| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08550934B2 |
Golf club head with adjustable weighting, customizable face-angle, and variable bulge and roll face
A customizable golf club head is disclosed herein. The customizable golf club head includes a body comprising a crown and a sole and a removable skid plate attached to the sole, wherein the removable skid plate affects the face angle of the golf club head at address. The face angle of the golf club can be further altered by removing the first skid plate and replacing it with a second skid plate having a structure that, when the second skid plate is affixed to the golf club head, causes the golf club head to have a different face angle at address. |
| US08550932B2 |
Putter heads and putters including polymeric material as part of the ball striking face
Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described. |
| US08550928B2 |
Water play installation
A participatory water play installation comprises a water play area provided with several water dispensing elements which can be user-activated via a user interface connected to a command center. The command center is preferably located underneath the water play area and further comprises an electronic system controller, electrically actuated solenoid valves and a water distribution manifold. The command center is in fluid communication with the water dispensing elements whereby upon stimulation of the user interface, the command center initiates a predetermined sequence of water dispensing patterns from the activated water dispensing elements, resulting in recreational enjoyment of the participants. |
| US08550927B2 |
Solar powered, silent, energy efficient baby rocker
Disclosed is an apparatus for a rocker. In one embodiment, the rocker may be comprised of a fixed support structure; a resonant pendulum suspended from the fixed support structure, a seat or bed suspended on the pendulum; and a coil coupled to the pendulum and interacting with a magnetic field to supply force to the pendulum to maintain movement of the seat or bed. The rocker may also be comprised of a rechargeable battery that is used to power the coil and allow for the rocker to run continuously. The battery may be charged by the coil's interactions with the magnetic field or using at least one solar panel. The solar panel may also be used without a battery to provide energy to the rocker so that it may run continuously. The coil may be comprised of an electrically conducting wire (e.g., copper or aluminum wire). |
| US08550925B2 |
Universal joint
A universal joint includes a first rotating assembly, a second rotating assembly and a linking member. The first rotating assembly includes a rotating member including a main body and a pair of rotating portions extending from opposite ends of the main body, a pivotal member rotatably connected to the pair of the rotating portions, and a pair of locking members respectively engaging with opposite ends of the pivotal member to prevent the pivotal member detaching from the rotating member. The second rotating assembly is the same as the first rotating assembly. The linking member extends into the pivotal member of the first rotating assembly and engages with the pivotal member of the second rotating assembly to connect the two pivotal members together. |
| US08550923B2 |
Electronic terminal having an upper cover with a display screen
An electronic terminal (10), in particular for the management of games, comprising an upper cover (16) fulcrum-mounted on a fixed external structure (11) and suitable for assuming, with respect to the latter, a closed position (P1) and an open position (P2), in which the upper cover (13) is made of a first part (13a), arranged adjacently to the relative fulcrum-mounting area (17) on the fixed structure (11), and a second part (13b), arranged away from the fulcrum-mounting area (17), which bears a keyboard (14) for the entry of data, and in which a screen (16) for displaying data is rotatingly mounted on a central area (13c) of the cover, between the first (13a) and the second part (13b), so as to be adjustable with respect to the fixed structure (11) when the upper cover (13) is in the closed position (P1). To advantage, the terminal (10) comprises a front access door (31a) suitable for being easily removed as a single piece from a respective seat made in the fixed structure (11), thereby freeing and completely uncovering a path (27) for reading of games coupons (28) inserted in the terminal (10). |
| US08550922B2 |
Game removal with game history
Games may be divided into different portions having differing preservation needs. These different portions may be saved to set locations for set periods of time when a downloaded game that was available on a given gaming terminal must be disabled, removed or otherwise made unavailable on the gaming terminal. The removal process may be automated or controlled remotely, although this is not strictly required. Further, preservation of games may be implemented using directories of the various game components for multiple downloaded games available to a gaming terminal. |
| US08550918B2 |
Systems for coordinating a distributed game in a gaming environment
Various embodiments of a gaming system for coordinating a distributed game in a gaming environment are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming system includes a polymorphous network of game managers. In the polymorphous network, each game manager is dynamically interconnected with one or more of the other game managers, and the dynamic interconnections are based on a game manager criteria or gaming data. The gaming system also includes a plurality of groups of gaming machines where a first group of gaming machines is only in communication with a first game manager. The first game manager receives game requests from the first group of gaming machines to initiate a game. The first game manager initiates the game if a sufficient number of game requests are received by the first game manager. Alternatively, the first game manager forwards the game requests to an appropriate game manager if the first gaming machine manager receives an insufficient number of game requests. |
| US08550914B2 |
Recording audio in order to affect gameplay experience
Techniques are described for altering the gameplay of a computer game based on audio content recorded within the virtual world of the computer game. An indication is received of audio content to record within the computer game, and the indicated audio content is then recorded. Subsequently, a selection of the recorded audio content to playback within the virtual world is received. Upon playing the recorded audio content in the virtual world, embodiments affect one or more gameplay elements of the computer game, based on the playback of the recorded audio content. |
| US08550911B2 |
Applying graphical characteristics to graphical objects in a wagering game machine
Systems and methods for providing programs on wagering game machine peripherals are described. The programs may be shader programs for execution by one or more programmable shaders on a graphics processing unit. The programs may provide a graphical result, e.g. an output on a display, or may provide a non-graphical result of a computation to a general purpose processor on the wagering game machine. |
| US08550906B2 |
Game machine and game program
The game machine and game program of the present invention display, at the start of a game, multiple static symbols by constantly changing to various types of symbols including the wild symbol. The game machine then executes a static display by displaying such changing symbols statically again in each display area and recognizes the arrangements of each static symbol. Then, the game machine visually displays the arrangement of the symbols by which multiple wins are established or the win line related to such arrangements of the symbols, when the pre-determined combinations of symbols, in which at least one wild symbol is included, are arranged so that multiple wins are established. The game machine and game program according to the present invention increases the player's interest and arouses the player's anticipation. |
| US08550903B2 |
System and method for bonus gaming using a mobile device
Disclosed is a method for enabling a player to use a mobile bonus feature system and a mobile device to become eligible for mobile promotions in addition to prizes or awards offered by a game on an underlying gaming machine. The method includes: enabling enrollment in the mobile bonus feature system; displaying a list of mobile promotions associated with games on underlying gaming machines; enabling selection of a mobile promotion and an associated game on an underlying gaming machine; once the player meets criteria of the mobile promotion on the underlying gaming machine, enabling the player to use a camera of the mobile device, which is controlled by the mobile bonus feature system, to take a photo of a game result that satisfies the mobile promotion; securely transmitting the photo of the game result to a web service; analyzing the photo of the game result to confirm the player has met the criteria of the mobile promotion; and once confirmed, awarding the player a bonus associated with the mobile promotion. |
| US08550901B2 |
Wagering game benefits redeemable at another gaming device
Methods and apparatus are described for offering a benefit to a player of a first electronic game device. In an embodiment, the method includes determining if a player of a first electronic game device qualifies to receive at least one benefit associated with an award value, and then outputting an offer to provide the at least one benefit. In some embodiments, the offer requires use of a second electronic game device. The method may also include receiving a request for the benefit at the second electronic game device, and then providing at least one benefit to the player. In some embodiments, the offer includes such benefits as additional game play, one or more bonus-round game outcomes, a monetary payout, a game play modification, additional comp points, loss insurance, a multimedia option, and acquisition of at least one unit of media content. |
| US08550900B2 |
Method and apparatus for influencing cash outs from a gaming device
A gaming device is described that provides a number of different methods for cashing out credit balances from a gaming device. These methods include providing incentives, such as benefits, to a player for selecting particular monetary forms in which to receive the cash out. Non-preferred cash out forms may be associated with disincentives, such as penalties, to dissuade players from selecting these types of monetary transfers. In certain embodiments, incentives and disincentives may be associated with a variety of available monetary forms for cash out. |
| US08550898B2 |
System for animating mechanical reels on a gaming machine
A system for providing animation on mechanical reels games is disclosed. A gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having symbols provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A lighting system is configured to illuminate a selected symbol on at least one mechanical reel. A game controller generates a game outcome. One or more stepper motors is operatively coupled to the mechanical reels and independently spins each reel. A reel control unit determines the timing of illuminating of the selected symbol on the position of the symbol on the reel when it is illuminated. |
| US08550891B2 |
Poker system and method involving draw out protection
A draw out point system and method. Points may be derived from odds associated with a player winning a hand when the player is subjected to a draw out. For example, if a first player has an 80% chance of winning a hand against a second player once no bets are possible, the first player is awarded 80 points corresponding to the 80% chance of winning responsive to a draw out by the second player. Alternatively, points are based on a value of a pot at the time of the draw out. After the tournament, players may be awarded payouts commensurate with earned points until a draw out pool is exhausted. To fund the draw out pool, players pay an extra tournament fee or portion of the tournament fee may be allocated to a draw out pool. Operators retain a portion of the draw out pool to increase operator revenue. |
| US08550882B2 |
Game ball surface treatment apparatus
A game ball surface treatment apparatus for abrading, cleaning or polishing game balls includes an outer housing having a base portion and a side wall portion, an inner housing arranged within the outer housing and having a bottom portion and a circumferential wall portion extending upwards from the bottom portion, a damper arranged to interconnect the outer housing and the inner housing, an electric motor fixed to the bottom portion of the inner housing and having an output shaft extending upwards, a rotary disc fixed to the output shaft of the electric motor to support the game balls and provided with an abrading fabric making contact with the game balls, an impeller arranged above the rotary disc to accommodate the game balls in a mutually isolated state, and a lining attached to the circumferential wall portion of the inner housing to make contact with the game balls. |
| US08550881B2 |
Vane, mounting assembly and throwing wheel apparatus having a locking member tapered in two planes
A vane of a throwing wheel apparatus including a particle throwing portion, extending between first and second ends, having a first throwing face, a second throwing face, and two side edges. Each of the side edges extend substantially parallel to one another and includes a locking member adapted to be detachably coupled to a mounting element of the throwing wheel apparatus. Each locking member includes a first taper in a first plane and a second taper in a second plane. The first plane is substantially perpendicular to each side edge of the vane and the second plane is substantially parallel to the first taper. The side edges define a width smaller than a predetermined distance between first and second mounting elements of the throwing wheel apparatus so that when coupled to the mounting elements a gap is present on both sides of the vane. |
| US08550880B2 |
Platen and adapter assemblies for facilitating silicon electrode polishing
A process is provided for polishing a silicon electrode utilizing a polishing turntable and a dual function electrode platen. The dual function electrode platen is secured to the polishing turntable and comprises a plurality of electrode mounts arranged to project from an electrode engaging face of the dual function electrode platen. The electrode mounts complement respective positions of mount receptacles formed in a platen engaging face of the silicon electrode to be polished. The electrode mounts and the mount receptacles are configured to permit non-destructive engagement and disengagement of the electrode engaging face of the electrode platen and the platen engaging face of the silicon electrode. The dual function electrode platen further comprises platen adapter abutments positioned radially inward of the electrode mounts. The platen adapter abutments are configured to bring a platen adapter into approximate alignment with the rotary polishing axis. The silicon electrode is polished by (i) engaging the electrode engaging face of the electrode platen and the platen engaging face of the silicon electrode via the electrode mounts and mount receptacles, (ii) utilizing the polishing turntable to impart rotary motion to the engaged silicon electrode, and (iii) contacting an exposed face of the silicon electrode with a polishing surface as the silicon electrode rotates about the rotary polishing axis. Additional embodiments are contemplated, disclosed and claimed. |
| US08550879B2 |
Polishing pad conditioner
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an improved conditioning module and conditioning disks for improved pressure distribution during the process of conditioning a polishing pad of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) system. In one embodiment, a conditioning module comprising multiple, small conditioning disks is provided. In one embodiment, a conditioning disk having a compliant backing member is provided. In one embodiment, the compliant backing member comprises a semi-rigid backing member cut into a spiral shape to provide compliancy. In another embodiment, the compliant backing member comprises a fluid-pressurized, flexible membrane. Each embodiment of the present invention provides an improved pressure distribution across the face of each conditioning disk, resulting in increased disk life as well as increased conditioning rate and uniformity. |
| US08550876B2 |
Force-controlled surface finishing through the use of a passive magnetic constant-force device
A constant force finishing system used to finish a surface of a workpiece includes at least a first movement device arranged to apply a first movement to a finishing tool, the first movement having a range of distance D1. The finishing system also includes a constant force device (CFD) in mechanical communication with the finishing tool, the CFD arranged to apply a second movement in conjunction with the first movement to the finishing tool, the second movement having a range of Δ1, where D1>>Δ1. |
| US08550875B2 |
Method of operating substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing apparatus
A method of operating a substrate processing apparatus, upon the occurrence of a nonfatal failure in the apparatus, makes it possible to continue part of the apparatus operations for substrates to clean and recover a substrate or to easily discharge a substrate from the apparatus, without stopping an entire apparatus, thereby reducing the risk of a substrate becoming unprocessable. The method of operating a substrate processing apparatus having a polishing section, a cleaning section and a transferring mechanism, includes: classifying substrates, upon detection of a malfunction in any of the polishing section, the cleaning section and the transferring mechanism, according to the site of the malfunction and to the positions of the substrates in the substrate processing apparatus; and carrying out an operation for each of the substrates after the detection of the malfunction, the operation varying depending on the classification of the substrate. |
| US08550873B2 |
Method and apparatus for prepping surfaces with a high-frequency forced pulsed waterjet
A method of prepping a surface using a high-frequency forced pulsed waterjet entails generating a high-frequency signal having a frequency f using a high-frequency signal generator, applying the high-frequency signal to a transducer having a microtip to cause the microtip of the transducer to vibrate to thereby generate a forced pulsed waterjet through an exit orifice of a nozzle having an exit orifice diameter d and a length L. The forced pulsed waterjet prepares the surface to within a predetermined range of surface roughness. The surface roughness is determined by selecting operating parameters comprising a standoff distance (SD), a traverse velocity VTR of the nozzle, a water pressure P, a water flow rate Q, a length-to-diameter (L/d) ratio, a microtip-to-orifice distance (a), the frequency f, and an amplitude A of the high-frequency signal. |
| US08550866B2 |
Invertible pillow or cushion
A textile product includes an external surface of a first form including a fastener that forms a first cavity when opened in the first form. The textile product also includes an internal surface of a second form that forms a second cavity when the fastener is opened in the second form. The textile product is invertible from the first form into the second form, and vice versa, via the first and second cavities, respectively. |
| US08550864B2 |
Drives for propulsion of marine vessels
A marine propulsion system includes a gearbox housing that is attached to the stern of a vessel hull, a pivot casing that can pivot relative to the gearbox housing for trim/tilt and a lower unit that can pivot relative to the pivot casing to steer. The gearbox housing houses an input shaft, which is connected via a gear set to an intermediate shaft, which is connected via a bevel gear set to a transverse shaft, which extends into the pivot casing. Inside the pivot casing, a drive shaft is connected to the transverse shaft via a clutch assembly and the drive shaft extends from the pivot casing to the lower unit, where it drives a propeller shaft. The pivot casing pivots about the axis of the transverse shaft to trim/tilt and the lower unit pivots about the axis of the drive shaft to steer. |
| US08550863B1 |
Watercraft propeller propulsion system having a gimbal assembly with an external gimbal ring
A gimbal assembly for a watercraft propeller propulsion system including first and second generally cylindrical gimbal ends each having a pair of diametrically opposing gimbal yokes, and an external gimbal ring pivotally coupled to the opposing gimbal yokes of each of the first and second gimbal ends. The gimbal ring may include a zigzag shaped gimbal ring body with opposing extensions orthogonal to opposing depressions and corresponding pairs of opposing gimbal pin couplings. The opposing gimbal yokes of each gimbal end may include opposing gimbal pin couplings for coupling to the couplings of the gimbal ring. Each gimbal end may be assembled through one face of the gimbal ring and internally coupled to pin couplings of an opposite face of the gimbal ring. The gimbal pins may be clamped with U-bolts. The opposing gimbal yokes may have minimal clearance around a universal joint. A bellows may be mounted externally. |
| US08550862B2 |
Ship propulsion system having a pump jet
The invention relates to a ship propulsion system (S) having a pump jet (P) comprising a pump housing (G) and a drive motor, wherein the drive motor is a solenoid motor (M) integrated into the pump housing (G). |
| US08550861B2 |
Compressive contact for high speed electrical connector
An electrical interconnection system with high speed, high density electrical connectors. One of the connectors includes a mating contact portion that generates contact force as it is compressed against a wall of the connector housing. The mating contact portion has multiple segments, each with a contact region extending from the wall, such that multiple points of contact to a complementary mating contact portion in a mating connector are provided for mechanical robustness. Additionally, each signal path through the mating interface portions of the connectors can be narrow and has a relatively uniform cross section to provide a uniform impedance. Additional size reduction may be achieved by mounting a ground contact on an exterior surface of a connector housing in alternating rows. Additionally, embodiments in which a wavy contact is used in a cantilevered configuration are also described. |
| US08550860B2 |
Electrical connector having finger-actuated retainer
The present disclosure is directed to TPA connectors. The TPA connectors of the present disclosure can have a connector body that can include a plurality of cavities for receiving terminals. The TPA connectors can also include a retainer for locking the terminals in their seated position and for locking to the connector body to prevent unwanted removal thereof. The connector body can include posts with stop surfaces which can prevent the retainer from moving from a pre-lock position to a fully locked position by engaging contact surfaces on the locking arms of the retainer. The locking arms can be cantilevered and have outwardly directed projections to engage the posts for locking the retainer to the connector body. The locking arms can be deflected inwardly with a squeezing or pinching motion to disengage the contact surfaces from the stop surfaces of the posts and permitting the retainer to move to the fully locked position by pushing retainer towards the connector body. Once the projects pass the post, locking arms can be release to allow the projections to engage the posts to lock the retainer to the connector body. |
| US08550858B2 |
Extensible memory card-compatible receptacle and port expansion device
Systems, apparatus, and methods for expanding a memory card-compatible receptacle for use with a multitude of other connections are provided. In an embodiment, a memory card-compatible receptacle having two sets of contact points communicates with a port expansion device to provide an interface with more commonly used ports. |
| US08550855B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector for connecting with an electrical card comprises a plurality of signal terminal modules and at least one ground terminal. Each of the plurality of signal terminal modules having a pair of signal terminal and an insulation body. Each of the pair of signal terminals include a first contact portion, a first securing portion, and a first connection portion positioned between the first contact portion and the first securing portion. The insulation body is overmolded to each first connection portion of the pair of signal terminals. The ground terminal includes a pair of second contact portions, a second securing portion, and a second connection portion positioned between the pair of second contact portions and the second securing portion. The insulation body includes openings positioned to correspond to each of the pair of signal terminals, with a portion of each of the pair of signal terminals is exposed. |
| US08550852B2 |
Electrical connector with staggered single ended contacts
The invention relates to an electrical connector that includes an insulating connector housing containing a plurality of slots arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. A plurality of single ended contacts is received in the slots. In particular, the single ended contacts are arranged in pairs in said slots of said matrix, such that, in a first row, a first pair of said contacts accommodates slots in a first column and a second column of said matrix and, in a second row adjacent to said first row, a second pair of said contacts accommodates slots in said second column and a third column of said matrix, wherein positions corresponding respectively to the first row and the third column, and to the first column and the second row are free of contact. |
| US08550850B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing crosstalk in electrical connectors
A communication jack having crosstalk compensation features for overall crosstalk interference reduction is disclosed. In one embodiment, the jack is configured to receive a plug to form a communication connection, and comprises jack contacts disposed in the jack, with each contact having at least a first surface and a second surface. Upon the plug being received by the jack, the plug contacts interface with the first surface of the jack contacts. The jack further includes a first capacitive coupling connected between two pairs of jack contacts to compensate for near end crosstalk, with the first capacitive coupling being connected to the pairs of jack contacts along the second surface adjacent to where the plug contacts interface with the jack contacts. A far end crosstalk compensation scheme is also set forth. |
| US08550848B2 |
Electrical connector assembly having an improved EMI gasket
An electrical connector assembly (100) comprises: a housing (1) having a rear body portion (12) and a front mating portion (13), two paralleled printed circuit boards (2) disposed in the housing and positioned by the housing, two cables (4) respectively electrically connected to the two printed circuit boards, a spacer (3) sandwiched between the two printed circuit boards and positioned by the housing, a metallic holder (8) surrounding the body portion, and a metallic gasket (9) surrounding a rear section of the mating portion. The metallic gasket has a number of ribs (135) around a front end thereof and the housing has on an outer surface thereof a plurality of slits receiving the ribs (95). |
| US08550846B2 |
Coupling part for electrical lines
A coupling part for electrical lines, where, in an injection-molded protective or plug body, in whose first end a cable is guided, a sealing element is contained which rests circumferentially tight against the cable. The sealing element is surrounded by a capsule part and is biased by the capsule part at least proportionately against the cable, wherein the capsule part is surrounded at least proportionately by the injection-molding protective or plug body. |
| US08550845B1 |
Cam-actuated independent secondary lock
A connector assembly according to the present disclosure includes a connector body, a lock reinforcement, and a secondary lock. The connector body has a plurality of terminal cavities and a plurality of lock projections configured to engage a plurality of terminals to retain the terminals in the terminal cavities. The lock reinforcement is slidable relative to the connector body for engagement with a subset of the lock projections to maintain the lock projections engaged with a first subset of the terminals. The secondary lock is slidable relative to the connector body for engagement with a second subset of the terminals to retain the terminals in the terminal cavities independent from the lock projections. The secondary lock is coupled to the lock reinforcement such that moving one of the lock reinforcement and the secondary lock moves the other one of the lock reinforcement and the secondary lock. |
| US08550838B2 |
Electrical connector having poke-in wire contact
An electrical connector is provided including a housing having a receptacle for receiving a wire. A fixed contact is positioned within the housing and has a termination contact configured to electrically couple to a signal path. A moveable contact is electrically coupled to the fixed contact. The moveable contact has a contact interface for engaging the wire. The contact interface is moveable between a connection position, wherein the contact interface engages the wire, and a release position, wherein the contact interface is disengaged from the wire to enable the wire to be removed from the receptacle. |
| US08550828B2 |
USB connector
A USB connector is disclosed, which includes a first insulating body, a second insulating body, a plurality of first and second terminals, a first cover, and a second cover. A first module is defined by the first insulating body, the first terminals, and the first cover. A second module is defined the by second insulating body, the second terminals, and the second cover. The first and second modules are movably coupled relative to each other, for using independently or jointly. |
| US08550824B2 |
Display card assembly
A display card assembly includes a display card with a first circuit board, a straight through connector, and an expansion card with a second circuit board. A first edge connector is arranged on a bottom edge of the first circuit board and includes first power pins connected to a control chip and first storage chips, first ground pins, and first signal pins. A second edge connector connected to the straight through connector is arranged on an end edge of the first circuit board adjoining the bottom edge and includes second power pins connected to the first power pins, second ground pins, and second signal pins connected to the control chip. A third edge connector engaged in the straight through connector is arranged on an end edge of the second circuit board and includes third power pins and third signal pins connected to the second storage chips, and third ground pins. |
| US08550821B2 |
Simulation system for arthroscopic surgery training
The invention relates to a simulator for training in arthroscopic surgery on a joint of a simulated patient, comprising: a data processing unit (1); viewing means (2) for viewing the simulation exercise; a working platform (12); a human anatomy model (9) with arthroscopic portals (3) through which the user inserts the simulated arthroscopic instrument (10); two haptic devices (5a, 5b) arranged around the model (9) with a mobile member (6a, 6b), the end of which is provided with a guide (8a, 8b) for guiding the instrument that is inserted into the arthroscopic portals (3) during a simulated surgical procedure, each haptic device (5a, 5b) including means for synchronization with the control unit (1) and means for determining the position and orientation of the mobile members (6a, 6b); and a simulated arthroscopic camera (7). The data processing unit (1) is configured to send simulated images, as would be seen in a real operation, from the arthroscopic camera (7) to the viewing means (2) in real time. |
| US08550820B2 |
System and method for a workstation injury avoidance program
A method including the steps determining a workstation environment of a user, providing a first reminder to the user to perform a set of exercises after an interval of work, and instructing the user to perform the set of exercises after an acceptance, by the user, of the reminder to perform the set of exercises, the set of exercises tailored to the workstation environment of the user, wherein the instructions associated with the first set of exercises and the second set of exercises include a demonstration to the user to ensure the proper execution of the exercises by the user to help reduce the probability of a workstation injury. Furthermore, an associated system is also provided. |
| US08550819B2 |
Motion training schematic and method of instruction
A method of golf instruction utilizing a schematic represented by a plurality of vertical, diagonal and circular lines which demonstrate a preferred golf swing. A video recorder, processor and monitor can be used to record the golf swing of a student aligned within the schematic. Corrections to the students swing can be made based on the deviation from the schematic. Additionally, the flight path of the ball can be determined based upon the deviation from the schematic and the adjusted flight path can be displayed. |
| US08550814B1 |
Multi-component orthodontic bracket assembly
An orthodontic bracket assembly adapted for securement to teeth of the upper and lower jaw is provided. The assembly is a multi-component system that includes a base component and a bracket component. The base component is adapted for securement to a tooth using an adhesive material and includes a housing having an integral channel guide. The bracket component includes a flange arranged for insertion within the channel guide and is held therein by a spring clip. The bracket component includes an archwire retention head for receiving and retaining an orthodontic archwire therein. In one embodiment, the archwire retention head includes a tube having an archwire tunnel extending mesial-distally therethrough. The cross-sectional shape of the archwire tunnel can vary depending upon the archwire being employed and may provide a frictional or frictionless fit. The tube may be positioned at a predetermined location for correcting a maloccluded tooth. |
| US08550811B2 |
Method for feeding hot gas to a shaft furnace
The present invention proposes a method for feeding hot gas to a shaft furnace (12), wherein the method comprises feeding a first portion (32) of a first gas flow (24) to a mixing chamber (36) and feeding a second portion (34) of the first gas flow (24) into said shaft furnace. The method further comprises feeding a second gas flow (28) to the mixing chamber (36), allowing the first portion (32) of the first gas flow (24) to mix with the second gas flow (28) in the mixing chamber (36), thereby forming a third gas flow (38), and feeding the third gas flow (38) to the shaft furnace (12). The first gas flow (24) has a first volumetric fluid flow rate (V1), a first temperature (T1) and a first pressure (p1); the second gas flow (28) has a second volumetric fluid flow rate (V2), a second temperature (T2) and a second pressure (p2); and the third gas flow (38) has a third volumetric fluid flow rate (V3), a third temperature (T3) and a third pressure (p3). According to an important aspect of the present invention, the first temperature (T1) is higher than the second temperature (T2) and the first pressure (p1) is lower than the second pressure (p2) and the third temperature (T3) is regulated by controlling the second pressure (p2). |
| US08550809B2 |
Combustor and method for conditioning flow through a combustor
A combustor includes an end cap that extends radially across a portion of the combustor and includes an upstream surface axially separated from a downstream surface. A combustion chamber is downstream of the end cap. Premixer tubes extend from a premixer tube inlet proximate to the upstream surface through the downstream surface to provide fluid communication through the end cap and include means for conditioning flow through the plurality of premixer tubes. A method for conditioning flow through a combustor includes flowing a working fluid through a first and second set of premixer tubes that extend axially through an end cap, wherein the second set of premixer tubes includes means for conditioning flow through the second set of premixer tubes, and flowing a fuel through the first or second set of premixer tubes. |
| US08550805B2 |
Process and device for the manufacture of a particularly heat-resistant hollow body
A process and a device for the manufacture of a hollow body, particularly of a heat-resistant hollow body, which is molded out of a heated preform of thermoplastic plastic in a contoured blow mold through the introduction of a first medium into the preform, which medium is stored in a first medium storage unit and is under a pressure (p1) (preblowing phase), and the more or less simultaneous stretching of the hollow body through a stretching rod and the introduction of a second medium in the hollow body, which medium is stored in a second medium storage unit and the pressure of which (p2) is higher than the pressure of the first medium (p1) (final blowing phase), and which is cooled by a third medium, which is medium stored in a third medium storage unit (rinsing phase), whereby the preblowing medium is under a pressure of approximately 2-20 bar, the final blowing medium is under a pressure of approximately 15-45 bar, and the cooling medium is under a pressure of approximately 30-45 bar. |
| US08550795B2 |
Series-connected motor unit and a fan utilizing the same
A series-connected motor unit includes a first motor, a second motor and a separation member. The first motor has a first circuit board, and the second motor has a second circuit board. The separation member has a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. The first face abuts against the first circuit board, and the second face abuts against the second circuit board. |
| US08550793B2 |
Fastening of rotor magnets on the shaft of a compressor arrangement
A compressor arrangement for compressing fresh air for internal combustion engines includes a compressor wheel and an electric motor having at least one stator and at least one rotor having a rotor magnet and a rotor gap between the rotor and stator. The rotor gap is designed such that when the compressor wheel rotates, at least 50%, of the air mass flow to be compressed is fed through the rotor gap. The compressor wheel is mounted on a shaft or contains the shaft and at least one rotor magnet or a carrier for holding the rotor magnet and is mountable as a separate part on said shaft and may be bolted, splinted, glued, shrunk, or secured by form-fit to said shaft to prevent rotation. |
| US08550790B2 |
Vacuum generator, driven by high-pressure air, and having means arranged therewith for the active release of an object that is gripped in a vacuum-gripper
A vacuum generator driven by compressed air and arranged to supply vacuum to a vacuum gripper element, wherein a chamber (6) is associated with the vacuum generator and arranged to be brought in flow connection (9) with the vacuum gripper element via a valve (15) which is actuated by overpressure accumulated in the chamber to open the connection (9) to the vacuum gripper element in order to discharge the overpressure to the vacuum gripper element in result of interruption of the compressed air flow (P). The vacuum generator is characterized in that the chamber (6) in addition includes a flow connection (11) with the ambient atmosphere, and in the additional flow connection (11) a one-way valve (10) which is arranged to open the connection (11) with the atmosphere in result of the air pressure in the chamber (6) falling below the atmospheric pressure. |
| US08550789B2 |
Linear compressor
The present invention discloses a linear compressor which makes it possible to precisely operate a voltage using a current without having a high-capacity capacitor connected in series to a motor. The linear compressor comprises a mechanical unit including a fixed member having a compression space therein, a movable member linearly reciprocated in the fixed member to compress a refrigerant sucked into the compression space, one or more springs provided to elastically support the movable member in the motion direction of the movable member, and a motor connected to the movable member to linearly reciprocate the movable member in the axial direction, and an electric control unit including a rectification unit receiving AC power and outputting a DC voltage, an inverter unit receiving the DC voltage, converting the DC voltage to an AC voltage according to a control signal, and supplying the AC voltage to the motor, a current sensing unit sensing a current flowing between the motor and the inverter unit, an integrator circuit unit integrating a voltage corresponding to the current from the current sensing unit, and a control unit receiving an integrated value from the integrator circuit unit and controlling the AC voltage applied to the motor to permit the reciprocation of the movable member. |
| US08550788B2 |
Impeller device and manufacturing method for rotary impeller
An impeller device may include a magnetic detecting element and a magnetic body, which is paired with the magnetic detecting element, for detecting a rotational position of a rotary impeller. The rotary impeller is formed with a bottomed recessed part having an opening into which one of the magnetic detecting element or the magnetic body is inserted, and the opening of the recessed part is sealed with resin injected by insert molding so that the one of the magnetic detecting element and the magnetic body is buried in the rotary impeller. The magnetic detecting element and the magnetic body are capable of facing to each other through a bottom face of the bottomed recessed part. |
| US08550787B2 |
Wind turbine blade with submerged boundary layer control means comprising crossing sub-channels
A wind turbine blade having a longitudinal direction with a root end and a tip end as well as a chord extending in a transverse direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge is described. The blade comprises a flow control surface with a suction side and a pressure side. A number of boundary layer control structures are formed in the flow control surface. The boundary layer control structures include a channel submerged in the flow control surface with a first end facing towards the leading edge and a second end facing towards the trailing edge of the blade. The channel further comprises a bottom surface extending from the first end to the second end. The channel at the first end comprises a first channel zone comprising a first sub-channel having a first cross-sectional area and a second sub-channel having a second cross-sectional area, the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel crossing each other at a point of crossing. |
| US08550786B2 |
Vertical axis wind turbine with self-starting capabilities
A vertical axis wind turbine and vertical axis wind turbine assembly comprising a rotary body and a plurality of blades. A cross section through each blade of the plurality of blades transverse to the rotary axis comprises an inner camber line, an outer camber line, and a chord line. The outer camber line comprises a first portion, a transition portion and a second portion. The second portion is longer, in the lengthwise direction, than a combined length of the first portion and the transition portion. The average second portion thickness is less than half an average first portion thickness. A magnitude of an average rate of change in a transition portion thickness is at least twice a magnitude of an average rate of change in a first portion thickness, and a magnitude of an average rate of change in a second portion thickness. |
| US08550785B2 |
Wire seal for metering of turbine blade cooling fluids
A cooling fluid metering system for a turbine blade of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The cooling fluid metering system may include a cooling channel positioned between a root of a turbine blade and an offset rotor sealing plate for supplying cooling fluids to turbine blades. At one point, a portion of the cooling channel may include a gap between the root and the offset rotor sealing plate. The gap may be sealed with teardrop shaped seal positioned within a teardrop shaped cavity at the gap. The cavity and seal may be positioned such that during operation, the seal is forced radially outward and into the gap, thereby effectively metering cooling fluid flow through the cooling channel. |
| US08550784B2 |
Gas turbine engine rotor construction
A longitudinal stack of gas turbine engine rotor disks each include an annular spacer which transmits compressive preloading of the stack to an adjacent disk, the spacer and an annular shoulder on the disk rim defining an annular slot which accommodates the base of a segmented annular blade cluster which shields the rim from some of the heat associated with the flow of working fluid around the disks. |
| US08550783B2 |
Turbine blade platform undercut
A system and method of extending the useable life of a gas turbine blade is disclosed in which the gas turbine blade includes an undercut configuration designed to relieve mechanical and thermal stress imparted into the pedestal region of the airfoil trailing edge. The embodiments of the present invention include turbine blade configurations having different trailing edge undercut configurations as well as additional cooling supplied to the internal passages of the trailing edge region of the turbine blade. |
| US08550780B2 |
Device for sealing a rotating shaft
A device serves the purpose of sealing a rotating shaft for use under water. It exhibits face seals which seal a work area against the water. In accordance with the invention the face seals are constructed in the form of three slide ring pairs, wherein between the three slide ring pairs two areas (18, 21) are arranged. One of the areas is a sealing area adjacent to the water filled with a first medium and the other area is a leaking area adjacent to the work area. In the sealing area the first medium is held at a pressure level which is higher than the pressure of the adjacent water. |
| US08550778B2 |
Cooling system of ring segment and gas turbine
In a cooling system of ring segment that cools a ring segment of a gas turbine, the segment body of the ring segment is constituted from a collision plate that has a small hole that blows out cooling air, a cooling space that is enclosed by the collision plate and the main body of the segment body; a first cavity that receives the cooling air from the cooling space; and a first cooling passage, of which one end communicates with the first cavity, and the other end blows out the cooling air from openings that are arranged in the side end portion into combustion gas; the openings of the first cooling passages being arranged so that the arrangement pitch of the openings becomes smaller or the opening area of the openings becomes larger on the upstream in the flow direction of the combustion gas than the openings on the downstream, and are arranged so that the arrangement pitch of the openings becomes larger or the opening area of the openings becomes smaller on the downstream in the flow direction of the combustion gas than the openings on the upstream. |
| US08550775B2 |
Compressor
A compressor for a turbocharger having a compressor wheel with compressor blades, and being mounted for rotation on a shaft. The compressor has a shroud mounted adjacent the wheel and defining a gas flow path between the shroud and the blades from a compressor inlet to a diffuser outlet. In cross-section the shroud has a surface in the flow path, the surface having a profile that includes a section with a smoothly curving surface and at least one relative discontinuity forming a downstream-facing face. |
| US08550773B2 |
Steam turbine having bearing struts
A steam turbine having an exhaust-steam casing for directing an exhaust-steam mass flow, a shaft bearing for mounting a turbine shaft, and at least two bearing struts, by means of which the shaft bearing is fastened to the exhaust-steam casing, is characterized according to the invention in that each of the at least two bearing struts has a cooling cavity arranged in the respective bearing strut for directing a coolant, and the cooling cavities of the at least two bearing struts are connected in a fluidically conductive manner via a closed-off connecting cavity in the region of the shaft bearing. |
| US08550768B2 |
Method for improving the stall margin of an axial flow compressor using a casing treatment
A method for determining a preferred circumferential groove arrangement for a casing treatment of an axial flow compressor is disclosed. The method includes using the results from a three dimensional steady state computational fluid dynamic analysis to generate a flow field between a blade tip of a rotating blade and a compressor casing to determine the preferred circumferential groove arrangement. A stall margin for the axial flow compressor will be increased with the method. |
| US08550766B2 |
Method and device for aligning components
Method and apparatus for aligning a small-size component with vacuum pick-up nozzles within turrets used with electronic components or assembly equipments. The method comprises the steps of picking-up the component with a pick-up nozzle; measuring a position of the component in respect to a defined value; bringing the component held by the pick-up nozzle in contact with a aligning device; holding the component with the aligning device and; moving the aligning device in order to align the component based on the position measurement. |
| US08550763B2 |
Cell engagement and retention carriage
A carriage with a cell carrier engages and retains a vertically driven cell so that the cell and its contents, such as a data storage cartridge, may be moved laterally from one linear library to another. A portal engagement device of the cell carrier includes a movable rack so that a pinion of the cell may move up or down the rack, and has pins that, when the device is down, engage a library vertical portal having a fixed rack. A cam state machine of the cell carrier guides a spring loaded cam follower hook of the cell in a pattern to lock the hook in position and, when hooked, attempted downward movement of the vertically driven cell moves the portal engagement device upward to disengage the pins of the portal engagement device from the vertical portal. The carriage may then transport the cell to another vertical portal. |
| US08550753B2 |
Face mill for fine milling
A face mill and a replaceable milling insert are disclosed. The front side of the milling insert is tilted at a clearance angle (ε) in relation to the reference plane (RP). The cutting edge of the milling insert extends between two end points, which move in circular paths of different radii. The cutting edge forms a negative radial angle (δ) with an imaginary radial line (A) that extends from the center axis (C1) of the basic body and intersects the first end point of the cutting edge. The front side and chip surface of the milling insert mutually form a nominal angle (β) that amounts to at most 83° . The cutting edge is straight and in the entire length thereof situated in the reference plane (RP), the negative radial angle (δ) thereof amounting to at least 70°. |
| US08550752B2 |
Dry powder injector
Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the large scale synthesis of carbon nanostructures are provided. Metal catalysts having small diameter and narrow distribution of particle sizes are prepared and continuously injected as aerosols into a reactor. The metal catalysts are supported on supports that are substantially free of carbon. The metal catalyst, in the form of a powder, is placed in an injector that is shaken vertically. The powder is aerosolized, and the powder entrailed in the gas is passed through a conduit that is bifurcated where one portion delivers the powder to the reactor while the other portion connects back to the ejector that is located in between the gas source and the top part of the container. |
| US08550751B2 |
Non-tensionable cable bolt apparatus and related method
A cable bolt and related methods are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the bolt includes a sleeve for connecting or securing to a cable. A plurality of facets along a peripheral portion of the sleeve create corners that prevent the cable from rotating within the borehole during installation. The sleeve may he secured to the cable using resin. |
| US08550747B2 |
Fish passage apparatus with variable inlets and method
An improved fish passage apparatus is combined with hydroelectric power generation to facilitate migration of fish between water bodies of different heights with minimal injury or trauma to fish. It may also be optimized for power generation when fish are not moving through it. The fish passage apparatus comprises a variable inlet connected to a connecting tube providing fluid communication between upper and lower water bodies, an upper valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from an upper water body, a lower valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from a lower water body, and a working tube opening into the connecting tube between the upper and lower valves a working portion of which extends functionally vertical to above a water level of the upper body of water and to below a water level of the lower body and is vented at its top such that water can flow freely in and out of the working portion. |
| US08550745B2 |
Apparatus and method for compacting and conditioning a tract of ground
An apparatus for compacting and conditioning a tract of ground generally consisting of a machine; means mounted on the machine for maneuvering an implement mounted thereon along and in contact with the tract of ground; and an implement mounted on the maneuvering means of the machine movable along and in contact with the tract of ground including a frame attachable to the maneuvering means of the machine, a drum rotatably mounted on the frame and a plurality of segments comprised of loosely connected components disposed transversely and spaced circumferentially on the drum. |
| US08550740B2 |
Pivot arrangement
A joint and/or bearing arrangement (1) with a pivot pin (2), in particular with a pivot pin (2) having a head region (3) which is movable with respect to a receiving joint socket (4), wherein the pivot pin (2) is at least partially surrounded by a circumferential sealing collar (7), is configured so that the outside of the sealing collar (7) is covered by a separate protective cover (11) which conforms to the shape of the sealing collar. |
| US08550735B2 |
Writing instrument with cushioning device
A retractable writing instrument that includes a barrel, a writing tip, an actuating mechanism that includes a plurality of parts for extending and retracting the writing tip upon actuation of the actuation member, and a cushioning device enabling a retraction of the writing tip when an excessive pressure is exerted by a user. The cushioning device includes a spring member elastically deformable, which is integrally formed with a movable part of the actuating mechanism, the part being movable relative to the barrel. The spring member has a free end abutting the barrel toward its rear end and has a through hole. A stem extends within the spring member's hole and connects the actuating member to the actuating mechanism. |
| US08550734B2 |
Transportation guide mechanism and recording device having the same
A transportation guide mechanism and a recording device having the transportation guide mechanism can smoothly and stably discharge sheet media without impairing the ease of maintenance. The transportation guide mechanism 61 is disposed between the paper exit 4 of a paper feed mechanism 3 that can open and close to the printing unit 2 and a ticket transportation path 12 through which recording paper P discharged from the paper feed mechanism 3 passes, and guides the recording paper P discharged from the paper exit 4 to the ticket transportation path 12. The transportation guide mechanism 61 has a bottom guide panel 63 that renders the guide path 64 through which the recording paper P can pass. The bottom guide panel 63 is supported so that it is pushed by the paper feed mechanism 3 opening and closing to the printing unit 2 and can be displaced to a position outside the path of paper feed mechanism 3 movement. |
| US08550733B2 |
Printing apparatus with sealed gear drive mechanism
A printing apparatus having shorter length in the longitudinal direction and a dust-protecting feature is disclosed. The printer includes a main frame, a subframe assembly, first and second pulse motors each have a reduction gear drive mechanism, a thermal head, a platen roller, a rotary blade, and a stationary blade. The first motor for driving the platen roller and the second motor for driving the rotary blade are disposed between two side plates provided one on each end of the main frame. The reduction gear drive mechanisms are substantially sealed and disposed inside the corresponding side plates. Two pulleys and a timing belt are provided outside each of the side plates. |
| US08550730B2 |
Focal plane shutter for cameras
In a focal plane shutter according to the present invention, a support plate is placed while a plate plane of the support plate is parallel to a shutter base plate, a second blade-driving member is fitted to a shaft erectly provided on the shutter base plate, the second blade-driving member being rotated by the biasing force of a second blade-driving spring, an electromagnet for second blade is fitted to the support plate, the electromagnet attracting and holding an iron piece member fitted to the second blade-driving member, a printed wiring board on which a wiring pattern for supplying electric current to the electromagnet is formed is placed in a hole formed in the support plate, and terminal pins of the electromagnet are soldered to the both ends of a coil. |
| US08550715B2 |
Zipper with intermeshing flange contours cross-reference to related applications
A reclosable zipper is illustrated, which includes a first profile having a first interlocking element, a first consumer side flange with a first consumer side intermeshing contour and a first product side flange with a first product side intermeshing contour. The zipper includes a second profile which includes a second interlocking element, a second consumer side flange with a second consumer side intermeshing contour, and a second product side flange with a second product side intermeshing contour. The first and second consumer side intermeshing contours are complementary intermeshing contours and the first and second product side intermeshing contours are complementary intermeshing contours. As a result, when the interlocking elements are engaged, the first and second consumer side intermeshing contours are capable of intermeshing and the first and second product side intermeshing contours are capable of intermeshing. |
| US08550712B2 |
Deployable fluid collection bag and method of forming the same
Provided is a deployable, foldable fluid collection bag which may be selectively deployed as desired by the user. The bag may be configured to fit in tight spaces and be deployed to collect fluid which leaks during plumbing repairs and installations. The bag may be fabricated from a unitary piece of material and include a base, a first panel and a second panel. The first panel may be coupled to the end portions of the base and to the second panel to define a pair of opposed sidewalls and a pair of opposed end walls. |
| US08550709B2 |
Imaging area specifying apparatus, radiographic system, imaging area specifying method, radiographic apparatus, and imaging table
An imaging area specifying apparatus that includes a storage component and a specifying component is provided. The storage component stores as correlation information a correlation value correlated with the amount of radiation emitted to each of a plurality of predetermined areas divided from a detection region of a radiation detector that outputs an electric signal indicating a radiological image represented by radiation which is emitted to the detection region for detecting the radiation. The specifying component specifies an imaging area capable of capturing the radiological image of a predetermined size while preventing variations in the amount of radiation emitted to each of the divided areas in the detection region, on the basis of the correlation information stored in the storage component. |
| US08550707B2 |
Device for detecting temperature variations in a chip
A device for detecting temperature variations of the substrate of an integrated circuit chip, including, in the substrate, implanted resistors connected as a Wheatstone bridge, wherein each of two first opposite resistors of the bridge is covered with an array of metal lines parallel to a first direction, the first direction being such that a variation in the substrate stress along this direction causes a variation of the unbalance value of the bridge. |
| US08550704B2 |
Method for detecting automobile differential fill omission
A method of detecting an omission to fill an automobile differential housing with fluid in the course of an assembly procedure is carried out using an infrared sensor to read differential housing temperature. The camera produces an electrical signal that is processed to provide an indication as to whether or not the differential housing has been properly filled. An infrared sensing camera is the preferred thermal detector. |
| US08550702B2 |
Calibrated airflow sensor facilitating monitoring of electronic system cooling
A calibrated airflow sensor and monitoring method are provided. The monitoring method which includes: providing an airflow sensor positioned within an electronic system to be at least partially air-cooled, the airflow sensor including at least one temperature sensor and a heater associated with one temperature sensor of the at least one temperature sensor; calibrating, with the airflow sensor positioned within the electronic system, a duty cycle for use in powering the heater associated with the one temperature sensor; and providing a controller configured to use the calibrated duty cycle in powering the heater of the temperature sensor during airflow monitoring of the electronic system, and to obtain a hot temperature (Thot) reading from the one temperature sensor having the associated heater, and to determine, based at least in part on the hot temperature (Thot) reading, whether to issue an airflow warning. |
| US08550692B1 |
Food mixer and attachment storage apparatus
A food mixer and attachment storage apparatus includes a food mixer with a housing defined by a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall includes a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral wall attached to and extending between the top and bottom walls. A motor is mounted within the housing. A pair of attachment couplers is mounted in the bottom wall and mechanically coupled to the motor. A power cord is electrically coupled to the motor. Each of a pair of mixing attachments includes a male end extendable into and removably couplable to one of the attachment couplers. A compartment is positioned in the housing and extends into the perimeter wall. The compartment has a size configured to received the mixing attachments. |
| US08550688B2 |
Backlight assembly with optical member coupling means and display appartus having the same
A backlight assembly includes a light generating unit, a receiving member, an optical member, and a frame member. The receiving member includes a receiving part receiving the light generating unit, a supporting part extending from the receiving part, and a protrusion portion protruded from the supporting part. The optical member is guided to a predetermined position on the supporting part by the protrusion portion, and diffuses the light provided from the light generating unit. The frame member includes a fixing part coupled with the supporting part and protruded from a surface of the frame member facing the supporting part. The fixing part prevents the optical member from moving in a direction substantially parallel to an upper surface of the supporting part. |
| US08550686B2 |
Display panel and a light source used therein
A display panel and a light source device used therein are provided. The display panel includes a light-guide thin-film circuit substrate, a light source and a polarizing layer. The light-guide thin-film circuit substrate has a light entrance end and a light exit top surface, and the light source is disposed corresponding to the light entrance end. The polarizing layer is disposed on the light-guide thin-film circuit substrate and parallels the light exit top surface of the light-guide thin-film circuit substrate. The light produced by the light source enters the circuit substrate through the light entrance end, guided and transmitted through the circuit substrate, and then leaves the circuit substrate through the light exit top surface and enters the polarizing layer. The light after passing through the polarizing layer is turned into a polarized light having flat light source effect as a backlight source for the system. |
| US08550681B2 |
Light source assemblies
A light source assembly comprises a light pipe, a first color light source at a first tapered light collector, a second light source at a second tapered light collector, and at least a first dichroic filter operative to pass first color light and to reflect second color light toward a light output port. A light valve may be positioned to receive light from the light pipe. One or more light entrances to the light pipe may have a filter, e.g., a short wave pass filter, oriented in a plane generally parallel to the axial optical pathway. |
| US08550680B2 |
Lighting device
Disclosed is a lighting device. The lighting device includes a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a light emitting module installed in the housing, and a coupling part having a fixing section coupled on the housing and a protrusion section horizontally protruding from an upper end of the fixing section; and a bracket having an insertion groove slidably coupled with the protrusion section of the coupling part to assemble the lighting units with each other. |
| US08550675B2 |
Outside mirror lighting assembly and method of forming same
An outside mirror lighting assembly (100) and method includes a housing (108) and a first glass panel (101) where one or more light-emitting devices (107) are positioned at an edge of the first glass panel (101). Light rays from the at least one light-emitting device (107) propagate within the glass panel for illuminating its outer periphery. Words, logos, or other indicia (125) may be also be illuminated by direct or indirect light emitted into an etched area of the glass. The mirror assembly supplies a soft illuminated glow around the outer periphery and/or the indicia for providing a unique and pleasing appearance to the user. |
| US08550667B2 |
Optical film and organic light emitting display apparatus including the same
An optical film capable of preventing reflection of external light, and an organic light emitting display (OLED) apparatus including the same, are disclosed. The optical film is disposed on a substrate of an organic light emitting display, and comprises a first substrate, a first electrode, a light emitting unit comprising a plurality of organic light emitting elements, and a second electrode sequentially formed on the first substrate. The second substrate concentrates light emitted from the light emitting unit so as to emit outward, and absorbs external light so as to prevent the external light from being reflected. |
| US08550665B2 |
Backlight unit and display device including the same
A backlight unit capable of emitting heat smoothly and a display device including the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a bottom cover, a light emitting module arranged in a predetermined area of the bottom cover, a reflective sheet provided on the bottom cover, the reflective sheet spaced apart a predetermined distance from the bottom cover, a plurality of first heat radiating members provided between the reflective sheet and the bottom cover, the plurality of the first heat radiating members spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other, a second heat radiating member arranged between the light emitting module and the first heat radiating members, and a projected part located in the second heat radiating member below the reflective sheet, the projected part supporting the reflective sheet to locate the reflective sheet spaced apart a predetermined distance from the first heat radiating members. |
| US08550664B1 |
Hands-free filter assembly
A hands-free filter assembly suitable for use with a loupe light is described. The hands-free filter assembly includes a filter that moves between an in-use position, where it is filtering light from the loupe light, and a non-use position, where it is not filtering light from the loupe light. The filter can be moved between the in-use position and the non-position without manual manipulation. |
| US08550663B2 |
Inflatable system carrying a light string system
A decorative system includes an inflatable bladder assembly, a light string system, and a covering. The inflatable bladder assembly includes a bladder, which includes a seal or passage for dispensing and removing media to inflate the bladder. The interior of the bladder is adapted to receive and hold media inserted therein. When the bladder is inflated, it provides a desired, decorative shape. When the bladder is not inflated, it provides a foldable profile that has a low weight and is relatively easy to package and/or ship. The light string system includes a plurality of lamp systems tied together with a plurality of conductive wires. Each lamp system includes a light assembly and a socket assembly. Each lamp system can be secured to the exterior of the bladder by an attachment assembly. The covering can cover the inflated bladder to provide additional shape and structure to the decorative system. |
| US08550661B2 |
Lighting apparatus
To provide a lighting apparatus in which a high-class feeling and a cubic effect are obtained or an interior design is allowed to have an appearance like a chandelier. Plane light emitters constituted by organic EL elements are mounted at planar frames in the shape of a frame, and the above-mentioned frames are connected mutually and annularly so that light emitting units of a first-third rings are arranged. Each of the above-mentioned frames which constitute the light emitting units of each ring is formed to be square, and opposed corner portions of the respective frames are connected together. The numbers of frames which constitute the light emitting units of the above-mentioned first-third rings are each set as the same number, and a plane light emitter side in each frame is arranged so as to form a dome shape. |
| US08550660B2 |
Kinetic flame device
An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members. |
| US08550659B1 |
Modular lamp cover
An exemplary lamp cover for covering a light source includes a connecting member, mounting members, first covering members, and a second covering member. The mounting members are integrally formed with the connecting member as a single piece. The first covering members are detachably mounted on the connecting member and alternated with the mounting members. The second covering member is capable of being mounted on the connecting member to replace one of the first covering members to change a shape of a light field of light emitted from the light source and through the lamp cover. |
| US08550658B2 |
Light emitting diode precision approach path indicator (LED PAPI)
Described herein is a LED PAPI having an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), the array of LEDs comprising a first set of LEDs emitting a first color and a second set of LEDs emitting a second color. Light from the array of LEDs passes through a pair of apertures separated by a precision ground blade. The precision ground blade has a first edge that is closest to the array of LEDs and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first and second edges have different thicknesses. After passing through the apertures, the light passes through a first lens and a second lens. |
| US08550656B2 |
Selectively-extendable modular lighting fixture
A modular lighting fixture may include a housing having opposite ends, an endplate for fastening to one end of the housing, the endplate having a lens receiving face on a first side and an additional-structure-connecting face on a second side. The second side has an outer perimeter portion and a first peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface being inward of the outer perimeter portion. An additional structure is provided having a second peripheral surface with substantially similar contour as the first peripheral surface on the second side of the endplate. The additional structure is connected to the endplate with the second peripheral surface being proximate to the first peripheral surface of the second side of the endplate. A modular lighting fixture may include first and second elongate housings each having ends, pairs of endplates for being respectively mated with the first and second ends of the first and second elongate housings, the endplates each having a rim, and a bridge adapted for joining one of the endplates of the first elongate housing with one of the endplates of the second elongate housing by sealing cooperation with the respective rims thereof. A lighting fixture may have one or more isolated raceways therein. |
| US08550654B2 |
Lighting assemblies and devices
A lighting assembly includes a receptacle having a bore, a lighting device having a light source, a retention mechanism, and a switch recessed within the bore of the receptacle. The retention mechanism may be configured to removably retain at least a portion of the lighting device within the bore of the receptacle. The switch may be configured to provide electrical energy to the light source in response to axial movement of at least a portion of the lighting device toward the base of the bore. |
| US08550653B2 |
LED flare
A LED flare and system for use at night, in low light conditions or during the day where a lighted object provides greater visibility. The flare comprises a multi-sided housing with a panel on each side and having a top and a base. It has a plurality of LEDs aligned in windows positioned in at least one of the panels. A switch located on the housing operates the flare. The flare also includes a re-chargeable battery encased in the housing for powering the flare and a circuit for delivering power and operational control from the battery to the LEDs upon activation by the switch. A set of contacts positioned on the outside of the housing deliver a charge to the battery. The flare includes an attachment device for holding an external charger in place against the contacts during charging operation. An individual flare may be part of a system that also includes other flares and a carrying case with an integrated charger and charger accessories. |
| US08550647B2 |
Solid state lighting device with different illumination parameters at different regions of an emitter array
Solid state lighting (SSL) devices and methods of manufacturing such devices. One embodiment of an SSL device comprises a support and an emitter array having a plurality of SSL emitters carried by the support. The emitter array has a central region and a peripheral region outward from the central region. Individual SSL emitters in both the central and the peripheral regions have a primary emission direction along which an intensity of light from the SSL emitters is highest, and the primary emission direction of the SSL emitters in the central region is at least substantially the same direction as the primary emission direction of the SSL emitters in the peripheral region. Additionally, a first coverage area ratio of the SSL emitters in the central region is different than a second coverage area ratio of the SSL emitters in the peripheral region. |
| US08550646B2 |
Backlight unit
A backlight unit capable of preventing a degradation in luminance, while achieving a reduction in heat generation and a reduction in manufacturing costs by adjusting the arrangement of the light sources while reducing the number of the light sources is disclosed. The disclosed backlight unit includes a bottom cover formed with a plurality of light source groups each including a plurality of light sources arranged in one direction. The spacing of the adjacent light source groups increases gradually from a central portion of the bottom cover to opposite edges of the bottom cover. |
| US08550644B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A lighting device achieves power saving and a moderate illumination brightness distribution without having local dark portions. A lighting device 12 includes a light source 17, a chassis 14 and an optical member 15a. The optical member 15a includes a light source overlapping portion DA that overlaps a light source installation area LA where the light source 17 is arranged. A light reflecting portion 50 is formed on at least the light source overlapping portion DA. The optical member 50 has maximum light reflectance Rmax and minimum light reflectance Rmin, and the maximum light reflectance Rmax is 40% or higher in the light source overlapping portion DA and an entire half-value width H having light reflectance of (Rmax+Rmin)/2 occupies 25% to 80% in a transmission area TA of the optical member 15a through which the light from the light source transmits. |
| US08550641B2 |
Manually retractable vehicle door mirror
A manually retractable vehicle door mirror which can reduce the number of parts and improve efficiency of assembly operations as well as provide large bearing capacity at a location outwardly away from a shaft location to bear bending moments acting on a housing support member due to external forces. A housing support member is formed integrally with a shaft, annular wall, and a housing-support-member-side portion of a clutch, which are placed coaxially with a rotation axis. A housing is fixedly coupled to the housing support member. A base is formed integrally with a shaft passage hole, annular wall housing groove, and a base-side portion of a clutch, which are placed coaxially with a rotation axis. The shaft is rotatably inserted into the shaft passage hole, the annular wall is rotatably housed in the annular wall housing groove, and the housing support member is supported on the base in such a way as to be able to rotate around the rotation axis. |
| US08550635B2 |
Projection system
A projection system includes a plurality of projection apparatuses. Each of the plurality of projection apparatuses includes a projection unit configured to project an image onto a projection surface, and an adjusting unit configured to adjust a state of displaying an image projected onto the projection surface by the projection unit. The projection system further includes a controller configured to cause the projection units of the plurality of projection apparatuses to simultaneously project a test image in different forms. The controller controls the adjusting unit of the plurality of projection apparatuses to adjust a state of displaying an image projected on the projection surface by the projection unit based on each state of displaying of the test images in different forms. |
| US08550634B2 |
Light source module, projection apparatus, and method of controlling the same
A light source module, a projection apparatus, and a method of controlling the projection apparatus are provided. The projection apparatus has the light source module. The light source module has a first light source, a wavelength transforming unit, and a driver. The first light source generates a first light beam having a first wavelength according to a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The wavelength transforming unit transforms the first light beam into a second light beam having a second wavelength. The driver drives the wavelength transforming unit, such that the first light beam irradiates a start position on the wavelength transforming unit when a rising edge of the first PWM signal is detected. The start position is determined by a controller. |
| US08550631B2 |
Glare assembly for computerized eye test display
A monitor is used to display a visual acuity test operated by software from an associated computer. A patient is spaced a predetermined distance from the monitor during the testing procedure, and individual, multiple LED housings are equally spaced about a center point of the monitor to direct light toward the patient during at least a portion of the test procedure. The light emanating from the individual housings is a diffuse, unfocused light to simulate glare, and the intensity of the light may be selectively altered. Conducting acuity testing under glare conditions determines if there is any reduction or fall off in the patient's acuity vision under such circumstances and provides an indication of whether the patient may require cataract surgery or has another ocular problem. |
| US08550627B2 |
Portable fundus observation apparatus
A portable fundus observation apparatus includes a body, at least one optical detecting module, and a data processing unit. The body includes a fixing part for fixing the body onto the ocular region of a subject. The optical detecting module includes a light source, an optical lens module, and an image capturing unit. The optical detecting module is separably fixed onto the body. The data processing unit electrically couples with the optical detecting module and processes the fundus image captured by the image capturing unit. |
| US08550626B2 |
Instrument for eye examination
The present invention relates to an instrument for eye (E) examination, the system including an imaging system (2) to produce images of a portion of the eye to be examined; a projection system (3) to project a stimulus of visible light on a location in the portion of the eye to be examined and a background light on the portion of the eye to be examined; in which the projection system (3) has a telecentric design to uniformly project the stimulus and the background and includes a light source (114) and a movable mirror (112) which is moved according to the location of stimulus projection. |
| US08550625B2 |
Systems and methods for fine-tuning refractive surgery
Systems and methods for fine-tuning refractive shapes for vision treatment are provided. Techniques encompass determining a variable index of refraction for a cornea of the eye, and determining the refractive treatment shape for the eye based on the variable index of refraction. Techniques also encompass determining a variable radius of curvature of an anterior surface of a cornea of the eye, and determining the refractive treatment shape for the eye based on the variable radius of curvature. |
| US08550624B2 |
Optical angular measurement system for ophthalmic applications and method for positioning of a toric intraocular lens with increased accuracy
An ophthalmic system for use in performing angular measurements in relation to a patient's eye. The ophthalmic system can include an optical angular measurement device that can provide angular indicia by, for example, projecting an image of an angular measurement reticle onto a patient's eye or by superimposing an image of an angular measurement reticle onto an image of the patient's eye. The ophthalmic system can include an optical refractive power measurement device for providing desired angular orientations for ocular implants or for incisions. The ophthalmic system can be used, for example, to align a toric intraocular lens to a desired angular orientation. |
| US08550617B2 |
Printing system with scanner to align printhead assembly
A printing system that has a printhead assembly, a vacuum platen assembly opposite the printhead assembly, a media path between the printhead assembly and the vacuum platen, a drive roller for moving media along the media path, a vacuum belt assembly to move the media away from the vacuum platen assembly and a scanner adjacent the vacuum belt to capture information from the media for feedback control of the printhead assembly. |
| US08550616B2 |
Method of monitoring gel accumulation in a drum maintenance unit
A process is implemented in a printer having a release agent application system that enables a controller in the printer to detect gel ink in the release agent application system exceeding a predetermined threshold. The process monitors a plurality of print characteristics with reference to print data and quantifies a risk of gel ink developing in the release agent application system. The print characteristics include a print area value identifying a total surface area of a print, an inked area value identifying an area of surface area covered with ink, and a print type indicating whether the print is a simplex print or a duplex print. |
| US08550614B2 |
Recording method
A recording method includes a first drying step of evaporating 50 to 85 wt % of ink adhering on a recording medium, the ink being ejected from a recording head onto a surface of the recording medium back side of which is supported on a medium-supporting unit which faces the recording head, and a second drying step of drying the recording medium, which has been subjected to the first drying step, at the downstream side of the medium-supporting unit in a feeding direction of the recording medium. |
| US08550611B2 |
Heat element configuration for a reservoir heater
A heater for use in a phase change ink printhead reservoir is provided that includes a first insulating layer having at least one ink supply path opening, and a second insulating layer having at least one ink supply path opening that aligns with the at least one ink supply path opening in the first insulating layer. The heater includes a resistance heating trace arranged in a serpentine pattern between the first and the second insulating layers. The resistance heating trace is configured to receive electric current and to convert the electric current to heat. The resistance heating trace includes a trace ring for each ink supply path opening in the first and second insulating layers that forms a continuous perimeter around the corresponding ink supply path opening. |
| US08550608B2 |
Ink cartridge and inkjet recording apparatus using the same
An ink cartridge for an inkjet recording apparatus includes a membrane for sealing an opening from which air flows out to atmosphere and introduced into an ink chamber. The membrane has a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable characteristic. A characteristic recapture enhancement section is provided for enhancing recapturement of the gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable characteristic of the membrane. This section is operable when ink from the ink chamber clings to the membrane. |
| US08550606B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
In a liquid ejecting apparatus, sub-ink-tanks and a connection end of a sub-ink-tank accommodation unit are connected through a fixation portion and a connection pin. The sub-ink-tanks are fixed to a tank accommodation portion by way of small screws being respectively screwed, through through-holes and of the sub-ink-tanks, into threaded apertures. |
| US08550593B2 |
Printer
A printer has a pair of frame panels that support the ends of a carriage guide shaft, a carriage that carries a print head, a carriage drive motor, and first and second pulleys on which a belt connected to the carriage is mounted. The first and second pulleys limit the range of bidirectional carriage movement so that the maximum width of carriage movement is substantially equal to the width between the pair of frame panels. A tube that carries ink to the print head is disposed curving in a U-shape in the direction of the width between the pair of frame panels. The carriage drive motor is disposed in the space in which the tube is located in the space on the opposite side as the direction in which the tube curves, and the drive shaft of the carriage drive motor is perpendicular to the scanning plane of the carriage. |
| US08550586B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first carriage movement mode, in which a stop position of a carriage in movement of this time is determined to be at a given position in a width direction on the basis of a size in the width direction of a liquid-ejected medium, and a second carriage movement mode, in which the stop position of the carriage in the movement of this time is determined on the basis of at least one of the liquid ejection data in the movement of this time or the liquid ejection data in the movement of the next time, and liquid ejection is carried out with one of the first carriage movement mode and the second carriage movement mode selected in accordance with the type of liquid-ejected medium. |
| US08550578B2 |
Medicine cabinet frame
A fixture includes a medicine cabinet having a cabinet body and a door. The fixture includes a frame which includes a frame body having a recess sized and shaped to receive the door, and an overhang which extends along the upper portion of the door. The fixture can include a guide rail which is repeatably moveable between positions away from and extending over the lower portion of the door, and an organizer carried by the door. |
| US08550571B2 |
Brake control apparatus
A brake control apparatus is equipped with a plurality of fluid pressure adjusting valves that have opening degrees thereof adjusted through energization control to adjust the fluid pressures, a plurality of valves that are provided in series with at least two of the fluid pressure adjusting valves, are closed during stoppage of energization to hold the fluid pressures, and a brake ECU. The brake ECU controls fluid pressure adjustment achieved by supplying the fluid pressures to the wheel cylinders respectively, opening the communication valves, and adjusting the opening degrees of the fluid pressure adjusting valves to adjust the fluid pressures respectively, and fluid pressure holding achieved by closing the communication valves, opening the fluid pressure adjusting valves, and holding the fluid pressures by means of the communication valves respectively. |
| US08550569B2 |
Shank chisel
A shank chisel including a chisel head and a chisel shank, wherein the chisel shank bears a clamping sleeve in which the chisel shank is held captively in a direction of a longitudinal axis and is freely rotatably about the longitudinal axis. To allow the shank chisel to be both assembled and disassembled through a chisel receptacle of a chisel holder that is formed as a receiving bore, according to this invention, the chisel shank bears at its end remote from the chisel head a shank extension, the shank extension has a tool receptacle, and the tool receptacle is accessible by way of a spacing region of the shank extension in the axial direction of the chisel that is set back from the lateral surface of the chisel shank and/or from the lateral surface of the clamping sleeve. |
| US08550565B2 |
Web-strapped furniture, web-strapping for furniture, and methods for web-strapping furniture
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide web-strapping for upholstery of furniture, methods of providing web-strapping for upholstery of furniture, web-strapped furniture, and methods of web-strapping furniture. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention would provide an exemplary strap assembly of material for furniture upholstery comprising at least one fastener fastened into each end of the strap such that a tail end of each fastener is secured from extraction from the strap. In one exemplary strap assembly embodiment, fasteners would be fastened in each corner of each end of a strap so that a tail end of each fastener would be secured from extraction from the strap. Other exemplary embodiments would provide an exemplary article of furniture and methods of making an exemplary article of furniture, comprising said strap assemblies installed to span a space between opposing chair rails. |
| US08550564B1 |
Composite seat pan structure for a lightweight aircraft seat assembly
A composite seat pan for a lightweight aircraft passenger seat includes an open-section fore cross beam, an open-section aft cross beam and a seat pan membrane carried by the fore cross beam and the aft cross beam. |
| US08550562B2 |
Washable child car seat subframe
A child car seat subframe that is easily disassembled into component sections for washing within a residential-sized dishwasher. The car seat subframe can be disassembled by hand, and each individual component is capable of fitting in a residential-sized dishwasher individually and collectively. The component sections are attached by a combination of registration tabs and slots, and held tightly together by fasteners, or attached by a combination of tongue and groove joints. Hanging devices, such as hooks, may be formed on one side of each component section to facilitate hanging on racks in a dishwasher. The car seat subframe back panel and side panels are disassembled into a plurality of segments for easily fitting in a dishwasher. |
| US08550559B2 |
Power disc style seat recliner
A power disc style seat reclining mechanism for a vehicle seat includes a seat base fixed mounted guide disc pivotally connected to a set of pivotal discs. The pivotal discs include an internal disc segment and a seat back attaching member. Within the internal disc is a set of slots that may be actuated by a center shaft that is driven by a motor. When the internal disc is rotated, the desired seat back position is the end result as the motion is discontinued. |
| US08550553B1 |
Side mounted energy attenuating vehicle seat
Designs and methods are provided for a side mounted energy attenuating vehicle seat. In one exemplary embodiment the seat comprises a rigid base with a first side, and a substantially vertically oriented mounting plate adjacent the first side of the base. The exemplary seat further comprises a vertical slide mechanism comprising a fixed portion attached to the mounting plate, and a sliding portion attached to the first side of the base, the mechanism configured to allow for a downward stroke of the base relative to the mounting plate. A roller is attached to the first side of the base substantially below the point of attachment to the sliding portion of the vertical slide mechanism, and configured to roll in a vertical direction while bearing against the mounting plate, and supporting the seat base in a horizontal orientation. An energy attenuating member is positioned so as to prevent the seat from stroking downward relative to the mounting plate during normal use. |
| US08550552B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided where an urging element(s) is engaged with a shock reducing member in an optimum state under a normal seating load or in a rear-end collision, a number of parts can be reduced without using a separate member to mount the urging element(s), and at the same time, a high degree of design freedom is created. The seat comprises a seat back frame, a headrest, a pressure receiving member connected to the seat back frame via a connecting member to move independently from the headrest, a rotating member that is disposed on a side part on each side and is connected to the connecting member to rotate independently from the headrest, and a spring mounted to the rotating member and the seat back frame. At least one of mounting parts is formed integrally with the rotating member or the seat back frame. |
| US08550545B1 |
Truck front-end support frame
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, having: a front-end support frame, including: a driver side rail; and a first bend in the driver side rail configured to change a vertical position of the driver side rail. The driver side rail has a circular cross-sectional configuration in the first bend and a non-circular cross-sectional configuration in another portion of the rail. |
| US08550541B1 |
Aerodynamic fittings for trailer crossmembers
The purpose of this device is to reduce the fuel consumption of heavy trucks by improving airflow along the underside of a trailer, using a series of rectangular panels to close the gaps between trailer crossmembers and create a continuous smooth surface. These panels are placed in between adjacent crossmembers and secured to their flanges using a plurality of clamping mechanisms. Each clamp is comprised of a U nut fitted to edge of the panel and a half clip that is bolted to the bottom. With the U nut clamping down on the topside of the flange and the half clip gripping the bottom surface of the crossmember, these clamps secure each panel in place. These fittings, requiring no modification to the crossmembers themselves, are easily installed and readily removable. |
| US08550538B1 |
Pickup truck bed camping tent with air mattress
The pickup truck bed camping tent with air mattress is an accessory that installs inside of a pickup truck bed, and which deploys to inflate a tent and air mattress in order to provide an enclosure with sleeping surface for at least one person. The inflatable tent and air mattress are inflated via an electric pump, which when operating shall inflate both the tent and mattress from a forward portion of the pickup truck bed forwardly. The inflatable tent is comprised of a plurality of inflatable ribs that attach to a cover that encloses and forms the outer shape of the inflatable tent. The accessory, when inflated, anchors itself to holes located on a top surface of opposing sides of the truck bed, and which requires the tailgate to be in a lowered position. |
| US08550536B2 |
Tailgate from fibre-reinforced thermoplastic plastic
The tailgate (1) or rear door for a motor vehicle with a rear window includes a single-piece main carrying structure (10) with a peripheral, flexurally resistant frame (11), with an upper transverse beam (12), two lateral longitudinal beams (13, 14) and at least one lower transverse beam (15). The main carrying structure consists of a fibre-reinforced moulding compound (20) with at least two impregnated, integrated continuous-fibre bands (21) and this moulding compound is non-positively connected to the rear window (2) and together with this forms a flexurally resistant structure. Thereby, the continuous-fibre bands (21) in sections are integrated into the frame (11) in an arrangement vertical (v) to the surface (H) of the tailgate, by way of the continuous-fibre bands (21) being arranged vertically to the surface (H) and/or at a vertical distance (d) to the surface (H). |
| US08550535B1 |
Taper door connector strategy
A door support assembly for a motor vehicle is described. Generally speaking, the assembly includes a pin with a tapered section and being attached to the vehicle door, a passage with a mating surface for the tapered section fixed to the vehicle, and a latching mechanism configured to pull the vehicle door inward when engaged. When the latch mechanism is engaged, the assembly provides zero-gap with the door frame. The pin is tapered to a degree that it does not become wedged within the passage as the result of an explosive event. |
| US08550526B2 |
Rope handling apparatus and method
A rope handling device for handling a length of rope comprises a receiving part and a manipulating member, in which the manipulating member has an elongate portion, the elongate portion having opposite ends, and at least one of these ends an engagement portion. The receiving part has a rope mounting portion, attachable to a part of a rope to be manipulated, and a receptacle for engaging with the engagement portion. The receiving part when engaged with the engagement portion at one of the ends of the elongate portion permits a user of the device to hold the manipulating member at an opposite end of the elongate member in order to handle a rope attached to the rope mounting portion. The rope handling apparatus further comprises a rope guide for self-aligning the manipulating member with a rope prior to engagement of the engagement portion with the receptacle. |
| US08550524B2 |
Pick-up device
A pick-up device includes an sucking member, a blocking member, a grasping assembly, a restricting member and a covering member. The sucking member is adapted to utilize a vacuum to adhere to the surface of an electronic component and defines a through hole. The blocking member is secured to the sucking member and includes a blocking block. The finger-grasping assembly is slidably mounted to blocking member. The restricting member is movably mounted to the grasping assembly and movable relative to the sucking member. The restricting member includes two restricting portions. The covering member is secured to the restricting member by a first resilient member. The grasping assembly is operable to bias the restricting member and the covering member to move relative to the sucking member, the two restricting portions are engaged with the blocking block, and the covering member seals the through hole. |
| US08550518B1 |
Hunting gear retriever
A hunting gear retriever which comprises a weighted body of substantially rigid material. A hook assembly is supported by an protrudes outwardly from a forward end of the weighted body in axial alignment therewith. A loop extends outwardly from a rearward end of the weighted body for securing the weighted body to a lanyard. When the weighted body is dropped down by a hunter in a tree onto a surface, the weighted body will topple over onto one side allowing the hook assembly to be manually dragged by the lanyard along the surface and engage with an item laying on the surface, so that the item can be pulled upwardly by the hunter into the tree. |
| US08550516B2 |
Illuminated shovel tool
Disclosed is a shovel tool implement having an imbedded illumination means and a means for storing an auxiliary light source in its handle. The tool comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal handle end and distal working end, the distal end preferably connecting to a shovel implement, the proximal handle end preferably having a slot in which to store a removable flashlight. At a location along the shaft length is provided an outward projection for housing a light source, power supply and on/off switch. The projection extends outward from the shaft and directs light towards the shovel working end, while the backside of the projection includes a removable cover for replacement of batteries and light source elements. The projection is situated such that normal handling of the shovel is not impeded, while the directed light allows a user to visualize a given work area in a low light environment. |
| US08550514B2 |
Dual purpose snowmobile snow flap
A snow flap for a snowmobile functions as a removable snow shovel blade. The handle may be used as a pivot attachment for the blade to the snowmobile and may be alternatively attached to the blade in a different orientation for use as a shovel. Quick release attachment of the blade to the rear of the snowmobile permits ease of use. |
| US08550513B2 |
Gardening apparatus
A gardening apparatus for manipulating soil and/or cutting plants is disclosed, which comprises an implement being made of at least one rigid material, such as steel or plastic, at least one copper rich material coving at least one working surface area of the implement, and a plurality of metal metal alloy buttons containing desired metal elements being fixed on the implement, wherein during an intended use of the gardening apparatus abrasions between the gardening apparatus and the soil and/or plants cause particles of both the at least one copper rich material and plurality of metal metal alloy buttons to be removed therefrom. |
| US08550512B2 |
Pooper scooper
The pooper scooper includes an elongated foldable pole having a grip at one end and a pivotable waste collecting assembly at the other end, the elongate pole being divided into upper and lower sections; the upper section including the grip at one end and a releasable locking mechanism at the other end; a joint or hinge mechanism interconnecting the two sections; the lower section including a selectively actuated waste collecting control; and the pivotable waste collecting assembly adapted to hold a bag open to catch pet wastes or other materials and automatically close the bag when ready for to disposal through actuation of the waste collecting control. The pooper scooper is also part of a pet waste disposal system including a bag dispenser and a bag adapted to be mounted to the waste trapping assembly. |
| US08550508B2 |
Anti-chucking latch striker with integral pop-up mechanism
A striker may engage a latch mechanism of a vehicle—the latch mechanism of the vehicle being capable of being latched and unlatched—to help prevent chucking of the vehicle and to assist in opening a door of the vehicle. The striker may comprise a base, a post attached to the base, a plate positionable relative to the post to a first position adjacent the post and a second position spaced from the post. The striker may further comprise a biasing member engaged with the plate, wherein the biasing member positions the plate to the first position when the latch mechanism is unlatched. |
| US08550507B2 |
Window tilt latch system
A tilt latch system that comprises an actuator movable from a first position to a second position; a lock-out member movable from a retracted position to an extended position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position; and an engagement member movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position is provided. The actuator and the engagement member are maintained in the second and disengaged positions, respectively, when the lock-out member is in the extended position. The actuator and the engagement member are automatically biased to the first position and the engaged position, respectively, upon movement of the lock-out member from the extended to the retracted position. The tilt latch system may further comprise a lock-out device and/or be optionally utilized in a modular configuration. |
| US08550505B2 |
Accessory for a motor-vehicle interior, in particular an armrest for a motor-vehicle seat
A motor-vehicle armrest has a base fixed on the vehicle and defining an axis and an armrest part pivotal on the base about the axis and having a first concave surface turned radially inward toward a second convex surface of the base. A wedge-shaped sprag is slidable between the surfaces generally angularly of the axis between a locking position in which the armrest part is arrested relative to the base and a release position in which pivoting of the armrest part with respect to the base is possible. The sprag has a first contact face cooperating with the first surface of the armrest part and a second nonparallel contact face cooperating with the second surface of the base. The sprag is biased into the locking position and can be moved into the release position. |
| US08550503B2 |
Microfluidic connector
A microfluidic connector (1) comprises an enclosure (6, 7), a fluidic inlet port (2) and a fluidic outlet port (3), in the enclosure, in which the inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) are movable with respect to each other, for example, mutual spacing between the inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) is variable. A port (2) is in a fixed part (6) of the enclosure, and another port (3) is in a part (7) of the enclosure which slides with respect to the fixed part. There may be multiple inlet ports (22, 23) and/or multiple outlet ports (24, 25). Also, there may be an auxiliary port (45) for introduction of fluid into the enclosure (47, 48) or removal of fluid from the enclosure. |
| US08550496B2 |
Airbelt and airbelt apparatus
An airbelt wherein a folded body of a bag-like belt is covered with a cover, and the two are sewn together with tear seams, and wherein the tear seams can be torn without the need to use a high-power inflator when the airbelt is inflated, and an airbelt apparatus employing this airbelt are provided. In one form, a mesh webbing and a mesh cover cover the bag-like belt. A plurality of parts of the airbelt in the longitudinal direction are sewn with the tear seams. The tear seams extend in the width direction of the airbelt and curve so as to be convex toward a tongue. |
| US08550494B2 |
Side curtain airbag
A side curtain airbag includes an airbag body and a plurality of airbag fixation portions. The airbag body is divided into a plurality of cells that are inflated by gas flowing into them. The plurality of airbag fixation portions are provided along the upper periphery of the airbag body and attached to a plurality of vehicle body side fixation portions. In a state before attachment, of the plurality of airbag fixation portions, an upper front airbag fixation portion is located above the vehicle body side fixation portion corresponding to the airbag fixation portion, and at substantially the same level as the other airbag fixation portions. Of the plurality of cells, an upper front cell is formed so as to bulge close to the upper front airbag fixation portion. |
| US08550491B2 |
Airbag device for straddle type vehicles
An airbag device for straddle type vehicles is provided with: an airbag module in which a holding box that stores an airbag functions as a case; and an airbag control unit that controls said airbag module. The airbag module is provided with the holding box that is disposed immediately in front of a rider's seat, a lid that closes the opening of the holding box, and a hinge that functions as a rotary fulcrum for the lid when the airbag inflates, and that is positioned on the rear side, with respect to the vehicle, of the lid. A linking mechanism for restricting the opening angle of the lid is provided between the lid and the holding box. |
| US08550487B2 |
Trailer hitch ball cover
Certain embodiments of the present invention include a trailer hitch ball cover comprising an outer shell, an inner socket positioned within the outer shell, and a channel positioned adjacent a lower end of the inner socket, which substantially conforms to a trailer hitch ball and a trailer hitch ball neck. The outer shell may also comprise a first and second component that, when adjacent, form the inner socket and channel. The second component may be pivotally and/or releasably coupled to the first component. The outer shell may also be shaped to resemble human headgear, including a football helmet with facemask, chin strap, and face. Light sources may be positioned on an upper surface and a lower surface of the football helmet and a lower surface of the facemask for illumination. |
| US08550477B2 |
Spa cart system and method
A spa cart system includes a wheeled cart with multiple shelves for carrying spa products and fully-functional equipment for providing spa services in a client's room or designated hotel site, such as a full body massage, manicure, pedicure, and many more. Selectable transportable modules include products and equipment to support a variety of diverse spa activities, such as carrying necessary equipment, including electrically-powered equipment and a massage table and positioning same for use, supporting portability such as a cart width that fits through typical narrow hotel and resort doors, allowing adjustable movement of the equipment to use locations, providing a well-organized physical station supporting the various services (e.g., a manicure treatment station), and providing modules selectable by the technician to satisfy various spa activities pre-selected by a client. |
| US08550473B2 |
Truck assembly
A truck assembly having a mounting plate with a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second arm and a ridge; a cushion with a front surface that defines a concave segment, and a rear surface that defines a notch that receives and seats the ridge; an axle assembly with a truck support having a convex surface that seats in a socket defined by the concave segment and at least a portion of the first arm and the second arm; a swing pin releasably joining the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket and adjustment members each having a first surface, a second surface, and a cushion arm. The cushion arm contacts a lateral surface of the cushion, where an adjustment nut attached to the truck support can be used to move the cushion arm of the adjustment member relative the lateral surface of the cushion. |
| US08550464B2 |
Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games with selectable odds
Playing cards may be selected based on a desired set of payout or house odds and/or house advantage. The playing cards may be placed into, and/or retrieved from, one or more intermediary playing card receivers in a random or pseudo-random order that is based on the selected payout or house odds and/or house advantage. Intermediary playing card receivers may take the form of carousels having an endless array of card receiving compartments. Each compartment may receive a single playing card at a time. The intermediary playing card receivers may pivot bi-directionally about one or more vertical axes. Playing cards may be loaded into one intermediary playing card receivers while being unloaded from the other. |
| US08550460B2 |
Apparatus and method for transporting flexible, planar products
Printed products (10) are conveyed to a transfer portion (22) by means of the grippers (14) of the gripper conveyor (12). The vacuum belt conveyor (26) suctions with its active strand (28) the respective end region (32) of the printed products (10), after which, close to the end of the (34) of the transfer portion (22), the grippers (14) respectively release the printed products (10). The motional path (38) of the gripper jaws (16) runs in the transfer portion (22) in the shape of an arc. The active strand (28) of the vacuum belt conveyor (26) runs in the transfer portion (22) at an approximately constant distance to the motional path (38). In the case of large processing capacities and correspondingly high velocities, a reliably secure, positionally stable transfer of the printed products (10) from the gripper conveyor (12) to the vacuum belt conveyor (26) is thereby ensured. |
| US08550459B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a manual feed tray on which sheets are stacked, a feeding member, side regulating plates, a detecting portion which detects positions of the side regulating plates and detects a width size of the sheets, an operation panel which receives an input of width size information of the sheets from a user, and a control circuit which compares width size information detected by the detecting portion and the width size information input to the operation panel, and stops a sheet feeding operation of the feeding member when the two pieces of width size information are different, and the control circuit compares the width size information of the detecting portion and the width size information of the operation panel, per sheet before the feeding member starts feeding the sheet. |
| US08550453B2 |
Currency cassette pressure plate assembly
An assembly includes a currency cassette, a pressure plate, and a plurality of gears rotatably connected to at least two opposite edges of the pressure plate. In an implementation, a plurality of substantially parallel racks are configured to engage a plurality of the gears. |
| US08550450B2 |
Paper stopper mechanism for paper-feeding apparatus
A paper stopper mechanism for paper-feeding apparatus, which has simplified structure and commonly uses one motor to stop papers. The paper stopper mechanism includes a rotary shaft driven by a drive shaft via a gear assembly, a stopper plate disposed on the rotary shaft, which is movable between a first position and a second position along with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a resilient member positioned between the rotary shaft and a transmission gear of the gear assembly. There is frictional force between the rotary shaft and the transmission gear, whereby the transmission gear can drive the rotary shaft to rotate. When the stopper plate and the rotary shaft stop at the second position, the transmission gear can still transmit power to a pickup roller to feed a paper into the paper-feeding apparatus without any error. |
| US08550448B2 |
Decolorizing device and method for controlling decolorizing device
According to one embodiment, a decolorizing device includes a first stacker to stack sheets to be decolorized images on the sheets, a second stacker arranged adjacent to the first stacker, wherein the sheets stacked on the first stacker is kept waiting on the second stacker in order to be decolorized the images, a pressing unit to urge the sheets stacked on the second stacker downward and keep the sheets stacked on the second stacker flat, an image decolorizing unit to decolorize the images on the sheets, and a sheet feed unit positioned on an upper surface of the pressing unit to convey the sheets pressed on the pressing unit from the second stacker to the image decolorizing unit. |
| US08550447B1 |
Automatic document feeder
An automatic document feeder includes a document input tray, a document discharge tray, a pushing member, and an elastic element. The document discharge tray is disposed under the document input tray. The pushing member is disposed on the document input tray. By pushing the pushing member, the pushing member is swung relative to the document input tray. The elastic element is contacted with the pushing member and the document input tray. The elastic element provides an elastic force to the pushing member. When the pushing member is not pushed, the pushing member is returned to an original position in response to the elastic force. By pushing the pushing member to allow the pushing member to be swung relative to the document input tray, the document discharge tray is exposed through the document input tray. Consequently, the paper sheet can be easily removed from the document discharge tray. |
| US08550443B1 |
Method and apparatus for holding microelectronic devices
One embodiment is a carrier for releasably holding devices that includes a body having at least one site having a first portion adapted to hold a device, a second portion, and first and second resilient prongs wherein: (a) the first and second resilient prongs each has a distal end extending into the second portion, which distal ends are juxtaposed; and (b) the distal ends are disposed so that movement thereof apart enables a device to be inserted into or to be released from the first portion. |
| US08550440B2 |
Buffer mechanism
A mechanism to act as a buffer, the mechanism includes a base seat defining a chamber and a bottom hole communicating with the chamber; a connecting shaft received in the chamber and extending through the bottom hole, the connecting shaft including a blocking portion for preventing detachment from the base seat, the connecting shaft axially defining a receiving hole and a plurality of mounting holes communicating with the receiving hole; a guiding rod fixed to the base seat, one end of the guiding rod extending out of the base seat and an inserting portion at the other end, the inserting portion including an abutting surface tapered toward the distal end; a buffer sleeved on the connecting shaft; a plurality of rolling bodies in the mounting holes and providing resistance between the abutting surface and the buffer; and a resilient member between the guiding rod and the blocking portion. |
| US08550436B2 |
Spindle for a winch
A spindle for a winch which comprises a first member for winding a length of a restrain and a second member for rotationally driving the first member. The second member engages with the first member by way of an arrangement which only permits relative rotational movement between the first and second members in one direction. A portion of the second member is received into a bore in the first member to support the second member with respect to the first member. |
| US08550433B2 |
Adjustable column system and method
An apparatus includes an outer rectangular tube and an inner rectangular tube. The inner rectangular tube and the outer rectangular tube are movable in relation to each other. In some versions a gas spring is positioned within the outer rectangular tube and the inner rectangular tube. In some versions, the apparatus further comprises a pair of inner bearing blocks operable to change the coefficient of friction between the inner rectangular tube and the outer rectangular tube. In some versions, the apparatus further comprises an outer bearing block assembly operable to change the coefficient of friction between the outer bearing block assembly and the inner rectangular tube. |
| US08550432B2 |
Stopcock
A stopcock includes a housing and a sealing insert. The housing includes a first surface, a first blind hole defined in the first surface, and a through hole defined in a first bottom surface of the housing in the blind hole. The through hole tapers toward the bottom surface. The sealing insert includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion connected to the first engaging portion. The first engaging portion is engagingly received in the blind hole. The second engaging portion is engagingly received in the through hole. |
| US08550431B2 |
Shaft connection between two shafts
A shaft connection is provided between a first shaft and a second shaft, the first shaft having a longitudinal axis about which the first shaft can be rotated. The first shaft has a free end which engages into a coupling part which can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second shaft. The free end of the first shaft is provided with an external profile which engages releasably into an internal profile of the coupling part. The external profile and/or the internal profile are/is configured in each case as a dihedron with two side surfaces which extend substantially parallel to one another. At least one side surface of the external profile and/or one side surface of the internal profile are/is configured in a convex manner in the longitudinal direction of the first shaft and/or the second shaft. |
| US08550430B2 |
Valve for the substantially gas-tight interruption of a flow path
A valve for the gastight interruption of a flow path is disclosed. A valve housing includes a first opening and a valve seat. A valve disk includes an inner disk portion, which is linearly movable relative to an outer disk portion so that, in a closed setting, a pressure differential acts substantially upon the movable inner disk portion, which is supported on the valve housing. The valve seat has a radially inward pointing first inner face and the outer disk portion has a radially outward pointing first outer face, wherein in the closed setting there exists a radial sealing contact with the first inner face. The outer disk portion has a radially inward pointing second inner face and the inner disk portion has a radially outward pointing second outer face, having a radially sealing contact with the second inner face. |
| US08550425B1 |
Impulse tolerant valve assembly
An impulse tolerant valve assembly comprises a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a central internal cavity, the cavity enclosing a nonlinear spring-mass damper optionally immersed in a dilatant liquid. The central internal cavity is enclosed by a proximal valve body portion and a distal elastic valve body base plate, the base plate having a peripheral valve seat interface. Impulse tolerance results in part from hysteresis heat loss due to compliance of the elastic valve body base plate, as well as from heat loss associated with operation of the nonlinear spring-mass damper. The combined heat loss is reflected in reduction of closing energy impulse amplitude and damping of induced valve body vibrations. Compliance of the elastic valve body base plate increases closing energy impulse duration and narrows the corresponding induced vibration spectrum. The valve body has at least one guide and at least one peripheral seal-retention groove. |
| US08550423B2 |
Decoration hanger
An exemplary decoration hanger of the present disclosure comprises a mounting portion having an adhering surface, and a clamp portion attached to the mounting portion, the clamp portion comprising a mouth configured to receive a part of a decoration and a tongue resiliently biased towards the mouth to retain a part of a decoration in use. |
| US08550422B1 |
Gutter guard device
A gutter guard device that includes an elongate, curved bracket having a hooked portion disposed at a first edge, a first piece disposed from the first edge, said first piece joining a second piece at an approximately 90 degree first bend, the second piece joined to a third piece at an oblique angle at a second bend, and a rubberlike outer portion disposed overlying an exterior side, whereby the gutter guard device releasably attaches to the lip of an extant gutter to cover a section of a gutter thereby so that the pressure of a ladder rested against the gutter is distributed across a section and the gutter is protected thereunder. |
| US08550421B2 |
Foldable supporting stand for a portable electronic device
A foldable supporting stand for a portable electronic device includes: a base body having front and rear sides; two front legs adapted to hold the electronic device and coupled to the base body in proximity to the front side, the front legs being foldable to move toward each other, or unfoldable to move away from each other in opposite sideward directions; and a rear leg including a rear leg body that is coupled to the base body in proximity to the rear side and that can be folded to move toward the front legs, or unfolded to move rearward and away from the front legs, and a rear leg extension foldably connected to the rear leg body. The rear leg body defines a receiving space for the rear leg extension to be received therein. |
| US08550420B2 |
Positively engaged locking system for a vehicle seat
A vehicle seat track assembly includes a first track having first and second spaced apart walls. Each of the first and second walls include a plurality of openings formed therein. A second track is slidably mounted relative to the first track. The vehicle seat track assembly further has a locking mechanism including a first pin carried by the second track and slidably movable between an engaged position such that the first pin extends through one of the plurality of openings formed in the first wall of the first track and a disengaged position such that the first pin is retracted from the plurality of openings formed in the first wall of the first track. A second pin is carried by the second track and is slidably movable between an engaged position such that the second pin extends through one of the plurality of openings formed in the second wall of the first track and a disengaged position such that the second pin is retracted from the plurality of openings formed in the second wall of the first track. The first and second pins are movable in directions different from one another when moving into their respective engaged positions. |
| US08550419B2 |
Erection system for a photovoltaic open-space installation support stand
The present invention is directed to an erection system for a photovoltaic open-space installation support stand and a method for assembling this type of erection system. The present erection systems provide a permanently settable inclination favorable for generating solar power for the photovoltaic equipment on open ground with linear bearings. |
| US08550412B2 |
High load resistant stop lamp switch brackets and brake pedal assemblies incorporating the same
A switch bracket includes a bracket body that includes a lower surface and a kickplate. The switch bracket also includes a switch mount located on the lower surface of the bracket body, where at least a portion of the kickplate extends outward from the lower surface further than the stop lamp switch that is retained at the switch mount. In another embodiment, a brake pedal assembly includes a switch bracket coupled to a pedal mount, the switch bracket having a lower surface and a kickplate. The brake pedal assembly also includes a stop lamp switch coupled to the lower surface of the switch bracket, and a brake pedal rotationally engaged with the pedal mount and coupled to the stop lamp switch. |
| US08550408B2 |
Dual evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV) secondary payload adaptor (ESPA) port small satellite design
An apparatus and method are disclosed for dual Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) port small satellite designs. The apparatus and method provide payload volume for larger satellites. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus and method include a plurality of small satellite components, a payload adaptor ring, and at least one pivoting hinge system. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of small satellite components includes at least one payload, one bus, and/or one solar panel. The small satellite components are mounted on the payload adaptor ring. At least one pivoting hinge system connects together at least two of the small satellite components. Upon deployment of the small satellite components from the payload adaptor ring, at least one pivoting hinge system combines together at least two small satellite components, thereby creating at least one single larger satellite. |
| US08550405B2 |
Solar powered spacecraft power system for a hall effect thruster
A solar powered spacecraft power system including a solar photovoltaic array, an electric propulsion system connected directly to the solar photovoltaic array in parallel with the spacecraft power system; the electric propulsion system including a Hall effect thruster, a thruster power supply for driving the thruster; a sensor for sensing the power output of the solar array and a controller responsive to the power output of the solar array and configured to periodically adjust an operating parameter of the thruster to operate the thruster at the maximum available output power of the solar array including comparing a previous solar array output power level with a later solar array output power level, and incrementing the operating parameter with a positive value if the later is greater and with a negative value if the later is lesser; a solar powered spacecraft power system including a solar photovoltaic array, an electric propulsion system connected directly to the solar photovoltaic array, and a power management and distribution system connected to the solar photovoltaic array for distributing power to one or more bus loads and payloads. |
| US08550401B2 |
Modular floor section for aircraft
A floor section for a vehicle cabin includes juxtaposed profiled elements of identical cross section. Each profiled element includes a mainly planar elongated cross member and a generally flat elongated panel. The cross member includes a lower stiffener, is positioned in a transverse vertical plane, and is attachable at two extremities to a vehicle frame. The elongated panel is positioned in a horizontal plane and includes an overlap region along one longitudinal edge and a bearing region along another longitudinal edge. The overlap region and the bearing region are of similar width and of total thickness less than or equal to a mean panel thickness. The panel is perpendicular to the cross member, and a bearing region underside is coplanar with a lower face of the elongated panel and is secured to the cross member at two or more points substantially in line with a middle of the bearing region. |
| US08550398B2 |
Optimization of structures subjected to hot gas streams
Optimization of structures subjected to hot gas streams. The invention refers to a fairing (10) for aircraft horizontal stabilizer (3) comprising a front part (11) and a rear part (12), the front part (11) covering a limited extent of the fairing (10) surface, which is the part of the fairing (10) receiving hot air stream (6) coming from the aircraft engines (4), this front part (11) being made of an anti-erosion material, the rear part (12) covering the rest of the surface of the fairing (10), this rear part (12) being made of a material resisting the aerodynamic loads existing on the fairing (10). The invention also refers to an aircraft comprising a horizontal stabilizer (3) with a fairing (10) such as the one described. |
| US08550397B2 |
Acoustically attenuated fuselage for aircraft
A covering of a fuselage for aircraft having propeller engines, including an opening which is surrounded by a structural frame formed by ribs and stringers of the aircraft around the area of maximum acoustic impact of the propeller engines. The opening further includes a non-structural panel joined to the structural frame by a non-rigid joint which considerably attenuates the vibrations through such joint, thus reducing the indirect acoustic noise and the indirect structural noise generated by the propeller engines inside the passenger cabin of the aircraft. |
| US08550392B2 |
Dual-bearing reel clutch control device
A dual-bearing reel clutch control device includes a tubular clutch cam, a clutch yoke, and a coupling yoke. The tubular clutch cam is configured to be rotated between a coupled position and a decoupled position in conjunction with movement of the clutch operating member between the first position and the second position. The clutch yoke is engaged with the clutch mechanism. The coupling member is configured to couple the tubular clutch cam and the clutch operating member, and configured to rotate the tubular clutch cam between the coupled position and the decoupled position The clutch return mechanism is coupled with the tubular clutch cam and the coupling member. The clutch return member includes a rotation member attached to a rotation shaft of the handle, a clutch return member, and a toggle spring member configured to urge the clutch return member towards either the engaged position or the disengaged position. |
| US08550387B2 |
Restrictive throat mechanism for paper shredders
A shredder including a housing having a throat for receiving articles to be shredded, a shredder mechanism, a blocking member, and an electrically powered motor and cutter elements. A thickness detector comprises a contact member extending into the throat. The shredder includes an actuator for moving the blocking member between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuator and the thickness detector are coupled to enable the actuator to move the blocking member from the retracted position to the extended position responsive to the movement of the contact member by insertion into the throat of the at least one article above a predetermined maximum thickness threshold. The blocking member is configured such that in the extended position the blocking member prevents further insertion of the at least one article into the throat, and in the retracted position the blocking member permits further insertion thereof into the throat. |
| US08550385B2 |
Process of treating industry filtration media
A method of treating industry filtration media provides for cutting used filtration media into small pieces and densifying the cut-up used filtration media for further use in waste recycling. The filtration media can come in rolls or loose. Prior to cutting, a ferrous part of the filtration media can be separated from a non-ferrous part thereof, and the non-ferrous part can be subjected to brushing prior to cutting. The cut-up used filtration media can also be mixed with clean scraps prior to the step of densifying. |
| US08550381B2 |
Nozzle for dispensing random pattern of adhesive filaments
A nozzle for dispensing a random pattern of liquid adhesive filaments generally includes a plurality of liquid outlets positioned in a liquid discharge plane and first and second pluralities of air passages. The first plurality of air passages is positioned in a first plane oriented at a first angle relative to the liquid discharge plane, while the second plurality of air passages is positioned in a second plane oriented at a second angle relative to the liquid discharge plane. The first angle is different than the second angle so that pressurized process air streams from the first and second pluralities of air passages are directed asymmetrically toward adhesive filaments discharged from the liquid outlets to produce the random pattern. |
| US08550379B2 |
Apparatus and method for a solid catalyst and fluid dynamic eruption reaction
An apparatus and method for use in conducting an eruption reaction are disclosed. The apparatus includes a catalytic solids container with a mouth and fluid egress opening and a trigger device or mechanism that allows for the controlled release of a catalytic solid into an eruptible fluid. The catalytic solids container may be adapted to be coupled to a container for an eruptible fluid. |
| US08550377B2 |
Paint spraying device for spraying various-colored paints
The present invention relates to a paint spraying device for spraying various-colored paints, and more specifically, to a paint spraying device which is capable of spraying various-colored paints, individually or in combination, increases spraying efficiency by controlling a paint spray angle, and is easy to carry. The paint spraying device comprises: a spray gun comprising a compressed air insertion pipe connected to a handle which controls the amount of compressed air, and a spray nozzle having a connection part formed on the side thereof provided in front of the compressed air insertion pipe; a paint storage unit comprising a cover provided on the open upper end of a paint storage tank of which the lower end is fixed to the top of the spray gun so as to communicate with the compressed air insertion pipe, a plurality of storage spaces formed inside the paint storage unit which is divided into the plurality of storage spaces by multiple partition plates, and connectors provided on the lower end portions of the storage spaces and communicating with the storage spaces, wherein the connectors are connected to a three-way valve, which has paint discharge valves, with paint discharge tubes in order to discharge the paints from the storage spaces of the paint storage unit; and a discharge unit which discharges the paint by connecting the three-way valve to the connection part. |
| US08550373B2 |
Fragrance release system having an optimized wick
The apparatus comprises a fragrance release system comprising a wick, at least one diffuser, the surface area of the diffuser in contact with ambient air being larger than the surface area of the wick in contact with ambient air, and a container to hold the wick, a fragrance preparation that is stored in the container, the fragrance preparation being transported through the wick to the diffuser by capillary action against the direction of gravity when the wick is housed in the container, wherein the substantially cylindrical wick is formed from at least two mutually different plant-based fibrous materials, the first material forming a core and the second material surrounding this core, and the difference between the contact angle of the core material and that of the material surrounding the core relative to water being at least 10°, the core material having the small contact angle, preferably between 0° and 90°, relative to water. |
| US08550368B2 |
Interactive control system for an HVAC system
An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit. The indoor blower controller responsively controls the operation of the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode or a reduced capacity mode based on the information received from the outdoor unit controller, and the outdoor unit controller responsively controls the operation of the compressor in a full capacity mode or a reduced capacity mode based on the information received from the indoor blower controller. |
| US08550364B2 |
Card key having function of performing radio communication with on-vehicle device
A card key includes a circuit board and a plate-shaped key body. The circuit board is mounted with electronic parts that configure an electronic circuit for performing radio communication with an on-vehicle device. The key body is mounted with the circuit board which is covered with a resin material. The key body has a principal front surface on the side of which the electronic parts are mounted, and has a main body recess sunk to a predetermined depth level from the principal front surface and a key component accommodating recess further sunk to a level deeper than the main body recess and opened in a bottom surface of the main body recess. The key body forms an outline of the card key together with a sheet body fitted to the main body recess. The key component accommodating portion is formed between the sheet body and the key component accommodating recess. |
| US08550363B2 |
Integrated circuit card and corresponding programming process
An integrated circuit (IC) card may include non-volatile memory portions, where external data files are storable, and including volatile memory portions and a microprocessor. The IC card further may include a serial interface that stores the external data file as received into the volatile memory portions, and at least an internal register that is programmable through the serial interface. The internal register manages according to the programming a serial storing into the non-volatile portions of the external data file already stored into the volatile memory portions. The serial interface and the internal register may manage the respective programming in a parallel manner. |
| US08550362B2 |
Processor card arrangement
Disclosed is a processor card arrangement comprising a first portion and a second portion capable of being moved relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration resulting in the processor card switching between a first state and a second state, wherein when in said first state, the processor card arrangement is operable to perform at least one function and, when in said second state, the processor card arrangement it is not operable to perform said at least one function. According to some embodiments of the invention the dimensions of said processor card arrangement are substantially the same when in the first configuration and when in the second configuration. |
| US08550357B2 |
Open air indicia reader stand
An indicia reading system includes: a base adapted for placement on a surface for providing holding stability for a hand held indicia reading device; a post extending vertically from the base; a cradle arm extending from the post over the base, the cradle arm having a side; a first attachment device disposed in the cradle arm for removably attaching an indicia reader on the cradle arm; a second attachment device disposed on the indicia reader to removably attach the indicia reader to the first attachment device. |
| US08550353B2 |
Terminal having illumination and exposure control
There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having a first illumination and exposure control configuration and a second illumination and exposure control configuration, the first illumination and control configuration having a first associated illumination control and a first associated exposure control, the second illumination and exposure control configuration having a second associated illumination control and a second associated exposure control, wherein with the first illumination control active an average energization level of the illumination subsystem during exposure of one or more frames is higher than with the second illumination control active, and wherein with the first exposure control active an average exposure period of the image sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control active. |
| US08550352B2 |
QR barcode decoding chip and decoding method thereof
An exemplary QR barcode decoding chip includes a characteristic searching unit configured for searching for a characteristic pattern in the barcode image to determine pixel coordinates of the characteristic pattern; a barcode parameter acquiring unit configured for acquiring a barcode parameter according to the pixel coordinates of the characteristic pattern; a version/format parameter acquiring unit configured for acquiring a version/format parameter; a correction characteristic acquiring unit configured for searching for a characteristic position in the barcode image and acquiring a correction characteristic according to the characteristic position; a module information processing unit configured for calculating a grayscale value corresponding to a module according to the version/format parameter, the barcode parameter and the correction characteristic; a binarizing unit configured for binarizing the module; a codeword extracting unit configured for extracting a codeword according to the binarized module; and an error correction and decoding unit configured for decoding the codeword. |
| US08550345B2 |
RFID real-time information system accommodated to semiconductor supply chain
This invention provides an RFID real-time information system accommodated to a semiconductor supply chain for exchanging real-time information. The RFID real-time information system is characterized by comprising an RFID middleware module for generating a stock and logistic information corresponding to a plurality of carriers and wafers from a tag information; a manufacturing information module for storing an object information corresponding to the plurality of wafers; a real-time information module for integrating the RFID middleware module with the manufacturing information module to generate real-time information corresponding to the plurality of wafers and carriers; and a business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce module comprising a plurality of B2B servers respectively disposed in vendors in the semiconductor supply chain for connecting and exchanging the real-time information through a standard protocol of e-commerce. |
| US08550341B2 |
Method, a system and a microcontroller card for communicating application services from a microcontroller card to a terminal
A method wherein at least one service of an application stored in a microcontroller card is communicated to a terminal. The terminal transmits a command identifying the selected application to the card immediately after selecting the application. In order to reduce in the card the time for accessing the application service data by the terminal, a reply generator in the card selects the active services related to the application in the card in response to the command, and dynamically establishes a list of data identifying these services, to transmit a reply message including the identification data from the card to the terminal. A reply analyzer in the terminal analyzes the identification data of the reply message to communicate the at least one service of the application identified by the identification data. |
| US08550336B2 |
Systems and methods for anti-counterfeit authentication through communication networks
An anti-counterfeit authentication system provides authentication services over available communication networks. The system assigns unique anti-counterfeit certificates to authentic items. The certificates are stored in anti-counterfeit tags that are attached to the authentic items. An authentication server provides authentication services to authentication clients over the communication networks. The authentication clients read, via tag readers, the anti-counterfeit certificates from the tags associated with items to be authenticated, provide the anti-counterfeit certificates to the authentication server which determines authenticity and supplies authentication results back to the authentication clients. |
| US08550335B2 |
Encoded information reading terminal in communication with peripheral point-of-sale devices
An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a processor, a memory, and at least one EIR device provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, an NFC reading device, or a magnetic card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to output raw message data containing an encoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The EIR terminal can further comprise at least one communication interface, a display provided by a built-in display and/or an external display, and a user input device provided by a built-in keyboard and/or an external keyboard. The EIR terminal can be configured to transmit the raw message data and/or the decoded message data to an external computer. |
| US08550334B2 |
Synching one or more matrix codes to content related to a multimedia presentation
One embodiment described herein may take the form of a system or method for generating one or more matrix codes that may then be obtained by a reader device, the one or more matrix codes including information that may be utilized to access additional content related to one or more multimedia presentations. For example, the information contained within the one or more matrix codes may include one or more web addresses that, when selected, may link to one or more webpages on the Internet containing information related to the multimedia presentation. In another example, the information contained within the matrix codes may include instructions that may be executed by an electronic device to provide the additional content. The additional content may be displayed a display device associated with the distribution system, on a reader device, or any electronic device that includes a display. |
| US08550331B2 |
Foldable container and attachments
A foldable packaging which may include a liquid-resistant paperboard form that is foldable to provide an attractive stackable container that resists water leakage, can be assembled without fastening hardware and has concealed gussets. The packaging can be folded into overlapping flaps and wings which are folded and interlocked to define a generally trapezoidal packaging which can receive a variety of different pot sizes and types. The packaging may include a handle having an elongated strip, a gripping portion, one or more widened portions adjacent the gripping portion; a bulbous portion and a narrowing head portion. |
| US08550330B2 |
Integrated tab hanging file system
An integral tab system for a 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab (20) is provided in the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs being affixed. The 3-D tab version (120) is created by an extension which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side. These tabs may also be supplied in a detachable form. |
| US08550325B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus with clamping assembly
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly. An end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongate portion includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, wherein at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other to move the end effector between an open configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are substantially spaced and a closed configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are closer together. The end effector also includes a clamping assembly including a first clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the anvil assembly, and a second clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the cartridge assembly such that, when deployed, the first and second clamping surfaces oppose one another when the cartridge assembly is in the closed position. |
| US08550318B2 |
Bracket for towing single and multiple trash bins
A trash bin towing bracket utilized to tow single or multiple trash bins of the conventional, single handle, wheeled type, with hinged lids. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket consists one cut and shaped rigid metal sheet or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or similar resins. The device can be easily attached to almost any common trailer hitch ball (automobile, tractor, SUV). Aforementioned bracket also used to attach a second or more trash bins to each other for to allow multiple bins to be towed simultaneously. |
| US08550317B2 |
Electronic device case gripper
In one preferred embodiment, the present invention is a gripper for gripping a portable electronic device case. The case has a defined opening, and an inside and outside. The gripper comprises a retainer to partially pass through the case opening, and the retainer defines two opposing slots. There is a retractable strap having two flanged ends. Each strap flanged end is passed through the retainer slots to communicate with the case inside. The strap flange is shaped to prevent the strap from completely passing through said retainer slots to the case outside when the strap is pulled. The gripper facilitates carrying a portable electronic device using a single finger, or an open hand, depending on the size of the device. |
| US08550313B2 |
Sift-resistant dispensing closure
A sift-resistant dispensing closure is disclosed. The sift-resistant dispensing closure includes a base, a lid and a hinge connecting the lid to the base. The base contains a circular end wall, a cylindrical skirt extending downward from the periphery of the end wall, and a sift deck elevated from the upside of the circular end wall. The sift deck contains a deck surface surrounded by a first snap bead and a first sealing surface, and pouring holes formed on the deck surface. The lid contains a second snap bead and a second sealing surface that are formed on the underside of the lid and engage with the first snap bead and first sealing surface, respectively, to form a seal around the sift deck when the lid is in a closed position. |
| US08550309B2 |
Molded fluid dispenser for a non-pressurized container
A disposable molded dispenser for a non-pressurized container capable of dispensing a variety of fluid materials having a deformable spout chamber with an integral outlet valve through which fluid is expelled as the spout is selectively depressed compressing the chamber. A molded inlet valve serves to permit fluid to be pushed by ambient air pressure from a container into the spout chamber when pressure on the spout is removed and the spout chamber is restored to an initial configuration. |
| US08550308B2 |
Apparatus for dispensing fluids
An apparatus for storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of a stored fluid therefrom. The apparatus comprises a container defining a variable-volume storage chamber for receiving therein the fluid and a dispensing valve including a valve inlet coupled in fluid communication with the variable volume storage chamber, and a valve member in fluid communication with the valve inlet and defining a normally-closed valve opening. The valve member is responsive to fluid at the valve inlet exceeding a valve opening pressure to move between (i) a normally closed position, and (ii) an open position permitting fluid flow through the valve opening. The dispensing valve defines a dispensing axis defining a direction substantially along which fluid is dispensed from the valve, and further includes an outlet surface over which dispensed fluid flows oriented at an acute angle relative to the dispensing axis for preventing the collection of residual dispensed fluid thereon. |
| US08550306B2 |
Dispenser cap for a spray device
A dispenser cap comprising an axially moveable collar that surrounds an inner unit, the inner unit comprising a mounting ring at its bottom that is suitable for placement on a container, a cylindrical wall having a section that defines a radial outlet hole, said radial outlet hole being located towards the upper end of the inner unit, and a release trigger at the upper end of the inner unit, said collar being moveable between a raised position in which it covers the radial outlet hole and a lowered position in which it does not cover the radial outlet hole, the axially moveable collar comprising an internal structure that blocks the depression of the release trigger when the collar is in its raised position. |
| US08550303B2 |
Multi-chambered container
A multi-chambered container for storing and dispensing flowable substances and method for using the same. The container includes a plurality of individual chambers each containing a flowable substance. Each chamber is in fluid communication with a discharge valve assembly. The valve assembly selectively dispenses a single one of the flowable substances in response to one of the chambers being pressed or squeezed by a user without simultaneously dispensing the remaining substances. In preferred embodiments, the container includes at least two, and more preferably three or more chambers. |
| US08550296B2 |
Personal hygiene storage unit
A personal hygiene storage unit that functions both as a hanging storage/dispensing unit and as a personal hygiene travel pack includes: (a) a hollow body with a bottom, upwardly projecting walls and an open top; (b) a back hatch top hingeably connected to the back wall of the bottom and having closing mechanism to fix the back hatch top in a closed position; (c) a front hatch top hingeably connected to the front wall of the bottom; and, (d) a pair of opposing elongated hanging hooks connected to at least one of the main housing, the back hatch top and the front hatch top, for attachment to a toilet paper roll rod and hinges for folding the hooks to create a compact travel pack. |
| US08550289B1 |
Drink vessel holder
A drink vessel holder holds a drink vessel on a target surface such as a plate of food and allows the user to hold both the plate and the drink vessel held thereon with the same hand in order to allow the other hand to be used for enjoyment of the products being held. The drink vessel holder has a body member with a convex upper surface that seats within a concave bottom surface of a drink vessel. A tab extends outwardly from the body member, the tab being used by the user to hold the drink vessel on the plate. The tab may have an arcuate channel that receives a portion of the bottom structural ring of the drink vessel or the structural ring may be depressed or slotted for passage of the tab therethrough. |
| US08550286B2 |
High-pressure container
The aim of the invention is to increase the strength and reliability of a high-pressure container. To achieve this, the high-pressure container comprises a thin-walled, closed, sealed, metal cylindrical liner (1) with at least one neck and at least one outer reinforcement jacket (2) consisting of a composite material that is formed from at least one group of layers of high modulus fiber of a reinforcement material, said fibers being aligned spirally and in an annular direction in relation to the cylindrical liner (1) and having previously determined linear arrangement densities. One layer of fibers of the spiral reinforcement (4) is positioned above a layer of fibers of the annular reinforcement (3). The invention is characterized in that a local predetermined breaking point band is formed in the reinforcement jacket as part of said jacket (2), the band being delimited on the interior by the cylindrical surface of the liner (1) and on the exterior by a concave surface in relation to the liner (1), said concave surface being formed from spiral fibers of the reinforcement material. The linear arrangement density of the fibers of the reinforcement material aligned in an annular direction (3) in the region of the local predetermined breaking point band is less than or equal to 70% of the linear arrangement density of the fibers of the reinforcement material aligned in an annular direction (3) in the remainder of the cylindrical part. |
| US08550285B2 |
Hand-held vessel
A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand. |
| US08550284B1 |
Apparatus to retain a disposable trash bag on the trash bag receptacle portion of a janitorial cart
An apparatus which is used to very securely retain a disposable trash bag onto the upper interior circumference of the trash receptacle portion of a janitorial cart. It includes a retaining ring which is securely retained by spring force action against the upper interior rim of the trash receptacle. A trigger mechanism is used to lock the retaining ring in a raised condition over the upper interior circumference so that the open ends of a disposable trash bag are inserted between the retaining ring and the upper interior surface. The trigger mechanism is retained in place by engaging teeth which engage ratcheted receiving teeth. A pair of pushbuttons serve to release the trigger mechanisms so that the return spring force causes the retaining ring to move upwardly and release the entrapped disposable garbage bag. |
| US08550282B1 |
Security latch device for dumping trash containers and combination thereof
A gravity-responsive system for securing or restraining the lid or lids of dumping containers in their on-the-ground position and releasing the lid or lids when the container is lifted to its overhead dump position includes a pivotally mounted over-center swingarm that is connected via a connecting link to a lid-restraining bail. When the dumping container is substantially in its on-the-ground position, the bail is rotated to a lid-securing or restraining position in which the lid or lids cannot be opened fully. As the dumping container is lifted toward and to is overhead dump position, the swing-arm rotates in response to gravity to move the bail toward and to a lid-release position to allow the lid or lids to swing away from their closed position to allow the dumping of the contents into the trash truck. |
| US08550281B2 |
Portable safety dish
A safety dish forms a secure food container and has a dish for holding food, a cover for enclosing the dish and food, and a lock mechanism for securing the cover to the dish to prevent unauthorized access to the food and/or tampering with the food. A key or correct input of a combination is required to access the food contents of the container. The safety dish and locking mechanism is preferably formed from dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe materials. |
| US08550280B2 |
Sealed container with integral button and orifice seal
A cover assembly is capable of attaching to a container and has a dispensing orifice and a substantially perpendicular button opening on a side with a button. A single piece valve beam formed of a deflectable material has the actuator button located on one end and a fulcrum located on another end opposite the actuator button. An inner region of the cover has a retention surface opposite the button accommodating the fulcrum. The single piece valve beam is held inside the inner region of the cover between the button opening and the retention surface by deflection of the beam and rotation about the fulcrum such that the sealing surface moves away from the dispensing orifice when the actuator button is pressed. The deflectable material of the single piece valve beam acts as a spring that exerts force on the sealing surface and exerts force on the actuator against the button opening. The single piece valve beam can be configured to move away from the dispensing orifice when the button is pressed. An integral arm can be alternately cantilevered off of the single piece valve beam so the arm rotates in a same direction as the single piece valve beam rotates at the fulcrum. The arm can be alternatively cantilevered from a stem location so the arm rotates in a direction opposite a direction to which the single piece valve beam rotates at the fulcrum. |
| US08550268B1 |
Package with glass container and glass closure
A closure and container package includes a glass container having an open mouth surrounded by an annular neck. An annular finish has at least one external attachment feature and is non-rotatably secured to the neck of the container. An annular skirt has at least one internal attachment feature for removable securement to the finish, and a glass closure has a circular periphery coupled to the skirt such that the skirt removably mounts the glass closure to the glass container. The finish can be of plastic or rubber, and the skirt preferably has a radially inwardly directed flange. The circular periphery of the glass closure preferably has a peripheral edge captured between the flange and a retention feature of the skirt. The peripheral edge of the glass closure preferably is annular and planar. |
| US08550266B2 |
Ring derrick with stationary counterweight
A ring derrick includes a carriage which moves on a fixed circular track around a stationary counterweight. A tension and compression column assembled from transportable tubular segments is affixed to the counterweight by a universal swivel joint. The back mast of the derrick is secured at its upper end to the tension column, while the main boom of the derrick extends radially away from the tension column. The main boom and back mast are hinged directly together at the carriage by massive hinge pins which pass through spherical bearings mounted on the carriage. The carriage's suspension distributes the load from the boom and mast to an array of trucks and has an automatic stabilizing system that compensates for uneven track. |
| US08550265B2 |
Support systems and components for same
Support systems for supporting useful articles such as shelves, racks, bars or hooks include a support structure that can be attached to the article. The support structure defines a shaped channel, and an insert component of the system is receivable within the channel and has an exterior surface shaped to correspond to the shaped channel. The shaped channel can define one or multiple grooves, and the insert component can have one or multiple ribs that cooperate with the grooves to stabilize the insert component/support structure combination. The insert component can include at least one displaceable rib element for cooperating with a groove of the support structure. |
| US08550260B1 |
Aircraft control panel assembly
An aircraft control panel assembly for attachment to an equipment rail of an aircraft. The aircraft control panel assembly includes a chassis assembly including at least one bore formed therein, the bore being at a first locking location. A retaining assembly, includes: a) at least one spring loaded pin assembly positioned within a portion of the at least one bore of the chassis assembly, the pin assembly including a pin element and a spring element arranged and constructed to be positionable within a pocket of an equipment rail of the aircraft, a spring element of the pin assembly biasing the pin element toward the pocket; b) a link member having a first end operably attached to the pin element; and, c) a pin retraction mechanism comprising a slider assembly for manipulating the link member so as to retract the pin element from the pocket. At least one positioning element is secured to the chassis at, at least one positioning location. The positioning element is arranged and constructed to be positionable within a receiving slot of the equipment rail. When the positioning element is positioned within the receiving slot of the equipment rail and the pin element is engaged within the pocket of the equipment rail, the chassis is attached to the equipment rail. |
| US08550259B1 |
ULT cable support system
A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from reinforced non-metallic polymers that will not rust or corrode. A cable rack arm up to thirty inches long may be compression molded with long glass fibers in a polyester or vinylester matrix. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to a non-metallic stanchion that may be made from a reinforced, pultruded composite material. Nonmetallic pins may be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable saddles that are snap-fit atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Each saddle may include elastomeric dampening material to reduce shock and vibration in the mechanical and electrical environment in underground tunnels, vaults and manholes. |
| US08550258B2 |
Feedwell for a gravity separation vessel
A feedwell for a gravity separation vessel for introducing a feed stream such as oil sand slurry to the gravity separation vessel is provided comprising a walled member having an upper perimeter edge, a lower perimeter edge and a substantially continuous wall extending from the upper perimeter edge to the lower perimeter edge; an inlet for introducing the feed stream into the walled member positioned adjacent the substantially continuous wall; and a bottom floor having an opening and extending generally beneath the lower perimeter edge; whereby a perimeter of the opening is less than a perimeter of the walled member. |
| US08550257B2 |
Ceramic water purification device
A ceramic water purifying device is provided. The device includes a silver treated packed particle bed in one embodiment. The device may also include feldspar or bottled glass. |
| US08550255B2 |
Filter device and filter element
A filter device having a filter element (9) forming a body extending along a longitudinal axis received in a housing (1) closed by a cover part (3). A sealing arrangement (49) is provided to form a fluid-tight seal between the housing (1) and the cover part (3). The sealing arrangement (49) is a component of a filter element (9) and is fixed to a sealing carrier (48) rigidly connected to the filter element. |
| US08550253B2 |
Filtration apparatus
A filtration apparatus includes: a filtration chamber; a sample introducing port for introducing a sample into the filtration chamber; a sample discharge port disposed at a position on an opposite side of the filtration chamber from the sample introducing port; a filtration filter provided in the filtration chamber to filter the sample introduced from the sample introducing port; and a filtrate discharge port for discharging filtrate which has passed through the filtration filter. The filtration filter is disposed such that its filter face is parallel to a flowing direction of the sample introduced from the sample introducing port when the sample discharge port is open. An opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the sample discharge port is disposed between the filtration chamber and the sample discharge port. |
| US08550248B1 |
Personalizable organizer display for identifying actual pill samples and indicating associated information therewith
A personalizable display for identifying actual pill samples and indicating associated information so as to visually correlate the actual pill samples with the associated information. The display includes a substrate, a plurality of containers, and a plurality of pockets. The plurality of containers are disposed in the substrate, and visually hold the actual pill samples. The plurality of pockets are disposed on the substrate, visually hold the associated information, and are disposed adjacent to associated ones of the plurality of containers so as to visually correlate the actual pill samples with the associated information, and among other things, identify the actual pill samples. |
| US08550244B1 |
Combination of tool suspension structure and socket
A tool suspension structure of the present invention is adapted for displaying a socket which forms holes at two opposite ends respectively. The tool suspension structure includes a main body and an engaging member which is detachably disposed to the main body. The main body has a plurality of first fixing elements adapted for inserting into the holes of the socket, and the engaging member has a plurality of second fixing elements adapted for inserting into the hole of the socket. The socket is able to be fixed and secured. Besides, a ratio of a length of the second fixing element inside the hole of the socket to a length of the hole is 0.3 to 0.6. Thus, structure strength and material amount can be balanced. |
| US08550243B2 |
Exercise equipment carrier
Disclosed are exercise equipment carriers and methods providing a portable carrier for a variety of exercise and physical training equipment. An exemplary carrier includes a housing having a rear panel, a sidewall and an open front end defining an open interior region for receiving a plurality of dumbbells. |
| US08550239B2 |
Interface apparatus for stacking coin holders
An interface apparatus for identical and non-compatible coin holders that enables them to be vertically stacked one atop another, with the interface therebetween, and oriented such that their certificates of authenticity face the same direction. The subject interface apparatus is comprised of a substantially rectangular planar plate having irregular contoured front and back surfaces designed for mating engagement with NGC and PCGS coin cases to facilitate stacking thereof. The apparatus optionally includes voids or “windows” sized, shaped and located to enable viewing of coins and certificates disposed within the cases when mounted thereon. |
| US08550237B2 |
Conveyor unit for a transport system of articles and transport system
A conveyor unit for a transport system of articles including a first conveyor chain and a second conveyor chain, located one downstream from the other in a direction of transport. The first and the second conveyor chain each comprise two conveyor sub-chains, which are arranged in such a way that a region of overlap is formed between a conveyor sub-chain of the first conveyor chain and a conveyor sub-chain of the second conveyor chain. During the transfer from the first conveyor chain onto the region of overlap and from there onto the second conveyor chain the article is always supported by at least one conveyor sub-chain. A velocity of at least one conveyor sub-chain therein is such that an alteration of a state of motion of the article is achievable within the conveyor element. Furthermore a transport system for articles is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of conveyor elements. |
| US08550236B2 |
Extraction device, particularly for mining, and method for controlling the extraction device
An extraction device, particularly for mining, having two drive stations and a drive chain which extends between the sprockets thereof. So that hanging chain or chain wear to a conveyor chain, in the case of a conveyor device, or to a plow chain, in the case of a plow device, can be detected, magnetic sensor units for detecting at least one chain condition of the drive chain are provided, wherein each sensor unit includes a transmitter, which is formed by a static or dynamic magnetic field generator, and a detector field, which is provided with a plurality of magnetic field detectors, as a detector, the detector and the transmitter being arranged to the side of a passage for the run of the drive chain that is to be scanned. The invention also relates to a method for controlling an extraction device for preventing hanging chain. |
| US08550234B2 |
Sequential controlled start-up for zoned conveyor systems
The disclosure describes zoned conveyor systems with non-time based sequential power-up of different zones using defined current draw and speed threshold values and/or a defined number of motor revolutions of one conveyor zone to determine when to initiate operation of another (typically adjacent) zone. |
| US08550232B2 |
Log transport system
A system for lineally transporting logs, lugs therefore, and an associated method are provided. The system includes first and second tracks connected to a frame to provide continuous track surfaces. Lugs having support surfaces that correspond to the track surfaces are configured to be driven longitudinally along the tracks by a continuous conveyor belt. |
| US08550221B2 |
Magnetic spring, a spring and damper assembly, and a vehicle including the spring
Spring having a first part (1) and a second part (2) moveable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis (L), a gap (3) being provided between the first part (1) and the second part (2), the first part (1) being provided with permanent magnets (4,4′), the second part (2) including soft magnetic material, the second part (2) having a variable permeability along the longitudinal axis (L) thereof for a magnetic field provided by the permanent magnets (4,4′) of the first part (1), wherein the second part (2), for providing the variable permeability for magnetic field, is provided with at least two teeth (5,5′) of soft magnetic material which each face a permanent magnet (4,4′) with a facing surface when the first part (1) is in an aligned position relative to the second part (2), the gap extending between the two teeth and the corresponding permanent magnets, wherein, when the first part is moving out of the aligned position relative to the second part along a longitudinal axis, the total area of the facing surfaces varies. |
| US08550220B2 |
Bicycle brake pad
A bicycle brake pad includes a cooling plate and a friction plate. The cooling plate has a first surface and a second surface. The cooling plate includes a pad supporting section and a heat dissipation section. The friction pad is mechanically and fixedly connected to the pad supporting section of the cooling plate. |
| US08550218B2 |
Remote control for braking system of progressive cavity pump
A brake actuator has a motor that provides input rotation in first and second directions. A reducer couples to the motor and reduces the input rotation into an output rotation to be applied to a brake screw of a progressive cavity pump drive. A sensor measures rotational speed of the drive shaft. In manual operation, an operator can view an indication of the rotational speed and can manually operate the motor accordingly to control rotation of the shaft. In automated operation, a controller automatically controls the motor based on the rotational speed measured by the sensor. The controller can also use a torque sensor to detect the torque applied to the brake screw, a displacement sensor to detect displacement of the brake screw, and/or a current sensor to detect the current consumption of the motor. |
| US08550216B2 |
Elevator system having a flat belt with wedge-shaped ribs
An elevator installation is provided that includes an elevator cage, a drive pulley, at least one support means formed as a flat belt, and a drive engine which drives the at least one support means, which carries the elevator cage, by way of the drive pulley. In the elevator installation, the support means has, at least on a running surface facing the drive pulley, several ribs of wedge-shaped or trapezium-shaped cross-section which extend parallel in a longitudinal direction of the support means and further has several tensile carriers oriented in the longitudinal direction of the support means. The tensile carriers are sized so that a total cross-sectional area of all the tensile carriers amounts to 30%-40% of a cross-sectional area of the support means. The tensile carriers may be distributed in a transverse direction of the support means so that exactly two tensile carriers are associated with each of the ribs, the tensile carriers having an outer diameter equal to 35%-40% of a rib spacing (T). |
| US08550211B2 |
Aerial work assembly using composite materials
An aerial work assembly including components having composite materials including a fabric-reinforced resin for providing electrically non-conductive assembly, by insulating and/or isolating conductive components. |
| US08550209B2 |
Muffler for a turbo or piston engine
A muffler for a turbo engine or piston engine, particular a screw compressor, includes a housing (1.1-1.3); a disk arrangement having at least one disk (3, 4, 5) which is fastened to the housing; a pipe arrangement which is fastened to the disk arrangement and which has at least one pipe (2.1, 2.2) for guiding a fluid of the turbo engine or piston engine; and a vibration-damping jacket (9) of dimensionally stable material which at least partially covers the outer side of the housing (2.2). At least one elastic element (3.3, 4.3, 6, 7, 8) is arranged between the pipe arrangement and the housing. |
| US08550206B2 |
Method and structure for achieving spectrum-tunable and uniform attenuation
The present invention relates hearing protection devices for the human ear. More particularly, embodiments of the invention provide hearing protection devices capable of tunable acoustic attenuation. The invention relates further to ear plugs comprising a fluid-containing balloon for occlusion of the ear canal, which are capable of being adjusted for example by modifying fluid composition and/or fluid pressure within the balloon to vary attenuation at different frequencies of the audible sound spectrum. Other embodiments provide an earplug with fixed attenuation comprising: a body of compressible/expandable-recovery material shaped and sized to fit in an ear canal; and at least one chamber disposed within the body and comprising a filler material chosen from at least one of water, aphrons, water with solid or gelatinous particles suspended, and oil with particles suspended. |
| US08550201B2 |
Swing arm for miniaturized vehicle
A pair of left and right arm portions integrally formed by molding with a pivot portion formed on front ends and an axle support portion formed on rear ends. An opening portion with a peripheral portion endlessly contiguously formed by a pivot portion that connects front ends of both arm portions, a cross portion and both arm portions. A pair of left and right indented recessed portions is formed on an inner surface of a wall having support bosses projecting out of a lower surface of the wall. A pair of left and right reinforcing ribs that is positioned outside both recessed portions in the vehicle widthwise direction are integrally formed on the inner surface of the wall on which the support bosses is formed in a projecting manner toward the inside of the cross portion. |
| US08550199B2 |
Bicycle transmission system
A method is provided for controlling operation of a pedal cycle (10) having a rear hub-mounted electro-mechanical transmission arrangement in which a chain-driven rear sprocket (80), an input electrical machine (120) and the hub (100) are each coupled to a respective branch of a three-branch epicyclic gear set (140). Allowing for natural variations in input torque by a cyclist over a cycle of the crank arms (50), a substantially constant current is caused to exist in the input electrical machine (120) such that a change in torque applied by the cyclist results in a change in transmission ratio between the rear sprocket (80) and the hub (100), thereby providing a form of automatic and continuously variable transmission for the pedal cycle (10). |
| US08550185B2 |
Stochastic bit noise
A drill bit direction system and method is disclosed that modifies or biases the stochastic movement of the drill bit and/or stochastic interactions between the drill bit and an inner-wall of a borehole being drilled by a drilling system to change the direction of drilling of the drilling system. The direction of the drill bit is monitored to determine if the direction happens to align in some way with a preferred direction. If the direction isn't close enough to a preferred direction, a biasing mechanism modifies the stochastic movement in an attempt to modify the direction closer to the preferred direction. Any of a number of biasing mechanisms can be used. Some embodiments can resort to conventional steering mechanisms to supplement the biasing mechanism. |
| US08550183B2 |
Drilling method
A drilling method comprises controlling operation of a drill string to maintain at least a portion of the drill string in forward whirl. |
| US08550181B2 |
Trigger switch and electric tool provided therewith
An electric tool has a rib projecting from an inner peripheral surface of the electric tool, and a trigger switch. The trigger switch has a housing having a housing venthole, a contact mechanism disposed in the housing, and a trigger that, when depressed into the housing, drives the contact mechanism. The housing of the trigger switch is bonded to the rib. The rib has a rib venthole. The housing venthole is communicated with the rib venthole. The rib venthole is covered with a filter. |
| US08550175B2 |
Well completion with hydraulic and electrical wet connect system
A technique facilitates deployment of completion stages downhole in a well environment. A first completion stage is deployed downhole into a wellbore with a plurality of control lines having at least one hydraulic control line and at least one electrical control line. A second completion stage is assembled with an electric submersible pumping assembly and a plurality of corresponding control lines having at least one hydraulic control line and a least one electric control line. The second completion stage is conveyed downhole into the wellbore until engaged with the first completion stage which automatically joins the plurality of control lines. The control lines may then be used to operate both electrical and hydraulic devices of the first completion stage. |
| US08550174B1 |
Stabbing apparatus for centering tubulars and casings for connection at a wellhead
An apparatus for centering a first tubular with respect to a second tubular at a wellhead in which the apparatus has a frame, a gripping member extending outwardly of the frame and suitable for gripping the first tubular, and a guide member connected to the frame and extending outwardly therefrom. The guide member is positioned below the gripping member. The guide member has a slot therein suitable for receiving a portion of the second tubular therein. The slot of the guide member has a center vertically aligned with a center of the gripping member. The guide member is pivotally connected to the frame. |
| US08550173B2 |
Locking safety joint for use in a subterranean well
A safety joint for use in a subterranean well can include separable portions which, when separated, disconnect sections of a tubular string. Elongation of the safety joint can be permitted while longitudinal compression of the safety joint is prevented. A method of activating a safety joint in a subterranean well can include providing the safety joint with portions having end connectors which interconnect the safety joint between sections of a tubular string, permitting elongation of the safety joint, thereby facilitating disconnection of the tubular string sections, and then preventing longitudinal compression of the safety joint. Another safety joint can include separable portions, and a locking device which permits relative displacement between a generally tubular mandrel and a component of the safety joint in one direction, and prevents relative displacement between the mandrel and the component in an opposite direction. |
| US08550172B2 |
Plural barrier valve system with wet connect
A barrier valve system includes one or more barrier valves, a connection sub having a first portion and a second portion connecting one or more control lines to each other, and a replacement portion of the connection sub connectable to the first portion subsequent to retrieval of the second portion. The replacement portion has a port from an outside diameter of the replacement portion to an inside diameter of the replacement portion and seals disposed to define an annular space between the replacement portion and the first portion encompassing only valve opening ports in the first portion. |
| US08550171B2 |
Flexible hang-off arrangement for a catenary riser
Flexible hang-off arrangement is provided for a catenary riser suspended from an offshore or inshore platform, which includes floating or fixed platforms, vessels or/and buoys. The bending loads in the top segments of the said riser are reduced by incorporating a pivot at the riser hang-off. Pressure containing welded, bolted, rolled or swaged pipe spools transfer fluids, including hydrocarbons between the riser and the platform. Along significant spool lengths the tangents to the center lines of said spools are orthogonal to and offset from the tangent to the center line of the riser at the hang-off. The said pressure containing spools include arbitrary looped, spiral and helicoidal designs that are subject to torsion. |
| US08550169B2 |
Connector
A connector (1) for connecting components of a subsea system, the connector comprising male and female components (3, 2), guide means (11) for assisting preliminary orientation of the male component within the female component and means (18; 20; 21) for drawing the male component into the female component and latch means (22) for securing the male component within the female component. |
| US08550168B2 |
Stabplate connections
A mechanism for clamping first and second stabplates together comprises a pivoted cam member and clamping means for co-operating with the cam member. The mechanism is such that the cam member is displaceable between a first position in which, in co-operation with the clamping means, it clamps the stabplates together and a second position in which it has rotated to be between the stabplates with the stabplates separate from each other. |
| US08550162B2 |
Compositions and methods for well cementing
A retarder aid increases the applicable temperature range of phosphonate/borate cement-retarder systems to at least 302° C. (575° F.), and 207 MPa (30,000 psi). The retarder aid comprises a terpolymer of styrene sulfonate, maleic anhydride and acrylate of ethylene oxide. Cement slurries containing the retarder and retarder aid may be used for both primary-cementing and remedial-cementing applications. |
| US08550161B2 |
Shear-activated viscoelastic surfactant fluid and method
A well treatment composition is formed from a fluid mixture of a viscoelastic surfactant and a liquid carrier fluid. The fluid mixture has rheological properties wherein the mixture exhibits shear-thickening behavior when the shear rate is increased from a first shear rate to a second higher shear rate. The fluid mixture may further include a shear activation additive that interacts with the viscoelastic surfactant to facilitate the shear-thickening behavior. The method is accomplished by introducing the fluid mixture into a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation. In certain applications, the fluid mixture may be recycled by bringing the fluid mixture to the surface and reintroducing the fluid into the same or a different wellbore. |
| US08550159B2 |
Down-hole liquid level control for hydrocarbon wells
This invention provides for an apparatus that controls a liquid level down-hole of a hydrocarbon producing well by physically monitoring the liquid level down-hole having a down-hole liquid level measurer and a signal device connected to the liquid level measurer that causes a pump to adjust its current liquid output based on the liquid level down-hole as measured by the down-hole liquid level measurer. |
| US08550155B2 |
Jarring method and apparatus using fluid pressure to reset jar
A method and apparatus for delivering repetitive jarring impacts to a stuck object downhole. The jarring tool is deployed on coiled tubing or other tubular well conduit, and fluid pressure is used to cycle the jar without reciprocating the well conduit at the wellhead. The tool includes a hydraulic reset assembly. The hydraulic chamber is in fluid communication with the flow path through the tool. Thus, when the internal fluid pressure inside the tool exceeds the external pressure in the well, the fluid pressure drives the piston in the hydraulic chamber to urge the tool toward the contracted position. In this way, the reset assembly can overcome the tendency of fluid pressure to extend the tool. The reset assembly can be configured to balance or equalize the extension pressure, to prevent undesired cocking of the tool, or to overcome the extension pressure to contract the tool for recocking the jar mechanism. |
| US08550152B2 |
Metallic heat exchanger tube
A metallic heat exchanger tube (1) with a tube wall (2) and with integrally formed ribs (3) which run around on the tube outside (21) and which have a rib foot (31), rib flanks (32) and a rib tip (33), the rib foot (31) projecting essentially radially from the tube wall (2), and the rib flanks (32) being provided with additional structural elements which are formed as material projections (4) arranged laterally on the rib flank (32), the material projections (4) having a plurality of boundary faces (41, 42), at least one of the boundary faces (42) of at least one material projection (4) being curved convexly. |
| US08550150B2 |
Loop heat pipe
An exemplary loop heat pipe includes a plate-type evaporator, a pipe, a condenser thermally connected with the pipe and a working medium contained in the closed loop. The plate-type evaporator defines an exit for vapor in a lateral portion thereof and an entrance for liquid in a top portion thereof. The pipe connects the exit and the entrance to form a closed loop. A first wick structure has a lower end thereof attached to a bottom portion of the evaporator and has an upper end thereof attached to the top portion of the evaporator. The entrance for liquid corresponds to the upper end of the wick structure. |
| US08550148B2 |
Heat plate with clip
A structure of heat plate with clip includes a heat plate and at least one clip. The heat plate is a hollow body having an interior cavity containing a capillary structure and a working fluid. The heat plate has a surface forming a receiving chamber. The clip is a resilient plate having mounting sections, which are mounted to the heat plate. The mounting sections have a portion received in the receiving chamber. In this way, replacement of inside-cavity supporting structure can be realized and advantages of thinned structure, flexible adjustment of positioning, and being hard to cause stress induced deformation can be achieved. |
| US08550147B2 |
Windshield washer fluid heater and system
A windshield washer fluid heater having a housing which defines a housing chamber. A subhousing is disposed in the housing chamber. This subhousing is constructed of a thermally conductive material and divides the housing chamber into an outer housing chamber between the housing and the subhousing, and an inner housing chamber inside the subchamber. The outer housing chamber and inner housing chambers are fluidly isolated from each other. A core is disposed in the inner housing chamber thus forming an annular fluid chamber between the core and the subhousing. A washer fluid inlet on the housing is open to one end of the annular chamber while a washer fluid outlet at the other end is open to the other end of the annular chamber. An engine coolant inlet is open to the outer chamber while an engine coolant outlet is also open to the outer chamber at a position spaced from the inlet so that fluid flow into the coolant inlet flows through the outer housing chamber and to the coolant outlet. Alternatively, an electric heater is used to heat the housing chamber containing the annular fluid chamber. |
| US08550144B2 |
Method and apparatus for production of a cast component
A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential. |
| US08550141B2 |
Hollow glass device with built-in window shutter
A novel hollow glass device with a built-in window shutter includes an inner glass layer, an outer glass layer, a window shutter sandwiched between the inner and outer glass layers, and a frame sealing and connecting the inner and outer glass layers. The window shutter is formed by connecting a plurality of blades by a turning cord in series, and the frame is provided with a window shutter lift mechanism and a window shutter turning mechanism. The window shutter turning mechanism employs a rigid component as a transmission structure, which is not liable to deformation and extension phenomena and loosening and is firm, practical and reliable, thereby ensuring long-term normal use of the hollow glass device. The hollow glass device is overall structurally compact and conveniently and quickly operable, and therefore can easily be further spread and used in more broad fields. |
| US08550138B2 |
Apparatus for making a filtering unit
An apparatus for making a disk-shaped filtering unit includes a conveying unit, a hot-pressing unit and a punching unit. The conveying unit conveys a laminate including a screen-related substrate sandwiched between two membrane-related substrates. The hot-pressing unit hot-presses and welds the laminate dot by dot to bond the substrates along a closed curve eventually, thus making a semi-product of the filtering unit out of a portion of the laminate within the closed curve. The punching unit punches the semi-product with an aperture, thus making a final product of the filtering unit. |
| US08550136B2 |
Wrap-around toeguard for a pneumatic tire
A wrap-around toeguard 18 for a pneumatic tire 10 has a carcass ply 12 or plies 12, 14 with a locked tie-in construction. Each wrap-around toeguard 18 is a non cord reinforced elastomeric unitary strip wound 360.degree. in a singular annular bead. The wrap-around toeguard cord reinforced unitary strip 18 can be formed of a single elastomeric composition having a shore hardness D of greater than 40. Alternatively the wrap-around toeguard may additionally include an apex portion 29 and a chafer portion 27 along with the toeguard portion 28, each portion 27, 29 being co-extruded or otherwise hot formed and shaped with the toeguard portion 28 to form the unitary strip 18 and can have distinct elastomeric composition relative to the toeguard portion 28. |
| US08550135B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes at least three belts arranged on a tire-radial-direction outer side of a carcass and a belt edge cushion arranged between a tire-width-direction outer end portion of a second belt that is secondly arranged from the tire-radial-direction outer side and a tire-width-direction outer end portion of a third belt that is thirdly arranged. The second belt is curved to a tire-radial-direction inner side in an area of the belt edge cushion in a tire width direction. A tire-width direction outer end of a first belt that is firstly arranged from the tire-radial-direction outer side is provided in a position close to a tire-width-direction inner end of the belt edge cushion in the tire width direction. |
| US08550133B2 |
Pneumatic tire with asymmetric tread pattern
A tire having an asymmetric tread pattern that land proportion of outer side area 2o is larger than inner side area 2i, but having a reduced difference in drainage performance between tires on right and left wheels, the tire having tread surface 2 divided by four circumferential grooves 3 and 4 into center land 5, middle lands 6, 6 and shoulder lands 7, 7, wherein middle land 6o and shoulder land 7o in the outer side area 2o are divided respectively by outer middle lateral grooves 8o and outer shoulder lateral grooves 10o into blocks 9o and blocks 11o, inclination direction of the middle lateral grooves 8o is opposite to that of the shoulder lateral grooves 10o with respect to tire axial direction, and the lateral grooves 8o and 10o are inclined at an angle θmo between 5° and 45° and at an angle θso between more than 0° and not more than 40°, respectively. |
| US08550130B2 |
Apparatus and method for refilling reusable containers
An apparatus and a method for filling reusable containers employing a plurality of moveable spigots located in a planar rectangular arrangement inside two frames positioned to move back and forth on X and Y axes to position a selected spigot over the open top of a reusable container. |
| US08550127B2 |
Catalyst loading system
A reformer tube processing and filling system is provided for ensuring uniformity of reformer tube flow rates and reactivity. The disclosed invention provides a system for detecting and removing tube obstructions, as well as an automated process for verifying the flow rate for each tube and identifying tubes with abnormal flow rates to remove a source of human error and conserve labor costs. An automated tube filling system provides a calibrated fill mechanism coordinated with a calibrated loading rope withdrawal mechanism to ensure loading consistency. A lack of vibrating parts ensures a low dust count, and what little dust is present is removed via a built-in vacuum outlet in the loader. |
| US08550118B2 |
Device for connecting a valve housing to an actuator in a process valve acting as a lift valve
The invention relates to a device for connecting a valve housing (2; 2.1; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4) to an actuator (3) in a process valve acting as a lift valve (1; 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4). The aim of the invention is to design a device for connecting a valve housing to an actuator in a process valve of the type in question that acts as a lift valve, is shorter and less expensive than all known devices of said type, is as safe as possible when opening, and has a very simple design. Said aim is achieved by mounting the lantern-type housing (3.1) on the valve housing (2; 2.1; 2.2; 2.3, 2.4) by means of a bayonet joint (2f, 2g/3.1d, 3.1e) or a bayonet-type joint. |
| US08550116B2 |
Twin power valve with integrated pressure balance
A twin power valve assembly (10) for a hydraulic braking system having a single body (16) with twin power valve arrangements, each having a spool (36, 36′) with a longitudinally extending passageway (36D, 36D′) for providing a modulation of the pressure applied to the brakes, and an integral balance piston (60, 60′) contained within the body (10) that equalizes the pressure applied to the left and right hand brakes when both brakes are applied. |
| US08550115B2 |
Valve position indicator
A valve position assembly is described herein, wherein the assembly includes a sun gear, at least one planet gear, two ring gears, wherein the planet gear engages with the sun gear and the ring gears, wherein the planet gear has a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the sun gear, and the diameter of the planet gear is smaller than a diameter of the ring gears, and a scale plate, wherein the plate comprises a position indicator. |
| US08550113B1 |
Vacuum breaker flow regulator
A single stage vacuum breaker flow regulator includes a diaphragm retained in an elevated position in between atmosphere and an outlet chamber for a gaseous medium. A valve in communication with an inlet chamber is yieldingly urged to a closed position by a spring. Cam levers are movable by the diaphragm upon a reduction in pressure to sub-atmospheric in the outlet chamber. The movement of said cam levers in response to a reduction in pressure is transmitted to a yieldingly movable valve to open said valve to the flow of gas from said inlet chamber to said outlet chamber. |
| US08550112B2 |
Multifunctional safety valve device with incorporated proportional pressure regulator
Multifunctional safety valve device with proportional pressure regulator, for line feeding aeriform fluid to a user, including a body defining a fluid or gas conduit connected to a gas feed line and a gas delivering line. The conduit has first and second passages intercepted by respective first and second valving elements. The second element downstream of the first for gas pressure regulating and modulating. The valving elements operated by electromagnetic actuators and urged closed at least by a spring. The second element cooperating with a membrane subjected to gas pressure to urge the second element closed. The membrane has, subjected to gas pressure, a surface larger than that of the second element subjected to the same pressure, to maintain the second element closed. The second element presenting, downstream of the second passage, a portion with a flexible rim arranged to seal the second passage when intercepted by the second element. |
| US08550109B2 |
Gas meter device and gas supply system using the device
A gas meter device is provided which is configured in a manner that even if a user takes an unauthorized action such as the removal of a gas meter device in order to use gas without authorization, since the generation of a particular flow-rate change profile different from a normal flow-rate change profile of a gas appliance is detected, the sign of the tamper of the gas can be detected, whereby the tamper of the gas can be prevented. The gas meter device includes an appliance determining unit 6 for determining a gas appliance being used and a tamper determining unit 7 which determines that the gas is used without authorization in the case where the particular flow-rate change profile different from an appliance determining value registered in a registration storage unit 5 is generated. |
| US08550104B2 |
Pressure control and relief system
A pressure control system for controlling pressure in a tank is provided. The pressure control system includes a pressure relief valve and a rupture disc subassembly. The pressure relief valve is connected to the tank. The rupture disc subassembly is located between the pressure relief valve and the tank and is connected to the tank. The pressure relief valve is connected such that removal of the pressure relief valve does not affect the connection of the rupture disc subassembly to the tank. |
| US08550103B2 |
Utilizing swellable materials to control fluid flow
Methods and related systems are described for controlling inflow of fluid into a production string. In aspects, the invention provides an inflow control device with a shut-off feature that is operated automatically utilizing swellable materials. |
| US08550102B2 |
Easily replaceable valve assembly for a high pressure pump
A valve assembly for use in high pressure pumps is designed for easy replacement for example in the suction inlet here for a high pressure pump. The design utilizes a combination of screw threads and a locking member to provide structural strength for the valve to be placed in and withdrawn from the inlet bore. |
| US08550100B1 |
Portable ice fishing shelter
A portable ice fishing shelter for providing an enclosed and expandable structure for ice fishing within. The ice fishing shelter generally includes a rigid primary enclosure having sidewalls, a roof, and a base to form a first interior space, wherein the base forms an inverted U-shaped raised center portion to accommodate a seat within and allow for smoother pulling below. The primary enclosure also has a side opening extending through at least one of the sidewalls for a rigid extendable enclosure. The extendable enclosure includes an open bottom and extends from a perimeter of the side opening and is movably connected thereto. The extendable enclosure is adapted to move between a refracted position during storage or transport and an extended position during use, wherein a second interior space is formed to accommodate one or more angling holes. A tow hitch and glide members may also extend from the primary enclosure. |
| US08550099B2 |
Sunbrella-sunscreen
Improvements in protection with a sunbrella-sunscreen made of a porous, nonporous, non-permeable fabrics such as mesh silver nylon and silver polyester used to protect one from sun rays and precipitating rain. The sunbrella-sunscreen canopy is removable and changeable. The covering can be changed from fabric, material, properties and color(s). The sunscreen can be worn with any head wear, cap, hat, or the user can use a special head wear which is specifically to be worn with the Sunscreen. The sunbrella can further be secured within an umbrella type frame that can be carried like an umbrella. When not used the mechanical apparatus sunbrella is collapsible and foldable to a smaller size to be stored in a small pouch. When not used the mesh sunscreen, the nonporous, non-permeable fabric is collapsible and foldable to a smaller size to be stored in a small pouch. |
| US08550098B2 |
Touchless car wash system
A carwash system is disclosed wherein a spray arm dependingly mounted to an overhead longitudinally movable carriage for dispensing fluids onto the exterior surfaces of a vehicle in a wash bay unidirectionally circumnavigates the vehicle for multiple circuits while performing one or more wash functions by coordinating longitudinal and rotational movements of the arm through the selective operation of two independent motor drives. Electrical power and/or data is carried to and from electrical devices on the arm by way of a slip ring conductor which is mounted coaxially with the arm pivot on the bottom side of the carriage. The fluid supply conduit also passes concentrically through this pivot. |
| US08550096B2 |
Lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve apparatus
The present invention relates generally to a cosmetic apparatus. More particularly, the invention encompasses an accessory sleeve for a cosmetic item. The present invention is also directed to a novel lock-in cosmetic accessory sleeve. The accessory sleeve has a first opening to securely and releaseably accommodate a first cosmetic container, and a second opening to securely and releaseably accommodate a second cosmetic container. Both the accessory sleeve and the containers have releaseable engagement means to securely hold each to the other. |
| US08550086B2 |
Radiopaque implant
Implants for placement in the fallopian tube are provided that comprise radiopaque material. Implants include an inner core of silicone, a radiopaque material, an outer porous portion surrounding the inner core, and, optionally, a sound-reflecting air pocket. The implant may be detected in a fluoroscopic image and/or via ultrasound after placement of the implant in the fallopian tube. |
| US08550084B2 |
Mask system
A full-face mask system for delivery of a supply of gas at positive pressure to a patient for medical treatment includes a shroud, a cushion module adapted to form a seal with the patient's nose and mouth, an elbow, and headgear. The cushion module includes a frame and a cushion. The frame includes an opening that releasably receives a distal end of the elbow with a snap-fit, wherein an inner edge of the opening and the distal end of the elbow together form a retention structure to retain the elbow to the frame. The elbow has an exterior surface rotatable relative to a bearing surface formed on an inner circumferential surface of the opening, the elbow having an annular protrusion that abuts the frame of the cushion module when the distal end of the elbow is fully inserted into the opening. The retention structure maintains engagement between the shroud and the frame. |
| US08550077B2 |
Ventilator control system utilizing a mid-frequency ventilation pattern
Systems and methods are provided for providing ventilation to a patient. An air source is configured to provide pressurized air to a patient through a patient circuit according to a ventilation pattern. At least one sensor is configured to monitor a corresponding physiologic property of the patient. A ventilator control system is configured to calculate an alveolar ventilation value from the monitored physiologic property of the patient, determine at least an optimal frequency for the ventilation pattern from the calculated alveolar ventilation value, and update the ventilation pattern according to the determined optimal frequency. |
| US08550075B2 |
Removable and/or replaceable humidifier
Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapor to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus. |
| US08550074B2 |
Delivery device and related methods
A delivery device that includes a cutter for opening a barrier layer to provide fluid access to a dose chamber, and a diverting structure for direct air flow toward the dose chamber. |
| US08550072B2 |
Apparatus for delivering humidified gases
An apparatus for delivering humidified gases has a connection manifold adapted to connect with inlet and outlet ports of a slide on water chamber in a single slide on motion. Connection of the gases inlet and gases outlet ports as well as any additional electrical and/or pneumatic connections are all made in the same slide on motion. The water chamber may include inwardly extending elongate extension tubes with one of the extension tubes having an air bleed aperture to aid filling of the chamber. |
| US08550071B2 |
Inhalers with airway disks having discrete airway channels and related disks and methods
Dry powder inhalers include radially-extending discrete, typically dose-specific, airway channels serially forming a portion of the inhalation pathway to deliver dry powder to a user using the inhalers. |
| US08550070B2 |
Powder inhaler
An inhaler device includes an air conduit including a mouthpiece and a dosing means adapted to provide a dose of powder to the air conduit for entrainment in the stream of air. In the area downstream from the dosing means the wall of the air conduit is provided with a secondary air inlet extending to the direction of the mouthpiece such that the entry of secondary air occurs over an extended length of the air conduit downstream from the dosing means. |
| US08550067B2 |
Visual indicator for an aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system
A delivery system includes a holding chamber with first, second and third openings, and independently moveable first, second and third flow control members. A delivery system includes a holding chamber and a flow control member including a flap pivotable from an at rest position in a direction toward an outlet of a user interface and away from an output end of the holding chamber in response to a pressure being applied thereto. |
| US08550065B2 |
Adjustable height outdoor cooker
The present invention provides a permanent foundation which supports an open flame cooking assembly which includes a collapsible boom support arm which supports a cooking surface or grill which is height adjustable via a winch and heat resistant rope adjustment assembly, wherein the boom is supported by an upright stanchion of varying length which is removably and rotatably coupled to the permanent foundation support assembly. |
| US08550064B2 |
Barbecue stove with collapsible stand
A barbecue stove with collapsible stand has a grill pan and a stand mounted on the grill pan. The stand has a main leg mounted pivotally on the grill pan and a secondary leg connected pivotally to the main leg. When the main and secondary legs cross each other, the stand is unfolded and supports the grill pan high above a plane. When the main and secondary legs overlap each other and the main leg is pivoted to lie on the grill pan, the stand is folded into a compact size. The stand of the barbecue stove is structurally simplified and therefore is easy to assemble, fold or unfold. |
| US08550062B2 |
Toy gun
A gas cartridge is firmly attached to a toy gun and the gas cartridge is replaced through simple operation. The gas cartridge is filled therein with compressed gas for firing a bullet. A cartridge housing portion slidably holds the circumferential surface of the gas cartridge. The lid portion of the gas cartridge housed in the cartridge housing portion is coupled to a cartridge attachment portion. A clamp arm has a roller and an extended portion and can be freely rotated around a rotation shaft. When the clamp arm is rotated, the roller presses the bottom portion of the gas cartridge in the cartridge housing portion. A raising lever has an abutment portion and is coupled to the extended portion so that the raising lever can be rotated around an installation shaft. When the raising lever is moved, the abutment portion slides on the sliding surface and rotates the clamp arm. |
| US08550059B2 |
Method for igniting a combustible mixture for a combustion engine
A method of igniting a mixture of oxidant and fuel in a combustion chamber of a combustion engine using a spark plug arranged so that it protrudes into the combustion chamber of the engine. The method includes powering the spark plug using a first alternating electrical signal of a frequency higher than 1 MHz, and second powering the spark plug using a second alternating electrical signal of a frequency higher than 1 MHz, the second power taking place after the first powering following a time delay. |
| US08550058B2 |
Fuel rail assembly including fuel separation membrane
As one example, a fuel rail assembly for supplying pressurized fuel to a plurality of cylinders of an engine is provided. The fuel rail assembly includes a fuel rail housing defining an internal fuel rail volume having at least a first region and a second region; a fuel separation membrane element disposed within the fuel rail housing that segregates the first region from the second region. The membrane element can be configured to pass a first component of a fuel mixture such as an alcohol through the membrane element from the first region to the second region at a higher rate than a second component of the fuel mixture such as a hydrocarbon. The separated alcohol and hydrocarbon components can be provided to the engine in varying relative amounts based on operating conditions. |
| US08550056B2 |
Electric circuit for triggering a piezoelectric element, in particular a fuel injection system of a motor vehicle
An electric circuit for triggering a piezoelectric element, in particular of a fuel injection system of a motor vehicle. Two transistors connected in series and triggerable using a clock pulse are provided, whose shared connecting point is coupled to the piezoelectric element and one of which is provided for discharging the piezoelectric element. In the event of an error, the transistor provided for discharging can be triggered using the clock pulse. |
| US08550052B2 |
Piston for an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part has a collar with a ring rib and the lower part has a wall and a contact part radially within the wall. When the upper part is connected with the lower part by friction welding, the face surfaces of the ring rib, the collar, the wall, and the contact part form friction-welding surfaces and form a cooling channel and a cooling cavity between them. To supply the cooling channel and the cooling cavity with cooling oil, radial bores are introduced into the ring rib, which bores connect the cooling channel with the cooling cavity. In this way, it is guaranteed that a sufficient residual amount of oil collects in the cooling channel and in the cooling cavity, which amount is constantly renewed, and leads to good cooling of the piston crown. |
| US08550049B2 |
Cover with integrated braces
A composite material intake manifold cover includes braces integral to the outside surface of the cover to stiffen the cover and reduce noise and vibration associated with the cover. The cover has a flange around the periphery with a raised weld bead, the weld bead provided for welding the cover to a mating piece. The flange extends outwardly from the cover for a first distance over most of the periphery and a second distance to support the braces over the remainder of the periphery. The braces extend upwardly from the upper surface of the flange at the sections of the flange extending out the second distance and may be placed between adjacent intake runner ports. By providing portions of the flange extending out a greater distance, a more substantial brace can be supported, thereby improving the noise and vibration characteristics relative to conventional stiffening ribs. |
| US08550048B2 |
Corona ignition device
What is described is a corona ignition device for igniting fuel in an internal combustion engine by generating a corona discharge, said corona ignition device comprising a housing, an insulator, which is held in the housing, a center electrode, which is held in the insulator, and at least one ignition tip at an and of the center electrode. The housing surrounds an interior, which has a cylindrical portion in which a cylindrical portion of the insulator sits. A widened interior portion adjoins at the end of the cylindrical interior portion remote from the ignition peak. The insulator has a thinner portion in the widened interior portion. The cylindrical portion of the insulator carries an electrically conductive coating, which ends before the thinner portion. |
| US08550045B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes: a driving force transmission member; a driving side rotational member, to which a driving force is transmitted; a driven side rotational member coaxially provided to the driving side rotational member, and rotating relative to the driving side rotational member, thereby rotating a camshaft for opening and closing a valve; and a hydraulic pressure chamber formed by the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member. The driving side rotational member includes a housing formed into a closed-end cylindrical shape and having a bottom portion formed to close one end of the housing in an axial direction thereof and an opening portion formed to be opened at the other end the housing in the axial direction thereof, and a plate member closing the opening portion. The driving force transmission member, formed into a ring shape, is attached to the bottom portion. |
| US08550042B2 |
Full expansion internal combustion engine
A two-stroke, uniflow, full expansion internal combustion (IC) engine having cylinders that include a cylinder wall and a cylinder head having an exhaust port with exhaust valve, a fuel injector, and a spark means in the cylinder head, and a piston mounted in the cylinder for reciprocal stroke movements of compression and power between a top dead center (TDC) position and a bottom dead center (BDC) position. The cylinder has a swirl inlet port passing through the cylinder wall at the bottom of the cylinder that is covered and uncovered in response to the reciprocal movement of the piston. The cylinder is operated through a cycle where the exhaust port is held in an open position for a portion of the compression stroke movement of the piston, to provide a delay in the onset of the compression phase of the cylinder cycle. |
| US08550035B2 |
Method of shipping livestock
Methods for transporting livestock and livestock feed in shipping containers and for separating the shipping containers into a livestock storage areas and feed storage areas for the measured distribution of feed throughout shipment. |
| US08550034B2 |
Poultry coop
An improved poultry coop that facilitates the prevention of entry of predators and the transmission of pathogens to and between the housed birds. In a preferred embodiment, the coop, which advantageously meets bird flu guidelines, includes an insulated house, a covered run coupled to the house, and a covered feed house. All openings are preferably covered with ½″ hardware cloth or mesh wire. the same cloth or mesh wire is preferably buried beneath the earth below the coop and coupled to the coop. |
| US08550031B2 |
Cluster tool architecture for processing a substrate
Embodiments of the invention generally include a robot assembly comprising a robot operable to position a substrate at one or more points within a plane, and a motion assembly having a motor operable to position the robot in a direction generally parallel to a first direction. The motion assembly comprises a robot support interface having the robot coupled thereto, and one or more walls that form an interior region in which the motor is enclosed. The walls define an elongated opening through which the robot support interface travels, and the motor is operable to move the robot support interface laterally in the elongated opening. The motion assembly further comprises one or more fan assemblies that are in fluid communication with the interior region. The fan assemblies are operable to create a subatmospheric pressure in the interior region thereby causing gas to flow through the elongated opening into the interior region. |
| US08550030B2 |
Overspray reclaiming system
An overspray reclaiming system is disclosed. The system may collect and reuse overspray produced when discharging material on an object to create a coating on the outer surface of the object. The system may generally include a housing in which an object may be sprayed, a holder for holding the object, a discharging device for discharging coating material onto an object, a vessel for collecting and/or treating overspray, and conduits and flow controllers for directing overspray to be reused. The discharging device and the holder object may be disposed within the housing. At least one porous material may be disposed between the discharging device and a wall of the housing. |
| US08550028B2 |
Thermal spray stream focusing
A thermal spray stream focusing approach is provided. In one aspect, at least two pairs of rollers are located about a spray device. The at least two pairs of rollers are configured to shape a raw spray stream generated from the spray device to a shape-defined spray stream that is focused towards a surface of a workpiece. |
| US08550025B2 |
Rowing boat footrest assembly
A rowing boat footrest assembly is provided with a base, an attachment structure, a limit structure and an adjustment structure. The attachment structure is coupled to the base, and configured and arranged to support a cleat. The limit structure limits a movement of the cleat to a first movement range in a transverse direction with respect to a longitudinal boat direction. The adjustment structure is provided at a location such that the adjustment structure adjusts the first movement range to a second movement range that is smaller than the first movement range. |
| US08550023B1 |
Retractable anchoring pole
A power anchor having a boat mount, a hydraulic cylinder, a pivoting assembly, comprising a proximal pivot, a distal pivot, and a pivot link. There is also provided an anchor shaft, having a tapered point. |
| US08550020B2 |
Variable pressure control system for dual acting actuators
A variable pressure control system for varying pressures in the fluid circuits of a dual acting actuator over a range of pressures. The variable pressure control system includes a controller that cooperates with pressure regulators for regulating the desired pressure in the fluid circuits. |
| US08550019B1 |
Slurry applicator for an agriculture machine
A method is provided for depositing slurry into a ground surface for plant nutrition. A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member acts by displacing soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil. The rotating member may be a coulter blade that has a plurality of flutes formed on a first and a second side of the blade. The flutes have a leading edge that enters the ground substantially perpendicular with respect to the ground and exits at an angle to eject soil upward and outward. |
| US08550018B2 |
Stirring control method and stirring control device for a combustion apparatus
A stirring control method is adapted for a combustion apparatus which includes a furnace for burning fuel material, and a stirring member rotatably disposed in the furnace for stirring the fuel material and ash resulting from burning of the fuel material. The stirring control method includes: controlling rotation of the stirring member at an initial rotational speed; determining whether a height of the fuel material reaches an upper detection range; generating an indication when the height of the fuel material reaches the upper detection range; determining whether the height of the fuel material reaches a lower detection range when the height of the fuel material does not reach the upper detection range; and controlling rotation of the stirring member at a rotational speed higher than the initial rotational speed when the height of the fuel material reaches the lower detection range. |
| US08550017B2 |
Method and apparatus of controlling exhaust gas in oxyfuel combustion boiler
Provided are a method and an apparatus of controlling exhaust gas in an oxyfuel combustion boiler which can attain stable combustion of the boiler while an amount of unburned combustibles and a NOx density in exhaust gas are maintained in their allowable ranges. A rate of supply of directly supplied oxygen to burners 6 to a total amount of oxygen produced by an air separation unit 18 is regulated in an operating range where the NOx density in the exhaust gas is below a NOx limit value and the amount of unburned combustibles in the exhaust gas is blow an unburned combustible limit value to thereby attain stable combustion of the oxyfuel combustion boiler. |
| US08550016B2 |
Method and apparatus of controlling flow rate of primary recirculating exhaust gas in oxyfuel combustion boiler
Provided are a method and an apparatus of controlling a flow rate of a primary recirculating exhaust gas in an oxyfuel combustion boiler, capable of realizing a stable combustion by a burner in oxyfuel combustion. Weight ratio of flow rate of primary recirculating exhaust gas [ton/h] to amount of pulverized coal from a mill [ton/h] is defined as G/C, and the flow rate of primary recirculating exhaust gas is controlled so that the G/C falls within a given range. |
| US08550014B1 |
Perfect pedestal plate system
A system for setting a table that displays a plurality of items on different elevated levels using invertible stacking members, the stacking members having two forms, plate and pedestal, that form a plurality of different configurations. A pedestal base member engages a plate member in a pedestal plate configuration and inverts into a vase configuration. The pedestal base member converts into a candle holder and selectively engages the plate member, the plate member selectively displaying a decorative item surrounding the base member, the combination forming a centerpiece. The pedestal base member engages the plate member, forming a stackable pair, stacking with other pairs, another base member or another plate member. The pedestal base members selectively stack with each other. The plate members each have an interlocking rim that locks with the plate above and the plate below, forming a compact stack on a buffet table. |
| US08550011B2 |
Adjustable table
An adjustable table has a base, a telescopic tube assembly, two outside tabletop components and two inside tabletop components. The base has at least one leg and a mounting bracket. The telescopic tube assembly has a shaft, a central tube and two sliding tubes. The shaft is located over the mounting bracket. The central tube is mounted securely around the shaft. The sliding tubes are mounted slidably around the shaft. The outside tabletop components are mounted slidably on the mounting bracket and are slidably mounted respectively on the sliding tubes. The inside tabletop components are foldable and each has a first board mounted pivotally and slidably on one sliding tube and a second board connected pivotally to the first board. Each inside tabletop component independently folds and flips underneath the outside tabletop components abut each other or abut one of the inside tabletop components to shorten a total tabletop length. |
| US08550010B2 |
Bulk materials container
A wagon has two side walls, two end walls and a base. At least a portion of one or each side wall has two side wall parts in the form of panels. Each panel has a respective constant wall thickness and is joined together. In some embodiments, the panels can be integrally formed. The side wall panels are also each of a different material thickness. A bridging member in the form of an angled bracket is arranged to interconnect the respective side wall panels by being separately connected to each side wall panel. |
| US08550009B2 |
Diesel-electric locomotive
The diesel-electric locomotive (10) includes: a diesel engine (12), an alternator (20) mechanically coupled for driving thereof to the diesel engine (12) and connected as output to a direct current bus (26) through a rectifier (22), at least one electric traction motor (14) connected to the bus (26) through a traction inverter (34), at least one piece of auxiliary equipment (16, 18) with a power supply, powered from the diesel engine (12). It includes, to power the or each piece of auxiliary equipment (16, 18), a chain (80) for shaping the current connected as input to the direct current bus (26). |
| US08550007B2 |
System and method for reinjection of retard energy in a trolley-based electric mining haul truck
Retard energy regenerated from an electrical motor during braking action is reinjected into a power system via trolley lines. The retard energy may be transmitted to a bidirectional electric substation and returned to a utility grid. The retard energy may also be transmitted to an auxiliary energy storage system, such as an ultracapacitor system or a battery system. Installing trolley lines for mining haul trucks on a downhill slope may be used to capture and re-use substantial quantities of retard energy. |
| US08550004B1 |
Riveted cartridge venting
An IM type steel cartridge whose base contains a central bore there through—within which bore is a steel base plug holding a primer cup, the base plug being held in place by a low melt, 220 to 250 degree F. melt eutectic solder—wherein, if the cartridge is subjected to an unforeseen thermal or kinetic event, the solder will melt, the base plug ejected, and the propellant will vent rather than explode. The solder bond between the base plug and the cartridge case within which it is held is capable of resisting the from about 72,000, to up to 90,000 psi, force generated within the firing chamber of the weapon by the ignition and firing of the cartridge. |
| US08550003B2 |
Pyrotechnic device
A pyrotechnic device comprising an outer casing having a bore therein, a central sleeve extending from the bore into an interior of the outer casing and an insert having a burst explosive charge therein sized to be capable of being slidably received within the central sleeve. |
| US08550002B2 |
Arrangement for supporting mortar shell into breech-loading weapon barrel
An arrangement for supporting a mortar shell into a breech-loading weapon barrel (2). The arrangement comprises a support piece (6) provided with an edge flange (7) and to be attached to the tail of the mortar shell (1), whereby the arrangement further comprises a connecting piece (8) between the support piece and the mortar shell tail, which connecting piece is arranged to be attached to the mortar shell and the support piece and thus to attach the support piece with a mechanical joint to the mortar shell tail. In connection with the connecting piece (8), there is a point which is arranged to yield in a firing situation and thus to allow the mortar shell (1) to be detached from the support piece (6); and a firing mechanism (17) for firing the actual primer (10) of the mortar shell. The mechanical joint between the connecting piece (8) and the support piece (6) has been formed by means of cotter attachment (14). |
| US08550001B2 |
Compact and low-volume mechanical igniter and ignition systems for thermal batteries and the like
An inertial igniter including: a body having a base and three or more posts, each post having a hole; a locking ball corresponding to each post, wherein a portion of the locking balls are disposed in the hole; a striker mass movably disposed relative to the posts and having a surface corresponding to the posts, the striker mass further having a concave portion corresponding to the locking balls, wherein a second portion of each locking ball is disposed in a corresponding concave portion for retaining the striker mass relative to the posts; a collar movable relative to the posts; and a biasing element for biasing the collar in a first position which retains the striker mass, the biasing element permitting movement of the collar to a second position to release the striker mass relative to the posts upon a predetermined acceleration profile. |
| US08549998B2 |
Portable electromechanical Braille label maker
A portable apparatus to electromechanically emboss Braille patterns includes a user input, such as a six-key with spacebar keyboard, actuators that drive embossing pins via cam shafts coupled to servo or stepper motors, a tape advancing mechanism, and a cutting and scoring assembly. Three actuators, such as servo or stepper motors, may each be coupled to one shaft on which two or more cams drive two or more embossing pins for each row of two dots in the six dot Braille cell. |
| US08549997B2 |
System and method for compacting materials in open top transport conveyance
A compacting system compacts particulate matter in open-top railroad gondola cars rolling on rails. The compacting system comprises a compacting station adjacent the rails and a scanning system that scans the gondola cars as they move along the rails toward the compacting station. The scanning system transmits data of the gondola car to an electronic control system. The compacting station has at least one compaction member, e.g., a plate structure or a roller, configured to contact an upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola cars. The electronic control system controls the compacting station so that the compaction member engages with and applies force to the upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola car so as to compress the particulate matter in the gondola. A method for compacting particulate matter in a gondola car is also shown. |
| US08549996B2 |
System for topping and tailing lettuce heads using a camera-guided servo-controlled water knife
A system for trimming a lettuce head using a digital imaging system and cutting mechanism. The lettuce head is conveyed between a lower feed conveyor and an upper feed conveyor that is disposed a fixed distance over and substantially aligned with a lower feed conveyor. The digital imaging system is configured to capture an image of the lettuce head and determine a cutting profile using the image. The cutting mechanism is disposed over the lower feed conveyor and includes: a servo motor mechanically coupled to a drive shaft; an armature with a pivot end mounted to the drive shaft and a sweep end disposed a radial distance from the pivot end; a cutting nozzle, mounted to the sweep end of the armature, configured to trim the lettuce head; and servo-control circuitry configured to articulate the cutting nozzle through a cutting arc based on the cutting profile. |
| US08549995B2 |
Hand-operated appliance for shucking black-eyed pea seed coverings from their kernels
A hand-held, manually operated seed shucking appliance enables a food preparer to remove the seed coverings of black-eyed peas from their kernels. A spring and piston inside a chamber are arranged to compress a load of pre-soaked black-eyed peas against a shuttle rasp threaded between side slots. As a user manipulates the shuttle rasp, the shucks are scraped off the seeds by a scraping surface and both pass through the side slots. The piston is configured to be cocked back such that the chamber can be loaded through one end with a fresh charge of black-eyed peas. |
| US08549990B2 |
Coffeemaker comprising a foam-making device
A coffee machine includes a hot water generator, an infusion chamber for receiving an infusible product, an infusion dispensing outlet (6) and a foam producing device (40), which is interposed between the infusion chamber and the dispensing outlet and is provided with at least two outlet orifices (43, 44) arranged with respect to each other in such a way that two infusion jets, which are formed at exit, collide with each other, thereby producing a foam. The two outlet orifices (43, 44) are oriented to each other at an angle of 90 degrees in such a way that the first outlet orifice (43) is oriented in a vertical direction whereas the second outlet orifice (44) is oriented in a horizontal direction and placed in such a way that the collision of the two infusion jets takes place under the first orifice. |
| US08549986B2 |
Energy storage device, actuator and method
An energy storage device a first member and a second member that is slidably engaged with the first member. There are at least two seals that slidably seal the first member to the second member and define a cavity therebetween that varies in volume with relative movement between the first member and the second member. The first member is biased toward the second member in a direction that resisted increases in volume of the cavity. |
| US08549982B2 |
Firearm control devices
A fire selector control device for a firearm with a lower receiver that is operable from either side of the firearm. The device includes a selector body designed to fit within the lower receiver and extend between one side of the lower receiver and an opposite side of the lower receiver. The selector body is designed to engage a firing mechanism within the firearm and switch the firing mechanism to any one of a plurality of firing modes. First and second levers are attached to opposite ends of the body to move the body to any one of the plurality of firing options. The first lever is accessible from the exterior of the right side of the lower receiver and the second lever is accessible from the exterior of the left side of the lower receiver. |
| US08549981B2 |
Ammunition hoist
An ammunition hoist (1) includes a supporting beam (4) set alongside a hollow guide element, and a movement system (5), adapted to enable movement of the ammunition (3) along a supporting beam (4) between a first level and a second level set at a different height with respect to one another. The hoist includes moving equipment (6), sliding with respect to the supporting beam (4) and to which the ammunition (3) is associated at least temporarily; the movement of the ammunition (3) occurs in an automated way from and towards the first or second level. |
| US08549980B2 |
Handling system for a weapon placed on a turret
A handling system is for a weapon (2) placed on a turret. The weapon is provided with a barrel (21) from which the bullets are shot and with a handle (22) through which the operator determines the traverse of the weapon. The weapon is mounted on a circumferential fifth wheel including a fixed portion (31) integral with the turret and a movable portion (32) on which the weapon is mounted, in order that the movable fifth wheel rotates on the fixed one, permitting the movement of the weapon along the circumference (C). |
| US08549975B2 |
Pyrotechnic actuator with a cylinder having communicating chambers
A pyrotechnic actuator for an active bonnet is provided that includes, but is not limited to a cylinder, a piston which can be displaced in the cylinder under the influence of a propellant gas and a first gas generator for producing the propellant gas. The actuator includes, but is not limited to at least one further gas generator, which can be ignited independently of the first gas generator. |
| US08549969B2 |
Supply device for cutting device
Supply device (1) for a cutting device (2) for a web of reinforced rubber material, comprising a first and a second web transporter provided with web engagers, wherein the first and second web transporters are spaced apart from each other in web direction and are attached to a first and a second carriage that are connected to each other for being reciprocally moved as one unity, o attached to a common reciprocally movable carriage (23), respectively, wherein the first web transporter is situated downstream from the second web transporter, wherein the supply device furthermore comprises guides for guiding the carriage (s) with both transporters during the reciprocal motion, wherein the guides for the carriage or carriages with both transporters are continuous for the entire stroke of the reciprocal motion. |
| US08549966B2 |
Output conveyor for a food article slicing machine
An output conveyor for a high speed slicing apparatus having four deceleration conveyors that receive slices from a jump conveyor. Each deceleration conveyor laterally position slices in an output lane. The deceleration conveyors have a pivotal axis for matching an elevation of an end of said deceleration conveyor with an elevation of an upstream conveyor. The output conveyor also comprises four weighing conveyors for weighing slices received from upstream components. The weighing conveyors each comprise a removable carrying unit for turning a conveyor belt and a drive unit for driving the carrying unit. |
| US08549961B2 |
Adjustable wrench
An adjustable wrench includes a fixed jaw, a movable jaw, and a handle, and a lock mechanism. The fixed jaw includes an adjusting mechanism and an abutting mechanism disposed therein. The adjusting mechanism includes a worm gear, with the worm gear rotatable about and movable along a fixing member. The abutting mechanism includes an abutting member pivotally fixed and including an end engagable with the worm gear. The movable jaw is engaged with the worm gear and moves linearly relative to the fixed jaw upon rotating the worm gear. The handle is pivotally fixed to the fixed jaw. The lock mechanism is installed between the fixed jaw and the handle and operable to a lock position a relative pivotal movement between the fixed jaw and the handle is obstructed and to an unlock position the fixed jaw and the handle are able to pivot relative to each other. |
| US08549960B2 |
Tool for adjusting military phone jack
Various embodiments of the invention provide a tool for adjusting a military phone jack. A tool for adjusting a military phone jack, the tool comprising a modified head cap screw, an expanding split collet, a collet receiver shaft, and a jam nut driver. The modified head cap screw has an edge of the head cap machined to an angle between 1 and 89 degrees with respect to the unmachined portion of the head cap which is further from the screw shaft. The expanding split collet comprises a central hole throughout its longitudinal axis with the hole of sufficient diameter to receive the modified head cap screw, two or more slits through the exterior wall of the collet and extending from one end of the collet, and a machined inner diameter of the end of the collet having the slits, the angle of the machined inner diameter matching the angle on the head cap of the modified head cap screw. The collet receiver shaft has an internal thread drilled into one end of the shaft, the internal thread receiving the thread end of the modified head cap screw. The jam nut driver comprises a central hole throughout its longitudinal axis, the hole of sufficient diameter to receive the expanding split collet and the collet receiver shaft, the jam nut driver having a grip end and a nut end, the nut end machined to receive a jam nut. |
| US08549956B2 |
Bicycle control device
A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a brake lever, a shift operating lever and a lever adjustment mechanism. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The brake lever is movably mounted relative to the base member. The shift operating lever is operatively coupled to the shift control unit to operate the shift control unit when the shift operating lever is moved from a rest position along a shift operating path. The shift operating lever is movable from the rest position along a non-shift movement path independently of the brake lever. The lever adjustment mechanism is operatively coupled to the shift operating lever to change a location of the rest position of the shift operating lever along the non-shift movement path. |
| US08549954B2 |
Bicycle shift device having a linearly sliding shift lever operated by a pivoting interface member
A bicycle shift control device comprises a control body supported by a mounting member and rotatable about a rotational axis (X), wherein the mounting member defines a handlebar mounting axis (HB); an operating body coupled for displacement between a home position and a shift position; a transmission which converts the displacement of the operating body into a rotational displacement of the control body; and an interface member movably mounted relative to the operating body. The interface member pivots around a pivot axis (P) for moving the operating body from the home position to the shift position, wherein the pivot axis (P) is inclined relative to a handlebar mounting axis (HB). The interface member also moves in a direction toward a plane (PL) that contains the handlebar mounting axis (HB) and is parallel with the rotational axis (X) when the operating body moves from the home position toward the shift position. |
| US08549953B2 |
Steering column comprising a plastic sliding sleeve
The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket (1) which carries an upper jacket unit (3) and a lower jacket unit (5), wherein the jacket units (3, 5) surround a steering shaft (8) rotatably mounted therein, and wherein the jacket units (3, 5) comprise an inner jacket tube (10) and an outer jacket tube (11) which surrounds the inner jacket tube (10) at least in some sections, said jacket tubes being mounted such that they can be displaced one inside the other in their axial direction by means of a plastic sleeve (6) made of thermoplastic which is located therebetween. Freedom from play is achieved in that the plastic sleeve (6) is inserted into the outer jacket tube (11) with a press fit, and in that the outer jacket tube (11) has at least one opening (12), in the region of which the plastic sleeve (6) is pressed against the inner jacket tube (10) by deformation. |
| US08549952B2 |
Robot and method for controlling the robot
A robot includes a base, a plurality of link mechanisms, at least one drive device, and a controller. The plurality of link mechanisms are provided on the base. Adjacent link mechanisms among the plurality of link mechanisms are connectable to each other. The at least one drive device is to bend and extend the plurality of link mechanisms. The controller is configured to control the at least one drive device. |
| US08549948B2 |
Arrangement of a gear shift fork in a transmission
An arrangement of a shift rocker (1), in a transmission housing, comprising a sliding sleeve (2) and a shift rod (3). The shift rocker (1) is mounted to pivot relative to the housing about a pivot axis, can be actuated by the shift rod (3), and engages with an annular groove of the sliding sleeve (2), via sliding blocks (6, 7). The pivot axis of the shift rocker is substantially vertically orientated and the shift rocker (1) has at least one supporting element (9), located outside the vertically orientated pivot axis, which rests on the shift rod (3). |
| US08549945B2 |
Reducer of electronic power steering apparatus
A reducer of an electronic power steering apparatus is disclosed. The reducer of an electronic power steering apparatus aids the operation of a steering wheel by the driver by preventing a clearance from being caused by frictional wear between a worm and a worm wheel, by reducing rattle noise caused by backlash, and by minimizing the change in the clearance due to a change in torque. |
| US08549935B2 |
Disposable, pre-sterilized fluid receptacle sampling device
The present invention provides a fluid sampling device comprising a port insert, a plurality of flexible conduits, and a plurality of sample containers. The port insert comprises a body having a plurality of shafts therethrough and a rotatably displaceable member for individually opening and closing any of said shafts to enable the flow of fluid therethrough. Flexible conduits (e.g., flexible tubing) are equal in number to the shafts, with each flexible conduit connected to or otherwise in fluid communication with an individual shaft. Similarly, sample containers (e.g., flexible bags) are equal in number to the conduits, with each sample container connected to an individual conduit opposite the connection to the shaft. A specific configuration for the port insert, as well as kit containing sterilized components of the fluid sampling device, are also described. |
| US08549929B2 |
Compact pipe specimen
A compact pipe specimen applicable to a fracture toughness test used to evaluate physical properties of a pipe material is provided. The compact pipe specimen includes: a pipe having a notch portion formed in a circumferential direction and a crack portion formed at the edge of the notch portion; and first and second jigs having openings to which a pressurizing unit is coupled so as to cause a bending load on the pipe, having the notch portion therebetween, and attached to the exterior surface of the pipe, respectively. It is unnecessary to correct the influence of a constraint effect due to varying sizes and shapes of the specimen. There is no restriction to the curvature and thickness of a pipe. A fracture behavior of a pipe crack portion can be precisely simulated. |
| US08549927B2 |
Device and method to sense battery internal state
Provided is a device to sense battery internal state that can sense tiny elastic waves accompanying a reaction inside a battery and can accurately ascertain changes in battery internal state. The device (10) to sense the internal state of a battery (1) comprises restraining members (5, 5) that apply compressive force to the battery (1), a non-metallic plate (11) disposed between the battery (1) and a restraining member (5), and multiple acoustic emission sensors (13) affixed to the non-metallic plate (11). Compressive force is applied to the battery (1) by the restraining members (5, 5), elastic waves (W) generated in the battery (1) are sensed by the multiple acoustic emission sensors (13), and the internal state of the battery (1) is sensed by analyzing the sensed elastic waves (W). |
| US08549916B2 |
Angular velocity sensor
In an angular velocity sensor, a beam portion couples a pair of vibrators with each other and couples each of the vibrators to a substrate to enable the pair of vibrators to be movable in a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other. The driving portion vibrates the pair of vibrators in opposite phases in the first direction. The detecting portion detects displacement of the pair of vibrators in the second direction as a change in capacitance. The detecting portion includes first and second detecting electrodes. The restricting portion restricts displacement of the pair of vibrators in the second direction based on the change in capacitance. The restricting portion includes first and second restricting electrodes, and an electrode interval between the restricting electrodes is twice a width of the detecting electrodes in the second direction. |
| US08549914B2 |
Sensor structure
Provided is a sensor structure capable of improving the reliability of connecting parts of electronic components and achieving excellent productivity and reduction in size and weight, for example, when electronic components are externally mounted on input/output terminals of a sensor. A relationship between a linear expansion coefficient for a housing serving as a base of a structure and a linear expansion coefficient of a resin material for a sensor casing of a sensor to be mounted is set to satisfy “sensor casing |
| US08549908B2 |
Thermal anemometer flow meter for the measurement of wet gas flow
A flow body flow meter includes a flow body and a sensor having one or more probes in the flow body. As a wet gas stream enters the flow body, an internal passage imparts angular momentum to the stream to induce a rotating flow. The wet gas stream at least intermittently carries liquid phase particles and the inertia of the denser liquid phase particles separates them from the rotating flow. The probes of the sensor are located in a part of the rotating flow that is free of any liquid phase particles. The internal passage may include an axial swirler and a cylindrical section downstream from the axial swirler. The axial swirler imparts the nonlinear motion to the stream, and tips of the probes are located near a center axis of the cylindrical section so they are free of any liquid phase particles. |
| US08549905B2 |
Simulating downhole flow through a perforation
A method of testing a core sample is provided. The method comprises determining an impedance map, attaching a sleeve to the core sample, and measuring a flow performance of the core sample. An impedance of each of a plurality of portions of the sleeve is based on the impedance map. |
| US08549904B2 |
Fluidic volume dispense verification tool
Disclosed herein is a device for measuring fluid dispense volumes including one or more wells adapted to receive a fluid; a tube having an internal passageway fluidly coupled to the one or more wells, wherein fluid in the wells passes into the internal passageway via capillary action to form a fluid column having a meniscus spaced from the wells; and a scale coupled to the tube, the scale calibrated to provide an indication of the volume of the fluid based upon the location of the meniscus in the fluid passageway. |
| US08549897B2 |
System and method for screening liquid compositions
Disclosed herein is a system and method for screening a liquid composition. The system includes (a) a test cell having a top portion and a bottom portion, the test cell comprising (i) a test panel removably mounted to the top portion of the test cell at an angle of between about 10 to about 45 degrees to the horizontal of the test cell; (ii) a reservoir for holding the liquid composition; and (iii) a means for applying a substantially uniform coating of the liquid composition from the reservoir to at least a portion of the test panel; (b) a means for heating the test panel according to a first temperature control program; (c) a means for heating the reservoir according to a second temperature control program; and (d) a means for supplying an oxidizing gas to the test cell. |
| US08549896B2 |
Vane pump and evaporation leak check system using the same
A vane pump has an upper casing, a lower casing, a rotor and a motor. First to fourth points are defined on an outer peripheral end of a lower flat surface of the lower casing. The first point is farthest from an intersection between an axis of a shaft of the motor and the lower flat surface. A suction passage passing through the third point and a discharge passage passing through the second point are formed between the upper casing and the lower casing. The fourth point is defined in a range from the third point to the first point. The lower flat surface is provided to incline with respect to the axis of the shaft of the motor such that the fourth point is farthest from a motor case of the motor among points on the outer peripheral end. |
| US08549889B2 |
Metal forming process
A metal forming process involves applying a lubricant, formed from a vitreous enamel mixed with particles of boron nitride, to at least one surface of a sheet metal blank, and without pre-heating the sheet metal blank, placing the sheet metal blank having the lubricant applied to the surface(s) thereof into a pre-heated forming tool so that the at least one surface contacts a surface of the forming tool. The method further involves, via the pre-heated forming tool, forming the sheet metal blank into a desired part shape, and during such forming, forming a lubricant layer on the surface(s) as the lubricant is heated from the pre-heated forming tool, the lubricant layer adhering to the surface(s) of the sheet metal blank. |
| US08549883B2 |
System and method for controlling temperature in a forehearth
Systems and methods are provided for controlling temperature in a glass forehearth. In one implementation, a system includes at least one burner disposed in said forehearth, a manifold coupled to said burner, a combustion fuel supply coupled to said burner, a combustion air blower for delivering ambient air under pressure to said manifold, and a controller coupled to said burner for controlling operation of said burner. The system may include a temperature sensor operatively coupled downstream of the blower for providing to the controller a temperature signal indicative of temperature of air delivered to the manifold by the blower. The controller may be responsive to the temperature signal for controlling operation of the burner as a function of current temperature of air fed to the manifold. Operation of the burner may also be controlled as a function of an average air temperature over a preceding time duration. |
| US08549880B2 |
Method for producing polarizing element
A method for producing a polarizing element includes the steps of: forming a coating film of a metal on a glass substrate; forming an island-shaped film composed of a metal halide on the glass substrate by partially removing the coating film and also halogenating the metal; forming needle-shaped particles of the metal halide by stretching the glass substrate through heating to elongate the island-shaped film; and forming needle-shaped metal particles composed of a metal by reducing the metal halide of the needle-shaped particles. |
| US08549879B2 |
Ornaments for eyeglasses
One or more ornaments for eyeglasses are disclosed. The ornaments include an attachment portion and an ornamentation portion. The attachment portion is configured so that it fits onto a temple of eyeglasses. |
| US08549876B2 |
Method and apparatus for cooling a hydrocarbon stream
Method of cooling a hydrocarbon stream (10) such as natural gas, the method at least comprising the steps of (a) heat exchanging the hydrocarbon stream (10) against a first refrigerant stream (20) to provide a cooled hydrocarbon stream (30) and an at least partly evaporated refrigerant stream (40); (b) compressing the at least partly evaporated refrigerant stream (40) using one or more compressors (14, 16, 18) to provide a compressed refrigerant stream (50, 60, 70); (c) cooling the compressed refrigerant stream (50, 60, 70) after one or more of the compressors against ambient to provide a cooled compressed refrigerant stream (70a); (d) dynamically expanding the cooled compressed gaseous refrigerant stream (70a) to provide an expanded refrigerant stream (80); and (e) further cooling the expanded refrigerant stream (80) to provide an at least partially condensed refrigerant stream. |
| US08549866B2 |
Cooling tunnel and method for operating the same
A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided. |
| US08549865B2 |
Pressure-actuated plug
A plug for regulating a flow of gas in a system is disclosed. The plug includes a housing disposed on a temperature boundary in a system. The housing defines a passage for flowing gas therethrough. The plug further includes at least one pressure-actuated valve disposed in the passage and movable between an open position and a closed position. The at least one pressure-actuated valve moves from the open position to the closed position as the pressure of the gas increases and moves from the closed position to the open position as the pressure of the gas decreases. |
| US08549862B2 |
Method of fuel staging in combustion apparatus
In one embodiment, a method is provided fuel staging for a trapped vortex (TVC) combustion apparatus comprising an inlet premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the inlet of the combustion apparatus and a vortex premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the recirculating vortex. The combustion apparatus may be part of an engine, such as a gas turbine engine. The method comprises varying the relative proportion of mixture introduced through the inlet and vortex premixers as a function of load. |
| US08549858B2 |
Floating type solar energy collection/power device
A floating type solar energy collection/power device includes a base having a compartment receiving a working fluid. A heat collecting assembly is mounted to an opening of the compartment to seal the compartment. A heat conducting assembly is mounted in the compartment and includes a heat conducting tube and a pump. The heat conducting tube includes a first end in communication with the compartment and a second end connected to the pump. The pump draws the first working fluid into the second end of the heat conducting tube via an inlet of the pump. A heat machine includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a turbine. The compressor, the heat exchanger, and the turbine are connected to each other by a plurality of pipes. The turbine is connected to a generator. The heat exchanger and the working fluid undergo heat exchange. |
| US08549854B2 |
EGR constructions for opposed-piston engines
A two-stroke, opposed-piston engine with one or more ported cylinders and uniflow scavenging includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) construction that provides a portion of the exhaust gasses produced by the engine for mixture with charge air to control the production of NOx during combustion. |
| US08549853B2 |
Hydraulic control device and pressure switch
In a hydraulic control device H comprising a pressure source P which can be switched on and switched off, a reservoir R and a pressure switch W located in a discharge path 13 from a valve assembly V to the reservoir R, which pressure switch W either connects the valve assembly V with the reservoir R or blocks the valve assembly V versus the reservoir R, the pressure switch W contains a displaceable control member 16 which is actuated in a first switching direction by a spring 17 and a pilot pressure originating from the pressure P1 acting at the valve assembly V and in a second switching direction to a control position blocking the discharge path 13 by a pilot pressure originating from the supply pressure of the pressure source, the pressure switch W is designed as a 2/2-multi-way seat valve 16 operating with a blocking position without leakage. A valve member 24 forms the control member 16 and co-operates with a valve seat 25 arranged in the discharge path 13. The pressure source P and the valve assembly V are permanently connected via a main channel 10, 11 containing a restrictor D. The discharge path 13 branches off from the main channel 10, 11, 12 between the valve assembly V and the restrictor D. The pilot pressure actuating the valve member 26 in the switching direction towards the valve seat 25 originates from the supply pressure taken between the pressure source P and the restrictor D. |
| US08549851B2 |
Exhaust manifold with baffle plate
An exhaust manifold includes a housing formed of a thin-walled sheet metal part which is shaped in the form of a shell construction and has an upper housing shell and a lower housing shell to define an interior space. Received in the housing in an area proximate to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is a baffle plate which separates the interior space of the housing from a motor flange to secure the exhaust manifold to the cylinder head. |
| US08549844B2 |
Exhaust gas after treatment apparatus of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to an exhaust gas after treatment apparatus having a hollow cylindrical casing shell (2). In the inside an exhaust catalytic converter, preferably adapted as SCR-catalytic converter, as well as an inflow chamber (9) for exhaust gas to be purified are provided. Therein, the inflow chamber (9) is defined by two bottom portions (10, 11) arranged opposite to each other. Further, a shell portion (12) gas tightly encompassing the bottom portions (10, 11) is provided for the inflow chamber (9). The inflow chamber (9) is encompassed by the casing shell (2) and may be manufactured from a material different from a material of the casing shell. |
| US08549842B2 |
Air assisted injector, and injection system and exhaust treatment system incorporating the same
An air-assisted fluid injector has an injector housing having a nozzle bore and an injector nozzle sealably disposed in the nozzle bore and having an exposed injector face on one end that projects from an end of the nozzle bore, the injector nozzle having a fluid conduit on an other end that extends from a fluid inlet toward the injector face and that opens into a plurality of fluid outlet conduits that extend to a corresponding plurality of fluid outlets spaced apart on the injector face and operable to provide a predetermined spray pattern. The injector also includes an air conduit having an air inlet on the other end of the injector nozzle extending through the injector housing and opening into a plurality of air conduit outlets proximate the injector face, each air conduit outlet extending to and opening into a respective fluid conduit outlet. |
| US08549840B2 |
Fluid injector
The invention provides a fluid injector assembly for the injection of a fluid including an injector body having distal and proximal ends, a fluid inlet disposed towards the proximal end, a fluid outlet disposed towards the distal end, and a fluid pathway extending therebetween the inlet and the outlet. An injector needle is rotatably disposed at least partially in the injector body and is moveable between an open and closed position. The proximal end of the injector needle has a tip that is configured to sealably close the fluid outlet. The fluid injector assembly includes a first threaded region that cooperates with a corresponding threaded region on the needle, and first and second cooperating coupling members that are arranged axially of the injector needle. The first coupling member is attached to a motor, and the second coupling member is attached to a distal end of the injector needle. The motor is configured to rotate the injector needle within the injector body which causes the threaded region of the needle to be driven in the first threaded region of the fluid injector assembly to thereby move the injector needle along a longitudinal axis of the fluid injector assembly between the open and closed positions. |
| US08549839B2 |
Hydrocarbon energy storage and release control systems and methods
An exhaust control system comprises an absorption rate estimation module, a desorption rate estimation module, a rate of change module, a release rate estimation module, and a fuel control module. The absorption rate estimation module estimates a hydrocarbon energy absorption rate of a component of an exhaust system. The desorption rate estimation module estimates a hydrocarbon energy desorption rate of the component. The rate of change module that determines a stored energy rate of change based on a difference between the hydrocarbon absorption and desorption rates. The release rate estimation module estimates a hydrocarbon energy release rate for the component based on the stored energy rate of change. The fuel control module controls a rate of fuel injection into the exhaust system upstream of an oxidation catalyst based on the hydrocarbon energy release rate. |
| US08549838B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for enhancing aftertreatment regeneration in a hybrid power system
A method includes providing an internal combustion engine having an output shaft and producing an exhaust gas stream, providing an electric motor operatively coupled to the output shaft, and determining a regeneration state of an aftertreatment component that treats the exhaust gas stream. The method further includes determining an engine torque requirement such that, when the internal combustion engine achieves the engine torque requirement at a present set of operating conditions, a temperature of the exhaust gas stream will achieve an exhaust gas temperature threshold. The method further includes commanding the electric motor to apply a counter torque to the output shaft in response to the regeneration state indicating an active thermal regeneration event, where the counter torque comprises is high enough for the internal combustion engine to achieve the engine torque requirement. The exhaust gas temperature threshold may be a hold-warm temperature and/or a regeneration temperature. |
| US08549835B2 |
Exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine has a thermoelectric power generator with a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is arranged on the exhaust gas system and is heatable by exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger having a first thermal conductivity is arranged between the hot side and the exhaust gas flow. At least a second thermoelectric power generator is arranged on the exhaust gas system and has a second heat exchanger with a thermal conductivity that is different from the first thermal conductivity. The arrangement of thermoelectric power generators can generate electric power over a significantly wider operating point range of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08549832B2 |
Turbomachine nacelle and anti-icing system and method therefor
An anti-icing system and method for an aircraft engine nacelle. The nacelle has an inlet lip that defines a leading edge of the nacelle and has a cross-sectional shape and oppositely-disposed exterior and interior surfaces. An anti-icing system contacts at least the inlet lip of the nacelle. The anti-icing system includes at least one heating element having a cross-sectional shape that conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the inlet lip and in which carbon nanotubes are oriented and arranged to conduct electrical current through the heating element. Passing an electrical current through the heating element causes Joule heating of the heating element and heating of the inlet lip by thermal conduction. |
| US08549831B2 |
Systems and methods for tool-less retractable storage of lengths of cable chain
Devices and systems for tool-less assembly of cable chains that are capable of being retractably stored. The device comprises a first contact element, a second contact element, and a lengthwise member. The first contact element is adapted for movable contact with a receiving member of a first cable chain segment. The second contact element is adapted for movable contact with a receiving member of a second cable chain segment. The lengthwise member is fixedly attached to the contact elements. When an angle between the first and the second cable chain segments is a first value, the lengthwise member experiences elastic deformation, generating a spring force at each contact element sufficient to pull the receiving member of the first cable chain segment rotatably towards the receiving member of the second cable chain segment, thereby reducing the angle between the first and the second cable chain segments to a second value. |
| US08549829B2 |
Silver yarn, plied yarn silver yarn, functional fabric using same, and method for producing same
The present invention relates to plied silver yarn using silver wire as thread, wherein the silver wire is entirely made of silver (Ag) or a silver alloy, to achieve antimicrobial properties and conductivity, as well as to functional fabric using same and to a method for producing same. The plied silver yarn of the present invention uses, as a core yarn, any one of at least one strand of silver wire and fiber yarn made from natural fiber or synthetic fiber, and uses the other as winding yarn covering the core yarn, wherein said one strand of silver wire is produced by casting a silver alloy containing pure silver or copper into a wire rod through directional solidification, and making the wire rod into a microfiber having a diameter of 0.015 to 0.05 mm through a pulling process. |
| US08549826B2 |
Robotic mower launch point system
A robotic mower launch point system includes a user interface for an operator to enter a plurality of launch point locations, durations and frequencies, and a vehicle control unit that stores the locations, durations and frequencies, determines a sequence of launches based on the launch point frequencies, and commands the robotic mower to exit a charging station and follow a boundary wire to each launch point in the sequence where the robotic mower mows for that launch point's duration before returning to the charging station. The vehicle control determines the sequence based on the frequency of each launch point relative to a total of the launch point frequencies. |
| US08549823B2 |
Five-sided cigarette carton packaging
Methods and machines are provided for forming a five-sided carton of packages of smoking articles. A piece of film material is applied to a plurality of packages of smoking articles such that five sides of the plurality of packages are at least partially covered by the film material, but the sixth side remains uncovered. The film material is applied such that the group of packages is sufficiently tightly bound so that none of the packages may slip free from the carton. The sixth side of the plurality of packages in the carton remains exposed so that tax stamps may be easily applied. The film of material may be applied so that a gap is formed relative to the sixth side. |
| US08549820B2 |
Packaging device and packaging process
A packaging device is provided for highly-compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3). The packaging device (1) has a sheathing device (16) for applying a shrink wrapping, which has at least one prepared and diverted stretching hood (4), to the compressed bales (2). A bale compression facility is also provided having at least one bale press (6) for generating highly compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3), and having at least one packaging device (1) according to the invention. A process is provided for packaging highly-compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3), wherein said compressed bale (2) is provided with a shrink wrapping, wherein at least one prepared and diverted stretching hood (4) is applied to said compressed bale (2) using a sheathing device (16). |
| US08549819B1 |
Pallet roping and wrapping apparatus and method
Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on a single spool and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed of rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A first roll of stretch film may be used with a second roll of stretch film, where the second roll of stretch film is narrowed into ropes and combined with a web from the first roll of stretch film. The combination of film from the first roll of stretch film and narrowed film from the second roll of stretch film may be pre-stretched prior to be applied to a load. |
| US08549817B2 |
Glass clamp
Each mounting clamp of a lower most pair of mounting clamps for mounting a glass panel, includes a horizontal ledge for receiving the weight of the glass panel during assembly. After positioning of the glass panel on the horizontal ledges, the mounting clamps are tightened to clamp the glass panel in place. |
| US08549808B2 |
Structural element for the building trade
A structural element for use as a brick, construction block, panel, floor or suchlike in the building trade, comprises at least one part made of conglomerate material, such as concrete and suchlike, to which an insert made of insulating or filling material is constrained, to define peripherally at least a connection face for connection to another structural element, the connection face has visible a first surface of the insert and at least a connected second surface of the part made of conglomerate material. On the connection face one or more other structural elements are able to be combined, along a support plane (R, R1, R2) provided in correspondence with the connection face, so as to be laid and stably connected by means of a layer of binder material. The second surface has a seating made longitudinally and lowered with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2), on which seating the layer of binder material is located. The seating has a determinate depth (D), with respect to the support plane (R, R1, R2). The depth (D) is correlated to the predefined thickness of the binder material to be laid. |
| US08549806B2 |
Insulative and weather-resistant building construction
A building structural component, such as a wall, roof, ceiling, floor, or the like, is resistant to weather and moisture while facilitating the drying and elimination of water vapor and liquid water. The component includes a vapor-permeable membrane that resists penetration of liquids including water, but that permits gases including water vapor to pass through the membrane to resist buildup of moisture in the building component. A batten, such as an insulated batten, forms a cavity in the building component to facilitate air circulation, and reduces heat flow through structural studs of the building component to increase the overall insulation value of the finished component. |
| US08549804B2 |
Office partition electrical system
An electrical service assembly is secured to a framework of a panel of an office partition system and includes at least one bracket to which at least one electrical outlet module is mounted, the module having at least a pair of electrical outlets such that electrical outlets may be positioned in a back-to-back configuration. In this manner, the electrical service assembly provides service to opposite sides of a panel that face opposite work spaces. Also, the electrical outlet modules may be associated with separate circuits to prevent overload of the electrical service assembly. |
| US08549802B2 |
Ridge cap with asphaltic foam materials
A ridge cap includes a lower surface adapted to be placed in contact with a roof of a building, a weather protective upper surface, and first and second side sections connected to each other. The first side section is disposed at one side of a longitudinal axis and the second side section is disposed at the other side of the longitudinal axis. The ridge cap further includes an elastomeric strip and a metal strip. The elastomeric strip extends along the longitudinal axis and connects the first side section and the second side section to be of unitary construction with the first and second side sections. The metal strip backing extends along the longitudinal axis and supports the elastomeric strip. |
| US08549801B1 |
Energy-efficient dwellings
Dwellings made from energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly materials, and having optional provision for storing and charging an electric vehicle. Dwellings according to some embodiments comprise a backbone cable having a microprocessor attached thereto, as well as a plurality of functional devices in communication with the microprocessor via the backbone cable. A plurality of photovoltaic panels are present on the roof of the dwelling in some embodiments, and the power generated by the photovoltaic panels is sufficient to completely, or nearly-completely, supply all electrical power needs for the dwelling. Financing methods are also provided. |
| US08549799B2 |
Post installation
A method of securing an elongate member in the ground which includes the steps of embedding the member within a matching size and shaped hole in the ground then ensnaring the member with a ground anchor that passes substantially through the member intersecting the member. The invention also applies to a member with a ground anchor positioned therein and also having a lightening nut. |
| US08549798B2 |
Aerodynamic roof lift-prevention device
A turbulence-creating device is mounted to the roof, such that high winds flowing across the roof are caused to become turbulent, thereby interfering with the laminar flow and lift which would otherwise be created. The turbulence-creating devices comprise generally V-shaped or curved spoilers, many of which are pivotally mounted to a vertical mast attached to the roof such that the spoilers face in the direction of the oncoming wind and are shaped to disturb the laminar flow, thereby preventing lift from being generated. In some embodiments, fixed omnidirectional spoilers with curved sides are provided. |
| US08549795B1 |
High security blast door lock and seal
Methods and apparatus are provided for securely blocking and sealing an access corridor to a secure facility. The exemplary system includes a penetration resistant door disposed in a passage intersecting the access corridor, and dividing it into first and second sides. An actuating mechanism translates the door within the passage between an open position in which the corridor is unblocked, and a closed position in which the corridor is blocked by the door. A locking system is configured to push the door toward one side of the access corridor when the door is in the closed position, compressing a seal disposed between the door and the passage wall, and sealing the first side of the access corridor from the second side. |
| US08549793B1 |
Flashing system
The present invention provides a flashing system for roof mounting equipment which reliably prevents water from reaching the substructure of the roof. The flashing system comprises a flashing plate having upper and lower surfaces, and at least one hole extending therethrough for receiving a fastener. A first seal is arranged at the lower surface of the flashing plate, and a second seal is arranged at the lower surface of the flashing plate surrounding the first seal, wherein the thickness of the first seal is greater than the thickness of the second seal. The thickness relation is provided when the flashing system is installed and both seals are compressed. A third seal, which receives the fastener therethrough, can be provided at the upper surface of the flashing plate. |
| US08549790B2 |
Weatherstrip assembly
A weatherstrip assembly for sealing between a frame and a closure member of a vehicle is provided. The weatherstrip includes a retaining clip having a mounting portion for securing the weatherstrip to the frame and having an outwardly extending leg defining a first channel. The weatherstrip also includes a cover having a first flange protruding downward from the concealing member to extend at least partially into the first channel. The weatherstrip also includes a seal member having a body portion and at least one sealing protrusion extending outwardly from the body portion. The body portion has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is sandwiched between the leg of the retaining clip and the first flange of the cover. The cover further includes a retaining tab extending outwardly opposite from the concealing member, with the retaining tab engaging the upper end of the body portion. |
| US08549783B2 |
Tactical apparatus and method for mounting a multi-cartridge firing electric discharge weapon
Embodiments include an apparatus having a frame, at least one handle, a control housing, and a mounting plate wherein a plurality of firing cartridges from a multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon may mounted on the mounting plate, permitting an available multi-cartridge electric discharge weapon to be converted from a fixed or vehicle mounted position to a hand-carried position where it may be carried, aimed, and fired as a conventional weapon. Certain embodiments disclose a rail system permitting handles and accessories to be mounted thereupon and used in conjunction with the mounted electric discharge weapon. A method for converting a multi-cartridge firing electrical discharge weapon from a fixed or vehicle-mounted status to a hand-carryable status. |
| US08549781B2 |
Trigger extension apparatus and system and method therefor
A removable, non-permanent trigger extension that does not require gunsmithing and is operable with a firearm to provide a contact surface adapted to be manipulated by a user to actuate a trigger assembly of the firearm, wherein the contact surface is disposed a location spaced from a location of the trigger and a rifle stock operable with the trigger extension and the firearm. |
| US08549780B2 |
Safety device for firearms and method for securing firearms provided with a safety device
The present invention relates to a safety device for a firearm with a trigger bar in said firearm. The trigger bar moves in response to a pulling of a trigger. An actuator in said firearm is adapted to actively move said trigger bar between a first position and a second position. The trigger bar engages in the trigger induced movement with a hammer link for releasing a hammer and firing a cartridge bullet when the trigger bar is in the first position or first state. However, said trigger bar does not engage in the trigger induced movement with the hammer link, such that the cartridge bullet is not fired, when the trigger bar is in the second position or state. |
| US08549763B2 |
System and method for garment fitting and fabrication
A system for garment fitting and fabrication includes a fabric template and fabric pieces attachable to the template to form the garment. A method for garment fitting and fabrication includes draping pre-fabricated modular fabric pieces on a wearer. |
| US08549761B2 |
Chain saw
In a chain saw, the tension of a saw chain attached around the outer edge of a guiding bar can be adjusted appropriately by adjusting the force transmitted to a connecting unit during operation of a hand guard. Thus, the saw chain 6 can be easily strained at great tension without use of a strong coil spring. |
| US08549760B2 |
Adjustable locking shoe
A shoe for a band saw includes a block for coupling to the band saw, the block having an aperture, a locking ball disposed in the aperture, a body including a first surface for engaging a workpiece and an opposite surface having plurality of recesses, and a locking rod coupled to the block and movable between a first position and a second position. The locking ball is received in one of the plurality of recesses of the body when the locking rod is in the first position such that the body is fixed relative to the block, and the body is movable relative to the block when the locking rod is in the second position. |
| US08549759B2 |
Adjustable shoe for a power tool
A shoe for a band saw includes a block for coupling to the band saw, and a body having a surface for engaging a workpiece. The block has a first detent feature. The body has a second detent feature for cooperating with the first detent feature to hold the body with respect to the block. The body is moveable between an engaged position in which the first and second detent features cooperate to hold the body with respect to the block, and a non-engaged position in which the first and second detent features do not cooperate. |
| US08549757B2 |
Scissors structure with adjustable opening
A branch scissors structure with an adjustable structure includes a main body and an adjustable structure. One handle of the main body has a wedging opening at a front end near a blade, and a slot is recessedly formed at a bottom wall of the wedging opening. The adjustable structure located corresponding to the wedging opening has a connecting block, a restricting block, a pressing unit and a restricting unit. The position of the restricting block can be adjusted, so that the restricting block can protrude and lean against the outer periphery of the blade through the opening of the connecting block and forms a secure positioning when the restricting unit engages with the restricting slot. The blade can be restricted by the restricting block, and the angle between the handle and blade cab be further limited. |
| US08549752B1 |
Method of adjusting a slipper clutch and spur gear assembly for a model vehicle
A method of torque adjustment by removing and replacing a spur gear secured to a clutch driver plate in a slipper clutch for a model vehicle without changing the axial load applied by a spring to the clutch driver plate. The spring is configured to apply an axial load to at least a portion of the clutch driver plate in the axial direction of the transmission input shaft, the spring being adjustable to vary the axial load. |
| US08549751B2 |
Method of manufacturing a welded component comprising a seamless bent pipe and seamless straight pipe sections
Provided are a seamless bent pipe constituted by a bent section and straight pipe sections on both ends of the bent section, with the inside diameter at each pipe end portion being larger than the inside diameter of the bent section, and a welded component comprising a seamless bent pipe and a seamless straight pipe at one or each end of the seamless bent pipe, with the end of the seamless straight pipe to be welded to one or each end of the seamless bent pipe having the same inside diameter as the inside diameter of the seamless bent pipe, as well as methods of manufacturing them. As a result, elements suited for use in pipelines can be obtained, without unnecessarily increasing the wall thickness of the seamless bent pipe and without internal machining of the pipe end portions of the seamless bent pipe after the manufacturing thereof. |
| US08549747B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing a catalytic converter
A method for producing a tubular catalytic converter, which includes a monolith wrapped in a mat and is disposed in a housing, includes forming a stepped longitudinal fold on a longitudinal side of a housing blank, wherein the longitudinal side on both sides of the fold to be formed is clamped by electrodes of opposite polarity across the fold. Electrode pairs on one side of the fold to be formed are then offset with respect to electrodes on the other side of the fold and the electrodes of opposite polarity move closer together, while a current is flowing between the electrodes of opposite polarity, heating the material in the fold. Opposing longitudinal sides of the tubular housing are then materially joined along the stepped longitudinal fold with the overlap to produce the housing for the tubular catalytic converter. |
| US08549746B2 |
Process for the surface treatment of aluminium
The invention proposes a process for the surface treatment of aluminum in order to produce an electrical contact, and a corresponding component part, wherein an oxide layer on the aluminum surface is removed, for example by etching, in a first step and, in a second step, before an oxide layer is re-formed, the surface is sealed wet-chemically with a conversion layer having metal ions of zirconium or titanium. |
| US08549741B2 |
Suspension method for compliant thermal contact of electronics modules
A communication module is provided. In one embodiment, the communication module includes at least one transceiver, a filter communicatively coupled with the at least one transceiver, a power amplifier communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver and the filter, a primary module chassis configured to hold the at least one transceiver, the filter, and the power amplifier, and a filter suspension frame assembly attached to the primary module chassis. The filter suspension frame assembly is configured to float the at least one transceiver in relation to the primary module chassis. |
| US08549740B1 |
Method of manufacturing a folded waveguide
Various folded waveguides and methods of manufacturing waveguides are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide a method of manufacturing a folded waveguide including machining a plate with a number of registration marks and forming at least one slow wave circuit in at least two halves on the plate. A portion of the registration marks are for the plate and another portion are for the at least one slow wave circuit. The method also includes connecting the at least two halves of the at least one slow wave circuit and machining the at least one slow wave circuit. |
| US08549735B2 |
Component-mounting device, component-mounting system, and component-mounting method
A challenge to be met by the present invention is to provide a component mounting device, a component mounting system, and a component mounting method that make it possible to correctly position a substrate at a working location and mount components on the substrate even when components mounted on the substrate project outside from an end of the substrate in a direction parallel to a substrate conveyance path. When a front end portion (PbT) of a substrate (Pb) conveyed by a substrate conveyance path (13) is detected to have reached inspection light (L), operation of the substrate conveyance path (13) is immediately halted. When a front end portion (PtT) of a projecting portion H of a component (Pt) mounted on the substrate Pb is detected to have reached the inspection light (L), the substrate conveyance path (13) is activated in such a way that the substrate (Pb) moves in the direction of projection of the projecting portion (H) over a distance equivalent to a projection length (α) of the projecting portion (H) reached the inspection light (L) and is subsequently stopped, thereby positioning the substrate (Pb). |
| US08549733B2 |
Method of forming a transducer assembly
A transducer and method of forming a transducer is disclosed. The method comprises locating a feed wire for forming a drive pin on a reed surface, welding a first end of the feed wire to the reed, cutting the feed wire to form a drive pin, and securing the drive pin to a paddle. The first end of the feed wire can be welded to the reed by a laser welding operation. The laser melts the reed to form a molten reed material, and the feed wire is pushed through the molten reed material to form a weld between the feed wire and the reed, once the molten reed material solidifies. The wire coil is then cut with a second laser to form the drive pin. The drive pin is then adhered to a paddle with an adhesive. |
| US08549730B2 |
Superconductor device
The coaxial connector 10 to be connected with a coaxial cable has a surface covering layer 20 formed of a metal material which causes an eutectic reaction with In on the surface of a terminal 12 which is a core conductor. Because of the surface covering layer 20 of a metal material which causes the eutectic reaction with In formed on the surface of the terminal of the coaxial connector, the terminal of the coaxial connector and the electrode of a superconductor device can be jointed to each other by the solder layer of In-based solder at a relatively low temperature. Thus, the discharge of oxygen from the inside of the superconductor film of a superconductor filter can be suppressed, and the decrease of the critical temperature TC can be suppressed. |
| US08549725B2 |
C-section post and post-cable connector methods for cable barrier systems
Post-cable connectors and cooperative C-section posts are utilized to releasably connect a cable in a cable barrier system to arrest errant motor vehicles that leave a roadway. A post-cable connector has an elongated section having a loop and a top section extending from the elongated section and terminating at a hook end for connecting the cable to the cooperative C-section post for example by hanging the top section of the post-cable connector from a back wall of the C-section post such that the elongated section is positioned in a cavity defined by the C-section post so that the loop is disposed through a slot in a face wall opposite from the back wall and positioned exterior of the cavity. |
| US08549723B2 |
Method and apparatus for squeezing parts such as fasteners
An end effector squeezes parts such as rivets to upset the rivets in place within a workpiece. The end effector includes a C-shape frame slidably mounted on a support, such as a robotic arm. The frame includes opposing jaws respectively carrying tools for engaging opposite ends of the rivet, and forming a button on one end of the rivet. A single actuator moves one of the tools into engagement with a factory head on the rivet, and then displaces the frame relative to the first tool in order to bring the second tool into engagement with and deform the other end of the rivet. |
| US08549722B2 |
Methods for manufacturing implantable stents having a plurality of varying parallelogrammic cells
A stent for implantation within a body vessel is provided with a plurality of varying parallelogrammic cells. The stent is radially expandable from a compressed condition, suitable for inserting the device in an introducer, to a deployed or expanded condition within a body vessel. The stent includes a plurality of parallelogrammic body cells and a plurality of parallelogrammic flare cells. The flare cells have a substantially greater elongation ratio than the body cells. Also provided is a method for manufacturing stents having a plurality of varying parallelogrammic cells. |
| US08549721B2 |
Method for forming a package and a package
In a method for forming a package, a package with the shape of a container is formed of a cardboard blank, the package having a bottom and side walls extending upwards from the bottom. At the end stage of compression molding, a rim of molding material extending sideways is molded to the upper part of the side walls when the mold is kept closed in such a way that a mold cavity corresponding to the rim is formed by moving a counter surface inside the mold backwards from a surface opposite to it, after which the molding material is introduced into the mold cavity. |
| US08549719B2 |
Method of generating electrical energy in an integrated circuit, corresponding integrated circuit and method of fabrication
A method of generating electrical energy in an integrated circuit that may include setting into motion a (3D) three-dimensional enclosed space in the integrated circuit. The 3D enclosed space may include a piezoelectric element and a free moving object therein. The method may also include producing the electrical energy from impact between the free moving object and the piezoelectric element during the motion. |
| US08549717B2 |
Methods for manufacturing piezoelectric devices
Methods are provided for manufacturing piezoelectric vibrating devices that do not contain any unwanted gas or water vapor inside the devices. In an exemplary method, a base wafer is prepared including multiple package bases each having a first main surface and a second main surface. The base wafer also includes a pair of through-holes disposed between adjacent package bases of the base wafer. A piezoelectric vibrating piece is placed on each package base. A lid wafer is prepared that includes multiple package lids. A sealing material is applied to the base wafer or lid wafer in peripheral bands used for bonding the bases and lids together and defines respective interior cavities. The band of sealing material includes a communicating groove that communicates from the inner cavity to the first through-hole. The base wafer and lid wafer are subject to heat and compression to effect bonding. Meanwhile, the cavities are allowed to ventilate through the communicating grooves and through-holes to ensure that the cavities have a desired vacuum level or inert gas contents before completion of sealing. |
| US08549712B2 |
Tool handle
A tool handle is provided and the handle comprises: an elongated body having a tapered front side and a tapered rear end, top and bottom surfaces and opposing sides, said body being generally rounded and being generally parallel to a longitudinal axis at the center of said body; a thumb positioning section situated on said top surface of said body adjacent to said front side of said body; and an index finger rest section situated on said bottom surface of said body adjacent to said front side of said body. |
| US08549708B1 |
Long stroke tilting hinge module for portable terminal
A long stroke tilting hinge module for the portable terminal includes a main body which is vertically formed with an elongated hole-shaped moving hole; a cover which is slid and tilted on an upper surface of the main body; a main lever of which one end is hinged to the main body and the other end is rotatably hinged to the cover; a sub-lever of which one end is hinged to the main body and the other end is rotatably hinged to the cover; a moving shaft which is inserted into the moving hole so that one end of the sub-lever is hinged to the main body; a cam which is coupled to the moving shaft; a support member which is coupled to the main body and contacted with an outer surface of the cam; and a spring which presses the moving shaft toward the support member. |
| US08549706B2 |
Door hinge for an entrance door
A door hinge has a knuckle defining a pivot axis, a pair of leaves extending from the knuckle and pivotal relative to each other about the axis, a housing fixable in a door jamb or door edge, and a holder in the housing and formed by a pair of bent sheet-metal brackets. Rivets secure together the brackets to form a cavity in which one of the leaves is engaged. A pair of rotatable and externally threaded spindles extend across the cavity and are threaded to the one leaf such that rotation of the spindles adjusts a position of the one leaf in the cavity relative to the holder. |
| US08549703B2 |
Battery-powered vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner comprising: a motor coupled to a fan for generating air flow; a body with a handle; a dirty air duct with a dirty air inlet; a battery pack housing at least one rechargeable cell for powering the motor; and a dirt separating means located in a path of the air flow generated by the fan, wherein the dirt separating means comprises: a hollow substantially cylindrical dirt container with a longitudinal central axis; and an air inlet port to the dirt container, wherein the air inlet port is in communication with the dirty air duct and wherein the battery pack has a curvilinear or annular cross-sectional profile transverse to the central axis and a curvilinear inner wall embracing the dirt container. |
| US08549701B2 |
Electric cleaner
A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body capable of standing and inclining, an electric blower accommodated in the cleaner body, a floor nozzle capable of cleaning a surface while the cleaner body inclines, a mode detector detecting whether the cleaner body stands or inclines, and a controller controlling a power supplied to the electric blower. The controller is operable to supply a first power the electric blower if the mode detector detects that the cleaner body inclines, and to supply a second power lower than the first power to the electric blower if the mode detector detects that the cleaner body stands. This vacuum cleaner prevents the electric blower from overheating. |
| US08549700B2 |
Visualization device for dust collection of vacuum cleaner
The present invention relates to a visualization device for dust collection of a vacuum cleaner, the visualization device includes a collecting unit mounted on one side of a pathway on which the suction force of a vacuum cleaner for sucking dust is transmitted, and moves at least some of the sucked dust in one direction, a dust collecting unit of transparent material coupled with the collecting unit and exposes a state of dust received by the collecting unit to the outside, a discharge unit which guides air and dust, which has passed through the dust collecting unit, to be discharged into the pathway that transmits the suction force of the vacuum cleaner, a foreign material separation unit provided in the dust collecting unit to generate cyclonic flow, and a foreign material discharge unit inserted into the inside of the foreign material separation unit by the manipulation of a user from one side of the dust collecting unit and allows the inflow of air from the outside into the inside thereof to discharge dust from the inside of the dust collecting unit while breaking the cyclonic flow. Accordingly the invention enables the user to check the status of the dust that is sucked and the convenient discharge of the dust collected in the inside of the collecting unit. |
| US08549699B1 |
Illuminated leaf blower
An illuminated leaf blower having a light disposed upon a handle, the handle disposed upon a pipe section of a blower tube at an angle deviant from the perpendicular by means of a pivotally securable attachment member, the attachment member disposed upon a lockable collar, said lockable collar securably moveable along the pipe section to position the handle as desired for a particular person wielding the device, the handle having a switch disposed on a rearward haunch of a head piece, said head piece disposed atop the handle configured to be ergonomically accessed by means of a thumb of the person wielding the device, whereby the light selectively illuminates an area over which an airflow from the illuminated leaf blower is directed. |
| US08549696B2 |
Windscreen wiper device
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, and an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, and a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part. The windscreen wiper device is provided with first and second retaining means for retaining the connecting device onto said oscillating arm. The first retaining means comprises at least one resilient tongue provided on the joint part engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in the oscillating arm. The second retaining means comprises a least one first stop surface provided on the oscillating arm and at least one second stop surface provided on at least one of the joint part and connecting device. |
| US08549694B2 |
Curved profile sponge mop system
A mop system incorporating a replaceable foam-based mop head. The mop head is adapted to wrap at least partially around a curved support mandrel and to be held in place by releasable engagement between the mandrel and connection elements disposed in localized relation along edge portions of the mop head. |
| US08549693B2 |
Tooth cleaning device
A tooth cleaning device comprising a handle, and a pad coupled to the handle, wherein the pad has a front face, a back face and a plurality of side walls. There are a plurality of different areas disposed on the front face of the pad comprising a first area comprising a first set of protrusions, in a substantially semi-spherical shape, and a second area comprising a second set of protrusions in a substantially conical shape. There is also a third area of protrusions formed as a substantially conical shape, and a fourth area of protrusions formed as a substantially semi-spherical shape. The device can be formed as a pad which collapses voluntarily under pressure. The pad can be made from any suitable material such as any type of rubber or plastic. |
| US08549692B2 |
Brush for applying a cosmetic composition and having synthetic hairs
A brush for applying a powdered cosmetic composition, comprising: a tuft of synthetic hairs comprising at least two groups of hairs having, at their free ends, cross-sections of different surface area; and a handle supporting the tuft of hairs from a connecting portion of the hairs, characterized in that the groups of hairs have, in cross-section, the same surface area along their connecting portion. |
| US08549691B2 |
Oral care implement having multi-component handle
An oral care implement having a multi-component handle, and method of manufacturing the same. The invention can be an oral care implement having a handle which comprises at least four components constructed of different materials. The invention may also be an oral care implement having a handle comprising a core structure constructed of a first rigid material and an elongated handle body constructed of a second rigid material, the core structure disposed within a through slot of the elongated handle body; and a grip cover constructed of a resilient material that covers a front surface, a rear surface and a proximal end surface of the elongated handle body. The grip cover may be used to conceal through-holes in the elongated handle body that result from supporting the core structure during the injection molding of the elongated handle body about the core structure. |
| US08549687B1 |
Multi-function hand tool
A multi-function hand tool having a housing comprising two housing halves pivotally connected with disconnecting pliers. Each housing half contains a plurality of selectively removeable pivoting tools therein to perform a plurality of functions. Pliers having two releasable portion provides a pivotable connection between the two housing halves and are releasable to facilitate use of two tools simultaneously. |
| US08549682B2 |
Duvet cover assembly
A duvet cover assembly includes a duvet and duvet cover that appear like a traditional duvet and duvet cover but are connected into a single unit that is entirely machine washable. The duvet cover assembly prevents the duvet from clumping or pooling within the duvet. The duvet cover assembly is useable in home and commercial (e.g. hotel) settings. The duvet cover assembly improves hygiene and shortens the time taken for changing the bedding. |
| US08549675B2 |
Toilet bowl cleaning device including dual activation mechanism
A device for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a cleaning and/or deodorizing chemical is disclosed. The device includes a container for the chemical, a container holder, a sprayer through which the chemical can be sprayed laterally at least halfway around a perimeter of the sprayer, means for attaching the sprayer near a rim of the toilet bowl, and a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the sprayer. The toilet bowl cleaning device can include a hand or foot actuated lever for releasing a fluid from the container into a fluid delivery system, and a clip for mounting the sprayer adjacent an inner wall of the toilet bowl wherein the clip can be adjusted to fit different size toilet bowls. |
| US08549674B2 |
Shoulder pads
The present invention provides a shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse. The shoulder pad includes a pair of arch members, each having an upper portion, a front portion depending from the upper portion, and a rear portion depending from the upper portion. The shoulder pad further includes at least one side pad assembly having an epaulet and a shoulder cap, wherein the shoulder cap overlies the wearer's shoulder region and the epaulet overlies both the arch member and the shoulder cap. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. The single band secures both the epaulet and the shoulder cap to the upper portion of the arch member. |
| US08549671B2 |
Helmet having magnetically coupled cheek pads
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having magnetic coupling is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet includes at least one protective layer configured to cover at least a portion of a user's head and a pad coupled to a back plate, a back plate coupled to a protective layer, a back plate comprising a magnet. |
| US08549665B2 |
Medical examination dress
A medical examination dress for women that is suitable for the patient to wear in public for a physician appointment, hospital stay, recovery, etc. The medical exam dress sufficiently covers the body eliminating exposure while maintaining a woman's modesty and dignity and is designed with button mechanics for quick access to specific areas of the body or convertible to a bifurcated garment. The exam dress has buttons at the shoulders straps allowing access to both front and back upper torso areas and down both. The exam dress also buttons down both right and left sides allowing the garment to be folded up and reattached to upper side buttons for access to either front and/or back lower torso areas. There are no metal parts, thereby, allowing use in x-ray and imaging devices. |
| US08549664B2 |
Warming salon cape
The present invention is a warming salon cape with a front planar facing and a rear planar facing, a bias binding, a pouch that is utilized to hold one or more objects, an exterior covering, a label and a plurality of fabric piping. The warming salon cape also includes one or more fasteners, a neck aperture that is formed when the fasteners are releasably engaged securing the warming salon cape around the user, a plurality of sewn threading and a plurality of vents. The present invention also includes a method for using a warming salon cape that includes the steps of asking a client being groomed their ability to self-regulate their body temperature, providing the warming salon cape to the client and having the client wear the warming salon cape. |
| US08555408B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a specific user interface in a system for managing content
A method and apparatus for managing use of protected content by providing a specific user interface to an application program used to render the content. The method includes identifying a user interface description associated with content, building a specific user interface based on the user interface description, and replacing the standard user interface of an application program used to render the content with the specific user interface. The specific user interface can be unique to the user, unique to a Web site, or otherwise customized. |
| US08555396B2 |
Authenticatable displayed content
Embodiments include a method, a computing device, and a computer program product. An embodiment provides a method implemented in a computing environment. The method includes receiving an indication of a selected watermark. The method also includes incorporating a human-perceivable manifestation of the selected watermark in each visual area of at least two human-visual areas displaying an output of an authorized program running in the computing environment. |
| US08555390B2 |
Method and device for protection of a microcircuit against attacks
The method of protection of a microcircuit against an attack includes: a step (205) of determining if an attack has been detected, if an attack has been detected, a step (210, 510) of executing a protection function, and if no attack has been detected, a step (215, 515) of executing a decoy function simulating the protection function and perceptible from outside the microcircuit in a manner substantially identical to the protection function. In some embodiments the decoy function has a power consumption substantially identical to that of the protection function, the protection function effects a step of writing predetermined data at a first address of a non-volatile memory, and the decoy function effects a step of writing in non-volatile memory at a second address different from the first address. |
| US08555387B2 |
Apparatus and method for protecting asset in computer system
Provided are an apparatus and method using spatial and temporal quarantine expansion to prevent important information from being leaked due to attacks such as viruses, hacking, and the like. The apparatus includes a state change unit for changing a state of at least one of a memory, a register, and a port in the computer system; a state calculation unit for calculating information on the changed state of the computer system; a security-threat-element elimination unit for eliminating security threat elements from the computer system; a communication unit for transmitting the state information calculated by the state calculation unit to the quarantine station, or receiving control information for controlling the computer system based on the state information, from the quarantine station; and a security execution unit for receiving security information from the quarantine station to execute a specific program when the computer system is faultless, wherein the state information and the control information are transmitted or received until the computer system is faultless repeatedly. |
| US08555385B1 |
Techniques for behavior based malware analysis
Techniques for behavior based malware analysis are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for behavior based analysis comprising receiving trace data, analyzing, using at least one computer processor, observable events to identify low level actions, analyzing a plurality of low level actions to identify at least one high level behavior, and providing an output of the at least one high level behavior. |
| US08555384B1 |
System and method for gathering data for detecting fraudulent transactions
A system and method for gathering data for detecting fraudulent transactions includes, in one embodiment, a web page that contains a fraud data gathering script and causes a client device to download a fraud detection applet. The fraud data gathering script causes the client device to collect information from the client device that is usable to identify the client device. The fraud detection applet causes the client device to connect to an identification echo service server to obtain the actual IP address of the client device. The fraud detection data, including the identifying information and the actual IP address, are then sent to a web server and/or a fraud data gathering server for further processing and to determine whether a transaction with the client device is likely to be fraudulent. |
| US08555374B2 |
High performance packet processing using a general purpose processor
A packet processing device includes a control logic processor for filtering packets according to a set of stored rules and an arithmetic logic processor for executing packet processing instructions based on the content of the packet. The control logic processor spawns a new thread for each incoming packet, relieving the arithmetic logic processor of the need to do so. The control logic processor and the arithmetic logic processor preferably are integrated via a thread queue. The control logic processor preferably assigns a policy to each incoming packet. A policy action table stores one or more policy instructions which may be easily changed to update policies to be implemented. The policy action table preferably maps a virtual packet flow identification code to the physical memory address of an action code and a state block associated to the identification code. The arithmetic logic processor processes a packet based on the stored policy assigned to that packet. |
| US08555371B1 |
Systems and methods for management of nodes across disparate networks
The present invention is directed generally to systems and methods for management of nodes, such as multimedia communication endpoints and/or intermediary devices, residing across disparate networks. Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for managing by a centralized management system nodes residing on disparate protected networks, such as for managing such operations as scheduling, configuring, updating software, etc., nodes such as multimedia communication endpoints (e.g., videoconferencing endpoint devices and/or other multimedia communication devices) and/or intermediary devices (e.g., routers, switches, hubs, etc.). Further, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for transmitting management data between a centralized management system and nodes on disparate protected networks without sacrificing security desired by each network and in a manner that is not administratively burdensome. |
| US08555370B2 |
Microchips with an internal hardware firewall
A microchip for a computer configured to connect to at least one network of computers. The microchip includes at least a first internal hardware firewall configured to deny access to at least a first protected portion of said microchip from said network, and at least one general purpose microprocessor including at least two general purpose core or general purpose processing units. At least a first core or processing unit is located within the first protected portion of the microchip. At least a second core or processing unit is located within a second portion of the microchip that is not protected by at least said first internal hardware firewall. At least the second core or processing unit is separated from the first core or processing unit by at least the first internal hardware firewall and is located between at least the first internal hardware firewall and the at least one network. |
| US08555368B2 |
Firewall filtering using network controller circuitry
An embodiment may include network controller circuitry to be comprised in a host computer that includes a host processor to execute an operating system environment. The circuitry may be coupled to the processor, receive at least one packet via a network, store at least one firewall filter parameter set, and execute, based at least in part upon the parameter set and packet, at least one firewall filter action involving, at least in part, the packet. The action may implement, at least in part, at least one firewall rule supplied by a firewall application to an interface of a driver associated with the circuitry. The application may be executed, at least in part, in the environment. The circuitry may generate and store the parameter set based at least in part upon at least one command from the driver. The command may be based at least in part upon the rule. |
| US08555366B2 |
Method of managing communication between an electronic token and a remote web server
The invention is a method of managing communication between an electronic token and a remote web server. The token and the server are connected to a same host machine. The token comprises first and second token servers and a memory comprising HTML data. The host machine has an Internet web browser. Said method comprises the steps of: sending a first request from the Internet web browser to the first token server, returning a first answer to the Internet browser, said first answer comprising HTML data including a connection information associated to a script, on the Internet web browser, executing the script associated to the connection information. Script execution establishes a connection to the remote server allowing a two-way communication between the second token server and the remote server through the Internet browser acting as a gateway. |
| US08555365B2 |
Directory authentication method for policy driven web filtering
Enabling web filtering by authenticated group membership, role, or user identity is provided by embedding a uniform resource identifier into an electronic document requested by a client. A client browser will provide directory credentials to a trusted web filter apparatus enabling a policy controlled access to resources external to the trusted network. An apparatus comprises circuits for transmitting a uniform resource identifier to a client, receiving a request comprising authentication credentials, querying a policy database and determining a customized policy for access to an externally sourced electronic document or application. A computer-implemented technique to simplify web filter administrator tasks by removing a need to set each browsers settings or install additional software on each user terminal. |
| US08555364B2 |
System and method for cloning a wi-fi access point
Systems and methods for cloning a Wi-Fi access point. A determination is made by a network monitoring device to transition communications between a Wi-Fi device and a first access point (AP) to a second AP. The SSID and the security configuration information, and, optionally, network address translation (NAT) information of the first access point are acquired and provided to a second AP. The second AP instantiates the SSID and the security configuration information and, optionally, the NAT information. The networking monitoring device directs the first AP to cease using the SSID and the security configuration information and, optionally, the NAT information in response to receipt of confirmation that the second AP has instantiated the SSID and the security configuration information and, optionally, the NAT information of the first AP. |
| US08555362B2 |
Lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) proxy
Two factor LDAP authentication systems and methods are presented. In one embodiment, implementation of a method for authenticating a user through a two factor process includes: at an LDAP proxy server, receiving a BIND request from a client, wherein the BIND request is for authenticating a user associated with a username to an LDAP server, and wherein the BIND request comprises a password comprising a first factor security code and a second factor security code; stripping the second factor security code from the password; reconfiguring the BIND request with the password that is stripped of the second factor security code; forwarding the reconfigured BIND request to the LDAP server for authentication of the username using the first factor security code; performing authentication of the second factor security code; and positively authenticating the username to the LDAP server when the first factor security code and the second factor security code are authenticated in connection with the username. |
| US08555360B1 |
System and method for on-line and off-line streaming application isolation
A system, method, and computer readable medium for providing streaming of one or more applications from streaming servers onto one or more clients. The one or more applications are contained within one or move isolated environments, and the isolated environments are streamed from the servers onto clients. The system may include the option of running both in on-line and off-line. When on-line, the system may include authentication of the streaming servers and authentication of clients and credentialing of the isolated environments and applications the clients are configured to run. The system may further include encrypted communication between the streaming servers and the clients. When off-line, the system may include the ability to run already installed isolated environments without requiring credentialing. The system may further include a management interface where administrators may add, remove and configure isolated environments, configure client policies and credentials, and force upgrades. The streamed isolated environments may be isolated from other applications and the host operating system on the clients and applications within the isolated environments may run without performing an application-installation on the client. |
| US08555352B2 |
Controlling access nodes with network transport devices within wireless mobile networks
A network controls provision of access functionality by an access node to provide a network service to a subscriber device. For example, the network device may control the queuing and forwarding of packets by the access node to facilitate packet transmission according to, for example, a Quality of Service class. The network device may send control messages to the access node to dynamically configure a control object stored by the access node, such as a Quality of Service profile. The network device may be a router, and the access node may be a base station that wireless communicates with a subscriber device, e.g., a cellular phone. The access node may then delivery the packets in accordance with the dynamically configured control object. |
| US08555349B2 |
Method and apparatus for small footprint clients for operator-specific service interfaces
Techniques for small footprint operator-specific network services include determining to obtain and/or process operator data that indicates an operator of a service associated with user equipment. The techniques also include determining to obtain and/or process user data that identifies a user of the user equipment for a gateway provider different from the operator and different from the user. The techniques further include determining to send, to the gateway provider through the communications network, a first message that indicates the operator data and the user data for obtaining a service with an operator-specific interface. In some embodiments, the first message is sent after a random delay to decentralize traffic at the gateway. In some embodiments, the first message is sent when a predetermined fraction of battery life at the user equipment is sufficient to send the first message. |
| US08555347B2 |
Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) authentication using challenge handshake authentication protocol (CHAP) challenge
A method performed by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server comprising receiving a DHCP DISCOVER message from a DHCP client; generating a challenge in response to the DHCP DISCOVER message; sending the challenge to an authentication device; receiving a first challenge response from the authentication device; generating a DHCP OFFER message; sending the challenge to the DHCP client in the DHCP OFFER message; receiving a DHCP REQUEST message that includes a second challenge response from the DHCP client; comparing the first challenge response with the second challenge response; and authenticating the DHCP client when the first challenge response and the second challenge response match. |
| US08555345B2 |
User authentication and authorisation in a communications system
A method of authenticating a client to two or more servers coupled together via a communications network, wherein the client and a first server possess a shared secret. The method comprises authenticating the client to a first server using said shared secret, signalling associated with this authentication process being sent between the client and said first server via a second server, generating a session key at the client and at the first server, and providing the session key to said second server, and using the session key to authenticate the client to the second server. |
| US08555341B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for network security via network wall plate
A wall plate assembly has a first port adapted to be coupled to a device and a second port adapted to be coupled to a communications network. The wall plate assembly is operable to obtain authentication information from a user and to determine from the obtained authentication information whether the user should be granted or denied access to the network. The assembly is operable when the determination indicates the user should be granted access to provide endpoint location identification information associated with the wall plate assembly and the authentication information to the second port, and is operable responsive to a acknowledgement signal received via the second port to grant access to the network via the first port. The assembly is operable when either no acknowledgment signal is received or the determination indicates the user should be denied access to isolate the first port from the network. |
| US08555339B2 |
Identifying guests in web meetings
A technique that identifies registered or guest users in web meetings of the type wherein users must follow a supplied URL to attend the meeting. Registered and guest users are provided different forms of the meeting invite URL. Each registered user receives a common web meeting link (a URL) that he must follow to join the meeting. This link forces the registered user to authenticate to the service when used. A guest user invitee receives a unique URL for the meeting that is generated with a nonce value associated with the guess user's contact information. The nonce value does not expose the contact information. To join the meeting, each registered user must follow the common web meeting link and authenticate to the service. True identities of the web meeting participants are displayed. |
| US08555338B2 |
Apparatus and method for retrieving a boarding pass
The subject matter discloses a computerized apparatus having a processor configured for providing an access to an authentication token, the authentication token is generated by a remote computing device, wherein a link to the remote computing device is embedded in a message sent to the computerized apparatus. the apparatus comprises a message detecting module configured for detecting the message; a transmitting module configured for sending a request to the remote computing device for receiving the authentication token, wherein the request is according to the link being extracted; a downloading module configured for downloading the authentication token being returned from the remote computing device; a storing module configured for storing the authentication token downloaded by the downloading module in a storage of the computerized device; and an access module configured for accessing the authentication token, stored in the storage, according to predetermined rules. |
| US08555336B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for a pre-deactivation grace period
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for a pre-deactivation grace period. In operation, a deactivation request is detected for a deactivation event. Further, the commencement of the deactivation event is delayed for a predetermined time period, in response to the deactivation request. Additionally, the deactivation event is commenced, after the predetermined time period. |
| US08555333B2 |
Identifying and resolving separation of duties conflicts in a multi-application environment
A method and system for identifying and resolving separation of duties (SOD) conflicts in a multi-application environment. An SOD conflict based on a person being granted a first authorization and a second authorization in violation of a policy is identified. The first and second authorizations are permissions allowing the person to perform, respectively, a first action provided by a first application and a second action provided by a second application. An optimal recommended action that resolves the SOD conflict is retrieved from a first database table that includes an association between the identified SOD conflict and the optimal recommended action. After the optimal recommended action is displayed on a display device, a user's acceptance of the optimal recommended action is received. In response, the optimal recommended action is performed by automatically deleting from a second database table an association between the person and the first or second authorization. |
| US08555330B2 |
System for managing media services
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Media Content Processor (MCP) having a controller to detect a communication device roaming into a personal area network, receive a communication identifier from the communication device, authenticate the communication device responsive to validating the communication identifier, and enable the communication device to manage operations of the MCP according to a profile of a subscriber of said communication device responsive to a successful authentication of said communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08555326B2 |
Display device detection of and response to an idle mode of a remote sender device
A method, system and apparatus provide for detection by a display device of an idle mode of a remote sender device. Information received from a remote sender device by a display device is monitored during a normal operating mode of operation of the display device to determine whether the remote sender device is not providing primary content for display by the display device, such as might occur during a sleep or idle mode of the remote sender device. If the display device determines that primary content is not being provided by the remote sender device, then the display device acquires alternate content that may be displayed. |
| US08555318B2 |
Customized media on demand
A profile includes an indication of one or more topics of interest. A mixing server is configured to create a custom media channel based on the profile. A playback application is configured to provide the custom media channel upon a request from a user, wherein the custom media channel includes more than one item of multimedia content. |
| US08555317B2 |
Media content catalog service
Aggregating media content catalog data from a plurality of content providers. The catalog data is merged according to rules and provided to a user on a scheduled basis or on demand. In an embodiment, the merged catalog data represents an incremental update to previously delivered catalog data. |
| US08555316B2 |
Interactive program guide systems and processes
Interactive program guide systems and related processes are provided which can automatically tune a television, or program a VCR, based on program selections made from program schedule information displayed on a television or other suitable video monitor. The interactive program guide is preferably implemented using a microprocessor-controlled set-top box that is coupled to the viewer's television set. The set-top box receives program schedule information and software from a headend telecasting center. Preferably, program schedule information for the current day and at least six subsequent days is stored in a memory within the set-top box. The interactive program guide provides a display mode for allowing the viewer to apply a restrictive search selection criterion and a nonrestrictive sort attribute to the program schedule information. |
| US08555314B2 |
System and method of selective channel or advertising delivery
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network device having a controller programmed to store a subscriber selectable preference for advertisements and for video channel distribution to send to a set top box (STB) and receive a signal from a broadcast stream indicating the location for insertion of an advertisement based on the subscriber selectable preference. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08555313B2 |
System and method for coordinating interactive television programs
A synchronization system and method coordinates the provision of interactive content provided in a broadcast signal and independently of a broadcast signal. |
| US08555309B2 |
Converged communication server with transaction management
A communications server increases the value of cable and communication services by enabling the integration of packet network content with directed advertising in a managed environment. Such services may include Video On Demand and videoconferencing running on a Converged Communication Platform. Content processing within the server enables the combining of streaming content with different types of ads. Content integration is controlled through software negotiations between subscriber, advertiser, and content provider software agents. The rate, selection, placement, and number of advertisements within a television program or videoconference can also be determined. The ability to custom tailor content and advertisements increases the value of advertising, lowers costs to subscribers, improves the viewing experience, and disburdens transaction participants from the manual tasks that would otherwise be required during transaction setup. |
| US08555306B2 |
Game for increasing viewership of television commericals and a method for playing the game
A game for increasing viewership of television commercials is provided. The game provides a game card having a plurality of spaces arranged in multiple rows and columns. A player receives a game card associated with a particular participating program. The plurality of spaces on the game card are individually assigned icons representing commercials that may air during the program or special icons having special game-related attributes. During viewing of the program, a player is discouraged from switching channels or fast-forwarding during commercial breaks by requiring the player to match airing commercials with representative icons on the game card. If all spaces of a rank (i.e., row, column, or diagonal) on the game card contain icons representing aired commercials, the player wins. A game card verification process is provided as well to ensure that the player has in fact viewed the commercials while watching the program. |
| US08555304B2 |
Methods and apparatus to collect audience information associated with a media presentation
Methods and apparatus to collect audience information associated with a media presentation are described herein. In an example method includes counting a first number of individuals proximate to a media presentation device, counting a second number of signals received from one or more portable devices, each of which is associated with a respective one of one or more monitored individuals, comparing the first number of individuals to the second number of signals, and determining a third number of unidentified ones of the individuals proximate to the media presentation device based on the comparison of the first number of individuals to the second number of signals. |
| US08555302B2 |
Disc cartridge for a plurality of discs
A disc cartridge includes a case body in which a plurality of disc-shaped recording media can be stored being arranged in the axial direction of a central shaft and which includes a first shell having a base face portion parallel to a recording face of the recording medium and a second shell having a basal plane portion parallel to the recording face, which move toward or away from each other in the axial direction, thereby being combined with or separated from each other, wherein the second shell has a pair of side face portions protruding in the same direction from both end portions of the basal plane portion and situated facing each other, a thin-walled portion is formed at a central portion between the side face portions in the basal plane portion, and a bridge member which is attached to span the side face portions is provided. |
| US08555300B1 |
Optical disc driver
The disclosure provides an optical disc driver for loading or loading/writing an optical disc and accessing at least one memory card. The optical disc driver includes a housing and a rectangular body. The rectangular body formed mainly for loading an optical disk includes a front panel disposed at a front side of the rectangular body; a main space for loading or loading/writing the optical disk, and an optical loading device is disposed in the main space; and a spare space for accessing the at least one memory card, and a plurality of electrical pins disposed in the spare space. The rectangular body moves in relative to the housing along a left-right direction of the front panel, the main space and the spare space are formed downward from a same plane, and the spare space is a small section extending from one of two sides of the front panel. |
| US08555296B2 |
Software application action monitoring
A system and method for collecting runtime resource information generated by an active software application is provided and includes identifying an occurrence of a function event generated for a software application operating on a predetermined platform, determining a duration of a monitored function called in response to the function event, comparing the duration with a threshold to determine if the duration exceeds the threshold, wherein if the duration is greater than or equal to the threshold then collecting runtime resource information responsive to the monitored function and processing the runtime resource information responsive to the monitored function. |
| US08555295B2 |
Cluster system, server cluster, cluster member, method for making cluster member redundant and load distributing method
A protocol process to a reception traffic is executed by cluster members of a current use system and a backup system. The backup system discards the reception traffic subjected to the protocol process and only the current use system transfers the reception traffic to an AP. The AP makes an application process redundant in an independent method. The cluster member in charge of the protocol process to the reception traffic is determined by using a data in a lower layer and the cluster member in charge of the application process is determined by using a data in a higher layer after the protocol process. |
| US08555294B2 |
Data sharing between applications where only one application knows the business purpose of the data
An approach for sharing data between a calling application and a callee application is presented. A callee application receives a request for processing data owned and stored by the calling application in a data table. The callee application receives a document to which containers that include data elements from the data table are attached in a predefined order. The callee application identifies element types corresponding to the containers based on a mapping interface table. The callee application unloads data elements from the containers into a data store via the predefined order and associates the data elements with the corresponding element types. The callee application processes the data according to the request. The processing includes applying a business rule to a data element based on the business rule being associated with an element type of the data element. Only the callee application has knowledge of the applied business rule. |
| US08555292B2 |
Synchronizing communication over shared memory
Two threads may communicate via shared memory using two different modes. In a polling mode, a receiving thread may poll an indicator set by the sending thread to determine if a message is present. In a blocking mode, the receiving thread may wait until a synchronization object is set by the sending thread which may cause the receiving thread to return to the polling mode. The polling mode may have low latency buy may use processor activity of the receiving thread to repetitively check the indictor. The blocking mode may have a higher latency but may allow the receiving thread to enter a sleep mode or perform other activities. |
| US08555291B2 |
Synchronization control method and information processing device
Provided are a synchronization control section that executes a current thread and a reference thread in parallel, a waiting time calculation section that calculates the time needed for the reference thread to reach a second synchronization point as a waiting time of the current thread when the reference thread does not reach the second synchronization point at a time when the current thread reaches a first synchronization point, a quality difference calculation section that estimates a quality difference between data that the current thread generates by referring to processing data at the second synchronization point of the reference thread and data that the current thread generates without referring to the processing data, and a synchronization determination section that determines whether to make the current thread wait until the reference thread reaches the second synchronization point depending on the waiting time and the magnitude of the quality difference. |
| US08555289B2 |
System and method for dynamically managing tasks for data parallel processing on multi-core system
A dynamic task management system and method for data parallel processing on a multi-core system are provided. The dynamic task management system may generate a registration signal for a task to be parallel processed, may generate a dynamic management signal used to dynamically manage at least one task, in response to the generated registration signal, and may control the at least one task to be created or cancelled in at least one core in response to the generated dynamic management signal. |
| US08555283B2 |
Temperature-aware and energy-aware scheduling in a computer system
A computer system to schedule loads across a set of processor cores is described. During operation, the computer system receives a process to be executed. Next, the computer system obtains one or more thermodynamic process characteristics associated with the process and one or more thermodynamic processor-core characteristics associated with operation of the set of processor cores. Then, the computer system schedules the process to be executed by at least one of the processor cores based on the one or more thermodynamic process characteristics and the one or more thermodynamic processor-core characteristics. |
| US08555282B1 |
Optimizing preemptive operating system with motion sensing
A method and apparatus to provide a scheduler comprising receiving motion information from a mobile device, determining a current use characteristic for the mobile device based on the motion information, and scheduling a task based on the current use characteristic. |
| US08555278B2 |
Method and system for migrating a selected set of virtual machines between volumes
A method for migrating a selected set of virtual machines from a first volume to a second volume. The method includes receiving a list of virtual machines which are not migrating from a first volume to a second volume, accessing a host file system usage map of a host machine that indicates active blocks of the host file system, and accessing virtual file system usage maps of a plurality of virtual machines that indicate active blocks. A filter usage map that identifies the active blocks of the virtual machines which are not migrating is generated. The plurality of virtual machines are migrated from the first volume to the second volume, wherein the active blocks of the virtual file systems which are not migrating are skipped in accordance with the filter usage map. Subsequently, the metadata at the second volume is processed to reflect the virtual machines which were not migrated. |
| US08555274B1 |
Virtualized desktop allocation system using virtual infrastructure
A plurality of virtual machines (VMs) is established and maintained by virtualization software on one or more physical servers. Desktop management software operates to provide the VMs to remote users as virtualized desktops. The desktop management software includes a connection broker, that allows a remote user to select a type of virtualized desktop and initiate a desktop session. The desktop management software further includes lease management functionality, that ensures users are provided access to a particular virtualized desktop for only a fixed period of time. In addition, the desktop management software provides an administrative console, which allows an administrator to set various parameters, including QoS parameters, and parameters specifying the resources allocated to each user. The desktop management software interacts with lower level software to provide load-balancing functionality, that adjusts the resources provided to each VM based on the needs of the VM. The load-balancing functionality also ensures that QoS parameters are met, and that the parameters specifying the maximum resources allocated to each user are not exceeded. |
| US08555273B1 |
Network for updating electronic devices
Disclosed herein is an electronic device network for lifecycle management of firmware and software in electronic devices. The electronic device network may also be adapted to manage configuration parameters in the electronic devices. Lifecycle management provided by the electronic device network may include firmware and software downloading, firmware and software updating, and remote locking and remote enabling of electronic device capability. An update store module in the electronic device network may be adapted to dispense update packages to requesting electronic devices. The electronic devices may employ one or a plurality of update agents to update software and firmware therein. A boot loader in the electronic device is capable of determining whether an update agent is to be invoked or whether a previous backup copy of the update agent in non-volatile memory is to be invoked upon determining, based upon status information, that an update is to be conducted, rather than a normal startup operation without updates. |
| US08555270B2 |
Profile-based global live-range splitting
A method and system are provided for splitting a live-range of a variable in frequently executed regions of program instructions. The live-range of a variable is split into multiple sub-ranges, each of which can be assigned to a different register or spilled into memory. The amount of spill code is reduced in frequently used regions of code by coalescing the live ranges based on profile information obtained after splitting the live ranges at every join and fork point in a control flow graph. |
| US08555260B1 |
Direct hardware processing of internal data structure fields
In some embodiments, the execution of load and store instructions for internal fields of data structures is accelerated by using on-chip template registers and appropriate machine code instructions. A load/store machine code instruction comprises an identifier of a memory address offset of an internal field word relative to a base address of the data structure, an identifier of an intra-word start bit of the internal field, and an identifier of an intra-word length of the internal field. The three identifiers may coincide, for example if the three identifiers are represented by an identity of a template register storing a template entry including the memory address offset, the start position, and the field length. The three identifiers may also be provided as part of a machine code instruction itself. Further provided are compilers, compiler methods, and hardware systems for implementing accelerated internal-field load and store operations. |
| US08555256B2 |
Pass-by breakpoint setting and debugging method and device
A method and device for pass-by breakpoint setting and debugging. The pass-by breakpoint setting method comprises: receiving a breakpoint setting command; determining an instruction at a breakpoint in a source program code according to the breakpoint setting command; if one of the instruction at the breakpoint and an instruction prior to the instruction at the breakpoint is a relative jump instruction, setting an instruction duplicate, and setting the instruction at the breakpoint in the source program code as a first abnormal instruction. |
| US08555254B2 |
Method and program for monitoring execution state of program
Item values associated with an execution state of a program executed on a computer are collected in detail while suppressing the computer load. When reducing the interval for collecting values of one item to be monitored, the interval for collecting values of items other than that item is increased. If the computer load is increased, an interval of at least one item is increased. Moreover, there is provided an upper limit for the number of items whose intervals can be reduced simultaneously. Moreover, when varying the interval of the item according to the values of the respective items, the interval variation range is varied according to the item state and the computer load. |
| US08555250B2 |
Static semantic analysis of dynamic languages
Analyzing dynamic source code. A method includes accessing a specific metadata format data structure. The data structure was created by obtaining one or more first data structures defining constructs in a body of dynamic language source code. From the one or more first data structures, identifier information is extracted for one or more of the defined constructs. Knowledge about the constructs is augmented. The metadata format data structure is parsed to compute metrics about the metadata format data structure. The metrics about the metadata format data structure are provided to a user. |
| US08555249B2 |
Lifecycle stable user interface adaptations
Various embodiments of systems and methods for lifecycle stable user interface adaptations are described herein. All adaptations done by partners/key users/end users to a user interface of a computer software application are preserved during the lifecycle of the application. In one aspect, the adaptations are persisted as additional metadata used for the generation of the user interface. In another aspect, the lifecycle stability is achieved by attaching the adaptations to semantically coherent set of fields placed in the UI that reappear in future releases of the computer software application. |
| US08555247B2 |
Systems and methods for expressing temporal relationships spanning lifecycle representations
Techniques for expressing temporal relationships between lifecycle representations are provided. For example, one computer-implemented technique includes obtaining two or more lifecycle representations of at least two components of at least one computing system, annotating the two or more lifecycle representations with at least one temporal relationship, and storing the two or more annotated lifecycle representations as at least one deployment descriptor, wherein the at least one deployment descriptor is useable for managing the at least one computing system. In another computer-implemented technique, at least two internal lifecycle models of at least two components of at least one computing system are analyzed, at least one temporal relationship that exists between the at least two components are analyzed, and the at least one temporal relationship is transformed into at least one sequence of change management operations for use in managing the at least one computing system. |
| US08555244B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring a computing environment
The invention comprises a system and method for monitoring the performance of an application. The invention includes a monitoring system graphical user interface (GUI) having an interactive window with on-screen graphics representative of the application architecture and component performance. The GUI comprises straightforward and intuitive icons, panels, and dataflows, representing the existence, capacity, or number of processes, memory structures, and the like of the application being monitored. In addition, the monitoring system includes an alert firing mechanism and process for alerting an administrator to potential or actual performance problems in the application. |
| US08555243B2 |
Generating and debugging timing accurate simulations in a graphical specification and constraint language
System and method for specifying and implementing programs. A graphical program is created in a graphical specification and constraint language that allows specification of a model of computation and explicit declaration of constraints in response to user input. The graphical program includes a specified model of computation, a plurality of interconnected functional blocks that visually indicate functionality of the graphical program in accordance with the specified model of computation, and specifications or constraints for the graphical program or at least one of the functional blocks in the graphical program. The specified model of computation and specifications or constraints are useable to analyze the graphical program or generate a program or simulation. |
| US08555234B2 |
Verification of soft error resilience
An efficient method for selecting a minimal and statistically relevant set of SER sensitive logic devices critical to the SER robustness for a design, through identification by device type, identification nomenclature, connectivity and context. The minimal set of devices comprise the set of fault injection test points using a conventional fault injection test verification environment to establish an SER induced failure rate a logic design. The selection method affords a design independent means to evaluate any design regardless of the origin, source language or documentation by working at the common logic device level “gate-level” netlist format for the design data. The selected set of devices is distilled from the design data by successively filtering the design through a series of heuristic rule-based device identifier computer programs that group and annotate the devices into specific database records. These records are then used to organize the fault injection device test set by test behavior and relevance. |
| US08555231B2 |
Automatic wiring device, automatic wiring method, and automatic wiring program
An automatic wiring method includes calculating a metal area within an integrated circuit, and determining whether the metal area calculated at the calculating is smaller than a minimum metal area as a predetermined threshold value. |
| US08555229B2 |
Parallel solving of layout optimization
Solutions for optimizing an integrated circuit layout for implementation in an integrated circuit are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method is disclosed including: obtaining a plurality of hierarchical constraints in mathematical form, the plurality of hierarchical constraints defining a first integrated circuit layout; partitioning the plurality of hierarchical constraints into groups according to one or more partitioning rules; determining whether a boundary condition exists between two of the groups, and distributing a slack or a gap between the two of the groups in the case that the boundary condition exists; creating a plurality of integer linear programming problems associated with each of the groups; determining a solution for each of the plurality of integer linear programming problems; and integrating each solution together to form a second integrated circuit layout. |
| US08555228B2 |
Tool for glitch removal
Embodiments of an electronic design automation system are generally described herein. In some embodiments, glitch-sensitive nodes in an integrated circuit design are identified. For each glitch-sensitive node, a circuit fanin cone is analyzed to look for circuit structures that can produce glitches. The integrated circuit design can be simulated and modified if the simulation indicates that a glitch would occur in the integrated circuit design. |
| US08555223B1 |
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for implementing a physical design of an electronic circuit with automatic snapping
Disclosed are methods and systems for providing a constraint-driven environment for implementing a physical design of an electronic circuit with automatic snapping. In some embodiments, the method identifies or creates an incomplete layout. The method identifies an object and constraints for the object. The method then identifies an approximate position for the object in the layout and automatically snaps the object to a drop location based on the approximate position while complying with relevant constraint(s). The method may further align an object with another object with some spacing in between in some embodiments. The method may also perform automatic layer-to-layer snapping between two sets of objects such as cell instances, each having at least one object on multiple layers. |
| US08555222B2 |
Statistical corner evaluation for complex on chip variation model
The invention provides a method for performing statistical static timing analysis using a novel on-chip variation model, referred to as Sensitivity-based Complex Statistical On-Chip Variation (SCS-OCV). SCS-OCV introduces complex variation concept to resolve the blocking technical issue of combining local random variations, enabling accurate calculation of statistical variations with correlations, such as common-path pessimism removal (CPPR). SCS-OCV proposes practical statistical min/max operations for random variations that can guarantee pessimism at nominal and targeted N-sigma corner, and extends the method to handle complex variations, enabling graph-based full arrival/required time propagation under variable compaction. SCS-OCV provides a statistical corner evaluation method for complex random variables that can transform vector-based parametric timing information to the single-value corner-based timing report, and based on the method derives equations to bridge POCV/SSTA with LOCV. This significantly reduces the learning curve and increases the usage of the technology, being more easily adopted by the industry. |
| US08555220B2 |
Timing verification method for deterministic and stochastic networks and circuits
The timing verification method for deterministic and stochastic networks and circuits is a computerized method that includes a non-enumerative path length analysis algorithm for deterministic and stochastic directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) with applications to timing verification of circuits, the algorithm computing statistical measures of path lengths without storing and/or manipulating the paths in such networks. The timing verification method is able to compute deterministic or probabilistic costs assigned to edges, vertices, or both. |
| US08555217B1 |
Integrated circuit design software with cross probing between tool graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
In one embodiment, an integrated circuit design tool is provided that includes a main window graphical user interface (GUI) and several tool GUIs. Cross probing of features from a source tool GUI to a target tool GUI occurs by the source tool GUI transmitting a probe request to the main window GUI; wherein the probe request identifies one or more cross-probed features for the target tool GUI. In response, the main window GUI commands a plug-in installation of the target tool GUI if the target tool GUI has not yet been instantiated. The main window GUI transmits a notification of the probe request to the target tool GUI. In response, the target tool GUI displays the cross-probed features. |
| US08555216B2 |
Structure for electrically tunable resistor
A design structure for an electrically tunable resistor. In one embodiment, the design structure is embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing an integrated circuit, and includes a resistor including: a first resistive layer; at least one second resistive layer; and an intermediate interdiffused layer of the first resistive layer and the at least one second resistive layer. |
| US08555208B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing and manufacturing reticles for use in photolithography tools
Methods, systems, and tool sets involving reticles and photolithography processing. Several embodiments include obtaining qualitative data from within the pattern area of a reticle indicative of the physical characteristics of the pattern area. Additional embodiments include obtaining qualitative data indicative of the physical characteristics of the reticle remotely from a photolithography tool. In further embodiments qualitative data is obtained from within the pattern area of a reticle in a tool that is located remotely from the photolithography tool. Several embodiments provide data taken from within the pattern area to more accurately reflect the contour of the pattern area of the reticle without using the photolithography tool to obtain such measurements. This is expected to provide accurate data for correcting the photolithography tool to compensate for variances in the pattern area, and to increase throughput because the photolithography tool is not used to measure the reticle. |
| US08555202B2 |
Custom ordering of an article
A manufacturer or other retailer provides a consumer with a graphical user interface for customizing an article. The graphical user interface includes an analog-style selection control that allows a user to select at least one characteristic of a feature of the article. With this type of selection control, a consumer need not select a particular control value or designate a combination of control values to choose a characteristic for a feature of an article to be custom-manufactured. Instead, the consumer need only select a position or value relative to a range of positions or values provided by the analog-style selection control. |
| US08555197B2 |
System and process for prioritizing overlapping windows
An information-processing device stores information as assignment information to assign associated hardware or software to each window that displays processing details of an application. An association between a window and hardware or software is different for each application (in other words, for each window). If plural overlapping windows are displayed, the information-processing device determines a window to be displayed in the foreground, on a basis of the association. For example, in a case where window w1 of a game and window w2 of another game overlap each other, if the information-processing device has hardware or software associated with game A, window w1 is displayed at the front; and meanwhile if the device has hardware or software associated with game B, window w2 is displayed at the front. |
| US08555196B1 |
Method and apparatus for indexing, searching and displaying data
A system and method for arranging windows on a screen. The user interface program, called the Graphical User Interface (GUI), provides a user friendly system and method of viewing and/or interacting with computer application programs. The GUI prepares and presents a visual display. The arranging of active and inactive windows on the screen is configured according to prescribed formulas. The GUI also provides the user with a two or three dimensional spatial orientation of the data. |
| US08555193B2 |
System for intelligent automated layout and management of interactive windows
The present invention relates to the automated layout and scrolling of windows. |
| US08555192B2 |
Sketching and searching application for idea generation
A sketching and searching application for idea generation is described. In an embodiment, a software application is described which has a user interface which comprises a sketching area. When a user draws or annotates a sketch in the application, the application automatically searches for images based on the sketch and displays results in the form of images outside the sketching area. These images are used to inspire new ideas and to facilitate the creative process in a way that is closely linked with the sketching process. When the sketch is updated, additional searching is automatically performed and new results are displayed. In some examples the sketching area is deformable and deformation may cause new results to be displayed and in some examples the user is able to drag image results into the sketching area to enable tracing of the image or to include the image in the sketch. |
| US08555187B2 |
Server-based data sharing in computer applications using a clipboard
A computer-implemented method of sharing data between computer applications is discussed. The method includes receiving, at an application server sub-system of a hosted computer server system and from a first computing device that is remote from the hosted computer server system, commands interacting with an electronic document served by the application server sub-system, and receiving at the hosted computer server system a command to copy content from the electronic document to an electronic clipboard. The method also includes storing, at a clipboard server sub-system of the hosted computer server system, that is separate from the application server sub-system, data that represents the content, receiving a request for the stored data that represents the content, and delivering, from the clipboard server sub-system to a second computing device, the data that represents the content. |
| US08555182B2 |
Interface for managing search term importance relationships
A graphical user interface is disclosed for management and easy reorganization of graphical objects displayed over the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may relate to prioritizing and organizing the results of a database search. The graphical user interface may alternatively relate to prioritizing and organizing graphic objects such as personalized topics on a homepage and formatting icons in a productivity application program, such as a word processing application program, a spreadsheet application program, a presentation application program and a drawing application program. |
| US08555181B2 |
Method and system for constructing business rules in a business software system using intelligent tiles
Methods and systems for constructing rules enable a simultaneous display of multiple windows on a display screen of a computer system. The multiple windows include a first window configured as a library and a second window configured as a canvas. Custom configuration of tiles in the library is enabled, and each tile corresponds to a term. Further, selection of the tiles from the library for placement in the canvas is enabled, and the placement reflects a logical statement, which corresponds to one or more instructions capable of being executed by a computer to perform a business function. |
| US08555180B2 |
Smart peripheral architecture for portable media players
A new peripheral architecture is provided that allows a UI document to be embedded into a peripheral. The UI document is sent to a portable media player when the peripheral is plugged into the portable media player. The portable media player interprets this UI document to allow a user to interact with the accessory. The peripheral does not interpret this UI document but it does respond to interactions with the portable media player as the portable media player interprets the documents in response to user interactions. |
| US08555174B2 |
System and method for submitting and receiving images
An image submission system comprises a server, a client, and a scanner. A scanner interface software module is loaded on the client for operating the scanner. An image submission software module loaded on the server remotely receives instructions through an Internet browser at the client, and presents a single click interface feature operable to receive a single click input by the user at the client, via the Internet browser. A control software module loaded on the client is in communication with the image submission software module, and is operative to direct the scanner interface software module to scan an image on the scanner and upload the scanned image to the remote server in response to a single click input by the user via the single click interface feature. A user may thus have an image both scanned an uploaded to a server, in response the same single click. |
| US08555172B2 |
Method, system, and computer readable medium for managing resource links
Resource links also known as Unified Resource Links (URL's), bookmarks, hyperlinks etc. located in a category hierarchy. The resource links are used to navigate on the world wide web, on a local machine, on the interact, or on an intranet. A method of assessing a users competence in a category in the category structure comprising the steps of analyzing the users interaction with the resource links placed in the hierarchy table for that category and extracting a competence level for the user in that category. |