| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08506322B2 |
Portable computer battery structures
Portable computer battery structures are provided. The portable computer battery structures may include a battery with a metal enclosure and a battery cable with a floating end. The battery may have six cells. Three pairs of parallel-connected cells may be connected together in series. The six cells may be substantially planar in shape. The battery may have a connector with at least five conductive pins and six recesses. The battery cable may have a cable with at least five conductive pins that mate with the five pins of the battery's connector and with six support pins that slide into the six recesses of the battery's connector. The batter connector may be formed on a printed circuit board substrate that folds over on itself. |
| US08506321B2 |
Connector
The male housing of the connector includes a flexible brace that extends in insertion direction of the male housing in a position separated from the main body and is connected to the main body at a front side and a backside of the insertion direction and has a latching block that fits into a latching hole formed on the side of a female housing, formed on a side separated from the main body of a midway part, where the midway part can be flexibly deformed so as to be close to the main body. |
| US08506319B2 |
Actuator for a connector
A cable connector is provided including a cable end to couple to a cable, and a mating end to couple to a corresponding connector. A latch is positioned proximate to the mating end to secure the cable connector to the corresponding connector. The latch is moveable between an open position and a closed position. An actuator is provided to move the latch between the open position and the closed position. The actuator includes a biasing end that engages the latch. The actuator also includes an operating end extending from the cable end to receive an opening force that moves the biasing end to operate the latch. The operating end has an upper tab and a lower tab. The upper tab extends along an upper portion of the cable. The lower tab extends along a lower portion of the cable. |
| US08506312B2 |
Card edge connector with improved ejector mechanism
A card edge connector includes an elongated housing, the housing extends along a longwise direction thereof and has a pair of opposed side walls, a central slot between the side walls, and a tower portion disposed at one end thereof. A plurality of contacts are retained in the housing. An ejector mechanism is rotatable retained in the housing and has a body portion, a flexible arm divided from the body portion and a locking protrusion located on the flexible arm. The lock protrusion is adapted to resist the tower portion during the ejector mechanism rotates with respect to the housing. |
| US08506311B2 |
Communication device
A communication device is configured to perform data communications with a communication target while being connected to an information processing apparatus, and includes a communication unit and a holding unit. The communication unit is provided with a connector connectable to a connection port of the information processing apparatus and performs data communications with the communication target under control of the information processing apparatus. The holding unit holds the communication target. The holding unit is attached to the communication unit so as to be movable to a position where the holding unit covers the connector in a stored state, and movable to a position where the holding unit exposes the connector in a used state. |
| US08506310B2 |
Connector for electrified ceiling grid and method of installing the same
A connector for installation on a grid having conductors therein and a method of installation therefore. The connector has a housing with at least one contact mounted in the housing which makes an electrical connection with the conductors of the grid when the connector is mated with the grid. At least one mounting member is movable between a first position in which a grid mounting section of the at least one mounting member is positioned in the housing and a second position in which the grid mounting section extends beyond a top surface of the housing to provide a mechanical connection between the grid and the connector. |
| US08506300B2 |
Flight simulator
The invention is embodied in the form of a flight simulator in the conditions of vortex danger and in conditions when a pilot is informed about the possibility to penetrate into said dangerous area of vortex sheddings produced by a vortex generator. The inventive simulator is embodies in the form of modular variants and comprises a module (9) for imitating vortex conditions for determining the trajectory and intensity of the vortex sheddings of vortex generators as the population of vorticity areas, a module (10) for imitating the action of vortex disturbances on an aircraft and for determining additional forces and torques induced by the vortex sheddings of vortex generators, a module (17) for the parameters of the dangerous area of the vortex disturbances, a warning module for calculating the vortex disturbances danger on a modulated control plane located in front of the aircraft at an anticipated distance therefrom equal to a distance which is covered by the aircraft during a selected forecast time and is sufficient for carrying out a flight maneuver by the aircraft in order to move away from the dangerous trailing vortex area. |
| US08506295B2 |
File for working on the interproximal space in orthodontics as well as in conservative treatments and prophylaxis of teeth and relative device able to see connected to an oscillating handpiece
A file for working on the interproximal space in orthodontics as well as in conservative treatments and prophylaxis of teeth comprises a tool-holding structure and an abrasive plate, wherein the tool-holding structure is shaped in an arc and provided at the ends with two tubular portions and wherein the abrasive plate is stably fixed at both of its ends to the tubular portions of the tool-holding structure, wherein the tool-holding structure is symmetrical and overmolded on said abrasive plate. A relative device able to be connected to an oscillating handpiece comprises such a file and a shank for the connection to the handpiece, wherein the shank is removably fixed to the file. |
| US08506293B2 |
Ultrasonic endodontic dental irrigator
An endodontic irrigating system that is capable of using ultrasonic energy for the treatment of a root canal and other dental areas. The system has at least one and preferably multiple solution reservoirs. The reservoirs are connected to one or more handpieces, which have at least one fluid outlet. The handpiece has at least one control mechanism disposed upon the handpiece for selective delivery of fluids to the dental. Ultrasonic energy is available within the system to be used in connection with another handpiece or handpieces concurrently with fluid flow to the handpiece, such as flow of irrigating fluids. |
| US08506290B2 |
Heating apparatus with air shutter adjustment
A heating apparatus can have a sealed combustion chamber. A burner and an air shutter can be within the sealed combustion chamber. An air shutter control can be outside of the sealed combustion chamber. The air shutter control can provide fine tuning adjustment of the air shutter. |
| US08506287B2 |
Industrial burner
An apparatus and process is provided for combining fuel and combustion air to produce a mixture. The mixture is burned in a combustion chamber to produce a flame. |
| US08506286B1 |
Tool closing system for plastic blow molding machines
A tool closing system for plastic blow molding machines comprises a drive base plate, a front mold clamping plate and a rear mold clamping plate positioned between the front clamping plate and the base plate. The base plate, front clamping plate, and rear clamping plate are shiftably arranged on guides which are mounted on a carriage. A drive device is fastened to the base plate and comprises an extensible and retractable drive rod which is articulated to the rear clamping plate for force transmission without bending moment. Two substantially C-shaped or U-shaped frame elements are arranged side by side in parallel with the guides. Each have a substantially horizontally extending central web and two substantially vertically extending webs. A respective one of the two vertical webs is articulated to the base plate and the other vertical web is articulated to the front clamping plate. |
| US08506285B2 |
Method and apparatus for reforming a portion of a plastic container using induction heating
An apparatus (10, 10′) and a machine (100) for reforming a portion of a plastic package (50) using induction heating. The apparatus and machine comprise a frame (20) engaging the plastic package and a workpiece support (40) having an electrically conducting workpiece (44, 48, 102). An induction workhead (62) provides an alternating current power supply to an induction element (60, 104). The induction element is positioned proximate the workpiece of the workpiece support and heats the workpiece via induction. A mechanism (22) positions the plastic package proximate the heated workpiece so that the workpiece transfers heat to the portion of the plastic package thereby softening the portion. A forming die (30) supported on the frame engages the portion to reform the portion. Also provided is a process of using the apparatus and machine to reform a portion of a plastic package using induction heating. |
| US08506283B1 |
Tamale maker
A device, such as a tamale maker, for inserting edible filling into dough, generally includes a lower assembly and an upper assembly. The lower assembly includes an elongate cylindrical mold sleeve comprised of a plurality of separable longitudinal segments around a central cavity and a base for receiving the mold sleeve so as to define a container for receiving dough. The upper assembly comes in two forms, one having a plunger for use with masa dough having a firm consistency so it can be formed into a self-supporting shape, and one having tines for inserting a solid or frozen filling into flowable or soft masa dough. The tamale is removed from the container by separating one or more sleeve segments of the container to expose the tamale. |
| US08506279B2 |
Safety device for punches in a compression moulding apparatus
A safety device for an apparatus for compression-moulding objects that includes a moulding carousel provided with a plurality of punches and with a plurality of corresponding moulding elements, each mould element being movable between a first position in which it does not interact with the respective punch and a second position in which it interacts with the respective punch to mould an object. Each punch is associated with an extracting device suitable for extracting from the respective punch a moulded object. The extracting device is driven by a cam track obtained in a fixed frame of the moulding carousel. The cam track includes a cam track portion that is movable between an operating position in which it interacts with the extracting device and a non-operating position in which it does not interact with the extracting device. |
| US08506275B2 |
Removable device for moulding a flexible wall in the groove of a tire pattern
The invention relates to a tire curing mold comprising at least one lining element for molding the tread of said tire, said lining element comprising at least one bead for molding a groove in the tread. The curing mold comprises at least one insert forming a portion of the bead, said insert partially or completely delimiting a slot extending into the depth of the bead. The slot is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the bead. The slot is configured in order to mold a flexible wall of reduced thickness made as one piece with at least one wall of the groove molded by the bead. |
| US08506274B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels
In a method for manufacturing tires for vehicle wheels, a green tire, once formed, is transferred into a vulcanization mold and pressed against the holding walls of a molding cavity. Concurrently with the pressing step, a fluid present between the green tire and the holding walls is evacuated through vent valves. The tire is brought into contact with the closing head of each valve so as to push it toward a closed position of the valve itself. The closing head has a distal portion facing the molding cavity and includes at least one grip element for the tire blend, so that the closure member is pulled toward the open position while the molded and cured tire is moved away from the inner surface of the molding cavity. |
| US08506273B2 |
Seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus
A liquid coolant supply pipe and an over flow pipe are provided on the outer side of a capsule forming pipe through which a liquid coolant flows and into which liquid droplets are dropped from a nozzle. The liquid coolant is supplied to the liquid coolant supply pipe by a low pulsatory motion type pump, and the flow is regulated by a flow straightening block in the liquid coolant supply pipe. The cooling liquid passes through a liquid coolant introducing section having a curved surface, and then flows into the capsule forming pipe from an upper portion opening in a cap mounted to the upper part of the capsule forming pipe. The liquid coolant flows into the capsule forming pipe, and the excess flows into the overflow pipe. |
| US08506272B2 |
Scroll compressor lubrication system
A lubricant metering system for a compressor may include a cap, a cap cage, and a shaft. The cap may include an outer surface, a first recess, and a first radial bore extending between the first recess and the outer surface. The cap cage may include a second recess receiving the cap and a lubricant inlet in communication with the first recess via the first radial bore. The shaft may be received within the first recess and may include an axially extending bore and a second radial bore extending between an outer diameter of the shaft and the axially extending bore. The shaft may be mounted for rotation relative to the cap to allow lubricant to flow into the axially extending bore via the first and second radial bores when the second radial bore is aligned with the first radial bore. |
| US08506271B2 |
Scroll machine having axially biased scroll
A compressor includes a shell, a compression mechanism, and an axial biasing system. The shell defines a first passage forming a first discharge passage. The compression mechanism includes first and second scroll members meshingly engaged with one another and forming a series of compression pockets. The first scroll member includes a second discharge passage. The axial biasing system includes a biasing member having first and second surfaces generally opposite one another. The first surface includes a first radial surface area exposed to an intermediate pressure from one of the compression pockets and a second radial surface area exposed to a discharge pressure. The second surface includes a third radial surface area exposed to the intermediate pressure. The biasing member is axially displaceable between first and second positions. The biasing member axially engages the first scroll member when in the first position. |
| US08506269B2 |
Low noise type balance shaft module
A balance shaft module equipped with a dual pump including a main oil pump and a sub-oil pump may include a pump rotor rotatably coupled to a housing, a discharge space formed in the housing for discharging oil in the sub-oil pump, a pulse chamber formed in the housing to increase the discharge space, wherein the oil discharged through the discharge space is merged with the oil flowing through the pulse chamber such that discharge pulse pressure is reduced, and an eccentric washer having a discharging opening space formed by cutting off a portion inward from the outside, wherein the discharge opening space of the eccentric washer is connected to the discharge space to fluid-communicate with the discharge space of the pump rotor. |
| US08506263B2 |
Vacuum pump
A vacuum pump is provided comprising a pumping mechanism, a drive shaft for driving the pumping mechanism and a gear box connected to the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft. Pressure control means are provided to define a path to allow fluid to flow from the pumping mechanism to the gear box in order to reduce the pressure difference therebetween. A reservoir is located within this path for collecting oil passing along the drive shaft from the gear box towards the pumping mechanism. In use, this enables pressurized fluid flowing from the pumping mechanism towards the gear box to urge oil which has collected in the reservoir, towards the gear box. |
| US08506251B2 |
Gas turbine blade, manufacturing method therefor, and gas turbine using turbine blade
Gas turbine blades which simplify the formation of cooling channels provided inside the turbine blades while simultaneously avoiding loss of turbine blade strength and rigidity due to forming of the cooling channels. Cooling channels provided in the interior of a gas turbine blade include a plurality of straight channel-like base-side elongated holes extending in a longitudinal direction at a base side of the turbine blade, a plurality of straight channel-like tip-side elongated holes extending in a longitudinal direction at a tip side of the turbine blade, and a plurality of communicating hollow portions interposed at connection portions between the two types of elongated holes to allow the two types of elongated holes to communicate with each other, and have larger cross-sectional areas than the channel cross-sectional areas of both elongated holes. The communicating hollow portions are formed to match the position of a platform portion of the turbine blade. |
| US08506246B2 |
Static seal
The static seal (30) includes a rotary seal body (32) comprising an annular base portion (34) which is drivingly mountable on a rotary component such as a shaft and an annular cantilever portion (40) connected at one end to the base portion (34). The seal (30) 5 further includes a rotary seal face (48) and circumferential weights (44) connected to the cantilever portion (40). The seal is configured to dilate under centrifugal force to provide a running clearance between the rotary seal face and a complementary static seal face with which the rotary seal face is in contact when the rotary seal body (28) is stationary. The rotary seal body is further configured so as to facilitate the breaking up of slurry which may set around the seal when the pump (10) of which the seal forms part is inoperative. |
| US08506244B2 |
Instream hydro power generator
A turbine apparatus is immersed in an ambient stream of a flowing fluid, such as water, so as to encapture a portion of the flowing fluid and extract power therefrom, before returning it back into the ambient stream, which may be a tidal flow of ocean water, or a relative flow of water behind a boat. The apparatus includes a converging intake duct with an inlet opening that faces forward into the ambient stream flow, a spiral volute casing that redirects the fluid into a spiral flow, a rotor arranged coaxially on the spiral axis, and an exhaust duct that diverges and curves from an exhaust inlet coaxial with the spiral axis to an exhaust outlet that opens rearwardly into the ambient flow. The rotor has a peripheral rotor inlet around the circumference of a first stage thereof and an axial rotor outlet at one axial end thereof, and is arranged with its rotor axis coinciding with the spiral axis oriented transverse to the ambient stream flow. The rotor redirects the fluid from the spiral tangential and radial direction at the rotor inlet to the axial direction at the rotor outlet, while extracting power therefrom. Fluid flow channels are designed to achieve smooth acceleration, redirection, power transfer, and deceleration of the fluid preferably without turbulence and cavitation, and preferably using streamlines to develop the surface contours of complex channel components. |
| US08506243B2 |
Segmented thermally insulating coating
A gas turbine article includes a substrate, a plurality of geometric surface features that protrude from the substrate, and a thermally insulating topcoat disposed over the plurality of geometric surface features. The thermally insulating topcoat includes segmented portions that are separated by faults that extend through the topcoat from the geometric surface features. |
| US08506241B1 |
Turbine blade with cooling and tip sealing
A turbine rotor blade with a hollow open cavity formed between the airfoil walls, and radial flow near wall cooling channels formed within the walls that open on the tip surface to discharge the cooling air for sealing of the tip. The radial channels have a converging flow area to increase the cooling air flow velocity, and the radial cooling channels on the pressure side wall are slanted toward the pressure side so that the discharged cooling air will produce a smaller vena contractor and further reduce tip leakage flow. |
| US08506240B2 |
Free-surface liquid transfer device for rotating machinery
A free-surface liquid transfer apparatus for rotating machinery includes a rotating member. The rotating member includes a main shaft defining a hollow inner cavity, an outer cylindrical wall defining a hollow annular cavity in fluid communication with the hollow inner cavity through a plurality of orifices formed on the main shaft, and a slinger formation in fluid communication with the hollow annular cavity through a plurality of radial slots formed through the slinger formation. A central axis of the main shaft, a central axis of the hollow annular cavity, and a central axis of the slinger formation are collinear, and the slinger formation is configured to transmit working fluid received through the plurality of radial slots outward as a continuous film having both tangential and radial velocity components. |
| US08506238B2 |
Water pump with housing/impeller to enhance seal performance
Systems and methods for improving seal performance in a centrifugal water pump for an internal combustion engine increase static pressure at the seal by incorporating a combination of slots and ribs into a seal cavity of the pump housing that are positioned to convert dynamic fluid pressure into static pressure at the seal while reducing coolant velocity at the seal. Vent holes in the impeller having an appropriate size and location may also be used to increase the static pressure at the seal to enhance seal performance. |
| US08506237B2 |
Radial-flow turbomachines having performance-enhancing features
A turbomachine that includes a radial-flow impeller and one or more of a variety of features that enhance the performance of machinery in which the turbomachine is used. For example, when the turbomachine is used in a dynamometer, the features enhance the useful shaft horsepower range of the dynamometer. One of the features is a variable-restriction intake that allows for adjusting flow rate to the impeller. Other features include a unique impeller shroud and a shroud guide each movable relative to the impeller. Yet another feature is an exhaust diffuser that facilitates an increase in the range of shaft power and the reduction of deleterious vibration and noise. The turbomachine can also include a unique impeller blade configuration that cooperates with the adjustable intake and the exhaust diffuser to enhance flow through the turbomachine. |
| US08506233B2 |
Axial turbine and method for discharging a flow from an axial turbine
An axial turbine (1) has a plurality of expansion stages (2) each defined by stator blades (13) and rotor blades. The expansion stages (2) are followed by an exhaust diffuser (4) for collecting the flow passing through the expansion stages (2) and discharging it to the outside. The expansion stages (2) and/or the diffuser (4) have at least a non-axial symmetric portion. The stator blades (13) define different openings (17) along the circumference of the turbine. |
| US08506231B2 |
Handler having position correcting function and method of loading uninspected device into measuring socket
A handler includes a device holding portion, which holds an uninspected device and loads the device in a measuring socket on a device tester, having a suction means for sucking the device by a very weak pushing force at the time of sucking the device from an uninspection tray and for loading the device in a measuring socket and also having a clamper capable of outputting a pushing force which can be changed at the time of the measurement contact. The device holding portion includes a position correcting mechanism for making a device position correction executed by an image recognizing and position correcting means. |
| US08506224B2 |
Captive panel fastener assembly
A fastener including a bolt and a grommet assembly attached to the bolt for fastening to a work piece. The grommet assembly includes an upper grommet, a lower grommet attached to the upper grommet, a retainer ring, and a housing that houses the retainer ring within the lower grommet. The upper grommet is inserted into a hole at one side of the work piece and the lower grommet is attached to the upper grommet through the hole at an opposite side of the work piece. The retainer ring is inserted into the lower grommet and encapsulated by the housing. The bolt is inserted into the grommet assembly, and the retainer ring engages the bolt such that a plurality of pressure pads extending from a plurality of corresponding spring beam elements of the retainer ring reside in an annular groove of the bolt. The grommet assembly captivates the bolt onto the work piece, while providing a positive hold out of the bolt. |
| US08506223B2 |
Low-profile cam locking threaded fastener
An low-profile cam locking fastener assembly in which a locking nut is connected to a locking washer through a tubular skirt that extends from the nut opening. The skirt and nut opening are coaxial having contiguous inner surfaces that are threaded to receive a bolt or stud. The washer is mounted to the skirt so as to be rotatable with respect to nut as well as axially movable to a position in which cooperating cam elements on opposing faces between the washer and the nut are separated. The cam elements are arranged so that when the nut and washer are fastened down to a bolt or stud on a workpiece, the cam elements engage one another to substantially prevent the nut from loosening from the threaded bolt/stud. |
| US08506218B2 |
Transporting tool for tower sections of a wind turbine
A transporting tool for tower transporting sections of wind turbine tower by railway, road and sea transport vehicles that includes a lower module, with bottom clamps and an upper module, with upper clamps, chocks mounted to the tower module, and fastening elements that combined allow anchoring the tower section, for transport. |
| US08506217B2 |
Auto-rack railroad car vehicle wheel chock
A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle. |
| US08506216B2 |
Horizontal machine tool
A horizontal machine tool (1) includes a base frame (10) where workpiece support faces (11c) for supporting a workpiece are formed at front portions; an X-axis saddle (20) attached to a back-face portion (12b) of the base frame (10) through an X-axis movement mechanism (50) universally slidably in a left-right direction; a Y-axis saddle (30) attached to the X-axis saddle (20) through a Y-axis movement mechanism (60) universally slidably in an up-down direction; and a spindle device (40) attached to the Y-axis saddle (30) through a Z-axis movement mechanism (70) universally slidably in a front-rear direction. According to this configuration, it is possible to make a whole of the horizontal machine tool a small size and lightweight and to enhance machining accuracy of the workpiece. |
| US08506215B2 |
Method of forming piston pin holes and boring system therefor
A piston pin hole boring system and method of forming pin holes therewith includes fixing a piston to a fixture supported by a slide member. Then, rotating a cutting member about a first axis and moving the slide member with the fixture thereon toward the cutting member along the first axis and bringing the piston into cutting contact with the cutting member. Further, moving the fixture along second and third axes, each extending transversely to the first axis and machining the desired pin hole contours in the piston with the cutting member. |
| US08506214B2 |
Method for machining bevel gears using an indexing method having complete indexing error compensation
The invention relates to an apparatus for machining bevel gears in an indexing method and method for machining the pitch of gears, wherein the production-related pitch error is compensated. The apparatus (20) comprises an interface (11, 12) and can be connected to a measurement system (10) by means of this interface (11, 12). The interface is designed such that the apparatus (20) can take correction values or correction factors from the measurement system (10) in a form in order to be able to adapt master data or neutral data. The data, which was originally present in a memory (51) of the apparatus (20), is corrected on the basis of these correction values or correction factors before production of one or more bevel gears (31) is initiated on the apparatus (20). |
| US08506212B2 |
Adjustable indexable drill
An adjustable drill has a drill body having a face surface with a directional feature provided therewith. At least one cartridge is mounted adjacent the face surface and selectively slidable along the directional feature to provide adjustment. At least one insert is releasably affixed in an insert pocket provided in the cartridge. In further examples, the adjustable drill may have a central cutting system in combination with the adjustable cartridge type system, wherein the central cutting system may be modular. There may also be provided a modular type of holder arrangement to provide flexibility to adapt the system for various applications. |
| US08506210B2 |
Material removal tool with actuated guide pads
A material removal tool including a housing body having an active portion, at least one seating surface for a cutting insert operatively positioned on the active portion, and a guide pad positioned in a cavity in a circumferential surface of the active portion is disclosed. The guide pad is radially adjustable between a first radial position and a second radial position by a differential pressure across the guide pad. The differential pressure is created by an actuation fluid supplied to one side of the guide pad. A method for removing material from a workpiece with the rotating material removal tool is also disclosed. |
| US08506208B2 |
Shim plate for milling tools for chip removing machining as well as a milling tool having such a shim plate
A shim plate for milling tools for chip removing machining, including an upperside, an underside, and at least one side surface extending between the upperside and the underside and forming an angle ≦90° with the upperside. A through hole includes a first section mouthing in the upperside, and a second section mouthing in the underside and having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the first section. The upperside at least partially transforms into the side surface via an edge portion configured to be an active auxiliary chip-removing cutting edge upon failure of a cooperating cutting insert. The edge portion includes a chamfer surface that forms an obtuse angle (δ) with the upperside. |
| US08506207B2 |
Helical screw pile
A helical screw pile includes a longitudinal shaft having a top end and a bottom end with a plurality of helical plates arranged on the shaft in increasing diameter from the top to the bottom. The first helical plate is located toward the bottom of the shaft and has the largest diameter. The second helical plate is located above the first helical plate and has a diameter smaller than that of the first plate. The third helical plate is located above the second helical plate and has a diameter smaller than that of the second plate. The helical plate with the smallest diameter is located toward the top of the shaft. The distance between the first helical plate and the second helical plate is larger than the distance between the second helical plate and the third helical plate. |
| US08506202B2 |
Constant velocity universal joint
A constant velocity universal joint having a recess-projection engagement configuration in which backlash at a shaft connecting region does not easily occur, and an inner joint component and a shaft can he firmly connected. hi the constant velocity universal joint, the inner joint component and the shaft (5) fitted into an axis hole (22) of the inner joint component are connected by die recess-projection engagement configuration. Engagement contacting regions (38) of projections (35) and recesses (36) corresponding thereto are in close contact over the whole region. |
| US08506201B2 |
Structural assemblies and preforms therefor formed by linear friction welding
A preform for use in forming a structural assembly is provided. The preform can be formed by linear friction welding structural members to a base member and friction welding each structural member to at least one of the other structural members. The resulting preform can be formed with dimensions and a configuration that approximate the dimensions and configuration of the structural assembly. |
| US08506199B2 |
Tie rod
A structural unit, e.g., a tie rod, that has a tube which is provided with an internal thread, on at least one surface thereof, which is threaded in a first rotational direction, and into the end of which a threaded sleeve is screwed. The threaded sleeve has an internal thread which is threaded in a second direction, opposite to the first rotational direction, and has a shank screwed into the sleeve. The entire threaded sleeve is accommodated within the tube, and the threaded sleeve has a coupling contour on the opening side of the tube. A method of applying the structural unit such that, by rotating the threaded sleeve within the tube, the shank and the tube are moved in opposite directions. In the method, the coupling contour of the threaded sleeve serves to introduce the torque required for rotational motion of the threaded sleeve by way of a tool or an adapter. |
| US08506198B2 |
Self aligning coupling for mixing system
A shaft coupling assembly includes a hub bounding an opening. The interior surface of the hub includes an annular coupling surface and a receiving surface, the receiving surface sloping away from opening. An alignment rib projects from the receiving surface into the opening. An elongated shaft includes a driver that is configured to be received within the opening of the hub. The driver has an exterior surface that includes an annular engaging surface, a guide surface, and a guide rib radially, outwardly projecting from the guide surface. The guide rib is configured such that when the driver is being inserted within the opening with the guide rib being aligned with the alignment rib, the guide rib contacts the alignment rib so that the guide rib must be offset from the alignment rib before the driver can be fully received within the opening. |
| US08506193B1 |
Cosmetic fluid dispenser
A cosmetic fluid dispenser, comprising in combination a vertically elongated housing structure containing upper and lower compartments, the lower compartment configured to receive and store cosmetic fluid; a dispenser tube projecting vertically from the lower interior of the lower compartment, upwardly into the upper compartment; a plunger movable vertically in the housing, the housing structure including a rotor rotatable to drive the plunger downwardly for effecting fluid displacement into and upwardly in the dispenser tube; and a valve for preventing inadvertent leakage of fluid from the tube, and characterized as openable in response to use of the dispenser. |
| US08506190B2 |
Cutter mechanism and printer with a cutter
A cutter mechanism has a fixed blade and slidable blade which cooperates with the fixed blade to cut a recording sheet. The fixed blade is biased in a direction away from a base portion by a biasing member. A holder supports the fixed blade away from the base portion to cause a cutting edge of the fixed blade to swing up and down and permit opposite ends of the fixed blade to be pushed down at least in the direction of the base portion. The fixed blade holder has a wall portion positioning the fixed blade in a sliding direction of the slidable blade, a first regulating member that regulates lifting of the fixed blade cutting edge, and a second regulating member that regulates lifting of the fixed blade root portion in a state in which a gap is formed between the base portion and the root portion. |
| US08506187B2 |
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. |
| US08506184B2 |
Shutter apparatus, image sensing apparatus, and shutter control method
A shutter apparatus mounted in an image sensing apparatus, the shutter apparatus comprising: a blade member configured to open/close an opening through which light from an object passes, and control an aperture area of the opening; and a driving unit capable of first and second driving controls, the first driving control driving the blade member to serve as a stop, and the second driving control driving the blade member to serve as a shutter, wherein when the object is captured by an image sensor, the driving unit temporarily drives the blade member in an opening direction from a first position, to which the blade member is driven in a closing direction to serve as a stop, and then activates the blade member to a fully closing position. |
| US08506182B2 |
Stabilized stereographic camera system
A stabilized stereographic camera system may include an upright support having a longitudinal axis. A camera support coupled to one end of the upright support may mount first and second cameras, the first camera movable with respect to the second cameras. A ballast may be coupled to another end of the upright support. A balance mechanism may move a movable portion of the stereographic camera system relative to the upright support in response to movement of the first camera with respect to the second camera to maintain a constant weight distribution of the stereographic camera system. |
| US08506179B2 |
Deformable plastic radially symmetric mechanical splicers and connectors for optical fibers
Radially symmetric splicer joint and locking assemblies and connectors for optical fibers are provided. The assemblies use splicer joints formed from a slightly deformable plastic material. The splicer joints contain an axial bore having a diameter slightly less then the diameter of the stripped ends the optical fibers inserted into the axial bore. When a stripped fiber is inserted into the axial bore of the splicer joint, the bore expands slightly to frictionally receive the stripped end. The assemblies and connectors use radially symmetric locking to secure the fibers therein. The radially symmetric locking and the surface tension provided by the axial bore against the stripped ends of the fibers minimizes the occurrence of mis-alignment and reduces insertion and return losses. |
| US08506177B2 |
Cable assembly with elecrical and optical transmitting
An cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (1); a plurality of terminals (212, 222) received in the insulative housing; a plurality of lenses (81); a photoelectric conversion device (93); and a cable (6) including first fibers (63) and second fibers (65), the first fibers connected to photoelectric conversion device which further connected to the terminals, the second fibers connected to the lenses, respectively. |
| US08506175B2 |
Optical waveguide board
An optical waveguide board includes: an optical waveguide configured to transmit an optical signal to and from a light receiving element and a light emitting element; wiring patterns that are electrically connected with the light receiving and emitting elements, respectively; and supporting members disposed on the wiring patterns on sides of end parts of the optical waveguide, the supporting members supporting the light receiving and emitting elements, respectively; wherein each of the supporting members includes: a conduction portion that electrically connects a corresponding one of the light receiving and emitting elements and the wiring pattern; and a smooth surface configured to reflect the optical signal appearing between the corresponding one of the light receiving and emitting elements and the optical waveguide. |
| US08506170B2 |
Bearing mounted isolator seal
A bearing is disclosed comprising an inner ring concentrically disposed with an outer ring with rotational elements therebetween adapted for allowing rotational movement of the inner ring relative to the outer ring. A relatively non-resilient isolator seal is mounted to the bearing. |
| US08506167B2 |
Dynamic bearing device having a thrust bearing portion
The present invention has an object of improving wear resistance of a thrust bearing portion. A pressure is generated by a dynamic pressure effect of a lubricating oil in a thrust bearing gap between a thrust bearing surface including dynamic pressure generating grooves and a smooth thrust receiving surface so as to rotatably support a shaft member in an axial direction. The thrust receiving surface is formed as a flat surface, whereas an inclined plane is provided on the thrust bearing surface so as to provide a reduced portion having a decreasing axial width in a radially outward direction in the thrust bearing gap. |
| US08506162B2 |
Disposable, pre-calibrated, pre-validated sensors for use in bio-processing applications
Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated conductivity sensors are provided. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the sensor on in a barcode printed on the sensor. The sensors are calibrated using 0.100 molar potassium chloride (KCl) solutions at 25 degrees Celsius. These sensors may be utilize with in-line systems, closed fluid circuits, bioprocessing systems, or systems which require an aseptic environment while avoiding or reducing cleaning procedures and quality assurance variances. |
| US08506158B2 |
Watch
A watch having a band formed from a bistable spring is described. The band automatically wraps to or coils around a wrist, arm, or other limb of an individual wearing the watch. The band is formed from the bistable spring, which includes an extended configuration and a coiled configuration. The band forms a first portion and a second portion. An outer layer covers at least a portion of the bistable spring. The watch includes a watch module to display time data. A housing receives the watch module. The housing is integral with the outer layer. The housing is positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the band. |
| US08506155B2 |
Pre-aggregate drying method and energy efficient asphalt plant
An HMA plant which uses incidental heating of metal surfaces in combination with hot exhaust gases to pre-heat and pre-dry virgin aggregate material contained in an enclosed container which permits hot dry air to pass through interstices in the virgin aggregate material stored in the container. |
| US08506153B2 |
Light guide panel and back light module thereof
The invention relates to an LGP and a back light module thereof, wherein the LGP comprises a light input surface, a bottom surface and a light output surface opposite to the bottom surface, and is characterized in that the bottom surface and/or the light output surface is provided with a plurality of microstructures, distribution rules for microstructures along the direction parallel to the light input surface of the LGP are: the microstructures in the middle of the LGP are closely arranged, and the microstructures on the two sides are sparsely arranged. In the LGP provided in the invention, the light output in the direction parallel to the light input surface can reach the brightness distribution with high middle and low edges, thereby achieving higher efficiency of light energy utilization. |
| US08506150B2 |
Backlight device and display apparatus
According to one embodiment, a backlight device includes a light source, a light guide plate, a light beam controller, and a directivity control element. The light guide plate is formed with plural diffusion portions that diffuse light from the light source. The light beam controller is configured to emit plural linear light beams. The directivity control element has plural optical openings. The optical openings extend in a second direction and are arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction. The light beam controller emits the linear light beams that extend in a third direction tilted with respect to the second direction. The light guide plate has a first region in which the diffusion portions are formed in the third direction and a second region in which no diffusion portions are formed, the first region and the second region being arranged alternately in the first direction. |
| US08506142B2 |
Resettable break-away joint for a pole assembly
A resettable break-away joint for a pole assembly includes a lower end of an upper pole member and an upper end of a lower pole member. A biasing mechanism urges the lower end of the upper pole member toward engagement with the upper end of the lower pole member to urge the upper pole member toward an upright position until the upper pole member is moved to a collapsed position. |
| US08506133B2 |
Lighting device
A compact LED lamp (1) is provided with a holder (20), an LED module (10) mounted on the holder (20), and a globe (70) covering the LED module (10). The holder (20) has a groove (21) surrounding the LED module (10) at a top surface (24a) of the holder (20), with a rim (70a) of the globe (70) inserted in the groove (21). When comparing an edge (D1) and an edge (D2) along a side wall (24c) of the groove (21), the edge (D1) is closer to an opening of the groove, and the edge (D2) is closer to a bottom of the groove. The edge (D2) is more recessed than the edge (D1) in a direction perpendicular to a direction of depth of the groove. Furthermore, the groove (21) has through-holes (22) at part of a bottom surface (24d) of the groove (21) to connect to a back surface (24b) of the holder (20). The groove (21) and the through-holes (22) are filled with adhesive (80). |
| US08506132B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating high efficiency radial circular lighting distributions from a hemispherical lambertian source
A ring generating LED lamp includes a lens section which employs internal reflection to direct the light energy from a hemispherical emitter into a ring shaped output distribution. The ring shaped distribution projects above and below the plane of the LED source. The lens has multiple internal surfaces that direct light from the LED source to provide a ring shaped output distribution. |
| US08506130B2 |
Optical element for a light emitting device and a method of manufacturing thereof
The present invention relates to an optical element for a light emitting device, wherein the optical element comprises a sintered ceramic body (3) comprising a wavelength converting layer (4) and a scattering layer (5), and to a method of manufacturing thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to an optical element, comprising a sintered ceramic body (3) of a first layer (4) and a second layer (5) arranged on the first layer, wherein the first layer comprises a wavelength converting material, the porosity of the second layer is higher than the porosity of the first layer, and pores in the second layer are arranged to provide scattering of a light beam. The method for manufacturing of the optical element comprises providing a green body comprising a first layer of a first material and a second layer of a second material; and co-sintering said layers into a sintered ceramic body; the compositions of the first and second layer are adapted such that after sintering, the porosity of the second layer is higher than the porosity of the first layer, and pores in said second layer are arranged to provide scattering of a light beam. |
| US08506127B2 |
Lens frame with a LED support surface and heat dissipating structure
A lens frame for mounting and cooling LEDs is described. The lens frame (120) may be continuous and attachable to a luminaire (100) having a luminaire housing (110) with an opening (112). The lens frame (120) may extend across and close the opening (112) of the luminaire housing (110). The lens frame (120) may include a recessed support surface (122), a lens attachment area (126) positioned outward from and peripherally of the support surface (122), and heat dissipating structure (130) located peripherally of the support surface (122). A plurality of LEDs (154) may be coupled to the support surface (122) of the lens frame (120) exteriorly of the luminaire housing (110) and a lens (188) may be coupled to the lens retaining area (126) of the lens frame (120). |
| US08506126B2 |
Retrofit LED lamp assembly for sealed optical lamps
A retrofit LED lamp assembly for the replacement of light bulbs in optical lamps mounted elevated on support posts is described. The optical lamps have a lamp housing with a reflector secured therein and supporting a light bulb. A glass shade projects the light. The retrofit LED lamp assembly has a support member on which light emitting diodes (LED's) are electrically insulatingly supported to replace the light bulb. An adjustable connection assembly is provided to secure the support member to the reflector. The support member is configured to position the LED's at a predetermined angle and orientation relative to configured reflective surface segments of the reflector whereby to produce a desired oriented photometric light distribution pattern. A heat sink is securable in contact with the support member to dissipate heat. A clear tempered glass lens replaces the glass shade. |
| US08506124B2 |
Light-emitting device and method
A light-emitting method is provided. The light-emitting method is applied in a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes an emitting member to emit light. The light-emitting method includes detecting an air pressure of the light-emitting device and controlling the emitting member to emit light with color and luminance value according to the detected air pressure. A related light-emitting device is also provided. |
| US08506122B2 |
Lens and light emitting apparatus having the same
Provided is a light emitting apparatus. The light emitting apparatus comprises a substrate; a light emitting device package on the substrate; and a lens supported by the substrate, the lens being disposed on the light emitting device package, wherein the lens comprises a lens body having a first recess at a central portion of a top surface thereof, a second recess at a central portion of a bottom surface thereof, and a lens support disposed on the bottom surface of the lens body to support the lens body such that the bottom surface of the lens body is spaced apart from the substrate. |
| US08506120B2 |
Adapter with at least one electronic component
An adapter (1) with at least one electronic component (2) for mounting in a hole (3) extending through or partly through a composite board (4), which includes at least two layers (5) of electrically conducting material that are separated by at least one insulator (6) of electrically insulating material, the adapter (1) including one or more legs (7) adapted for by mounting in the hole (2) to establish electric connection with a first layer (8), and where the at least one component (2) is fitted on a metal item (9) which has a contact surface, and that the contact surface is in electrically and thermally conducting connecting with a contact surface on a second layer (10) when the adapter (1) is mounted in the hole (3). |
| US08506119B2 |
Efficient, uniform, and dimmable sign or display illumination methods using overlapped LED modules on a raised grid platform
Concepts for increasing brightness and uniformity and providing dimming for LED-illuminated signs and display are disclosed. Substantial increase in brightness is achieved via reducing the distance between LED modules and the sign or display they illuminate by placing the LEDs on a raised grid platform constructed with a plurality of intersecting plates. Whenever two plates intersect, a “grid-node” is formed, creating a plurality of intersections and grid nodes in a two-dimensional array. On each grid-node, two distinct and electrically isolated LED sub-modules are placed. By connecting all LED sub-modules parallel to one dimension (e.g., X-axis) in one series, and all LED sub-modules parallel to the other dimension (e.g., Y-axis) in another series, two electrically isolated LED series are created. Lighting up both series provide maximum brightness and good uniformity; lighting up only one series allows dimming for illuminated signs or displays without any drive current adjustment. |
| US08506118B2 |
Light fixture and associated LED board and monolithic optic
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a light fixture useful for area lighting. The light fixture includes a housing having a base and a top, and a light emitting diode (LED) light emission module disposed within the housing. The light emission module includes a centrally disposed aperture that receives a centrally disposed power lead for powering the light emission module. |
| US08506117B2 |
LED illumination device having reflector for producing required light pattern
An LED illumination device includes a polygonal reflector and a plurality of LEDs received in the reflector. The reflector includes multiple sidewalls connecting with each other. Each LED is located adjacent to at least one corresponding neighboring sidewall. The polygonal reflector can have a shape of a square, a rectangle, an octagon etc. Light generated by the LEDs has at least a part reflected by the reflector to radiate out of the LED illumination device upwardly. The LED is a top view LED. A top of an LED die of the LED is no higher than a bottom of the sidewalls of the reflector. |
| US08506115B2 |
Method and apparatus for delivering visual information
An information display device illuminates a light pipe, and includes a controller to regulate the power levels delivered to a light source, thereby regulating the amount of light delivered to the light pipe. Alternatively, the information display device delivers visual data, including alpha-numeric characters, predetermined images, or a controlled phasing. The information display device may be utilized to illuminate information associated with the structure. The illumination system provides the ability to phase between different colors, as well as blended colors. Accordingly, an information display device phases between varying colors, and may blend colors to create color schemes. The illumination system includes a control module disposed within the structure to control device parameters. The illumination system further includes landscape lights that are in communication with the control module and the information display device, such that the landscape lights may phase with the information display device, thereby providing a unified phasing effect. |
| US08506114B2 |
Lighting devices, methods of lighting, light filters and methods of filtering light
A lighting device comprising a white light source, a filter which filters blue light from the white light, and a second light source which emits red light and/or reddish-orange light. In some embodiments, the white light source comprises a solid state light emitter. A method of lighting, comprising illuminating a white light source, illuminating a red and/or reddish-orange light source, the light sources being positioned and oriented such that the light mixes, and filtering blue light from the mixed light. A method of lighting, comprising illuminating a white light source, filtering blue light from the white light, and illuminating a red and/or reddish-orange light source. A light filter, comprising a first filter component which has a wall region and a window region, and a second filter component comprising two or more reflection regions. Also, methods of filtering. |
| US08506112B1 |
Illumination devices including multiple light emitting elements
A variety of illumination devices are disclosed that are configured to manipulate light provided by one or more light-emitting elements (LEEs). In general, embodiments of the illumination devices feature one or more optical couplers that redirect illumination from the LEEs to a reflector which then directs the light into a range of angles. In some embodiments, the illumination device includes a second reflector that reflects at least some of the light from the first reflector. In certain embodiments, the illumination device includes a light guide that guides light from the collector to the first reflector. The components of the illumination device can be configured to provide illumination devices that can provide a variety of intensity distributions. Such illumination devices can be configured to provide light for particular lighting applications, including office lighting, task lighting, cabinet lighting, garage lighting, wall wash, stack lighting, and downlighting. |
| US08506100B2 |
Hat brim with rearview mirrors
Rear view mirrors for use with a brim of a hat. Telescopic arms extend from the brim and are pivotable and swivelable from a central ball joint and have rear view mirrors disposed on the distal ends thereof that are pivotable and swivelable on the ball joints that transition from the distal end of the telescopic arms and the rear view mirrors. The rear view mirrors and telescopic arms are articulated by the user to provide the desired field of vision behind the user. |
| US08506099B1 |
Portable, adjustable mirror stand
A freestanding portable holding apparatus for a handheld mirror comprises a base which ensures stability and a center-mounted pole extending upward from the base having a height adjustment mechanism that allows the pole to be extended upwards or downwards as desired by the user. An upper end of the apparatus is provided with an adjustable clip to hold a variety of handheld mirrors in an inverted fashion. It is adjustable in height so that a user can see the rear of their head while looking in another stationary mirror. This feature affords the user the use of both hands while styling hair without having to constantly switch and move the handheld mirror in one hand. |
| US08506096B2 |
Variable reflectance mirror reflective element for exterior mirror assembly
A variable reflectance mirror reflective element includes a front substrate and a rear substrate and an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween, with no part of the rear substrate extending beyond any part of the front substrate. A mirror reflector is disposed at a third surface of the rear substrate and includes a stack of thin films having at least one metal thin film. A perimeter layer is disposed at a second surface of the front substrate proximate a perimeter edge of the front substrate and generally conceals the perimeter seal from view by a person viewing through the front substrate. Light that reflects off of the mirror reflector and passes through the electrochromic medium and the front substrate has a substantially untinted reflectant characteristic to a person viewing the mirror reflective element when no voltage is applied to the electrochromic medium. |
| US08506091B2 |
Illumination apparatus and projection apparatus
An illumination apparatus including a first light emitting device, a first phosphor layer, a second light emitting device and a second phosphor layer and a beam combining element is provided. The first light emitting device is capable of providing a first light beam and the first phosphor layer is disposed on the transmission path of the first light beam. The second light emitting device is disposed opposite to the first light emitting device and for providing a second light beam, wherein the second phosphor layer is disposed on the transmission path of the second light beam. The beam combining element is disposed between the first phosphor layer and the second phosphor layer. In addition, the invention also provides a projection apparatus. |
| US08506084B2 |
Method for checking and/or determining user data, a computer program product, and an apparatus
The present invention relates in summary to a method for checking and/or determining user data of a spectacle lens user comprising providing subjective data of a spectacle lens user, wherein the subjective data comprise at least subjective refraction data, providing objective refraction data of the spectacle lens user, comparing at least one subset of the subjective refraction data with at least one subset of the objective refraction data and determining a comparison result, matching at least the subset of the subjective refraction data to the objective refraction data on the basis of the comparison result under the assumption that the comparison result fulfills at least one predetermined comparison condition, otherwise maintaining at least the subset of the subjective refraction data and/or providing a message containing the comparison result, and to a further method, a computer program product and two devices for checking and/or determining user data. |
| US08506083B2 |
Compact wavefront sensor module and its attachment to or integration with an ophthalmic instrument
One embodiment disclosed is a compact wavefront sensor module to be attached to or integrated with an ophthalmic instrument for eye examination and/or vision correction procedures. The front lens for relaying the wavefront from the eye to a wavefront sampling plane is positioned at the optical input port of the wavefront sensor module. The front lens is shared by the wavefront sensor and the ophthalmic instrument, and the wavefront sensor module can be made very compact while still being able to cover a large eye wavefront measurement diopter range.Another embodiment disclosed is an ophthalmic device for measuring properties of a subject eye including an ophthalmic instrument integrated with the wavefront sensor module. |
| US08506082B2 |
Ophthalmic apparatus, adaptive optical system, and image generating apparatus
An ophthalmic apparatus includes an aberration correction unit which corrects aberration occurring in light irradiating an eye to be examined; and a common optical system which is commonly provided for an optical path of irradiated light on the aberration correction unit and an optical path of reflected light from the aberration correction unit. The common optical system includes at least one optical element, and areas through which the irradiated light and the reflected light respectively pass overlap each other on the optical element. |
| US08506078B2 |
Method for determining at least one geometric postural parameter when fitting a corrective spectacle frame on the face of a wearer in the anatomical posture thereof
A method includes: a) defining position-identification elements for identifying the position of a first frame of reference associated with a wearer's head in a second frame of reference associated with an image-capture device and for identifying the angle of inclination of the first frame of reference in the sagittal plane of the wearer's head about a center of rotation of the head; b) capturing a series of at least two images of the wearer's head; c) determining, in the second frame of reference, a position of the center of rotation; d) identifying, in each image, the image of a first anatomical point of the wearer's face; e) determining, in each image, the angle of inclination relative to a reference plane of an anatomical plane that is perpendicular to the sagittal plane and that contains the center of rotation and the first anatomical point; f) comparing the angle with a predetermined value; and g) determining the geometrical-and-postural parameter as a function of the comparison. |
| US08506077B2 |
Method for measuring visual function and visual attention in a continuous performance test
The invention comprises a neuropsychological test method designed to measure a test subject's variables of visual attention for stimuli believed to preferentially elicit specific visual pathways. Target visual pathways include the magnocellular on/off, parvocellular chromatic red/green, koniocellular blue/yellow, and parvocellular achromatic pathways. Furthermore, the invention computes differential measures between the different stimuli types for diagnostic value. These computations include, but are not limited to, measures believed to elicit non-linear contrast gain control, on versus off pathways, and changes in performance over time. The test displays both target and noise (non-target) stimuli with different apriori probabilities at different stages of the test. The test can capture and analyze physiological measures, isoluminant points and critical flicker fusion points. In accordance with the present invention, a novel method and system called the “Variable Contrast Continuous Performance Test (VC-CPT)” is provided. |
| US08506075B2 |
Ophthalmic lens with multiple phase plates
An ophthalmic lens for providing a plurality of foci includes an optic having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. The ophthalmic lens has a first region and a second region. The first region has a first refractive optical power and includes a first base curvature having a finite radius of curvature and a first phase plate having at least one diffraction order with a diffractive optical power. The first region is configured for forming a first focus and a second focus. The second region has a second refractive optical power and includes a second base curvature having a finite second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius of curvature and a second phase plate having at least one diffraction order with a diffractive optical power. |
| US08506074B2 |
Ophthalmic lens and spectacles comprising at least such one lens
Ophthalmic lens including at least one spherical face with an optical center and a geometrical center, and having in succession a top vision region, an intermediate vision region and a bottom vision region, with a principal meridian of progression traversing the three vision regions of the aspherical face, the lens being noteworthy in that the top vision region is adapted for mid-distance vision, the bottom vision region is adapted for near-distance vision, and the intermediate vision region is adapted for intermediate distance vision, and in that the optical center of the aspherical face is in the intermediate vision region, the optical center coinciding with the geometrical center of aspherical face. This lens is particularly suitable for people with emmetropic longsightedness. |
| US08506069B2 |
Inkjet ink set, and image forming method
The present invention provides a an inkjet ink set including a fixing agent liquid which includes a cationic polymer and an acidic precipitant; and an ink which includes a water-based medium, a pigment having a first anionic polymer covalently bonded thereto, and a second anionic polymer, wherein the second anionic polymer is insoluble in the water-based medium. |
| US08506062B2 |
Time limited printing method and device
A method of printing a time limited document is disclosed. The method includes the steps of selecting an ink having a fading time, and printing the time limited document using the selected ink. A printer and associated cartridge are also disclosed. |
| US08506061B2 |
Method and apparatus for purging and supplying ink to an inkjet printing apparatus
An ink delivery system is configured to supply ink to an ink reservoir fluidly coupled to inkjet ejectors and remove ink from a receptacle mounted proximate to the ink reservoir using a single conduit. The ink reservoir is configured to prevent air from being pulled through a reservoir membrane, and a reversible pump is configured to produce positive and negative pressure in the conduit to supply ink to the ink reservoir and remove ink from the receptacle, respectively. |
| US08506060B2 |
Ink supply device for inkjet printer and inkjet printer
An ink supply device for an inkjet printer includes a sub-tank and a main tank. The sub-tank has an ink chamber to store liquid ink and is connected to a print head configured to eject the liquid ink via a head-side supply passage. The sub-tank has a plurality of supply holes which connect the ink chamber and the head-side supply passage. At least two of the plurality of supply holes have their openings on the ink chamber side formed at different heights. The main tank is connected to the sub-tank and contains the liquid ink to be supplied to the ink chamber. |
| US08506058B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric element
A liquid ejecting head includes a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle for ejecting liquid droplets and a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer and a pair of electrodes disposed on both sides of the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is made of a perovskite-type oxide containing barium titanate, calcium titanate, and europium oxide. |
| US08506052B2 |
Inkjet nozzle assembly with drop directionality control via independently actuable roof paddles
An inkjet nozzle assembly having: a nozzle chamber for containing ink, the nozzle chamber including a floor and a roof having a nozzle opening defined therein; and a plurality of moveable paddles defining part of the roof. The plurality of paddles are actuable to cause ejection of an ink droplet from the nozzle opening. Each paddle includes a thermal bend actuator, and each actuator is independently controllable via respective drive circuitry such that a direction of droplet ejection from the nozzle opening is controllable by independent movement of each paddle. |
| US08506047B2 |
Device for positioning at least one print bar in a printing position in an inkjet printing apparatus
In a print bar system or method in which at least one print bar is positioned in a printing position, first and second drive and guidance units are provided for the print bar and which each have an adjustable guidance unit and a first coupling unit. The print bar has print bar receptacles with adjustable positioning pins. The guidance units and the print bar receptacles are designed such that upon insertion of the print bar into the drive and guidance units the print bar receptacles rest in a floating bearing on the guidance units and are centered and arrested after displacement of the guidance units in the drive and guidance units such that the print bar is positioned into the printing position in the drive and guidance units and wherein the positioning pins engage in the first coupling units. |
| US08506045B2 |
Inkjet head cleaning apparatus and method
According to an example embodiment, an inkjet head cleaning apparatus that removes ink residue from an inkjet head after a purging operation in a non-contact manner includes a cleaning blade and a drive unit. The cleaning blade is at a distance from a bottom of the inkjet head. The drive unit is configured to move the cleaning blade in a direction parallel to the inkjet head bottom. The cleaning blade includes a flat upper surface parallel to the inkjet head bottom, and an ink film is produced between the flat upper surface of the cleaning blade and the inkjet head bottom. The cleaning blade also includes an elongated groove longitudinally in the upper surface of the cleaning blade. |
| US08506042B2 |
Modular printhead with a plurality of printhead modules
A modular printhead is disclosed which includes an elongate channel and a plurality of printhead modules. The printhead modules are received in the elongate channel. Each printhead module has a carrier, an elongate ink delivery member mounted in the carrier and a printhead. The elongate ink delivery member defines longitudinal conduits, each conduit carrying a respective ink. The elongate ink delivery member further defines sets of apertures, each set of apertures including apertures which are each in register with a corresponding conduit. The printhead includes inkjet nozzles, each inkjet nozzle being in fluid communication with a respective conduit. |
| US08506040B2 |
Solid ink compositions comprising crystalline-amorphous mixtures
A solid ink composition comprising an amorphous component, a crystalline material, and optionally, a colorant, which are suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. In embodiments, the solid ink formulation comprises a blend of an amorphous and crystalline components which provides a solid ink with excellent robustness when forming images or printing on coated paper substrates. |
| US08506039B2 |
Flow-through ejection system including compliant membrane transducer
A liquid dispenser includes a substrate. A first portion of the substrate defines a liquid dispensing channel including an outlet opening. A second portion of the substrate defines a liquid supply channel and a liquid return channel. A liquid supply provides a continuous flow of liquid from the liquid supply through the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel through the liquid return channel and back to the liquid supply. A diverter member, positioned on a wall of the liquid dispensing channel that includes the outlet opening, is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel through outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel. The diverter member includes a MEMS transducing member anchored to the wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. |
| US08506036B2 |
Inline calibration of clear ink drop mass
An imaging device includes a plurality of ink jets that eject drops of substantially clear ink onto print media. One of the print media and the substantially clear ink has a fluorescent characteristic and the other of the print media and the substantially clear ink is substantially non-fluorescent. The imaging device includes a fluorescence sensor that illuminates the print media and detects a fluorescence intensity of light received from the print media alone and from the print media and the drops of substantially clear ink ejected onto the media. A controller modifies an operating parameter of the imaging device with reference to ink drop masses identified with reference to the detected fluorescent intensities. |
| US08506034B2 |
Printing apparatus
Provided is a printing apparatus for printing an image on a medium, which is transported in a transport direction, by forming dots by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles while moving the nozzles in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction. The printing apparatus has a first printing mode for printing a mirror image of a predetermined image as the image on the medium and a second printing mode for printing a positive image of a predetermined image as the image on the medium, the medium being a transparent medium. The first printing mode is different from the second printing mode in at least one of a transportation operation of transporting the medium and a dot-forming operation of forming the dots by ejecting ink while moving the nozzles. |
| US08506030B2 |
Element substrate, printhead, and head cartridge
This invention provides an element substrate having a heater selection circuit normally operable even in the use of voltage conversion circuits, which are arranged along the nozzle arrayed direction, each having a small-area in order to reduce the area of the element substrate. The element substrate according to this invention includes a heater selection circuit, which receives a signal output from a voltage conversion circuit, a block selection signal, and a print data signal, and generates and outputs a signal for performing switching by a switching element. |
| US08506029B2 |
Liquid droplet circulation control apparatus, liquid droplet ejection apparatus, and computer readable storage medium
There is provided a liquid droplet circulation control apparatus including: a first circulation controller that sets a first circulation mode in which liquid is circulated with pressure control by driving a supply side pressure generator and a return side pressure generator, the supply side pressure generator supplying the liquid to the liquid droplet ejector and the return side pressure generator returning the liquid from the liquid droplet ejector; a second circulation controller that sets a second circulation mode in which the liquid is circulated by driving the supply side pressure generator and/or the return side pressure generator, such that the liquid is made to bypass at least the liquid droplet ejector; a selector that selects one or other circulation modes; and a setting unit that sets a circulation path of the liquid based on the selected circulation mode. |
| US08506025B2 |
Supporter and pedestal and washing/drying machine having the same
A washing/drying machine is mounted to a pedestal via supporters. The pedestal includes a housing having a specific space therein, the plurality of supporters mounted at the housing and supporting an object placed on the housing and connection parts connecting the supporters mounted at one side of the housing to each other. The supporters are provided with coupling ribs for fixing the object at the housing. As the pedestal is mounted at the washing/drying machine, it is capable of preventing surfaces of the washing/drying machine and the pedestal from being damaged and of preventing water or other foreign materials from penetrating through a gap between the washing/drying machine and the pedestal by the connection parts mounted between the washing/drying machine and the pedestal. |
| US08506016B2 |
Vehicle seat
A support member has a sheet-shaped body that expands and contracts and that supports a cushion, and a frame-shaped body that fixes the sheet-shaped body in a tensioned state. The sheet-shaped body is attached to a frame member by the frame-shaped body being engaged with the frame member. The frame-shaped body is rigid and maintains a shape that follows an outer shape of the frame member when an occupant is seated, and has a first portion where an end portion of the sheet-shaped body is fixed, and a second portion where the end portion of the sheet-shaped body is not fixed. The second portion is formed at a position that corresponds to a position where a load of the occupant concentrates when the occupant is seated. |
| US08506012B2 |
Center-foldable seat back, seat with the same, and method of manufacturing center-foldable seat back
A center-foldable seat back has a seat back upper part that can be tilted forward relative to a seat back lower part. A trim cover is provided, sewn along the entire periphery at the mutual contact position of an upper and lower cover, the pulled-in state is modulated by cloth pieces, thereby preventing wrinkles. The seat back is provided with the trim cover in which one cloth piece one side edge of which is sewn to the ends of the lower and upper cover is provided at least in the central portion on the inside of the trim cover, the cloth piece is extended inward, the other side edge thereof is sewn to a fastener, the central portion on the back side is extended inward and sewn to the fastener, and the central portion on the inside of the trim cover is sewn to open and close by one fastener. |
| US08506008B2 |
Foldable seat structure
A foldable seat structure includes a front foot part and a horizontal pole of a height across the front foot part engaged with a rear foot part. A first forward extending part and a second forward extending part are mounted on a horizontal pole of the rear foot part, to be jointed with a corresponding holding part of the front foot part. A screw is used to restrict the joint position. The front foot part is further jointed to a back frame with a back pad and a chair cushion on a front of the rear foot part. The screw of the holding part and the first and second forward extending parts can be unlocked to facilitate the rear foot part to be cross-folding with the front foot part to greatly reduce size for the package to be sold. |
| US08506002B2 |
Intuitive control system for power assisted vehicle doors
A heavy vehicle door or ramp is opened and closed using an intuitive control system. The door includes a latch assembly, a lock assembly, and a power unit to assist in opening and closing the door. The door includes an interior joy stick handle and an exterior lever handle. From outside the vehicle, the door is opened and closed by pivoting the lever handle downwardly and upwardly, respectively. From the interior of the vehicle, the joy stick handle is pulled inwardly to close the door and pushed outwardly to open the door. Pivoting the joystick handle forwardly engages the blast locks, while pivoting the joystick handle rearwardly unlatches the latch assembly and disengages the blast locks. The power assist unit is actuated by pivotal movement of the outside door handle and lateral pivotal movement of the interior joystick handle. |
| US08506001B2 |
Coated article including low-E coating with improved durability and/or methods of making same
This application relates to a coated article including at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer of a material such as silver or the like in a low-E coating. In certain embodiments, at least one layer of the coating is of or includes zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2) or zirconium silicon oxynitride (e.g., ZrSiOxNy). When a layer comprising zirconium oxide or zirconium silicon oxynitride is provided as the uppermost or overcoat layer of the coated article (e.g., over a silicon nitride based layer), this results in improved chemical and heat stability in certain example embodiments. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windows, or in other suitable applications such as monolithic window applications, laminated windows, and/or the like. |
| US08505998B1 |
Truck bed liner with integrated storage system
A system is provided for storing items in the bed of a pickup truck. The system includes a bed liner, storage bin sides, storage bin tops, and storage bin dividers. The storage bin sides and storage bin tops are attached to the bed liner to create storage bins, and the bin dividers attach to both the storage bin sides and bed liner to divide the storage bins into smaller sections. Storage bin tops may include a center section cover to selectively cover the center section in between the storage bins in order to provide the full bed area above the storage bins for transporting construction material. |
| US08505988B2 |
Apparatus for securing cupboards and drawers during an earthquake or other seismic events and for child-safety
There is an apparatus for securing the cover for cabinet, cupboard or drawer during movement from an earthquake with a housing with a pivoting latch arm, which freely rotates around an axle, from a first upright position to a second prone or locked position; the pivoting latch arm engages a receiving piece in the second prone position. This device also serves a child safety device. |
| US08505984B2 |
Connection assembly for tubular goods
A mating connection assembly of the present invention permits quick and efficient connecting and disconnecting of tubular goods. A female box-end connection member has an inner body defining sockets; ball bearings held within such sockets with an outer sleeve. A male pin-end connection member is inserted within the box end connection. By moving the outer sleeve axially, the ball bearings are urged inward toward the male pin-end connection, creating a frictional locking relationship between the female box-end connection member and male pin-end connection member. |
| US08505982B2 |
Connection device for use with a corrugated tube
In a connection apparatus for a corrugated tube a sealing sleeve, a coupling part, and an insertion part that can be inserted into the coupling part and comprises outwardly protruding latching portions on its outside surface, the coupling part is provided on an outside surface with cooperating latching portions. The coupling part comprises an inner holding device through which the corrugated tube can be guided in the direction towards the insertion part and performs elastically resilient radial movements thereby securing the corrugated tube against withdrawal. The corrugated tube extends into the sealing sleeve sitting in the interior of the insertion part having an axial flow passage, and with the holding device protruding axially into the opening of the insertion part in a coupled state. The outwardly protruding latching portions exposed on the outside of the connection apparatus when in the coupled state. The holding device compressing the sealing sleeve when in the coupled state. |
| US08505978B1 |
Systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized, computer-based, value-bearing items
Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels and would further provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized, value-bearing item labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized, postage-indicia-bearing labels. Various embodiments of the present invention would provide shape-customized labels adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia and would provide systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized labels, such as, for example, shape-customized, image-customized labels, adapted for receiving value-bearing item indicia, such as, for example, postage indicia. |
| US08505977B2 |
Book having sleeve protected pages and binding method thereof
A book of sleeve protected pages bound together to form a sleeve bundle cradled inside a receiving channel formed by a hardcover spine and longitudinal flanges extending from the spine and a method of binding thereof. |
| US08505976B2 |
Tank support assembly for a crop sprayer
A crop sprayer comprises a main frame including a first elongated frame rail and a second elongated frame rail that are spaced apart from each other. A first elongated tank support is secured in fixed relation to the first elongated frame rail and includes a first elongated convex support surface. A second elongated tank support is secured in fixed relation to second elongated frame rail and includes a second elongated convex support surface. The second elongated tank support is spaced apart from the first elongated tank support to define a sump space therebetween. The crop sprayer includes a product tank defining a first cavity that is configured to contain a first quantity of fluid therein. The product tank includes i) a first elongated concave support surface, and ii) a second elongated concave support surface. The first elongated convex support surface is positioned in mating contact with the first elongated concave support surface. The second elongated convex support surface is positioned in mating contact with the second elongated concave support surface. The first elongated concave support surface and second elongated concave support surface define a product sump portion of the product tank. The product sump portion is at least partially positioned in the sump space. |
| US08505973B2 |
Forward mount
A forward mount is disclosed which is secured to the frame of an off-road vehicle to enable the rearward ends of a push-tube assembly to be secured thereto. The forward mount of this invention may be attached to the main frame of off-road vehicles of different manufacturers in various ways. |
| US08505971B2 |
Knee bolster for vehicle
A present invention provides a knee bolster for a vehicle including a first bracket with a first support portion, a first load receiving portion, and a first deformation portion, and a second bracket with a second support portion, a second load receiving portion, and a second deformation portion, wherein the second bracket is arranged such that the distance between the second load receiving portion and the knee is shorter than the distance between the first load receiving portion and the knee in the load application direction. |
| US08505968B2 |
Vehicle seat having an airbag module
A vehicle seat having an airbag module with an inflatable airbag cushion; a single or multi-part cover configured to cover the airbag module and an upholstered member, wherein an opening line for the airbag cushion is provided in the cover; and a reinforcing insert disposed between the cover and the airbag module for orientation of the airbag cushion when the latter inflates. In a non-triggered state of the airbag module, the reinforcing insert is folded into a multi-layer folded region that extends substantially orthogonally relative to the opening line. Upon an opening of the airbag cushion at the opening line, vertical force components can be formed in the region of the multi-layer folded region. |
| US08505967B2 |
Head protection airbag device for vehicle
At a time of deployment of an airbag, a rear portion of the airbag and a tension imparting member are prevented from hooking on an upper end of a quarter pillar garnish and impeding deployment of the airbag. An airbag (20) is contained along a door opening (46). An upper expansion portion (20D) is formed on an upper edge side of a rear seat expansion portion (20B), and a rear expansion portion (20E) is formed at a rear end side upper portion. The upper expansion portion is expanded and deployed at the compartment outer side of a terminal part (34A). A rear end side attachment portion (20E) is set at the rear end side of the rear expansion portion (20E), and the rear expansion portion expands inside a quarter pillar garnish (48). A rear end lower portion of the rear seat expansion portion is coupled to the vehicle body by a rear side strap (68). A border portion (72) between a roof head lining (34) and the pillar garnish is specified such that a deployment area (Q) of the upper expansion portion falls within a range where the roof head lining is arranged. |
| US08505965B2 |
Vehicle occupant safety system with energy-absorbing elements, and method of operating same
A vehicle occupant restraint system has an airbag, which provides a predetermined support force distribution in the filled (unfolded) state, and at least one energy-absorbing element that is attached to the airbag in order to unfold it or to locally increase the support force thereof. The energy-absorbing element(s) are arranged such that at least one energy absorbing element may apply itself to an occupant, and may at least partially follow the movements of the same at least to a certain extent. The energy-absorbing element has an occupant-protective function, and/or the airbag has a funnel function relative to an occupant to be supported. The occupant is guided toward the center of the airbag during an impact by means of the funnel function, and is possibly also protected laterally by means of the side walls. |
| US08505963B1 |
Airbag assemblies with strap clamps
Inflatable airbag assemblies having a strap and clamp system to securely hold an inflator relative to a housing. The strap may be attached to an airbag cushion to restrict the movement of the strap or strap may not be attached to the airbag cushion and may move freely while positioned within openings in the housing. |
| US08505962B2 |
Fixing clamp and airbag unit
A fixing clamp for fixing an airbag on a gas generator includes a first support portion adapted to the outer shape of the gas generator and a second wrapping portion extending from the support portion. The wrapping portion with its free end can be connected to the support portion. The wrapping portion is designed to be extensible. |
| US08505955B2 |
Coupling device and method
A coupling device is provided including a first coupling member or portion and second coupling member or portion where the second coupling member is configured to releasably engage the first coupling member. The second coupling member includes a locking sleeve or locking sleeve assembly slideably mounted on a cup body with the sleeve capable of being shifted toward an opening of the cup body to an unlocked position that permits insertion of the first coupling member into the second coupling member. The sleeve has an inner surface that covers and protects a fastening element positioned within bores of the cup body in both the locked and unlocked positions thereof. In one form, the locking sleeve assembly includes a locking device which restricts the sleeve from inadvertently shifting toward the unlocked position. |
| US08505954B1 |
Rotative anti-theft bar lock for tractor trailers
An easy to use trailer anti-theft device that forms an integral part of said trailer comprising a front exterior wall mounted locking mechanism having a rotatable lock bar extending therefrom with the lock bar having an upper arm pivotally and swivelably connected to a lower swing bar that can be unlocked and moved from a stored position to a downwardly depending blocking position. The lock bar has a partially rotative lower swing arm that under force extends under the trailer substantially in the direction of the trailer king pin. |
| US08505953B2 |
Combination tool
A combination tool usable to couple between land vehicles or other objects is described, that is also usable to impact posts, such when constructing a fence. The combination tool can include a main body with a first end configured to impact a post, and a second end configured for coupling to a vehicle or other object. A restrainer pin detachably connected to the main body is usable to secure the combination tool to the object. The restrainer pin can also be used to engage a fence clip or similar flexible member, such as when constructing a fence. Additionally, the combination tool can include a ball hitch or similar protrusion for engagement with a tow vehicle or other object, and a platform or similar member for facilitating a user's access to the vehicles or other objects to which the combination tool is secured. |
| US08505951B2 |
Hitch mounted waste container transporter
A hitch mounted waste container transporter for mounting in a standard hitch receiver on a vehicle using a locking pin includes a hitch bar having a first end equipped for connection to the hitch receiver and having a distal end, a hitch bar bracket having a lower end rigidly connected to said distal end of the hitch bar and an upper end which includes a transverse locking pin, an intermediate bar is pivotally connected at its first end to the hitch bar bracket such that the intermediate bar moves between about 0 and 25 degrees from a common axis of the hitch bar, and a rigid container support bar connected to a second end of the intermediate bar which is about 110-115 degrees obtuse to the axis of the intermediate bar having a tine to removably engage a waste container. |
| US08505950B2 |
Tractor and trailer combination
A tractor and trailer combination including a tractor having a tractor frame, a supply unit, a trailer coupling, a skid plate, and a first connector coupled to the tractor frame and coupled to the supply unit to receive at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant from the supply unit. The combination also includes a trailer having a trailer frame, a tractor coupling rotatably connecting the trailer to the tractor, and a second connector coupled to the trailer and configured to provide the at least one of high voltage electrical power and coolant to the trailer. The combination further includes a conduit having a first end coupled to the first connector, a second end coupled to the second connector. The conduit flexes and is supported between the first and second ends by the skid plate throughout rotation of the trailer relative to the tractor. |
| US08505949B2 |
Automatic pneumatic/electrical coupler system for tractor-trailer combination vehicles
A powered coupling system is configured to interconnect utility lines such as fluid and/or electric lines of a vehicle tractor to a trailer. A curved track is mounted to a frame of the tractor, and the system includes pneumatic and/or electrical connectors that move along the curved track to align the connectors with a corresponding connectors on a trailer. A linear actuator causes the connectors on the tractor to shift vertically to connect and disconnect the connectors on the tractor to connectors on the trailer. The curved track permits alignment of the connectors on the tractor with the connectors on the trailer even if the trailer is not in a straight line with the tractor. |
| US08505948B2 |
Boat transportation carriage
The present invention comprises an arm structure adapted for a boat transportation carriage. The boat transportation carriage may include a first frame portion and a second frame portion, with a third frame portion adapted to interconnect said two frame portions. Said arm structure may include a vertical arm portion and a horizontal arm portion, with the lower portion of the vertical arm portion being adapted indirectly to to rest against a chassis of the boat transportation carriage and its frame portion for supporting vertical loads. Between the lower portion of the horizontal arm portion and the upper portion of said chassis or frame portion and in adherement to the vertical arm portion there rests a support plate having a supporting surface for supporting cooperation with the horizontal arm portion and this supporting surface is disposed within a chosen intermediate area of said horizontal arm portion. |
| US08505946B2 |
Wheelchair device
A wheelchair comprises a hub-enclosing open ring engaging a hub disposed in a wheel rotatably, bars extending from two ends of the hub-enclosing open ring, an crescent-shaped cap member fixed to the bars above the tube portion, a power handle engaging the crescent-shaped cap member rotatably through an L-shaped end of the power handle, a wheel-holding plate fixed to the power handle with an angle and covered by the crescent-shaped cap member. The wheel-holding plate comprises a holding edge for pressing down on and holding the wheel. The hub-enclosing open ring, the bars, and the cap member are fixed to one another and configured to rotate about the hub, and the holding edge of the wheel-holding pate is configured to be pressed down on and engaged firmly to the wheel such that the wheel rotates about the hub by pushing and pulling the power handle. |
| US08505943B2 |
Cantilevered, vehicle side mount safety guard
A safety guard which functions to push objects lying in the path of a vehicle out of the path of the wheels of the vehicle, such as a school bus, for safety purposes includes a front guard positioned at an angle in front of a wheel of the vehicle and is mounted to a side panel of the vehicle such that the frontal guard is supported in a cantilevered manner in front of the wheel. This configuration provides for a substantially universal mounting arrangement that can be particular advantageous in connection with school buses and other vehicles which are not provided with underbody frame and support structure closely adjacent to the vehicle wheel. |
| US08505942B2 |
Adjustable spring assembly
A suspension device having a leaf spring and a piston-cylinder unit. The leaf spring has a first end that is movably attached to a frame and a second end pivotally attached to the piston-cylinder unit. In addition, the piston-cylinder unit is pivotally attached to the frame. |
| US08505941B2 |
Torsion beam manufacturing method and torsion beam
A method enhances fatigue strength of ear portions which are high fatigue risk parts in a torsion beam almost without bringing about disadvantages in terms of productivity and cost. A torsion beam is formed with a portion of the tubular body into an approximately U-shape in cross section by crushing the portion of the tubular body in the radial direction and, thereafter, due to bending with a bottom line set as a belly side of bending, a bending strain of 2 to 6% in the tube longitudinal direction on a tensile side is imparted to the ear portions. |
| US08505940B1 |
Stabilizer bar bushing attachment assembly
A bushing attachment assembly for a vehicle stabilizer bar is provided. The mounting structure includes a bushing, a bracket assembly, and a bracket mount, which may be configured to couple the bracket assembly and bushing to a vehicle frame. The bracket assembly may include an outer pre-compression component and an inner retention component. The bushing may be disposed within a cavity formed between the outer pre-compression component and the inner retention component. The bushing may also define a central bore configured to receive a vehicle stabilizer bar. Each of the respective outer pre-compression and inner retention components may include planar tabs or other similar retention features configured to engage one another to form a compression assembly, which applies and maintains a compressive load upon the bushing. |
| US08505938B2 |
Sway bar assembly and vehicle including same
A sway bar assembly includes a sway bar, a biasing member, and a winder assembly. The sway bar includes a central portion, a left end portion, and a right end portion. The central portion is configured for pivotal coupling to a frame of a vehicle. The left end portion is configured for coupling with a left support arm. The right end portion is configured for coupling with a right support arm. The biasing member is configured to be fixed to a frame of a vehicle. The winder assembly is coupled with the biasing member and configured to facilitate selective movement of the biasing member with respect to the sway bar. |
| US08505936B2 |
Foldable walker apparatus
There is provided a wheel mounting assembly having a wheel fork. The fork includes an interior and an inwardly extending protrusion disposed within the interior. The assembly includes a rotatable member operatively connected to the fork and disposed within the interior of the fork. The protrusion abuts and positions in place the rotatable member. The assembly includes a shaft. The rotatable member rotatably connects the shaft to the wheel fork. The assembly includes a retaining member connected to the shaft. The retaining member is configured to abut the protrusion of the fork and thus inhibit dislodgement of the rotatable member from the fork when the shaft is tilted relative to the fork. |
| US08505929B2 |
Retractable and automatic positioning wheels for snowmobiles
A device allowing positioning of wheels of a snowmobile when skis leave a snowy path to continue on a road. The device comprises at least two parallel wheels positioned near each ski, a pair of cylinders placed in connection with each wheel, and controlled by a control box by a driver activating pistons to move the wheels from an upward position to a downward ground position. The upward position corresponds to wheels elevated over the ski when the piston is contracted; and the downward position corresponds to wheels in touch with the ground when the piston is extended. Means of clutch move horizontally the wheels to an external position. A spike located on an arm which supports a wheel is positioned to scratch ground ice for creating a mist when a wheel is in a scratching position. |
| US08505928B2 |
Substrate temperature control fixing apparatus
A substrate temperature control fixing apparatus comprises an electrostatic chuck which includes a base body and adsorbs and holds an adsorbing target mounted on one of surfaces of the base body, a base plate which supports the electrostatic chuck, and a bank portion provided on an outer periphery of one of surfaces of the base plate which is opposed to the other of the surfaces of the base body. |
| US08505925B2 |
Temperature adaptive dynamic shaft seal assembly
A seal assembly configured for sealing a dynamic shaft includes an elastic seal member disposable in sealing communication with the dynamic shaft. The seal assembly further includes a coil spring and a shape memory alloy element. The coil spring is disposed in contact with the elastic seal member and configured for applying a compressive force to the elastic seal member. The shape memory alloy element is configured for applying pressure to the coil spring to thereby augment the compressive force. |
| US08505921B2 |
Porta-fold target stand system
A target stand includes a target stand base and a target holder, together with a target mounted in the holder. The base has a cross member which is adjustably rotatably mounted, and the cross member has an upright member extending therefrom. The holder has a stem portion inserted into an open end of the upright portion of the base. A hand screw is used to secure the stem portion in the upright member. In this manner, the holder can be secured at any rotational angle relative to the upright member. Further, the upright member itself can be moved to any position by rotation of the cross member, which is likewise secured by a hand screw. Further, an uppermost portion of the target stand holder includes block carrying a transverse bar and allowing pivoting of the transverse bar. The transverse bar connects a pair of upright bars. |
| US08505918B1 |
Three dimensional tic-tac-toe game
A three-dimensional tic-tac-toe game including a game board having a plurality of modules adapted to be interconnected to one another, a plurality of X-shaped game pieces, and a plurality of O-shaped pieces. Each of the X-shaped game pieces and O-shaped pieces includes protrusions at one end and recesses in an opposite end. Each of the modules includes recesses. The protrusions of each of the X-shaped and O-shaped pieces are adapted to engage the recesses of the modules, as well as the recesses of other X-shaped or O-shaped pieces. The X-shaped and O-shaped pieces may be stacked on top of one another for three-dimensional game play. Alternately, the modules and the X-shaped and O-shaped pieces include magnets to engage one another. |
| US08505907B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining the position of adjustable feeder tray side guides in an image production device
A method and apparatus for determining the position of adjustable feeder tray side guides in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include detecting an amount of a continuously variable sloped shape marker, determining a position of the adjustable feeder tray side guide of a feeder tray based on the detected amount of the continuously variable sloped shape marker, and outputting the determined position of the adjustable feeder tray side guide of a feeder tray to a user interface of the image production device. |
| US08505903B2 |
Sheet folding device, image forming system, and sheet folding method
A sheet folding device that performs a folding process on a bundle of sheet members includes: a folding unit that folds the bundle of the sheet members; a pushing unit that abuts on a surface of the bundle of the sheet members so as to push the bundle of the sheet members into the folding unit; pressing plates that form a pair, that have convexly curved surfaces to face each other, and that form a crease by pressing the bundle of the sheet members therebetween; a driving unit that performs a pressing operation and a press-releasing operation of the pair of the pressing plates; a moving unit that moves a pressing position of the pair of the pressing plates interposing the bundle of the sheet members; and a control unit that controls the driving unit and the moving unit. The control unit controls a moving speed of the pressing position. |
| US08505899B2 |
Sheet folding device and sheet post-processing device using same
Sheet pressing means (59) is provided that assists the formation of a bend in a sheet (S) and that guides the bend in the sheet (S) into the nip portion between a second roller (54) and a third roller (55). The sheet pressing means (59) is formed with a cylindrical sheet member (591) and a bar-shaped member (592) that is inserted into the cylindrical sheet member (591). The top portion of the sheet member (591) is attached to a base member (593), and thus the bar-shaped member (592) is supported by the sheet member (591) such that the longitudinal direction of the bar-shaped member (592) is held substantially in a horizontal state. Thus, it is possible to perform processing for reliably folding the sheet in a predetermined position regardless of the material quality, the thickness and the like of the sheet; even if a strong force is applied to the sheet pressing means at the time of processing for handing a paper jam or the like, the sheet pressing means is unlikely to be deformed; and it is possible to stably perform the folding processing for a long period of time. |
| US08505898B2 |
Method for making a Z-fold signature
Methods for forming a signature are provided. In one aspect an automatic z-folding system is used to cause a signature print to fold across a width proximate to z-fold locations spaced along a length of the signature print and to form a z-folded stack of sheets of the signature print and the z-folded stack is bound across a width of the stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; saddle folding the z-folded stack at the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, separating the signature print at least one of the z-folds. |
| US08505897B2 |
Z-fold signature finishing system and printer
Z-fold signature finishing systems are provided. One z-fold finishing system has a receiver system to receive a signature print; an automatic z-fold system configured to make a z-folded stack of sheets formed from separate portions of a length of a signature print with each sheet being joined to at least one other sheet in the z-folded stack by at least one of the z-folds; a binding system that can bind the z-folded stack proximate to a saddle fold location between the z-folds; a saddle folder having at least two surfaces arranged so that the at least two surfaces and the z-folded stack can move relative to each other to cause the z-folded stack to fold proximate to the saddle fold location to dispose the z-folds along a common face of the saddle folded stack, and, a separation system separating the signature print proximate to at least one of the z-folds. |
| US08505896B2 |
Objecting positioning/fixing device
An object positioning/fixing device is capable of generating a clamping force by clamp bolts capable of being fastened manually and realizes high operability of the clamp bolts. A simple clamp mechanism comprises the clamp bolts as major components. The object positioning/fixing device has a cooperative assembly of the positioning mechanism and the clamp bolts. |
| US08505894B2 |
Machine tool
A machine tool (11) according to the present invention includes a table (49) having a pallet mount on which a pallet for a workpiece to be mounted thereon is mounted, a pallet station (17) provided on the side of the machine tool and having a pallet rest for a pallet to be placed thereon, and a pallet carrying device (19) arranged between the table (49) and a column (23). The pallet is carried between the table (49) and the pallet station (17). |
| US08505893B2 |
Means for preventing tools from being pulled out from tool holders with a tool holding fixture
The invention relates to a tool holder with a tool holding fixture, in particular a clamping chuck such as a contracting chuck, a draw-in collect chuck, a hydraulic expanding chuck and a high-precision chuck, and a shank of a tool, in particular a rotary tool, accommodated in it, wherein the tool holder contains a means for preventing the tool from being pulled out, locking it against axial displacement. This pull-out preventing unit comprises at least one locking element and at least one locking groove, which corresponds to the said locking element, receives it and interacts with it in a positively locking manner. In this case, both the locking element and the locking groove are formed at least partly in the manner of a ball head. Preferably, the tool has the locking grooves. On account of preferably spirally arranged locking grooves along the cylindrical shank of rotary tools, the direction of pitch of which grooves corresponds to the direction of the grooves of the tool, axial locking of the tool is obtained, so that the tool cannot be axially displaced from the tool holder during operation. In addition, force-exerting elements are arranged, with the effect of making the tool lie against the pull-out preventer without play after shrink-fitting. |
| US08505889B2 |
Vibration-isolating bush
An intermediate cylinder 18 is interposed between an inner cylinder 12 and an outer cylinder 14. The inner cylinder has a first bulging portion 20 of a spherical zone shape. The intermediate cylinder has a second bulging portion 22 of a spherical zone shape enclosing the first bulging portion. The inner circumference of the second bulging portion has a first spherical recess 23 corresponding to the first bulging portion. The inner circumference portion of the outer cylinder 14 enclosing the second bulging portion has a second spherical recess 25 corresponding to the second bulging portion. A rubbery elastic member 16 has an inner elastic portion 26 connecting the inner cylinder 12 and the intermediate cylinder 18 and an outer elastic portion 28 connecting the intermediate cylinder 18 and the outer cylinder 14. The axial size D1 of the inner elastic portion is larger than the axial size D2 of the outer elastic portion. |
| US08505888B2 |
Tubular torsion bar
A tubular torsion bar includes an elongated inner tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated outer tube of flexible material having a proximal end and a distal end. A joiner bushing fixedly attaches the distal end of the inner tube to the distal end of the outer tube with the inner tube and outer tube positioned in coaxial and substantially coextensive concentric nesting positions. Mounting apparatus is fixedly attached to the proximal end of the outer tube and a planetary gear system is coupled to the proximal ends of the inner tube and the mounting apparatus and designed to provide a selected torque versus deflection characteristic of the tubular torsion bar. |
| US08505887B2 |
Micro cellular urethane (MCU) progressive rate bump stop/spring aid
The present invention provides an improved Micro Cellular Urethane (hereinafter ‘MCU’) bump stop/spring aid having a plurality of struts adapted to level the rate transition as sections are folded onto one another. MCU bump stops/spring aids are well known in the art to assist vehicle suspension systems. More particularly, bump stops/spring aids are frequently used with vehicle suspension systems in connection with shocks and strut assemblies. These assemblies provide a comfortable ride in addition to influencing the control and handling of the vehicle. The struts are positioned around the circumference of the MCU bump stop/spring aid. The added struts between the undercuts partially support the outer surfaces of the MCU bump stop/spring aid. Struts are generally molded between the outer surfaces. Struts may also be molded on an inner surface. The plurality of struts improves upon existing technology by improving performance characteristics. |
| US08505882B2 |
Diffuser apparatus, and diffuser apparatus running method
A diffuser apparatus which has fine pores is capable of achieving a high oxygen transfer efficiency and rarely becoming clogged so that the apparatus can be operated stably over a prolonged period. The diffuser apparatus includes: an aeration plate that is disposed in an aeration tank in order to release pressurized air, fed from a diffusing air feed pipe, as air bubbles from fine pores formed in an aeration plate surface; blow water feeder for feeding blow water into the diffusing air feed pipe; and an inserted pipe for discharging the blow water, fed into the diffusing air feed pipe, from the aeration plate. |
| US08505879B2 |
Rigid tie down
The present invention discloses a rigid tie down in the field of mechanics, which addresses the problems of the existing tie downs, for example, they occupy a large space and have a low binding efficiency. The rigid tie down comprises a body, a first hook and a second hook provided on both ends of the body, and a handle connected to the body. The body has a cylindrical shape. The first hook has a first screw thereon, and the second hook has a second screw thereon. The first screw is threadedly connected with one end of the body, and the second screw is threadedly connected with the other end of the body. The direction of the threads of the first screw is reverse to that of the second screw. The rigid tie down could be operated in a convenient manner, have a high binding efficiency and occupy a small space. |
| US08505877B2 |
Rescue device with spreading mechanism
The invention describes a rescue apparatus (1) with prising arms (4, 5) on a support housing (3) mounted in at least one pivot bearing arrangement (20) with a drive system (2) so as to be displaceable in pincer-like movement about a pivot axis (17) extending perpendicular to a longitudinal mid-axis (18) of the support housing (3). Surface regions (41) with a higher resistance to wear than the resistance to wear of adjacent regions (42) are provided on at least mutually facing internal surfaces (26, 27) of the prising arms (4, 5). |
| US08505874B2 |
Adjusting screw structure of oil immersed solenoid and oil immersed solenoid including the same
An adjusting screw structure of an oil immersed solenoid comprises a movable core provided in a first space of a main body case to be movable in an axial direction. The core is biased by an adjusting spring to be pulled by a fixed magnetic pole portion. An adjusting screw capable of adjusting biasing force of the adjusting spring is included. The adjusting screw structure includes an air-bleeding plug configured to detachably attach to and seal an opening end portion of a rear case, which communicates with the first space. The air-bleeding plug includes an internal screw portion that threadedly engages the adjustable screw. A detachable mechanism is configured to attach the air-bleeding plug to the opening end portion, locating the air-bleeding plug at a predetermined attachment position in a movement direction of the adjusting screw. Thus, air in a solenoid can be removed without causing a biasing force error. |
| US08505870B2 |
Shear blade geometry and method
A pair of shear blades and a blowout preventer having the pair of shear blades. The shear blades are configured to cut a tubular inside the blowout preventer. The shear blades have different geometries of the front cutting surfaces. One geometry promotes a secure positioning of the tubular relative to the first blade while the second geometry promotes a puncturing of the tubular by the second blade. |
| US08505866B2 |
Sensor assembly and fixing method thereof
A sensor assembly that is fixed to a fixing subject member includes a bracket that is fixed to a fixing subject member, a spacer that is attached to the bracket and contacts the fixing subject member, and a rotation sensor that is held by the bracket and is sandwiched between the spacer and the bracket. |
| US08505864B1 |
PV kit for roof assembly
An arrangement for attaching PV panels together and to a roofing clamp includes an electrical insulating provision between the attaching arrangement and the roofing clamp. |
| US08505853B2 |
Method for controlling satellite attitude, and attitude-controlled satellite
A method for controlling the attitude of a satellite in orbit around a celestial object, the satellite including an observation instrument, a solar panel, a radiator and a star sensor which are arranged on the satellite such that, in a reference frame associated with the satellite and defined by three orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z, the observation instrument has its observation axis parallel to the Z-axis, the solar panel is parallel to the Y-axis, the radiator is arranged on one of the sides −X, +Y, or −Y of the satellite, and the star sensor points to the negative X values side. The roll and pitch attitudes of the satellite are controlled during an activity period to direct the observation instrument towards areas of the celestial object to be observed, and the yaw attitude of the satellite is controlled to keep the sun on the positive X values side and ensure that a solar panel minimum insolation constraint is satisfied during observation phases of the activity period. |
| US08505852B2 |
Reversible space plane
A reversible aerospace plane includes an air intake at a first end of the aerospace plane, at least one heat exchanger disposed in the aerospace plane, and an engine at a second end of the aerospace plane, wherein the aerospace plane is configured to accelerate in a first direction and configured to glide and land in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially in a reverse direction from the first direction. |
| US08505850B2 |
Locking and unlocking system for the cockpit door of an aircraft and door with such a system
Embodiments relate to a locking and unlocking system of a separation door separating a cockpit from a cabin of an aircraft. In one embodiment, a system comprises a set of electrically controlled bolts configured to lock the door, a control unit configured to electrically control the set of bolts, a first manual control connected to the control unit, installed in the cockpit and configured to unlock the door, a second manual control connected to the control unit, installed in the cabin and configured to unlock the door, an accelerometer to detect a crash, and a switching relay to control automatic unlocking of the door when a crash of the aircraft is detected, the relay connected to the accelerometer, the control unit and the set of bolts. |
| US08505848B2 |
Aircraft actuator hydraulic system
A first actuator drives a control surface by being operated by supply of pressure oil from a first aircraft central hydraulic power source including a first aircraft central hydraulic pump. A second actuator drives the control surface by being operated by supply of pressure oil from a second aircraft central hydraulic power source including a second aircraft central hydraulic pump. A backup hydraulic pump is installed inside a wing of the aircraft and is provided so as to be able to supply pressure oil to the first actuator when a loss or degradation in a function of at least one of the first aircraft central hydraulic power source and the second aircraft central hydraulic power source occurs. A maximum discharge pressure of the backup hydraulic pump is set to be greater than maximum discharge pressures of the first aircraft central hydraulic pump and the second aircraft central hydraulic pump. |
| US08505847B2 |
Lighter-than-air systems, methods, and kits for obtaining aerial images
Lighter-than-air systems, methods, and kits for obtaining aerial images are described. For example, various methods for determining planned ascent, drift, and/or descent of a lighter-than-air system are described. In addition, various structural arrangements of lighter-than-air systems for accomplishing planned ascent, drift, and/or descent and obtaining aerial images are described. |
| US08505846B1 |
Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft
An aircraft has a fuselage, a lifting free wing, and a nose section. The fuselage has a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal axis. The lifting free wing is pivotally connected to the fuselage with a pivot. The nose section is pivotally mounted on the front end of the fuselage, and includes a pair of engines, and a pair of counter-rotating propellers. A canard free wing is pivotally connected to the nose section with a pivot. A pair of vertical stabilizers are mounted on the rear end of the fuselage and each includes a rudder and a pair of landing gear. |
| US08505845B2 |
System and method for storing, rotating, and feeding a high pressure hose
A system for storing, rotating and feeding a high pressure hose. A first portion of the hose is disposable about the drum and a guide arm engages a second portion of the hose. An actuator assembly rotates a cage and the guide arm so that the guide arm rotates relative to the cage such that the hose is rotated. Relative rotation in one direction causes the first portion of the hose to uncoil from the drum and displace along the guide arm and causes a third portion of the high pressure hose in an output port to displace out of the output port away from the guide arm. Relative rotation in an opposite direction causes the second portion of the high pressure hose to coil about the drum and causes the third portion of the high pressure hose to displace into the housing. |
| US08505844B2 |
Method for operating a winding machine
Described is a method for operating a winding machine used for winding up and/or unwinding a winding material, said winding machine comprising a device for controlling and/or regulating the winding process. A variable value is monitored that concerns a machine state and/or a change in the winding material, and at least one parameter of said controlling and/or regulating device is modified in accordance with the change identified. |
| US08505842B2 |
Mixing machine for homogenising a liquid mixture containing bitumen with solid granules
A mixing machine adapted to mix a liquid mixture containing bitumen with solid granules so as to obtain a homogenized bituminous mix. The machine includes a cylindrical container arranged coaxially to a vertical axis and capable of containing the liquid mixture containing bitumen and the solid granules, a heating circuit for heating the inner side surface of the cylindrical container, a mixing assembly mounted axially rotatable within the container to rotate about the vertical axis, and a driving unit adapted to rotate the mixing assembly about the vertical axis. The mixing assembly includes a helicoidal blade which extends coaxial to the axis within the container and has its outer peripheral edge in contact with the inner surface of the container so as to scrape the material adhering on the inner surface during its rotation. |
| US08505841B2 |
Anti-jamming assembly for shredders of sheet like material
An anti-jam assembly for incorporation in an article destroying appliance includes a fixed core mount assembly including a first support member spaced apart from a second support member. At least one moveable cutter shaft is disposed between and rotatably mounted to the first and second support members. A third elongate member extends in parallel relationship to the at least one cutter shaft. This third support member is moveable from a first position to at least a second position. The first and the at least second position correspond to a variable width of a feed path directing an article toward the at least one cutter. An arm is affixed to the elongate member and pivotal at a mounting surface when the elongate member moves toward the second position. A sensor activates when it detects movement of the arm. The arm and the sensor are removed from a proximity of the at least one cutter or the feed path. |
| US08505840B2 |
Method for modifying nomal clay and a method for producing composite elastomer from the clay
A method for modifying soil and a method for producing composite Elastomer of the soil are disclosed. The method for modifying soil includes drying, pulverizing, sieving, and purifying the soil to obtain soil powder, then dynamically heating the powder and adding surfactant, which includes coupling agent, polysiloxane having reactive functional, emulsifier of organosilicon and aliphatic amine, and water, and then drying the above obtained powder to obtain modified soil. The modified soil and acrylic acid copolymer emulsion are mixed with plasticizer, foaming agent, etc. to form a composite body which is used to produce elastomer floor board, elastomer wall brick, composite soil skin material, and so on. No emission of toxic gas and evaporation of organic solvent can be attained during production and use of the invention, and performance of the product is same as or has superiority over rubber in compression deformation rate, rebound elasticity and durability. |
| US08505837B2 |
Tailgate spreader hopper fill status sensor
A spreader assembly may include a hopper, an auger mechanism, a torque sensor that provides a signal based on a condition of the auger mechanism and, a controller that receives the signal from the torque sensor and determines a fill status of the hopper based on the signal from the torque sensor. |
| US08505835B2 |
Fuel injector
The fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of combustion engines has an excitable actuator for actuating a valve-closure member, which forms a sealing seat together with a valve-seat surface. At least one spray-discharge orifice is formed downstream from the valve-seat surface from which fuel is output in the direction of a combustion chamber. In addition, the fuel injector has a nozzle body, which surrounds the valve-seat surface or accommodates a valve-seat body having the valve-seat surface. The nozzle body is introduced into a downstream thin-walled extension of a connection piece, which also serves as an inner pole of a magnetic circuit, and is fixedly connected to this extension. |
| US08505830B2 |
Water control fixture having bypass valve
A water control fixture includes a fixture body in fluid communication with a pressurized supply of hot water and a pressurized supply of cold water. The fixture body interconnects the supply of hot water and the supply of cold water. The fixture body has a spout outlet configured to dispense water from the fixture body. At least one operating valve is coupled to the fixture body for controlling a flow of water to the spout outlet. A bypass valve is disposed in the fixture body for controlling a recirculating flow of water through the fixture body. The bypass valve blocks and permits recirculating flow from the supply of hot water to the supply of cold water based on a temperature of the water. |
| US08505828B2 |
Chip card with simultaneous contact and contact-less operations
A chip card receives and processes what-ever combination of contact data and contact-less data is available to allow multiple functionalities for the chip card. A micro-computer of the chip card is adapted to simultaneously receive and process contact data from a contact interface and contact-less data from a contact-less interface. In addition, the chip card includes a power voltage selector for selecting a contact bias to supply power to the micro-computer when-ever the contact bias voltage is available since the contact bias voltage is more stable than a contact-less bias voltage. |
| US08505823B2 |
Noise removal from color barcode images
A method for noise removal from color barcode images includes acquiring a barcode image using a color imaging array and separating the barcode image into color channels. Weighting factors are associated with the color channels and at least one weighting factor is reduced. The weighting factors are applied to the color channels to produce a first transformed image. A portion of the first transformed image is analyzed to produce a first set of decoded data from the barcode. |
| US08505822B2 |
Apparatus and method comprising deformable lens element
An apparatus comprising a deformable lens element can be provided wherein a deformable lens element can be deformed to change an optical property thereof by the impartation of a force to the deformable lens element. |
| US08505820B2 |
Card reading device for transaction system
A non-magnetic card reader, a magnetic card reader and a card transaction method are provided to selectively read a magnetic card and a non-magnetic card for identification of payment transaction at a transaction terminal. The non-magnetic card reader includes an integrator module electrically connecting to the magnetic card reader and the transaction terminal. Each of the non-magnetic card reader, the magnetic card reader and the transaction terminal has one or more physical connectors compatible with a magnetic-card communication protocol. A non-magnetic card signal incorporated with card data of the non-magnetic card is converted by the integrator module to match the magnetic-card communication protocol and is selectively transmitted to a main controller of the transaction terminal for identification. A magnetic card signal from the magnetic card reader incorporated with card data of the magnetic card is selectively transceived through the integrator module to the main controller for identification. |
| US08505816B2 |
Public transit system fare processor for multi-balance funding
An implementation of a system and method for processing transfer rides associated with at least one public transit network is provided. The system and method preprocess transactions to consolidate or eliminate unnecessary transactions with a financial institution clearing and settlement network. |
| US08505815B2 |
System and method for processing expiration dates for prepaid cards
A prepaid card processing system is operable for processing customized expiration dates of prepaid cards. The prepaid card processing system includes a database for storing program expiration parameters associated with an issuer prepaid card program; a set of card accounts created under the issuer prepaid card program, wherein each card account has an expiration date for a prepaid card associated with the card account; and one or more customized expiration parameters for the set of card accounts. The prepaid card processing system is operable to determine the expiration date for the prepaid card associated with the card account based on the program expiration parameters and the customized expiration parameters for the set of card accounts. |
| US08505814B1 |
Cash dispensing automated banking machine with GPS
Automated banking machines include a Global Positioning System (GPS). The machines can transmit their GPS location reading to a service center. The service center can receive through a customer's cell phone, a customer request for directions to the nearest card-reading cash-dispensing machine that does not have a transaction fee. The customer request can include account data and GPS location of the cell phone. The service center can determine from the account data which financial networks would not cause the customer to be assessed a transaction fee for a cash withdrawal. The service center can then determine from the GPS locations of the machines in these financial networks, which machine is geographically closest to the phone's GPS location. Directions to this nearest automated banking machine are then sent to the phone. |
| US08505809B2 |
Hospital display terminal
A system is described for managing administration of medical care. The system can include a patient record system that contains electronic records for patients in a hospital. The electronic records may include scheduling information for medicine administration to the patient. A display terminal can be connected to the patient record system and be configured to read an RFID tag on the patient. The display terminal can then identify the patient and display the patient's medicine schedule. |
| US08505808B2 |
Avoiding the misapplication of contents in one or more containers
In one embodiment, a method for avoiding the misapplication of contents in one or more containers, the method comprising: providing a first smart label, the first smart label comprising first information corresponding to a first recipe for a first composition to be applied by a machine to crops in a first portion of a field, the first recipe based on geofence information for the first portion of the field; and assigning by a processor the first smart label to a first container that stores the first composition. |
| US08505807B2 |
Vessel and method for making the same
A vessel composed of a sheet of flexible material, cut, rolled, and affixed to form a frusto-conically shaped base region. The sheet when rolled including an upper region having two opposing flaps, each flap delineated from a remaining portion of the sheet by a path along which the sheet is scored, so that the flaps, when folded along their respective paths, define a single elevated drinking portion having a spout formed between an extension of the base region and at least one of the two flaps. |
| US08505804B2 |
Metal paste for sealing, hermetic sealing method for piezoelectric element, and piezoelectric device
The present invention is a metal paste for sealing comprising a metal powder and an organic solvent characterized in that the metal powder is one or more kinds of metal powders selected from a gold powder, a silver powder, a platinum powder and a palladium powder which has a purity of 99.9% by weight or more and an average particle size of 0.1 μm to 1.0 μm and that the metal powder is contained in a ratio of 85 to 93% by weight and the organic solvent is contained in a ratio of 5 to 15% by weight. This metal paste preferably contains an additive such as a surfactant in accordance with the application method. As a sealing method using this metal paste, there is a method of applying and drying a metal paste, sintering it at 80 to 300° C. to form a metal powder sintered body and after that pressurizing the base member and the cap member while heating the metal powder sintered body. |
| US08505801B2 |
Surgical fastener applying apparatus
The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section. |
| US08505798B2 |
Fastener driving device
A fastener driving device includes a fastener driver, a magazine for carrying a supply of fasteners to the fastener driver, a spring that moves the fastener driver through a drive stroke, and a motor configured to move the fastener driver through a return stroke. The motor is operable upon completion of the drive stroke, to move the fastener driver partially through the return stroke a predetermined amount to partially pre-compress the spring. The motor is further operable to fully compress the spring after receiving a signal for the drive stroke. |
| US08505797B1 |
Sound-suppressed, powder-actuated stud driver
A sound-suppressed, powder-actuated stud driver may include a single-use cartridge assembly and a reusable handle assembly. The cartridge assembly may include a housing with a through-bore. The through-bore may include a firing pin retainer with a firing pin therein, an ammunition cartridge case adjacent the firing pin retainer, a piston at least partially disposed in the ammunition cartridge case, and a stud. The handle assembly may include a housing with one open end and a bore extending inwardly from the open end. A handle assembly firing pin may extend axially into the bore from a closed end of the housing. A pair of blocking pins may be movable into and out of the bore, for ensuring proper loading of the cartridge assembly into the bore. A spring-loaded locking pin may lock the cartridge assembly in the bore. |
| US08505792B1 |
Phone mounting assembly
A phone mounting assembly is provided for supporting a portable phone on a steering wheel in an accessible position to facilitate hands-free use of the phone. The assembly includes a steering wheel and a connection member couplable to the steering wheel. The connection member has a planar medial section designed for insertion into a clip of a cell phone holder. A first stopping member is coupled to the medial section such that the first stopping member restricts lateral movement of the clip of the cell phone holder on the connection member. |
| US08505790B2 |
Method and apparatus for attaching a personal electronic device
Systems and methods for supporting an electronic device include an electronic device storage chamber; a shoulder strap attached to a top end of the electronic device storage chamber; a chest strap attached to a surface of the electronic device storage chamber; a bottom arm hingeably attached to a bottom end of the electronic device storage chamber; a ball joint attached to the bottom arm; and an electronic device support arm having a first end attached to the ball joint. In one embodiment, a phone arm can be attached to a surface of the electronic device storage chamber to adjustably support the position of a phone so that a user can simultaneously use the phone and the electronic device such as a tablet in a hands-free manner. |
| US08505784B2 |
Fluid dispenser and a method for its use
A valve operating mechanism for use in a fluid dispenser is described, wherein the fluid dispenser includes a reservoir for a fluid to be delivered, a fluid outlet for the reservoir, a piston configured to move through the reservoir, and an actuator for the piston, the valve operating mechanism including a valve, wherein the valve has an upstream side and a downstream side, and in at least one point of operation of the valve operating mechanism, the valve is inoperable as a consequence of the pressure difference between the upstream side of the valve and the downstream side of the valve. |
| US08505780B2 |
Proppant storage vessel and assembly thereof
A proppant storage vessel has a first container with an interior volume, and a second container supported in spaced relation above the first container. The first container has a bottom hatch affixed to a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch is movable between an open position and a closed position. The first container has an opening at a top wall thereof. The second container has bottom hatch formed on a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch of the second container is aligned with the opening of the first container such that a proppant in the second container can flow through the hatch thereof into the interior volume of the first container. Each of the containers includes first, second, third and fourth inclined surfaces positioned in the interior volume and extending from the respective side walls and end walls thereof toward the bottom hatch. |
| US08505779B2 |
Cap for an atomiser
The invention relates to a cap comprising a base with means for fixing it to a container, a top fixed to the base by a hinge, closure means consisting of a first closure means and a second closure means, one on the base and the other on the top, the closure means working together to keep the top in a first position in which it is closed against the base, release means for moving apart from each other the first closure means and the second closure means and means for lifting the top. In accordance with the invention, the means for lifting the top consist of at least one leaf spring, one of whose ends is fixed to the base and the other of whose ends is able to slide on the bowl of the top, the leaf spring being under tension when the top is closed, and being relaxed or partially relaxed when the top is in the fully open position. This cap is particularly intended for use as a spray head for a spray device. |
| US08505776B2 |
Liquid and foamed soap dispensing
A soap dispensing assembly includes a soap container and a universal dispenser. The soap container is capable of having a liquid pump or a foaming pump attached to it. The universal dispenser is adapted to house and dispense soap from the soap container regardless of whether the container has a liquid pump or a foaming pump. Using this assembly, a manufacturer may sell the universal dispenser and offer to sell the consumer liquid and foamable soap for use with the same dispenser. |
| US08505773B2 |
Indicating device
A dispensing device for dispensing metered dosages of a medicament from a container includes a dispenser housing having a support block defining a longitudinal axis and an indicator housing disposed at least partially around the support block. An actuator includes a central, cylindrical hub portion adapted to be engaged by the container and centered about the longitudinal axis. The actuator is moveable along the longitudinal axis relative to the indicator housing and includes a resilient arm. A drive gear is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing and is rotatable in response to successive engagements by the resilient arm. An indicator is rotatably disposed in the indicator housing and is rotatable in response to the rotation of the drive gear. The indicator includes dosage indicia. A dispensing system and indicating device are also disclosed. |
| US08505770B2 |
Plush animal waste bag dispenser
An animal waste bag dispenser wherein a roll of waste bags with the leading waste bag protruding from the center is inserted into a holder with an aperture on one end, and the holder is inserted into a plush animal with a second aperture aligned with the first aperture so that waste bags may be dispensed therefrom. |
| US08505768B2 |
Food tray
In one aspect, the present invention provides a foldable food tray that includes first and second panels, each having upper and lower surfaces and inner, outer, and side edges. Each panel can also include one or more hinge members and one or more locking members. The hinge member(s) can be operatively coupled to one another to permit the first and second panels to move between a closed position and an open position. The locking member(s) can be configured to releasably lock the first and second panels in the open position, thereby preventing the first and second panels from inadvertently moving from the open position. |
| US08505766B2 |
Magnifier device for mounting to a container
One aspect of the present invention provides a magnifier device for mounting to a container. The device comprises a container mount comprising a base portion and an adjustable portion. Each of the base portion and the adjustable portion comprises a container engaging surface. The container engaging surfaces are arranged for engaging a container received therebetween. The adjustable portion is mounted for movement relative to the base portion in (i) a contracting direction wherein the container engaging surfaces move relatively towards one another and (ii) an expanding direction wherein the container engaging surfaces move relatively away from one another, thus enabling receipt of containers of various sizes between the container engaging surfaces. The container mount comprises a resilient member for biasing the adjustable portion in the contracting direction, thus urging engagement of the container engaging surfaces against a container received therebetween. A magnifying lens is secured to a lens mounting part of the base portion of the container mount. |
| US08505764B2 |
Structure of clinch portion of mounting cup
The structure of a clinch portion of a mounting cup is provided which can retain a gasket. The clinch portion includes a curl portion continuous with an upper end of an outer circumferential wall at an inner circumferential edge of the curl portion, and a curl skirt portion having an upper end continuous with an outer circumferential edge of the curl portion. The curl portion is made of a plurality of curved planes having different radii extending from the inner circumferential edge to outer circumferential edge. A space a portion of the gasket can enter is formed between a virtual curved plane with a radius constituting the inner plane of the curl portion and an inner curved plane or an outer curved plane, or between the virtual curved plane and both the inner and outer curved planes. |
| US08505762B2 |
Vessel neck construction of a pressure vessel
The invention relates to a pressure vessel for the storage of liquid or gaseous media. The pressure vessel (1) comprises a plastic inner vessel (2) with at least one neck piece (4) which is not connected in one piece with the latter and which is arranged on the vessel neck in the region of the vessel orifice (8), and with a supporting jacket (3) at least partially surrounding the plastic inner vessel (2) and the neck piece (4). The neck piece (4) is provided with means for receiving a connection fitting (9). The pressure vessel according to the invention is distinguished by an insert (5) which forms at least part of the vessel neck and which forms a sealing seat for the fitting (9) to be inserted into the neck piece (4). |
| US08505761B2 |
Sealing bladderless system and method
Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize the escape of fuel out of a fuel tank when a tank wall is penetrated by a bullet. In one embodiment, a pressure differential may be maintained between a pressure within a fuel tank cavity and another pressure outside the fuel tank cavity in order to minimize the loss of fuel upon penetration of the fuel tank. In another embodiment, a compressed rubber layer of fuel-reactive rubber may be provided which is adapted to be attached to a fuel tank wall and to swell upon contact with fuel in order to substantially seal a penetrated hole in the fuel tank wall. |
| US08505748B2 |
Apparatus configured to support surgical instruments
An apparatus to support various surgical instruments is disclosed. The apparatus may include numerous chambers that may be used to separate different instruments. The chambers may have grooves that are used to support the instruments, and the height of the apparatus from the supporting surface may be comparable to the measurements of the instruments to provide a securing surface. |
| US08505743B2 |
Surface modification of polyamide reverse osmosis membranes
The present invention relates to surface modification of reverse osmosis membranes to introduce antifouling properties without compromising the separation properties of the original membranes. This approach utilizes: providing a coated membrane surface having enhanced hydrophilic characteristics that prevents the biofoulants from settling; have a surface that consists of hydrophilic brushes that unsettle any biofoulants that get through; and having antimicrobial ions present in the membrane coatings and able to remove or minimize any remaining biofoulants without leaching into the permeate. These coatings are made using dendritic polymers such as hyperbranched polymers or dendrimers. |
| US08505742B2 |
Perforated hexagon-hole tube support for synthetic screen separator
A separator cartridge includes a support tube formed of a perforated strip of metal configured to normally have a first diameter and a spaced array of hexagonal apertures formed therein and a substantially cylindrical screen member having a diameter less than the first diameter of the support tube, wherein a diameter of the support tube is decreased from the first diameter to a diameter less than the diameter of the screen member to be received in the screen member, and wherein the support tube causes the screen member to be maintained in a substantially taut manner. |
| US08505741B2 |
Water filter cartridge system having a combined blending valve system in the candle and adjusting device in the head
The present invention relates to a water filter, having a filter head and an interchangeable filter cartridge, with a blend-adjusting element which is located on the filter cartridge. The water filter is distinguished in that during the operation of installing the interchangeable filter cartridge in the filter head, the blend-adjusting element is positioned together with the filter cartridge on the filter head via adjustable or fixed drivers. In a further embodiment, the water filter is distinguished in that an adjusting device comprises an untreated-water distribution element arranged in or on the filter head and a partial-flow channel guiding element which is complementary with respect thereto and is arranged in or on the filter cartridge. |
| US08505739B2 |
Device for discarding trims formed during the cutting of paper logs
A device for discarding trims formed by cutting machines during the cutting of paper logs, including an advancing plane on which paper rolls (R) and trims (RT, RC) advance along a given direction (A), wherein the trims can fall through a discontinuity provided on the advancing plane. The advancing plane is formed by a first extendible conveyor (1) and a second extendible conveyor (2). Each of the conveyors (1, 2) is connected with an extension and retraction device. The discontinuity on the advancing plane is realized or eliminated depending on the extended or not extended configuration of the conveyors (1, 2). |
| US08505734B1 |
Apparatus for removing magnetic materials
Disclosed herein are various inventive methods and apparatus related to removing magnetic materials from a liquid solution utilizing an apparatus employing a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt may have a forward run moving in a forward direction from a first pulley to a second pulley and a rearward run moving in a rearward direction from the second pulley to the first pulley. The apparatus may include a longitudinally extending magnet housing interposed between the forward run of the conveyor belt and the rearward run of the conveyor belt and interposed between the first pulley and the second pulley. At least one longitudinally extending magnet may be substantially sealingly enclosed in the magnet housing. |
| US08505732B2 |
Wafer container with elasticity module
A wafer container, comprising: a container body, the container body having a plurality of slot portions on two opposite sidewalls of the interior of the container body for horizontally sustaining a plurality of wafers, each slot portion having a horizontal carrying portion, an opening being formed on one side of the container body for exporting and importing a plurality of wafers; and a door, said door having an inner surface and a outer surface, the inner surface being joined with the opening of the container body for protecting the plurality of wafers therein, the characteristic in that: an elasticity module is disposed on the inner wall of the rear end of the container body opposite to the opening, the elasticity module having a rectangular body and a convex portion bending toward the interior of the container body being respectively formed on two longer opposite sides of the rectangular body. |
| US08505727B2 |
Package with switch and containing an electrical device
A blister package (12) of transparent plastics material having an actuation portion (18), an electrical device such as a flashlight (14) with a slider switch (32) disposed at least partially within the package, the device including a battery power source (22) and an activatable component such as a LED or light; and a package switch (46) with actuation element (66) having an activation condition and a deactivation condition and being changeable from its deactivation condition to its activation condition. The package and device combination being configured for the power source to form part of a closed electrical circuit with, and to activate, the activatable component when the package switch is in its activation condition, and for the circuit to be open once the package switch has changed to its deactivation condition. The consumer can test the operation of the packaged flashlight by operating the switch (46) to illuminate either the LED (24) or the fluorescent tube (26). |
| US08505725B1 |
Sand ceremony apparatus
A sand ceremony apparatus has a sand receptacle with an opening at a top thereof and an interior volume suitable for the receipt of sand therein, a cover removably affixed over the opening and having a support surface formed thereon, and a decorative article removably positioned on the support surface of the cover. A structure that has an interior space in which the receptacle is received in the interior space. This structure include a first panel and a second panel. A first vase and a second vase are removably positioned in the structure on opposite sides of the sand receptacle. |
| US08505724B2 |
Package assembly for wiper blade
A wiper package assembly for use in packaging a pre-curved wiper blade. The wiper package assembly generally includes a package and a pair of end caps fittable onto the wiper blade and into the package. The package and end caps may be configured to cooperatively hold the pre-curved wiper blade in an at least partially straightened condition. The end caps may be configured to engage the wiper blade without altering the shape of the wiper blade tip, thereby reducing the risk of the wiper tip becoming deformed during by the package. In one embodiment, the end caps are ambidextrous in the sense that identical end caps can be used on opposite ends of the wiper blade. The end cap may include two support slots configured to correspond with the shape of the opposite ends of an asymmetrical wiper blade. |
| US08505723B2 |
Packaging system for retaining propulsive devices
A packaging fixture may include a first member including a plurality of first generally round apertures and a plurality of first elongated apertures. The first member may include a thickness from a first side to an opposite second side and each of the plurality of first round apertures and the plurality of elongated apertures may extend through the thickness of the first member. Each of the plurality of elongated apertures may be connected to and extend from a corresponding one of the plurality of first round apertures. Each of the plurality of first round apertures may be adapted to receive a portion of a propulsive device. The first member may be adapted to retain the propulsive device when a protrusion of the propulsive device is misaligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of elongated apertures. |
| US08505716B2 |
Packaged products and array of bandoleer of packaged products
The invention relates to a packaged product (3) or group (19) of products, such as a candy, wherein said product or group of products (3) has an elongated form, wherein the package comprises at least one film (1, 2) which encloses said product or group of products, and wherein part of said film extends from at least one outer end of the product or group of products, and wherein said part of the film is bent away from the direction of the axis of the elongated product or group of products back towards a part of the film that surrounds the product and is bonded therewith. The invention also relates to an easy opening arrangement for packaged products, and to an array or bandoleer (19) of products with reduced packaging material. |
| US08505708B2 |
Orientation sensing apparatus and method for a bill validator
A bill validating apparatus includes a housing having an elongated opening therein. At one end of the elongated opening there is an article receiving slot. A first sensor is on one long side of the elongated slot and a second sensor is on the other long side. The bill validating system includes a transport mechanism for moving the article of tender past the sensors. The bill validating apparatus also includes an orientation determination device communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor. In response to a determined orientation of the bill validating apparatus, the orientation determination device enables one of the first sensor or the second sensor. |
| US08505705B2 |
Stamped laminated stacks for parking pawl, parking gear and parking anchor
A parking brake (10) for a transmission (12) of a motorized vehicle (14). An anchor (24) is located to support an actuator (26) interposed between the anchor (24) and a parking pawl (22) when the parking pawl (22) is in the engaged position with a toothed parking gear (20). The anchor (24) is defined by a plurality of stacked laminas (30). Each of the plurality of stacked laminas (30) is rigid and has at least one peripherally extending surface (32), wherein the at least one peripherally extending surface (32) of at least two of the plurality of stacked laminas cooperate to define at least one load-bearing surface (34), and wherein the plurality of stacked laminas (30) are secured together to prevent relative movement of any one of the plurality of stacked laminas (30) with respect to another of the plurality of stacked laminas (30) when a load is transmitted through the parking pawl (22) from the at least one load-bearing surface (34). |
| US08505700B2 |
Security braking device mounted between a hydraulic fuel tank and actuation members capable of acting on braking members
The device includes a loading and non-compression locking mechanism for a master cylinder hydraulically connected to a hydraulic fuel tank and to braking members. The mechanism is dependent upon a control member capable of unlocking the mechanism in order to concomitantly urge the master cylinder to apply a predetermined hydraulic pressure for acting on the braking members. |
| US08505698B2 |
Brake pad
The subject invention generally relates to a disc brake pad which has reduced brake squeal in response to a braking event by the incorporation of a relieved portion to the center section of a friction pad along an outer edge or inner edge thereof, or along both edges. The invention is a disc brake pad which includes a backing plate and friction pad attached to the backing plate. |
| US08505692B2 |
Elevator system
Provided is an elevator system which can perform an optimum assignment suited to the operation condition of elevators and can appropriately notify a user of accurate information. For this purpose, there are provided a call registration device which registers a destination call before boarding and a notification device which provides elevator information. Normally, immediately after registration of a destination call, the notification device provides information on an assigned car. On the other hand, when a prescribed assignment review condition is met, immediately after registration of a destination call, the notification device provides information to the effect that the registration has been accepted, thereafter the assignment of the elevator is reviewed, and the notification device provides information on an assigned car when the elevator responds to the destination call. |
| US08505688B2 |
Mast lift and mast lift system
A lift system is coupled between a work platform and a mast on a mast lift. The lift system includes an overload clutch that slips upon an overload on the lift system, an overrun brake that prevents the lift system from running beyond a fully lowered position and that prevents the lift system from running if the platform is hung up, and an emergency brake. The lift system is safe and lightweight and is effective for controlling a position of the work platform on the mast. |
| US08505687B2 |
Play structure safety device
Many family homes, school and municipal parks have play structures for children. Typically these playground play structures have ladders. In the case of family homes in particular, toddlers typically enjoy climbing the ladders but then are stuck at the top and in danger of falling off the ladder. In order to prevent toddlers from climbing the ladder of the play structures when unattended by an adult, and ultimately preventing injury, an invention that prevents the ladder from being climbed by a toddler is presented here. |
| US08505684B1 |
Aerial work platform apparatus and method
An aerial work platform apparatus and method for automatically leveling a mobile aerial work platform, including a base frame, a movable platform, a lift mechanism configured to move the platform in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the base frame, a stabilizing assembly including at least one outrigger leg mounted on the base frame, and a control assembly. |
| US08505682B2 |
Lightweight polymeric exhaust components
Disclosed is a muffler assembly including: a) polymeric housing having an interior surface and at least one opening for at least one inlet and one outlet exhaust pipe; b) at least one metal inlet exhaust pipe and at least one metal outlet exhaust pipe positioned within the openings to provide housing-exhaust pipe interfaces; c) a thermal insulating material coating the interior surface of the polymeric housing and extending through the housing-exhaust pipe interfaces; wherein the thermal insulating material seals the muffler assembly at the housing-exhaust pipe interfaces; and wherein the muffler assembly has a leak rate of 105 Liters/minute or less at 4.5 psig pressure. An optional muffler assembly has body mounting adapters attached to the inlet and outlet exhaust pipes and positioned within the openings to provide housing-body mounting adapter interfaces. Also disclosed are processes for manufacturing the muffler assemblies. |
| US08505680B2 |
Firearm attachment
In one example, a firearm attachment includes a base adapted to be coupled to a firearm. The firearm attachment also includes a plurality of substantially longitudinal tines extending forwardly from the base and arranged circumferentially around a central axis of the attachment. The firearm attachment also includes at least one bore substantially concentric with the central axis. The firearm attachment also includes three longitudinal slots defined by sidewalls of adjacent ones of the tines and adapted to pass combustion gases from the bore. The sidewalls extend from the bore to an outer circumfery of the attachment. Sidewalls of adjacent tines lie in respective planes that intersect at an angle in a range of approximately 9 degrees to approximately 12 degrees. Other implementations and related methods are also provided. |
| US08505678B2 |
Fluid transfer pipe and fluid transfer apparatus and a fluid attenuator and attenuator apparatus
A fluid transfer pipe (1) comprising opposed ends (3, 5) adapted to be connected to respective pipework, the pipe (1) comprising a longitudinal axis (9), the transverse cross section of the pipe (1) varying along the length of the pipe such that the distance radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis (9) to the inner wall of the pipe (1) is non linear along at least part of the length of the pipe. A fluid attenuator comprising such a pipe is also disclosed. |
| US08505673B2 |
Control system for a vehicle
A control system for a saddle-type vehicle is provided. The control system includes a reverse lever, a hand brake lever, a throttle lever and at least one mount bracket. Each of the reverse lever, the hand brake lever and the throttle lever are pivotably coupled to the at least one mount bracket and the at least one mount bracket is configured to be connected to a first one of a right handlebar and a left handlebar of a saddle-type vehicle. |
| US08505672B2 |
Underbody integrated exhaust path for fuel cell vehicles
A fuel cell vehicle is provided with a temperature tolerant exhaust system that eliminates the need for exhaust pipes, pipe routing, support systems, and ground clearance issues. The exhaust system includes a fuel cell exhaust pipe in fluid communication with a fuel cell stack and an exhaust tube. The exhaust tube is supported within an exhaust channel that extends along and forms a part of the underbody of the fuel cell vehicle. Alternatively, the exhaust tube is formed within the interior of the exhaust channel. |
| US08505671B1 |
Drivable caster wheel
A drivable caster wheel assembly comprises a support socket defining a journal, a support frame with a post with a portion thereof positioned in the journal and being rotatable in the journal of the support socket about a substantially vertical axis. The support frame may include an arm mounted on the post. An axle is mounted on the arm. A wheel is mounted on the axle and is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. A hydraulic motor is mounted on the support frame and configured to rotate the wheel with respect to the support frame. A fluid transfer structure is configured to transfer fluid from a fluid power source on the mobile base when the support socket is mounted on the mobile base to the motor for driving the wheel while maintaining an ability of the support frame and wheel to rotate about the substantially vertical axis. |
| US08505669B2 |
Driving force distribution device
In the case where a difference between rotational speeds of right and left wheels detected by wheel speed sensors is less than a predetermined value, a right and left wheel power transmission control section distributes driving force between the right and left wheels so that a total value of the driving force of the right and left wheels does not exceed a limit value set up by a front and rear wheels power transmission control section. In the case where the difference between the rotational speeds of the right and left wheels is the predetermined value or more, the right and left wheel power transmission control section transmits the driving force up to a driving force upper limit for each wheel to the respective right and left rear wheels regardless of the total value of the driving force of the right and left rear wheels. |
| US08505665B2 |
Thermal assistance for bicycle
A pedaling assistance device for a light vehicle, in particular a bicycle, equipped with pedals and a ratio-changing transmission, this device comprising a heat engine equipped with a reducing gear mechanically coupled with an element receiving muscular pedaling power from a user of the light vehicle, the mechanical coupling being effected upstream of said ratio-changing transmission so that the heat engine benefits from said changes of ratio, wherein the assistance device comprises a torque limiter, placed on the kinematics of the reducing gear of the heat engine between said heat engine and the mechanical coupling. |
| US08505660B2 |
Shutter system for vehicle grille
An apparatus for use with a vehicle grille may include a frame, a shutter, and a drive mechanism. The shutter may be connected to the frame and may be pivotable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. The shutter may include a pivot axis and an engagement member. The shutter may restrict airflow through a vehicle grille in the first position and allow airflow through the vehicle grille in the second position. The drive mechanism may drive the shutter between the first and second positions. The drive mechanism may include a drive shaft rotating relative to the frame and a drive member engaging the drive shaft and moving linearly relative to the frame. The drive member may include an arcuate slot slidably engaging the engagement member. |
| US08505659B2 |
Road vehicle with hybrid propulsion
An embodiment of a road vehicle with hybrid propulsion including: at least one pair of driving wheels; a thermal internal combustion engine; a double clutch gearbox provided with two primary shafts, two clutches interposed between the thermal internal combustion engine and the primary shafts, at least a secondary shaft constantly meshing with the driving wheels, and a plurality of pairs of gears, each of them defining a respective speed and comprising a primary gear mounted to a primary shaft and a secondary gear which is mounted to the secondary shaft and constantly meshes with the primary gear; a first reversible electric machine having a shaft, which is connected to a first primary shaft of the gearbox; and a second reversible electric machine having a shaft, which is mechanically connected to a second primary shaft of the gearbox different from the first primary shaft. |
| US08505658B2 |
Hub unit and a powertrain for a vehicle
A hub unit includes an electric machine adapted for driving a wheel. The hub unit includes at least two planetary gears coupled in series between the electric machine and a wheel hub, and a gear shifting device for connecting and disconnecting, respectively, one of the planetary gears from being drivingly connected to the electric machine. |
| US08505657B2 |
Vehicle suspension and drive system
The present invention pertains to a lightweight, portable, electric vehicle having a novel steering mechanism, a low profile suspension and drive mechanism, and which also provides a superior ride quality, handling, and drivability. The vehicle generally comprises a frame and at least one suspension and motor assembly. Each suspension and motor assembly includes at least one leaf spring mounted to the frame, a motor connected to the leaf spring, the motor having a drive shaft, and a wheel rotatably connected to the drive shaft. The vehicle also includes means for powering the motor and means for controlling to enable a user to drive the vehicle. |
| US08505655B1 |
Superabrasive inserts including an arcuate peripheral surface
Superabrasive inserts are disclosed. More particularly, a superabrasive insert may comprise a superabrasive layer bonded to a substrate at an interface. Further, the superabrasive layer may include a central substantially planar surface, a peripheral side surface, and an arcuate peripheral surface extending between the central substantially planar surface and the peripheral side surface. In one embodiment, the arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a lateral extent and an extension depth, wherein a ratio of the lateral extent to the extension depth is at least about 1.5. In another embodiment, an arcuate peripheral surface may comprise a substantially circular arc, wherein the substantially planar surface is tangent to the substantially circular arc and a tangent reference line to the substantially circular arc forms an angle of at least about 10° with the peripheral side surface. Subterranean drilling tools (e.g., drill bits) including at least one superabrasive insert are disclosed. |
| US08505654B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond
A PCD composite compact comprising a PCD structure bonded at an interface to a substrate comprising cemented carbide material; the PCD structure comprising a mass of directly inter-bonded diamond grains having a mean size of at most about 4 microns, and the PCD structure comprising at least about 0.05 weight percent refractory metal or carbide of a refractory metal selected from the group comprising W, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf and Ta; and at least the cemented carbide material proximate the interface having a content of metallic binder material of at most about 6 weight percent. |
| US08505651B2 |
Anchor system and method for anchoring a tool with a positional bias
An anchor system including a housing having a radial opening therein. A piston disposed within the housing and translatable therein. A slip in operable communication with the piston such that translation of the piston axially of the housing causes movement of the slip radially of the housing. The slip having a contact face that is nonparallel to an axis of the housing and nonparallel to a surface against which the slip is configured to be set. A method for anchoring a tool is included. |
| US08505649B2 |
Power tool
A power (1) tool including a driven member (15) that is operable to grip and drive at least one working element (4), drive means (25) operable to drive the driven member, the power tool being operable in either a working mode in which the driven member is driven to enable the working element to perform work, or an adjustment mode in which the driven member is adjusted to grip or release the working element, torque control means (7) controlling the torque produced by the drive means, the torque control means being operable to render the drive means inoperable when the torque exceeds a pre-determined level, the torque control means having an adjustment setting (17) which must be selected to enable the power tool to operate in an adjustment mode whereby the adjustment setting corresponds to a relatively low level of torque. |
| US08505646B2 |
Cab and motor grader
A cab includes a floor panel, an operator's seat, a handle post, an operating lever and a pedal. The operating lever includes a rod, a lower link member, an upper link member and a handle. The rod has a rod lower end portion, a rod upper end portion and a bent portion connected to the rod lower end portion and the rod upper end portion. The bent portion is formed in a forwardly convex shape. The pedal has a placement surface on which a foot of an operator is placed. A straight line passing along the placement surface in a side view intersecting with the bending point, when the pedal is located in any position within a pivot range. |
| US08505643B2 |
Method and apparatus for harvesting and picking up sod
A sod harvester for cutting sod strips from a ground surface while leaving an uncut strip between at least two sod strips The sod harvester includes a mounting frame and a number of cutting heads connected to the mounting frame. The cutting heads are positioned transversely to the path of travel for cutting the sod strips. At least two cutting heads are spaced apart by the width of the uncut strip. A conveyor is located behind the cutting heads for transporting the strips upwardly and rearwardly from the cutting heads. |
| US08505642B2 |
Methods and apparatus for dual stage hazard control system
Methods and apparatus for a dual stage hazard suppression system according to various aspects of the present invention include a housing containing a first hazard control material that is configured to be located close to a hazard source and a container containing a second hazard control material located at a distance from the hazard source. The housing may be configured to release the first hazard control material in response to a breach of the housing and/or the hazard source. The container may be configured for a timed release of the second hazard control material in response to the release of the first hazard control material. Alternatively, a sensor may be used to trigger the release of the second hazard control material in response to a triggering event separate from the initial breach of the housing and/or the hazard source. |
| US08505641B2 |
Electrification spray head
A wide protection range can be ensured by extending the flying distance of fire-extinguishing agent particles electrified and sprayed from a head. A water-based fire-extinguishing agent is pressurized and supplied to an electrification spray head 10 installed in a protection area A via a pipe, the jetted particles of the fire-extinguishing agent are electrified and sprayed from the electrification spray head 10. The electrification spray head mixes and sprays the fire-extinguishing agent having a comparatively small particle size included in a range from 30 μm to 200 μm by a small-particle jetting nozzle 38a and the fire-extinguishing agent having a comparatively-large particle size of 200 μm to 2000 μm by a large-particle jetting nozzle 38b, thereby carrying the group of the fire-extinguishing-agent particles having the small particle size by the air current caused by spraying the group of the fire-extinguishing-agent particles having the large particle size. |
| US08505640B2 |
Apparatus for firefighting
A combination of a liquid fire extinguishing composition including potassium salts or aluminum salts of an organic acid, resulting in a viscous liquid, is finely divided by a nozzle into droplets which may be applied to a fire or fuel therefor or form a cloud of droplets which settle onto such fire and/or fuel which is particularly effective for fighting fires where fuel is at least initially contained such as oil and grease fires in cooling utensils being heated on stoves. Propellant is contained and not entrained in the dispensed fire fighting composition to avoid at least spreading of the fuel beyond the containment. |
| US08505639B2 |
Indexing sleeve for single-trip, multi-stage fracing
A sliding sleeve has a sensor that detects plugs (darts, balls, etc.) passing through the sleeves. A first insert on the sleeve can be hydraulically activated by the fluid pressure in the surrounding annulus once a preset number of plugs have passed through the sleeve. Movement of this first insert activates a catch on a second insert. Once the next plug is deployed, the catch engages it so that fluid pressure applied against the seated plug through the tubing string can moves the second insert. Once moved, the insert reveals port in the housing communicating the sleeve's bore with the surrounding annulus so an adjacent wellbore interval can be stimulated. The first insert may also be hydraulically activated after a preset time after a plug has passed through the sleeve. Several sleeves can be used together in various arrangements to treat multiple intervals of a wellbore. |
| US08505637B2 |
System and method for forming a coiled tubing connection
A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation. |
| US08505636B2 |
Wellhead assembly having a nested tubing head
A wellhead assembly includes a casing head and a tubing head that is landed within the casing head when the tubing head is landed. The casing head has top and bottom ends, and its bottom end is coupled to surface casing. The tubing head also has top and bottom ends, and its bottom end is coupled to an additional casing string, such as production casing. The tubing head can be landed on the casing head through a blowout preventer. |
| US08505635B2 |
Device for a top drive drilling machine for continuous circulation of drilling mud
A device for a top drive drilling machine, in which a drive shaft (14), which is arranged for releasable connection to a drive (12) and to a first end portion (51) of a drill pipe (5), is provided with a center bore (141) extending therethrough and arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant (6) and a fluid bore (53) in the drill pipe (5). First and second releasable, drive-shaft-surrounding, respectively drill-string-surrounding, pressure seals (1311c, 1321) and a valve (133) which is arranged to provide, in an open position, a passage (1331) for the drill pipe (5) or drive shaft (14), form a first and a second chamber. A drilling mud inlet (1323) is arranged for the second chamber (132) and is arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant (6) and connection housing (13). A method for the continuous supply of drilling mud to a drill string (4) by the use of the drilling machine. |
| US08505632B2 |
Method and apparatus for deploying and using self-locating downhole devices
A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a plurality of location markers in a passageway of the well and deploying an untethered object in the passageway such that the object travels downhole via the passageway. The technique includes using the untethered object to sense proximity of at least some of the location markers as the object travels downhole, and based on the sensing, selectively expand its size to cause the object to become lodged in the passageway near a predetermined location. |
| US08505629B2 |
Foamed spacer fluids containing cement kiln dust and methods of use
Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations. An embodiment discloses a method comprising: providing a foamed spacer fluid comprising CKD, a foaming agent, a gas, and water; and introducing the foamed spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid present in the well bore. Another embodiment discloses a method comprising: providing a foamed spacer fluid comprising a partially calcined kiln feed removed from a gas stream, a foaming agent, a gas, and water, wherein the partially calcined kiln feed comprises SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; and introducing the foamed spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid present in the well bore. |
| US08505627B2 |
Downhole separation and reinjection
A technique enhances hydrocarbon fluid production. The technique utilizes a well with a plurality of lateral wellbores positioned to facilitate removal of well fluid from a hydrocarbon reservoir. A separator is disposed in the well to receive well fluid that flows from a lateral production leg. Operation of the separator separates well fluid into an oil component and a water component to enable production of the oil component. The water component is injected into the reservoir in a manner that drives well fluid trapped in the reservoir into the lateral production leg. |
| US08505625B2 |
Controlling well operations based on monitored parameters of cement health
A method of controlling a well operation can include monitoring at least one parameter of cement lining a wellbore, the monitoring being performed via at least one optical waveguide, and modifying the well operation in response to the parameter being outside of a predetermined acceptable range. A well monitoring system can include at least one optical waveguide which is used to sense at least one parameter of cement lining a wellbore, an optical interrogation system optically connected to the at least one optical waveguide, and a control system which controls operation of at least one item of well equipment in response to information received from the optical interrogation system. |
| US08505623B2 |
Retrievable bridge plug
A bridge plug can be deployed downhole and retrieved using a retrieval tool disposed on jointed or coiled tubing or on another bridge plug. Internally, the bridge plug has a sleeve that is movable on a stem of the plug's tailpiece. When in a first position, the sleeve prevents fluid communication through ports in the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool can be used to clear debris from the plug during retrieval. When the retrieval tool engages the sleeve in the plug, pulling up on the tool moves the sleeve to an intermediate position in which fluid pressure is equalized across the plug. Further pulling up on the tool locks the sleeve in a further position on the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool will pass directly to the stem's ports. Movement of the sleeve by the retrieval tool also releases the engaged slips and packing element on the bridge plug's mandrel. |
| US08505620B2 |
Method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface and tools therefor
According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction. |
| US08505617B2 |
Structure and apparatus for cooling integrated circuits using copper microchannels
A cooler having a unitary construction including a channel portion including a plurality of fins on a base, the plurality of fins defining a plurality of microchannels therebetween, a tapered opening formed in a set of the plurality of fins, a manifold portion disposed on an edge portion of the base, the manifold portion including an inlet port and an outlet port disposed above the tapered opening in the plurality of fins, and a separator sheet including at least two elongated openings disposed between the channel portion and the manifold portion. |
| US08505616B2 |
Hybrid ceramic core cold plate
An exemplary cold plate housing defines an inlet port and an outlet port. A plurality of foam strip assemblies are disposed in the housing. The foam strip assemblies are arranged within the housing so coolant is flowable through a width of the foam strips. Each foam strip assembly includes at least first and second foam strip members each suitably having pore size of no more than around 50 micrometers and porosity of at least around 80 percent, and a first spacer member is interposed between the first and second foam strip members. Each of the foam strip assemblies may include a second spacer member interposed between the first spacer member and one of the first and second foam strip members. The spacer member may include a high thermal conductivity material, such as a metal like copper or aluminum, or a low thermal conductivity material such as a polymer or plastic. |
| US08505615B2 |
Cooling fan rack
A cooling fan rack includes a frame defining a union section; a plurality of stoppers arranged at four corners in the frame to cooperate with the frame to define an accommodating space; and a plurality of airflow paths formed between two adjacent stoppers to communicate with the accommodating space. The frame is provided at two lateral lower sides with a notch each, which communicate with the accommodating space. The two notches are sized for straddling two upper outer sides of a radiating fin assembly, so that the radiating fin assembly with a reduced volume can be upward fitly received in the accommodating space. A cooling fan is downward firmly fitted in the union section. Part of the cooling airflow produced by the cooling fan can flow through the airflow paths to two opposite ends of the radiating fin assembly, enabling upgraded heat dissipation effect. |
| US08505614B2 |
Device for minimizing an undesired passage of fluid from a first sector to a second sector as well as a heat exchanger system comprising such a device
The present invention relates to a measure for minimizing an undesired passage of fluid from a first sector (1) to a second sector (2) separated by a non-fluid-tight separation (3), wherein a first pressure (P1-1) prevails in the first sector (1) and a lower second pressure (P2-1) than the first pressure (P1-1) prevails in the second sector (2). An intermediate chamber (4) which separates the two sectors (1, 2) from one another is arranged at the separation (3).A conveyor mechanism (5) is further provided which is designed to convey fluid from the intermediate chamber (4) to the first sector (1). |
| US08505609B2 |
Safety assembly for a roller blind
A safety assembly for a roller blind has a fixing device, a moving device, a flexible element, a rotating device, a hooking device and a bead cord. The fixing device has a base panel, a stopping arm and a reset mount. The moving device is movably connected to the fixing device between the stopping arm and the reset mount. The flexible element is mounted between the reset mount and the moving device to push the moving device to move relative to the fixing device. The rotating device is rotatably mounted on the moving device and has a stopping disc and a rotating disk. The hooking device is mounted securely below the fixing device, the moving device and the rotating device. The bead cord is mounted between the rotating device and the hooking device to allow the rotating device rotating relative to the moving device by pulling the bead cord. |
| US08505608B2 |
Reinforcing structure for slide shutter
A reinforcing structure for a slide shutter deters unauthorized entry of an intruder into a building and allows easy opening and closing of the shutter. The reinforcing structure (1) for a slide shutter has a vertically movable shutter curtain (3) formed by interconnecting slats (3a), a left and right pair of guide rails (4a, 4b) for guiding the shutter curtain (3), and a shutter case (5) into which the shutter curtain (3) is wound and contained. The reinforcing structure (1) is also provided with a shutter reinforcing base member (6) having one end rotatably mounted to the upper end of one guide rail (4a) and the other end open, a length adjusting member (7) inserted in the shutter reinforcing base member (6), and a connecting member (8a) rotatably connected to the front end of the length adjusting member (7), vertically sliding while being guided by the other guide rail (4b), and capable of being removably mounted to the shutter curtain (3). |
| US08505606B2 |
Rotatable knob controlled adhesive tape dispenser
An adhesive tape dispenser has a body, an adhesive tap dispensing unit, a knob, a pushing element and a resilient element. The adhesive tape dispensing unit is mounted in the body. The knob is mounted rotatably on the body and has a guiding structure formed obliquely on the knob and having two ends each having a limiting capability to restrict a rotating range of the knob relative to the body between the ends of the guiding structure. The pushing element is mounted slidably in the body, is connected between the knob and the adhesive tape dispensing unit and has a guided structure connected slidably to slide along the guiding structure on the knob when the knob is rotated. The resilient element is mounted in the body to provide a recoil force to the adhesive tape dispensing unit. |
| US08505604B2 |
Laser head and method of connecting tubular parts by the laser transmission method
The invention relates to a laser head (11) for connecting tubular parts (1, 3, 12, 13) by the laser transmission method and to a method of connecting the tubular parts (1, 3, 12, 13) by means of the laser head (11). The laser head (11) and the method that can be performed by the laser head (11) are suitable in particular for connecting a connecting element or branching element (1) to one end of a plastic pipe (3). The laser head (11) makes simultaneous welding possible and has at least two shell parts (16) that can be radially separated from each other so that the laser head (11) can be placed around a connecting section (4) or a connecting region (15) of the tubular parts (1, 3, 12, 13). A number of laser sources (17) are arranged in the shell parts (16) in such a way that the laser beams (7) emerging from the laser sources (17) overlap at the connecting section (4) or at the connecting region (15) of the parts (1, 3, 12, 13). |
| US08505603B2 |
Vehicle having tires with reinforced sidewalls
A vehicle of motorcycle type comprising at least two axle systems each equipped with a mounted assembly consisting of a wheel and a tire. Each of the tires comprises, in each sidewall, at least one additional layer of reinforcing elements forming with the circumferential direction an angle of between 20° and 60°, the orientation of the reinforcing elements of the additional layer in a sidewall being symmetrical to the orientation of the reinforcing elements of the additional layer in the other sidewall in relation to the equatorial plane, the angle formed by the plane comprising a reinforcing element of an additional layer with a radial plane comprising the radially inner end of said reinforcing element being oriented in the direction of rotation of the mounted assembly corresponding to the forward movement of the vehicle in the rear tire and in the opposite direction in the front tire. |
| US08505594B2 |
Beverage bottling plant having a filling machine with multiple beverage filling elements, a filling machine with multiple beverage filling elements, a filling element and related method
A container filling element for filling containers with a liquid. The filling element has two liquid ducts and two separate discharge openings in a housing, as well as separate valves which control the flow of liquid for each liquid duct and discharge opening. A gas shutoff element is disposed in one of the liquid ducts and is positioned adjacent to each of the discharge openings. |
| US08505593B1 |
Refrigerator and dispenser
A refrigerator having a dispenser that includes an outlet and that is configured to dispense content through the outlet and along an output flow path. The refrigerator also includes a detection unit configured to detect user activity that is indicative of a desire to fill a container with content using the dispenser. The refrigerator further includes an optical system that is configured to, in response to detecting the user activity, direct a beam of light along at least a portion of the output flow path of the dispenser to assist a user in positioning a container to receive content dispensed along the output flow path. |
| US08505589B2 |
Arrangement and method for the wind of a single-layer-coil
An arrangement includes a coil-winding-tool to guide a metallic conductor for the forming of a part of the single-layer-coil. The coil-winding-tool is mounted to rotate around a first axis of rotation for the forming of the part of the coil. A conductor-feeding-drum carries the metallic conductor and is designed to hand over the metallic-conductor to the coil-winding-tool for forming. The conductor-feeding-drum is carried by a fixture. The fixture is mounted to rotate around a second axis of rotation, to allow a rotation of the conductor-feeding-drum around the second axis too. The first axis of rotation of the coil-winding-tool is perpendicular to the second axis of rotation of the conductor-feeding-drum, to allow the execution of the winding by the rotation of the coil-winding-tool and by the rotation of the conductor-feeding-drum. |
| US08505588B2 |
Production of a fibrous structure with variable thickness by 3D weaving
A method of making a fiber structure by multilayer three-dimensional weaving, the fiber structure having a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the warp and weft directions that varies along the warp direction while conserving the same number of warp yarns that are woven at all points of the fiber structure along the warp direction, wherein during a transition in the warp direction from a first portion of the fiber texture to a second portion of the fiber texture having a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the first portion, the number of warp planes is decreased and the number of layers of warp yarns is increased without changing the number of warp yarns, by constituting at least one warp plane in the second portion with warp yarns taken from at least two different warp planes in the first portion. |
| US08505586B2 |
Detachable transfer conduit
A disconnect transfer conduit comprising flexible tubing; a deformable sleeve surrounding a portion of the flexible tubing; wherein the sleeve is attached to the flexible tubing and is formed of a material having plasticity such that pressure applied to the sleeve causes the sleeve to deform about and seal the flexible tubing and upon continued application of pressure to the sleeve, the sleeve and flexible tubing are cut and the sleeve retains a deformed shape substantially sealing the tubing. Also provided is a method of sealing flexible tubing comprising applying pressure to a sleeve attached to flexible tubing to deform the sleeve and seal the tubing; wherein, applying further pressure to the sleeve to cut the sleeve and tubing, thereby leaving the tubing substantially sealed where cut. |
| US08505582B2 |
Hydraulic valve
A hydraulic valve for oscillating-motor camshaft adjuster is provided. The valve has a bush and a hollow piston with a piston bottom. The piston is axially movable within the bush by means of an actuator against the force of a screw-type pressure spring. The actuator is applied to the piston bottom. A sleeve secured in the bush is disposed inside the hollow piston and can be displaced relative to the piston. The wall of this sleeve has at least one through-opening, which leads to at least one opening of the hollow piston, which opening can guide a supply pressure (P) applied inside the sleeve alternatively to two sets of pressure chambers of the oscillating-motor camshaft adjuster. The sleeve has a sleeve bottom that seals off the inside space of hollow piston. |
| US08505578B2 |
Actuator for controlling a fluid flow
The invention relates to an actuator (10) for controlling a fluid flow which comprises a valve housing (11), a flow restrictor (18) and a valve seat (16), in which the flow restrictor (18) is designed such that the flow restrictor (18)—together with a closure (22) which is connected to the valve housing (12)—will form a pressure-relieving chamber (28), and as a result, a relative movement of the flow restrictor (18) and the chamber closure (22) together with the actuation will cause the volume of the pressure-relieving chamber (28) to change as a function of the direction of movement, and the flow restrictor (18) has a recess (24) which will allow the fluid to be controlled to flow into the pressure-relieving chamber (28). The invention is characterized in that the seal (26, 30) between the flow restrictor (18) and the valve housing (11) is designed such that, in the closing position, with the flow restrictor (18) resting tightly on the valve seat (16), the seal (26, 30) will have a sealing effect, and with the flow restrictor (18) not resting on the seat, the seal (26, 30) will allow a defined amount of fluid from the pressure-relieving chamber (28) to pass through. |
| US08505576B2 |
Valve housing blank and valve assembly
A valve housing blank comprises a receiving space for a valve insert having a longitudinal axis. At least two first pairs of supply ducts, which are opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis, extend laterally from an outer side of the blank towards the receiving space. The pairs of supply ducts, as seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis, are arranged so as to be offset relative to each other. Only one of the supply ducts is open towards the receiving space. The other supply ducts are closed off from the receiving space by a destroyable dividing wall. |
| US08505575B2 |
Water supply module for hydrotherapy device
A water supply module for hydrotherapy, which includes a pump, a water inlet, a micro bubble water outlet, a pressurized water outlet, a relief valve, and a mixer. The water inlet is connected to the pump. The micro bubble water outlet and the pressurized water outlet are connected to an outlet of the pump. The relief valve is installed in between the outlet of the pump and the micro bubble water outlet, and the mixer is installed in between the water inlet and the relief valve. A drain valve is further connected off the bottom of the pump to drain out the residual water from the pump and the piping. The integrated water supply module provides space-saving advantage. Furthermore, by draining the residual water, the water supply module also improves SPA hygiene by reducing the risk of skin diseases and infections. |
| US08505573B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling fluid flow
An actuator base, bobbin, and pole piece form a pocket for an armature that a flexible membrane encloses to form an armature chamber filled with an incompressible fluid. The membrane protects the armature from exposure to corrosive fluids flowing in a conduit. Conduit flow can be stopped by driving the membrane against a valve seat. Pressure from the controlled fluid in the conduit is transmitted through the membrane to the fluid within the armature chamber so that the armature does not need to counteract force applied to the membrane by the conduit fluid's pressure. |
| US08505570B2 |
Mobile crane with hose guide
A mobile crane has at least two crane booms which are connected together by a joint such that the angular position with respect to each other can be adjusted. At least one hose between the crane booms, and the hose is exposed in the region of the joint in at least one angular position of the crane booms. At least one flexurally elastic sheet is connected with the at least one hose or covers it at least in the exposed region and can flex when the angular position of the at least two crane booms is changed. The at least one flexurally elastic sheet can be moved into or respectively out of one of the crane booms upon a change in the angular position of the crane booms. |
| US08505568B2 |
Nuclear grade air accumulation, indication and venting device
A device for accumulating, isolating, indicating and venting accumulated gas in a fluid system pipe includes a main pipe fitting affixed to a system pipe in which a hole has been drilled. A stand pipe attached to the pipe fitting houses a magnetic float. A magnetic-float level indicator exterior to the pipe and responsive to the magnetic float indicates the magnetic float's level. A valve attached to the stand pipe above the magnetic float allows controlled ventilation of the gas in the standpipe and thus in the piping system. Gas from the system pipe accumulates in the standpipe, removed from the primary fluid flow path of the system pipe. In the standpipe, as the liquid/gas interface drops, the float drops to a pre-determined level, at which point the user vents the gas from the piping system, causing the magnetic float to rise to a level indicating that gas is again at acceptable levels in the piping system. |
| US08505564B2 |
Automatic folding/unfolding umbrella
An automatic folding/unfolding umbrella includes a main rod, umbrella ribs for supporting a canopy, a slide element, and a handle. The umbrella ribs are pivotally installed at the tip of the main rod, and primary link rods are pivotally installed under the tip of the main rod. A secondary link rod is pivotally coupled between each corresponding umbrella rib and each primary link rod. The slide element is installed on the main rod. A handle installed at a bottom end of the main rod includes a link mechanism. The main rod includes a link element and a link mechanism coupled to the slide element. Elastically stretchable elements couple the slide element with the primary link rod. The link mechanism is driven by the link element to slide the slide element. The elastically stretchable elements are pulled to drive the primary link rods to unfold or fold the umbrella ribs. |
| US08505563B2 |
Wash-target holder, and wash-target holding apparatus, washing apparatus and method for washing wash-target using the same
It is to improve the washing efficiency of the wash-target and the cleanness of the washing. There is provided a wash-target holder that is soaked in a wash tank by holding at least one wash-target, which comprises a tray for placing the wash-target, wherein a suction hole is provided at a wash-target placing area of the tray, which is opened through the tray for sucking the wash-target from an opposite side of the wash-target placing area. |
| US08505561B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning bulk material
Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for cleaning bulk material, comprising a container for receiving the bulk material, a filling opening which is arranged in an upper region of the container, at least one stirring device which is arranged in the interior of the container and such that it can rotate with respect to the container, and at least one discharge device via which the bulk material can be removed from the container, wherein the discharge device is arranged below the filling opening. According to the embodiments of the invention, at least one feed is provided, via which a cleaning liquid can be introduced into the container, wherein the feed is arranged above the discharge device. |
| US08505560B2 |
Apparatus and method of removing water-soluble support material from one or more rapid prototype parts
A support removal apparatus is disclosed for removing water-soluble support material from rapid prototype parts, substantially comprising a retention tank for holding an aqueous cleaning solution; a box manifold hydraulically coupled to the retention tank and equipped with nozzle heads in hydraulic communication with a pump's discharge; a heat chamber for housing a heating element to heat the aqueous cleaning solution to a predetermined temperature range; a drain box hydraulically coupled to the retention tank and a pump's intake to convey the aqueous cleaning solution into and through the box manifold; a thermocouple for maintaining the temperature within an optimal range; a level indicator for measuring the solution level in the retention tank for safe operability of the pump and heating element; a cabinet for housing select components of the support removal apparatus and having an integral work platform, accessible compartments, and a localized water supply; and a microprocessor having communicative capabilities for making minute adjustments to the heating element via feedback from the thermocouple and controlling operation of the pump and heating element for a pre-set time interval. |
| US08505558B2 |
Combination toothpick and mint dispenser
A combination toothpick and mint dispenser. On a bottom end of the dispenser is a toothpick. On a top end (opposite the bottom end) is a chamber which is used to hold solid mints or liquid refreshment (such as mouthwash). In an embodiment, a shaft connecting the chamber to the toothpick can be hollow, thereby allowing liquid refreshment to pass from the chamber through a bottom of the shaft and out of the dispenser. |
| US08505550B2 |
Hair grooming tool
A hair grooming tool that is comprised of a housing having a pick extending therefrom and a light source cartridge housed therein. The housing is attached to a finger hair stabilizer. A user inserts one of his or her fingers in the finger hair stabilizer when the hair grooming tool is used. |
| US08505549B2 |
Method for smoking a hand-rolled cigarette
The present invention is a holder and method for using a holder that works with a hand rolled cigarette. A hollow tubular member is utilized having a first end that the user breathes from, and a second end that holds the hand-rolled cigarette. The cigarette is tightly rolled about an elongate steel rod or other stiff member having a diameter that can pass through the hollow tubular member, such that the rod protrudes from the cigarette far enough to be easily grasped by the user. The user inserts the rod through the holder until it passes out the first end, thereby wedging the attached cigarette into the second end of the holder. The second end of the holder preferably has internal threads, and the rod is twisted by the user to further engage the threads by the cigarette end to reliably affix the cigarette to the holder. The rod is then removed, leaving the cigarette firmly in the holder. |
| US08505541B2 |
Therapeutic and protective dental device useful as an intra-oral delivery system
A dental device has a U-shaped carrier with at least one channel for embracing an arch of teeth. The carrier has recessed insets in the channel. Discrete inserts carrying a beneficial agent can fit into the insets and release the agent gradually. The device may be used in a therapeutic application and as an athletic mouthguard. Temporary blanks may be initially fitted in the insets while a portion of the mouthguard is softened before an arch of teeth is pressed into the channel to make a custom impression. The inserts possess different physical properties than the carrier and may be positioned and shaped to mechanically buffer teeth of the arch from mechanical shocks as well as release beneficial agents. The inserts may be replaced or refreshed to maintain the beneficial agent. A dental device having a core carrying a beneficial agent inside a liquid-permeable shell functions as an infant's teething device. |
| US08505538B2 |
Headgear
A headgear for securing and positioning a mask suitable for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing is constructed from a composite including polyurethane foam. It includes a back portion with upper and lower straps connected to the back portion. The straps have relatively narrow strap ends the lower straps are displaced downward with respect to the back portion. A quick release mechanism near the front of the face attaches the headgear to the mask. Additional components can be attached to the straps to alter their elasticity and stiffness. |
| US08505535B2 |
Mask system
A mask system for treating sleep disordered breathing, comprising headgear, a shell/cushion including a channel adjacent a front aperture, a frame, an elbow including at least one undercut on a proximal end, a retaining ring including a rear flange adapted to be retainably insertable in the channel of the shell/cushion, and a front flange adapted to retainably engage with the at least one undercut of the elbow. |
| US08505525B2 |
Compressed gas gun having gas governor
A paintball marker has an inline cylinder that includes a gas governor that reduces gas flow from a compressed gas source to a valve area when the bolt is in a firing position; this increases efficiency in the marker because only the required air is used to fire the paintball. This bolt operates independent of the valve pin, which increases cycle speed and enables the governor to open and close at an optimum time in the firing cycle. Further, when the bolt/piston is recocking, the gap between the valve pin and governor valve pin enables low pressure gas driving the piston to start pressurizing the cylinder and driving the piston rearwards without resistance from the high pressure gas. The marker also allows a user to remove the inline cylinder without tools, and provides a convenient carrying handle for holding the paintball marker, which is commonly called a “snatch grip.” |
| US08505523B1 |
Bow press with enhanced safety features
An improved archery bow press used to safely relieve tension in the bow string of a short limbed compound archery bow. Slidable brackets are retained to a horizontal beam and retain pivot arms to the beam. Brackets slidable along each of the pivot arms may be locked in place. Each pivot arm includes a bearing member which abuts a limb of a compound bow. A jack is mounted to the beam to raise and lower link members connected to the pivot arms. The link members are adjustable in length. Markings are provided on the adjustable members so that adjustments to those elements can be made based on data in a table correlating settings for specific compound bows. Safety latches lock the bow limbs to the slidable brackets. A method for presetting the press is provided. |
| US08505522B2 |
PCV valve
A PCV valve includes a cover of which an inlet is formed thereto, a body connected to the cover to form a hydraulic path therein and the body of which an outlet is formed thereto, a valve body including a valve head and disposed within the hydraulic path for the valve head to selectively block the inlet and an elastic portion which contacts the valve head and elastically supports the valve body within the hydraulic path, wherein a valve head gas groove is formed to a surface of the valve head that contacts the elastic portion. |
| US08505521B2 |
Breather apparatus for engine
This breather apparatus has a rotation separator that is fastened to a camshaft, and that rotation separator has a base plate section and a plurality of protruding plates that extend from the base plate section. Moreover, a separator housing is provided in the cylinder head, and comprises an air intake on one end, and an exhaust outlet on the other end. Furthermore, a reed valve that opens and closes by the change in pressure inside a cam chamber is provided in the air intake. Blowby gas that is guided to the cam chamber hits against the protruding plates when passing in the radial direction of the rotation separator, and oil mist is captured by those protruding plates. Continuing, the blowby gas is guided from the cam chamber into the separator housing via the reed valve. When passing through the reed valve, the flow rate of the blowby gas changes, so oil mist is effectively captured by the inner wall surface of the separator housing. |
| US08505520B2 |
Engine assembly including positive crankcase ventilation with oil surge protection
An engine assembly includes an engine structure, an intake air assembly and a crankcase ventilation line assembly. The engine structure defines a cylinder bore, an intake port in communication with the cylinder bore, and a crankcase. The air intake assembly is in communication with the intake port. The crankcase ventilation line assembly includes a fresh air line and an oil surge protection device. The fresh air line is in communication with the crankcase and the air intake assembly and provides fresh air to the crankcase. The oil surge protection device is in communication with the fresh air line and defines an oil obstruction inhibiting oil flow to the air intake assembly while allowing air flow between the crankcase and the air intake assembly. |
| US08505519B2 |
PCV anti-freezing apparatus for two-cylinder engine
A PCV anti-freezing apparatus for two-cylinder engine may include a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) nipple connected to an intake manifold of a two-cylinder engine, and an oil separator formed within the PCV nipple. |
| US08505518B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine
In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, a crankcase of the internal combustion engine has a vent into the intake section of the internal combustion engine, and upon outgassing of fuel out of engine oil present in the crankcase, the operating point of the internal combustion engine is modified so that the air-fuel ratio does not fall below a definable value. |
| US08505517B2 |
Method for reintroducing exhaust gas to the intake of an internal-combustion engine and engine using same
The present invention relates to a method for reintroducing exhaust gas to the intake of an internal-combustion engine wherein, during the engine exhaust phase, part of the exhaust qas contained in combustion chamber (60) of cylinder (10) of the engine is fed, for an operating range of this engine, into a first fluid circulation circuit (C1) and the other part of said gas is discharged into an exhaust circuit. According to the invention, the method consists: during the engine intake phase, in cooling the exhaust qas fed into fluid circulation circuit (C1), in mixing the cooled recirculated exhaust qas with fresh supply air (AF) coming from engine supply circuit (44), in feeding the mixture of recirculated exhaust gas and of supply air into a second fluid circulation circuit (C2), and in cooling said mixture fed into second circuit (C2) prior to feeding it into combustion chamber (60). |
| US08505516B2 |
Fuel injector for injection ignition engines
The present invention provides an injector-ignition fuel injector for an internal combustion engine, comprising an input fuel metering system for dispensing a fuel charge into a pressurizing chamber, a pressurization ram system including a pressurization ram for compressing the fuel charge within the pressurizing chamber, wherein the fuel charge is heated in the pressurization chamber in the presence of a catalyst, and an injector nozzle for injecting the fuel charge into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08505515B2 |
Hydraulic connection of injector to a pressure source
An internal combustion engine with a fuel injection system is provided. The injection system includes a source of pressurized fuel positioned outside an oil-wetted space of an engine and a fuel injector positioned within the space. An engine component that is a part of an engine system other than the fuel injection system is attached to the engine outside the oil-wetted space by a fastener. The fastener is provided with an internal passage forming part of a hydraulic communication between the source of pressurized fuel and the injector. |
| US08505514B2 |
Fluid injector with auxiliary filling orifice
A common rail single fluid injection system including fuel injectors with the ability to produce multiple injection rate shapes. This is accomplished by including auxiliary filling orifices which selectively provide pressurized fluid to the check needle control chamber during injection events. In so doing, the speed and movement of the check needle is manipulated and differing injection rates may be achieved. |
| US08505513B2 |
Fuel injection method for a direct-injection auto-ignition internal-combustion engine
The present invention is a fuel injection method for a direct-injection internal-combustion engine, preferably of diesel type, comprising a cylinder (10) closed by a cylinder head (16), a piston (12) comprising a bowl (18), and a fuel injector (48). The method feeds the fuel into a bowl coated with a thermal insulation coating in at least two successive injections in quick succession to achieve low-temperature combustion of the fuel mixture. |
| US08505496B2 |
Method for burning coal using oxygen in a recycled flue gas stream for carbon dioxide capture
A method of introducing oxygen into a boiler system for combustion with a prepared fuel in a furnace combustion chamber comprises providing a plurality of swirl-inducing elements to the air stream delivery lines, and a plurality of oxygen delivery jets adjacent the intake region and substantially surrounding the air stream delivery lines; igniting the fuel gas to create a flame; and delivering a stream of oxygen through the jets tangentially to the flame envelope to substantially shape and stabilize a swirling flow field for the flame, the oxygen concentration in the flame envelope gradually increasing towards an outer periphery of the flame envelope. A boiler system for using the method can be a new system or a retrofit to an existing system. The method and system provide advantages in reduced environmental impact and increased efficiency while addressing the safety factors involved in introducing oxygen to boiler systems. |
| US08505494B2 |
Method and device for desensitizing an animal to an anxiety inducing sound
Described is a counter-conditioning device and method for desensitizing an animal to an anxiety inducing sound and for minimizing a user's required involvement in such desensitization. The device and method are for automatically conditioning an animal that exhibits anxiety in response to the occurrence of a particular sound such that the animal learns to anticipate a treat upon the occurrence of the sound. |
| US08505493B2 |
Livestock insect-removal systems and related methods
Livestock insect removal systems and related methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system can comprise a structure defining a pathway for passage of livestock. The system can also comprise a duct including first and second ends defining first and second openings, respectively. The first opening is positioned along the pathway such that the livestock moving through the pathway passes near the first opening. Further, the system comprises a vacuum device connected to the second opening and configured to draw air through the duct and away from an area surrounding the first opening such that one or more insects are displaced from the livestock or an area surrounding the livestock when the livestock passes near the first opening. The displaced insects can be drawn into the duct for placement in an insect trap. |
| US08505492B2 |
Vibratory hair grooming tool
A hair grooming tool including a housing defining a cavity and including a grooming end, a vibratory motor assembly positioned within the cavity and configured to vibrate the housing, and a pet-engaging member coupled to the housing at the grooming end. Vibration of the housing enables constant motion of the hair tool and movement of the pet-engaging member as the pet-engaging member is pulled through hair to remove loose hair without cutting the hair. |
| US08505483B2 |
Gripper, a milking robot and a milking arrangement
A milking arrangement in includes a milking robot with a gripper (10). The robot includes a base, a link arrangement attached to the base and rotatable around a base axis via a base joint. The gripper (10) has a proximal end and a distal end and is attached to the link arrangement at the proximal end. The gripper has an extension plane and a longitudinal center axis (x4) extending in the extension plane through the proximal end and the distal end. The longitudinal center axis divides the gripper in a primary side (10a) and a secondary side (10b). The gripper has a plurality of separate gripping recesses (11-14), each being configured to grip a respective teatcup. The gripping recesses are asymmetrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal center axis. |
| US08505482B2 |
Method and arrangement for controlling the milking by a milking machine
A method for controlling the milking by a milking machine includes, during an initial phase of the milking, increasing a milking vacuum and/or a maximum pulsation vacuum for the milking gradually from a first selected vacuum level (1L) towards a second selected vacuum level (2L) to thereby improve teat stimulation and decreasing the risk of a second milk letdown. When a second milk letdown (2ML) is detected, the maximum pulsation vacuum is preferably immediately lowered to a third selected vacuum level (3L), and is kept at that third selected vacuum level until a certain milk flow has been established, whereupon the pulsation vacuum level is then again increased gradually until the second selected vacuum level is reached. |
| US08505477B2 |
System for applying hot melt adhesive powder onto a non-metallic object surface
A system for applying hot melt adhesive powder onto a non-metallic object surface comprises a convey belt, a radiation chamber, a spraying chamber and a heating chamber. The convey belt is used to deliver a non-metallic object treated by a cleaning agent and a conductive liquid through the radiation chamber where the surface of the non-metallic objected is irradiated by ultraviolet rays and ozone and then through the spraying chamber where the surface of the non-metallic object is sprayed with charged hot melt adhesive powder, and finally into the heating chamber where the hot melt adhesive powder attached onto the non-metallic object will be melted into a liquid adhesive film ready to be bonded. |
| US08505476B2 |
Coupling
A coupling for coupling a fall (26) to a lifeboat (1) comprising locking portions and a receiving portion constituting a hollow (10) having a open end and an upwardly facing aperture (15). The locking portion (25), hollow (10) and aperture (15) having a form preventing the locking portion (25) from passing through the aperture (15). The coupling further comprises actuators (30, 35, 39) controlled by a controller (40). A string (27) may be provided for easy retrieval of the locking portions upon the retrieval of the lifeboat (1). |
| US08505474B2 |
Electrically conductive metal composite embroidery yarn and embroidered circuit using thereof
The present invention relates to an electrically conductive metal composite embroidery yarn and embroidered circuit using thereof which may be applicable to smart textiles. More particularly, this invention relates to an electrically conductive metal composite embroidery yarn and embroidered circuit for smart textiles which can be used as power supply and signal transmission lines. The present invention provides an embroidered circuit which consists of a metal composite embroidery yarn and a dielectric fabric substrate, wherein the electrically conductive metal composite embroidery yarn is embroidered on the dielectric fabric substrate to form a circuit. |
| US08505472B2 |
Pulverized coal-fired boiler and pulverized coal burning method
A pulverized coal-fired boiler efficiently supplies air to a central part of a furnace and the neighborhood of a furnace wall, thereby promoting mixture with combustion gas, and reducing both NOx and CO.The main after air ports are structured so as to jet air having a large momentum for enabling arrival at the central part of the furnace, and the sub-after air ports are structured so as to jet air having a small momentum to the neighborhood of the wall face of the furnace, and a sectional center of each of the sub-after air ports is within a range from 1 to 5 times of a caliber of the main after air ports from a sectional center of each of the main after air ports. |
| US08505469B2 |
All in one multifunction pallet
A collapsible, reusable and repairable pallet is composed of a plate(s) with penetrative holes and various of grooves. The pallet is composed of a numbers of supporting legs, at least two joint shifts, a plurality of nuts, a number of belts, different types of RFID tags and renewable batteries. The collapsible pallet results the zero space waste in pallet collection, storage and transportation for further application. Any damaged part of the pallet can be replaced with a new part, including the plate(s), the supporting legs, the belts, the joint shifts, the nuts, the RFID tags and the batteries. |
| US08505468B2 |
Substrate accommodating tray
A substrate accommodating tray for accommodating a substrate includes a frame including a pair of first frame portions facing each other and a pair of second frame portions facing each other; a plate-like support element provided in an area surrounded by the frame for supporting the substrate, the support element having a first opening provided between the pair of first frame portions; and at least one support member provided along the first opening between the pair of first frame portions for supporting the support element. The substrate is placed on an upper surface of the plate-like support element. |
| US08505465B2 |
Railway truck
A railway truck is provided comprising first and second wheelsets, each wheelset comprising at least a left and a right wheel adjacent opposite ends of an axle. Each axle is supported for rotation about an axle axis by a respective bearing adjacent the left and right wheels. A first frame member extends between a bearing support adjacent the left wheel of the first wheelset and a bearing support adjacent the right wheel of the second wheelset. A second frame member extends between a bearing support adjacent the left wheel of the second wheelset and a bearing support adjacent the right wheel of the first wheelset. The first and second frame members are free to move without interference from each other to cause the truck to steer in response to a change in a rolling direction of either of the first and second wheelsets. |
| US08505464B2 |
Control strategy for providing regenerative electrical power to trolley line in trolley capable mining truck
A trolley capable mining truck includes a pantograph supported on a machine frame for electrically connecting the truck with an overhead trolley line. A power system includes an onboard electrical power source providing electrical power to electric drive propulsion motors along a first electrical path in a first configuration of the power system. The pantograph provides electrical power from the overhead trolley line to the electric drive propulsion motors along a second electrical path, which includes a transient damping reactor, in a second configuration of the power system. The power system also includes a third configuration in which, during a braking mode of the trolley capable mining truck, the electric drive propulsion motors provide regenerative electrical power to the overhead trolley line through the pantograph along a third electrical path including a regenerative power converter, wherein the regenerative power converter includes the transient damping reactor. |
| US08505462B2 |
Binary track safety traverse system reconfigurable to provide safe trajectories over a greater range of inclinations
The present invention is related to the field of mechanical engineering and describes an automatically adjustable system of traverse rails with multiple characteristics that extend the useful life of the sustain by a minimum factor of four while providing redundant security backup to the rails allowing human passengers to move from one place to another in and easy and safe manner with a minimum of noise and vibration while providing the owner of the system benefits of lower maintenance cost and less exposure to financial risk. Also the system can be installed in a multitude of natural places without the need to cut or damage the environment. Using the same components this system offers other configuration options to increase the possibilities of installing a system with desirable characteristics over a greater number of inclinations. Combining the various components starting with a smooth rail as in FIG. 1 with the self-equalizing system FIG. 3 for a maximum conservation of energy to maximum breaking rail with the skeleton braid in FIG. 2 with the maximum braking security system of in FIG. 4. |
| US08505458B1 |
Venting cap system
A venting cap system includes a first open-ended sleeve and a second open-ended sleeve. The first open-ended sleeve is made from a first material that melts at a selected temperature. The first open-ended sleeve has an internal region commencing at a first end and an externally-threaded region commencing at a second end. The second open-ended sleeve is made from a second material that does not melt at the selected temperature. The second open-ended sleeve is coaxially fitted in the first open-ended sleeve. The second open-ended sleeve includes a first end that is flush with the first end of the first open-ended sleeve. The second open-ended sleeve partially overlaps part of the externally-threaded region. The coefficients of linear expansion of the first material and the second material are about equal. |
| US08505456B2 |
Cartridge ammunition having a bursting device as a connection between projectile and propulsion
A cartridge ammunition, in particular grenade ammunition, is provided that includes a projectile and a propellant charge case for accommodating the projectile and a propulsion, having a high pressure chamber and a low pressure champer, wherein the projectile and the propellant charge case are fastened to one another by way of a connection. The connection includes a membrane having at least one target braking point/opening point, which opens at a predetermined pressure in the high pressure chamber of the propulsion. |
| US08505453B2 |
Printing press, folder, and methods of operation
Systems and methods for allowing existing rotary printing press units to produce smaller pages at a faster rate of speed without having to replace the press unit. Specifically, the systems and methods relate to retrofitting an existing press unit to produce three pages of material in each full rotation instead of the traditional two pages. |
| US08505452B2 |
Printing press including plate support member and plate loading module
A printing plate module is disclosed. The module comprises a printing plate support member (3) having means to locate printing plates (4) in a predetermined position thereon and, engagement means (8) on the plate support member for the releasable engagement of the printing plate support member (3) with a printing press during a plate loading operation to locate printing plates (4) located on the plate support member (3) in a predetermined position relative to a plate cylinder (7) of the press. The invention also discloses a printing apparatus and, a method of loading printing plates onto a plate cylinder of a printing unit. |
| US08505450B2 |
Printing unit, printing press and method of producing labels or self-adhesive labels in a printing press
A compact printing unit includes a plate cylinder, an impression cylinder, and an ink applicator roller in a printing press, in particular a label printing press. In the printing unit, the plate cylinder is disengageable from cylinders contacting the plate cylinder for the purpose of format variation. The plate cylinder is pivotable about the impression cylinder about a pivot axis which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the impression cylinder and a distance between the axes of rotation of the plate cylinder and the impression cylinder is variable. A printing press and a method of producing labels or self-adhesive labels in a printing press are also provided. |
| US08505444B2 |
Marshmallow roaster
A marshmallow roasting unit is provided that comprises an enclosure having a roasting chamber and a side defining an enclosure opening below the roasting chamber, a skewer disposed in the roasting chamber and configured to hold a marshmallow, a heating element disposed relative to the skewer in the roasting chamber, and a removable tray configured to be inserted into the enclosure opening and hold a cracker in the enclosure under the roasting chamber. The heating element is disposed a predetermined range from the skewer such that the heating element is effective to roast the marshmallow on the skewer until the marshmallow becomes pliable and falls on to the cracker or contents disposed on the cracker held on the removable tray. |
| US08505436B2 |
Pneumatic actuator with a position control and position adjustment
A proportional actuator valve (110) adapted for position control and position adjustment is provided. The proportional actuator valve (110) includes a valve housing (112) having at least two chambers (324, 325). The chambers are separated by one or more sealing members (322). A valve slider (113) is provided that is movable in the valve housing (112). One or more grooves (329) are formed in the valve slider (113). The one or more grooves (329) pneumatically communicate with the two chambers (324, 325) of the valve housing (112). One or more bores (327, 328) are also formed in the valve slider (113). The one or more bores (327, 328) pneumatically communicate with the one or more grooves (329). Movement of the valve slider (113) relative to the valve housing (112) provides a pneumatic valve action. |
| US08505435B2 |
Travel limiting element in a brake servo device and brake servo device
The invention relates to a travel limiting element in a brake booster device for a motor vehicle brake system, comprising a pair of longitudinal legs which are connected together via at least one transverse leg, wherein the travel limiting element can be brought into contact with a stop of the brake booster device. In favor of a simple design and cost-effective production, the travel limiting element comprises two dimensionally stable reinforcement braces which extend along the longitudinal legs, and the transverse leg is made of a damping material which surrounds the two longitudinal legs at least in sections. |
| US08505431B2 |
Firearm suppressor with crossbars and inserts
A firearm noise suppressor having an internal base frame member with a plurality of inserts mounted thereto. In one form the suppressor is provided with a slip chamber allowing gas to be forwarded to a longitudinally forward chamber for pre-compression of gas therein. |
| US08505430B2 |
Systems and devices for remotely operated unmanned aerial vehicle report-suppressing launcher with portable RF transparent launch tube
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch tube that comprises a tethered sabot configured to engage a UAV within a launcher volume defined by an inner wall, the tethered sabot dimensioned to provide a pressure seal at the inner wall and tethered to the inner wall, and wherein the tethered sabot is hollow having an open end oriented toward a high pressure volume and a tether attached within a hollow of the sabot and attached to the inner wall retaining the high pressure volume or attach to the inner base wall. A system comprising a communication node and a launcher comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a pre-launch state configured to receive and respond to command inputs from the communication node. |
| US08505427B2 |
Ordnance neutralization method and device using energetic compounds
This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to neutralize ordnance, more specifically improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance (UXOs). The current invention provides a simple method to neutralize the ordnance by taking advantage of a new class of energetic materials that includes nano-thermites, binary thermites and additionally powdered thermites. In the invention, a projectile is loaded with the new class of energetic materials and fired into the ordnance. The impact causes the energetic materials to react in such a fashion that the explosive compound or other material within the IED or UXO is burned in a self-propagating mode without exploding. Hence, the ordnance is neutralized. |
| US08505426B2 |
Multiple actuating-force shearing machine
A method, and an apparatus, for operating a hydraulic shearing machine. For cutting a shearing-movement of at least one shear blade which is curved, starting from a starting-position under application of an overall actuating-force and for resetting of the shear blades which were moved for cutting to their starting-position after accomplishment of the shearing-movement, a reset-movement under application of an overall reset-force. The shearing-movement and the reset-movement are accomplished by a hydraulic actuating-mechanism comprising hydraulic cylinders, wherein the overall actuating-force and the overall reset-force being applied to the moved shear blades by at least one hydraulic cylinder of the actuating-mechanism. The magnitude of the overall actuating-force is adjustable by switching one or several hydraulic cylinders of the actuating-mechanism in and out of operation-mode. The method proposes that the positions of the curved shear blade are controlled by a control system by regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders according to setpoints for a shear blade position versus time function and the overall actuating-force and overall reset-force requirements. |
| US08505425B2 |
Blind cutting machine
An improved blind cutting machine has a work surface on which a blind to be cut is placed and at least one end stop against which an end of the blind to be cut rests prior to being cut by a cutting mechanism. An actuator is connected to the end stop. The actuator moves the end stop relative to the work surface and the cutting mechanism in response to signals from a controller. An operator enters information about the blind to be cut and the dimensions of an opening over which the blind to be cut is to be mounted into the controller. The controller then calculates the location where the end stop should be so that a sufficient amount of material can be trimmed from an end of the blind to be cut to enable the blind to fit the opening. Then the controller sends a signal to the actuator that causes the actuator to move the end stop to that location. In alternative embodiments the end stop is fixed and the actuator moves the cutting mechanism or a work surface on which the blind to be cut has been placed. |
| US08505422B2 |
Cutting machine for blinds
In a cutting machine for cutting down venetian blinds a headrail cutter and a bottom rail cutter are provided which move along a horizontal axis. After the headrail and bottom rail are trimmed a slat cutter moves in a vertical axis, up or down to cut the slats. The cutting machine enables one to cut down a venetian blind while the opposite end of the blind remains in the packing box. Preferably, a spacer or collar is provided on the blind prior to packaging so that the headrail, window covering material and bottom rail will be spaced apart from one another a desired amount. That spacing should be the same spacing as the openings in the cutting machine so that when one end of the blind is removed from the package that end of the blind can be readily inserted into the cutting mechanism. |
| US08505420B2 |
Magnetized hand tools
The magnetized hand tools each include a sleeve of resilient material disposed over each handle or the base of the tool. One or more magnets are installed between the tool handle(s) and the resilient grip(s) covering the handle(s). Alternatively, the tool may have one or more magnets installed in the base, i.e., the drive attachment end, of a socket, with a sleeve being applied over the base of the socket to retain the magnet(s). The socket sleeve has a passage therethrough for the conventional square drive of the ratchet or other tool used to drive the socket. The magnets are recessed into the base of the socket to allow the overlying sleeve portion to lie immediately adjacent to the surface of the socket base, and may be inset into recesses in the tool handles and/or positively attached thereto for more positive retention. |
| US08505416B1 |
Valve wrench safety system
A valve wrench safety system used to prevent a valve wrench from slipping off a valve, having a housing with an opening in the top side where a lock slide bar is sized to fit and slide in and out of a chamber through the opening using a sliding slot on a lever-control-side, wherein the housing is attached to a rod region of a valve wrench using arms attaching to and extending from the housing to a plate by sandwiching the wrench rod region between the front surface of the housing and the plate. |
| US08505415B2 |
Power wrench with swivelling gear casing
A power wrench including a housing, a rotation motor, a reduction gearing connecting the motor to an output shaft, and a separate gearing casing which is rotatively and detachably mounted on the housing and supporting the output shaft. The reduction gearing is divided into a first gearing stage located in the housing and a second gearing stage located in the separate gearing casing. The first gearing stage and the second gearing stage are interconnected via an intermediate spindle, and the motor is connected to the first gearing stage via a hollow drive shaft surrounding the intermediate spindle and an angle gear. A torque sensor is associated with the first gearing stage in the form of strain gauges mounted on an elastically deformable sleeve connecting a ring gear of the first gearing stage to the housing. |
| US08505413B2 |
Hydraulic power output unit and hydraulic hybrid drive system including same
A hydraulic power output unit can be used in a hydraulic hybrid drive system for propelling a vehicle. The hydraulic power output unit includes a housing having an input shaft that extends within the housing and is adapted to be rotatably driven by a source of rotational power. A hydraulic pump is rotatably driven by the input driveshaft to pump hydraulic fluid. A vibration damper is provided within the housing for dampening vibrations in the input shaft. |
| US08505411B2 |
Active balancing system powered by light
An active balancing system for rotating machinery is provided which is light weight, solid state and powered by radiant energy. One or more balance rings coupled to the rotating machinery each have balancing elements which are moved to a selected position by actuators whose operation is controlled according to measured vibration resulting from imbalance of the machinery. The actuators are powered by an electrical energy generating device, such as a photo cell or a photovoltaic element, which is coupled to the machinery and located across an air gap from a source of radiant energy such as an array of light emitting diodes. |
| US08505408B2 |
Adjustable steering column assembly
An adjustable steering column assembly includes a fixed rack secured to a first portion and a moving rack secured to a second portion, which are releasably engaged by a clamp mechanism to permit relative movement therebetween. The fixed rack comprises two rows of teeth spaced apart from one another and extending towards. The moving rack also comprises two rows of teeth which extend away from each other. A clamp engaging means moves the moving rack into and out of engagement with the fixed rack. The teeth on the two racks are offset relative to one another. The mechanism is further arranged so that when if a tooth on tooth event occurs the fixed rack interacts with the moving rack to cause the moving rack to move sideways to permit the teeth to become inter-engaged when the mechanism finally reaches the locked position. |
| US08505405B2 |
Ball screw apparatus and electric power steering apparatus
The ball screw apparatus includes a returning way L2 by mounting a circulating member 15 in mounted holes 16, 17 formed in the ball screw nut 13. The ball screw nut 13 includes a base portion 51 and an expanding portion 52. In the base portion 50 a distance from an axis center O1 of the rack shaft 3 to a bottom portion 14a of the nut side screw groove 14 is constant, and in the expanding portion 52 the distance is larger than that of the base portion 51. The expanding portion 52 includes a connecting area 34. |
| US08505403B2 |
Gear shifting actuator and method of shifting gear ratios
A gear shifting device for shifting gears of a transmission comprises: at least one guide rail each extending in a longitudinal axis thereof; a plurality of shift effecting members (e.g., shift forks or the like) configured to move a plurality of corresponding sliding sleeves coupled to the guide rail for shifting gears upon actuation of a shift actuator, the shift effecting members each having a terminal end portion with a finger receiving opening formed therein, the finger receiving opening extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rail; and a shift shaft extending in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rail, the shift shaft having a shift finger coupled thereto. The shift shaft is rotatable to pivotally position the shift finger at locations aligned with the finger receiving openings of the shift effecting members, and is also displaceable in the longitudinal direction in the finger receiving openings to move the shift effecting members to effect a gear shifting operation. Methods of shifting gears with a gear shifting device are also disclosed. |
| US08505401B2 |
Seven speed dual clutch transmission with four axes of rotation
A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output gear, first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a reverse shaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member. |
| US08505400B2 |
Dual clutch five speed transmission
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second shafts, a countershaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member. |
| US08505398B2 |
Dissolution properties measurement system using piezoelectric sensor
There is provided a dissolution properties measurement system using a piezoelectric sensor, capable of continuously measuring dissolution properties of a substrate in an aqueous solution by using the piezoelectric sensor. The dissolution properties measurement system includes: a specimen receiving unit including a chamber receiving a specimen therein; a mass measuring unit connected with the specimen to measure a mass change of the specimen in real time; and a dissolution properties measuring unit measuring a dissolution properties of the specimen on the basis of the value measured by the mass measuring unit. |
| US08505395B2 |
Dilution system test apparatus with added capability and method of operating same
A partial dilution exhaust sampling system has an expanded ability to simultaneously perform two different evaluations on exhaust from a power source. Beyond testing for particulate matter production, the system may simultaneously evaluate exhaust for undesirable gaseous emissions such as NOx and carbon dioxide and/or concurrently evaluate particle size and distribution in the exhaust sample. After extracting sample flow from the exhaust stream of the power source and adding diluent to the sample flow, the diluted sample flow is divided into a first portion flow and a second portion flow. Depending upon whether the additional exhaust evaluation device is in parallel with the particulate measurement gravimetric filter or in series with the filter, a dilution flow actuator and/or an exit actuator may be adjusted to account for a fraction of diluted sample flow directed to the auxiliary exhaust evaluation device. |
| US08505394B2 |
Strain measurement of rotating components
A strain sensor apparatus for a rotatable shaft including a radiation emitter/receiver, a vibration element attached to the shaft and a radiation-reflective annulus surrounding the shaft and vibration element. |
| US08505391B1 |
Flange mounted ultrasonic flowmeter
An ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric element that is attached to a sonic lens, a support ring that holds the piezoelectric element, a flange, and a spoke. One end of the spoke is connected to the support ring and an opposing end of the spoke is connected to an inner surface of the flange. The sonic lens may be plastic film that coats the piezoelectric element. |
| US08505390B2 |
High-capacity wide-range variable rotational rate vane testing device
System and method for measuring shear strength and viscosity of sediments that extends both the maximum rotational rate attainable and the maximum torque sustainable, and includes a high data acquisition rate and data storage. Also a method of making an apparatus, and method of using the apparatus for accurately measuring, peak, evolution, and residual values of the undrained shear strength, yield, and viscous and plastic flow characteristics of cohesive sediments at various pre-set and variable values of the rotational velocity of a vane sensor. |
| US08505388B2 |
Apparatus and method for simulating lifetime of and/or stress experienced by a rotor blade and rotor disc fixture
An apparatus for simulating stresses experienced by a rotor blade root in a complementary disc fixture, especially in gas turbine engines. The apparatus comprises a mounting member for receiving a blade speciman having a root. The mounting member has an aperture for receiving the root of the blade specimen, and blade contacting regions on either side of said aperture for holding said blade specimen in said aperture. The apparatus further comprises an actuator for applying a tension load to said blade specimen. The blade contacting regions are undercut such that there is a gap between said blade contacting regions and a main body of said mounting member, whereby the blade contacting regions are able to deflect outward into said gap when a tension load is applied to the blade specimen. |
| US08505386B2 |
Pressure sensor device
A pressure sensor device comprises a casing (2a, 3 a) defining a chamber (20) and an inlet passage (14a, 14b) of the chamber. Accommodated in the chamber (20) is a pressure sensor (17) having a sensor body with a cavity and a membrane capable of deformation under pressure action of a fluid present in the inlet passage (14a, 14b). The device further comprises a circuit arrangement (26, 27, 30) to which the pressure sensor (17) is electrically connected, the circuit arrangement including a circuit support at least partially accommodated in the chamber (20). The sensor body is not rigidly associated to the casing (2a, 3 a) and/or to other parts of the device (26, 27, 30, 35), i.e. it is mounted elastically or in a moveable manner with respect to the casing (2a, 3 a) and/or to said other parts (26, 27, 30, 35) inside the chamber (20). |
| US08505384B2 |
Rig for measuring bladed component mistuning
A rig for studying a component has a component support for mounting the component. A speaker applies sound energy to airfoils in the component. A vibrometer studies the effect of the applied sound on the airfoils. At least two of the vibrometer, the component support, and the speaker are rotatable relative to each other. In a separate feature, a vibrometer for studying the effect of sound energy on airfoils in a component is provided with a vision system. The vision system is operable to identify the exact location at which the laser is studying the effect on the airfoil. Methods are also disclosed. |
| US08505379B2 |
Method for producing a sensor system, and sensor system
The invention relates to a method for producing a sensor system for monitoring elements (1), in particular supporting-structure elements, by measurement with at least one sensor (5) in thick-film technology, and with a line (8) for connection to a measurement system, wherein the at least one sensor (5) is comprised of at least one film of an electrically conductive paste (2), and wherein the paste (2) is baked. To create such a method, and such a sensor system, by means of which elements (1) that would not fit into a continuous furnace can be provided with sensors (5) using thick-film technology, it is provided that the at least one sensor (5) is arranged directly on the surface of the element (1) to be monitored by applying the at least one film of paste (2) directly to the surface of the element (1) to be monitored so as to form the at least one sensor (5), and optionally connection lines (8) and a field bus (6), and by baking the same directly on the element (1). |
| US08505378B2 |
Orbital ball flowmeter for gas and fluid
A flow meter has a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a measuring chamber between the inlet and outlet. The measuring chamber has a diameter larger than that of the inlet. A blade section is located between the inlet and the measuring chamber, and the blade section comprises a cylindrical part near the measuring chamber and having a cylindrical inner wall, an expanding part between the cylindrical part and the inlet, and spiral blades which extend from the expanding part to the housing, for imparting the rotational movement to the fluid when the fluid enters the measuring chamber. A ball is positioned in the measuring chamber such that the rotational movement of the fluid moves the ball in a circular motion around the measuring chamber for measuring the flow of the fluid. |
| US08505374B1 |
Portable on vehicle dynamometer
A portable on vehicle dynamometer (12) has a rigid frame (64), a load shaft (16), and an eddy current brake (24) with a stator (56) connected to the rigid frame (64) and a rotor (54) connected to the load shaft (16). A hub coupling (18) is secured to a first end of the load shaft (16) and connected to the drive shaft. The rigid frame (64) has two outwardly extending support arms (30) for securing in outwardly extending, fixed positions. Two roller assemblies (46) are mounted to a lower end of the rigid frame (64) for multidirectional movement of the dynamometer (12). Preferably the eddy current brake (24) comprises a cylindrically-shaped rotor drum (54) extending exteriorly around the stator (56), and the stator (56) comprises a plurality of stator coils (94) extending exteriorly around the load shaft (16), spaced apart from an interior of the rotor drum (54). |
| US08505373B2 |
Device and method for determining the intertial parameters of a body
The invention relates to a device for determining the inertial parameters of a body, particularly a motor vehicle. Said device comprises a receiving platform (P) on which the body (F10) can be placed. The receiving platform (P) is provided with a central, especially spherical joint (G00) about which the receiving platform (P) can be moved with three degrees of freedom (x, y, z) by means of drive units (Z1, Z2, Z3). The invention further relates to a method for determining the inertial parameters of a body, particularly by means of a device disclosed in one of the preceding claims. In said method, a control system is provided which allows a receiving platform (P) and a body (F10) mounted thereon to be moved about a central pivot (G00) with three degrees of freedom (x, y, z). The forces measured in the joints (G00, G20) and the angles measured in the central joint (G00) are fed to an evaluation process, by means of which the inertial parameters of the body (F10) are determined especially by using laws of mechanics, particularly the principle of angular momentum. |
| US08505365B2 |
Magnetically coded pressure detection apparatus
An apparatus for measuring pressure comprises a housing and an actuator pressure sealed to the housing and having a shaft. The actuator is configured to be in pressure communication with a volume of gas or liquid. Upon a change in pressure, the actuator is displaced at least partially in the axial direction. A sensor detects axial displacement of a magnetically encoded target upon the change in pressure in the volume. A device for measuring pressure in an engine cylinder comprises a valve in pressure communication with an engine cylinder. The valve stem has a magnetic coding located adjacent a sensor. Axial displacement of the stem under cylinder pressure is detected and pressure is obtained. |
| US08505364B2 |
Systems and methods for use in monitoring operation of a rotating component
A system for use in monitoring operation of a rotor assembly is provided. The system includes a plurality of clearance sensors including at least a first clearance sensor configured to measure a distance between the first sensor and a surface of a lockwire tab, and a monitoring unit coupled to the plurality of clearance sensors, the monitoring unit configured to receive measurements from the plurality of clearance sensors, and determine whether a crack exists in the rotor assembly based on the received measurements. |
| US08505362B2 |
Method for pipeline conditioning
Method for dewatering, pressure testing, hydrotreating, suppressing methane hydrate formation and suppressing solution freezing point in pipeline operations have been disclosed, where the solution used in the operations includes an effective amount of a metal formate salt. The metal formate salt solutions have a low viscosity, have a high density, have a low metals corrosivity, are non-volatile, have a low solubility in hydrocarbons, are readily biodegradable, have a low toxicity, are non-hazardous, have a low environmental impact, have a freezing point depression property forming water/formate eutectic point mixtures, and have a water-structuring and water activity modification property. |
| US08505360B2 |
Breath sampling methodology having improved reliability
An improved method of breath sampling, particularly adapted for use in connection with motor vehicle alcohol breath monitoring devices, comprises the sending of a drive signal to a piston pump to draw a breath sample into a sensing chamber, the pump being connected to the sensing chamber. The operational status of the pump is monitored by monitoring the condition of a switch associated with the pump which is adapted to change state when the pump piston is withdrawn into its pump housing as a proper reaction of the pump to its drive signal and return to its original state when the pump piston is no longer withdrawn. The state condition of the of the switch is used to confirm proper pump operation in drawing the breath sample into the chamber; if proper pump operation is confirmed, the breath sample can be accepted for further processing and analysis. |
| US08505359B2 |
System and method for determining a gate position
A system and method for determining the position of a moveable barrier relative to the fully open position and fully closed position. The invention utilizes in a preferred embodiment a geo-magnetic sensor to determine the extent to which the barrier has traveled from reference position of fully open or fully closed to some intermediate point. A multi-axis sensor provides an output which changes during the barrier's excursion relative to each of the respective axes so that direction or tilt may be readily known in between the closed and open positions. Operation of the gate or barrier may be more efficiently controlled when its precise location between open and closed is known. |
| US08505354B2 |
Compensated gas detectors
A compensated gas detector incorporates first and second pellistors combined with first and second resistors and an intervening switch. Control circuits can close the switch for normal gas detection. The switch can be opened to carry out diagnostic measurements. A compensation coefficient can be established in order to compensate outs from the pellistors due to mechanical damage thereto. |
| US08505352B2 |
Method for producing hollow profiles having a longitudinal flange
The invention relates to a method for producing hollow profile-members having a longitudinal flange, wherein a plate which is arranged between the stamp and the first die being preshaped by introducing a stamp into a first die to form an U-shaped profile-member having a first member and a second member, and wherein the U-shaped profile-member being shaped with a second die to form an O-shaped profile-member having a longitudinal flange. In one aspect, the plate is preshaped to form the U-shaped profile-member, a longitudinal flange member portion is shaped in at least the first member and the longitudinal flange member portion is constructed during the shaping of the U-shaped profile-member to form an O-shaped profile-member substantially in a shape-retaining manner to form a portion of the longitudinal flange. |
| US08505350B2 |
Apparatus for threading cans
A threading turret assembly includes a plurality of threading heads. The threading heads comprise first and second threading rollers. The threading head is configured to impart a thread onto a metallic can such that a threaded cap may be screwed onto the can to seal an opening in the can. The turret assembly is configured to rotate such that the plurality of threading heads orbit the centerline of rotation about which the turret rotates. The turret is configured to impart a rotation onto the plurality of threading heads as the threading heads orbit the center of rotation. |
| US08505349B2 |
Method and apparatus for hydro-forming an elongated tubular member
A method of hydro-forming an elongated tubular member that has areas of predicted high strain and areas of predicted low strain. The tubular member is initially deformed into a preliminary preform shape by compression in a preform die. Metal in the areas of predicted low strain is stretched during the preforming process by radially deforming the tube between two halves of the preform die. The preliminary preform is then expanded with internal hydro-forming pressure to form a preformed tube. The preformed tube is then hydro-formed into a final die to form the final shape for the part. The extra metal in the areas of low strain is stretched into the areas of high strain in the final hydro-forming operation. |
| US08505344B2 |
Rotatable lock for a portable electronic device
A rotatable lock for a portable electronic device includes a first casing, a second casing, two interlocking members, an I-shaped engaging member, a driving member, an elastic member and a lock core. The lock core is a depressible tubular lock having a limiting slot adjacent to an end and a key hole on another end. The key hole is an axial slot and has a plurality of protrusions and a positioning slot disposed in an inner wall, and a pivoted sliding rod. The key is a hollow column and has a positioning pin and a plurality of grooves. To unlock the lock, a positioning pin of the key needs to be aligned with the positioning slot of the key hole, and then the groove of the key engages with the protrusion of the key hole of the lock core such that the key is able to be rotated. |
| US08505342B1 |
Bicycle lock structure with dual latch
The present invention relates to a bicycle lock structure with dual latch, which includes a latch seat and a lock body, wherein two parallel latches are set on one side of the latch seat, two inserting holes are set on one side of the lock body for inserting the latches, and at least a bead is drove to wedge into a wedged hole of the latch by a slider inside the lock body to form wedged locking, the lock picking difficulty is increased by such structure, to thereby improve the anti-theft effect. |
| US08505341B2 |
Method for automatically flushing a bulk dispensing system in a cleaning appliance
A household cleaning appliance includes a bulk dispensing system configured to receive a removable cartridge containing multiple doses of treating chemistry and configured to deliver a charge of treating chemistry from the cartridge to a treating chamber and a water supply configured to be selectively coupled to the bulk dispensing system to flush at least a portion of the bulk dispensing system. |
| US08505340B2 |
Fabric treating apparatus
A present invention relates to a fabric treating apparatus including an inside cabinet which forms a treating chamber in which the fabrics treated, and a heating unit for supplying any one between hot wind and steam to the treating chamber, and a driving unit for generating driving power, and a driving unit frame is disposed the upper side of the inside cabinet for fixing the driving unit, and a sealing unit is pressed by the driving unit frame and penetrates the driving unit frame and the inside cabinet. |
| US08505337B2 |
Methods for forming fritted cover sheets and glass packages comprising the same
A method for forming a fritted cover sheet includes providing a substrate and depositing an initial frit bead on the substrate. Thereafter, at least one additional frit bead is deposited on the substrate such that a base of the at least one additional frit bead contacts a base of an adjacent frit bead thereby forming a frit seal on the substrate. |
| US08505336B2 |
AZS refractory composition
A refractory composition 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 provided at 5 wt % to 20 wt % of the dry weight of the first set of components. The refractory composition includes 45 wt % to 75 wt % alumina, 15 wt % to 30 wt % zirconia, and 10 wt % to 30 wt % silica. |
| US08505333B2 |
Optimized heavies removal system in an LNG facility
An LNG facility employing an optimized heavies removal system. The optimized heavies removal system can comprise at least one distillation column and at least two separate heat exchangers. The heat exchangers can be operable to heat a liquid stream withdrawn from a distillation column to thereby provide predominantly vapor and/or liquid streams that can be reintroduced into the column. |
| US08505328B2 |
Multiple utility ribbon cable
An elongated polymeric ribbon is mounted to the cabinet of a refrigerator/freezer or the door and at least one electrical conductor is integrally formed in the ribbon, which also integrally includes at least one fluid conduit. In one embodiment, the ribbon is mounted in association with an elongated spine, such that a module can be mounted anywhere along the spine and coupled to the polymeric ribbon for receiving operating utilities therefrom. This system provides the manufacturer with the capability of positioning a module requiring operating utilities at any desired location within a refrigerator/freezer cabinet and/or on the doors of the refrigerator/freezer. The ribbon connector is accessed by connections which allow dealers to customize refrigerators for individual consumers. |
| US08505324B2 |
Independent free cooling system
A free cooling system may include first and second conduits configured to carry first and second fluids, a cooling load configured to transfer heat to the first fluid, thereby causing the first fluid to have a post-loading temperature, a free cooling device configured to transfer heat from the second fluid to atmospheric air, thereby causing the second fluid to have a post-cooling temperature, a heat exchanger configured to facilitate a heat exchange between the first and second fluids of the first and second conduits, thereby causing the first fluid to have a pre-loading temperature and the second fluid to have a pre-cooling temperature, and a fluid flow control device configured to control a first flow rate of the first fluid and a second flow rate of the second fluid, such that the post-cooling temperature is less than the pre-loading temperature by at least a predefined temperature. |
| US08505319B2 |
Method for calculating and adjusting the concentration of absorbing fluid in an absorption air conditioning device, and absorption air conditioning device for implementing said method
The invention relates to an absorption air conditioner that comprises a desorber (100), a condenser, an evaporator and an absorber, wherein the absorbing fluid may consist of lithium bromide. The method comprises the following steps: calculating the concentration of the absorbing fluid solution at the outlet of the desorber (100); and comparing the calculated concentration with a predetermined critical value and, if the calculated concentration gets closer to the predetermined critical value, increasing the charge loss in the duct (20) connecting the desorber (100) to the condenser, which interrupts the condensation in the condenser and results in a pressure increase in the desorber that stops the desorption and in a concentration increase, the charge loss being on the other hand reduced for resuming the desorption when the calculated concentration deviates from the predetermined critical value. The invention can be used in automobiles and absorption air-conditioners. |
| US08505315B2 |
Enhanced integrated operation blender based sterile medical ice slurry production device
A method and device are provided for the preparation of sterile medical ice slurry, for example having ice loadings of greater than approximately 50%. An integrated-operation ice slurry blender-based production and delivery system methods for monitoring cooling capacity of the produced and delivered slurry. All individual medical ice slurry production and delivery steps are integrated into one tightly coupled precisely sequenced and timed system. The novel procedure and equipment is simple to use and makes sterile slurry, which is ready to deliver to patients, for example, in less than 2 minutes after adding predetermined thermally preconditioned ingredient modules to a blender. |
| US08505312B2 |
Liquid natural gas fractionation and regasification plant
LNG vapor from an LNG storage vessel is absorbed using C3 and heavier components provided by a fractionator that receives a mixture of LNG vapors and the C3 and heavier components as fractionator feed. In such configurations, refrigeration content of the LNG liquid from the LNG storage vessel is advantageously used to condense the LNG vapor after separation. Where desired, a portion of the LNG liquid may also be used as fractionator feed to produce LPG as a bottom product. |
| US08505306B2 |
Ceramic combustor liner panel for a gas turbine engine
A combustor assembly includes a support structure and at least one combustor liner panel selectively attached to the support structure. The combustor liner panel includes an uncooled ceramic portion, a cooled ceramic portion and a support that receives the cooled ceramic portion. |
| US08505305B2 |
Diffuser with improved erosion resistance
A diffuser for a centrifugal compressor in a gas turbine engine, the diffuser including a diffuser ring having a series of bores defined therethrough to receive and direct air exiting the compressor, each bore being defined by a respective bore surface including a boride layer protecting the bore surface from erosion damage. |
| US08505304B2 |
Fuel nozzle detachable burner tube with baffle plate assembly
A fuel nozzle for use with a combustion chamber defined within a gas turbine engine and a method for assembling the same are provided. The fuel nozzle includes a swirler assembly and a burner tube that is coupled to a support flange in a detachable manner such that an inner surface of the burner tube circumscribes an outer surface of the swirler assembly during fuel nozzle operation. |
| US08505302B2 |
Multiple tube premixing device
The present application provides a premixer for a combustor. The premixer may include a fuel plenum with a number of fuel tubes and a burner tube with a number of air tubes. The fuel tubes extend about the air tubes. |
| US08505301B2 |
Steam-jet engine
A steam engine in which a liquid and a steam are jetted so that a rotor is turned by the reaction thereof, and the rotor having a well-balanced simple structure. In the steam engine, the rotor 5 having a plurality of bent flow paths 53A to 53D arranged at regular intervals therein is rotatably supported in a closed container 1 filled with the liquid being fitted onto a boss portion 11 of the closed container 1. The boss portion 11 is alternately forming slide-contact portions 11A having a steam feed port and recessed portions 11B. The steam fed into the bent flow path 53 from the steam feed port causes the liquid in the flow path to be jetted outward to rotate the rotor 5. The rotor 5 is of a point-symmetrical shape in cross section free of unbalanced weight, has no moving part, and is simple in structure. When the bent flow path 53 communicates with the recessed portion 11B, the steam remaining in the flow path is cooled and disappears, and the flow path is filled with the liquid. |
| US08505300B2 |
Method and apparatus for combined steam boiler/combuster and gasifier
A method and apparatus for providing a steam boiler/combuster and gasifier that uses a primary dirty fuel, such as waste materials, or high-polluting fossil fuels, and a secondary low-polluting fuel, such as biomass fuels for co-generation of electricity while reducing harmful emissions. The primary fuel is burned in the combuster to create steam in the steam boiler. The steam turns a steam turbine thereby powering a first generator. The dirty exhaust from the combuster is scrubbed by a gasifier. The secondary fuel and oxygen are added to the dirty exhaust in the gasifier creating gas and ash. The gas powers an engine that turns a second generator and releases a cleaner exhaust. |
| US08505297B2 |
Method of operating a vehicle equipped with a pneumatic booster system
An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. |
| US08505295B2 |
Working fluid accumulation device
A reservoir device is provided, which prevents water from flooding in an accumulation tank and improves on-vehicle installation capability. The reservoir device 10 includes a catch tank 13 connected to an airspace “A” formed above an oil surface of working oil accumulated in an accumulation tank 12, which has a bottom surface formed with an external-air communication aperture 32. Liquid entering from the external-air communication aperture 32 is allowed, to be accumulated in the catch tank 13 once, and then is suitably discharged through the external-air communication aperture 32. This precludes the accumulation tank 12 from flooding with water and improves on-vehicle installation capability. The reservoir device 10 can be obtained, in which the accumulation tank 12 is prevented from flooding with water, even if the reservoir tank 10 is placed in a place or the like relatively closer to for instance a road surface with an ease of suffering water splashing during a traveling in a rainy weather or a traveling on a submerged road surface or the like. |
| US08505293B2 |
Method and system for converting kinetic energy contained in horizontal flows into useful mechanical energy
An improved system for converting kinetic energy contained in naturally occurring horizontal flows occurring in fluids accumulated above ground into useful mechanical energy is specified in which at least one circulating element guided in a closed cycle, arranged substantially horizontal above the ground is provided, to which at least one buoyancy body having a crosssection of impact for the flow is attached by means of at least one guy rope or by means of a backstay chain, wherein in a section of the closed cycle, in which a propulsive power aligned in a direction of circulation acts on the buoyancy body via the flow impacting on the cross-section of impact, the distance between the circulating element and the buoyancy body is set greater than in a section of the closed cycle, in which via the flow impacting on the cross-section of impact no propulsive power aligned in the direction of circulation acts on the buoyancy body, further optimizing is carried out in that the buoyancy body is set during the cycle in its alignment to the flow such that with a flow acting transversely to the temporary direction of circulation of the circulating element it also experiences a force component acting in the direction of circulation and transfers to the circulating element via the at least one guy rope. |
| US08505291B2 |
Hydraulic system having load sensing capabilities
An exemplary hydraulic system includes a digital valve operable to fluidly connect a hydraulic load to a pressure supply, and an orifice disposed in a flow path between the hydraulic load and the digital valve. A digital controller is operably connected to the digital valve. The digital controller stores a target pressure drop across the orifice and is configured to determine an actual pressure drop across the orifice and formulate a control signal based on the target pressure drop and the actual pressure drop. The controller transmits the control signal to the digital valve for controlling the operation of the valve. |
| US08505290B2 |
Drive for rotating structure
A hydraulic excavator includes a rotation motor (31) for rotating an upper rotating structure. The rotation motor (31) includes an electric motor (32), a hydraulic motor (40), and a reduction gearbox (33). The hydraulic motor (40) includes a motor mechanism (50) and a clutch mechanism (70). The motor mechanism (50), which is a vane-type hydraulic motor, is engaged with/disengaged from a motor shaft (37) by the clutch mechanism (70). When rotation speed of the upper rotating structure is low, and a required value of output torque of the rotation motor (31) is high, an operation of driving the output shaft (35) by the hydraulic motor (40) is performed in the rotation motor (31). |
| US08505289B2 |
Fixed/variable hybrid system
A fixed/variable hybrid system has modified constant flow open center hydraulic valves (“fixed/variable valves”), including an open center core, spools, a power core, and a tank galley. A small fixed displacement pump provides fluid at a constant rate to the open center core. A variable displacement piston pump provides fluid directly to the power core as needed. Activation of spools partially restricts the open center core causing an increase in fluid pressure that is communicated to the variable displacement piston pump's load sense signal port, causing the pump to increase fluid flow and pressure to the power core. Activated spools direct pressurized fluid from the power core to the applications through selected hydraulic ports. Activated spools also direct fluid flow from selected hydraulic ports via the tank galley to a hydraulic tank. Pumping the majority of fluid only on an as-needed basis results in significant efficiencies. |
| US08505288B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08505287B1 |
Micro-hydraulic supply and storage units for operating hydraulic systems
Micro-hydraulic supply and storage units capable of recovering waste energy and storing energy for later use, such as for operating hydraulic valve actuation and high pressure fuel injection systems. The system includes a sump, a pump motor, an accumulator and a supply rail. Valving is provided to couple the outlet of the pump motor to the accumulator to fill the accumulator with what otherwise would be waste energy, such as when a vehicle is using its engine for braking, directing the output of the pump motor to a supply rail to maintain the pressure in the supply rail, and directing the output of the pump to a sump. The valving also allows directing an outlet of the accumulator to an inlet of the pump motor for recover of the energy in the accumulator. Other aspects of the invention are disclosed. |
| US08505286B2 |
Decoupling element
A decoupling element (11) for use with exhaust-gas systems, including an at least partially corrugated bellows (13) having at least two ends in the form of an inlet (E) and an outlet (A) for the flow (S) of the exhaust gas through the decoupling element (11). A filter element (12′) for filtering the exhaust-gas flow (S) is arranged at least partially in the interior (I) of the decoupling element (11) and the filter element (12′) has a self-supporting construction, in particular, without carrier and/or support bodies. |
| US08505273B2 |
System for ice and/or frost prevention using guided wave energy
An ice and/or frost preventing system for positioning in an airflow tunnel having an air inlet includes a plurality of waveguide passages positioned in the airflow tunnel; an air filter positioned in each waveguide passage; a microwave energy source coupled to each waveguide passage; a first screen positioned in the airflow tunnel upstream of the plurality of waveguide passages; and a second screen positioned in the airflow tunnel downstream of the plurality of waveguide passages. The microwave energy sources and the first and second screens create a guided, standing wave, microwave energy that substantially prevents at least one of ice and frost from forming on the air filters. A turbine system including the ice and/or frost preventing system is also described. |
| US08505271B2 |
Spliced fiber glass rovings and methods and systems for splicing fiber glass rovings
The invention relates to spliced fiber glass rovings and systems and methods for splicing rovings. In one embodiment, a method for joining fiber glass rovings comprises overlapping a leading end of a first roving with a trailing end of a second roving to create an overlapped region; pneumatically splicing a portion of the overlapped region to form a spliced region; and applying an adhesive to the spliced region. In one embodiment, a spliced fiber glass roving comprises a spliced region comprising a plurality of glass fibers of a leading end of a first roving intertwined with a plurality of glass fibers of a trailing end of a second roving, wherein the spliced region is between about 1 and 20 centimeters long and has a tensile strength between about 50 and 150% of the first roving prior to splicing. |
| US08505269B2 |
Method, apparatus and system of eliminating static charge and filling and sterilizing resin vessel
Charges accumulated inside a wall structure of a resin vessel, which is sterilized by an electron beam irradiator, and an ionizer disposed outside a filler emits to the outer surface of the resin vessel are eliminated with negative ions having the same polarity as that of charges accumulated in the wall section of the resin vessel, while conveying the resin vessel sterilized by the electron beam irradiator to the filler, by which liquid fills the resin vessel. |
| US08505267B2 |
Holder for being positioned in floating floor slabs and installation system thereof
A holder to be placed in floating floor slabs and the installation system thereof, the holder comprising a cubic holder having a pair of tubes on each side thereof, parallel with the supporting base, with facing sides in identical position; within said sides a section designed for placing rods on which the different layers of the rebar mesh are supported and a system for fitting the mesh on the rods, and also the securing of the corners of the different levels of the rebar mesh by means of linking of the holder s using the rods. |
| US08505265B2 |
Power line tower alignment method
An alignment jig uses steel alignment cross members and chords to align multiple load bearing member footing legs simultaneously with great accuracy, thereby greatly speeding construction footing installation times. Using preset adjustment stops, multiple footing patterns may be readily accommodated. The entire alignment jig may be readily assembled or prepared for transport by skilled workers in an hour or less. By using the alignment jig, the speed of footing construction may be greatly increased. In some cases, footings that would have previously required four days to a week to build were reduced to a single day, with consequent cost and time savings. Although one initial use of the alignment jig is for high voltage power line tower footings with four legs, it may be used with as few as two legs, and may be used with more than four legs, and in a variety of applications. |
| US08505264B2 |
Tool for and method of installing metal stud wall system
A tool connects a stud in place to a longitudinal track in a metal stud wall system installation. The tool includes a tool head having an upright slot in which a track flange is received and a pair of rams mounted on the tool head for linear movement transversely of the track. The rams are spaced apart and straddle opposite sides of the stud. The rams have leading tips with cutting edges. An actuator moves the rams into cutting engagement with the track flange in the upright slot to cut hinged tabs in the track flange, and to bend the hinged tabs into frictional engagement with the opposite sides of the upright stud to connect the upright stud in place to the track. |
| US08505262B2 |
Vehicle glazing having a trim mounted thereon
A vehicle glazing has a glazing profile provided around at least a portion of the periphery of a pane of glazing material. A rigid insert is embedded in the glazing profile, and a trim is mounted on the glazing profile, the trim engaging the insert and being retained by it. The insert is provided with at least one aperture through which the insert is engaged by at least one protrusion on the trim. |
| US08505261B2 |
Sliding roof seam construction
A sliding bracket assembly permits adjacent metal roof panels to move relative to one another to accommodate differential thermal expansion. The assembly includes a center element which is bolted across a purlin, and a pair of wing elements, one on either side of the center element. Roof panels are attached to the wing elements on either side. The wing elements can side lengthwise on the center element; thus the wing elements and their attached roof panels can move lengthwise relative to one another as the roof panels differentially expand and contract. |
| US08505260B1 |
Laterally restrained joint structure
A laterally restrained joint structure including a structural member, a gusset plate and at least one restraining member is disclosed. The gusset plate is connected to the structural member, and a two-force member is disposed opposite to the structural member and connected to the gusset plate. The restraining member is disposed over side or at edges of the gusset plate and connected to the structure member, so that the lateral deformation of the gusset plate can be controlled and the buckling strength of the gusset plate can be enhanced by the restraining member, and the laterally restrained joint structure is capable of reinforcing a building. |
| US08505258B2 |
Load-bearing three-dimensional structure
A load-bearing three-dimensional structure including a skeletal structure formed by a sheet of material having a plurality of bend lines, each bend line including a plurality of folding displacements, wherein the sheet of material is bent along the bend lines into a box-section; and a reinforcing member configured for substantially surrounding a portion of the skeletal structure when bent into a box-section to reinforce the structural integrity of the skeletal structure. A method of manufacturing the three-dimensional structure is also disclosed. |
| US08505255B2 |
Laminate flooring with footstep sound absorption
The invention relates to a floor covering as is frequently used in houses and apartments. The floor covering has on its underside a layer of thermoplastic material. This layer is connected in a fixed manner to the floor covering. The floor covering consists of wood, wood derivatives and/or synthetic materials. In order to produced said floor covering, the thermoplastic material is heated and applied, or rolled onto the underside of the floor covering. The latter exhibits excellent sound-proofing properties. |
| US08505254B2 |
Fastening system for a plate-shaped structural element
A fastening system for a plate-shaped structural element on a pitched roof is provided. The plate-shaped structural element is bordered in a water-tight manner in a frame and fully replaces the roof covering, and the eaves-side and ridge-side cross beams of the frame which run transversely to the ridge-eaves direction have profiles which are matched to each other and engage in each other. The top side of the eaves-side cross beam has a mounting that surrounds the edge of the plate-shaped structural element, and the bottom side thereof has a support for fastening to the roof structure. The support includes a web that extends from the mounting to the support, a protrusion extending beneath the mounting and receives an extension that extends from the ridge-side cross beam thereof. |
| US08505252B2 |
Protective barrier and method for its use
A protective barrier that will typically be installed beneath ceilings during construction work being performed on ceilings or roofs of buildings. The protective barrier can be comprised entirely of one material or of different materials connected by seams. Some or all of these materials can be designed to fail when contacted by water via dissolution, melting or through some other destructive process initiated by contact with water. This failure can create access points from the ceiling through the protective barrier to the area being protected by the barrier, which can allow water from a fire suppression system to reach a fire located below the protective barrier. |
| US08505251B1 |
System for routing conduit and related methods and apparatus
An adapter with a female portion in connected to a conduit extension at a location within a barrier. The female portion can include female threads that extend beyond the barrier. Alternately, a modular adapter including an adapter element and elongated element can be releasably connected to the female portion with the elongated element extending beyond the barrier. Conduit damage proximate to the barrier is repaired by removing a damaged portion extending beyond the barrier and connecting a male adapter to the female portion. |
| US08505245B2 |
Synergetic training device
The invention can be efficiently used for intensively learning different disciplines, including foreign languages, and for forming and automating operational skills of professionals in different field of activity. It makes it possible to obtain a technical result and a high-quality intensive training. The use of a training aid is developed according to a synergetic theory in the form of a synergetic training device and makes it possible to provide a synergetic variant of intensive training. The synergetic training device is embodied in a dynamic technical device consisting of several soundproof booths which comprise training facilities and technical means using a sensor system. The synergetic training device makes it possible to intensify and simultaneously diversify the training activity of trainees, to develop an integrated-in-groups training method according to a ‘assistant-students’ system consisting in simultaneously training mini-divisions under the guidance of a large group of assistants, including technical assistants. The possibility of simultaneously taking into account all levels of training provides the method with a multi-level character, while the possibility of taking into account the peculiarities of the students guarantees the high antropological attitude thereof. |
| US08505244B2 |
Modular tower structure for eolic turbines and other applications
A tower structure for a wind energy turbine, wind power, renewable energy, and other uses made of concrete, steel-reinforced concrete or other materials, and a method of manufacture thereof are described. The structure includes several pre-fabricated tower lengths, each tower length having at least three pre-fabricated wedges, such that a central protruding edge of each wedge approaches or lies at a center line of the tower structure when assembled. Tower lengths higher in the tower may be narrower and may be made up of fewer wedges than lower tower lengths. Each tower length may also include several apertures or channels adapted to accommodate a cable joining all the tower lengths of the tower. Also, tower lengths may have a circular or polygonal outer ring made up of bracing elements, each bracing element arranged when assembled to brace one or more wedges. |
| US08505241B2 |
Door lever for controlling a door opening and closing apparatus
An opening and closing control apparatus includes an automatic sliding door controller that controls a drive of an opening and closing driving mechanism. The automatic sliding door controller determines whether a request is a manual operating request or an automatic operating request on the basis of a signal from a press switch that is switched on by a press-on operation. In the case of the automatic operating request, the automatic sliding door controller is configured so that an automatic opening and closing determination process determines whether a request is an opening operating request or a closing operating request based on the detection of door state detection section, and an opening and closing process is then executed by operating the opening and closing driving mechanism based on the determination. |
| US08505238B2 |
Vertical aeroponic plant growing system
An aeroponic plant growing system with vertically aligned planting sites. The system includes a plurality of plant-holding containers, a walled enclosure, and a fluid dispenser housed therein. One of the enclosure's walls defines a plant-supporting frame on which are formed horizontally extending, outwardly-facing grooves and their respective inwardly-projecting ridges. Tapered between its distal ends, each container can be individually received within one of a plurality of spaced apart orifices defined by each groove. So received, the container extends into the enclosure and a substantial portion of the container's transverse cross-section most distal from its wider end is cantilevered over each horizontally extending ridge situated downwardly of that particular container's interface with the frame, thus positioning, in use, the taproots of large numbers of plants within a barrier-free, vertical corridor of extremely narrow footprint down which their roots can grow both aeroponically and gravitropically. |
| US08505237B2 |
Process for enhancing plant growth
The instant invention relates to a process for enhancing plant growth in greenhouses or plant tunnels or over mulches by incorporating one or more yellow pigments or dyes into a greenhouse, mulch film or glazing and exposing the plants through or over such film to solar radiation so that specific and defined ratios of the light transmitted, emitted or reflected between 410 to 450 nm, 380 to 410 nm and 450 to 500 nm are obtained. A further aspect of the invention is the use of one or more yellow pigments or dyes as plant growth enhancing additive in polymeric films for greenhouses, plant tunnels or mulches or a coating for greenhouse glazing so that specific and defined ratios of the light transmitted, emitted or reflected between 410 to 450 nm, 380 to 410 nm and 450 to 500 nm are obtained. |
| US08505235B2 |
CPU-controlled, reaming electronic animal trap with three-killing-plate configuration
An electronic animal trap with a CPU-controlled, rearming, three-killing-plate configuration and extended killing cycle for trapping and exterminating larger rodents such as rats. The high-voltage output circuit is connected to a pair of killing plates which are activated with a high-voltage pulse train for a killing cycle when a pest of known impedance is sensed across the pair of plates. A third killing plate, electrically coupled to a first plate of the pair of plates, is brought to the voltage level of the first plate within approximately 1 msec of circuit activation for increased kill and escape-prevention capabilities. |
| US08505234B2 |
Insert for use with a pest station
A versatile pest station for use with interchangeable inserts includes a housing, a lock mechanism, a first insert, and a second insert. The housing includes a base, a lid, and an opening. The base and the lid form a cavity, and the opening provides access to the cavity. The base has a bottom surface and is configured and arranged to be securely mounted to a surface. The lock mechanism interlocks the base and the lid. The first insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the first insert includes an entrance mechanism. The second insert is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity, and the second insert includes a snap trap. The first insert and the second insert are interchangeable for individual use with the housing, and the first insert and the second insert are elevated relative to the bottom surface of the base. |
| US08505231B2 |
Digital machinegun optic with bullet drop compensation mount
A digital machinegun optic (DMO) is discussed, which includes a digital module having a camera to obtain an image, a bullet drop compensation mount receiving the digital module in a detachable manner, and having a mounting solution, a caliber adjustment knob configured to enable a user to select a caliber that matches firearms of different calibers, and a dual bullet drop compensation wheel to allow the user to accurately hit a target by selecting a right distance to the target; a head mounted display module having a display portion to receive the image from the camera; and a control box module configured to control a display of the image on the display portion. |
| US08505229B2 |
Rail extension device
A rail extension device for a belt fed machine gun includes a first and a second section of rail for mounting auxiliary devices, the second section being rotatable relative to the first section to prevent a collision between an auxiliary device mounted on the second section of rail and the weapon when a feed tray cover is opened to reload. |
| US08505228B2 |
Multiple rail sighting device
A sighting device for a firearm accessory includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a multiple rail arrangement. The first coupling member is supported on an upper half portion of the firearm accessory. The second coupling member is supported on a lower half portion of the firearm accessory, and includes an elongated coupling slot formed thereon to detachably engage with a firearm rail of the firearm. The multiple rail arrangement includes a plurality of mounting rails formed on the first coupling member and the second coupling member, wherein the mounting rails allow the firearm accessory to be mounted onto at least one additional firearm accessory so as to eliminate a need to individually attach the additional firearm accessory to the firearm. |
| US08505223B2 |
Heating device for the ironing top of an ironing board
A heating device for the ironing top of an ironing board, comprising a flexible flat element, to be associated with a top of an ironing board, provided with heating elements arranged so as to affect at least part of at least one of its main surfaces. Advantageously, the device comprises elements for the quick and reversible fixing of the flexible flat element to an ironing top. |
| US08505222B2 |
Hybrid skate boot
A skate includes a boot for receiving a wearer's foot and ankle therein, boot having a boot upper fixed to an outsole. The boot upper includes a vamp for covering a front portion of the foot, first and second quarters connected to the vamp for covering sides of the foot, an instep portion connected to the vamp and quarters for at least partly covering a top portion of the foot, and a rear portion connected to the quarters for covering a rear portion of the foot and ankle. At least the instep portion and part of the rear portion are made of a first material, and the first and second quarters are made of a different, second material. The second material is more rigid than the first material. |
| US08505219B2 |
Article of footwear with multi-directional sole structure
An article of footwear with a multi-directional sole structure including a flex groove system is disclosed. The flex groove system includes a plurality of longitudinal flex grooves and lateral flex grooves that divide the sole structure into a plurality of segments. The flex groove system also includes a plurality of diagonal flex grooves that intersect the corners of the plurality of segments. The flex grooves system can provide enhanced flexibility for the sole structure and can enhance multi-directional flexing. |
| US08505216B2 |
Article of footwear having an upper with a structured intermediate layer
An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to sole structure and the upper is formed from three layers: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is formed from a polymer material and molded to the first layer, but the second layer may alternately be molded to the third layer. The third layer is joined with at least one of the first layer and the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer. |
| US08505215B2 |
Article of footwear for increasing stability and lateral performance
An article of footwear with multiple cross sectional profile shapes disposed on an outer peripheral edge of a sole is disclosed. The multiple cross sectional profile shapes on the outer peripheral edge of the sole can help increase the lateral performance and lateral stability of a wearer of the article of footwear. |
| US08505213B2 |
Extendable nozzle for a vehicle drying apparatus
A dryer nozzle for a drying unit in a vehicle wash system includes a nozzle portion for emitting high velocity air to an exterior surface of a vehicle passing thereunder. The nozzle portion has an inner nozzle section and an outer nozzle section. The inner nozzle section and the outer nozzle section being configured such that they can be positioned one inside the other during operation. At least one of the inner nozzle section or the outer nozzle section can be extended and retracted as directed towards or away from the surface of the vehicle. |
| US08505211B2 |
Measuring device for determining a thread length of a fastener
A measuring device is adapted for determining a safety thread length LS of a fastener required for fastening a wheel onto a wheel hub unit. The measuring device includes an elongated measuring rod, a positioning member secured to a front end of the measuring rod and configured to abut against a circumferential abutment seat of the wheel, and a plurality of modular sleeves, each configured to be sleevably positioned on and matched up with the measuring rod. Subsequent to bringing the positioning member to abut against the circumferential abutment seat, the modular sleeve is dragged forwardly until a front sleeve end reaches an inner major surface of the wheel, and LS is determined to be equal to the distance between the front end and a rear sleeve end of the modular sleeve. |
| US08505202B2 |
Process for manufacturing a single-piece blisk with a temporary blade support ring arranged at a distance from blade tips
A process for manufacturing a single-piece blisk, including: using an abrasive water jet to cut a block of material, so as to create blade preforms extending radially outwards from a disk, while keeping material to form a connecting mechanism between directly consecutive blade preforms, the cutting being done such that the connecting mechanism approximately forms a ring at a radial spacing from the disk, connecting the blade preforms together at a radially inwards distance from their tips, and then removing the connecting mechanism. |
| US08505200B2 |
Land grid array interposer producing method
A method of producing a module arrangement which includes a land grid array (LGA) interposer structure, including an electrically insulating carrier plane, and at least one interposer mounted on a first surface of said carrier plane. The interposer possesses a hemi-toroidal configuration in transverse cross-section and is constituted of a dielectric elastomeric material. A plurality of electrically-conductive elements are arranged about the surface of the at least one hemi-toroidal interposer and extend radically inwardly and downwardly from an uppermost end thereof into electrical contact with at least one component located on an opposite side of the electrically insulating carrier plane. |
| US08505198B2 |
Method for manufacturing an electronic assembly
A method for manufacturing an electronic assembly, including at least one electronic component and a circuit trace structure, by which the at least one electronic component is contacted. In the method, a conductive foil is patterned in a first step to form the circuit trace structure. In a second operation, the circuit trace structure is equipped with the at least one electronic component. In a final operation, another foil is laminated onto the conductive foil equipped with the at least one electronic component on the side on which the conductive foil is equipped with the at least one electronic component. |
| US08505197B2 |
Methods of fabricating multilayer substrates
A method of fabricating a multilayer substrate may include bonding a front face of a donor substrate to a front face of a receiver substrate by molecular adhesion to form a stack and applying a heat treatment to the stack to consolidate a bond interface between the donor substrate and the receiver substrate. The method may further include thinning a back face of the donor substrate, trimming a periphery of the donor substrate and at least a portion of a periphery of the receiver substrate, and etching the back face of the donor substrate, the periphery of the donor substrate, and the at least a portion of the periphery of the receiver substrate subsequent to thinning the back face of the donor substrate and trimming the periphery of the donor substrate and the at least a portion of the periphery of the receiver substrate. |
| US08505191B2 |
Method for assembling electric power supply cables on a stator
A method of assembling electric power supply cables on a stator of an electric motor including the following steps: electrically connecting an end of each cable to an end of at least one respective wire of the winding; inserting each pair of connected ends into a respective small tube of a protection and positioning element made of insulating plastic and having a strip from which a number small tubes at least corresponding to the number of electric power supply cables transversally protrudes; clamping each small tube so as to fix it to the pair of ends inserted inside it; inserting an end of the strip inside a cavity of the pack, so that the small tubes are located within the head; and tying the winding in the region of the head so as to enclose the small tubes. |
| US08505189B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing backlight source
A manufacturing apparatus for a backlight unit includes a feed mechanism, a testing mechanism, and an attachment mechanism. The feed mechanism arranges a plurality of light-emitting diodes in a row. The testing mechanism tests the light-emitting diodes. The attachment mechanism positions the light-emitting diodes to a circuit board. The attachment mechanism comprises a support assembly and a laminating device, in which the support assembly receives the light-emitting diodes tested by the at least one testing unit, the support assembly is opposite to the circuit board, and the laminating device laminates the light-emitting diodes to the circuit board. A method for manufacturing the backlight unit is also provided. |
| US08505188B2 |
Closure device for closing a container, and method of producing such a closure device
The invention relates to a closure device having a two-part base element and a hinged cap pivotally fastened to the base element and movable between a closed and an open setting. The base element is configured in two parts, with one part being a substantially annular fastening element and the other part being a dome-shaped dispensing element inserted into the substantially annular fastening element. The invention also relates to a method of producing such a closure device. |
| US08505185B2 |
Method of installing sealed circular ductwork
A circular sheet metal duct having a sealant applied across the longitudinal seam. The sealant will improve the efficiency and will reduce or eliminate air leakage from the longitudinal seam. The sealant is applied during the manufacturing processes so that an installer does not have to seal the duct work. The method of manufacturing the sealant is provided. |
| US08505183B2 |
Method for sealing edges of vapor chamber
A method for sealing edges of a vapor chamber includes steps of: providing a first cover and a second cover, the first cover having its periphery bent to form a first folded edge, the second cover having its periphery bent to form a second folded edge; providing a supporting structure and a wick structure between the first cover and the second cover; covering the second cover on the first cover with the second folded edge being superposed on the first folded edge; bending the first folded edge to cover on the second folded edge; and providing a pressing die to press the first folded edge, thereby tightly connecting the first folded edge to the second folded edge. In this way, excellent tightness of sealing edges of the vapor chamber is achieved. Further, the production yield of the vapor chamber is increased with a reduced cost. |
| US08505171B2 |
Quick release apparatus for an SCBA frame
An apparatus for a rescue worker's waist belt for connecting to and rapidly disconnecting from a self-contained breathing apparatus waist belt. The rescue worker's waist belt includes buckles disposed on its side that complement the buckles disposed on the SCBA waist belt. An SCBA wearer connects the SCBA waist belt directly to the rescue worker's waist belt rather than buckling the waist belt around the wearer's waist. Rapid disconnection is effected with the push of two buttons, thereby allowing the wearer to entirely remove the SCBA from his or her body while leaving the rescue worker's waist belt and any accoutrements attached thereto in place and on his or her person. |
| US08505157B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a cleaner body; a dust separating apparatus fixed to the cleaner body; a first dust receptacle detachably attached to the cleaner body on a bottom portion of the dust separating apparatus to collect large particle dust; a second dust receptacle detachably attached to the cleaner body on a bottom portion of the first dust receptacle to collect fine particle dust; and a locking device having a first position in which the dust separating apparatus is closely contacted to the first and second dust receptacles, and a second position in which the dust separating apparatus is spaced apart from the first and second dust receptacles at a predetermined interval. The second dust receptacle is detached from the first dust receptacle at the second position, and is detached from the cleaner body after the first dust receptacle is disengaged from the cleaner body. |
| US08505147B2 |
Flat mop
A mop comprises a handle and a first frame member comprising a first side and a second side. The handle is connected to the first side at a translating pivot such that the handle may translate and pivot relative to the first frame member. A second frame member has a third side and a fourth side connected to the first frame member at a hinge such that the second frame member can move relative to the first frame member between a first position where the first side is connected to the third side and a second position where the second side is disposed adjacent the fourth side. A method of using the mop is also provided. |
| US08505146B1 |
Auger head cleanout system
A line has a proximal end, a distal end and a flexible intermediate extent with a central axis. An auger head has a central base and a plurality of semicircular disks. Each disk has an interior edge coupled to the base. The disks extend generally radially from the base. Each interior edge has an inner end and an outer end. The base has a tapering outer end coextensive the outer ends of the disks. The base has a flat inner end transverse to the axis. Coupling components removably join the distal end of the line and the inner end of the base. |
| US08505145B2 |
Central core for a cleaning sponge roller
An approximately cylindrical central core for cleaning sponge roller having an axially extending internal hole and multiple small holes realizing communication from the internal hole to the circumferential external surface. The central core for cleaning sponge roller is characterized in that the external surface of the central core is provided in the circumferential direction with multiple axially slender projections and that the projections each has an axial section viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction that is not flat. |
| US08505144B2 |
Counter-balanced top wheel for a vehicle wash system
A counter-balanced top wheel assembly for laundering a vehicle includes a frame. A brush support arm having a first end and a second end is pivotally mounted to the frame adjacent the first end. A counterweight support arm having a first end and a second end is pivotally mounted to the frame adjacent the first end. The second end of the brush support arm is in communication with a brush such that the brush extends over a vehicle bay to launder an exterior of the vehicle. The assembly includes a pulley mechanism with a strap connecting the brush support arm to the counterweight support arm. The brush support arm and the counterweight support arm extend away from the frame in the same direction. The assembly is configured such that the brush applies consistent weight to the exterior of the vehicle throughout its entire arc of travel. |
| US08505142B2 |
Pool cleaner baseplate with inlet extension members and recessed wheels
A baseplate for a robotic self-propelled pool cleaner having one or more inlet openings through which water-borne debris passes prior to filtration is provided with downwardly depending inlet extension members having walls that define an opening corresponding in shape to the baseplate inlet opening and that are mounted in close-fitting relation to extend the water intake opening towards, but without touching, the pool surface to increase the suction force at the surface. The baseplate optionally includes a rotatable wheel mounted in an inboard recess in the baseplate on, or adjacent to the longitudinal centerline of the cleaner to facilitate passage over obstacles that would immobilize the pool cleaner by contact with an inlet extension member. |
| US08505138B1 |
Adjustable back platform device
An adjustable back platform device featuring a base panel having side wall extending from side edges, the walls being positioned generally parallel to one another; a hole disposed in both the first side panel and in the second side panel, the holes function as handles to allow the adjustable back platform device to be lifted; and a first adjustable leg, a second adjustable leg, and a third adjustable leg, each adjustable leg being disposed on a bottom surface of the base panel, the adjustable legs allow a distance between the base panel and a floor surface to be modified; wherein when a user lies atop the base panel, the back platform device functions to raise the user's back a certain distance off the floor surface so as to align the user's back with a bottom floor of a cabinet. |
| US08505136B2 |
Playpen hub assembly and playpen using the same
A linking device is configured at the bottom of a playpen. Two of the bottom pipes at opposite side pivot to a base seat and further pivot to the linking device, which is engaged by a locking device so that the bottom pipes and the linking device are secured at an unfolding position. To fold the hub assembly, using a strap or by pushing the locking device directly pivots the locking device to disengage from the linking device and the bottom pipes may rotate to a folding position. To restore the hub assembly to the unfolding position, the linking device can be pressed to push an inclined surface of the locking device to impart a force to the locking device to pivot the locking device until the linking device snaps to engage the locking device, so the hub assembly is secured at the unfolding position again. |
| US08505135B2 |
Bedridden patient transfer gurney
A bedridden patient transfer gurney is provided, which includes a gurney body, and further includes several support feet installed with a swivel caster at the bottom. A top end of each support foot is connected to the gurney body. An elevation device is disposed on the support foot. Two curved panels opposite to each other having a shape of a grab bucket are disposed at a lower portion of the gurney body. When being closed, the two curved panels are capable of accommodating a human body. An opening and closing device is disposed between the gurney body and the two curved panels. The opening and closing device is respectively connected to the gurney body and the two curved panels. The bedridden patient transfer gurney is used for transferring a bedridden patient, has a simple structure and an advantage of convenient use, and ensures good stability when the patient is being transferred, thereby preventing the patient from experiencing more pain. |
| US08505133B1 |
Furniture combination of bed and desk
A bed/desk combination wherein the desk is disposed above the bed and unneeded space above the foot of the bed is used for the sitting portion of the desk and unneeded space below the desk surface as well as further space unneeded by the desk function is used for the space above the head of the bed. |
| US08505132B2 |
Overflow assembly for bathtubs and the like
An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut. The cap can be removed when needed to permit the plumber to gain access to the diaphragm to cut it open for fluid flow after the system has been tested for leaks, or put in place after the cut takes place. |
| US08505130B2 |
Bath apparatus
A bath apparatus or a shower machine includes a housing and a showerhead mounted therein. The housing includes a door opening where a door body is installed. The housing has an egg-shell shape with the door opening provided at a front side and a back panel provided at a rear side. A slide rail fixedly connected to an inside wall of the housing, extends from a rear end that is fixed to the back panel to a front end at the door opening. The front end of the slide rail includes a locking clip body that matches a locking clip socket fixed on the housing. A sliding block is installed on the slide rail and fixedly connected to a supporting rod. A top end of the supporting rod is hinge jointed to the door body. |
| US08505126B2 |
Sanitary washing apparatus
A sanitary washing apparatus includes a nozzle having a water discharge port, the nozzle being configured to wash a human private part by squirting water from the water discharge port, a flow channel configured to supply the water to the nozzle, a sterilizing water supply unit provided partway through the flow channel, the sterilizing water supply unit being capable of supplying sterilizing water, and a control unit configured to execute a physical washing process of washing the nozzle using water and a sterilizing process of sterilizing the nozzle using the sterilizing water after the washing the human private part. The washing nozzle can be sterilized more efficiently or a user's sense of cleanliness regarding the washing nozzle can be improved. |
| US08505125B1 |
Hair catching stall shower drain
A drain strainer with an upper drain plate with large holes and a lower basket with small holes allows particulate matter to fall through the large holes but not enter the small holes. This two-story feature allows the drain strainer to have a flush, aesthetically pleasing appearance, and also prevents particulate matter from sitting on top of the drain, which could sully the feet of a shower user or could float to other parts of the tub or sink. The upper drain plate could be attached via a recessed hinge with a finger hole that allows a user to easily access the basket without the use of tools. |
| US08505124B2 |
Off-set carrier
An off-set pipe coupling for use in a support system for a wall mounted toilet or water closet includes a curved pipe having a first end and a second end; a first plate coupled to the first end of the curved pipe; and a second plate coupled to the second end of the curved pipe. The first plate has a central hole in fluid communication with the curved pipe and a plurality of screw holes positioned around a peripheral area thereof. The second plate has a central hole in fluid communication with the curved pipe and a plurality of screw holes positioned around a peripheral area thereof. The first plate is coupled to a faceplate for supporting a wall mounted toilet above a floor surface, the second plate is coupled to a plumbing system and the curved pipe provides fluid communication between a waste discharge conduit and the plumbing system. |
| US08505120B2 |
Sock
The invention relates to a sock, especially for use in sports, which comprises a foot part (1) and a leg (2), said foot part having a toe area (11) and a heel area (12) and a sole area (13) between the toe and the heel area, and which is also provided with an O-ring-type bandage (22). An O-ring-type bandage (22) is disposed in the area of the ankle joint and extends asymmetrically on the circumference of the sock. |
| US08505119B2 |
Garment, garment accessory, garment belt and combinations of same
A garment belt features an elongated strap and a V-shaped closure member having first and second legs interconnected at joined ends thereof and diverging from one another away from the joined ends. The closure member is connected between effective ends of the strap to close the belt and form a waist loop being defined by the elongated strap, the V-shaped closure member and the connections therebetween. A garment to be worn about a wearer's waist features an open triangular notch depending into a waist portion of the garment from an upper boundary thereof on the front side of the garment. The belt, or a V-shaped accessory of similar appearance to its closure member, is wearable with the garment to provide a unique appearance, revealing an exposed triangular section of skin. The V-shaped closure or accessory may carry an ornamental jewelry piece suspended between the legs of the member. |
| US08505118B2 |
Expandable pocket
An expandable pocket is described. In one or more implementations, a pocket is comprised of a front panel attached to a back panel. The front panel is configured to expand. Additionally, the front panel is configured to substantially maintain alignment of a portion of a stripe disposed on the front panel with a portion of the stripe disposed on the back panel. The front panel is configured to maintain this alignment when the front panel is expanded and when the front panel is not expanded. |
| US08505114B1 |
Garment attachable retention system
A garment attachable retention system for securing a device, such as game call, dog whistle, training device, protection devices, sharpeners, clippers, lights, work tools, other electronic devices, other hunting or fishing devices, and etc. to a garment in a retractable manner. The retention system generally includes a garment, a substantially sealed first pocket secured to the garment, a retracting mechanism positioned within the first pocket and having an elongated member retractably connected thereto, and a device connected to the elongated member and adapted to retractably extend from the retracting mechanism via the elongated member. The first pocket may be located along an exterior surface of an interior surface of the garment. Various types of garments may be utilized, such as a coat, vest, pants, waders, suspenders, hat, cap, shirt, face masks, gloves, etc. In addition, a heating pad may be utilized to keep the device warm during non use. |
| US08505113B2 |
Ballistic helmet with nape protector
A ballistic armored component attaches to the existing retention straps of common combat helmets and provides protection to the otherwise exposed lower skull and upper neck region. A fabric covering contains a soft armor or hard armor insert, and is mounted by straps or other fasteners to existing straps found in conventional helmets. The armored component adds additional protection from ground-level or subterranean munitions, by placing a ballistic shape on the lower skull region (occipital region), providing significant additional ballistic coverage with minimal weight and bulk. The fabric shell may also be connected directly to the helmet shell, to allow the component to withdraw within the helmet when the wearer's neck is flexed rearwardly. |
| US08505112B2 |
Diving suit
A diving suit made of a rubber material comprising HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber) is disclosed, as well as a process for the production of the diving suit and the use of HNBR in a rubber material of a diving suit for use in contaminated water. |
| US08510861B2 |
Anti-piracy software protection system and method
A method and system for protecting software products from unauthorized use and distribution is described. The system comprises a client process executed on a client computer coupled to a producer computer over a network. The method comprises the steps of providing to a user a copy of the distributed software, the distributed software comprising an incomplete executable program requiring a security module to be installed prior to execution on the client computer. The user receives a registration code for use with the distributed software. Upon attempted execution of the distributed software the producer computer requests user registration from the user. Upon receipt of the registration information including the registration code from the user, the producer computer validates the registration code and constructing a security module for transmission to the client computer. The security module is integrated with the distributed software to allow execution of the executable program. |
| US08510854B2 |
Method and system for digital rights management among apparatuses
A digital rights management (DRM) method and system between devices are discussed. In order to allow a first device connected with a second device to use a rights object (RO) bound to the second device, the second device decodes the particular content or the RO and transmits the decoded particular content or the decoded RO to the first device. State information of the RO according to a usage amount of the particular content used by the first device is managed by the second device. |
| US08510851B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing content protected media streams
A method and apparatus for recovering a content signal from media stream protected by a digital rights management (DRM) system. A content access device includes a network interface configured to receive the protected media stream from a remote content provider via a network and a plurality of distinct DRM components corresponding to DRM systems supported by the content access device. A content extraction unit is operable to select a DRM component of the plurality of DRM components and execute the selected DRM component to recover a content signal from the protected media stream. When a search engine is used to discover available content, a list of references to available content is presented to the user, the presentation being dependent upon whether or not the content is protected by a DRM system supported by the content access device. |
| US08510850B2 |
Functionality for providing de-identified data
A de-identification system is described herein for converting original messages into de-identified messages. The de-identification system leverages original message-inception-functionality which operates as a gateway for providing original messages for use by a production environment. Namely, the de-identification system includes a transformation module that receives the original messages from the original message-inception functionality. The transformation module then converts instances of sensitive information contained in the original messages into non-sensitive information, to produce the de-identified messages. A de-identified environment can consume the de-identified messages with high confidence that the messages have been properly sanitized. This is because the de-identification work has been performed at a well-contained quarantine level of the message processing functionality. |
| US08510848B1 |
Method and system for managing data in a communication network
A method and a system for managing one or more files in a communication network are provided. The system includes a server, a first client, and a second client. When the first client places a file in a virtual data drive of the first client, data segments and metadata associated with the file are uploaded at the server. The server generates a first representation of the file. The server then sends the first representation of the file to the first and second clients. The second client stores the first representation of the file in its local storage. The second client can then send a request to the server to access the file based on the first representation of the file. The requested file is sent to the second client by the server. The sent file is not cached by the second client, if the file is a secured file. |
| US08510842B2 |
Pinpointing security vulnerabilities in computer software applications
A build process management system can acquire data pertaining to a software build process that is currently being executed by an automated software build system. The software build process can include executable process steps, metadata, and/or environmental parameter values. An executable process step can utilize a build artifact, representing an electronic document that supports the software build process. The acquired data can then be synthesized into an immutable baseline build process and associated baseline artifact library. The baseline artifact library can store copies of the build artifacts. The immutable baseline build process can include baseline objects that represent data values and dependencies indicated in the software build process. In response to a user-specified command, an operation can be performed upon the baseline build process and associated baseline artifact library. |
| US08510840B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting scans in real-time
A method and apparatus for detecting scans are described. In one example, a plurality of flows is allocated into a plurality of bins associated with different source Internet protocol (SIP) addresses. A set of bin characteristics for at least one bin of the plurality of bins is generated if the at least one bin reaches a predefined flow capacity. Afterwards, the set of bin characteristics is compared to a scan characteristics list to determine if a potential scan exists. |
| US08510839B2 |
Detecting malware carried by an E-mail message
An anti-virus system provider distributes an e-mail identifying content filtering rule seeking to identify e-mail messages suspected of containing an item of malware from a central source (20) to users (2). This distribution may be by an e-mail message itself which is appropriately signed and encrypted. At the user system (2), the received e-mail identifying content filtering rule is extracted from the e-mail message and added to the content filtering rules (18) being applied within that user system. In this way, malware which is distributed by e-mail may be identified by characteristics of its carrier e-mail rather than characteristics of the malware itself which not yet have been properly analyzed or the mechanisms for detecting such characteristics of the malware itself not yet put in place. |
| US08510838B1 |
Malware protection using file input/output virtualization
Applications running in an API-proxy-based emulator are prevented from infecting a PC's hard disk when executing file I/O commands. Such commands are redirected to an I/O redirection engine instead of going directly to the PC's normal operating system where it can potentially harm files in on the hard disk. The redirection engine executes the file I/O command using a private storage area in the hard disk that is not accessible by the PC's normal operating system. If a file that is the subject of a file I/O command from an emulated application is not in the private storage area, a copy is made from the original that is presumed to exist in the public storage area. This copy is then acted on by the command and is stored in the private storage area, which can be described as a controlled, quarantined storage space on the hard disk. In this manner the PC's (or any computing device's) hard disk is defended from potential malware that may originate from applications running in emulated environments. |
| US08510833B2 |
Connection-rate filtering using ARP requests
One embodiment relates to a method of connection-rate filtering by a network device. Address resolution protocol (ARP) request packets received from a sub-network are monitored, and a copy of the received ARP request packets are sent to an agent program. The agent program determines a rate of ARP request packets sent by a host in the sub-network. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08510832B2 |
Method and system for content categorization
The invention discloses a method and system for content categorization, which aims at reducing the processing burthen of the content categorization as well as the network transmission traffic. The method comprises: transmitting, by a content categorization requester, a content digest of a content to be categorized to a content categorization provider; and performing, by the content categorization provider, content categorization according to the content digest. The device for requesting content categorization comprises: a digest operation determination component, adapted to determine whether it is necessary to obtain a content digest of a content to be categorized; a digest obtaining component, adapted to obtain the content digest of the content to be categorized when the digest operation determination component determines it necessary to obtain the content digest of the content to be categorized; and a first transmit component, adapted to transmit the content digest obtained by the digest obtaining component. |
| US08510831B2 |
System and method for protecting network resources from denial of service attacks
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for protecting network resources from denial of service attacks. In one exemplary embodiment, a responder stores an access filter value used to determine whether an incoming message frame has been transmitted from an authorized user. In this regard, a user communication device includes logic for determining the access filter value stored at the responder and, includes the access filter value in a message frame transmitted from the computer to the responder. The responder compares the received access filter value to the stored access filter value. If such values match or otherwise correspond, the responder authenticates the message frame. However, if such values do not match or otherwise correspond, the responder discards the message frame. Thus, the responder processes authenticated message frames and discards unauthenticated message frames thereby preventing denial of service attacks from malicious users. |
| US08510829B2 |
Systems and methods to detect malicious media files
Systems and method to detect malicious media file are described. In one example, an apparatus including a network connection, a memory, and a programmable processor communicatively coupled to the memory is discussed. The memory can include instructions, which when executed by the programmable processor cause the apparatus to receive a data stream from the network connection and detect at least a portion of a media file within the data stream. The instructions can also cause the apparatus to determine a file type of the media file and extract the media file from the data stream. Further, the instructions cause the apparatus to parse the media file to location a suspicious tag, extract an embedded URL from the suspicious tag, determine with the embedded URL is malicious, and block the media file if the embedded URL is malicious. |
| US08510825B2 |
Secure computing environment to address theft and unauthorized access
Techniques for securing a client. A BIOS agent stores policy data within a BIOS of the client. The BIOS agent is one or more software modules that execute in the BIOS of the client. The policy data describes one or more policies which the client should follow. When an operating system agent detects that a condition, specified by a particular policy of the one or more policies, has been met, the operating system agent performs one or more actions specified by the particular policy, such as disabling the client, retrieving a file from the client, erasing a file from the client, or encrypting a file on the client. The operating system agent is one or more software modules that execute in the operating system of the client. |
| US08510823B2 |
System and method for testing functionality of a firewall
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for testing functionality of a firewall. The testing the functionality of the firewall can include a method. The method can include selecting a plurality of valid message types, generating a percentage of valid and invalid messages from the plurality of valid message types, transmitting the plurality of valid and invalid messages to the firewall, receiving an indication of the firewall's handling of valid and invalid messages based on the transmitted message, and determining the functionality of the firewall from the received indication. |
| US08510821B1 |
Tiered network flow analysis
The effects on networking systems of attacks on vulnerabilities, such as vulnerable modules in a webserver, SYN flooding, etc, can be devastating to a network environment. In various embodiments, a first, quick, or inexpensive analysis is performed on incoming network flows. If an intrusion issue or other problem is suspected based on the first, rapid, or an inexpensive analysis, then the flow can be flagged for redirection to another process, virtual machine, or physical computer module that will perform a deeper, more expensive analysis on the network flow. If there are no issues detected in the second, deeper analysis, then the network flow can be forwarded to its intended recipient. If an issue is detected in the second, deeper analysis, then the network flow can be throttled, quarantined, ignored, sent to an un-trusted portion of the system, sent for more analysis, or otherwise handled or flagged. |
| US08510820B2 |
System and method for embedded authentication
Various systems and methods of embedded authentication are described herein. One method of the preferred embodiment can include receiving at an authentication server a transaction token from a host website, the host website including an embeddable interface and prompting a user challenge by the authentication server at the embeddable interface. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include creating a signed authentication token in response to a successful user challenge, and transmitting the signed authentication token from the authentication server to the embeddable interface. |
| US08510815B2 |
Virtual computer system, access control method and communication device for the same
In a plural computer system executing a virtual computer, an exterior storage volume may receive unjustly multiple access, and contents of the volume may be destroyed. Provided are: a switch coupling a virtual computer and I/O, a virtual computer managing unit coupled to a computer and the switch, and a determination unit determining a login acceptance/rejection of a virtual computer and I/O. The virtual computer possesses a virtual HBA, and upon receiving a login inquiry to the I/O from a certain virtual computer, a determination unit compares an identifier allocated to the certain virtual computer with an identifier allocated to another virtual computer to be executed on a physical computer different from the physical computer on which the certain virtual computer is executed, and determines login acceptance/rejection. Accordingly, an access control to the I/O is performed. |
| US08510812B2 |
Computerized system and method for deployment of management tunnels
Embodiments of the present invention provide a framework for facilitating the deployment of management tunnels between management and managed devices. The tunnel may be initiated either from the management device or from the managed device. When the channel is first established, the credentials of the respective devices are verified. To this end, each of the devices may be pre-provisioned with unique identifier, as well as certificate assigned by a certificate authority together with associated private key. Upon initial setup of the tunnel, the identity of the management device may be provided by the administrator. Alternatively, the devices may be pre-configured by the manufacturer to participate in a web of trust, with each device capable to accept recommendations for an identity of the management server from the other member devices. Finally, a management device locator server may be provided to facilitate easy configuration. |
| US08510811B2 |
Network transaction verification and authentication
A two-level authentication system is described supporting two-factor authentication that offers efficient protection for secure on-line web transactions. It includes a global unique identity (UID) provided either by an institute-issued/personal trusted device, or based on client computing platform hardware attributes, and generated using institution authorized private software, institution-authorized authentication proxy software, and an institution-generated credential code which is pre-stored in the token and only accessible by the institute-authorized authentication proxy software. The institution-authorized authentication proxy software uses the user's PIN and the trusted device's UID as input and verifies the user and device identities through institution-generated credential code which was pre-stored in the trusted device. Authentication is performed in two levels: the first authenticates the user and the trusted device locally; and the second authenticates the user remotely at the institution-owned authentication server. Various embodiments add extra levels of security, including one-time-password management. |
| US08510806B2 |
System and method of controlling access to information in a virtual computing environment
In one embodiment the present invention includes a computer-implemented method comprising storing authorization data on a first client computer system, accessing virtual computing software from the first client computer system, accessing a virtual object in the virtual computing software in response to instructions received from the first client computer system, sending the authorization data from the first client computer system to a second computer system, wherein the authorization data specifies access rights on the second computer system, and accessing the second computer system using the authorization data and determining access rights on the second computer system based on said authorization data. |
| US08510805B2 |
Safe and efficient access control mechanisms for computing environments
Improved techniques for controlling access to accessible components of computing environments are disclosed. The techniques, among other things, can be used to provide Mandatory Access Control (MAC) mechanisms for mobile and embedded systems. One or more accessible components (e.g., accessible resources) which a component may attempt to access are determined so that one or more access permissions can be stored in a manner that they can be obtained if the component attempts to access the one or more accessible components, thereby allowing access to the one or more accessible components to be determined based on access permissions that are readily available. Generally, access permissions can be identified and stored in anticipation of need. Access permissions can be identified, for example, based on the likelihood of use, or all possible access permissions can be determined and stored. A safe (e.g., a trusted) access controlling (or monitoring) system (or component) can control access to resources of a computing environment. For example, a trusted access monitoring system can be provided in a secure and trusted operating environment utilizing Mandatory Access Control (MAC) capabilities of a secure operating system (e.g., SELinux Operating System). |
| US08510803B2 |
Dynamic network access control method and apparatus
A method of network access control identifies, in response to a request by an end node to access a network, attributes of the end node and of a device receiving the request. Based on the attributes, a network access control implementation is selected from a plurality of network access control implementations to apply to the request. |
| US08510802B1 |
Home network access node usage prevention by blocking access node entries in a preferred roaming list
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for blocking the use of a PRL by a wireless device to access nodes of a network controller. In a particular embodiment, a method provides receiving an access request for the wireless device to access the home wireless network and transferring an authentication request for the wireless device to an authentication system. The method further provides the authentication system receiving the authentication request, determining that the wireless device should not be allowed to access the home wireless network, and transferring a negative authentication response to the network controller. In response to receiving the authentication response, the method provides the network controller transferring a negative access response to the wireless device. In response to receiving the access response, the method provides the wireless device blocking the use of a Preferred Roaming List by the wireless device to access nodes of the network controller. |
| US08510799B2 |
Communication system, communication system management apparatus, terminal connection control method, and program
A communication system including many communication terminals and a management apparatus, which includes: a section which processes user authentication, a first information management section for managing authenticated user information in association with terminal information about the communication terminal used by the user, a second information management section for managing communication information including the user information about many users with intent to communicate with one another, and a connection control section. If the second information management section manages the communication information including the authenticated user information and if the first information management section manages the another user information as part of the communication information, the connection control section sends the terminal information about another communication terminal corresponding to the other user information, to the communication terminal identified by the terminal information in association with the authenticated user information. |
| US08510797B2 |
Online user authentication
A user establishes a verified online identity, for example by providing an identity token and biometric information, and an assurance level is established for that identity for use in an authentication service. Different assurance levels may be provided based on the degree of verification of the user's identity, for example by social network scoring, credit references, or by means of the identity token and biometric information. |
| US08510796B2 |
Method for application-to-application authentication via delegation
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that present a delegated-right to a delegation system by a service-application provisioned with the delegation system. The delegated-right enables the service-application to perform an operation/access on behalf of a delegator-user. The method then attempts to perform the operation/access. |
| US08510794B1 |
Methods and apparatus for a unified identity management interface across internal and shared computing applications
Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for a unified management interface across internal and shared computing applications are disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more processors perform, responsive to receiving a plurality of access management requests at an identity management interface, transmitting an access management instruction to a customer internal application via an on-premise proxy, and transmitting another access management instruction to a shared computing system application via a multi-customer gateway on the shared computing system. |
| US08510791B2 |
Method and system for dynamic protocol decoding and analysis
A method for dynamically decoding protocol data on a computer system is provided using a protocol decoder, which inspects and analyzes protocol data received by the computer system. A protocol decoding program controls the decoding and analysis process. The method may be used by an intrusion prevention system to identify anomalous protocol data that may cause harm to applications receiving the data. |
| US08510787B2 |
Access node capable of dynamic channel caching
An access node (e.g., DSLAM) is described herein which can limit bandwidth usage in a transport network by incorporating an enhanced rapid TV channel changing functionality/enhanced BTV server in which TV channels from a multicast TV stream are dynamically selected based on past TV channel clicking statistics and then stored therein so there is a good chance that it can respond to a TV channel change request from a STB. |
| US08510786B2 |
HFC cable system with wideband communications pathway and coax domain nodes
System and method to extend the data carrying capacity of a hybrid fiber cable (HFC) network by adding wideband RF signal capability above 1 GHz, and replacing at least some CATV active devices such as amplifiers with a new type of Coax Domain Node (CDN) device that acts to segment the CATV cable portion of the HFC network into a series of smaller domains. The CDN generally filter RF signals from 5-865 MHz, while amplifying and passing RF signals over 1 GHz. Upstream capability is enhanced because the CDN intercept 5-42 MHz upstream signals from each domain and convert to 1 GHz+ signals. Downstream capability is also enhanced because the CDN can take efficiently encoded 1 GHz+ digital data, QAM modulate it, and locally inject into each domain without crosstalk between domains. The system pushes data management and downstream from the head end to the CDN, creating more throughput. |
| US08510784B2 |
Information processing apparatus, content reproduction apparatus, information providing apparatus, device control apparatus, cooperative processing system, and program
In a cooperative processing system for performing cooperative process between a portable terminal and a television terminal through a service server and a device control server, content and content information separately managed by a content server connected to the television terminal and the service server are searched based on a search condition extracted from the content or the content information reproduced and displayed by the portable terminal, and the search result of the content and the content information is seamlessly displayed on the television terminal. Consequently, the convenience of the user in content usage can be enhanced. |
| US08510782B2 |
CATV entry adapter and method for preventing interference with eMTA equipment from MoCA Signals
A community access or cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) network. MoCA signals communicated between active ports of the entry adapter are rejected by MoCA frequency rejection filters to avoid interfering with the functionality of an eMTA subscriber device connected to a passive port of the entry adapter, without interfering with the passage of CATV upstream and downstream active and passive signals. |
| US08510779B2 |
Self-contained mini-applications system and method for digital television
A system, method and software program is provided for creating and implementing self-contained mini-applications that store, retrieve and display data and allow user interaction in a constrained computing environment such as a set-top box used in the delivery of digital television. The system, method and software program of the present invention, also known as “TV widgets” allows users to personalize data and facilitate the access of such data with a click of a button from a remote control unit. The TV widgets include a myriad of widgets of which some are, “My 8 ball”, a widget that recommends television programming to a viewer, “My TV search” for searching specific television programs, “My Weather”, “My Yellow Pages”, “Smart Navigation”, “Instant Messaging with Smart User Interface”, as well as others. A TV widget framework provides user interface context for launching and managing the widgets, in addition, it maintains a library code that implements the TV widget components. Among the implementations of the TV widgets is a widget based TV navigator created as a collection of widgets from conventional grid guides and navigators that include a grid guide widget, a “what's on now” widget (sorted by channel), a movie recommendation widget among others. |
| US08510777B2 |
Information descriptor and extended information descriptor data structures for digital television signals
According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor; a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories. |
| US08510776B2 |
Information providing system, information receiving terminal, information providing apparatus, information providing method and program
An information receiving terminal includes a designation information transmitting portion to transmit designation information designating a program and a related information receiving portion. The information providing apparatus includes a related information storage portion to store related information containing a plurality of information to which each provision period is settable in association with a program, a designation information receiving portion, a related information extracting portion to extract the related information appropriate for a designated program, and a related information transmitting portion to transmit the extracted related information. The information receiving terminal or the information providing apparatus includes an information selecting portion to select information to which a provision period corresponding to a provision time point of the related information is set from a plurality of information constituting the received/extracted related information as information constituting the related information. An information providing system effectively providing program-related information is provided. |
| US08510774B2 |
Method, DVD-H system and terminal for providing a broadcast image using laser content
A terminal can acquire information required for an image configuration by accessing actual Electronic Service Guide (ESG) information using linking information when broadcast providers transmit Lightweight Application Scene Representation (LASeR) content including the linking information related to the LASeR content and the ESG information provided in a Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H) Convergence of Broadcast and Mobile Services (CBMS), Open Mobile Alliance Broadcasting (OMA-BCAST) or Open Air Interface (OAI) standard. The broadcast providers can directly control a configuration of a broadcast image to be displayed on the terminal, such that differentiated broadcast images can be provided on a broadcast provider-by-broadcast provider basis. |
| US08510770B1 |
Predicting live programs
Systems and methods for predicting whether a program will be watched live, including receiving a plurality of message posts relating to the program; determining, from the plurality of message posts, a number of live message posts for the program based on a number of message posts relating to the program posted within a first predetermined time frame relative to the live playing of the program; determining a number of other message posts for the program based on a number of message posts relating to each program posted within a second predetermined time frame different from the first predetermined time frame; determining a first ratio based on the number of live message posts and the number of other message posts for the program; determining whether the program was predominantly watched live based on the first ratio; predicting whether the program will be watched live based on the determination; and recording the prediction in an electronic programming guide. |
| US08510767B2 |
System and method for monitoring broadcast transmissions of commercials
A technique for determining whether a program transmitted in a programming signal by a signal source was perceived by audience members within a specified time period. The programming signal is combined with a code signal to form a broadcast signal, wherein occurrence of the code signal corresponds to an occurrence of the program, and wherein the code identifies the program. The broadcast signal is monitored at a central processing facility and each received code is stored with an adjacent segment of the programming signal to create a master data base. Using a device located in the vicinity of an audience member, code signals corresponding to a program as it is being performed by program reproduction equipment and perceived by the audience member are monitored, and each code signal is stored with its said adjacent segment of the programming signal to create audience monitoring data. Based on the master data base and the audience monitoring data, determining whether the audience member perceived the program within a specified time period. |
| US08510766B2 |
Drum for use in testing optical tape media and method and apparatus for mounting optical tape media on drum
Various embodiments herein include utilities that facilitate the substantially flat and aligned mounting of optical tape segments on testing drums to increase testing accuracy of the tape segments. In this regard, a drum for testing optical tape media is disclosed having a substantially planar portion onto which first and second ends of an optical tape segment may be mounted to thereby secure the entire tape segment around an outer testing surface of the drum. Also disclosed is fixture that may be used to precisely mount and secure the tape segment over the outer mounting surface of a drum in a manner that reduces axial run-out and wrinkling of the optical tape. |
| US08510765B2 |
Optical disc fixing device and optical disc drive using same
An optical disc fixing device and an optical disc drive using the optical disc fixing device are provided. The optical disc fixing device is configured for fixing an optical disc thereto. The optical disc defines a circular mounting hole at the center portion. The optical disc fixing device includes a cylindrical clamping chassis, at least one latching piece, at least one elastic member, and a control member. The clamping chassis is substantially the same shape as the mounting hole of the optical disc and has a peripheral sidewall. The at least one latching piece together with the at least one elastic member are assembled within the clamping chassis. The control member is releasably assembled to the clamping chassis for extending the at least one latching piece from the peripheral sidewall of the clamping chassis to hold the optical disc. |
| US08510764B1 |
Method and system for deep links in application contexts
A first application running on an electronic device may receive a first request that was triggered by a second application running on the electronic device. In response to the first request, the first application may provide a token that corresponds to a state of the first application at the time of receiving the first request. In response to receiving—after the state of the first application has changed—a second request that comprises the previously-provided token, the first application may return to the state that it was in at the time of the first request. |
| US08510763B2 |
Changing streaming media quality level based on current device resource usage
Streaming media is received from a source system. A current overall resource usage of a resource of the device (such as a CPU or memory of the device) is obtained. A check is made as to whether the current overall resource usage exceeds a resource threshold value. If the current overall resource usage exceeds the resource threshold value, then an indication is provided to the source system to reduce a quality level of the streaming media. The streaming media is received from the source system at the reduced quality level until there is sufficient resource capacity at the device to increase the quality level. |
| US08510758B1 |
Embedded driver for an electronic device
An electronics module with driver information electronically associated therein. The driver information may be in a memory on the electronics module. The memory may store drivers for multiple operating systems, including a virtual machine type operating system that can be used with any processor or operating system that can run the virtual machine. The memory may alternatively store website information, e.g., an address of the website and codes to use on the website to get the right driver and to validate the hardware. |
| US08510754B1 |
Shared persistent objects
A system and method are disclosed for an interactive multimedia file (iMF), running on an interactive multimedia runtime (iMR), to store an object onto a computer, the method comprising creating a local instance of the object, storing the local instance into a memory location on the computer, monitoring changes to one or more data slots of the local instance, assigning a version identifier to the local instance, synchronizing the local instance with a main instance of the object, and interfacing the one or more data slots of the local instance with said iMF during execution. |
| US08510753B2 |
Untrusted component hosting
In a computing environment, one may wish to have interoperability between trusted and untrusted controls/plug-ins allowing for richer expression of content and control within a platform. This can be accomplished by allowing an untrusted plug-in to communicate with a trusted plug-in, while having the trusted plug-in exercise control over the platform. This allows for the creation of a layered secure approach of communication with a platform, thus allowing for increased application richness in untrusted third party applications. |
| US08510752B2 |
System and method for data management of embedded systems
A system, method, and computer program manage embedded component information for a product design in a product lifecycle management (PLM) environment. The method includes displaying at least one message object and associating the at least one message object with a signal object. |
| US08510748B2 |
Portable communication device operating method
A portable communication device operating method includes the following steps: receiving a first software opening command to open a first software. Then, a portable communication device opens the first software. The portable communication device stores several pre-load relations, wherein each of the pre-load relations records at least one pre-load software to be pre-loaded after a preset software is opened. At least one second software to be pre-loaded after the first software is opened is obtained by inquiring the pre-load relations according to the first software. The portable communication device pre-loads the second software. A second software opening command to open the second software is received. The portable communication device opens the pre-loaded second software. |
| US08510742B2 |
Job allocation program for allocating jobs to each computer without intensively managing load state of each computer
This job allocation method for allocating jobs to each computer that processes the job without intensively managing a load state of each computer includes: identifying computers having a configuration necessary for a processing of a generated job by using a profile management data storage storing data of a configuration of each computer; identifying a job allocation mode according to a current job generation state by using an allocation mode data storage storing data concerning an allocation mode of computers to the jobs in association with the job generation state; transmitting a job generation notification to at least one of the identified computers according to the identified job allocation mode; and when a job acquisition refusal notification is received in response to the job generation notification, resending a job generation notification to a computer having a configuration necessary for the generated job. Thus, by sending the job generation notification, not a job allocation notification, without intensively managing the load state of each computer, which processes the jobs, it is possible to reduce the processing load of a master computer. |
| US08510738B2 |
Preventing unnecessary context switching by employing an indicator associated with a lock on a resource
A method of avoiding unnecessary context switching in a multithreaded environment. A thread of execution of a process waiting on a lock protecting access to a shared resource may wait for the lock to be released by executing in a loop, or “spin”. The waiting thread may continuously check, in a user mode of an operating system, an indicator of whether the lock has been released. After a certain time period, the thread may stop spinning and enter a kernel mode of the operating system. Subsequently, before going to sleep which entails costly context switching, the thread may perform an additional check of the indicator to determine whether the lock has been released. If this is the case, the thread returns to user mode and the unnecessary context switching is avoided. |
| US08510735B2 |
Runtime environment for virtualizing information technology appliances
A system for virtualizing information technology (IT) appliances can include an IT appliance hosting facilities software. The IT appliance hosting facilities software can be implemented at a layer of abstraction above a virtual machine host, which is implemented in a layer of abstraction above a hardware layer of a computing system. The IT appliance hosting facilities software can include programmatic code functioning as virtualized hardware upon which a set of IT appliance software modules are able to concurrently run. The IT appliance hosting facilities software can provide caching, application level security, and a standardized framework for running the IT appliance software modules, which are configured in conformance with the standardized framework. |
| US08510733B2 |
Management of a grid computing network using independent software installation packages
A grid computing network including a server node and several client nodes, of which at least one client node includes a core program to manage the computing modules of the client node, the computing modules being coded as data bundles including independent packages, the packages being executable by the core program independently. The core program is also coded as a data bundle including individual packages, wherein one single package of the computing module or the core program can be activated for other computing modules of the client node for the computing task of the computing module. |
| US08510732B2 |
Distributed asset management system and method
The present invention provides a method and system for managing remote applications running on devices that acquire, process and store data locally in order to integrate said data with heterogeneous enterprise information systems and business processes. The system allows for remotely deploying, running, monitoring and updating of applications embedded within devices. The applications acquire, store and process data about assets that is eventually sent to a centralized data processing infrastructure. The system comprises an information integration framework that integrates the processed data with data that is extracted from heterogeneous data sources, in real-time, in order to create synthesized information. |
| US08510731B2 |
Device driver updating method and program, information processing apparatus and server apparatus using the same, and storage for storing device driver updating program
An information processing apparatus has a storage device that stores a device driver which incorporates access information regarding access to the server apparatus and a property display screen with instruction items for instructing a device driver request; a notification unit that, based on an instruction to the instruction items on the property display screen, refers to the access information and notifies the access information to an application that is capable of processing page information, in order to obtain driver update page information from the server apparatus; and an updating control unit that, based on an instruction to an update instruction section to request automatic update that is provided on a driver update page created based on the driver update page information obtained, controls a process to obtain device driver update information sent from the server apparatus and update the device driver stored in the storage device. |
| US08510730B2 |
System and method for managing applications of home network devices
Disclosed is a system and a method for managing applications installed in home network devices (HNDs) providing services on an Open Service Gateway initiative (OSGi®) framework. In the system, a mobile hand-held device (MHD) including a display unit is defined as the subject of application management between a plurality of HNDs and an application server for storing applications of the HNDs. Service frameworks existing in a plurality of HNDs including vehicle devices are based on OSGi®, and interoperation between the MHD and the HNDs depends on a Digital Living Network Alliance® (DLNA®) standard. |
| US08510728B2 |
Dynamic determination of application server runtime classloading
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for dynamic selection of a runtime classloader for a generated class file. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for dynamic selection of a runtime classloader for a generated class file is provided. The method includes extracting meta-data from a program object directed for execution in an application server and determining from the meta-data a container identity for a container in which the program object had been compiled. The method also includes selecting a container according to the meta-data. Finally, the method includes classloading the program object in the selected container. |