a tubular conduit slidably inserted over the spring tube and slidable and non-rotatable within the connector tube bore, the tubular conduit having a front end non-rotatably attached to the pistol grip; and a compressible spring inserted over the front tubular conduit and between the connector tube and the pistol grip to buffer recoil. |
| US08505225B1 |
Firearm trigger assembly
A firearm trigger assembly is provided. The firearm trigger assembly includes first and second trigger elements having independent pivot points. The first and second trigger elements can also each incorporate rolling contact elements to minimize frictional contact between one another and the remainder of a firing mechanism incorporating the trigger assembly. |
| US08505224B2 |
Frame structure for solar cell module
A frame structure for solar cell module, in which each of the four sidebars that constructs the frame structure is comprised of a bottom, a first vertical wall, a second vertical wall, a first horizontal wall and a second horizontal wall. Substantially, the present invention provides a a frame structure constructed using parts of different curvatures, that is capable of preventing any filling material from overflowing on the front side of a solar cell element during the integration of the solar cell element and the front structure, without having the so-constructed solar cell module to be processed by an additional machining process for processing the overflowed filling material after the integration, and thus not only the sidebars of the frame structure can be prevented from being broken by the stress resulting from the machining process, but also the manufacturing time required for the consequent solar cell module can be reduced. |
| US08505218B2 |
Shoe having removable and interchangeable heel assemblies with kit
A removable heel assembly, a shoe having a removable shoe assembly and kit containing a shoe body having a heel base and a plurality a assorted removable and interchangeable heels. The heel assembly includes the heel base and a removable and interchangeable heel. The removability relies upon at east two curved, tapered grooves ending in a dimple. The heel utilizes a locking connector which contains components which fit within a cavity within the heel base and which locks in place upon rotation thereof when the components engage the curved, tapered, grooves and dimple. |
| US08505214B2 |
Article of footwear
An article of footwear has a shoe body, including a shoe upper and a bendable sole which together define a first cavity, and the sole includes a second cavity. A pump is positioned inside the second cavity and it is operated by a device inside the sole. This device contains at least one portion movable within the second cavity against the pump in response to bending or unbending of the sole. |
| US08505212B2 |
Method for reconditioning or processing a FCR APG-68 tactical radar unit
A method for improving the manufacture and reliability of new, remanufactured, repaired or reconditioned Fire Control Radar APG-68 tactical radar systems (FCR) utilized in military aircraft and providing such units with extended useful life expectancies equivalent to or better than new of the FCR APG-68 unit high frequency, high voltage dual mode radar transmitters that are deployed in over 1000 state-of-the-art military aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft, and B-1 bombers. The novel method extends the mean lifetime of previously repaired and repairable FCR APG-68 tactical radar units and radar units and ageing transmitters from about 100 to a few hundred hours to about five hundred or more hours by the step of removing embedded moisture and absorbed moisture from the heterogeneous electronic components in the FCR APG-68 tactical radar unit. |
| US08505207B2 |
Cutting knife, in particular for cutting food
A cutting knife, in particular for cutting food, includes a blade being disposed rotatably about a rotation axis and a drive being designed as an electric motor, which includes a rotating rotor and a stationary stator, which interact for driving the blade and which impart a rotational movement on the blade during operation of the cutting knife. Herein, the rotor is rotatable about the rotation axis, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner with the blade and rotates during operation of the cutting knife together with the blade about the rotation axis. In this way, a cutting knife is provided which is improved with regard to its construction such that the driving of the blade is simplified and the manageability of the cutting knife is improved. |
| US08505206B2 |
Folding knife with opening mechanism
In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a folding knife has a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, that applies an opening force to the blade when the blade is in the closed, or folded, position (i.e., the force of the spring creates a moment in the opening direction of the blade). The folding knife includes a latching mechanism that holds the blade in a closed and latched position against the opening force of the spring. To open the blade, manual pressure is applied to the upper edge of the blade (the edge opposite the sharpened edge) to move the blade slightly to a closed and unlatched position to release the blade from being held from the latching mechanism whereupon the blade is then free to pivot under the opening force of the spring. |
| US08505205B2 |
Personal care system comprising an electrical shaver and a cleaning device
A personal care system includes an electrical shaver and a cleaning device for cleaning a shaving head. The cleaning device further includes a displacing system for displacing its supporting member relative to a cleaning fluid container from a first position in which the shaving head, when the shaver is supported by the supporting member, is not in contact with the cleaning liquid in the container, to a second position in which the shaving head is at least partially immersed in the cleaning liquid in the container. The cleaning device does not need any pump for displacing the cleaning liquid. Rather, activation of the shaving head that causes, e.g., rotation of a cutting unit, provides a sufficient pumping effect for the cleaning liquid when the shaving head is immersed in the cleaning liquid. |
| US08505203B2 |
Method of installing a longitudinally offset multi-layer mat in an exhaust gas aftertreatment or acoustic device
A method is provided for installing a multi-layer mat (24) in an exhaust gas aftertreatment or acoustic device. The method includes the steps of wrapping the mat (24) around an inner surface of the device along the same plane for at least a complete wrap around the inner surface; subsequently wrapping the mat (24) around the already completed wrap such that each of the successive wraps of the mat (24) are offset a constant distance from the plane of the previous wrap; a final wrap of the mat (24) wherein the mat is wrapped along a final plane for at least a complete wrap around the catalyst; and installing the mat (24) in the device (18) after the wrapping steps. |
| US08505199B2 |
Method of fabricating an interconnection element having conductive posts
An interconnection element is provided for conductive interconnection with another element having at least one of microelectronic devices or wiring thereon. The interconnection element includes a dielectric element having a major surface. A plated metal layer including a plurality of exposed metal posts can project outwardly beyond the major surface of the dielectric element. Some of the metal posts can be electrically insulated from each other by the dielectric element. The interconnection element typically includes a plurality of terminals in conductive communication with the metal posts. The terminals can be connected through the dielectric element to the metal posts. The posts may be defined by plating a metal onto exposed co-planar surfaces of a mandrel and interior surfaces of openings in a mandrel, after which the mandrel can be removed. |
| US08505196B2 |
Method and device for securing a crystal with a counter strip
Method of securing a watch bezel 1 including a case 3 and a crystal 2, characterized in that it includes a step of snap fitting the bezel 1 onto the crystal 2, during which snap fit means 6 are guided by guide means 5 arranged on case 3. |
| US08505190B2 |
Method of manufacturing inertial sensor
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an inertial sensor. The method of manufacturing an inertial sensor 100 includes (A) applying a polymer 120 to a base substrate 110, (B) patterning the polymer 120 so as to form an opening part 125 in the polymer 120, (C) completing a cap 130 by forming a cavity 115 on the base substrate 110 exposed fro the opening part 125 through an etching process in a thickness direction, and (D) bonding the cap 130 to a device substrate 140 by using a polymer 120, whereby the polymer 120 is applied to the base substrate 110 in a constant thickness D3, such that the cap 130 may be easily bonded to the device substrate 140 by using the polymer 120. |
| US08505187B2 |
Guide and setting device for fastener elements
A guide and setting device for elements, in particular fastener elements comprising a hollow guide piece, a plunger axially displaceably arranged within the guide piece and holding members which are displaceably guided perpendicular to the plunger and biased in the direction towards the longitudinal axis of the plunger and/or of the guide piece. In a retracted loading position of the plunger one element can be inserted between the holding members and the free end of the plunger. The holding members can be opened as a result of the axial advanced movement of the plunger and the respective element moved in the axial direction past the holding members. Further holding members following the first named holding members are provided which hold the element during a setting stroke. Furthermore, latching elements are provided which prevent opening of the further holding members during the setting stroke but after the completion of the setting stroke allow the opening of the further holding members to release the element. A method is also claimed. |
| US08505180B2 |
Rebuilt winding cores and method of manufacture
A method of rebuilding used cores comprising the steps of; cutting a used core substantially down the center at a midway cut thereby creating a left core and a right core. Further installing an extension unit in between the left core and right core, thereby forming a lengthened rebuilt core. Further, cutting the damaged ends off the rebuilt core to a selected finished length. The rebuilt core includes a left core obtained from a donor core; a right core obtained from a donor core; an extension unit sandwiched between the left core and the right core for rigidly joining together the left and right cores by connecting to one end of each of the cores. |
| US08505178B2 |
Adjustable support tooling apparatus
A system and method for manufacturing that provides for adjustable support of work pieces such as printed circuit boards includes an edge rail system having first and second edge rails, with at least one of the edge rails being adjustable, allowing the width of the system to be adjusted to accommodate various widths of work pieces. It also includes a set of support strips for supporting a lower side of the work pieces and a means for dynamically adjusting spacing of support strips to adjust to the width of the edge rail system. |
| US08505176B2 |
Snap ring attachment and snap ring attaching tool
A snap ring attachment includes a guide cylinder (40) defining a guide path (41) having a region of a supply port side of a snap ring exhibiting a circular section and a region of an exit side of the snap ring exhibiting an oval section and continuously varying from the circular section to the oval section, so as to guide the snap ring toward an attachment groove, a posture changing and pressing mechanism (50) provided in the guide cylinder for pressing the snap ring supplied in an upright state vertical to the extending direction of the guide path while being radially contracted, to tiltingly move it, then again erect it, and press it while changing its posture to be pushed into the attachment groove, and a driving mechanism (60) for exerting driving force to generate pressing force in the posture changing and pressing mechanism. |
| US08505175B2 |
Tool assembly for a ram driven press responsive to the stroke of the ram driven press
Assemblies and methods for processing a workpiece in a ram-driven press employ an active tool contained by a housing that is interchangeable with a passive forming tool assembly in a mounting assembly of the press. The active tool includes a microprocessor and a functional head coupled to the microprocessor. Some assemblies including the active tool include a switch for activating the functional head; the switch may be mounted to the housing such that, when the housing is mounted in the mounting assembly of the press, the switch is triggered by movement of the housing in response to the ram stroke of the press. |
| US08505174B2 |
Fastener for clothing or lingerie
A one-step fabric fastener has a front element formed with a backwardly open seat cavity holding a magnet and having a pair of catch faces directed away from one end of the front element, flanking the seat cavity, and angled such that front edges of the catch faces are closer to the one end than back edges of the catch faces. The one end of the front element can exert traction on the front element and front magnet in a direction toward the one end. A back element formed with a forwardly projecting bump holding a back magnet is loosely fittable in the seat cavity has a pair of catch faces engageable in the direction with the front-element catch faces on engagement of the bump in the cavity. The magnets attract each other and pull the bump into the seat cavity on juxtaposition of the front and back element. |
| US08505173B2 |
Elevator load bearing termination assembly
A socket device (10) for securing an end of a load bearing member (22) includes first socket members (26a and 26b) and second socket members (28a and 28b) that are distinct, separate pieces of material. The second socket members (28a and 28b) are spaced apart from each other at a desired angle and rigidly secured on one side to one of the first socket members (26a) and on another side to the other first socket member (26b) to form the socket (24). A disclosed example includes cooperating tabs (38) and recesses or openings (34) for securing the socket members together in a rigidly fixed alignment. |
| US08505172B2 |
Removable pouch partition
A removable pouch partition clip having the same length of a pouch's folds. Said clip has a transverse hole at each end to allow the insertion of retaining pin to prevent the accidental slippage of the clip during shipping, which may release the partition folds and allow unwanted contamination or communication between the two compartments. Said clip has a figure of U. The edges of the U have reinforcement for increased rigidity. Each end of the clip may have a retaining pin that penetrates through corresponding holes in the pouch's folds. The retaining pins may be replaced with heat spot welds. Pulling the pouches apart will disengage the pins and remove the clip allowing the pouches to communicate. |
| US08505170B1 |
Adjustable line clip holder
Clips, devices, apparatus and methods of holding and supporting different diameter lines and conduits, such as medical oxygen air lines, earphone or headset wire lines, other types of wires, and power cords, and the like in a clip that can attach to clothing such as to pants, belts and pockets. The clip can include a rear U-shaped base and downwardly and upwardly protruding elongated members having different sets of upper and lower bends. The clip can be formed from a single vinyl coated wire line, that forms three sets of bends, each set having a different diameter. The lines and conduits can be securely held in different diameter sets of bends. |
| US08505169B2 |
Hinge assembly
A hinge is provided. In at least one embodiment, the hinge includes: a first hinge leaf; a second hinge leaf interleaved with the first hinge leaf; a housing defined within a posterior side of at least one of the first hinge leaf and the second hinge leaf and configured to receive a conduit adapted to receive and pass through a medium of power transfer from the first hinge leaf to the second hinge leaf on an anterior side of the first hinge leaf and second hinge leaf; and an aperture defined on the anterior side of at least one of the first hinge leaf and the second hinge leaf through which to access the housing. In various embodiments the hinge can include multiple housings, fittings, turrets, and ball-and-socket fittings. In various embodiments, conduits are flexible, rigid, both flexible and rigid, elastic, braided, and telescoping. |
| US08505168B1 |
Non-invasive door hinge mounted support
A non-invasive door bracket assembly that does no damage to the door or the door jam. It utilizes the door jam hinge screws to support the bracket assembly reducing parts and eliminating additional holes in the door and jam, while providing higher load support. This assembly can support a variety of door products but principally a child proof door jam cover. |
| US08505166B2 |
Heavy duty riser hinge
A riser hinge (10) is disclosed which includes a mounting flange assembly (12) pivotally coupled to a strap assembly (15). The strap assembly includes a camming assembly (27) having a multi-lobed cam 28 with a large lobe (38) and a small lobe (39). The lobes have a top bearing surfaces which extends to a flat dwell surface. The large lobe top dwell surface (41) is of a select size (arcuate length) which is longer than that of the small lobe top dwell surface (44). The camming assembly also includes a cam follower (56) having two cam following ridges (69). The asymmetrical configuration of the grooves creates a first, large ridge (70) and a second, small ridge (71). The bottom bearing surface (77) of the small ridge rides upon the top bearing surface of the small lobe. Similarly, the bottom bearing surface (73) of the large ridge rides upon the top bearing surface of the large lobe. |
| US08505165B2 |
Damping mechanism for cabinet hinge assembly
A hinge assembly is provided to mount a door to a housing, and includes a housing fixation section (1), a hinge cup (3) pivotally connected to the housing fixation section (1), and a damping mechanism (4) positioned entirely within the hinge cup (3) to dampen movement of the door as it closes on the housing. |
| US08505164B2 |
Vehicle door hinge
A vehicle door hinge that is positioned between a vehicle main body and a vehicle door and connects the same to each other in order to connect the vehicle door to the vehicle main body so as to be openable and closable may include a female bracket that is securely attached to one of the vehicle main body and the vehicle door, a male bracket that is securely attached to the other of the vehicle main body and the vehicle door, a rotation shaft member that is secured to the female bracket and supports the male bracket to be rotatable relative to the female bracket. A coating film capable of restricting an electric current from flowing from the rotation shaft member to each of the slide bushes is formed in a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft member, which portion includes a part of a contact portion thereof that slidably contacts each of the slide bushes in a rotational axis direction and at least a proximity range thereof that is positioned in proximity to an exposed end periphery of each of the slide bushes. |
| US08505159B2 |
Agitator cavity fitting for floor care cleaning apparatus
A floor care cleaning apparatus includes a nozzle assembly including a housing defining an agitator cavity. A canister assembly is connected to the nozzle assembly. A suction generator is carried by either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. A dirt collection vessel is also carried by one of these assemblies. In addition, an agitator cavity fitting is carried by the nozzle assembly. The agitator cavity fitting includes a cooperating air guide and conduit. The conduit defines an intake port of the floor cleaning apparatus. |
| US08505158B2 |
Cleaning apparatus and dust collecting method using the same
A cleaning apparatus and a dust collecting method using the same are provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a body, a brush unit rotatably provided at the body, a dust collecting unit to store contaminants, such as dust, swept by the brush unit, and a blowing unit to suction contaminants, such as dust, scattered by the brush unit and to move the suctioned contaminants to the dust collecting unit. |
| US08505156B2 |
Floor cleaning apparatus with surface dryer
A floor cleaning apparatus includes a chassis having a forward end and a rearward end. A plurality of floor engaging wheels support the chassis above a floor. A first tank is supported by the chassis for holding a cleaning solution that is dispensed onto the floor. A second tank is supported by the chassis for holding cleaning solution recovered from the floor. A squeegee assembly is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the forward end and in fluid communication with the second tank, wherein recovered cleaning solution drawn into the squeegee assembly is deposited into the second tank. A gas is directed toward the floor rearwardly of the squeegee assembly along substantially the entire length of the squeegee assembly to evaporate cleaning solution dispensed from the first tank and not recovered by the squeegee assembly. |
| US08505155B2 |
Surface cleaning apparatus with recovery tank latch
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a recovery tank. The surface cleaning apparatus can further include a base, and the recovery tank can have side rails to facilitate alignment of the recovery tank with the base. The recovery tank can include a float assembly with a pivotable closure member. The recovery tank can have a lid with a handle and latch to secure the lid to the recovery tank. Further, the recovery tank can comprise a lid with a working air conduit mounted to the lid and removable from the recovery tank with the lid. |
| US08505154B2 |
Directed hydroburst system for cleaning flat screens
A screen intake system has a body with an open end and a chamber. A flat screen is disposed at the open end of the body. To keep the screen clear of debris, an airburst system has pipes disposed in the chamber. The pipes dispose parallel to one another adjacent the flat screen, and each of the pipes has orifices in a side facing the flat screen. Directors are disposed along the backs of the pipes in a lattice, and each of the directors has a channel in which the pipe disposes. Compressed air released by valves from a tank dispersed from the pipe's orifices. Each of the directors directs the resulting water/airburst from the orifices toward the adjacent flat screen to clear it of debris. |
| US08505153B2 |
Wiper with vibrating cleaning apparatus
A scrubber assembly includes a scrubber support structure, a scrubber element and a vibrating motor. The scrubber support structure is configured to attach to a windshield wiper. The scrubber element is movably attached to the scrubber support structure and extends between a first end and a spaced apart second end along a central longitudinal axis. The motor is mounted to the scrubber element so as to cause the scrubber element to vibrate when the vibrating motor is activated. |
| US08505152B2 |
Windscreen wiper device
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal groove on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connection piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein said oscillating arm is pivotally connected to said connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part, wherein said joint part comprises at least one resilient tongue engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in said oscillating arm, and wherein said resilient tongue is rotatable along an hinge axis between an outward position retaining the wiper blade onto the oscillating arm and an inward position releasing the wiper blade form the oscillating arm, characterized in that said resilient tongue is forced in the outward position under the influence of a moment in case a force is exerted on the wiper blade in a direction away from the oscillating arm. |
| US08505151B2 |
Connecting device for the articulated connection of a wiper blade to a wiper arm
A connecting device for the articulated connection of a wiper blade to a wiper arm, wherein the connecting device comprises an adapter with a button on the end of the drive side thereof above a spring clip, wherein the button is connected via a spring tongue to the adapter and protrudes beyond the upper edges of the lateral walls. The lateral walls at the lower edges thereof have a protruding guide rail on which a stop is provided. |
| US08505143B2 |
Programmable steerable robot particularly useful for cleaning swimming pools
A programmable steerable robot, particularly useful for cleaning swimming pools, includes: a body member; a first ground-engaging rotary propelling device at one side of the body member; a second ground-engaging rotary propelling device at an opposite side of the body member; a rotary brush carried by the body member engageable with walls of the swimming pool for cleaning same; a drive for driving both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; a transmission system connecting the drive to both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; and a programming device controlling the transmission system such that, for preselected travel intervals, both rotary propelling devices are driven in the same direction to propel the body member along a linear path, and for other preselected time intervals, the rotary propelling devices are controlled such that the body member is propelled along a different path. |
| US08505141B1 |
Compact folding slide-out ramp assembly
A ramp assembly includes a ramp platform movable for reciprocating motion between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp platform has an inner ramp panel, an intermediate ramp panel slidably associated with the inner ramp panel, and an outer ramp panel rotatably associated with the intermediate ramp panel. Movement of the ramp assembly from the stowed position to the deployed position defines a deployment motion that includes (1) rotation of the outer ramp panel through at least 90 degrees relative to the intermediate ramp panel; and (2) translation of the intermediate ramp panel relative to the inner ramp panel. A drive assembly is associated with the ramp platform, the drive assembly being movable to reciprocate the ramp platform between the stowed position and the deployed position. |
| US08505140B2 |
Movable passenger bridge for a ship
A movable passenger bridge for embarking and disembarking a ship includes sections, each pair of adjacent sections connected at respective ends by shorter transfer sections, arranged so that passengers can walk from section to section. The sections and the transfer sections are supported by a framework of steel beams. The sections are displaceably arranged relative to the framework, forming an angle relative to the horizontal plane, accommodating a height difference between first and second ports. The framework is supported by wheel arrangements that abut against a quay. An entry module by the first port, on the one hand is connectable to a first of the sections, on the other hand is connected to the transfer section which is located closest to and lying in the same vertical plane as the entry module, whereby a connection can be established from the entry module directly into the second transfer section. |
| US08505134B2 |
Nursing bed with a lateral movement of translation
The invention relates to a nursing bed (1) comprising a base (2) supported on the ground and a sleeping surface (3) supported by the base (2) and comprising a back rest (4), a seat part (5) and a leg rest (6), the nursing bed being characterized in that it allows for clearance with a lateral movement of translation (20), used to enable the leg rest (6) to move laterally in relation to the seat part (5), or vice versa, the seat part (5) in relation to the leg rest (6), according to a movement of translation oriented in a direction which is essentially transversal to the sleeping surface (3), in such a way as to clear the front access to the seat part (5), and a regulator for varying the seat of the seat part (5) and/or the leg rest (6) in relation to the ground. |
| US08505131B2 |
Trench drain system and method of installation on level floor surface, paticulary for shower rooms
A trench drain system and method of installation thereof on a level floor surface. An elongate channel member is placed on the floor surface. A preformed elongate sloping member having a thick end tapering to a thin end in inserted into the channel with its thin end closest to the channel drain opening, thereby forming an inclined sloping surface. A grate extends over the channel inlet. The area adjacent the channel is filled to the height of the channel, whereby water thereon flows through the grate into the channel, along the inclined surface and out through the drain opening. The channel can be placed adjacent a vertical wall whereby wall tile may be installed over a channel top edge. The floor area adjacent the channel is filled with preformed sloping sheet members or with plastically formable material positioned at an incline using a floor height setting post. |
| US08505129B2 |
Rod with twist-end tension assembly
We provide a tension assembly for a curtain rod, preferably a shower curtain rod. The assembly includes a tube and a plunger slidably disposed within the tube. Between the tube and the plunger is a biasing means such as a spring. The plunger includes opposite L-shaped grooves having a common axial section and opposite tangential section. The groove allows inclusion of a locking pin that is retained in the tube. The combination of the locking pin and the L-shaped grooves allows the plunger to be moved until the plunger compresses the spring, then the plunger is locked. When additional the curtain rod is put into place the plunger or rod may be rotated, releasing the plunger and allowing the spring to provide additional tension. |
| US08505128B2 |
Removable closure for a bathtub having a walk-through
A closure for a bathtub is disclosed. The bathtub has a walk-through bound by a generally U-shaped structure having a central sill portion and jamb portions projecting upwardly and from opposite ends of said sill portion. The closure comprises an exterior insert and an interior insert. The exterior insert, in use, is disposed exteriorly of the U-shaped structure. The interior insert, in use, is disposed interiorly of the U-shaped structure and releasably secured to the exterior insert to seal against the U-shaped structure to permit the bathtub to be filled to a height above the sill portion. |
| US08505123B2 |
Ventilated toilet
A ventilated toilet includes a toilet bowl having flush holes disposed around a rim of the toilet bowl for discharging water into the toilet bowl, a holding tank for containing a volume of water sufficient to cause the toilet to flush when the volume of water is discharged into the toilet bowl, a flush and refill mechanism for flushing and then refilling the toilet, the flush mechanism controlling a flush valve that covers a drain in a bottom of the holding tank. The toilet also includes a water feed conduit connecting the drain to the holes around the rim of the bowl. A motion-sensitive switch is connected to a movable portion of the flush and refill mechanism for controlling an air ventilation fan that draws malodorous air from the toilet bowl through the flush holes and conduit and then through an air outlet in the toilet bowl. |
| US08505122B1 |
Sports impact protection system
The invention provides a sports impact protection system adaptable for use with ordinary sports apparel such shirts, pants and shorts. The system includes one or more impact absorbing pads and means for reversibly attaching the pads to sports apparel. |
| US08505121B2 |
Head suspension having transition arms and rear support
A head suspension includes a headband portion having a length and two transition arms. Each transition arm is coupled to the headband portion and extends away from the headband portion length at an angle greater than zero degrees. Each transition arm has a distal end and a pivot at the distal end. The pivot characterized by a pivot point and a rear support portion is pivotally connected to each pivot. |
| US08505117B2 |
Hood and scarf combination
A hood and scarf combination is disclosed. A hood portion includes fasteners. A scarf portion includes one or more sets of fasteners disposed on the scarf portion to receive the hood fasteners along various positions along the scarf portion. |
| US08510858B2 |
Multi-functional device and method of storing a transmission list of users in the same
A multi-functional device and a method of storing a transmission list of users in the same. The multi-functional device includes an authenticator to authenticate one or more users, a storage unit to store a transmission list of the authenticated users, a user interface to display the transmission list of the authenticated users, a controller to read the transmission list of the authenticated users stored in the storage unit and to control the user interface to display the read list, and a communication interface to transmit and receive data. The controller controls the communication interface to transmit and receive the data to/from a transmission address, which is selected from the displayed transmission list by the user interface. When a multi-functional device is used to transmit scanned data to an electronic mail address or an Internet address, the transmission address can be selected from a recently transmitted electronic mail address list or a recently transmitted Internet address list of authenticated users such that an address desired by a user can be set up instead of directly inputting the address. Accordingly, a transmission address list of users is managed, thereby preventing the transmission address list from being discarded or deleted by other people using the multi-functional device. |
| US08510857B2 |
Federation of email
A method of federating electronic mail (e-mail). A request can be received from a first user to view at least one e-mail of a second user, the request including at least one identifier corresponding to the second user and a criteria indicating a subject matter of the e-mail. The method further can include verifying whether the first user is authorized to access the e-mail of the second user that satisfies the criteria. Responsive to determining that the first user is authorized to view the e-mail of the second user that satisfies the criteria, the first user can be provided access to view the at least one e-mail that satisfies the criteria. |
| US08510856B2 |
Image processing device, control method thereof and computer program product
An image forming device is provided with a use permission determining portion, an authentication process requesting portion and a job executing portion. The use permission determining portion performs determination whether or not use of the image processing device should be permitted for a user who wants to use the image processing device. The authentication process requesting portion requests the authentication server via a network to act for the determination when the use permission determining portion cannot perform the determination. The job executing portion performs the image processing of process specifics designated by the user when a determination result indicating that the user can use the image forming device is obtained. |
| US08510855B2 |
Image distribution apparatus and method of controlling the same, image transmission apparatus and method of controlling the same, which are excellent in user location information security, and storage medium
An image distribution apparatus capable of preventing a third party from knowing that a photographer is away from a specific place, based on information indicative of shooting date and time or a shooting location, which is stored in a manner associated with an image shot by the photographer. A blog server receives an image from an camera-equipped cellular phone. The image has location information added thereto which is indicative of a location where the cellular phone existed during shooting processing of the image. The blog server stores the image, and determines whether a location indicated by the location information is within a predetermined area. The blog server permits distribution of the image via a network if the location is determined to be within the predetermined area, but inhibits distribution of the image if the location is not determined to be within the predetermined area. |
| US08510853B2 |
Content management method and apparatus of mobile terminal
A contents management method and apparatus of a mobile terminal provides improved security of private contents. A contents management method of a mobile terminal includes establishing a connection to at least one external terminal. The method also includes segmenting a content stored in the mobile terminal into segments and sharing the content by distributing the segments to the terminals. The method further includes integrating the segments distributed to the terminals into the content when a content execution command is input. The method still further includes storing the integrated content and deleting the integrated content in the mobile terminal when at least one of the terminals is disconnected. |
| US08510845B1 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring identity misrepresentation by a user on a network
Method and apparatus for monitoring identity misrepresentation by a user on a network are described. In one example, validated identity information for the user is received from a trusted source. Data exchanged between a network client on a device associated with the user and the network is monitored. An identity misrepresentation by the user is detected based on the validated identity information. A notification of the identity misrepresentation is sent to the trusted source. |
| US08510843B2 |
Security status and information display system
The present invention provides a system and method for reporting security information relating to a mobile device. A security component identifies security events on the mobile device that are processed on the mobile device or by a server. The security component then determines a security assessment for the mobile device based upon the detected security events. The security state assessment can be displayed in various different formats on the mobile device display or on a client computer through a user interface. The display may be persistent in the form of a desktop widget or home-screen item which enables the user or administrator to verify the functioning of security protection on the device and be alerted if the device needs attention without having to specifically seek such information. |
| US08510841B2 |
Detecting malware using patterns
In certain embodiments, a method includes receiving a first file. The method also includes accessing at least one storage module comprising a first malware pattern, a second malware pattern, and a third malware pattern. The second malware pattern is a first permutation of the first malware pattern. The third malware pattern is a second permutation of the second malware pattern and is different than the second malware pattern. The method includes comparing, by at least one processor, the first file to the third malware pattern. In addition, the method includes determining, by the at least one processor, that the first file comprises malware in response to comparing the file to the third malware pattern. |
| US08510826B1 |
Carrier-independent on-demand distributed denial of service (DDoS) mitigation
Service provider-independent on-demand distributed denial of service (DDoS) mitigation. A mitigation provider provides a service to customers to remove or reduce DDoS attacks regardless of the customer's relationship with a service provider. Customer profiles about the customers' IP traffics are loaded into mitigation devices. When a DDoS attack occurs, customer profiles are activated in a set of the mitigation devices. Routes are also modified to steer customer traffic to the mitigation devices. DDoS packets are removed at the mitigation devices and the “cleaned” IP traffic is subsequently routed to the destination. |
| US08510822B2 |
Communication system, reliable communication mechanism, and communication method used for the same
Provided is a communication system capable of fundamentally preventing an attack from an unspecified counterpart and resolve problem even when a problem occurs in a user terminal or client and a server. A mediation server (1) receives an attack from an outside source on behalf of a server (34) (server A), redirects and receives communication addressed to a node-representative ID, and performs first authentication for the communication. In the case of a reliable user terminal or client (42) (client B), the mediation server (1) provides the device with an intermediary server ID specifying an intermediary server (2). The intermediary server (2) performs second authentication for the user terminal or client (42) (client B) going through the mediation server (1). When it is identified that the user terminal or client (42) (client B) is reliable, the intermediary server (2) asks the server (34) (server A) about an ID and provides the user terminal or client (42) (client B) with traceable ID information acquired from the server (34) (server A). |
| US08510818B2 |
Selective cross-realm authentication
A selective cross-realm authenticator associates an identifier with a request from an entity authenticated in one realm to access a resource associated with a second realm. The identifier indicates that the entity was authenticated in a realm other than the realm associated with the requested resource. A domain controller associated with the resource performs an access check to verify that the authenticated user is authorized to authenticate to the requested resource. Permissions associated with the resource can be used to specify levels of access to be granted to entities authenticated by a domain controller associated with another realm. |
| US08510814B2 |
Method and apparatus for network authentication of human interaction and user identity
A method and apparatus are provided to enable a server to determine if a client connecting to the server is doing so by means of human user interaction, as opposed to an automated process. In order to authorize access to services, the option of determining user identity, such as by means of a graphical shared secret, is also provided. Three aspects are described: (i) image formation from an object model; (ii) presentation of image choices to a user, and (iii) user action. Image formation includes the creation of one or more categorized 2-dimensional images with object regions for each image automatically qualified. These one or more categorized images can be created by means of a Randomizable Image Generation Object for Human Recognition, comprised of (i) a 3-dimensional object model, (ii) a plurality of rendering threshold and constraint parameters, and (iii) categorization and qualitative metadata. The one or more 2-dimensional images are preferably transmitted to the user for authentication without the image metadata, which may be retained on the server. Related inquiry text can be sent when human user interaction is being determined and not user identity authentication. |
| US08510813B2 |
Management of network login identities
Apparatuses, methods, and systems directed to facilitate the management and/or security of network login and authentication systems. Some embodiments of the invention allow users to maintain a plurality of user accounts with a given domain, and switch among multiple login sessions. In other particular embodiments, the systems disclosed below can be used to identify and prevent phishing attacks. In some embodiments, the present invention involves using a personal identification number or string as an additional security measure. In some other embodiments, the present invention involves using an application identifier while establishing a login session with the network server. |
| US08510810B2 |
Secure credential store
A credential store provides for secure storage of credentials. A credential stored in the credential store is encrypted with the public key of a user owning the credential. A first user may provide a credential owned by the first user to a second user. The first user may add credentials owned by the first user to the credential store. An administrator may manage users of the credential store without having the ability to provide credentials to those users. |
| US08510809B2 |
Network authentication system and method
A network authentication system and method are provided. When an authentication request is initiated by a user of a computer device through a network, a display interface displaying an identifier, an authentication (matching) result corresponding to the identifier and one or more non-authentication (bogus) results unrelated to the identifier are transmitted to the computer device. The user then chooses among the authentication result and the non-authentication results with the goal of choosing the result that is associated with displayed identifier. If a non-authentication result is chosen, the user is given an opportunity to repeat the authentication. The identifier includes advertising information, thereby predictably producing a desired advertising effect. |
| US08510808B2 |
Associating computing devices with common credentials
Method and computer storage media for sharing resources between a plurality of computing devices associated with a common non-enterprise network. A common set of credentials is stored on at least two or more of a plurality of computing devices that reside behind a routing device and are associated through a common non-enterprise network. Upon storing the common set of credentials, each of the two or more of a plurality of computing devices create a local account that contains, at least, the common set of credentials. The common set of credentials allow for the sharing, among the two or more of the plurality of computing devices, of resource that reside on or are associated with the computing devices. |
| US08510804B1 |
Authorizing application use by a mobile device
A method of operating a communication system comprises receiving an authorization request from a location determination system that includes a device identifier and a port identifier and that is generated in response to receiving a location request from a communication device generated in response to a request for the location of the communication device made by an application running on the communication device. The location request includes the port identifier and the device identifier, and the device identifier identifies the communication device. The method further comprises processing the authorization request to determine an application identifier associated with the application based on the port identifier, processing the application identifier and the device identifier to determine if the application is authorized to run on the communication device, and transferring an authorization response from the authorization system that indicates if the application is authorized for the communication device. |
| US08510798B2 |
Authentication in an audio/visual system having multiple signaling paths
A method and structure for authentication in a system having devices capable of communicating via multiple signal paths. Authentication is carried out between first and second devices. A first device communicates with a second device over a first data signaling path of an interface between the first and second devices in a first portion of an authentication process. A second device communicates with the first device over a second data signaling path of the interface between the first and second devices in a second portion of the authentication process. |
| US08510795B1 |
Video-based CAPTCHA
A system and a method automatically generate video-based tests to distinguish human users from computer software agents. The system comprises a CAPTCHA generation engine, a CAPTCHA serving engine, a video clips database, and a video tests database. The CAPTCHA generation engine selects a video clip from the video clips database, and segments the video clip into multiple video segments. For each video segment, the CAPTCHA generation engine associates a plurality of related queries with the video segment, generates a video test based on the association, and stores in the video tests database. A CAPTCHA serving engine selects a video test for a user, maintaining a user trial counter for each user taking the video test. Based on the user trial counter information and the response to the selected video test, the CAPTCHA serving engine determines whether the user is a human user. |
| US08510792B2 |
Gated network service
A method includes identifying at a gateway device of a network a plurality of devices connected to the network. The method includes monitoring network traffic at the gateway device and determining that a particular traffic flow associated with one of the plurality of devices violates a privacy constraint. The method also includes providing a risk assessment associated with the privacy constraint violation. The risk assessment is at least partially based on terms and conditions associated with a particular device of the plurality of devices. |
| US08510790B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
The object of the present invention is to provide a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing system capable of performing an appropriate processing in response to the operating condition of the substrate processing apparatus and of realizing an improvement in the availability rate of the apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus includes: storage section for storing a plurality of recipes describing a procedure for processing a substrate and operating authorities of a user corresponding to the plurality of recipes; and display section for displaying an authority setting screen for setting the operating authorities of the user to the respective recipes and an edition screen for editing a recipe stored in the storage section on the basis of the operating authority set via the authority setting screen. The substrate processing apparatus can edit the authority setting screen displayed by the display section and can set different operating authorities to the recipe between when the operating condition of the substrate processing apparatus is online and when the operating condition of the substrate processing apparatus is offline. |
| US08510778B2 |
Systems and methods for ranking assets relative to a group of viewers
Systems and methods are provided for ranking assets relative to a group of viewers. A group is formed by a user by selecting a number of different viewer preference profiles or automatically by the system as a function of analyzing similarities among viewer preference profiles. Individual preference values are computed for each viewer in the group relative to an asset. A group preference value is then computed by performing a function on the individual preference values. A display is generated that represents the individual preference values and the group preference value relative to an asset. Based on the information provided in the display, the asset most relevant to the group may be selected. |
| US08510773B1 |
Systems and methods for providing targeted advertising and content delivery to mobile devices
Systems and methods are described for providing targeted content delivery, including advertising, to mobile devices. A content organization and distribution system may be configured to receive content from a plurality of publishers and provide targeted content to a plurality of users having mobile devices, where the mobile devices are connected to the content organization and distribution system through a plurality of carriers. The provided content may be based on-one or more user customization criteria. |
| US08510768B2 |
Media usage monitoring and measurement system and method
Media monitoring and measurement systems and methods are disclosed. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a media measurement system and method that utilizes audience data to enhance content identifications. Some embodiments analyze media player log data to enhance content identification. Other embodiments of the present invention analyze sample sequence data to enhance content identifications. Other embodiments analyze sequence data to enhance content identification and/or to establish channel identification. Yet other embodiments provide a system and method in which sample construction and selection parameters are adjusted based upon identification results. Yet other embodiments provide a method in which play-altering activity of an audience member is deduced from content offset values of identifications corresponding to captured samples. Yet other embodiments provide a monitoring and measurement system in which a media monitoring device is adapted to receive a wireless or non-wireless audio signal from a media player, the audio signal also being received wirelessly by headphones of a user of the monitoring device. |
| US08510762B1 |
Generate custom client library samples based on a machine readable API description
A system, method and computer-readable storage medium provided as a Web service for on-demand generation of code samples for a specified API, target programming language and target platform. The system can include an interface, a Web application, a data store, and a compile server. The Web application is configured to receive a request including a target programming language and target platform from the user interface, to retrieve a description of an API, to generate a source library, to create a model of the API based on the API description, to select a template based on the target programming language and target platform, to expand the template to create a code sample. The data store stores generated code artifacts, and stores the generated source library for the API description. The compile server is configured to generate compiled libraries and documentation, and store compiled libraries and documentation in the data store. |
| US08510761B2 |
Method and system for modeling of system content for businesses
A method and system of managing content at a network site can allow easier use by business users. A higher level of abstraction can be used to allow business users to create their own objects that may reference or contain other objects or records as managed by a content management system. Business users do not have to learn programming code in order to work those objects, which are content types. A graphical user interface (“GUI”) can be used to help the business users to create, modify, and delete content types. The GUI and the ability for business users to the create content types greatly shortens the time between receiving software to operate a network site and launching content at that network site. |
| US08510760B2 |
Systems and methods for secure host resource management
Systems and methods are described herein to provide for secure host resource management on a computing device. Other embodiments include apparatus and system for management of one or more host device drivers from an isolated execution environment. Further embodiments include methods for querying and receiving event data from manageable resources on a host device. Further embodiments include data structures for the reporting of event data from one or more host device drivers to one or more capability modules. |
| US08510757B2 |
Gathering pages allocated to an application to include in checkpoint information
Provided are a method, system, and program for gathering pages allocated to an application to include in checkpoint information. A call from an application is intercepted to allocate memory pages to cause indication of pages allocated to the application that have modified data. An operation is initiated to create checkpoint information for the application. Pages allocated to the application that have modified data are determined in response to the operation to create the checkpoint information. The determined pages are saved in the checkpoint information. |
| US08510755B2 |
Automatically re-starting services
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically re-starting services. Embodiments of the invention can be used to re-start a service when it is determined that the service stopped during the processing pending work. A container manager durably tracks a service's status (busy/idle and alive/dead) and tracks transitions between statuses. Accordingly, when a busy service is deemed dead (due to any event), the container manager can automatically re-start the service. Upon re-start the service can check for pending work and start executing its pending work. |
| US08510751B2 |
Optimizing workflow engines
A system and computer program product for implementing a workflow include merging a workflow to create a virtual graph, wherein the workflow comprises two or more directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), mapping each of one or more nodes of the virtual graph to one or more physical nodes, and using a message passing scheme to implement a computation via the one or more physical nodes. |
| US08510749B2 |
Framework for scheduling multicore processors
A system, and computer usable program product for a framework for scheduling tasks in a multi-core processor or multiprocessor system are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A thread is selected according to an order in a scheduling discipline, the thread being a thread of an application executing in the data processing system, the thread forming the leader thread in a bundle of threads. A value of a core attribute in a set of core attributes is determined according to a corresponding thread attribute in a set of thread attributes associated with the leader thread. A determination is made whether a second thread can be added to the bundle such that the bundle including the second thread will satisfy a policy. If the determining is affirmative, the second thread is added to the bundle. The bundle is scheduled for execution using a core of the multi-core processor. |
| US08510745B2 |
Dynamic application placement under service and memory constraints
An optimization problem models the dynamic placement of applications on servers under two types of simultaneous resource requirements, those that are dependent on the loads placed on the applications and those that are independent. The demand (load) for applications changes over time and the goal is to satisfy all the demand while changing the solution (assignment of applications to servers) as little as possible. |
| US08510741B2 |
Computing the processor desires of jobs in an adaptively parallel scheduling environment
The present invention describes a system and method for scheduling jobs on a multiprocessor system. The invention includes schedulers for use in both work-sharing and work-stealing environments. Each system utilizes a task scheduler using historical usage information, in conjunction with a job scheduler to achieve its results. In one embodiment, the task scheduler measures the time spent on various activities, in conjunction with its previous processor allocation or previous desire, to determine an indication of its current processor desire. In another embodiment of the present invention, the task scheduler measures the resources used by the job on various activities. Based on these measurements, the task scheduler determines the efficiency of the job and an indication of its current processor desire. In another embodiment, the task scheduler measures the resources consumed executing the job and determines its efficiency and an indication of its current processor desire. |
| US08510736B2 |
Computer system, information processing apparatus, and security protection method
According to one embodiment, a computer system includes a server and a client computer. The client computer is connected to the server via a network. The server includes a takeout management module configured to issue a permit to the client computer when a takeout request is received from the client computer. The permit permits the client computer to store data. The takeout request requests using of data acquired via the network under a condition of being disconnected from the network. The client computer includes a disk device, a takeout request transmitter and a security protector. The takeout request transmitter is configured to transmit the takeout request to the server. The security protector is configured to enable the disk device to store data when the permit is received from the server. |
| US08510734B2 |
Streaming optimized virtual application images
Embodiments provide an optimized virtual application or suite of virtual applications, but are not so limited. In an embodiment, components of a system are configured to generate an optimized virtual package that can be used in a virtual application streaming environment. Components of the system can provide bits of the optimized virtual package based in part on scenario mappings associated with a user action and/or an application or application feature. In one embodiment, a client virtualization handler can operate to download byte ranges of an optimized virtual package including re-prioritizing byte range download operations as part of streaming virtual application functionality over a computing network. |
| US08510729B2 |
System, method and computer program product for versioning and deprecation of components of an application
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for versioning components of an application. These mechanisms and methods for versioning components of an application can ensure that an updated application maintains backwards compatibility, such that the application developer may maintain a single application while supporting multiple prior versions of the application. |
| US08510724B2 |
Reconstructing program control flow
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for reconstructing program control flow. Embodiments include implementing or morphing a control flow graph (“CFG”) into an arbitrary loop structure to reconstruct (preserve) control flow from original source code. Loop structures can be optimized and can adhere to target platform constraints. In some embodiments, C++ source code (a first higher level format) is translated into a CFG (a lower level format). The CFG is then translated into High Level Shader Language (“HLSL”) source code (a second different higher level format) for subsequent compilation into SLSL bytecode (that can then be executed at a Graphical Processing Unit (“GPU”)). The control flow from the C++ source code is preserved in the HLSL source code. |
| US08510721B2 |
Dynamic calculation of sample profile reports
The construction or use of a hierarchical time tree that represents an execution time of a program. To construct the hierarchical time tree, the time frame corresponding to the root node is the execution time during which the plurality of call stack samples were gathered from the program. Beginning at the root node, and proceeding recursively, each node is then populated in a manner that all of the call stacks for a given time period need not be accessed in order to provide a report regarding the given time period. |
| US08510720B2 |
System landscape trace
This disclosure provides various implementations for supporting multiple system and application tracing. In one aspect, software can generate a globally unique identifier (GUID) for a first business process associated with a trace and transmit the GUID to a remote computer for association with a second business process related to the first business process. In another aspect, the software can identify a GUID for a trace that is executing for a first business process that is associated with a first application. The software can then associate the GUID with a second trace for a second business process related to the first business process, where the second business process is associated with a second heterogeneous application disparate from the first application. In some instances, the GUID may comprise a combination of a system identifier, a business process identifier, and a time identifier. |
| US08510719B2 |
Real-time user configurable debugging framework
Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a real-time, user configurable, debugging framework for use in debugging applications. A method includes executing an application on a computer, the application comprising a plurality of instructions including a debug macro instruction. The debug macro instruction is associated with a set of parameters for describing one or both of system and application conditions. The method also includes specifying one or more trigger criteria, the trigger criteria comprising a set of dynamic values for the set of parameters. The method further performing, while the application is executing, executing the debug macro instruction, detecting whether the trigger criteria have been met by the application, the detecting in response to executing the debug macro instruction, and upon detecting that the trigger criteria have been met, initiating a debugging session in response to the detecting. |
| US08510716B1 |
System and method for simultaneously validating a client/server application from the client side and from the server side
A system and method for simultaneously validating a client-server software application from a client side and a server side, the client-server software application having a client application and a server application. The method and system include: defining a test case to exercise or emulate the client application; specifying validations to be made against server-side state in the defined test case; controlling a monitoring program to monitor the server application and collect information about the server-side state; executing the defined test case to exercise the server application through the client or a client emulator; processing the collected information; simultaneously performing validation tests against the collected information about the server-side state and against the client application or outputs from the server; and reporting results of the validation tests. |
| US08510715B1 |
Coverage analysis using sub-instruction profiling
Some embodiments provide a system that facilitates coverage analysis in a software program. During operation, the system identifies a complex instruction in the software program. Next, the system generates a set of sub-instruction blocks that is functionally equivalent to the complex instruction. Finally, the system uses the sub-instruction blocks in place of the complex instruction during coverage analysis of the software program. |
| US08510713B1 |
Method and system for validating a disassembler
Some embodiments provide a system that analyzes the operation of a disassembler. The system starts by generating a set of processor instructions. Next, the system validates the disassembler using each processor instruction from the set of processor instructions by obtaining an assembly representation for the processor instruction using the disassembler. The system then monitors an execution of the processor instruction on a processor operating in single-step mode to produce an execution result for the processor instruction, and determines a correctness of the disassembler by comparing the assembly representation for the processor instruction with the execution result for the processor instruction. |
| US08510710B2 |
System and method of using pooled thread-local character arrays
In one embodiment the present invention includes a virtual machine environment that performs string operations using borrowed character arrays. A method includes creating a character array area that is related to a thread. The method further includes detecting a string operation which qualifies for using a character array from the thread's character array area. The method further includes borrowing a character array of a character array slot of the character array area. The method further includes performing the string operation using the character array having been borrowed. The method further includes returning the character array to the character array slot when the string operation has been performed. In this manner, the time and memory consumed by string operations may be reduced. |
| US08510709B2 |
Graphical indicator which specifies parallelization of iterative program code in a graphical data flow program
System and method for automatically parallelizing iterative functionality in a data flow program. A data flow program is stored that includes a first data flow program portion, where the first data flow program portion is iterative. Program code implementing a plurality of second data flow program portions is automatically generated based on the first data flow program portion, where each of the second data flow program portions is configured to execute a respective one or more iterations. The plurality of second data flow program portions are configured to execute at least a portion of iterations concurrently during execution of the data flow program. Execution of the plurality of second data flow program portions is functionally equivalent to sequential execution of the iterations of the first data flow program portion. |
| US08510705B2 |
Computing device and method for checking via stub
A computer-based method and a computing device for checking stub lengths of via stubs of a printed circuit board (PCB) layout are provided. The computing device displays a check interface, selects signal transmission line from a currently run PCB layout through the check interface, receives a reference stub length input through the check interface, and determines the actual stub length of each via stub of each via each selected signal transmission line connected to. The computing device further determines that a design of one via stub satisfies the design standards, if the actual stub length of the one stub via is less than or equal to the reference length, and determines that a design of one via stub does not satisfy the design standards if the actual stub length of the one via stub is greater than the reference stub length. |
| US08510704B2 |
Integrated circuit design system and method
An electronic system design platform and method are presented. The electronic system design platform includes a computing system that hosts a virtual channel manager. The virtual channel manager provides a graphical editor for receiving user input specifying design specifications of the integrated circuit, and the design specifications specify a number of functional blocks and current physical communication conditions between pairs of the functional blocks. The virtual channel manager is further adapted for designing a virtual channel interface for the current physical communication conditions between the pairs of the functional blocks, and selecting a communication protocol that is best suited for each virtual channel interface. |
| US08510702B2 |
Interactive routing editor with symbolic and geometric views for integrated circuit layout
An automated system, and method of operating the same, for interactively routing interconnections in a layout of an integrated circuit. Interconnections among subchips in the integrated circuit, specified by a netlist, are displayed by the system by way of airlines. The system provides a symbolic view of the bus, showing a representative wire of the bus, such as that associated with the least-significant or most-significant bit position in the bus. The physical routing of the representative wire is interactively defined, using orthogonal wire segments in selected conductor levels. Bus properties, for example including bit pitch, wire pitch, LSB/MSB, and a direction of expansion, are associated with the routing data for each segment of the representative wire. The combination of the routing data and the bus property data enable building of the entire bus from the interactive routing of the representative wire in the symbolic view. |
| US08510698B2 |
CAD apparatus and check support apparatus
In a computer aided design (CAD) apparatus, an association-data acquiring unit acquires association data that defines an association between pins of a first connector and those of a second connector to be connected to the first connector, and an assignment of signals to the pins. A part-information acquiring unit acquires information including a symbol of the first connector. A layout-condition acquiring unit acquires a layout condition to lay out the symbol of the first connector on a circuit diagram. A circuit diagram creating/updating unit lays out the symbol of the first connector on the circuit diagram based on the layout condition, and adds a net name indicating a signal assigned to each of the pins to the symbol. |
| US08510694B2 |
Transaction level system power estimation method and system
A transaction level (TL) system power estimation method and system are provided. The method includes inserting at least a characteristic extractor into an electronic device of a target system. The characteristic extractor extracts at least a power characteristic of the electronic device when a TL simulation is proceeding. The power characteristic provided from the characteristic extractor is converted to at least a power consumption value by using a power model. The power consumption value is recorded into a power database, for analyzing power consumption of the whole target system. In some embodiments, the TL system power estimation method and system can be applied in the target system with dynamic power management. The TL system power estimation method and system also can be used with a high-level synthesizer to develop the power-aware electronic device in a short time. |
| US08510691B2 |
Semiconductor verification apparatus, method and program
A semiconductor device which can only load a logical value of an arbitrary memory element is rendered possible to allow a logical value of an arbitrary signal to be loaded at a high speed. A circuit diagram of the semiconductor device is input and a memory element required for calculating a desired signal is detected. The logical value of the memory element is loaded from the semiconductor device, and the logical value of the desired signal is determined in accordance with the logical value of the memory element and the circuit configuration. |
| US08510683B2 |
Spatial map of mask-pattern defects
A technique for providing information about defects in a mask pattern is described. In this technique, defects in the mask pattern may be determined based on differences between a calculated pattern produced at an image plane in the photolithographic process, when the mask pattern, illuminated by an associated source pattern, is at an object plane in the photolithographic process, and a target pattern that excludes the defects. Then the defect information may be provided to the user, such as a spatial map of the determined defects, where the spatial map is associated with at least the portion of the mask pattern. |
| US08510675B1 |
Hiding window borders
Systems and methods for interfacing with a window having a hidden border are provided. In some aspects, a method includes providing for presentation of a first window within a display, while providing for hiding a border of the first window. The method also includes receiving an indication of a first user input for interfacing with an edge of the first window. The method also includes providing for making visible the border of the first window in response to the indication of the first user input. |
| US08510674B2 |
Vehicular manipulation input apparatus
A vehicular manipulation input apparatus includes a display device and a remote manipulation device. A manipulation to a manipulation member of the manipulation device is enabled by several manipulation manners. One of the several manipulation manners is designated as a valid manipulation manner in the manipulation device according to a window displayed on a screen of the display device. The designated valid manipulation manner is suggested by not only a display on the screen of the display device, but also an ornament display portion arranged around the manipulation member of the manipulation device. |
| US08510672B2 |
Automatically creating and modifying furniture layouts in design software
A software application can capture product parameters and attributes in order to allow a non-expert user to create an accurate and complete furniture system layout in a design space. To enable accurate layouts, the software application can automatically apply all applicable components, connectors, rules, attributes, codes, and behaviors to each component/design element in the design space. The intelligent, object-oriented software can automatically recognize required changes effected by a user-driven change, and automatically resolve the layout design by constraining vertical placement of components or automatically generating interconnections between components. |
| US08510668B1 |
Indicating potential focus in a user interface
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for an integrated user interface an interface that receives user input through the user interface. Output is provided through the user interface, and all user input received through the user interface is interpreted as explicitly being separated input into one of three classes, namely, pointing input, content input, and command input. |
| US08510666B2 |
Systems for development and/or use of telephone user interface
Some embodiments provide a touch-sensitive device to receive a bias and to generate touch location information based on the bias, an element to secure a printed medium in contact with the touch sensitive device, the printed medium to depict a plurality of telephone interface controls, a memory to store a telephone interface layout associating one or more of the telephone interface controls with a respective touch location and a respective action, and a processor to receive touch location information from the touch-sensitive device, to determine a telephone interface control based on the touch location information and on the telephone interface layout, to determine an action based on the telephone interface control and on the telephone interface layout, and to perform the determined action. |
| US08510665B2 |
Methods and graphical user interfaces for editing on a multifunction device with a touch screen display
In some embodiments, a device displays content on a touch screen display and detects input by finger gestures. In response to the finger gestures, the device selects content, visually distinguishes the selected content, and/or updates the selected content based on detected input. In some embodiments, the device displays a command display area that includes one or more command icons; detects activation of a command icon in the command display area; and, in response to detecting activation of the command icon in the command display area, performs a corresponding action with respect to the selected content. Exemplary actions include cutting, copying, and pasting content. |
| US08510660B2 |
Method and system for tagging content
Systems and methods for tagging digital content are provided. In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving and storing personal data of a first user of an internet-based social network. The personal data of the first user can include one or more digital images or other digital content that the first user is willing to share with other users of the social network. Accordingly, a request from a second user of the internet-based social network can be received to view some of the digital content of the first user. A viewer image can be used to tag the digital content of the first user allowing the owner of the digital content to quickly determine the viewers. The viewer image can be a personal profile picture, an image, an icon, an avatar (two-dimensional or three-dimensional), or other on-screen representation that includes a visual indicator of the second user. |
| US08510656B2 |
Interactive storybook system and method
An interactive storybook system and method are provided that allow a user with or without the assistance of an operator to make a storybook their own by replacing markers with their own selection from a listing of provisional words and provisional images. The computer-based interactive storybook application may be used by teachers, parents, therapists, and other adults for teaching or therapy applications which assist children in learning and growing. |
| US08510652B1 |
Method for personalizing interaction with the web
A process of producing personalized applications for a web interaction process in which interface pages are presented sequentially. Learning is applied to the interaction, to subsequently form a sequence of synthetic pages for driving the personalized application. Analysis operation is implemented for analyzing the screen elements, for each respective page, which the user interacts with. This analysis operation lays the foundations for the production of personalized application screen pages. subsequently a vector of synthetic interface pages is produced for applying in the same or on different computing infrastructure. |
| US08510646B1 |
Method and system for contextually placed chat-like annotations
Contextually placed chat-like annotations in an electronic record. Users can input successive time-stamped annotations at a selected location in an electronic record. The annotations are displayed chronologically in a discussion window, which is customizable by color, style, and location. The discussion window styles minimize clutter and distraction, thus providing for more effective review and collaboration. The discussion location is indicated by a discussion point icon, and can be displayed in a window of fixed size with scrolling capability. A user can email the discussion window content to other users and request an alert, notifying the user of successive annotations. An annotation engine can reside on a server and receives user input and performs functionality related to the annotations. The electronic record can reside on the server and is repeatedly updated to reflect current content relating to the electronic record and annotations. |
| US08510643B2 |
Optimizing raid migration performance
A method of RAID migration comprising reading first and second blocks from a first RAID array. Said first blocks are written to a second RAID array within a first write cycle. Said second blocks are read simultaneously with a portion of said first write cycle in a pipelined fashion. In a first embodiment, pipelining increases the speed of RAID migration from a one-disk stripe array to a two-disk mirror array. In a second embodiment, pipelining and the use of duplicate blocks increases the speed of RAID migration from a two-disk mirror array to a three-disk RAID 5 array. In a third embodiment, pipelining and the use of duplicate blocks increases the speed of RAID migration from a three-disk RAID 5 array to a four-disk RAID 5 array. |
| US08510634B2 |
Methods of data handling
Methods include receiving data and an ECC code read from a memory array, generating an ECC code from the received data, and determining whether the received data is corrupted by evaluating the generated ECC code against the ECC code read from the memory array. If the received data is determined to be corrupted, a correction algorithm and a recorded likely state of a known bad/questionable bit of the received data may be used to correct error in the received data. Alternatively, if the received data is determined to be corrupted, the correction algorithm and a recorded location of a known bad/questionable bit of the received data may be used to correct error in the received data. |
| US08510633B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and method of operating the same
Provided is an operation method which can be applied to a PRAM, an ReRAM, and a solid electrolyte memory which stores error correction codes, each of which comprises of symbols, each of which comprises bits, and which codes allow error correction in units of symbols. In the operation method, the respective symbols are read by using different reference cells 12. When a correctable error is detected in read data from data cells forming the error correction codes and corresponding to an input address, a data in a data cell corresponding to the error bit is corrected for a first error symbol of an one bit error pattern, and data in a reference cell that is used to read the second error symbol are corrected for a second error symbol related to a multi-bit error pattern. |
| US08510630B2 |
Nibble encoding for improved reliability of non-volatile memory
A wireless device to include a non-volatile memory to execute an encoding scheme to provide single-cell error detection and correction on program operations in which the initial nibble value is Fh and on program operations that result in a nibble value of 0h. The non-volatile memory uses multiple writes to program a nibble more than once with non-zero data between erase cycles. |
| US08510627B2 |
Method, system and device for monitoring error code of common public radio interface (CPRI) link
A method, system and device for monitoring error code of CPRI link are disclosed. The method comprises: a CPRI link data transmitting end forming data to be transmitted into frames, outputting data, and calculating to obtain FCS of each frame; the CPRI link data transmitting end adds FCS of a former frame into FCS field of a current frame when forming frame; a CPRI link data receiving end splitting frame of received frame data to obtain FCS of the former frame carried in the current frame, calculating received frame data to obtain FCS of the current frame, caching FCS of the current frame, comparing FCS of the former frame which is carried in the current frame with cached FCS of the former frame, and judging CPRI link has error codes if the comparison result is inconsistent. Error code condition of CPRI link can be monitored without influencing normal service operation. |
| US08510626B2 |
Data coding apparatus and methods
Data encoding apparatus and methods are disclosed. A Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) coding module is selected, from a plurality of different CRC coding modules, for coding a block of information. A generic coder, which is configurable to perform CRC coding based on any of the plurality of different CRC coding modules, is configured to perform CRC coding for the block of information based on the selected CRC coding module. A block of information for which a coding operation is to be performed may be segmented into a plurality of segments having respective lengths. Respective generic coders may be configured to perform the coding operation for the plurality of segments. In this case, a result of the coding operation for the block of information may be determined based on results of the coding operations for the plurality of data segments. |
| US08510622B2 |
Method of processing traffic information and digital broadcast system
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a method for processing data are disclosed. The method for processing data may enhance the receiving performance of the receiving system by performing additional coding and multiplexing processes on the traffic information data and transmitting the processed data. Thus, robustness is provided to the traffic information data, thereby enabling the data to respond strongly against the channel environment which is always under constant and vast change. |
| US08510617B2 |
Recording apparatus for performing image processing for recording on a recording medium by relative movement
To suppress deterioration in image quality even if skew occurs during conveyance of a medium, an apparatus, which is configured to record on the medium conveyed in a direction that intersects an array direction of a plurality of recording elements using a recording head on which the recording elements are arranged, includes a table in which the recording elements are divided into a plurality of groups, and which includes correction information corresponding to the recording elements for each group, a first acquisition unit configured to acquire position information about the medium in the array direction, a second acquisition unit configured to acquire the correction information based on the position information and the table, and a correction unit configured to correct image data based on the correction information. |
| US08510613B2 |
Control method of non-volatile semiconductor device
A method includes temporarily storing write-data to be written into non-volatile memory cells, respectively, the memory cells being divided into cell groups, performing a first operation including write-phases performed in series and on an associated cell group and including applying a write-voltage to the memory cells belonging to the associated cell group in response to an associated write-data to be written into the memory cells belonging to the cell groups, and performing a second operation after the first operation is completed, which includes read-phases performed in series and on an associated cell group and including applying a first read-voltage to the memory cell or cells belonging to the associated one of the cell groups to produce first read-data therefrom, and comparing the first read-data with the write-data to be written into the memory cells belonging to the associated cell groups to produce comparison data. |
| US08510612B2 |
Disabling outbound drivers for a last memory buffer on a memory channel
Memory apparatus and methods utilizing multiple bit lanes may redirect one or more signals on the bit lanes. A memory agent may include a redrive circuit having a plurality of bit lanes, a memory device or interface, and a fail-over circuit coupled between the plurality of bit lanes and the memory device or interface. |
| US08510611B2 |
Computer apparatus
A computer apparatus includes a main memory, a first memory diagnosis unit that determines a faulty area in the main memory by executing a first memory diagnostic program, and a storage unit that stores a relocatable second memory diagnostic program. Moreover, the computer apparatus includes a second memory diagnosis unit, that loads the second memory diagnostic program into areas of the main memory other than the faulty area determined by the first memory diagnosis unit. |
| US08510610B2 |
Method and system of compressing raw fabrication data for fault determination
The instant disclosure relates to a raw data compression method for the fabrication process. The method includes the steps of: inputting into a signal converter a collection of raw data points representing operational parameter of a semiconductor equipment within a predetermined time period; obtaining an approximation of the raw data points with a Fourier series; computing the Fourier coefficients and the residuals between the raw data points and the corresponding predicted values predicted by the Fourier series; determining if the residuals exceed an error threshold; recording and storing the Fourier coefficients as the compressed data if none of the residuals exceeds the error threshold; and recording the raw data point as abnormal data point if the corresponding residual exceeds the error threshold before recording and storing the Fourier coefficients and the abnormal data point as the compressed data. |
| US08510609B2 |
Apparatus and method for rate dematching in a communication system
An apparatus and method for rate dematching in a communication system are provided. The apparatus includes an input sequence generator, an error calculator, and a puncture/repetition determiner. The input sequence generator calculates if current input data among data, which are input in interleaved sequence, corresponds to any nth sequence among before-interleaved sequence. The error calculator calculates an error for the current input data using the calculated sequence. The puncture/repetition determiner determines type of the current input data using the error for the current input data. |
| US08510607B2 |
EFTB unit, USB device with the EFTB unit and method for resetting and reenumerating the USB device
A method for resetting and reenumerating a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, an Electrical Fast Transient/Burst (EFTB) unit of a USB device for resetting and reenumerating the USB device and a USB device are described. In one embodiment, a method for resetting and reenumerating a USB device involves detecting a USB reset command from a host device at a USB device, setting a reset flag in the USB device in response to the detecting of the USB reset command, determining if the USB device is in a corrupted state in response to the reset flag, and causing a Single Ended Zero (SE0) signal to be issued to reset the USB device out of the corrupted state and reenumerate the USB device back to the host device if the USB device is determined to be in the corrupted state. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08510604B2 |
Static data race detection and analysis
Static data race analysis of at least a portion of a multi-threaded application in order to identify potential data race defects in the multi-threaded application. The static data race analysis includes intra-component static analysis as well as inter-component static analysis. The intra-component static analysis for a given component involves identifying a set of memory accesses operations in the component. For each of at least one of the set of memory access operations, the analysis determines whether there is a data race protection element associated with the memory access command. |
| US08510603B2 |
Systems and methods providing an exception buffer to facilitate processing of event handler errors
According to some embodiments, an application may call an event handler. The event handler may determine that an error has occurred within the event handler and store information associated with the error into an exception buffer. A pulling mechanism of the application may detect the stored information associated with the error, and, as a result, information associated with the error may be retrieved from the exception buffer. |
| US08510601B1 |
Generating service call patterns for systems under test
Disclosed are various embodiments for generating a service call pattern for a system. A monitor is installed on a first and a second service call channel. Each service call channel is used by a first and second system under test, respectively. Through the monitor, service calls are received from the respective system under test. The service calls are issued to at least one service. A first service call pattern is generated based at least in part on the plurality of service calls issued by the first system under test. A second service call pattern is generated based at least in part on the plurality of service calls issued by the second under test. The first service call pattern report and the second service call pattern report are compared. An error condition if the comparison indicates a difference greater than a predefined threshold. |
| US08510600B2 |
System and method for provisioning and running a cross-cloud test grid
An automated method for provisioning a grid used to run a load test on a target website includes sending one or more requests in a multi-threaded manner to at least one cloud provider, the one or more requests for an allocation of N load server instances and M result server instances which comprise the grid. Requests received back from the cloud provider are also handled in a multi-threaded manner; any errors occurring during the allocation being corrected automatically. The N load server instances and the M result server instances are then verified to be operational and correctly running software deployed to provide defined test services. Errors identified during the verification are automatically corrected either by attempting to restart a failed instance or allocating a different instance. |
| US08510594B2 |
Control system, control computer and method for operating a control system
A particularly simple and simultaneously fail-safe control system has a control computer for interchanging data with at least one peripheral, and at least one further control computer connected to the first-mentioned control computer via a communication channel. The further control computer is configured to assume at least part of the functionality of the control computer. The control computer is designed, in the event of partial failure thereof, to forward data received by the further control computer via the communication channel to the peripheral and/or to forward data received by the peripheral to the further control computer via the communication channel. There is also provided such a control computer and a method for operating a control system. |
| US08510592B1 |
PCI error resilience
Error handling and recovery, implemented in a storage server, detects an error in a peripheral device of the storage server. If the error is recoverable, the system contains the error by isolating the peripheral device to prevent the generation of additional interrupt signals and migrates operations of the peripheral device to a back-up peripheral device. The system initiates error recovery by calling a recovery routine and a reinitialization routine, both provided by a device driver for the peripheral device. After device recovery is complete, the system migrates operations of the back-up peripheral device back to the peripheral device. |
| US08510589B2 |
Apparatus and method using first and second clocks
Receiving an indication of a frequency ratio of first and second clocks; generating an indication of a number of clock pulses of the second clock occurring between first and second clock pulses of the first clock; and generating an indication of a time offset between (1) a clock pulse of the second clock occurring between the second clock pulse and a third clock pulse of the first clock, and (2) the second clock pulse of the first clock. Also, receiving an input data word representing a fractional number, a first part of the input data word comprising an integer portion of the fractional number and a second part comprising a decimal portion of the fractional number; providing a first output data word that is either the first part of the input data word or an increment by one of the first part; and providing a second output data word that is an integer multiple of the second part. |
| US08510588B2 |
Clock generation circuit and semiconductor device including the same
Objects of the invention are to provide a clock generation circuit and to provide a semiconductor device including the clock generation circuit. The clock generation circuit includes an edge detection circuit, a reference clock generation circuit, a reference clock counter circuit, and a frequency-divider circuit. The reference clock counter circuit is a circuit which outputs a counter value, which is obtained by counting the number of waves of a reference clock signal outputted from the reference clock generation circuit, in a period of time from when the edge detection circuit detects an edge of a signal which is externally inputted to the edge detection circuit to when the edge detection circuit detects the next edge, to the frequency-divider circuit. The frequency-divider circuit is a circuit which frequency-divides the reference clock signal based on the counter value. |
| US08510585B2 |
Dynamic control of reduced voltage state of graphics controller component of memory controller
A method includes detecting a trigger condition, and in response to detecting the trigger condition, reducing a voltage applied to a graphics controller component of a memory controller. The reduction in voltage may cause the voltage to be reduced below a voltage level required to maintain context information in the graphics controller component. |
| US08510582B2 |
Managing current and power in a computing system
A system and method for efficient power transfer on a die. A semiconductor chip comprises on a die two or more computation units (CUs) utilizing at least two different voltage regulators and a power manager. The power manager reallocates power credits across the die when it detects an activity level of a given CU is below a given threshold. In response to receiving a corresponding number of donated power credits, each of the one or more selected CUs maintains a high activity level with a high performance P-state. When a corresponding workload increases, each CU maintains operation and an average power consumption corresponding to the high performance P-state by alternating between at least two different operational voltages. When the operational voltage drops during the alternation, the current drawn by the particular CU may exceed a given current limit. The power manager detects this current limit is exceeded and accordingly reallocates the power credits across the die. |
| US08510581B2 |
Anticipation of power on of a mobile device
A method of managing the power up of a device that has power down state and at least two power up states. The method includes statistically analyzing the power up time profile of the device. The method also includes determining one or more predetermined statistical indicators associated with the stored power up time profile. The method further includes calculating an anticipated start up time from the statistical indicators. The method also includes at the anticipated start up time changing the device state from the power down state to a predetermined one of the power up states depending on the statistical indicators. The method further includes maintaining the device at predetermined power up states for a predetermined duration. The method also includes returning the device to the power down state if there is no user interaction with the device during the predetermined duration. |
| US08510580B2 |
Power management for a system on a chip (SoC)
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for sending a first link handshake signal between a first subsystem and a power management unit (PMU) of a system on a chip (SoC) to request entry into a power saving state for the first subsystem, sending a second link handshake signal between the first subsystem and the PMU to acknowledge the request, and placing the first subsystem into the power saving state without further signaling between the PMU and the first subsystem. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08510574B2 |
Network apparatus and communication controlling method
Disclosed is a network apparatuses, which makes it possible to effectively re-establish the cryptographic communication without increasing its processing burden and deteriorating the security aspects of them. The network apparatus that communicates with another network apparatus through a network to exchange cryptographic communication information including a key of cryptograph transmits, when a power off sequence is detected, a request for deleting the cryptographic communication information to the other network apparatus through a communication interface section, before a power source section is turned OFF so as to actually deactivate the network apparatus. |
| US08510568B2 |
Method and apparatus for importing a transport stream
A content import method in a digital rights management (DRM) system imports transport streams received from outside a domain, generates a content file, and regularly inserts information in the form of transport packets necessary for decrypting encrypted content into a payload of the content file. Accordingly, even if usage constraint information (UCI) included in the received content changes, packaging is possible. When a device pertaining to the domain receives half of an imported content file via streaming, transport packets of the received half of the imported content file can be promptly decrypted without a time delay. |
| US08510567B2 |
Conditional biometric access in a gaming environment
The present application provides methods and corresponding systems for accessing services in a gaming or other environment based on conditional biometric identity verification. In one aspect, this includes the step or steps of determining a location of a gaming device having a display and at least one biometric sensor associated therewith; prompting a user of the gaming device for at least one item of physical biometric data with the biometric sensor based at least on the location of the gaming device; receiving the at least one item of physical biometric data; and enabling at least one service on the gaming device based on a match between the at least one item of physical biometric data received and at least one authenticated item of physical biometric data associated with the user. |
| US08510562B2 |
Content distribution with mutual anonymity
A method for transferring content includes requesting the content from a serving peer and sending the content to a requesting peer. Requesting the content includes sending a request to a tracker, receiving a request token, a path identifier, and a first peer identifier from the tracker, and sending a request message to a second peer. The first peer identifier includes an identity of a first peer, and the request message includes the request token, the path identifier, and the first peer identifier. Sending the content includes receiving the request token and the path identifier from a third peer, sending a return message to a fourth peer, and transferring the content from the serving peer to the requesting peer through a transfer path. The return message includes the path identifier and a second peer identifier. The second peer identifier includes an identity of a fifth peer. The transfer path includes at least the second, fourth, and fifth peers. |
| US08510561B2 |
Methods and devices for computing a shared encryption key
Embodiments described herein are generally directed to methods and devices in which computing devices, and mobile devices in particular, establish a shared encryption key for a device group comprising at least three mobile devices. In accordance with one example embodiment, a public key of a mobile device is computed using a shared password as performed in accordance with authentication acts of a password-authenticated key exchange protocol, and transmitted to at least one other mobile device of the group. A public value is computed as a function of a mobile device private key and of a public key of at least one other mobile device of the device group, in accordance with a group key establishment protocol. The public values of the mobile devices of the device group are used to compute a shared encryption key. |
| US08510557B2 |
Secure message and file delivery
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for accessing secure and certified electronic messages using a combination of biometric security, a separate and secure network and email infrastructure, email management processes, and the addition of text, audio and visual format options to sending emails messages. In an exemplary embodiment, a secure message and file delivery method includes biometrically authenticating a sender of an electronic message; receiving the electronic message through a secure connection to the sender; storing the electronic message, wherein the electronic message is encrypted prior to storing; notifying a recipient of the electronic message; and delivering the electronic message through a secure connection to the recipient. |
| US08510556B2 |
Authentication method, system, server, and user node
The embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an authentication method, a system, a server, and a user node are disclosed herein. The method includes: generating, by a server, a server session key according to the identity information, at least one login information parameter, and the validity period included in the login information, generating at least one session key parameter of a user node according to the generator point of the algebraic curve, and sending at least one session key parameter of the user node to the user node; generating, by the user node, a user node session key according to at least one session key parameter of the user node; performing, by the server and the user node, mutual authentication according to the session keys. The authentication solution under the present disclosure is simple and practicable, and is also applicable to authenticating the user node in a grid computing platform. |
| US08510555B2 |
Streaming video server with virtual file system and methods for use therewith
A streaming video server generates a virtual file system that includes virtual addresses of a plurality of encrypted segments of a plurality of video programs at each of a plurality of bitrates, without storing the plurality of encrypted segments in persistent storage. A request is received from a client device to access a selected one of the plurality of video programs via a request to access the virtual file system. The plurality of encrypted segments of the selected one of the plurality of video programs are generated at a selected bitrate, in response to the request. |
| US08510553B2 |
Secure credential management
Apparatus and methods associated with providing secure credential management are described. One apparatus embodiment includes a data store to store authentication data and an authentication supplicant (AS) logic to provide a response to an authentication communication (ACM) received from an authentication process. An authentication management (AM) logic may receive the ACM from a connection management (CM) logic associated with a host operating system (HOS), provide the ACM to the AS logic, and provide the response back to the CM logic. The apparatus may include a device management (DM) client logic to provide a secure connection to an operator DM server associated with the authentication process and to store authentication data provided by the operator DM server in the data store. The AS logic, AM logic, and DM logic may reside in firmware that is not accessible to the HOS. |
| US08510552B2 |
System and method for file-level data protection
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for encryption and key management. The method includes encrypting each file on a computing device with a unique file encryption key, encrypting each unique file encryption key with a corresponding class encryption key, and encrypting each class encryption key with an additional encryption key. Further disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for encrypting a credential key chain. The method includes encrypting each credential on a computing device with a unique credential encryption key, encrypting each unique credential encryption key with a corresponding credential class encryption key, and encrypting each class encryption key with an additional encryption key. Also disclosed is a method of verifying a password by decrypting a key bag, retrieving data from an encrypted file using an encryption key from the decrypted key bag, and verifying the password by comparing retrieved data with expected data. |
| US08510550B2 |
Method for managing data in a wireless sensor network
A method for managing data in a preferably non real-time sensor network, wherein the network comprises a multitude of sensor nodes to sense data, wherein the network is divided into clusters with each consisting of several sensor nodes, wherein within each cluster a sensor node acts as aggregator node to aggregate the sensed data of the rest of the sensor nodes of the cluster, and wherein always a pre-configurable number of neighbored clusters are combined to groups and the data aggregated within a cluster are stored by the aggregator node of the cluster itself and in addition by another aggregator node of a cluster of the respective group is characterized in that the data is encrypted with homomorphic methods before being stored persistently. |
| US08510546B2 |
Run-ahead approximated computations
Mechanisms are provided for performing approximate run-ahead computations. A first group of compute engines is selected to execute full computations on a full set of input data. A second group of compute engines is selected to execute computations on a sampled subset of the input data. A third group of compute engines is selected to compute a difference in computation results between first computation results generated by the first group of compute engines and second computation results generated by the second group of compute engines. The second group of compute engines is reconfigured based on the difference generated by the third group of compute engines. |